Washcloth Anyone?

This is what happens when I leave Libby in the bathtub with Ellie watching and getting the washcloths while I am watching American Idol with Eliza. Nearly every washcloth from my linen closet was in the tub. I was not happy when I went in and saw that. The next time I went in, she had put them around my tub with Polly Pockets on them. I had to take a picture, but I told Libby, "Libby I am taking a picture but I am not happy you did this." It was kind of funny.

This week I've spent taking care of Hattie. She started with a fever on Wednesday morning and throwing up on me first thing in the morning. Nice! And it was the day Brian had an early breakfast for work. Ack! She still had a fever yesterday, so after I got my girls from school for early release we zipped over to the doctor. The verdict: double ear infection! No wonder she felt so awful! So we got some antibiotic and came home! She is finally doing better today.

Today Brian's mom graciously watched Ellie and Hattie while I went to my cousin's wedding. I rode over to the temple with my parents, so that was nice. The ceremony was lovely. It's always nice to see friends and family (aunts/uncles/cousins/grandpa, etc.). It was also fun to see Jodi--she borrowed my wedding dress and veil. It was so fun to see her in it--she looked beautiful! Oh yeah, she also wore the earrings that I wore that were our Grandma Doris'. So that was special. And the alter cloth/doily in the room where they were married was made by my mom's aunt Dovetta. Special little touches always make things so nice! After the wedding, we went to the luncheon at Phil's parents' house.

Tonight we hung out at home. The girls played out front for a long time, then we came in and did dinner and baths. I was putting Eliza to bed and Brian left to get some milk from the store. I feel asleep and when he got home, he came in and told me to come here. I was like, "What?" He said to just come here and he said, "It's on." I was like huh??!! He took me out front only to see that we had been TP'd. Ha! He was coming home from the store and he caught the culprits! It was two girls I had in young women and three boys from his young men's class. When he pulled up, they ran and took off in their car. But we know who it was and can do some friendly revenge when they least expect it! LOL. We decided to leave it TPd so our girls can see it in the morning. I am a little embarrassed though! I'll have to get a picture in the morning.

Notes

I forgot to mention that late Friday night, a few friends and I went and saw Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was a cute movie. I loved the yummy popcorn and drink a lot, too! :)

I wanted to type up my notes from conference, so I wouldn't forget. This is from Elder Shumway.

--keep covenants and pay tithing
--we are on earth to gain an eternal family
--5 most important words are: I am proud of you. 4--What is your opinion. 3--If you please. 2--Thank you.
--dedicate all we are to our families
--have family dinner
--don't neglect spouse or family for work, business, school, etc.
--love, teach & respect children
--pray with and for your children
--our spouse is the only possession we take with us.
--don't be lax with your marriage
--his personal opinion is to not spank children.
--ours is a custodial relationship with out kids. Welcome them into your homes and nurture them and love them with all your hearts.
--Satan is on the loose, so watch out! The only power Satan has is the power you give him.

His speaking style was for sure rapid fire, but I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of his talk.

On Sunday, we had the 9 AM session. I joked that we should just start out in the primary room and watch it from in there. But we didn't and our girls actually did great. I didn't get to take too many notes, but I did manage to write a few things down about missionary work for my lesson on Sunday.

Hattie's Two!

Yesterday was Hattie's 2nd birthday. Where has the time gone!?!? I think she had a fun day. I would sing to her several times during the day and she loved it. I have been trying to teach her to say "two" when someone asks how old she is. She is learning, but when I ask her how old she is, she'll say, "Good." I'll remind her "two" and she'll put her hand out like she is showing you how many, then she'll say, "Two." It's cute.

Kari and I hiked the morning, and when I got home she and Ellie were up. First thing, she wanted to wear one of her new dresses. She wore it for a while, then when I got her up from her morning nap, she saw another one in her closet and wanted to change! Then she changed again when my mom brought over another one she had to get at a different Target. Three dresses in one day--total girl! During the day we went shopping for her gift. Talk about procrastination! I won't be able to do that when she gets much older, but now I can shop for her and still hide it. We got her a pair of sandal-y shows that are quick on and off and good for warmer weather. Ellie and I also made her cake during the day. It was torture for them to see the cake but have to wait until the evening to eat it! Hattie kept asking for her "birthday" --meaning her birthday cake. When Brian got home, we had dinner, then cake and ice cream. We decided to take Hattie's dress off so she didn't get it dirty. Well, Libby and Ellie had to follow suit. That leads me to a funny story...Ellie was eating and she had some on her chin, so when she looked down, she got it on her chest. I said, "Ellie be careful, you're getting it on your chest." She looked down and said, "What chest?" She didn't mean to be funny, but both Brian and I found it just hilarious and it got us all laughing. So true and funny! Just a recap of Hattie at age 2...she loves to pick out her own clothes and has some true favorites, although I think her new dresses will top the list. She is picky about the shoes she wears and always wants to wear something different. She has to bless the food every time she eats ANYTHING. You could give her a cookie and she will fold her arms and say, "Bless it." So we have to stop to let her pray. And she loves to say the prayer. It is really cute when she does. Hattie loves to dance and loves to sing. I am always surprised at how many words to songs that she knows! Makes me laugh as she sings along to High School Musical or Sam Payne or Sara Evans! Her favorite toys are Barbies--loves to get them dressed (or pick out the clothes to have me dress) and she loves her dog and cat stuffed animals. She also LOVES watching Kidsongs or HSM. She is lots of fun and loves to laugh. Happy birthday, Hattie! Oh I almost forgot. When I would sing to Hattie, at the end she would blow like she was blowing out the candles. Well, when was put the cake in front of her, we sang and near the end, she got close to the cake all ready to blow out the candles. When we were done, she blew both of them out so quickly and perfectly. I think it shocked us all and we weren't expecting it. We squealed and clapped for her. She loved it and seemed so proud of herself.






Today Brian left early for basketball followed by setting up chairs for stake conference. I was hoping to sleep in, but Hattie called right when he left. Eliza had a birthday party to go to, so we dropped her off there, then headed to Costco. We had gotten our rebate check, so we decided to shop so we could cash it. We had lunch first--love a cheap, good lunch--then we got the few things we needed. We hurried home, then I went grocery shopping, picked up Eliza, then Brian zoomed off to his 4 PM meeting. I got the girls fed, bathed, then picked up our sitter for the adult meeting later that night.

The meeting was great. I will have to type up my notes of what I learned, but I loved our visiting general authority and loved his style. It was a great meeting. We grabbed some Chipotle (me) and El Pollo (Brian), then came home. I'm calling it a day!

End of an Era

I was so sad! I've had the same make-up organizer thing for YEARS!! Probably 15 years or so and today it completely broke. I have loved it--I got it at Clinique and it was a gift with purchase. It fit my make up so nicely and fit perfectly in the medicine cabinet. A while back it had cracked, but it was still usable and little by little it got worse. And yesterday it totally separated all together. I don't know what I am going to do now!

Yesterday morning I went visiting teaching, then hung out the rest of the day. It's been shorts weather the past couple of days--which is good and bad. It can't warm up yet! We love being outside too much for it to get hot. Then yesterday afternoon my parents come over and we loaded up for Target to shop for Hattie's b-day. I suggested they get her some dresses--both for Sunday and for everyday. We lucked out--they had some darling dresses! She is set for the next little while. Then we all went to Paradise Bakery for dinner. Actually Eliza got Subway and Brian and my dad got Chipotle and we all ate it at PB. Yum! I topped it off with a ginger molasses cookies. I love those! Our last stop was the mall for Hattie to pick out an outfit for her build-a-bear. She had a LOT of help from her sisters trying to convince her to get a certain outfit, but Hattie was drawn to the princess shirt and a silvery skirt. Instead of shoes, she got a little purse with a brush. The girls showed her how to "wash" her bear at the store and she was all into that, so we figured a brush would be fun for her so she could do it at home. She loved it! After we got the outfit, she found a little chair and set her in it. She was having fun. We didn't get the chair, but she had fun playing. From there we went home!

Target

Have you see the Orla Kiely stuff at Target. I have really LOVED her stuff for a while, then the other day I saw she has a line at Target!!! It's darling! If money were no object, I'd get one of her purses sold at Nordstrom. The lady I used to do Activity Days with had one and it was SO cute. But for now I have my eye on some dishtowels at Target.

Can't believe it's almost the end of the week. I did sweep and mop my floors this week, finished a baby shower gift and went to a fun baby shower today. Tomorrow is visiting teaching and Friday is Hattie's birthday. Two years has flown by for sure!

Trying to think of what else I want to be sure to document and not forget...Hattie talks up a storm and Ellie is just so sweet and fun. She'll come up to me and say, "Mom, you're cute." How sweet is that? Libby has been going to bed better the past little while, knock on wood. But it has been a welcome change and an answer to our prayers. Eliza is having fun at school and is looking forward to starting soccer next month.

Bye for now.

Grandpa Bert's House

Sunday morning always comes so early! We made it to church on time, but Hattie was a bit difficult during sacrament. I don't think she has been feeling great, so I guess she had an excuse. We had a great lesson in Relief Society about the marriage covenant. She went over the different things we covenanted to in marriage--it's just a good reminder about what our priorities should be. We hung out at home until time to go to dinner at Brian's parents'. We had enchiladas and a few sides. Rob brought his bucket of gum and had another mentoring session. I did okay--he failed to get a picture of my biggest bubble, but I think it was my biggest on record. Exciting, huh? Eliza and Sara even participated this time. After we got home and the kids to bed, Brian and I started watching Fireproof. It's really good so far. I couldn't stay awake, so we stopped about halfway through and hopefully we'll finish it tonight.

Today Kari and I hiked. The weather was so nice. I had to take my sweatshirt off about halfway through. It's also getting lighter sooner, which is nice. The girls got off to school and I tidied up at home and Ellie and Hattie played. This afternoon, Terri dropped the girls off, then took Eliza and Ellie on a little hike with her boys. Since Hattie wouldn't nap :(, she, Libby and I went out front until Brian got home. Tonight we went to my grandpa's house. He needed something done on his computer, so he asked if Brian would come help him. I think I should have just sent him! The three youngest girls were wild! I think they were hungry and tired, so that didn't help. But they were running all over the place! When we left, my grandpa was nice enough to give us some money to get dinner as a thank you for helping. He is always so thoughtful like that. We stopped at Burger King for a much needed dinner! We were all starving! It was fun to go over and visit though.

Short & Sweet

This morning Brian let me sleep in. Actually it was me waking up the same time as everyone but not having to get out of bed until later. It was nice though. Brian went on bike ride with his friend, then right when he got home, my mom and I left for my cousin Jodi's bridal shower. It was fun to visit with old friends, eat and watch her open gifts. While I was gone, Brian took the girls to watch my nephew's little basketball game. I did a couple errands on my way home. The afternoon was spent watching part of High School Musical 3 and playing out front. Tonight we went a 1st birthday party for the little boy of a family Brian home teaches. It is actually our Bishop's son, too. But it was such a fun party. First they BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs and had lots of sides. The kids played in a jumpy thing they had and they banged on Chad's drum set that they had set up, which they used later along with Barry on guitar and Connie on the bass. They sang some rocked-out versions of several Primary songs. It was so fun. Then it was cake and ice cream, a monster truck pinata and finally presents. It was a good time.

Libby's Field Trip

I didn't realize I was so behind. On Wednesday morning, we ran, then after the girls went to school, we dropped the other two off with Brian's mom while we got our taxes done. It's always a good tax day when you don't have to pay! So we were glad about that. The rest of the day was just the usual.

On Thursday, Kari was nice enough to watch my girls while I went with Libby on her field trip. I got to her school around 10 and went to her classroom. She was excited to see me. We got our group of student we were in charge of, then got on the bus. It was Libby's first time on a school bus. She seemed to like the experience. It is funny to see how she interacts with the other kids. She was very quiet, but I do think it was because I was there. I was her security blanket. I wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch her when I am not around! We went to Cactus to see the Childsplay production--Ferdinand the Bull. It was a cute little play--lots of funny parts, too, and some that only the parents would get. Libby enjoyed it. We got back to the school and ate our lunches on the playground, then I headed back to Kari's. That night I had to go back to Karlee's to use her machine--mine broke making Jodi's apron! I think it was too thick. Her bridal shower tomorrow and I made some dishtowels--kind of how I do the burp cloths. But I took three white dishtowels and added cute fabric to match her kitchen colors. Then I also took a white apron from Wal-Mart and dressed it up with fabric. I got a little technical help, but I think it turned out so cute! I had Eliza model it for a picture--and before I took it, she said, "You're not getting my face are you?"


This morning Kari and I hiked, then came home for the morning routine. After the school girls were off, I cleaned. I had been putting it off, so I decided to plow through. I was glad to get some things done around the house. This afternoon went pretty smoothly. Brian came home a little early and we rode with the Headricks to the temple for our ward temple night. We had a good time and had some Cafe Rio after. Yum! Brian thinks I need an IV drip of that dressing. It's the best.

Hattie's Turn

I think Hattie felt left out because Sunday night she started with a fever! She has been up and down, so hopefully she'll get over it quickly. So other than taking care of her...let's see...Sunday evening we went to my parents' for dinner. Dan and Chris came up from CG. We had a nice mix of Mexican food, which was good!

On Monday, Kari and I ran/walked in the morning, then I came home. Brian decided not to go into work, which worked out well since Hattie needed some extra attention. Later in the morning, the cousins got together at Brian's parents'. Brian stayed home with Hattie and I took the other three girls over for playing and lunch. The rest of the day just consisted of playing outside, errands, family home evening, dinner, etc. My parents also came over for a minute to bring Hattie her Build-a-Bear. Since she is turning two, they were going to take her, but since she was sick they picked it out for her. (They had a coupon that expired yesterday--wouldn't you know!) They picked out a darling gray kitty cat with pink accents. They'll take her back when she is well to pick out an outfit for it. She loves it and carries it around everywhere.




Today the girls were back to school. We stayed close to home except for a jaunt to Wal-Mart. Tonight I went to Karlee's again for more fabric. My cousin's bridal shower is coming up and I have a couple of projects in mind for her gift. Hope they turn out!

Snow

On Friday after I picked the girls up from school, we came home, had lunch, cleaned up around the house and packed up to go up North. Brian got home around three and we headed off to his parents' cabin in Munds Park. His dad rode with us on the way. The girls did really well on the way up, so that was nice. We got there a little before five and got out of the car and froze! We made our way into the house--the snow was piled so high, we had to park across the street and walk around to the back door. When we stepped, our feet sunk through and the snow was up to almost to our knees. We got in and got our stuff in. Brian's dad got the fire going in the stove to warm things up. I keep waiting for the heater in the house to be turned on, but it wasn't. I was like--ummm...we have to heat these rooms up. So finally Brian convinced his dad to turn the heat on long enough to heat up the rooms so our girls (and us) wouldn't freeze. They were walking around shivering with their noses running. Once things got warmed up it was much better. Chrystalyn and her kids showed up a little later. I made Ramen for the kids and Brian and I had soup that we had gotten at Costco. Yum! That night we sat around and talked for a bit, had some lemon cake and went to bed. Hattie had a rough time! We put her down and I had to go back in a couple of times to get her to lay down. About an hour after we thought she was sleeping, she woke up! And I don't think she went to bed until after 11. We tried putting Libby in there and Libby fell asleep, but Hattie was still awake. Brian went in there for a bit and figured out why Hattie wouldn't sleep. Libby would snore every so often and Hattie would laugh! Once she went to sleep, she did well. I slept in the other room with Ellie and Eliza. Ellie was restless, so it was less than desirable night, but we survived!



This morning we got up around 7 and had breakfast. The kids played together and I played Monopoly Express with Chrystalyn and Sara. Around 9, we layered up and headed out to the snow. We played out back and front for a bit. The kids had fun throwing snow at each other and making snow angels. Then we got in the car and searched for a hill to go sledding. We found one right in Munds Park. All the kids had fun! Brian took Ellie down crying and she decided she didn't like it! I think it was the face full of snow they got at the bottom. Eliza went down a ton and had a blast. She was cruising down the hill! I convinced Libby to go down starting a little lower on the hill so we didn't go so fast. She still said she didn't like it. My favorite run was on my stomach. I had to reach out and stop myself so I didn't run into the tree.











After sledding we came back to the cabin and Brian, his dad and the kids built a snowman. I went inside with Ellie and Hattie and made sandwiches for lunch. Eventually we got everyone out of their snow clothes and had lunch. Then they wanted hot cocoa to warm up a bit. Yum. We played games in the afternoon and the kids played together. Overall, we had a great time.


I had to get a picture of this tree that is right in front of the cabin. As I was looking at it, it's like lots of eyes looking at you! So weird.

Today Libby woke up and was fever free. I was afraid she would have gotten so used to staying home that she wouldn't want to go. She complained a little bit but did just fine. They had early release today, so right after they left it seems, I was on my way to pick them up. When we got home, Libby plopped on the couch, covered up and went right to sleep! Then she started getting a fever again. Ugh. She rested most of the day and took some Motrin and she doesn't have a fever anymore. Let's hope that was the end of it! Eliza "babysit" Ellie and Hattie for me for a bit. She just played with them out back and was cute with them while I took care of Libby inside. We went out front while Libby was sleeping, then Eliza had a play date with a friend. We played out front again after naps (brrr!). Right when Brian got home I was off to parent teacher conferences. Libby was first and she is doing well. Her teacher is going to try to put her in a first grade class for reading, but it will all depend if Libby will go for it. We aren't sure if she'll be too shy or what. I am anxious to see if she will go.

Next was Eliza and her teacher is impressed with her, too, so that is always good to hear. Tonight I hope to record my audio message for my BPS class and get to bed early for hiking tomorrow.

Third Day is a Charm

Seriously!!! I thought for sure Libby would be better for school today. But she still had a 103+ temp. this morning. So once again we broke her heart telling her she had to stay home again. She rested a while longer in bed, then rested on the couch for a bit. My mom came over for bread day. I guess it felt pretty productive to make bread since I've been feeling unproductive the past couple of days! I am ready for everyone to feel better. It's been since last Tuesday that we've had sickies. I am ready for well kids. As I was separating the dough into loaves, I had three extra hands (or maybe six) trying to swipe my dough!!! They were grabbing at the big thing of dough every time I was weighing my dough or cutting some off or putting it in the pan. I couldn't keep their hands off it. And of course my mom was just leisurely getting her dough into loaf pans and chuckling at my helpers. Thanks!

We hung around the house until time to pick up Eliza, then the girls played out front a little bit before dinner. Oh yeah--on the way to get Eliza we stopped and got the mail. The girls got a box from my parents, but I made Libby wait until Eliza was in the car. She couldn't hardly wait. As soon as Eliza got in the car, they ripped it open. It was a baggie of Valentine goodies for each girl. They loved it and smiled all afternoon. Hattie especially loved her bracelets. Ellie loved reading the Valentines and eating the candy. Eliza and Libby loved eating and the bracelets, too.



Hattie is so funny lately. This morning when Brian left--we were in the playroom and Hattie heard the garage open for him to leave. She said really loudly, "BYE!! DAD!" Anytime someone leaves or looks like they are going to leave, she says, "Bye!" Tonight when Brian left for mutual, he was telling everyone goodbye. She said, "Kiss. Kiss." So he gave her a kiss and was starting to leave again. Then she said, "Hug!" So he gave her a hug--it was so cute of her.

In other Hattie news--when she was one we had her off her pacifier even though she just used it at night for getting to sleep. Well, softy (a.k.a. Brian) would sneak it to her on occasion for naps or if she was having a harder time getting to sleep. Actually I think it was when we had babysitters over, he'd tell them it was okay to give her a pacifier. Anyway...so she's had it on and off for naps and nighttime since then. For a while I had her off it at night and only gave it to her during naps. Then again--softy--would give it to her during naps if she wasn't going to sleep. Ack! I told him I was fighting a losing battle if he was giving it to her and I was trying to get her off it! I do admit sometimes I'd oblige and give it to her so she would take her morning nap or take a better afternoon nap. One time at night she was crying so hard, so I went in and said, "What is the matter? Do you need something?" She said, "Yes." I said, "What?" She said, "Pacifier." LOL. Anyway...so I decided since she is almost two--that she needs to be completely done with it. She is our only child who has ever used one, so this is new for us. So the past couple of days I have done some tough love. I just told her a while before her naps--"Hattie--you are a big girl now, you don't need a paci anymore." She say, "Okay." She did well during her naps. Tonight I put her down and she cried for a while, so I went back in there. And instead of giving in like I would (softy #2), I just hugged her in her crib (she was standing up) and I said, "Hattie--you are a big girl; no more pacis." She said, "Okay," and lay back down. She didn't make a peep after that. I was shocked. I hope it'll still be this easy tomorrow night.

Home Again Home Again, Libbity Lib

Libby still had a fever this morning, so she had to stay home again. She teared up again and cried silently. Poor girl. So today she played computer, read, watched movies, ate popsicles, etc. Let's hope she gets better for tomorrow. At lunchtime, Becky hosted a lunch for a lady in our ward (and the lady I do activity days with) because she is moving. It was fun to get together to wish her well. My mom actually came over before I left to stay with Libby so I could go. Libby was quite excited to have one-on-one with her. They drew pictures and colored and read The Friend together.

This afternoon I had activity days.
I wish this picture came with a button so you could click and hear the volume. When the girls came over, it was instantly LOUD!!! I mean LOUD!!! Brian even commented, "Holy cow!" Just the noise of the chit chatting times about 12. I was laughing inside and had to take a picture. For the activity, the girls made valentines. They had fun--can you tell?



Here is Ellie enjoying one of the cookies that Karolyn and kids brought over. It was so sweet of them and hit the spot. Ellie wanted me to take a picture of her dirty hands! She thought it was so funny.

Another Sickie and Yum!!!

I thought we had a third one down with strep. Libby started with a little fever last night and when she woke up this morning she still had a fever. I kept her home and took her in to the dr., since I figured her chances were good to get strep. When she was still in bed this morning, I told her that she would have to stay home....big tears welled up in her eyes and she started crying. She doesn't not like having to miss school. It was so sad. A while later, she said, "Do you think they've lined up yet?" She really misses it when she is not there.

We got an appt. right away, so I took her in and she had a throat culture. I was wondering how she would react to that if she'd even easily let them get it. She was kind of in shock--wondering what they were doing trying to gag her. She grabbed the nurse's hand and pulled it out. So I had to hold her hands while she got it. She started laughing after it was over. It came back negative, so it's just a viral something. Today has been rest and rest so hopefully she can go back to school tomorrow. We didn't really do much else since it was too cold and wet to go outside. We did pick Eliza up from school, but other than that it was movies and laying on the couch for Libby, playing for Ellie and Hattie and vacuuming and laundry and tending Libby for me. When Brian came home, he braved the cold and grilled some steaks. Yum! I made potatoes and corn and it was a great meal--everyone loved it. We have some meat lovers in our family!

We had a fairly quick family home evening so we could get everyone to bed early. Libby was so excited to get a new copy of The Friend in the mail. She (and Eliza) love that magazine. She has already read most of it. It's just cute to see them get so excited about it!

And I just saw this...mmmm...I can't wait to try one.

Sunday

It sure rained in the night! It got so loud at times! But I love waking up to rain. It was cold today, too! This morning Brian had mentioned that the girls have been doing well in church lately. I think that jinxed us. It was a little chaotic today. Hattie had to go out about halfway through and Libby wanted to read but she was reading out loud and up and down a lot. Argh! But we managed!

In Sacrament we had a returned missionary who just got back two days ago from Japan. Talk about culture shock right away! One of the young women also spoke about feeding our spiritual selves. I loved all her analogies to food and relating to our spirituality. In Sunday school we had a great lesson about personal revelation and how to receive answers to our prayers. I always love the stories that people share. I taught in relief society. I didn't have much time--only about a half hour. I knew I had a ton of stuff to get through so I felt rushed! I really learned a lot from preparing it, so I guess that is all that matters.

This afternoon we went to Brian's parents' for dinner. It wasn't our scheduled family dinner, but Jenny was here from Flag and it just worked out, so we went. We had a yummy tater-tot casserole. The kids played outside until it got too cold for the parents' liking. We visited a little more, then came home!

Chocolate

Today Libby had her soccer jamboree. Instead of a tournament for the little kids, they get together and do little games and have a bouncy thing and cotton candy. Everyone but Libby and Brian loved the cotton candy and all the girls but Hattie enjoyed the bouncy. Libby didn't want to do any of the soccer-y games, so she sat and watched. Then she and several of the other kids enjoyed looking for and finding ladybugs in the grass. Before we left, she got her medal. I think that officially ends her soccer season. Insert applause here!




We went over to my parents and got a couple of pizzas for lunch. The kids played a while, then we headed over to the Chocolate Affair in Downtown Glendale. Every year for the past several years we've gone and taken the kids to make chocolate pizzas at the Cerretta's booth. My dad knows the Cerretta's and each year they give my dad coupons for the all the grandkids to make a pizza. It was quick but fun--and will be even more fun to eat them when they harden up.


From there we headed home and the girls played out front and helped Brian pull weeds while Hattie napped and I cleaned up inside. We cashed in on some free babysitting from a service auction a while back when I was still in young women's. So I picked up Michelle and Brian and I headed to the temple. It's always nice to go and uplifting, too. We had a coupon for Rosa's, so we had that for dinner. We both decided that the chips and salsa were the highlight of the dinner. We weren't loving our dinners but the chips and salsa were great! We made a quick stop at Cabela's on the way home since Brian had a gift card from Christmas. He hasn't decided what he wants yet, so we'll be back. We had another coupon for 31, so we got a sundae before heading home. It was a nice (and cheap!) night out. Now I am putting the finishing touches on my lesson for church tomorrow!

Driving

Today I felt like I was in the car all day! This morning I went hiking with Jen and Kari, then after Libby left for school and Brian went to work, the rest of us got ready and we went to my mom's. We loaded up and headed to Mesa for the Modbe outlet sale. I went with the intention to get a birthday present for a party Eliza and Libby had today. The girl's selection was slim-pickins, but I was able to find a little cami and a cute top with buttons. I was tempted to get a couple things for me but I resisted. I did manage to embarrass Eliza though by trying a couple things on over my clothes. She was like, "Mom! Stop!" I had brought our lunch, so we ate in the car, then headed home.

Soon after we got home, we loaded up again to get Libby from school. She was so excited about her day today. She was the helper in her class, then she got to get a cookie from Paradise Bakery because she filled up a row on her chart at home, and she had a birthday party to go to. We came home from school for a few minutes, then headed back out to the party. Ellie was so sad to have to stay with me. She really loves her sisters and loves to be with them. Eliza and Libby had a great time at Sadie's party. They got to decorate cupcakes--big and little. They made bracelets, painted nails, jumped on the trampoline and just had fun! We came home and played outside for a while before coming in for dinner and bed.

Two Down (Hopefully 0 to go!)

This morning I took Ellie in to the doctor. One look at her throat and he figured she had strep. It was pretty bad. I hadn't thought to look at it before though. Bad me. It makes sense now--last night she was saying her chest hurt, so I figured it was probably congestion or something. It must have been her throat. So they did a culture (she didn't like it!), but it came back negative. On my way home from the doctor, I got a call from Eliza's school and she was in the nurses' office with a sore throat and slight fever! So I zoomed over to pick her up, so I was nurse to Eliza and Ellie today. They both rested on the couch and watched Annie Get Your Gun. I called the doctor back to see if I should bring Eliza in, too, just in case and he wanted me to. So we went in with her and she was positive for strep! So he gave her an Rx for antibiotics and he looked at Ellie's throat again and gave her one, too. So it's been a busy day!

This evening I went to a baby shower for a friend who is having her first girl. Those are always so fun.

I am crossing my fingers that no one else gets sick!

Hot Hot Hot

Well, Ellie still had a fever all last night and all today. We were up several times in the night with her and she slept on Brian most of the night on the couch. She has been high and a little lower all day. I called the doctor and he wants to see her tomorrow just to make sure there isn't something else causing it (other than just the flu). Poor girl. Tonight our home teacher came over and help Brian give her a blessing. It was neat for the girls to be there to see that, too.

We really haven't done too much else. I missed running this morning. I was too tired and I felt like I needed to be home to help in case she got up.

Sheesh...this is turning into a boring post...let me see what else I can mention...Oh...my grandpa was in the hospital a couple of days ago with some pains and they decided to keep him to run some tests. He was in overnight and they decided to do the test another time so they sent him home. Well, we have made an effort to keep him in our prayers--my girls especially. Ellie remembers to pray for Grandpa Bert, Hattie says, "Grandpa Bird," and tonight during Eliza's prayer, she said, "And thank you for letting Grandpa Bert get out of the hospital. Please help his test to go well. And please help him to breathe and that he'll live a few more years." I thought that was so cute and funny.

Ouch

Yesterday Hattie slipped off her chair at lunch and cut her lip--inside and out. It was bleeding immediately, so I cleaned her off to try to assess the damage. I wasn't sure if she bit through or if she needed stitches or what. It stopped bleeding pretty quickly and it looked like she has bit the inside with her bottom teeth and bit the outside with her top teeth. I tried calling my pediatrician neighbor, but he was at work, so I just called into the office. The doctor said to just leave it. She has been fine and hasn't complained much about it except when she accidentally bumps it. It's pretty messed up inside and bruised, not to mention a huge fat lip, poor girl.

Then today Ellie started having a fever. She has still wanted to play, but it has fluctuated quite a bit. She is sleeping now, but it's still high! Hopefully she can sleep it off.

Going Green (for Red)

Friday morning we ran and hiked. It was so windy it chilled us! Brrr. When I got home and after the school girls left, I cleaned the house. Ellie and Hattie played princesses so well with each other for a while, so that allowed me to get a lot cleaned. After we got ready, ate lunch and played outside for a bit, I grew tired of being stuck at home (I had a dead battery for a couple of days), so I decided to just load up and drive around a bit. Ellie suggested we go to PetSmart to see the animals. So we did that. They got excited about the fish, cats, dogs in doggie day care and the dogs being groomed. Then we went to Target and just browsed for a bit. Before long, it was time to get the girls from school. We came home and Brian got home not too long after.

Brian and I decided to go out Friday night. It has been a very long time since we have been out and it was much needed. We got a sitter and went to the local high school to watch one of my former young women play in her JV basketball game. It was fun to watch and reminisce about the days when I used to play. After the game we headed to a old favorite for dinner. We went to Valle Luna. We hadn't been there in years! We had gotten a coupon in the mail, so we decided to go there. It was so crowded! But the food was good and hit the spot. Since we were so close, we grabbed some custard on the way home.

I had to take a picture of Eliza yesterday. She looked so cute. I just love her style. She has such a classy style and loves to put outfits together--shoes and all. She is always changing her earrings to match and finding the right bracelet or necklace to wear. I love her!


Yesterday morning, I joined some friends on a hike. When I got home Brian left and he and Jason went mountain biking. While he was gone, we got a wild hair and decided to make Valentine's this year instead of buying them, hence "going green." We decided on a super simple design--a stitched heart with a couple of Valentine related stamps, then Eliza and Libby signed their names. Super fun and easy and using everything that we already had on hand.


In the afternoon I went to a bridal shower/Pampered Chef party rolled into one that my neighbor gave for her sister. Her sister actually got married a couple of years ago, but they didn't have a reception or bridal shower. So this was to help make up for it. She will totally have a stocked kitchen now! When I got home, Brian took the four girls on a little drive out and around Lake Pleasant so I could work on my class for BPS, which I was able to almost finish. After they returned, it was a whirlwind of dinner, baths and bed. Fun, crazy day!

Today we actually left for church at our "goal time!" I think me getting up about 10 minutes earlier helped. Church went well. I enjoyed the testimonies during sacrament. After church we came home and I made a couple of things to get ready for dinner. My parents came over along with Brian and Kamille and their kids. We had Cafe Rio pork and all the fixings. I can't ever get enough of the creamy tomatillo dressing (no comments, Dad or Brian!). They were making fun of me. I made a yummy chocolate layer cake and pink rice krispies for dessert. I used strawberry marshmallows instead of regular. They added just a hint of sweet flavor and were yummy. Here is the recipe for the cake. It was delish and pretty easy to make! We watched the Super Bowl and dang, what a game!!! I thought they were going to pull it out. But those last two minutes, darn it!!!!! So frustrating! I had fun cheering (and apparently entertaining my brother while doing so). Man, it was sooooo close!!! Maybe next year?!?!