Skiing at Mt. Hood

Marin and Kevin went skiing on Valentine's Day. I wanted to go too, but Andrew has decided that he doesn't like skiing. Kevin put Marin in a lesson and then he went skiing with Eric and Travis. Marin has had two lessons. She is really taking to skiing and loves the magic carpet lift that takes her up the hill. She wants to use poles like some of the others that she sees but is getting really good without them. She loves going and can't wait till the next time. Hopefully Andrew will decide that he likes it too.

Purple Stripe

Andrew has promoted yet again in Taekwondo. He went up for and received his purple stripe. I was unable to attend, since Marin was sick with the stomach bug--again. I am very proud of Andrew for sticking with taekwondo for over two years now. He is the youngest in his class and one of the highest rank. We love to see the progress.

Taekwondo Tournament Clinic

Andrew competed in his second Taekwondo Tournament Clinic on January 24. He was competing with his blue belt in sparring and in forms. Andrew did very well. He took first place in forms and second place in sparring. We are so proud of the progress that he is making towards his black belt. It is always fun to see improvement over time.

Bobcat Award in Cub Scouts

Andrew really wanted to join Cub Scouts. I already felt like he was over scheduled, between Taekwondo twice a week, soccer in the fall, baseball in the spring and swimming lessons thrown in for good measure. I relented however and he began scouts the first week of January through the Den in our church. It is a mix of three different wards, with Andrew being the only boy from our ward that meets in his den. He is really loving it so far. We went to his first Pack meeting and he received his Bobcat Award. I didn't realize that they pinned the mothers. That was a nice recognition for the work that the mothers, and fathers, do to help the boys earn their awards. We are now working on his wolf. He continues to love doing it and is very excited for day camp this summer.

Gingerbread Houses at School

Andrew's class did their gingerbread houses, anti-climactically, after Christmas. Because of school being closed the week before Christmas break, all the classes missed out on doing their fun holiday activities. We finally got caught up the first week back to school. I helped the kids decorate their houses. You have never seen so much royal icing and candy. The kids were pretty good about not eating the candy. They had some interesting creations. It was a fun afternoon. I helped in Marin's class as well. They made gingerbread men or any other shape that they wanted. Marin chose to make a bowl out of her dough and fill it with candy. I did not get any pictures in her class since the two kindergarten classes were combined and I was too busy helping to snap photos.

Fun with the Fahsbenders

Grandma and Grandpa Fahsbender came out to Oregon for Andrew's baptism. It was a quick 5 day trip. Unfortunately we had monsoon rain, cool temperatures and the stomach flu all thrown in there for them. Luckily, they did not have any major travel mishaps and they did not get the stomach flu. Grandpa John and Tyra went out for a few runs, including one on New Year's Day that was in the pouring rain. We had fun though. Michele and Kevin got to see a movie. We went to OMSI to Mindbender's Mansion--a brain teaser exhibit. We ate out and celebrated my birthday and Eric's birthday as well as Andrew's baptism. It was a busy 5 days between everything. We sure enjoyed the visit with them and look forward to the next one.

Andrew's Baptism

Andrew was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on January 3, 2009. Kevin performed the baptism and confirmation. Both Grandpas were the witnesses and they participated in the confirmation, along with Bishop Towsey and Eric. Grandma Marilyn gave a talk on Baptism and Grandpa John gave one on the Holy Ghost. Lisa led the music while Eric played the piano. Grandma Michele gave one of the talks and Grandpa Norm gave the other one. Both the talks were very well done. They got lots of compliments. Andrew looked so handsome on his baptism day, even though he had the stomach flu the day before. We went out to Red Robin after the baptism. Andrew must have overdone it because he threw up again during the middle of the night--all over Marin's bed. He ended up missing church the first Sunday after his baptism and had to wait till the following week to be welcomed into the ward by the Bishop. We are so glad that he made the choice to be baptized. He is a sweet boy and I hope his testimony continues to grow.