Santa's Elves

The boys and a friend, Garrett, helped Santa at the PTO Spaghetti with Santa. They look a little gangster, but we love them anyway.

CHRISTmas Season

I wish I could say that we've slowed down in order to enjoy the season, but we seem to be as busy as ever-probably even more so.

Hunter sang in the 4th grade Christmas concert at school last night. It was a wonderful evening despite the horrendous downpour. Hunter looked like an angel in his black pants, white shirt, and plaid tie, but I might be a little biased. We're also really proud of Hunter's interim report. He had three As and one B. Wahooooo.

Parker did pretty well on his interim report too. He had two As and two Bs. Parker seems to do really well in school, but unfortunately he has inherited his habit of talking too much from his father. You know how Matt talks too much and won't ever shut up. Oops. I meant to say, he inherited that from me, his mother. He also seems a little overconfident in his knowledge, but he is a very, very, VERY loving child. He loves to cuddle, and he has the softest smoochy cheeks ever.

Cody is adjusting well to middle school, and I'm amazed at what a young man he is becoming. He went to a Young Men preview event, and it dawned on me that he'll be getting the priesthood in a few months. It seems like just yesterday, he was a pudgy bundle of joy wrapped in plaid for Christmas. He spent most of his first Christmas napping, and now he never sits still.

The boys and I are planning on going Christmas caroling tonight, and that seems like a ton of fun. We also take the time each evening to add another part of the nativity to our advent calendar. We then read a scripture and a Christmas story. Somedays it seems like I'm mostly talking to myself, but I'm sure the boys are getting at least a little bit out of it.

We wish you all the merriest of Christmases and a new year filled with Peace.

Hi there

I'm checking in for the first time on this blog. This is a brief update of what the Stevens-of Virginia-have been up to lately.

Cody started middle school this year. I had a hard time with that. Luckily, he seems to be doing well. He loves the middle school. We'll be able to find a middle ground until those girls start getting more insistant with their calling. I want to shout at the top of my lungs, "Girls have cooties; stay away," but I imagine Cody would be a little ticked about that.

Hunter is in the 4th grade and is holding his own. He's such a funny guy. He's got a quick wit, and he sees the world through such an interesting point of view. Plus, he has the most amazing eyes that definitely melt a heart.

Parker is in the 3rd grade. He's shooting up like crazy-tall and lanky. He's wicked smart too-that's not just my opinion. ; ] Parker is a seriously fast and accurate swimmer.

All three boys are swimming on a year round commpetative team this year. They do pretty well with it. I feel like I've sold my soul though. Beyond the fees, there's Bingo duty, chocolate bar sales, serious practice schedules-the list goes on and on.

Matt and I are up to the same old stuff-raising the family and working. We try to work in a little fun now and then. I'm also the PTO president which means Matt is busy with that type of stuff too. Someone has to drive the pick up truck to pick up 60+ pumpkins for a PTO event. Matt hopes we don't do this again.

Well, that's about it with us. How about you? What are you up to lately?