Leprechaun Trap...

When we were at my sister Jamie's house for our St. Patrick's Day meal (the day after) my nephew Dallin was talking about the leprechaun trap he made and how disappointed he was that he didn't catch a leprechaun. Up until this point I don't think my kids knew much about them. Maddy was really paying attention to what he was saying and decided he needed to make his own trap the next day. Notice the green shiny rock inside. I thought it was pretty cute but I think if anything this would scare a leprechaun away rather than entice one... all those creatures and such standing guard. I absolutely love the stages my kids are in right now. They are so creative and constantly pretending.

Saturday 3/19/11

New Years Weekend...

Over the New Years weekend Steve, Avery and I were pretty sick (Maddy was finally getting over it.) We weren't feeling up to much so we didn't go out on New Years Eve (Thursday.) We pretty much hung out and watched movies and TV. Steve and I both ended up falling asleep on the couch and finally made our way to bed at about 11:30 PM. As expected right at midnight fireworks started going off, kids banging pots in our street and the texts starting coming. We weren't sleeping yet so technically I guess you could say we stayed up to ring in the New Year.

Friday night our good friends Chad and Hillary were in town from California. We've been wanting to catch the local band "Broke City" with them for some time and it turns out they were playing in Salt Lake. So they asked if we wanted to go with them. We found a babysitter last minute and went. We got there too early so we decided to go to the "Melting Pot" and have some cheese and chocolate fondue. We always have such a fun time with them and had some interesting conversation. After we finished eating we headed over to the venue (Urban Lounge) and I think the band finally came on around midnight. Needless to say it was a late night and we didn't get home until 2 AM. The band did a great job and we really enjoyed the entertainment as well as the company.

Saturday night we decided to check out "Pirate Island Pizza" as a family. We planned an outing with my sisters Jamie (and family) and Stacy. Overall we had a fun time. It was a really busy night and I thought the food wasn't all that great. The kids LOVED playing games with their Dads while we waited to be seated and they got pirate hats and balloon animals. There was also some live entertainment which I enjoyed. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Yes Avery is sticking her balloon in her nose...

This was Steve and Maddy's favorite game. They got tons of tickets playing it. Maddy was excited to cash them in for his prizes.

I love how excited he looks in this picture!

Thanks Jamie (and family) and Stacy for a fun outing.

Sunday we still weren't feeling that well so we didn't make it to church. We all relaxed and watched some movies. One of which was "500 Days of Summer." I really liked it a lot and would highly recommend it if you haven't seen it yet.

Thanksgiving...

We had another great Thanksgiving this year! We hosted again and my parents along with all but two(Jen & Stacy) of my siblings were able to come. We had lots of yummy food and enjoyed each others company. Avery was napping when the above picture was taken.

Everyone else (except my Mom.)

The boys being silly as usual.

I had to post this. We were totally laughing and had our mouths full. Lets just say Jamie was pulling out quite the tricks and sound effects to get everyone to smile and as a result had everyone laughing. Jamie you've got skills!

My Mom brought Gingerbread Boy sugar cookies that my Dad made for the kids to decorate. They had lots of fun.

Avery couldn't get the cookie in her mouth fast enough.

This is how the guys watch football... somehow they always manage to catch some zzzz's while the girls are left to clean up.

Whatever Wednesday: Grateful...

Maddy made this at school on Tuesday and I just LOVE it! I just adore those little hands of his. I can't believe how much he is learning. He can already spell and write his name without any help.

I have so much to be grateful for. I am truly blessed! I could stay up all night listing everything that I have been blessed with-but instead I'm going to take advantage of one of my favorites... my warm bed. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to spend it with your loved ones.

*If you are bright and caught on that Maddy's left hand is on the picture twice (and not his right hand), it is because he "didn't want to get his bandaids dirty."

Happy Father's Day Steve!

I just want to wish the Father of my children a Happy Father's Day. Thanks for being such an awesome Dad! We love you so much!

Steve holding Maddy shortly after he was born.

Steve holding Avery for the first time. She was 3 weeks old and weighed 1 lb. 7 oz.

Happy Mothers Day...

I want to wish my Mom, Steve's Mom and all the other mom's out there a Happy Mother's Day! Here is a poem that I really like...

A MOTHER'S LOVE

A Mother's love is something
that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand.

~Helen Steiner Rice~