CHRISTMAS EVE

This Christmas all of the Terry siblings were together! Some came on Christmas Day, other's came a few days later. My Mom and Dad held the Christmas Eve Party at their house this year. Some of our Aunts and Uncles, Grandma's, and cousins joined us on this night. The long time tradition of acting out the Christmas story was performed. Conner was a wiseman, Derek was Joseph, Cameron a Shepard, and Sydney an angel. Many other niece's and nephews were involved in the role playing. Each child was also given the opportunity to perform a talent. Conner and Derek both played Christmas pieces on the piano, and Sydney and Cameron sang Christmas songs. They all did a great job. My parents are leaving on an 18 month mission to Detroit next month, so it was fun to be all together one last time before they leave.

LONG LOST FRIENDS

It was fun to get together with so many friends from High School. It's amazing to think how much has happened with all of our lives in the last 15 years. It was fun to catch up on every one's lives, and see their cute children. We will have to get together again soon!!

Perkins School Christmas Program

Cameron and Sydney were all geared up for their school Christmas Program that was scheduled to be on Thursday of last week. It just so happened that school was canceled that day because it was snowing in Las Vegas, so the Christmas Program was canceled. Many teachers, parents, and students were disappointed because the kids wouldn't have the chance to perform what they had been practicing for months. However, the principal made a few phone calls and was able to change the program to the next day instead. We weren't sure how many kids and parents would show up with such short notice, but the night of the program we had a full auditorium. Every seat was taken, and many people were standing in the back. The program was wonderful! Sydney's class wore antlers and had a red nose while they sang, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." They were so cute! Cameron's class sang many Christmas songs! He sang like a champ!

Vegas Snow Day!

The kids got an exciting phone call on Wednesday night! No School on Thursday for all of Clark County School District due to the snowy weather in Las Vegas. The kids were so excited that there was a chance of snow in Logandale! They kept looking out the window every 5 minutes to see if they saw falling snow flakes. Thursday morning when the kids got up and realized that Logandale wasn't getting any snow, they were extremely disappointed. A phone call from Grandma and Grandpa Reese seemed to make it all better. They live in Las Vegas, and informed the kids that they still had plenty of snow in their back yard to build a snow man. The Reese's were soon headed to Las Vegas! Everyone had a fun time building snowmen, having snowball fights, wrestling in the snow, and sipping on hot chocolate!

Alexa the big ONE year old!

Where did the time go? Our baby Alexa isn't a baby anymore! On December 11Th she became an independent, one year old toddler that refuses to be held. She cruises all over the house. getting into whatever she can find. She is such a happy, content child! We call her the family joy! We had family over for her Birthday Party! She opened presents, and ate ice cream and cake. We are so glad that she is part of our family. We love her more than words can tell!

Ward Christmas Party

We had a great time at our Ward Christmas Party. The dinner was great, and the musical talents were wonderful!(Great organizing Amy!)The kids even had Santa come as a special visitor. They were very eager to sit on his lap and discuss what they would like for Christmas. The primary kids sang a few Christmas songs. Sydney decided she was going to perform with her brothers and the rest of the Primary, even though she won't be in Primary until January.

Honor Roll

We are so proud of Conner and Derek for making the straight A and AB Honor Roll. They worked very hard to keep up their grades. It is very important to them that they do well in school. We hope they continue working hard as they get older. Good Job Boys!

Flag Football

Here we are in the sports mode again. This time the sport is Flag Football. The boys are once again on three different teams! One nice thing is that Steve and I aren't coaching. That makes it a little easier! We love going to the games and watching the boys play! They all love, love, love Football, even though it has been bitter cold watching them play at 8am. Alexa has been sporting her thick winter clothes, something we don't break out too often here in Nevada.
Not only do the boys like to play Football, but they want to watch about every game on T.V. They crack me up when they draw out certain plays they think will work in the game. They definitely take their games serious! All three boys have been playing well. Conner plays quarterback quite often and can throw quite well. He's even made a few interceptions and touchdowns. Derek has had his fair share of touchdowns and passes. He is very driven to improve in all areas of the game. Cameron has also learned to love the game. He loves it so much that he cried for a half hour when one of his games was canceled due to the other team not having enough players. He has also made his fair share of touchdowns. He is slightly aggressive when grabbing the other teams flags. It is not unusual to see him diving all over the field, and then coming up with a flag in his hand. We are happy the boys love sports. It keeps them some what out of trouble!

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Knott's Berry Farm

We took our annual Knott's Berry Farm trip a few weeks ago. We always enjoy going to California. We went with Steve's sister and her family, and the Raban's. Steve's cousin Joy also met us at Knott's. Steve and I were considering not going this year since 3 of our 5 kids were sick, but we couldn't give up our annual tradition! The trip went a lot better than we were expecting. We had a lot of fun roasting hot dogs and making smores at New Port Beach. The next day we went to Knott's Berry Farm. We all had fun riding the rides. The accelerator and Silver Bullet were some of our favorite roller coasters. We can't wait until next Knott's Trip!

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Conner"s Birthday!

Conner is officially a decade old. On December 1, Conner celebrated his 10Th Birthday. We took him to Knott's Berry Farm on his exact Birthday. His 4Th grade class even called him on my cell phone to wish Conner a Happy Birthday! (Guess it helps to know the teacher!) The following Saturday, Conner had a late night party at our house from 7-10P.M. The kids played football, ate pizza and pasta, watched Fred Clause, and enjoyed Conner's favorite dessert (vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate pudding over the top!) Conner had a great Birthday! We are so happy he is in our family. Love you Conner!

DAD'S AND DONUTS

Conner and Derek's school had their famous tradition, "Dad's and Donuts Day." Steve was able to spend time in each of the boys classrooms, and of course he had to take part in eating a few donuts while he was there. They were so glad their Dad was able to join them on this fun day!

Baby Steps

Alexa began walking last week, so we decided to show off her moves!

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VETERAN'S DAY PARADE

Conner and Derek's scout group had the opportunity to ride their bikes in the local Veteran's Day Parade. The boys decorated their bikes in red, white, and blue for the occasion. The parade lasted for about a half hour, and the kids came home with more candy than on Halloween night. They scored!! My parents, niece's, and nephew joined us on this day. We had a fun time!

VISION BOARDS

On Monday night we had a Family Home Evening lesson about goal setting. We discussed different goals each child wanted to achieve and what steps they would take to achieve their goals. The kids each had different long and short term goals, but many the same. The boys all wanted to serve missions, marry in the temple, read scriptures and pray daily. Not to mention becoming professional football and baseball players (Go Figure).
We talked about having a vision board to look at each day to remind them of these goals. That night they cut out pictures from magazines that would be a reminder of the goals they were setting. Each child had their own board to decorate and hang in their bedroom. Mom and Dad even had a chance to make a vision board.

A LITTLE FUN BEFORE OBAMA SAYS NO!

The kids have been begging Steve to take them shooting. Finally, he gave in and called up some friends Saturday morning. They didn't just shoot a couple guns! They were able to shoot an AR-15, and an AK-47- along with several pistols, BB Guns, and Rifles. They had a great time!

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LAKE IN NOVEMBER

Not many places are warm enough in November to be at the lake. On Monday, November 3 we were invited to the lake with our friends the Aikele's and Widdison's. The temperature outside was around 83 degrees. Steven and the boys were excited to say the least! Steve has always loved going to the lake. He enjoys wake boarding most of all. During his half hour of wake boarding the lake was as clear as glass. He attempted tricks that you normally wouldn't attempt if the weather wasn't good. Here is a picture of him getting some air while crossing the wake. Conner and Derek were also able to wake board, although the water became quite choppy. We were all glad we had one more lake excursion this year. Thanks to the Aikele's and Widdison's!

DEREK'S BAPTISM

The long awaited day finally came on November 1, 2008. Derek Steven Reese was baptized and confirmed by his Father. He was so excited about this day, and well prepared. Many relatives were present to witness this special day.
Derek understands the promises he is making to his Father in Heaven, and the promises he will receive in return from his Father in Heaven when these sacred ordinance's of baptism and confirmation are performed. Mom and Dad are so thankful that Derek is in our family. We love him so much! He is constantly wanting to learn more about the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope he continues to set a good example for his brothers and sisters who look up to him. We all love you Derek!!!

SO CUTE!

Cameron did the cutest thing on Sunday. Steve and I are his new Primary teachers. On Sunday we had a lesson on serving others. We had the kids cut out hearts to take home. We suggested they do something nice for someone in their family, leave a cutout heart, and not tell anyone. That night Steve and I discovered that someone had made our bed, and taped a blue heart to the wall. How cute is that? I guess you never know when kids are really listening to what is being taught!

HALLOWEEN HAS COME AND GONE!

This year for Halloween we went to about three different parties. Each time we went the kids chose a different costume to wear. It was so warm Halloween night, that Sydney went as a ballerina instead of a monkey. Derek was a ninja, baseball player, and football player. Alexa was going to be piglet until my friend lent me an adorable bee costume. Cameron was consistently a pirate(minus the hat most of the time.) Conner was dressed as a Star Wars character/football player, and Mom was dressed as a witch!

Some of the highlights from the Halloween parties!
1. Each of the boys won a goldfish by throwing a ball into a cup.
2. Candy, sweets, and more candy.
3. Tons of fun games
4. Awesome costumes
5. Candy, sweets, and more candy(Did I already say that?)**It's a good thing Mom takes the candy away and hides it. The kids get a piece a day! I know!! I'm a mean Mom!!