February Updates {Life Via Facebook}

February 3
Note to self: The best time to go to the doctor's office is during the Super Bowl. (Stupid *almost* ruptured eardrum, which there is nothing to do but take Ibuprofen and wait). But I managed to only miss the halftime show. Score!

February 4
My ear is feeling better this morning. I think Ibuprofen rather than Tylenol is the key (anti-inflammatory). Regular dosing has kept the pain levels low, but I am still semi-deaf in one ear. (And playing that up a bit with the kids. "What, I can't hear you" Ha ha ha!)

February 5
I love how strawberries go on sale just in time for Valentine's season!

February 7
Tonight Lily chose (chose!) to eat her spinach rather than the chicken, pesto and mozzarella panini I made for dinner. She DID rethink this decision after several bites, but by then it was too late and the sandwich had been doled out to another sister.

It would be nice to see my Elliott more often. The new job is keeping him pretty busy.

February 8
I love using a deck of playing cards and dominoes to do math with Ava. Who needs textbooks?

February 12
Just convinced Elliott to go to the chiropractor because he is so much pain. Please, God, if I am right about just one thing today - PLEASE let this be it.

I just made steamed asparagus with homemade Hollandaise. Who am I? And more importantly, where has this deliciousness been all my life??!!

My 17 month old has been following me around yelling "I eat! I eat!"   Think it's time to feed them?

February 14
The plus-side: my hubby is home all day on Valentines Day! The down side: he'll be doped up on Loritab and muscle relaxers and not so interactive.

As I was having a little mental pit-party about how I'll spend Valentines Day serving my hubby, I asked God to help me change my attitude. Then at the doctor's waiting room I started reading my book, and right at the top of the chapter was John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

February 18
Why don't my children understand the importance of Downton Abbey? Quiet time, please children.

February 19
I can think of a million things to do at the moment (put away clothes, ironing, reading, etc). But none of them are feasible with the kids running around. *sigh* So I'm on Facebook.

Thanks to everyone who came to my doTerra Essential Oils class today! I had a great time; thank YOU for letting me share it with you!

February 21
Made miso soup, potstickers, mongolian beef stir-fry and rice for dinner.  The kitchen and dining area are now a mess, I’m tired and I am hosting book group in 30 minutes.  Lucky for me, these ladies are full of grace.

February 23
Countdown to March 10 begins.  Why you ask?  Because then maybe life will slow down.  So much coming up – Lily’s (multiple) birthday celebrations, homeschool conference, crafting/blogging event, plus all the normal stuff.  Phew…

February 25
Yesterday I turned an old twin flannel sheet into two crib sheets for Emma.  I just put it on her bed and I am so happy that my sweetie will have such warm, soft sheets now.

February  28
Emma is 18 months today and decided to impress us with some new speech skills.  She said “I love you” at breakfast and a little while later she and I had this conversation: “Mommy, I go” (downstairs with the older two).  No Emma, you can’t go downstairs.  “Why?”.  SERIOUSLY??!!  You are too young to be asking why yet!

Lily’s BD countdown begins.  Cupcakes just came out of the oven and decorations will be made later today…

January Updates {Life Via Facebook}

January 1
2013 is gonna be GREAT, I can feel it! Happy New Year everyone!

The deep freezer is now full with our annual half-cow purchase. Check one thing off the 2013 list!

January 3
Tonight Piper informed Elliottt bedtime that she: didn't want songs, would like blue curtains with flowers, would like her door left open, wants pretzels with white frosting the next time I go shopping. I'm sure there's more in her brain, but that gives me something to work on...

Made Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala tonight from a new recipe - TO DIE FOR! I could've licked the plate clean

January 6
After enjoying my nephew's baby blessing and family time I am using my Sunday afternoon productively - doing my Bible Study in James and reading Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity. Then tonight we will be having family dinner to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Now THAT'S a good Sabbath!

Get off Facebook Sarah and go watch Downton Abbey!! {fine, I'm going....}

January 7
We got Elliott's benefits package for his new job today. I just about asked him to stay put when I thought it was only going to cover 20% of health care. Then Elliott read it and informed me that the 20% is what WE covered. OK, I guess you can go work there now...

First day back at homeschool after an extended holiday break was just what we needed. I am refreshed and refocused and (hopefully) have priorities straight. Kids did good too! :)

January 8
Just made my own "trail mix" with all the odds and ends from the snack basket in the pantry. That'll clear out some space!

January 9
SUCH a busy day! A little ridiculous all the running around, activities, etc. How DO older kids do it all? I can't even imagine. Seriously. I can't even fathom it.

January 11
You know - 30 minute meals are NOT 30 minutes when kids are involved.

January 12
Only one more night of Fringe? Say it isn't so!

Just watched The Looper. I am glad to know there are still IKEA stores in 2044. Come on set decorators, you don't think I can spot that lampshade??

January 13
All you can eat pancakes at IHOP followed by the Golden Globes (and Red Carpet too). Now if the Patriots win it will be a perfect day!

January 15
I've been making "unfried" (i.e. baked) fries a couple of times now - and they are SO GOOD! There is no going back now...

January 18
Ava has requested to learn about ancient Egypt. I think she just wants to make our pyramid model, so I am gonna make her sit through all of my history reading first. Ha ha ha!

Tonight I thought dinner would be a surefire hit - scrambled eggs, i.e. breakfast for dinner - everyone's favorite. Except Lily was in a mood. And informed me she didn't like eggs. When Elliott got home (just in time for Lily's sake probably) she informed him she only liked eggs at IHOP. Now that's a blow to the ego, huh?

January 19
Anybody seen the show Flea Market Flip on HGTV? It's fun!

January 20
Finished a new quilt top! Woo hoo, that's been sitting in the "to-do" pile for awhile.

January 21
Tomorrow Ava and I are starting place value math. I know I found some good stuff (via Pinterest of course) when I get caught up in playing the online games and looking forward to using marshmallows in math!

January 22
My friend Lisa is sitting in on a Beth Moore live-taping tonight for a new study. What a blessing! I am so excited for her!!

Tonight I took all four girls to Macaroni Grill by myself. Two couples stopped by our table to compliment me on how good they were. That was special of them and very appreciated. It was also before Emma upchucked all over the table.

January 23
Can anyone recommend a good repairman for my washing machine? I think it might need a little work...

One of the girls stuck a large sticker on my shirt without me noticing and thus it went through the wash and I was left with all sorts of gunk on my shirt. I used doTerra's Lemon Essential Oil and it took the gunk RIGHT OUT - without leaving any sort of grease spots or other residue. SWEET!

You know how when everyone is playing so nice that you decide to let them stay up a little later, but then they go into *complete* meltdown mode because you let them stay up late and you think "I should've known better"? Yeah, me too.

January 24
All my mommy guilt about not studying Egypt today has gone out the window now that we have stumbled upon some Ancient Egypt program on TV. Thanks History Channel for helping me out!

January 26
Gettin' my sewing on: patterned my old apron (which I LOVE and I can't find a pattern anymore for it) to make some new ones and am turning all of my regular scarves into infinity scarves (which I wear better). But first, SLEEP. *yawn*

January 28
Emma has been a stinker lately about getting her fingernails trimmed - and we have all been paying the price for it. Well, after she passed out in the car on the way home from the grocery store you better believe the nail clippers were the first thing I grabbed. She didn't wake up one iota.. and then transferred right to bed for the rest of her nap. I think we may be on to something people!!

January 30
Tried to read Barbara Kingsolver's latest Flight Behavior. Just. Can't. Do. It. She is trying to shove so much backstory and description into every sentence. Ugh! It just doesn't flow well at all. Good thing I got it from the library.

December Updates {Life Via Facebook}

December 3
Piper's dinnertime prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my food. Please bless it. I love my sisters because they love me. We're having applesauce for dessert. In Jesus' name, Amen.

December 11
Finding time to shop without kids in tow is difficult; now talking in code with Elliott r grandparents about gifts is becoming a James Bond-worthy accomplishment!

December 21
Elliott got a full "Bye bye DaDa" out of Emma this morning, complete with furious waving. Too cute

I am SO excited to be taking the girls to the symphony tomorrow. Seeing their faces look at all of the instruments playing all of the songs they sing-along to: priceless! (And no, I am NOT afraid to take my kids to the symphony when they are this little. I have grand memories of my own from our annual "Peter and the Wolf" school trips.)

December 26
The girls and I just played the board game Aggravation (which I got Elliott for Christmas). They understood it and we had a great time - until Ava won and Lily burst into tears. We are working on good sportsmanship now.

December 29
Snuck one in under the wire: I have now read 24 books in 2012. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

Natural History Museum

I had a friend that moved out of state this summer, but before she did she gifted me with some passes to the Natural History Museum that she was unable to use.  Knowing how dinosaur crazy my girls are, I knew they would love it!!

I was really impressed with the place.  It is a new museum on the University of Utah campus and the layout was fantastic.  You just gently walk up ramps (several stories!) through the exhibits.  It was very easy to navigate with the kids with many hands-on stops along the way.


We did have to take a break about half-way up for snacks and coloring (or we would have had a meltdown on our hands).


We rushed through the top floor because the girls were getting really tired and I wanted to make sure we had time to go back down to the kids-only discovery area.  They had live animals to look at, a water feature to splash around in, and costumes to model.

On our way to leave the building, we discovered that the paleontology lab was now open and they were inviting patrons in to view fossils currently being cleaned and to see the scientists in action.

Ava was in heaven.  She says she wants to be a paleontologist (and artist) when she grows up and I was very excited to be able to finish off our trip on such a high note.

June Updates {Life Via Facebook}

June 1
Before bed last night I had to do a brain dump. Just too many thoughts and items for the to-do list. But after a great night sleep I am ready to tackle said items. Woo hoo!

Allright, Emma should be all set with another round of baby food I just spent all day making. Phew! But I'm glad I did it. Can't believe how much I used to pay for jars of it at the store. And this way she gets so much more interesting flavors (salmon with broccoli and parmesan; chicken with pumpkin, zucchini, and apple; broccoli with potato and cheese; spinach and blueberries; apples with peaches and strawberries; plums with apples and blueberries; cheesy tomato cauliflower).

You know when the kids get up early, it all just starts to snowball. Then they start going to bed earlier and I go to bed earlier cause I know they are going to get up earlier and I have to get up earlier (and I'm extra tired for getting up earlier). Before you know it I am never gonna see 10pm again!

June 3
Spent the morning with good friends. Now I am going on a walk with the kids, then some "mommy" time at Starbucks and home to BBQ outside. It's a good day!

@ Starbucks, getting COMPLETELY prepped and caught up and ahead of the game for the summer/week ahead. That feels good!

June 4
This morning Lily wanted to make a lion mask; I said OK. After awhile she informed me it was alot easier to just put the glue on her face to make the mask stick. Um, yes. Yes it is (isn't she a smarty?). But then I spent a while scrubbing glue stick chunks and bit of paper off her neck and face.

Today Piper managed to get a big ol' bee caught in her swimsuit panties. Don't ask me how. And don't ask me how she didn't stung with all that screaming! (In all honesty I didn't believe her when she said it was "IN" her panties. I thought she meant "on" and it flew away. But I humored her and pulled them aside to peek in - and the bee flew in my face.)

June 7
Emma LOVES watermelon!

June 8
Just have to give a shout out to my family physician (actually nurse practitioner, but who's counting) who took the time to figure out the snafu with immunizations and send me a letter to let me know he looked into it (like he said he would) and fixed it. Also to the super honest vacuum cleaner repairman this week who told me the part I needed cost $12.95 plus $30 labor. SEE FRIENDS - there are good people out there!!

June 13
I felt a little bad about making the girls come inside early tonight - but that was after they had already removed the tomato stakes and picked (and smashed) most of the strawberries. And earlier today I caught them (OK, Ava tattled) climbing up on the window ledge in the basement and jumping down onto the guest bed. You take your eye off of 'em for ONE MINUTE.....

June 15
Cheesecake, cake balls, and sushi are what I'm makin' in the kitchen right now.  Now THAT'S a combination!

June 19
Summertime movie this morning with the two older girls, who are now playing outside in the 74 degree weather. What a lovely day!

June 20
Last night I thought of another oddity of mine: I always have to put on socks before bed cause my feet are cold, but I always pull them off halfway through the night cause I'm too hot.

June 21
Just scored a deal for some BBQ catering for 4th of July. Yeah, no cooking for me!

June 22
People, if you want me to come to your garage sale then you HAVE to put the address in the ad!

June 23
Confession: I may (or may not) have bought some baby boy crib bedding at a garage sale today. Since I have been ogling this particular set from Land of Nod for YEARS I knew a good buy when I saw one - even if I am not expecting. LOL!

June 24
Watched Jeff, Who Lives At Home last night. I thought that was a sweet little movie. I like the idea of synchronicity.

June 25
Between insomnia and a sick baby, I got zero sleep. Zero. I guess I will just be happy that I had so much time to metabolize my dinner.

SOOO excited for my friend Katy, who's having her first baby right now! They've been waiting for you for a LONG time, Will; take it easy on your Momma.

June 27
Going on Day 7 of Emma not keeping much down. We were at the doctor's Monday night and nothing was amiss although she had lost a pound (and she only weighed 17 to start). So mommas - when do I ask for bloodwork?

June 28
Emma is getting back to herself today, yeah! A quick trip to the doctor ruled out dehydration and I have just been doling the Pedialyte out *very* slowly so as to prevent more upchucking. So far she has kept everything down since last night.

June 30
Picked our first green bean and cherry tomato of the season. Woo hoo!

May Updates {Life via Facebook}

May 5
The song "Time of My Life" came on a commercial this morning. So I HAD to go watch "Dirty Dancing". I'm so glad it's on Netflix streaming. :)

I have a million projects which are 90% finished. Today I got a few to the 99% finished state. :) I guess that's as good as it's gonna get right now!

May 6
Swingset is UP and the girls are loving it! I am glad we will be having nice weather this week; mommy is gonna send them outside ALOT.

May 7
I finished our 3-month food storage today!!! YEAH! One goal for 2012 = DONE.

May 8
Gifts for Bible Study nursery workers: DONE. Mock-up of gift for hurch ladies event: DONE. Catching up with my sister-in-law: DONE. Scrubbing down the stove and feeding the kids lunch: DONE. I'm on fire!

May 9
Not yet Mothers Day and our garden is planted (lettuce, peppers, onions) and seeds are coming up (beans, beets, carrots). That's GREAT for Utah. We had a very mild winter so we were able to get things in the ground sooner. This weekend we will get the last of it in - the tomatoes and herbs. Everything else is done!

May 10
In case anyone wants to go in with me: a 4-pk of Easter Hershey's Kisses is selling on Amazon for $24,299. Anyone, anyone....?

May 12
Spent WAY too much at garage sales today, but I have a TON of stuff to show for it (and a TON of stuff that's for other people.)

May 13
Elliott got up with the girls this AM and is going to make us waffles. Then a drive up the canyon with the family for time together and dinner out. (Maybe some time in there for a visit to Starbucks). Life is good! Happy Mothers Day everyone!

May 14
Swapping out clothing for sizes and seasons for all four girls really takes awhile... Geesh!

Totally stalling making the bed with the clean sheets. Organizing all those clothes really did me in today (seriously!)

May 15
Busted out the little girls' swimming pool today. Guess it's officially summer!

May 17
Filling my Downton Abbey withdrawal with some new Sherlock Holmes episodes. If you haven't yet seen the new version on PBS, catch Season 1 on Netflix and Season 2 on PBS.org. I love Benedict Cumberbatch (which is, by the way, the BEST British name EVER!)

Enjoying an "build-your own omelet bar" for dinner with some farm fresh eggs, courtesy of Lizzie and Joshua. Yum!!

May 18
There is nothing worse than egg vomit. Nothing. The end.

Officially hit my wall. After being up most of the night with kiddoes, this morning I put together 200 goodie bags for a women's event at church tonight, then showered and performed some minor sewing alterations on my outfit. Now that I have an hour and half til Elliott come home and I have to leave for church, I can feel my mind checking out. I hope it checks back in later.

May 19
You know it's sayin' somethin' when I want to take a nap. I NEVER nap!

May 20
We watched the solar eclipse tonight through Elliott's grandpa's old welding mask we found in Grandma's garage. That. Was. Awesome.

May 21
Took the girls to Kennecott Copper Mine this AM with a quick detour by the coolest little town park you ever did see with some new homeschooling-mom friends. Now I need to buckle down and get packed up for our trip on Wednesday!!

May 22
T minus 24 hours: Just need to finish the laundry and pack up both the people and the car for our week in Missouri. But after 7 hours straight sleep (thank you Emma for being such a sweet girl) I am feelin' good at 6am. Let's hope I keep the momentum going!

There is SO much more room in the car when you DON'T have to pack all the baby equipment. Thanks Tracy and Abra for the loaners!

Car is packed and everyone is ready to go. Except Elliott, who ALWAYS packs at the last minute. I suppose we complement each other well (says the hyper-organized, list-making, always-early wife.)

In an attempt to find more summer clothes for vacation, I hacked the legs off two pairs of pants. I guess I'll worry about shortage of pants this fall.

May 23
If you like that last update, you'll love that I re-dyed my Wal-Mart jeans this week so you couldn't tell I patched the knee. They look awesome again! :)

We're on time! Hitting the road in T-minus 60 minutes... Only 1000 miles to go! (I laughed at Google Maps directions: "Continue on I-80 for 868 miles through Wyoming and Nebraska. Approx. 13 hours 20 minutes."

May 24
On the road at the appointed 7am yesterday (don't know why people asked me if I got on the road on time, I always do!) and 16 1/2 hours later we arrived.  The girls were INCREDIBLY awesome and the trip was smooth as silk. Praise God!

May 26
We had a great time at the zoo yesterday. Today holds another exciting event: my niece Jessie's first birthday party! Throw in some Cracker Barrel breakfast and seeing lots of friends/family (while being able to introduce my daughters to those who've never met them) and I am stoked!

April Updates {Life Via Facebook}

April 2
I'm baking today. I made some lemon cupcakes for Easter, strawberry-lemon muffins for the girls, and I have some sugar cookie dough chilling in the fridge for Easter cookies.

April 3
In less than a month a Yahoo article says I will have reached the happiest age of my life, 33 years old. Woo hoo! I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now, but if they say so...

After a productive morning at IKEA, Emma's room is starting to come together. (Free childcare and food help the day too!)

April 5
I actually SLEPT last night, courtesy of early bedtime, sleeping pill, daddy taking a shift and baby only getting up twice. YES! Thanks Elliott!  I feel alot better today.

April 6
Going to try dyeing eggs with the girls today. I am terrified! Those girls around cups colored dye? Aaagghh! (This is from the mom that doesn't like glitter either).

Good Friday is here but SUNDAY'S COMING!!! Hallelujah!

April 7
Just made Resurrection Rolls with the girls and Piper was a little upset that "Jesus" wasn't in her "tomb" at the end.

One Direction on SNL:  Boys that age should not have pants that tight.

April 8
Getting 5 girls Easter ready this morning = worth it.  HAPPY EASTER!

April 9
Good thing I happened to glance in the trash can. Apparently that is Piper's definition of "laundry basket".

April 10
I am pretty sure we have enough Easter eggs to last the girls candy fix well into June. Geesh!

April 11
Maybe Elliott and I should rotate our mattress more often. We are shocked at how much firmer (and free of "valleys") the other side is.

April 12
Had to reorganize the freezer just now. My refrigerator freezer is now almost entirely full of baby food. Your welcome Emma.

Anyone having one of "those days"? Piper has peed in her pants 4 (4!!!) times today (not sure she has actually used the toilet) and Lily isn't listening to anything I ask her to do. All three are currently sitting at dinner refusing to eat pork chops (which are yummy) and asparagus (which may be questionable) and requesting to go to bed hungry. I may just let them. (Typed with glass of wine in hand.)

April 13
I have to give y'all a follow-up: Lily konked out by 6:25 while I was cuddling her, followed by Emma. I left Piper and Ava watching "Blue Seas" while putting baby to bed. When I walked over to the couch at 7pm to tell them it was time for Piper to go to bed I found Piper sitting upright, fast asleep and snoring.

April 15
Getting out into the yard today to prep for planting! I am excited, I think I have Spring Fever.

April  16
I'm kinda sad not to have celebrated Marathon Monday. I loved having random days off in Boston. But then again Utah gets Pioneer Day and Harvest Recess, i.e. first day of hunting season.

April 18
Elliott and I just cracked ourselves up making up pretend conversations Emma had today. Well, WE think are HILARIOUS! (So glad nobody else witnessed that though.)

April 19
Although it isn't technically a crawl, but more like a combination army crawl / worm dance move, Emma can certainly get where she wants to go these days.

Just printed off some Level 2 math worksheets for Ava - FOR FIRST GRADE! (She's not in Kindergarten yet.) Yet another reason to homeschool I think.

April 20
What a fun morning hanging with a girlfriend, her daughter and a little neighbor girl who wandered down to chalk with my girls.

Starting my birthday festivities tonight - dinner with Elliott at The Cheesecake Factory at the new City Creek Center. Thanks Rachel for watching the girls!

April 21
Getting ready to buy disposable diapers for Emma FOR THE FIRST TIME since she was born almost 8 months ago. Not too shabby! (Between stocking up prior to and using mostly cloth diapers, we have done well.)

BEYOND EXCITED! I have been saving up money for a swingset for the girls, did my homework and settled on one at WalMart. Today I went to buy it - AND IT IS ON SALE! I saved $70!! Now I will definitely have some money to buy an extra baby swing. Woo hoo!!

Note to self: do NOT send hungry Elliott to the grocery store on his way to pick up takeout.

April 24
Emma is using the best teething toy: a new (and washed) rubber dog chew toy. Seriously, it's awesome!

Why is that while surrounded by baby toys, Emma is inexplicably drawn to shoes and paper?

April 27
There is just nothing in this world that galls me more than kids who tell you they don't like the yummy food you took so much time to make. Last night it was roast chicken and potatoes, this morning breakfast casserole. (One guess who.)

April 28
My sweet baby daughter sounds like Gollum. True story.

April 30
I'm not entirely sure I sat down today! Well, here's my chance. Hello couch....

March Updates {Life Via Facebook}

March 2
Emma's gag reflex kicked in BIG TIME with the broccoli I just tried to feed her. Needless to say, she's not a fan. She digs asparagus though, go figure.

March 3
Trying to figure out the opposite sex - Lily: "Do boys like longnecks?" Ava: "Some of the boys in my class have dinosaur t-shirts, so I think so..."

March 4
My almost-Leap-Day baby Lily is four years old today! She is most excited to reach the milestone where she can now go to sleepovers at Grandma's house. That and her favorite waffles I have planned for lunch. But wait til she sees her cake tonight!

March 5
"You already ate your dinner Ava, you're doing awesome." I'm doing better than awesome actually. "Oh you are? What's better than awesome?" Amazing. (Okey dokey then!)

March 8
I had thought about asking for the new Lady Antebellum CD for Christmas; I didn't. So I thought about asking for it for my birthday. Well HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY to me - the album download is only $.25 today on Amazon. Yeah baby!

March 9
For those following me on Pinterest, you can tell I've been investigating making my own version of Bum Genius cloth diapers. Well, just so happens JoAnn Fabrics now carries a whole line of special fabric for just that purpose. Guess I have no excuse now, huh?

OK, so I know I JUST got done making a sewing room downstairs, but I have been inspired by fellow bloggers (and encouraged by my hubby) to turn the empty front room into my sewing area. I will be able to take advantage of natural light and keep an eye on the kids better. Since I have a slew of sewing projects coming down the pipeline, why not?

March 12
To-do list today: register Ava for Kindergarten (where did the time go??), watch the new "Footloose" movie and go on a walk to collect little twigs for Elliott to use in his new fire pit so we can roast marhsmallows tonight.

March 14
Trying to remind myself hospitatity isn't about how clean the house is. I SWEAR it was SO clean yesterday afternoon. Then dinner happened, then sidewalk chalk happened, then bathtime happened....

March 15
Lily: Leprachauns are Amish, right mommy? Me: No, I don't think so. Lily: No, I mean the leprachauns TALK Amish. (Took me awhile to figure out she meant IRISH.)

March 17
So, I messed up and kept telling the girls St. Patrick's Day was Sunday. And now Ava is very glad to have one more day to perfect her leprauchan trap and Lily is glad she has an extra day to find her green baseball t-shirt. I intend to keep this ruse up ALL DAY. Do you think it will work??

Our new babysitter just called to see if she could bring Play-Doh for the girls. Um, YES! (We might have a keeper.)

March 18
My grandma would be so proud right now - Lily is enjoying "Lawrence Welk" right now, dancing around the room while Emma is getting such a kick out of watching Lily.

March 19
Making homemade gnocchi. YUM!

Emma was rockin' the beret at church on Sunday. (Picture courtesy of the teenage girl who was watching her in nursery, texted a pic of Emma to her mom while at church "because she's so cute" and I just had coffee with her mom - "was your daughter the one with the hat?" LOL)

March 20
Well, safety scissors are STILL scissors. Piper just took a chunk out of Ava's finger. Lovely...

Just spotted a can of refried beans in the pantry. I am gonna change up my whole menu for tonight just cause refried beans sound good. Ha ha!

March 21
I am working on a list of chores that the girls will get to choose when they do something naughty. Any suggestions from other mommys?

March 22
Poor Ava seems to be allergic to *something* that's blooming right now and it's making her entire body break out. I have no other answer (no new foods, places, or detergent). We've been doing oatmeal baths, Cortaid all over followed by hypoallergenic lotion and finally Benadryl, which kicks her butt and makes her pass right out. So the upside is bedtimes are alot easier right now.

March 24
Bought a 9 ft Christmas tree at a garage sale today. Now only if my ceilings were 9 ft tall. Hmmmm......

March 26
Was spontaneous today and took the girls to see the otters at the aquarium. Gosh darn it, are those little critters CAH-ute!

When Piper has to pick something: "Inny minny, inny moe."

I admit it - I am enjoying reading "The Hunger Games". Today Ava saw me with the book and said "hey mom, I saw a movie of The Hunger Games, I bet you would like it!" (Isn't she sweet?) Glad to have jumped on this bandwagon (Can you imagine if I hadn't read "The Help" before everyone else and then refused to jump on that bandwagon what I would've missed? That's a sad thought.)

March 27
Guess who's cut TWO teeth this week? And she's never been fussy! What a doll.

March 28
Reason for Food Storage #231: When you burn all the cookies for your preschooler's VIP Day tomorrow, at least you have a stockpile of fruit snacks.

March 29
WHAT, no breakfast buffets on Friday mornings? Las Vegas spoiled me.

March 31
Some more garage saling steals today, including to new gDiapers (what I use with Emma) for $1 each. Oh yeah! Also a whole bag of clothes for Ava for summer/fall for $12 and three pairs of summer sandals for me for $1 each.

Elliott's new Smartphone has me feeling a teensy bit jealous. And behind the times.

{February Updates} Life Via Facebook

February 2
Mildly obsessed with making White Chocolate Frito Popcorn for the Super Bowl.

From my two-year old potty-trainer: "Don't watch me naked mom!" and kicks me out of the bathroom.

February 3
I went to bed last night at 8 (asleep around 9) and woke up at 7 with only two nighttime kiddoe wake-ups. I feel GOOD! (Much needed).

(overheard conversation): Lily - "...and that's the circle of time." Ava - "you mean life." Lily - "yeah, circle of life." Thank you Elton John!

February 6
I have a food/Pepsi hangover. Yuck!

I have gotten a little ambitious on Ebay in the last couple of days. Can't believe I had forgotten about this site!

February 7
I've had Emma in the jumper so much that just now, when I put her in the Excersaucer, she was trying to bounce up and down. Needless to say, it didn't work.

February 8
On a morning where it would be very easy to be annoyed at things (including Piper's uber-independance and the meltdowns it causes), my perspective is righted by Piper cheerfully singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" with all of her might.

Does anyone have a good recipe that uses a can of CREAMED CORN? I have a few random ones running around the pantry and I haven't a clue why, since I never use it!

February 10
So excited to have some new friends over this morning! Even happier that the girls think the visit is for THEM since a little girl is coming to play too.

February 13
Once again, just playing around. Took the girls to a museum this morning and now am trying to finish up V Day projects. What a nice day!

February 14
As many times as I blow my diet eating what the girls leave behind, it seems to be balanced out in the moments when I really want a donut at the grocery store but don't want to share with four other people. So I don't get the donut.

OK restaurants, you KNOW Valentine's Day is going to be one of the busiest days of the year. YOU KNOW THIS! The first sushi place I called for carry-out said they aren't doing it because they are too busy. The second isn't even picking up the phone. Stupid people. Grr......

February 15
I am proud to say that I am watching "The Art of Making Bread" and I apparently already know what I'm doing. Hooray!

February 17
Pretty much been up since 2:45 AM and am capping the night off with an impromptu doctor visit to diagnose Lily's ear infection. That's it, I'm signing off now and passing out.

February 19
Piper loves chocolate "because it tastes just like candy!!"

February 21
Really, REALLY need to get to the grocery store today. But baby is needy, Piper is coughing and I am tired. Bad combination.

February 23
Can two year olds have insomnia? Apparently mine can. I think it's a two-pot kind of coffee day.

February 25
Dear lady at Hancock Fabric: It may be preferable to go without eyebrows for the day rather than use lilac eyeshadow to paint them on. Sincerely, me.

I know I am not hip anymore, but would you PLEASE stop referring to it as "Oscar Sunday" and just please tell me what calendar day "Oscar Sunday" is? I JUST figured out that it is tomorrow. Grrr....

February 26
I have already let it be known that I am out of commission today. Dinner ready for the oven and the Oscar red carpet countdown on E!. Need something? Ask Daddy.

Flipping back and forth between the Oscars and Snake Hunters. Talk about diverging interests!!

February 27
The scene where Ryan Gosling meets Emma Stone's parents in "Crazy Stupid Love" - best ever!

{January Updates} Life Via Facebook

January 1
Had a great time with the Kay clan at our house last night eating TONS of food and playing cards. The kids did SO well being up late and we are so glad to have as many rooms/beds as we do to put babies down and let their parents have some fun!

With all the caselot sales about to start, I gotta get my butt into gear working on one of my 2012 goals: having a 3-month food storage.

January 2
Empty Cool Whip containers make great sicky bowls.

January 4
Mitt Romney successfully ran Bain Capital, the Olympics, and the State of Massachusetts. We need someone to run the country like that. GO ROMNEY!

January 6
Piper (2yo) trying to do a 24 piece puzzle. I say "Lily will help you if you need help" (cause Lily's a whiz) and she says "I don't NEED help!" Okey-dokey then.

Just not motivated today. AT ALL. I think I would rather do silly projects, like re-organize the hall closet (check!) and the downstairs hall closet. I also pulled out our 72 hour kits to check them and figure out what needs to be updated. Like I said, earth shattering stuff around here today.

January 7
Working on turning my blog into a book for the second time. With 192 pages, I am currently editing #20. This may take awhile...

I enjoyed a Duggar-style moment while thrifting today. I have come to realization that kids' sizes don't matter much. If I find shoes of good quality at a good price I will buy them. It will fit some girl at some time.

January 9
That pile of dishes in the sink can wait. I did 6+ loads of laundry AND put it away, and baked 4 loaves of bread (among other things). I'm off the clock I think.

January 10
Piper's excuses tonight for getting out of bed: I have to go pee-pee on the potty (no she didn't), I need a new diaper (no she didn't), I have a boogie (no she didn't), and I can't turn my soother on (yes she can). Hmm... I think she needs some new material, these are getting old.

January 12
Food poisoning is no fun! Good thing I am the only one who ate it (hey, I was just trying to not let food go to waste) but it is NOT something I wish on anyone. Elliott is even staying home this morning to help me get back on my feet (something I have NEVER asked him to do before, even through 4 pregnancies and births).

January 13
Was thinking of trying to do a date night with the hubby on Saturday. But with Broncos playing the Patriots, I am not even going to ask.

Friday movie afternoon: "Mr. Popper's Penguins". Probably not much like the book, which the girls and I read, but oh well.

January 15
My sewing craft room is coming together! Elliott had the genius idea to scout the IKEA As-Is section for some sort of "lumber" to use as shelves. Two $1.99 cabinet doors later and some massive $.99 As-Is art frames, we are in business!

January 16
Just spent the morning at IKEA (again, I know!) You just can't beat free childcare for the older two and Piper running solid for one hour chasing the in-store arrows. Then feeding everyone for $3 and free coffee for me! IKEA: I ♥ you!

Although enjoying praise music during dinner is so special, it isn't helping my dawdler Lily, who also really enjoys singing. :)

Heaven help us! Emma regularly rolls onto her tummy now, where she gets stranded and then gets upset. Trying to get her to stay put while sleeping is proving difficult. Going in for the third time ...

January 19
Our snowstorm was SERIOUSLY overrated! I did a mad scramble to secure some snowpants for Ava so that I could let the girls play in the 8+" to come, but this morning we are just wet with rain and 45 degrees. I don't mind, but come on - weathermen, I am not sure I can place trust in you anymore.

This week I have been "playing " alot - IKEA trip, visiting with friends and playing on the floor all morning with Emma. I have to say it feels kinda good! Memories are more important than grocery shopping, right?

Only a million and one half-finished projects currently laying around the house. Even Ava is noticing. "Mommy, you sure do have a lot of projects"

Why can't poinsettas be year-round plants? Apparently it is the only one that I can't kill. My Christmas splurge is still lookin' good!

January 20
Thrifting with the girls today resulted in beautiful boots. Only $8, pure leather and originally $250 at Nordstroms. Go ahead and be jealous! I am in love!!

January 22
Big girls playing in the snow, little baby napping and Elliott out getting the oil changed in the car. Me? I'm enjoying some good old fashioned smut in the form of "Us Weekly" while refereeing the melee outside.

January 24
Putting the baby swing back into storage. Man, that went fast!

Just painted a board for an upcoming project with some freebie paint from the recycling center at the dump. And it's a really pretty aqua. Love it!

I am loving Pinterest for all the tips n tricks I am learning! People are so smart!

January 27
Today holds a playdate visit with Ava's preschool friend, Friday afternoon movie, and our family ice skating lessons (something Lily has SO been looking forward to). I think today should be a good day for the girls!

Ava just brought me her coloring notebook which she had written a message on. I DID NOT help her! This made me laugh out loud (and be supremely impressed that she spelled this herself): NOT YR BOOK, MY BOOK AVA, BUT I LOVE YOU

The girls LOVED LOVED ice skating tonight! Personalities shined through big time: Piper was so mad when she would fall down (mad, not hurt), Ava was goofing off having a great time, and Lily was a pro only half a lap into it (remember how well she did at canoeing this summer?). Such a fun family outing (and bad mommy forgot the camera, but there's always next time)!

January 30
Maybe I shouldn't try to do a double batch of pancakes and a triple batch of waffles at the same time. Something to think about for next time. :)

January 31
Struck gold again at the re-use center at the dump today. I love that place! (Is it wrong that I love going to the dump?)

{December Updates} Life Via Facebook

December 1Listening to sweet Emma chattering away to herself when she first wakes up is one of the best things about the morning.

I am position #866 for a library book hold. I think they might need to order more copies....

December 2

Gotta love when the Wal-Mart cashier knows of a sale you don't and gives you a discounted price. Got my flour for almost half of what I expected to pay!

December 6

When the hot water heater blows and soaks the carpet, it's a good time to be a renter.

I'm gonna go have some vodka. When it rains, it pours.

December 7

I'm just feeding Piper her lunch while seats on the potty. I am getting REALLY tired of running back and forth, back and forth...

 

December 8

Water heater is fixed, carpet is being dried, and we DON'T any more money for Emma's birth (a little battle I was fighting). Things are looking up!

 

Just figured out, by watching You Tube, how to fix my leaky bathtub faucet. How cool!

 

Next up on my You Tube education - how to make mozzarella. I still can't get the hang of it. Maybe You Tube can help me...

 

Lily is such a dawdler. We are over an hour into dinner and she is STILL dawdling over her food. Add in a potty break and it is like the dinner that will never end...

 

December 9

Our day: post office, grocery store, break for kiddoes morning snack of french fries at McDonalds (super healthy I know), Wal-Mart, lunch via Chik Fil A, watched "Rio" with the girls, afternoon snack of chocolate chips (again healthy choice eh?), Walgreens (where a kind stranger gave each of the girls $1 for Christmas), Lowes, then home to fix a leaky tub, blow up balloons for the girls to play with and make dinner. It was a good day!

December 10

Elliott watched basketball today. I am watching "Extreme Couponing." We all have our sporting events!

 

I don't know if it's the wine or the really bad 80's movie re-do, but I'm laughing so much!

 

December 14

Enjoying a quiet moment before kids wake up. On the docket today - a trip to Provo to return a library book, hit some grocery stores and get my knives sharpened. Top it off with lunch with a friend at the McD's Playplace so maybe the kid will let me chat. Probably not, but that's the best weapon I have.

Yesterday we were trying to load up the car and take Ava to preschool. Piper was missing. I called to her and heard from afar "I coming." After I called her again and another "I coming" she started slowly walking up the stairs, talking on her "phone" (i.e. a calculator). 'Yeah, OK, that's good' she was saying. I took the calculator away and said "we're not talking on the phone right now, get in the car."  Hmmm.... a glimpse of my future perhaps?!

 

Last night I had an epic fail at making Christmas cookies for the neighbors. Here's hoping my Chex Mix turns out better!

 

December 15

Emma just wants to be held all of the time so she can be part of the action too. Can't wait for her to be big enough for the Excersaucer. Here's hoping that will be just as entertaining!

 

Today I was talking about how we were taking treats to Elliott's work today. Ava wondered why we were only making 6 bags. "Well there are lots of people that work at the hospital, but only 6 in daddy's office. He works with the numbers." Ava thinks about it for a minute then asks "Who works with the letters and shapes?"

 

December 16

Trying to de-stress. After driving around trying to find the DMV and then waiting in line with all of my paperwork, turns out I also needed my marriage license since my birth certificate name doesn't match my social security card. So an hour and a half down the drain! I HATE when my day gets thrown off. I think I might just cry.... It's a great stress reliever you know.

 

December 17

Ava and Lily are SO excited to be sheep in the kids program at church tomorrow. And they are excited daddy's coming to see them.

 

December 19

Enjoyed lovely time tonight with a trip to Temple Square for our annual light-viewing with extended Kay family. Cold but worth it!

 

December 20

My goodness, I am tired from all of the cleaning I did today. But NOW I can focus on the fun stuff. Finishing presents and just enjoying the last few days of the Christmas season.

 

December 21

I need to do a bit of grocery shopping (expiring coupons!) but am a little nervous to head out to Wal-Mart tonight. Blech!

 

December 24

Anyone else on checking out NORAD's Santa Tracker? It's our favorite activity on Christmas Eve!

 

Looking forward to my annual "Sushi and 'Love Actually' Christmas Eve Date" with Elliott.

 

Sushi consumed and halfway through our movie. Time for a cocktail! What a lovely date night.

 

December 26

Having a Christmas hangover. The girls are so wired from all the new stimulating presents and week-long candy binge that everyone seems extra emotional and on edge. I think we need to detox!

 

Made Elliott watch "The Help" with me tonight (my Christmas present). He liked it OK. I tried not to cry again at the end (like I did at the theaters).

 

December 27

Took advantage today of signing up for a free Annual Family Pass (courtesy of Elliott's work) at the Utah Olympic Oval, home of the US Speed Skating Team. We can now go and skate ANY TIME WE WANT FOR FREE! I am thinking we may have to see if any of the girls take to figure skating.

 

December 29

Venturing to Target today to check it out. You know, with four kids in tow after-Christmas baragin hunting just isn't the same.

 

What a privilege to take a meal to a person in need. I hope that someone would do the same for me.

 

December 30

Thanks everyone for the great food ideas for tomorrow night! The prep has begun (cause Texas Cake tastes better the longer it sets, yum!).

{November Updates} Life Via Facebook

November 1
Piper spent last night hollering "I need more candy!" as we went house to house. Yeah, like she "needs" more candy, LOL!

Just realized that my birth certificate is a copy and I need a real one to get a drivers license in UT. I feel kinda weird applying to get my own birth certificate so I can prove who I am to another state.

November 2
At bedtime Ava and I were discussing that she needed to get shots at the doctor tomorrow but she would be brave. Apparently Lily overheard. Quite some time later Lily starts yelling for daddy. When Elliott went in she said she wanted to tell Ava something but Ava was already asleep. Elliott said he would relay the message to her in the morning, what would she like to tell Ava. "It will hurt."

November 3
Let the Christmas shopping begin!

November 4
Exhausted but happy. Canned 12 qts applesauce, cleaned up the garden for the season by putting away stakes/hoses and all the outdoor toys, and comforted a wee one who just wouldn't nap today to save her life. Tommorow's agenda - a much needed girly day including haircut with my mom.

November 10
Heading to the airport for the first run, bringing back my brother and SIL and my niece Maggie. Can't WAIT!

All of the family is here and our "Thanksgiving" is in the works for tomorrow. Yeah!

November 14
The house is now much quieter than it has been in days. I am missing people already! Good thing we already have plans for another reunion in 2013.

November 15
The girls have been keeping themselves busy cutting pictures out of magazines. The darned ad for Wheat Thins that is now sitting on the table keeps fooling me; I keep trying to clean up the crackers!

We're already gearing up to miss our Nana who is moving out tomorrow. Elliott says to Lily tonight "what are you doing tomorrow?" Taking Nana to the airport. "That's good" No, it's not good. I'm going to miss her!

November 17
I kinda like that Piper doesn't take naps anymore. Of course I miss my "me time" but now she goes strong ALL DAY (for the most part cheerfully) and crashes into bed around 7pm, sleeping soundly for 12-13 hours. It's so much nicer than her past sleeping patterns, so I am grateful for it.

November 18
I know it's early, but since I am ordering Christmas cards right now I am listening to Christmas music to put me in the mood. I must say, I am loving it!

A trip to the doctor's today so Elliott could get an xray for his swollen wrist (which has now been sent on to a radiologist to read, so no info yet) resulted in a lady removing his car's back bumper with her Mercedes SUV. We are very glad she stuck around to deal with paperwork as Elliott was inside at the time and she could have just hit and run. Man, I felt sorry for her - she was such a mess over it, feeling so bad.

November 19
Big girls moved downstairs, Piper moved to a toddler bed, and Emma moved to her own room. Let's see how tonight goes....

November 21
Laundry, organizing the linen closet, ordering Christmas cards and finishing Thanksgiving projects. What are you doing today?

Trying desperately to fend off a muscle-related migraine. Hang in there shoulders until our chiro appt on Wednesday, OK?

November 22
Everyone in the house sounds so croupy (except for me). I slept with Emma last night in the rocking chair, poor baby. But that means I am awful tired today since that really isn't sleeping. I think we will all have a veg-out day in front of PBS Kids.

‎1. My "turkey toes" treats for Thanksgiving are lookin' CUTE!
2. Making stock for the sickos and the house smells yummy.
3. Piper has been going around the house saying "hola!" Watching Dora much?

November 23
Just caught a perp using my PayPal debit card to get a membership on CreditReport.com. Man what a stupid criminal to use my info to get your credit report! Seriously?

I love getting Black Friday deals that have nothing to do with Christmas presents but are instead items Elliot and I have had on our wish list/save up for list for awhile. Storage room shelving from Lowes, TV for living room, and now IKEA bookshelves as downstairs entertainment center. Woo hoo!

Yes people, I am wrapping Christmas presents.

November 25
Should've stayed off the internet since I don't need anything. But how can I pass up 3 kitchen appliances for only $.34?!

November 26
The most annoying thing about being sick? Now I'm behind on my Christmas decorating!

November 27
I think I finally found the culprit behind the stinky kitchen. Note to self: take cooked broccoli directly to compost bin and do NOT leave in the compost bucket beneath the sink.

November 29
Emma's baby playmat is up and the big girls have been "decorating" it for her. She is. In. Heaven. She loves the new toys and the attention.

The house is starting to look clean again. Hooray! Amazing how much piles up when you are sick.

{October Updates} Life Via Facebook

October 1
Lovely date night with the hubby on the cheap. Used a Groupon for dinner, hit the thrift store and then used up reward certificates and coupons to buy all of Ava's birthday presents. Total cost - under $12.

October 2
I am struggling to live with Piper's stinky STINKY cast. She had an "accident" in the night and now that smell is living on. It is so gross - and we have a more than a week before it comes off. Let's hope perfume can help...

October 3
Emma's actually napping (thanks to the swing) allowing me to put another coat of paint on the toddler bed and get some meals in the freezer. Now for some mommy-time watching "Fringe".

I MUST get a pizza peel for Christmas. I just made the biggest mess trying to get the pizza onto the hot stone. Grrr! Now all the windows are open hoping the smoke alarm doesn't go off.

October 5
Those darn Comcast people! Got me sucked into having TV again because it was the cheapest way to get internet (bundled). Oh well, no DVR still means I won't be watching it alot.

Is it wrong that I don't want to buy good toilet paper for the girls? They just use so much! :)

October 6
Tried to get a jump on the kids by getting up at 6. Guess who got up at 6:15? Why do I try?

October 7
Just got sidetracked deep cleaning the stove, oven and microwave. Well, now it's all set for holiday baking! (Yes people, I am talking Christmas and Thanksgiving.)

Emma is figuring out this napping-thing. A REALLY good one this afternoon (currently ongoing) and one this AM. Drowsy but awake, not nursing to sleep. Fingers crossed it holds!

First day of having cable again in over two years - and I could care less. I like feeling that way.

October 9
I had to correct Ava's behavior while she was coloring. The next two pictures she created have her animals crying. I think she's not happy with me.

October 10‎
40 lbs of chicken, bushel of plums and a big box of apples. Guess I'll be in the kitchen this week. And lovin' it!

October 13
Going to TRY and catch up at the computer today on blogging, design, etc. while celebrating Ava's VIP day at preschool. The plums will just have to wait until tomorrow!

I know I shouldn't care, but no matter what I do I can't get my credit score above 700. What a joke! I use cash, so it's just a vicious cycle.

October 14
Gearing up to make plum chili sauce. Or a trip to the playground. Hmmm..

October 17
Enjoyed MORE gorgeous fall scenery on the Alpine Loop yesterday (a top 10 spot according to Sunset magazine) after a productive garage saling day on Saturday. Spent about $40 for several Pyrex dishes, a humidifer, steamer/juicer, and TONS of other fun mommy things for me.

October 21
Today my biggest girl turns 5. Happy birthday Ava!!

Just caught Piper playing with a pair of needlenose pliars around the electrical outlet. Crisis averted. (She will be the death of me, I am sure of it.)

Our morning at IKEA per Ava's request (she likes the playland) yielded some purchases to finish several mommy projects AND uber-cheap lunch for all of us. Now off to the park and then IHOP for her requested birthday dinner.October 23Working on yet another project. Hooray! Now that I have discovered how to print on tissue paper, I am a little obsessed.

October 24
Going to put aside the rest of my to-do list today to concentrate on playing with the girls outside. It will be the last nice day for awhile.

Such a nice day! Ava tried out her training wheels for the first time, loved it. And you would never know Lily only rode her training wheels one other time - she is a natural!

Piper & Mommy exchange just now:
"You took your shirt off two times, you will wear a zip-zip" (sleeper onesie).
No, I no wear zip-zip.
"No Piper you WILL wear a zip-zip"
No, you no tell me no! 
"I WILL tell you no. You took your shirt off again, you will wear a zip-zip"
No way Jose! ~ That's when I stifled my laugh and tried to get out of the room as quickly as possible.

October 25
So my two-year old has now decided I am "mom". Not mommy. Mom. I don't know how I feel about this...

October 26
Elliott's off for a boys weekend in TX. Sarah's going to have a "get stuff done with Elliott out of the house" weekend. Exciting project #1: steam clean the couch.

October 27
What's worse than having two sick kids? Having a two year old who isn't sick AND is running at full speed when the rest of us are only at half-speed. Already had to clean up Sharpie from the kitchen tile (thank God it wasn't the carpet!) and am now moving on to the crayon from a Tupperware lid.

Organized the freezer and am now rolling cake balls. Had to make room in the freezer for the cake balls, ha ha ha!

October 28
I am seriously grossed out by the dirtiness of the water coming from the carpet cleaner. Eewww!

{September Updates} Life Via Facebook

September 3
I want to tell y'all how great Emma is doing, but I don't want to jinx anything!

September 5
After living next door to them for a year, I *finally* invited the neighbors over to BBQ with us tonight. Better late then never, right?

First day of preschool for Lily and Ava is tomorrow. I have a special breakfast planned, made them a little treat/craft to share with everyone, and am planning to take them for sno cones in the afternoon. I hope to make it a special day!

September 6
They took newborn photos of Emma at the hospital. Oh yes, I NEED to buy them, they are so beautiful!

September 7
Just ate a large caprese salad all by myself. Three tomatoes and a whole hunk of fresh mozzarella. I guess I am taking advantage of the last of summer's bounty.

September 8
Enjoying the onset of cooler weather. Let's hope it holds through the weekend as I bought tickets to the State Fair. Woo hoo!

Trying to get Lily to listen to me while instructing her on how to write her name is EXACTLY the reason why I can't homeschool. I give up after two tries. Too exhausting for me. Grateful for people who are gifted teachers, because I am not one.

September 10
Happy anniversary to my sweet husband! 8 years together, 6 years married, 4 little girls to show for it. It's been busy, amazing, and truly wonderful. I love you Elliott!

September 11
Piper just counted to 18. I asked her "what comes after 18?" "FIVE!" she screamed. Ha ha ha!

September 13
Is it wrong that I am getting a little too excited looking at the Sutherlands Lumber ad? Look at all of the projects we could do Elliott ! :)

September 16
Picking up a big box of peaches today for canning (not thrilled about processing them but we need more for the coming year) then Ava is going to Grandma & Grandpa's for her first sleepover. She is beyond excited!!

September 19
Bushel of peaches canned and 5 more quarts of green beans. Then I sat down for dinner and never wanted to stand up again. :)

September 20
Thank goodness for three toilets. Cause all three little girls are occupying them right now!

September 22
At 3 weeks old, I am already having to retire some of Emma's newborn clothes. What a chunky monkey!

Piper just sneezed out a green bean. Just when I think it's safe to leave her unattended at dinner...

September 24
Best garage sale buy of the day: a much-needed weedwhacker for Elliott. Price - $5! Saved over $100 on that one! Cross one more thing off the wish list.

September 26
Today I discovered that our landfill has a "re-use center" where they put paint, chemicals, cleaners, etc. Anyone can stop in and pick up stuff for free. Dropped off some cardboard and got some pretty gray Martha Stewart paint for free. Win-win!

September 30
Emma has been such a mommy's girl lately that I am having trouble putting her down. I finally gave in today and put her in the Moby Wrap so I could get some things done!

{August Updates} Life Via Facebook

August 18
Making beef stock, strawberry jam and salsa. I didn't have a stock pot large enough for the salsa, so I busted out the water bath canner to cook it up in. Smells yummy!

August 19
Ava has asked me a thousand times if I will watch their Friday afternoon movie with them. How can a mom turn that down?

August 20
Off to the Utah County Fair. It's my FAVORITE! Can't wait!

August 21
Tomato, mozzarella, pesto, and basil (all homemade/grown) on ciabatti bread for lunch. Yum!

Poor Elliott.  I should feel so much more sympathetic when he tells me he's so tired (from weeding and the gym) but instead I want to give him the middle finger.

August 23
Sitting around waiting for baby to make an appearance does NOT work for me. I am finding all sorts of sewing projects to keep me busy!

August 24
Piper hurt her leg yesterday jumping off a table. Who needs boys? Anyway, we have been dealing with lots of crying as she tries (50% unsuccessfully) to get around. Hoping tomorrow's better!

August 25
Well, Mommy's Intuition wasn't working this time. Piper is now sporting a hot pink leg cast for her fractured tibia.  Glad Elliott and Mom made me take her to the doctor.

August 28
Emma Elizabeth was born at about 9:45am this morning. Mommy and baby are both healthy and happy. Sarah delivered naturally after a 3.5 hour labor. Baby weighed in at 8 lbs 13 ozs and 20.5 inches long. Parents are thrilled!! ~ Elliott Kay

August 30
Headed back to the madness that is FOUR little girls in less than an hour. Lord protect us all! And bless the grandmas for covering my butt. :)

Life Via Facebook

Many times as moments of life happen, I have taken to recording these snippets on Facebook.  Here’s some randomness that we have experienced this summer:

May 31
Piper was pretending to bite my leg. I told her "no bite!" a couple of times. So she put her stuffed "Huggy Bear" on my leg, laughed and said "Huggy bite!" What a jokester!

Just now Piper hears Ava and Lily arguing outside. She runs to the porch steps and yells at them "Kids! Kids! No!"

June 11
Back to UT, exhausted but elated. Piper met me at the airport and once she was latched on there was no getting her off. Arms so tight around my neck, melting into me = one happy, much-loved mommy. Can't wait to love on the other two when they wake up in the morning.

June 12
Darn that Elliott for keeping ice cream in the house. I have no willpower! None!

June 15
Cruised through a book today. It's my idea of a perfect day when the kids play nicely with each other while I "interact" from my reading position on the couch. We all win!

June 17
Half an hour after putting her to bed for the night, Piper is still going strong (loudly) singing songs to herself. So far I have heard "Wheels on the Bus", "The Farmer in the Dell", and "Bye Baby Bunting" (all of which I sang tonight) mingled with extensive one-sided conversations.

June 19
Just tried to hide some overripe bananas in a fruit salad for the girls, along with blueberries, grapes, and raspberry syrup. That backfired. Guess what fruit went uneaten?

June 22
Took a walk with the girls today and passed a house with a cute zebra print chair near the front window. I suddenly wanted to be friends with the person that lives there.

June 25
Some fun garage sale finds today. I love being driven by the hubby and directed by the GPS. All I have to do is concentrate on getting bargains!

June 27
Brewing red raspberry leaf tea (for pregnancy) and making some homemade, organic aphid killer out of garlic and hot peppers. I feel all pioneer-y.

My mom is amazing in that she does the laundry. I am not so amazing in that I am now staring down a two-week pile of clean clothes I need to put away in the girls' room (since I didn't put it away last week either) and wondering where in the heck to begin??!!

June 30
The amazing power of cookies! Promising them after naps got Lily and Piper straight off to bed without so much as a peep.

July 1
I just told Elliott that if we switch the girls' bedrooms (which means we might have to disassemble the beds) it saves me from buying under bed storage bins for them. Hmmm... is money a motivating factor for some elbow grease? I think so!

July 4
Couple more projects down. Re-slipcovered the recliner (nursing) chair which has been bugging me for two years and am taking advantage of the 99 prints for $.99 from Snapfish to finish Piper's First Year scrapbook (a gift from her Aunt Tracy).

July 5
Girls are a little clingy today. Guess they get to run my errands with me. This will now take 3x as long. Good thing I love them (and am having a good morning)!

I am all out of self-canned salsa and pickles. I didn't think it was possible! But it makes me feel very glad we are actually USING what I am preparing. Hope my cukes and tomatoes come through for me this summer (they are looking awesome right now so I think they will).

July 6
Ava: "Oh no! Giraffe's neck bone is sick. And if her neck bone is sick she can't breathe and she will die!"

New baby's awake time every day is between 10-11pm. I guess that's because that's the time of night I FINALLY sit still, so the movement stops and she thinks it's time to wake up. I have to wait her out before I can go to sleep.

July 8
I did it! I successfully made mozzarella!! And it is SOOO yummy!

July 9
Piper would NOT go to sleep before 10pm last night, was up from 5-6am (I tried to get her back to sleep) and seems she's up for the day at 7am. I hope I can get her to take two naps today!!

July 10
Just switched the girls' bedrooms. It was a bit of work (and not done yet) but Elliott and I are in agreement - it is MUCH better this way!

July 11
I think the first day of Vacation Bible School did Lily in. I am waiting until after she has a nap to hear all about it.

I know Elliott's working long hours too these days for budget season, but I would really like to be off the clock to by 10pm. That Piper is a stinker these days!

July 12
Had zero luck finding fabric I liked for any of my projects at the stores I visited today. I did however only spend $4 for materials to make a shelf/night table for Ava and Lily's room.

July 13
Piper will use anything as a pretend phone (laptop battery, her own fist, a compact mirror). Right now she is using a studfinder I had out for a project.

Hard drive on laptop just crashed. Had to restart with factory settings, losing all personal docs/pics. "Luckily" I had downloaded all 2010 photos to the free drive, but I am now out whatever 2011 photos are not on the blog.  Boo!

July 14
Food I've made today: blueberry muffins, loaf of bread, corn salad, beef brisket, rosemary potato pancakes, bread pudding. I'm tired.

Bread pudding, where have you been all of my life?

July 17
Finally saw "Super 8" last night and it was all it was supposed to be. LOVED IT!

I was a little under the weather today. Here's hoping tomorrow is better! I've got stuff to do!

July 18
I am just not good at taking it easy when I am sick. 9 jars of homemade raspberry jelly (thanks Momma Kay) and two batches of homemade rolls for the oven (and thanks to my mom for the bread machine). And kept using the Purell and washing my hands throughout in case anyone is concerned.

July 19
Baby swing ordered. Closet organized with diapers and clothes. Just over a month to go. I'm not a planner or anything. :)

Don't know why I am policing the imaginary tea party. If they want to drink tea like dinosaurs instead of ladies, what should I care?

July 21
Baking some muffins for our overnight Kay camping trip and gonna sew up some pillows later. The nesting continues....

July 22
Making all three girls take naps or "no camping trip!" Maybe that will do the trick.

I am thinking the next room that needs a makeover is my sewing room. Not like all of the other rooms in my house are semi-finished or anything, but I am getting so much great inspiration via Pinterest that I feel the need to start new projects.

July 28
Google Reader and I just spent some lovely time together. Found discounted nursing tanks, cheap movies, half price tire and car battery, and cheap milk. What a good day!

It's SO nice to have Elliott home before 11pm!

July 30
Just... ate... too... much... ice... cream...


August 1
I love the first of the month cause Hulu updates their Bravo TV offerings. I'm so shallow!

This morning Piper said “No mommy, you no tell me no!”  Oh boy!

August 4
God bless tuna burgers.

Although I am upset at myself for letting my tiredness and crankiness run away from me on my sweet girls, I hope that what I teach them from my mistakes is that you should never be too proud to admit them and ask forgiveness.

August 5
After four hours shopping today, then a lunch break, got my 50's housewife (slippered and pregnant) self into the kitchen to process my green beans, homemade pesto, make homegrown cucumber-tomato salad and zucchini stir fry for dinner, and start prepping the 28# of strawberries I bought today for the freezer. Yes, I am 36 weeks pregnant AND laughing at myself as I type this.

August 11
What a luxury to go to the movies by myself in the middle of the day. Thanks mom for watching the girls for me!

August 15
Tonight I tried to punish Ava by removing the rest of her dessert, to which she calmly handed it to me and said "That's fine, I was done with it anyway". Ava 1, Mom 0.