Chemistry Homework - This is Serious Stuff

Late-night Surprise!

Thursday night, after everyone was almost in bed, our doorbell rang. Jake was sitting at the computer and saw the person run away. He knew it was a doorbell ditcher, so he ran to the door, flung it open and started chasing the person down the street. This is what the person carried while they ran...

a little surprise for Jake:

What a very clever way to get invited to Spring Fling!

Jazz & Lyrical Dance - Competition

Getting ready to put on the next costume...

A beautiful dance by very talented girls...

Madi and Eliza got to go up on stage and receive the trophies for their team.

Their team (Vantage Pointe)... brought home 2 first place trophies.  They got a fantastic score in both their Jazz and Lyrical dance. They were all so thrilled with their results earning them the chance to go to Nationals in May! Great Job, Girls!

Derek's parents joined us for the morning part. So nice to have them here. :)

Old Time Family Photo

I just scanned this in from our cruise a few months ago. What a good memory... love how everyone's getup turned out and especially love the expression on Sara's face!

UTAH - People working together...

Sara and the rest of her fourth grade friends have been learning all about Utah's history.  They are ready to share all their fun songs and stories with their families...

 I have to say I love the twist the fourth graders added to the Utah play this year.  People coming out of life-sized story books right and left of the stage. The songs were great as usual.  Four out of my five children have now been in this Utah play.  The songs stay the same but the presentation changes each year. I think Jake can still remember words and tunes from 7 years ago.

my very own dancing doll

She is gorgeous and one of a kind.  I find pure JOY watching her perform.  She is just sooooo happy to be up on stage doing what she loves.... I only wish my camera would have been on auto focus.

Madi is front and center and has a small solo part in this jazz dance.  She has been practicing for months and will continue as they will be performing this same number at least 4 more times over the next few months.


She enjoys every part about all this dance stuff.  I think I definitely need to improve in the hair and make up area...yikes... with more times to practice... hopefully, we'll be able to decrease our time and my stress spent in front of the mirror.

Hanging out - Family Time

Nothing beats a good ol' fashion game of Monopoly!

Alli is learning to play the guitar - she is self-taught and is doing awesome!

Happy Valentine's Day

Homemade Valentine Boxes - They are on their way for a fun school day filled with parties!

Madi's cute idea...a mailbox version with a heart flag on the side.

Taryn and her boys came a little before dinner to play with the kids. So fun to have their family in town!

...And these two had a blast with this little guy.  He is one adorable baby - with so much personality.  Extremely pleasant and neverending smiles.

Madi and Baby Sherman <3

Everyone wanted to get their hands on him. Babies are a novelty at our house.

Kayli headed out with Chris to the
Lady Antebellum Concert!

Ryan joined us too. 

The Valentine's Dinner - Such great times!

Conner was able to be here too as he is visiting Grandma and Grandpa for his school break.

Derek was in charge of Dessert and surprised us all with my one of my favorite cakes from Market Street Grill. YUMMY!

Madi and Everett taking turns playing and singing together!

State Swimming!

This is the sign that magically showed up in our front yard last week. It will stay up until Jake finishes the Senior State Meet this weekend.

The high school state meet was held at BYU again this year. I love the excitement and adrenaline at this event!  State records are broken and it's

very INTENSE!

We're up here - Jake's cheering section!

 Getting ready to swim the 100 Breast

 Congrats Jake! You did awesome! 104.38!

Jake also swam in the Men's 400 freestyle relay.

Derek managed to get down on deck again this year. Thankfully, he was able to take some great pictures and videos!

Someone's Home...

Someone's HAPPY!

Jazz High Score Reader

"Hi, my name is Sara Butters and I read 1,620 minutes over the weekend," announced Sara over the elementary school intercom this morning.  She's in the top 5 out of 128 fourth graders.  Sara has been working so hard and almost every waking minute of the day is spent reading. Her alarm is set for 5:00am so she can get two hours in before she even leaves for school. Wow! I am impressed by how she has set her mind to accomplish her goal.

Today, she just found out that the top 8 readers have earned the chance to be in a Questar commercial. Now that's big-time! Great Job Sara!