Monday, March 2

We didn't have bowling today so we had a craft day at mom's. I finished up my Clover sign and started refinishing my family sign. I love my family decor but the person that did it (we bought it from Quilted Bear) did kind of a crappy job. I'm going to remove the paper, repaint it all, then put it all back together. 

Tuesday, March 3

This week is Dr. Seuss appreciation week so for preschool, the kids had a Dr. Seuss party. This is Zacky's preschool class this year. Aren't they cute!?!?! 

Wednesday, March 4

Grandma Howard took Jenni, our kids, and I to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Yummers!!

 Thursday, March 5

We got to watch Henry today while Ashley worked. Their normal babysitter is out of town so the family is taking turns watching him for the day. He is such a sweet little guy. He was a joy to have around. He and Ricki had fun playing and Zack was my big helper!

 

Friday, March 6

Happy 9th birthday Nick!! To celebrate, we went to Nick's favorite place for dinner: Herriman "Updated" Wendy's. It was fun to go out as a family and celebrate his very special day.

 

 

Saturday, March 7

Amie came over and sat at my bar, "Pieces", and helped me get ready for Nick's birthday party tonight. We had a pizza and movie party. I made homemade pizzas, loaded the boys up with treats in their hand-made (by Amie) movie boxes, and we watched "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day".  It was a very fun party and he got to have a bunch of his close friends here with him.

Sunday, March 8

Amie came to dinner at my parent's house tonight. We went through a big bag of clothes that Jenni's friend gave her. It was fun to try things on and we all kept a bunch of things that we liked.

Monday, February 23

Mom brought her cute new crocheting project to bowling. It's supposed to be a self-standing bag but I thought it looked an awful lot like an extra large Jamaican hat. I think I'll make one myself...in case I go to Jamaica!

Tuesday, February 24

Girl's Night! Us gals went to Applebee's for a catch-up chat session. We really got caught up on each others lives! ;) I just love and adore these great friends I have. I don't know how I got so lucky to have them as some of my closest friends.

 

Wednesday, February 25

My dear Amie and her kiddos came over to play/go through some legal documents. Weston and Nick had a super fun time playing the Wii while the girls played babies. Zack went back and forth between the two groups. It was fun getting the kids together.

 

Thursday, February 26

I got Gephardt! I have been disputing with Verizon Wireless since October and I'm tired of waiting for a response that never seems to come. So our local Channel 2 station came over, interviewed me, and is helping me dispute my trade-in phone problems. They filmed me and the kids for the news story. I can't wait to see it. Oh, and get my $200 back from Verizon.

Friday, February 27

I got a FitBit (pedometer and health-tracking band) on Tuesday after dinner with the girls. The goal is to hit 10,000 steps in one day. I was pretty excited when the band started vibrating and basically threw me a party for hitting the goal. Yay for devices that help with my health!

 

Saturday, February 28

We had SUCH A FUN NIGHT! We dropped the younger kids off at Dave & Viv's then took the older kids to Hale Theater to see Ghost: The Musical. It was SO good and the kids loved it! Afterward, we went to one of my favorite restaurants - Italian Village. The kids also enjoyed that. It was great to have this semi-alone time with the older kids and I know the youngers had fun too.

 

 

Sunday, March 1

Zack put his fireman hat on Ricki and she was very amused. She was pulling the cutest faces with her rosy little cheeks. Oooh, I just want to squeeze her!

Monday, February 16

Simon and the kids had the day off for President's Day so we decided to take a family hike. We are so fortunate to live at the base of these beautiful mountains, we need to take advantage of them more. This was about a 2-mile hike and the kids did awesome! It was a beautiful (February) day...perfect for hiking and family time.

 

Tuesday, February 17

Tonight was the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet. I can't believe this kid has been in scouts for an entire year! He's growing up so fast!

 

Wednesday, February 18

Today was my first day babysitting this cute girl, Klare Little. I'll have her on Wednesdays and Fridays for the next year or two. She is so sweet and fun to have around!

 

Thursday, February 19

We went to parent-teacher conferences for Nick and Kendra tonight. I just can't get over how pleased I am with these kids. Nick is doing amazing! His teacher wants to take him home and keep him as her own. :) He's on an accelerated course in reading, writing, and mathematics. He's a sweet kid who includes everyone, is respectful to those around him, is focused, and attentive. We got an amazing report from Mrs. Fay on Nick. Then it was Kendra's turn. Her teacher, Miss Lockwood, had nothing but wonderful things to say. Kendra went from being right on grade-level in reading at the beginning of the year to reading just 1 level below a 3rd grade reading level now! She's happy, kind, thoughtful, and motivated to learn. She absolutely loves Miss Lockwood and is completely wrapped around her finger. I couldn't be more thankful for this school! There are always parents in the classrooms helping out and the teachers are some of the best in the district. I also feel that we have, hands-down, the best principal...possibly in the state. He is so amazing!! I have been so impressed and owe them so much. They are truly helping to shape my kids' lives and I am so thankful!

 Friday, February 20

When the cat's away, the mice will play. :) Simon went to the Klondike Scout Camp so the kiddos and I went to Wendy's for dinner. It was super fun being with them and hanging out.

Saturday, February 21

Happy 35th birthday to Jeremy Olsen! We went to a fun bowling party at the new Delton Lanes in Riverton with a bunch of fun ward friends. I am so glad we have this group of friends to hang out with. We have really enjoyed this awesome ward!

 

Sunday, February 22

We had dinner at Grandma and Jim's then went to a fireside featuring the BYU Young Ambassadors. They were AMAZING! I loved every moment hearing them sing and share their beautiful talent with us. We want to get them to come to our stake for a fireside.

Monday, February 9

For most of our marriage, I have been good about going through our 72-hour kits every 6 months (while I watch General Conference). However, since we moved into this house, I haven't gone through them once. We purchased some new emergency backpacks (they rock!) and I finally went through everything and updated our food and clothing. The only thing I need to go buy is water. It feels good to have it done again and not have to worry about it for a while.

Tuesday, February 10

My poor boy woke up with a stomach ache this morning. I was hesitant to keep him home not knowing how sick he really was. Well, he proved how sick he was when he started throwing up. I already had plans with Grandma Howard so I dragged him to West Valley and he laid on grandma's couch while we went to Costco. He was miserable though so I cancelled my plans for the rest of the day in favor of staying home by his side. Big thanks to Dave & Viv who drove Kendra to gymnastics so that I wouldn't have to leave Nick or make him come with us.

Wednesday, February 11

Nick woke up feeling great so he ran out the door all excited to be going to school. It was Kendra's turn to throw up and stay home sick on the couch all day. I don't know if it was "Man Flu" vs. "Girl Flu" but Kendra didn't seem nearly as sick as Nick was yesterday. She did throw up a couple of times but between bouts of stomach pain, she seemed okay. We still didn't leave the house or do anything though. I needed to shop for Bunco prizes but between her being sick, Simon working, then having scouts, I didn't go anywhere.

Thursday, February 12

Everyone was finally healthy today so the big kids went to school, Zack went to Jenni's to play, and  Ricki went shopping with me. We bought Bunco prizes at Hobby Lobby with no time to spare. We did make the deadline and I was all ready for Bunco. This is a picture of Amie, her work friend Kayla, and I at Bunco at Jenni's house.

Friday, February 13

The kids had Valentine's Day parties at school today so I've been working for the past couple of days to get this all ready for them. The top pic is Nick's Valentine's Day box, the left pic is the teacher gifts we did for all three kids' teachers, and the right is the Starburst Valentine's treats we gave out. I love the day of love!

Saturday, February 14

Happy Valentine's Day! Simon had to work so I used that free time to clean the entire house. It felt good to get it done in a short amount of time (I think it took about 3 hours). I told the kids that if they helped me, we would go to the park. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed every minute of our two-hour park adventure. Later this afternoon, dad came and did his annual Valentine's Day gift drop off. I LOVE this tradition! It's so fun that my daddy goes out and buys us kids a gift each year. He sets it on our porch, rings the doorbell, then runs. So fun! This is my new Aero sweater he gave me. Then tonight, we got a "Heart Baker" pizza from Papa Murphey's and watched a movie. It's been a great day!

Sunday, February 15

How have I not painted her nails yet? Look how sweet her little nails are!! Kendra and I tried to paint them when she was awake but it didn't work at all so I got her to sleep then finished up. Kendra and I also got St. Patrick's day nails. I love having girls!

Monday, February 2

I'm just in love with this cute face! He keeps me on my toes and I absolutely enjoy having him here with me. Especially since the big kids are back in school full-time. 

Tuesday, February 3

I have a funny Chick-Fil-A story. Grandma Sharon & I got together today for lunch at CFA. When we were almost done, in walks Jenni, Grandma Howard, and the kids! It was Howard-girl/Grandma day at CFA in The District! So funny! I also went with Gma Sharon to Target to get birthday gifts for Jenni's girls. It was a fun day!

Wednesday, February 4

I have the best BFF in the world! I wanted to go to an essential oils class tonight but Simon had Young Men's. Amie met me at the library and took ALL FOUR of my kids home to watch them so I could go! It was such a nice break and so sweet of her to be willing to take all of them!

Thursday, February 5

This was a pretty rough day. I spent much of it on the couch due to a migraine that hit me out of nowhere. The one thing I did get done before the blinding searing pain hit was making baby food. I love making Ricki baby food out of wholesome and healthy fruits and vegetables. I truly wish I would have known how easy this was with Nick and Kendra (I started making my own baby food with Zack). I love knowing that she is only getting pure vegetable puree mixed with a little filtered water (when needed). The major bonus to me is that this baby food actually tastes like real food so the transition from this to normal eating is minimal. LOVE IT! 

Friday, February 6

I finally got a picture of a beautiful sunrise! This was after an amazingly difficult run with the gals. I must be coming down with something because I've felt under-the-weather ever since yesterday's migraine. I walked more today than I have on the other runs and honestly didn't think I'd make it! I did though and I'm glad I was blessed with this sunrise at the end of it. It was my consolation prize for surviving. 

Saturday, February 7

This is my typical night. Everyone sound asleep and me still up, watching the news and getting a few things done while the house is quiet. 

Sunday, February 8

Happy birthday Princess Halle & Princess Brielle! We had lots of fun making her cake and even more fun at their awesome birthday party on Sunday night. 

Monday, January 26

The kids discovered our home movies today so after school and tonight for Family Night, we watched home movies. We watched the ones from when Nick was a baby up until Zack was born. I found out that, even though it's been over 8 years, I can't watch footage of Nick in the hospital when he was a year old. It's just so sad!!

Tuesday, January 27

Mom hired me to help put together anchor necklaces for her upcoming "New Beginnings" program. I am making 35 of these cute necklaces on cards that she printed. I got them done today with not a moment to spare (the activity is tomorrow night).  

Wednesday, January 28

I was hoping to catch a shot of the sunrise. However, the sun doesn't come up until about 7:25 at this time of year and I was walking home around 7:10. This is day 1 of *hopefully* a lot of running. I met up with Erin Coles and Jessie Price. It felt great to get out in the fresh air, get my heart rate up, and have some girl-time with some of my favorite gals. I also learned that I can run almost 4 miles, with a bit of walking up hills. :) Here's to the healthy start of something new!

Thursday, January 29

We had a home day today so I didn't really think to snap a pic. However, I found this little gem that Nick captured of him and sweet Ricki. Don't mind that she's wearing blue. In the middle of the night, I don't really care what color her super warm sleep sack is. :)

Friday, January 30

We're wallpapering! (Sorry mom, I know wallpaper is a four-letter-word.) My kind mommy came over, despite her disdain for wallpaper, and helped me put brick wallpaper up in Zacky's firetruck room. It's coming along but I can't wait to put up all the adorable firetruck decorations we have!

Saturday, January 31

Halle invited everyone to "yunch" at "Chick A Way" for her birthday. It was super fun being together and nice for me since Simon worked from 9:00-2:00 then had Priesthood Session of Stake Conference from 4:00-6:00. We had a nice time together at the adult session that started at 7:00 though. 

Sunday, February 1

Happy Birthday Little Miss Halle! It rocked that Halle's birthday fell on Super Bowl Sunday! We had one gigantic football birthday party at my mom & dad's. Good food, good conversation, good entertainment...what more could we ask for?!?