Thanks to her sweet cousin Laiklie, Danica now owns a pair of "tappy shoes"! She LOVES them! We go everywhere in our tappy shoes, including the Chiropractor, and grocery store. In this picture, she had just had a bath, and she went straight back to wearing the shoes, funny thing is, she doesn't use them on the wood floor much, just likes to walk around in them. SILLY girl!

This next picture is another project we have been working on...Paige's Science Fair. She decided to do Fingerprints, and everyone got to be involved. We loved seeing the similarities, and differences in the prints. We needed to get Jody's fingerprints, and he was taking a Sunday nap, so we printed him while he was sleeping, and giggled about it when he asked us later if we fingerprinted him in his sleep!

Paige has also been working very hard on her times tables, and we think has finally passed the BIG MONSTER TEST that Preston gives the 3rd graders. We're waiting for it to get corrected to see if she got them all right! Way to go Paige!

Kaden has been playing well at his ball games, but we still haven't pulled off a win. They start Tournaments on Tuesday, and it's single elimination, so win or go home I guess. I won't get to see the game this time, because Ali is doing her "Congressional Hearing" that night. When you're in 5th grade, you write a We the People speech, on some topic, then they have judges come and ask you questions, all in front of your parents. She's not looking forward to it, but I don't think any 5th graders are.

Tyce gave us all a laugh at the Dinner table yesterday. We were talking about how our neighbors get their milk right from the tank after they milk their cows. Ali commented that she thought it was SO GROSS to touch that thing and get milk out of it. Tyce said, "What is that thing called again...is it tenticles?" We all laughed as Jody went ahead and explained the proper words for that part of a cow. Fun dinner conversation!

Now, for my good news...we finally have upgraded, and have satellite internet! It took me less than 2 minutes to post these 2 pictures, and it use to take me at least 20. Hooray! I also love that we can use the phone now when we're on the internet. I always hated that part of dial-up.

Jody and I are staying very busy, but Jody is about to get busier (if that is at all possible). Starting next week, he will be going to Philly to an education thing for work, but he goes for 4 days, then comes home to go to school here on the weekend, and then back again for another 4 days. He will get a week break, and then in May, he will get to go to Jersey to finish it all up. He served his mission in Jersey, so I know he's excited to go. I only wish I could go with him. One thing is for sure, he will be sick of school by the time he's done! Good Luck to you sweet stuff!

Relief Society, and children keep me busy, but I love them both, so no complaints.

Life at the Shumway's

Paige turned 9 at the end of February. I can't believe my beautiful girl that we almost had in the car is 9! She chose to have a homemade chocolate pie for her cake. I think I did a pretty good job for my first time. Paige had a great birthday full of lots of cute clothes and dinner with mom and dad at El Toro Viejo, yummy Mexican food. Happy Birthday babe, love you lots!

Also, I didn't pay attention to the mail all over the counter behind Paige before I posted this picture, so please ignore the mess!

This is Danica learning about puberty! I walked into the living room the other day to see her reading Ali's book she got at school all about puberty. I giggled to myself, and then called and shared the funny with my sister as well. So silly!

Kaden just got awarded his Life at a court of honor last Sunday. We're really happy with his hard work, and with some more of it, we are hoping to have his Eagle down this summer, or at least by November when his 6 month waiting period is over. Right now Kaden has been working night and day to catch up on some Science work that he hasn't finished. The end of the quarter is next week, so we are all a little stressed about all the work still to be done. How do you make a teenager understand the importance of good grades?

A funny from Tyce this week...He asked me what shape a bumb was, and then said, "Is it like 2 ovals that are stuck together?" With a little giggle, I said yes and then told him to talk nice! Isn't that what a mother should say?

Ali is very excited today, because her little friend that has been so so sick gets to try to go to school for a little while today. She sure has missed her, and talked last night about being her bodyguard so nothing would hurt her. Ali does have the build to be a bodyguard...right?

Kaden is doing 2 a week games now, and playing well. Jody has had a little break from school, but now has to start another class. He's holding up well. I for some reason am having a little shingle pain back that causing me some headaches, but I think all in all we're hanging in there, and are glad for the weekend to come.

We've had another birthday!

Ali turned 11! I can't believe how fast my children are growing. She got lots of new clothes and 2 new hats, Ali is wearing one, and Danica snuck into the picture to model the other one. Ali loves all her new clothes, and looks adorable in them too. I have had to come to the realization that she is growing up because last week the school showed the ever famous maturation video, and moms were invited. Ali being my first girl made this a first for me as well. We both laughed a little about it later. A crazy thing about Preston is that they put the 6th grade in the Jr. High. This means that I will have Ali in the Jr. High along with Kaden next year. I really hope I can handle it. It's already been strange having them both stay up an hour later since her birthday. I keep picturing the day when I'm going to bed while my house full of teenagers are still awake!

Ali, we LOVE the sutffing out of you and hope your day was fabulous! Mom and dad can't wait to take you out to dinner this weekend and spend time with you! Happy Birthday! Love you babe!

Happy Birthday Dude!

Kaden turned 13! I truly cannot believe how fast those years have gone. I realize how much closer we are getting to high school, drivers licence, and mission, and it really is a hard pill to swallow. I LOVE Kaden so much! It has been FUN to watch him grow up, and find new interests and hobbies, and explore what life has to offer! He's been a good kid, now I'm hoping he'll be a good TEENAGER. This summer Kaden will already be living the life of a busy teenager with a youth Stake Trek, and a Ward Trek, and scout camp(s), and possibly even some b-ball games, and family vacation. Wish us both luck as we venture into this new and hopfully fun phase of our lives!


Now this next picture is Jody and I in Cancun! This is a restaurant at the flea market where we got all our good shopping deals. I have SO many beautiful pictures of the hotel, beach, ocean, and sky, but not enough time to post them on my slow computer. We had such a good time. We watched some sort of show every night at the hotel, and one night it was a magician who was Really Good. We would laugh at the crazy people singing karoke, especially the lady who was SURE she was better than Barbara Streisand. This really was one of my favorite trips ever! (Even with the extra pounds that I wish I didn't take with me, but some how could not convince them to stay at home even just for a Week!) We can't wait to go back, and may try to as early as next year. Anyone want to come along?

For now I guess it's Hasta La Vista to Mexico until next time!

Another catch-up post!

So much has been happening since my last post. Jody and I have been to Mexico and back, and had a GREAT time! It was our funnest trip to Mexico. When I get the pictures on the computer, I will post some. We did zip lines, snorkling, rafting, speed boating, and ate ourselves sick. We're planning our trip back already...anyone want to come with?

ALL children 8 and above are now playing basketball. The girls games start this Saturday, and I am excited to watch them. Kaden has been playing for awhile, and is doing well. He also has a tournament on Saturday. Tyce is a little irritated that there is NOT a basketball program for 6 year olds. He really wants to play. Danica could care less, because she is too busy being a PILL. She has a stubborn don't give in to mom, kind of attitude. What a girl!

While we were in Mexico, my sweet cousin came to watch our kids. They loved her, and I'm not sure they missed us much! Danica got sick while she was here, but now I'm getting my payback for missing her flu, because in the last 5 days, I have had 3 kids with strep throat! Poor munchkins! It's not a very fun one to get.

Relief Society has kept me busy since I came home from our trip. Of course, the second you leave something happens. My wonderful counselors did an awesome job of getting things taken care of. I now need to try to focus on getting a lesson for the first Sunday in February. Unfortunately, it's my turn to teach.

Jody started back into school this weekend. The long break was FABULOUS, and we are now more than half way done! He's been such a trooper, sure love him!

I guess that's a good quick update. I better get back to the sickies on the couches.

Merry Christmas!

I'm so slow at everything this year, and so there are NO Christmas cards coming out. Please just know that we do want to wish you ALL a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Things have been very busy for us, but that is part of the holiday season.

Kaden finished up school basketball, and tonight starts a competitive b-ball team. Funny thing about that is, my cute husband with ALL of his spare time from work, school, YM, and farming, is going to be there coach. Wish us all LUCK! Kaden is excited, and there first tourn. will be the Monday and Tuesday after Christmas in Malad.

Ali is going to sign up for Preston's Recreational b-ball again this year. She's a good little player, so I am excited to get to see her play again. She has been counting down the days to Christmas (along with all the others), and is excited that today is the last day of school.

Paige has been going about wrapping anything she can find, or making cards to give to anyone and everyone. Now that is the giving spirit of Christmas. I am trying to talk her into trying b-ball this year too. It's her first year, so she's a little unsure, but she's not dancing this year, so I think it would be good for her to play.

Tyce was done with school yesterday, and is so excited about it, that he's sleeping in this morning. Tyce has been counting down the days to Christmas, but he's also been counting down the days to XBOX. Let me explain...2 weeks ago, we had quite a blow up at our house over NOT watching the Christmas Devotional from the 1st Presidency. We decided that our children are just down right spoiled, and ungrateful for what they have. I came up with an idea, and Jody and I decided to try it. Monday while all the children were at school, I played the grinch...I packed up their shoes, clothes, toys, and whatever was in their rooms that might be entertaining. I left only a few items of clothing, and school shoes, and church shoes. When the children came home there was gnarling and gnashing of teeth, (I believe that's how my sister put it.) Tyce was however, the MOST devistated seeing as he had the most toys to be taken. I allowed board games ONLY, but NO VIDEO GAMES! I know, Tyce was stricken with unbelief too. Long story short, they all survived quite easily, and we will be getting rid of a lot of excess things that just make us ungrateful. Tyce was SO EXCITED to get to play the XBOX yesterday, that he played for over an hour.

Danica has had much holiday cheer, as she loves SANTA. She wants to go and see him everyday. At the ward party she sat right on his lap, told him she wanted a surprise, and then took her bag of candy, only to return to him a few minutes later and tell him Thank You! Oh- she does have precious moments. Unfortunately, they are becoming fewer and fewer. I'm really just kidding. I couldn't imagine not having my baby girl with me all the time. She's wonderful!

Jody and I have started a gym membership at Crossfit! We thought we'd try it for a month. We enjoyed going, but have had days of not being able to move. It's funny that your arms feel like you've ripped them apart when you go from doing NO push-ups, to doing 200 in 30 minutes. Hopefully it makes us look all that much better when we head to Mexico next month.

Merry Christmas to All! May we all remember the wonderful gift that has been given to us...The birth of our Savior!

Look to the Right!

I mean it, look to the right, and you'll see that I have finally updated my kids' pictures. It took me over an hour to do it, and I guess that's why I haven't done it before.

A quick update is that we are ALL doing GREAT! Kaden's loving basketball, and playing well, Ali's loving ballroom and is excited to see their costumes for the year, Paige is loving acheivement days and has a great leader, Tyce is learning to cope with school, and is doing great with his reading, and Danica is loving her new found bossing abilities. The rest of us don't love that quite as much. Jody is doing so good with school. I am quite proud of the grades he's been bringing home, and I am just here always thinking of things I should be doing else where! Sorry for the shortened version. Just remember...ALWAYS LOOK TO THE RIGHT!