Thursday night I went to our ward Enrichment night. We had dinner and they put on the musical presentation of the Ten Virgins parable. It was great. We have lots of talented women in our ward, even 3 of the young women were in it and sang solos. The room was beautifully decorated, like what a wedding in Jerusalem would have looked like. It was very well done. I love the book that the musical is based off of. Basically it gives each of the ten virgins a "story" and why she does or why she doesn't keep her lamp lit. It gives you a lot to think about. I love the thought of being ready for the "bridegroom" and making sure your lamp is lit as we don't know the "day or the hour," but I also like to think about being ready for all those "lamp moments" we have in our life. I spoke about this at our young women New Beginnings last year, but I like to ask myself if I'll have enough oil in my lamp for any thing or circumstance that is thrown in my path throughout my life. For example, will you be ready or prepared to deal with a difficult child, difficult in-laws, financial trouble, health issues...the list could go on. It's important that we are prepared for things in our life as well as for when the "end" comes. ...getting off my soapbox.

Friday Lib had preschool, and I met with Karolyn to talk about girls' camp stuff. It's not until July, but I am getting fairly excited and it'll go quick! Brian came home early, and I headed out to do some errands before date night. After we got our sitter, we had to sign our tax return so it could be filed, we got dinner at Sandbar, went to JoAnn's, then to a wedding reception. Then it was on to Target to finish Easter preparations.

Today was our 4th (I think) annual family Easter party. We met at my parents and enjoyed a good BBQ lunch. Then we had games. Dan & Chris had everyone guess how many robin eggs were in a container, then Brian (my brother) did his uber-popular "Tootie-Ta" with all kids. This year, Libby didn't do it nor did she do the relay game. Silly girl. I led the kids in a relay with the plastic egg on a spoon. Then it was inside for the fish pond where Grandpa and Grandma spoiled all the grandkids. After some fishing, Chris had the kids decorate a cupcake before they went out back for the Easter egg hunt.










It was a great time and everyone had fun celebrating and socializing.

We ended the day watching the city of Glendale channel 11. They are running a special about my dad who has been with the city as a police officer for 35 years--longer than anyone on the force. It was well done and fun to watch. So if you live in Glendale, you'll have to check it out!



I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning out closets, packing up winter clothes getting out stuff for the next season and cleaning out to give to DI. I never look forward to that job because it's a HUGE job and takes a long time. But it feels so good and refreshing to have it done.

I am trying to kick a sore throat and sinus yuck. I finally got some Aleeve cold and sinus, so I am hoping for some relief soon! That stuff works so great.

Egg Hunt #47

Yesterday I got out my girls' Easter baskets from last year and I had some leftover plastic eggs. So yesterday, Libby and Ellie made it the day-of-the-egg-hunts! First we started in the front room. I would hide the eggs and Libby would find them and vice versa. After a few times in there, we moved to Hattie's room. Then their room. Then my room. And then the backyard! I was egg-hunted out! Libby could have kept going all day; she loved it! She loved finding them and watching me try to find where she hid them. Ellie had fun, too, showing either of us where they were.

And today was yet another egg hunt! It was play group day at the park, so we all met there and the kids played a bit. We moms "hid" the eggs (a.k.a. spread them out over a grassy area), then each kid got to get 10 eggs. So fun! After that it was candy central! So much for trying to get my girls to eat their lunch there. My girls had fun and I had fun watching them and visiting with friends.

I have to record a funny, too, about Ellie. She calls her Easter basket "punkin" (translation: pumpkin). It's the funniest thing. In the garage I keep all the holiday stuff in one cabinet, and I had stacked their Easter buckets inside Ellie's pumpkin trick-or-treat bucket from this past year. So when we would go out there, she would say, "I want my punkin," meaning her Easter basket. So that is what she calls it.

This is also a very random thing, but ever since we got our van a few years ago, we've had trouble with the remote to unlock the doors and open the back doors. We've changed the batteries, but it didn't help. So for Christmas, Brian surprised me with new openers that worked--even inside the house. Well, it turned out to be worse than having one that didn't work great. The slightest budge would lock or unlock the door or turn it on the valet setting or passive setting or take it off of mute, etc. It was annoying!!! It was also somehow bad for the battery as every time we started the car, we would hold our breath hoping it would start! We took it in a couple of times and finally asked them to take it off and put it back how it was with the old remote that worked from only a few inches away. But he sent Brian away with a tip...to point the remote at your chin when trying to use it. Yeah...I was thinking what you are thinking. Yeah right; that is the dumbest thing I've heard. Well...it totally works! If your remote isn't working well, try it. You'll be surprised. I don't know how it makes it work better, but it totally does! I can be farther away and it'll open the doors.

I forgot to post about Monday--St. Patrick's day. Eliza made sure we all remembered to wear green, which we did. For dinner I made green pancakes. That was the extent of our celebrating! With an Irish name, you'd think I'd go crazy! My mom used to have a pin that would wear when I was younger that I thought was so funny. It said, "Erin go Braugh." She used to tease me and add a "less" to the end. LOL.

Last night was mutual and we had a get-to-know-you activity. It was a bit crazy. Each girl brought a basket with 3 things in it that described them or was something they liked. We were in a circle with someone directly across from us. We had one minute to share both of our baskets, then the outside circle moved to the right and we had a new person. We were in the primary room, so we were very crowded and it was so loud, I couldn't hardly hear my partner. That didn't take as long as expected, but the MiaMaid leaders were were in charge had a couple games planned. So they did some egg relays. Think 40 girls in the primary room doing egg (plastic) relays. Craaaaa--zzzyy! It seemed like they had fun, I hope!


That was random stuff! Maybe tomorrow I'll be more organized.

While the Cat is Away...

While I was gone to California, Brian and the girls had some fun of their own. Brian took the day off on Friday. While Libby was at preschool, Brian took Ellie and Hattie to Eliza's school to watch her in her "field day," which basically is a bunch of several fun events. Brian said she had fun and did well and did all the activities without wimping out like several of the kids did. Brian said it was a little hectic with Ellie and Hattie, but he survived. After Eliza got home from school, he loaded up and took them to his parent's cabin up north. I thought he was quite brave since it is still very cold up there with snow and neither of his parents could go up this weekend. But they had a fun time. They played in the snow, made a snowman, played and just enjoyed each other. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures since I had the camera with me in LA. On Saturday then went a little further north to Flagstaff to his sister's, then they came home a scenic route that evening. I am so grateful for such a wonderful husband who takes great care of our girls and who goes above and beyond. I love you, Brian!

Today we a pretty low key day at home. We did some chores inside and had lots of play time outside.

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!