Wednesday, February 10, 2010

He's Done it Again

I got an early Valentine's present from Mark this week: A new desk for our home office! (Which of course, he built himself.)
I didn't take a "before" picture of the office, but believe me when I say it was hideous. I am now enjoying computer-time just that much more. Thanks Mark.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

. . . the darnedest things

Last night during family prayers, Millie prayed, ". . . and please bless me to always be beautiful." I tried not to laugh at her vanity, but I couldn't help it!

And here's Ivy with another funny:

Friday, January 22, 2010

The 4-year-olds' Circus

We just finished hosting another week of preschool at our house. Where we learned all about the circus.
Complete with a big top tent over the table.
On the last day the kids got to pretend to be in a circus. I had these pictures taped around the room and at each station they got to perform a different circus "act": jumping through a "flaming" hula-hoop, walking a tightrope of tape, juggling scarves, making human letters (below), and tying balloons. It was great fun. And feel free to comment on my remarkable Crayola coloring skills. (My hand ached when I was finished!) And if you likey, visit freecoloring.org.
And although I did not come up with many of the ideas on my own, I'm still very proud of myself for successfully replicating them. Now I only have 3 more turns to go.
Below is a video of the juggling act. It doesn't take much to entertain six 4-year-olds.

It was my mother-in-law's birthday on Wednesday and we partied in the snow. Well, everyone but me who didn't bring snow boots. So I played photographer from the sidelines and experimented with my camera's black and white setting. (That's Mark lying in the snow, by the way.)
After the snowman was (painstakingly) built by Trent. We all went inside to warm up with treats and karaoke.
Millie's Uncle Trent treated her to her very first snowball fight. It was pretty funny watching her wait her turn to take a hit. Enjoy!

Homecoming

Three cheers for me! I have reached my 100th post! But this post isn't about me, so I'll move on.
Mark's youngest brother, Trent, returned from serving in the Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh mission last week. And we all went to the airport to welcome him home.
We got there pretty early and the kids were getting a little restless by time Elder Weston finally appeared on the escalator. Luckily Mark's a good sport.
The posters were Barbara's idea and she supplied all the grandchildren with poster boards. I hope Trent appreciates all the effort that went into those things :)
Afterward we all drove to Brigham City and had dinner at Maddox. After the meal Trent posed with all his nieces and nephews (minus Cooper who lives in Georgia) for a picture. Ivy was only six weeks old when he left. It's crazy how fast two years can pass.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Stuff

We spent Christmas in Manti this year.
On Christmas Eve we gathered at my 98-year-old Grandma Nora's house where the manger scene is reenacted each year. Millie was an angel and Ivy thought she was a shepherd. She was enamored with the baby Jesus doll (not pictured).
Before we left for Manti. Mark had an early Christmas present for the girls: A toy kitchen of his making. They loved it and started playing with it right away.
In Manti my sister Ariel gave the them aprons to make them professional chefs (Mark and I also got aprons!).
My mom also gave this "talking" baby doll to Ivy. She mothered that doll for hours! It was perfect.
On Saturday afternoon my mom took us all to "Princess and the Frog". It was Millie and Ivy's first time in a movie theater. Millie was in heaven. She was giggling and screaming and even dancing. It was great! Thanks mom. Millie will remember that for life.
And Millie's cute hair was courtesy of her lovely Aunt Ariel.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Ivy's 2

It's hard for me to believe, but my baby is two years old!