Mother's Day and Pictures

Here are a few pictures to catch up from a couple weeks. Brian's car had a big milestone last week.

And just a few pictures from the past couple weeks. I think Eliza found the camera and took a few.





My grandpa made Hattie a new prayer rug to match her room. She loves it.

Today was a nice Mother's Day. Eliza and Libby have been planning some things for a while. They asked my mom to help them with a "project" for me, so they went over there on Friday night and worked on it for hours. My morning started out with breakfast in bed. I got toaster streudels. While my girls were with my mom on Friday night, they picked some up at the store. I guess they had asked her what I liked and she remembered that was one of my favorites growing up. Anytime it was my birthday, my dad would always make me streudels for breakfast in bed. It was fun to have those. But everyone came in with breakfast and wished me a happy mother's day. Eliza had made me a cute paper crown that I got to wear while eating. While eating, I opened my gifts. Eliza and Libby made the most creative bag. They taped together about 4 or 5 scrapbook papers and put one on the bottom and used ribbon for the handles. It was such a great idea. From Brian I got one of those fun musical cards that also had a recorded message from the girls: "We love you, Mom!" Inside was a gift card to get a pedicure. I can't wait! Eliza gave me a cute note she had made at school. Then I got to the "projects" they had worked on. Each had made a little mini album. I guess my mom only cut the paper and they did all the rest. There were some pictures of them in each book and it was filled with cute paper they had picked out along with very cute stickers. They were so pleased with their work and it was darling. It means a lot that it was their idea and their work.








After those festivities, we hurried and got ready for church. Church went well. We had several youth speakers talk about mothers and the primary children sang. Eliza was the only one who went up. Libby wouldn't and Ellie wouldn't either! Stinker! The moms got a big candy bar at the end of sacrament meeting. Sunday school went well. I really do enjoy teaching again and I enjoy the kids in the class. Chelsea gave a great lesson in relief society about being courageous even amidst adversity.

After church we did the typical things--tidy up from the morning tornado and eat lunch. I did get to lay down for a little nap before leaving to visit Brian's mom to wish her a happy mother's day. Then we were home again making dinner and my parents came over to enjoy the meal. Then we played for a bit before eating some no bake cookies that I hurried and made. Overall it was a great day. I tried really hard this year not to have too high of expectations for Mother's day because when I do, the day turns out to be a let down. I used to think it should be a day where I am free from doing anything. I should be pampered and the kids should not argue or give me any trouble all day! But today, I just decided I would get what I would get. I knew the kids would probably have some disagreements because they are well, kids, and I knew that I would still have to do some things to keep the house running smoothly. And guess what...with those "expectations" I had a better day!

And here are some pictures of that darling book my mom made for me for Mother's Day.

Dinner

On Friday, I watched Hayden for a little bit while Jenny went to a Mother's Day thing at one of her kid's classes. When she came back, she took Ellie and Hattie back to her house with her and I went to visit Terri (and Makenzie) at the hospital. Kenzie was doing some physical therapy when I got there. I visited for a minute, then I took Terri to lunch. We went to Zoe's Kitchen. Yum! We had a nice time eating and visiting.

Today was busy--Eliza had a soccer game. It was the day she and Abby played against each other. Eliza didn't really want to play against her cousin. They both did great. Eliza's team ended up winning 2-1, but both teams played well. Eliza had an assist and was so thrilled with herself. I think she thought she scored the goal, but she was so excited for her team to score! It has been a while! After the game, my parents took my girls to Sonic, so I could run home and get the stuff for Nanci's shower and head off. They brought my girls home and we had a sitter come over. Brian was at mud soccer with the youth. Nanci's shower was fun. Becky had a cute sign in for baby Paige's scrapbook and had decorated little notebooks as favors. The food was yum, too! After I got home, we went swimming at the resort. It was so hot today, so it felt good in the water. Hattie and Ellie had a blast jumping in and out. Ellie even got to go on the slide with Brian. She loved it. Eliza and Libby (and Brian) rode many times, sometimes head first.

This evening, I took pictures of a family whose photos I did a couple years ago. From there, I met Brian (who had gotten the sitter before) and we were off for date night. We met my parents and Brian and Kamille at BJ's for dinner. My parents wanted to take us out for Mother's Day. It was nice to eat and visit. At dinner, my mom gave Kamille and I our Mother's Day gift. She had taken a darling quote book called Mother: A Verb and she filled it with pictures of my girls and various other embellishments (rubbings, tabs, accents, etc.). It is DARLING!! I love it. What a treasure. It was a fun night!

Altered Inspiration

My class that I am teaching with Big Picture Scrapbooking is up for registration! It's called "Altered Inspiration" and it's a little "altered" quote book. It's such a quick, fun little book you could make for a significant other and you can apply the idea to anything! If you are interested, click here to register. I'd love to have you in "class!"

Idea Gathering

I've been pondering in my mind things I want to do in the nursery. I found THE cutest stitchery patterns that I want to stitch onto fabric and "frame" in embroidery hoops to put up. As I was looking, I found this necklace that I thought was darling.

Tonight was camp kick-off for girls camp. The lady who is doing crafts with Becky and I, made us each the cutest apron. It was made with a kitchen towel. She added grommets, ribbon and a pocket. It is the cutest thing. I'll have to get a picture.

Other than that, let's see what we've been up to. Yesterday was Costco and Sprouts. I went to volleyball at night. The first game there were only two of us and the other team had 7. Funny thing is that we actually won. The next game I had to miss--I had to run Eliza home. She had a headache and ended up throwing up. I think she get migraines. Ugh. She was fine this morning. The last game there were four of us and we won that, too. It was a fun night playing.

Today Brian spent most of his day getting his car fixed. His brakes practically went out. If you wanted to stop, you had to use both feet and give it all you've got. So that is fixed along with another expensive thing that he has been waiting to fix. $695 later, it's good as new! Sickening!

I'll probably be getting out my maternity clothes soon. My pants/shorts are still fitting me, but I am wearing the same 3-4 t-shirts over and over. I always hate having to switch over because once I do, there is no turning back. So here we go, I guess!

Weekend Recap

Sunday we got up and ready for church and made it on time--even got a soft seat. We had three baby blessings, so that made it nice in that it went quickly after those were over and the sacrament. We didn't even have to go out once. It was great. My lesson went well in Sunday school. I did an object lesson to teach about the law of consecration. Hopefully it made sense and they understood it better. In the afternoon my parents and brother and his family came over for dinner. It was fun. I was a little ornery all day though as I felt that every thing I did to try to keep the house clean was always messed up by someone! You know--the house going from clean to dirty in like 10 seconds.

This morning Kari and I went walking. I have been so tired lately, so getting up has been killer! When I got home, I sat on the couch and feel asleep. Of course it only last a few minutes as I had to get up and help with getting ready for school. But I felt SOOO tired all morning. Ugh. This morning, I convinced my mom to come to the fabric store with me to look for fabric for a baby shower I have coming up. First we went to The Bernina Connection where I bought three different fabrics. I also found some totally cute fabric for the nursery! Ellie and Hattie had a great time looking at all the cute fabrics. In fact, Hattie walked around and pointed at fabric and said, "So cute. So cute." It was funny. On the way home we stopped at 35th Ave. Sew and Vac where they had even more cute fabric. On my way out, I asked about them repairing my sewing machine. We were telling them it was mechanical and a Brother machine. Right after that, Hattie lifted up her shirt, pointed at her tummy and said, "Brother, brother." At first I was like, Huh? Then I realized she was saying she had a brother in her tummy. It was SO funny. Before we knew what we were having I would ask her if I had a brother or sister in my tummy. I guess I know what she wanted! We stopped at one more fabric store on the way home just to see their selection. We were hoping they had the lines we wanted since all their fabric is $6.95 a yard, but they didn't. I will be taking my machine there to be fixed though as they have a much better price than the other place.

After dropping my mom off, we went home and filled the time until going to get the kids from school. This afternoon went really well, which was so nice. Hattie took a nap and the other girls were just really good. Libby was especially good--just no tantrums or making someone upset or getting upset with someone. I even had time to start the baby shower gift. And I even made dinner. I was bemusing with Kari the other day while walking that I need some new recipes that that I feel like I make the same things over and over and over again. So last week I cleaned out my recipe section above my microwave and found a few new recipes that I wanted to try. So tonight was a Kraft recipe for One-Pan Taco Beef and Noodle Skillet. It was a thumbs up from everyone. I wouldn't necessarily invite special guests over who are expecting a gourmet dinner, but for a regular family dinner, it was great and very easy/quick.

Last night we went to the school to see my nieces choir concert. It was a "stroll down Broadway." We enjoyed the songs and had a fun time. After we went to Jared and Chrystalyn's for treats.

Date, Soccer, Wedding, Etc.

Friday we hung out at home most of the day. Ellie acted sick in the morning, but has turned out to be fine, thank goodness. In the afternoon we played out front for a bit. It was nice when it was overcast. The neighbors had some rock delivered for their yard, so the dad told my girls to play in it. LOL. Who knew it could be so fun (and messy). They loved it. That evening my cousin babysat and Brian and I went out. We hit Chili's in Trimonto for dinner with a gift certificate we had gotten because of some poor service a few weeks before. Then we went up to the outlets. Brian had a gift card at Nike since Christmas, and we finally went and he got some much needed basketball shoes. We also hit Naartjie and I bought two darling little outfits.

This morning Eliza had a soccer game. They lost 1-0 again, but her team played great. Eliza did really well, too, and was more aggressive (in a good way) than I have seen her play. We came home and Brian helped the neighbor lay sod in his yard and the girls and I hung out inside and out. My neighbor came over and we chatted for a minute. I told her I was expecting and a girl. She was like, "Erin--I think you need to stop having kids! (I think half joking, half not.)" Then she asked, "How are you going to take care of another one?" I said, "Just like this!" (As both Ellie and Hattie were on my lap. She said, "But they grow up!" They have one child--who is almost ready to graduate. I was a little self-conscious about it, but figured, well, I guess some people just don't want to have lots of kids! I can't worry about it.

This afternoon and evening, I assisted my cousin's wife photographing a wedding. We started with the bride getting ready, then we took pictures of the groomsmen, then the bride and her bridesmaids, etc. That was all at the Point Squaw Peak. From there we jaunted over to Aunt Chilada's for the actual ceremony and reception. I was just her backup photographer, so I didn't feel all the pressure. It was just fun to stand back and get what shots I could get. I'll have to see if any turned out good enough to post! It was good experience though and I had a good time. It sure was interesting with that wedding party. When we got to the bride's suite, she and some other bridesmaids were already drinking. It didn't end--in fact, right after the ceremony a several of the wedding party were pretty hammered. I just sat back and wondered why!?! Just makes you grateful for my own values and friends and family.

4+1

It's a girl! No joke. The day went pretty quickly and before I knew it, Brian was home with the girls and it was time to go. We got in right away at the doctor and had the ultrasound. It was at the end that she told us it was a girl. All Brian and I could do was laugh. I thought for sure I would cry, but I just laughed. It's just comical now! Eliza was pretty disappointed as she really want it to be a boy. The other girls didn't say too much. It's sinking in a little bit and I figured we'll totally redo the nursery for a total change. I think I want to do something totally modern-ish this time. I've started looking for ideas. I am really loving these colors, so this might be the color scheme.

What I don't look forward to the most is have to pass down, yet again, the clothes. I just want to be able to box up what Hattie has grown out of and be done! But here we go again! I am trying to be really excited for our girls' sake and tell them all the pros of having another sister. Tonight while Brian was getting Libby and Eliza to bed, I went to Target for a little retail and food therapy. The retail therapy was a bust, but not the food. LOL. I looked at the baby girl clothes and I wasn't impressed; I looked at the maternity clothes and I wasn't impressed either. Guess I'll have to go somewhere else. I did get some jelly bellys, ice cream, magic shell and a Chipotle burrito for dinner. Yes, I know emotional eating, but one night is okay, right?

Waiting and Nesting

So today is the big day we find out what we are having!!! Everyone is so excited, especially Eliza. I have been cleaning all morning trying to pass the day. I got all my floors done--swept, mopped and vacuumed, I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, etc. I also watched my friend's little girl for a couple hours and my friend Jenny's husband called and needed me to watch their little boy. Jenny is up at Women's Conference and he had a meeting come up, so he came over, too. It was playtime around here for sure!

I have also been busy thinking about Terri and Makenzie. Makenzie's surgery went well. It was a mean tumor as the doctor called it, but he thinks he was able to get it all. Makenzie was up enough this morning to eat some breakfast, so that is good to hear.

Party

Yesterday Kari and I walked, then when we got back I finished getting ready for Rachel's birthday lunch that was at my house. It turned out really fun. There were lot of ladies who came--we enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, chicken kabobs, chips, dessert, etc. Everything was so delicious. The kids (lots of them!) had fun eating and playing and the moms had fun eating and visiting. Lots of visiting. It was a great time and we had fun celebrating Rachel.

That night we were out front for a while since the weather was perfect. Then we came in for family home evening and the rest of the night's normal activities.

I thought today would be a little less busy than yesterday, but it didn't turn out that way. It started with me driving to my mom's and we were off to downtown to pick something up. Then we came to my house and I watched my neighbor's boys for a little bit while she had a dr. appt. Then we made bread. While it was cooling, we had to drop a couple of things off at various peoples' houses. Then at three the school called me and said that they had Eliza and Libby in the office and no one was there to pick them up. ...a little mix up with rides. It was okay though. Eliza had a playdate and Lib and Ellie went to Heather's to play. Hattie napped, so I edited pictures and did senior grad announcement for someone. When Brian got home, we had dinner, did a couple of errands and I went to volleyball. We only had three, but we actually did well. It was so fun.

Let's see what tomorrow brings. Actually it'll be full of lots of prayers and thoughts for Makenzie and her family. Praying that all goes well.

Father's and (no) Son's

On Friday morning, Brian left for the Father's and Son's camp out. He went with his dad, two brothers and brother-in-law. He had a great time doing fun, camp out things--building fires, reading in the tent, etc. etc. They went to Blue Ridge Reservoir in the afternoon and had fun there, too.

I have a love/hate relationship with father's and son's. I am sure in a few years, I'll love it and look forward to a girls' weekend while Brian is away. ...not so much now. I will admit that this weekend went well, but still. If you have all sons or mostly sons, it's a GREAT weekend, but when you have ALL girls, it's like stress! LOL. When are they going to do a daddy/daughter camp out? I would be ALL over that.

So on Friday morning, Kari and I went hiking, then I got ready and took my girls to Becky's house. She has been wanting to have them over, so Friday was the day. I had some time to burn some photo shoots to CDs, so that was nice. I picked them up around noon, then several of us went swimming out in Vistancia. It was a fun time visiting and my girls had a blast swimming and playing on the steps (E&H). We came home, Hattie took a nap and we all had some much needed down time. From there the evening got crazy. I got roped into taking pictures at a quincenera for a young woman who used to be in my ward. I have never had the experience going to one, so that was interesting. The picture taking ended up being easy, so that was good. But I had already agreed to watch Terri's kids while she took pictures at another event. So I ended up getting a sitter to watch all the kids at my house. Luckily it went well!

Saturday morning we got up and ready for Eliza's soccer game. They lost 1-0, but she played well and hard. Brian (my brother) was nice enough to take Libby with them after Abby and Dallin's game, so it made things a bit easier. After Eliza's game we came home, had lunch, I made cookies for my SS class and I cleaned the house. Later in the afternoon, my parents came over. My mom had gotten some blackberries in her Bountiful Basket, so we quickly turned it into freezer jam. It went so fast since we didn't have any cutting up to do--just crushing! Brian got home in the early afternoon, so that was nice and I survived the camp out. That night I had a senior photo shoot, then Terri offered to watch our kids while we went out since Chris was DJing a dance. Brian and I got some dinner and went to Wal-Mart. Fun! It really was nice to catch up from the weekend.

Now on to today--Sunday...I was so tired this morning! But we made it to church on time. The talks in Sacrament were really good. I was able to listen quite a bit today--I just drew some pictures with Ellie but got to listen. Next I taught Sunday School--I had a small class today--just 15 kids. LOL. It went well again, so that is always nice. In Relief Society, we had a great lesson about Christ being "The Way" to our spiritual destination and where we want to end up.

This afternoon, I got to lay down in the playroom while Hattie napped and Brian played Legos with the other girls. Tonight was Sunday dinner with Brian's family. Laura and I had the main dish, so we made "warm chicken taco salad." It was good and the kids actually ate it really well--Libby included. She didn't have it in salad form, but she loved the chicken. The chicken is really good and I could see it in burritos, too. Brian had to leave for a stake Priesthood meeting, but I stayed and the girls played while some of the adults played Phase 10 Twist. It was fun but we didn't get to finish because Hattie--for one--was just being a bear...crying and whining. I don't think she felt great, but she was a handful!

This week is a big week! Tomorrow we are having a birthday lunch for Rachel at my house and Thursday we find out what we are having!! Can't hardly wait!

Different, Good Day

Today turned out to be different than planned, but it turned out great. Brian and I had planned to go to the temple for stake temple day, so I got all ready and then got a text that our sitter woke up with a fever and sore throat, etc. So we scrambled for a minute about what to do. Then I felt like I might be getting a migraine, so we didn't know what to do. That feeling kind of passed and Kari graciously agreed to watch Ellie and Hattie, so we took off for the temple. We had planned to go to the chapel session at 9:30, but we knew we would be late for that so we thought we'd catch the 10 o'clock session. We hustled and thought we might slip in, but we got stuck at a light that wasn't working, so traffic was backed up. But it actually worked out. I still wasn't feeling that great and so we decided to do sealings instead. We hadn't done those for a while, so that was fun. There was a 97 year old lady there doing them too...talk about wearing out your life in service! I thought we were going to lose her right there--as she fell asleep several times, but she made it! We finished with those, grabbed lunch and came home. Brian went into work for a couple of appointments and I picked up Ellie and Hattie. Then I picked up Eliza and Libby from school.

When Kari ended up watching our girls, I made sure she promised to bring her kids over this evening while she and Jason went to the temple. So they brought their kids over around this afternoon. My kids had fun playing and they pretty much entertained each other. After feeding everyone dinner, we hopped in two cars and went to Eliza's soccer practice. They all had fun running around and playing. Jason and Kari came back soon after we got home. So overall today worked out very nicely!

Berry Productive Day and Prayer (not related)

This morning, Jenny, Kari and I hiked out in Kari's neighborhood. We went on a pretty trail that goes through that community. It was so pretty and nice.

Today was our freezer jam day. My friend Suzee inspired me to make strawberry freezer jam since strawberries have been fairly inexpensive. I've never made it before but have always wanted to. I've just been too scared! So I asked my mom if she wanted to do it with me and she hopped on board. This morning she came over and we got started. Based on the recipe on the back of the freezer jam pectin packet, we had prepared to make 25 jars. It was the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Instead, it made 49 jars! We had to leave halfway through for more pectin and more jars! We were so excited. It only took us about two hours total to make that many, but it took all morning since we had to go to the store. It was so easy to do and Ellie and Hattie had a great time watching and snitching strawberries or putting their fingers in the sugar! And it tastes so good, too!

Tonight Brian didn't have mutual--what a nice treat! So we leisurely had dinner and cleaned the house quite a bit. Our main intention was to find a DVD remote for the playroom that has been missing for several days. As we start looking--Libby was so good tonight and really got into the cleaning/organizing mode--Libby was in the playroom with me, so I suggested that we say a prayer and ask for help in finding it. One of Libby's shy quirks is that she won't pray out loud. It's so hard for me that she doesn't do it. So I thought this might be a good time to teach her that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. This took a lot of faith because we had no idea where this remote was and had already looked quite a bit. But I thought, we've got to find it now, so she realizes that prayers are answered even for a lost remote. So after we prayed she told me a story that her primary teacher had told her about losing something and praying and then finding it. Then she said, "Have you had any thoughts?" So I mentioned a couple places I thought of looking and we looked there but no remote. And she just kept asking, "Have you had any thoughts?" We looked all over the place but still no remote. I said another silent prayer that we could find it mostly for Libby's sake in allowing her to have this experience. It was time for me to put Eliza to bed (Brian had to take Libby to drop off a little apology note to the babysitter for how she acted last night), so I was reading with Eliza, and Brian was frantically still searching with Libby. Before I knew it, Libby came running in with the remote! I was so happy and glad. It was in a little toy that you put balls in and they pop out--it was stuck down in the tube. So then Brian came in for scriptures and prayers and we made sure to offer thanks for allowing us to find it. I hope she will remember that.

Salad Master

Yesterday Kari and I went walking--our friend Jenny came, too, so that was fun. Mondays are always nice since we can pick up from the weekend and get a fresh start. Kari brought her girls over for a bit to play and Terri came over so I could help her order some cards for some of her photography clients.

After school it was chores, playing, dinner and home evening. Later that evening, my niece babysat while Brian and I went to a SaladMaster dinner party. My SIL's sister is a demonstrator for that company and we got to see what it's about and got dinner out of it! Plus just by us going (not buying) Chrystalyn and her sister benefit. The food was good and I learned a lot. While the cookware they sell is astronomically, outrageously expensive, I sure would love to afford them one day. I just love how you can cook so much healthier, quicker, etc. with their products. At the end she had us do a pot test. She put water in four different kinds of pans along with some baking soda, then she boiled it. It cooled for a bit, then we had a small taste of each one. The one cooked in the SaladMaster pan tasted salty--like baking soda would. The copper bottom pan tasted like copper, the stainless pan tasted metallic and the worst of all was the Teflon pan. It was nasty!! It was to show that when you cook in those other pans, the taste (and chemicals) from the pan are transferred to your food. It makes me want to throw all my pans away. I can't afford the ones I want, but I think I would get stainless--it was the least gross of the three pans. But wow! Scary!! I think next month I am going to have a dinner party--I only can have three couples, but if they come (just come--not buy), I get a free SaladMaster--which is like a salad shooter thing, but it totally cuts up your veggies so snappy and nice. And I get a bowl, too. Anyone want to come?!?! You get dinner and have NO pressure to buy anything.

Today we went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart--I had to go to the one where Ellie had her little hand injury because the new one doesn't have any canning supplies. Anyway, Ellie was so nervous about going there and didn't really want to. I told her it would be okay and that we would go in the sliding doors and I would hold her so we didn't get hurt again. Poor girl. But we survived--she and Hattie did great in the store, so that was nice. I had to get some canning stuff because my mom and I are going to make some strawberry freezer jam. Yum! I can't wait.

Tonight Brian went to the Diamondback's game and I had volleyball, so I called Alex to come babysit. Volleyball was fun--we decided this year is going to be a fun year--not one that we'll win! LOL. I came home and the oldest three girls were awake! Ellie fell asleep this afternoon and took a good 2 hour nap, so I'm sure that is why she was up. Eliza was trying to help Alex and Libby was up to her usual difficult antics. She is definitely my trial right now. That is a whole other post, but she is the cause of most of my stress, frustration, and is the topic of most of my prayers. This too shall past, right?!

Weekend

On Friday, we got a sitter for Ellie and Hattie. We took Eliza and Libby to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. They each had gotten a free dinner there from school, so we used those. They were thoroughly entertained (Brian and me, too) with the group next to us. It was the grandpa's birthday and the balloon man came over and made him the most obnoxious and involved balloon hat you could imagine. Then he made things for a few other people at the table. Then we watched as the birthday grandpa perilously got on the saddle that they have. We weren't sure if he was going to make it on or off safely. Free entertainment. We had to eat quickly because from there we went to the other high school and saw Phantom of the Opry. A couple kids from our ward were in it, so we wanted to support them. It was cute.

Saturday morning started out at Eliza's soccer game. Neither team scored, but she did well--even played defense a couple of times. The rest of the day we just hung out--I worked on my lesson, Brian took the older three on a bike ride in the neighborhood, I took some senior pictures, went to the grocery store, etc.

Today I had my first Sunday school lesson. I think it went well! I had 21 kids in my class, but it really did seem like that many since we were in one end of the gym. But they participated and did well behavior wise. So I am hopeful and excited about that.

Tonight we went to my parents' for dinner with Brian and his family. My Brian had two meetings, so I went by myself and the girls. It was a rough night as I felt like I was disciplining someone the whole time. Hattie screamed enough times to shatter our eardrums, then it was Ellie or Eliza or Libby. Ack! But dinner was good--enchiladas, taquitos and chips/salsa. I brought dessert--ice cream, brownies, and I made homemade fudge and caramel for toppings. I'd never made the caramel before, but it was SO good. This is the recipe I used. YUM!

2 Weeks

That's how long we have to wait to find out what we are having!!! I had an appointment today and my dr. did an ultrasound just in the room, but he didn't really look and he said he couldn't tell. So I get to go back in just two weeks to find out! I can't hardly stand it---I am dying to know what it is. But he did say everything looks great. I told him I was getting too old to do this and he said that the more "mature" a woman is, the harder it gets. I think that is code for OLD! LOL. I also told him that I had been pretty lightheaded. He said it was common for women who have had kids before and for someone who was "in shape." I'll take that as a compliment. But I am glad things look good.

Sunday School

So I found out that I am indeed teaching the 14/15 year old Sunday school class. I guess it is a huge class. I talked to the Sunday school president and he said, "Yeah...that's a hard class." Nice!! He said the teacher who got released did really well with them, but other teachers have had trouble in the past. Ack!!! I am SO nervous. I also teach the regular gospel doctrine lessons to them. This class is going to kick my behind. I have worked on it every spare minute since I found out what my lesson was and I am not nearly ready!! And this is every week! Did I say I am nervous?

Today I dropped several bags off at DI, then we went to my mom's to eat our lunch. I took a family's pictures this afternoon--it was a dream because the youngest was in sixth grade. No one to entertain! It was a little windy this afternoon, so we had to work around that, but otherwise it went well. From there I met Brian and the girls at his parents' house. Rob--my brother-in-law--met us over there to put a new DVD drive in my laptop since mine hasn't worked for a while now. I am glad to have that done. Tonight was also volleyball. It was fun. I did okay but I didn't want to overdo it, so I am just being careful.

Well, off to watch Idol and do my SS lesson.

Easter Party, Seussical, Easter, Church, Etc.

Random (and in no particular order) thoughts and memories about the past couple of days.

--I loved the rain yesterday!!! Unfortunately it canceled Eliza's soccer game. She was pretty bummed as she was looking forward to it.
--Yesterday was our annual family Easter party. We had it at our house and because of the rain we moved some of it inside. It worked out though and we had a great time. It's always fun to get together and chat and let the kids play and laugh at my brothers (or them laugh at me), etc. We started with a BBQ. Brian (brother) and my dad braved the rain to cook for us.

After eating, the dads hid Easter eggs outside while we did some games inside. Brian (brother) led the kids in Tootie-Ta--a favorite for sure. Hattie even liked it and tried to do it this time.


I was going to do the leaky can outside, but changed at the last minute and did an egg relay on a spoon inside. Then it was the egg hunt. All the kids loved running around gathering eggs. They were so sweet to quickly and willingly share with each other if someone didn't get as many as the rest. Dan and Chris' game was a water balloon toss and that was a hit. Lots of fun. At the end Brian chucked one at my dad and got him--well--in a pretty embarrassing spot. The kids (and parents) roared with laughter about that.

Then Dan took the water from the ice chest and soaked Brian's front.
I know this picture is blurry but it's the only one I have.


The last activity was the much anticipated fish pond. The kids go "fishing" for Easter gifts from my parents. My girls got some fun markers, Hattie and Ellie a ball, they got a bag of candy and they each got new pajamas, which they all put on right away. Eliza and Libby got HSM ones, Hattie got Tinkerbell (her favorite) and Ellie got darling princess ones. It was a great time and so fun.

Hattie liked her Easter stuff a little too much!

--Brian thinks Easter grass should be banned for any future Easters. That stuff gets everywhere!

--Last night we got a sitter for Hattie and we took the other three girls to see the play at Sunrise Mtn. It was Seussical. It was so good. I told Brian it was probably one of the best high school plays I have seen. It's basically just a mismatch of numerous Seuss stories, but the music was so cute and the costumes were great! Just a lot of color and lots going on to keep the kids entertained throughout. A couple of the girls from our ward are it in, so it was fun to go see them. All the girls loved it--even Ellie did really well for being 3. Such a cute show--it would be fun to see it on Broadway.

--This morning the girls got up excited to see what the Easter bunny brought. I was a little worried since the EB didn't put any candy in their buckets or any grass (hmmm...wonder who decided on that?!?!). But it all worked out. Eliza got a new soccer ball (something she has really been wanting) and she also got some paints and a new 20 Questions game. Both she and Libby love playing that game. Libby got a dog stuffed animal, some wiffle balls to go with a bat we already have and she got one of those balls that you hold the handle and bounce on. Ellie got a stuffed bunny, fruit snacks and a coloring book and crayons. Hattie got a stuffed bird--it's actually really cute--a blue-footed boobie like they have in the Galapagos Islands. She also got a nerf football and a tiny soccer ball. I guess it was the year of the ball.

--It's hard to have Easter and early church! We made it on time but just barely. After we got to church, I was like oops--no one did Ellie's hair! Just a minor oversight.

--I got released from my calling as Relief Society teacher and activity days. Bishop came over last Wednesday and I've been sad about it ever since. I LOVE teaching RS and didn't want to be released especially since I just got put in in October!!!! Now I am teaching Sunday school, but I am not sure what age--Bishop said it was 12 or 13 year olds, but the 14 and 15 year old teacher got released today. I am a little nervous for this new adventure and now have to prepare a lesson every week instead of once a month. I know there is a reason I will be in there, but for now I'd rather have my old calling back.

--In sacrament meeting, we had a really nice musical Easter program. There was some narration with a lot of songs. In fact, it went about 20 minutes over. But the music was really good and brought the spirit. Some of the girls got a little restless at the end, but I guess I can't blame them too much since it was a lot longer than normal.

--One of our home teachers is a 15 year old boy who comes with his dad. Today in church, he was walking back to his seat after passing the sacrament and he pointed at his hair and mouthed, "I like your hair." It was so sweet. How many 15 year old boys are kind enough to tell someone they like their hair (unless it's a girl their age!)??

--I taught in RS today. It was about being valiant in the cause of Christ. I think it went well and I related it Easter and how we can use this time to think about becoming more like our Savior. So now once I figure out what I'm teaching, I'll start preparing my lesson for next week (I think I'll also need to review my discipline strategies from my teaching days, too! LOL).

--Tonight we went to my brother's house for dinner. We had ham, potatoes, corn, rolls and salad. Dessert was leftover Easter candy and fresh strawberries with whipped cream. We had a nice dinner and a nice time enjoying each other's company. I felt like my girls were a little wild and running crazy. I was getting frustrated the whole night! So on the way home, I was talking to them about how it's okay to have fun, but we don't need to run crazy and be the loudest ones at every function...blah blah blah (I'm sure that is what my girls heard). After my diatribe, Libby sent up two little notes--one for me and one for Brian. We thought they were so sweet. You might have to click on them to read them.


--Well, tomorrow is a new week! We'll start by walking off some of the Easter candy, then I'll vacuum the house to try to get rid of the Easter grass.

Wii What?

Today was a busy but fun day. This morning Brian went biking, so I had to skip hiking. I took the girls to school--that was fun. Usually Brian does, so it was a fun change. Later this morning, we went to Leslie's and I took pictures of Elsie (for 1 year) and Maggie (8 years). Ellie and Hattie had fun playing while I clicked away.

This afternoon, Brian came home early to be with Ellie and Hattie while I picked up Eliza and Libby from school. Then we went to Karolyn's for a little mom/daughter cookie decorating party. Karolyn is always so creative and cute--doing fun things like this. It was a fun time decorating cookies (Libby couldn't get enough decorating and Eliza decorated a while then held Brooke's little baby for a while) and we had fun visiting and snacking. After we got home, Brian and I headed out for our date. We went to dinner at Babbos (wonder who picked that?!) with Alan and Debbie then headed back to their house where we watched a video of the comedian Brian Regan. He is hilarious and totally clean. We were laughing a lot! Then they got out their Wii and we did that for a while. They just got their Wii Fit, so they set that up and Brian and I did the test to find out our Wii Age. Hello--talk about depressing! Mostly it's based on balance and I couldn't master that! Debbie said my center of gravity is off because I'm pregnant (I'm sure that's why!! LOL). But it said I was 44. Nice. But it was fun to play the ski jump game and the 100 pin bowling. It was a fun night.

Tomorrow (if the weather cooperates), Eliza has her soccer game, then we are having an Easter party with my family. I'd better go--44 year olds need their sleep!

Dream Bag

If money were no object, I would get this for my new diaper bag. LOVE IT.

Today was bread day. While it was cooling we took a little trip to Sonic--mostly for my lemon slush crazy. Yum!

Busy Day

Good thing I haven't been writing down how I feel each day because it would all sound the same (I felt gross today, today was a yucky day, etc.) Today would be much the same. Today I even let out like a moan--like an I-feel-so-yucky moan and Hattie (yes, Hattie) said, "You don't feel good?" I guess I sound like a broken record. I hope it's over soon, so they can have their regular mom back! I think I am getting too old for this. I've heard that pregnancy in your 30s is so different (i.e. harder) than in your 20s. I believe them. The nausea aside, the worst thing this time is getting light headed so much! I have to be careful. It's worse when I am in the kitchen cooking (not making that one up) or just standing in one place for too long. Anyway--I've told Brian several times over the past few weeks that this is the last one! He says to never say never, but right now I am saying never!!!

A couple highlights from today--Libby got to go into Eliza's class for reading. I guess she had a really good time and enjoyed it. I am just glad she actually did it and didn't get too nervous or scared! So she'll start going in there regularly for reading.

Eliza had a little performance at a retirement center today for her singing group. They did such a great job. They look darling in the little vest things that her teacher made. They sang several songs and Eliza did great--remembering all the moves and lyrics. I'll have to add pictures later--my computer isn't letting me get them from the other computer.

Today was busy! We went from there to activity day. We met at Teryle's again (she is so great to work with) and we did a little egg hunt with the girls, then some of the eggs they found had objects in them to represent Easter. So we talked about that and the meaning of Easter. After that we had pizza and root beer floats. It was a fun time!

I was supposed to go play volleyball tonight but I passed since I still wasn't feeling great. Maybe next week! I am off to watch Idol.

Place Your Bets Now

If you haven't heard, I am pregnant. Just a little recap--I have felt very crappy for the past 8 weeks or so. That about says it all. I don't remember feeling this awful with the other ones, but maybe I just had some good amnesia and forgot, but I really don't. I am 13 weeks along and due on October 13th. So I know the big excitement will be when we find out what it is. My brother is just assuming that it's another girl. My mom is playing the odds and guessing a boy. Brian and I assume it's a girl, but maybe secretly hope it's a boy. We shall see, huh!?

We told our girls about 4 weeks ago and hoped they could keep it a secret. Surprisingly, they did a great job! They kept asking when they could tell, but they never did when they weren't supposed to. They are very excited to add another member to our family. When we told them, I mentioned how I have been sick a lot and wanting to lay down a lot, then I told them the reason why. I almost got a little teary since it's a pretty special thing to add a baby to your family. I am excited but a bit nervous to see how all the dynamics will work out.

Another One Down

So Eliza was up and restless in the night with a really bad sore throat. So this morning she didn't feel up to playing soccer even though she REALLY wanted to. She was so sad to miss. Instead I took her into the dr. and she didn't even have to swap her throat--she could tell just by looking at it that is was strep. So we started antibiotics with her today, too. This is crazy! Here's hoping Ellie and Hattie (and me and Brian) don't get it!! Eliza slept most all day--only waking up twice to throw up. Eww.

Conference has been good so far. I missed half of the morning when I took Eliza, so I'll have to go back to those. But coloring has seemed to entertain the three youngest girls, so we've been able to watch pretty well. We enjoyed cinnamon rolls this morning and there is enough for tomorrow, too! Yay. We love the cream cheese frosting we put on this time. Yum.

30

Let's see if I can quickly recap the week.

--Libby was home from school again on Wednesday. I decided to take her to the dr. Glad I took her as she had strep. No wonder she didn't want to go to school! So we started her on antibiotics right away and she is doing better.

--Went to a marriage fireside for our ward on Thursday night. We had dinner, then a marriage counselor spoke for a little bit, then an improv group performed. A guy in our ward owns an improv place and his troupe came to perform. We laughed quite a bit. My favorite thing they did was the "skit" where they act out a scene, but when they need a line, they reach into a bowl and say a line that someone from the audience has written down. Those are so funny.

--Thursday was also Brian's 30th birthday! We didn't do too much since we had that fireside, but the night before I had gone to Krispy Kreme and gotten a dozen donuts for his birthday breakfast. Our celebration was tonight though. I went back and forth about what to do--either have friends come over and have dinner here or to go meet somewhere, etc. I finally decided just to have a few of his friends and their spouses (two from the ward, brothers, and his assistant) meet for dinner (a.k.a. let someone else cook and clean up). So I decided to go to a new place out in Surprise--Culver's--which is burgers and custard. I digress--today my mom came over and we made cinnamon rolls for conference weekend. I made enough for us and to take to the ladies I visit teach. While they were cooling, we drove to Culver's so I could get gift cards for the people coming. I got each couple a $10 gift card to put towards their dinner. It was so crowded at lunch and I kind of rethought my decision since I didn't want people to think I was lame for just going to a "fast food" place for dinner. Anyway...too late to change. So tonight we got there and it was even more crowded (and sitting outside was out because of the wind!). Not one table to be had in the place. So we ordered our food for take out and Aleeda (Brian's assistant) and her husband David were nice enough to offer up their house for us to gather. They live close by, so we all went over there and ate our dinner. I was totally laughing and embarrassed the whole time that this was his "party"--not what I had in mind, but it ended up working out and being fun. We had dinner and visited. We played one game of Taboo, then had a custard cake from Culver's. I forgot to take a picture, but we did have fun.

We stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home and got Easter basket stuff for the girls. Now it's a busy weekend with soccer and general conference. I am looking forward to watching and learning.

New Hair

Ellie's fingers are getting better every day. She still does NOT like changing the bandage--I think mostly because sometimes it'll stick. Lately I've been really gooping it up with ointment so it won't. She is still gun shy about me taking it off, so I've gotten good at doing it very fast when she isn't expecting it. The rest of the cleaning is pretty easy. Anyway--I am glad it's getting better and better.

Libby has been sick the past couple days. I hope this isn't the start of a string of sickness again. I can't take that again (so soon especially!). I kept her home today for an on and off fever. Here's hoping she's better for tomorrow!

Tonight I got to get my hair cut. I always love getting it done! I found these pictures online of a cut I really liked and so that is what we did.


I love the change. It feels good--the bangs will take some getting used to, but I do like them and am excited about it. Hopefully I can do it as cute as Brooke did tonight!

Eliza's First Soccer Game

This morning was Eliza's first soccer game. She is number 7 on the Darth Vaders. She doesn't care for the name, but that is what the majority decided on since their uniforms are black. She made sure I put her hair in two pony tails with yellow ribbons to match. She also picked out our outfits so we wore yellow to support her team. She did a great job in her game--she played "sweeper". She was right there in on the action. Most of all she had a fun time, too.

Brian left right when it was over for a temple trip with the young men and we stayed to watch Dallin's game at 10. It was fun and my girls were entertained looking for ladybugs. So it was a good morning overall, except the darn grass sent my allergies in a tizzy and they have been bugging me severely ALL day.

This afternoon we went over to Brian's parents' house. Brian's cousin Anna and her family were over--down visiting from Boise. They have kids right around the same age as our kids, so they had fun playing together and the adults had a good time visiting. We had dinner, visited some more, then came home.

Poor Ellie

**If you have a weak stomach, you may not want to scroll down and see the picture at the end of this post.

On Thursday night, I dropped Eliza, Libby and Brian off at Eliza's soccer practice and I was going to take Ellie and Hattie to Wal-Mart and Costco. We didn't make it too far! We parked at Wal-Mart on 83rd and we were going in the side door--the one the swings open. Ellie was about 10 steps in front of me and she was opening the door. I think she put her left hand on the door jam to get more leverage while she opened it with her right hand. It was SO windy that night and a big gust of wind came and slammed the door shut wedging her left hand in the door. I ran up and yanked it open, but the damage was already done. The skin was off pretty deep on her middle two fingers. I hurried inside trying to manage Hattie and hustle Ellie to the bathroom to get it cleaned off to see how bad the damage was. She was dripping blood, but I put it under water all while Hattie is crying for me to hold her (how dare I put her down!). There were a couple ladies in the bathroom who got me some paper towels. One lady went to the McDonald's in the store and got some ice and she also order Ellie some chocolate chip cookies there. It was so nice even though she understandably didn't want anything to do with them right then. I was trying to figure out what to do. It was pretty deep, so I was pretty sure I wanted to get it looked at but I was like how am I going to get her in the car, to the place, etc? A lady from Wal-Mart asked if I wanted her to get some medical help. At first I said no, but then told her I would like to since I figured it would be easier to get some help there. So we waited near the customer service for a few minutes and then a manager came over and wanted to take a report. I said, "Is medical help coming?" She said, "Oh--we can call the paramedics if you'd like." I was like, "I thought that is what was happening--I wish I would have known so I could have taken her already." I said I would have to come back to do the report because I wanted to get Ellie taken care of first. Duh! So I hurried her to the car and went to Good Night Pediatrics--which is like an urgent care for kids. There was no wait at all--I got right in, which was nice. They looked at it to make sure they could help her there or if we needed to go to the ER. The doc looked and didn't think it would take a stitch since there was nothing to stitch it to since all the skin was gone. So they cleaned it up, took X-rays (it didn't turn out to be broken thank goodness), cleaned it some more and bandaged it up. We got an Rx for some ointment and then came home. Poor girl!!! She has been good with it except when it comes to cleaning time which is about three times a day. She throws a good fit and we have to hold her down to do the first part. Then she is pretty good when we wrap it up again. I hope it heals soon. After she got home and in to bed, I went back to Wal-Mart to file an injury report. The manager that I talked to said that someone would be calling me about it and that "they would take care of everything." Whatever that meant--hopefully pay for the medical bills!
Here is a picture of all the grossness--one with the flash and one without--I couldn't tell which one did it more justice.

Time in the Kitchen

Yesterday we got everyone off to school okay. When I woke up I was dreading getting back in to the routine of making lunches, homework, etc. Kari and I went walking, then I came home and started with the lunches. Eliza and Libby were excited to go back, so that made it easier to get them going again on a Monday morning! After they left, I cleaned up the house and after lunch we dropped some wheat off at my mom's, then we stopped at Albertson's before picking Eliza and Libby up from school. After we got back home, I spent the time in the kitchen until Brian got home. I made cookies--a recipe that made a TON of cookies. We were challenged this month to make a plate of cookies to take to our neighbors, so I made some for that and for activity day for today. Then I moved on to making dinner--hamburgers and frys. After dinner we met our new neighbors who moved in, so it was nice to meet them and their two little kids--one just older then Ellie and one just younger. It was so windy outside, so we just came in and had home evening, then it was time for baths and bed. We did play a little Pop5 with Eliza and Libby--only giving them words they would be able to guess.

This morning my mom came over for bread making. We were both totally out. While it cooled, we got slushes at Sonic, then looked around at Target. My mom needed a new 4 cup measuring cup, so she got one there.

After school got out, it was a busy afternoon! I took Eliza to singing on my way to activity day, then I picked Eliza up, zoomed home and picked up the rest of the family, then went to Eliza's first soccer practice. My feet froze! I should have worn tennis shoes! Eliza had fun so that is good.

Our activity day went well today. We met at the other lady's house and the girls decorated a pot and planted a flower in them. But first we talked about "seeds of greatness." We talked about seeds and their potential, then we related it to us. I used this poem:

In Becoming
by Mary Jo Westenhaver

Yesterday,
while bent over furrows
laden with warm, brown seeds,
I marveled at the miracle
of potential peas nestled
within tiny seed walls,
swelling upward to reach their source of light.
And now,
as I am bowed beneath
the weight of trials,
I marvel, too, at the miracle
of a potential deity
tucked within my soul,
struggling homeward to its source of Light.

And we showed this little video. I think it all went together so great and hopefully the girls will think about their potential a little bit more.

Favorites

I've discovered some new favorites lately.

Paint Pot
I am LOVING my "Paint Pot" from my recent MAC visit. You can use it as an eyeshadow, but they also suggest it for an all over eye primer to help keep your eyeshadow on. I've tried several ones over the years (Clinique, Lancome, Mary Kay--which is pretty good) but this is my favorite for sure. Normally when I put my eye make up on, it's either off or in the crease of my eye a couple hours after I put it on. So far after using this (I use the color "Painterly") my eyeshadow has stayed on all day.

Tvala Handmade
A friend who was in my ward growing up starting this company and makes handmade soaps, lotions, lip gloss, etc. I decided to try some this past month and it's been so fun! I can't wait to try even more. This time I got a bar of the 1616 Castile soap. I actually used some of Molly's suggestions that she had on her blog . I use that mostly for shaving since it has a more slippery feel. I got Sweet Dreams soap to use in everyday bathing/showering. I also got the Sandalwood Vanilla Spa Stick. I use that at night to wash my face. It makes me face feel so clean, so I've been using that now. I also had to try the Toasted Almond Shea Skin Therapy Sugar Scrub. I LOVE that one and it smells SO good. I let Hattie smell it and she always sticks her tongue out trying to get a bite! But I like using that on my heels and elbows and just anywhere I want to be soft. I have also used that to wash my face and love it for that purpose, too. And I love that it's all natural ingredients and supporting handmade goods. I have my eye on some other stuff, too, like the Aphrodite and Pink Grapefruit soaps and the peppermint (or honey or cucumber melon) lip balm. Molly threw in a sample of the coconut lip balm and I love how it just glides on. I also want to get a soap deck and nail brush. So give it a try if you like homemade soaps and such.

Frosting
I made the frosting that goes with Paula Dean's Red Velvet Cake . I didn't want to take the time to make the cake, so I just made a chocolate cake from a mix and put the frosting on. YUM! Seriously...the frosting is to die for. LOVED it.

End of Spring Break

On Saturday, Brian got up and biked with Jason. Later in the morning we went out to Vistancia and swam with Karolyn and her kids. Trina and her family ended up coming, too. The girls had a blast swimming--Ellie jumped off the stairs over and over and over while Hattie just played on the steps. In the afternoon Brian took Ellie and Eliza to Cabela's to spend his gift card. We met up later at his granddad's house for some pictures of the babies Hattie's age and younger who were all born within about a year of each other--all girls!

Then last night a couple friends and I went for eye makeovers at the MAC counter. We've been talking about it for a while, but we finally did it. I've been wanting to try their make up for a while, so this was my first introduction. I was pleased with the girl who did my eye make up and liked how she did them. I bought a few things--I actually think their prices are pretty reasonable--it's the brushes that get you! At least those will last forever though and you don't have to replace those quite as often.

Today was a typical Sunday. We did pretty well in Sacrament meeting except for Ellie throwing a little beanbag up in the air really high and hitting the family in front of us. Talk about embarrassing! I got asked to sub a primary class at the last minute, so I taught during the 2nd hour, then it was the visiting teaching conference, so all the women got to go to Relief Society. It was a great meeting--our VT coordinator spoke a little bit, then had four ladies share experiences with visiting teaching. I love hearing personal experiences and it makes me realize how truly important visiting teaching is.

This evening we went over to Brian's parents' for dinner. A couple of Marilyn's sisters were visiting with some of their kids, so it was a full house. We had Cafe Rio pork--YUM! The kids had a great time playing with each other and the adults even got a game of Pop 5 in.

My girls are ready to get back to school and this week I think will be spent picking up from this past week--and mopping (ugh) and other cleaning. I haven't been staying on top of it lately, so I need to attack it this week!

Spring Break Day 5

Well, we made it through spring break. It went really quickly actually. This morning Kari and I hiked. It was nice weather again and overcast, which was great. This morning I had my girls (and me) clean up around the house, then we met Kari and her kids for lunch at the park. The kids had a great time and loved playing. It got a little hot after a while, but we still had a fun time. We came home and rested for a little bit, then I decided to take the girls swimming again. This time I got in up to my knees--still a bit cold but the sun beating down on me helped it not be so bad. Eliza and Libby went down the slide a ton and loved it and Ellie and Hattie had fun jumping around and splashing.

Tonight Brian and I were able to get a date night finally. We went to BJs for dinner. The food was good, but it took a long time to come out to our table. We were both stuffed, but we had to get a dessert since they are known for those. We had a triple chocolate pizzokie. It was to die for. I wish I hadn't been so full or I would have enjoyed it more, but it was still so good. We walked around Cabela's after and Brian looked at cots. I think that is what he is finally going to get with his gift cards.

Spring Break Day 4

This morning Kari and I walked. The weather has been great! I wish I could bottle it and get it out in June-September! I am so excited for Kari and since she put it on her blog, I don't have to keep it a secret anymore that she is expecting baby #4 in September! So fun!

Today I decided to try the Deer Valley Rock Art Center. I had no idea it was even here, but we went and it was cool, but I think my girls were too young. There was a very small "museum" but my girls weren't really interested in that, then there is about a 1/4 mile hike where you look at the petroglyphs. We kind of flew threw it quickly, but they kind of enjoyed looking for the petroglyphs on the little "scavenger hunt" thing they gave them at the beginning. They saw a bunch of lizards which they really enjoyed seeing and at the end when they turned in their paper they got a little glow in the dark bug. It was something to do, but they would probably like it more if they were studying it in school or a little older.




Tonight I went to enrichment. It was a vintage tea party theme to celebrate the Relief Society's birthday. We had dinner with little tea party things--little sandwiches, strawberries and salad with cake for dessert. We assembled Easter baskets for under privileged kids that will be delivered to an organization--I can't remember now which one it is. It was fun and we were able to put together 27 really nice baskets. At the end we played family feud with questions about the Relief Society and about being LDS. It was a fun night and always fun to socialize.


I left the kitchen for about 30 seconds and came back in to find this!

Spring Break Day 3

This morning I got up and Brian and I cleaned up a bit before getting ready. Brian cleaned bathrooms and did some vacuuming and I just tidied up around the house. We all got ready, then took Brian to work. Our van was getting an oil change, so we took him so I could have a car. After we dropped him off, we went to Saguaro Ranch Park to the historic area where they were having a "Day at the Ranch" for spring break. Each of the girls got a paper with a bingo game on it. They had to go around to 11 booths and get each square crossed off. It was a little bit crazy keeping track of everyone and such, but I think my girls had a good time. Their favorite things were riding the little tractor pedal cars, doing laundry the old-fashioned way and looking in the historic homes.

This afternoon we just hung out at home. My parents came over for a little bit so my mom could take pictures of the girls for a project she is working on. After they left, we headed out to pick up Brian. We had time for dinner before he left again for mutual and the girls and I went to Fry's. I had some groceries to get and so I figured I'd let the girls play in the play center. Hattie got to go in for the first time. She went right in and had a great time.

Spring break is tiring me out!