Kindergarten "Grad"

Today was Eliza's kindergarten celebration. My dad came with us and my mom went with my niece Abby to hers. It was a cute little program...not much to it. The kids sang a few songs and in between each teacher introduced her class by telling each child's name and what they want to be when they grow up. Eliza wants to be a nurse.

After coming home from that my parents took Eliza and Abby out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. They had a great time celebrating together.



Today Terri and I had a crazy day! She brought her kids over so all our kids could run amuck while I helped her make the guest book for the funeral. Let's just say my house went from clean to messy in like an hour! Luckily we were able to tidy it up at the end--and I think the book turned out nice, too. But that took most all our day.

This evening Brian and I took turns going to the viewing. The displays were nice to look at, but it's just so hard to see someone like that.

Rewind to yesterday--last night I took Eliza and Libby to a little bead party Karolyn had. Libby could have beaded all night. She loved it! They had fun picking out beads for their necklaces and really enjoyed stringing them. I made a necklace too--one that is versatile and that can be worn with almost anything. It was a fun experience...a little pricey, but memories are priceless, right!? Eliza wore hers today to kindergarten celebration.

What about Idol? I was a little shocked at the results. I liked both, so I am fine with it, but I kind of expected David A. to win.

30

Today I am 30! And I actually think I am okay with it. Not that I have a choice, but I am doing better with it than I thought I would. It's just a number, right?!

Let me back up first and write about yesterday. Yesterday was Libby's last day of preschool, so they met at the park to celebrate. Libby has had so much fun this year in preschool and has made some great friends. She talks about them all the time. She is already and I know will be a sincere and genuine friend. And she has really grown so much the past year. Her teacher even mentioned that--just about her just opening up and also how she has grown "academically." At the park the kids played and we all shared snacks that we had brought. They each got a certificate and Laura had made them each an album. It was a lot of work! It had pictures of them throughout the year. Libby just treasures her and has looked at it so many times already. She will be so sad not to have preschool all summer!




When Brian got home we ate dinner then headed out. We had family home evening on wheels and met my parents at Sprinkles. I've been so excited for them to open, so when they finally did right around my birthday, we thought it was good timing. It was a long drive just for a cupcake, but it was still fun. Eliza didn't like any of the cupcakes she tried...Libby ate ALL of hers which is a little strange since she can be very picky about what sweets she eats. Ellie--well...just look at the picture and decide for yourself. I think everyone else enjoyed theirs. I had the red velvet one and it was really good and moist. I also tried the carrot and dark chocolate, which was SOOOO sweet. I don't think I've ever found a dessert that is TOO sweet, but this one might take the (cup)cake. So for the expense and distance, I'm not sure it is worth it, but the experience and memory was for sure! On the way home we stopped by my parents' house and they gave me a gift--a gift card to Bath and Body. There are lots of new fun things there that I have had my eye on! I am excited.





Last night was really rough with our girls! Eliza and Libby were so so difficult. I was in tears. They were just not listening and Eliza was being disrespectful. Finally....they fell asleep--Libby was close to 11:30. I wish I knew why she has such a hard time sleeping. Anyone got any tricks! Maybe she doesn't need lots of sleep, who knows.

This morning I woke up to Eliza bringing me breakfast in bed again--a repeat of Mother's Day--toast and water. Later after I was up, Libby wanted to make me breakfast, too, so she had Brian make me oatmeal and had me get back in bed so she could give it to me. Yum. Brian gave me a nice card and a Wicked CD and in the card he said we will be making a quick trip to see Wicked. He was planning for the 31st, but we will probably postpone it since we are going to be gone in June for a few days for Havasupai. Brian stayed home this morning so I was able to get ready, then I took Ellie and Libby with me to Karolyn's. She arranged for a little friends' luncheon for myself and another friend whose birthday it is today, too (did that make sense?). It was a fun time being together and celebrating our birthdays. The food was delish! We had Cafe Rio pork with all the fixins. Monique made a yummy strawberry dessert. I am grateful for my friends and for the sweet things some of them got me. Thanks friends!

After the lunch we came home and Brian went on to work for a little bit. We entertained ourselves until time to pick up Eliza from school. Eliza's friend ended up coming over for a little play day. We painted nails and that took most of the time it seems. When Brian got home I raced out the door and went to a song practice. First he was able to give me an ice cream cake that he had ordered from a custard place by his work. And he gave me a gift card so I could get some new clothes. Can't wait to go shopping! The young men and women have been asked to sing at Ben's funeral on Friday, so we had that practice. Probably around 150 youth showed up to sing. It was an awesome site. The song sounds so amazing. Talk about chills and tears!! Eliza even leaned over to me and said, "Do you feel that?" as she was wiping her eyes. It is going to be amazing to witness on Friday. After that was over, Eliza and I went to Sonic so I could get her some dinner since she was going to stay for volleyball. I was so hungry, but I decided to not get anything. When I got to the church, Rachel texted me to make sure I look in the fridge at church. So I looked in there before our games started and there was a Paradise Bakery bag with a summer berry salad inside. I was so touched. Then I read the note, "I thought you might be hungry." That's when I got teary! She knew that I was going to be at the church a while--first with the song practice then with volleyball. It sure meant a lot to me.
I ate half before starting play.

Volleyball went well--we only had 4 again, but we won all our games! It was fun. 30 was good to me today! Eliza had fun watching and would give me the thumbs up every so often. Near the end of our last game, Eliza and Kari's son Tanner had a poster that had a candy-gram on it. It was from my laurels--specifically Alex, Kayleen and Cami. It was so sweet.

Then we walked out to the car and it was all decked out with streamers, balloons, and messages written on the windows. Eliza was so excited and thought it was so funny! She had to call my parents and Brian and tell them all about it! It was such a thoughtful gesture.

Tonight Brian and I finally got to enjoy some time together--we are watching Idol and had some cake. It was good!!

Long End of the Week

I have lots to write about only to cover a few days.

Thursday:
Hattie still wasn't feeling well. She still had a fever. I called the nurse and she said the medicine needs a good 72 hours to be most effective. (She is doing better now, thank goodness!) I've had about as much sickness for a week! I've carried Hattie around practically all week!

At night I had a camp meeting with just the other young women presidents. Libby had a bad night--just a lot of coughing. I ended up keeping her home from preschool on Friday. I let her sleep and she slept in until about 9:40. She must have needed some rest! On Thursday night when she woke up I was telling her we would have to play it by ear to see about going to preschool because she wasn't feeling well. She got big alligator tears! She just loves preschool and all her friends there. I felt so bad!

Brian took Eliza and Ellie on a daddy daughter for his parents' ward. Originally he was going to take Eliza and Libby, but Libby decided she didn't want to go, so at the last minute he took Ellie. She was SO excited as they were getting ready, knowing that she was going. So cute. Brian was a little nervous about taking her because of the potty, but she did awesome and didn't have one accident! His friend brought his RV, so they were able to go in there to use the bathroom. Here are some pictures from her maiden voyage called camping! They climbed up into a watchtower and got to look out. One of the activities was the "sawdust shuffle." They had a lot of sawdust and the girls looked through to try to find candy and quarters. Dirty but fun!




Since they were gone I had Libby and Hattie. We decided to go to Paradise Bakery for dinner so Libby could have her favorite--Paradise Pasta. I had their new summer salad which I loved--it's a summer berry salad with greens, fruit and a yummy fat-free lemon poppy seed dressing. We sat down to eat when I got a text message from Brian saying that 3 boys in our ward were in a bad rhino accident and that one was not doing well. It wasn't long after that that we had heard that he didn't make it and had passed away. So that put a big hush on our night! I couldn't really explain it to Libby, so I tried to stay upbeat even though inside I was just so so sad. So many feelings were going through my head--mostly sadness and sorrow for his family--his parents and brother and sisters. It hit me hard, too, because he had just been in my group for the Where's Waldo activity and having associated with him so recently. It makes you want to hug your kids a little longer and tighter and realize just how fragile life is and that we don't know when someone will be taken from us. So...make every moment count. Say I love you a little more. Be a little kinder and forgiving. It's been a draining couple of days. I was on the phone a lot of the day on Saturday with things related to that. The family wants the youth to sing at the funeral, so I was trying to arrange that. I also tried to stay in touch with his sister who is in my laurel class.

Last night we got a babysitter and I took pictures of my brother and his family, then we got dinner at Motu's at Westgate. Then we went to Cabela's to look for a tent for Havasupai. Brian bought--in his words--a really nice, light 2 person tent for us to take down there. I thought it was too small. It was the same size that Rachel and I used when we went down there 2 years ago. It was a tight, tight squeeze and Brian is a little larger than she is! Well, we found a tent and it's probably the biggest tent that has ever been taken down there. Ha! It's only 9'x9' but it looks huge. All I know is that we'll be comfy!


Today at church was quite a somber, quiet day. I was supposed to get my Personal Progress medallion, but I had told Bishop that I didn't want to do it today in light of everything that happened. So I wasn't planning on getting it, but he decided to do it to try to keep things as normal as possible. My parents were planning to come, but since it was last minute that he was going to do it, they didn't make it. But after I got my award he had me bear my testimony. I said it wasn't fair! I was a cry baby but made it through. After the sacrament was over, the Stake President and Bishop decided to change the meeting from having speakers to a testimony meeting. It was really neat and touching. The parents of the boy got up and bore their testimonies. They did amazing and were so composed. I don't know how they did it.

During young women time, we met together with the young men and Bishop spoke along with the stake president and had kind of a discussion time with the youth since so many of them were friends with him. It was an amazing meeting and it even helped me feel better.

Tonight Brian and I went over to the Colyar's house to take dinner and we visited for a minute. Then we had dinner with my parents and brother and his family. I scarfed down dinner before going to seminary graduation with Eliza.

It's going to be a long week I think. It's also my BIG birthday. 3-0. Ouch.

Where's Waldo?

Last night was a better night. Hattie woke up at about 7, but she did have a fever again and was just generally fussy, which is how she has been nearly all day except when she is in the bathtub. I decided to fill her prescription and start that so hopefully she'll be better soon. So my day consisted of holding Hattie a lot. After picking up Libby and coming home and eating lunch, we did some errands. My parents picked Eliza up from school, so they came over and my mom and I went to Bath and Body Works. They have some fun, new products!

After piano, dinner, baths, etc. I went to mutual. We did Where's Waldo again. There were 7 people from our ward all throughout the mall. It is always so fun to try to find them and see how they have "disguised" themselves.

Tonight I did a 12 minute ab workout. Ouch! Then Brian and I did a 25 minute video...my legs are officially jell-o.

Let's Make It 3 Bad Nights!

Last night I got into bed around midnight and was enjoying a little reading. As I convinced myself to read just one more chapter (I was quite tired but didn't want to put it down) we heard Hattie cry. Ugh. I sweet-talked Brian into getting up, so he held her for a minute, then tried to put her down and she didn't go for it. He brought her in and we fed her the rest of her milk since she didn't finish it earlier. Not too long after that she coughed and up came all her milk. I caught most of it in her shirt, but it still made a yucky mess in the bathroom. So she got a bath (and loved it--silly girl) and we put her back down. She slept until about 7. I gave her some more milk and she did the same thing. Hack hack, cough, throw up. This time I got some in her shirt but the rest was on the couch and some on the floor. So gross. I think it was just her congestion--she hasn't done that the rest of the day. She did still have a fever last night and this morning, so I made her an appointment and, of course, her fever went down before we went. I still took her in and the doctor said she had some fluid behind her ears but it wasn't an infection yet and that it could go either way. She wrote me a prescription and just said to wait to see how she does. She still isn't 100% but she is doing better thank goodness.

After the doctor we had a few minutes to kill before I took Libby to a little birthday party for a friend from preschool. On the way (we decided to stop at Wal-Mart) Ellie told me she had to go potty. So I told her to just wait and that we'd be to the store right away. I kept telling her that and she kept telling me she had to go. At a couple of red lights she said, "Go faster, faster." The next thing she said? "Mom, I need new panties." Ahhhhh!!!! We didn't make it in time. I had another pair of underwear but no shorts, so in true Wal-Mart fashion, she went shorts-less to the store. I made her sit in the little seat the whole time so hopefully no one could tell!

Then we dropped Libby off at the party. They were supposed to wear a princess dress, but we only have one (big shock for a house with 4 girls) and it's a little bit small for Libby now. Libby opted for a fancier church dress (which is her favorite right now). I was glad she didn't chicken out and not wear it. She had a fun time at the party and told us all about it when I picked her up.


Tonight I had volleyball and I felt more back in the groove. It was fun. We only had 4 players, and we won all but the last game.

Eliza lost her other front tooth today at lunch. She was drinking her drink and it fell out, so she had to spit it out in her hands. She is going to make the tooth fairy go broke!

Bread

Last night was a little rough. Both Ellie and Hattie were up at various times twice each in the night. Ellie was coughing and Hattie just felt rotten...fever, congestion, etc. Poor dears. So that made for a tiring day. Eliza and Libby got off to school and my mom came over and we made bread again...on our own!! And it turned out! We were so pleased and gave us a little boost of confidence to keep doing it! Ellie sure had fun helping out, too.

After the little red hens made bread, we picked up Libby from school, then we had a regular rest of the day. Hattie and Ellie were both so tired--Hattie took several naps and Ellie told me she wanted to go to sleep at about 1. During naptime, Libby and I had our normal game time. After Eliza got home, we played more games including Jenga, which we haven't played for a while.

Tonight for family home evening, I did a little paper cup object lesson to demonstrate the apostasy and then the Restoration, then we watched a clip from the movie The Restoration.

I took a late night trip to Wal-Mart and gathered some things for a prep night we are having for those going to Havasupai next month.

Here's to a restful night's sleep (I hope!).

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to you! My mother's day started out with Eliza bringing me breakfast in bed...toast and water. She's been planning it for a while I think and seemed to really enjoy doing that for me. Brian gave me a sweet card and told me that I could pick a day and redeem a massage gift certificate I've had for a while, get a pedicure and I quote "spend as much money as you want". Ha! Lucky for him, he knows I am a cheapskate and chicken out and never spend too much money. I did tell him I'd probably buy some clothes. And maybe stop by Dotties for a wheat grinder. Kidding.

This morning we got ready for church and Eliza, Ellie and I went a little early so we could get a soft seat. With our ward being so big, you have to be there quite early for that luxury. Sacrament meeting was nice. Brian only had to go out with Hattie one time after she bonked her head on the back of the bench in front of us. But he came back in and we made it through! Eliza went up with the primary kids and sang, "Mother, I Love You." Big surprise that Libby chose not to go up! After the speakers were done, Bishop got up and made some Mother's Day comments that touched me. What he said was simple, but he said something to the effect of "I know you don't hear it much, but you are doing a fabulous job as a mother. I want to be that loud voice telling you, 'You are doing great.'" Something like that, but it was nice. I taught young women's today and I think it went okay. It was about the wonderful legacy we have as members of the church. I hope I got across to them how fortunate we are to live in a time when the fullness of the gospel is on the earth again and it has been restored to how it was when Christ was on the Earth. At the beginning I told them that I brought them a little treat so they wouldn't be hungry durning my lesson. I gave each girl a chocolate chip. They knew there was a catch, but I didn't tell them until the end. At the end I told them that it was okay to have a "morsel" but it's better to have the whole thing and related that to the churhc being restored to its fullness. Then I gave each one a whole chocolate chip cookie.

Tonight we enjoyed family dinner at my brother's house. The boys were in charge and fed us well--BBQ pork, cole slaw, beans, chips, soda and ice cream sundaes. It's been a nice Mother's Day. I am grateful to be a mom and feel fortunate to have been entrusted with four sweet girls to raise. I saw this great quote that I want to put up somewhere in my house:
Here's to Good Women
May we know them
May we be them
May we raise them

I feel so honored (and a bit nervous) that I get to raise future women and mothers. I am thankful to my mom who has passed on a legacy of love, service, selflessness, creativity, etc, which I hope to instill in my daughters. Thanks Mom, I love you!

Saturday

This morning started early with Hattie waking up at 6:15. Ugh. So I up with her, then Ellie got up at about an hour later. So this morning we played and after Hattie went down for her nap, Ellie and I made cookies mainly for my lesson that I'm teaching tomorrow.

While we were home playing, Eliza and Libby were having fun with my parents and cousins at the butterfly garden exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden. They had a blast. Libby really wanted one to land on her little board, but none did. They did get to hold a dead one (gross) and they enjoyed that. I am surprised Libby was okay with that. They had a great time even though Libby didn't fall asleep until after midnight! I guess she just kept tossing and turning. Poor dear.

Brian and the campers got home around 3:30 and we hung out at home for a while. Libby played preschool with Brian--they set up all her "stuffies" (stuffed animals) gave them names and read them stories. When the girls were bathed, I snuck out to do a couple errands and have a little "me" time, which was really nice and relaxing.

Now on to Mother's Day! Happy mother's day to everyone. Your job is so, so important.

Three Piggy Opera

For a while Libby has been looking forward to the play they are doing at preschool: "The Three Piggy Opera." She kept asking when it was and counting down the days. And today was the big day. When she was getting dressed, she made sure she wore all pink because she was the mama pig in the play. I dropped Hattie off at Kari's and I took Ellie (still had a fever up until this morning) with me to Miss Laura's house. When we got there, the kids were still upstairs. When they came down, I could tell Libby was going to be very, very shy. She wouldn't put on her costume. I couldn't convince her to put it on and she tried to hide. She even looked like she was going to cry.

She ended up sitting by me during the entire play. It just kills me that she is so excited and wants to do it so badly, but when it comes down to it, she is so shy! I almost got teary right along with her! But the play was really cute. After it was over each kid gave his or her mom a poem that each had written. Once again, I was fighting the tears away. Here is what Libby wrote for me (you'll have to click on it to read it):


I had video taped the play and when we got home, Libby watched it several times and was singing along! Laura said during all the practices, Libby totally did great. Oh well!

This morning Brian left for Father's and Son's--he went with his dad, my brother and nephew, then his other two brothers and 2 brothers-in-law were meeting them up there tonight. This evening, I met up with my parents to drop off Eliza and Libby for a sleepover. I got a sitter for Ellie and Hattie while Kari and I went to a school talent show to see one of our young women sing and dance. It was cute. Then I did a couple errands and came home.

Dentist

Today I picked up Eliza a little early from early release so we could go to the dentist. It's kind of a tradition that Eliza and my mom get their teeth cleaned together, so Libby and I tagged along since we needed it done, too. I dropped E & H at my parents and my dad watched them, then we headed over to Grandpa Trimble's office. Eliza went first and got cleaned--no cavities and he did a few sealants since she has seemed to inherit Brian's teeth. My mom got hers done at the same time by the hygienist and no cavities either. Libby loved watching her get them cleaned and the hygienist showed her every little tool and how it worked, and she liked pushing the button to raise the chair up. Libby only allowed him to "count" her teeth, look at them and brush. She didn't have x-rays, but he said they look good. I was last and I made sure he put on the topical numbing stuff before he did that awful water pick thing. I endure that so I can have the polish done, which I do enjoy! And no cavities for me either!

After that we grabbed lunch for the girls and came home. Ellie hasn't felt well today--a fever and just not herself. I hope she kicks it soon!

Let's see...what else...Libby and Ellie created quite the play area this morning...they were pretending to be on a boat.


Tonight for dinner I made German pancakes. I get a kick out of how it cooks and the funky shape! I love it with syrup, strawberries and powdered sugar.


Tonight Eliza and I went to see a dance recital at the high school. Kayleen--one of my young women was in it, so we wanted to see her. We met Rachel and her daughter Aubrie there. Kayleen did a great job. They warned us before, but three of the numbers used "strobe effect" so Rachel and I closed our eyes during that part--me because I didn't want to get a headache and she because she already had one and didn't want it to get worse!

Emali & Gracie

Today my cousin Emali came over with her daughter Grace. She was down from Portland for a funeral, so we planned to get together and chat and let the girls play. It was great to see them and to catch up a little bit. She is due with her second girl in 3.5 weeks--a brave traveler! The girls played and we had lunch and visited. Thanks for coming, M! (And thanks to Libby for that last picture!)

While Ellie and Hattie took a nap, here is what Libby had planned for me...

Eliza came home from school and her friend stayed over for a play date, so we got to play Clue Jr., too.

Tonight I had volleyball--we won all our games although I felt so out of it! I need to get back in the groove.

Yesterday for our family home evening treat, we went to the new 31 Flavors that just opened by our house! That is going to be dangerous for sure! I went to the gym to run just to I could indulge (peanut butter and chocolate--the best ever! and Heath bar. yum!!)

Weekend

Yesterday after we got up, we spent some time cleaning up around the house. ...sorting through toys and the girls' bedrooms and getting things out that don't belong in there, etc. Then we got ready to go to my friend Rachel's daughter's baptism. It was a great time and Rachel did a great job of making it a nice day for Aubrie. I can't believe that in a year and a half, we'll be doing the same thing with Eliza!

After the baptism, we went over to their house and enjoyed a BBQ and swimming. It was so so cold, so I only ventured into the hot tub with Hattie. Eliza and Libby got in the cold water and Ellie played on the step. Brian didn't even get in all the way! We are saving the cold water for Havasupai in June. We had a fun time being with our girls and friends.

After we came home and gave the girls baths, we got Kacie to babysit and went on a late date. We went to Buckle for Brian to spend a gift card from Christmas, then Brian picked up some dinner (I was still full from the BBQ) and Brian ate while I ran.

Today--well let me focus on the good things about church today--Ellie made it through all of Sacrament along with Eliza and Libby. Hattie let us sit through all of Sunday School. Ha ha! The bad part was Hattie and I were out in the foyer before we even got the Sacrament!

After dinner tonight at my parents' house, Eliza and I went to a fireside. It was for the youth, but they ended up inviting the entire ward. It was the 10 Virgins presentation that was put on at our Enrichment meeting in March. Eliza seemed to really enjoy it and I enjoyed just as much the second time around.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the next two weeks are going to be so crazy and busy! There is so much going on the next few weeks! I hope I survive!

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!