More Coloring

***Sorry the pictures are sideways!!

Today Eliza drew Brian a mean-faced picture. She was upset that he didn't play a certain game with her outside. I guess that is a good way to channel her anger instead of hitting or yelling or what not! It was similar to mine--crazy hair and all. He didn't have the mean eyes though.


Watch out Becky--you've got a creative lettering apprentice!



And not too bad of a color by number for Libby!



Today we were Brian's taxi to and from work. He dropped his car off last night to get the oil changed and brakes fixed, so we were down to one car today. Tonight on our way home from picking him up, we stopped at Target and had some pizza at that little snack bar, then we did a little shopping. Then it was a nice evening home!

Some Fun Things

One of my girls' favorite activities is coloring and drawing pictures. I get tired of all the papers though but hate to always throw them away. Brian suggested we scan their pictures in each day, then we'll always have them. So I started that tonight. I scan in their pictures, name them and save them in a folder for each girl. Here are a few from today.


Eliza drew this today after she said I was mean to her. She did something that I thought was cute, so I chuckled a little bit. She thought I was laughing at her, so she got upset! Then she went and drew this picture. I guess this is what I look like mad!


Eliza loves to be creative.


A temple wedding picture.


This is Libby's picture. Notice her name spelled in the picture.

I love their drawings.

Today at Target I found Smucker's Dark Chocolate and Mint ice cream topping. Need I say more?!?

This morning we went to McDonalds with my friend and her kids. It was her daughter's birthday, so we went to help celebrate! Despite Libby not eating her lunch and climbing over the table, we had a good time. That stinker!

I guess I'm official now. Talk about a literal "Big Picture" though! Ha!

Library

This morning started early with a camp meeting at 8:30 to help decide who is going to be in which cabin. After that was over, I picked up the girls at my mother-in-laws, then we came home and ate lunch. My cousin Jodi came over and I had her watch Ellie and Hattie while I took Eliza and Libby to the library. They played a little computer and picked out a lot of books and videos. On the way home we stopped at a nail place and Eliza got her toes painted. She loved it. She picked blue nail polish (a pretty blue) and a white flower.

Tonight was volleyball. We had 4 players and they other team had 3. We lost the first, then won the last two.

Ellie chipped her tooth today. While I was gone, I guess she tripped over Jodi's feet and fell. Her lip bled, but then tonight as I was getting her ready for bed, I noticed her tooth. I'll have to try to get a picture of it. Poor her! Good thing she is still so cute with a great personality! She's had more trama to her lip and teeth than any of my other girls!

Preschool Picnic

This morning was Eliza's picnic for her last day of preschool. Everyone shared snacks and played on the play set at the park. The kids in her class sang "A is for Adorable," then Miss Laura gave each child a frame with their hand print, a couple pictures and one of their drawings. It was darling!

This afternoon my friend Karolyn came and got Eliza and Libby for a playdate. They seemed to have a fun time playing with their new friend. It was so nice of her to do that today. She just moved here and probably has a million things to do, but instead she let them come play. It also gave me a chance to get some work done. Thanks Karolyn!!!

Tonight for family home evening, I did a lesson about making decisions before we are faced with them. I was a little nervous because I thought it might be a more difficult concept to grasp, but I think they got it--especially Eliza. We went over a few scenarios and what they would do/say so they wouldn't have to decide then what they would choose. After I was done, Eliza said, "That's great mom. How do you know all that?" It was funny. After that we headed over to the resort and Brian, Eliza, Libby and Ellie swam. I stayed dry with Hattie. Ellie wasn't too sure at first, but then she seemed to like it pretty well.

29

Well, today was my 29th birthday. And it was a good day. It's a little hard to do anything exciting when it falls on a Sunday, but it was still a great day overall. This morning we got ready for church and I got my gift from Brian and the girls. He got me a really pretty pearl necklace and a gift card for iTunes. Then we went to church and had a good day there. After church I had BYC (a planning meeting with the youth), then I came home and played Cranium with Brian, Eliza and Libby. My parents came over and we had a yummy dinner. My mom made chicken pasta salad and bread. For dessert we had the ice cream cake that Brian and Eliza picked out yesterday at Baskin Robbins. It was delicious.

Tonight I went to seminary graduation. We had a few girls graduate from our ward. And all the other seminary students sang and were there, so that was fun. When I got home, three of the young women had brought over cookies. Then at about 9:30 one of my laurels text-messaged me and said, "Are you still up." I told her, "Yes, what's up?" Next thing I know she and another laurel are at my door with a plate of goodies and sang me a song. I invited them in and we chatted until about 11:15. It was a nice way to end my birthday. So fun! And thanks to my dear friends who remember my birthday and brought me some nice gifts.

Here is to a great year!

Daddy Daughter Date Part 2

Today was Eliza's date with Brian. They went to McDonald's, then went to the mall where they got an ice cream at DQ, checked out the Disney store, the pet store and tried on lotion at Bath and Body Works. Next time she wants to go to a museum and see artwork. I think that is a great idea!

Tonight for our date night we ate dinner at Abuelo's, then we made a quick stop at Cabela's, then we checked out Westgate. It was a fun place to walk around and check out. I want to try out a few of the restaurants. We did get a Cold Stone though for a little birthday celebration. Now we are home watching Narnia. I think we will fall asleep before it is over though. We are getting old (I am at least!).

An Eliza funny: I was talking to Eliza about kindergarten and all the fun things she'll get to do. Then I said, "I am going to miss you so much when you are gone all day!" She got serious and with a hand on her hip type attitude said, "Mom--I'll be home on Saturdays." :) Like that is supposed to make me feel better!

Preschool and a Daddy Daughter Date

Today was Eliza's last real day of preschool. We have a picnic on Monday at the park, but today was the last full day. Now she is off to kindergarten in a couple of months! I can't believe it.



Tonight Brian took Libby on a daddy/daughter date. Libby chose to go to the mall, where they had pizza, went to the pet store to look at the dogs, looked around at the Disney Store and Build-a-Bear, and they got some candy at Fuzziwigs. They both had a fun time. Eliza's date is tomorrow during the day--I wonder what she has planned!!??!

Tomorrow we are also going out on date night to celebrate my birthday. I am not sure what we are doing yet, but I am looking forward to going out.

Have a great weekend!

Portrait

Eliza was into drawing portraits of everyone today and this is mine. She did great--even getting the collar on my shirt. I love that she is so creative.

Today was bit of a busy day, too. After lunch we went to my parents' house, then to Deseret Book. I wanted to make sure we got the picture of that temple that we really wanted. We ended up going back tonight because I wanted Brian to help me decide. Instead of the one he got me, I got a temple picture by John Raymond (which I've had my eye on for a while) and this picture of the Sacred Grove.


This evening we also went to Costco and Sprouts. They have chicken for $1.99/lb, so I stocked up so I can bottle some. My supply is almost out!

Happy Thursday.

3

That's the number of times I went to Target today. Let me explain. I had to pick up Ellie's allergy medicine and I needed to pick up a couple other things, too. While I was there, I found so many great clearance items. It all started in the shoe department. Eliza and Libby each got 2-3 pairs of shoes. And Ellie got one pair, too. The most expensive pair they each got was about $4.00. The others were around $2.49. A steal! Then I moved to the ladies department. I got a shirt, shorts, capris, two dresses, etc. I knew I would be taking some back because I didn't try anything on. I had all four girls, so I just grabbed what I thought I would like and I'd try on at home. Then I moved to the girls' department. I found a couple of shirt dresses for the girls for $4.50 and a polo for $1.47. So that was trip #1. We came home and tried things on and there were three things I needed to take back. Brian came home a little early today, so I was able to go without Hattie and Ellie. While I was there, I checked out the clothes again--looking for a couple different size and found a couple more shirts and shorts. I also looked in the little kids' section and found some great buys...jeans for $2.50-4.50. They had some great Osh Kosh shirts for little boys for $1.97. So if you have a boy--size 5T and under--you'd better head over! I also bought some graduation gifts for my laurels who are graduating. And while I was at mutual tonight, I realized I forgot to buy for one of the girls who was graduating, so it was back to Target for one more gift. I need to be done at Target for a while!


An outfit Eliza put together from what we bought at Target. ...a future in fashion?

Tonight was mutual and the Laurels went to my adviser's house and we learned how to make Pizzookies. You flatten cookie dough into the bottom of a pie tin and bake it for about 12 or so minutes. You want the center to still be a little doughy. Right when it comes out, scoop ice cream on top and let it melt a little bit before you dig in. It was really good. We also had a little time to play a game called Curses. It was a great time.

Pizzookie


Stone Soup Performance

We are watching American Idol right now. Loved seeing Elliot perform. We really liked him last season. His teeth look good, too. And I was thinking today and it's been one year and a day since I started this blog. Wow! It's gone fast. I am so glad I have kept this! I would have forgotten so much of what happened if I hadn't written it down.

Library

I feel like I've been depriving my kids because we never go to the library. I never take them because the one in Peoria is so far and nothing to shout about. The branch closer to us is at the high school, so the hours are funky and the selection isn't great. Some moms from church go every Tuesday, so I decided to brave it. We went to the Glendale Library, which is a really good one. For $10 we got a 3 month library card. It was a little hectic trying to watch Ellie, feed Hattie and take care of her and keep an eye on Eliza and Libby. But we survived and I think they liked it. They didn't really know what to do and they seemed impressed with all the books. They also liked all the movies. We were hoping to be there for storytime, but I guess they don't do it in May. Oh well!

After the library we went grocery shopping at Fry's. Eliza and Libby thought it was a treat because they got to go to the kids' club. We haven't been there in so long because of the new Super Target being so close.

I'm off to watch American Idol from tonight.

Monday

I am trying to post every day. Keeping a journal is so important to me, so this is my goal for the week. Here is my post for Monday.

This morning Brian told me to stay in bed a little longer and the next thing I knew, he and Eliza and Libby brought in breakfast in bed. Libby had a cup of water, Eliza put some animal crackers in a bowl and Brian had the oatmeal with peanut butter mixed in (my fav.). It was a cute gesture since yesterday wasn't the best. He said it was Mother's Day part two. After getting everyone ready, I took Ellie, Hattie and Libby to my mother-in-law's while Eliza and I went to get our hair done. My hair stylist Lindsay (she is on the bottom row, all the way to the left) just had a baby in Feb., so it was fun to see him. He is adorable. I got some highlights, which were badly needed! Eliza got about 3" taken off. She loves it and it looks light and cute. After getting our hair done, I dropped her off at preschool, picked up the other three girls and went home. I had my cousin come over to watch Hattie and Ellie because Eliza's preschool class was performing "Stone Soup." Libby came with me, but it ended up only taking about 5 minutes! Oh well. It was cute and I'll post a picture or two tomorrow.

Tonight after dinner and family home evening, we headed over to the Higgins' for some Cornholio, Suns game and treats. The Headricks went, too. The kids got dirty in the dirt and from their ice cream cones, and Becky and I lost to Jason and Kari in Cornholio, but it was still fun!

We came home to watch the last few minutes of the game and to watch the Suns win! Eliza decided she wanted to put Libby to bed and it actually went so great. She did the regular routine and Libby went right to bed. We should try that more often!

A funny story about Ellie...she is really an amazing child. She is 18 months old and still takes 2 naps a day and goes to bed at 7. We are lucky she is so good. But every time we clean up, we sing the "Clean Up" song so when she hears it, she knows to clean. Now every time she cleans up, she'll sing it. Tonight Brian was singing it for no reason in the kitchen and Ellie started singing it, then stopped, went into the playroom, continued singing and started cleaning up. What a funny girl.

Mother's Day

This morning Brian surprised me with a big picture of the Mesa Temple. He also gave me a heart charm to put on my charm bracelet. Church went well--the girls did a pretty good job during Sacrament. Ellie had to go out once, but she wasn't too bad. Only one more week until she gets to officially go to nursery! Yay! I taught in Laurels and it was about temples and temple marriage. I thought the lesson went well. As part of it, I showed a video from this videographer. He has some amazing videos and does an incredible job.

This afternoon was a less than perfect day--for some reason Eliza was not very well behaved at all. In fact, Libby, Hattie, Ellie and I went over to my parents' house for dinner without her. She was having a consequence, so she had to stay home with Brian. They ended up coming over a little while later. I hope she got the message and hope she does better this week. But we had a good time over there. We ate a great dinner that the guys were in charge of and had fun visiting.

Happy Mother's Day. In honor of that...check out this great article by Jane Clayson Johnson. Love it!

Dance Recital

Today I had a small Pampered Chef party. My sister KarraLee is a consultant and she hit me up for another show. I really do love their products, so it's fun to see all the new ones and great uses for them. We had the Aloha Pizza, which uses chicken that she cooked in the microwave. I think I am going to do that a lot now! It tasted great and it doesn't heat up your kitchen! It was so delicious.

This afternoon was Eliza's dance recital. She was nervous off and on today and got really nervous when she realized she was going to be up on stage in a school cafeteria. She said she said a prayer and I told her I said one for her, too, and she seemed to like that. But she was a star! She was confident and seemed to remember both dances. We think she has bit of a talent for dance and can stay on rhythm and has great form. Her class of four girls was so cute. They did 2 numbers--"Honestly Daddy" which was tap and "April Showers" which was ballet. After the first one, she came back by us with a big grin. I asked her if she was having fun and she said, "Yes." I think she likes it! After it was over we gave her flowers and so did my parents. She was so pleased about that. She kept talking about getting flowers at her recital and we were planning on do it all along. But we were trying to hide them so they would be a surprise. On the way there she was mopey and in her best Eeyore voice, she said, "I guess no one is getting me flowers." It was funny. We were all pleased with how she did.


Look at that toe pointing!











Tonight I stayed home with Ellie and Hattie, and Brian took Eliza and Libby to the 5A state track meet. They had fun until the girls got tired of it, so they came home. He did get to see the 4x100, which is always a favorite.

Hattie has been smiling a lot more lately. It's adorable!



I also took some pictures of my new nephew Luke last Sunday. Isn't he darling?



It's late...better get to bed!

Auction

This morning Brian helped a friend of ours move-in. I am so excited she is moving back here! Then we did "chores" around the house most of the day. Libby and I took a little trip to Wal-Mart, too.

Tonight was our youth auction/fundraiser. My brother--the young men's president--and I were kind of in charge of the whole thing. He did most of the work, but I helped out a lot with the auction. We had a lot of great items including two tickets to the Suns' playoff game this Tuesday which went for $750. There was also a 16 ticket suite to a Coyotes game, food, 2 jerseys and you get to meet Wayne Gretzky. That went for $2050. We raised $7750. Sweet! It is amazing! I think we ended up with 2 dozen cinnamon rolls when we want them, caramel brownies, babysitting from one of the young women and Brian won a sailing trip on Lake Pleasant. He is so excited for that.

Now it's off to bed for early church in the morning.

Date

I was so tired this morning. And afternoon for that matter! This morning I watched Eliza put on a recital for me (she was inspired by the dance concert last night) and Eliza and Libby colored while I got ready. While Eliza was at preschool, Ellie, Libby and I played outside for a little bit and then in the playroom. Libby has really been into puzzles lately, so that has been fun to do them with her.

The new McDonald's by SuperTarget is now open, so I got that for the girls for dinner. Then we went to pick up our babysitter. For our date, we first got the van washed. Man--it really needed it! Then we went to my parents' house because Hattie needed to eat. While I was feeding her, Brian went and got some take-out for our dinner. I got Babbos and Brian got Pei Wei. We grabbed a few groceries on the way home, and that was our date! Hattie has been so fussy this afternoon and tonight. I guess she didn't like me eating the peanut butter rice krispie treats. Won't do that again. She got even though with a big spit-up on me and down my shirt. Nice.

Tomorrow is the youth auction fundraiser for church, and I need to finish all the bidding sheets. ...better go!

Dancing, Shots, Fabric (again)

Today was a good, busy day. This morning included coloring pictures, playing some volleyball outside and hosing off the front porch. Some birds decided to make a nice little nest up high on one of the pillars by our front door. And birds=droppings, so we had to hose it off, only to have more appear later. Ugh!

This afternoon Hattie had her 2 month check up. She is 11 pounds 6 oz and 24" long. She got 4 shots and an oral vaccine. She was dozing on me before her shots, then cried during, but right after I picked her up, she fell right back to sleep. What a trooper. After we got home, my sister-in-law and her kids came over and I helped my niece with volleyball.

This evening after dinner, I took Eliza to see a couple of my young women in their dance recital at school. Eliza loved watching all the dances and it was fun. They did a good job. Eliza came home and wanted to dance. I am sure that is what we'll do all morning. :)

I found tons more fabric I love. This might be a new favorite. Love this. And this. And these.
Here are the ones I made for the baby shower:


Happy weekend. Yay!

Fabric Fettish

The baby shower went well this morning, but the mom-to-be thought it started at 11 instead of 10. So we waited around for her to show up. It was fun to visit and munch on the yummy food. Everyone seemed to like the burp cloths. I think I am obsessed about making them because I can't resist the cute fabrics that are available. Some of my favorites are Amy Butler and Freshcut by Heather Bailey. Yum! I know I'll be on the hunt for other cute prints.

Right now we are watching American Idol--the results show. The show last night was great. I hope Jordin doesn't go home. Hers wasn't the best. What did you think about Blake? Loved his performance. We listed to it twice and liked it even better the second time. I wonder which two will go home. My prediction is Chris and Lequisha. We shall see!

Favorites

Here are some of my favorites or good things for the week:

--Lemon Cooler Cake (from Costco). Yum!
--a clean, clean sink (Thanks to Bar Keeper's Friend!)
--brownies from Boston Market (yes, I know they are chocolate, but Hattie hasn't complained yet)
--Ellie's sense of humor. She is so funny and loves to make us laugh.
--Man vs. Wild. Brian and I catch bits and pieces of this show once in a while. He is crazy!
--Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe is so funny.
--volleyball. I started playing women's volleyball at church last week. Tonight we only had three on our team, but we only lost both games by 3-4 points.
--the resort. Last night after family home evening, Brian took Eliza and Libby swimming. He said it was a little cold, but they had fun. I am sure it's just the start of a lot of swimming this summer!
--surviving Father's and Son's outing. I even braved the mall with everyone and one stroller! I picked up my jeans from Buckle after having them hemmed. Man are those pants comfy. I'd better limit my lemon cake and brownie intake so they fit.
--making some dang cute burp cloths for a baby shower gift. I think I have a new addiction.
--FINALLY feeling better. After two weeks, it's about time!
--May! It's my birthday month. I'm getting old!

Happy Tuesday.

Pictures

It's been a long process and it still isn't fixed, but here are a few pictures from Hattie's blessing.

Here is what else has been going on:
Tuesday: I'm getting old...I can't remember. Oh yeah..Brian's mom watched the girls in the afternoon so I could rest and try to shake this sinus thing that keeps dragging on. That day it felt like my head was in a vice. That is not so bad anymore, but I still don't feel 100%.

Wednesday: Preschool. Mutual.

Thursday: Trying to get my girls to get along. Ugh. Libby was on one today. We made a trip to Costco and 31 flavors where I bought my friend Rachel an ice cream cake for her birthday. Tonight I went to a Cookie Lee party for one of my young women and her mom. I bought a little necklace for the girls and I bought a necklace with a crystal-lined circle. I don't think that was a very good description, but it's pretty.

Tomorrow: It's Father's and Sons. Most moms love this campout. Ugh! Not me--not when you have FOUR daughters. So that means Dad leaves and I'm here with all the girls. Wish it were a daddy/daughter campout. :)

Bad Blogger

It's been a while that is for sure. So it's time for a quick run down of what's been going on.

Thursday--had a camp leader meeting. Felt sick...sore throat, congestion.
Friday--still stick...body ached, too; girls had runny noses. Eliza didn't go to preschool. No date night either--I didn't feel up to it. Brian took Eliza, Libby and Ellie up to his parents' cabin up near Mund's Park. They were so excited and had a really good time. I was able to get a lot of work done, so that was nice.
Saturday--Hattie didn't sleep that great and decided she needed to be held at 4 AM. So that is when I got up. I got ready and by 7:20 I dropped her off at my sister-in-law's house. She watched her while I went out to the temple with the young women. After getting back home at about 1:30 and getting Hattie, I came home, made dinner for a friend who just had a baby, fed Hattie and held her all afternoon...she was soooooo fussy....more than she has ever been. It was weird. Brian and the girls got home around 4, then Brian got the babysitter and we were off to deliver dinner, then I took pictures at a family party of one of my parents' friends. ...feeling a little better at this point
Sunday--Ward Council meeting at 7 AM, church at 9. Brian brought all the girls to meet me there. He did pretty well. We'll have to get Eliza not wanting to do her own hair. It was a bit interesting. I convinced her to let me help her with it before she went to primary. I started feeling worse during church--more stuffy, coughing attacks, etc. I ended up leaving before Young Women's started. Unfortunately, I was supposed to teach, so I was bummed about not doing that. But luckily another leader let my class come in and join them. She saved me! I even got a nap that afternoon which was heavenly. That night we went to Brian's parents' house for dinner. It was a fun time. Brian had to leave early to go to a meeting, but Eliza and Libby were well behaved so that made it easier. It was a little busy with Hattie and Ellie, but I survived with a little help from others.
Today--Eliza and Libby were a little rambunctious this morning. Eliza had preschool. Stopped at Target for a couple of birthday gifts. Family Home Evening. Still feeling crummy. It's like I get teased...feel better, then bam...feel yucky again. Oh well. I'll keep plugging along! Now I have quite a bit of work to get done. Unfortunately Hattie will need to eat soon and she doesn't think she can sleep unless she is being held. Today I let her "cry it out" for over an hour. I did go in once, but she NEVER gave up. Ugh. Anyone have any suggestions!?!!?!

OK--I'll try to be better. I still can't access the pictures from the other computer so I wonder if anyone is still reading this if there aren't pictures! ha ha! Happy Week.

Virginia

Before I ramble about my life, I thought I would pay respect to those who died in the Virginia Tech massacre. That is just awful. I remember when Columbine happened, I was outside my classroom waiting for my professor to come to class. When she came and after she let us in the room, she told us what had happened. It was a solemn day. This week has been solemn too for what happened. It is just so unfortunate that they lost their lives at the hands of such a sick person. It makes me nervous since I'll be sending Eliza to kindergarten in a few months. What are things coming too? I heard on Oprah I think that some teachers are afraid to give students an "F" for fear of the aftermath. That is just too bad. When I taught high school and even at the community college, I didn't worry about that. Luckily I had pretty good students. Who would have thought teaching would be a high-risk profession? In an e-mail from a friend today, she mentioned that one day it might be home-school for us. We decided if that happened, I could teach English and reading, she could do science and we'd find others for the other subjects. Actually doing it that way wouldn't be too bad.

I pray that Friday proves to be uneventful in light of past events.

In other news, today was a techie day for me. I finally got my iPod back!! I got one for Mother's Day last year and somehow Brian decided he would like one and somehow it became his. It's all a blur!! But we had quite a few World Points on a credit card, so we redeemed them for another iPod. I can't wait to get my music on there and get going!

In addition to an iPod, I got a new phone today. My phone met an untimely death on Saturday when Ellie put it under running water. It didn't like that! I had been wanting a new phone, but I wasn't going to be getting one this soon. Brian was able to get me the one I really wanted and he got a great deal on it. It's the LG enV. I love it so far. It is a "bar" phone but then opens up to a keyboard. It is great for texting and it has a great camera. I am excited. And sorry if you've tried to reach me on my cell phone--I haven't been ignoring you! Now I'm back in service except my contact info isn't on my new phone.

The week is half over! Here's to a great rest of the week.

Tuesday

Happy Tuesday. How is everyone's week so far? Let's see...yesterday was a bit of a busy day. While Eliza was at preschool, I took Ellie to the doctor. She has had a runny nose for quite a while. I felt it was allergies since none of us got sick during that time, but I wanted to get it checked out. Mothers know best: Allergies. The doctor prescribed Zyrtec and we started that this morning with her. I hope it helps! We saw another doctor at Pediatrix and I really liked him, too. I am very happy having switched over to this practice. After Brian got home, we ate dinner and had home evening taught by Eliza. She had made a little booklet of pictures she had drawn (Jesus' birth, Him teaching people, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.) It was very cute and a cute lesson. Speaking of cute and Eliza...we were driving yesterday and she said, "Mom--you know that scrapbooking song?" I was trying to think what that was, then realized it was "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. (It talks about writing your own story, etc). She was complaining we hadn't heard that song in a while. But it was cute that she called it a scrapbooking song. Later last night, Eliza and I went to visit my friend Rachel who just had a baby. She was so darling!

Today is a pretty laid-back day...no preschool and no where to be at a certain time. Now it's time to get ready! Sorry about not having any photos to post. We haven't had a chance to fix the network issues.

e

Blessing Day and More

Today was Hattie's blessing day. It always makes me nervous since everyone comes for it. But it was a good day. Hattie cooperated and it worked out that she ate at about 8, so with church at 9, she wasn't fussy or hungry. She looked so darling in her blessing dress that both Libby and Ellie wore. Brian gave her a very sweet blessing. He is always so good about their blessing days. A few days or so before all the girls' blessings, he always spends lots of time with each one and thinks about what he is going to say. I love that. But it went well and Sacrament was actually relaxing. Eliza sat with her cousin and Libby was entertained coloring. Brian had Ellie and my mom held Hattie. I could actually listen!! But Hattie is so special--we are glad she is in our family. I will post pictures when we get our network fixed...it is giving us issues. :(

That was most recently..but this week has been busy. Yesterday was Brian's company picnic. Part of it was like Friday the 13th a day late. It was out in Tempe and it took us probably an hour and a half to get there. Everywhere we went, there was construction and detours. Once we got there, Hattie had dirtied a diaper, which had leaked all over her onesie. So we had to take care of that. The rest wasn't too bad, but it started a little harried! They played a softball game that Brian was supposed to play in but as it was getting ready to start, Hattie needed to eat and there was no way Brian could leave me alone with Ellie as I was feeding Hattie. Such is life, I suppose. Last night we got a babysitter for a little bit while we picked up Rubios for dinner and did a little shopping. I’ve succumb to the fact that I need some new clothes. Before the picnic I tried on 4 pairs of shorts and none of them fit. It was depressing. So last night we headed to the mall and I checked out Buckle. I had heard a lot about their jeans, so I wanted to check them out. So this leads me to my Ode to Buying Jeans...I haven’t bought new jeans in a while, and usually when I do I buy like a "size" like 6, 8, 10, etc. Here they are labeled by the waist size. I had no idea what my waist was, so I help up a pair to kind of gauge to see. That's when the employee comes up and asks me, "Have you bought jeans here before?" Hmm...how could she tell. Maybe it was my elastic waist capris with the salsa stain on it or my t-shirt with either a spit up or snot stain on it. Good thing she couldn't see into the dressing room and she could see my nursing pad 1/2 hanging out. Nice. I felt like a train wreck, but I guess that is my story every day! Anyway...so I get trying on pants that the employee thought I would look good in. She kind of sized me up and then decided on a few pairs. I started trying them on and some fit, some didn't. I found a couple that I liked, but the jeans there are more than I've probably ever spent on jeans...except maybe my Guess jeans I got 15 or so years ago. Before I bought any I checked out another store but didn't like the fit of them. So I went back and splurged on a pair of jeans. I decided on the Big Star Casey jeans. Definitely a splurge for my thrifty self, but I do like them. Yesterday my brother Brian and his wife Kamille also had their third baby. He was 7 lbs. 11 oz. and they named him Luke Thomas. We went and saw him after church today and he a cutie.

On Friday, Kamille had her baby shower, so after that I guess she (and the baby) decided she was ready!

Let’s see…what else…it seems like we are just doing the regular stuff here…preschool runs three days/week, mutual on Wednesday, a trip to Costco, etc. Oh yeah…on Tuesday I had a baby shower here for my good friend Rachel. She is going in tomorrow to have her 4th baby. It was a fun shower and fun to hang out and chat.

Have a great week.

Easter

Our Easter weekend turned out nice. On Saturday morning, Eliza and Libby were up, dressed and ready by 6:20. They were excited to go to the Easter party at my parents' house. I was, too, but not enough to be up and ready by then! Needless to say, I got up and ready, too. After everyone got to their house, we ate the yummy BBQ lunch and the kids played charades. They had fun guessing what each person acted out. Then they went outside for the Easter egg hunt. (Sorry the outside pictures are so bad! That's what happens when I forget to change my camera off the AV mode when the aperture is set at 2.8. Oops!) Once the eggs were collected, the kids enjoyed singing "Tootie-Ta", led by my brother, Brian. They all get such a kick out of that song. After laughing and singing, my brother Dan and his wife, Chris, had the kids decorate little cakes shaped like eggs. They came up with some creative creations! Then it was inside to do the annual "fish pond" that my parents do. Each kid gets to go "fishing" and they catch some really great things: chocolate bunnies, an outfit, McDonald's gift card and an Easter dress. All the kids had a great time. Eliza and Libby fell asleep on the way home, they were so worn out. Too bad they woke up when we got home!










Sunday morning was an early day, too. I was sitting in the rocking chair in our room, feeding Hattie and dozing off when Eliza came in at about 6 and said, "He came!!" The Easter bunny had eaten the snacks they left out the night before (a Kit Kat and a bunny-shaped candy). Then she ran back out and found the baskets, of course. She came running back in with her two gifts in her hands and was so thrilled and excited. She proceeded to bring in and show me what the other girls got, too. Libby got up soon after and got to see her basket, too. Eliza got a Junie B. book and the new Charlotte's Web movie. Libby got a Curious George book and the game Connect 4 and Ellie got some new shorts. Thankfully they didn't notice that Hattie didn't get anything. It was a little hectic and busy getting everyone ready, but we made it to church on time. That was another crazy adventure. I am glad my parents came to help me out. Ellie is just at that hard stage to have in Sacrament meeting. She wants to be up and moving around all the time. Sacrament was really nice though with all the music and talks about Christ and the resurrection and atonement. In YW, I taught the Laurels and I focused on Jesus' last days, like what happened the week before he was crucified. I really enjoyed preparing the lesson and learning about what that week was like. It was really humbling to learn about that and compare it to what I was doing this past week. ...doesn't even compare! Each girl got a paper bag Easter basket filled with 8 empty eggs. When I talked about each day before the Crucifixion, they each got an item to put in the corresponding egg to remind them about that day and how they can apply it to their lives.

For Easter dinner, my brother Brian and his family came over along with my parents and my Grandpa and his wife Dovetta. We had a great ham dinner with potatoes, rolls, veggies, fruit and cake and pie for dessert. It was a great Easter despite the face that Brian wasn't with us. He got home a little before 9 last night. Fortunately everyone was sleeping (except Hattie) so we could talk about the trip and catch up on the weekend. I am so glad he is home!

Today was preschool and playing outside this afternoon. It's getting so hot! Ugh. I wish it was still cool outside. Tonight before Family Home Evening, we went to McDonald's so the girls could spend their gift cards they got from the fish pond.

OK--off to do some work and to get the house ready for a baby shower tomorrow night.

Girls Weekend

Brian left last night and headed to Flagstaff with his brother Jared and sister Laura. They drove the rest of the way today with his parents, other brother and sister (not all in one car though). There was a viewing tonight and another viewing and the funeral tomorrow. The girls and I are surviving fine so far. Today we colored quite a bit. Eliza had preschool and I did a Target run. This afternoon I had a presidency meeting. And this evening the girls and I ate pizza. After Ellie went to bed, we colored Easter eggs and filled plastic eggs with candy for the Easter party at my parents' tomorrow. Then it was off to bed for them.

On Wednesday, Eliza had a field trip to the fire station. My dad was nice enough to take Eliza and Libby on the field trip. They had a great time, especially trying out the fire hose!

That night, I had mutual and we did our cooking certification with the girls for camp. The camp directors did a great job planning and organizing it. It went so smoothly and the girls seemed to enjoy it.

Last night I went to a Stake Leadership Training. I really learned a lot that will help me in my young women's calling. One training was based on this talk. I really want to apply the suggestions in the talk. I started with the first suggestion in our presidency meeting by focusing on each girl and her needs.

All right--here's to a good night and a fun Easter-y day tomorrow.

Birthday Boy

Yesterday was Brian's 28th birthday! It didn't start out so great as he got news that his grandpa Trimble up in Utah passed away. I guess he didn't ever want Brian to forget the date! So that was sad, but he is definitely happier and having more fun there since now he can run around and see much better. Several years ago his grandpa was hit by an out of control truck and it resulted in having one of his legs amputated at about the knee. He wasn't expected to make it then, but he did and has enjoyed many years of farming with one leg! His eyesight was also failing, so now he can see and run and walk. He also had a couple of brothers who passed away as babies, so I am sure that was a happy reunion to meet them.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. For his gift, he got tickets to the Rush concert in July. The tickets went on sale at 10, but there were some special presales over the weekend. By the time he could buy tickets yesterday morning all the 100 level seats were taken!! He was bummed but is excited to go anyway. I also got him an i-Tunes gift card. My parents got him this book that should be here any day and a gift card to Albertsons. Sounds funny, but it's right by his office and he likes to go there and get lunch sometimes, so it will be perfect!

Last night we enjoyed cake and ice cream to celebrate!

Yesterday I also bought tickets to this. Brian, Eliza and I will go. I am excited and excited to take Eliza to a little cultural/fine arts event.

Today was Hattie's one-month well check. She is 9 lbs. 9 oz and 22" long. She sure is growing!! But the doctor says she looks great! She also had one shot and didn't like it at all. Poor girl.

I'd better go...I have tons to do this week.