Dancin' Shenanigans

Months of dance lessons: Expensive.

Stage fright right before first show: Aggravating.

Puppy dog eyes when Mom tells you to be a big girl and dance: Heartbreaking.

Pretending to be excited for second performance after refusing to go on stage during first performace: Endearing.

Knocking our socks off with the cutest little performance ever: Exhilarating.

Shaking your tail feather with twelve other 3 year olds: Entertaining.

Big smiles with your best friend after a performance of a lifetime: Priceless.

Weekend Getaway and Piano Recital!

Last weekend we had our annual trip to Mesquite with our very favorite people, Mike and Cath. Mike is also a football coach and it has been our tradition to take off once football season ends. The boys sit around the sports book all day watching games and the girls catch as many movies as possible, throwing in a little shopping here and there.
This year the four of us saw "Four Christmases" together and Cath and I spent most of our time laughing at our guys. They cracked up through the whole movie.
Then the two of us hit "Australia" (second time for Cath) and "Twilight" (second time for me). We both THOROUGHLY enjoyed ourselves. I just wish we lived closer so days like these weren't so few and far between!

Last night #2 had his first official piano recital. He was super nervous about it, even though he's already played in front of the entire ward! He said this was much harder because people could actually see him at the recital, whereas during church he was pretty well hidden by the piano.

Here he is, front right, with the rest of Mrs. Peterson's students. He's her youngest and newest.

They each had to say their name and the numbers they'd be playing - this is what he was the most nervous about! He had both of his songs memorized and did fantastic!

We were tickled to have Grandpa and Grandma Shelton come down (through a blizzard) and Josh, Kristen and little Leah. Thanks for supporting him!

The Faith of A Child

I've been meaning to write this down for a week now. It's actually been nagging at me. It's just one of those experiences you learn so much from that you don't want to let go of one single detail.
A week ago, #1 was having a sleepover with his best friend. For whatever reason, he went to look for his secret stash of money and couldn't find it. It was a significant amount of money, especially for an eleven year old, and he'd been saving it for the better part of 2008. He and his friend turned his room upside down looking for it before he came upstairs to tell me about the missing envelope. I questioned him in detail, all the while having the distinct impression to tell him to pray about it. He said he specifically remembered replacing the envelope on Sunday afternoon, right after retrieving some money for his tithing. It was Tuesday evening and he hadn't touched the envelope since. After helping him look in some of the less obvious places, I finally suggested he pray for help. He agreed that he would and then returned to the basement to finish his sleepover.
I, however, panicked. I knew the amount of money was more than I could just replace for him, especially at Christmastime. I worried that the sticky fingers of #3 and #4 might have mysteriously come across the loaded envelope and dispersed the loot among themselves. After #1 and friend retired for the night, I scoured his room, the toy room and all the drawers, closests, nooks and crannies in #2, 3 and 4's bedrooms. I looked EVERYWHERE.
Exhausted, I finally got on my own knees right before bed and essentially begged my Heavenly Father to help my son find his envelope of money. I sheepishly explained to Him that it would be such a faith builder for my child and his young friend, as if He wasn't aware of all the implications entirely. I wrapped up my prayer with the resolve to corner the other kids first thing in the morning and find out where they'd hidden the cash.
#1 and his friend were upstairs playing when the little kids got up and I immediatley started my interrogation. Not five minutes had passed and my sweet son came downstairs and nonchalantly announced he'd found the envelope.
What?
I turned to him and asked where it was. He went on to tell me that after he'd prayed he had the feeling to completely remove the drawer where he'd last seen the money and sure enough, there it was, tucked in the back of the dresser.
Then with a sheepish little smile he added, "Weird, huh?"
I told him he should probably go downstairs and thank his Heavenly Father for the help, which he did without question. Then I returned to my bedroom and did the same.
How silly of me to think the Lord needed my suggestion to teach my child about faith and prayer. Even sillier that I thought the lesson would be just for him.
I am so grateful for the pure faith of my child and a loving and LISTENING Father in Heaven who is very aware of even the most minute concerns in our family. I'm grateful for His insight and His ability to teach me while teaching my child.

McAllister Family Photos

We were lucky enough to have the whole family together a week ago and took advantage of the day by having some long overdue family photos taken.
I'm super happy with the results and thought I'd share.
I have to say, that uploading all of these and seeing the wonderful family we've been blessed with is very humbling. The fact that I'm doing it on Thanksgiving Eve probably intensifies the feeling. I'm so grateful for my amazing husband and all he does for me and our family. There's no one in the world I'd rather spend my life with. I'm grateful for my wonderful in-laws and how much easier (and funnier) they make my life. I'm grateful that we're all (relatively) healthy and fortunate to live where we live, when we live. We're all blessed beyond measure.
And even though these pictures don't include my side of the family, I'm equally thankful for them. I have the greatest parents, brother and sister that anyone could ask for. I feel so blessed to live close to my brother and his family. It's such a treat for me. And being a short drive from the entire family is a blessing most don't enjoy. I hope to never take for granted the miracle that we ended up where we did.
Lastly, I'm grateful for my beautiful, happy, kind children. They take care of each other and bring a happiness into my life that I didn't know existed before they came along.

Grandpa and Grandma McAllister and all the kiddos

Cutest cousins...one of my very favorite pictures of the day.

Hubby's sister and her cute, cute family

Good lookin' grandparents!

Feel free to visit the link for Real Life...Captured to see more of Shannon and Jalee's work.

Weekend Synopsis

Well, the much anticipated Twilight Premier was this last weekend. I took #3 and 4 up to my parents' house in Provo and spent the night with my sister, Lisa. We went to Thanksgiving Point with her friends Kim and Heather where Heather's friend had rented out the entire theater for the 5pm showing. They had door prizes, cookies shaped like apples and drinks and popcorn for everyone.

Here's Lisa and I right before the movie. We both agree that movie theater lighting is NOT very flattering!

Me, Lisa, Kim (and baby #5) and Heather

The much anticipated moment...

A bunch from our group right after the movie. Most of us liked it, agreeing that there were some definite "cheesy" scenes - but hey - we're talking vampires and werewolves here. There's bound to be some cheese. To be honest, I can't wait to see it again!
After the movie, Lisa, Heather, Heather's mom, Kim and I went to Macaroni Grill for dinner.

In the meantime, #1 and 2 spent the day with Hubby up at the U of U for the 3, 4, and 5A State Football games. They hung out with their VERY best friends Payton and Cade and even got to have a sleepover at the Bowrings that night. #1 and Payton have been friends literally since the day Payton was born. #1 was 15 months old and I tended Payt for a few months that first year of his life. They haven't lived in the same town for six years now but you wouldn't know it when they get together. #2 and Cade are honestly just friends by default since we had already moved from Monticello by the time Cade came along but they are just as close as their brothers. They had a great weekend...Thanks Bowrings!!

Saturday morning we got up early, picked up the older kids from their sleepover and booked it home to get #1 to his Jr. Jazz game. After THREE overtimes, our little team was handed their first loss of the season, only going down by ONE POINT! It was intense!

From the game we headed home to finish putting up Christmas and start the lights on the house. I went to get my new tree out of the box only to discover that it was missing a section! UGGHHH! And since it was purchased at Tai Pan 2 hours away, it's not like I could hurry and exchange it. Double UGGHHH! I called Tai Pan, threw a little fit, and came away with a gift card to make it all better. Hubby will have to exchange it for me over Thanksgiving break while I'm at work. He's super excited to do it, too!

We wrapped up the day with a BYU-Utah party with a few friends and family. We tried to be impartial, having red AND blue plates, cups and bowls since my brother Josh is a DIE HARD Y Fan but it didn't help much. The poor guy was terribly outnumbered. Even his wife, who tried to support him, is a U alum (she cheered there for crying out loud!) and secretly wanted the red to prevail. Needless to say, he left quite frustrated and we can't wait to see what bowl game the Utes end up at.

Nerdy dudes, Tuesday 'Tudes and watercolors

My little Picassos have been burning through paper like crazy lately. They are both obsessed with painting, drawing and coloring. Unfortunately, this is the only time in the last week that it's been an activity isolated to paper.

My little arteests have been decorating their doors, walls and headboards with "washable" markers every time I turn around. Which is where my late Tuesday 'Tude comes in.
This week, I am grateful for Magic Erasers since "Washable" markers really aren't so washable once the ink dries.

Bless my little #1's heart, today we had a follow up appointment at the orthodontist. He was hoping for braces (little does he know...) but came away with HEAD GEAR for the next 6 months until all of his molars come in. Luckily, he only has to wear it 12-16 hours a day which means he's off the hook anytime he has to go out in public!

He agreed to let me take this picture after I promised it wouldn't end up on the blog. Mwah-hah-ha.

This last treat is yet another surprise that showed up on the camera when I downloaded the pictures. It's a dandy taken by #4 (aka Ansel Adamsita). In #4's defense, #2 told her to take it so he could show off his post-shower-slicked-back-mafia-hair-do.

It's only fair. If I torture one, I must torture them all.

Sacrament Success

After I opened my big mouth, we were asked to speak as a family for the first time since we've moved into our current ward...nearly three years! While some wards won't allow children younger than 12 to speak, our entire family was included on the soiree. We had nearly a month to prepare and decided that #3 and 4 would do a tag team effort with pictures and a few lines, #2 would play a duet on the piano with me to avoid speaking and #1 would be brave and give a real talk.
Two days before the event, #3 announced he would have nothing to do with any speaking parts, he was only going to hold the pictures and #2 decided that playing the piano in front of the ENTIRE WARD wasn't terrifying enough, he wanted a talk, too.
After a few last minute adjustments, we were able to put together a relatively nice program (in my own humble opinion!). #3 refused to hold the pictures come show time and after #4 said her first line into the microphone and scared the daylights out of herself, she refused to say the rest of her lines. I got to stand there, pictures, quivering children and all and give the first talk of the day.
#2 and #1 gave STELLAR talks (written by yours truly) without even the slightest hint of nerves between the two of them. AND THEN...#2 and I got behind the piano and performed "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" together. #2 didn't miss a SINGLE note, despite the fact that it was his first ever public performance and only the 4th week that he's actually been playing piano! I, on the other hand was shaking so badly I missed quite a few notes but managed to keep up with my little Mozart. (Might I add that I haven't played the piano in front of people for over a decade??? Yeah, I know.)
We ended the program with me and Hubby, who gave an incredible talk himself. He always impresses me when it comes to these things because it's a side he doesn't show very often. He brought me (and most of the congregation) to tears.
All in all, we survived and hopefully get another 3 years before our next showing!

The four munchins pre-sacrament. #4 is trying quite hard to get #3, who was not in a posing mood, to smile.

And then...almost a smile there...

School Pics and Commenting Tutorial

We are pleased to present this year's school pictures. Yay! No retakes necessary. Even the little preschoolers get to participate.

We begin with #4. She is 3 1/2 and enjoys dancing, singing and princesses. Her favorite thing to do during any given day is play house with her brother and dress up in 73 different outfits. She loves getting her hair done and yanking it out again. She loves animals as long as they don't make a move in her direction. Her favorite foods are candy, broccoli and anything on Mom's plate. Her best friend is Hayzen (when Mom's not around). She hasn't let her brother cut her hair at all in 2008, for which we are sooo proud. She's fond of Kung Fu (panda style) and loves to be read to. She can often be seen in mom's heels and jewelry and still loves to take naps. She has a quick wit and an even quicker temper. We don't know what we'd do without her!

Next is #3. He turned 5 in mid-June and got a ticket to pre-school for the third year in a row. This handsome little devil loves cars, especially the Lightning McQueen and NASCAR variety. He's a great big brother and spends many days indulging little sis with her "House" shenanigans. He loves to run football plays and can often be seen with a football tucked under his arm as he commentates his own quick slants and touch down passes. His best friends are Carter and Keegan and his dad. He loves to draw and is always surprising us with special family portraits. He still tickles us with his lisp and enjoys his favorite candy of "Nodes" (Nerds) every chance he gets. His other favorite foods include pancakes and pickles and he recently quit sucking his thumb! We love our little man!

#2 remains the family comic, break dancin', rap-singing fool that we all know and love. Having turned 8 in April, he's enjoying third grade, especially since two of his best friends Brodee and Kamree are in his class. He's picking up on the piano much faster than any of us anticipated and is excited to perform his duet with mom in Sacrament meeting on Sunday (sort of). His favorite foods are donuts, cookies and Mountain Dew. He is still known as one of the best athletes in his grade and lives for sports. He is also becoming quite the little artist and enjoys drawing footballs and field goals. He is a conscientious big brother, making sure his little siblings are always included and is the first to give a hug to anyone in the family. Our life would be quite boring without this little homey.

Last but not least is #1. 11 years old came pretty fast and he's enjoying being among the oldest of the elementary. Next year brings middle school and he can't wait (though the rest of us can). He recently started up his guitar lessons again, having taken a few months off. He's currently enjoying learning a Green Day and John Mayer song. His favorite foods include anything his friend's moms make and we're grateful for them since he wouldn't eat much otherwise. His best friends are Dyson and Payton (even though he only sees Payton a few times a year) and he's quite fond of several cute little blondes in the fifth grade. His taste in music makes me feel old and he is rarely without his beloved iPod. He's started tending his siblings for me from time to time and is saving his money for an iPhone (heaven help us all). He is super responsible, very helpful and becoming more of a friend to me all the time. We love this kid!

Now a quick tutorial for all of you sweet things that read my blog everyday and have yet to comment. You know who you are (Mom, Dad, Diane, Heather, Kenzie, Haley, Krista, and countless others who tell me ALL the time you read my blog...)! I would like to instruct you in the ways of blog commenting.

First of all, you need an account. You do NOT need a blog. Obtaining an account is simple and painless. You can set one up right now (as soon as you finish reading this post).

Simply click the link at the bottom of this post that says "Awesome people said". This is where you comment. It will ask you to SIGN IN at which point you will click the "Sign up here" link. From here, all you need is a valid email address (which I know ALL of you have). You can choose your display name, which is the name that will come up with your comments. You choose a password and VOILA! You can leave your comment. I hope you will all practice on this very post and leave many enlightening comments on all the posts to come.

Oh, and thanks for reading...I really do LOVE you all!!!