Wicked

This past Friday and Saturday I enjoyed a girls getaway trip with 10 friends. We left Friday morning at 7 AM and headed to LA. We stopped at the outlets on the way and shopped for a couple hours. I was able to resist the temptations at the Coach store. Some weren't so lucky--I won't mention names! :) I did get a couple things at Gap for Eliza and Libby. We ate lunch at their food court and continued on in to LA. We found our hotel--the Wilshire Plaza Hotel...nothing fancy but clean and a place to sleep. We hurried and got ready in our dressier clothes. At the hotel, I gave everyone their little goodie bags that I had made.

I had bought green bags and filled it with green items to go with our Wicked theme. They all seemed to enjoy them! From there we drove to Pantages theater and ate at a little Italian restaurant. It was small place and we had to sit at three different tables, but the service was so fast and we were in and out quick! We were so glad so we weren't late to the play. Then it was time for the whole reason for the trip--to go see Wicked. It was AMAZING. I was blown away...the music, sets, costumes...all was just incredible. We had such great seats, too. Perfect! I would totally see it again in a heartbeat. I was most blown away by Elphaba. Wow. She had the most amazing voice. I wanted her to keep singing.

I was so tired after the play was over. Kari and I were having a hard time staying awake. I think I was so exhausted I just didn't feel great. I got back and hurried and got ready for bed and got in bed. I was out! Of course we all had the chance to sleep in, but we were up a little after seven. We got ready for the day and went to Beverly Center (a mall) for breakfast. The food court was lacking in good breakfast places, so we had a less than desirable breakfast at the California Crisp. Brooke and I decided to try the pancakes because we thought how bad can pancakes be? Well...they were pretty bad. Mine were like eating a sponge. Ewww. We tried to muster them down, but it wasn't easy and we didn't eat them all. After breakfast we spent a lot of time in H&M.

They had some cute clothes and I think everyone bought something there. I got a couple of shirts and one shirt for Libby. We did a little more shopping there including "XXI" (totally laughing, Karolyn!). After a little morning shopping, one car left for home and us die-hard shoppers headed over to the Fashion District in the heart of LA. We stuck together for safety but had a really fun time. We didn't even touch the tip of the iceberg for how much else we could have looked at. We only went down part of two streets. We kept seeing the same things over and over again, but there was everything from knock-off everything (purses, shoes, sunglasses, clothes, etc.) to ethnic music playing as loud as the speakers could go, $1.00 jewelry, and you can't forget the belly-dancing shirts, the super super tight stretchy tights that looked like blue jeans or the brassieres that were 5 for $10. What a steal! LOL. I bought some sunglasses and a necklace. I saw a purse I wanted, but they weren't willing to go down far enough in price! I also wanted a wallet but again, I saw one but passed it up because I wasn't willing to compromise on price. We decided to also pass up the street vendors selling their food. Scary! But we could have had fruit in a bag (who knows how many hands touched it!), bacon-wrapped hot dogs cooked on a magic stove (it was a cookie sheet type surface but didn't look like there was much under it to provide heat) or the corn in a bowl that you could add mayonnaise or chili to. I know Brooke wants to go back just for one of those! It was such a great time! After our shopping adventure and probably totally wearing Leslie out who is like 8.5 months pregnant, we headed out of town, grabbed Chevy's for dinner, then drove home. Overall it was such a fun time...great company, great conversation and wonderful friendship. Thanks friends for a fun weekend.

I got home at midnight, so my night was way too short! I was very tired today. The young women sang in church and it went well. I love the song we sang: "To Become Like Him." I had to teach in young womens, too, so it was a busy day! I taught "Encouraging Family Unity." I felt like I rambled, but hopefully the girls were encouraged to work on it in their own home. After church we came home and ate lunch, Ellie and Hattie took a nap and the rest of us started a movie. I didn't last long before I was napping. I more than needed it and could have used an additional 5 hours! We went over to my parents and we had our Easter dinner with my side of the family. It was good food and a fun time.

I think I am off to bed soon!

Camping

On Friday night, Brian took Libby camping. She has been wanting to go for a long time and talked about it for so long. His dad went, too. They went up to Table Mesa and camped. Brian said she had a great time! She loved eating, reading, sitting by the campfire and throwing rocks in the water. She came home dirty--must mean she had fun!

While they were gone on Friday night the rest of the girls and I did a couple errands, then I stopped by Sandbar and got my favorite salad for takeout. I came home and put Ellie and Hattie to bed. Then Eliza and I watched Bambi and shared the salad.

On Saturday morning we got ready, then went to one of the young women's house for her birthday. We get four new laurels in our class this month, and this was the start of them! We took her a little gift and wished her happy birthday.

In the afternoon, we went to Brian's parent's house to help them clean out their barn that is full of furniture and stuff.

Saturday night was date night. I was asked to take pictures of a pre-prom dinner that some of the youth we know were having. They invited Brian, too, so I took pictures, then we got to enjoy dinner inside with a couple sets of parents and the prom-goers were outside eating. It was a fun night visiting.

Sunday was church. Started with an early meeting. Ellie didn't have a great sacrament meeting. Frustrating! Brian took Hattie for the rest of church, so I was able to enjoy the rest of church. We stayed home for the rest of the day--the day went so fast!

This morning after Eliza and Libby got off to school, I picked up Becky's kids to play for the morning. Ellie loved the new friends to play with. The rest of the day was spent playing--inside and out. After dinner and family home evening, I went to Lindsay's to get my hair done. I stayed long, but did get color. Maybe next time I'll go a little shorter. Maybe.

Only 4 days until one Wicked trip!

Week in Review

On Tuesday my visiting teachers came over in the morning to help me paint some boards for my motherhood class I did last night. I enjoyed visiting and painting! Thanks Leslie and Danielle! :) It was a big help!

That night my parents took Eliza and Libby to Vistancia's book fair with Abby and Dallin. I snuck off to get a pedicure (much needed!) and to get some groceries at Wal-Mart.

Wednesday night was free burritos at Chipotle because they are just opening, so we got there at about 4:50 and the line was long! We waited. I left with Hattie while Brian waited with the other girls, but we ended up having to leave so I could get to mutual. So sad! Eliza was devastated. A little over dramatic but sad nonetheless! Our stake president's daughter is getting married this weekend and the reception is in their yard, so the priests and laurels went over and did some yard work. We basically shoveled rocks and dirt and smoothed out the areas on either side of the road. I am surprise I'm not sore. I thought for sure I would wake up the next morning so sore from all the shoveling, but I was ok!

Thursday was early release, so we picked up Eliza and came back home for lunch. My mom and sister-in-law and her kids were over to eat lunch, so we all enjoyed lunch together. After they left, I loaded everyone up and checked out Home Goods. It is a way fun store. My girls were so well behaved (I was so happy with them) but I still want to go back when I have more time to look more slowly. We stopped by Frys on the way home to get some sale items for food storage (canned vegetables 3 for $1.00 just to name one). Then it was home again. That night was a fundraiser for Eliza's school at Chipotle, so we told them we'd try again! We only had a slight wait last night and were able to eat there. Yum! I had the carnitas burrito. I liked it. And so did Ellie and Hattie!!

Last night was my big enrichment activity that I have been planning for a while. It came about as one of my value projects for Personal Progress that I am doing because of serving in Young Women's. I wanted to do a motherhood class where people would come share ideas, then I would give a little blurb about motherhood as a boost before they left. I had about 20 ladies come and it went great! First we went around the group and everyone shared one or two of their best mothering ideas or what works for them. There were so many great ideas shared; I can't want to implement many of them. At the end I shared some of my thoughts on motherhood. I had to leave a lot out because the sharing took way longer than I thought, but that was okay because everyone really enjoyed that part. I ended my part with a slide show I put together of pictures of the kids of most everyone who was there. I had them e-mail me pictures in advance, then put them together. I used the song "Every Moment" by Joy Williams. So touching and makes all the hard days of motherhood seem worth it! I emphasized that "mothers matter" and all that we do as mothers does really matter. I made each person a board with vinyl that says mothers matter that they could put up where they'll see it to remind them.



I made pretzel bites for refreshments. They are so addicting!

This time I used Hugs and the eggs M&Ms--think a regular M&M but a bigger sized one! YUM!

In house news, our room is done!!! Well, all except the cabinets and such. But structurally it's done! Yeah! We are happy with how it all turned out and came together. Now on to the cabinets! I need some ideas. We've gotten a few bids on cabinets for what we want in there and it's a bit pricier than we were hoping to spend. Does anyone have any other ideas? We are trying to brainstorm other pre-made furniture pieces we could use instead of wall cabinets along with other work surfaces. We aren't having much luck. I'm so antsy though because I don't want the room to just sit there without being able to use it!



This is what happens when Ellie thinks she can feed Hattie!

Field Trip

Today Eliza had a field trip and Brian was able to go with her. They went to the Desert Botanical Garden. Eliza has been so excited about going and about having Brian go with her. Brian said they had a really great time. I guess they were a little rushed while they were there, but it was a fun time. They got to go into the butterfly exhibit and butterflies landed on both of their hats. Eliza made a paint brush from a plant. They enjoyed their lunch at Papago Park which was chicken salad on crackers, chips, raspberry lemonde and cookies.

Today Libby got the "mystery box" at school. She has been so excited for about two weeks now that it was almost her turn. She was supposed to get it on Friday, but the other girl forgot it at home. So she got it today! She was so giddy to get it. She came right home and put in her "mystery item." She put in the toy phone from the play kitchen. She already has it in her backpack and ready to go for Wednesday.

This morning I watched two friends' boys while one was at a doctor's appoinment and one was on the field trip. They played so great, I didn't hardly know they were there.

The rest of the day included a long nap by Hattie (yeah!), scooter and play time out front, movie time (Curious George) and a nap by Ellie (yay!).

Tonight was family home evening and Eliza wanted to do her own lesson after mine. She talked about music and wanted everyone to write their own song. She is such a leader.

I leave you with a cute picture of Hattie.

Catching Up

Seems like being behind is what I am good at lately!

On Thursday we got up and ready, and Ellie, Libby and I went to Hattie's one-year well check. Their doctor is in a new office, so it was the first time there. It is a nice place and still fairly close, so that is good. Hattie measured at 20 lbs. 15 oz. and 30" long. She checked out good, except she had a little rash on her tummy. It just showed up that morning and I chalked it up to her wearing her new birthday PJs without them being washed first. But the doctor said it looked like a viral rash. He asked if she had been sick, so I told him about the fevers. He said that is what it was then...just the tail end of that and a rash from the fevers. It will go away on its own, so that is good. Because of that, he only wanted her to have 2 of the 4 shots she was supposed to get. On Wednesday night I was flipping through the channels and Larry King had another special on autism. The part I saw was about immunizations and autism. Some of the guests claim that after their children received some immunizations (namely the MMR shot) that they exhibited the first signs of autism. So when Dr. Kleiner said that was one of the shots, I got all worried. So I asked him about it and told him about the show. He said he would obviously do whatever I wanted, but he told me that he has never seen it in all his years of practice and there is a lot of research claiming the opposite. It did make me feel better, but it is still a little scary!

That night I went to a class on food storage and 3-month food storage. Now I just need to plan out what we'll eat and watch for sales. It seems so doable and we already have several meals, so I just need to finish up.

Friday was school and preschool and a pretty regular day. I did have a YW presidency meeting in the morning. Luckily Becky lets up do them at her house so the kids all just play together while we meet. That night, Brian and I had a different date. Way fun, but different than the usual (dinner, errands, etc.). We first picked up our wood for our den floors, then we ate dinner at Westgate at Motu's. It's like an island grill. I had a pulled pork BBQ sandwich and it was yummy. Then we walked over to the Jobing Arena and watched the high school state basketball finals. Brian has been wanting to see a high school game for a while, so we finally made it to one! A friend in our ward refs, and he was reffing the final game, so he got us in. We watched one girls' game and the 5A boys finals. It was fun to be young again at a high school event.

On Saturday morning, Brian took Ellie, Eliza and Libby on a hike at some of the new trails in West Wing. They had a great time and look forward to more of those. We are excited, too, because they are going to do some trails on Calderwood Butte, which is the mountain right out our front door practically! While they hiked, I was home with a sleeping Hattie. Brian helped with a move in the mid-day, then in the afternoon I went to a bridal shower, then on to an engagement photo shoot. Terri and I took the pictures together and we went to Westgate. After being there the night before, I thought it would be a cool place. It was until we got kicked out!!!!!!!! We are troublemakers. We were just minding our business taking pictures of the couple of cool places we found as we were walking around. Towards the end, a security guard stopped me and gave me the 3rd degree asking me 20 questions....who are you? Do you have a studio. Do people pay you for this? Who are those people? How do you know them? etc. etc. etc. He was so rude! He pulled out his "rule sheet" for Westgate and said there was no professional photography for commercial purposes. I still don't think we fit that category, so I was just really surprised. He doesn't know that the kind of cameras we have are actually quite common among the lay-photographer. But he didn't go for it. He said, "I think you have enough pictures...I have seen you all over." Weird! I was so mad!! So annoyed! It's not like we were taking pictures of specific things at Westgate, then going to sell them. Argh. OK...I will cool off now!

Today I had a meeting--Bishop's Youth Council--then it was church. Hattie made it all the way through and Ellie was close. During the last hour, I got to go to Relief Society for the visiting teaching conference. Those are always inspiring to me and makes me want to be a better visiting teacher.


Tonight we had dinner at my parent's house. My brother and his kids were there (missed you Kamille who was home with Luke who was sick) and my grandpa and his wife were here, so it was fun to chat with them. We haven't seen them in a bit because of his knee replacement he had in January.

Now it's time for a new week!

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!!!