Christmas Eve, Dad went out to do some errands, then Em and I went to the grocery store. I spent a lot of time cooking, cleaning, and preparing for dinner. My parents, who returned home from Washington, D.C. the night before, came for dinner. I must say, I did a good job with ham, rolls, jello, vegetables, and yummy brownies with frosting. We opened gifts from my parents. Emily's favorite gift from them is a pretty doll she named Anna. James' favorite gift from them is a marble tower thing. My favorite thing from them is a DVD of family photos dating back to 1972. It is a collection of the "Growing Up Books" my mom made for my Grandma Williams, every year till 1998. James also loved the bucket of beach toys (in preparation for our trip to Cali in January) and even wore his swimsuit to bed.
Christmas morning, we slept till after 9am. James came in our room, then went and got Emily. Once the video camera was ready, we let them go see what Santa brought. Emily got a pink Razor scooter she asked for, and a Taylor Swift CD. In her stocking was a necklace, 9 pairs of earrings, and other items. James got his beloved and sought after Nerf Shotgun. He has been talking about it for weeks. He too got a new scooter, a blue one. In his stocking were some paints and paintbrushes, because he recently took a liking to "arting," or so he calls it.
From Nana, James got a cool set of remote control trick cars. He has already worn the batteries out. He also got some cute Star Warts T-shirts. Emily loved her little sewing/craft kit from Nana. She already decorated a shirt with fabric paint.
The kids have had fun on their scooters. It was dry weather on Christmas day, so they were able to be outside. Today it's been snowing so they have played inside.
We saw the Disney movie "Tangled." It was a cute movie and the kids loved it.
Today is Sunday, so we went to church. Kevin and I had a nap after church while the kids played downstairs. I have been organizing and creating a photo book of the year 2010. I have over 1,000 photos from the year that need to be put into a book and printed.
Kevin is taking the week off and I have time off as well, though I will be working a couple hours per day (there are days/weeks when I don't work a full 40 hours, so it's fine that I work during the break). We plan to sleep in, hang out, go to movies, etc.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
December 19, 2010
I forgot the usernname and password. I need to get better at this!
Let's go back to Halloween. Halloween night, it was cold, rainy, and windy. We took the kids through the neighborhood and they got tons of candy. The kids were excited and had fun despite the cold and rain.
The kids both too ice skating lessons at the Olympic Oval. They both did a great job! They looked so cute in their skates, helmets, and gloves. They both were not afraid and though they fell many times, they got up and kept going. We had fun watching them. Rene gave us a one-year family skating pass as an early Christmas present and we've gone a few times as a family, or Kevin and the kids have gone without me. It's been fun.
Emily got her first report card of the year, and she got all 4's and a few 3's (4 is the best, 1 is the worst). In addition to her awesome marks, her teacher gave her all E's (Excellent) for behavior, getting along with others, citizenship, etc. We are proud of Emily. She has always been an intelligent girl and we are happy she continues to do well in school. Just as important as getting good grades is the fact that she is well behaved and good in class, that she interacts well with others, and that she applies herself. To celebrate her achievement, we went to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as a family and chose some special treats.
Winter hit with a vengeance the weekend before Thanksgiving. It snowed a lot--probably a foot or more. We get more snow on the west bench then the valley often does. It snowed 2 more times that week, leaving a ton of snow. It was also really cold--single-digit temperature cold!
For Thanksgiving, we enjoyed hosting and cooking at our house. My parents came, as did Craig, Taralyn, Suede, and Ellis (visiting from Kentucky). We had fun being together, preparing the food, and enjoying each others' company. Suede and Ellis are darling, and Craig and Taralyn are good parents.
The next day, the entire Sowby family gathered at my brother Mike's house. There are 29 people, as follows:
Steve & Laurie (Mom & Dad)
David & Shannon (Jarom, Spencer, Kate, Noah, Emma, Caleb, Emma, Ben, Sarah)
Mike & Tiffany (Megan, Luke, Ellie, Joshua, Drew)
Kristin & Kevin (Emily, James)
Rob & Christie
We had a family photo taken in the family room. It turned out as well as can be expected with that many people and children. We had fun visiting and playing. We watched a slide show of old slides my parents brought. It was a hoot!
That weekend, we enjoyed hanging out, eating leftovers, sleeping in, etc. Craig came one of those nights to "play" with Kevin in the studio. They recorded part of a song they just wrote there on the spot. Put two talented boys in a studio for a few hours, and that's what you get!
Speaking of music and the studio, we are all loving it. It has been a dream and a plan for a while, and we were able to put it together and get it done. It is a great, beautiful space for Kevin. Emily practices the piano in there and James has fun on the drums.
As December came, I became busier with work. As the high school counselor, I am responsible for assigning classes for each student (and there are 45o students). It takes time to look at their transcripts, see what they need, then manually enter 6 classes into the system. I am so glad though that I have a job which is flexible and allows me to work from home!
On December 3 I had a staff meeting then later that night, our staff Christmas party. Kevin came with me to the Castle in Layton. I accompanied on the piano as the group sang some Christmas carols.
The following week was busy with the Relief Society party, Ward party, James' preschool program, and Emily's piano recital. Emily played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and looked so pretty in her fancy skirt and sweater from Grandma.
James has been doing an online preschool program called Upstart. He is supposed to do it 15 minutes a day and sometimes resists, but does well. He also goes to Goodstart Preschool, run by Joey Brough. He's been going there since he was 3. This is his 3rd year.
We are ready for Christmas. Our kids have asked for simple things this year so Santa will have no problem getting them to them. They are good kids most of the time. Lately they have been fighting and arguing and hurting each other at times. This is normal sibling behavior, but it is not fun. Most of the time they get a long and have fun together, playing games they make up.
We are looking forward to our vacation to California in January!
Let's go back to Halloween. Halloween night, it was cold, rainy, and windy. We took the kids through the neighborhood and they got tons of candy. The kids were excited and had fun despite the cold and rain.
The kids both too ice skating lessons at the Olympic Oval. They both did a great job! They looked so cute in their skates, helmets, and gloves. They both were not afraid and though they fell many times, they got up and kept going. We had fun watching them. Rene gave us a one-year family skating pass as an early Christmas present and we've gone a few times as a family, or Kevin and the kids have gone without me. It's been fun.
Emily got her first report card of the year, and she got all 4's and a few 3's (4 is the best, 1 is the worst). In addition to her awesome marks, her teacher gave her all E's (Excellent) for behavior, getting along with others, citizenship, etc. We are proud of Emily. She has always been an intelligent girl and we are happy she continues to do well in school. Just as important as getting good grades is the fact that she is well behaved and good in class, that she interacts well with others, and that she applies herself. To celebrate her achievement, we went to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as a family and chose some special treats.
Winter hit with a vengeance the weekend before Thanksgiving. It snowed a lot--probably a foot or more. We get more snow on the west bench then the valley often does. It snowed 2 more times that week, leaving a ton of snow. It was also really cold--single-digit temperature cold!
For Thanksgiving, we enjoyed hosting and cooking at our house. My parents came, as did Craig, Taralyn, Suede, and Ellis (visiting from Kentucky). We had fun being together, preparing the food, and enjoying each others' company. Suede and Ellis are darling, and Craig and Taralyn are good parents.
The next day, the entire Sowby family gathered at my brother Mike's house. There are 29 people, as follows:
Steve & Laurie (Mom & Dad)
David & Shannon (Jarom, Spencer, Kate, Noah, Emma, Caleb, Emma, Ben, Sarah)
Mike & Tiffany (Megan, Luke, Ellie, Joshua, Drew)
Kristin & Kevin (Emily, James)
Rob & Christie
We had a family photo taken in the family room. It turned out as well as can be expected with that many people and children. We had fun visiting and playing. We watched a slide show of old slides my parents brought. It was a hoot!
That weekend, we enjoyed hanging out, eating leftovers, sleeping in, etc. Craig came one of those nights to "play" with Kevin in the studio. They recorded part of a song they just wrote there on the spot. Put two talented boys in a studio for a few hours, and that's what you get!
Speaking of music and the studio, we are all loving it. It has been a dream and a plan for a while, and we were able to put it together and get it done. It is a great, beautiful space for Kevin. Emily practices the piano in there and James has fun on the drums.
As December came, I became busier with work. As the high school counselor, I am responsible for assigning classes for each student (and there are 45o students). It takes time to look at their transcripts, see what they need, then manually enter 6 classes into the system. I am so glad though that I have a job which is flexible and allows me to work from home!
On December 3 I had a staff meeting then later that night, our staff Christmas party. Kevin came with me to the Castle in Layton. I accompanied on the piano as the group sang some Christmas carols.
The following week was busy with the Relief Society party, Ward party, James' preschool program, and Emily's piano recital. Emily played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and looked so pretty in her fancy skirt and sweater from Grandma.
James has been doing an online preschool program called Upstart. He is supposed to do it 15 minutes a day and sometimes resists, but does well. He also goes to Goodstart Preschool, run by Joey Brough. He's been going there since he was 3. This is his 3rd year.
We are ready for Christmas. Our kids have asked for simple things this year so Santa will have no problem getting them to them. They are good kids most of the time. Lately they have been fighting and arguing and hurting each other at times. This is normal sibling behavior, but it is not fun. Most of the time they get a long and have fun together, playing games they make up.
We are looking forward to our vacation to California in January!
Cool places we've been and cool places we've seen
San Diego in 02
Phoenix (several times to visit Nana and Papa in 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Disneyland in 03, 06, and 07
Alberta, Canada in July 08
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld, Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
James has been to:
Phoenix (to visit Nana) in 05, 06, 07 and 08
Disneyland in Disneyland in 06 and 07
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld. Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
Kristin has been to:
Canada 88 and 08
Israel 89
Belgium 89 and 95
Japan 93
China 93
Hong Kong 93
Germany 95
Austria 95
Italy 95 and 98
Switzerland 95
France 95
The Netherlands 95 and 05
England 95 and 05
Scotland 95
Chile 06
Mexico 94
Kevin has been to :
Germany twice as a child
What we do to make a living
Kristin graduated in 1998 from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and History. (That darn math class kept her from finishing sooner). She graduated that same year from Weber State with her teaching license and got a job at Woodland Hills School, an alternative high school. She then went to Bountiful Junior High from 1999-2000. In 2000 she moved to the University of Phoenix to work as an advisor and remained there until Emily was born in 2002. After that she taught at Mountain West College and Lifeline treatment center. In August 2007 she graduated from Utah State with a Master of Education (Secondary Education) degree and went to be the Student Services Coordinator at Stevens-Henager College. In June 0f 2008 she applied for K12/Utah Virtual Academy, and was able to quit other jobs to work full time from home for UTVA. The first year, she taught history. The second year, she was an advisor, and now entering the third year, she is the school counselor.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October 4-24, 2010
I am not used to the blogging thing, so I have to remember to log in a make a new post more often.
Nana went back to Phoenix on October 4. We enjoyed her company and the kids miss her.
The weather has been pretty nice until yesterday, when we could feel winter coming on. Yuck! It's been cold and rainy, but in the days previous, it has been beautiful, sunny, and warm.
Emily and I went to the Utah Symphony on the 9th to see a 16-year old pianist play "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." We met my parents there. We saw Igor Pianykh, who was one of the first students I worked with, back in 1996. He has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, now 26 years old. He graduated from SLCC this year. It was fun to see him.
On the 15th, the kids met my parents and cousins (David's family) for a field trip to Temple Square and downtown SLC. They had a great time riding Trax, going to the top of the Church Office Building, and having a tour of the Conference Center and Temple Square. I was at a school event so I did not go.
My parents are currently on a cruise to Italy, Greece, Israel, and Croatia.
Last night we went to a Halloween Party at the Milners' house. Emily's costume is a pirate girl, James is a cowboy with a horse, Kevin was Phantom of the Opera, and I was a polygamist (or pioneer), wearing my mom's old maternity dress from the 70s.
Emily has been off track. We've done some fun things like see the movie "Secratariat" and go to Wheeler Farm. She's been busy making crafts (purses from the pockets of James' old pants) and playing with James.
Work has been busy for me. I have been doing SEOPs (Student Education Occupation Plans). I meet with a few students per week online or in the office. I enjoy talking with them and seeing what their plans are after high school. In preparation for the meeting I do a credit audit, to see whether or not they are on track to graduate.
Kevin is busy at work too. He has been training for the new Epic billing software which goes live throughout the entire University of Utah Health Network on October 31.
The studio in our home is done!!! We are thrilled with it. It took about 4 weeks. it is beautiful! We had a contractor and subcontractors do it. Kevin has moved his computer and speakers, drums, instruments, microphones, etc. into the new studio. We set up an old computer of my dad's for the kids to use. They are loving it.
Nana went back to Phoenix on October 4. We enjoyed her company and the kids miss her.
The weather has been pretty nice until yesterday, when we could feel winter coming on. Yuck! It's been cold and rainy, but in the days previous, it has been beautiful, sunny, and warm.
Emily and I went to the Utah Symphony on the 9th to see a 16-year old pianist play "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." We met my parents there. We saw Igor Pianykh, who was one of the first students I worked with, back in 1996. He has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, now 26 years old. He graduated from SLCC this year. It was fun to see him.
On the 15th, the kids met my parents and cousins (David's family) for a field trip to Temple Square and downtown SLC. They had a great time riding Trax, going to the top of the Church Office Building, and having a tour of the Conference Center and Temple Square. I was at a school event so I did not go.
My parents are currently on a cruise to Italy, Greece, Israel, and Croatia.
Last night we went to a Halloween Party at the Milners' house. Emily's costume is a pirate girl, James is a cowboy with a horse, Kevin was Phantom of the Opera, and I was a polygamist (or pioneer), wearing my mom's old maternity dress from the 70s.
Emily has been off track. We've done some fun things like see the movie "Secratariat" and go to Wheeler Farm. She's been busy making crafts (purses from the pockets of James' old pants) and playing with James.
Work has been busy for me. I have been doing SEOPs (Student Education Occupation Plans). I meet with a few students per week online or in the office. I enjoy talking with them and seeing what their plans are after high school. In preparation for the meeting I do a credit audit, to see whether or not they are on track to graduate.
Kevin is busy at work too. He has been training for the new Epic billing software which goes live throughout the entire University of Utah Health Network on October 31.
The studio in our home is done!!! We are thrilled with it. It took about 4 weeks. it is beautiful! We had a contractor and subcontractors do it. Kevin has moved his computer and speakers, drums, instruments, microphones, etc. into the new studio. We set up an old computer of my dad's for the kids to use. They are loving it.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Animal Names
When Emily was 2 or 3, she had some very creative names for her stuffed animals, and imaginary grandma for one of her dolls, and a name for a silk scarf.
Ossia-lamb
Inksaw-ghost
Ashlista- scarf
Adeeja Azeeza-Sally the doll's imaginary grandma who lives in Waterfall Falls
Enine-tiny dollhouse dall
Sally-baby doll
Monel-rubber duck
Princess Ike-dog
Azza-dog
Seeley and little Seeley--dogs
Zonesaw-doll
Buster-dog
As she grew the names became more normal, like Kaitlyn, Jordyn, Morgan, Ivana, etc. She currently has 17 stuffed animals on her bed.
James has some favorite stuffed animals too:
Parch Peach-large bear
Henry- dogs (little Henry and big Henry)
Deadman Pete-ghost
Ossia-lamb
Inksaw-ghost
Ashlista- scarf
Adeeja Azeeza-Sally the doll's imaginary grandma who lives in Waterfall Falls
Enine-tiny dollhouse dall
Sally-baby doll
Monel-rubber duck
Princess Ike-dog
Azza-dog
Seeley and little Seeley--dogs
Zonesaw-doll
Buster-dog
As she grew the names became more normal, like Kaitlyn, Jordyn, Morgan, Ivana, etc. She currently has 17 stuffed animals on her bed.
James has some favorite stuffed animals too:
Parch Peach-large bear
Henry- dogs (little Henry and big Henry)
Deadman Pete-ghost
Week of September 27-October 3
It has been unseasonably warm this week. We love it! It has been in the 80s and 90s. Monday and Tuesday were regular days for us, with Kevin at work, Emily at school, James at preschool, and me working from home. Wednesday 9/29 James and I drove to Logan to get Rene. I scheduled some appointments with students at the library. I enjoyed meeting with 6 students and parents. I drove Rene to Ogden and dropped her off there, then headed home.
An hour or so later, the kids and I drove to Park City to meet my parents at their condo (Marriott Mountainside at Park City Ski Resort). We enjoyed swimming in the warm outdoor pool under the stars. The next morning we all took a drive to Deer Valley. The fall colors were beautiful! We went to a new fancy hotel called St. Regis. To get to the hotel we took a funicular up the mountain. The hotel was gorgeous as was the weather. We hung around and enjoyed the nice weather and good view. We drove up to Guardsman's Pass area where we could see Heber Valley. It was a nice drive.
The kids went swimming again, with Grandpa. Later we all went to the outlets then the kids and I went home. The kids had skating that night and did well.
Friday I went to a counselors conference at the U of U. It was fun to be in the union building on the college campus where I went to school. So much has changed that I didn't really know where I was. The dorms I lived in (Van Cott Hall) have not existed since 2002 when the Olympics came to SLC. The student housing is now at Fort Douglas. The conference was good. It was mostly about being admitted and attending the U. Kevin and I went to lunch together then I went home.
We picked up Rene at the Trax station that evening when Kevin was home. We went to Sigfried's Delicatessen (a German Deli) in downtown Salt Lake.
Saturday October 2 was another beautiful day. We went to Ikea and got a cool lamp for Kevin's new (forthcoming) studio. Later that day we went to Park City to the outlets and got some great deals.
Today is Sunday, General Conference Day. We are going to my brother Mike's house in a while for a family get-together.
Jamesims of the week: We saw a baby deer along the highway. James was sad because it was alone and without its mom. He said when he grows up he wants to be an animal saver. I said "oh, how precious." He said what would be even more preciouser was if we took the deer home and had it for our pet. I told him that wouldn't be good because it would eat all our grass and poop in our yard. He suggested we get a deer toilet.
Emily is an awesome reader. She is quickly reading the "Ramona Quimby" books and the "Magic Treehouse" series. She is a great student and a cute cute girl.
An hour or so later, the kids and I drove to Park City to meet my parents at their condo (Marriott Mountainside at Park City Ski Resort). We enjoyed swimming in the warm outdoor pool under the stars. The next morning we all took a drive to Deer Valley. The fall colors were beautiful! We went to a new fancy hotel called St. Regis. To get to the hotel we took a funicular up the mountain. The hotel was gorgeous as was the weather. We hung around and enjoyed the nice weather and good view. We drove up to Guardsman's Pass area where we could see Heber Valley. It was a nice drive.
The kids went swimming again, with Grandpa. Later we all went to the outlets then the kids and I went home. The kids had skating that night and did well.
Friday I went to a counselors conference at the U of U. It was fun to be in the union building on the college campus where I went to school. So much has changed that I didn't really know where I was. The dorms I lived in (Van Cott Hall) have not existed since 2002 when the Olympics came to SLC. The student housing is now at Fort Douglas. The conference was good. It was mostly about being admitted and attending the U. Kevin and I went to lunch together then I went home.
We picked up Rene at the Trax station that evening when Kevin was home. We went to Sigfried's Delicatessen (a German Deli) in downtown Salt Lake.
Saturday October 2 was another beautiful day. We went to Ikea and got a cool lamp for Kevin's new (forthcoming) studio. Later that day we went to Park City to the outlets and got some great deals.
Today is Sunday, General Conference Day. We are going to my brother Mike's house in a while for a family get-together.
Jamesims of the week: We saw a baby deer along the highway. James was sad because it was alone and without its mom. He said when he grows up he wants to be an animal saver. I said "oh, how precious." He said what would be even more preciouser was if we took the deer home and had it for our pet. I told him that wouldn't be good because it would eat all our grass and poop in our yard. He suggested we get a deer toilet.
Emily is an awesome reader. She is quickly reading the "Ramona Quimby" books and the "Magic Treehouse" series. She is a great student and a cute cute girl.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
5 years old!
James turned 5 on September 23. He has been asking for weeks how many more days till his birthday. He decided long ago that he wanted a "mote control car."
Nana (Rene Hilman) came from Phoenix, AZ on the night of the 22nd. We all greeted her at the airport. She hasn't seen us since July of 2009 and she was surprised to see how tall Emily is and how smart James is. She brought fun gifts for them and the kids showed her the card and pictures they had made for her.
James had preschool on his birthday, then Nana and I took him to Chik-Fil-A at his request. Later in the day he fell asleep face down on the couch. He needed a birthday nap. The kids had their first ice skating lesson that night at the Olympic Oval. Kevin bought them new hockey skates and gloves. They both did great! Emily has been skating twice but James never has. They both were brave and though they fell, got up and tried again.
James opened his gifts from Nana that night and he got just what he wanted: a remote control car. He and Emily had lots of fun with it. Friday morning as soon as he got out of bed, he was playing with it.
Friday was James' birthday party with his friends. We hired Spiderman to come. There were 13 kids and a few adults at the party which was in our back yard. It was nice weather. Spiderman read them a story, lead them in a superhero workout, and painted their faces. The girls and boys had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa (Steve & Laurie Sowby) came before the party with presents.
Saturday, September 24 was another fun day. Kevin's aunt and uncle, Jackie and Kevin Yeates (Hank's sister) and cousins Les & Nanci Cunningham and boys came from Logan. We grilled steaks and enjoyed good food and good company. Jackie and Kevin spent the night with us and Rene. It was a fun day!
Sunday was the Primary Program in church. Emily had a short talk about the Holy Ghost. She was very articulate! She also sang with a group in her class James did well on his little part.
Jackie, Kevin, and Rene went to Logan. We enjoyed a nice Sunday afternoon with naps and a walk on the Jordan River Trail.
Nana (Rene Hilman) came from Phoenix, AZ on the night of the 22nd. We all greeted her at the airport. She hasn't seen us since July of 2009 and she was surprised to see how tall Emily is and how smart James is. She brought fun gifts for them and the kids showed her the card and pictures they had made for her.
James had preschool on his birthday, then Nana and I took him to Chik-Fil-A at his request. Later in the day he fell asleep face down on the couch. He needed a birthday nap. The kids had their first ice skating lesson that night at the Olympic Oval. Kevin bought them new hockey skates and gloves. They both did great! Emily has been skating twice but James never has. They both were brave and though they fell, got up and tried again.
James opened his gifts from Nana that night and he got just what he wanted: a remote control car. He and Emily had lots of fun with it. Friday morning as soon as he got out of bed, he was playing with it.
Friday was James' birthday party with his friends. We hired Spiderman to come. There were 13 kids and a few adults at the party which was in our back yard. It was nice weather. Spiderman read them a story, lead them in a superhero workout, and painted their faces. The girls and boys had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa (Steve & Laurie Sowby) came before the party with presents.
Saturday, September 24 was another fun day. Kevin's aunt and uncle, Jackie and Kevin Yeates (Hank's sister) and cousins Les & Nanci Cunningham and boys came from Logan. We grilled steaks and enjoyed good food and good company. Jackie and Kevin spent the night with us and Rene. It was a fun day!
Sunday was the Primary Program in church. Emily had a short talk about the Holy Ghost. She was very articulate! She also sang with a group in her class James did well on his little part.
Jackie, Kevin, and Rene went to Logan. We enjoyed a nice Sunday afternoon with naps and a walk on the Jordan River Trail.
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