Monday, March 16
I was pretty happy when my FitBit started buzzing at 9:13am because I had already gotten my 10,000 steps! Oh the many joys of going running first thing in the morning. I usually get between 8,500-9,000 steps on our 4-mile run. I ran errands before bowling today and bought myself a sweet running headband (which I LOVE!) and a new trench coat (which I have been looking for for months!). By the end of the day, I was over 20,000 steps! Yay for Mondays!!

Tuesday, March 17

First of all, Happy St. Patrick's Day! That is why everything at scouts was green. And could I be more proud of my sweet boy? He got his Wolf badge today. I am so thankful for all of the amazing leaders that have helped him on his scouting journey this last year and made this advancement possible. I am also thankful for Nick and his motivation to do what is right and earn these great advancements. Happy mommy right here!

Wednesday, March 18

I got the great privileged of going to eat lunch with my kids at the school for Nick's "birthday lunch". It's quite a production there. They have the Chick-Fil-A cow come, hand out CFA cookies, and goodies to all of the birthday kids from that month while their parents and siblings eat lunch with them. So cool! 

You may also be wondering why Nick has a Harry Potter lightening bolt on his forehead. This week is Fantasy Week for the whole 3rd grade. Nick's teacher went 100% above and beyond to make this "The best week ever!" (-Nick's words). Her whole classroom is decorated to the hilt with Harry Potter and they even each got HP wands, glasses, and sets of potions to bring home. Have I mentioned how awesome I think Mrs. Fay is? Seriously, she is wonderful!

Thursday, March 19

Tonight we had our first card exchange night. It was so much fun! The ones on the bottom are mine and we had about 10 other gals come and do the exchange. I love exchanging cards so this should be a fun new adventure!

Friday, March 20

This is the best thing that happened to me today. Alone time. I got to sit on the computer, check out some Facebook since it's been weeks since I've been on there, and read some articles that I've been wanting to get to. I love my family but I also love some alone time to rejuvenate.

Saturday, March 21

3 words: Princess - Tea - Party!! Mom threw this super fun party for all of us princesses. We started out at mom's house for adorable finger foods, "tea" (apple juice), and games. Mom then surprised us by taking this whole clan to the movies to see Cinderella. It was such a wonderful day spent with our daughters, sister, grandmas, and mom. These are the types of days that my girls and I will remember forever. Thanks mom!!

Sunday, March 22

Zack was asked in our Ward Conference to play the part of Goliath in Sharing Time. Isn't he the cutest Goliath you've ever seen?!?!?? Love my Zacky boy!

Monday, March 9

Simon got a free Redbox code today so we rented "Mockingjay: Part I". We really liked it!

Tuesday, March 10

 I thought about taking Ricki to the doctor yesterday but she woke up so happy and chipper, I decided to wait. We had a really bad night and she ended up with a fever after having this cold for 4 days so I took her to the Pediatrician that is really close to our house. Poor baby has double ear infections and RSV! No wonder she's had such a hard time sleeping this past week.

Wednesday, March 11

Jenni just started watching a very newborn baby at her house so with Ricki's recent diagnosis, we were cordially un-invited for lunch (which I TOTALLY agreed with). So...I called Grandma and Jim and we went to Chick-Fil-A. It's always fun to be with them!

 

Thursday, March 12

Mom took all of us swimming tonight. I didn't swim because of Ricki being sick but she and I watched from the side while Simon, Mom, Jenni, and the other 7 kids did. I can't get over her beautiful blue eyes and long long lashes. :) Thanks mom for a super fun outing! My kids always look forward to it!

 

Friday, March 13

Jenni and I were feeling adventurous so we took the kids to the Lego display they're doing at the Fashion Place Mall. It was actually really cool! Afterwards, the kids and I met Simon at Doug & Liz Merrill's for a yummy dinner. It was a very fun afternoon and evening but of course, I forgot to take a picture at the Merrill's house. 

 

Saturday, March 14

We've had unusually warm weather these past couple of months. I'm actually pretty worried about our water supply for the summer. However, I just can't complain in the middle of March when all of my windows are wide open and my plants are starting to get little green sprouts. I have a hard time with winter so when summer is on it's way, I get pretty excited!

 

Sunday, March 15

Once again, I failed to get the picture I really wanted for today but how cute is this one instead!?!? This is Ricki's "side pony". :) Kendra wasn't feeling well so us girls stayed home from church. Tonight, we had Dave & Viv over because Viv's birthday was on the 13th and we also invited Sue & Roy. Sue said she was going to get a "little birthday cake and some ice cream". Ummm, she showed up with a Costco cake and two cartons of ice cream! It was so fun having everyone over. We just wished Ryan and Ashley could have come too and made it a big ole party!

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!