Popcorn Popping

Yesterday, as we anxiously awaited a visit from Jen and Paityn by the window, Gracie noticed our Apricot trees and their beautiful blossoms. She said in the cutest, nicest, little voice, "Mom, did you put those flowers on those trees? They look sooooo cute!" shortly after, with the same enthusiasm, Jack said "Good job Mom!" After my heart stopped fluttering, I said "No, those are apricot blossoms!" and went on explaining the wonderful process of spring blooms. Then we sang popcorn popping on the apricot tree. (they loved that we were actually looking out the window ~ but of course!) It was so cute and I love how innocent and pure Jack, Grace, and Max are at this adorable age. Anyway, Jen and Paityn arrived and we had a fun afternoon! We had a yummy lunch and then headed outside as the children wanted to play in the sun. Then Jen and I decided to cut some branches from the "popcorn trees" and bring the outside in for an inexpensive (free) decoration for our homes!

{The children admiring the trees} {Our popcorn tree creation} {Gracie warning everyone about the dead bee~ thanks Grace }

It was such a nice day! I love spending time outside and watching the children rediscover the outdoors.

Happy Spring!

I was hoping to have my "Happy Spring" banner all finished and hung by today,

~The 1st Day Of Spring~

but I guess it's just not going to happen.

I did start it though and my wheat grass is planted!

I have also been working on organizing our mud room (yikes!)

It's the biggest disaster of the house and I'm a little intimidated

but I think I can tackle it (one of these days).

I'll keep you updated but don't expect a picture anytime soon.

Anyway, Spring is officially here!

Here's a sweet poem that I love.

No matter how long the winter,

How hard the frost or how deep

the snow, Nature triumphs.

No season is awaited so eagerly

or welcomed so warmly as spring.

~Sheila Pickles

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Did I mention that I love Spring?

A Peaceful Sunday

We had such a nice Sunday afternoon today relaxing out on the deck

(after eating/wearing spaghettiOs and asparagus for dinner)

I love Sundays!

I taught the Beehives today and gave them this for a handout to help them remember the lesson (being a peacemaker in the home) throughout the week. I tied this thought onto a little bag of chocolate pebbles.

Each act of kindness and love touches lives more deeply than we ever know. Like pebbles dropped in a pond, our simplest acts of love can create ripples that extend far beyond our own sphere. This week I will look at these pebbles and remember to be a peacemaker. One action of bringing peace in my home can affect my entire family. I will be a peacemaker.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!

Today we enjoyed:

1. waffles for breakfast
2. a trip to the park with grandma and grandpa
3. a yummy lunch at del taco
4. three napping children and a new c.d. on the way home from bountiful
5. making green popcorn together (popcorn with melted green chocolate)
6. going to tecia's party which included to following:

• a delicious traditional irish dinner(corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, salad, green fruit, green fancy drink, soda bread, and, the kids favorite, jello jigglers cut into their own initials and other fun shapes!)
• coloring activity for the kids
• an exciting play date with two ginnea pigs
• some bounces on a trampoline
• bags of gold coins a friendly lepricon hid for the nine excited children(leaving behind footprints and all)
• green popcorn and other fun snacks
• delightful conversation and lots of laughing
  

Thanks Mom, Dad and Tecia!

We had Wonderful day!

We're so Lucky to have you in our lives!

unsupervised photographers

As I was downloading some pictures today I didn't recognize a few {quite a few} pictures. I can just imagine the twins now...

"make a CRAZY face now" and then little giggles after each flash, shhhhh quiet... Mom will hear us....now it's my turn...

I love you my crazy face kids

dolly

I finished this cute little "dolly" for Gracie the other day and I'm so glad she likes it!

She calles her other dolls "babies" but for some reason she calls this one her dolly. She has to sleep with it and loves the idea that we have to be quite if we are near her because she is {always} sleeping. I am so glad when my children enjoy the things that I make for them.

Spring is in the air!

I love living in Utah where there is such a drastic change each season! I can honestly say I love every season. It is the first couple of weeks of each season that I feel the most excited. In the summer it's the first time laying out, going for a dip in the pool, watering the plants and feeling the cold water on my bare feet. In the fall it's the cool breeze through the turning leaves, and the gazing up at the colorful mountains. In the winter, of course it's the first snow, first fire in the fireplace, and putting on that long lost favorite sweater that almost feels like an old friend giving you a warm hug. Well, this week I think I got a taste of spring. Thursday it poured down rain in the morning and then warmed up into a beautiful sunny afternoon! While the twins were at pre-school, Max and I decided to bake something to celebrate the first sprinkles of spring. We made Mom's cinnamon rolls. I love making these because there is so much time invested that when they are finally done my family and I enjoy them immencely (not to mention it makes the house smell lovely for the rest of the day)! Well, we baked sooo many that I just had to share. I packed up a bunch for some of my friends. It was a fun day and I am soooo looking forward to more signs of spring!

Simple Pleasures

This week has been, to say the least, Crazy! I feel like the days just fly by! I can't beleive I haven't posted in sooo long. This past week Clay has been out of town and we have missed him dearly. We took a little road trip tovisit some of our favorite people! Saturday, the kiddies and I picked up Mom from work (downtown SLC) and headed up to My Grandparents house! It was so nioce to see their smiling faces again and chat for a little bit. {we couldn't stay too long because the kids were sooo tired... you can tell by the picture}.

The rest of the weekend was spent in Bountiful with my parents!

We had such a fun time and Jack and Grace can't stop talking about it.

Every day they want to plan the next trip!

Thanks for such a great time and Thanks for being such

Wonderful Grandparents!!

Since we have been home it's been the same old routine running the kids to their activities, cleaning the house, a few trips to the grocery store.....

I have, however, been able to squeeze in a few moments for myself here and there.

Last night my friend Jen and I were able to sneek away and got to the

Riverwoods

for some (much needed) down time.

We peeked in a bunch of Magazines at Borders, browsed in and out of our favorite

boutiques, and had a delightful dinner {all I could eat crab!!!} at Magleby's.

It was very refreshing and when I returned home I was ready to be Mom again.

I also have been wanting to finish a bunch of projects (most I have only started in my mind).

Here are a few:

*Finish the little doll for Gracie.

*Finish the little dress for Gracie.

*Start on Maxwells bedding.

*Start a little Skirt for Gracie.

*Paint the little hutch my mom gave me.

*Make a cute spring banner for the house.

*Barrettes and headbands for Gracie.

(don't worry people, I will do something fun for the boys too..)

so much to do, soooooo little time.

At least I'm ready to get started. I don't know what it is about making things for my family and friends that puts me in such a good mood. I just love the creation process. What colors.. What trims...Details...Shall it Sparkle????

*FUN*

Lunch with Grandpa

Does it get any better?

A suprise call from Grandpa saying he's in town

and wants to have lunch with us!

Thanks for lunch Dad!

We love you!