A relaxing weekend!

When a sickness runs through our family it usually hits someone new every couple of days. This time it has hit someone new a week at a time. First it was Boston, then Ethan and finally( I'm hoping this is the end) Sophia! So that means that Ben and I have been playing tag team at church the past three weeks. Fortunately, church is close so Ben and I can trade off during meetings! This week Ben had some part in the combined lesson (that he forgot about) so I ended up staying home with Sophia the whole time. Poor thing has the worst sounding cough and a nose like a faucet. I'm sure she is teething on top of it all, so I wasn't about to compound the miserable state she is in with no nap! While everyone was gone, I was able to get some good one on one time with her, which was WONDERFUL! I don't get much of that, since she usually naps while Ethan is at preschool. While I was playing with her, I was reminiscing back to the time when it was just Aubrie! I was thinking "no wonder she did everything sooo fast and matured so quickly! She had my undivided attention!"

When Sophia was napping today, I tried to make up for lost time at church by reading some of my lessons (Gospel Doctrine, RS, YW, etc.) but it just was not the same as the real thing! When people get to the state where they feel like they don't need church b/c "they can just read their scriptures themselves", today I was thinking "NO WAY!! There is wisdom and reason for church people!" Can't wait to get back into things! Alright, in all reality that won't be for another 8 months (nursery!!!).

Tonight was the annual ward "baptism" meeting for all the kids turning 8 this year. We showed up 30 minutes late b/c they announced the time over the pulpit wrong, but we were there for the main stuff...talk on preparing for baptism! They has some refreshments afterward and ALL the kids were running around the building. I was thinking to myself, " these kids are seriously old enough to get baptized?" Of course, I was pretty rowdy myself...but as a teenager!LOL It is weird for me to think that Aubrie will be getting baptized in a few months. In many ways she is so mature for her age and she knows the Gospel much better than I ever did at her age, but her behavior, at times, makes me think...is she ready for this? It's such a big step and commitment. I'm excited to see how, or if, it will change her!

Now going backwards, as I always do!

Yesterday was a such a nice relaxing day. We finished a few projects, including putting together some new bookshelves, first thing! During Sophia's first nap, I relaxed by the pool while Aubrie read. It was such a NICE day. I ended up being out there for an hour. I should have put my suit on! Of course, I might have downed aircraft with my glowing body! I ended up getting some color (red of course, thanks to my Scottish ancestors) on my chest and neck!! So attractive..LOL! After Sophia's second nap, we rounded up the kids and went hiking on the trails they recently carved out on the mountains in our neighborhood. It was a great hike! Ben strapped Sophia in the Bjorn and the other kids walked. Of course, Ethan was crying that his legs hurt just as we started to head back. We carried him a few times, when we were going uphill. I'm looking forward to another hike. Next time I'll bring my Camel pack and bring goodies and more water!! Last night was pizza, more hot tubing and Ghostbusters 2! I was loving it! Yeah...I'm a 80's nerd!! The kids all fell asleep watching it, except Ethan. I love just plopping them in their beds and being done with bedtime! So effortless...AHH!

Friday was date night! Ben and I had dinner at Pei Wei, saw the movie "Jumper"...ahhh Hayden Christensen!! I just love his smile! Honestly, it was hard for me to separate his character from Darth Vader! After the movie, we made our usual date night stop...Walmart! Funny how that or Target always creeps it's way into our date night! Never thought that would be the case B.C. (before children's!) ha! That's a wrap ! Enjoy the pics!

Saving that for later?

What side are you on?

Last night was our Young Women's New Beginnings. The theme was "Who's on the Lord's Side?". It was done up very well, with a "sports" like emphasis. We had it in the gym, which was decorated with posters, balloons, and the chairs facing each other, like bleachers!! Everything was related to us all being on the same team, working together for a common goal. It was a very clever and original idea! The YW who recently received their YW medallions put on a cute little skit about being physically and spiritual "fit". Then I had to fill in for the Personal Progress leader, who was tending her sick child, at the last minute. It was pretty easy. I just had to read a few paragraphs and a poem. It felt like deja vu, being I spoke at Young Women's last year, on Personal Progress. This year was much easier:) Especially since I wasn't having contractions this time!! (I was very pregnant!) Then we introduced the new Beehives, like they do at basketball games (music playing, running through girls on each side giving them high fives, and then breaking through a banner with their name on it (a last minute idea). That was fun! Then someone spoke using sports analogies...church being like a "locker room", the team being the Lords team, etc. For refreshments, we had it set up like a concession stand. It was all very creative. Wish I could say I thought of it, but the only thing I came up with was the banners they ran through!

Here are a few pics!

Today was pretty laid back. I didn't do much because Sophia was not feeling well. She fell asleep in my arms each time I was giving her a bottle, before a nap! (Very unlike her!) I spent some good time with Ethan today. We colored , played some video games and pulled out the playdoh! Before I knew it, it was time to pick up the kids. The first thing Boston had to tell me, when he got in the car, was how a boy tried to buy his CTR ring off of him for 5 dollars. Now if it was one of those green ones they give out, that would have been a great deal and a great missionary experience. But we just bought him one of those 15 dollar ones from the bookstore. Anyway, he said, "Mom, I told him no way! I'm never going to sell this ring!" The thing is, he had no idea if that boy was offering him a deal or not! He just knew that there was no way he would ever take it off his finger! I'm thinking I might ask the Primary President for one of the green ones, and he can give it to the boy and have a missionary experience and hopefully doesn't come home with the 5 bucks!!

Today was nice because both kids got 100 on all their pretests (alright Boston always does) so I didn't have to worry any homework or studying!! Chores and piano went fast, so most everything was done before Aubrie's voice lessons! Her teacher said she was very impressed with Aubrie and how she said I was working with her! I was thinking..."what??" I didn't work with her! When I asked Aubrie why she told her I was working with her, Aubrie said, "I was talking about piano Mom!" Why she thinks her voice teacher would be asking about piano is beyond me.

Tonight Aubrie helped me with dinner...taco soup! We haven't had it since Aubrie had a case of the stomach flu right after eating it!! This time only one kid complained "it was yucky!" (Ethan of course). The others ate it up, and Boston kept saying how he loved the dinner! He just was sucking up for a DS game I have been holding hostage. It has been working wonderfully I must add. He has been extra good, and has consciously been trying not to fight with the other kids! I think I'll keep buying him cheap DS games from Target and keep them "hostage"! Now if I could only find something that would work for Aubrie!

After dinner, we piled the kids scooters in the car and headed to the park. Within a few minutes, Boston wiped out and I was bandaging him up...thanks to my handy dandy "car" first aid kit!! He was pretty brave, no tears, and went straight to the playground. Since his scooter was free, I decided to take the trails around the park! It was A LOT of fun. The kids started to follow me after while! The trails go behind the houses near the park! I was wondering what people were probably thinking, looking out there back window's, seeing a Mom scooting around with their kids on a kids scooter. They were probably thinking, "Lady, get off before you break it or break something on you!" Hey, I got my exercise for the day...so back off! LOL I would have liked to stay longer, but Sophia wasn't feeling well:(

When we got home it was baths and a little bit of impromptu dancing. Then Ben pulled out Napoleon Dynamite, so the kids could dance to the end of it a couple of times! After we put them to bed, I heard Aubrie and Boston sneaking around. Knowing they were up to something, I went to spy on Aubrie. She had a long piece of yarn tied to a rubber spider. A few nights ago the kids were whispering about something they wanted to do. Last night they were asking if they could stay up "to do something". I'm expecting that they are going to try to scare us soon! Funny kids....they get the whole "prank" thing from my side of the family. They, especially Aubrie, loves to scare people. Once, Ben's parents were watching them while we were out of town, and Ben's Mom was upset with Aubrie b/c she kept scaring the boys. I couldn't help but to laugh inside because I couldn't really be upset with her, since she learned it from Ben and I , and my Mom is just and incorrigible. Hee! Hee! Gotta love a good scare once in awhile! BOO

The View makes it worth it!

Can you guess where this picture was taken? In our neighborhood! Hard to believe, I know! For a short time, the color Green graces us with her presence. What a great view, huh?! Guess that view make our HOA worth it. "What?", you say! Yes, our HOA has been the hot topic in our neighborhood these days. In our CC&R it says there is no overnight street parking. Well they have taken that to the extreme and have now said that there is no parking in the street at anytime and will start towing in March. Our neighbor wasn't happy about that and called channel 5 news! They were here last night getting the neighbors opinions. They got Ben talking, and got Aubrie and I on camera (even though I was trying to avoid it!) So there is Ben's moment of fame! Aubrie was so excited to be on TV and couldn't wait to see it the next morning!

So now to go a little backwards! Last week was busy with Valentines Day. So many Valentines to fill out, parties to get treats for, etc!! Valentines started with a good bye party for a friend, who moved to the East side! Then, before I knew it, the kids were home with all their candy...what a mess! Ben bought me a new kitchen aide hand mixer (in pink). So romantic, I know! LOL He knows I don't want flowers on Valentines. I have told him, since we have been married, to buy me A LOT of flowers throughout the year, instead of paying the high price on Valentines Day! Besides, shouldn't he be showing me he loves me all the time, instead of just one day of the year! He has made good on that deal! I'm loving the new mixer. The old one, of 11 years, beaters would fall out if I lifted it out of the bowl. It makes it hard to mix things that way! Here are a few pictures, from the V-Day!

A little craft that Aubrie made!!

Poor Maggie... guess Aubrie thought she needed to dress her up for the Holiday!

Friday we spent with the kids. We took them to Fuddruckers, and sat right by the video games. By the time we left, I think "can I just have one more dollar" turned into 10 dollars! They walked out of there with some pretty cool bouncy balls, and some necklaces. Boston has been wearing his since. He looks like a California boy with his shell necklace on! After dinner, we made our Target stop and raked up on some good deals on some home decor! When we got home we hit the Hot Tub! It was a fun family night!

Saturday we finished up the bedroom and bathroom, Whew!! (Will post pics later!). That evening we went to a Valentines Party that the Baird's and Higgins were throwing. We had dinner and then played the Newlywed game! It was A LOT of fun! Very fun to see the answers that couples give! Definitely a party we need to do every year!

Sunday Ethan was sick, so I went to the first two meetings, and Ben and I switched off during the 3rd hour. While I was getting ready for Church, I realized I hadn't heard Boston for awhile. I heard him on the piano for a bit, and then hadn't seen him since. This is where I found him, sitting on the couch all ready for church, reading the Book of Mormon! Ben couldn't help but to take a picture!!! It's hard to see, but I had to post it for proof!! LOL Then there was Aubrie, who was such a stinker in Sacrament. She wasn't getting her way and when she started acting bratty I refused to give her attention. That resulted in her pouting in the corner to get attention, and then writing on her notepad...no love, no attention, from Mom....over and over. Then she drew a girl crying. She put it on my lap and I didn't even give it the time of day, putting it in the hymnal sleeve! She then drew up another one, so I did the same and then took the notepad away. Afterward, I gave her a good talking to. I explained how if she wanted my attention she needs to behave, b/c I won't reward misbehavior! I hope she gets the message! Ben and I have decided that the best way to describe Aubrie is PASSIONATE! If she wants to be nice and kind she is VERY nice and kind, but if she is grumpy, frustrated, etc...watch out, b/c she is the extreme in EVERYTHING! On a side note, while Aubrie was drawing her pathetic "mom is mean" picture, Boston was drawing this!

School was out on Monday, so we did the normal...run errands and take the kids to Chuckee Cheese! It was packed! It was the first time ever there was a wait! Luckily, once we got in, things started dying down a little. They had a great time blowing through their coins on the "chance" games and Ben and I had fun with Skee Ball. Even Aubrie and Boston started to get into it! Ethan...well...not so good...balls going everywhere! We even saved a few coins to put Sophia on some rides. She loved them! We have to start preparing her for Disneyland! LOL

Baby Mozart... pictures compliment of Aubrie!!

Back in Time!

It's been awhile....life has gotten away from me this week. Boston came down with a fever on Friday, after school. It lasted through the weekend, so Monday I took him to the Doctor. So Monday I was rushing around to his Dr. Appt. and then to the pharmacy, and then tried to make up for lost time. During Aubrie's dance, Ben stayed with the kiddos so I could get a pedicure I DESPERATELY needed. Ben was actually encouraging me to go. It was nice to relax, even though the lady I got wasn't my favorite (I'll have to remember that!) This time I brought a book, WICKED, and read. The book is actually quite scandalous, and I probably should have put it down for good. I won't be recommending it to anyone, but instead tell them the story. After my pedicure, I ran to Sams and did some grocery shopping (my back is still aching from the heavy cart), and then showed up for the last 15 minutes of Aubrie's Jazz class. They started teaching the recital dances and the pictures of the costumes are already displayed. They are soooo cute! It helps when the owners daughter is always in the same class as yours:) After we got the kiddos in bed, I met up with the girls and leaders, to help one our Laurels celebrate her birthday. We brought stuff for ice cream Sundays, and surprised her. She hasn't been coming lately, and it was a great visit, so that was encouraging!! When I got back Ben and I headed out to do some grocery shopping at Walmart! Our fridges are full, what a great feeling! That's when I feel like...If anything is going to happen let it be now...when my fridges and cabinets are stocked with REAL food! LOL


Yesterday, Boston was feeling better and went to school. The day was a little more relaxing...I made sugar cookies, read my book and Ethan played outside (it was a beautiful day!!). The evening was crazy, though, b/c I planned on making cookies that night and delivering them, but Ben had a meeting he didn't know about. So we rushed through dinner and he had to take off while the kids and I decorated cookies and had FHE (we postponed it). I talked about ropes and how ropes that are frayed aren't as strong as those that aren't. I related that to our family, and how we have to work together instead of trying to pull away. I told them we need to be strong so we can face trials when they come!! Aubrie then ran and got her "Why are You So Grumpy Book" and the kids discussed how in different situations they could change there attitudes. It was very cute! Wish they could do that for real!! These past couple of days I have been saying, when they start fighting, "what kind of rope do we want to be?" Tonight Aubrie prayed that the family can be a "strong rope"!

Today my day started crazy! As I was dropping Ethan off at preschool, I realized that I forgot his Valentines, so as soon as Sophia woke up from her morning nap, I rushed out the door and dropped them off and then headed out on my quest to get 80's clothing! Our youth was having a "decades" dance, so of course I picked the 80's! I got a sweet jean skirt and pink sweater with a big purple belt and white flats. When I picked up Ethan, I asked his teacher if she had any 80's stuff, and I totally scored with some bangle bracelets, net gloves, and leg warmers. Here is a sweet picture of Erin, Marcy and I! My Mom said she felt like she had her 10 year old girl back! Hee! Hee! There were some other great costumes there...Elvis, poodle skirts, rockers...the YM actually didn't really do so great with the whole dressing thing, but that's expected. The music was good and they had some fun games. It feels good to get out on the dance floor....other than my family room! LOL

To go backwards a bit....Saturday we finally finished the wood work in Aubrie's room. I just have to finish hanging a few things and her room will be done!!!! Finally!! Her bathroom is almost done, too! Just trying to find time to make her curtain!!!

This week I have also stayed busy trying to find and purchase tickets for a girls "WICKED" trip! It's actually going to happen, and I'm so excited about it! I have never been on a "ALL" girls trip, unless you count girls camp! It's going to be a blast, especially since I get to go with such great friends!! We have 11 girls in all, so far! Hollywood, watch out!

Just a funny for the week....Boston had a birthday party today and I had to rush him there right after his piano lesson. When he got in the car, after his lesson, he said "Mom are we going home first so I can do more chores before I go to the party?" I told him there was no time. He sounded disappointed and said, "I like doing my chores". When Ben picked him up he said.."Dad I didn't do ANY chores today!" What planet is this boy from? Really... I want to know!!

The new Chore Charts....Ethan was excited to be included and Boston was sad b/c he wanted the blue font!! You can never make everyone happy! It is funny how they were all excited to get them..."come on kiddos they are CHORE CHARTS! You realize that don't you!"

Day at the park!

Flying Solo!

*warning....spell check has not been working and Ben isn't here to proof read!! Read at your own risk!!!
Today I was flying solo, like the good ole days!! Well I guess I shouldn't say "Good", just less complex! Ben left at 6:30 this morning, for Tucson. He is going to be opening that area soon! He will be coming home tomorrow night! Today I kept busy. I cleaned up this morning. Then I took Ethan to the car wash after school. He has been bugging me to wash my car (the clean freak that he is), even offering to clean it himself. After being there for 45 minutes, it was really dirty, I headed home and put Sophia down for a nap. Then I called Kayleen (it's great having YW who have early release) to come over to watch Sophia while I ran to pick up a baby gift...more joneseybaby stuff!:) Aubrie had voice lessons after school, so I stopped by Erin's, who lives in the same neighborhood, just to visit while I waited for her 30 minute lesson to be done. It's hard to really do anything during that 30 minute lesson. I guess I could take my scriptures and read in the car while I let the kids watch a movie or something! After the lesson, I rushed home to get Sophia down for another nap. During that time I had the kids read. It was a half an hour of peace and quite...NICE!
After I was done reading with Boston, I thought I heard him singing the words, under his breath, "Oh it is wonderfuL". I didn't want to embarrass him so I started singing "I Stand All Amazed" (FYI my favorite hymn) and when I started singing it, he chimed right in. We sang the first two verses together. It was a little patchy, but he had the Chorus down perfectly. When I was done I said, "Boston, how do you know that song?" He just shook his head giving me the "DUH" look, and said "at church of course". I asked him if he was learning that in primary, and he said, "No, just from the main part"....meaning sacrament! Good to know that even though I feel like I'm wrestling the kids for an hour, things are sinking in. (BTW Aubrie was singing it with us, too, for the first verse). I then went on to talk to him about the song and how amazing it was that he died for us, and how much he must love us. I told Boston that I loved him so much that I would die for him, like if a car was coming and I had to push him out of the way. He gave me a big hug and started to tear up. Then after a minute or so he said, "Mom, if Ethan was in the street I would push him out of the way and die for him, because I love my brother." I was thinking how sweet that was, and then thinking....then why do you two fight SO MUCH!!! Gotta love kids!
After our little reading/singing session I took the kids and headed over to Kari's. Her husband and Erin's husband are out of town, too! Kari made dinner, so nice of her, and we ate and let the kids play. It was nice to socialize a little and let the kids get out some energy! We left around 7:15 and the kids were in bed by 8:00. Of course, they weren't asleep b/c the were all wound up, but I'm sure they will sleep good!
What a full day! Oh it feels good to get a lot done, but now my body is TIRED!

Finally in 3's!!!

I remember packing Ethan's, size 3 ,diapers away after he was potty trained, and thinking it will be forever until Sophia is in these! I was right! After 10 months (almost), Sophia has finally moved up into size 3! As I was putting them on her I was thinking about how time has flown by so fast! She has really seemed to grow up these past couple of weeks. She likes to motor around, discovering whatever she can get into. Because she gets around so quickly, I have created the biggest play pen ever, by pushing all the couches in the family room into a semi-circle. Sophia is finally eating, and A LOT!! I nailed it when I said that I just don't think she liked the baby food. I started giving her solids and she is going to town. Last night she ate fettachine noodles with chicken, bread, peaches and cheese. This morning she pounded a bowl and a half of oatmeal and some yogurt and tonight she added BROCCOLI to her menu! Banana's are one of her favorites. It's like a whole new Sophia!

I have stayed busy these past couple of days, trying to catch up on some things on my "to do" list. My Mom watched Sophia, while I rushed around for 5 hours on Tuesday getting everything done, including VOTING!! My main projects right now include finishing the girls bathroom and Aubrie's bedroom and the boys bathroom. Sometimes I feel like my house will never be done. Guess that's what happens when you move in a new home when your pregnant! Wait, I was pregnant in my last house and got everything done! How did that happen? Oh ya, Ben didn't have his own business back then!!! Just wish I had a couple of weeks to really crack down and get everything done, uninterrupted!!!:)

This week, for family home evening, we had the kids think of something they wanted to work on for the week and think about during the Sacrament. Aubrie picked, being obedient...it's a work in progress!:) Ethan picked being nice and Boston picked, you won't be surprised by this, remembering to say his morning prayers! That kid is unreal! What's more unreal is that when he realized he forgot Tuesday morning, he was real upset by it! We won't talk about what Ben and I are working on!:) Overall, it's really helping! I hope we can stick with it!

The newest thing the kids started doing is putting on performances. I think me playing the Wicked Soundtrack over and over has gotten them in the "performing" mood! They are excited to see Wicked, we told them we would take them soon! Monday night the boys set up the play room for a puppet show. They used a transformer and a Darth Vader mask! LOL Tonight Aubrie put on a "Hannah Montana" performance. She started planning it all out the minute she got home from school. I wasn't there to see it. I was at Young Women's. Apparently Ethan wasn't cooperating as her "curtain boy" like she wanted to and they had a tiff. She was sent to her room and missed American Idol! Sometimes you learn the hard way.

Young Women's was good. We made Sugar Cookies and delivered them to girls who missed Young Women's. I also made a plate for my family. They were so good, I admit I ate my Mom's, too!! I think I'll be making a batch for Valentines Day! YUM! Ohhh.....soooooo not good for my whole "eating right" thing!

Our Wicked Trip-no pun intended

Ben made good on his Christmas Present and took me to see Wicked. I thought we were going to fly to LA, but instead he arranged to use his brother's car, so we could drive out. ( I didn't want to take our car in case my Mom needed the family bus for an emergency!) At first I was a little irritated that we were going to drive, since we were going up Wednesday and coming back Thursday, but it turned out alright. Probably had to do with the fact I didn't have screaming fighting kids in the back seat! It was nice to have some time to talk and have no other distractions, like TV, kids, blogging, etc. Ben wanted to drive so we could stop at the outlet stores. I had my suspicions, bcuz he told me that there was a "reason" for us driving. As we were coming up on the exit he said, "I can't have you going to Wicked with that purse". My suspicions were confirmed! I have been complaining that my purse isn't big enough to hold all my baby things, and so he took me to the outlet and bought me a new purse, wallet and wristlet. I guess he figured since he saved money on airfare, he could spoil me a little. I'll take it! After hitting a few other outlets, we headed out to make our drive to the hotel. At least that is where he made me think we were going. He actually had arranged for us to stay at the Hellewell's. They are good friends from college. They lived back east for about 10 years, and while we we lived out there, made a few Thanksgiving visits to their place. They finally moved back to California. Kristen's husband bought her tickets to Wicked for Christmas, so Ben bought them on the same day so we could all go together. We all went out to dinner, after fighting 2 hours of LA traffic; gotta love LA! We had dinner by the Pantages theatre, in Hollywood, so I got to see all the "stars" on the sidewalk. I can't believe after all the years I lived there, I had never been to Hollywood.

Here are Frank Sinatra's and Michael Jackson's "stars". I gave up looking for Brad Pitt's!;) It was very cold and windy that night!:(

After dinner, we headed to the theatre for the show. We showed up just in time, only 5 minutes before it started. I was a little nervous for the show. Weird huh? Why would I be nervous?? Well I have heard so many great things about Wicked and I have been bugging Ben to see it for so long, I was afraid that it wouldn't be as great as everyone said it was and the whole trip would be a disappointment. The first song was very unusual, and I was thinking to myself, "GREAT!! It is going to be a disappointment!" Luckily, the rest of the play was absolutely AMAZING! I am so ready to go AGAIN!! Not only was it extremely entertaining, but it also had a great message and left you thinking! Ben was great enough to let me get a Wicked Hoodie Jacket afterward. They make so much money off their shirts and sweatshirts!! OUCH!!!

This is the only picture I was able to get inside. One of the usher ladies yelled at me to put my camera away!:(

We didn't end up getting back to the Hellwell's until midnight, and of course we had to play some cards like old times. Except it wasn't like old times b/c after one game we were ready for bed. Guess that's what kids do to you! We still didn't get to bed until 1:30. Ben had a 6:30 T-time the next morning and I slept in. AHHH!! Of course, sleeping in isn't what it used to be. I woke up at 8:30 and finally got up at 9:00, after trying to force myself to go back to sleep for a half an hour. How did I ever sleep until Noon!??? Kristen and I did some shopping at a nearby mall, which made me realize what a loser mall Arrowhead is. I could have shopped there all day, but only had an Accord to bring everything home in....should have brought the Navigator!! LOL After shopping, we got some lunch at the Nordstroms' Cafe. Can you say RIP-OFF!!!! Of course they have no prices on anything, just displays so you can pick out what you want and get your total at the register. I got a half a sandwich, a cup of tomato soup, bottled water and a dessert. When he rang me up for 20 dollars I wanted to say, "Oh, I'm not paying for the lady behind me". It was good, but Paradise bakery is much better and half the price! For the sake on not complaining too much, the dessert was pretty awesome and so was the company. Ben said the bottled water that said "Nordstrom's" on it probably cost 10 dollars! Ha! Anyway, after the mall, I was so tired. I was almost embarrassed how tired I was. I slept in and still needed a nap. I took a small nap before dinner.
For dinner we met the Hendricksons & Cooks ( other good college friends) for dinner at the Dana Point Harbor ( I think that's what it was called, I'm sure someone will correct me! ). It was so good to catch up. It was like old times, and when I say that it's b/c none of the guys have changed one bit. They may be getting older, but they still act like a bunch of freshman guys whenever they get around each other. Of course, the wives are used to it by now and over time have become a part of some of the stories. It would be fun to live by all of them again, being by the beach wouldn't be so bad either!:) Of course that would mean leaving all my awesome friends here! Wish I could just group all my friends in one place! We finally left the restaurant around 6:30. We hit some bad traffic and so we knew we weren't going to be getting home till late. I played the role of DJ, picking the songs for the next 4 hours. It was fun, Ben and I singing to our favorite songs over 11 years of marriage! Even though we weren't "talking" it was like a form of communication. Weird, I know, but it really was. It's amazing how songs can bring back memories and feelings you had when you listened to those songs. That's one thing I LOVE about music. Finally around 1:00am I couldn't stay awake. I was in and out until we got home at 1:45. I was out by 2:00! (I am so tired right now!!! Why I'm typing this up and not sleeping is beyond me!!!!)

Today was fun. It started off with a baby shower. It was just a small group of friends for lunch and celebrating. We brought our kids and they played while we talked. It was good times. While talking we decided that it would be fun to take a girls Wicked trip. It would take a lot of coordinating, but if we could pull it off, ohhh..... how fun!! Anyway, it was a good afternoon. Sophia actually took a nap there, after 10 minutes of crying, and Ethan let go of my leg after 5 minutes of being there. He would show up once in awhile to make sure I was still there. One time he showed up and said, "I love you Mom", and left. On the way home he said, "Can I have a sucker because I was so good?" .....always trying to get candy!!!

Tonight a group of us went to dinner to celebrate Trina's birthday. We had a great time, and I'm sure the server was hating us!! We were there for over 2 hours! I'm surprised he didn't charge us a table rental!LOL While I was gone Ben had a fun time with the kids. He ordered pizza and had the neighbor kids, Bailey and Andrew, over. They went hot tubing and watched a movie. Bailey was walking home in her PJ's just as I pulled up. I'm so glad the kids have great neighbor kids to play with! I know....broken record....I say that all the time. What can I say, I'm a grateful girl!

Here it is....the Special plate. Sure looks "special", too! It's actually looking a little yellow in this picture, but actually is a cool green!

Here is Aubries beloved cat! Not bad, huh?