Wednesday

Tuesday--
Yesterday I had Activity Day. For our activity we had a "Friend Bowl." Basically it was a trivia game based on the January issue of The Friend magazine. It was lots of fun and the girls did pretty well. The funny thing is that the scores were added up and so I gave the winning team candy bars as a prize. Then the scores were added up again and it was discovered that the other team really won!! (Only after the candy bars were opened and partly consumed). Luckily I had some extra and gave the other team their winning prize, too. It was pretty comical.

After the girls were going to bed, I made a stop at Karlee's to get some fabric for some upcoming gifts. I got some really cute fabrics and I was actually able to get some sewing done today. It was so fun to work with some new fabrics. Then I went to Jodi's to work on her wedding invitations that I am doing for her.

Wednesday--
I was a bit ambitious this morning and braved the cold weather and ran 4.5 miles this morning. I was happy to be able to do that. I came home and got ready and helped the girls get ready and off to school. Soon after Kari brought her girls over to play. I think she spent her time at the car wash getting her car cleaned from her mouse who found a home in her car. Eww! My visiting teachers came over in the afternoon, then it was the afternoon rush...the school girls got home, Carson played for a bit, we played outside, then we had pancakes for dinner. Brian had did a seminar for work, so he didn't home until later. My parents stopped by to visit for a little bit, so that was nice to pass the time a bit until Brian got home. After Ellie and Hattie got to bed, Eliza and Libby spent some time on The Friend site on lds.org playing games and listening to stories. Around 9, Leslie picked me up and we went to Becky's for a little girls' night. We weren't there too long and I didn't work on anything, but it was fun to visit and munch on some of Becky's specialty-her Andie's Mint cookies. Yum!


And I'm so in love with this cutie. She is so fun. Lately she has loved playing with these little princess figurines. Today she set them on the bar stool and was clapping for them and dancing for them.


(She can't get enough of that skirt. Today she got it out of the dirty clothes and brought it to me, saying, "Skurt, skurt." LOVES wearing it.)

Trophy?

It was awfully cold this morning for our run. We went a little further than normal, but we did well and it felt good. After getting home, it was breakfast and getting the girls off to school. After lunch I had to make a run to Wal-Mart for some items for Activity Day tomorrow. Soon enough it was time to get the girls from school. Eliza and Libby were excited to do their chore since I told them I had a treat for them. They had earned it for going to bed so great. They don't get one all the time, but Libby did well last night, so it was worth rewarding. We tried going out front for a bit, but I got too cold (and I think they did, too), so we came in and hung out inside. Libby got the stack of Friends and read them for a while. She loves to read. After dinner, we had family home evening. I did the lesson about friends from the Before They Turn Twelve book. I think my girls really enjoyed the interactive story, so hopefully they'll remember it! To end, we had ice cream and homemade hot fudge. Yum!

Libby missed her game on Saturday to go to the birthday party, so her cousin who is on the team with her brought her trophy when they came last night for dinner. Eliza thought it was a bit strange that she got a trophy when she never played! I think Brian and I earned it for sure though! And I guess she helped her team some in practice and being there, right?! She is very proud of it though and has it displayed in her room.


Oh and another thing I want to write down so I don't forget...my girls love going on the hilly roads near our church building. When we are driving that way, they beg us to go home that way. So after school--although it's not technically on the way home--they asked if we could go. As soon as we start on any incline or downhill (or on any street that goes up or down), Hattie puts both arms up and yells like she is on a roller coaster. It is so funny. Maybe I can get a picture of it sometime!

Castles & Coasters

Friday morning Kari watched my girls in the morning while I did some things at home and went visiting teaching. It's nice to trade kids with her since we have girls much the same age. After I picked them up, we came home and made bread. We had just enough time to do that before getting Eliza and Libby from school. Eliza had a friend come over and play after school for a while. I feel asleep putting Eliza to bed, so that was it for me on Friday.

On Saturday Brian had to go into work for an appointment, so we did some cleaning at home and played out front. Around lunch time, my brother's family came over and dropped off their son Luke. Then they took off with Brian, Eliza and Libby to Castles & Coasters. It was my niece and nephew's birthday party. I stayed home with Ellie, Hattie and Luke since they were too small to enjoy it. They had such a great time...going on ride after ride after ride. I was sad to miss, but we had fun here at home. That evening, I loaded up the kids and met everyone at my parents' house for pizza and ice cream. What a nice way to end the evening!








Today was ward conference. We made it on time. We are perfecting our getting-ready time and keep getting better every week. The meetings were so great and I heard several things that I needed to hear. Eliza and I sang in the choir...we sang "More Holiness Give Me." A couple things that President Wagner said that I loved...
He talked about why we do certain things and if we do them for the right reason. As part of an example he gave, he mentioned this...(and I wrote it down because I didn't want to forget, but somehow it got thrown away so I'll have to try to remember.) Do we as mothers resent the drudgery of laundry, mopping, diapers or do we see our divine roll as a blessing. He said more but I can't remember it now. I do remember how it made me feel though. It is a good change of perspective for those days when my work at home doesn't seem to end.
He also talked a lot about gossip and how we can't have unity if we gossip and share things about others that shouldn't be shared. He also said that it's up to us to forgive someone if they have done us wrong, even if we know we are in the right. It was just a great talk and I actually got to listen..our girls did well today. I only had to go out during the closing prayer with Hattie. The meeting did go long, so technically she made it through!

Sunday school was equally as good. Our stake theme this year is "Walk Together in Holiness." One of the counselors in our bishopric talked about the theme and broke it up and talked about each word. When he talked about "together" he talked about unity and used the 1984 USA Olympic Hockey team as an example. Then he asked about our uniform...if we were on a professional team, what would our uniform say on the front (the team name) and on the back (our last name). Then he asked what it would say for our "church team." There were several answers--like having the church's name on the front and our name on the back or the Savior's name on the back. It just made us think more about unity and whose team we are on.

In Relief Society, Karen taught about covenants we make and the blessings that come from them. I love the stories that she shared. Overall it was a great meeting and a spiritual recharge that I needed.

Tonight we had Brian's family over for dinner and we had Hawaiian haystacks and Laura made yummy apple pie. The kids had a blast playing together as always.

Just to make sure I get this written down...Ellie loves to sing the primary song "I Lived in Heaven." She sings it so cute...saying "I lived in Heaben...", then she says, "Then Heavenly Father presented a beautiful plant..." LOL. It's really cute.

Oh and today we watched Horton Hears a Who. I think we might have to buy that one--I really enjoyed it. It's such a cute, humorous movie.

Tagged

My mom "tagged" me. I think it's a sly way to get me to reveal just how weird I am. Or maybe we can see how different we all are but that we can all get along. Now everyone grab hands and join me in singing "Kumbaya." So here goes...

1. I put a small spoonful of peanut butter in my oatmeal every morning.
2. I'd much rather listen in a conversation than have to talk. Doesn't make it much of a conversation does it? I like to answer questions but have a hard time elaborating.
3. I love hospitals--love the food, the environment, etc. I told you this is revealing my weirdness. I'd love to be a nurse in my next life or to at least volunteer a lot at a hospital. I also love having babies--like the delivery part and hospital stay. I'd stay there a week if they'd let me. Good thing I have the reality of the terrible twos (and threes and fours+) to deal with or I'd have 15 kids.
4. Brian and I met 13 years ago.
5. I was so excited to get my driver's license and begged my dad to let me practice. He would let me drive in the neighborhood on the way to early morning seminary when I was a freshman. (Mom--don't be mad--it was a long time ago and really early in the morning so there was no traffic! LOL).
6. I can't look into some one's eyes very long without feeling like my eyes are going to go crazy. Weird.
7. I love to flip through magazines. We love date nights at Barnes & Noble so I can do that.
8. When I was little, I ran into the back of a parked truck when I was riding my bike.
9. I can't stand the crunching sound--like someone eating chips or celery or carrots or ice. (I think it's hereditary though--it drives my aunt Deb crazy, too.)
10. I am afraid of heights.
11. I love Disneyland.
12: I was a state and national baton twirling champion when I was younger.
13. I am a multi-tasker. I can't sit and just watch TV. I have to be doing something else. I have to be doing something all the time. (I think they have a label for that...ADHD?) For that reason, I don't like going to movies too much--unless it's something I'm really interested in seeing.
14. I love cookbooks and recipes. I love learning new things about cooking. But any recipe over like 4 or 5 ingredients turns me off. I need to get over that.
15: My weakness is Magic Shell. I LOVE that stuff even though it's not good for you. I can't resist it.
16: My feet are very ticklish.
17: I don't like mushrooms or olives.
18: I prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
19: I love to look at and watch the ocean, but I'd rather not get in. Too scary!
20: One of my favorite things to do with my dad when I was about 16 or 17 was to go test drive cars. It gave me the chance to drive fun cars and practice driving a stick shift. (We have a story or two about scared car salesmen in the car with me!)
21: I started teaching college when I was 24.
22. I love the smell of men's cologne, although Brian doesn't wear it. (I'll still keep him!)
23. On that note, I LOVE his deodorant--Old Spice "Fresh". Yum. While he was on his mission, I would buy a "bottle" and put it in my car so I could remember his smell. Pathetic, yes.
24: I enjoy vacuuming and having vacuum lines in my carpet. It's about the only chore that isn't really a chore to me.
25: Sometimes I'll make brownies or cookies or a cake just so I can lick the bowl. Good thing there are only 25 spots or who knows what other weirdness I would reveal!

Now I am tagging Rachel, Leslie (that means you need to start a blog!), Terri (you, too!), Karolyn (need to update yours), Kari and anyone else who feels so inclined.

Thursday

I hate when I wait too long to post, then I get behind and I can't remember what I did. I know on Tuesday I swept, mopped and vacuumed. I watched bits and pieces of the Inauguration festivities. It was neat to be able to watch history being made and I just pray that he'll lead the country well. It was weird to hear about the collapsing of Ted Kennedy during the luncheon. That would have put a damper on things.

Wednesday Rachel and I ran, then I came home and we were pretty lazy in the morning. I am rambling because I can't remember what I did. We went outside a bunch. I loved the overcast day. I got my camera out and snapped a couple pictures of Ellie and Hattie.


Today I had one visiting teaching appointment, then we spent time at home until Eliza and Libby came home from school. We had soccer, too. HALLELUJAH....tonight was the last soccer practice of the season. I am thrilled!!!!!!!!!!! Libby just watched practice tonight. Stinker. But no more practices...one game that might have to miss for a birthday party, then it's over!! Yay!!

Brian came and took over at soccer and I went to my mom's to work on a project for a class I'll be teaching soon over at BPS. It was fun to actually create--it's been so long! My dad kept our energy levels up with Paradise Bakery and a couple of treats. Yum!

Singing Trio

This morning, I put on my iPod and went out for a nice run. No one could go when I needed to go, so I enjoyed a nice run by myself. I got home and Brian headed out to help with a service project, then he went straight into work to make some calls. My brother came at 8:30 and I watched his kids for a while we he did some work in his classroom. It was busy. Today was one of those days where I don't think I sat down once. We spent a lot of time outside this afternoon. Eliza got home around 4. She had a great time. She went on a bike ride with Grandpa, had bacon (and eggs and toast) for breakfast. She was really wanting bacon since she loves it so much. And she got to ride a horse. They ended up going to a stable since the lady my mother-in-law knew couldn't do it since her kids were sick. So they went to a place called Twin Acres and she got to ride a horse named Pretzel. She had a blast and loved it. They had In & Out for lunch, then she played with her cousin before coming home. She surely enjoyed her sleepover.

I had to include this video of my girls singing since Libby is actually singing in front of a camera. Who knows when she might do that again.

Catch Up

I need to catch up! On Friday, Brian went with Eliza to her student of the month assembly. She figured it was his time to go since I went last year.


Kari brought her girls over to play for a bit, then we met Leslie and Terri at the park for lunch and visiting while the kids played. I can't believe how warm it is. TOO warm for January!!! I picked up Eliza and Libby from school, then headed to my parents'. We loaded up and drove to Mesa. I needed to get some paper for a project I am working on, so they said they'd come along for the ride. I wasn't sure if Ellie would really go or not. On my way to get Eliza and Libby, she was crying, "I don't want to go to Mesa, I don't want to go to Mesa." I wondered why, then narrowed it down to that she would have to ride with my dad in the car! LOL. I tried to ease her concern, telling her she didn't have to look at him and that she could close her eyes. She was okay with that. When we got to his house, she waited in the car until I could carry her in. He was near the front door and said hi to her and was trying to show her that he was the same person and that has face was getting better. She eased up and looked at him and was fine after that. I got the paper that I needed--Eliza and Libby helped us shop, but my dad took Ellie and Hattie to a nearby park so they wouldn't break anything in the store. We got some dinner and headed home. When we got home, I felt like we had so much trash and crumbs in the car! It took lots of cleaning out and my dad had to go have it vacuumed yesterday.

Later that night I went to see Bride Wars with a few friends. It was a really cute movie. I was surprised that one scene was in there in a PG movie. I spent some time focusing on the chairs in front of me till it was over! I enjoyed the music in the movie, too.

On Saturday, I got up and went running/hiking. As I was pulling into the driveway after I was done, Brian had the girls loaded in the van and was getting ready to leave. I was like--where are you going? He said they were going to Danny's (his brother) to help shovel some rock and to let the girls play with their guinea pig. He said to enjoy a relaxing morning at home. I was pleasantly surprised! What a great guy. So I was able to work on a couple things I needed to get done and leisurely get ready before heading to Libby's soccer game at 12:30. She didn't play, but we got to bring the treat. She always loves that. Later that afternoon, I was able to take my cousin's engagement pictures. She waited for Phil while he was on his mission (sound familiar?). He got home a week and a half ago and they are already engaged and getting married in March! I am really excited for them. They are so cute. Here are some sneak peeks.




That night after the kids were in bed, we had an in-home date. Brian grabbed some Bajio for dinner, so we had that and just hung out. It was nice.

Church still seems early!! We made it though and the girls did really well. I enjoyed all the lessons. Eliza and I stayed for choir after, then we came home, had lunch, made a couple things to get ready for dinner, then headed out. We dropped Eliza off at Brian's parents' for her birthday sleepover. She is excited to go on a walk and ride a horse! One of Marilyn's friends has horses and she gets to go see them and hopefully ride one. After dropping her off, we went to my parents' for dinner. We got to see the Cardinal's win, which was awesome! We had dinner, visited, the kids played, etc. On the way home, we stopped at Curt and Patti's to drop of Jodi's CD.

Here's to a new week!

Trader Joes

This morning we hiked. Rachel can't go tomorrow, so we went today instead. After the regular morning routine, I put Hattie down and got ready. We did a couple errands. Target had a big shoe clearance, so we got a few. 9 pairs for 23.00. My girls are pretty hard on shoes, so I like when I can get them for way cheap. I was at Target and had spaced for a minute that I needed to pick E & L up from school for early release. Luckily I remembered in time and made it in time (barely). We had to go back to Target to check out (I had to leave my cart), then we came home and had lunch before going outside for a bit. Brian came home early today so I could have some much, much needed time to myself. I feel like I've been going and going and going, and have been running "E" lately.

First, I used my gift card from Christmas and got a pedicure. Then I leisurely walked around Target. I saw some cute home decor stuff--some really cute frames. Then I went back home so I could do some things there. Brian had left to take the girls to soccer practice. Tonight I guess Libby just watched and ran around with Brian. At least she didn't throw a fit like last week. After getting some things done here and eating dinner, I headed out. First I went to Trader Joe's. Yesterday my neighbor had brought out some cookies that she had gotten there--the Candy Cane Joe Joe's. They are like Oreos, but with a candy cane type filling and not made like the regular Oreos. I thought they were so good! But our conversation about Trader Joe's intrigued me since their food is healthier. I felt a little weird in there as I've never been in there and didn't know what to look for or where things were. I tried to fit in and look like I knew what I was doing, but I don't think I was too successful. The only thing I bought was a dark chocolate bar that Heather said was just great. I think I will go with her next time she goes so she can tell me what's good. Does anyone shop there much? If so, what is good to get? I need some advice!

From there I went to Borders and looked around a bit and then finished up at Wal-Mart to get treats for Libby's soccer game on Saturday. Brian said I came home too early, but I guess I am a home body. I like to go out, but I like to be home, too, I guess.

Zoo

Yesterday a friend came over so our kids could play together. Then I headed out on a couple of errands. Then it was the usual afternoon activities--naps, outside, dinner, etc.

This morning a few of us ran, then I hurried and got ready. I got to go with Eliza to her field trip to the zoo. My mother-in-law was kind enough to watch my girls. I only had Eliza and one other little girl in my group, so that was nice not to have to keep track of lots of kids. We got to just go on our own until lunch, then we ate together, then got to head back out until it was time to catch the bus. We got to see pretty much all the animals. We got to go to the new aquarium part of the zoo, too. It was neat to see the huge exhibits. There is a part where you can pet the sting rays, too. Eliza did, but I am too chicken, so I just watched. Overall, we had a great time. Unfortunately I left my camera at home. After school, we picked up Ellie and Hattie, then came home and played out front. My neighbor was out, so I got to visit with her while the kids played. When Brian got home, we came inside, had dinner, then he was off to mutual, so we hung out at home. I felt like a meanie all night--getting after my girls for not helping more or doing their chores. Then it was bedtime--three of the four did great. The other--unnamed suspect--didn't fall asleep until 9:50. Ugh. I am ready for a break!

Scary Face

We made it to church in time on Sunday morning. Brian got smart and brought a clock in our bathroom, so I could keep better track of the time. I usually spend most of the morning in the bathroom--between getting my hair done and then getting all the girls' hair done. Brian is in the other room, feeding breakfast and getting the girls dressed. We make a good team. In Sacrament meeting, the bishopric spoke about unity--it was good. The special musical number was all the women getting up and singing "As Sisters in Zion." It was really neat. And it was surprisingly quiet in the audience with all the moms gone. I love the strength of the women up there together and being part of it. Heather gave a great lesson in Sunday School about Christ. She told a really neat story about a bridge and it was a parable for how Heavenly Father could sacrifice his Son. There weren't too many dry eyes. I need to ask her for a copy of the story. It was my week to teach in Relief Society. The lesson was about the parables in Matthew 13. I only got through 3 of the 5--there were so many great comments, so I can't complain!

In the evening, we had my parents and brother and family over for dinner. We let Eliza choose for her birthday dinner--she picked BBQ. So we had hamburgers. I didn't plan too well (since in the past I always do way too much) and had minimal meat for everyone, but I think it worked out okay. It was fun to visit after.

Last night Rachel and I already decided we didn't want to get up and run this morning, so we decided to do it at night. So today I didn't have to get up as early as usual. But everyone got ready and off to school. Ellie and Hattie played dolls this morning. After I put Hattie down, I cleaned out the drawers in my bathroom. They were just a mess of brushes and hair clips and pony tails and ribbons and headbands. It looks WAY better now and everything has a home. I hope it stays like that for a while. I also cleaned out the linen closet in my bathroom. I purged and organized--it looks good and feels good to have that done! Now I need to do the cabinets in my family room. Ugh. After lunch we went to Terri's so I could burn some pictures onto CDs. For some reason my CD burner isn't working. :(

This afternoon after my girls got home from school, we had to stop by the Cox store to replace our TV remote, then we stopped by my parents' house. My dad had five suspicious spots removed on his face. Four were benign, but one ended up being a basal cell carcinoma. He said they got it all, so that is good. His incisions were really big! My mom is going to ask why they are so long. He is home resting and not supposed to do much for several days. That is not like my dad, so we'll see how well he obeys those orders. Libby and Ellie went in and really looked and examined his face. I was surprised Libby got as close as she did. Hattie couldn't have cared less--she acted like he looked the same. But Ellie--oh my--she was scared out of her mind. She went right into the toy room and didn't come out! One time my dad walked by on the way to the bathroom and he stuck his head in to say hi. Next thing you know, Ellie is screaming and running out to us. She said he looked like a monster. It was a little sad but pretty funny to us that she was so scared. When we left, she had me hold her and she buried her face in me and closed her eyes.

Tonight we went to Chik-Fil-A for dinner. The girls' school was having a fundraiser, so we supported it. It ended up not being a good choice because my run tonight was terrible. I think it's because we really haven't had fast food in forever and it just didn't settle well. From the start, I just had this heavy feeling. Not to mention I got really allergic to something and sneezed the entire way! I made it though, thank goodness.

7

Today is Eliza's 7th birthday. She had a great time on her sleepover. Today she got to go with my mom to a baby shower, then they saw Bedtime Stories. I guess Eliza was really worried because she heard two bad words in the movie. She heard the "s" word and the "b" word--"stupid" and "butt." Ha ha! I was relieved to hear that those were the "bad" words she heard--both of which aren't allowed at our house. On the way home, she got some Dippin' Dots.

Brian had a camp out with the young men last night combined with the young men/young women snow trip today, so he's been gone. He had a fun time except for a run-in with a tree that I guess was concealed by snow. He said it looked like a big snow ball, but I guess he should have investigated further before going head on into it. His side really, really hurts.

This morning, we got up and picked up my dad to go to Libby's soccer game. I was a little worried when we had her uniform on once at home and she took it off. But while we were at my parents', my mom got her to put it on without any issues. We went to her game and it was the same as every week before. My dad says that she just goes for the socializing and refreshment. So true!

We came home, played outside for a bit, vacuumed out the van and had lunch. I put Hattie down and tried to put Ellie down, but she didn't end up taking a nap. So she got up and she, Libby and I wrapped Eliza's gifts, made brownies for tomorrow and made a treat for my lesson tomorrow, too. They were good helpers. Tonight after Brian and Eliza both got home, Eliza wanted to open her gifts right away. She got a pair of jeans and she also got this shirt that she has really wanted--from Wal-Mart of all places. It is really cute and she was so surprised to get it. She wanted to get it last night with my parents as part of her gift from them, but they had to dissuade her from wanting it.

And we gave her a little printed coupon for a ticket to see Wicked when it comes here this summer since tickets aren't on sale yet.

Eliza wanted to have dinner at the park. So we hurried and made sandwiches and went to the park.

We had dinner and played a bit before coming home for their baths and Eliza's cake. She wanted an ice cream cake again, so this year it was strawberry cake and strawberry ice cream with Cool Whip frosting. She added some M&Ms on top, too.


Here are some things about Eliza at age 7:
loves art
loves writing stories
loves to sing
loves to dance
loves to be outside
loves to take pictures
is not too picky about her food
has a tender and sweet heart
also has a bit of a temper

We love Eliza and we are glad to have her in our family. Happy birthday, Eliza!!

Notice Anything Different?

No training wheels for Ellie anymore! I could not believe it. She wanted to get on Libby's bike, but it was obviously too big, so I got a wild hair and lowered the seat on Eliza's old bike and had her get on. I thought I'd try a couple times with her to see if she could do it and seriously like the third time of trying, she was OFF! So I took off the training wheels on her bike and there is no looking back now. She was cruising and so pleased with herself. She for sure is my youngest to ride without training wheels--having just turned three in November. I was laughing as I was running trying to keep up with her pedaling, thinking--I can't believe she is doing this.

This morning Rachel and I ran from her house to the mountain, hiked it and ran back. It was cold! And dark! And a challenge! Since we only do it maybe once a week since we've started running, it it tougher, but it's a nice change.

Today my friend Jenny watched my girls so I could meet Eliza and Libby for lunch. Eliza's b-day is tomorrow, so I wanted to surprise her. I ate with Libby first, since her lunch is first. She seemed excited to see me. She was also the helper today in her class, so she was excited to talk about that. It was funny to see that she eats her chips first, then her snack, then her sandwich. We waited for Eliza to come in and Libby said, "When Eliza comes, I want you to go sit with her." I thought--what? you don't want me to eat with you?!?! LOL. Then she said, "..because it's her birthday!" Sweet. So when Eliza came, she was so surprised and excited, too. I ate with her, then headed out to the playground for recess. I got to help swing the jump rope. I had brought some change so Eliza could by a pickle, but the people didn't show up today. So she put it in her lunch sack to save for Monday. It was fun to see her include the same boy who is rather difficult in some of her playing. He was playing basketball and she went over and shot a couple baskets with him. Then she and a couple of her friends let him play "mouse trap" with the jump rope with them. She is a sweetheart. I walked back to her class, then headed home. She took in some Little Debbie treats for her class. When we were deciding what to bring in, she was concerned that one boy in her class doesn't like chocolate and another is allergic to vanilla. So she decided to get some chocolate treats and to get a bag of skittles for the little boy who doesn't like chocolate. She can be so thoughtful.

Tonight is Eliza's birthday sleepover with my parents. They are having a great time.

On another note--this looks so strange to me.

Hattie hasn't been interested in sitting in her high chair lately, so I decided to take it off tonight. I can't remember the last time we didn't have a high chair at the kitchen table. When one of my girls has graduated from the high chair, it was time for the next to start using it. It's a bit sad to me!

Not So Cute

Today I got a note from Libby that came because of a not so cute situation. Tonight was Libby's soccer practice from being off for two weeks. We picked up my nephew and headed over. I thought it would be fun to bring the other three girls' scooters for them to ride during practice. I'm not sure if that was what started it, but Libby didn't want to practice. She said she wanted to ride a scooter. Ugh. So it was an hour long awful time at soccer practice. She hid behind the bushes, kicked rocks, yelled, and so on. Brian couldn't be there, so I got to deal with it and try to keep track of everyone else. I was less than thrilled. Let's just say it was a terrible night. I tried to talk her into practicing. I tried to pick her up and take her over. After trying everything, I just told her she had some consequences. Brian came as we were walking out to the car and brought a broom for her first consequence. She had to sweep up the rocks she kicked. I ended up taking my girls and Luke to my in-laws while he dealt with her and got her to sweep them up. I am sure the people at the park thought we were just the meanest parents! We had to chase her around the car several times and then as I left, Brian was holding her as she was trying to get away all the while he is holding the broom. It'll be funnier in a few months I hope. Anyway...Brian brought the girls home while I went to the store and when I got home, Libby had written this note all on her own (except for the ampersand sign that Eliza tried to show her how to write)...(click on it to make it bigger).


On a better note--the girls' report cards came home yesterday and they are both doing great. So we couldn't be happier about that. Eliza is student of the month again and she gets to be tested for SEARCH again. She is really excited since she loved it so much last year.

Ellie and Hattie have enjoyed a couple of indoor picnics lately.

Cute Picture

In school, Libby had to write a sentence and draw a picture about what she did over the break. Here is her picture--I thought it was so cute.

Parenting Tip for Stubborn Kids

I get the e-mails from Love and Logic and the one that came last week was great! I'll paste it below. But it has worked great with Libby. We have used the questions with her since we got the e-mail and it's amazing how well it works. Now if I could just get an e-mail about how to make bedtime pleasant. Heck--I'd even pay top dollar for it if it worked.

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Have you ever noticed how strong-willed kids love to be told what to do? Yeah, they love it, because it gives them a chance to get stubborn and to show us who's really the boss! All that's required to achieve their goal is to do the opposite of what we want, do it extremely slowly, or develop a severe case of temporary hearing loss.

Here's a little experiment that might make your life a little easier with stubborn kids:

Put a smile on your face and replace telling with asking.

Instead of saying, "Pick up your toys," experiment with putting a smile on your face and asking, "What needs to be put away here?"

Instead of telling, "You need to take out the trash before we leave," experiment with a friendly, "What do you need to do before we can leave?"

Instead of, "Quit jumping on the couch," experiment with asking, "What did I say about being on the couch?"

Why do questions up the odds for cooperation? First, they stimulate thinking. The more pondering kids do, the less resistant they become. Questions also communicate, "You are so bright! You can figure this out!" I don't know about you, but I'm always better behaved around those wonderful people who make me feel this way.
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Try it!

It was nice to get back to a routine today, but I do have to say it felt like the first day of school almost and I worried about my girls. When they are home, they are safe with me and I know what I am teaching them and what influences they have, etc. So sending them off to school, I was feeling a bit protective, not wanting them to go. I did get quite a bit done though. I did some laundry--actually folding it when I took it out of the dryer instead of leaving a huge pile for Brian to do later.

After school was chores, playing outside, one of my girls (unnamed) getting her bike taken away, dinner, then family home evening. Brian gave a great lesson. He always thinks of the most creative things. We had it outside (BRRR!), but he had me bring out an egg. So he compared the egg to relationships and what do we need to do to take care of that "egg"? At the end, he talked about what happens if we are mean and unkind (e.g. drop it) and it fell on the ground and it broke, obviously. It was just a great lesson about how to take care of relationships and how we need to treat each other. He also mentioned how hard it is to repair something like that when it does get broken. Christ can put it back together, but it's better not to have "dropped" it at all. So tonight when they would start doing something unkind, I said, "Remember the egg." Which lead to eye rolling and sighing by again an unnamed daugther, but hopefully it's something they'll remember.

Funny

Yesterday I mentioned Libby getting everything ready for school. I was able to sneak a picture this morning before she got ready. I loved the socks in the shoes and the placement of everything, especially the ponytail and hair clips. Last night Eliza didn't get her stuff out for school, but she is already packed for her birthday sleepover with Grandpa and Grandma. She had me make some labels and she labeled her clothes and even tied them up with ribbon. Creative.


This morning, Hattie really wanted to wear a dress. So I put her skirt over her pants and she also insisted on carrying her new church bag and holding her new PJs. Funny.

Talk

Today church came bright and early. In the night, Brian and I woke up and all the girls (except Hattie) were in our bed! So we ditched our bed and I Love Lucy'd it and slept in Eliza and Libby's beds. Thus, I didn't hear my alarm and got up about a half hour later than I wanted. We were rushed, but we made it right when they were starting. Today was Ellie's first time in primary--Sunbeams. She just glowed with excitement. She even had to give the article of faith. Eliza wanted to help her, so she went up with her and whispered it in her ear. Ellie did great although she was very quiet and you couldn't hardly hear her. She seemed to do well and have a fun time in primary. Brian and I both slipped out once during Sunday school to peek in the window at her.

After church I brought the girls home--Brian had a planning meeting with just his class. As I was cleaning up my girls' lunch, I turned on BYU-TV and there was the best talk on. Here is the link--scroll down to Marriage Tips and Traps by Victor Harris. You can read the transcript, but if you have 50 minutes, I'd suggest listening to the audio. It's a bit different than the transcript (read: better). Brian and I listened to it tonight and loved it. It just has some great thoughts and ideas about marriage and parenting.

Oh--and if you have more time, check out A Brand New Year. It's a broadcast for youth, but it's really great--great message, great music and just really motivational to be a better you. I think most of the youth will watch it at a mutual or fireside coming up, but since I'm not in YW anymore (weep), I just watched it online with Eliza.

This afternoon we went to my parents' for an early dinner. Dan and Chris were able to come, so we were all there. We enjoyed a nice meal and visiting and kids playing. On the way home, Ellie was singing the song she learned in primary. So cute.

Tomorrow starts back to our regular school schedule. Libby is so excited. Tonight she set out her outfit, down to her ponytail and clip. She loves school.

Spontaneous Fun (and lots of pictures, too)

Last night my mom sent me a text message asking if we were taking our girls to the Fiesta Bowl Parade. I figured she was joking, so I told her I didn't think so. I guess that sparked some crazy ideas and before you know it, it was this morning and we went to the parade! I guess after being in so many parades when I was little, we got burned out, so we had to wait 24 years (seriously) to want to watch another one! I can't believe it was that long ago. I was really young when I was in it. We had such a great time--I am so glad we went. Brian had a young men planning meeting, so I took the girls with my parents. I went to their house, then we rode over together. Miraculously, we found a parking spot so close--like 20 yards from where we sat. We got there at 9:45 and the parade didn't start until 11, so we tried to entertain with snacks, looking at the clowns and street vendors. My mom bought my girls those little water balloon yoyos--$1 each.


We figured it was cheap fun. Then my dad got some cotton candy, so that was yum. My dad was talking to the parking police lady and another police officer pulled up and I was like...is that Ben Moore? He (and his family) are long time family friends, so my dad caught up with him for a while.

Finally the parade started and my girls were entertained for two hours. It was a LONG parade, but they loved every minute.

Me circa 1985


Me circa 2059?? LOL








Libby was so excited to get a ball from someone in the parade and a coin for a free Krispy Kreme. (only if they had one on our side of town!)


These were cute outfits for a school, but we thought those shoes would be awful to march in!

We thought they had the best uniforms...the cheerleaders had cute western outfits, too.

Experiencing cotton candy for the first time. She wasn't sure at first, but she ended up liking it.

These things are my favorite. They make me laugh anytime I see one.

Any time any soldiers came by, the crowd stood up and cheered. It was neat!


While we were gone, Brian went on a bike ride on the New River Road trail. It was 12 miles and he had a great time. The pictures he sent me were so pretty! When we got home, Hattie napped and the other girls went out front with Brian for a while. I actually took a nap! I was tired from the morning! It was a great last day of winter break.