Coach's Choice

Christian's school had an awards banquet last night for all the sports teams. Christian played on a Basketball team this year that had about 20 players which the coach divided into 2 different teams. Both teams were 5th and 6th grade combination teams but they always practiced together. He got one of 5 trophies given out for his team. His coach mentioned that Christian is not very vocal and got the award because he was one of the leaders of the 5th graders. I am grateful for his calm, quiet ways and hope that he can continue to be a leader for his peers as he goes through these next several years of middle school.
Picture courtesy of Amanda - THANKS

State of California Heptathalon Winner!

(Picture taken by Alexa McDowell - thanks Alexa)

My niece Sarah won the Heptathalon for the State of California. It includes 10 different events, including javelin, long jump, running races, hurdles etc. This is her second year in a row that she has won the whole thing! She is really amazing... I would be intimidated before I even started just by the look of some of the other girls.

Piano Recital

Christian and Meliah at their recital. They both did an amazing job on their pieces and their duet together. It's nice to have musical kids! It brings so much fun to our home.




The last part of Christian and Meliah's duet! I think this is the 1st time they did it without fighting. Meliah always said that Christian went too fast!

GATE project

Christian's friend, Calvin, posed for me! Christian wouldn't... ha ha!


The other day I was able to go and help out for Christian's Gate class. They have been learning about weaving and so the teacher had all of them dye a few pieces of their own fabric. Lizzy pretty much always gets to go on all the school outings and when I go to help because the teachers know she's not a problem and she just fits right in. Lizzy got to dye her own fabric too and loved it. Here are some pictures of our trip to help at his school.

May excitement!

Lizzy's play date with Jordyn. They played Polly pockets the entire time. Very cute!


Christian's team is undefeated! Last night they tied with the Astros. Christian played shortstop and pitcher and did a fantastic job. He also got two great hits!

Christian had scouts right before his game, they were learning about the color wheel mixing colors and doing an outdoor watercolor that they will be framing. I'm so grateful for the hard work that those scout leaders have put in. He should receive his arrow of light award when he turns 11.

This week Meliah finished her division. She was so excited to complete it! She got a reward and a certificate for finishing her timed tests for third grade. She has really been struggling with the last division test and has been working really hard to be ready for it each day. She finally finished it in the allotted time and seriously, I don't think I've ever seen her happier than when she got her balloon!

Birthdays

Meliah and MaKenna always plan something together for their birthdays because their birthday's are only one day apart. They had a sleepover together and a big Warren Family party. Kate turned 3 too, so soon they will need to include her in their planning. About a month ago I heard them talking about how they wanted to have a polka dot party together. We played some Minute to Win it games and it was a great success! Even the adults got very into it.

The Birthday girls sorting polka dots (m&m's)
Great game Lindsay!

Randy was the champion of keeping 3 polka dots in the air for a minute! ;)

The 3 birthday girls!



Lizzy and I made this cake!
It was so much easier with her help... yeah right! ha ha!

The bubble blowing contest! The adults did it too, but I fear that if I post that picture I might have my brother mad at me.

Some of the older cousins who actually wore polka dots to the party. You are a blast!

Taylor and Sierra after the polka dot fight! I forgot who won!
On Friday night the girls had a sleepover! Christian and Aaron went on a father son outing and all of us girls stayed home and did girlie things. The favorite Minute to Win it game for the girls was the Junk in the Trunk. We laughed so hard together!
On Sunday, we went to Chico and celebrated May birthdays with Aaron's side of the family. Meliah shares the month of May with her Uncle Alex. I forgot my camera that day, so I stole this from Kerri's blog (thanks Kerri). I love, love, love this picture!

Mother's Day

I sure do love my mom!

My mom with Lizzy about 4 years ago

Mom took all her grandchildren to Disneyland or Disney World this summer!

My mom is one of the most amazing people I know. You know my mother by her fruits!

I thought I'd make a list of things I love about my mom.
* She is honest in everything she does
* She never does anything half way (she always goes the extra mile)
* She has 8 children, 38 grandchildren and a few great grandchildren and
she remembers all of them and their special events and special days.
* She is very good at treating all of us as if we were the only one and her favorite
* She is addicted to geneology and gets so excited to share new things that she has
discovered about our ancestors (she is putting together a book she promised her
mother she would do).
* She is very knowledgeable about politics and gets very involved with the tea
parties and political events that can make a difference.
* She loves sports and has stayed very active herself (She still looks great).
* She memorizes scriptures and chapter headings to keep her mind young.
* She makes long lists of things to do in a day and she usually
finishes the majority of what she puts on it.
* She is a ham and loves to perform.
* She has a strong testimony of the Gospel and truly wears herself out in the service of the Lord!

This won't be her favorite picture but I had to put it in here because of the shirt she is wearing!


I'm also so grateful for Aaron's Mom. He is the man he is today because of her wonderful influence and soft, sweet, patient mother that she is. I respect her so much! She is always there for us and has been so supportive of everything we do.


Happy Mother's Day to 2 wonderful woman in our lives. The kids think they have the 2 of the best Grandmas in the world.