A New Order

So we recently changed out bed time routine. We use to read seven books, tell seven stories, tickle backs while singing 2-3 songs, pray, get water, hug ONE MORE TIME, get the perfect amount of light coming in from the bathroom, and then go downstairs knowing I would be back to sing ONE more song...and all that is just to get Mike to sleep..ha ha just kidding. Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a little, but bed time was getting ridiculous. A couple of nights ago I decided to try something new. The girls get into their p.j's, brush their teeth, then come downstairs for family scripture study. After we read, we say prayers and send the girls off to bed. (after a kiss and hug) There are not threats, I just let them know I expect them to go to sleep. It may be a fluke, but for the last three nights they have gone off to bed with no trouble! I don't know if this is good or bad. Am I being a bad mom by not going to their rooms each night? Like I say, it's only been three days so I don't think I have done any permanent damage. I will say that Caise said our family prayer last night and she thanked Heavenly Father that we were reading the BOM again...(something that didn't always happen when all the hoop-la was going on)....also, we still read other books, we just do it right after school...ok, now I am done defending myself.

Go fly a kite!

It is hard for me to post over the Chuck Norris video, but I figured it was time..... Don't worry though..it will always be there for you viewing enjoyment.

Mike's Mom brought the girls over some Easter baskets yesterday. She likes to spoil them rotten. Any holiday is a "gift giving" holiday in her book. I was very hurt when we didn't receive anything for Ground Hogs day! hee hee. Their Easter baskets came with candy,a stuffed bunny, a chocolate bunny, and a kite for each girl. I would have taken a picture, but the baskets didn't stay in tack long enough to capture a shot...( I was out of Batteries and the girls couldn't wait for me.) They have been having a blast flying their kites. It hasn't been too windy yet, but they can get them up if they run like the wind! Annie wanted me to bring a fan outside so the kites would fly better. :-)

When the cat's away...the mice will play....

My sister Mindy and her family have been visiting for a couple of days. On Saturday Mindy and I went to Logan for a Sassy Sue show......this is what we came home to!
They spent the first part of the day writing and recording the song, and then did the video for the other half. Mindy's husband Kyle stayed up until 4:00am editing! It made us all laugh until we cried! My husband is SO hot!

I have an announcement......

No, I'm not pregnant...oh wait..yes I am!!! I am so excited to announce that the Bearden family will be adding another member in September..(that rhymed) I had my first appointment today with my awesome mid-wife Julie Jones. She is so amazing! Because I had a miscarriage six months ago, I was really nervous about hearing the heart beat. We couldn't hear anything for about 30 seconds and I started to get a little panicky. Then all of the sudden, there it was! It was such a relief to hear the pound..pound..pound of the tiny life that is surviving inside of me. I don't know if it's because I am older now, or because it took so long for us to get pregnant, but every emotion is magnified. I think I took for granted the miracle of life. I am so blessed, and feel so grateful for the gift of children.

Just a quick note: The heartbeat sounded like a girl, (160) but I feel SO different with this pregnancy that I think it's a boy...I guess we'll find out in 8-10 weeks! I will seriously be fine with either.

New Bikes

For FHE last night we bought some new bikes for our girls. We didn't get home until 8:00, but we still let them take them out for a spin. They LOVE them! I always hate dropping a big chunk of change all at once, but I have no regrets on this purchase. Caise kept saying, "It's so smooth!" "I feel like I'm gliding!"

I told the girls that if they got up early and got ready for school, they could ride their bikes before the bus came. About 7:30 I called for Annie to come and get her hair done. She was nowhere to be found. I looked outside and saw her riding her bike...back pack and all. The bus doesn't come until 8:30. It's funny, because Annie was the only one who didn't get a brand new bike. She got Casie's bike from last year. Mike just fixed it so it didn't make weird sounds. She also got a new helmet. I guess all that was enough to get her out of bed bright and early! One more cute thing. Casie noticed that Ellie wasn't crying while I was brushing her hair. Ellie said, " I'm just thinking about my bike."

My 100

1. I have been avoiding doing this because I wondered if there really are 100 things I know about my self...pathetic.
2. I I hate going to the Dentist...oh wait..I may have mentioned that
3. My favorite sound is my daughter Annie's laugh..it's hilarious
4. I love taking baths...although my cousin Heidi made it slightly less enjoyable with her comments on the whole Bath thing.
5. I like to cook, but my presentation leaves much to be desired
6. I love to play games with my family
7. I miss my kids when they are at school
8. Once my kids get home, I wondered why I missed them so much...lol
9. I truly believe I have the best kids in the world
10. I KNOW I have the best husband in the world
11. Mike keeps getting cuter and cuter...He is totally catching up to me...lol
12. I am totally hooked on American Idol, and Lost
13. I was hooked on The Office until the writers strike....
14. Despite the fact I just said I was hooked on a few shows, I generally hate the boob tube. I know it's one of Satan's most effective "ENERGY ZAPPING" tools.
15. I watch TV even though it zaps my energy
16. I love spending time outside...in the perfect temperature.
17. I love FHE
18. I had a happy childhood full of adventure
19. I feel sad that my kids don't get to grow up having as many adventures as I did....the worlds a different place, and we don't live in Oak City
20. I feel like I use to be "super mom" when I only had an 18 month old. Where has all the creativity gone?...and the energy?....and the patients?
21. I LOVE babies!
22. If it weren't fattening...and costly...and lazy, I would like to eat out every night. I love eating out! ( I would probably change my mind after doing it for a week or two)
23. I have never been out of the country. I feel like Sandra Bullock on "While you were sleeping" I have no stamps on my passport....Except I don't have a passport, and Mike's brother has never been hit by a train.
24. I love sweets...hmmm..did anyone read my "2:30" blog?
25. I am horrible at math...although I can tell you I am 1/4 done with my 100 list.
26. I love to read.
27. I love to sing.
28. I like to play tetris.
29. Sometimes while playing tetris, I mentally commentate on my game. I speak of myself in the third. Things like..." How does she do this!" or "Jill is just not on her game today"
30. I'm not proud of #29
31. I am afraid of ghosts
32. I love to watch old home videos
33. I don't have a very good short term memory.
34. I hate when I forget things I should remember.
35. I am the Primary President in my ward
36. I feel totally under qualified for my calling
37. I can honestly say that after being to roughly 250 Voice Male performances, I still enjoy them!
38. I dislike my feet
39. I love being at the kids school. I want to work there when all my kids are there. Maybe an aid or a reader or a lunch lady...(I'm serious)
40. I wish my whole family lived in the same town.
41. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain
42. I have border line arachnophobia...I have a hard time seeing pictures of spiders!
43. I compare myself to others...and it never makes me happy.
44. I hate to shop
45. I have the sparse wardrobe to prove #44
46. I want to serve a mission with Mike some day
47. I got married at 19 ....that still blows my mind. Mike was 22
48. I love to play volleyball.
49. I think Casie is one of the smartest kids I know.
50. I love having parties at my house
51. I hate trying to figure out what to make for lunch. Breakfast and dinner are no problem...why does lunch vex me so?
52. I am the most happy when I exercise regularly.
53. I haven't exercised regularly for almost a year
54. I haven't been as happy lately....go figure.
55. I love hearing my kids read.
56. I am horrible at reading comprehension. I HAVE to see something done in order to catch on.
57. I like to make people laugh
58. Mike makes me laugh more than anyone else
59. I love going to plays
60. I enjoy being alone from time to time.
62. I love that I get together with my family every fast Sunday.
63. I love the Fall!
64. Mike and I use to go out every Friday...until we moved away from our next door babysitter.
65. I am determined to find another trusty babysitter so Mike and I can paint the town again.
66. Speaking of paint....I love to paint my house. It's been too long though. Time for another project.
67. I said I hate shopping, but that was only for clothes.. I love shopping for home decor and for my kids.
68. I love riding bikes with my family
69. I love eating dinner at my Mother in laws home on Sundays
70. I wish my mom lived closer so she could cook me food too...lol and for MANY other reasons.
71. I feel so sad when I hear of people children being picked on
72. I hate violence....I want to kill it!
73. I love watching the Jazz in the play offs....I like them other times too, but mostly during the play offs.
74. I have only been to one Jazz game in my life...it was in High school and I'm pretty sure I got a bloody noes..lol
75. The only non Voice Male concert I've been to was New Kids on the Block.
76. I'd rather not hear anything bad about people. I usually don't form negative opinions on my own. They come only after hearing negativity from others.
77. #76 probably isn't true in all cases
78. I have never heard my husband swear.
79. I am craving Thanksgiving dinner right now....why can't I crave something attainable....like Cheerios?
80. I wonder what Mike would say if I gently woke him up right now and asked him to whip up some Turkey, mashed potatoes, and rolls....and home made strawberry jam. I am thinking he might whip me up a big can on shut the heck up!...lol...then, after coming to his senses, he would lovingly pour me a bowl of Cheerios.
81. I like to try new things. I tried my hand at painting once. I wasn't horrible...but I still haven't seen that dessert landscape I gave my Dad hanging in his house. Weird, when I was a kid he hung all my art on the wall.
82. I worry more than I use to.
83. If I collected anything...it would be pens.
84. I love hot chocolate
85. I love finding that "perfect gift" for someone. I feel dis-satisfied if I give a gift that I didn't get that special feeling about.
86. I am turning into an herbal girl. I just have a sneaky feeling that all these drugs we take will kill us!
87. I'm not that into politics
88. I have a wild imagination, it gets the better of me from time to time.
89. I want to go back to school when my kids are older
90. I am grateful to be a stay at home mom.
92. I love the sound of people mowing their lawns. It's nostalgic to me for some reason.
93. I love summer rain storms. Especially with lots of thunder and lightning. Whenever it's overcast, my kids say, "Mom, it's your favorite day!"
94. I am sorta related to the prophet...Mike's grandpa is first cousins with President Monson. I guess that makes me "sorta" related
95. I got to eat dinner with President Monson a couple of years ago. President Hinckley was at the table next to us, and President Faust was a couple tables over.
96. I hate when my kids are sick.
97. I love to snuggle with Ellie. She fits perfectly...like a puzzle
98. I DON'T like sharing my bed with the kids. They kick like mad dogs!
99. I am glad this list is almost over
100. I am happy to be me. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope I am always grateful for the things I have.

2:30....I mean TOOTH HURTIE!

Here I sit with a tooth ache. Even the exciting Jazz game that's playing is not distracting me from the constant throbbing in my molar. UHHGG. If I could go back in time, I would have resisted the urge to chomp on ice while pregnant with Ellie. I have to believe it had everything to do with the 5 crowns I've had since. Unlike my strange sister in law Melissa, I don't joy in visiting the Dentist.

Let me share some of the many reasons:

Seven years ago, I had a cavity filled. As I waited those agonizing hours for my mouth to regain feeling, I began to wonder why it was taking so long. Turns out the Dentist hit a nerve and I was numb for THREE MONTHS!!! I still have a small patch on my chin that has no feeling.

Different Dentist, different cavity...This is what the Dentist said while working on my teeth "Oh crap....oh well, I don't care." I had my mouth full of his fingers so I couldn't ask what it was he didn't CARE about! All I could do was think..I CARE! I CARE!

My NEW Dentist is Korean and has a Korean assistant. For all I know they are talking about me behind my back...in front of my back. I want to be like Elaine on Seinfeld and bring in a "spy".

The first time I visited my new Dentist one of his assistants told me about the "cute little mouse" who kept coming into the office and eating the crumbs she put out for him!

I am thinking of pulling a CAST AWAY and buying some Ice Skates... I think it's time to take matters into my own hands. Sorry if that makes no sense..tooth aches make me a little crazy.

Alphabet Crown!

Congrats to Ellie for earning her Alphabet Crown! She had to pass off her upper and lower case letters AND their sounds. Quite a feat for a four year old. The whole family helped her prepare, and last Tuesday she was awarded this prestigious crown of honor! What is it about seeing your child in a cardboard crown that makes your heart burst? It's so adorable.

I HAD to take her to Cafe' Rio to celebrate. :-)

Put on your red shoes and DANCE!

I went to a Stake Enrichment night a couple of nights ago. (I have to add that first I spelled that "steak enrichment" and I laughed at the thought of a night dedicated to enhancing your steak)..anyway...After listening to an amazing speaker..(I wish I could remember her name, one of my blog readers will I'm sure) we were able to choose two workshops to attend. I chose "Simple FHE ides" and "The power of Music." I enjoyed both of them so much. One of the counselors in the Stake Presidency taught the music workshop. He did a wonderful job. He showed us how music can bring you,in an instant, to another time and place. His example was playing 5 bars from the sound track of Top Gun. He then asked us where we were. One lady raised her hand and said she was on a fast motorcycle with Tom Cruise. He concluded that example by stating, " Isn't that scary sisters? Only 5 bars and she instantly had her arms around Tom Cruise." It was funny, but also interesting. He told of a study on music and houseplants. Two identical plants were placed in two rooms. Both rooms had the same temperature, light and space, but one room was playing classical music, and the other "blow your ears out" rock music. In the end, the plant "listening" classical music flourished and bloomed. The other whithered up and died. I came home determined to play music that would help my family "flourish". I downloaded some classical music from itunes. As soon as I started to play it, my girls (and their friend) put on dresses and started to dance. They seriously danced for an hour. It was amazing! I love that they felt like they needed to wear their best dresses while dancing to this "special" music. I hope that their love for classical music will grow and create good memories for them. I hope that in the future when they listen to Mozart, or Bach, they will "instantly" be four and seven years old, wearing their Sunday dresses, dancing in their Mom's living room.

Mamma's got a new battery

For only $150 you too can own a universal plug for your computer! My sweet husband brought me the blessed little yellow bag from best buy as a surprise this evening. He told me he read my pathetic blog and felt bad for me that I wasn't able to express my feelings through the computer. Thanks sweetie. I love you!

So much to blog...so little time...

So I have a bunch of blog ideas I have been wanting to do. My poor computer has been going through a mid-life crisis as far as battery power goes, so all my good ideas are sitting in my noggin at the moment. I really want to share all of our stupid/funny Chuck Norris jokes we made up on the way to California. There's one blog. I also have lots to say about my kids and their funny "isms". There's another blog. I have yet to do my "100 facts about me" that all my cool cousins did...(I want to be cool too). There's another blog. I also want to express some feelings I have on a new cleaner I just purchased. Yet another blog...(ok, so that one would be short...and clean.)

I INTERRUPT THIS BLOG TO ANNOUNCE THAT I HEAR RAIN OUTSIDE!!! RAIN! NOT SNOW! I AM SO STINKING READY FOR SPRING! (I'll be back..I'm going to go lick the sidewalk.....)

So I am hoping this entry will remind me of a few things I want to write about when I have more energy and a computer that doesn't shock me every time I plug it in.

Things you never knew you wanted to know.....

1.Were you named after anyone? No...and does anyone name their kids Jill any more?
2. When was the last time you cried? Two nights ago. I was watching Cast Away and teared up when "Willson" floated away. My last real cry was watching President Hinckley's funeral.
3. Do you like your handwriting? SO...not!
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? I can't talk about that right now...but maybe tuna with pickles
5. Do you have kids? Yes 3 cutie girls.
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I'd like to say yes. I'm pretty fun most of the time, but I also enjoy some alone time. I guess if I were friends with myself I would understand...I just blew my mind
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? I think so. I need to pay more attention.
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes but they should have been taken out when I was 8...they are hideous!
9. Would you bungee jump? I really think I would. I might pee my pants, but be glad I did it when it was over.
10. What is your favorite cereal? Crackling Oat bran and Grape nuts
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nope. I just pull my ankle out of socket rather than take the time to loosen my laces.
12. Do you think you are strong? Well, not to brag, but I did ALMOST win a bronze medal at the Summer Games in arm wrestling. My will is stronger than my body though. Especially if I want to prove something to someone.
13. What is your favorite ice cream? I'm really not an ice-cream gal. Give me a chocolate chip cookie any day. I do enjoy mint chocolate chip though.
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their attitude. I like people who are positive and upbeat
15. Red or pink? Both! I love pink to wear and scrapbook with, and I love red to decorate with.
16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? I wish I were more consistent. My poor kids.
17. Who do you miss the most? I miss my sister Julie. We use to live in Logan together and were good friends. Now we hardly ever talk or see each other.
18. What are you wearing? Nothing...I like to blog in the Buff....ha ha. I am actually wearing Mike's sweatshirt and my running pants...oh, and pink slippers.
20. Have you ever re-gifted? I'd like to say no, but I'm sure I've done it. I just can't remember what it was.
21. What are you listening to right now? Ellie singing in the shower.
22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Oh boy! Am I that deep. I think right now I would have to say GREEN!
23. Favorite smells? I love the smell of a summer rain storm. It makes me want to lick the side walk. lol .
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My husband. He was telling me our engine needs to be replaced...(on his car) Blah...
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes! She is so fun. I want to go see her soon like Melissa is. Let me just recoup from our last road trip.
26. Favorite sports to watch? Utah Jazz!
30. Favorite Foods? I love Chinese food!
31. Scary movies or happy endings? I HATE scary movies! I also hate cheesy movies. I have found that independent films are becoming my favorite thing to watch.
32. Last movie you watched? Cast away
33. What color shirt are you wearing?Blue
34. Summer or winter? Can I answer Fall and Spring?
35. Hugs or kisses? Kisses. Am I the only one who prefers a nice wet one to a warm hug? I guess that would only apply to my hubby, I would rather have a hug from anyone else.
36. Favorite dessert? Molten Cake from Chili's.
39. What book are you reading now? The Book of Mormon of coarse! Ok, so I'm working on it. I am in search for a good book to read.
40. What is on your mouse pad? Nothing, my mouse pad likes to work in the buff...or I don't have one.
41. What did you watch on TV last night? American Idol .
42. Favorite sound? My kids being kind to each other when they don't know I can hear them.
43. Rolling stones or Beatles? Beatles!
44. What is the furthest you have been from home? Florida..I need to get out more. .
45. Do you have a special talent? Special? I don't know about special, but I still like to sing and make sassy clips! .
46. Where were you born? Provo Utah Now that is over, I will tag: Mindy and Jimi....Go get um girls

Little book of horrors!

How can such a seemingly innocent book bring such turmoil and unhappiness to a family?
I cleaned out our kitchen "junk cupboard" today and thought I found a treasure. Annie has a little book that has 365 craft ideas. Sounds like fun no?...NO! I'm not sure who wrote this book, but they were not intending these crafts to be done by the average American. The pictures and illustrations are of happy little kids making amazing crafts all by themselves. Naturally my little Martha Stewart in training, (aka Annie) wants to do all of them. I told her to pick one and we would do it. She chose the craft of her dreams and got all excited....then, I look at the list of items needed. Am I a horrible mom for not having "plaster of Paris" on hand? Or "air hardening clay"? Or "glass paints and clear plastic wallets"? All day Annie has lived in agony that we haven't been able to do any of the crafts in her book. I think there was a reason I stashed this little monster in the "junk cupboard" ( I am referring to the book, not the daughter.) Tomorrow I am going to re-introduce the tooth pick and marshmallow way of crafting...(something else I found in my cavern of wonders)

The day of LOVE...and it's highlights

I wrote all this on Feb 14, but I am just getting around to posting...I need a vacation after my vacation.

TOP TEN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY

#1 waking up to find a dozen roses sitting on the table. My husband is so sweet. I kinda like him.

#2 Swimming in the rain...(I'm swiiiiii..ming in the rain, just swimming in the rain!)
#3 My three sweet Valentines all dressed up for Disneyland...day four!

#4 Going to our traditional feast at Pizza Hut...but not taking a picture. :-(

#5 Mike busting a major move with a barbershop quartet at Disneyland. I wish I could post the video. Mike was amazing! The group jokingly said, " Folks, we are happy to take requests, but you have to come and sing with us." Everyone laughed, but Mike raised his hand. He fulfilled his dream of being backed up by some "bruthers" while singing In the still of the night. He had the crowed cheering and clapping. It was hilarious and cool at the same time. That little patch on his leg was glowing when he was done...kind of like the badges on Dragon Tales.

#6 Annie having a very loose tooth in line....

#7 Annie loosing her very loose tooth in line....

#8 Seeing Greg Ostertag...(however you spell it) Yes this is a lame picture, but it's the best I dared get. I didn't want to annoy someone who makes my husband look like a hobbit.

#9 Watching Mike spoil our kids at the Disney Store. Casie got one of those cool crystals with her face etched in it.

#10 Knowing our vacation is almost over....I'm Tired!

It's a bit c-c-c-cold!

Where did my 72 degree weather go! We were slapping on sunscreen and going on wet rides to stay cool, and yesterday we were buying hot chocolate and bundling up in our jackets. It was actually ok though. We had fun on our 3rd day of Disney. Grandma gave each of the girls $10 dollars to spend at the park. Annie decided on a necklace. It was a chipmunk. Either Chip or Dale. (not the strippers). Casie is still undecided on what to buy. My feeling is that she will end up not buying anything because she has a hard time spending her own money. (she has no problem asking me to spend my money on her.) Ellie searched high and low for that perfect something. She and I went to a princess shop and she just couldn't decide. Then she spotted what she wanted and said, "Do I have enough money to buy my sisters a lolly pop? My heart melted at her sweet gesture. It was a good day to be a Mom...(ok, so later she revealed to Mike that the reason she bought them each a sucker was so that she wouldn't have to share hers....but I still think it was sweet)

A vacation in photos......so far....

So my intention was to blog each day of our vacation as to not miss the details that often erase with time. I thought each night I would peacefully sit down and recap the days events. Did I somehow forget the exhaustion that comes from the magical world of Disney? I am lucky to get my teeth brushed each night before collapsing into bed! I will share some photo's of our trip so far. Hopefully they will do all the speaking for me.

We started off our trip in Richfield where we celebrated Annie's 7th birthday. We took her to a cute place called Pepper Belly's to eat. We also went to a Voice Male concert that night where they sang happy birthday to her. After the night was over she told me that she felt like a little princess on her birthday.

On to Disneyland....we were excited to find out that my sister Mindy and her kids decided to join us for a few days in Disneyland. At the last minute, Mindy invited my brother Mike to come along too. It's been so fun hanging out with them. Some of our favorite moments have been hearing Mike (my brother) scream on the the rides in California adventure. Mike (my husband) and Mindy can't stop laughing at Mike's reaction to Tower of Terror. Even Ellie didn't get as scared. It made it really fun.

This morning we went to the Beach. Keep in mind it was NOT WARM! We thought we would let the kids see the water and maybe get their toes wet. It turns out kids from Utah who have only been to the beach a couple of times, are immune to coldness. They stripped off their clothes and in they went! It was funny to see the Californiains jogging by in their hoods and gloves while our kids splashed in the freezing water. We got a few looks.

Get ready...get set....

So here I sit on my couch delaying the inevitable. I know that soon I must pack clothes for my family for 10 days, empty the fridge of all things that would have an offensive odor 10 days from now, do a load of laundry, clean out my van, buy traveling snacks, make arrangements for Primary, and be cheerful doing all of it! ( we wouldn't want our "magical adventure" to start with a wicked witch)
As expected, the girls are very excited and anxious to leave. They are doing their best to get themselves packed. I VERY patiently keep reminding them that Mom better do all the packing. Ellie illustrated that fact brilliantly when she pulled her suit case to me and announced that she had EVERYTHING she needed for Disneyland. I opened it to find four barbies, her computer, and a princess dress. I laughed at the site. I love seeing little glimpses into her four year old mind as to the important things of life.

Snowy Sunday

We are going to DISNEY LAND!! Honestly, I am looking forward to warm weather more than the park...(can't say the same for my girls). I can't believe how much snow we've had! Church was cancelled on Sunday because there was more than a foot of snow on the roads. Both Mike and I agree that although we usually love Church, it was a great to have a free day! We started off by watching the biography of President Hinckley. I so enjoyed watching all the amazing things he accomplished in his life time.

Then, as Mike was out shoveling, Casie and my niece Keri (who had slept over the night before) took it upon themselves to plan a church meeting to be held at home. It was so cute. They worked for such a long time. They made sure to lable all the rooms so that we wouldn't get "lost" in the "church". As soon as Mike walked in the door, they started the meetings. They set up the front room as the Chapel. During "Sacrament meeting" Annie and Ellie were called on to bare their testimonies. Mike and I were sustained as a Primary teacher and Young womans teacher. Mike was asked to do a special musical number. I had to laugh at his funny sweaty hat hair...(three hours of shoveling can do that to a guy) We then were excused to our classes. I taught Keri and Casie about the plan of Salvation, and had them write down all the qualities they wanted in a husband (seemed like a typical Young Woman thing to teach) and I'm not sure what Mike taught in Primary, I heard lots of loud singing and laughing. I also over heard Ellie acting like an elephant....we'll assume they were talking about Noah.

We ended the day with yummy shreaded beef tacos. Each fast Sunday, we get together with Ben and Sarah and their families for dinner. Sarah and Scott opted not to brave the storm, but Ben and Cait, who decided they would like their oldest dauther back, came up for dinner. They taught us a fun game and our kids enjoyed destroying the house together....(isn't that what playing with cousins is all about!?)

As I was taking pictures of our "meeting", Casie said into the microphone, "Please no flash photography." We laughed.

All about Annie.....

What comes to mind when I say..."Samoas" or "Thin Mints"..does your mouth water at all? My little Annie is officially a seller of Girl Scout cookies! She has been a Brownie Scout for a couple of months now and is loving it. It's the perfect thing for my little crafter. Last week they made GAK, out of glue and liquid starch. During the Christmas season she went caroling at a care center. She told me she was a little nervous to give the residents the gift she had made, ( little candy canes made from pipe cleaner) but once she saw them smiling at her it made her feel better.

We also had Annie's Birthday celebration at Mike's Mom's home last Sunday. Grandma goes all out for her grandchildren's birthdays. She always makes them a cake, decorates her house, has games, party favors, and makes their favorite dinner. It's so sweet of her. The kids LOVE it! Annie won't have her birthday until the 9th, but we will be gone to Disney Land that week so we celebrated early. This party's theme was Happy Feet. Notice the cute penguin cake. Grandma also made some "special" little penguins made from marshmellows. She is such a great Grandma and we feel blessed to live so close to her.

Luke and Annie have the same birthday. We gave Luke "his" cake to destroy. At first he just played with it, but then Melissa put a bit of frosting in his mouth so he knew that it was food. Right after that he didn't bother with using his hands. He just put his face in and started eating. It was hilarious!

Sassy Sue!

For those of you who don't know, I have a little company called Sassy Sue. I make hair clips for little girls...(now why would I choose such a proffession?) I started it about 5 months ago with my friend Jessica. So far we have done really well. Our big break came when my sister Sarah told me her sister-in-law was a producer for Good Things Utah, and wanted us to come on the show! It was so much fun! (ok..and a little stressful) Since then our website has recieved a lot of traffic. Speaking of our website..you must check it out! We have the most amazing web designer! He is brilliant. You will recognize some very adorable little models! go to: sassysueclips.com

The funnest part of the job is that we have people host parties for us. We tell them invite all their friends and their daughters. Then we lay out our clips for display and do all the kids hair while their Mom's shop. We also teach the mothers fun and easy styles they can do at home. It's really a fun little business.