A Day with a Few Pictures

Starting with yesterday...yesterday was our stake temple day, so Brian was able to come home early so we could go. We had a good time. We hurried home, then Eliza and I were off to see a high school play: The Unusual Suspect. One of my young women had a lead role and two others did the make up. It was a really cute play with quite a bit of humor. Eliza was even entertained and enjoyed it.

Today we hurried in the morning to get everyone ready for school and off on time. I think we made it! After preschool, we went to Wal-Mart for some grocery shopping. I'll be so glad when the one a little closer opens up. It seems like it should be any day. This afternoon we played outside. We are taking advantage of the last bits of spring that are left. First we painted nails, then the older three got their swimming suits on to play in the water (or as Ellie calls it...her "swim soup"). They played a little in the water, then Eliza got upset that they were "wasting water" thanks to a recent assembly she had a school about water conservation. Hattie even found a little puddle to sit in and even get a drink. Don't worry, I picked her up after I got a picture. Oh and she found the headband and wanted to put it on...it's not a typical hair accessory for her yet!





Tonight we hung out at home, trying to get this potty training thing back under control, etc.

Past Three Days

Let's see...
Monday--
just a normal day...I can't think remember what we did.

Tuesday...
Libby and Ellie had a little play date at Karolyn's with Sadie and Carson. I made use of Hattie's too short 1-hour nap and did some work, then we went to Fry's. That was the calm part of the day. In the early afternoon, I put Ellie and Hattie down for early naps, Eliza had piano, then after we picked her up, we zipped over to Sunrise Mtn. and watched one of my laurels who is new in our ward play in her softball game. It was a little hectic with all 4 girls, but we survived! I brought some treats from home and when those were gone, thank goodness for the little snack bar...I bought round two, which kept them pretty entertained until the game was over. I don't think we'll be allowed back though for all the snacks that were dropped on the ground and all the water spilled, too. But we had a good time and they won!





I also had volleyball last night--it was fun and being next to Kari was fun as she is a good setter and I got to do some hitting.

Today while Libby had preschool, I had to apply some tough love for Hattie's nap. She finally got to sleep and slept pretty well. Ellie napped well this afternoon, too, and right when she went to sleep, Libby went into her room and seriously played by herself for at least an hour. I didn't want to bother her, so I left her alone. It was great. Later I asked what she was playing and she played "school." And tonight while she was in bed trying to fall asleep, I heard her sounding out words. That is her new hobby.

Today was a set back for potty training somehow. Three accidents in all. She had been doing great, but today for whatever reason, she didn't do so hot. I am so bummed! I hope it's just a one day thing and she is back on board tomorrow. Ugh. Note: I just ate one of those Dove chocolates, and my little thought inside the foil wrapper was this: "Don't think about it so much." Ha ha! I'd better take note!

Tonight was mutual and our class was in charge of the activity. We did a video scavenger hunt which turned out to be such a great time! The girls were divided into groups and each group had a leader as a driver. We had a list of various things they could do that were worth certain amounts of points...the easier the "activity" the less points...more daring got you more points. So having one group member jumping in a pool with her clothes on and swimming a lap got you more points than making a human pyramid in public. We divided the girls up beforehand and split up those who always hang out together so they could get to know someone new. There was some grumbling at first, but I think it turned out okay. We met back at the church, declared a winning group, I had the girls relate the activity to the gospel or tell something they learned, we watched the videos, then had refreshments. Way fun.

Week Over

I survived Brian being in California. He had a trip to American Funds from Thursday-Saturday. On Friday evening, I had a babysitter come over for Ellie and Hattie, while Eliza, Libby and I went and watched one of the young women play basketball for her elementary school team. Her team won and it was fun to see her play. The level of play for basketball at that age has improved from what I remember when I was in elementary school.

Saturday was a LONG day. It started early as I was up, ready and had everyone up and ready to leave by 8 AM. I took my girls to Brian's parents' house and they played there until Brian got home and back from the airport around lunch time. After dropping them off, I picked Terri up and we were off to the temple to take pictures after a wedding. That took all morning, then we grabbed a bite to eat, edited a few pictures from that morning for a digital frame they wanted at the reception that night, then we were back just in time for the reception that night. We were on our feet all day. It was exhausting work.


Today was church and it was one of those days during sacrament that I leaned over to Brian and through gritted teeth I said, "I am done having kids--we are NOT having any more. I am sure everyone is staring at us thinking, 'They can't even control the ones they have.'" Hattie was a wiggle worm and just wanted to get down and be free from the confines of the general bench area. Ellie wanted to eat [crunch loudly on] candy that she found in the diaper bag that I had put in there as "reward"/bribe for potty training. She wasn't too happy I took it away. But it was crazy! I was thoroughly embarrassed and felt like everyone was staring at us. Monique who sat behind me assured me they didn't notice, but I am not so sure! LOL.

After that, the rest of church was fine and went smoothly. Tonight we went to my parents for dinner. It seems like it's been a while since we've had dinner over there due to conference, meetings, etc. So it was fun. My grandpa brought over several puzzles for us to borrow--Eliza and Libby were very excited. They finished the Waldo puzzle tonight that is just about the hardest puzzle I've seen. I didn't find one piece in that puzzle. Think: ...a puzzle entirely made up of Waldos--every piece looked the same to me.

I am hopeful that this week isn't as busy as last.

Better Day

Today I looked forward to a low-key day at home. I wore comfy clothes all day and didn't have to go anywhere! It was so nice.

Libby did much better today--I don't know if it was her being better behaved or me having more patience. I think it was a little of both.

Terri brought her boys over for a little bit this afternoon while they did a walk through on their house. Ellie and Libby loved playing with them again. They play really well together, so it was great for everyone!

Tonight went pretty well. We all worked together on chores, then the girls got baths and ready for bed. Bedtime took a while tonight, but Ellie was the only one who gave me trouble. She just kept playing around in her bed. She can be so chatty and talk to herself until she falls asleep. It could be worse I guess!

Here are a couple of pictures from this week. One day I came into the playroom and found this.


And Hattie climbed into the dump truck today and got a few rides around the yard.

I have been so busy lately--too busy probably. Here's a brief recap for my own remembering:
Monday:
-School/preschool
-Went to see my friend Terri's new house (can't wait for her to move in!)
-Had family home evening and I finished my last thing for my Young Women Medallion (obviously I got it as a YW leader as I am NOT a YW anymore! LOL.).

Tuesday:
--Libby had a friend come over for a play date. They played "baby shower" and wrapped up gifts and gave to each other. Funny.
--read more books with Libby.
--Sarah came over so I could go to a camp meeting (Brian had a league basketball game), then play volleyball.


Today:
--Went to the temple with several friends. Terri was a saint and came over to my house and watched my girls so I could go. I am so grateful for that. Everyone survived! I had a good time. We went to a cute ribbon store along with lunch at Cafe Rio.
--Came home. Libby was a pill today (and yesterday). She is more than trying my patience lately.
--Dropped of birthday goodies at one of my young women's house--it's her 16th b-day. Several of the other laurels came along, too. Then we went to another birthday girl's home and had ice cream to celebrate.
--Eliza came along with me, then we were off to the hospital to see my friend Leslie and her new baby. She is adorable!!! ...such a darling baby!

Here is a funny conversation Eliza and I had on the way home from the hospital:

E: What is a C-section?
Me: When they cut your tummy open to get the baby out.
E: And sometimes you just push it out?
Me: Yep.
E: Remember that show we watched that showed how to get a baby out?
Me: (I am thinking...what show did she watch!?!?) Yeah.
E: Remember that lady who was exercising to get her baby out?
Me: (chuckling) Yeah--she was on that exercise ball?
E: Yeah!


I am worn out! Hopefully I can download some pictures for a more interesting post.

Conference Weekend

We had a great conference weekend. Saturday morning we woke up and had donuts, then we watched conference. It was so great to be able to be a part of the Solemn Assembly to sustain our prophet and our newest Apostle. It was neat to be in our home and see each group called to stand and sustain President Monson. I felt the spirit very strongly during that, and I hope my girls will remember standing and sustaining him, too. As much as I loved President Hinckley (and still do), I already love President Monson and know he is a prophet. Elder Christofferson will be great, too. Before I was married and when I was still living at home, his son and daughter-in-law Rainey lived in our ward while he went to the graduate school by our house. There were lots of changes--we got a new young women's general presidency and my brother, Brian's, mission president--James Hamula--was called to the first quorum of the seventy.

After the first session, we went out back and cleaned out and filled our water storage barrels, then we had lunch outside before watching the next session. That night Brian went to the priesthood meeting, and I took Sarah's senior pictures. It has been fun taking senior pictures lately--they are quite easy as they are very cooperative and I don't have to bribe them! Here are a couple shots from two I did recently.




I met Brian after his broadcast was over and we ate dinner, then went to Wal-Mart to get supplies to restock our 72-hour kits. Just a few more items and those will be ready for another 6 months.


This morning was day two of conference. I made (from a tube only) cinnamon rolls for breakfast, then we watched conference. We got to watch most all of each session--just having to miss parts here and there to put kids down for naps or run Ellie to the potty, etc. Eliza and Libby had conference packets I had printed off for them, and I had some coloring pages for Ellie. The best thing was this afternoon when we opened up a new puzzle we got at Wal-Mart last night. 500 pieces and it kept us busy during the last session! It was fun and kept Libby and Eliza busy so we could watch. I think my favorite talk was Elder Ballards on mothers. That will be my first one to reread. Two parts from his talk really stuck out--that finding joy in motherhood comes in moments. I have been feeling bad for a while that sometimes I don't always find joy in being a mom. Gasp! Some days are really hard and I think, "Did I sign up for this?!" But in his talk he said there will be moments of joy, but there will also be hard times, too. That made me feel better. I also loved the quote from Anna Quindlen about how we moms should focus more on "getting there" than "getting it done." So that is going to be new goal for me. Instead of focusing on wanting the task of getting them to bed, for example, to be done, I want to focus more on enjoying the "getting them to bed part." Or whatever the task is. Tonight Libby wanted me to put her to bed. Brian usually does and he has the routine down pat and she usually goes to bed fairly easily for him. Whenever I do, it doesn't usually go so smoothly. But tonight I tried to enjoy it more. We read books and I really enjoyed it. I was mostly impressed with her wanting to sound out words, so I kept getting books for her to read. Overall it was a great weekend watching conference. I certainly learned a lot. I had written down about 4 questions I was seeking and praying for answers for and probably 75% of the talks brought me ideas and insight into my questions. That was a blessing to me.

This evening after conference we spent some time out back, then I made French toast for dinner. I don't know why I don't make it more often. It is so easy and everyone loved it. Libby--who usually says she doesn't want anything I make--ate it without a word. It was such a nice change from her usual, "I don't want to eat that."

I think that about covers it! I'll end with a picture of Ellie after she found some lip gloss (with 'tint' no less)!

Friday

Today was better potty training...only one accident. I stepped out into the garage for literally a minute to get a gift bag out of the garage, and when I came in I heard her calling me. She was in my bathroom but hadn't quite made it. Hopefully this will get easier!

Today was a typical day at home...breakfast, Hattie napping, playing with Ellie, letting her watch the "baby part" at the beginning of Elf over and over, picking up Libby, lunch, Hattie and Ellie napping, outside with Libby (and playing 'baseball'--she is getting to be a little slugger!), coloring outside, too, doing puzzles and reading books. Whew! What a day! When Eliza got home, she unwound (unwinded?) by watching HGTV. She LOVES watching the decorating shows and before I knew it she was cleaning up the playroom and family room and situating the pillows and throws, etc. What a girl!

After dinner, we went back outside for a while for more "ball," swinging and playing. Brian and I decided not to go out tonight--mostly because of the potty training. After Hattie and Ellie were in bed, I took the other two girls to deliver a few things to some young women, then we went to JoAnn's and Fry's. After they were in bed, I went through our 72-hour kits and made a list of what I need to refill them. I am trying to think of some new things to put in them for food for me. I am afraid if I eat the canned food 3 days in a row, I'll totally get a migraine from all the sodium. Any ideas?

I am looking forward to watching general conference this weekend!

Busy!

This week has been quite busy! Yesterday was Brian's birthday. The big 29! The day was pretty normal. Brian went to work and I held down the fort at home. Brian grabbed Rubio's for dinner on his way home, so we enjoyed an easy dinner. Libby set the table all cute--even folding the napkins perfectly and getting all the drinks filled, too. Ellie had helped me make an ice cream cake, so we dove into that right after dinner. Yum! I had to be at mutual at 6, so we hurried to celebrate. He also opened his gifts from all his girls--two $29 gift cards to REI and a new belt for work.

For mutual the young men and young women hiked at West Wing Mountain. I hadn't hiked there before so it was fun. It was a bit of a work-out! I was huffing and puffing on the way up. But it was a pretty view.



This morning started early. Ellie and Hattie have been getting up early lately. Ugh. 99% of the time Brian gets up with them, and he did today, too, but I had to get up and get ready for the day so I could be ready for Ellie when she got up so I could focus on her for continued potty training. (that was a really long sentence) She was doing fairly well but has taken a step back. She is testing me for sure! I am trying not to get frustrated, but it's hard!

This morning was my friend, Leslie's, baby shower. We gathered at Rachel's house for lunch, visiting and gifts. Our kids came, so they had fun playing with each other.

After the baby shower, we came home and I tried to put Hattie down for a nap, but she wasn't having it! She hardly napped at all today. While Ellie was napping Libby and I played a few games of Memory. I enjoy playing that with her--she is encouraging and likes to help me out. Brian got home and we had breakfast for dinner--pancakes this time. Tonight was day three of my busy week--I had a stake leadership meeting. I always learn a lot at those, but come home a little overwhelmed, thinking of all I should/could do differently, etc.

Hopefully the week will settle down and crossing my fingers that Ellie will click with all this potty training!

No Joke

I spoke too soon. This morning Ellie and I were busily making a cake for Brian's birthday which is tomorrow, when I noticed it was a little after 11. I hurried and called down to Superior Court like the message said yesterday. It said, "Group 2514 (which was my group) is to report for jury duty at 1 PM." I thought surely they are going to say, "April Fool's!!" But no--they were not joking--I had to go in for jury duty! I had to first hurry and call Brian so he could come home, then I hurried and got myself ready and a little dressier than shorts and t-shirt. Less than an hour later I was on my way downtown. I found the parking garage easily, was approached by someone wanting money, then got on the shuttle to the court. I filled out my papers, then waited. They called three groups of about 40 people each and I just sat and read a book (Marley & Me--next month's book for BPS). I sat down and about got a headache. I didn't know before I sat down (there weren't many seats left), but the person I sat by smoked and the smell was so strong!!! I tried as discreetly as I could to turn my face away and put my hand under my nose so I smelled my lotion instead. I was trying to think of how to tactfully move seats! A little bit after they called the third group, they said that the other cases of the day settled and that they didn't need us! I was glad. I was done earlier enough, so on my way home I was able to get Brian's birthday gift.

After I got home, we had dinner (at least I had gotten some enchiladas in the crock pot before I left), then Eliza came with me to volleyball at church. It was fun and I didn't do too bad for not having played in a while. A little rusty and I have sore arms, but other than that, it was good!



I love this picture! Ellie loves to feed Hattie. I think she'll make a great babysitter one day (and mom!).



At least Ellie is potty training in style!

Saved!

I was summoned the jury duty a while back and my summons date is for tomorrow. But I called like you are supposed to the day before and I don't think I'll have to go! My group has to call in at 11. But I am thinking/hoping I won't have to go in! I am so glad!!!

The potty training continues. She doesn't have it down yet, but we are getting there. She is great at night--no accidents (knock on wood), and great on errands, etc., we are just working on home! She knows, but it's getting to the potty before it comes out!

Today was back to the routine--back to school and preschool. We ventured out to Albertson's for some groceries, but that is it. It's been another day of following Ellie very closely and asking every few minutes, "Are you dry? Tell mommy if you need to go potty."

For dinner tonight I tried a new recipe and it was a hit (with Brian and Eliza at least). I made German pancakes. We put syrup, strawberries and powdered sugar on top. We decided the taste is similar to french toast. Yum! So so easy, too, which I love.

After dinner we all went out back and had fun playing. Eliza and Brian played soccer and I threw the ball to Libby and she practiced hitting. Ellie was mostly in or pulling the wagon with Hattie. We stayed outside for family home evening, which I had to cut out early for a potty break with Ellie. Then baths and bed!

It's just a start to a busy week!

End of Spring Break

Spring Break Day 5: First a sad update on the cow. The mom didn't make it either. I guess they are both together now, but how sad! And it was a total loss as they couldn't butcher her either because the baby was dead inside of her for so long.

On Friday morning, Brian got all packed up and ready for the last exciting event of spring break: a father/daughter camp out. My brother (Brian) and his two kids went, too. They picked up Eliza and Libby at his parents, then they were off. They went to the Superstition Mountains. They did a drive, then camped out for the night. Dinner was roasted hot dogs and s'mores. This morning they had breakfast, did a little more driving and some hiking. They all seemed to have a great time.








The last day of spring break was my first day of potty training with Ellie. That is what we did while they were off camping. My parents came over on Friday to help entertain Hattie so I could focus all my attention on Ellie. Things are going okay--mediocre, but I am not going back. I am going to keep with it until she gets it. I bought an e-book I found online about potty-training and it's quite similar to what I have done with both girls so far, but she did give a few other suggestions in her book that I am trying. She has had more accidents than successes, but I can tell she is learning. I'll be so thrilled when she gets it and we're done! But I am so so tired of following her around and asking, "Are your panties dry? Let mommy know when you need to go potty."

Tonight I got a little break when I went to the General Young Women's Broadcast. It was a great meeting...all the talks were great. I especially loved one of the stories that Susan Tanner shared. I can't wait until the transcripts come out.

Here is to day three of potty training!

Spring Break Days 3 & 4

Yesterday was pretty low-key. Eliza went to her cousin Katie's birthday party. While she was there we hung out at my parent's house. We ate lunch and played. My dad came home for a minute and played outside with them. In the afternoon, Ellie and Hattie napped while the rest of us had quiet time (read: tried to keep my eyes open). I had mutual at night, and the laurels went to Marcy's house and played "ultimate spoons." You start by playing the card game "spoons" and whoever doesn't get a spoon is the "hider." She goes into a room in the house and hides spoons (one less than whoever is left in the game). Then we are in another room playing spoons (minus the spoons in the middle). Whoever gets four of a kind, drops her cards and runs into the other room to look for a spoon. Everyone else follows suit and runs in, too. Whoever doesn't find a spoon is the next hider, etc, until there is a champion. It was fun!

Today we hung out at home, spent some time outside--reading, playing, having a mini-picnic, etc. It got too hot (it's only March!), so we came in. The fun thing for today is that Libby and Eliza get to spend the night at Brian's parents' house. We took them over there in the late afternoon. They are having a great time, except one of their cows starting having a baby and sadly, the calf was too big and got stuck. They have been trying for a few hours to get it out (the vet is there), but the calf has passed away. It is not looking good for the mom either. It is so sad. My girls have been inside, but they are still sad. I didn't think I'd ever pray for a cow, but tonight that has changed. I hope they can save her.

Tonight I took senior pictures for one of my young women who is graduating, then I went visiting teaching.

Spring Break Day 2

This morning Eliza had her piano lesson so we didn't have to wait until this afternoon. Then we worked on the puzzles they got for Easter. Let me just say...puzzles are addicting! When I get working on a puzzle, I don't want to stop...it's like just one more piece..one more piece.... It's like reading a book or eating chips...just one more!!! But we had fun with them and finished Libby's puzzle from yesterday and did Eliza's, too.

Today's activity was Fiddlesticks. We got a babysitter for Hattie since she wouldn't have much fun, then the rest of us headed over there. We started with a round of miniature golf. It seemed like a speed round because they were so excited to get to the next hole. But they all had fun and loved having Brian help them with their swing. Ellie's strategy was to hit the ball once, then pick it up and drop it in the hole. I forgot my camera, but if I can get pictures off my phone, I'll upload them. After golf, we went inside for water and ice cream "novelties" (e.g. ice cream sandwich and Drumstick type things). Then we went back out for Eliza and Libby to ride the rookie go-karts. They had a blast! They each got their own car and went around and around. They both had smiles on the entire time. We ended with them riding a kiddie roller coaster. We got Ellie a ticket, too, and she got in, but when the worker came and put the seat belt down, she started crying. So we had to get her out and she just watched. Overall, it was a fun day together.

Spring Break Day 1

This is our first true spring break. Since we haven't had a child in school, spring break really didn't mean much. So this is a first!

This morning we hung out at home--spent some time out front, E & L watched Enchanted, and they (and Ellie) played in their room for a while. We had lunch and tidied up the house a bit. Brian came home soon after so we could do our first "spring break" activity: swimming at the resort.



My girls were so excited. And yes, the water was COLD!!! They are supposed to heat it up to 82 degrees, but we were told some hit the emergency shut off and the regular pool guy wasn't there to fix it. Bummer! Once you got in, it wasn't too bad, but getting in was hard. I only made not quite to my shoulders. Everyone else (except Hattie) got in all the way. Hattie did have a blast though in the water. She absolutely loved it! They have a beach entry at one end, so we hung out there, and she kept wanting to crawl farther and farther in. I would hold her and walk about a bit and she would wiggle to try to get down. We were glad she loved it. The highlight was the slide. Eliza, Libby and Brian went down several times. Ellie was so so sad that she was too little. She was ready to climb the stairs and we had to tell her she couldn't. She got a very sad face and was just heartbroken. So sad! She kept saying, "I do it. I do it." She did enjoy "swimming" and would say, "I swim to you, Mom." She is just so cute. We got out and the girls basked in the sun for a minute before we grabbed muffins from the concierge. As we were driving to get Papa Murphy's for dinner, Ellie said, "That was really fun." After family home evening and after Ellie and Hattie went to bed, the rest of us watched Enchanted. It was Brian's first time seeing it and he enjoyed it. The night ended with Libby doing my hair and Eliza doing my make up. I am glad her play make-up is very, very light! Then it was bedtime. We had plans for tomorrow, but E & L had some listening and sassy issues before bed, so we'll see if we actually go.

I think I could get used to spring breaks!

Easter

This morning started way too early with Eliza and Libby coming in at 4:30, wondering if the Easter bunny had come yet. I was like, "Um...not yet. You need to go back to sleep so he can come." They both climbed into bed with us and Libby went right back to bed. Eliza took a while to get back to sleep. And unfortunately, I never could get back to sleep. By 7:15 Libby was up and wanted me to get up with her see if the Easter bunny had come. She looked first and came back to report that she looked all around but couldn't find their baskets! This year the Easter bunny decided to do a scavenger hunt for them to find their baskets. So I went back in their with her to help her find the note he left. She grabbed the note and ran back in to our room and waited for Eliza to wake up (Ellie had woken up by now, too). So it was on to the hunt to find their Easter baskets. They LOVED it. I heard comments like, "This is the best Easter ever" and "The Easter bunny is so nice!" It was cute to see Eliza and Libby so excited. They found their baskets in our closet and had fun going through them. Eliza and Libby both got a pair of shorts and a t-shirt along with a puzzle and a "Reeseter Bunny" (a bunny-shaped peanut butter cup). Ellie got a Frisbee and sand toys and Hattie got a book. In her basket was a gift for everyone: the new Enchanted movie (Leslie--you can come watch anytime! I know it's your favorite! LOL!). And all this happened before church!

We got ready for church. I didn't do new Easter dresses for my girls. Probably a bad mom, but Eliza just got a new dress and my other girls had great looking hand-me-downs they had never worn yet, so I put them in those. ...except for Libby who opted for a tried and true outfit. Oh well! See...she probably wouldn't have worn a new dress anyway!


Church was great. The choir did a nice program with singing and narration. I didn't teach in young women, so I got to sit and enjoy Marci's lesson.

After church we came home and I quickly put together our dessert to bring to Brian's parents' for dinner. We went over there and had Easter dinner (ham, potatoes, etc.), then had dessert. I made two things basically because I couldn't decide. I've been wanting to make a "Lemon Poke Cake" that my grandma used to make. So I made that, and I also made a Strawberry Cheesecake trifle. Yum! When I am not so tired, I'll include the recipe. It was a hit!

We stayed there a while and visited while the kids played both inside and out. We had fun except I am so tired of my allergies or sinus or whatever I have!

Sleeping babies are irresistible aren't they?

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.