sunday summary: UnPACKing and Kayla's 11th Birthday

We have a great backyard...the swing stands over ten feet high.  The kids love to play helicopter by winding their two, and even three, swings together. 

 Luckily the kids could play outside while I unpacked.  (Unfortunately they packed by the size of the book so we had to reorganize every book in Ben's study.)

 Ben and I couldn't stay away from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert (even though we had to pay to get in this time).  No matter where I go, the choir makes me feel like I'm home.

 This is my good Orem neighbor, Rob Rowberry, who sings in the choir with his wife, and through his generosity provided tickets for us to go to the concerts in Salt Lake.  I'll miss going so often.  Even more, I'll miss the opportunity to sing with them.

 Kayla turned 11!  She got the chance to eat our traditional birthday breakfast in her new bedroom.  Daddy made her favorite, German Pancakes! It's not often that they get their favorite when I'm awake (especially since I'm not a morning person).

I've been impressed how quickly the kids have been able to make friends. Here are the friends Kayla invited to her party. 

 Kayla has become our cookie baker. She is very thorough and likes to ensure that she doesn't miss any of the ingredients.  My favorite is getting to snack on the cookies as we bake together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAYLA!!!

The End of one Chapter and The Beginning of a new Chapter

Before leaving Orem I finished performing in the Scera Shell play--Fiddler on the Roof. (Thanks to the support of my family and friends.) It was fun to be on the stage again (reminiscent of 22 years ago doing Oklahoma).  I performed with the same director, Jerry Elison, who has been with the Scera 27 years.  

It was a beautiful production.  I love it's message of courageous living even through the worst of times, knowing that God's in charge and will never forsake those that choose to follow him.  It really was a dream come true!

We said our goodbyes to our friends and family.  We will miss everyone!

 (Luckily Ally was able to cram in a birthday celebration.)

We took a slight detour to Southern Utah for some R&R and to spend time with Grandpa Moss and Grandma Judy.

On the way home we stopped in Brigham City to see the temple open house, a quaint but magnificent structure.

This is our new abode--home sweet home.  So far it's exceeded our expectations.  The kids spent the first week "card" boarding down our staircase.  The last week or so they have turned our swings into a carnival ride.

Hyrum hit a new milestone in all the chaos.  He's going to Kindergarten.  He even gets to ride the bus. (He turned 5 at the beginning of August.)

Thanks for visiting our blog!  We hope you visit often to keep in touch. 

Ally turns TEENAGER

[Backdated for chronological purposes.]

Her party was a smashing success with the paper-designed fashion show.

 She's looking just a bit happy over all of the awesome presents she received.

 Ally and her best friend

 I loved finding her reading her scriptures on her own for her Personal Progress goals.  She's determined to finish the whole program before too long.  Go Ally!

 Her friends kidnapped her and took her to breakfast as one last hoorah before she left. 

 One of the cards she designed to give to each of her friends as her last hoorah for them! (She'd probably take orders if you like homemade, one-of-a-kind cards. Just don't tell her I referred you.)

 We can't believe you're thirTEEN! 

Happy Birthday, ALLY!!!

High Five for Hyrum

[I'm back-dating this post so that it falls in the right place chronologically.] 

Since life got a little crazy when we decided to move, I was grateful to my neighbors for hosting Hyrum's 5th Birthday party. (They've been amazing neighbors.)  Hyrum requested a heart shaped cake with sprinkles, so that's what he got.  

 Nate grilled up tasty hamburgers and hot dogs.

Darlene dished up all of the other goodies.

 Tyler and Alyssa helping the birthday boy celebrate.

 Ally and McKenna, looking cute.

 What is it?

 Yay!

 Thanks Kayla!

 I can't wait to go fiiiisheeeeng.

Happy Birthday, Hyrum!

It's great to be EIGHT

...and Sammie's had a fantastic week.  It started with a early brunch celebration with just our family on Monday.  

Cake #1

A trip to Idaho with Daddy and Kayla, which luckily including swimming and eating at restaurants (otherwise all the driving around wouldn't have been worth it).

Friday she partied hearty with her best friends.

Cake #2: Design by Mommy, Ally and Benji ;)

It wouldn't have been the same without a sneak peak at our three wee bunnies (their mama died a week and a half ago, we've raised them ever since). 

Today? Well, I'd have to say today was the icing on the cake.  She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  And, as her nephew mentioned, she received the most wonderful of all of the gifts of God--the gift of the Holy Ghost. The program was beautiful with each member of the family participating and the luncheon afterwards was delectable, especially counting the goodness of all who helped.

We love you Samantha Jane Pack!

Mother's Day Tribute (ditto)

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I'd have to agree, Mom put the music in me...



(100% of the proceeds from this single will be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.)

Face-lift

I decided to give my blog a face-lift.

I originally picked maroon and forest green for my blogging colors since it went great with the title of my blog--Christmas.  I liked the play on words from my name ChrisMoss.  Then when I found this great picture of tulips for the spring season I just couldn't see the combination working.  So now you have Christmas in the Spring!