Fun in the Cold, Nippy Air

The neighborhood kids all came out to get a

little fresh air and enjoy a game of

jumprope Monday afternoon. I went

out to turn the rope a couple times

before I went back in to make stir fry for

dinner and a pudding treat for Family

Home Evening. It was freezing out there,

but the snow is mostly melted,

and we are all getting excited

to be outside more. It has been

a great winter and now we're

looking forward to Spring.

I love the seasons!

Deep Cleaned

I asked the girls to clean their room and they took it to heart. This is a rare occasion that I want to celebrate! I went back to check on them a couple times and to see if they could help me elsewhere, but their door was closed and they asked me to not disturb them. They finally told me that they were deep cleaning their room and it was going to take them a while - they weren't going to be able to get to any other chores for a while if ever that day. That didn't bother me at all! If they want to "deep clean" something, let alone their bedroom, I will leave them to it!

When they were all done, they gave me and Brian a tour of their room, showing us their clean closet, dressers (on top and underneath - but we weren't supposed to look in the drawers...), their desk, inside the drawers in their desk, their beds, under the beds, and the coat rack. It was pretty impressive. I took a picture so that I can remember this proud moment. (o:

Go Cougars!

 

We went to the BYU mens volleyball game as a family last Saturday night. It was the first game we went to that the youngest two were able to watch to the end and they even enjoyed it! Besides the fact that we were sitting up close to the game, just three rows back, it also helped that we offered incentives to help them sit through each of the five games. The first game they got drinks, the second game they got a hot dog or pretzel, after the third game we pulled out a treat that got them through the fourth game. For the final game, Emma and Jacob played on our phones. They watched and cheered all the way up to that last game. Today, Jacob was telling his friend how much fun that was. We might have to try that again some time soon!

Jacob did take a little nap the first part of the fourth game. Cosmo came near us while he was sleeping. I told Cosmo that Jacob was going to be disappointed that he didn't get to see him. (He had tried to run hug him earlier in the evening, but Cosmo was gone before Jacob got there.)  Jacob all the sudden popped up and ran over to give him a hug. He really was snoring just seconds earlier!

 

New Favorite

Brian and I went cross country skiing last Friday. It was my first time trying it, and I loved it! There was very little lighting on the pathways, but the moon shining down through the trees. The first time around the hilly pathways was a little initimidating - I was afraid we might hit a tree or ski off the path. Nothing like skiing downhill and hoping that you turn when the path turns! We had so much fun and it was a pretty good work out too!  Definitely want to do that again!!

Friday, February 22nd Morning Moments

I slept in this morning and skipped my work out. I justified it when I turned off the alarm and snuggled back under the covers because Brian and I are planning to go cross country skiing on a date tonight. I really can't wait! I've never tried it, but have wanted to for a long time.

So, when I finally did get up at 6am, it was time for all of us to get up and read before Tyler had to leave for early morning band. Brian took Tyler to band (I love Friday mornings - the one morning each week that Brian can be home with us and help with the transportation), and Emma and I read a book of poems for school, before making breakfast.

 

Kaylee helped make breakfast, her favorite, scrambled eggs and toast (with homemade wheat bread!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I asked Emma and Jacob to get ready for school and they ran back to their rooms. 15 minutes later, I found them getting side tracked with a stuffed animal game. It's so easy to get side tracked when there's a good buddy and favorite toys to play with. Forget what Mom says, unintentionally, of course!

 

Emma and that big stuffed dog of hers are almost inseparable. She got it for Christmas, and you'd think she won a trip to Disneyland with all her excitement! But this is almost better because she still loves it, and can have it for as long as she wants.

 

Jacob found his way into his Dad's pants. Some day, he might actually fit them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emma was making funny faces at herself in the mirror while I did her hair.

 

 

Jacob combed his hair three times this morning to get it just right! That's new! He doesn't usually notice his hair, but today he was all over it! In fact, after he had combed it for the second time, we read a book together and he rubbed his head up against me. Then he popped his head up with a concerned expression and said, "Uh?!" and ran back to the bathroom to fix his hair.

 

Off to school and work. The snow that has been forecasted for the last few days finally came! Brian usually drives the girls to school on Fridays, which means I don't have to leave until 9am.

 

 

Jacob and I read together and then he wanted to watch PBS kids, so I worked on laundry until it was time to go. Spent the morning at the school tallying Heart Healthy February miles. Came home and had an hour to work on cleaning out the toy closet. It's going to take longer than that!

 

 

Here's Jacob after kindergarten with his George Washington hat on - he was so proud! This week was "patriotic week" in kindergarten.

Now I get to work on more laundry and start running the kids to their after school activities.

 

Tyler just walked in the door.The fun has just begun!!

 

 

Our Story

       

                                            Our Story                                     

 Here's the dance that the girls choreographed and the song that I wrote and Masa arranged. The video is pretty bad - between my being too close to them, and the camera that I videoed it with. Emma, Andrea, and Kaylee are the soloists in the song, which makes it all the more meaningful for them and us. They performed this dance last Friday night at BYU and did a great job!

If you can't see it all here, go to:  http://youtu.be/6XmzSOKJlo4

                  

 

Lazy Sunday

This is the first Sunday in I don't know how long that we were all home with a whole afternoon of free time. We sat down to visit with our home teachers, and just after they left, I told everyone that I was going to lay down and close my eyes "for a minute". At first it sounded like a fun game for Emma and Jacob. They piled up on top of me and giggled as they fought for the best spot. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, and finally I asked them to let me take a little nap, and I asked Jacob to get me a blanket. Apparently that's not all he got me. 

When I woke up, all but Tyler were asleep with pillows and blankets. Jacob and Emma had made sure that we were all cosy for a nice afternoon nap. I had Jacob's pillow pet under my head, and his stuffed animals piled on top of me. - No wonder I was getting hot!

A sweet peaceful moment to remember!