At times, our posts seem to resemble infant CPR..."one-and-two-and three...breathe," or in our case..."One and two and three (weeks)--blog!" Thanks for the encouragement Julie to update:)
I spent my b-day (Jan 10th) with the YM/YW at our "mini-youth-conference." The church put out a DVD entitled "Brand New Year." The whole program was about youth standing as examples and making this year one to commit to making positive changes in their lives. It was a fun afternoon and evening spent doing service, watching segments of the DVD throughout the night, having a yummy dinner and ice-cream sundaes, spiritual program, and then breaking loose at the end with some line dancing and the Virginia Reel!
We welcomed our two newest beehives to YW that weekend!
The youth learning the line dances.
Bro. & Sis. Earl were SO fun teaching the dances.
Fellow YW leaders holding the fort down!
Everyone seemed to have a great time!
Sometimes-too great of a time:)
Sister Earl and I were in charge of the dinner and decorating.
More pics...
We tried to simplify with lasagna, french bread, salad and lemonade. It was a great experience for all who attended!
Moving on...Mikelle has been working on her science project.
She will have to let you know if temperature (hot/cold) effects the strength of a magnet!
The results kind of surprised us!
Next up--Ninja update! After talking with my sister-in-law--asking her about how long her son was in karate, she re-called about 7 years (to get his black belt). We thought it would be "cost-effective" to get Cameron in the "black-belt club" a program where they get their black belt in 3 years instead. They have an extra "weapons" class twice a month in addition to their other 2 classes a week. Since this is the end goal--we thought we would get a plan in place! Cameron has already taught us some cool spins with the "soft" nunchucks. He is motivated and is having fun!
He works really hard in class, goes down the furthest in his Chinese splits,
and is getting down all of the forms and skills. Way to go Cam!
More karate!
Next up is Pop! We were able to go see his new "temporary office" for his new job.
The new district will then move into the current Jordan District's offices
when the split happens in the fall.
You can't beat a whole classroom to yourself with windows along the whole side of one wall!
More office...
Since they are starting from scratch building a whole new school district (services, vendors, employees etc. etc.), Steve's new night and weekend life includes a Blackberry and laptop set up in the kitchen at night so he can still be part of the family but do things to keep up at work as well. (Ignore the sugared cereal on the counter Jennie...it is all just an illusion the kids do with smoke and mirrors:)
Moving on...the January B-day Gus girls have to stick together! I am so glad you were born Lexie as the January celebrations were getting lonely!
The Dopps were awesome hosts and of course the food was yummy
(and shame on Grandma Gus for bringing the DELICIOUS fudge!!!) (Thank You!)
Mikelle has the cutest friends and they asked her to be on an 8-week indoor soccer league with them. They won their game this past weekend and are all getting so good! Brenley's Dad is awesome to coach! It is very exciting to watch!
You go Crazy 8's! (team name)
Steve was so nice to take the kids sledding during the Christmas break! I have got to buck up but am so not into the cold!!
They all had a blast and of course wanted hot chocolate upon arrival home!
The park behind us has some sweet slopes!
Last but not least...little Ken-D had a b-day party the first week of January since we didn't know if people would be around during the Christmas break.
She had her "fellow princesses" over for make-overs
(courtesy of Mikelle and her friend Emily).
They were all so good during "hair and make-up."
After games, she opened her presents. Mikelle was SO cute covering Kennedy's eyes while the guest wished her a happy b-day. Kennedy had to try and guess by their voice who it was giving the next present to her.
Her friends spoiled her rotten and she loved every second of it!
They are all such fun friends!
Happy b-day Kennedy!! We sure love you!
Today was the 6th grade science fair. Mikelle's entry won most creative and will be one of the alternates to go to region if any of the Miss America projects can't go:) I thought she did a fantastic job and was so organized, prepared, and even had it ready several days before it was due!! She has become fabulous with time management (all of the years of nagging pay off:)
The judges were there bright and early to judge the projects. The 6th graders then showed their projects to other grades in the school and the parents. They also spoke with the judges. Mikelle's project dealt with the strength of a magnet on varying temperatures of a piece of metal. At the coldest temperature, the magnet held the most washers (weights put on the metal piece two at a time until the suspended metal piece dropped). She did a great job!
After lunch, we returned for the awards ceremony where Mikelle won her award.
Kennedy and mom were so glad we were there!
Way to go Mikelle! You rock! 
