Ouchie

Today I got up and hiked with Terri and Leslie. My foot has been killing me! I hope I can get it figured out because it hurts really bad! I came home and Brian headed into work. We had a lazy morning, then after lunch we went to Costco. That didn't turn out to be the best choice. It was so busy first of all. We had a return, so we waited in line to do that, then we had a couple things to get. It was just crazy with the people and my girls wanting to ride in the cart, then walk and eat a sample, etc. One of the samples was pistachios, which my girls like, but I was holding Hattie, pushing the cart, holding the pistachios, trying to get the shells off and holding the shells for my girls. Then Eliza tells me that Ellie at the entire pistachio--shell and all. So I had to fish that out of her mouth, too! We survived, but came right home.

This afternoon when Brian got home from work, he took Eliza and Libby on a bike ride. They enjoyed that with their new bikes. We had dinner, I iced my foot, then took Ellie and Eliza with me to make a couple final returns and to get a couple things at Fry's. I'm beat!

New Year's Day

Today we got up and did a little house work, then headed out for a little outdoor fun. We wanted to do a picnic and hike, so we went to the newest Maricopa County Park--Spur Cross out in Carefree/Cave Creek. We ate first, then headed out on a hike. The first stretch was so pretty--we had to cross over rocks several times over the creek. The girls really enjoyed doing that. But we saw desert--lots of cactus, but also lots of green. The last part was harder as it was really just desert and the girls were worn out. So Brian and I traded off carrying Ellie and Hattie. Overall we hiked about 3.7 miles, so I was happy that the girls were troopers and did it! The weather couldn't have been any better either!

Hattie found a rock pile to play in on the way back to the car.

The trees had such beautiful leaves on them.

Eliza--our photographer! I got stuck carrying backpacks about midway through the hike.



We were imitating the cactus' arms.

So proud after crossing the river!

We crossed that!











After the hike!

We came home and tried to rest for a little bit. The girls and Brian went out front for a bit--I was inside making dinner. After dinner, we popped in one of the movies we got from Jared and Chrystalyn for Christmas--Tinkerbell. I loved it! (So did everyone else). It is a really cute movie with a great message. They brought in some great poeple for the voices, too. It was interesting though as we were watching the credits--thre wasn't nary an American name on there! About 99% of the people who worked on the animation were from a far, far away country. Must be cheaper labor?

Brian is working tomorrow, then it's the weekend! I love these midweek holidays.

New Year's for Old People

This morning, Susan and I were up and running fairly early--6:40. After I got home, I got ready and helped everyone else get ready. I took my girls to Terri's and she watched them while I went to one last VT appointment. I went back and picked up Eliza, Ellie and Hattie, but Libby stayed for a play date with Carson. We came home, had lunch and played outside for a bit before putting E & H down for a nap. The rest of the afternoon was hodge podge. We spent some time outside. Brian took Eliza and Ellie on a hike. Libby didn't want to go and I didn't want to have to get re-showered, so we stayed home, made pizza and had dinner. We hung out at home and played a couple of her new games until about 8 PM. I picked up the babysitter, but the catch was--(well, I think all the young women were doing something tonight) we had to be home by 11 so our sitter could go do her New Year's Eve festivities. LOL. I guess that is what happens when you get old! But the Davises had invited us over, so we went over there and had some munchies and played some games. It was a great time visiting and catching up. We left around 11, then came home and hung out till the "ball dropped." Funny how it's not as thrilling as when you are young. We almost missed it. Brian was watching that dare devil do the jump on his motocross bike and I looked at the clock and it was 11:59. So we hurried and turned the channel! Just in time to see it drop! Happy New Year. I am looking forward to what's in store for this year. Overall we had a good 2008...we had lots of highs:
--vacations, family time, starting a hiking/running routine, bike riding, house projects, potty training, bread making, family and friends.
and a few lows--
--being released as YW president, the economy, a miscarriage, potty training,...

So here's to 2009. Make it great. 2009--that is crazy to say!

A Funny and Scrapbook Supplies

So last night Eliza started out sleeping in our bed because Libby had a hard time going to bed. I was in there and I heard Eliza talk in her sleep--she said, "I'm trying to stay on a budget." Ha ha! It really gave us a chuckle. She has heard me say that lately when I tell them why we can't buy certain things at the store. I wonder what she was dreaming about!

My friend Nanci is selling all her scrapbook supplies. She has quite the collection. So if your are interested in buying any, drop her an e-mail: nancijam@yahoo.com.

Today was a little rougher getting chores done in the morning. Here is one scene from our morning.

This picture was post "pillow time." I failed to get a picture of Libby's tantrum and Eliza hitting Libby--both resulting in getting their bikes taken away for most of the day. We had a rough spot this morning! Eventually things got better--Hattie took a nap and the other three played "dance teacher" and school.

I got to be the lunch lady and serve "hot lunch." Ellie didn't take an afternoon nap :( and Hattie's was short, but Libby and I were able to finish a puzzle. I made the girls give me some "quiet time" (a.k.a. editing pictures that I am behind on), then we went out front for a couple of hours. It was like kid frezy...there are like 19 kids between 5houses. And when you put them on bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc...it can be crazy but fun!

Random

Hattie enjoyed her new quiet book during church and it kept her entertained most of the time. In RS we had a great lesson based on Elder Wirthlin's talk "Come What May, And Love It." His stories were so funny and make me laugh every time I read them! The lesson was a good reminder though to try not to take things so seriously.

After church we had lunch, Ellie and Hattie took naps and the rest of us did puzzles, I worked on my lesson, and my girls discovered a new website. In the Friend this month, it mentions their new site, so we tried it out. It is great! You can do hidden pictures games, read stories, listen to stories and listen/watch scripture stories. Eliza and Libby really enjoyed it not to mention is was a great Sunday (or any day) activity.

I made a cake last night for a snack--I didn't realize someone like the icing so much.

It was actually homemade as I didn't have any in a can. I must have found a good recipe!

Rhonna Farrer--a digital designer with whom I've worked on many Autumn Leaves books--has her blog up. Go check it out. I love her digital kits, especially photo frames.

So last night, Eliza, Libby and I wrote down a rough outline of things we could do this week to keep my sanity since they are home from school. Today was day 1 of it and it went well. They got up, did their daily 5 stuff, chose three chores and did them, then we spent the rest of the morning out front while Hattie napped. It was cold at first, then warmed up to being nice. We had lunch, played some more, then had quiet time with Ellie and Hattie napped. We need to work on quiet time activities, so I can have some down time, too. That will be our goal for tomorrow. Then it was back outside until Brian got home. Around 5, David Goss brought Libby's bike over after putting it together. She was so excited in her quiet, bashful way. She wouldn't get on it front of everyone, but got on in front of our house and didn't want to stop riding! She loves it.

We came in, had dinner, then had family home evening. I did a lesson about goals and had each person (Libby and above) list a goal in a few areas on a little chart I found online in the Friend. It was cute to see their goals for 2009. Then was had a dessert that Eliza concocted--she cut up these big Gherideli chocolate chips and put them in peanut butter and we dipped pretzels in it. The girls loved it! I am beat from being outside most of the day! I'd better go put my feet up! LOL.


Why is this our absolutely most dreaded task in our home that we get behind on no matter how hard we try (or don't try)?!?!?!

Bike #2

Today Brian helped move a shed at his parents' house, so while he was gone, we went out front and about froze to death. It was freezing!! We put on scarves, gloves, hats, etc. While we were out there, I hauled the containers in to put the Christmas stuff away. When Brian got home, we did that. It didn't take as long as I expected, so that was nice. After lunch, I took off for a little run (over 3.5 miles!), then came home and got ready. It was Libby's turn to go look for a bike. I took her a few stores before finding one at the Toys R Us on Tatum and Cactus. It has to be assembled, but we found one at least that is her size and nice. She can't hardly wait. It was fun to go out with just her--usually she prefers to stay home with Brian and play games, so I enjoyed going with her. She talked my ear off the entire way, so that was fun. We came home, ate dinner, then picked up my niece to babysit while we went back to her house actually to have game night and celebrate Jared's birthday. We had lots of munchies, then we played two rounds of Cranium Pop. It was so fun! It was especially fun watching my brother-in-law sculpt some of the words! Then I played a little of Chrystalyn's new bongo Wii game. I need some work on my Wii skills. It was a fun night.

Day After and Owls

This morning we were pretty lazy at home in the morning. After lunch, we headed out to look for bikes. We looked all over with no luck!! Anything that was their size was princess or just really too girly if you know what I mean. We wanted something that would last for several years. After coming home and having dinner, Eliza and I went back out. We had a couple returns, then we looked for bikes again. We finally found one for Eliza that we could both agree on. It wasn't as good as the original, but it should work great. Now I need to hurry and find one for Libby!

Here is a funny story...I have this thing for owls--like cute owl prints on clothes or journals or whatnot. So anytime my girls see an owl something, they always point it out to me. On our way home this afternoon, Eliza said, "Mom, look an owl!" I looked around and couldn't find what she was talking about. I said, "Where?" Brian whispered, "Back there...at Hooters!" LOL. We laughed about that since my girls have no idea what that place is. Glad she was looking out for me!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas. Today didn't start unreasonably early. Eliza and Libby came in at about 7:15 saying that Santa had come because the cookie, milk and carrot had been eaten. We stayed in our bed for a few minutes before Ellie came in, then a few minutes later Hattie woke up. So we went into the front room and opened gifts. Eliza, Libby and Ellie got bikes, so those were off to the side covered with a black sheet. They saw it covered and were totally baffled by what it was. They could make out one wheel, so they thought it was maybe a wheelbarrow (?!?) or something. Boy were they excited when they discovered they were bikes. Bad news is that they were way too big. Grrrr. My visual perception must be off! We told them that Santa would let us take them back and get the right size. Ellie loved hers (which was actually a hand-me-down from a neighbor). Ellie also got a new pink Razor scooter so she won't have to use Eliza or Libby's. The rest of the present opening was fun. This year was a pretty practical Christmas (clothes, shoes) and fun stuff like games, puzzles, earrings, etc. The only toys we did were a little toy microphone for Hattie and two play cell phones for Ellie and Hattie. Brian enjoyed his gifts but seemed to really enjoy the book I made him from Snapfish that had many of his camp outs and drives and I also put pictures in a collage frame that we've had forever that showed several of our trips from the past few years. He's going to put it in his office. I got a gift certificate to get a pedicure since I've put those on hold for a while. I also got some things I've been needing/wanting--earrings, shower gel, and a photoshop how-to book. Can't wait to get that.










We were so sad the bikes aren't going to work. They are so cool!

After presents, we had cinnamon rolls. YUM!! Brian's parents came over for a little bit to exchange gifts. The girls got Tinkerbell dolls and Eliza and Libby got $6 and $5 respectively for their ages. They were excited for that.

After they left, we went over to my grandpa's house for visiting and lunch. My girls had fun teasing Grandpa Bert and eating the food.

We do believe in pants for Ellie, but she had a little accident while out back picking oranges.

From there we went to my parents house where they enjoyed some more gifts. Eliza got clothes--she put on a fashion show. She was so excited to get some jeans and several tops. Libby got her favorite--several games and we played them all while we were there. She did the Twister Hopscotch for over and hour and she was pooped! Ellie got a new quilt for her bed. It looks so darling in there--kind of finished off her room.

Hattie got a really cool handmade quiet book. When she opened it she thought it was clothes (when it was still in the bag), and she proceeded to take off her clothes. It was really funny. My mom made each of the girls a skirt--each so unique and cute. Libby and Hattie wore theirs most of the afternoon. So the rest of the afternoon, we played games, munched, and visited. On the way home, we looked at a house in Surprise that has lots of lights and they are synced with the music. A game of Mouse Trap finished off our fun, memorable day!



I was hoping that when we got home, the Christmas fairy would have come and taken all the decorations down. I am one of those people who likes to get it down and put away right away. As much as I don't like Christmas being over though (and the whole month before--I love the anticipation of it all), I do look forward to the new year and what is ahead. So merry Christmas and happy new year!

Christmas Prep

Tuesday was our "Christmas nesting" day (a.k.a. clean the house before Christmas). I didn't get out of my PJs until 4 in the afternoon. I never do that!! But we cleaned the house--floors, bathrooms, dust, tidy up, etc. It was very productive. My brother brought his kids over for a bit so he could shop for Kamille uninhibited. In the evening, I did one last errand to end my Christmas shopping! Then I stayed up until 1:30 doing all the wrapping. It just always takes forever! But I am glad it's done. Oh, I almost forgot. Eliza practiced much of the day on a little singing show she wanted to put on for us and my parents. So in the evening, my parents came over and she performed. She sang four solos and did a great job! I was impressed that she just sang away and wasn't nervous! My favorite song she sang was "Believe" from The Polar Express soundtrack.

This morning I got up and ran in the neighborhood, then hurried and got ready. My parents came over and my mom and I and Ellie and Libby made cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Yum! This time we used regular white flour and it made them just wonderful but not nutritious! Guess it's okay for one morning a year. Hattie was our quality control for the frosting. She approved!


Brian came home in the early afternoon from going into work for a little bit and from doing a little shopping. We were out front a lot this afternoon, so that was fun.

Out front fun!

This evening we went to Brian's parents' for some treats and visiting. They kids put on the nativity scene. It was Eliza's year to be Mary, so she was excited about that. This year they all wore towels for the costume and after it was over, Eliza looked sad. I asked her what the matter was and she said that she was really looking forward to being Mary and wearing the costume. I guess in year's past, the "Mary" got to wear dress up dress. She was a good sport about it though and didn't let it show during the play. We did our gift exchange with the Trimble side of the family. It's so fun to see my girls get so excited about watching the person they give to open their present. They had fun opening, too. After that was over, we had treats and hot chocolate.





On the way home, we drove around looking at Christmas lights, following behind Jared and Chrystalyn. The girls went to bed surprisingly quickly and well, so we'd better get to bed so Santa can come!

Christmas "Eve" Dinner

I've been able to catch up a little bit since my last post. I've done some shopping, sent out our Christmas cards, but I have yet to do any wrapping. I'm sure I'll be cursing that fact come Wednesday night!

On Saturday morning, Libby had a soccer game. She didn't play, but she did get closer to the field and she stood by the goal during the game. Little by little. After the game, we came home and I noticed something different about her...one of her teeth was missing. I knew it had been loose, but not because she told us--I could just tell as she talked. She has not wanted us to look or draw attention to that fact. But Saturday she lost it--we don't know where the tooth is--so she technically really lost her tooth! Eliza was cute and wrote a note to the tooth fairy (Libby didn't want to) and put it under Libby's pillow. The tooth fairy remembered to come and brought her a dollar and a set of "pearl" bracelets with a note that it was okay she didn't know where her tooth was and that she hoped Libby would think of teeth when she saw the bracelets. She enjoyed getting that under her pillow.

Here's a peek at her teeth. We had to catch her FAST and when she wasn't thinking about keeping her mouth closed!
Sacrament meeting on Sunday was really nice. We had lots of singing and some narration. My favorite song was the one our Bishop sang called "Joseph." I think it's from the Forgotten Carols. It just really touched me and brought the spirit. I helped out the rest of church in the nursery. Kari asked me to help since they are out of town. It started off fine (and busy), but by the time the lesson came, they kids were CRAZY! Seriously bouncing off the walls. I had to just laugh at us trying to get everyone to TRY to sit down. Didn't work! Not even for one minute! LOL. Ellie was even crazy and had to wait to eat her candy cane until she got home. She did get to go into singing time with the big kids since she'll be a Sunbeam starting in January! She was SO excited to go in there.

Oh yeah--after church, Libby wouldn't really look at us or talk to us, so I figured her other loose tooth had come out. Sure enough it had! Two teeth in one weekend! She got another dollar for that one, too. She was more willing to leave a note for her this time.

Sunday night was our big Christmas "Eve" "candlelight" dinner at my parents' house. Both my brother and their families came along with Grandpa Bert and Aunt Dovetta. We had some appetizers first, then enjoyed ham, potato casserole, carrots, broccoli salad, jello salad, and more! We had battery powered candles to add to the ambiance.

After dinner, the kids (and a couple dads) acted out the nativity. Eliza was a shepherd and the narrator, Ellie was Mary (loved every minute of it!), Brian was Joseph, Libby was a shepherd (we were so excited that she would do it!) and Hattie was a wise man (who strayed from the other two!). Everyone did a great job and it was so fun to see.







Eliza and Abby sang for us!

Next, my mom handed out some gifts she has been working on. She made every grandkid two pairs of pajama pants and a matching corn bag (the kind you heat up in the microwave). It was a hit!

After dessert all the kids put on their PJs and were strutting around. My girls have loved the corn bags. Hattie has wanted to take hers everywhere! We also did our ornament exchange. Instead of gifts for my siblings and for the grandkids, we decided to exchange ornaments. My girls have been so excited to give theirs to the recipient. They were also so excited to open theirs up and see what they got. Next it was dessert! We had some favorites! Peanut butter balls, 7 layers bars, Aunt Dovetta's sweetened nuts, chocolate pie, etc.

Everyone digging into the treats!
Yummmm! After dinner we sat around and sang some Christmas songs, then Eliza suggested we go across the street to carol to Sister Clem's house. We kind of drug our feet because we weren't sure if it was too late. We ended up going over like we did last year and she was so glad we did. She said she had seen us all come over and she wondered if we were going to come over this year. I'm glad we went! Overall it was a great night of food and great company. I love traditions.

Today Rachel and I did the run/hike combo. It was a killer! I am glad we did it though. Later in the morning, she graciously watched my girls so I could hit the post office and Costco quickly. Traffic was definitely holiday traffic! We came home, had lunch, then braved the cold while playing out front. Then we were off to my mother-in-law's. She watched me girls while I had another photo shoot.

As of tonight, I think I only have some stocking stuff to do, then the dreaded wrapping!