You can't grow up!



Dear sweet Addie, you just can't be old enough already to be in Jr.High, wearing braces, to be playing hymns on the piano, helping before being asked, enjoying shopping & lunch with me, reading your scriptures on your own before bed, loving young womens, your leaders and going to camp without me, or off babysitting for other people when I need you-with me at all times! This is all passing too quickly! But I do love that we are becoming friends and you are becoming a beautiful young lady inside and out!!



Taggert's Spring Spectacular!

Floor exercise



The Mushroom




The Rings-Tag's favorite!




I can't believe how strong this kid has gotten!




He was spinning so fast!




And sticking the landing!




Parellel Bars




Gold Medal! Yay! Started in September, skipped 3 levels, on Pre-Team and loving it!



Our Last, First Tooth!

Drexton lost his first tooth last Saturday, the 14th. He is kind of late compared to my other kids losing their teeth, he is just over 6. And another first to not have it be pulled by Aunt Andy! Yes, I sniffed and teared up a little! I can't believe my babies are growing up soooo fast!

Happy LOVE Day!

I thought today I would post about my kids. I LOVE them soooooo much! And it's Valentine's season, truly it should be a season all it's own or all year long! My kids are growing up so fast, and I just wish I could freeze them. I think I say this all the time, so maybe I'm learning to grow with them and enjoying every stage they are all in, all the time. But before I know it, they'll be gone tomorrow, and I'm going to miss every bit of it, (but secretly looking forward to days with just Brad also).
Logan-At 14 years old, he is the most amazing teenage boy ev-er! I love that he is a straight A student going on to highschool next year with goals and ambitions in mind, constantly checking up on his grades. I love that he takes his priesthood duties seriously and loves Seminary. I love that he is kind and thoughtful most of the time and still checks in with me. I love the sense of pride he has the way he keeps his room up and displays his trophy's and medals from the amazing way he plays soccer and has a 6th sense of the field. He is already saving for a car, and is very frugal like his dad. I can't believe in just 3 1/2 years he could be out of the house. He is eating like an ox and I love it! I love the way he likes to stand next to me just to see how much taller he is than me, (5'9" and still growing).
Adelin- She is 11 and soooo excited for Young Women's. I love that she gets to go to camp this year and can't wait! She is in her 3rd year of piano with a fabulous teacher and is learning several songs from the Children's songbook and even a few hymns. We love to hear her play while cooking dinner or for FHE. I love that I never have to tell her to practice or do her homework or clean her room. She is the best babysitter and loves little kids. And I love that she loves to have Girls Night Out with me and a friend or cousin, she is so fun to hang out with, and I love her ecletic taste. I love her sense of humor and that she is so well-rounded being in a house full of boys. She can definately hold her own!
Taggert-We call him Mr. Giggles for a reason, definately quick-witted. But also definately sensitive, (physically and emotionally) and the reason we have AFLAC insurance. Thank goodness, because this 9 year old started Gymnastics in September and in 3 months skipped 3 levels all the way up to pre-team (they wanted him on team, but needs to put in the pre-team time first). I love that he rushes home from school on gym days and runs down to his-not-so-clean room and changes, then gets a snack, then homework. I love that he wakes up at 7a.m. and gets himself ready for school and is reading before anybody else. I love his beautiful handwriting and hope it never changes. I love that he loves the outdoors and camping and scouts almost as much as g-pa Hooper.
Drexton-Where do I begin with this kid!?! I love him more than I ever expected for his arrival not being expected! He brings more smiles and laughs to our family than I ever thought possible. He is definately a thinker and a spitting image of his dad through and through! This all-American blond haired, blue-eyed, freckle-faced 6 year old keeps us on our toes and thinking. He also loves gymnastics and is moving up faster than Taggert would like, and loves soccer or anything else his dad is interested in. I love and cherish our early-out Wednesday movie/popcorn/snuggle afternoon with nobody else around, for next year he (my baby-forever) will be a big 1st grader.
I'm relishing and loving all the precious time I get to spend with these fabulous little/big people, and must go for now to mosey on down the street holding their hands for a little while but their hearts forever!

Annual Hooper Christmas Party

Brett-brother, Marshall-brother, Dad
Do you think I could squeeze in there somewhere?

Every year my mom puts together a fabulous Christmas party with all the kids and grandkids. How she gets everyone to converge on the same night is beyond me. She puts lots of work into this, but not quite as much as Grandma Camp, but still way fun for all. We start with an ornament of the year, gingerbread houses or some candy train or treat to put together, Santa comes, we eat lots of good food, including the traditional Honey Baked Ham provided by the Shipley's, and the famous Pictionary game-boys against girls-anyone would love to be a fly on the wall to watch, but can be violent and painful with all those fightin' words flying around. We all leave with more to make fun of each other with, and hopefully lots more love!