'Don't Bring Me Down' - E.L.O.

Update on the update.

Back to school today, glasses on, ready to face the world again.

Used the 'glad game' to focus on the fact that the cute girls liked the specs, even when the stupid-jealous boys didn't.

Oh, the lessons we learn...

'Crying' - Roy Orbison

Update.

Sadly, I was right about the snot-nosed brats.

He came home with the glasses off, and not ready to talk about it yet.

I'm convinced junior high is the arm-pit of a person's educational experience.

Maybe the 'glad game' will work? We'll see.

'I Can See Clearly Now' - Johny Nash

Here's a shot of Parker modeling his new glasses. The optometrist said the prescription needed was 'marginal,' but Parker was sold. He is so excited. We'll see how long the honeymoon lasts. I think he looks adorable.

With love, we called him every 'name' we could think of last night that junior high snot-nosed brats might use today in the halls when they see him sporting his new shades. He's confident and ready with a good natured come-back. Hopefully he won't need one. Did I mention that I think he's adorable?

'In the Bleak Midwinter' - James Taylor

With the kids out of school, we decided to make the most of the gray Martin Luther King holiday.

We went tubing at Soldier Hollow in Midway. The snowy skies kept the crowds away so we got lots of runs in.

It still feels so weird to only have 5 of us. We miss our college brother and our missionary brother.

After going out to dinner, we had our FHE lesson and rented 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.' We weren't expecting much, and ended up enjoying it quite a bit.

It was a very fun day. Sarah took all the pictures with her new camera she got for Christmas.







I love this shot of her...

'Noah's Ark' - Disney's Cliff Edwards

We survived the flood.

It's a good thing we'd just watched the movie 'Pollyanna' so I could find something to be glad about when we discovered that one of our water heaters had rusted out and flooded the basement. It was my privilege to witness it first hand as I was lathered and soapy when my warm and toasty morning shower turned to sheets of freezing rain.

I spent the next several hours with a towel wrapped around my soapy head till I could get the kids off to school and heat enough water to rinse it out. What an adventure!

I'm glad we discovered it sooner than later. I'm glad my husband knew what to do. I'm glad we have a neighbor with mad plumbing skills. I'm glad the carpet is finally dry and we can put the basement back together today.

The glad game really works.

'Growing Pains' - TV show theme song

Our family has been in such constant flux of family dynamics, that I think I pulled a muscle.

We have LOVED having Spencer home for the last three months, and regain his place at the top of the sibling totem pole. There's a hole where Taylor should be, and I seem to miss him more, now that his brother is home.

Parenting adult children is a new frontier.

We had to turn around and say good-bye again as Spencer packed his bags and the little car and headed for BYU Idaho last week-end. It was exciting and exhilarating, but bittersweet too. Benji had slept alone in his own room for over a year, but after sharing with Spencer for the last few months, he's now too scared and lonely. After two nights of him in our bed and no sleep, Parker consented to bunk with him till we're over the hump.

I love this picture of the kids we took on the morning Spencer left for Idaho. Classes have started and...I can't believe I'm saying this...thank heavens for texting! We have talked several times on the phone with him, and our daily text conversations are keeping us connected.

But no, Sarah, you're still not getting your own phone.

'What are you doin' New Year's Eve?' - The Carpenters

On New Year's Eve, Spencer declared that our upstairs smelled like the store, 'Bath and Body Works.' Sarah and several friends were primping and laughing, making ready for the stake New Year's Eve dance. It was so fun to observe. The boys stayed out of their way, playing basketball and maneuvering the remote back and forth between bowl games and the movie, 'Hidalgo.'

The darling girls had a great time at the dance, and we all stayed awake until midnight. I think that's a first for Benji. Happy New Years from the Judds!

'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' - Amy Grant

We spent the Christmas holiday at Grammy and Grandpa Judd's in Glenwood.
We were busy bowling...

hayriding...

strumming...

blowing...

singing...

posing...

dancing...

anticipating...

hugging...

sledding...

napping...

worshipping...

and talking to our missionary...

We hope yours was a merry one too.