Ballet Idaho

This year Danielle performed in her 3rd Nutcracker with Ballet Idaho.  Danielle was a dancer in the party scene.  She was so cute with her brunette ringlets bouncing and her animated facial expressions.  She danced as a soldier in later scenes.  Danielle auditioned for both parts all day early in the fall and was ecstatic to be on stage again.  She attended countless rehearsals and was so committed.

The performance was definitely on a professional level with the main dancers being flown in from across the country, special effects and amazing props and back drops.  The ticket prices reflected the quality but with the help of a Coldwell Banker coupon we were able to buy one get one free.  That made the $68 front row balcony seats the best place of the house.  We were able to bring family and Becky Campbell, Pam Carrol and her family for a fun night of dinner and dance.  

Jeff and Ang were able to join us last minute after arriving in town.

I am not sure what I had been laughing about but you could almost do a dental exam with this shot.  It is always fun to be Scott's date for the night.

Grandad even got into the performance and enjoyed the dance.

We hijacked Kimber from her family, driving straight in from California, leaving her tired hubby and little boys to fend for themselves.  I was so glad she came.

We are very happy our little girl has a passion and love for such a positive and beautiful dance such as ballet.  I am certain she will always marry classical music and the movement of body together in her heart.

Christmas Breakfast

Foothill East Ward Christmas Breakfast with Santa

 Levi and Amber were moving this week so we kept their cute kiddies at our home.  We were able to go and see the big guy in the red suit and eat breakfast together.  I don't remember all that was going on that weekend but it was just Mom and all the little kids.

 Anna Erickson and Eliza

 Linda next door loves little Gideon.  She sent Gideon Christmas presents one day including a snow globe.  He was so pleased to show big brother Micah! 

Music and Dogs

  Granny offered to watch Koda dog during the Christmas Holiday and HE adopted her.  He stayed the week all of the extended Steven's family was in town and then just stayed at Granny and Grandad's home!  He is loving having one on one attention all day with Granny.  It works so well because we still see Koda regularly but we do not overwhelm him with chaos.  Ginger and Koda are great friends and love seeing each other.  They chase and play together but...Koda is still Head Honcho!!!

  December is the beginning of the choir concert season.  Danielle had a little solo in her concert.  I was impressed with her courage up on stage in front of a big crowd.

  Eliza and Thomas sang at their elementary school.  I was pleased with the choice of songs and the dancing.

 Thomas dressed in a penguin beak and waddled through a silly song.

 Eliza played the xylophone. 

  James sure looks sharp in his new High Expectations Choir suit.  He really loves music and is either playing the piano or looking for more music on-line.

 

  Danielle was tempting the dogs with the last of her hot dog.  Isaac got in on the action.

Isaac is ELEVEN

Happy 11th Birthday Isaac!

  Isaac is such a great son.  He garners the admiration of all his teachers because of his respect, hard work and effort.  He is still very lovable and likes to have huge hugs and gives kisses on the cheek to Mom.  He is tough as nails and yet kind to everyone (OK not so kind sometimes to little sister, more of a tease).  Just last week he took care of the disabled student at school for his whole lunch recess.  He values morality and justice which unfortunately has led to blood and black eyes this year.  He is a natural leader for good and is really starting to be looked up to by the rough and tough bunch of 5th, 6th grade boys at school.

 Our family move to downtown Boise has been the most challenging up front for Isaac.  He got thrown into a huge group of kids that were frankly not kind.  He had never played organized football and that is the sport of choice at every recess and lunch.  Isaac tried to join but came up against vulgar language and unsportsmanlike behavior.  He was coming home beat up and worn down.  He is the only member of our church and stood out right away as the goodie two shoes.  He witnessed other kids being bullied and his efforts to stop it was futile.  Finally one day he came home in tears and said he wished he had just one friend.  Man did that pull on my mother heart strings.   

  The morning of Isaac's birthday he was treated to his favorite breakfast and sent off to school.  As a mom searching for answers I found myself at the Humane Society right at opening.  Long story short, I found Isaac's "friend" he had been praying for.  Ginger "Sticks" is a 2 yr. old Papillion.  She had been loved and trained by someone but was found and never picked up.  She had not been available until that morning and I couldn't help but feel like she was just what the Dr. ordered.  I admit I pulled a fast and somewhat sneaky one when I texted Scott and asked if I could buy Isaac a present?  He didn't ask what kind of present just said "sounds great"!  Isaac was picked up early from school and greeted with a fun new friend.  He was in dog heaven.  Isaac loves that little dog.  He showers with her, sleeps with her and cuddles her on the couch everyday.

Isaac says Ginger was the best gift ever!   

Dad says what in the double hockey "Sticks" do we have another dog for?

 

 

   Fast forward several months.  Isaac is doing soooo well.  He has earned the friendship and kindness of many boys and girls.  He just won the school relay medley with his final anchor lap.  The school lined the finish line cheering his name for the win.  He has started fitting into the football scene and is considered the secret weapon on the field for the one to take the ball the whole way for a touchdown.  He is in the top Math and Reading group and actively tutors the kids in class.  He has made some nice friends with kids in the stake at other schools and loves to have airsoft wars in the foothills.  

We love our Isaac Scott Stevens!

The Polar Express

The Polar Express with Grandma and Papa Stevens.  This was a super fun birthday/Christmas outing for the Thomas and Gideon.  Grandpa took some really nice photo's to document the day.