Shoelaces!!

For those of you who don't know (and most of you do), I taught preschool for a great many years.  One thing that is SO difficult for a kiddo to learn is to tie their shoes!!  If I had a nickel for every shoe that I have tied, I would be retiring about now. 

Now that I'm teaching grade school, this dilemma has not left me!!  I have 1st, 2nd, and 4th graders still coming up and saying, "Mrs. Law, will you please tie my shoes?"  In fact, we filled out a wish list today and I put a lacing board on there so I can teach these kids how to tie.

Then my dear husband sends me this link, on the same day, mind you, on how to tie a better shoelace.  I am soo excited to try this with my girls and my students.  It is the same kind of knot we all use to tie our shoes, you just follow different steps.  It's called 'Ian's knot' and I would want to claim it too.  Ian has an entire website dedicated to shoelaces.  You gotta love it!  Here's the link:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/ianknot.htm

A Snapshot of 2009

Again, here it is, the new year.  It's 2010.  Where did the time go?  A year ago we were contemplating Allen taking a 3 month long-term relief position in Woodward.  Five years ago, we were playing hard with a four year old and a one year old.  Ten years ago I was hugely pregnant, waiting for our little Annababy to arrive.  Now, we have a double digit birthday to celebrate in a few days, an artistic six year old, and a new town to get acquainted with.  Here are the highlights of 2009:

In January, Anna turned nine years old.  How big she is!!

We had a huge ice storm that broke our tree almost in half and kept us home for at least three days;

In February Allen had surgery on his thumb from his gokart fender-bender.

The girls had the best time decorating his cast!

In March, Anna finished another season of Volleyball, the best ever!

Joscelyn came to visit for the weekend, having a wonderful time with her cousins.

In April, we celebrated the Resurrection of our Savior in complete St. John's style:

Easter Sunrise service, breakfast, and the annual balloon launch, even in the rain!

In May, Lauren turned six!  Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

For her birthday, we welcomed our newest member of the family, Hagrid.  Just what she wanted.

We made a trip to Woodward to look for houses, and we found our new home.

 In June, Anna and Lauren spent a week with Uncle Leon and Aunt Stacy--they did tons of fun things, including fishing!

In July, we had our last July 4th celebration in the backyard, went to the dinosaur museum with the Princess Posse, and spent the weekend with Candi, Ali, and Joscelyn.

In August, we moved!  I got a job at the girls' school, and life in Woodward began.

September held getting used to a new school, orange closets, and bikes- since we have a great neighborhood to ride in!

In October we sold the Moore house, were visited by a witch and Supergirl, and I managed to get all four dogs in one picture.

November held fall leaves, tree trimming, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with the Huggan's and Candace.

December brought crazy cold wind, a lost tooth, a little snow, and Christmas!

We all hope that your 2009 was as blessed as ours.  May your new year bring all the happiness and best wishes!  With love from Michelle, Allen, Anna, Lauren, and Candi