Our Percussionist

He was really mad at me for making him be in band this year.  I told him he had to do it for 6th grade, only because I knew he would actually enjoy it, and how can you pass up free music lessons?  Well, he in fact does enjoy it.   He won't say it much because doing so means that mom was right, but he is slowly learning, Mom is, always right. 

This picture was from his first winter concert.  He rocked the bells and the snare drum like no other, making us all very proud. 

A Tale of Christmas Pajamas

 Every year I give Christmas PJ's to my family, usually home made.  This year, while cleaning out my sewing stuff I found a few unused ikea curtains.  Rather then throwing them out, I thought I would use them for this years PJ's.  After starting the project, I realized the foot I needed for the shirts was missing and had to have it shipped by Sears costing me pretty penny.  

There was just enough material for the kids, but when done, Tom was wishing he had a pair as well (I later discovered he was just being nice).  Thinking he really wanted a pair, I pulled down the curtains that were being used in our downstairs living room, and ran to the store to replace them so I could start on Tom's. 

At this point, it would have been cheaper and easier to just buy them, but then what would be the fun in that?  After all the work there was just enough for me, but I did end up with Capri's. 

Santa

Along with trains, he fears Santa.

This year at least he got close with out screaming.  Notice how Tom is pushing him closer and he is leaning back.

Golden Gate National Cemetary

In case you were wondering, this is where the Zombies live. 

At least that is what I am told by Sean every time we drive by it.  Perhaps a lesson on the Resurrection and Plan of Salvation is over due?

This is what you get when you are raising a 4 year old along side of an 11 year old.  No wonder he doesn't sleep at night.

And Now he Rocks Out

While on the phone with a client Alice & Chains started blaring from our upstairs.  I was a little confused as Sean was the only other person home.  I went up to find this.  Stick with it, he really starts to rock a few seconds into the video and wait until you see the splits.

His choice of music as matured and apparently he prefers Rock over Pop.  I thought I had a few more years before I had to deal with blaring music in my house.  Perhaps next he will be sneaking out at night?

Thanksgiving 2012

This year it was at my Brother Jeff's in Valencia, CA.  I was feeling a great deal of gratitude for my family this year.  It is never a dull moment when we all get together and the cousins never tire of just hanging out.  This years party included my brothers new fiance Jen, the hot tub, lots of Long Boarding, an overly physical soccer game, lots of food, lots of pie, a few tears from tired kids, a few movies (Twilight and James Bond), the X-Box, Capture the flag (in Jeff's house), one broken down van (poor Bailey's), and a dinner out to New Moon. 

The Dessert Table, we are always good at this one.  

The White Team stretching.  This was serious business.  Don't ask what I am doing, I am really not sure.

The soccer game mostly involved large piles of people and many fouls.  I realized early why my brother Jeff chose to ref, rather then play.  

Tom took no mercy on anyone, including me.  I will spare you of photos of my many shin bruises from the love of my life. 

The little kids soccer game that mostly ended up in tears. 

The long boards, these were a hit this year. 

The rugrat neighborhood kids.  Oh wait, that is Andrew and Connor. 

My brother entertained the kids in the hot tub with Simon Says, losers had to jump in the pool. 

The cooks.

Lots of Football.

Good and exhausting times with the Scholz's.  Sorry Jeff if we brought down the property value of your home.

BYU

We made it to the BYU-San Jose State game right before Thanksgiving, thanks to my brother and his family.  They drove all the way up from LA to catch the game and what a disappointment.  So glad we took 3 car loads of kids to a game that was almost embarrassing.  

Trying to get on the big screen.

The crew, waiting for the game to start. 

Sorry Tom, I just don't get it.  They just seem to keep breaking your heart.