IT'S REAL!!!!

On Thursday, December 9, 2010 Endeavor Hall became a reality. The State Charter Board accepted our application after a long debate, very tense moments and even the pledge of the equity of our houses as a bridge loan. I started this journey 14 months ago and it has been a rough road full of up's and down's. Thursday was a day to celebrate. It was a miracle.


The original three: Becky Deppe, Jennifer Perry and Nichole Coombs



I was so lucky to have two wonderful friends give up a Thursday morning to come sit in the audience and silently cheer me on as we presented our application and had our feet put to the fire. When I got home my cheeks were streaked with black and my eyes were red--and I found this on my door. Chantelle and Stacey are wonderful. They have been on this journey with me, for good and bad, and have listened patiently when I've vented, bragged and been heart broken. They are the kind of friends I hope to be. I've been a taker and not much of a giver for the last 14 months but they are still there...thank you so much.

My mom once told me there's no such thing as 50/50 in marriage. Someone is always picking up the extra when one person is involved in something else and that's what makes a marriage work. Lucky for me, Rich has been picking up the slack during this project. I have spent so many hours at the computer late at night writing, thinking, working and waiting for the inspiration to hit. I could not have done this without him. Thanks babe. I promise one day I'll be a "normal" stay at home mom/wife..actually, no I never will be. Besides, we like the wild rides, don't we?

Christmas Ballet

Last year we started a new tradition with the wonderful moms and daughters in our ward. We set aside time and we all go to see Molly Mouse at the Rose/Wagner Theater (adapted version of the Nutcracker). This year was the ballet's 10th anniversary so "Molly" hosted a birthday party after the performance.

 We got all dressed up in our fancy dresses and headed a special lunch. We ate wonderful food and had to act like "ladies" by using manners and putting napkins on our laps (Anja was the youngest of the group and was a bit of a Nazi when it came to the napkin rule).

 Waiting for the show was so hard!

 Lucky for us we "know" the right people who snuck us back stage to meet Molly before the show. HUGE DEAL to Anja!

 There were 18 of us this year so we took up the whole row!

 At the birthday party we got to see Molly again.

 Because she "knew" Anja Molly came over and gave her a big hug before leaving the party to get ready for the evening performance.

Our magical day ended with cup cakes. It was perfect. I love my girlfriends!!

Snow Day

 Last week we got out of school and work early because there was a blizzard warning. We got 12 inches or so. But there wasn't a word about Monday's storm. West Jordan was hit hard. The official total at airport number 2 was 18 inches in 14 hours.

 Rich dug us out then he and his helper walked up and down the street digging neighbors out for three hours.

 Anja found you can do chalks in the snow. It turns the snow a pretty color.

 Can you see the top of the fence just behind Anja?

The snow drifts were huge on the houses!

Thanksgiving Movie

If you live under a rock (or don't have a three year old girl at your house) you may not know the newest Disney princess movie is out: RAPUNZEL!!

 

 Anja and mommy got our tickets for Thanksgiving Day way in advance so we could be some of the first to see it. Anja put on her brand new Rapunzel costume and we headed to the theaters.

 Whenever you go to the movies dressed like a princess, you have to walk like one.

 And wait like one....

Then you get to dance like one after the movie. Trust me, you haven't experienced a Disney movie until you see it on opening week with 300 little girls all dressed up with sparkly dresses and tiaras crammed into a theater. The giggling alone is enough to make you smile. I love having a girl. The boys all went to Megamind in 3D--no one dressed up for that.

Thanksgiving

It was a fun and calm night at the Daines house this year. Our group is dwindling in numbers, but not enthusiasm! Daryl, My mom's youngest brother, flew in from NV as well as great grandpa Kresser. Look at Kristin's cute tummy! Baby Rascal is getting big (poor kid, he'll always be called Rascal even when he has a real name)

 

 The boys played video games...

 While the girls dressed up as Fancy Nancy.. Anja is sporting Kristin's fur lined boots and multiple scarfs.

..and that's what Thanksgiving is all about...

Mom: "How was your preschool Thanksgiving feast today?"
Anja:  "Awesome, they sang a song just for me."
Mom:  "Really, which one?"
Anja:  "Just the one the Indians sang to the Pilgrims."
Mom:  "What does it sound like?"
Anja:  "Well, you hit the drum over and over and the whole class says 'anja, anja, anja'."

Get it? It's the Indian war dance song you sing with a drum that goes something like this, 'ah-eye, eye-eye' but to a three year old named Anja, it sounded like her name and she was flattered.

SNOW!

Yeah, it snowed a little on Saturday/Sunday. Just a little.

We had about 20 inches. This is my bird bath.

The fire pit and tramp.

Look at that gorgeous tree in the front window!!!

Blizzard is on it's way for Tuesday/Wednesday. The kids are thrilled!