One

Today is Hattie's first birthday!! This morning was school and preschool. I tried to give Hattie a nap, but she wasn't going for it. So we packed up and did some errands. We went to Costco, JoAnn's and Wal-Mart, then picked up Libby from preschool. We stayed busy by hurrying home and eating lunch, then I did some visiting teaching. I had to drop something off at Connie's house because she is going out of town, then I got to visit with Jessie. I felt bad having to bring my girls, so I didn't stay too long! We were finally done with our errands, so we came home and Hattie took a long, much needed nap! Ellie took a nap later, then Hattie woke up. It's hard when they flip flop like that! Eliza played after school at a friend's house and came home around 4. When she walked in I could tell something was wrong, and she burst into tears and said, "Katie might have broken her arm again!!" So they were on their way to urgent care. Eliza was so sad thinking her friend might have a broken arm. We found out later that it wasn't broken, but Eliza's caring was so sweet. She kept asking me to call her mom to see how she was and she wanted to take her dinner. Eliza really is caring and concerned for others.

After Brian got home, we scarfed down dinner, then did cake with Hattie. She knew exactly what she was supposed to do. She dove right in and started eating the cake! Somehow (I can't recall now how) she got a fork and seemed to know what to do with it! She was a MESS!!!! So it was straight to the bath and into her new jammies. Aren't they cute?!?! I love the green trim. She had the pants on tonight, but the shorts that go with them are so darling! She opened her gift (a little Leap Frog learning bus thing). After 4 girls, you kind of run out of things to get that we don't already have. I grabbed the camera and took some 1 year shots of Hattie B.










I had to hurry off to mutual where I taught the laurels about photography. I think they all enjoyed it and learned some things they didn't know about their camera. I just hope I don't get a migraine from all the flashes! I didn't even think about it before!

I can't believe Hattie is already one! It has flown by--although it has felt like she has been here forever! We love having her in our family. She brightnes up a room when she is there!

P.S.

I posted about American Idol before David A. sang. HE was good.

Recap in fragments

Sunday:
--had a meeting
--had church
--came home
--went to my brother's for dinner
--made my favorite Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe (thanks Karolyn!)
--had Rhodes rolls. YUM!!

Monday:
--school
--preschool
--as part of our room re-do we planned to have someone come in and deep clean our house because of all the dust and gunk from the construction. So that was yesterday. They were here all day and cleaned everything!!!!!!!!! It feels so great! But I was a little offended at the end because she hadn't told Brian what she would charge but wanted him to see her work then decide. So at the end I was at a loss of where I should really start with a price (Brian was at work). I had an idea in mind, but I asked her, "How much would you usually charge?" She then proceeded to tell me, "Usually like X amount. We worked SO hard. It was SO bad." I was like ready to cry right there!!!!!!! So I wrote her the check and wanted her to leave! OK--so I don't deep clean my house every week (or month) or that often, but I do clean it and don't feel at all like my house is filthy! True, at any given time you could find crumbs from any meal, but that is how living with 4 kids goes! But we do clean up! And seriously, who cleans above the cupboards (ever) or on top of the fridge (regularly) etc. etc?. They did those because it was a deep clean people!!!!! Anyway..I was so offended. I might be over it but it has made me feel so self-conscious about my housekeeping skills!
--went to Target with my parents, Ellie and Libby to pick out Hattie's birthday gift. The plan was for Hattie to come, but she hasn't been feeling well (a fever--and tiredness.) So we went and picked it out for her. She got some bath toys and little ride-on toy.

Today:
--took E2, H and L to Brian's mom and I went and took some pictures of a friend's new baby.


--picked up my girls
--home
--played out front
--picked up Eliza
--piano lessons
--E2 & H naps
--quiet time for E & L and I laid down for a power nap. I was so tired!
--dinner
--had a meeting for girls camp this summer.
--Target
--American Idol! I am not too impressed with the boys tonight.

First Haircut

...for Ellie that is! At age 2, Ellie had her first haircut! I went to my friend Brooke and she straightened it up a bit and it looks so cute! And Ellie did great! I was wondering how she would act, but she climbed right up in the chair and sat still during the cut! She didn't quite grasp the concept of putting her chin down so Brooke could get a better look at the back; instead, Ellie leaned her whole body forward. It was funny.

Here is a before shot:


During & after...




Today Brian had to help out with a vendor fair that the Kiwanis club sponsored. So he left early this morning and set up and stayed till this afternoon and helped take it down. While he was gone Eliza went for a play date with a friend, and I took Ellie, Hattie and Libby to a craft boutique. My parents met us there, so luckily my dad could help with my girls! My friend Karlee was there selling her uber-cute wares. If you haven't checked out her stuff, go look! As tempted as I was (there is one fabric she uses that I am in LOVE with) I only left with one church bag for Ellie. She has been using a tote that is way too big for her, so I got her a cute one to take her stuff in. I also got to see her new diaper bag that she will be selling soon. It's adorable! She is going to be in another boutique in a couple of weeks. Here is the info:
Place: Arrowhead Elementary School (75th and Union Hills).
When: Saturday March 1st from 9-5 and Sunday the 2nd from 10-4.

She said she is working on a lot of stuff for that show, so check her out!

Tonight Brian and I went out. We stopped at Babies R Us to get a crib rail protector as Hattie has taken to chewing on her crib while she is waiting for us to get her out! We also stopped at JoAnn's for some fabric. My parents like to browse thrift stores, and I've had them look for some fun chairs I can use in photo shoots. They have found two chairs and I found fabric to recover them. I hope they turn out cute!

We ate dinner at a new restaurant (new to us). It's called Sandbar Mexican Grill and it's at the 101 and Northern. As we waited to be sat (sit? set?), we noticed this was a place where "hip" young people come to eat. And well, quite frankly, we aren't hip! But I loved my dinner! Brian had chicken tacos and thought they were kind of plain (there wasn't much on them), but my dinner was so good! I had the Mesquite Chicken Salad!! YUM!! Even Brian liked it. It had chicken, greens, mangoes, mandarin oranges, strawberries and a delicious prickly pear vinaigrette dressing. Can't wait to have that again!

Now we are home and finally catching up on the Apprentice from Thursday night!

Daddy Daugther Dance

Tonight was the "Gals & Pals Dance" at Eliza's school for dads and daughters. Eliza, Brian and Libby went. Eliza wanted Libby to go and we asked if it was okay and they didn't mind. It was a western theme, so they got all dressed up and were so excited. They both got a corsage. They had dinner and danced. Libby didn't dance, but Eliza did. Brian said they had a really fun time. They also got a cute pink plastic boot as a party favor.

Last night we sat down to watch The Incredibles with Eliza and Libby. I laid down and was out in about 3 minutes!!! I was out for the night. Very unlike me but very needed! But yesterday we went to the park day for an enrichment activity. First it was just Kari and I and our kids, then Karolyn came followed a little bit by Becky. The kids had fun playing and eating. Kari made these waaaay yum cookies...I need the recipe!

In the afternoon I did some errands and finally picked out and ordered our flooring! Now I am anxious to have it put in. I hope it was worth all my energy trying to decide! For dinner I made a recipe that is in our new ward cookbook. It is the Baked Ziti and it was great!!! We all loved it.

Today--I loved the cloudiness and rain! Libby had preschool, but other than that we stayed home. Ellie was so sad when Brian left with his two "gals," so she, Hattie and I took a field trip to Target. She got to look at the toys and books, which she loved and she got to pick out some ice cream, which she came home and ate two bowls full!! My parents came over for a minute and Ellie loved their attention and entertained them by "reading" books to them.

Happy weekend!

New Beginnings

Tonight was our young women New Beginnings night. It was lots of fun and went great! Our theme was "Who's On the Lord's Side" and it was a sports theme. We set up the cultural hall like we were watching a game and the chairs like bleachers. We had balloons and posters up, too. And most everyone who came wore sports attire or a jersey or team shirt. I asked a guy in our ward who is a DJ to be our music for the night. When people came, he played music. Then when each class president introduced the new girls in her class and after the new girl was introduced, she ran down the center of where the chairs were set up and high-fived the class presidencies and ran through a banner with her name on it, all while Mike played a fun song as background! We had a great speaker speak about our theme and she used a great analogy of all sports related stuff: coaches, teammates, spiritual locker room (going to church), etc. It was great. Then I gave out some MVP (Most Valiant Progress) awards to the girls who received their medallion this past year. When each girl came up, Mike played music. I ended up sharing a little ditty I threw together at the last minute using song titles from High School Musical. Here is what it was...I thought it was pretty creative.

"What Time Is It?" It’s Personal Progress Time! Let’s make this the “Start of Something New” and make it another year of having several of us earn our medallion. So "Get’cha Head in the Game" and work on a little something “Everyday.” The results will be "Fabulous." You can "Bet on It." Right now, I’ve "Gotta Go My Own Way," so I hope you’ll take this challenge and work to earn your medallion along with me. So let’s help each other "Work This Out" because "We’re all in This Together."

After it was over, we invited everyone to our "concession stand" where I had just gotten some typical concession stand treats that we handed out.

I am relieved it is over, but it did go well and was fun.

Behind

I am behind! Again!
Saturday:
We did some home chores--cleaning out the cars and the garage. That always feels so good! Then we looked at another flooring store. I still can't decide on a floor for the new room. I think I've decided, then I second guess myself! I wish the samples were like 5'x7' so you could really see what it would look like! We got a few more samples to consider. We also watched my nephew. The girls enjoyed having a boy around for a change.

On Saturday night I went to Stars on Ice with Eliza and Brian's two sisters. We go every year, but this was Eliza's first time going. It was a great show. Sasha Cohen was there along with Jamie Sale, David Pelletier and several other talented skaters. At one point a skater was skating to a country song called "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" and Eliza leaned over to me (right when they sang those words) and said, "I love this! This is so fun!" LOL I had to laugh inside. But we had a great time together. She loved having treats during the intermission. We got popcorn, a red rope and a "strawberry delight"--a frozen strawberry slush with whipped cream on top. She really wanted to get the skaters' autographs after, but they don't do that at these shows. She even found a paper and was ready!

Sunday:
Church. No meeting, but we were on time--even in the soft seats. But Ellie and Hattie weren't the best behaved. :( I taught the lesson in laurels. It was about a woman's responsibility to teach. For a handout I had a paper bag for each girl and put in an apple along with a little containter of that yummy toffee apple dip.

We had dinner at Brian's parents' house since his sister and family were down from Flagstaff. I snuck out early for a fireside.

Monday:
No school but Brian still worked. We mostly hung out at home, but I did do some errands in the morning. Crazily, I went to Costco. We started putting Hattie in a different car seat, so I don't know what I was thinking going there since I wouldn't have her car seat to take her in and keep her in. Ack! We managed but it was hectic for me! She sat in the cart for a bit but didn't want to stay there long. So I ended up holding her and trying to push the cart. Plus is was really crowded there. I guess everyone had the same idea that I did.

After Brian got home we ate dinner, then went to the resort for family home evening. We checked out the new pool and slide area, then sat on the lounge chairs and had a lesson. From there we drove out in the desert just west of our house and found a place to stop, get out for a minute and eat some brownies. Of course, Brian found a few hills to climb in his car--scaring me just a tad! I am such a wimp!

Today:
Eliza went to school, then it became a crazy day! Here's how it went.
--got everyone ready. Went to my moms and picked her up so she could ride with us on our errands. Most of them I just needed to run in so since she came, I could leave everyone in the car. First was Deseret Book to get some things for New Beginnings tomorrow night. Hattie got really fussy, so my mom got her out. She was fussy really the whole time! I think it's because she was hungry! We have transitioned her over to whole milk, but I forget it's not formula so I need to feed her food more. Bad mom. It was there that I looked down and realized I had Brian's shoes on. I had slipped them on at home to go out front, but I didn't bother to look down and change before leaving home. Oops. Luckily they were sandles, but they were a bit big on me and quite masculine! And I think it was there that Hattie lost her pacifier! We survived our errands, I think, then came home and did the school pick-up and piano lessons. Brian had a regional meeting today followed by a dinner, so we were on our own. We had dinner, played and danced to our iTunes.

All the girls are in bed sleeping, so I can relax now. Everyone breathe out with me now! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.


Here is a funny picture of Ellie. Or in other words: What happens when ELiza and Libby put on their dancing outfits and Ellie wants to join in. This is her interpretation.

And this is the latest on the room addition that is taking forever! I am not sure why, but at least we are really loving the results. I think all that is left is some paint touch up and the flooring. Then, of course, it'll be on to the cabinets and putting stuff back in!

My radical time on Wednesday night at mutual ended a little too soon as I came down with a migraine after I got home. It was a bad one, too. I wasn't too worried at first because it was the first time I was going to try my new prescription. It was Relpax and supposed to be really good for migraines. And at $20 a pop, it better work! Well, it didn't touch it at all and seemed to make it worse!!! Great! Luckily I got it at night and was able to go to bed. By morning I was better although my head still hurt. I took some Tylenol and it felt better. But I still try not to move too fast or it sends me into a whirl.

On Thursday I didn't have much time before I had to pick Eliza up from school. It was parent teacher conferences, so they got early the past two days. It was kind of a weird day in that Libby went to the zoo with my sister-in-law and her kids, Sarah came over to watch Ellie and Hattie while ELiza and I zoomed over to a friend's house for a good-bye lunch for another friend who is moving. We had a nice time eating lunch and socializing. After the get-together, Eliza and I were errand-bound. I set out to go to a flooring store, but they weren't open (just the sign, hence my mistake in thinking they were open). But I found another one nearby. So I picked up some samples from them and we have to narrow it down from there. After several other errands, I dropped Eliza off at home and met Brian at her parent teacher conference. Her teacher had great things to say about her. She is doing well, is a great artist and writer and is a great citizen and so polite. We were happy to hear all that! After that we got dinner at Babbos for Valentine's day. Brian surprised me with yellow roses. He also gave each of our daughters a rose and a Valentine. They were so thoughtful and had a sweet message from him inside each one. He does that every year; it's so sweet. We have 4 lucky girls!

After getting Eliza from school and Libby from preschool today, we met Kari and her kids at the park. We had lunch and let the kids play, but we didn't last long as it was icy cold!!! Brrrr. Tonight Brian and I were able to go to the temple. Eliza and Libby went with my parents and Dallin and Abby to Chuck E. Cheese, and Ellie and Hattie had fun with Kathryn--one of my young women. Tomorrow things should settle down a bit, I hope!!

Like, Yeah, Totally!

Tonight for mutual we had a combined activity with the young men and it was a decades dance. We were supposed to come dressed from a certain decade. I chose the 80s. Rachel went 80s and was totally decked out and looked so cute. And Marcy was crazy in her 70's get-up! We had such a great time though! We danced and played games. It was a fun activity.

On Monday Libby didn't have preschool because her teacher broke her foot. So we did some errands and hung out at home. In the evening we had family home evening. I had bought some conversation hearts and decided to focus on service (seems like a recurring theme!). If I caught them showing love or serving, I put a heart in a small jar. When it's full, they get a reward.

Tuesday:
I can't remember what we did. That's terrible! Oh wait--Libby went to a birthday party. She was supposed to wear a princess dress but got dressed in jeans and t-shirt and said that is what she was going to wear. At the last minute, I asked her if she wanted to wear a dress. She decided to change and wear a dress! Silly girl. On the way home from the party, she said, "That was so fun. It was fun time." It is cute hearing that from her because she doesn't show emotion like that very much. During the party I raced to Wal-Mart and back. Last night Brian had a meeting, so I worked on putting the girls to bed. It went on way too long! To be honest, it's the part of the day that I don't like the most. When night comes, I just want them to be in bed so I can unwind! Ack! It certainly wasn't like that last night.

Today: Libby had preschool. I stopped by Target to get some leggings for my 80s outfit. Keith grouted the tile. We just have to stretch the carpet back, then the outside will be done. Then it will be on to the inside. It seems like it is dragging on!!! In the afternoon we spent a lot of time outside and I got plenty of scooter time in. I think I know why they call them Razors. They sides are so sharp. I caught a rough spot in the driveway a couple times and the scooter banged both ankles. OUCH!!

5:55

That is what time Libby decided to wake up yesterday morning. I told her it was still the middle of the night and to crawl into bed with me and go back to sleep. Next thing I know she said, "It's 'five five six.'" I thought--this is going to be hopeless!! She kept telling me the time for a while, then it would get longer and longer in between until she had fallen back asleep. But, of course, then I heard Ellie and Hattie waking up for the day. It was about 7:15, so it wasn't too bad.

Yesterday morning we tidied up a bit, then went to Fry's for a minute before heading to the aiport. Brian's plane was a little late and the girls got a little restless. So we were happy to see the sign in the cell phone lot say "ready for pickup" next to his flight number. Everyone was glad to see daddy home! We came home, Ellie and Hattie napped and Brian took E and L to the park for play time and soccer time. In the evening we got Sarah to babysit and Brian and I went to the worldwide broadcast. It was about strengthening the family and it was excellent! It was motivating and gave me some great ideas and thoughts. We had Bajio again for dinner. It was delish(again).

Today was a good Sunday. I had a meeting, but I was able to get everyone's hair done before I left. Although when they show up at church it doesn't look as good as when I left! Marcy gave such a great lesson in young womens about making our homes a good environment. As part of her lesson she contacted each girl's mom and had her take one special thing from her room and write why it was so important and what it tells about that girl. It was touching and the girls were touched to hear what their moms had to write. After church Eliza and Libby did a puzzle, then wrote their Valentine's for Wednesday and Ellie did some coloring. We had breakfast for dinner at my parents, which is always a fun time.

Happy Valentine's week!

Randomness

Wednesday--
I had a good morning on Wednesday, then we took Brian to the airport. He had a business trip to New York. I can't remember what fund company it is for--I think Oppenheimer. They go and learn more about their funds and what they offer. He's been enjoying it as much as he can for being in meetings most of the time. His hotel is about a block from Ground Zero, so he got to go see that, which he said was really cool to see.

That night I had mutual, so I had to get a babysitter. I got one of my young women who graduated last year. They had a blast with her and even got pedicures. (She graduated from beauty school not too long ago, so they had fun). For mutual we went to Sarah Updike's house and made sugar cookies. She makes the best, best cookies and I wanted to learn, er...I wanted the girls to learn from her. :) She had some made for us to decorate, then we took them to 4 girls in our class who weren't there.

Thursday:
Thursday was a pretty normal day. Keith was here most of the day working on the room. At night we went to Kari's house for dinner. Rachel and her kids came, too, since all of our husbands are out of town. She made such a yummy dinner--chicken, potato casserole, rolls, salad, cookies. It was good and a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed playing together. I have to laugh when I think about it because all of us moms were up and moving the whole night--helping kids with dinner or helping them get along, etc. Oh the things we do!

Today:
Today started early with Ellie getting up, then I had to hurry and get myself ready before Hattie woke up. Then I did the school run. Becky invited Ellie over to play with Claire, so I came home and put Hattie down for a nap and got a bunch done. I cleaned my kitchen and did a few other things. It was nice to have some time "alone!" After I got Libby from preschool and Ellie from Becky's, we went to Target to get a birthday gift for a party Libby is going to next week. This afternoon it was playtime, naps, making sugar cookies, etc. Keith painted the inside of the room today. The color is going to have to grow on me. It is blue, but just different than the neutral colors we are used to! I think once we get the cabinets up, it'll be nice.



Tonight we got McDonalds for dinner, then went to the park to eat and play for a bit. I must digress here about McDonalds for a minute. I gave my order and the voice "on the other end" sounded kind of like a machine. It was female, but pretty robotic. I pulled up to the window and it was a young guy. I teased, "Your voice changed!" Then I asked if it was a machine. He said, "No, it's someone in a different state." Hello?!?!?! Now McDonalds is now outsourcing the ordering to someone in a different state? What is this world coming to?

After we got home, it was bath time and decorating the cookies. It was a bit messy, but they seemed to have a fun time.








I am excited to go pick Brian up from the airport tomorrow! I'll leave you with some "just because" flowers Brian sent me last week.

Rainy Day Schedule

Yesterday was so nice and rainy! And so cold! So instead of our regularly scheduled outside playing, we stayed inside and played games. We found Uno, which we haven't played in a while, Eliza and Libby played a half game of life, then we played one game of Apples to Apples junior. In the evening, Eliza and I did some errands, getting some paint at Lowe's, plates at Smart and Final for mutual tomorrow night and formula at Costco. I think it was our last time buying formula for Hattie. Soon she'll be on whole milk. Yeah!

Today we hung out at home. My girls have been so hard lately, so things have been really hard lately. So I am trying to think of new strategies to keep me from going crazy. I am about there, so I hope they work! I watched a friend's little boy today while she helped out with a funeral. Ellie and Libby loved having a little boy around. He was a novelty almost! He is about three weeks older than Hattie, but he's already walking, so that is funny to see. We survived although I think both babies were jealous when I would hold the other. It was a juggling act for sure!

Tonight we had a day-late family home evening since Libby fell asleep early last night. We didn't want her to miss a timely lesson on obedience!

In home-remodel news--the outside is painted but he still has to do the trim and the inside. I am getting antsy!!!

Catching Up Again

Wed. night:
We had a great mutual night called "Inside Out Beauty School." Olivia did a great job organizing everything and I think the girls really enjoyed it. First, two ladies spoke about inner beauty and they did such a great job. One of the ladies talked about how we fought to have our bodies, so we need to be grateful for them and appreciate them. Then the girls rotated between 4 other classes: skin care, hair styles, hair products and make up. I learned some new things--like put your mascara on both side of your lashes to make them look longer.

Thursday:
I can't remember what I did. Bad!

Friday:
I picked Libby up a few minutes early from preschool and we went to Becky's for a friend's baby shower. The kids played while we visited and had lunch. It was a fun time. After we got home it was naps and time out front for the other girls. I love going out with them and I figure it's my only time to "exercise." Lately I've been riding all around on their scooter. I've only hurt myself once! It is fun and they love to ride with me.



That night we took the girls to the Chocolate Festival in downtown Glendale. My dad is good friends with the owners of Cerreta's Chocolates, so each year we take the girls down to make a chocolate pizza at their booth. They had a blast making it although they didn't really get it that you made it, then let it harden before eating. They were digging in right there--although I would have loved to, too!

Saturday:




Brian took the older three girls on a hike, while I stayed home with Hattie while she napped and I got to watch President Hinckley's funeral. It was a beautiful service and I loved hearing all the stories about him. Several were funny and they are just so "him." He was so respected and admired. President Monson even read a condolance letter from President and Mrs. Bush. It gave me the goosebumps to hear! It was still on when Brian got home with the girls and they were showing a video of and about President Hinckley. Eliza and saw it and said, "Is he alive again?!" She was so hopeful. :)

That night Sarah babysat and we did some errands--looking for flooring for the new room mostly. We had dinner at Bajio. So so yum. I have had it once before but our meal was so delicious. I had the Chicken Green Chili Salad. It just had such great flavor!!

Sunday:
Libby was up a lot in the night coughing and coughing, so Brian took Ellie and Eliza to his sister Laura's daugther's baby blessing (did you follow that?). Then we all met at our ward for church. Libby only seemed to cough at night which is weird but she has been fine since then and last night was better, too. It was our ward's Ward Conference and the meetings were great--mostly focused on the Sacrament. I learned a lot and was really informed and uplifted. Our Laurel class president taught our class lesson and did a wonderful job. She is so upbeat and fun. I had to teach the last 10 minutes. It went okay--never as good as I picture in my mind, but at least it is over!

In the afternoon/evening my mom and brother Brian and his family came over for dinner. We had Mexican haystacks which turned out yum. We set everything out and you layer chips, then meat seasoned for tacos, and you can add what you want: enchilada sauce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, cheese, sour cream, olives, etc. Yum! We watched for my dad on TV since the Super Bowl was here--in Glendale--and he had to work it! He said he saw some celebreties--Adam Sandler and John Travolta. Luckily there weren't too many problems and he got off at a decent time and was able to come over for a little bit.

Now we are in to a new week! Happy Monday!