Sterling Scholar 2014

When Princess was in 10th grade she decided she wanted to be a Sterling Scholar. I don't know if they have this program outside the state of Utah, but here it is a huge deal! Each high school is allowed to choose one representative in each of about 14 categories to compete in the state competition. It is the best of the best and highly coveted. Most of the schools here offer automatic scholarships to winners.

The program has been going on for many years. I was a Sterling Scholar in English for my high school back in 1983 which is practically the Dark Ages. Four of my children have chosen to apply for this honor during their senior year and Teach was the only one who managed to receive it.

Until today.

Princess was named the Sterling Scholar for the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Bingham High School, arguably the biggest school in the state. I was so proud of her! She set this goal and then never turned her eyes from the prize. She became an FCCLA officer, started her own Cupcake Club, and took pretty much every class offered by the FACS department. She was truly diligent in her preparation and today it paid off.

Now she has to make a large digital portfolio of her achievements to present at the state competition. That shouldn't be a problem. She has clear until the 13th of January...

there's just Christmas, Nutcracker, wedding...

hope she doesn't need my help.

Just kidding, Princess. You know I've got your back. So proud of you!

Christmas Band Concert

We got to see the elementary school band concert tonight. It was only about 30 minutes long, but Sport was so excited to play two songs the kids would love from Frozen, "Let it Go" and "Do you Want to Build a Snowman?"

He is in the advanced band again this year and their trumpet section sounds really good for such a small group. Sports will always be the most important thing to him, but I think he has a special spot in his heart for music. Our school doesn't let the kids join the band until they are 4th graders and he was so excited to finally be old enough to learn to play the trumpet!

Now, 3 years later, he still loves harmonizing with Crafty while she practices and I think the Christmas songs are his favorites.

Good job, Sport! It was fun to watch you perform.

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe to Host Evening with Santa

You have probably noticed that I work with a little advertising agency and they asked me to write this post. I don't get paid much unless some fabulous opportunity comes along which isn't very often. This is not one of them either. In fact, I wasn't paid a dime for this one because the recipient is near and dear to me. Primary Children's Hospital.

Ever since Princess drowned and their doctors were instrumental in saving her life, I have tried to help give back so more families can come away with happy endings like we did.

So Kneaders Bakery & Café’s Evening with Santa is right around the corner. The annual occasion will take place at Kneaders’ locations on December 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. During the event, 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of French toast will be donated to Primary Children’s Hospital. Kneaders will host Santa Claus for children of all ages to visit.

Typically, guests can only order their famous Chunky Cinnamon French toast until 11:00 a.m. Exclusively on December 11, patrons will be able to purchase the meal during the two-hour event to support the local children’s hospital. On the one-day only Evening with Santa event,  Kneaders’ guests have the opportunity to enjoy one of its most popular menu items while spreading joy to children and families in need throughout the local community.

“Serving the local community is important to us,” says James Worthington, CEO, Kneaders. “As an organization, Kneaders’ employees and franchise owners see it as our responsibility to contribute to and strengthen our local communities. This is something that we take to heart. Christmas is the season of giving and we’re happy to give to hospitals that are doing great work in each of our communities all year long.”

All of Kneaders 31 locations will be participating in the one-day event. Each location will be raising money for the children’s hospital in their local communities.

Primary Children’s Hospital is recognized as one of the top children’s hospitals in the country. For over 90 years, the physicians and staff have been committed to providing the best care to children and their families throughout Utah and surrounding states.

I can personally recommend both Kneaders and Primary Children's Hospital. Both of them make amazing french toast! Please help your community by supporting this event.

Cupcake Wars

You probably know by now that Princess wants to own a cupcakery when she gets older. The bridal shower for Beauty and The Beast was the perfect opportunity for her to practice for Cupcake Wars.

Crafty was her partner and it took the two of them a little over 3 hours to make almost 200 cupcakes in 5 different varieties.

Check out these fun pics!