my little beautician

How I love my little Addie!She is always wanting to paint nails or have a tea party. So that's exactly what we did- in jammies and before doing hair. . .obviously! She is so funny and took her job of picking out the polish very seriously. Her little face was priceless as she was pating my nails. She was so deep in concentration, she didn't even notice I was taking her picture. She worked so hard and I think she did a wonderful job- don't you??

Then it was her turn- it's hard to believe she is such a girl with 3 brothers- but she loves having her nails all pink and pretty. She's priceless.

crazy for dominoes

Maybe it's just me- but often, I find myself in the guest room searching for a game or activity to keep my boys occupied in the afternoon. I know this won't really be a problem next year, when Tyler is in 1st grade. (Ahh!) So I jumped all over this domino set I saw in the HearthSong magazine. If you've never looked at their magazine, you should check it out. They have really cool toys- nice, quality and different.

We got this set for the boys for Christmas and we've all really enjoyed it. I only let them play it in the afternoons when the little ones are sleeping. It's REALLY frustrating to get it all set up and then one wrong move- and you're toast. Believe me- we let Addison help us once and I just had to laugh because she knocked it down SO many times. I love seeing what creations the boys come up with- they are so much more creative then I am. I always do the dominoes in a circle and they get crazy and build the coolest stuff!

dear carter,

Just so you never doubt how much I love you . . .
I love your big, clear blue eyes.

I love the way your head always smell sweet, even when you've been outside playing and are dirty.

I love the way your eyes get big and you talk in a really suprised voice, when you are excited.

I love your stocky bowed legs.I love that your fingernails are dirty EVERY day, even though I clean them and clip them all the time. You are happiest playing in the dirt.

I love the way your skinny little body feels in my arms.

I love the way you put your head on my shoulder when you get shy or sad.

I love the way you look at me when you toddle up to my legs and put your arms up, when you want to be held.I love how whenever anyone opens the back door, you walk as fast as you can to get out into the fresh air and sunshine.

I love the way that I could just stare at you all day long- even after 13 months together!
I love that just writing this and thinking about you upstairs asleep in your crib snuggling with your blanket, brings tears to my eyes.

I love how you have made me the mom of 3 boys- 3 BOYS!!

I love you. Every hair, finger, toe, eyelash, foot and sweet dimpled hand.

I love you, Carter man.

sss

*update: I do know about the spiral bound book that the church has out- but I prefer the GAK because you can take the pictures out and also use the story on the back. To me it's worth the extra money to have the box with the pictures in it. But the book is a great idea, too!

We call is Scripture Story Sunday- and we love it!

Every Sunday evening, in place of our regular scripture reading/study time, we gather together and I tell the kids a scripture story. I go to my trusty GAK (gospel art kit) and pick out a picture and then I tell the kids that scripture story. Right now we are doing stories from the Old Testament. Tonight it was the story of Abraham and Isaac and oh my- the boys were all ears. They asked lots of questions and were hanging on every word. Last week we covered the David and Goliath story- and what story could be more interesting for a 5 and 6 year old boy??
Anyway- the point of this post was to give a shout out to my GAK. I love it! I use it at least once a week, for Family Night, scripture study, Primary stuff or just when I am telling the kids a story. At my last stake primary board meeting, our stake primary president told us that these kits are being discontinued. So I hurried home and ordered mine from the Distribution Center. Here is the link if you are interested. They are $30 and worth every penny. They come in a nice, sturdy box and are all organized by numbers, with a table of contents. I just thought I'd share that tidbit with you. I know the church libraries are stocked with them, but after hearing that they won't be making them for long, I thought I'd pass the word along. The kids love the pictures and I love being able to share quick, entertaining and fun scripture stories with them.

my motivation

I just had to share this song. I have set some personal goals for myself that require a lot of motivation! This song has really helped me. Yes, I know it's Miley Cyrus and yes, I know I am 31, but I don't care! I listen to this song all the time and it helps me to stay focused and to remember to enjoy the journey- not just reaching the goal. Listen to it- it's awesome!

conference weekend

I know this is way late- but I am trying to play catch up here.

While the boys were at Priesthood session, I had a "Favorite Things" Party for some girlfriends. They were instructed to bring 3 of their favorite things. When everyone came over, each girl wrote their name on 3 pieces of paper and put then in a bowl. Then each girl got a piece of paper with their name on it and pinned it to their back. Before we played the game, we enjoyed dinner- sandwiches and salad from Panera. After dinner, we each took turns explaining our favorite things. Before we talked about each one, we would pick a name, and that's the person who received that favorite thing. It was so fun to learn something new about each person and then to walk away with 3 new great products. After the game, we walked around and wrote out favorite thing about that person on their back. So for instance, I might write "You are always smiling and happy." on my friends back. Then when we were done, it was fun to read what people thought about you!


I made my "favorite " cookies and attached the recipe- to give away as favors.
Everyone writing their favorite things on everyone else's back.


After the "Favorite Things" party, the boys joined us for dessert and games. I LOVE playing games with a big group like that. It's so fun! We stayed up laughing and playing until almost midnight. We have such a great group of friends here!


Girls vs Boys- Jeopardy

Brandon Dade trying to get the guys to guess on Catch Phrase.


The next morning we enjoyed monkey bread and fruit for breakfast while watching conference. My kids really look forward to a yummy meal- so I sacrifice every year and get up early (4 am) to prep the bread and set it out to rise. Then when we get up at 8am, it's all ready to pop in the oven. It was a busy, but super fun weekend!

The famous bread- so worth the early get up time!The kids enjoying breakfast and conference.

best mom's day

"I love Mother's Day!"

That was the first thing out of my mouth yesterday morning- when I was awoken by 4 cute kids and a cute husband and the last thing out of my mouth last night as I fell asleep with a smile on my face. Yesterday truly was a wonderful day- a day to spend with family, enjoy my children, be pampered by my husband, eat yummy food and feel special all day long!

They all woke me up at 9 am with breakfast in bed- Aaron's famous "Egg Holies", fruit and fresh squeezed OJ. Then we came downstairs to open presents- and lots of them! They went crazy this year! Addison got me a candle, Jake got me the Topsy Turvy tomato planter (he's seen that on TV for months and really wanted me to have that because I love tomatoes!) and Tyler got me a caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Aaron bought me a new bread machine! Our last one just wore out and stopped working and we have really missed having one. We use it a lot- pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, breadsticks and of course- yummy fresh bread. I can't wait to give it a try today!

Aaron started a new tradition this year- he had the idea to plant a tree each year for me, on Mother's Day. This year is was a lemon tree. I LOVE the idea!

Of course my favorite gifts were the homeade ones- my boys spen hours at the kitchen table with all the craft stuff out- glitter, lace, ribbon, feathers, confetti, glue and lots of paper. Here is my collection from yesterday:My 2 favorites- first one from Tyler
and this one from Jacob- look closely and read what it says. I love the his answers to the questions!
I got my first homemade plate! What a treasure! They made these in kindergarten.

Aaron's yummy breakfast with "spread-apart strawberries"- as Jake called them. The kids were SUPER impressed that Daddy could make the berries looks like flowers.

The kids hard at work- cleaning up the breakfast mess.

After the mornings activities we went to church and the guys were sweet enough to give us girls the third hour "off." We enjoyed cheesecake and water together. It was nice to sit and visit instead of being busy, busy in the Primary room.

After church my family came over for dinner. We took the easy way and had pizza and salad and ice cream (Chocolate Malted Crunch, of course!). It was actually very relaxing and the boys did a great job of cleaning up and taking care of the kids for us. We ended the day sitting outside playing basketball and enjoying the beautiful spring night.

Cute Kate discovered a new toy- and zoomed down the hall with it. It was awesome! Look how happy she is- and how tan my sisters legs are- in May. Not fair. Cute cousins- with matching shirts.

Sisters with their babies.
Uncle Dave (my brother) with the boys-having a serious talk. Look how intently the boys are listening to him. They sure love Uncle David.

What a great day! I love Mother's Day and mostly, I love the reason that we celebrate this day. I love my mom, my mother-in-law and their moms, too! We have such great moms in our life. I truly am blessed to learn from the best. I am also thankful for the moms that I interact with daily. I am thankful for your examples and support.

And of course- I am thankful for these 4 little people - the ones that made me a mom. They are my heart and soul.This post wouldn't be complete without giving props to Aaron- the best Daddy and husband. He made the day so special and worked so that I didn't have to lift a finger. Thanks honey! Can't wait for Father's Day now!!

mother dear

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I love you and am
thankful for you every day.

I hope you have a
wonderful day-
you deserve it.

I love you!!!

Love,
Dani
XO

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