Top 10 DeGooyer Tetrad Christmas Traditions

Since Christmas will be later this week, we decided to make the top ten about our Christmas Traditions. Now, if any of you know our family, we are all about traditions. We love them and love how much the girls enjoy them and look forward to them.

1. Christmas Eve Dinner - On Christmas Eve we have a really nice meal with family or friends. It's a tradition Scott had growing up.
2. Watching The Nativity Story on Christmas Eve – Since the movie came out, this has been a tradition to watch this before everyone goes to bed.
3. Something Jets for Christmas - This kind of became a tradition by chance. Scott happened to get the girls something Jets for Christmas to make sure they became "green blooded."
4. Reading Scriptures and Chocolate - Scott's sister Kerri gave us a list of 12 scripture passages about the attributes of Christ which we read the 12 days before Christmas. She also gave us a wall hanging with 12 pockets that hold chocolate to eat after we read. We love it!
5. Pajamas on Christmas Eve - This is another tradition that the girls look forward to. Before they get dressed for bed we let them open one gift that we choose. Of course it is pajamas. They can't wait to see what they are each year.
6. Sweet Rolls before opening presents - Homemade sweet rolls for Christmas morning is another of the traditions that we have carried on from our parents. We can't open presents until everyone has eaten a sweet roll and is ready.
7. Christmas Letters - Sundy loves doing these each year and trying to be the first to mail them out. She mails them the day after Thanksgiving. We have fun being creative each year.
8. A new Nativity each year - This was a tradition that started when we were married. Scott has gotten Sundy a Nativity each year since. It is fun to try and find unique ones.
9. A Family Program on Christmas Eve - We love sharing our talents with family and friends. It is so much fun to see what they come up with. Sometimes we do musical instruments, sing, put on plays, or some other creative thing. We also like to read Luke 2.
10. Decorating with Nativities - We love this tradition because it helps us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and our Savior.

Top 10 Christmas Nativities We Own

This week's top ten is dedicated to some of the many nativities that Sundy has. She collects nativities and gets a new one or more each year. She loved that Scott's Mom did this and wanted to do the same to help bring the true meaning of Christmas into the home. Here are a few of her favorite ones. She loves them all but these are some that are more meaningful to her.

1. The Blue Nativity - This was Sundy's first nativity. She fell in love with it at a craft fair and her parents surprised her with it on Christmas.

2. Grandma T's White Nativity - Sundy inherited this one from her grandma and always admired it growing up. She was super excited when she received it.

3. The Jerusalem Nativity - This was given to her from Scott's Mom. It came all the way from Jerusalem when his adopted Grandma brought it back for her.

4. The Precious Moments Musical Nativity - This was the first one Scott gave Sundy. It started the tradition.

5. The Nativity Tree - This tree has quite a few nativity ornaments, a nativity tree skirt, and a nativity star. Sundy gets a new ornament each year to add to it.

6. The Indian Nativity - This is a very unique nativity because of all the animals, like the buffalo, rabbits, an eagle, a bear, and a deer.

7. The Cherished Teddies Miniature Nativity - This is a cute little nativity that Sundy fell in love with.

8. The Precious Moment Village Nativity - This is mostly buildings but the lights add to the allure.

9. The Candy Cane Nativity - Another very unique nativity that is cute and fun.

10. The Childlike Nativity - This is another traditional nativity but the faces on them are very child-like and pure.

Kiara's and Katia's Recent Performances

Below is a SmileBox of Kiara's and Katia's recent performances. They participated in a recital with most of Sundy's piano students. Kiara had a fall concert for orchestra. They also did a skit in Anthem's talent show. Only ten acts made it through to the final show and they were one of the ten. They performed a chin puppet skit. It was quite funny. They love to perform and have been blessed with the talents of being good at it. They also just tried out for Anthem's Spring musical, The Jungle Book last week. Kiara will be playing Shanti, and Katia will be Kaa. They are so excited and we will keep you updated on that as it draws closer to opening night. Hope you enjoy their performances in this post.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Top 10 Christmas Songs with Lyrics

A few weeks back we did a top ten of our favorite Christmas albums but not all of our favorite songs with lyrics are on those albums. So we thought we would dedicate this week's top ten to them. Christmas music has a powerful effect on making people smile and feel happy. We love listening to it year-round because it does. Here are a few of our favorites.

1. Believe by Josh Groban

2. Last Christmas by Wham

3. Mary’s Boy Child by Boney M

4. The Christmas Shoes by NewSong
5. Emanuel, God With Us by Amy Grant
6. The Christmas Conga by Cyndi Lauper
7. Where Are You Christmas by Faith Hill

8. I’m Gonna E-mail Santa by Billy Gilman
9. The Magic of Christmas Day by Celine Dion
10. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Cher and Rosie

Top 10 Christmas Movies

Today is the first day of December which means Christmas season is in full swing. This weeks top ten is about Christmas movies. We love watching feel good movies during Christmas. Here are a few that we watch every year. There are so many good one's that it was very hard to narrow it down.

1. The Nativity Story - The story of Christ's birth is what Christmas is all about. This movie is absolutely awesome at telling the story. This has been a favorite since it came out a few years ago.

2. A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott - Christmas just isn't Christmas unless you watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol, and this is by far our favorite. George C. Scott gives one of the greatest performances we have ever seen an actor give; he truly becomes Ebenezer Scrooge to the fullest degree possible.
3. The Santa Claus with Tim Allen - If you are looking for a great, feel-good holiday movie that everyone can enjoy, this is your movie. There is a nice mix of comedy, drama, and great holiday fun to turn this into the next holiday classic.
4. Elf with Will Farrell - We loved this movie. It was absolutely delightful and we recommend it to viewers of all ages. If you want a Christmas feel-good movie, this is it.
5. Christmas Claymation - From the Carol of the Bells to the California Raisins doing Rudolph, it is a very creative look at various Christmas songs all done in claymation! And watching Scott enjoy the ice-skating hippos makes us all laugh!
6. It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart - A beautifully crafted film! And James Stewart is superb as George. I've loved to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" for as long as I can remember - and, no matter how many times I've seen it, it always leaves me pondering my own life - wondering what I've contributed to this world & to my loved ones just by the simple fact that I am "here"...
7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas – animated - When we find ourselves starting to hate the the crowded stores, combat drivers, and the noise, noise, noise.... We take the time to watch this show. Then we feel we have the strength of ten Grinch's plus two and the true meaning of Christmas comes shining through!
8. The Muppet Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol" has probably been adapted for stage, screen, and TV more than any other story in the history of literature. Many have been really great -- But one of the best is definitely "The Muppet Christmas Carol."
9. White Christmas - This movie is simply wonderful! It's romantic, funny and highly entertaining!
10. Mr. Krueger’s Christmas - We have seen this movie every year for the past 15 years and I still get very emotional when I see it. It helps me and my family remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Jimmy Stewart does such a good job in this movie. This movie truly radiates the love of Christ.

Top 10 Things We Are Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings. - Thomas S. Monson

Thanksgiving is fast approaching so our top ten this week is dedicated to the things for which we are thankful. As tough as life can get there are always many things to be grateful for. This time of the year more than any other people tend to think of all the things they are grateful to have in our lives. Here are a few of ours.

1. Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ! - need we say more?
2. The Gospel and the Plan of Salvation! - a given!
3. Our Marriage! - 14 years and going strong!!!!
4. Our Family! - ALL of them ROCK!
5. Our Friends! - good friends help us reach our goals and sometimes even become adopted family members!
6. Our Creativity! - We love creating together! It's our favorite pass time!
7. Our Home! - Shelter is important
8. Our Health! - Our goal is to make our health even better....
9. Our Talents! - Talents make life more fun!
10. Our Computers! - What would we do without them? We can't believe that when we were kids computers were a novelty... now they are a necessity. We wouldn't be able to blog without them!

“One single grateful thought towards heaven, is the most perfect prayer.”

–Minna von Barnhelm

Top 10 Favorite Christmas Albums

This weeks top ten involves Christmas music because it is that time of the year to start listening to it if you haven't already. I know we have. Scott knows his sisters and mom have. We decided to do some of our favorite Christmas albums. There are so many awesome ones out there and it seems like there are more and more each year that it becomes hard to listen to them all during the Christmas season, so we wind up listening to them year-round. Here is are list. What are some of yours?

1. Manheim Steamroller - This is the all time perfect Christmas CD! Both of us listened to it as children! Inspirational without words, but extremely gorgeous!
2. A Rosie Christmas - If you like a GREAT mix of singers and styles, "A Rosie Christmas" is the album for you! Although Rosie O'Donnell is not one of our favorite people, her Christmas CD is fantastic! It features other wonderful artists like Donny Osmond, Billy Gillman, Celine Dion, Elton John, Elmo and many others!
3. Amy Grant - Amy Grant's voice is MADE for singing Christmas songs! And you'll want to have a good ole Tennessee Christmas after hearing her! :-)
4. Boney M - Scott got this CD two years ago after hearing one of their songs on the radio. It has quickly become one of the most requested albums in our home! We really love "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and their version of "Feliz Navidad."
5. The Nylons - Love their 70s re-makes and their Christmas album is also a cappella.
6. T.S.O. (Trans Siberian Orchestra) - Another family favorite! We love the CD as much as we love the DVD!
7. Roger Whitaker - Scott and Sundy grew up listening to Roger Whitaker! And we love the story of "Darcy the Dragon"!
8. Andy Williams - It's not Christmas unless you hear the soothing voice of Andy Williams. This was Mom McCallister's favorite while we were growing up!
9. Straight No Chaser - A NEW favorite! Thanks Mom DeGooyer for sharing! We highly recommend it!
10. Garth Brooks - We were surprised that Garth Brooks' voice fit so well with the famous Christmas carols! You go, Garth!

Greek Gods and Godesses

This is a little late, but better late than never.

We absolutely LOVE Halloween at our house! This year for Halloween we dressed up as Greek Gods and Godesses. We chose these costumes because of the book series "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." (not to mention, it was a CHEAP costume choice!) Scott was Zeus! His thunderbolt was a huge strike! (Pun intended) Sundy was Hera! (She's married to Zeus - so it was a natural choice....) The girls chose the Godesses they wanted to be. Kiara chose Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty and Love! Katia chose Athena because she is Zeus' favorite child and she wanted an owl to represent being the Goddess of Wisdom. We loved portraying these classic figures. And we were surprised how many people knew about the "Percy Jackson" books already! Can't wait for the movie to come out this February! :-)

We spent Halloween with our good friends, the Haskins! They love Halloween also! Kelly was a really cute and sassy waitress from the 50s. Autumn, who is now 3 years old, was the most adorable Dorthy. And she can quote the movie forward and backwards too! Lori was the Wicked Witch of the West! And she pulled it off frighteningly well... Yes, Sundy's best friend is a WITCH! :-)

Top 10 Sesame Street Characters

This week's top ten has been brought to you by the letters D, K and S... and by the number 4! We are honoring Sesame Street this week, because it debuted on November 10th, 1969. It is hard to believe that it has been on the air for 40 years. We all remember watching Sesame Street growing up - and then showing the famous characters with the famous sketches to our own children!

1. Big Bird - This big yellow bird can roller skate, ice skate, dance, sing, write poetry, draw, and even ride a unicycle. What a talented guy, even if he does still have a teddy bear named Radar.

2. Oscar the Grouch - We all feel grouchy sometimes! And even though Oscar claims he hates being with people, we know that he hates being alone more. We also love Oscar's pet, Slimy, the Worm.
3. Cookie Monster - "Me Want Cookie!" And who doesn't! Cookie Monsters insatiable love of cookies is universal! "We ALL want cookies!" (Especially Scott's homemade chocolate chip cookies!)
4. Bert and Ernie - This dynamic duo is hilarious! Ernie loves his rubber duckie and Bert has his pet pigeon, Bernice.
5. Grover - This cute, furry, little monster is adorable! And who are you gonna call? Super Grover!
6. Kermit the Frog - "Hi-ho, this is Kermit the Frog here, reporting for the Sesame Street News." - You gotta love this green guy, cuz it's not easy bein' green!
7. Mr. Snuffleupagus - Snuffy was so funny when everyone thought he was Big Bird's imaginary friend.
8. Count von Count - Since vampires are all the rage, The Count made our list! He is addicted to numbers like most vampires love blood....

9. Guy Smiley - "America's Favorite Game Show Host"
10. Elmo - Scott and Sundy watched the show pre-Elmo. And Sundy didn't want him to make the list. She can't stand his baby voice and giggle....

Top 10 Things Made With Peanut Butter

This week's top ten is in honor of National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, which is November. Some people love peanut butter and others don't or are allergic. We LOVE it! Here is a list of some of the things we love because they are made with peanut butter. Since this is our 100th post we decided to include a great recipe for peanut butter brownie cupcakes. Hope you enjoy it!

1. Reeces Peanut Butter Cups

2. No-Bake Cookies

3. PB&J

4. Peanut Butter Cookies

5. Peanut Butter Fudge

6. Peanut Butter with Bananas and Miracle Whip - Don’t knock it till you try it! Mom McCallister made it as a special treat for us when we were little!

7. Peanut Butter on Apples

8. Peanut Butter Cheesecake

9. Peanut Butter Ice Cream

10. Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes

Makes 18-24 cupcakes (makes 24)

1 (18 1/2 ounce) package chewy fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
24 Miniature peanut butter cups or 1 (12 ounce) bag of peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350f degrees. Line 24 regular muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.

Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the package for cake-like brownies. Fill the cups half way with brownie mix. Add one miniature peanut butter cup to each. Add batter on top to cover the peanut butter cup.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cupcakes are set. When they have cooled a bit, remove them from the muffin tins and let cool completely on a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container.

Top 10 Things We Like To Do At Halloween

This week's top ten is in honor of Halloween which is at the end of this week. We have done some great activities over the years during Halloween time and we thought we would share a few of our favorites since we have been a family.

1. Dressing Up as a Family - The last several years we have dressed up as a theme as a family. We have been Renaissance royalty, 70's hippies, Indians, Cowboys, and this year we are Greek Gods and Goddesses.
2. Ward Trunk or Treating - This has been a fun tradition no matter where we have lived. It is great fun to see how creating each person in the ward can be.
3. Chili and Cornbread - Scott loves chili and cornbread. He would eat it every week if he could.
4. Decorating and Crafts - The girls really love it when Scott decorates the outside of our house. We have a witch on our door that they especially love because it looks like she smashed into it. Crafts are a given in the DeGooyer house no matter what the occasion. The girls really enjoy them and Sundy is very creative.
5. Pumpkin Carving - Sundy and Scott first did this with Zane and Tara and then started doing it with the girls. We have had some real cool ones, including a NY Jets one!
6. Schnepf Farms - This is a farm here in Queen Creek that has rides and farm animals and food and corn fields. We have gone the last few years and it has always been a blast!
7. Sundy’s Candy Jars - Sundy made up some candy jars to put out as decoration. They have fun names on them like Cyclops Blood, Frog Eyes, Scarab Beetles, Spider Legs, and Blast-Ended Screwt Venom. These have been a hit with everyone.
8. Lots of Candy - Isn't this what Halloween is all about? We always have a ton of candy left over and usually wind up throwing some away.
9. Trick or Treating as a Neighborhood - In Las Vegas we had a wonderful neighborhood that did a ton of things together. One of them was to go trick or treating around the extended neighborhood. We sure do miss those days.
10. Celebrating with Matt and Lori - Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without the Haskin family. We have had so much fun celebrating with them over the years.

Top 10 Dogs

This week's top ten is in honor of Adopt-a-dog Month, which is October. So if you do not have a dog, you should look into getting one. They are wonderful pets after they are house trained. Sundy grew up with dogs her whole life, thanks to her brother Zane. He used to breed them.

1. Mutt - Kamelot’s a mutt! He’s a mix between a Pekingese and Lhasa apso. He is the best dog ever. Scott's dog growing up, Christy, was a mutt too.
2. Westie - Scott likes these dogs but trying to keep them looking white would be a pain.
3. Carne Terrier - Toto is one and they are so cute.
4. Yorkshire Terrier - Kevin and Kelly have Max, who is so fun to play with. Sundy always wanted one.
5. German Shepherds - These dogs are a lot of help with the police and the blind. Our friend Robbin has one name Levi. He is great.
6. Alaskan Malamute - Scott always wanted one of these.
7. Sheltie - Shell was Zane's dog growing up. She used to use Sundy's bedroom as an indoor bathroom.
8. Scottie - These dogs have a great name.
9. Husky - Another favorite of Scott's.
10. Golden Retriever - Sundy thinks they are gorgeous even if they are big.

Kiara's Birthday Cake

It is tradition for Scott to make the girls a cake for their birthday. This year Kiara decided she wanted a witches hat. As always Scott did a great job and it tasted delicious also. We took it over and shared it with our goods friends, the Haskins.

Top 10 Pet Peeves

This week's top ten has to do with things that annoy us, in honor of National Pet Peeves week, which is this week. We all have them whether we like to admit it or not. Warning this post is rated PG instead of G because of #8.

1. Computers that won’t cooperate or are too slow – we might have to purchase a new computer soon. :o(
2. “Hot Spots” – “Hot Spots” are those places in our homes that seem to collect junk. It’s hard to keep them clean and once they are clean, they get cluttered again quickly.
3. Not being in control – Sundy doesn’t relinquish control of the remote control.
4. Not picking up after self – Sometimes Sundy will lay a food wrapper on the countertop instead of throwing it away, because it is so funny to watch Scott (who can’t stand things not “put away”) literally pick it up ten seconds later to throw it in the trash. She laughs ever time!
5. Being late – We try never to be late. Sundy hates it when she is late or someone else is late. It is definitely one of her pet peeves….
6. Not flushing the toilet - why do kids have problems remembering this?!
7. People who won’t listen and try new music – Our whole family has a rule that all music is good, unless the lyrics are bad or it invites an evil spirit into our home. So we listen to all styles of music, country, rock, classical and musicals!
8. Being goosed on the stairs – Don’t try this at home. It sometimes results in wetting your pants!
9. Leaving lights on when not in use – Scott also likes to walk around and follow all of us as we move from room to room to turn off lights. He is definitely the Light Nazi.
10. Bad drivers – They suck!

Top 10 Talks We Liked From General Conference

This week's top ten is attributed to General Conference last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed all sessions and there was a lot of good counsel and advice. Here are a few of the talks that really impressed us. They are not in any specific order of importance!

1. Elder Scott – We loved his talk about Spiritual Communication. We both felt we could always use more personal inspiration!
2. President Uchtdorf – LOVE is definitely a trait we need to have to be true disciples of Christ!
3. Elder Bednar – It’s always important to be “more diligent and concerned at home!”
4. Elder Watson – We both want to study TEMPERENCE because of this talk!
5. President Eyring – “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” is definitely one of our favorite children’s songs… and the message of continuing to improve is timeless.
6. Bishop Burton – All virtues are something we are admonished to emulate. But we loved how he described the “ITY” Virtues. (Especially Integrity!)
7. Elder Holland – He truly testified of the divinity and truth of the Book of Mormon. He was bold in his testimony as we should be!
8. Elder Renlund – His analogy of the ultimate operation is a spiritual operation being a mighty change of heart really hit home for us!
9. Elder Christofferson – Moral discipline is something we have felt strongly about in teaching our beautiful daughters! We loved his admonishment to “Not be neutral about the gospel – educate our children!”
10. President Monson – Our beloved prophet, spoke about service! The question “What did you do for someone today?” should guide our lives.

Top 10 Things That Make Us Smile

This week's top ten was inspired by World Smile Day. World Smile Day this year is on October 2nd. It always falls on the first Friday in October. It was started in 1999 by Harvey Ball, who created the smiley face that we all know and love. He thought that all of us should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. I hope that we do that whenever we see the opportunity but it doesn't hurt to have a day each year dedicated to trying to make people SMILE. Here are some things that really make us smile.

1. Babies Laugh – Doesn’t everyone smile when they hear a child giggle?
2. Chocolate – Give me chocolate, and no one gets hurt.
3. Feel Good Movies – Newsies, Ever After, Glass Bottom Boat, and Liken the Scriptures come to mind.
4. Cuddles From Katia – Katia is such a cuddle-bug. And we love snuggling with her.
5. Kiara Dancing and Joking – Kiara makes us laugh with her “cool” dance moves and silly jokes! We love her great, big grin!
6. Playing Games – Our favorites are Skip-bo, Hand and Foot, Yahtzee and Say-Go.
7. Watching Glenn Beck – We don’t get to watch Glenn Beck very often. He is on a channel we don’t get… but we really do enjoy learning about the world from someone who is as wise (and entertaining) as Glenn.
8. Serving Others – Scott LOVES service! And he practices what he preaches! He’s taught his family how to serve others as well. We all enjoy cleaning the church on Saturdays and helping others when they are in need.
9. Christmas Music – Christmas music begins in August in our home. It would begin sooner, but Scott put his foot down… no Christmas music in June and July! J
10. Spending Time With Family – This has to be our number one thing that makes us smile! We love spending time with our extended families! Both the McCallisters and the DeGooyers ROCK!

Remember, to do an act of kindness and help one person smile this Friday!

Sundy's Anthem Honor Choir

This year Sundy has been really enjoying her choir class. Everyone in there loves to sing and wants to be there. They have already had a couple of different performances. They performed the Star Spangled Banner for a school flag ceremony on September 11th in memory of that day. They also had their Fall Concert. Here is a Smilebox of some photos taken and a few clips of how awesome they sound. What a great bunch of kids. Scott also designed the logo for the choir that is on the front page and on their polo shirts. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Kiara's First Concert of the Year

A few weeks ago Kiara had her first orchestra concert of the new year. She has loved the violin since she was three years old and has been doing a great job the last two years in orchestra. She got a new teacher this year and enjoys him. The following Smilebox is a few clips of the concert. They mostly did exercises and we look forward to the next concert in a few months.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Katia's Field Trip

Katia had a field trip to the Science Center in downtown Phoenix. Scott was lucky enough to volunteer and be a chaperone. He had a great time with the kids. He was in charge of a group of five kids. There names are Katia (of course), Mykah, Julie, Chris, and John. They spent the day together on the bus to and from the museum, exploring the four story science center, and eating lunch. They During their visit they were able to try a few different things like the bed of nails, tug-o-war pulley, forces of nature, and much, much more. They also got to meet the three weather forecasters for a local news station. Here is a Smilebox of the photos they took.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Kiara's Projects

Kiara has been very busy this year with projects. She made a brochure on the circulatory system. Hand made five pillows to represent the skeletal system and made a map of the world out of salt dough. She has been having a great year. Here are a few pictures of her later two projects.

Katia's Mogollon Pit House

This year Katia did a Mogollon pit house for her Arizona indian project. Last year Kiara did a pit house too but it was a Hohokam pit house and was slightly different. Katia really enjoyed working on her project with Scott. They used materials from around the house and yard. (Twigs from the branches Scott had cut off the tree in the front, grass from the backyard pile, and mud from the garden.) Here are a few pictures of the completed project. It turned out great.

Top 10 Games We Love To Play

This week's top ten is in honor of Checkers Day. Checkers originated a long, long time ago. It was called Draughts in Europe and there has also been evidence that the Egyptians played some form of this game as early as 200 B.C. It has also been an influence in developing other games such as chess. Games have been a big part of our lives. We are glad that we both enjoy playing them together. Some spouses are not so lucky. We love checkers but we have gotten to know quite a few games over our lifetime that we love even more. We have put together a top ten of some of our favorites. See if you agree.

1. Skip-Bo - This is a game we have been playing since we were married. We used to have tournaments and keep a tally of who won the most.
2. Yahtzee - We love Yahtzee! Rolling dice is so much fun. It has given us inspiration for other games and activities that we have invented.
3. Hand and Foot - There are so many games you can play with face cards but this has to be our favorite. Sundy likes it because it involves making "BOOKS."
4. Compatibility - We have many memories of this game showing just how people really think. Often times we are more compatible with other people.
5. Train/Dominoes - This is a family favorite. An easy one for the kids to play.
6. Cranium - We have had so many fun times playing this game with Matt and Lori. We still remember Matt's impression of a volcano. We thought he was acting out Madonna.
7. Outburst - This is fun to see what you know about a subject. We loved it so much that we have developed our own brand of this game.
8. Scattergories - The timer makes you jump every time it goes off. Who knew trying to think of things that start with the same letter would be so much fun and so nerve-racking.
9. Scrutineyes - This is a great one that tests your eye speed and observation and then compares it to those around you. We love this game a ton!
10. Monopoly - This is a classic. We have many forms of this game. We remember teaming up against Ben one time before we were married. We laughed our heads off.

Family Home Evening Fun

Yesterday Scott gave a family home evening lesson on the Creation. The family was given a sheet with the words "The Creation" and the numbers 1 through 7 on it. He then read the accounts of the creation from Genesis, from Moses, and from a talk by Elder Russell M. Nelson. As he did so he asked the family to draw what came to mind on each of the creative periods. The whole family enjoyed it and learned a lot about the Creation. Below are the picture creations we all came up with. Kind of fun to see the similarities but especially the differences.

Scott's Picture Creation

Sundy's Picture Creation

Kiara's Picture Creation

Katia's Picture Creation

Top 10 Kids Toys

This week's top ten is in honor of National Play-Doh Day on September 16th, which is tomorrow. Did you know that Play-Doh was originally a pliable, putty-like wallpaper cleaner concocted by Noah McVicker for a family-owned Cincinnati-based soap company. After they discovered the wallpaper cleaner was being used by nursery schoolchildren to make Christmas ornaments, they reworked it and named it Play-Doh and began distributing it in single-gallon containers of red, yellow, and blue to Cincinnati-area schools.

Play-Doh is one of the childhood toys we remember growing up with. We still love to play with it and be creative. Here are a few of the other kids toys that we enjoyed growing up or that our daughters love today.

1. Play-Doh - This is one of the greatest toys for a kid. It is fun to be creative and just play with it. Adults love it too, at least we do.
2. Rubik’s Cube - These were a big hit when we were little and they would keep us busy for hours. Sometimes we would have to take it apart in order to put it back the right way.
3. Legos - Another great invention. Kind of like Tinker toys and Lincoln logs. It is always fun to build and create.
4. Webkinz - This is our girl's absolute favorite toy because it is a stuffed animal but the Internet makes them come alive and interactive.
5. Barbies - A great toy for girls. Scott remembers his sisters turning the downstairs into a little town. Our girls enjoyed them too when they were younger.
6. He-man and the Masters of the Universe - Scott and his brother, Brett collected these and had a great time inside and outside. "By the power of Greyskull, I have the power!"
7. Perler Beads - Sundy used to do these with her grandma when she was growing up. Our girls love them and are always begging to them with their friends. Scott loves creating new things with them too.

8. Bubbles - Blowing bubbles is fun no matter how old you are. When we were Nursery leaders this was something we did at the end of class and the kids loved it.
9. Dinosaurs - Little kids are fascinated with these creatures. Scott collected dinosaur stuff and still has a bunch packed away in boxes.
10. Viewfinder - This was a fun toy that you feel like you were there. The 3-D effects were cool. Scott remembers one of the highlights of going to his grandparents house was getting to play with the Viewfinder.

Top 10 Books We Love

This week's top ten is in honor of International Literacy Day, which is TODAY! There are quite a few people out there in the world that lack the minimum literacy skills. We feel so blessed to not only know how to read but have so many books at our fingertips. Being able to read is very important in our home. Although Scott thinks Sundy reads a little too much, he is glad that she enjoys it and is glad that the girls have developed a great love of reading. The fun part about reading is that we get to share what we read with each other. Not only do we learn and benefit from reading but our family does too. The girls really love to tell us about each book they are reading and enjoy us hanging on their every word. Here is a list of a few of the books we really enjoy.

1. The Book of Mormon/Scriptures – Full of stories and lessons to help us in our own lives. The Word of God. What more can we say?
2. The Kingdom and the Crown series – Books about Christ’s life. Reading these strengthened Sundy’s testimony.
3. Harry Potter series – Not only do we love these books, but we have enjoyed the movies together also.
4. Charlotte’s Web – Grandma Mil read this one out loud to the girls on the way to California (Disneyland.) She made the story really come alive for them.
5. Where the Red Fern Grows – Both Kiara and Katia loved and cried while reading this book. Scott and Sundy really enjoyed it too.
6. Dandelion Wine – Ray Bradburry’s story makes you appreciate the good and sad things of life.
7. Tuck Everlasting – Sundy’s favorite book when she was a girl. The circle of life is definitely necessary…
8. Ender’s Game – Best Sci-Fi book in the world! Written by Sundy’s all-time favorite author, Orson Scott Card.
9. The Work and the Glory series – Kiara and Katia can’t seem to get enough of these books. They love learning about the early Church History.
10. Twilight series – Edward, Bite Her Already! (Not on Scott’s list, nor any other man’s list.)

Anthem Spirit Week

Last week Anthem had a school 'Spirit Week.' Sundy and the girls always enjoy these kinds of weeks because they get to dress up and act all goofy. This week they went to school in their pajamas, wore fun hats, put their closes on backwards, messed up their hair and wore crazy socks.

Pajama Day

Crazy Hat Day

Backwards Day (Sundy couldn't participate in this one.)

Crazy Hair Day

Crazy Socks Day (We forgot to take a picture. Sorry!?#@)

Top 10 Classical Music Pieces

September Is Classical Music Month. So this week's top ten is in honor of it. Scott grew up listening to all kinds of music in his house. His mom tried to expose her kids to all sorts of good music and one of the types was classical. Scott remembers listening to many different composers and really enjoying them. Sundy also grew up listening to all sorts of music and as a music major was able to hear many styles of classical. We are grateful for the love of music that our parents instilled in us and have tried to expose our daughters to a great variety too. Here are a few of the pieces we really enjoy.

1. Ludwig van Beethoven’s 6th Symphony - The Pastorale Symphony - This is Sundy's absolute favorite!
2. Camille Saint-Saen’s The Carnival of the Animals - Scott made a video of this for Sundy to use in her classes. It is posted on YouTube.
3. Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony - Ode to Joy - There is nothing more cheerful than this beautiful piece of music...
4. Hector Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique - Sundy loves playing this one at Halloween time. The idea fixe in the song is haunting and beautiful. The story is frightening and crazy at the same time.
5. Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons - This is one of Scott's favorites.
6. Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf - Scott remembers listening to this when he was little. There was a book that went with it.
7. Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Hungarian Rhapsody - Exciting and fun!
8. Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana - Sundy sang this at Mesa State College.
9. Gioacchino Rossini’s William Tell Overture - Katia loves this one! And most people recognize it from the beef commericals.... (And of course, the Lone Ranger)
10. Heigh-Ho Mozart - Disney Songs in the Style of Famous Classical Musicians!