Easter and TJs birthday!

This year TJs birthday was on Easter.

It's one thing to have your birthday on a Sunday but it's another to share it with a holiday. It's easy to have your big day overlooked. We tried to make it special. We made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and decorated the house before TJ woke up.

We went out on a date Friday night. Of course we went to Goodwood to eat some fantastic RIBS! On Sunday we went up to his parents house for dinner. It was good food. Ham just the way I like it. Shredded not sliced. FLUFF. And of course TJs favorite lemon cake. We laughed a ton that night about everyones most embarrassing moments. Especially about Mona's Costco moment. That one tops them all. I was laughing so hard I was crying. Have I ever mentioned how much I love TJs family??

I had a goal this year to make my girls easter dresses. One of the reasons being that my mom sewed for us and thats one thing I will always remember about her. I want my girls to remember that about me (which means I better get sewing). Another reason being that how awesome is it that I have THREE cute girly girls who love DRESSES! I should take advantage and make dresses for them now before they won't wear anything I pick out for them. (I didn't make Tallies because she had a dress she loved and didn't want another, plus I made her a skirt)

I love getting together with all of the cousins and watching them play.

I LOVED going to my Grandma Betty Jo's house and seeing my cousins. It's sad that it's only a matter of time and a that certain age where seeing each other will be awkward and weird. Where "Playing" won't be "cool" and they will become strangers. At least thats what happened to me and Kristen and Breanne Hostetter. I cross my fingers that it won't turn out that way but I won't hold my breath. So we will enjoy it as much as we can NOW!

Lexi was a pill that night. She was extremely cranky and TIRED and would not eat ANYTHING which only added to the crankiness.

TJ is now 32!!!! I can't believe I met him when he was a mere 22 years old. I have LOVED seeing him age over the years. He has these tiny wrinkles around his eyes (probably only noticeable to me) and it sounds weird but I am so LOVING them. I love how he has aged and the wisdom he has gained and the life experiences behind him. I love that I have been around him and apart of his life for the past 10 years to see this change take place. I love the wrinkles because they show so much history for us. From young to old. Thats the direction I want us to keep going...together...to see our faces change some more.

Megan and Henry Shaw

P.S. we have been reading our scriptures together as a family for the past week and it feels really good. Things feel really good.

Ward brunch and easter egg hunt

Our ward had an easter brunch and egg hunt on Saturday. The weather wasn't the best but I thought it would be okay and so we walked to the church. TJ was able to go with us for a bit before he had to go to work so that was really nice. The weather started to get worse and we were all getting really cold. We tried to eat our food as fast as we could. Lexi just cried the whole time and before I knew it TJ was leaving for work. The girls had fun filling their baskets with eggs as I stood on the sidelines freezing and holding my crying Lexi. Worst part was we still had the walk home! So not fun! Next time I will think twice before walking.

Coloring Eggs

I always look forward to coloring eggs.

It definitely takes me back to my childhood and it's fun that I have my own kids to do it with now.

I know its a silly tradition that has absolutely no meaning when it comes to the real celcbration of Easter but I just can't give it up.

It is fun family time however and we do gain great memories so I guess it can stay.

I wish I had some pictures with Lexi in them but then again it was sooo nice to have her sleeping for such a messy project.

Field trip to Thanksgiving Point

This past Friday Tallie's Preschool went on a field trip to Thanksgiving point.

I went along to help drive the kids.

It could have been a nicer day weather wise but it definitly could have been worse.

The girls had fun and they were especially happy they got to ride the ponies.

Last time we attempted this they freaked out and I had to walk around next to Tallie holding her hand.

Chloe never got on her horse.

(my kids have never been a huge fan of animals. weird?? I have stopped taking them to the zoo because every time we go they beg to come home)

BUT THIS TIME WE MADE PROGRESS!

Tallie wanted no help of mine...

She got right on and told me to go away.

Chloe picked the biggest pony and I didn't even have to walk around with her.

Can we say WOW!?

So maybe we will attempt to zoo this year after all...

maybe

Easter Family Home Eveing

For FHE we read from the scriptures about the events that the Savior went through up until the Resurrection (not really sure how much the girls took away from that) but its always good to get them familiar with the language in the scriptures. We always end making "Resurrection Rolls" for our treat. The creasent roll represents the tomb and the marshmallow represents Christs body. When you bake it the marshmallow melts and the tomb opens up and shows that it's empty. Note to self: next year do not use generic marshmallows due to the fact that they don't melt like they should.

It's been a big issue in our ward and our bishop is really concerned that families are not doing the "basics". Basics being: family prayer, reading scriptures (both family and individual), weekly family home evening, individual and couple prayers. I admit we are not perfect in any of these areas. And we have decided together to really make an effort and build the foundation we ALL need in this crazy life to make our way back to our Heavenly Father. I am excited for this journey and for the new spirit that will be in our home.

Chloe funny : "mom can I have some lotion? I'm crumbly"

Happy Birthday Mona Bologna!

On Saturday we went up to the Monas to celebrate her 66th birthday!

It was a really fun party and a ton of fun to hang out with everyone.

Chelsea brought her new Fiance (who I met that night for the first time) and I LOVE HIM.

He is perfect for our family and perfect for Chels.

They came over the other night to play with the girls and Thomas had the girls just lovin' on him.

Since then the girls keep saying "I wish Thomas was here" and Tallie said "I want to marry Thomas" .

I had a melt down today. It's really hard living in Utah. Sometimes I feel like I never measure up to all of the other perfect mormon family all around me. Sometimes I feel like I'm lost in the middle of all of the "cookie cutter" moms. It's crazy the amount of extra stuff parents put their kids into. Dance, gymnastics, soccer, reading classes, art classes, cheer clinics, music classes, piano classes, multiple years of preschool and so on and so on. All of this starting before the age of 5!!! What happened to just play time? And the moms they cook, sew, run, read, knit, craft, blog, exercise, have girls nights once a week, make spectacular birthday cakes, have outrageous parties, over the top FHEs, teach their 3 year olds to read, blah blah blah. Needless to say its hard to stick to what I believe and create the life I want for my kids and not the life I see everyone else making for their kids. I just want them happy, well rounded and well loved by me.

Here are my little dirt lovers.

First thing Lexi does when she gets outside is head straight for the dirt.

Needless to say I change her clothes a lot.

And of course I just can't get enough of Chloe and her boots.

This week is spring break and although I don't yet have a child in "School" I thought I would still try and make the week fun and different from the rest. We went to the park, ate lunches outside, I took the kids around in the bike trailer, we went to Trafalga to play mini golf, played with a million friends, went to the Carl Bloch art exhibit, and today we went to the Lehi indoor pool. Tallie was especially happy because I let her invite her friend Elena to come with us. TJ and I even got in some yard work (I'm a dork because I LOVE YARD WORK!!). I just finished my hair color with Carol Soules and bright and early tomorrow I've got another color coming. It's been busy but fun.

Mother-Daughter Date

Today Tallie and I had a mother-daughter date.

I have been feeling lately that Tallie needed some one on one time with just her mom.

And she was sooo HAPPY!

She always wants to take pictures in the little photo booths they have at the mall.

So thats what we did.

She got to pick where she wanted to eat lunch too...Subway (one of her favorite places).

She brought along her purse full of quarters and she rode all of the little rides they have their too.

We ended the date with her picking out her favorite candy.

On our way out we took the elevator and we actually got stuck in it.

I seriously almost picked up the elevator phone to SOS but then the doors opened.

Thankgoodness.

It was a simple date that I'm sure we will remember for awhile and we both had fun.

I love my Tallie and can't wait for our next date.

I had to take a picture of one of my FAVORITE things that I NEVER want to forget...

At night the girls blow kisses to me and when I blow them kisses they shove them into their pockets. I LOVE it! plus who could NOT love little Chloe sitting on her top bunk?

My Brother

I love my little brother. I think we have always had a special connection. I knew he was coming to earth before anyone. We were good play buddies when we were young. It breaks my heart when the world and temptations get the best of him. He has always struggled. He lives at home right now and is attending a junior college. He is now graduating with his associates. That's HUGE for him and he is SO EXCITED! My dad wanted to surprise him and fly all the sisters home for his big day.

He went downhill. We won't be going home. His addiction got the best of him. He has asked my parents to help him get into an in-patient rehab center. I'm so glad that he is aware and WANTS to get better. That's the first step to getting there. They hope to have him somewhere this week. He has tried in the past to help himself and has gone to my parents for help before too. He has been in counseling etc.

Addiction is a beast.

And it took hold of my brother.

I'm so glad that he knows he can't do it himself and that he has asked for help. I hate that this will ALWAYS follow him and will always be tempting him. It will always be a day to day battle.

But I KNOW that with the right tools and with HEAVENLY FATHERS help we can overcome ANYTHING and most of all be forgiven of all our shortcomings and that we can be made whole again.

He never said it would be easy, only worth it.

Kindergarden registration...

Today I took Tallie over to Westside Elementary to register for kindergarden. WOW time FLIES! Well, kind of. Tallie just missed the deadline for school so she will be 6 shortly after the school year starts. I'm not complaining. I got to have her home with me longer and I have loved it. I'm excited that she is FINALLY going. Not really sad. 1st grade I will be sad... lets not talk about that.

I also signed Chloe up for preschool. I can't believe that her and Tallie will only be one year apart in school. I am the only one in my neighborhood of like 30 3 year old who did not send their child to 2 years of preschool. I HAVE NOT REGRETTED IT ONE BIT! I will miss having Chloe around. Why would I want to send her away any earlier than I have to?

Today I swept out the garage and cleaned out the inside of my car it was NASTY. The girls helped me wash the outside of the car. I better keep it in the garage because it is supposed to snow again this weekend. I can't wait for SPRING!

We were lucky enough to go snowboarding again for the SECOND time this season!! Wow! Before this year I have not been for 2 years, so this has been a dream! This time we hit up Brighton and man I love that place. It brought back a lot of college memories to go there again. Tessa and I would go to Brighton like twice a week back in the day. I rode all my favorite runs and even though it was windy and a bit cold it was soooo FUN! A guy from TJs work went up with us (which I was initially nervous about thinking I would be the slow third wheel) But because I have such a sensitive husband who is always aware of my needs I never felt that way and his friend even told TJ when I wasn't around that he thought I was good and was glad I could keep up and they never had to wait on me. That made me feel really good.

Today was General Conference and we woke up to snow. Really not surprised. I just keep telling myself that it's making my lawn green. There were some wonderful talks and It was neat to see the girls recognize President Thomas S. Monson the Prophet of the church.

The last couple of days have been nuts. I have had the runs like non stop and have felt so super nauseous. I have been laying on the couch for hours on end and my cute poor girls have had to fend for themselves. They made their own toast for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. Tallie even served up sliced cheese on crackers (she sliced the cheese herself). Last night I woke up all night to go to the bathroom and then I started throwing up. Miserable. Whatever bug I have needs to go AWAY! So I can get back to being a mom.