Busy Day

Today I was woken up by Eliza who had a breakfast menu for me. She wanted to play restaurant and make me breakfast. It was cute.

Today was busy--we returned some library books and went to Party City and Costco. We tanked up on fruits and vegetables at Costco. I had to come home and cut or wash them all right away or else they'll just sit in the fridge and won't get eaten.

Tonight was swimming at my in-laws, then I had a volleyball game followed by some running at the gym. Now I'm beat but I have some work to do. Better go!

Memorial Day

Today was kind of a random Memorial Day. Brian played basketball early, early this morning, then he had to do a DI assignment this afternoon. In between, he took Eliza swimming at the resort. Libby went, too, but she just sat in the shade and watched. She said it was going to be too cold. Silly girl, again! This evening, we went to an anniversary party for Brian's grandparents. We ate dinner, the kids ran around the cultural hall and the adults visited for the most part.

Tonight I went to the gym at the resort. I have a few fitness goals that I want to accomplish and I am glad the gym is so close!

Oh yea...for the family party, I made this. Let's just say it was delicious but definitely not part of my new goals. Boo hoo!

A Kraft Dinner

Today was my nephew, Luke's, baby blessing. After church we all went over to my brother and sister-in-law's house for lunch. It was a yummy lunch: lunch meat sandwiches, salads, fruit and dip, chips, and dessert. The funny part is that four of the things we ate tonight were from the new Kraft Foods magazine. If you don't get it, you need to sign up. It's free and every quarter, you receive a magazine full of great/easy recipes. There is also a picture for every recipe which is a must! For the meal, my mom made Mediterranean Marinated Vegetable Salad--it was very, very good. Totally fresh and tasty. She also made Margarita Dip (another cool, fresh fruit dip--yum!) and another corn dish/side, but I can't seem to find it online. But it was yummy, too.
For dessert I made the Oreo and Fudge Ice Cream Cake. It was so simple to do and everyone seemed to like it. It thought it was really delicious. But I'm not hard to please when it comes to desserts. So thanks, Kraft for helping make our dinner so yummy!

Church went well today. I survived my two lessons. I loved teaching the one in Young Women's. It was about journals. I could have talked for hours on that topic. I love it. I hope they got excited to keep a journal.

Here's to a good week!

Saturday

Today was a pretty productive day. I went through Eliza's and Libby's clothes and put away the winter things and got out all the summer stuff since I don't think it'll cool down again. It feels good to have that done.

This morning Eliza and Libby went to their cousin Luke's birthday party. It was at Rio Vista park, so they were supposed to wear their swimming suits. Eliza went to the party at the last minute, so she borrowed one from her cousin, but Libby didn't want to wear hers. She said she just wanted to watch and not get wet. The other funny thing is that the only thing Libby really cared about was getting Luke a pink bag to put his gift in. I said, "Don't you think we should get him blue? Don't you think he would like that better." She said no--that she wanted to get him pink because it would make him laugh and everyone would laugh. It was pretty funny that she thought about that and really insisted on that. So his gift was wrapped in a pink bag!

This afternoon the girls played outside and we were able to get some things done around the house. Tonight we picked up Sarah from her other job so she could come babysit here. We grabbed some dinner at Cafe Rumba. I had the Rumba burrito--the chicken was really good. Then we went over to Brian's sister's house for game night with some of his siblings, cousins and dad. We played Things...Humour in a Box (this was a fun game--gets people talking, laughing, etc), Mafia (that didn't go so well--we were all terrible at that!) and we played psychiatrist. That was hilarious. So funny! Now I need to get to bed. My 7 AM meeting will be here before I know it. And I am teaching two lessons tomorrow!

More Coloring

***Sorry the pictures are sideways!!

Today Eliza drew Brian a mean-faced picture. She was upset that he didn't play a certain game with her outside. I guess that is a good way to channel her anger instead of hitting or yelling or what not! It was similar to mine--crazy hair and all. He didn't have the mean eyes though.


Watch out Becky--you've got a creative lettering apprentice!



And not too bad of a color by number for Libby!



Today we were Brian's taxi to and from work. He dropped his car off last night to get the oil changed and brakes fixed, so we were down to one car today. Tonight on our way home from picking him up, we stopped at Target and had some pizza at that little snack bar, then we did a little shopping. Then it was a nice evening home!

Some Fun Things

One of my girls' favorite activities is coloring and drawing pictures. I get tired of all the papers though but hate to always throw them away. Brian suggested we scan their pictures in each day, then we'll always have them. So I started that tonight. I scan in their pictures, name them and save them in a folder for each girl. Here are a few from today.


Eliza drew this today after she said I was mean to her. She did something that I thought was cute, so I chuckled a little bit. She thought I was laughing at her, so she got upset! Then she went and drew this picture. I guess this is what I look like mad!


Eliza loves to be creative.


A temple wedding picture.


This is Libby's picture. Notice her name spelled in the picture.

I love their drawings.

Today at Target I found Smucker's Dark Chocolate and Mint ice cream topping. Need I say more?!?

This morning we went to McDonalds with my friend and her kids. It was her daughter's birthday, so we went to help celebrate! Despite Libby not eating her lunch and climbing over the table, we had a good time. That stinker!

I guess I'm official now. Talk about a literal "Big Picture" though! Ha!

Library

This morning started early with a camp meeting at 8:30 to help decide who is going to be in which cabin. After that was over, I picked up the girls at my mother-in-laws, then we came home and ate lunch. My cousin Jodi came over and I had her watch Ellie and Hattie while I took Eliza and Libby to the library. They played a little computer and picked out a lot of books and videos. On the way home we stopped at a nail place and Eliza got her toes painted. She loved it. She picked blue nail polish (a pretty blue) and a white flower.

Tonight was volleyball. We had 4 players and they other team had 3. We lost the first, then won the last two.

Ellie chipped her tooth today. While I was gone, I guess she tripped over Jodi's feet and fell. Her lip bled, but then tonight as I was getting her ready for bed, I noticed her tooth. I'll have to try to get a picture of it. Poor her! Good thing she is still so cute with a great personality! She's had more trama to her lip and teeth than any of my other girls!

Preschool Picnic

This morning was Eliza's picnic for her last day of preschool. Everyone shared snacks and played on the play set at the park. The kids in her class sang "A is for Adorable," then Miss Laura gave each child a frame with their hand print, a couple pictures and one of their drawings. It was darling!

This afternoon my friend Karolyn came and got Eliza and Libby for a playdate. They seemed to have a fun time playing with their new friend. It was so nice of her to do that today. She just moved here and probably has a million things to do, but instead she let them come play. It also gave me a chance to get some work done. Thanks Karolyn!!!

Tonight for family home evening, I did a lesson about making decisions before we are faced with them. I was a little nervous because I thought it might be a more difficult concept to grasp, but I think they got it--especially Eliza. We went over a few scenarios and what they would do/say so they wouldn't have to decide then what they would choose. After I was done, Eliza said, "That's great mom. How do you know all that?" It was funny. After that we headed over to the resort and Brian, Eliza, Libby and Ellie swam. I stayed dry with Hattie. Ellie wasn't too sure at first, but then she seemed to like it pretty well.

29

Well, today was my 29th birthday. And it was a good day. It's a little hard to do anything exciting when it falls on a Sunday, but it was still a great day overall. This morning we got ready for church and I got my gift from Brian and the girls. He got me a really pretty pearl necklace and a gift card for iTunes. Then we went to church and had a good day there. After church I had BYC (a planning meeting with the youth), then I came home and played Cranium with Brian, Eliza and Libby. My parents came over and we had a yummy dinner. My mom made chicken pasta salad and bread. For dessert we had the ice cream cake that Brian and Eliza picked out yesterday at Baskin Robbins. It was delicious.

Tonight I went to seminary graduation. We had a few girls graduate from our ward. And all the other seminary students sang and were there, so that was fun. When I got home, three of the young women had brought over cookies. Then at about 9:30 one of my laurels text-messaged me and said, "Are you still up." I told her, "Yes, what's up?" Next thing I know she and another laurel are at my door with a plate of goodies and sang me a song. I invited them in and we chatted until about 11:15. It was a nice way to end my birthday. So fun! And thanks to my dear friends who remember my birthday and brought me some nice gifts.

Here is to a great year!

Daddy Daughter Date Part 2

Today was Eliza's date with Brian. They went to McDonald's, then went to the mall where they got an ice cream at DQ, checked out the Disney store, the pet store and tried on lotion at Bath and Body Works. Next time she wants to go to a museum and see artwork. I think that is a great idea!

Tonight for our date night we ate dinner at Abuelo's, then we made a quick stop at Cabela's, then we checked out Westgate. It was a fun place to walk around and check out. I want to try out a few of the restaurants. We did get a Cold Stone though for a little birthday celebration. Now we are home watching Narnia. I think we will fall asleep before it is over though. We are getting old (I am at least!).

An Eliza funny: I was talking to Eliza about kindergarten and all the fun things she'll get to do. Then I said, "I am going to miss you so much when you are gone all day!" She got serious and with a hand on her hip type attitude said, "Mom--I'll be home on Saturdays." :) Like that is supposed to make me feel better!

Preschool and a Daddy Daughter Date

Today was Eliza's last real day of preschool. We have a picnic on Monday at the park, but today was the last full day. Now she is off to kindergarten in a couple of months! I can't believe it.



Tonight Brian took Libby on a daddy/daughter date. Libby chose to go to the mall, where they had pizza, went to the pet store to look at the dogs, looked around at the Disney Store and Build-a-Bear, and they got some candy at Fuzziwigs. They both had a fun time. Eliza's date is tomorrow during the day--I wonder what she has planned!!??!

Tomorrow we are also going out on date night to celebrate my birthday. I am not sure what we are doing yet, but I am looking forward to going out.

Have a great weekend!

Portrait

Eliza was into drawing portraits of everyone today and this is mine. She did great--even getting the collar on my shirt. I love that she is so creative.

Today was bit of a busy day, too. After lunch we went to my parents' house, then to Deseret Book. I wanted to make sure we got the picture of that temple that we really wanted. We ended up going back tonight because I wanted Brian to help me decide. Instead of the one he got me, I got a temple picture by John Raymond (which I've had my eye on for a while) and this picture of the Sacred Grove.


This evening we also went to Costco and Sprouts. They have chicken for $1.99/lb, so I stocked up so I can bottle some. My supply is almost out!

Happy Thursday.

3

That's the number of times I went to Target today. Let me explain. I had to pick up Ellie's allergy medicine and I needed to pick up a couple other things, too. While I was there, I found so many great clearance items. It all started in the shoe department. Eliza and Libby each got 2-3 pairs of shoes. And Ellie got one pair, too. The most expensive pair they each got was about $4.00. The others were around $2.49. A steal! Then I moved to the ladies department. I got a shirt, shorts, capris, two dresses, etc. I knew I would be taking some back because I didn't try anything on. I had all four girls, so I just grabbed what I thought I would like and I'd try on at home. Then I moved to the girls' department. I found a couple of shirt dresses for the girls for $4.50 and a polo for $1.47. So that was trip #1. We came home and tried things on and there were three things I needed to take back. Brian came home a little early today, so I was able to go without Hattie and Ellie. While I was there, I checked out the clothes again--looking for a couple different size and found a couple more shirts and shorts. I also looked in the little kids' section and found some great buys...jeans for $2.50-4.50. They had some great Osh Kosh shirts for little boys for $1.97. So if you have a boy--size 5T and under--you'd better head over! I also bought some graduation gifts for my laurels who are graduating. And while I was at mutual tonight, I realized I forgot to buy for one of the girls who was graduating, so it was back to Target for one more gift. I need to be done at Target for a while!


An outfit Eliza put together from what we bought at Target. ...a future in fashion?

Tonight was mutual and the Laurels went to my adviser's house and we learned how to make Pizzookies. You flatten cookie dough into the bottom of a pie tin and bake it for about 12 or so minutes. You want the center to still be a little doughy. Right when it comes out, scoop ice cream on top and let it melt a little bit before you dig in. It was really good. We also had a little time to play a game called Curses. It was a great time.

Pizzookie


Stone Soup Performance

We are watching American Idol right now. Loved seeing Elliot perform. We really liked him last season. His teeth look good, too. And I was thinking today and it's been one year and a day since I started this blog. Wow! It's gone fast. I am so glad I have kept this! I would have forgotten so much of what happened if I hadn't written it down.

Library

I feel like I've been depriving my kids because we never go to the library. I never take them because the one in Peoria is so far and nothing to shout about. The branch closer to us is at the high school, so the hours are funky and the selection isn't great. Some moms from church go every Tuesday, so I decided to brave it. We went to the Glendale Library, which is a really good one. For $10 we got a 3 month library card. It was a little hectic trying to watch Ellie, feed Hattie and take care of her and keep an eye on Eliza and Libby. But we survived and I think they liked it. They didn't really know what to do and they seemed impressed with all the books. They also liked all the movies. We were hoping to be there for storytime, but I guess they don't do it in May. Oh well!

After the library we went grocery shopping at Fry's. Eliza and Libby thought it was a treat because they got to go to the kids' club. We haven't been there in so long because of the new Super Target being so close.

I'm off to watch American Idol from tonight.

Monday

I am trying to post every day. Keeping a journal is so important to me, so this is my goal for the week. Here is my post for Monday.

This morning Brian told me to stay in bed a little longer and the next thing I knew, he and Eliza and Libby brought in breakfast in bed. Libby had a cup of water, Eliza put some animal crackers in a bowl and Brian had the oatmeal with peanut butter mixed in (my fav.). It was a cute gesture since yesterday wasn't the best. He said it was Mother's Day part two. After getting everyone ready, I took Ellie, Hattie and Libby to my mother-in-law's while Eliza and I went to get our hair done. My hair stylist Lindsay (she is on the bottom row, all the way to the left) just had a baby in Feb., so it was fun to see him. He is adorable. I got some highlights, which were badly needed! Eliza got about 3" taken off. She loves it and it looks light and cute. After getting our hair done, I dropped her off at preschool, picked up the other three girls and went home. I had my cousin come over to watch Hattie and Ellie because Eliza's preschool class was performing "Stone Soup." Libby came with me, but it ended up only taking about 5 minutes! Oh well. It was cute and I'll post a picture or two tomorrow.

Tonight after dinner and family home evening, we headed over to the Higgins' for some Cornholio, Suns game and treats. The Headricks went, too. The kids got dirty in the dirt and from their ice cream cones, and Becky and I lost to Jason and Kari in Cornholio, but it was still fun!

We came home to watch the last few minutes of the game and to watch the Suns win! Eliza decided she wanted to put Libby to bed and it actually went so great. She did the regular routine and Libby went right to bed. We should try that more often!

A funny story about Ellie...she is really an amazing child. She is 18 months old and still takes 2 naps a day and goes to bed at 7. We are lucky she is so good. But every time we clean up, we sing the "Clean Up" song so when she hears it, she knows to clean. Now every time she cleans up, she'll sing it. Tonight Brian was singing it for no reason in the kitchen and Ellie started singing it, then stopped, went into the playroom, continued singing and started cleaning up. What a funny girl.

Mother's Day

This morning Brian surprised me with a big picture of the Mesa Temple. He also gave me a heart charm to put on my charm bracelet. Church went well--the girls did a pretty good job during Sacrament. Ellie had to go out once, but she wasn't too bad. Only one more week until she gets to officially go to nursery! Yay! I taught in Laurels and it was about temples and temple marriage. I thought the lesson went well. As part of it, I showed a video from this videographer. He has some amazing videos and does an incredible job.

This afternoon was a less than perfect day--for some reason Eliza was not very well behaved at all. In fact, Libby, Hattie, Ellie and I went over to my parents' house for dinner without her. She was having a consequence, so she had to stay home with Brian. They ended up coming over a little while later. I hope she got the message and hope she does better this week. But we had a good time over there. We ate a great dinner that the guys were in charge of and had fun visiting.

Happy Mother's Day. In honor of that...check out this great article by Jane Clayson Johnson. Love it!

Dance Recital

Today I had a small Pampered Chef party. My sister KarraLee is a consultant and she hit me up for another show. I really do love their products, so it's fun to see all the new ones and great uses for them. We had the Aloha Pizza, which uses chicken that she cooked in the microwave. I think I am going to do that a lot now! It tasted great and it doesn't heat up your kitchen! It was so delicious.

This afternoon was Eliza's dance recital. She was nervous off and on today and got really nervous when she realized she was going to be up on stage in a school cafeteria. She said she said a prayer and I told her I said one for her, too, and she seemed to like that. But she was a star! She was confident and seemed to remember both dances. We think she has bit of a talent for dance and can stay on rhythm and has great form. Her class of four girls was so cute. They did 2 numbers--"Honestly Daddy" which was tap and "April Showers" which was ballet. After the first one, she came back by us with a big grin. I asked her if she was having fun and she said, "Yes." I think she likes it! After it was over we gave her flowers and so did my parents. She was so pleased about that. She kept talking about getting flowers at her recital and we were planning on do it all along. But we were trying to hide them so they would be a surprise. On the way there she was mopey and in her best Eeyore voice, she said, "I guess no one is getting me flowers." It was funny. We were all pleased with how she did.


Look at that toe pointing!











Tonight I stayed home with Ellie and Hattie, and Brian took Eliza and Libby to the 5A state track meet. They had fun until the girls got tired of it, so they came home. He did get to see the 4x100, which is always a favorite.

Hattie has been smiling a lot more lately. It's adorable!



I also took some pictures of my new nephew Luke last Sunday. Isn't he darling?



It's late...better get to bed!

Auction

This morning Brian helped a friend of ours move-in. I am so excited she is moving back here! Then we did "chores" around the house most of the day. Libby and I took a little trip to Wal-Mart, too.

Tonight was our youth auction/fundraiser. My brother--the young men's president--and I were kind of in charge of the whole thing. He did most of the work, but I helped out a lot with the auction. We had a lot of great items including two tickets to the Suns' playoff game this Tuesday which went for $750. There was also a 16 ticket suite to a Coyotes game, food, 2 jerseys and you get to meet Wayne Gretzky. That went for $2050. We raised $7750. Sweet! It is amazing! I think we ended up with 2 dozen cinnamon rolls when we want them, caramel brownies, babysitting from one of the young women and Brian won a sailing trip on Lake Pleasant. He is so excited for that.

Now it's off to bed for early church in the morning.

Date

I was so tired this morning. And afternoon for that matter! This morning I watched Eliza put on a recital for me (she was inspired by the dance concert last night) and Eliza and Libby colored while I got ready. While Eliza was at preschool, Ellie, Libby and I played outside for a little bit and then in the playroom. Libby has really been into puzzles lately, so that has been fun to do them with her.

The new McDonald's by SuperTarget is now open, so I got that for the girls for dinner. Then we went to pick up our babysitter. For our date, we first got the van washed. Man--it really needed it! Then we went to my parents' house because Hattie needed to eat. While I was feeding her, Brian went and got some take-out for our dinner. I got Babbos and Brian got Pei Wei. We grabbed a few groceries on the way home, and that was our date! Hattie has been so fussy this afternoon and tonight. I guess she didn't like me eating the peanut butter rice krispie treats. Won't do that again. She got even though with a big spit-up on me and down my shirt. Nice.

Tomorrow is the youth auction fundraiser for church, and I need to finish all the bidding sheets. ...better go!

Dancing, Shots, Fabric (again)

Today was a good, busy day. This morning included coloring pictures, playing some volleyball outside and hosing off the front porch. Some birds decided to make a nice little nest up high on one of the pillars by our front door. And birds=droppings, so we had to hose it off, only to have more appear later. Ugh!

This afternoon Hattie had her 2 month check up. She is 11 pounds 6 oz and 24" long. She got 4 shots and an oral vaccine. She was dozing on me before her shots, then cried during, but right after I picked her up, she fell right back to sleep. What a trooper. After we got home, my sister-in-law and her kids came over and I helped my niece with volleyball.

This evening after dinner, I took Eliza to see a couple of my young women in their dance recital at school. Eliza loved watching all the dances and it was fun. They did a good job. Eliza came home and wanted to dance. I am sure that is what we'll do all morning. :)

I found tons more fabric I love. This might be a new favorite. Love this. And this. And these.
Here are the ones I made for the baby shower:


Happy weekend. Yay!