A Star Wars Birthday

The only thing that Mckay wanted for his Birthday this year was to have a Star Wars Birthday Party. When I tried to convince him to take a few friends to Jumping Jacks or bowling, he said, "That would be fun too, but can we be droids?" He had only one thing on his mind. So, for the last several weeks I have been a Star Wars geek and spent most of my free time looking up fun party ideas on the internet and this is the result....

This was the first surprise of the day. Mckay was so excited to see his cake.

Don't look too close, I'm not much of a decorator!

Ewok, Yoda, and Droid cupcakes. PJ boasted about his mad Yoda drawing skills.

These are the lightsabers that we made out of pool noodles, duct tape, and electrical tape.

Our whole family dressed up including Master Madi, oh I mean Yoda! Don't let that baby face fool you; she was the best Jedi warrior.

We started off the party by coloring StarWars pictures and playing Musical Chairs to Star Wars music. Then the little padawons were off to Jedi-training. They had go through an obstacle coarse to earn their lightsabers.

The kids were so excited to earn their lightsabers. (We also made their little Jedi outfits out of Muslin the night before.)

Learning the proper way to use a lightsaber. (PJ dressed up at the party like a Jedi and Hans Solo.)

After their training was complete, we had a surprise guest show up. At first the kids were pretty nervous. As you will quickly see they soon let themselves be guided by the force to overcome the darkside (ok, I am a geek).

Each of the kids lined up and had a turn battling with Darth Vador.

The best part about Mckay's party was seeing the smiles on all the boy's faces. They had so much fun that it made it all worth it.

The Jedi's conquered! Just in case you can't tell, that is Darth Vador getting the tar beaten out of him by 9 newly trained Jedi warriors.

Mckay loved all the generous gifts.

The boys loved the "training ball" pinata that Grandpa Jerry made. It took the Lightsaber 2000 (aka metal baseball bat with Uncle Scott's mad home run swing) to get the candy out.

It was fun to have Grandma & Grandpa Anderson at the party.

The Jedi's loved the cupcakes and the "Yoda Soda!"

May the force be with you... Can you tell the kids didn't have any fun?

Hans Solo (PJ) Princess Leia (Me), Yoda (Madi), Darth Vador (Uncle Scottie), and Young Padawon (Mckay)

Scott (Darth) and Heather were amazing help and made the whole party. It would not have been successful without them.

After the party was over we quickly changed and rushed over to Mckay's football game. He did so well and almost tackled a kid twice his size. We didn't use any camera tricks, that kid next to Mckay really is that tall.

After Mckay's football game we headed over to Grandma Cutler's for a family swim party and pizza. (Mckay, Preston, and Braxton)

Mckay was so excited to get some more Star Wars Lego sets.

Hopefully all of Mckay's wishes came true that day.

Then: August 29, 2003

Now: August 29, 2009
We love you Mckay and hope that you had a great day!

First Day of School

It's official! Mckay is now in Kindergarten. He had a great 1st day and loves his teacher and recess. As for me, I was pretty brave and didn't shed any tears until after I dropped him off. I'll miss having my little boy home, but I sure am excited for him.

What a handsome boy!

Mckay and Justin Cook

Mckay was so excited. He gave us a quick hug and was ready to start. He certainly was braver then I was!

Mckay's Graduation

I can't believe it! Mckay graduated from preschool a few weeks ago and will be a big kindergartner this fall. Where does the time go? It was bitter-sweet moment, but mostly sweet, watching Mckay's graduation program. It was so much fun to watch him sing the songs that they have been working on all year with unbelievable enthusiasm. Mckay had the time of his life being the center of attention. He can be quite the performer when he wants to be. As for me, I couldn't be a prouder mom. It brought me genuine happiness watching him sing with all his might-literally! We are so proud of you Mckay and love you very much!

Mckay singing his little heart out.

He was so happy that night, it was contagious!

Mckay and Miss Tiffany. We love her!

Our Family with Grandma & Grandpa Cutler. Julie, Preston & Hailey were also able to come.

Our little graduate loving the attention from Grandma & Grandpa.

Women's Conference

One of my very favorite activities over the last month was going to Women's Conference with my mom and sisters. It was hard to leave my kids for two days, but I came home feeling spiritually and emotionally feed. It was such an amazing experience and left me wanting to be a better wife, mother and friend.

Day 1
I loved the whole conference, but my favorite part was being with my mom. For the first day it was just me and her. We spent the day taking classes about disciplining kids, (something I definitely need help with!) having hope, and learning how we can do all things in the strength of the Lord.

That night we went to the Smith Fieldhouse and participated in a giant service project. There were all kinds of projects from hygiene kits, to making tu-tus. My mom and I tied blankets and met the sweetest old lady who we later found out was a distant relative.

After the service project my mom, our new friend, and I went to a concert put on by various Deseret Book artists. It was such a treat to see so many talented performers in one night. My favorite performer by far was an artist by the name of Dallyn Vail Bayles. He has performed in Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. He made you feel like you were watching a Broadway performance. It was amazing to say the least!


My Mom and Me

Day 2
For the second day my little sister Melissa and my sister-in-law Heather joined us. It was so much fun to have them with us. In the morning we listened to Sister Beck speak on the importance of protecting our families. We later listened to the former Miss Utah and a young mother share some of their experiences on loving those around you. We also got to hear my favorite BYU professor, Brad Wilcox, speak on turning weaknesses into Strengths. We were then honored to hear Elder L. Tom Perry and his wife speak to us on the importance of missionary work.

Going to Women's Conference was such a worthwhile experience. I hope that it is something that I can do every year.

Melissa, Me, My Mom, and Heather

A Post a Day....

I'm finally blogging again after a little break--okay a long break, but I'm excited to start sharing some of the things are family has been doing this last month and a half. I figured that the best way to catch up was to create a post a day. Time will tell if I actually do it, but I have high hopes! I hope you enjoy!

I thought that I would start with Mckay's Preschool Field trips. Mckay absolutely loved going on field trips with his class! Here are some of the pictures from our last two trips.

The Farm
For this field trip we just went to a local farm in Mapleton. Although both kids thought that it smelled stinky they loved seeing all the animals.




Petting a baby lamb

This little calf was born the morning of our field trip. We felt pretty spoiled to be able see this cute little cow.

Even Madison loved seeing all the animals and was brave enough to pet the sheep. It surprised me because she is terrified of most animals. Maybe we should have a pet sheep instead of a dog.

Bean Museum
I love going on field trips with Mckay, but going to the Bean Museum is a different story. I don't mind all of the animals and most of the museum is really fun for kids, but I hate the snakes that they show during the reptile show. There really is nothing in the world that scares me as bad as those slimy, sly creatures. I hope Mckay knows how much I love him just to be in the same building with those creepy snakes!

Look at our little model posing for the camera!

Touching the turtle

New Car

After almost 8 years of marriage, PJ and I finally decided to replace one of our old cars with a newer one. We debated back and forth between the Honda Odyssey and Honda Pilot, but when it was all said and done, the Pilot won our votes. We already love having the extra room and the 4-wheel drive will be awesome for going to the cabin.

Funny!

A few weeks ago when the weather was bad, I took the kids to McDonald's to play and have a lunch date with their favorite mom--not that it matters that I'm their only mom. Anyway, after playing for awhile, Madison noticed a life-size Ronald McDonald and sat right next to him and said, "Daddy". Apparently, PJ reminds her of good old Ronald! I had a pretty good laugh over
that one!

The kids with "daddy"

Easter Fun

Easter Egg Hunt #1
My kids definitely got their fair share of Easter egg hunts this year. Between playgroup, primary activity, Grandma's house, and the Easter Bunny we now have a year's supply of candy. That's just as important as wheat right? This first Easter egg hunt was at a neighboorhood playgroup get-together.

Waiting patiently for permission to go...

Mckay quickly found his share plus a little more.

Everyone enjoying the findings.

Decorating Eggs


Check out the concentration. We might have a future Micheal Jordan on our hands.





What a babe!


Easter Morning:
Our kids woke up bright and early Easter morning. It didn't take them too long before they found where the Easter bunny had hidden their baskets.

Princess Madi's Basket


Mckay's basket

Madi loved her princess stuff that the Easter bunny left.

Mckay loved the Legos and new scriptures that he got.

Easter Day
After playing with the stuff the Easter bunny gave us, we quickly got ready for church and enjoyed a wonderful sacrament meeting. Our family certainly feels grateful for the role that our Savior plays in our lives. Because of him, we know that we can live as a family together forever! What a comfort and a blessing this truth is to us. We are so grateful for the resurection and the atonement. It truly is what Easter is about.

My favorite blessings!

Madi in her Easter dress.








Easter Hunt at Grandma's
After church we went over and ate dinner with PJ's family and then headed up to Orem to have an Easter Egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Cutler's house. Instead of candy my dad fills the eggs with change that he has collected over the last year. As you can imagine it ends up being a very competitive Easter Egg Hunt.


Scott, Heather, and Madi



Andrea and Heather

Christian and Melissa

Grandma and Madi

Back row: Jordan, Melissa, Christian, Scott, Heather
Front row: Grandpa, Grandma, Melissa, Andrea, PJ, and Mckay