We are Vallivue Strong!

Kevin is a shining example of what we do, defining who we are

That was the heading for an article that was written about Kevin in the district newspaper.  One of the principals wrote the article.  Unfortunately, the best I could do was to scan it and crop it to fit into the blog.  Hopefully, it is legible.  (Update:  I received a link to the electronic copy.  The article is on Page 3)   http://vallivueweb.vallivue.org/VallivueReview/Fall2015/index.html

"I Believe I Ordered A Large Gingerbread Cookie."

I could not resist the reference to So I Married an Axe Murderer.  These cookies were huge.  Each year we have been making gingerbread houses.  This year, I thought we would try something a little different.  Sidney jumped right in.

Kendall had to ponder her gingerbread palette for a few minutes.

Dad and Mom even got in on the fun.  From Kevin's face, you can tell this is serious business in the Strong household.

Here is the beginning of my gingerbread creation.

You can never have enough green hair....

 And, here they are.  The gingerbread family.  Good fun and WAY easier than the houses!

Santa, Sparkler and Other Randomness

Here are just a few random tidbits that I want to be sure and capture.  We went to the Festival of Trees this year.  Kendall had a visit with Santa.  Sidney, as usual, waited outside of the North Pole (that girl:)). 

Kendall and Santa had a bit of fun playing tricks on each other this year.  Kendall is not quite tall enough to see her rabbit ears, but they are there.

We saw the Idaho Irish Dancers perform this year.  They were incredibly awesome.  I think that Kendall would really like to join.  I did check into it, but the practices are during the week.  As much as I would love for her to do this, I think I have to draw the line somewhere.  Maybe later when we do not have as many other activities going on.

Roy and Sherry send down this amazing arrangement for Thanksgiving.  They are always so thoughtful.  It is still alive and kicking!

 

Terrell had found this cute idea for crazy hair day.  I was all for it, since it was as easy as can be!

Sidney received the class sparkler award a few weeks ago at Awana.  Here she is leading the group in the sparks song.

My zany, crazy, awesome sister came down for Halloween.  One day while we were out and about, I talked her into the big crane machine.  She won her first toy ever!

Hard Working Ladies!

The girls work very hard in school and awana.  I love when they have the opportunity to be recognized for that.  Last week, we received letters that each of the girls were receiving awards.  We were invited to attend, but it would be a surprise.

 

Here is Sidney looking back at the parents.  All of the kids were wondering what was going on.

 

Sidney received the first grade "Leadership" award and an attendance award.  The leadership award goes to the student that consistently demonstrates the core values:  Be respectful, Be Responsible, Be Cooperative, Be Safe.  Here she is shaking the principals hand. 

Sidney with the other award recipients.

Now it was Kendall's turn to wonder what was going on.

Kendall received the "Academic" award for always doing her VERY BEST in everything, along with an attendance award.

Here is Kendall with the rest of the award recipients.

We are so proud of the girls for their hard work!

Birthday Times Three.

Kevin received the triple birthday threat this year, with three celebrations.  The first party came just after Thanksgiving while my parents were visiting.  My mom helped the girls make a fleece blanket for Kevin.  She took them to Joann's to pick out material.  They landed on Cal Poly colors for the blanket.

 

Lisa got Kevin this warm hat.  Sidney spent her own money on this cute snow globe for Dad.  She had tricked him into picking out his own present the week earlier, by asking him which one she should get.  He told her that he would get this one.  She was so proud.

The girls and I were growing tired of looking at his ratty old slippers.  He kept insisting that they were in great shape.

 

 These new ones are SO much better!

Grandma Terrell made him a pineapple upside down cake. 

Terrell, Lisa and Kevin.

Roy and Sherry sent these very MANLY flowers to the house.  They are gorgeous!  The white ones are still opening up.

On his actual birthday, Terrell made him another cake.  This was the best tasting cake ever.  It had a whipped cream cheese frosting.  The emblem on the front is a Christmas ornament that we hung from the tree.

Here we are with the birthday boy.

One of his gifts was a box of "80's" candy.  It had razzles in it.  I thought this was awesome, since I love the movie 13 Going on 30.  They refer to razzles in that movie, but I had never actually tried them.  Another fond memory of that movie, is taking my sister to see it.  She laughed so hard, I think she almost peed her pants.  I am not sure what was funnier, the movie or hearing her laugh so hard.

The third celebration...dinner at Burger King and a movie night out to see Minions (his choice, hmmm).

Thankful.

This morning, I asked each of the girls and Kevin to tell me five things they are thankful for. 

Sidney
-I am thankful for my family, because they love me and take care of me.
-I am thankful for my teacher, because she teaches me new things.
-I am thankful for my friends, because they play with me.
-I am thankful for my dogs, because they lick me.
-I am thankful for God and Jesus.

Kendall
-I am thankful for my home; that it keeps me dry and warm.
-I am thankful for my family; that they are loving and sweet.
-I am thankful for my playful pets.
-I am thankful for my friends.  They are very kind.
-I am thankful for the healthy food I get to eat.

Heather
-I am thankful that I get to spend another holiday with my husband.
-I am thankful that my parents are here.  I have been needing them a lot lately.
-I am thankful for my two beautiful daughters.  They are a gift from heaven.
-I am thankful for how blessed we are.
-I am thankful for my sister.  Her strength and wisdom are incredible.

Kevin
-I am thankful for my family with the journey that we have been through this last year.
-I am thankful for my friends and all of their support.
-I am thankful for my doctors and nurses and all of their wisdom.
-I am thankful for my career, and the opportunity to make a difference to others.
-I am thankful for the outdoors, and the pleasure I have hunting, fishing, camping, etc.

Montana Hunting Trip 2015.

Kevin made it back to Montana this year to go hunting with Roy and Cody.  He had a surprise waiting there.  It was none other than Uncle Bill.  The boys had a great time together.  I suspect there was some hunting, a lot of eating, a lot of sleeping and some major story telling.

It looks a bit too cold for my taste.

 As I suspected, Billy was asleep by 7pm.

Apparently Kevin was asleep right along with him.

Kevin did get a nice little buck.  Sidney is anxiously awaiting some cheddar sausage and pepperoni sticks.