Bursts of Sunshine

           Thought I would share a few bursts of sunshine from my day.
           I had the chance to start it off with a few hours up at the temple. I had an amazing experience there and was so glad I went. It was the perfect way to start a day, especially since when I awoke from a terrible nights sleep I was sure it would be a miserable day.
           What can I say. I love dandelions. They remind me of summer and although they are littering our lawn, I can't help but smile when I see them. So today I showed the girls how to make dandelion curls by throwing them in the pool that we filled up to play in. The kids thought it was just too cool.We've been enjoying the nice warm weather - getting sunburns. The girls wanted to get out the little pool, wear their swimming suits and enjoy the hot beautiful weather. Caitlyn wasn't too fond of the spraying water but enjoyed the little puddles.
           I had a chance to talk to one of my sisters and hear about her trip back east. I always enjoy talking with family.
           A night with some ScrapGirls sharing some of the Lord's tender mercies in our lives during our faith journey crop. I love being able to talk and share with these wonderful women around the world despite the different faiths and religions we practice.
           A few mintues to pull out some watercolors, and experiement with some ideas I have rolling around in my head.

Beautiful Days

           Last week a sister from our church ward stopped by with these gorgeous flowers with no reason other than just because she was thinking of me. It was so sweet of her. She's not someone that we have the opportunity to connect with on a regular basis. Her husband is the Stake President and has served in leadership positions for years and she has been the one to be on the bench taking care of her large family, and taking care of things at home while he fulfills his church responsibilities. There are a few other sisters in similar circumstances that I just felt a connection to or felt like they understood what it was like to wrestle your family by yourself while your husband was on the stand in his Bishopric calling or now as he is gone fulfilling his stake callings.
           She had noticed that I wasn't there with the kids for the Stake Easter Choir concert, and I admited that it was a battle I decided I didn't want to fight. Beau was singing in the choir with the young men from the stake, so I would be sitting with all of them by myself at the same time they are used to going to bed. I explained that we had been traveling all weekend and the kids were ornery. I felt it was better to end the day good, with everyone happy from our Easter Sunday, and getting to bed on time, than to drag them to the extra fireside that night. There I would just have to fight them, get frustrated with them because they had already sat through 3 hours of meetings and didn't want to sit through any more. I would leave frustrated, exhausted, upset and they would too.
           She completely understood. It feels good to know that other mothers know the battles we sometimes are going through. She made my day, and even my week every time I see those gorgeous flowers and knew someone had been thinking of me. Why don't I do that more often for someone else. I need to.Someone else also enjoyed them. :)Last week was our spring break and we were able to enjoy this beautiful white weather... needless to say it wasn't much of a 'spring' break stuck indoors all week. Luckily Saturday was beautiful. We had the chance to just hang out as a family, stack up on library books, run errands, get ice cream cones, get the garden ready, clean up and babysit for some friends of ours so they could go on a date. It was a wonderful day of enjoying the great weather.This girl would be escaping the house every minute if she could figure out how to open doors. On a good beautiful day if her siblings leave the door open she is gone. She loved being out on Saturday although it was a handful for mom and dad to try and convince her that dirt and rocks just aren't that good. We did not win the battle. She was convinced that they were the best things that she has ever tasted. Handfuls of dirt at a time. Whole rocks. Dirt never killed anyone right?Last fall right before the snow fell Beau finished up putting in a sandbox. We still need to dump a bit more sand but the kids are enjoying the chance to dig around, cook all kinds of incredible yummy meals and enjoy the sunshine. Right now we have gorgeous weather and they have been in that sandbox all afternoon. I've been able to sit out with the office door open, enjoy the fresh air, the birds chirping and warm weather with the kids oblivious to anything except their new little houses they keep building to live in.
           When all else fails and you can't convince the girl to not eat dirt, you lock her up in the wagon and feed her a graham crackers instead.Today has been a great start for the week. Despite my few hours of sleep, I was able to get my exercise and scriptures study in. So as of now the day is a complete and good day despite anything else that gets done. It's supposed to get up in the 80's this week. A whole week of sunshine... can anything get better than that! Beau mentioned yesterday that we just need to get me out in the sunshine for a few minutes every day. Hmmm.. the drastic change between the grumpiness/discouragement at the beginning of the week and the happy- life is so good attitude on Saturday must have made an impression. :) I admit it's true. I do so much better when I can get outside and be in the sun. Maybe that's why I loved Vegas so much. But little does he know that it was also because we finally had a chance to sit down and really talk... which sometimes is all I need too. Quality spouse time with a little sunshine added in.
           This week is going to be a good week. I can feel it and the birds are telling me from the tree tops.

Fast Trip

           Beau's family asked us to come for Easter weekend to spend time with all of his brothers and sisters in law. We couldn't make it the whole weekend, so we missed seeing half of the family. (Bummer... I was looking forward to hanging out with some sisters in law, and our niece.)
           Beau snapped this picture in the rear view mirror, while I was asleep and he was driving. Of course he declared to me how safe he was while doing it when I awoke.
           This little girl is getting too big too fast. She is just so much fun right now. She can stand up by herself for brief moments and has to be into everything. I can not keep her out of dirt. She eats fistfuls at a time, and keeps going back for more.
           A few random shots of us. I love Isaac's face! Why can't we all have that much happiness, excitement, joy and love for life all the time. We should. We have no reason not to.
           They are always excited to see the dogs. That was until 2 seconds after this picture was taken when Isaac laid on top of Beggin, causing him to let out a loud bark jumping up and scaring the living day lights out of him and Caitlyn.
           I have to admit, I'm not sure I would like to go back and live in Star Valley. But sometimes I go back where things are much slower, quieter and see all the space and wish I had a little bit more of that for my kids. There was no better place to grow up. I need that space, quiet, slowness and nature which I'm realizing more and more. Hopefully here in a year when Beau graduates we can be lucky enough to find something similar.
           There's something about boys and their bikes, trucks and big machines. Beau can't wait to go back home so he can get behind one of these bad boys and push around some massive dirt, snow or whatever is in the way. (I love that about you honey!) Savannah had to join in the fun too.
           I did tell Beau on the way home that maybe we should go home more often. It makes me fall in love with him all over again, and harder every time. He is a very smart, book, computer type of guy which is what I get to see here all the time with his handyman skills coming out here and there. But I love going back and seeing him in a whole different element. Out working, using farm equipment, riding motor bikes and interacting with his family. It makes me realize what a hard worker, talented, smart, amazing guy I ended up marrying. Really how did I get so lucky?
 

Eggciting

           It's that time of year that calls for a little Easter digital scrapbooking. I designed this one because I wanted something to scrap my kid's Easter egg hunts and dyeing eggs.
           Of course when I went to scrap a layout for the new collection I couldn't find any good pictures of my kids doing either. So that required that we take a LOT this weekend during the Easter egg festivities.
           I think we might have given Grandma's OCD a run for it's money by Isaac playing in the dye - turning him into the incredible hulk, and dumping over two buckets of dye all over the table and Savannah's new Easter clothes. :)

Great Idea!

           I  read an article at plumpudding.com where she shared this awesome embroidery idea. It's so funny too, because this weekend when I went to my mother in law's home she has all the plaster hand prints that her kids made for her in kindergarten, as well as her husband's when he was in kindergarten. I thought how cool it was to see all the different shapes and sizes of hands, wondering if every mom is destined to get one of these for mothers day. I'm not a lover of the plaster look, and so I loved the way these turned out. Plus I can definitely make some of my own from my children's hands before they grow up and in case I miss out on the plaster kind. :)

A Beautiful Easter Morning

           Happy Easter. What a beautiful Sunday morning it is. What a great time to remember how we are and will be nothing with out the atoning sacrifice our of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

           I'm so grateful for him. For the stregnth he gives me on a daily basis. For his perfect example. For his atoning sacrifice which makes it possible for me to repent and experience peace and joy. For the opportunity we have to overcome death, and for my family to be together as a family eternally beyond this mortal life. No matter what happens to us here physically, we will be together again. Nothing brings me greater peace admist all of life's challenges. No matter how hard, lonely or difficult life may be, in the end I know there is a God to support me through it all and his loving Son Jesus Christ who understands and can succor me. That ye may seek him out and come unto him to find rest and peace to your souls is my wish for you this beautiful Easter morning.

Crowned

           Like I've said... I've been having way too much fun crocheting. The girls were invited to a birthday party for one of their friends tomorrow and so we've been trying to come up with some handmade birthday presents to avoid spending any money. Using up what we already have on hand. I ran across this pattern on raverly. (Raverly is way too cool and way too addicting. There are too many cute things you can find on there.)
           So we thought we'd give it a spin and make one for a birthday present since Savannah informed me that her friend doesn't have very many crowns. I modified the pattern a bit and of course everyone had to try it once before we gave it away.
           There's something satisfying about picking very small projects to work on. You can do them fast and they actually get finished! Of course we're going to have to make a few more of these in endless colors. :) I thought they might be cute too with different felt shapes, or flowers sewn on the front, or even personalize them with some names embroidered on the front as well. We're hoping today we can finish up the other part of the present - play food.

Happenings

           We had a great weekend, and the last couple of days have been pretty normal. I'm definitely learning a few things about myself that I hope to share with you this week. As for today... I just wanted to get caught up on a few happenings around here.
           This last weekend we had a chance to get away to the park for a few days. We've been trying to find one that is not so busy and gives us a bit of nature too. We found a perfect one. It's got some great equipment, but it also runs right next to the Provo river. We played for a while and then enjoyed feeling a little bit closer to nature in the city by throwing rocks in the river and taking a walk along the river bank, where it leveled out. A perfect spot to return to regularly and have picnics.
           Caitlyn has found the enjoyment of swings. She just laughs and giggles the whole time. What can be better than that?
           Mirian is our latest chef. Isn't she just a cutie. She has got the best smile. She is making my favorite thing lately, sweet potatoes. I just dice them up, steam them in the microwave add a little butter and salt, and I can not stop! These things are way too good. I've never liked the Thanksgiving version... too much marshmallows, sugar and sweetness. (Although my husband believes this is the only way to cook them.) Give me my steamed ones, or sweet potato fries any day!
           I have really been having fun crocheting lately. For some reason to me it seems easier to do than knitting. If you wanting to try a new hobby, give this one a try. I have found some darling and amazing patterns that are just giving me the creative bug like mad. In an effort to be frugal I wanted some more colors of yarn besides my red, yellow and blue I had. Although I love these colors... You can't make a whole lot of pretty things with the primary colors, especially since they don't mix like paint.
           So we went to the local thrift store DI, and hoped they'd have some yarn on hand. We picked the right day. They had two huge sacks for $4.oo a bag, with a variety of colors, weights, etc. I didn't think it was too bad since the three largest spools you see would have cost me the same amount in the store. I've been creatively planning on how to use them all, and figure that if all else fails and the color just does not work or appeal to me, my kids now have another addition of cheap art supplies to get their hands into. What I'm really looking for is garage sale time and hoping for some estate sale or grandmother getting rid of her 50 year stash.
           We did have this combination of yarn in the sacks that I liked. I wanted to make some granny squares for a small baby blanket, with a matching stuffed giraffe in the yellow color.
So at night, in the car, and any break I can get I've enjoyed making up a few.

Frugal Tip: Heating Pad

           So we are trying to save money, cut back, use what we have and just become more frugal. So occasionally when I run into those frugal ideas I thought I would share them with you.
           The other night when Beau had his big back spasm, and was in severe pain, his brother told us to put some hot packs on him to see if we could loosen up some muscles. Of course we don't own a hot pack. It would take me way too long to go to the store to get one, and that would cost money which we were trying hard not to spend. So I resorted to a technique I learned years ago of sewing up a washcloth or hand towel in half, filling it with rice and then sewing it closed. You then put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and you've got one great hot pack.
           It worked great and helped him out a ton! Well he used it so much, and threw it in the microwave a little too long and burned the rice making the whole house stink, so I tossed it in the garbage thinking I'd sew up another one quick... well it never happened.
           So last night he's tossing and turning all night because he can't sleep because of the pain, which means I wasn't sleeping either. In the middle of the night I asked what I could do help him out. He asked if we had another hot pad anywhere? I said no - sorry. Did he want me to get up and make him one quick?
           He said no but I know in his mind he was thinking..."No I won't make you it's the middle of the night, but if you wanted to I won't stop you. I'm dying."
           The thoughts going through my mind were "It's the middle of the night, I don't want to pull out the sewing stuff and throw one together, I'm exhausted."
           So half asleep I'm thinking what can I use besides having to sew something up? I swear the Lord prompted me again, similar to Isaac's bean episode. I instantly had the thought - use a sock. A sock! Ingenious. I jumped out of bed, grabbed some socks from Beaus' drawer, went into the kitchen filled it up with rice, tied off the end, heated it up and was back in less time than it would have been to try to make one, or go to the store. It worked wonderful! It works better than the towels. So never again. If we need an instant heating pad, we're finding a sock.

St. Patricks Day

           I hope you all enjoyed your St. Patrick's Day.
           We started our day off with some green pancakes and green orange julius. The girls thought all day we should color all the food we made green. No offense but green food is just not that appetizing unless it's veggies.
           A while ago I decided we needed to celebrate a little more often. Just those fun spontaneous occassions, and what better way to spruce up your house than with a banner. I made a paper one for Isaac's birthday but it just didn't last long. I decided that I wanted something that would last longer and that I could just put up for every holiday or random celebration we wanted to have. I had a bunch of felt on hand so I cut out a bunch of triangles and then sewed some tabs on. I made about 4 of every color - I'm thinking now I should have had about 5 to space them closer together.
           We can then string up a variety of colors for various holidays. Red's, pinks, and white for valentines day. Here we have a couple variation of greens and gold for St. Patrick's day. Red, Blue & White for the Fourth of July. Birthdays I can hang up the theme color. If you had kids in sports and they won they're game or had a game day you could hang up the school colors. It's fun, and I can quickly hang it up the night before and the kids wake up excited about the day.
           Yesterday Savannah had her first night cooking with mom. I mentioned in another post, how we are going to take turns helping mom cook dinner in hopes of it helping them eat dinner better with no complaining. They also get to help choose what to cook, which helps them feel like they got to choose what to eat rather than mom always getting to choose. (We had a big discussion about that one night, when mom once again cooked something they swore they didn't like.)
           So we had Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner, which she did a really good job making. I finished one of the chefs hat from a free pattern. It made making dinner that much funner. Now I just need to finish the other two, before it's their night to cook.
           Our latest art show is our snowmen. We were practicing cutting out circles. Basic cutting and pasting. But I love how the same concept and steps lead to three unique snowmen.
           Beau got his MRI done. He called back to the doctor's office to find out the results. The nurse opened them up, looked at them and said he looks great and there is no problem! He should be fine. That didn't sound right to Beau since he's in lots of pain, the x-ray showed something, and the Dr. told him he was still going to have him see a back specialist. So he asked if was still possible to make an appointment with the back specialist. "If you really want to" the nurse told him. Which was only 3 weeks away for the earliest appointment. He's not sure he can wait that long. I'm positivie I can't wait that long.
           Then later the doctor called back to talk to him and told him a different story. There is something pressing on the spine, he does need to see the back specialist. 3 weeks away is too long, he'd see about getting him bumped up sooner. So now the plan is to take it as easy as possible, to see if we start getting any improvement and start feeling better. Then when we go in to the back specialist we know if we're going to end up in surgery.
           So until then, he's hanging out all day with us laying on the floor with pillows under his leg since that's the only position that feels right. The whole time I'm trying to convince kids that even though dad is on the floor, it does not mean he's down there because he wants to wrestle with you.