Spring Break

Last week both the kids and Austin were home.  We played, worked and slept.

Rock climbing and swimming.

 We hiked the Natural Bridge.

 We hiked Doe Mountain.

  Traded in our lovely Suburban, because 8+1=9, and she only holds 8.

Meg helped us celebrate her created holiday.

 Austin wore this wig on our date to Subway and Walmart.

We hiked Cow Pie Trail.

We went for ice cream, twice.

After two years I finally bought my boys new church digs.  Eddie's was too big, so his arrives this week.

Maddie and Maisie raided the buckets for new church attire.

No buckets for Meg, she's the lucky one.

Caught

Monday's post was sure pathetic, but so true.  Here it is a week later, and all those silly failures have amounted to successes.

First, my load was lightened thanks to my friends, they caught me in their loving arms.  Yes, shocking.  I have friends.  You know, the kind that know you're going to be at the park, and they don't make excuses about coming.  The kind that throw you a 7th baby, surprise baby shower, because they like you.  Because they give you the most practical gifts ever, diapers and wipes, then top it all off with homemade muffins, doughnuts and pasteries.  These are the kind of friends that I learn from, love much, and gain strength.

Secondly, the science fair had a surprising upturn. Andy took third place for elementary.  Which means, that Austin has to make good on his promise: He said that I didn't have to do another science fair until I won.  And, I did.  Best part, Andy let his friend take the board home (the same friend that didn't come to help, i.e. did nothing) so I don't have to store that clutter.

Thirdly, I'm potty trained via Ed.  He goes potty every time I take him, and the past three days have only totalled in three accidents.  Whoop!

Fourthly, I was super clever and copied a pinterest idea to celebrate Andy's half birthday this week.

Fifthly, this is the last one, I promise, my baby is so healthy.  Heavenly Father has given me an identity and purpose in which my role as mother is my highest priority, and I know it.  Baby #7 is coming soon, and I just can't wait.

x

Failing

My weekend had but one UP -- we were able to attend the Gilbert Temple Dedication.  I went with Maisie, and she squealed and chirped and couldn't wait to use her white handkerchief.

The DOWNS came in multiple varieties:
Look at this lovely home-made-whole-wheat toast.  Burned.  Luckily I was smart enough to rush it  outside.

I am trying to help Eddie go potty on the potty.  Not working.

Andy's science fair project was turned in an hour late (thanks to the Wal-mart crusty-old pharmacist), I have no idea how many points he'll lose.  Next near I will allow my two younger scientist to "opt" out of their science fair assignments;  i.e. they will take the "0" and the "C" grade at the end of the term.  Then, they will have a nice mother.

Whole Bunch of Nothings

This week whizzed by, especially since we arrived home Monday night.  I did manage, however, to sew a bit.

I turned two burlap bags into holiday runners for my entry and kitchen tables, because I can't find St. Patrick's Day table toppers anywhere. (I also made three hooded towels and embroidered AHA shirts).

Austin was out of town in San Fransico so I had quite a few bed fellows (though they took turns in my bed.)

I made up this game for Ed -- he used medicine cups to fill each of the egg holes, then decorated them with rocks and sticks.  It was a great game.

 Here we are after church.  Eddie slept in the corner of the primary room the last two hours.

My children who fasted "oohed and aahhed" about the delcious crockpot feast I prepared for lunch.

Right now Meg and Maisie are making cup cakes together -- Meg is picking out Maisie's accidental egg shells.  We are counting down the hours until Austin gets home.

San Diego

Austin planned the most perfect vacation for President's Day Weekend -- we went to San Diego.
Thursday morning we spent in the car and stopping at scary gas stations.  Luckily the entire afternoon at the beach made up for it.

 Friday -- Valentine's Day -- we ate delicious pancakes and opened a few little gifts.  The rest of the morning was spent at the zoo, followed by an afternoon at the beach.  Evening found Austin and I walking hand-in-hand along the beach, sipping hot chocolate and reveling in the hour together.

Saturday we were off to another state park -- Cabrillo.  An afternoon of tide pools and soft sand finished it all up.

Sunday we attended church and headed to the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center.

Monday we visited Midway -- an aircraft carrier filled with exploration.  Home again that same evening, wondering how I always manage to bring home to same amount of food as I took.

Everyday was a beach day.  Every night was ice cream and the Olympics.  What a wonderful vaction.  5:30 cam around early this morning, consequently, I'm ready to do it again this weekend.

February Favorites

My blog has become a place to record things I just don't want to forget.

 Eddie holds his pencil correctly (this might be a repeat, oh, well.)

 Last weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa B. in their new Southwestern home.  It was delightful

 Our weather dripped way down into the love 50's.  Hot chocolate was a must.

 Eddie uses his little toes to grip the top of the cabinet while he washes dishes -- he'll be a rock climber soon enough.

Andy made a penguin center piece, a chocolate bundt snake, and brought a pot of soup to his Blue and Gold Banquet.  

He led the flag ceremony.

 Maddie climbs in our bed on weekends and plays Sugar Crush with Austin.

I iron five people out the door every day.  Yet, I wear sweats all day.