Holding-On

I'm just kinda tired right now. I need to sleep, but can't. My head cold keeps me from breathing. My heartburn keeps me from swallowing. My HUGE belly keeps me from lying on my back. So, I'm barely holding-on. Complaining, perhaps. Embracing, always. What does all this mean? I don't know, too tired to figure it out.

Austin was away for the weekend, so Saturday morning the kids ate cold cereal and doughnuts for breakfast while watching cartoons. Me? I sat at the table and ate a bowl of blow with blueberries, walnuts, and almond milk.

I took the girls to the BYU gymnastics meet on Saturday afternoon. We even purchased hot dogs, nachos, and endless refills of pop. It was all fun and games until I kicked the pop over and it leaked down on the belongings of the people in front of us.

Sunday I stayed home with Nick and Maddie -- they, too, have colds. We painted.

Today was the Blue and Gold Banquet. Andy and Austin won the cake decorating contest.

BFF

My best friend sent me the book, “Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley.” Actually I called her on her birthday and ended up crying about my failings as a mother. She quickly opened up her copy and started reading the uplifting life stories of Sister Hinckley. Before I knew it 80 minutes had passed. During all that time I had been crying, laughing, and preparing myself for the end of the phone call, for good things seem to always end early. But before I hung up she said that a copy of this book was on its way to my door, and two days later it arrived. It is a true friend who will buy you a gift on their birthday to lift your spirits and make your heart sing, a rare treasure indeed. (Ironically, she treated me the same way on my birthday, too. She makes everyday my birthday, each phone call leaves me feeling like a loved champion, a real hero.)

Nesting

I was searching baby names and felt a little guilty, because not only do we not have certain names in mind for our baby, but I haven't prepared one bit for his/her arrival. My reference said I should know a name, have the crib set up, and diapers stocked and ready to be used.

Uh, no name yet and no room for a crib. So, I relieved my guilt by buying some teensy-weensy diapers. Hooray! I do feel better now.

Sunday Geeting

Maddie ran into the primary room at the end of church and was jumping up and down; she couldn't wait to tell me the news: "Momma, I went to nursery, I colored a picture, I picked my nose!" Well done, Maddie. I am so proud of you!

(I tried to find her picture in my bag this evening to prove the post, but Austin said he threw it away. Oh, well. I can't wait to see and hear what she learns next week.)

Holy Macaroni, Batman!

Maisie wanted macaroni and cheese for dinner. I worked some "goggle" voodu magic and found: Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/baked-macaroni-and-cheese-cupcakes-recipe/index.html
I also made steamed beets and Waldorf salad: chopped apples, celery, and pecans with a sourcream/honey dressing.

So good! Kids wolfed it all down and begged for more. Your kids will love it! (Oh, I did omit the turkey....and also left out the tomatoes on Maddie's and Maisie's cupcakes.)

Valentine's Day

I Love! Love! Love! Valentine's Day.

Austin made a delicious breakfast.

Kids making their valentines.



Loving their school treats.



Decorating cookies. (Best year for cookies, ever. Please don't mind the green soup on the table. It WAS good...)


And, Shelly came to visit, and we LOVE Aunt Shelly!

Baby Coming Soon

I was feeling especially pregnant when I got dressed this morning in my work clothes -- I'm busting out of 'em! My choices are to actually wear maternity clothes, borrow Austin's, or just go back to bed and pretend my work will get done by the faeries.

Instead I got dressed in clothes that kind of fit and went to the temple.

Valentine's Dance

Last night Mom reserved her church, so we all came together to dance. I wish I had taken more pictures, but it was just so fun, that I didn't want to miss one moment of it. Ricky was the DJ, and Mom rented a disco ball and hung a black light to truly create an ambiance of love.



Afterwards we played ball and jumped rope.


We decided to do it again for St. Patrick's Day.

Random-ness

Saturday was filled with work, play, storage, and accidents.
Laundry-basket love.


Peking acrobats at BYU.


Additional food storage.


Nick's black eye.


Pictures of our week.