How Do You. . ?

How. . .

~do you take back something you said?
~do you make sure people know you are sorry?
~do you tell someone you love how you feel without offending them?
~do you get things back to normal?
~do you keep putting one foot in front of the other?

Relief Society Birthday

Tonight was the relief society birthday dinner. We decided that it would be fun to throw a birthday party like you would for little kids. We had it decorated with a lot of bright colors. We took flower pots and made balloon bouquets out of them. I was so busy that I didn't have time to take a picture, but they turned out really really cute. For dinner we served chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, fruit w/cream cheese dip, salads, and desserts. Last enrichment we had about 30 people come, so I thought if we planned for 40 we would be safe. We had a great turn out. We ended with close to 50 people, which is one of the best turn outs we've ever had. I was so excited that people wanted to come!

Before dinner we had one of the sisters in the ward give a brief overview of Relief Society; how and why it got started, and what the purpose of it is. Then we ate and ate and ate. Afterwards we played some games. The first game was 2 truths and a lie. Pretty self explanatory: a person stands up and tells three things about themself, only 2 of them are true. Everyone else tries to guess what the lie is. It's a fun get-to-know-you-ice-breaker game. Afterwards we played Common Thread. That is where everyone is sitting in a circle and you send one person out of the room. While the person is out, everyone else decides what they are going to have in common, like before every answer you have to lick your lips, or wiggle in your chair, or you have to answer the last question that was asked instead of your own. Then once the common thread is chosen, you bring the person back into the room. That person then goes around the room asking random questions to anyone trying to figure out what the common thread is. It's hilarious! We had a great time. Then everyone got to take home a party favor bag. We had it filled with hershey kisses, a scripture marking pencil, a "Relief Society" hershey bar, chapstick, and a bookmark. A lot of people commented on what a fun time they had.

I'm so glad it turned out so well. Since we only have a big Enrichment Night 4 times a year now, I feel like it has to be extra special and good. I always hope that everyone feels included and that they all have a great time. I was very pleased with the turnout and very happy that people had such a wonderful time!

Now. . . what to do for the next one?

Ho Hum

Ho Hum, that is how I've felt the last day or two. I don't really know how to describe how I feel. I just know I don't like feeling this way. I've had one of my kids sick for almost a week now, which is never any fun. I hate money. Or maybe I hate the fact that I don't have a lot of extra money and the fact that I have to admit that. Life sure has thrown us a few twists and turns that haven't been very easy. I usually just ignore all that stuff and try to trudge along with a good attitude. But every once in a while, one more thing happens and all that other stuff has been building up for so long that I just need to vent. I'll get over it, it'll just take time. Isn't life grand?

It makes me wonder why we have such trials. I know it's for our own good, but it's very hard to look at it that way when you just keep getting hit with trial after trial and you wonder if it's EVER going to end. At the same time I do have to admit that there are other trials that I'm glad I don't have, which in a way I guess it makes me grateful for the trials I do have. I've been blessed with an amazing husband and we have a wonderful relationship. I have 4 angels that Heavenly Father has entrusted in my care. For these things alone, I am grateful and feel blessed. Now all I have to do is overcome all that other stuff that seems to be getting me down lately.

Woman to Woman

“Is it really a family night out?” Share your views regarding children under age 5 attending formal events such as funerals, concerts, weddings, even church services. We hope that those of you who have “tried and true” tips and tricks up your sleeve will share those as well.

When it comes to bringing our kids places, we really have to decide if it is appropriate. Our kids are WILD! They can be very crazy at times. Sometimes doing something as simple as going out to eat at a restaurant can be quite the experience. Now that they are getting a little older, it's starting to get easier and they are starting to behave better. However, we've had our share of horrible experiences. We've found that if we want to go out to eat as a family, the best places to go are places that have a more relaxed atmosphere. We try to stay away from the "nicer" restaurants when the whole crew comes along.

As for weddings and funerals, that's another story. Most weddings I've been to have been LDS weddings where children are only allowed to go to the reception. My kids have been to tons and tons of receptions. We've had both good and bad experiences there. I'm not sure wether or not I have any tips on the matter, but I do try to bring things with me that will keep them occupied and not bored. I find that when they start to get bored they start to act up. I'm not sure that my kids have ever been to a funeral, and for that I'm grateful.

For a long time, and even sometimes still we struggle with church, specifically sacrament meeting. For some reason, they seem to get the giggles, wiggles, grouchiness, tired, etc. etc. I've often wondered why I go to church just to walk the halls, but have realized that in time they will learn and hopefully realize that being at church is important.

We've just barely been able to go to the movies as a family and it is actually enjoyable. They will all sit there for the most part. Sometimes we have to take potty breaks, but it's mostly good.

I think as parents we need to know when it is or isn't appropriate to take our children to certain places and events. I've found that those without children seem to be the ones who are more impatient when they are around. However at the same time kids need to feel like they are able to be involved with things that are going on. Personally I've very rarely excluded my children from things. If they don't get the chance to experience and make mistakes, then they will never learn how the proper way to behave is.

For more views on this topic visit Lei from My Many Colored Days.

Ruby & Diamond

My sister and neice got some turtles not too long ago. Their names are Ruby and Diamond. We were at my sisters house for a while visitng and the kids were so excited to play with the turtles. They were outside with them for a long time. They even tried to make them race. I thought they would be nervous to hold them but they weren't. Even J who is a little more shy and scared held them. S was not feeling very well, so he just stayed inside. I guess we'll have to go back and play with them again, so that he can enjoy them also.

March Birthdays

We had our March birthday party last weekend. It was so much fun. DH's sister was here for the weekend. They were moving from Washington to Colorado and stopped here for a while. It was great to see them. Their boys have grown so much and it hasn't even been that long since we've seen them.

We had reuben sandwiches, pickles, and chips for dinner. For dessert we had huckleberry cheesecake (one of my favs) and pistachio cheesecake. The food as always was delicious and we all ate way too much. We had 5 birthdays to celebrate this month.

I feel so blessed to have married in to a nice family. I don't have any horrible in-law stories, which I'm grateful for. We all have a really wonderful time together!

Life Saver Pass

We played this game at T's birthday party. It was a lot of fun and so hilarious to watch. The kids had a blast and were cracking up at themselves. Each person holds a toothpick in their mouth. Then you put a life saver on the toothpick and you have to pass it to the next person without using your hands. The first team to get it to the end of the line wins! We had a lot of broken life savers all over the driveway, but they all had a great time!

Frog Bites

Yesterday in the mail we got this cute box of frog chocolate truffles from MSL. They are so cute and were so delicious!! They sure didn't last very long in my house of chocolate lovers. What a great sister I have!

Red High Heels

My little sister Em called me one day and asked me if I would wear red high heels. I of course said, "YES!!" About an hour later she came over with these shoes. I love them. I haven't worn pointy toed shoes for a long time, but I've always wanted some. I wore them to church on Sunday and they are pretty comfortable. I love new shoes!

New Bedding

Our friends got a new bed and therefore needed new bedding because they went from a queen to a king. I happened to mention earlier that I thought her bed set was very pretty and that I really liked it. They came over Friday night for dinner and brought this with them. I think it looks very lovely. We needed a set too. Now I only need new sheets. I can't decide what would look better black or red?

Picnic

It's been so beautiful lately. The kids have been spending a lot of time outside. S and J were out playing house when it was time for lunch. I brought their food outside and they thought that was so fun. I love when they get along.

Beauty Queens

My little beauty queens!! So glamorous!! The girls got this face mask stuff from my SIL and they love it! They want to use it all the time.

Birthday Shoes

DH got me these darling shoes for my birthday. I love them! And to top it off they are comfy too. I hate getting cute shoes that end up being so dang uncomfortable. The girls like them too. I think they've already worn them more than I have. A girl can NEVER have too many shoes!!

Outside Fun!

It's finally nice enough outside to play without freezing our buns off. I love the warm weather. There's just so much more you can do. We've been really enjoying the nicer weather lately. Now we can go for walks, play basketball, jumprope, rollerskate, skateboard, play light sabers, play tag or hide-n-seek, go to the park, or just sit and talk.

I also feel that the kids haven't been as cranky. The cabin fever is going away!! It's so hard in the winter to keep them occupied without using the T.V. as the only source of entertainment. Yesterday I don't even think they asked to watch T.V. It was so wonderful! They just kept each other busy outside. I love it!! With the time change and the nice weather I completely lost track of what time it was. When 7:00 came around and we still hadn't had dinner, I thought I better call them in.

Hopefully it stays like this and we won't be hit with another storm. I'd love for the hot weather to come fast! I'm a California girl and that will never change. I love the heat. I'd much rather be hot than cold any day.

Yeah for warm weather!!!

The Advantage to Having A Brother Who's A Dr.

We went to Boise for the weekend to visit my brother. We had not been there for a while and since my b-day was on Saturday we figured it was a perfect excuse. We had lots of fun visiting with them. My neice has 2 rats, which the kids all think is pretty awesome. I on the other hand, think they are totally disgusting. I think it's the tail, it looks like a huge, fat, nasty worm.

They took us out to eat Sat. afternoon to T.G.I.Friday's. We had a yummy meal, and I got a birthday dessert. It was a very nice day. The kids ran around outside and then decided to put their bathing suits on and jump on the trampoline with a hose on underneath. Now, it was nice, but not that nice. They lasted just a few seconds in the water before they were back inside like little frozen icicles.

My poor brother always has to deal with all of our problems. Ever since he became a P.A. he's gotten numerous calls just from me, and I know I'm not the only one who calls him with questions. But, he's a pretty good sport about the whole thing. Before we started our fun on Sat., we took a trip to his office so we could all have our little "procedures" done. S had two warts that needed to be burnt off. He didn't like getting the shot, but once that was done he watched the rest of it. He had it burnt and then it needed to be scraped out so that there were no little roots still in there. So gross. Then DH had a couple skin tags cut off and an aging spot frozen off of his forehead. My SIL had 2 spots frozen off. I had a skin tag cut off and then I had some weird bump on my nose that was really bothering me. He numbed me and then burnt it off. Getting a shot in your nose is NOT a fun thing. It hurt pretty bad and made my eye just water and water. But, once that was over it wasn't too bad. I think skin stuff is pretty gross. I don't know if I could treat all that disgusting stuff all day long. But, I sure am grateful that I have a brother who can take care of all that fun stuff for us.

T's B-day Recap

DH always cooks breakfast for the kids on their birthdays, and they get to pick whatever they want. T chose eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast. It was nice to eat breakfast as a family, that doesn't always happen around here.

T wanted his cake to look like pancakes, so here is my attempt:

We went to Tucano's for dinner which was so yummy! It is an all-you-can-eat brazillian bbq. The meat there is fab. I signed up for the b-day club one time when I went there and they sent me a coupon in the mail for a free meal during the month of my birthday. All kids under the age of 7 eat free, which meant we only had to pay for DH and T. What a deal!! The kids all behaved so nice, which is usually a rare thing for when we go out to eat. And, they all ate a ton!! We had a great time.

When we got home it was time for presents. We got him some How-to-draw books and some other art supplies. He's really shown an interest in drawing lately and we wanted to help him along the way. Right now he loves to draw trucks and cars, and he's quite good at it. He was very excited to get these and has already put them to good use. Then, we sang Happy Birthday and it was time to eat cake. Everyone only had a few bites because we were all so stuffed from dinner.

All in all I think he had a very nice birthday. His party with his friends will be some time this week. Last week was so crazy that we couldn't fit it in. So, we'll have more party reports later on this week!

I'm A Little Late, But...

I just went to the party yesterday! You are ALL invited to attend!! There are lots of great prizes available to all who come, just click on the button on my sidebar.

A little bit about me: I'm a SAHM to four wonderful children, ages 9,7,5,&4. They keep me busy 24/7. I love reading, scrapbooking, embroidery, cooking, eating, swimming, and of course blogging!! I love trying new things. I would like to take a photography class some day. I live in Utah right now, but a move is probably in coming in the future. I'm married to the most amazing man. So, that's a little about me. If you visit my blog, PLEASE leave a comment!

BTW, this is a "sticky" post. Scroll down for more of my blog!!

HAPPY PARTYING!!!

Cadbury Mini Eggs

These scrumptous little candies have become the death of me. I LOVE these things. They are so delicious. My friend bought some and I had a few. Then, I decided that I needed, yes needed some more. I've since boughten 2 bags and have eaten them almost all myself. I can't help it. Yeah, I'm definitely going to lose weight this way!

Happy Birthday T!!

Nine years ago my life was changed forever. I can't believe that T is 9 years old today. Where does the time go?

We were living in Rexburg, Idaho and my mom and 2 of my sisters came from Cali. to help out. I remember the night before just hanging out and talking and then going to bed. Around 2 a.m. I woke up with a horrible, what I thought was a really bad stomach ache. I got up and walked around, and then finally decided to take a bath because that usually makes me feel better. When that didn't work I went and woke my mom up because I'd never been in labor before I had no idea what was going on. I went out to lay on the couch and almost immediately started throwing up. It was the worst I'd ever thrown up. I couldn't breathe because it was coming up so fast and even coming out my nose (aren't we all glad I added that detail?). DH got on the phone and called my poor doctor at home. He quickly told us to go to the hospital because I was probably passing kidney stones.

When we got there they asked when my due date was, and since it was that day they took me up to labor and delivery so they could moniter me even though I wasn't in labor. They gave me some morphine for the pain, but that just made me feel dizzy and sick all over again. Once they had me all hooked up they found out that I actually was in labor probably brought on from the stress of passing the stones. So, they checked me and I was only dilated 1/2 cm. Only 1/2 cm. They told me I could stay but that I could be there for up to 36 hours. At that point I didn't care. I was already in so much pain, hooked up to all the machines, I was not going home without a baby.

A few hours later they started a pitocin drip to get things going and stripped my membranes. I don't know when, but eventually they broke my water. It took me 9 hours to finally get to a 2. I thought I was going to die. I wanted an epidural but was told because I was passing the stones also that I couldn't get one.

I had lots of visitors while I was in labor. My brother Michael came to visit and brought lots of friends. Some I'd never even met before. It was so much fun getting to meet everyone while I was in hard labor. Oh well.

Finally after 16 long hours of labor (14 of it "hard" labor), I was complete and ready to start pushing. I pushed and pushed for almost 2 hours before he finally decided to come into this world. Luckily for me I got to labor, deliver, and recover in 3 seperate rooms, so while I was pushing they wheeled me down the hall to the delivery room. I'm sure all the passerby's got a nice view.

T came into this world at 9:51 p.m., weighing 9 lb. 3 oz and was 22 inches long. He was a huge baby. He didn't look like a newborn. The doctor couldn't believe how big he was. But, he was a healthy boy with 10 chubby little fingers and toes and I couldn't have been happier.

I can't believe how much joy this boy has brought into our lives. He's always been so tender-hearted. He's smart, athletic, kind (most of the time), and is just a pleasure to be around. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that T was sent to our family. I can't imagine what life would be like without him.

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY T!!!

I Made Myself a Sandwich!

I made J a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch and she ate the whole thing, then asked for another one. So, I made her a half because I thought there is no way she'll eat a second one. She finished that half off in a snap and asked for yet another one. By then I was feeding a baby and told her she would have to wait until I was done. I heard her keeping busy in the kitchen, but I was on the phone, feeding a baby, and blogging so I just let it go. Next minute she brought me this bread which had the peanut butter nicely spread on it and all this jelly piled on top. She said, "Mom, can you fix it?" It was so cute.

Zipper Sisterz

I'm not sure where this started, but I know it started way before I married DH. My MIL and her sister are hilarious together. I think one time when they were at a family gathering they started singing and used their zippers as the "music". So, now every time they are together we request a performance. A couple of years ago we all made them these shirts so they would have a costume. They just have a zipper sewn to the front and some rainbow ric rac around the collar. They wear big huge sunglasses, and then they added the lovely hair ensemble. The song they sang was "When the Saints Come Marching In." The kids were all cracking up and had a great time watching their grandmas be silly together.

We had a dinner Saturday night because some of our relatives from Idaho were down for the weekend. It's always so fun to see them and we always have a great time together. We had Mexican Night, and all the food was fab!! We sure know how to eat good!

10 Things MeMe

I stole this from For Better or Worse, and thought it looked fun. So, here goes:

10 FAVORITES:

1)Color: Pink
2)Food: Ice Cream, Chocolate, Spinach Dip
3)Musical Group: Don't really have one.
4)Song Right Now: ??? Can't really decided on one.
5)Movie: Beaches is one of my all time favorites.
6)Sport: Dancing
7)Season: Spring
8)Day of the Week: Whatever day DH has off.
9)Ice Cream Flavor: Mint 'n Chip
10)Person: Not a fair favorite…I have lots.


9 CURRENTS:

1)Current Mood: Tired...The kids had friends over last night and they stayed up talking, giggling, and playing ALL night long. And then I had to be up bright and early to cook and be at a baptism.
2)Current Scent: Right now I am wearing Magnolia Blossom from Bath & Body Works.
3)Current Clothes: Jeans, blue sweatshirt, cute gray socks with flowers on them.
4)Current Desktop: A picture of the kids when we were driving up the canyon one day.
5)Current Ringtone on Cell Phone: "You Save Me" by Kenny Chesney.
6)Current Music: None
7)Current Time: 1:41 p.m.
8)Current Surrounding: My desk. S dancing around my messy bedroom which I should be cleaning instead of blogging, but I don't really want to.
9)Current Event Happening Today: We went to a baptism this morning and then to a luncheon afterwards. DH and T are filling the font for another baptism and then when that's done we are going to Grandma's for a family dinner.

8 FIRSTS:

1)First Best Friend: Jennifer M. we did everything together.
2)First Kiss: Leo, yuck. We were playing Truth or Dare and my brother told me that if I didn't kiss him he would tell mom that I did and then I would be in big trouble. What a mean brother. So, my first kiss was not that great. Oh well.
3)First Screen Name: utmommy
4)First Pet: Personally, I've never had my own pet. I don't love animals, sorry. But growing up we had all kinds in the house: dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, tarantulas, fish, birds, turtles, etc. etc.
5)First Piercing: My Ears
6)First Crush: A boy named Kris in the 5th grade.
7)First Music: Probably a lullaby
8)First Car: A Toyota Truck, it was actually my brothers and I got to use it while he was on his mission. My own was a Toyota Corolla that I got right before I got married.

7 LASTS:

1)Last Class: Parenting with Love & Logic
2)Last Drink: Ice Water
3)Last Trip: Texas, last month
4)Last Kiss: About 45 minutes ago when DH kissed me right before he left.
5)Movie Seen at the Theater: Night at the Museum
6)Last Phone Call: My mom
7)Last CD Played: Madonna, my girls found it and have been playing it non-stop for the last couple of days.

6 HAVE YOU EVERS:

1)Have you ever dated one of your best guy friends? Kind of.
2)Have you ever broken the law? Yes.
3)Have you ever been arrested? No, thank-goodness.
4)Have you ever skinny-dipped? Yes, for some reason it's very fun.
5)Have you ever been on TV? Yes, I danced a lot growing up and sometimes our shows were televised. I was also in a commercial once.
6)Have you ever kissed someone you didn’t know? Yes, when I was in college my roommates set me up on this date and the guy was nice and cute. We ended up kissing a lot more than I wanted, and then I felt really guilty.

5 THINGS:

1) 1 thing you’re wearing: Hair clip, I can't stand to have my hair in my face.
2)1 thing you’ve done today: Made a yummy crab salad.
3)1 thing you’re bothered by: Disobedient children.
4)1 thing you can’t live without: DH
5)1 thing you do when you’re bored: I don't think I can pick just one. So, blog, read, clean, craft, bake.

4 PLACES YOU HOPE TO TRAVEL TO:

1) Cruise - anywhere
2) New York
3) Church History Tour
4) France

3 PEOPLE YOU CAN TELL ANYTHING TO:

1) DH
2) My sister txmommy
3) Heavenly Father

2 CHOICES:

1)Black or White? White
2)Hot or Cold? Hot, any day. I hate hate hate to be cold, especially when you put layer on top of layer and you just can't warm up. I'd take hot any time.

1 THING YOU WANT TO DO:

I would love to be able to take my family on a huge vacation. We've always wanted to do a Disney Cruise with the kids. It'd be fun to drive there and stop at different places on the way and then play at Disney World for a few days before the cruise. Someday!!

If you made it this far...Tag...You're it!

Catch Up Time

On Saturday T had his last basketball game. They didn't win, but he made a basket and was very thrilled about that. T really enjoys sports and is quite good at it. When we were getting ready to go to the game, M got a phone call and was asked to go play at a friends' house. I told her she could go and T got very sad. He said, "You are supposed to come and support me." So we picked up our friend and all headed to the game together. Everyone had a good time, except S who was sad that I didn't bring him any toys to play with.

That night we had some friends come over for dessert and games. We played

A to Z which is a very fun game. Then we were going to play another game, but we ended up just talking instead. We love playing games, and it makes it much more fun with friends!

Sunday we went to church, which is always very enjoyable. I wasn't feeling very good, so I came home and actually got to take a nap, which was very much needed. Our home teacher came over and gave a very nice lesson on testimonies. He is great and always makes sure the kids have an activity and can understand the lesson. Then my visiting teachers came over that evening. I just got new ones, and I think they are going to be wonderful. They are both great sisters who I look forward to getting to know better.

This week I've been busy with babysitting. Maddox was not feeling very good on Monday, so he was crying a lot, which made for a harder day. But he's much better now. The kids really enjoy having them here and they are all always so eager to take turns holding them.

Last night was pack night. DH actually got to come with us and I was very glad because T received his Wolf Badge. He worked very hard for it and has been anticipating this night for quite a while. He actually earned it a while ago, but the Cubmaster has been a little bit slow on getting the award to him. He didn't even stab me when he pinned me. This pack night was probably the most fun of all the ones they had. They had a bunch of activities on weather for the kids to do. They talked about tornadoes, and the kids got to make one. They made a thunder storm. Then, each kid got to make an anomometer (I'm sure I spelled that wrong), but it's an instrument that measures how fast the wind is going. They had word searches for everyone to do and then each person got a candy bar. It was nice to actually have a well organized pack night. In the past we haven't really had activities or anything for the kids to do, so it was a nice change, and I hope that they will remain that way!