Where is the PAUSE button?

I have neglected our blog...it is sad.  I have also neglected our camera.  Some quick updates about us:

Brett is happy the audit was cancelled at work.  He has still been working long hours and on Saturdays on other projects.  We were happy to have him home this last Saturday to work on his 'honey do' list which is getting pretty lengthy.  Nothing compares to a man crossing off projects on his 'honey do' list.  Best Valentine ever.

I am trying to get into shape.  I've been going to the gym and still trying to get housework done.  I have fun friends at the gym so I enjoy it.  Derek and Calli also love the childcare there, the women are sooo loving and fun.

Emma auditioned for a part in the Stake play, The Savior of the World, and got it!  She will be Rebekah.  She went to two auditions for it and was so excited to get it.  I can't believe how calm she is in front of people!  She also co-wrote and co-directed a play for our neighbor called, 'How Valentine's Day Came to Be'.  It was a tribute to our sweet neighbor Marilola because her birthday is the day before Valentines.  She had a shock on her report card, a D and TWO C's???? She was in tears but she went to talk to the teachers and ALL were mistakes on the teacher's parts!!!! Can you believe it?  She was so brave to talk to her teachers.  We are proud of her courage and glad she is back to A's.  Phew! She has Fifth's disease right now (a rash that covers your body but is not uncomfortable, just not attractive).

Bryant is in flag football and loving it.  He has two high school seniors as coaches and they are really great!  He caught a pass for a touchdown last week to win the game.  We enjoy watching him!  He also got a B on his science project and we are proud of his efforts there.  He learned to ripstick (a fancy skateboard) and is enjoying hockey games and basketball with the neighborhood boys.  In the past month he got to go to a car race and a demolition derby with his dad.  He is living the dream.

May contracted fifth's disease first.  She still has some rash left but seems to be coming out of it.  They can still go to school but while it is spreading across their face it is pretty shocking.  May is doing very well in school.  She spends a lot of time coloring and painting.  She can also be found reading to Derek or taking naps.  She is a very laid back, quiet kid.  She was excited to have a sleep over in Emma's room...hence the spreading of the skin rash before we knew what was going on.  Whoops.

Derek is full of it.  He is a lot of fun but balances it with a lot of whining!  Some funnies of late are that he loves to point out what brand cars are.  While we walk in parking lots he tells me what each kind of car is.  He said to Brett, "I like Toyota's.  They are my favorite.  You know why?  Because the first part is toy like our toys?  and the second part is Yoda like in Star Wars."  He has a hard time going to preschool because he is the oldest there...he is almost a year and a half older...but loves it once he's there.  He has the best and kindest teachers.  He can be found playing with legos or little guys or loves to play on Dad's Ipad.

Calli had a rough month.  She cut three teeth this month at the same time and was MISERABLE.  She is a momma's girl and that meant that she insisted on me holding her constantly for a week or so.  I feel like she's just coming out of it as she'll go exploring again.  Phew.  She is really screechy and loud when she wants something, I'm trying to teach her hand signs but she just smiles at me doing them.  She has learned to give big kisses and is super cuddly.  Her siblings are all sooooo attentive to her, we are grateful for their help. I am not happy that she will be one next month....when people say that it goes by fast they are not kidding.  Where is the pause button?

We are looking forward to Grandma and Grandpa Allen coming to visit us in March.  We've planned a mini cruise to the Bahamas and a trip to Key West.

My goal is to get the camera out and post some pics....maybe Valentines day.