Just Some Random Fun Times

I am not sure why I don't blog as much. I do get on the computer, but I suppose I feel all the things we do are the same things we are always doing. Here is a random sampler of the past couple weeks:

We had a beautiful week full of sunshine, parks, and walks around the neighborhood. Since outside right now is a blizzard I am glad we have documented a little of the sunny times.

We headed down to BYU for their I Spy exhibit at their Art Museum. While it was disappointedly small, the kids had fun with their cousins. Especially when Uncle Josh met us at the park and played football with Ryan and Jonathan.

The kids and I decided to make our own I Spy collage. We ordered a poster size print that we'll hang in the hallway. It took up the whole afternoon and I think they did a great job!

Farm Country was a lot of fun with Tomie, Hattie and Maizey. The kids always love feeding the animals and riding a pony. This goat got a little too close for Annie's liking though. Ryan is getting older and loves to ride the "biggest" pony.

For our weekly playgroup we decorated boxes to look like cars and then this week we watched a "drive-in" in them. We were late to the church for the playgroup, so we decided to do it again today with McKenna. The kids enjoyed eating snacks in their cars.

As for me, life keeps me busy. I feel there are lots of things to be done and yet I just don't do them. I have started my garden-peas and beets-and hope they survive this little snowstorm. I have made more watch bands and love the creativity that flows while I try to create them (I am wearing my favorite in this picture). I am learning that my kids are happier when I play with them and include them in the things I do. While it takes away some of my "me time" and leaves the house messier (just look behind me), it makes the day run smoother. Greg and I are trying to get out amidst getting the basement done. We went on a date last weekend and thanks to some coupons we went to a dinner and a movie for less than we paid the baby-sitter. The drywall was delivered today and I am guessing Greg will start that project on Saturday. I am still awed that it is getting done so quickly.
The End of our Randomness.

Way Too Cute!

Some days Annabelle has "quiet time", other days it is referred to as "nap time". Today was one of those days when I knew she needed a nap, but I didn't want to fight so I told her it was "quiet time" so I could go cozy up on the couch and read while no other kids were at home. Eventually I noticed that it had gotten REALLY quiet and so I figured I should investigate. I knew that if she was awake I would be stuck and she would want to come out. I hoped that since we had spent the morning at Farm Country that she most likely was asleep and I had nothing to worry about. Luckily it was scenario #2, sort of. I was surprised to find her up here (though not the first time) and risked all of the peace and quiet by carefully laying her in her own bed. I was blessed and she slept for another hour and woke up as happy as can be. I love nap days, there is such a difference!

Having a Little Fun on St. Patricks Day

This year I decided to start a new tradition (thanks to my most read magazine, Family Fun). I told the kids that we were going to set a trap and try to catch a Leprechaun. The kids (boys) had a LOT of fun getting the trap ready, and were so excited to see what was under the basket the next morning. They were a little disappointed not to find a Leprechaun who would tell them his hiding treasure, but luckily the Leprechauns left little notes, tricks & treats, and best of all, some shamrock socks.

That was a surprise hit and the kids loved wearing them all day. While I guess I have set myself up for many years of traps and green milk (did it really taste different or was it just my imagination), it was fun to start something new and silly. Who knows, maybe next year we will get luckier.

On a less green but still Irish note, I can't wait for dinner tonight-Corned Beef and Cabbage. This is a favorite at our house and one of the easiest dished to make. If you haven't tried it, you should.

Happy B-Day Greg (but don't tell anyone)

Greg is a little anti-birthday. He repeatedly told me he didn't want me to worry about this day (though he said it would not have been OK to forget it-I am sure I will someday Jonie:). I of course wasn't alone in my wanting it to be a special day. The kids were all so excited for Daddy's birthday. They decorated the house, made a scavenger hunt and Nathan even made a funny game to play. Oh, and they even wrapped something up that I didn't even know about until the morning of. My contribution was to provide Greg with the things he loves: bacon and eggs for breakfast, new shirts to wear, and a Ruby River worthy steak dinner. And I can't forget the great smelling cinnamon cake for dessert-we LOVE this recipe Lindsey! Greg even insisted on not changing our scout meeting we had planned for tonight and so I promised not to tell anyone there (he said that was the best present). While it wasn't a glamorous day, I think Greg knows how awesome we all think he really is. Happy Birthday Honey!!

So Much For Spring

This was Annabelle at the park just last week.

And here is Annie today!

This is not unusual for this area, but it was definitely unwanted. Oh well, the kids had fun and I even pulled Ryan around in the sled a few times before I was too cold and needed the warmth of my home. Nathan tried REALLY hard to make a snowman. I feel bad that I am not more of a help, but he can do it better than I can.

While my flowers will probably die thanks to this March storm, I did enjoy them for about a week. Their bright yellow cheeriness brightened my day each time I drove into the garage.

And, in case anyone is wondering, we are at the insulation point of our basement project, or of Greg's basement project. With or without his dad, Greg has been doing an awesome job at getting things done. I am so happy and impressed with all the work he has done!

Blue & Gold Banquet

Every year the Cub Scout program puts on a Banquet for the families. Since Greg and I are both in the program we/I got to plan and prepare it. Luckily I had a great committee to bounce ideas off of and they were so great to show up and help get things ready. This was my first time trying to buy food for such a large group (120) and I was really nervous about having enough. I was so happy that everything turned out. The pulled pork sandwiches were yummy and everyone loved the root beer floats. It was such a relief to see everything working out. I hope all of the families had fun and enjoyed themselves. I'm just relieved that it is over.