Accomplished

Today I completed a goal. One goal. But a goal none the less. (Drum roll please...) I read the entire November 2009 Ensign (conference issue) this month to prepare for general conference this week end. My favorite talks were Elder Bednar's, Sunday morning session, and President Monson's, priesthood session. Each of the talks helped me to maintain my testimony of the fulness of the gospel and encouraged me to be better.

Faux Egg Hunt

Something that I will always laugh about is the time we were visiting Grandma Goodell around the 4th of July, and she hid empty Easter eggs around her yard. We had a fun time finding them, although the eggs had nothing in them.
Austin created a similiar experience Saturday afternoon. Due to the rain, the community egg hunt was cancelled. So, Austin hid 120+ empty eggs around the yard and the kids hunted. It was so much fun the first time, that he hid all the eggs again and the kids hunted a second time. The best part is that he went and bought a bag of candy Saturday night so he could hide filled eggs; the kids hunted for them yesteday afternoon (I was not home during Sunday's hunt, I went to the Messiah at Bethany College).

 

 

 

I'm sure the kids could have hunted again, but it really was cold.

Piping Project

Here it is! The follow-up post about piping. Here we have a pajama top for Meg. Please notice the piping around the collar and pocket. Also notice the puffed-tulip sleeve, buttons, and holes to secure the front two sides. Please do not notice the hanging strings (soon to be clipped), rumpled right collar, and messy pocket (on which I did spend more than an hour). My first patterned project in ten years, and because it will be worn only during the dark hours of the day, I will claim it as my work.

 

Pants to follow this next week.

I Pipe!

Tonight our RS had an instructional sewing activity. I learned how to sew piping. I love sewing! (Of course I will post pictures of the finished project.) The best part is that Austin is home tomorrow so I get to sew more. Two sewings days in a row. A happy girl am I.

Busted Bracket

Blast my bracket!

UM, KU lost today. Just when I was feeling like I had a connection with a home team, and they lose. Rock Chalk, Jay Hawk, KU, NOTHING!

I had KU taking it all. There go 5 points. At least Austin predicted the same results with his bracket. Red and Blue are dead to me.

March Maddness

An insensitive wife might consider March Maddness to be quite maddening, due to the constant desire her husband has to watch ESPN. However, this wife, I, fill out a bracket each and every year with true hopes that I'll win. Let's just say that I'm up 25 games to his 22. WOOT!

Spring Break

Last year our tradition started of heading to Utah for spring break. This year that tradition ended, due to the upcoming wedding. Not wanting to spend the entire week working, the children planned one major activity for each day. Here are a few of our favorites.
We dyed about 75+ eggs. Yes, they are raw. Not one casualty.

 

Swimming at the YMCA.

 

Roller skating at Starlite.

 

Spring break over -- we awakened to blowing snow this morning.

 

Goober Peas

While fixing supper this afternoon I placed Maddie in her exersaucer, knowing that she would last only so long. To my surprise, she was happy for at least 35+ minutes. Attributing her happiness to the affections of her sibs, I let her be happy. A few moments later, Meg asked me, "The baby has something in her mouth. What is she chewing on?" A careful finger sweep revealed 5 peanuts rolling around on her tongue. Three facts I know for sure. One, Nick fed my baby whole peanuts. Two, Maddie is not allergic to peanuts (Only time will tell. Perhaps the next time Nick shares hus snack she just might suffer from anaplylactic shock.). Three, Maddie's guardian angels closely watch over her.

 

Our picture after church today.

Really?

Comments from my Peanut Gallery

Maisie (shouting in the DQ booth): “Ew, gross. Mom, why does that boy have an earring in his ear?”

Andy (yelling through my closed bedroom door): “A dog is in our house running around the couch.”

Nick (while tucking him in tonight): “Let me show you where my barf is.”

Meg (moments later from her bed): “What color is the barf? Does it smell? What kind of chunks are in it?”

Austin (while pouring milk at the dinner table): “This soup looks like it’s just been fertilized. I wonder what color it will make your potty.”

Really? All of these questions and comments in less than 2 hours. No wonder I’m crazy.

I was hoping for these alternatives.

Maisie (nicely whispering in the DQ booth): “Mom, thanks for the ice cream. I sure love being with our family. Especially because recreational eating is delightful.”

Andy (yelling through my closed bedroom door): “Mom, the neighbor’s dog was outside while you were feeding the baby, so I resisted the urge to open the door and say hello.”

Nick (while tucking him in tonight): “Dinner was so good. My tummy feels just right because you prepared a perfectly balanced meal.”

Meg (moments later from her bed): “Mom, thanks for helping me sew my stitchery and allowing me to read all afternoon. My book is getting so good. Oh, how I love to read.”

Austin (while pouring milk at the dinner table): “Nice wife. You have outdone yourself today. I can’t wait to try this sweet pea soup and lovely Panini. How good of you to spend time pouring through Everyday Food mags to plan our meals.”

 

The DQ proof -- our first time eating in a booth at DQ.

 

 

Rockin' the Rink

After a little research on our skating rink, I found that the first Saturday of every month is retro night. I convinced Austin to dress up and take me skating. We had a blast and actually learned some new tricks -- skating on four wheels (the front two wheels of the back skate and the back two wheels of the front skate), skating backwards, and we are learning how to skate sideways. It's a good thing our tricks need more practice, because we are headed back in May, 50's theme, to once again rock the rink.

 

A special thanks to Stefanie and Jason for finding the fun in dressing up and skating (our little group of four were the only ones who knew it was retro night and dressed up). And to the Perry family for babysitting the kids.

 

 

A final shout-out to all my faithful readers -- join our roller party Saturday May 1st, 7:30-10pm. Ladies wear a poodle skirt, and gentlemen roll the sleeves of your tightest white t-shirt.

Snapper

No, not the fish. Nick -- The Snapper.