Each year as Fat Tuesday approaches, Kevin laments the fact that we no longer live where Paczki are available. He enjoyed the Polish pre-Lenten indulgence every year that we lived in MI. Yesterday evening, I made donuts as an inferior substitute. They were so-so- no time to make good yeast ones. I felt a bit guilty to be deep frying dough to feed to my family. I really need to tackle a traditional Paczki recipe next year and see if I can come up with something that satisfies Kevin's nostalgia. I thought about trying one today, but I don't think I can bring myself to do it on Ash Wednesday.

On Friday, the 13th, Coral texted me that everyone she knew that had received a decision from BYU had been denied admission. It was pretty early, and we had been checking daily, but I logged on to see if her status had changed. I was thrilled to find her letter of admission posted that morning. I really felt quite a rush of emotion. I am grateful for the opportunity she will have.

One major concern I have, however, is that the school colors and logo have changed since I attended there. I am such a devoted alumnus that I have not noticed, until now, a change that apparently happened a decade ago. Go figure...

I did tell Niall and Leith that although I respect that they are Utah fans, they could no longer chant "BYU stinks like poo" when Coral starts attending there. Niall admitted that he is actually considering attending BYU himself in order have regular access to the Creamery on 9th.

When I was a teenager, I hated all photos of myself and felt horribly not photogenic. I am amazed, but delighted that my girls are having such a different experience. It is hard to take a bad photo of India. Here, her beauty mirrors the snow and sky around her. Lovely!

I made thick, soft sugar cookies with pink buttercream frosting for Valentine's Day. I decided to make some chocolate buttercream, too, for variety. Sadly, I was informed by my family that variety is not welcome and that pink frosting is the only acceptable topping for Valentine cookies.

Leith helped me frost the small size. He needs some practice judging how much frosting will actually fit on a cookie that size.

Niall update...

Kevin has been coaching Niall's basketball team this season.

You'll have to take my word for it- Niall(22-in front)has just put up a shot and is watching the ball go through the net.

Niall gets ready to dribble around his opponent. He has really developed some skills this season and has really enjoyed playing as well as having Kevin as his coach.

Niall had his first piano recital this past week. He is in a group class with one other boy. His class consists of a European modeled Solfege method that includes singing, playing the piano, ear training, and more. He and his classmate had to sing a song while playing rhythm instruments, play an ensemble piece, as well as perform two solo pieces each for the recital.

Niall played his solo pieces-'Brother John' and Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy'- very well. He was nervous and this recital was a challenging and, yet, successful experience for him. I was really proud.

Coral went to the Sweethearts dance with Stephen last night. When he arrived in a tux, Niall asked if they were getting married!

Coral is pretty excited that she can now look directly at a camera with her new eye muscle configuration. Apparently, however, looking right at the camera contributes to severe red eye issues! I will have to relearn how to photograph her.

This girl can really wear a formal. We bought this dress last summer- 60% off, yeah, baby- with prom in mind. But, as Stephen is leaving for his mission in March, she wanted to wear it to a dance with him. My hairdresser, Marci, did her hair- it hasn't moved at all, even after a long evening and sleeping on it. She went to Church today looking just as fabulous as she did last night. She now has to figure out how to get all her eye makeup off before she sees the Dr. tomorrow.

Alison's babies arrived on Jan 31st. They are healthy and nursing well. I am so glad they are here safely. I am being a bit of a nut, however. I actually cry sometimes that I am not there to be a part of it all.

Grandpa, color coded in blue, is holding Joseph, and Grandma, color coded in pink, is holding Nadine. They claim that they did not dress this way intentionally. I am fond of pronouncing the names in German- call me for a demonstration.

Draper Temple Open House

We toured our new Temple last week for the first time. I must say that we were definitely left with a desire to return, at least in part because we were so rushed by the large numbers of people attending the open house, but mostly because it is so beautiful and spiritually gratifying to be there. Please check out this link for photos- http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/56443/Draper-Utah-Temple-Photo-gallery.html

I am really hoping that this becomes a treasured place for our family and that my children marry here. I shared this with Coral and India and we spent a moment looking around the Bride's Room with that in mind....

Here we are in the reception area after our tour. The boys are smiling because there were cookies to eat. Leith loved the motor coach ride to the Temple site. Niall was a little disoriented by the tented corridors between the bus and the Temple and between the Temple and the reception in the adjacent Stake Center. He was excited momentarily to see basketball hoops in the Temple-funny boy!

Coral had her eye muscle surgery on Jan 23rd. I am a complete squeamish wimp about all things physical, so I will not be posting a graphic description of the procedure. The surgery went well, but she was miserable for a few days after. We go to the Dr tomorrow to assess the success of the surgery. Her eyes are definitely straighter, but I have a few concerns.
I feel so blessed to live in a time and place where her vision problems have not truly handicapped her life.

The boys and I spent two weeks in Jan visiting Alison and helping her get ready for her twins to be born. The bed rest was giving her a touch of cabin fever, so we took her out and about a bit-AMA, shhh........

Silly kids, watching 'Kung Fu Panda' on an iPod screen!

We spent some time at Grandma & Grandpa's house, too, doing classic boy vs. Grandpa activities....checkers

....arm wrestling....

Then, we switched the visit to our house for a few days as we returned home and my parents came through for two funerals. Leith and Grandma are trying out some new art supplies.

We had a great visit and were able to get a few things done for Alison. The babies were not born while we were there, sad for me, lame for Alison, GOOD for the babies!