2014 Word For The Year

A couple of years ago, a good friend of mine told me that she doesn't do New Years resolutions, she does a word for the year. Like a family theme of sorts.  I thought that was a fabulous idea and so last year I chose a word for our family....and promptly forgot all about it and and never did anything about it, and now I can't even tell you what the word was...FAIL on my part.

This year I decided to put a little more effort into choosing a word that would be meaningful to our family, a word that would allow us opportunities to grow, and a word that would be allow us to spend more time thinking about the people around us and learning to serve them.  Then I decided I would blog about it because I think writing it down will help keep my accountable and make sure we stay focused for the year.  

So, the word for the Blair Family for 2014 is:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

 even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

I am so excited for this new year.  I have so many great things going on in my head that I want to do with my little family.  I hope that over the course of the year we can grow closer together, love one another more, and learn to see people as Christ sees them.

A few of the quotes that I am feeling inspired by this year:

"I suppose the thing I most would have liked to have known or been reassured about is that in the world, what counts more than talent, what counts more than energy or concentration or commitment, or anything else - is kindness. And the more in the world that you encounter kindness and cheerfulness - which is its kind of amiable uncle or aunt - the better the world always is. And all the big words: virtue, justice, truth - are dwarfed by the greatness of kindness." ~ Stephen Fry

Kindness in thought leads to wisdom,

Kindness in speech leads to eloquence,

Kindness in action leads to love.

-Lao Tsu

School Pictures

I never buy the kids school pictures, but this year I actually wish I had bought Jackson's.  First good school picture ever for him!

This year, instead of sending home proofs (which I usually take a picture of myself), they sent home these tiny id cards.  So, here are my pictures of the tiny pictures they sent home.  Not great, but it works.

5th, 4th, and K

Sunny's Singing Debut

My little Sunny Bunny has a beautiful voice and really loves to sing.  She is also very nervous about the idea of singing in public.  Usually if I suggest it, she shoots me down right away.  Last week we found out that her activity day girls group was having a year end talent show activity.  I asked her if she would sing and she said, "YES!"  I know, right!!!!

She chose Taylor Swift's song, "You're Not Sorry" and Ryan played the guitar for her.  I was so, so, so nervous because I wasn't sure if she would actually go through with it, if she would cry, if she would forget the words, etc.  

The night came and she was ready.  It is too bad you can't see her feet, because she was sporting a new pair of cowboy boots and she looked great.  I know she was nervous, but she did an amazing job and I am so proud of her for conquering her fear.

There were about 75 people, girls and their Moms and Dads there, and the whole night was great.  I loved watching all the girls and seeing all of their unique talents.  We live in a pretty special neighborhood and I sure do love all the sweet girls that Sunny gets to grow up with.

Weekend in Cedar City

The kids got to meet baby George for the first time and hold him for a couple seconds.

Sunny is so much like me.  She just loves babies so much.  It is really cute.  She does a really good job with them.

We spent some time at the Pioneer Museum while we were down visiting Josh and Jess.  The kids liked climbing in the old stagecoach.

Panning for gold.

Can't remember the real name for this, so I will call it:  Pushing the heavy stone around to grind it up into powder :)

All Things October

We went to a cute little pumpkin patch right here in Eagle Mountain, and the kids chose their own pumpkins.

Sunny had a mother/daughter Activity Day's party.  We had so much fun with the other 4th grade girls and their Moms.

Sunny looked like the princess and Makayla was the evil queen.

They are quite dramatic :)

Cameron discovered leaves for the first time.

We went to Pumpkinland, which is always a hit.

The corn maze was great.  Not too easy, not too hard.

A rare picture of Ryan and I.

But ignore the awkward angle that gives me a double chin.  

Cam liked the bouncy house.

We also went to the Stringtown Nightmare Express, which is a "haunted" train ride in Lindon.  The kids liked it, Ryan and I weren't super thrilled.  Lots of waiting in line for a short ride.

We carved pumpkins.

Sunny also got to decorate a pumpkin for her October book report at school.

Then of course, we have the annual Halloween Parade at school.  Lila hasn't learned that you have to stop walking for your Mom to get a picture.

I volunteered for Lila's class party and it was so much fun.  She really has a great class.

Lila at her table spot with the little girl who sits next to her.  Her name is...get this...Sunny!  I know, right.  She is the only other Sunny that we have met.  Lila loves being in class with "little sunny"

After Lila's party I went and did Sunny's class party. She and Rakel are still quite the pair.

Ryan was a weird monkey.

And...then we went trick or treating and the month was finally over!