Mar 21-27

Monday, March 21 - Kendra wants an "Inside Out" birthday party this year. Since she got the movie and I have never seen it, I felt like it was time to sit and watch it. Family Night!

 

Tuesday, March 22 - Happy birthday to my dear sis-in-law Alexis!! With her in mind, I went shopping! :) I am doing the cake for the shower and also making her a bow-holder so I thought these ribbons would be perfect. Can't wait for baby girl to get here! 

 

Wednesday, March 23 - Kendra had her second grade program today. It was called Going Buggy. It was super cute! We were lucky to have Grandpa Dave go with us too. I love my sweet nearly-8-year-old! 

 

Thursday, March 24 - I spent some time today getting ready for Saturday's shower. I finished the bow holder and added a few bows (so that she hopefully knows what it is when she opens it) and make the teepee to go on top of the cake. 

 

Friday, March 25 - Liz Merrill asked me a few weeks ago if I could help with Tommy's birthday cake. He had a super cute Star Wars theme so this is the cake we came up with. Liz had such a cute party for Tommy. I'm glad that, even though we moved away, these boys are still friends!

 

Saturday, March 26 - We had a very fun-filled day today! The girls and I headed out first thing to Alexis' shower. Annette threw a gorgeous shower for her! It was super fun and she got lots of nice things to welcome this sweet baby. Tonight, we went over to my parent's to dye Easter eggs. It was all sorts of fun! Of course, everyone ended up a few different colors (hands, faces, bellies) but it was so fun!! Katie brought Kam so we had even more grandbaby fun at the Howard household! :) 

Sunday, March 27 - Happy Easter! I just love holiday traditions! The kids got up and searched for eggs and baskets all around the house. We had fun going through these baskets and the ones Grandma and Grandpa Pearson brought over. We also spent some time talking to the kids about what Easter is and why we celebrate. It's very fun but Simon and I wanted to make sure they knew the reason we were celebrating. Tonight, we had another fun egg hunt at my mom's and all the kids ended up with some good pocket change to use. :) It's been a great week!

Mar 14-20

Monday, March 14 - You know when you wake up on Monday morning and think, "This is THE week! I am going to make this the best week ever!" and then you put a Diet Coke in the freezer to get a little slushie...to help with your awesome start-of-the-week-day...and a few hours later you remember you did that and it has exploded all over? Well then, the week starts with a very clean freezer!

 

Tuesday, March 15 - We kind of decided last-minute that we were going to throw the kids' family birthday party on Sunday so I quick took a picture of the kiddos and made an invitation. I'm kind of enjoying Photoshop now that I have a better understanding of what I'm doing!

 

Wednesday, March 16 - It's crunch time! I was recently called as the Enrichment Leader in Relief Society and my first activity is the R.S. Birthday Dinner. The organization of the Relief Society actually happened on March 17, 1842 so it's fun to have our activity on March 17. This picture is my first attempt at making "bakery frosting". I'll admit, it's pretty yummy! I made 80 cupcakes but do you think I thought to take a picture of even 1 of them? Nope!! :) It was a very busy day though getting ready for tomorrow.

Thursday, March 17 - It's true, what you lack, the Lord makes up for. I felt very overwhelmed going into this calling and activity. However, the food came together and was delicious, the speakers were beyond phenomenal, and the evening just came together! I am so grateful for everyone that helped but most thankful to Heavenly Father for showing me that I can do this. Even if I doubt, He doesn't and He helped me along this whole evening. I came home on a spiritual high! 

 

Friday, March 18 - A young man from our old ward was married so we attended the reception. If I'd have known how much fun we would have, I would have been there the moment it started! I LOVED seeing all of our old ward members and friends. It made me a little homesick for West Jordan. No one could believe how big the kids had gotten and I couldn't get over how much everyone else had grown. Stuff like this makes me feel old! I remember when Mikel Clarke was new to the young men's! Congratulations go out to him and his beautiful bride! Such a great night!!!

 

 Saturday, March 19 - This was our second annual "Grandma's Princess Tea Party". It was so darn cute! Mom made us lunch, served us tea (apple juice), and we watched our wedding videos. Both of the grandmas came and Katie (Kenny's new love). It was so much fun, I didn't want to leave! I love my little princesses so much!!

Sunday, March 20 - Cuz one party with over 25 guests wasn't enough for one week, I planned two!! We had the kids' "nautical birthday" party at our house. Amazingly, the weather was beautiful so we spent most of the time outside.The kids were spoiled, as usual. They didn't know this but we did a nautical theme because they were getting kayaks for their birthdays. They were so surprised! They loved them! We can't wait for summer now!!

Mar 7-13

Monday, March 7 - Jenni, BJ, and family are about to embark on a huge adventure. They have decided to put their house up for sale and build a brand new house! I can't wait to watch the progress and see their dream come true!

Tuesday, March 8 - I spent pretty much all day yesterday and today finishing my cards for card exchange this week. The theme was wedding/generic love so I did this doilie dress card and another with 2 matches that says "Perfect Match". They are fun but oh so much work!

Wednesday, March 9 - As we were standing on the porch talking to a neighbor, Ricki *almost* fell backward down the cement step. Zack saw what was about to happen so he ran forward to grab her. Just before he got to her, he tripped and fell right into her. He not only knocked her down on her face, he scraped up his poor little foot too. He really is a good big brother and was trying to help but this time was a major brother fail! She ended up with a skinned nose, a big goose-egg on her forehead, and a green bruise once the swelling went down.

Thursday, March 10 - Sweet little Chloe Hansen came over to play last Friday and fell going down our slide. I told her I was sorry she got hurt and sent her on her way out my front door. My heart completely dropped when I found out on Saturday that she had broken her arm! She hardly even cried!! Her reaction to a broken arm inspired a HUGE cookie...and nearly cost me my kitchen. My kids convinced me to bake the whole batch of cookies at one time on the baking stone for her. Like a good mommy (idiot!) I did it!! Thankfully, the cookie baked in enough time to take it out of the oven before the cookie that had spilled over the edges caught fire. Simon wasn't thrilled to come home to a house full of smoke! :) The cookie turned out good though!

Friday, March 11 - This was a noteworthy day! We almost never go with Grandma Howard anymore so when she wanted to take the kids birthday shopping, I took her up on it! We went to Deseret Book and to get Kendra her scriptures, Famous Footwear to get Nick and Kendra some shoes, then over to Crown Burger for dinner. It was so much fun to be with my Grandma. I hope we do it again soon!

Saturday, March 12 - Gary & Alexis were in town for a wedding so we took advantage of their time here and went to a Real game. It was so fun to be at the game and dinner with the adults (plus Henry). It's always nice to get uninterrupted visiting time with them. Then later, we took the kids to Dave & Viv's so they could see their uncle and aunt. It was overall a very fun day!

Sunday, March 13 - Happy Birthday Viv! We had Dave & Viv over so that Viv didn't have to cook on her birthday. We attempted the giant cookie again but this time, we only baked half of the batch at one time. ;)

Feb 29-Mar 6

Monday, February 29 - When she goes to bed with wet hair, she wakes up looking like cousin It. However, give her a quick hairdo and she looks like a sweet little princess!

Tuesday, March 1 - This post makes me a little sad. This is my final activity days with these sweet girls. I was called as the Relief Society Enrichment Committee Leader a few weeks back but I've been helping out with Activity Days until they find my replacement. Also, today's activity was cake decorating so I HAD to participate! :) I'm sad to say goodbye to this calling but thrilled about my new adventure!

Wednesday, March 2 - These kids and I had an adventure. We dropped the car off at Les Schwab to get the tires balanced and rotated then walked across the busy street to meet Kara at Cafe Rio. When we got back, the car wasn't quite ready so the kids enjoyed popcorn and drinks while we waited. I love those sweet faces with their little tiny sunglasses on their heads!

Thursday, March 3 - Girl's Night Out! My neighbor, Amy Erickson, invited a few of us gals out to dinner then ice cream. It was so fun to kick back, relax, and have a good laugh with these ladies. Plus, I may have found my new favorite restaurant - Cubby's!

Friday, March 4 - I spent a lot of time putting our books on the shelves in here. This room is really coming along. Simon just has to finish the baseboards then we can hang the pictures, curtains, and get a rug for the floor. Almost done...

Saturday, March 5 - Nick and I agreed that he wasn't having a big friend party this year. Instead, we did a "late night" (yep, that's what the kids are calling it nowadays). He invited these four boys over to watch "Pan". They had cupcakes, cookies, dipped goodies in chocolate fondue, popcorn, and a bottle of Sprite. It was a fun little get-together for this great kid!

Sunday, March 6 - Happy 10th Birthday Nick!! I just can't believe that my baby turned 10! It seems like yesterday that I was pregnant with him! He has turned into a smart, sweet, happy young man and I am thankful every single day that Heavenly Father blessed our family with him. I am also thankful continually that He allowed him to stay in our family after his sickness at a year old. We had a fun dinner at my parent's for him but his "real" party is coming on March 20. Happy birthday sweetie!
(P.S. This picture was taken on my brand-new (to me) camera! Yay!!)