Notre Dame Burning

Oh, what a sad day! The Notre Dame has been severely damaged by fire. On Facebook, there is a fun little thing happening though: People showing off their photos of them at the Notre Dame.

This picture is circa 2004, when I took some students to Paris. It was my third time there.

I came home from this trip, and two days later got a ride home from a nice boy named Ben from a fireside. I invited him in to see some pictures of my trip. We ended up talking for hours. One of these days I need to take that boy to Paris to show him the remains of this great cathedral.

He and I were talking about this burning. I hope as part of the resurrection that buildings will be resurrected as well. I know that is a strange thought, but I find it a beautiful thought. There is so much beauty in the world- both God made, and man made. I hope not just the Notre Dame, but other cathedrals and buildings that have been destroyed by war or time will be renewed. How cool would it be to see the pyramids in all their glory?

Passover Feast

Last year we started a new tradition- an LDS Passover Feast! I really, really love this tradition. We make Passover foods and read a script that tells about the story of Passover. Both Ben and I are learning a lot, and it is great to teach our girls why this is important. This is one tradition I hope continues for a long time!

Fort

The cousins were so proud of this lovely fort they built in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard!

Spring is in the air!!!!

Teacher Appreciation

This years Teacher Appreciation was coming together beautifully. I was so impressed because everything was perfect. Our committee has been together for awhile, and we worked seamlessly.

And then the snowstorm came.

Of course. Because this winter SUCKS.

We ended up needing to reschedule from Wednesday to Friday. It was awful, and I shed A LOT of tears. Hundreds of e-mails were sent and a million logistics needed to be changed to make it happen. But, it did happen. We did it. And, it was still perfect.

There were 63 students who nominated teachers. All but 6 of the plaques were handed out, which is really impressive with the day change. We had a number of teachers tell us, "We will move heaven and earth to be here. This night means the world to us." It really is the most special night- but takes so much work! About 6 months of work.

Here's my little helpers helping me to set up:

This was my fourth year conducting. I enjoy it- I tell lots of jokes and try to keep the mood really light. I had one person tell me I need to conduct every year because it's so much more fun- that before it felt like sacrament meeting, and now it is just a great time. That's my goal- I want it to be fun and festive, not another church meeting. The principals who attend are all great. The main speaker this year, Principal Chris Page, wore an Oakland Raiders tie last year. So, I bought him a #1 Broncos Fan pin and had him open it in front of everyone. Then I said, "Since you opened this lovely gift in front of the audience, social etiquette dictates you allow me to pin it on you." Everyone died laughing- including Principal Page. He put his program over the pin to cover it up and said, "I will wear it near to my heart." It was fabulous!

Cheetah Girl!

Camille has loved this cheetah shirt for quite some time, so when she found the matching shorts she was SOOOOOOO excited and immediately turned into a Cheetah for the day. It is so her!

Castlewood Canyon

Our first hike of the season!!!! I am SO DONE with winter- this has been one of the worst winters since I have moved here. I want it to finally be over!  Ben and I really do need to get a winter house in Arizona ASAP.

Anyway, we LOVE this hike! It is seriously the most beautiful place, and I love that it is only about 45 minutes away from our house. We need to go more often. Except that Camille proved to be quite the mountain lion and scared me to death by all of her climbing. It actually can be quite dangerous. Oh, and there's lots of rattlesnakes. 

"Mom, can I jump?"- Camille

4H Sewing

Some fun sewing projects- Camille made some bunny rabbits, Claire got on a baby bib kick, and Audra pieced together this beautiful Christmas quilt top with some Christmas scraps: 

And, a bonus Claire and Camille snuggling on the couch. Sometimes they seem to love each other: