grumptastic

Yesterday I was in such a bad mood. At the point of tears the whole day. I just couldn't figure out why. I thought perhaps it was Dave and Emma's visit to the dentist which resulted in an obscene number of cavities. That certainly didn't help but in the end I think it was just the fact that I did not follow my routine or get anything accomplished all day. Is it silly that such a thing would put me in such a bad mood? Chalk it up to my ISTJ personality, I guess.

I have been doing really well. After chastising myself for a long while about my inability to get up early so I could work out, I finally figured out a way to deal with my natural inclinations to sleep but still get exercise. The kids have usually played really well together in the morning after breakfast. Taking advantage of that, I've been exercising around 9 and then getting ready by 10 when we begin our schoolwork. I've also been planning my days better and accomplishing more on my long to-do lists. It has been awesome.

However, yesterday I got up late and then allowed myself to get stuck on the computer. It ruined the rest of the day for me. I totally know better but it is amazing how easily I get sucked in. Today I repented and followed my schedule. Exercise. Done. Laundry. Four loads done and put away. Scriptures. Read. Sigh. I feel so much better.

SPT-remember me

I admit I suspected a little trickery in Lelly's post announcing she would be stepping away from blogging. I'm happy to say it was just a good April Fool's Joke. I don't always do SPT but I am glad for Lelly's assignments. It is hard to get myself in front of the camera so I welcome the extra motivation.

This is not a self-portrait at all but I thought I'd share the pictures my mom took of me while in Colorado. I actually like them and that doesn't happen very often! She did really well for a beginner, didn't she!

Emma in Old Town

I took each of the kids (well except Sawyer) on special dates while we were in Colorado. I went with both Slade and Nathan to Target so they could pick out a new toy and get a treat. Slade chose a Power Ranger and Nathan got a Batman sword. Very typical for both.

Grandma came along with Emma and me on our date. We went to Old Town and had lunch. Then Emma willingly served as our model for a downtown photo shoot. And boy did she ever pose! How does she know how to do that!?

Come see some more on my photography blog.

We got some yummy ice cream and then headed to JCPenney's to get an Easter dress. Emma had a great time trying everything on. Mom then tortured me by making me try things on. I'm no Emma so it was neither fun or cute. In the end, we both found new Easter dresses though. By the time we were done, even my go-getter of a girl was tired and ready to relax.

SPT-- eggstra special weekend

An *eggs*tra special part of my weekend was getting these hugs and kisses from Sawyer.

Note the sorry state of his shirt. It only took three washes and lots of stain stick to get it out.

Easter finery

Aren't my little Easter chicks cute?!

I think Sawyer's "cheese" face is hilarious! He does it immediately when he sees the camera now. So much for a natural expression. Also, I must say the pirate tatoos from McDonald's don't quite go with the ensembles but those things are hard to get off!

Happy Easter!

with joyful voice

"He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice!"


His Atonement and Resurrection that we celebrate each Easter truly is the "good news" of the Gospel. I am so blessed to know that He died for me. I believe in the personal power of the Atonement. He knows me. He loves me.

When I was in Europe with the BYU folkdancers in 1997, Elder Merrill J. Bateman traveled with us for part of the time. In Austria, he gave a talk in a church service in which he talked about the Atonement. He taught us that the Atonement is both infinite and intimate. The Savior suffered for all but in His suffering he came to personally know each of us. Consequently He can truly succor us in our times of need. I also believe He rejoices in our times of joy.

I am so grateful for my knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ. It fills my heart with wonderful happiness and peace. "Let the whole wide earth rejoice" in the miracle of the empty tomb.

making science fun

When I was searching the Internet for egg experiments I came across Steve Spangler's website. Emma and I spent a good chunk of time watching and totally enjoying his appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. He doesn't share all his tricks and I don't think you could do much of this at home but it was still awesome to watch. Enjoy!

egg-cellent fun in Colorado

My kids and I are in Colorado this week. Grandma is on Spring Break so we decided to come party. It snowed last night so we couldn't do much outside (especially since I forgot their coats). Instead we made it an "egg day". First we colored eggs.

Then we did several egg experiments.

What happens when you squeeze a raw egg as hard as you can? Did you know eggs can breathe? Put a raw egg in water and watch the bubbles appear. Do you think eggs will float? They do in salt water. And it is always fun to suck a hard boiled egg through a bottle. Try it! Find instructions for these and other egg-speriments here.

Last night we enjoyed spending time with my brother Jeremy and his family. Today, my brother Jeff and his family came over in the afternoon. Jeff and I played several rounds of Spit. The kids built snowmen, played with Legos, and jumped on the big poof chair. Everyone got along so well which was so nice. After dinner, we had green cupcakes (our one nod to St. Patrick's Day) and had a mini-concert.

The weather is supposed to warm up for the rest of the week. My mom's one request was that we get out and take some pictures. I really hope the weather cooperates and we get to do that.

fresh

This is Julie. Fresh. New. 9 days old. She is my niece and I got to photograph her today. Aren't I lucky?

not so mellow yellow

These pictures don't really do the color justice. The color is growing on me little by little. Since I have a feeling we won't be spending the time or money to repaint, I'd better learn to love it.

I have always hated how much stuff accumulated on my counter. It is my definite "hot spot". A couple of weeks ago, I decided to try and preempt the mess by making a new "command center" on the wall by my laundry room. It still needs a few things but I like how it is working and looking so far.

It took me the entire day to get the kitchen and family room cleaned up and re-beautified. Hanging blinds. Cleaning counters. Bringing back in all the stuff we moved out to paint. I'm so tired but I feel so much better without the mess. The front rooms still need some work though.

discovery museum

Monday morning, while Michael painted, we headed to the Gateway children's museum with a homeschool group fieldtrip.


They have a new Sesame Street exhibit about the body. Nathan did not want to go in until the staffer told him that there was a poop machine in there. Of course that got him excited. Boys!

Favorites:
Sawyer--balls and water
Nathan--helicopter
Slade--building tables
Emma--intercom system by helicopter (she had a great time yelling such things as "You're under attack!")

color fiasco

Michael was basically finished painting my living room and hallway when I came in to take a look. I noticed that the color was not looking quite how I expected. He dabbed some paint onto the paint chip and it was definitely not the same color.

I was not feeling well on Saturday so I sent Dave back to the store to get the remaining paint re-tinted or returned. They tried to tint it to the right color. Didn't work. They tried to mix a brand new gallon of paint and it still came out completely different than the paint chip. Apparently the formula for that particular color was just wrong. Grrr. Dave picked the color right next to one I had picked (looked almost the same) and got that instead.

Michael came back today with his brother to paint the kitchen and family room. When I came home in the afternoon I had a "Agh! What have I done" kind of moment. The color is way brighter yellow than I wanted.

It is really sad and frustrating that something I've been wanting for a year and a half is not turning out quite the way I was hoping.

Emma-girl

Sometimes, she takes my breath away.

Other times she makes me insane! Par for the course in parenting, isn't it.

my little family

We ended up in matching clothes on Sunday. Since half the battle of taking a family picture was done, we attempted a quick photo shoot after church. The other half of the battle in getting everyone to sit in the right spot, look at the camera and smile was not so easy. Anyhow, its not great but we got something.

And yes, Mom, I'll send you a copy.

color me gold

Look at what is happening at my house!


My brother-in-law is awesome! He is painting my main level--living room, hallway, kitchen and family room. Its a huge project. I'm not sure he knew what he was getting into when he offered to help. I am so excited to have it done though. Hip Hip Hurray!