Havasupai

This past week was our Havasupai trip, and it was a blast. Brian's mom watched our girls Wednesday night, then Sarah got them Thursday evening and watching them until we got home on Saturday afternoon. They did well--except for lots of potty accidents with Ellie (Sarah thinks she had diarrhea. Ewww.) And Ellie threw up her lunch on Saturday but didn't act sick before or show any signs after (probably ate too much!).

Here is a run down of our trip.
On Wednesday night the laurels came over to our house for pizza and snacks. We passed the time playing games: ultimate spoons, the thimble game (then the girls started calling me Sister Thimble) and mafia. At midnight the drivers came over and we loaded up and drove to the Grand Canyon. I dozed off and on during the drive. When we got there, it was sooooo crowded! We had never seen so many cars. It was also really really cold at the top! We were freezing and a little nervous that we were going to freeze, but luckily that was the coldest it was the whole trip. Soon enough we were on our way down. We hiked 8 miles to the village, then waited there a little while for our packs to be flown down. We passed the time relaxing, eating fry bread, going to the bathroom one last time in a real bathroom, watching some unique characters who live in the village. After our packs came, we strapped them on and made the 2 mile hike to the campground. It wasn't as hard as last time, but Rachel and I still took our time! We enjoyed the view of Havasu falls before we made the final descent down. We spent a while in the sweltering heat trying to find a big enough place to camp, then we set up camp. I loved our tent. I am glad we hauled it down. After setting up, we got in our swim suits and went to Havasu Falls. I inched my way in the FREEZING water, and four of us counted to three, then jumped in and swam across to a shallower part. We froze in there for a while before getting out and heading back to camp for dinner, scriptures, games, hairdos by Kayleen (as seen in one of the pictures below) and bed.






On Friday morning, we got up, had breakfast and hiked down to Mooney Falls. I am amazed every time going down to those falls how crazy the hike down is. It definitely takes some focus so you don't make one wrong step! Once again we inched in the water, then Brian and I took the plunge in off a 10 foot waterfall. Brrrr! After catching my breath, we swam down the stream a ways to another little waterfall and we explored a ways down from that. After Mooney we had lunch, rested for a little bit, then went to my favorite waterfall--Navajo Falls. It's such a beautiful place! I brought my shampoo and we washed our hair there. Brian showed some of the girls a fun place to jump in through a waterfall and they seemed to really enjoy that. Brian, Ben and a few of the girls also jumped off a 40 foot or so waterfall. Too scary for me! After a while there, we went back to camp for dinner and I did a little devotional where we related any experience we had in Havasupai to a gospel principle. It went well and got the girls to think.



Saturday morning we woke up, packed up and hiked a treacherous 2 miles up to the village. It was hot and hard with my pack! Last time we got a mule--should have done that again! When we got to the village, I only had time to get a drink from the "store" and hop on the helicopter up to the top. That was a fun ride again. On the way home, we had lunch in Seligman at a fun little hamburger shop. The owners were quite fun and had great customer service. It was nice to have some "real" food again instead of packaged stuff. We downed a hamburger, fries and a shake. It was also nice to have a better bathroom, too. In Havasupai, it's port-a-potties--full and stinky ones!

Our girls were excited to see us, but that night I was zonked. I went to bed at 7:30, which for me is unheard of! It felt so great. I woke up on Sunday hardly sore at all, so that was nice.

Small

Yesterday was another Saturday without a lot we had to do. Brian went hiking in the morning, then we went to Costco for lunch--pizza and hot dogs and I had a turkey wrap. I really liked the wheat tortilla it was in. We got a few things at Costco while we were there. In the afternoon we went swimming at the resort. I actually got in all the way (except for my head) and it wasn't too chilly! I went on the slide, too, which was fun but made me dizzy! I am pathetic.

This morning started fairly early. I went to the new West Wing Ward because it was Leslie's baby blessing. Then I left there a little early to go to my meeting, then it was on to our Sacrament meeting. It was so tiny! I think only three or four families sat in the hard chairs in the back. Not only was it smaller but it was quieter...which meant that Hattie's ear piercing screams (to simply indicate...well..nothing) weren't muffled by the rest of the other noise. Does anyone have ideas for how to get a 16 month old to stop squealing so loudly! Ugh! She doesn't do it because she is mad--it's just a shriek.... I would love ALL ideas. I had to go out with her because of that. I felt like my lesson went well, so that is always good.

This evening we went to my parents for dinner and Eliza stayed for a sleepover. I am just trying to catch up on young women stuff and getting ready for Havasupai this week.

Catching Up--Stream of Consciousness Style

Hattie's first pigtails

Wednesday:
--swimming lessons
--lunch with Brian and to orient my new laurel advisor
--mutual--we had a swim party with the young men...our last joint activity as the original Pleasant Valley ward. I was prepared to swim but didn't end up getting it. It was cold! Rachel got thrown in. One of my laurels said they talked about throwing me in, but decided not to because they said I was too "fierce!" What does that mean?!?! She said it was because I would kick their behinds. Ha!

Thursday:
--last day of swimming lessons
--Miss Jenny put Ellie in pretty far and she turned and kicked to get to the side.
--went to my parents in the evening. ..had Taco Bell for dinner. Helped them put their tent up to practice for their trek next week.
--Libby spent the night with my parents

Friday:
--swimming
--presidency meeting
--home for naps
--date night (bought a swim shirt for Havasupai, went to a ward council "Christmas" party, Wal-Mart)

It's been a busy week trying to get ready for next week and doing a bunch of young women stuff.

Pick Up Line?

So tonight I was running at the gym and one of the workers came in and said something, but I couldn't hear him because I had my iPod on. I took my earphones out and he proceeded with either a weird comment or a pick up line (which made me totally laugh inside.) He said, "Through the blinds it looked like Jennifer Aniston running in here." I know you are thinking--I am not even close to movie star quality! He said, "I just had to come do a double take...blah blah blah." I said, "Not quite" and a forced laugh "eh ehhh ehhh." Was he saying I looked 40 years old or that I looked like a movie star? But sorry, why would she be vacationing in Arizona in June?

In other news...yesterday we spent most of the day at home. In the evening we went to my parents' house for pizza and ice cream. Brian and his family was there, too. We went out back and played kickball which everyone seemed to enjoy (even Ellie after I kicked the ball smack dab in her face! Good thing it was a soft ball).

Today we hurried and did all the chores before heading off to swimming lessons. When we pulled up to the house, Ellie started crying a little! She did well though.

Tonight I dropped off a birthday gift to one of the YW who just turned 16. A few other laurels met me there, so that was fun. Then I headed to a baby shower. It was fun to visit, enjoy some desserts and see the cute boy clothes she got.

Changes

This morning I had BYC and Bishop wanted to skip over most of the agenda and just have each youth and leader there bear their testimony. I knew then that our ward was going to be split. It was like a downer from there on out! No split is easy as you'll be taken from people you've gotten to know. Church was kind of buzzing with speculation of where the split would be etc. Our ward and another ward were invited to a meeting this evening to learn all the details. I knew we would lose one of the neighborhoods in our ward, but I honestly didn't think it would be West Wing. But it was. I am so sad to lose three of my closest friends. This has been so hard on me! But I will trust that this is inspired and meant to be. I am still YW president, but we are losing about 19 girls, so we'll have such a small group (for a while at least!).

Quote

Brian and I heard a quote on a Life Cereal commercial that is one we loved. You can watch the commercial on their website, but the quote is at the end of the Oh family's commercial:

"Having fewer kids might have been easier but not this much fun."

So the past few days we've said that quite a few times to each other. It's definitely not easy at times but it's a lot of fun.

Friday morning we didn't have swimming, so we decided to head to the library. We are going to do the summer reading program, so we got all that info, then my girls picked out books. The rule was 10 books--Eliza got 7, Ellie got about 7, and Libby slipped about 20 in her bag. They have loved it. I feel bad for not taking my girls to the library as much as I'd like, but there isn't a great library close. We are going to do the one out by Brian's work and see how that goes. Eliza has really been a book worm--reading in the car, in the cart at Target, at home, everywhere. After the library we went to Brian's office to eat our sack lunches in his back room. On the way home I dropped Libby off at a birthday party. Last night I went to one visiting teaching appointment, then Brian and I went out. We took the small tent back to REI, then got dinner at Garcia's. We tried to go to Ross, but we got there after they closed. We did finally make it to 31 Flavors. We have tried to go a couple times before, but they close at 10! We made it last night and enjoyed peanut butter and chocolate. Yum!

Today was a great day...we didn't have a schedule or really have anything we HAD to do for once! Brian went biking at the White Tanks early this morning. After he got back and after Hattie's nap we had a return at Sam's Club, so we had lunch there. Hot dog combos, pretzels, churros and frozen yogurt...all for about $10. We had a great time. I dropped Brian and the girls off at his parents while I went to Deseret Book and to Wal-Mart, then we all went back home. This evening we went swimming. Ellie was having a great time jumping in and "swimming" around. It was a fun day all around.

15 Months

Hattie turned 15 months this week. She is such a doll. She loves to have things on her head and wear them around. Her favorite is to find headbands in the bathroom and put them on. She also likes headbands. Last week in church, she put mine on and left them on for about 15 minutes. It was cute. She loves to say "thank you." She likes to find things on the ground, then find someone to hand it to. When she gives it to you, she says, "Thank you." It's darling. She also likes to say "uh oh." Whenever the phone rings she says, "Uh oh." She calls the phone an "uh oh." Even when she just sees one she says that. We also love her little 4 tooth smile. She loves to be chased around and laughs and laughs. Hattie also likes to play the piano. We set her on the bench and she just goes to town and fusses when we get her down. She is so fun and loves hanging out with the big girls. Right now she is off of bottles and a pacifier, still takes at least two--sometimes three naps a day--and is a loved part of our family! Only 3 months till nursery!

The first week of summer has gone well. Everyone has gotten along really well, so I am totally enjoying that as long as it lasts! I made new chore charts for the summer that I post our loose schedule on for the day so they can see what is going on. They have done their chores first thing before going to swimming lessons, so we've been able to play most of the rest of the day. Swimming lessons are going well. E & L are fish and today Ellie was "put" in the water and turned and got to the side. It wasn't very far, but she had to work for it.

Brian had a networking meeting this evening, so we met him right after work at McDonald's and had dinner and let the girls play a little bit. It's almost the weekend! Yay!

BBQ

Yesterday morning my parents came over and my mom and I made bread. We had three little helpers. My mom had bought mini loaf pans so each of them got to make their own mini loaf of bread, which they loved doing. They were so proud of them and I have to admit, they turned out so cute!



Brian came home a little after lunch time so we got to enjoy some time with him. Around 4 Brian's side of the family came over for a little Memorial Day get-together and BBQ. Everyone brought their own meat and a salad, which worked out well. After everyone ate, Rob busted out his "games." The first was to put a piece of gum on a plate, then cover it with whipped cream. Without hands, you had to find the gum and whoever blew the first bubble was the winner. Eliza had so much fun doing it. I got roped into it and I didn't even win! It was entertaining and more fun to watch. The next activity, which Chrystalyn and I and Rob did, was what I'll call "the art of bubble blowing." Rob is quite the master bubble blower and has learned some very technical tips. So first we each "soaked" 10 pieces of gum and did a very technical soaking process to get rid of the sugar in the gum (Double Bubble). After the gum was ready, we started trying to blow a big bubble. Rob got the biggest, then Chrystalyn and coming in dead last was me! But it was fun to try.













This morning summer officially started. We got up and got right on the chores, then it was off to swimming lessons! Ellie, Libby and Eliza all started today with a lady who is in my parents' ward. Eliza and Libby did great--Eliza has already started learning strokes. I was way impressed with her breast stroke already. Libby was quiet, but did well. Ellie cried in between her turns, but I think she'll do well and make lots of progress this year. After lessons were over we stopped at my parents and cleaned out their cupboards (a.k.a. ate lunch!). Libby played 5 card games with my mom and loved that.

After we got home it was naps (tried at least) and played out back. Tonight I had volleyball and Brian came to watch since it was my last week. It went well and I don't think I embarrassed myself with him there. We won all our games tonight and our ward "won" the whole season, which basically meant we won the most games during the season.

Hope day 2 of swimming goes well (hope I can get Ellie in the car!).

Birthday Surprise

On Friday morning my parents came over to watch our girls while we went to the funeral. It was filled to capacity...probably around a thousand people came. It was a very nice service. His life story was very well done by his uncle. It was uplifting and made everyone laugh. And Bishop Purtymun's talk was excellent, too. He talked about the plan of salvation and how it is possible for us to be eternal families. The music was wonderful...the youth sang beautifully and there was so so many of them...they overfilled the choir loft. The most touching was when several of Ben's cousins sang and Sophie, his sister, sang "A Child's Prayer" by herself. Holy cow. Tear jerker! At the end they had a bagpipe play Amazing Grace, which was really neat. Overall, it was a tremendous show of love and support for Ben.

Brian went into work for a little bit after the funeral and we played at home until he got home. That evening we went to his parents for a while and let the girls play. I totally loved the weather this weekend! I think it was our last reprieve before the summer HEAT!

Saturday consisted of:
--getting an e-mail from my mom saying that they announced another new temple in AZ--this time in the Phoenix area (my Dad heard this morning at his meeting that it'll be at 55th and Pinnacle Peak) Sweet!
--taking Libby to and from a birthday party
--doing some grocery shopping
--getting a pedicure with one of the young women (I owed her from the service auction that we had)
--home time
--trying to figure out a slide show for two of the young women who are graduating--my computer gave me issues!

OK--now for Saturday night. I knew we were going out for dinner and a date, but Brian wouldn't tell me where. It was just somewhere to celebrate my birthday. In my mind I had a couple places I thought--either Melting Pot or Sondolo. So Sarah came over to baby sit and we were off. He went to Kierland Commons, so that threw me off. I thought he was going to take me to Cheesecake Factory but just wanted to take me to the one out there because he knows I like walking around at Keirland. We looked around a couple of shops because it wasn't time for our reservation. After window shopping, we got back in the car and started driving, which threw me again. Then we started driving and he turned of into Gainey Ranch, so I knew we were going to Sondolo. We went to Sondolo many years ago for prom and we ate there for dinner the night he proposed to me. But we haven't been back there since. It's a quaint Italian restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Back when we went, the waiters would come around to your table and sing to you. Then after dinner, you got two tickets for a Gondola ride right there on the property. So we got to the restaurant which is kind of hidden and you have to walk through another restaurant to get there. When we got there, it looked a little different and as Brian was giving our name saying we had a reservation, I was like, "This looks different...are you sure this is it?" ...thinking we hadn't walked far enough. He said, "Yes--this is it." As we turned to go to our table, I saw Brian's big surprise...he had arranged for some friends to meet us there! What a surprise!! They were sitting at the table waiting for us! That little turkey! I am hard to surprise, but he did it! Turns out, the restaurant has changed...it is called Alto now, but they don't sing anymore and the ambiance is a bit different--more modern. And the prices have gone up! I felt so embarrassed the whole time! When we went for prom--sheesh it was like 10 years ago, I thought it was expensive then at about $15 a plate, but for prom it was a nice thing. This time the cheapest entree was $19 but most things were about $26 and up! Anyway...I felt bad. But I decided that if any of the other husbands had invited us for one of my friend's parties, I totally would have gone and not worried about the price! I was also embarrassed because I don't like to have the attention on me. I leaned over and told Brian after we got there and his comment? "Mission accomplished!" Funny. That aside, we had a great time. The Headricks, Jarmans, Wright, Pribyls and us enjoyed a really nice dinner together and had a great time visiting. It was really fun hanging out and being together. I am grateful to Brian for arranging it and helping the big 30 be one to remember. At the end of the dinner, the waiter brought out a little cake that Brian had gotten there through Rachel. They put 3 candles--worth 10 years each--and the other couples sang to me. After dinner, Kari and Jason, Rachel and Ben and Brian and I stayed for our gondola ride, which was a lot of fun. After we got to our little spot on the "lake" the gondoleer belted out a booming song (it was so loud!). She was great, but when she started I totally got the giggles and really had to work to keep it under control. I guess the other girls got them too and we were all trying to keep it in. It was funny. But I really had a fun time and enjoyed a diversion from the usual dinner and errands or grocery shopping!

Today was a busy day. I had a meeting before church, then Rachel and I busily got the gifts ready for our two seniors who graduated this past week and will be leaving young womens soon. :( I had to bring my computer to show the slide show on and it was a pain to set up and try to coordinate the music with, etc. But all in all it worked out. Plus I had to teach! Right before the last speaker in sacrament, Ellie said she had to go potty. So I took her, and Hattie needed to be changed, so I took her, too. Ellie got on the potty and she was on at a weird angle (TMI?) and she peed on the floor! I must have had a fast reaction time because I bolted out of the line of fire as I was holding her dress up the back so it didn't fall in. But I had to leave here there to get paper towels to clean up the mess (all while holding Hattie). So I got that cleaned up and Ellie cleaned up only to realize when I got the paper towels, her dress fell in and got all wet. Ugh! So I had to rinse that out so she had a nice wet spot on her dress until it dried. It was a comedy of errors for sure. So needless to say we stayed out of the chapel until sacrament was over.

Tonight we had family dinner at Brian's parents. Everyone decided it was time to take family pictures, so I stayed busy taking some grandkid picture and some of the family pictures.

Tomorrow my mom is coming over to make bread. I think summer officially starts on Tuesday, so I trying to figure out somewhat of a schedule/routine. I think I'll do that tomorrow--I am so tired tonight!

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.