Family Date

This past week has been quite busy!

Yesterday morning, my mom came over and we had another bread lesson by my sister-in-law Chrystalyn. I think I am ready to dive into bread-making for our bread consumption. I do need to get a wheat grinder, then I'll be set! We made two batches and within a couple hours we had 10 loaves of bread! It was so delicious!


Last night I went to the church to start an "All About Me" album that Becky headed-up. I got 6 pages done-a good start! Brian went to the Rush concert with one of his brothers, his Dad and one of the young men from our ward; he said it was great, as always!

Today was the normal--school, preschool, I stopped at the new Safeway on the way to get Libby from preschool, then we came home and ate lunch and the two little ones had naps. During naps, Libby kept me busy with several games of Dora Memory, Uno and "regular memory." She is such a game girl.

When Eliza came home from school, she was grinning big and showing off her missing tooth. It has been ready to fall out for a couple of days, but just wouldn't come. I guess at lunch she was eating a chip and it came out. But she couldn't find it. She doesn't think she swallowed it, but she doesn't know where it went! She wrote a note to the tooth fairy to see if she could still leave a dollar.

Don't you just love the I've-been-at-school-all-day hair?

Here is Hattie watching for Eliza to come home (actually, she was more excited to play on the couch.)



Brian came home a little early and we all headed up to Wickenberg. It's been a busy week and one or both of us has been gone almost every night, so instead of date night, we decided to do a family date night. We had dinner at Anitas, then we found a park and let the girls run around for a while. We walked to an ice cream shop and got some dessert, then went back to the park to eat. They had a great time. We found a ladybug, so they had fun playing with that. Libby found a branch in the shape of a "Y" which she was pretty excited about. Brian found a tree to climb. Hattie loved drinking her milk under a tree. It was just a fun time.











I had to laugh when I saw this picture...I was thinking of the book Make Way for Ducklings!

A Funny

I wanted to get this down before I forget. Eliza had a major meltdown a couple of nights ago. She wanted to go to bed in the same room as Libby (even though they don't do well going to sleep in the same room). We let them try but ended up moving Libby which caused Eliza to get mad and lose it. In her little "fit" she yelled at Brian, "You are a booger-head!!" Brian and I just looked at each other and totally laughed. I guess it's not too bad if that is the worst thing she could think of to call him!

Anyway...the past two days have been pretty low-key. Last night I played volleyball. We didn't do well at all! We had a reffing break in the middle and after that it was all downhill!

After preschool, Terri's boys came over to play so she could get some house stuff done. That helped pass the day. Eliza had piano, then we came home for dinner. When we got home, my parents stopped by for a minute to pick something up. It was then that we discovered that Libby had gum in her hair! Ack! We got out the peanut butter and it worked! We worked it in her hair and it came out, luckily. She was so sad and sobbing!

Tonight for mutual we had a service auction. Our personal progress specialists put it on and they did a great job. I gave away one pedicure with me and I scored 10 hours of babysitting! That will help the babysitting bill for sure!

Apron

Finally--I was able to post a picture of the apron.

Clingy!

Yesterday Hattie was so so clingy! She didn't seem to be feeling great, but she was a bit grumpy and wanted to be held. After church we went to Brian's parents' for dinner and she didn't want anything but to be held (by me). Brian had to leave early for a meeting, so I stayed a while longer with the girls. It was crazy! I wanted to keep an eye on Ellie and make sure she stayed dry, but Hattie was quite needy! I am sure they were all glad to see us leave.

Today turned out to be a busy day. Eliza and Libby went to school, then one of my visiting teachers came by. After Hattie woke up from her nap, we went to Target to grab some GladWare containers. We picked up Libby and Carson from school and Terri ended up having Ellie and Libby stay at her house to play. I felt so bad because hello--she just moved in over the weekend. But she said they kept her kids busy so she could get some things done. While they were over there, I did a little work. Then I found out that one of my young women won the student council election to be senior class treasurer. So Rachel and I took over some balloons and a sign and put it in her room before she got home from school.

This afternoon I made dinner to take to Leslie who recently had a baby. I got to hold her when I went over. You forget just how tiny and sweet they are!

Tonight for family home evening, Eliza and Libby wanted to do it in the playhouse. So they set it up a little bit and wanted us to come and knock on the door. They let us in, then we had our lesson by Eliza. She taught about choosing the right and gave us a few situations and we talked about what we should do if it happened to us. We did a short game of charades and played a little 2 on 2 basketball before coming in to give the girls baths.

Happy Monday.

Where Does the Time Go?

The other day my mom e-mailed me some pictures she came across as she was browsing through some pictures on her computer. It made us think, "Where does the time go????" It seems like a long time ago but then it feels like it was just yesterday that they were that little!! Made us get a bit sentimental!

Eliza

Libby

Eliza

Ellie

Ellie

Eliza and Ellie

Libby

New LDS Temple

This morning I was up and at the stake youth activity by 8 AM. First President Wagner spoke about being steadfast and immovable in all we do. Then half of us cleaned the outside lunch tables at Sunrise Mountain High School and the other half went into the computer lab and did indexing. After an hour, we switched. They figured during that time, the kids indexed over 3500 names, which is incredible! The last part of the day was lunch--sub sandwiches. After the activity was over, I stopped by Fry's then came home. Then we all headed over to the resort and went swimming. The water was still so cold! Ahh! The breeze sure didn't help either! After some time in the pool, we left and grabbed McDonald's for a very late lunch.

Tonight Brian had to help out with the Relay for Life as part of his duties in Kiwanis Club. So the girls and I hung out at home. My parents came over and hung out for a bit. The girls loved it. My mom helped me make some treats and Ellie kept wanting to sneak some bites and after she had quite a few, we told her she couldn't have any more. Then she put it up to her lips and said, "I just teasin'." Then she said to my mom (who had chocolate all over her fingers from making the treat), "Can I lick your fingers Grandma?" (Which, of course, she got to do)

So...I heard the news that two new temples will be built in Arizona...one in Gilbert and one in Gila Valley. We are a little shocked and disappointed as neither help us out at all as far as travel time, but what can you do? Maybe that means one will come out here soon! It is still exciting news.

Oh yeah...and happy birthday to my good friend Rachel! The little sewing project that I did last week was an apron I made for her present. My mom walked me through it, thank goodness as the pattern was way more complicated than expected. Here is a little picture of me trying it on before giving it to her. (OK--I can't access the other computer with the picture, so I'll add it later!)

Not Safe

Lots of our neighbors have those Power Wheel toys. Many of them have a fleet of them. My girls enjoy riding them when they play together. Well last week, a couple of the neighbor friends came over and asked my girls if they wanted one of their power wheels...a little one seater go-cart type of one. They said, "We have too many, so we want to give one to you." It was so nice. Of course my girls were so excited and have enjoyed riding in it (read: fighting over it.). Well, I guess they came up with a solution:

Not safe! But fun, I'm sure!!

Today started with an early breakfast with some friends to celebrate a couple birthdays. Then I came home, got caught up from being gone to breakfast. Eliza didn't have school today, but Libby had a make-up day for preschool. When it was time, we picked her up from school and she was quite excited that she got the mystery box. (She came right home and put a puzzle piece in it.) After school Kari invited us over for lunch and play. We all had fun playing and visiting.

Tonight Sarah came over to babysit and Brian and I went and helped Terri and Chris pack up and load up for their move tomorrow. Then we drove over to REI and Brian spent his birthday gift cards on a Thermarest. We grabbed dinner at Cafe Rumba and came home. I went over and did some running after and now it's cool down time!

Slow Day!

Today went by so slowly for some reason!!! This morning when it was only 11, it totally felt like it should have been at least 1. Maybe it was because I was up with Hattie at 6:30, immediately followed by Ellie, then Eliza. After Eliza got off to school, we spent some time out back, then did some coloring, had an early lunch outside (it felt later), and so on. Hattie took three naps, so that helped.

Brian had a networking meeting tonight, so he didn't get home till 8, but some how I managed to get everyone in bed by the time he got home. Then I went over to the gym and did a little running.

Here's a picture of the start of Hattie's room. I need to add a few things to the little "H" collage, but at least it's a start!

Mystery Box

I went to Becky’s for a little get together she had to thank some of her friends who had helped her out when she was really sick at the beginning of her pregnancy. Kids were allowed, so I picked up Libby early from preschool so she could play there and so I wouldn’t have to leave early to pick her up. She was so sad when she got in the car because she was missing “mystery box” and because it was her turn to take it home. When we got to Becky’s she came up to my seat and hugged me and just cried! Talk about guilt! I felt so bad. I told her I would call Miss Laura and ask her what Hannah brought in the box and that she could get the box on Friday when she goes to preschool. It took her a while to get over that at Becky’s. She was a bit pouty and clung to me for a while. After she was over that, she had fun playing house and high heels with Sadie, who is one of her favorite friends to play with.

After Becky's we came home and I put Hattie down for a nap soon followed by Ellie. She fought it a little bit, but I didn't give in and she ended up falling asleep. Yay. When Eliza got home from school, the other three girls who ride home with her stayed for a play date. We first had popsicles--chocolate ones. The little puddles of chocolate on the back porch totally give that away! They played outside for a bit, then they totally loved me when I broke out the art supplies.

Karolyn--I know the picture is blurry, but I know you are jealous it wasn't at your house because I know how much you love to get out all the little art things. They were having so much fun I was tempted to open up the 1000 piece set of fun foam shapes. LOL. They each made a card for their moms. After they finished that and got it cleaned up, we loaded up and dropped everyone off, then it was off to Eliza's piano lesson--her first one with her new teacher. The teacher she had before is graduating from college and she'll be starting work as a nurse (I will be living vicariously through her as I would love that job!), but she won't be able to teach piano anymore. We ended up finding a teacher who lives close by, so it is going to work out nicely. Her first lesson went well. She said I could come to the first lesson because she introduced herself and went over expectations. Since I was already there, I just stayed through the lesson. I was totally laughing to myself at her lesson at just how cute Eliza is around other people. She was so chatty and comfortable talking and laughing.

We grabbed Paradise Bakery on the way home for dinner and ate when we got home. We did some cleaning up outside and then it was baths and bed. Brian did a couple errands with Libby and Eliza stayed home with me and watched me work with the girl I photographed last weekend as we made her graduation announcements.

Here is a funny picture of Hattie enjoying a Paradise Bakery cookie.


And another funny...you know you've been potty training too long when...
--you tell all your other girls to "keep your panties dry!" I've accidentally told that to Eliza and Libby--we get a good laugh out of it. And I've told that to Hattie when I put her down for a nap. :)
--or when you catch yourself almost yelling "Stay dry!" to your fellow volleyball teammates on the court! Oops!

Past 2 Days

Monday started early with a 7:30 AM doctor appointment/annual exam for me. What a way to start out my Monday! I hurried home and Brian and Eliza and Libby left for school. The day was pretty normal--I stayed right with Ellie all day and she did well. Maybe the past few days were her last ditch effort for me to give up. She did really well today, too. Knock on wood. We played a little out front, but it's starting to heat up. And with Hattie awake, it makes it hard since she (still) isn't totally walking everywhere yet. After Brian got home we ate dinner and had family home evening. We talked about controlling our tempers and what to do if someone starts making us upset. I put some water in a pan and had each of them touch it (which of course they did), then I put it on the stove and turned on the heat. While it was getting hot, I talked about some scripture stories about people who could have reacted mean/mad to things that were done to them but didn't. After the water boiled, I asked if they would touch it. Then I related it to when we start getting upset we can become like the water and might do something to hurt someone (even if it's just their feelings). Then we brainstormed ideas for what to do if we feel ourselves starting to get upset.

After home evening, Eliza, Libby and I did a couple of errands--one being to Sprouts to stock up on chicken that now I need to bottle.

Today I did some things in Hattie's room. It's only a year late, but I finally got some things up on her wall! I was so proud of myself! I need to add a couple more things, but at least her room has a little character now.

Tonight I had volleyball and Brian had his league basketball game. We started out with only three people, so we lost our first game but won all the rest. By our third game we had 4 and by our last game we had 5 people. I had a good time.

In young women news, Becky just sent me a new roster and we are up to 49 girls in our young women's group. Wow!! We have doubled our numbers since I got put in almost two years ago. I really do enjoy my calling, and I have learned a LOT--especially the past few weeks! Of course those learning "experiences" aren't fun when you are going through them or when people totally criticize you, but I hope I can look back and laugh soon. :)

Saturday and Sunday

We didn't have any major commitments on Saturday for a change. We got up and ready in the morning, then we did some errands. ...Kohls and Target to do a couple of returns, then to Costco for some essentials: paper towels, TP and chicken nuggets.

Then we went to Brian's parents' house and Brian watched the Suns' game with his dad and one of his brothers. The girls played inside and outside and had fun--until it went into double overtime. Ugh!!! (Or maybe it was me who was a little annoyed that it kept going on and on!)

After the game was over, we came home. Everyone played out back while Eliza came with me to take some senior pictures of a girl in a neighboring ward. It was a little windy last night, but we got a few moments of little or no breeze, thankfully!


After the girls were in bed, I grabbed some Rubio's for our "in-home date." We ate dinner and chatted, then my brother came over and he and Brian watched a movie--We Are Marshall, I think. I was so tired--I fell asleep.

Hattie started our Sunday out early--6:20! UGH! I got up with her and told Brian to listen for the first signs of Ellie waking up. We haven't used Pull-Ups at night and she's only had 2 accidents, so we try to get her when she first wakes up and take her to the bathroom. Well this morning, Brian went right in, but she had wet the bed. That was followed by another accident this morning. I don't know why she is doing so terribly! We are doing the same thing, but the past few days, she is having accident after accident. I am not thrilled. I was so threatening putting her back in diapers, but I have done way too much the past few weeks to stop. But it is taking all the patience I have.

The morning before church was a little hectic as I was on edge because of Ellie. But we made it to church and everyone managed to behave during Sacrament. It is a marathon, keeping Ellie and Hattie "entertained" with books and whatnot, so after the meeting is over, I feel like taking a huge breath! I know some of you are thinking, "Well, my 1 and 2 year old just sit quietly next to me the entire time." If that sounds like you, please share your secret.

Eliza gave the scripture in primary. I thought she was going to read it, but she got nervous at the last minute and had me whisper it to her in her ear. In young women's Rachel gave a great lesson about "extended family relations." It made me think how important it is to keep those relations in tact and how my children can benefit from it, too. I really enjoyed her lesson.

Tonight my brother, Brian, and his family came over and so did my parents for dinner. It's my dad's birthday tomorrow (56!), so we celebrated. He chose biscuits and gravy for dinner, and I made dessert: a chocolate chip cookie pie. It turned out delicious, and I served it with vanilla ice cream. The kids had fun playing together, wearing Grandpa out. My parents stayed a bit after and my mom helped me with a little sewing project. Before they left, Eliza and Libby entertained Grandma and Grandpa by reading them books. I think they enjoyed that time and enjoyed showing them how well they are reading.

Hattie found a fun "toy" today. My parents had brought an ice chest to haul some of the food over, and it was just sitting on the floor. Hattie climbed in and spent quite a bit of time in there. She was so giddy and having fun.

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!