Utah in 4!

We just finished our four day trip to Utah! At first I wasn't sure if two days in Utah was worth two, 10 hour days of driving!! But, because it was the kids Spring Break and we have been wanting to get up there, I decided that we would make it work. I was starting to second guess our decision 2 hours into the trip. Just out of Flagstaff, Sophia started crying and cried for 30 minutes straight (more like whimpering....so pathetic) until she finally fell asleep. I thought, "If it's going to be like this for the next 8 hours I don't know if I can handle it!" Luckily, she was a gem the rest of the way. We made a lot of stops, so I think that helped.

Aubrie orginal!:)

We finally stopped at Moqui Cave, just out of Kanab. We see it ever time we go that way, and I always wonder what's in there. It wasn't what I expected...mainly just some antiques and crafts. The back of the cave was dark and they had fluorescent lights and lots of different rocks. I was expecting it to be like the Timpanogas cave; stalagmites, stalactites, etc... The kids still had fun, and they each got something from the gift shop. Aubrie got some colored rocks. Ethan got a cork gun. Boston got this awesome coons skin hat. He wore it the WHOLE time we were in Utah. Everyone got a big kick out of it! He even tried to wear it to bed. Gotta love that kid!

We also made a stop in Beaver, at the cheese factory. We got the famous "squeaky cheese", also known as curd cheese. We call it that, because it squeaks when you eat it. We also bought a magnet paper doll kit for Aubrie while we were there. She really liked it and she helped so much with Sophia on the ride up, it was kind of our "thank you".

With all the stops, it ended up taking us 11 hours to get to Provo. An hour before we go thIt was a nice trip! I prefer the stops because it made it feel like we didn't waste the day "just traveling". Ben is getting better at enjoying the ride, instead of driving straight through! When we got to Provo, after a quick stop at Krispy Kreme, we headed straight to the hotel and went swimming in their heated pool. The kids had a lot of energy to burn, and Sophia was so happy to be crawling around. We then came back to the room and put Sophia down. Ben headed out with the boys to get some groceries, and Ben surprised Aubrie and I with Ribs from the TGI Fridays, that is part of the hotel. That is one of Aubrie's favorite foods and she kept asking him for them. She was complaining when she didn't think she was getting them, and then when they showed up at the door she started to cry. I asked her why she was crying and she said, "because I feel so bad that I was complaining". Maybe she learned her lesson?!

Friday was a FULL day! We finally got out of the Hotel at 10:00, and our first thing on our agenda was to check out the house Ben and I lived in when we were first married. Last time we went by (last year) there was some fire damage. Now there is a new duplex in its place. After that, we headed up to see Grandma and Grandpa, but they weren't home. Ben then stopped by to see his old boss from the Frontier (a truck stop he worked at in College). We then headed up to Salt Lake. Our first stop was at a restaurant that Ben's college friend, Hans, is a chef at. It's an upper scale restaurant (mainly seafood). We weren't planning on eating there, but after he invited us in to eat , we couldn't refuse. I was a little stressed out at first, with the four kids in a nice place, but luckily after the first 10 minutes the natives settled down, and it was a good experience. The kids actually ate their salads, and most of there meal. Sophia was happy to gnaw on some bread, and we were able to make it out of there without any major breakdowns! Hans was nice enough to take care of the bill...I should have got the Lobster! LOL

After that visit, we headed up to the "This is the Place" monument! We have never been there in all the time we lived in Utah. It was cold and windy, so we quickly walked the grounds and headed back to the car. We then went to Temple Square and visited the North Visitors center, and then walked around the temple. I love that temple!!! Not just because we were married there. The history, hard work and all the service people rendered to build it just amazes me! We are so spoiled in these later days!

Here is one of Aubrie's

"orginals"! All the kids

took their turns on the

camera. I love this picture

that Aubrie took and the fact

she was paying close attention

to the prints on His feet!

After the temple, we headed to a Horse Facility that Han's wife (Priscilla) manages. Boston and Aubrie got to ride a horse in their indoor arena. Aubrie was so excited and wanted to ride longer. She kept saying how she wants to take lessons....yeah right! Boston was a little nervous at first, but ended up having a good time after a few minutes. Towards the end he did one of his "Ye Haw's" as he was swinging his coon skin hat in the air! What a performer. We then got a tour of the stables. It was a very nice facility!! After that adventure, we tried Grandma and Grandpa again, only to find Grandpa there. We visited with him for about and hour, while the kids played in the tree house in the backyard and Sophia happily motored around the house.

After our visit there, we had dinner with Ben's Uncle Jim and his family. They have two younger boys, who are 9 and 5. The kids had a blast playing with them in their backyard. The rest of the trip, they kept asking if we could go back there and play with "Douglas and Jackson". We kept telling them they would have to wait until the family reunion to see them again. They weren't too happy about that. I'm glad they will have something to look forward to when we go!

After our visit with them, we met the twins back at the hotel. Sophia was blitzed and needed to go to bed, so I stayed upstairs while they went swimming. When they got back we all went to bed. It was a long day!

Friday was almost as busy. We were planning on going to a Easter Egg hunt at Pioneer Park at 9:00 am. We slept in (I'm not complaining) and missed it. We scrambled to get over there because the sign said it was from 9 -11. We got there at 10:00 and it was already over. I have to say that I wasn't too disappointed because the park was PACKED! I think between that and the fact that it was so cold outside, it would have been miserable. So to make it up to the kids, we stopped at Walmart and got supplies to have our own Easter Egg Hunt. We took the stuff up to Grandma and Grandpa's, who had a fun time helping us fill the eggs and watching "the Hunt". We visited with them a bit more, and spent sometime listening to Grandpa play the piano, and then the kids played the piano and sang songs. We only stayed about an hour and 1/2 because Grandpa just got done giving a blessing and we knew he was pretty tired!

After their house, we headed up to "the BYU" as Boston puts it. We had lunch at the Cougar Eat and then we walked around the bookstore. Ben ended up buying matching shirts for him and the boys. When we got back to the hotel the boys didn't waste anytime putting them on. Sophia was so tired by the time we got back to the hotel, she went right down for a nap. After about an hour I joined her. When I woke up, the kids and Ben were gone. I texted him to see where they went, and he had taken them to the dollar movie to see National Treasure 2! I wished I wouldn't have gotten up! I was still tired, but woke up because I felt guilty that I had abandoned Ben with the kids, and he had taken them to the movie so I could rest. Isn't that the way it goes! I used the time, I had alone, to get the kids Easter baskets ready, so it all worked out! When they got back we got dinner at Wingers. They moved their location to the South Town Mall, which is a much better store/ atmosphere. The kids were full of popcorn, but amazingly ate their dinner. Aubrie was sold on another serving of Ribs and the boys loved that they had penne Alfredo! After dinner, we searched the mall for a toy store because Boston's money apparently was burining a hole in his pocket!! Both boys brought their wallets, and Bostons wallet was in his back jean pocket the WHOLE trip! They just wanted to buy something. They had a Game Stop in the mall, and he finally decided on a game that had a whole bunch of those 80's games on it (Pacman, Galaga, etc). It was a good pick, and Ben made up the difference in price. I told Ben that Boston has plenty of money and could have paid for it himself. Ben only made him pay a dollar. I hope they don't get a warped sense of how much things cost! LOL

After dinner, we went and got ice cream at the BYU Creamery. Sophia was beyond tired, so we took turns walking around with her. Amber and Amanda met us there, so the kids had fun eating ice cream with them. They were huge helpings and so Ben and I didn't order anything for ourselves, knowing we would have left overs to finish! Of course, Ethan ate all of his being he is the ice cream King, but Boston and Aubrie left us plenty to finish off. After the Creamery, we drove by the MTC and Ben took the boys inside to take some pictures. Then it was back to the Hotel for swimming, while I stayed in the room with Sophia. It was nice to have some peace and quite, so I didn't mind being up there by myself. When they came back, the kids played the new DS video game while Ben and I played cards with Amanda and Amber. Then it was bedtime!

The kids woke up to Easter Baskets full of Candy, bouncy balls (their "new" thing) and eggs filled with some money ($3 total). We then talked to them about Easter and then we packed up and headed for home. The trip home went very well. We only made a few stops for gas and treats, and Sophia did well considering she didn't have as many opportunities to stretch and crawl around. Ben did make a stop by some snow on the side of the rode, and they played in the snow for about 5 minutes. They sledded down on their bottoms... CRAZY!! Instead of taking a lunch break in town, we stopped off at a nice rest stop in the mountains, about 20 minutes out of Kanab. I made some sandwiches for the kids and they had fun playing and climbing the hill. Sophia loved crawling around on the grass and we were busy making sure she didn't eat pine straw. After about a half an hour, Ethan tripped over some type of sprinkler head and scraped up his face. That ended that picnic! We pushed through the rest of the trip, only stopping for occasional bathroom breaks and snacks. Sophia started whimpering the last half hour of the drive, but overall did so well!! When we got home, we played out back with the kids for about and hour, and it ended up in a water fight! That lead straight to bath time and then bedtime!

The trip turned out to be wonderful! Ben said it was one of his most favorite family trips. It was nice to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa and other family members, and just to have memorable times with our kids. There were so many funny things they said and did. Even though they can drive us crazy sometimes, they bring us so much joy and happiness. I just think of Boston's hat, Ethan's laugh, and Aubrie sweet motherly instinct as she took over with Sophia in the back. I'll end with funniest comment made the whole trip. Ben had to pull the car over to the side of the road so Ethan could pee. Boston was in the very back and couldn't hear what was going on. As Ben was pulling over Boston said "Dad, why are you pulling over? Do you have to fart?" (Not my favorite word in the world, but we couldn't control our laughter!)

A WICKED girls trip!

This past weekend was our "Wicked" girls trip. It was a blast! We left early, about 7:00am! Leslie drove and Olivia, Erin and Nicole and I rode together on the way there. We had a fun time talking about anything and everything! Great therapy!! We got to the outlet stores, right out of Palm Springs, around noon. We shopped, had lunch and shopped some more. I went to the Coach store with Nicole and wasn't able to maintain much self control. I don't know why I'm obsessed with those dumb purses!! I ended up getting another purse. It was white, so I was trying to justify that it was for spring/summer. Luckily Ben bought Play Station 3 while I was gone, so once I found that out he didn't have much to say. I finally found a nice sweater jacket at one of the stores there, and it went perfectly with my outfit for the show. That was all I bought at the outlets, for myself. I found some other things that the kids needed, and just enjoyed running around with everyone else. I was just enjoying shopping with girlfriends, without the kids!!

Erin, Olivia, Leslie and I at the Outlets!...Thanks Nicole for taking the picture!

We got to the hotel around 5:45. Leslie, Erin, Nicole and I shared a room. We all hurried to freshen up for the play, and headed out for dinner around 6:00. We ate a nice little Italian restaurant a couple blocks from the theatre. We were all at different tables, because they didn't have one for all of us. Nicole and I sat together at a two top right next to five other girls. It was nice because since there were only two of us at the table, we got everything really fast!! The food was very good, and the service was friendly. One of the waiters kept calling one of our friends "bella" (beautiful, in Italian)!

The show started at 8:00, and we made it there in plenty of time. While we were waiting for it to start, there was a couple in front of us that was quite entertaining. The girlfriend blindfolded her boyfriend to surprise him. We were all wondering how excited he would really be about the whole thing. We all thought it would be a much better surprise for a girl than a boy!

When the lights went down and the music started, I was so excited!! The play was great! The singing was a little better the first time I saw it, but it was still wonderful. It was hard not to sing along this time!! Everyone loved it, but how couldn't they? I'm excited to see it again with the kids!

After the play, we were all pretty tired. We headed back to the hotel, and Erin wasn't feeling very well. She went right to bed, and we followed soon after. I took and Ambein to make sure I wouldn't have problems sleeping. I warned the girls that I would knock out in the middle of conversation. Apparently, another room called and I answered and talked to Trina and Karolyn for about 15 minutes. I didn't remember doing that! I don't think I'll be taking one of those on a plane, EVER!

Saturday morning we left the hotel around 9:30 and headed over to the Beverly Center (a big mall). We all had breakfast there, which took about an hour. It was just a little shop in the food court, and I don't think they are used to 11 orders all at once. So it took them FOREVER to prepare our food. I got an omelet, which was yummy. I think at that point, anything was going to be good! LOL After breakfast we all headed to H&M to do some serious shopping. I bought a few things there, but really scored at Forever 21. After shopping at the Beverly Center, we split off and one car went home and ours stayed for some shopping at the District (It's like Tijuana)! Nicole was a saint to do all the downtown driving, and helped us find our way there. It was much better than I imagined it too be. Quite fun, actually! There was defiantly some interesting stores, like this formal store. And many interesting people and merchandise! There was also some great knock offs!! I ended up with a cute travel bag. If there was more room I would have bought Aubrie a cute brown and pink polka dot suitcase, for our Carolina trip. If I could go back I would have bought a Tiffany silver necklace I kept looking at! I'm sure Ben is glad I didn't!! We left the district around 4:00 and headed out of LA. About and hour out, we had dinner at Chevy's. We ended up getting home around midnight! I was so tired, but it was a great drive. Just 6 solid hours of girl talk, uninterrupted!!! It felt like my college days, again! It would have been fun to have them as roomies!! The whole trip was so wonderful. I'm already thinking about what we can do next year!! How about a weekend cruise!!?? LOL

Saturday night, Aubrie's ear was hurting her. Sunday, it was worse! How can my kids keep getting sick every weekend. If people didn't know us better, they would think we were purposely trying to ditch. I'm just feeling so frustrated that they keep getting sick. I'm going to start washing bedding every other day! (OK not really, becuz that's CRAZY!) But come one...will it ever end? I guess I can't complain, they could be getting sick with something much worse. So I'll count my blessings and name them one by one. Anyway, Ben has already missed Elders Quorum the past two weeks, but I didn't want to miss out on a song the YW were doing in sacrament and Erin's YW lesson. I realized they really didn't need my voice that bad, and new Erin would do a wonderful job without me, so I told Ben he better go, especially since he didn't know if he had the lesson...silly boy! Actually he can teach at the last minute and still do a great job. LUCKY! The rest of the day was pretty laid back becuz Ethan and Aubrie had to relax and get better.

Today the kids had their first day of Spring Break. Boston slept till 8:45 and Ethan slept until 9:30! Too bad Sophia got up at 6:00!!! They started their day with chores and then the boys played outside most of the day, while Aubrie stayed in and watched The Little House on the Prairie shows. My Mom bought the first season, and Aubrie has been loving them! I'm loving that she loves them. They teach such great lessons, and I actually have seen a difference in her since she started watching them. I think she is trying to be like Mary, her and Bostons favorite character. Boston like her because she has pretty blue eyes. The shows are also getting her excited to read her Little House on the Prarie Books. She stared one tonight! I hope this will get her more excited to read! Today I took the kids to Target really quick, for some much needed groceries and Easter stuff for friends. While we were there, I bought a poster board for each one of the kids. The kids wrote Ben a note on each one of them and put them in his office. He was having a bad day, so we wanted to cheer him up. It worked and the kids had fun doing it.

For dinner, we went to Texas Road House. We told them it was Ethan's birthday, and they tried to get him up on the saddle and sing to him. He was too shy! Funny kid! He wasn't too shy to eat the ice cream, though! For FHE I did the Easter egg kit, I do ever year, on the Resurrection. This time I hid the eggs in a room and had them look for them. Then the kids would open their eggs in order. It was a fun to do it that way, especially since Aubrie and Boston could read their own! They also helped one another get the same amount of eggs. That was refreshing!! Of course, that was after I talked to them about how brothers and sisters are gifts from Heavenly Father and compared that to how do they treat worldly gifts. They got the point, I think!

BUBBLES....Sophia's newest favorite thing! It's funny because she tries to eat them!

Happy 4th ETHAN!

Yesterday was Ethan's 4th Birthday! Those 4 years have flown by...making me realize how fast Sophia will grow up. Anyway, the night before, I put balloons and streamers in the kitchen and made this poster and put it in his bathroom. Why? It's the first place he goes in the morning! Ethan started his day opening a Birthday present from my Mom. It was a HUGE Buzz Lightyear remote control car. Then it was time for preschool. I sent Reese's peanut butter cups; cupcakes are much too messy for 3 and 4 year olds. When I picked him up he had a sticker that said "Happy Birthday Ethan". He felt special. Ethan's friend, Andrew, came home with us and they got to play for a couple of hours. I then had to pick Aubrie and Boston up from school and take them directly to piano. Instead of going back home, I got gas and let Ethan pump. I told him he was such a big boy, now that he was 4, and he could help me pump. He thought that was cool. We then went to the park by our old house. When ever he did something a little "risky" I would say, "Wow, you must be 4 today, because now you can do 'such and such'". He would a get a big grin on his face and say, "Oh ya, I'm 4 now!"

We had an early dinner, b/c I had mutual early. I always make the "birthday kid" whatever they want for dinner. Ethan requested pizza and "noodles with the holes" (aka, pene with Alfredo). He got the Special plate (first time I have used it!) and he got a Soda. He was so happy to feel so important. After dinner we told Ethan that we thought we saw something outside. He ran out there to find a new play kitchen. He thought it was cool, but was too embarrassed to act excited. He told Ben, "stop looking at me!" While I was at mutual, Ben's parents borught by his gift. It was this Gungslinger Target set he has been eyeing at Target. What a great day!

On a side bar....Sophia got her first tooth yesterday!! It's her bottom right. So Boston officially holds the record of getting a tooth the latest, 13 months!

Also, last night we were planning on going to the Easter Pageant for mutual, but the Bishop got down there and they weren't letting him save seats. So they did an impromptu social, which turned out being fun. We played human Foosball, and soccer. One of the YM kicked my toe, and I swore it was broken. Luckily its not, but its very sore and uncomfortable to walk on . I hope it feels better by tomorrow! After the soccer, we played name that tune and then we had some dancing and root beer floats. It was good times!!

Journal through pictures!

This week has had been a roller coaster and so my memory of what happened is barely existent. Luckily, I took some pictures and hey will tell this weeks story.

Here are a few pictures to go along with last weeks blog!

Aubrie's assembly on the author of Clifford.

Her part was "Coming up with the girls name was easy because Emily Elizabeth was the name of his daughter"

Ethan at Home Depot!

Ethan riding his bike for the first time!
Aubrie got to bring home "the Monkey" on Wednesday. The teacher picks a name, at random, from all the kids who are on green for the day. If they get picked they get to take this monkey home and add something to it. Aubrie put a baby "banana" bottle, from one of her own monkeys, in it's "suitcase". She was so excited to get it, and spent all day playing with it!

Video Games!!! This has been Ethan's most favorite (and monitored :) past time, and he has gotten really good at it. His favorite thing this past week was when I would sit down with him and take turns with the snowboarding game. Believe it our not, he can beat me! It's amazing how quickly he has picked up the moves!

Wednesday, I don't have pictures, was YW. We did a service project for our Stake President. He is having a wedding reception for his daughter this Saturday and is trying to get his yard in order. So the Laurels and Priests went and helped. I felt like a wimp shoveling dirt around. My age is creeping up on me!

Thursday night I went to an Enrichment Class that Erin put together, on Motherhood. We all shared our ideas and successes, and then Erin prepared a few words on the importance of being a Mom. She then presented a slide show of pictures of all of our kids. She put a lot of work into it, and it was a lot of fun and very helpful! Thanks Erin:)

Friday started with Boston's assembly. They did this little Hawaiian Song. Boston wasn't holding back! He was jigging all over the place! Gotta love that kid!!!

Around noon, Ben took the boys to a Spring Training game. It was hotter than expected and the boys wimped out after 45 minutes. While he was with the boys I was preparing for Ethan's 4th birthday party. I used to prepare day's before, making cakes, buying party favors, etc. Now I'm doing everything the day of. It's actually much more liberating, and the parties still turn out the same, minus the stress!

This was Ethan's first birthday party, with friends. I only invited 6 friends, and Shea. Some of the neighbor kids came over, too! It was a perfect amount. I asked Ethan what he wanted for his birthday and he said, "friends, a "pump it up", (aka, bounce house) and Car stuff. So that's what I got, and he couldn't have been happier! The kids had a good time, too. Ethan was so cute opening his gifts. He got excited over EVERYTHING and was so appreciative of everything. One of the kids gave him a 15 dollar gift card. He wasn't sure what it was and when I explained to him what it was he yelled, "All right!! I got 15 bucks!! Yahoooooo!" It was hilarious. I can't believe he will be 4 next week!! (We had it a week early b/c of my "girls trip"!)

After the party, Ben had an emergency work call, so he ran to that while I finished things up at the house. We then had dinner with Matt and Nicole. It was nice to talk w/o the kiddos! Nicole is coming to Wicked with us next week! She took someones place, who had to back out due to a baptism. After dinner, we made our Walmart run and grocery shopped! Fun stuff! LOL

Saturday started with me going with Erin and Marcy to welcome a new Laurel into our class! Once Sophia was done with her first nap, we headed off to the Outlets! We had to find the boys some church pants (they have the skinniest waists and it's so hard to find them anything that fits). I also like to hit the Gap for jeans! They are on sale, and they fit my kids the best! After dragging them around we got some lunch and let the kids play at the outlet "play ground". The kids love that play ground b/c the monkey bars are low to the ground! Here is Ethan's attempt at the monkey bars! Sophia had a good time just sitting in her stroller and watching all the kids play! What a cutie!

After about 45 minutes of playing, Ben took Sophia, to get the car, while I rounded up the other natives. While we were waiting I noticed a pretty water fountain and rounded them up to take a picture. They weren't posing like I liked so I told them to put their heads together. Taking things too literal, and being the obedient kid that he is, here is what Boston did!

Here is some of the stuff Ben bought at the Nike outlet!!

This is what Ben was doing while I was getting ready for church! Wish I had time to do this kind of stuff in the morning!

Today, at church, Sophia wasn't happy at ALL! It's becoming a common occurrence with her. UGH!!! "It won't last forever", is what I kept telling myself as I walked the halls with her.

Today I had the lesson in YW. It was on Eternal Families. I had them write a list of qualities they want in their future husband. Then I read mine, that I wrote in college. They got the most amusement out of my wedding photo. They couldn't get over how different Ben looked! LOL

After church, we let the kids have a picnic on the lawn. It was a beautiful day. Sophia slept most of the afternoon (she does GREAT when she has a crib!), and when she was out she hung out in her entertainer and watched the kids swim while I relaxed in the lounge chair! It was nice:)

Gone in a fash!

Another week gone by in a flash! It's really the weekends that go by so quickly! Why couldn't weekends be four days? I would prefer one of them to be Monday! Sometimes, lately, I feel like Sunday is the least relaxing day. Between getting the kids ready for church, fighting to keep Sophia occupied and happy for three hours, then some weeks a meeting, then dinner, I don't feel as relaxed as I should! I"m sure once Sophia is a little older, things will be more "laxed". But till then, I sometimes feel like a need a day after Sunday to recoup! It was a good week, though!

Monday went by so fast, I don't remember too much. I remember Sophia and Ethan sleeping very late...Ethan until 10:00. I couldn't bare to wake both of them up so I let Ethan skip preschool. I also remember that Aubrie gave the FHE lesson on when Nephi built the boat. She did a great job! She was quoting lines from the scriptures (along with Boston). They knew the story so well! Gotta love the Living Scripture movies! Ha! They probably sound so knowledgeable in primary...little do they know it came from watching TV! LOL No, we have been reading them the Scripture Readers since they were little, but we all know what sticks in a child's mind the most....visual aides!
Tuesday was a relaxed day. I ran a few errands in the morning, and during Sophia's second nap, Ethan and I went and rode scooters, while my Mom was at the house with the baby. I have to admit that I really like riding that thing. It's kind of like a mini-roller coaster...if you live on my street anyway! Then the rest of the day the kids just hung out with the neighbors, after chores of course. Later that evening, I had a girls camp meeting. I'm glad I'll have the chance to go. I kid around that I dread it, but truth is, I LOVE the outdoors! I just don't look as cute roughing it, like when I was young, is all!
Wednesday was mutual. Erin did a class on photography. It was a nice refresher for me. I haven't taken a photography class in 6 years, so some of the things I had forgotten. I wish I had the time, to give to it, like I did when Aubrie and Boston were little. Maybe one day I'll do landscape photography....one day! Ha!
Thursday Ben was nice enough to come home early so I could get my haircut. I went short, shoulder length. I'm loving the new look, but I haven't tried curly yet, so we'll see how that goes. I like to mix it up and have different looks! I thought about going even shorter. Maybe next time!
Friday Aubrie had an assembly. It was on the author of the Clifford books. Her line was clear and audible. Ben and I noticed that a lot more parents show up for the Kindergarten and first grade classes. There weren't too many parents there for Aubrie's class, which was nice b/c we got a nice parking spot and front row seats! Friday night was date night. We went to a ward missionary party. There was a pretty big turn out, keep in mind I thought there would probably only be like 15 people or so. We had fun catching up with some of the older couples in the ward, that we don't get to talk to on a regular basis. It was good times! We really have such a great, diverse Ward. It's almost perfect, I must say! We left the party a little early to see that new Movie, "Vantage Point". It was a little annoying, but had some good twists! We didn't make a normal Target/ Walmart stop. I was so tired!
Saturday was soooo busy! Here is the quick run down
-Ben took the kids to the Home Depot kids thing. They made something they have made probably 3 times already. They really need to start being more creative with their kids' days! Oh well, the kids had a good time and that's all that mattered.
-We finally took the training wheels off Ethan's bike. We should have done it a long time ago. He was so ready. We gave him one push and he was off like a champ. He just needs to work on the take off. Too bad we don't' have curbs in our neighborhood. That always helps!
-Ben helped with a move in the Ward while I hung outside with the neighborhood kids. They like when I bring Sophia out and "come play".
-Ben bought a few new trees and planted them and hooked up the drip. Go Ben!!
-I went to a jewelery party, Lia Sophia, that my friend from Midwestern was having. Cute stuff...but dangerously expensive! :)
-Then I stopped at a craft fair to see a friend that I have bought some amazing stuff from. I say friend, but I never really met her till yesterday. We email all the time, so I don't' really know what else to call her. We were both glad to finally put the faces to the emails!
-Then I took Aubrie cloths shopping. Can I just say that it's Ben's turn next time. It's not like it used to be, where I would run to Old Navy, where everything fit her and I was done in 30 minutes.... great! Not anymore. We went to several stores looking for things, and unfortunately, ended up at a store I did not want to "end up" at b/c of the price. They had clothes that fit...she has the tiny waste but normal body everywhere else. It was 7:00 pm by then(we started at 4:00) and I was tired and hungry. So, I bit the bullet, bought them, and headed home! I think I'm actually looking forward to the day when I can just give her some money, drop her off at the mall and say, "here you go. Spend it wisely b/c that's all your getting...and don't forget about modesty!"

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!