Girls just want to have fun, and Dad too!

A New Beginning

2010-08-10T00:26:00.000-07:00

New blog check it out. I still have some tweaking to do but for now it's presentable. I'm retiring this one as soon as I post a couple of last updates. But that will have to wait until ...I'm between feedings!

www.3princessesandtheprince.blogspot.com

Toy Story 3

2010-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us decided to hit the opening of Toy Story 3 in Pullman. So we got there nice and ealy to be sure we could all sit together and get seats, after all it was the very first showing. We got great seats, and realized there were only 2 or 3 little groups in the theater that we didn't know! It was a lot of fun!

Happy 11th Birthday Caia

2010-06-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Utah Cousins

2010-06-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

UT Trip 2010: Thanksgiving Point

2010-06-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Elyse Pullman Swim Lessons

2010-06-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Moscow School Dist. 5-6 Grade Track Meet

2010-06-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Crime and Punishment

2010-05-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today I went to pick up Amy from school and took her right home since we had plans to go swimming with the Golightly's . When I got home Elyse was in her room crying. I went to go see what was wrong, when she started trying to talk I thought she had done something that she felt bad about. That was partially true.

The story:

Elyse "Caia sent me to my room."

Mom: "Why did she send you to your room?"

Elyse still crying: "I licked the wall."

Mom: "You what?"

Elyse: "I licked the wall."

Mom: "Why did you lick the wall?"

Elyse: "To get the turkey flavor off my tongue." (the turkey we opened last night and I had some today for lunch, it was fine she just didn't like the taste.)

Mom: "Caia did you send your sister to her room for licking the wall?"

Caia: "Yes licking the wall is gross."

OK I don't know what made me laugh harder the fact that Elyse licked the wall or that Caia sent her to her room for it. Every time I tell that story I laugh myself to tears!

Golfing Side by Side

2010-05-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is one of the things I love about our Dad. He loves to take the girls golfing. And they, love to go "golfing" with him. He golfs, they have fun! I enjoy the quiet house and the pictures I always get. I also love to see my girls side by side, all with smiles! Now that's a Happy Mothers Day.

Mustang Trade-in Value

2010-04-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

(poor picture, great story.)

For each new baby Monty has been able to find the girls trading price. He spends the entire pregnancy looking for what will make them say "deal". Today he hit Elyse's breaking point.

Monty brought over Sue's new toy and gave the girls and I quick ride.

Monty: "OK girls, you give me your brother and you can have the car" Elyse very excited "Can we mom? Can we?" Mom: "trade your brother for the car?" Elyse: "Oh Yes! Pleeease?"

So far: Caia would have traded Payton for a trampoline

Caia and Payton would have traded Elyse for a dog and

Elyse would trade her brother for a Mustang.

Dr Richards

2010-03-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm at 20 weeks and the big count backwards begins! I love feeling him wiggle. He woke me up the other night tickling my bladder, and I realized I was smiling. This morning it was tiny hiccups. I had a visit with Dr Richards. All looks great. I love to see him even for just a quick routine visit. It was my first time seeing him since before the ultra sound. He looked over my chart and said "So you're trying something new!" I knew he'd have something to say that would make me smile. He then asked if I had any concerns. I asked how long till the dread glucose test.( It's not about failing it, it's about hating that dumb test.) He laughed at me and told me to relax I had 8 more weeks before the real dread should set in. In reality I'm sure he was laughing about that being my biggest worry. I've learned not complain about all the aches that I didn't have the last 3 times, so I can avoid hearing "you're not 20 something anymore." I've decided to wait a few more visits to tell him my biggest concern....will he be there for the delivery.

Dinosaurs, bugs, and blue, Oh My!!

2010-03-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

I could hardly sleep last night I was so excited for my ultra sound today.What can I say except that I couldn't be more excited to be having a boy! The prayers around my house the last couple of days have been so sweet! Instead of praying for a brother or sister, the girls have been praying simply that we would be able to find out what we were having. And tonight when Elsye said dinner prayers she was thankful that we could know that we are having a brother. How cute is that? She really is so excited to have a brother. We are enjoying using the words "him" and "brother". This would be my first purchase. I just had to find out what it was like to buy something without pink, or needing hair accessories to match! "Bananas over Mommy".

.

NEXT UP: A new blog name.....

Does Zyrtec work for that?

2010-02-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Setting: Dining Room Table
Time: Dinner
Conversation:Not Allergies/Not Dinosaurs

Elyse: "Mom I'm allergic to Dinosaurs."
Mom: "Oh yeah, that's a problem"
Amy: "Yeah next time she walks into a museum she's going to start sneezing and prove to us that she IS allergic to dinosaurs."
Mom:"It'll be all the fake... fur?!?."
Elyse: "Oh NO! not the fake dinosaurs, I'm only allergic to the real dinosaurs!"

No reason to argue this one! I'm glad she makes me laugh!!

2010-02-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

Quote of the day "Aawwsome! I stayed up all night, right mom, right?" This by Elyse after waking up at 3:30 am, having had a bad dream. She had something to say at least every 15 min. It was so bad that when she announced she was going down to sleep with her sister in the basement I said "good" and I could hear her downstairs calling her sisters name, as if she didn't know where she would be at 5:00 am.

Caia must have kicked her out after the lights were turned on, and Elyse demanded to know the color of cucumbers, and if Caia had a pumpkin this year, because she came back to my bed to "chat" some more.

Then the sun started to peek out and the realization hit her, "I stayed up all night!!". 8:00 am "I've been up a long time!" 10:00 am " I've been up looong time right mom?" 12:30 pm I ask "Are you ready for a nap?" Elyse "like when I was 3?" "Yes like when you were 3, you need to stay on your bed until the Velveteen Rabbit is over." "Oh that's a long time." she says. She then proceeds to put her PJ's on, just like when she was 3, I'd already forgotten that she ALWAYS slept in her PJ's for nap time. By the time I started the MP3...she was out.

Home Sick

2010-02-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon!

2010-01-11T22:18:00.001-08:00

After getting all the way through the clues, Caia and Payton were able to guess it. Elyse was a little confused and thought she was going to have to wear the diaper so she threw it! Caia didn't believe me and kept asking if I was joking. Payton said I was too old. They were a little more excited when I told them Aunt Lori would have a baby 2 weeks before us. Then all mayhem broke loose they were laughing and picking names. Elyse finally caught on and had a million questions trying to figure out when the baby would come and how. Then we called Grammy and Grandpa to tell them and that was very cute! Payton said "This was the best surprise EVER" Caia: "you needed something to do next year!" (Elyse will be in Kindergarten). I have to admit it was very fun. We are all excited and I'm glad to be able to stop dodging questions like: "Why is Caia moving downstairs?" "What are you doing with her room?" "What will you do next year when everyone is in school" oh and my favorite: "hurry and have a baby so I can hold it!" So this really is just for my favorite R.S. President. ;)

15 and Counting

2010-01-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

To Holly Love Mark

(A look at anniversaries past.)

15 years ago.....

Sometimes said sometimes implied.

10 years ago....

"Happy Anniversary Go buy yourself something nice."

5 years ago....

(Ordered under Mark's direction by his secretary)

January 5, 2010....

Baby, you've come along way! I love you and thank you for thinking of me, it's perfect.
Here's to eternity!

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T21:46:00.001-08:00

This one deserves a story: Once upon a time Mark and I were serving as hosts at the Creche Sat night. Caia stayed home and babysat her sisters. When we got home not only were the little girls in bed, the kitchen clean with the dishwasher running with 8 dishes in it, AND the lights on the Christmas tree hung. We have had the tree up since Thanksgiving but I couldn't find the lights. Every couple of days I'd get tired of looking at the bare tree and march down stairs and look for the lights, having no success I'd give up. On the way home from the Creche I told Mark I wanted to run to Walmart to buy more..then decided to just head home. I'm glad I didn't buy them. She did such a great job with what we had. It's the best tree ever and we all are living happily ever after!

Creche 2009

2009-12-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

Creche: Etymology: French, from Old French creche manger, crib, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German krippa manger — more at crib

Date: 1792

1 : a representation of the Nativity scene

2009-12-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

Dog Tails

2009-12-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

First up a dog wedding dress for Bastet, followed by Cooper. Our friends came to town for graduation and brought their dog for the girls. It was fun having them and what a good dog!

Public Service Announcement

2009-12-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

After reading the "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" I over heard the following conversation coming from my kitchen......

P/Cindy Lou Who: "Oh Santy Clause why? Why are you taking my Credit Card WHY??"

("Then that Grinch, he thought up lie, and he thought it up quick"...)

C/Santy Clause Grinch: "I'm taking it to spend THERE then I'll bring the bill back here!"

("then he gave her a drink and sent her to bed".)

How on earth did a 10 year old and 7 year old ever come up this one? Although I'm sure this would make a great public service announcement regarding staying out of debt for Christmas! Apparently my kids get the idea of credit cards quite well. Score one for Mom!!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

What a fun Thanksgiving. Grammy and Grandpa, and Uncle Scott all came to spend the holiday. It was the first one we've done with family in Moscow. We spent time at Wild at Art, made gingerbread houses, and necklaces. We did LOTS of shopping, and after the girls went to bed Grammy and I worked on our Thanksgiving and Christmas signs. We finished Thanksgiving sign at 11:00 pm Thanksgiving night. At least we'll have it for next year.

Weekend Plans

2009-11-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

So my birthday is Saturday, I'm more excited about it than usual. First my mom, dad and brother will be here. There's a craft fair, I'm planning dinner out, and I have my tickets to New Moon w/ my mom and friend Wendy. Not to mention presents, it's been stashed down stairs for 2 months now and I can't wait to use it. It also means only 1 more week to the Michael's Thanksgiving Day Sale, Cricut Cartridges 60 percent off, my mom and friend Tanya already have plans for that!

This is an E-mail I got from my friend Mimmy regarding my birthday:

"Oh, and this is what Carli had to say about that today:
Me: Saturday is Holly's birthday
Carli: We SO need to get her a presant
Me: I already did
Carli: (when I told her what I got you) Lame. I should just go get her something myself
Me: Maybe a polly pocket so she has her own to play with Payton?
Carli: that's exactly what I was thinking!
Me: Ok but you have to use your own money
Carli: Nevermind. I'll see what they have at the Dollar Store.

I have been giggling all morning about it. "

Can't wait to see what the Dollar Store has in store for me!!

Elyse Dance Class

2009-11-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2009-10-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

Happy B-day Payton!!

2009-10-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Peel that Carrot!

2009-10-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Animal Love!

2009-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

From the Mouth of a Daughter

2009-09-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

So Mark came into the kitchen this morning wearing a dark suit. It's my favorite I love to see him dressed in a traditional dark suit it works for him and me. Our conversation is as follows:
H. "Ooh you look good"
M. " Do I look like a lawyer?" as he gets a garbage bag out to collect house trash for trash day.
H. "perfect"
C. "Yeah even the janitors in his fancy building have to wear suits!"

HA I love that girls sense of timing!! I'm still laughing!!

2009-09-02T14:27:00.001-07:00

Back 2 School!

2009-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

So today was the 1st day of school. Caia started 5th, and Payton 1st grade. I was so relived that Payton was happy and excited to go back to school.
OK So first day of school: Mom; curling Payti's hair "Do you want me to take you to your class?"
Payton: "no just drop me off." Needless to say when we got there I just walked her to the door and she didn't complain she looked so happy! Poor Caia, went running to her door and her lunch that she packed broke dumping her lunch on the ground. Luckily our friend was close and helped her pick it all up. I had to run home for my checkbook and go back to pay for a couple of things. As we are leaving the school after making the payments, mind you only 40 min after the start, Elyse says. "Hey we forgot to get the girls!" Poor thing thought we could take them home already. She misses her sisters.

I didn't cry when I dropped them off, but as I drove past the cemetary today running errands,the tears came uncontrolably. Elyse is asking about Josh, as I'm thinking he won't be by to see how their first day of school was. He always checked in, just as he did sometime during his first week of school. So as the tears are flowing as fast as my thoughts and Elyse's questions, the Dance by Garth Brooks is playing on the radio! It has all new meaning for me.

Camping Trip #2

2009-08-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Can I just say I love having a friend willing to go on adventures with! Not just anyone would be willing to head off on a camping trip without the dad's to help. Keep in mind we do this with kids aging 10, 6, 5,4,3, & 1 1/2, years old. We are smart about it, we leave the dog for the dad's to bring up with them after work, and camp far enough from the water that we haven't had any major water problems, but close enough we can throw rocks into the reservoir when we want to. The kids left plenty dirty and tried, so I'd consider it a successful trip!
Thank you Wendy for another fun camp out!

2009-08-30T14:19:00.001-07:00

2009-08-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Memories and More to Come.

2009-08-04T14:22:00.001-07:00

So I'm on a mission to put all of my digital photos into folders by month and year. I did 2005- 2009 on my last trip to Utah. Last night I I started 2001 - 2005. 2001 being our first digital camera. I made it through 01-early 02 and these are just a few memories that make me realize how much I love my Moscow Family. The Pennington's have always been our family away from UT & AZ. And my playgroup sisters, those 2 years are hard to put into words. This was a great group and it wasn't about the kids lol! OK they weren't the last on our minds but we did it for us. Whoever's house playgroup was at provided a short activity a lesson or a book, and provided a kids lunch. Then we plugged the kids into a movie or sent them off to play, and our favorite part of playgroup started. Someone else was assigned to bring a lunch for the moms. We had some great lunches, and lots of laughing and memories were made. To this day you get the 4 of us in the same room and we are still known to laugh and close the place down. We spent lots of time in the church parking lot long after Enrichment was over " on our way home". We could say bye probably 10 times before we actually left. I'd have to say if it wasn't for these sisters I'm not sure I would look on those first years so fondly. I think just because we know we want to be a stay home that it's assumed you'll love it. But it started off tough for me, I knew it was what I wanted but it took some time to figure out how to stay home and what to do with all that time without another adult to chat with. My playgroup sisters and I all had, different personalities and trials. But facing them together, I believe, lightened our loads.

On to the rest of the pictures...

Look how young my husband looks! Not a bishop hair in site! HA HA!! Not to over look the pic. of Matt and Caia Dancing, he has always been such a good sport.

(to be continued...)

Some Real Cool Cats!

2009-07-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

So check out the video's to the right. HILARIOUS! (Sorry the sound is bad the acoustics weren't ideal.) ONLY 40 Beehives and Darcy could ever get my husband to "go bananas" like that!! Got to love Girls Camp. Here's the basics of the skit: Each character walks up and asks the "construction workers" how to get some where. They proceed to tell them where to go. The last, Darcy, brings the bananas and ask them what she could do with them. "you can peel bananas, peel peel bananas", or you can "chop bananas, chop, chop, bananas" or you can "GO BANANAS GO, GO, BANANAS!

The pics above are from family night at Boys Camp followed by girls camp. Mark and I both went and had the best time ever. One of the highlights was when one of the girls ate a grasshopper for bragging rights. ( OK, I may have had to pay out $5.00 on that one.) She was so funny about it. She had Mark and I sign the $5 and she was going to frame it! I was relieved when I figured out who her parents were, for awhile I was worried I'd be getting a phone call! HA HA!! I can't for Caia to go in just two years!

2009-07-19T23:47:00.001-07:00

Oh Yes She Did!

2009-07-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was sitting on my bed while Elyse is "styling" my hair. She jumps down runs to her bathroom grabs a brush, I have my head down watching TV for a few minutes, when she comes back in. I feel her playing with my hair, I hear cccrunch, and grab at my FALLING HAIR! It wasn't a brush she grabbed, it was scissors, and OH YES SHE DID! I have seen the after of kids cutting their own hair, I have read my friends complaints on facebook, Caia and her cousin had a hair cutting session at about 4 years old, but have you ever known a child bold enough to cut their mom's hair???? Seriously who does that????? Not the angel sleeping below this post. Better question am I the only mom who would die laughing over this???? (not in front of her, but now, just typing and thinking about it, I'm laughing almost to tears!!!)

Lazy Summer Day

2009-07-02T19:02:00.001-07:00

Elyse and Payton decided to eat a snack on the lawn at the pool today. I was in front of them a couple of rows. I saw Payton get back in the pool, and Elyse still snacking, a few minutes later I couldn't see Elyse so I decided to go pick up the snack bag that I was sure would still be there, I found the bag and this......

Now that's a good day at the pool!

A Great Dad....

2009-06-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

Utah Trip June 2009

2009-06-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

A perfect 10!

2009-06-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

What a special birthday to be able to celebrate it, not only with family but, with Grandma Great turning 90. They are only about 3 1/2 hours from sharing a birthday. I just can't resist but to do a top 10 list of things I love about Caia, after all it only happens once! I got input from grandparents, and all family members, I thought that would make it extra special. Here it is Caia....
01. makes friends easily and loves to be with her friends,
02. loves her family near and far,
03. has a tender heart,
04. has a happy disposition,
05. got her special name from Grandpa Monson, Maggy May,
06. loves to do perform her Celtic dances and is very good at it,
07. makes her sisters laugh,
08. is helpful and tries to be the peace maker,
09. has become a great cookie maker!,
10. loves to read, I have to maker her turn her books in at bed time!
Caia you are the best 10 year old ever and I love you!

Arms of Heaven

2009-06-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

"Arms of Heaven"

I believe this was to remind me that God can give us a hug when we need it.

The girls put this together in honor of Josh. Those are rainbrops, but very well could have been tear drops from the girls and I.

I have been putting off this post for a while now. I have so many other things I'd rather post but being this is my families history, I suppose I shouldn't edit out the unpleasant events. Besides maybe this will be healing.

First I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Josh will never walk through my front door again. Every Friday while he was dating Kate, he came over to visit. Usually Elyse was down for a nap and Payton was watching a movie. I'd fold laundry or do dishes while he followed me around my house and talked. I heard all about this girl Kate, listened to his ideas for gifts, and all about the engagement ring that was coming. He and Kate would stop by unexpected and Mark and I loved this about them. One of those times I was cleaning out cupboards in the basement, we chatted, I organized he helped. Looking further back....

He was 11, the oldest in his primary class. Those boys, you know who you are, were so naughty during singing, and sharing time. The primary presidency which consisted of Rachel, Kim, and I would sit around discussing these cute naughty boys. So we decided to march them down to Bishop Bird Coronel. Those boys including Josh walked back to the primary room with tear streaked faces, and very somber. All I knew of that conversation was that if they couldn't be more respectful in primary that their priesthood ordinations were in jepordy. Josh loved this memory and we joked often about it!! Our families began to watch "Survivor" from about the second season to present day. Josh always rooted for whomever we weren't. It was one of these Survivor dinners that Monty and Josh came over first, dinner was late, kids had frustrated me, I was carrying a little baby Elyse in my arms. Josh sensing my patience level being low, looked at me held out his arms and said, "pass the baby over" he took her and held her. I could call Josh and he was willing to babysit, most recent at Christmas when Payton got sick and couldn't attend her sisters Christmas performance. We got back, Payton had woken up, and he and Payton were playing. So sweet. Then there was the time that Caia, 4 years old, had a procedure done it was so traumatic for her. She and Josh sat on the couch at Sue's and carried on a conversation and sympathized with each other as only the two of them could understand. Tears flow when I think of the Hello Dolly's I won't be getting this Christmas. I will leave with this; I will never forget the time when he came through the door like a ghost after recovering from what we had thought was the end he looked at Caia, who was almost in tears at the site of him and not knowing what to do, he bent down opened his arms to and said " you can hug me." It's this image of Josh that I see when I think of him, that and his swagger.

2009-06-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

On the last day of school we had great weather! This is not he norm for Moscow but we put together a great last minute outside celebration complete with hot dogs and mac cheese. Everyone was happy!

2009-05-31T22:03:00.001-07:00

My Brave Little Girl!

2009-05-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Warning this is a long post.

Cliff Notes:

Wed-Red Lion less than $60.00, Olive Garden, bed.

Thurs-Hospital for surgery 6:45, surgery 8:15, recovery room 9:10 a lot of laughing by Mark and I (see long version for details on that), out the door 10:30, quick trip up two flights to check on Josh, and home by 1:30.

The Full Version

What a week. After Monday's adventure at the river, the rest of the week was spent in preparing for Elyse's eye surgery. I had to take several calls from the Dr's office, and hospital, got a little Costco run in. (As if a Costco run could be little!) I placed a bid on Priceline so we could stay in a hotel the night before. I figured the day would be long enough without having to get up at 4:45 am to get to the appointment on time. Not to mention I was worried about her wanting to eat since she would not be aloud any food or drink and not having any food in the hotel would be easier to justify to her should she demand any. So we stayed at the Red Lion on the River for less than $60.00! A nice hotel if you should ever need a place to stay there. We got up there a bit late, and asked Elyse what she wanted for dinner, TOTALLY expecting "chicken nuggets and french fries" instead the reply was "spaghetti"! SWEET!! I knew just the place, a little place I haven't eaten at in oh about 3 years, the Olive Garden. So we were happy to make her dream come true. We had a wait which was one of those where as you walked past the window you could, no joke, count 10 tables clean and open, at 7:30 at night on a Wednesday. Luckily there was a an escalator as well we had the camera. She enjoyed both. Mark and I were laughing as she took pictures.

OK so, Thursday morning we got up and made it to the hospital by 6:45. Elyse asked only once about a drink and was easily distracted. She was a bit apprehensive about seeing Dr Nye in different place than usual, but as long as she got to see her she was fully cooperative. She really likes Dr Nye and so do I. She did fine in the room with toys, and the room where they took her vitals, she was particularly fond of having her blood pressure taken, go figure. Then we were moved to her pre-OP room with a bed in it and lots of Dr's, and nurses coming in out asking her and I a lot of questions. At this point I could see her anxiety starting to build. Then the worse thing happened. They asked her to put on their jammies. OK lots of problems about this. 1, they were NOT hers, 2 they were NOT pink, 3 they were NOT a night gown and pants, but a shirt shorts deal, and 4, they HAD tigers on them, nothing girly about that. OK so we crossed that hurtle and she is on my lap trying so hard not to cry, even though a few tears escaped. Then they gave her some Versed. I found out today that the Doctors call it the truth serum. It was very bad tasting bitter according to the nurses, and this did not make her happy but she took it all down in only two tries. I was warned by the other parents who have had this done, as well as by the nurses to hold on tight to her. When it kicked in she would be unsteady. We sat in our chair with her head on me. All of a sudden it must have kicked in, and she sat up "straight" swaying with a huge grin on her face, Mark and I laughed a bit, then she look right at my chest and says, (read this with your best drunk voice in mind) "WWOW tthhose are SSO BBIIG!" Mark and I lost it we were laughing so hard we both had tears coming down our faces. They took her back just before 8:15 and Mark and I knew she was fine, and went and grabbed a little breakfast.

OK now here is where I realized how grateful I am that her surgery was so minor. There were mom's there for chemo, radiation, teeth cleaning for their Downs Syndrome kids, and to repair a very real broken heart. They were pacing, and loud and very chatty. I was calm and so grateful for our health as well as the Priesthood. I kept thinking about the blessing that Mark and our friend Steve B. gave her the night before. My heart was full as I wished all of these families could receive the peace and comfort of the Comforter.

About 45 min. later Dr Nye came out and told me it all was well and gave us a few instructions and warned us that she may have some double vision but that won't last any longer than two weeks! 10 min later we were by her side waiting for her to wake up. She was a true sleeping beauty, and at this time came humbling experience number two. In recovery we were very much back to back with a young lady holding a baby girl maybe only 2 months old if that. Her son in the bed next to us, who was also still sleeping, looked to be 3. I gathered from her conversation with the nurses that she has a 6 year old in school back home in Kalispell Montana! Her son was in the beginning of a 5 week radiation program, she was staying at the McDonald house, and knew no one. My heart ached more for her than anyone else that day and every time I think of her my heart hurts and I pray for her.

So after what seemed a long time my sleeping beauty began to wake, loopier than before. I sat holding a popsicle for her about 6 inches from her face. She says (slurred and drunk sounding) "TTHHere's ttwo of them". She would grab it pull it close then ask and look around my hand, and try to open it, "wwhhere ddid thee other one ggo?" Then she looked down and with wide eyes and says "II hhave ffour legs, ccraazy Heavenly Father and Jesus, ggave mme ffour llegs!!" After her wheel chair ride to the car, which she thought was because she had 4 legs, we stopped off to see Josh just two floors above us. That would make humbling experience number 3. On our way home we stopped by A&W to use the bathroom. She would not let me hold her so I directed her to the bathroom following her around for fear she'd stumble and hurt herself. In the bathroom she stumbled and with funny look on her face repeats the stumble throw her arms in the air and says "Aand tthats hhow you ddance with ffourr lleggs!" Oh that kids is funny anyway and with some loopy drugs in her system Mark and I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!!

Well that was it, a day of crazy mood swings, and double vision, 3 days of sponge baths and eye drops, no swimming for 14 days, and with the outsides of her eyes blood red, she is back to normal! (No more double vision.)

I am so proud of my little girl! She did everything she was asked including not touching her eyes and enduring the painful eye drops. She was such a trooper!

Memorial Day

2009-05-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Monday was a great day! Our family along with John's family head south to enjoy some sun and water. The day was amazing! The pictures below show how much fun everyone had much better than I could ever express. To top off the day Wendy and I started to the mall, upon finding it closed, we headed to Hastings. When we emerged we were shocked to find it was two hours later! We only spent a total of $5.00! 3.50 was worth it, the other... well I'm sorry to say it went to M & M's, my favorite unless they are peanutbutter-strawberry M&M's, those I'll never buy again. (No they didn't sound good in the first place, but I just had to know.)

Memorial Day Fun!

2009-05-29T14:44:00.001-07:00

2009-05-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

On May 15-18, Grandma and Grandpa Monson came for a visit! It was great to see them again, they had only been home a couple of weeks from their mission to Moscow Russia. Grandma brought the kids each a set of the stacking Russian dolls, and I got a decorated cutting board, too pretty to use, and an apron with a Russian lady on it. It hangs in my kitchen if you ever want to take a peek! The older girls loved to learn Russian words and Payton tried her hand at copying Grandma as she wrote our names. Elyse enjoyed that Grandpa would read her books, something I hadn't been able to do in very long time. On Saturday they took Mark and the kids to Lower Granite Dam and got to take a tour the dam, and saw a boat pass through the lock system, everyone enjoyed it but especially the adults. Mark is still talking about it! I stayed home as I was still recovering from my tonsillectomy. Before going home Grandma was able to attend a Mother's Day Tea w/ Payton and I at her morning school. It was a great visit!
(Slide show below)

2009-05-29T08:43:00.001-07:00

How I Lost Mothers Day

2009-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going out on a limb to say we have all threatened to cancel a holiday, maybe it was birthday with "I hope you live to see (insert any age)", or Christmas: "Santa won't be making a stop here if you don't clean your room now". Maybe even Thanksgiving: "If you don't go down stairs and stay out of the kitchen there won't be dinner for you". But how about mothers day. This is how I got my mothers day revoked.

I play Twister Hopscotch with the 2 youngest, then a round of Eye Spy 3-D (actually really fun!)

So you would think getting a shower, doing some laundry while they play "nicely" wouldn't be too much to ask. You guessed it I was wrong.

Elyse:

"Payton's touching me"

"Payton's hurt me"

"Payton breathed on me" (this is a common complaint she seems to know just how to breathe

on us so we all get annoyed and I'm forced to fix the problem with "Payton don't breathe on your sister.)

Payton in whinny voice and tears:

"I didn't do it"
"I won't help HER"

"She's bugging ME!"

Mom:"Payton off the computer help your sister"

Payton "No"

Mom "ugh consider yourself done for now"

Payton: HUGE temper tantrum, screaming stomping.

Mom "ugh consider yourself done the rest of the day"

Payton (yes you guessed it) Bigger stomping, yelling, throwing things off my table, the use of the harshest words a kid can muster of "I HATE YOU!"

Mom "OK if you can't control your body then I get too. Sit in THAT chair until I think you have control."

Payton "Fine (yes Sis B that's where the FINE comes from) I will take your Mothers Day presents away."

Mom: OK at this point I'm trying not to laugh and duck, not sure where this going, as she grabs one of her gifts to me, from the fire place mantel.

Dad comes home from lunch (yes by my desperate phone call for a break) and puts it all into perspective, after Payton and I fill him in on our morning.

"Sooo you revoked your mom's mothers day?!"

And that's how I lost my mothers day.

P.S. I read this to Payton while the music played, we both laughed she approved and edited all the facts, then said " I DO always love you!" And I DO always love her too!

Dance over the Rainbow

2009-05-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Perfect Celtic Curls

2009-05-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here is another new video on my YouTube video bar from last nights dance performance.

This

is a recent purchase I made specifically to make the perfect Celtic Curl. I can tell you I LOVE it! Not only does it make the perfect curl but it lasts for days. I have to wear the above glove, and since my fingers are short, and there's so much extra glove on the top of my fingers, I have to wear an extra glove on top of it, but it's still worth it! All the girls love their "Woopi Woopi Hair Dos". (That's what we call it. It makes our dad smile!) And I didn't pay the mall price! YEAH E-Bay!

An Elyse-ism to complete this post.
My friend Wendy and her little girl came to the performance with me. I ran into the house to grab one more thing and while I was inside she heard the following conversation:

Elyse: Caia who are you going to kiss?
Caia: I'm not going to kiss anyone! (that's my girls!)
Elyse: Then why are you wearing red lip stick?! ( Now I know to check her lips when she starts dating!)

It's all relative.

2009-05-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Here's two new video's I thought all of our relatives would enjoy. The top is the elementary schools talent show. You can't tell but the audience was really into it! I was so proud of them! Her friend up there is Addi these two girls are so much fun to be around. Below is a clip curtsy of my mother-in-law, of Payton singing at her Kindergarten Mothers Day Tea. We had yummy treats of lemon bars, breads, snicker doodles, chocolate dipped strawberries, and punch. There are a couple of pictures below of the tea as well.
ENJOY!

2009-05-11T21:25:00.001-07:00

Vacuuming so Buggy!

2009-05-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

So apparently my vacuuming was a bit annoying, so much that she ran and fixed the problem. Not a complaint, no yelling, just took care of it herself. I love her independence...today!

Patients.

2009-04-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find a new layout that will show the full pictures from photobucket, and not cut of my ends. If anyone knows how to get the pictures to fit I'm all ears. Mean while I'll keep working on updating the layout as well as posting. I am happy to have found my Easter pictures and enjoyed putting this new slide show together.

I'll have plenty of time the next two weeks to play around with this, so for now.. good night.

2009-04-26T22:02:00.001-07:00

2009-04-14T06:52:00.001-07:00

With weather like this why eat in?!

2009-04-13T21:52:00.001-07:00

What a fun week! Monday night FHE we had lots of friends over to watch the NCAA Championship, but not before hamburgers on the grill and some spring training of our own. The rest of the week was filled with bike riding, and eating outside. I couldn't stand to think of bringing anyone in until I just had too. So we all enjoyed the outdoors. I think this contributed to Elyse's croup attack last Sunday resulting in the cancellation of the eye surgery. Darn I was hoping to get that over with. Oh well, we'll try again on May 28th. Last week ended and this one began with Easter. I'm having posting problems and have lost my Easter pics. So as soon as I find them I'll get them up. I've included the only one I can I find for you dad, I knew you couldn't wait!!

Our Outside Dining Room, what a view!

Payton's Brand New Bike, $17.00 what a deal!

Elyse's bike with new training wheel upgrade.

Easter morning with their whoopi whoopi hair do's!

Catching-Up

2009-04-05T21:52:00.001-07:00

March 18, 2009.

Mark brought home 3 goldfish to feed Payton's snake Sir Hiss, unfortunately he passed that day. Payton was sad, not a cryer, but she coped in her own little way she was a little more snugly that day. Elyse was trying to process the whole death thing, she prayed first that he would come back to life, after we talked about that not happening, then she prayed for sir Hiss to get better, finally she is now praying that Heavenly Father will keep him safe in Heaven. How Sweet is that!! Sis. B heard of the death and brought over something "to hug when she was missing Sir Hiss" I'm telling you she is the best!

March 26 Celtic Dance

Katie their instructor, Tegan, Lauren, Caia and Emma, waiting in the wing.

March 26, Every year the elementary school puts on International week. The last two years Caia has been invited to dance. Well I took my new little camera to record it... and forgot to put my disk back in after my last blog. So this is the little bit of video I was able to get on my hard drive. I was so sad, to have so little, because she did so well! (That's my girl on the far left!)

April is gearing up to be a crazy month. Elyse is doing her eye surgery on Thursday, as of right now I still don't know the time. It's driving me nuts! If it's too early in the morning we need to get a hotel room, and I need to find somewhere for the girls to go. I hope tomorrow I'll get more information. Her Joy School group moved the days so she wouldn't miss anything since we are working on cute little books it's a 4 or 5 week project. I love our Joy School friends.

April 5 A walk

Today we enjoyed General Conference, the day was finally beautiful and we went for a walk after dinner with Dan, and the Alvey family. I only got one picture before my battery died! New Camera mental notes, 1 make sure memory card is plugged in and 2 keep battery charged.

Tomorrow some good friends are coming over to watch the finals of basketball I hope to get some good pictures.

NEWS FLASH:

Lots can change in 15 sec. As I was writing this Elyse woke up crying that she was hurting, Mark went to check on her thinking she fell out of bed. NOPE it's croup. Usually she coughs before bed if an attack is coming this came w/out any warning signs. I have never heard it this bad! I had my shoes on and was grabbing my keys to head to the hospital. I was afraid to try the cold or warm air thing because it was that bad. Luckily the cold air from the door being open calmed it so we sat outside and had our Neighbor & Mark give her a blessing. Needless to say she is sleeping on the pull out bed in our room tonight. I am so grateful for loving Heavenly Father who is mindful of us. I guess we'll see how the rest of the night goes before we worry about the surgery, that may need to be postponed! My purse is packed with my cell phone and keys, clothes placed out, shoes by the door, and Elyse's coat w/some socks in the pocket. Yep I'll sleep well tonight, well we'll see....

I.F. ( Idaho Falls for all of you non idahoans)

2009-03-24T11:15:00.001-07:00

I.F.

2009-03-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

So we spent part of Spring Break in I.F. Elder Buckley, he served in our area for several months, was getting married. We love to stay with our good friends down there any chance we can get. So we had Angie do our taxes, played with a lot of different animals, attended the wedding, ate, and ate, only to be out done with shopping! We had a great time and I came home with a million and one ideas of things to do with my Cricut. We all enjoyed the trip. Thank you Drew and Angie, you guys are the best!

Need Money! Will Take Donations! Please and Thank You!

2009-03-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Caia, I am so proud to announce, read Little Women, unabridged cover to cover! Yes she truly is an amazing young girl. She then watched the movie and at the end there was an address to buy the replica locket that was worn in the movie!! What every Louisa May Alcott admirer must have. My daughter, of whom I have instilled the value of hard work and savings, is taking DONATIONS for the cost of shipping. Your help would much be appreciated. "Please and Thank You". ( At least she is very polite in soliciting and accepting the funds, I have taught her manners.)

Pwayer is what bwings us together this day...

2009-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Mark and I were sitting together on the couch and Elyse was trying get my attention and she must have gotten frustrated that I didn't answer her quick enough and yells:
"YOUR NOT IN LOVE!!"
Mark and I laughed and laughed.

These fabulous pictures were taken by our Sis B. Not only is she a great Sunbeam teacher but she is an amazingly talented photographer!

here's the classic moment of the week from Sis B.:

In class, discussing benson's baby brother's blessing today:
Sis B: boys and girls, who saw the baby being blessed in sacrament today?
ALL: ME! I DID!!
Sis B: benson, can you stand up please? boys and girls, that baby was benson's little brother!
ELYSE: well THAT baby was cwying.
Sis B: sometimes babies cry, don't they. they can be fussy.
ELYSE: well i know WHY that baby was cwying. that baby was cwying because it got pwayed on.
Sis B: um, what?
ELYSE: those men and the daddy were pwaying on the baby and he didn't like getting pwayed on.
Sis B: the baby didn't like getting prayed on?
ELYSE: no. he didn't like it. that's why he was cwying.
Sis B: hmmm. interesting. thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ELYSE: youw welcome.

This ones for the future.

2009-02-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

ELYSE-ISM'S

I'm just going to rename this blog for Elyse. It's not that the other two aren't so cute it's just that 3 year olds are more interesting to write about. Let me just tell you what I mean:
This last week:
Caia had friends over they started their own blog, she had different friends over and they played and cleaned the basement. (That was a condition of them coming over who knew they would agree and then do it!)

Payton; Let's see currently she is crying because she is hungry, she doesn't want yogurt, gogurt, string cheese or a banana, but she's hungry. She's even more mad because she has to put away her rack of the dishwasher. Last week she cried, like every morning that her pants don't "feel right" This is a battle we have every morning and worse after she has worn them. Funny things is that she likes her pants tight but only tight like one of her 4 pairs. She's going to love me when she gets to help Caia with trash, and do homework. OOHH I can't wait.

Elyse; You can check out last weeks blog comments for this weeks conversation with Sis Bwinkley. Her current obsession is True Love. I remember Caia going through this phase it's a favorite of mine. So our daily conversations have gone like this.

E- "what is true love?"
D- "I don't know ask your mom."

E- "Mom what is true love?"
M- "It's who you love the most"
E- "OOOHHHH!"

E-"Dad why did you marry mom?"
D- "I stole her heart"

E-"Mom did dad put you in a cage?"
M- "WHAT!?!"
E- "Did dad put your heart in a cage?"
M- "OOHH (smiling) no cage sweet heart it just means Dad loves me."
E-"OOOOHHHH!!"

E- "Did dad kiss you when you got married?"
M- "Yes"
E- "oohhh!"

E -"Mom how did dad steel your heart?"
M- "He played Pachelbel's Cannon on his violin."
E- "OOOHHHH!"

E- "Dad How did mom steel your heart."
D- "Because she's a hot momma"
E- "OOOHHH! Mom your a hot momma?!?"
M- Just hearing hot momma from her mouth made me laugh!

Payton is stilling wailing from starvation and not wanting to put dishes away, Caia is avoiding homework, and Elyse is pointing out how naughty Payton is being, and yes that is so helping the situation.

Me I'm being a good mom ignoring it all writing it down. They'll appreciate this someday! I'm off to deliver the fun news; time for homework and garbage's. But I Love my Life!

2009-02-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

Here is an E-mail I received from Elyse's primary teacher this morning.
To Holly
From Sis Brinkley
Re: Elyse
the girl never ceases to entertain. yesterday, she sat by me in primary. she kept petting my arm, like a cat or something. frankly, it was getting a little annoying, and after repeated reminders to "please keep your hands in your lap", i finally just said, "elise, i don't like it when you pet my arm like that. will you please stop?" and she said, "but sista bwinkwey, your skin is so soft! do you use lotion??"

i recommended the bath and body works body cream to her, as it contains avocado oil and does wonders for the skin. just so you know.

also, she kept telling me the "mean man stuck her in a hole" and i was dying to hear the story behind that. and she showed me her new Ariel locker (not locket, locker, mind you) and when i asked her if she could maybe keep a cupcake in there and bring it to me next week, she said yes. so I'll be expecting one. thanks.

By way of explanation:
At home she spends all day singing the Ariel song into it. Caia got tired of hearing it and tried to convince her that the locket was full!

The "mean man" was a bad dream she had the other day. I asked her today if Sis Brinkley has soft skin, she said "yes but the mean man has pokey skin!" I had better add a couple extra bucks this month to her psych fund for when she grows up!

Slide Show.

2009-02-08T23:00:00.000-08:00

Ok here it is. Above is the abbreviated slide show. (Yes only 50 out of 200+ pictures.) If you are looking for all the details click on the link below w/ Elyse sleeping. Then choose slide show, about 1/3 way down. If you want to read along pause it, use the arrows to the R or L of pictures to view. If you want to read all the text place your curser over the text for the full account on some of the photos. This may be more than some of you want! But Grandma's may enjoy it. Thank you to the blogg expert Wendy for you help this morning. I have been completly obsessed w/ this and now I can get on w/ my morning!

Don't forget to check out the new video's too. My favorites are the princess dance, and Elyse dancing after the Pixar Play Parade, and the girls chatting in the hotel room the first night. Elyse danceing @ Playhouse Disney Live is cute too, other wise I wouldn't have filmed it.

Monson's California Adventures.

2009-02-08T22:56:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Question of the Day

2009-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

Question of the day: What are you going to do if the Cardinals win the Superbowl?

A- WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!

Pretty quiet week. My little bro. and his wife are expecting baby number 3! Their youngest is 6 so we are all excited. That will be grand baby number 9 for my parents.

OK next a post update from a couple of weeks ago. Elyse's eye apt. was cancelled due to bad roads so we'll tackle that date after we get back from Disneyland.

Elyse gave her first talk in primary. We didn't find out until Saturday when our primary secretary called:"It's only her second week in primary do you think she'll do it?" "Yeah" I told her "I think she'll do it." So I wrote the talk Saturday night and Sunday morning while we were getting ready we reviewed it over and over. On the way to church I talked to her about not touching the mic. not putting her mouth on the mic, etc. etc. This is how it went. She stood up, I stand next to her.

E-She starts, "is this on?"

M-"Yes"

E-"My name is Lyse Monson"

M- I think oh we didn't practice that so I whisper the first line.

E-Whispering, turning toward me "I don't need help"

Completely composed in the mic. "I am a Child of God and he has sent me here has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear"

M-Wow that was good I start to feed her the next part

turning aside toward me "I don't need help!"

She proceeds flawlessly So I start to feed her the 3 part

E-Whispering with attitude "Mom I said I don't need help!!"

(Thank you Sister Brinkley for saving the day.) I called on her Sunbeam teacher to help her finish, she did it flawlessly. Never touched the mic with her hands or mouth. Said every word like she was the Bishop! I guess that's what I get for raising independent girls.

All I could do was listen and think "That's my girl!"

Well done my Pumpkin Pie.

Rummikub

2009-01-14T21:03:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I dropped something off at my friend Amy's house, and she sent me home with a "fancy" wood version of Rummikub. I broke out in a sweat, my heart rate doubled, and my competitive edge came out. My dear husband hasn't been home long enough to humor me w/ a game so I taught Payton. She played a full game, over an hour, and beat me by one tile. Wow it was fun. ( I may have been playing both hands a little more towards the end) She really figured out how to play, I'm so happy and excited to have a friend to play with. Big kids are so much fun too! Mark and I played many games of it back in our dating days. (what was it like last week?!)

08+New+Years+Eve.jpg (image)

2009-01-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

"Ring out the old; ring in the new."

2009-01-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

How about them Cardinals! Go Phoenix!

It has been a relaxing week, the phone has been pretty quiet, we enjoyed the lack of structure, sleeping in until 8 am, staying in our sweats until we have to go somewhere, most days not going anywhere. But as for tomorrow it's back to school but only for 2 weeks then they have a four day weekend. Back to school for another two weeks and we are off to Disneyland. I can't believe how close it is. Back in August when we first bounced the idea around with our cousins it seemed so far off now it's right around the corner, I've already started making my lists! I had better add a few details of our week.

New years eve started off with Mindy Salomon making Chinese, very scrumptious. Mark and Aaron were off to a fireside in Pullman, when he got back we made it over to our friends the Brinkley's. Their kids were all gone for the week so they hosted a great party, we only made it for about an hour and a half of it, we had so much fun we went out with them again last night, but I digress. Here is a picture of us at the party. I see people stealing photos all of the time from other blogs, I guess I haven't figured it out yet, above is a link and you can see all of the couples who were there. They passed out party hats and as polite guests we humored them and put them on. Then we realized they were laughing at us! They opted out of the hats!

Continuing on. New Years day was great more sweats, and low key. The girls and I manage to put clothing on long enough to hit the mall. Payton even agreed to come with only one stipulation, that she get her ears pierced...again! Yes you heard me correctly again, I said no way but Mark agreed to it! Last time she got fed up with them getting gunky and the soreness and the cleanings took out the earrings and threw them away, but she decided to do it again and got her dad on board. I wish I could have video taped it. (they won't let you, something about the dang lawyers.) She had a huge grin on her face sitting waiting, the trigger was pulled, her face went straight, "that burns" and she put the smile back on w/out a blink of her eye. The ear switch, huge smile, trigger pulled, straight faced,"that burned" and the smile ear to ear was back on. It was a classic, there were teens and little girls watching her, they were impressed, I was impressed! She brings me the stuff to clean them twice a day so I guess they are keepers, and so far no gunk.

OK next we come to Friday some football game Utah and I can't remember who. I know Paul Alvey and Dan Evans left happy yeah Utah. Saturday we snuck off w/out kids to dinner with Brinkley's. They celebrated their one year sealing date and we celebrated our 14th! Wow If I had my computer I would post a picture of us 14 years ago, then everyone could have a good laugh over how skinny we both were. (my power cord to my laptop died this week, along with my car battery this morning, may they rest in peace.) I'll post make up pics as soon as I can.

Today was a big day. Ms. Elyse is a Sunbeam! Oh how I love this age. I took a picture and I'll attach a video of her singing. Caia is in Valiant 10 tBro and Sis Paul's class, Payton was happy to be in Bro and Sis Johnson's class. They are a sweet grandparent couple that I think Payton will enjoy so much. And Elyse still has her teacher Sis Brinkley. She reminds us every chance that she gets that "Sis Brinkley is my teacher". She was her teacher through nursery and they moved her up with the Sunbeams. They did this last year too it works so well if you have teachers game to do it. Our primary president did a great job. Having been in a number of presidencies I know how much work today takes. Wendy you are so smooth!!

The next two days look to be busy. Tomorrow is our actual anniversary, we are hosting a Fiesta Fiesta bowl party. Should be fun. Tuesday it's off to Spokane for Elyse's eye appointment. They are wanting to schedule surgery this time. Just this last week she has started to complain that her eyes are "bugging" her. They get stuck outward and it must feel odd. I was fine with surgery 2 years ago, but actually setting a date makes me nervous. We have been through lots of surgeries, of other ward members and friends, even my own, but just this little procedure seems big when it's your 3 year old. I hope to do better than I did when Caia had tubes put in. I got teary eyed when they took her from me. I feel so blessed that my kids are so healthy. I choke up and remember how blessed we are every time I hear that commercial "go away tumor go away", for St Judes. Or remember a friend who lost her her little son at only a few weeks old. As much as I feel blessed, and how this is minor, it stills seems big to me. It's really nice to remember our Savior, that he know my heart as a mother and he understands my rambling feelings.

Wow sorry this is so long but it's been therapeutic. And I end with a smile, A smile remembering the good of the past year and a smile thinking ahead to the good to come in 2009.
Happy New Year to you all and I pray you will achieve all of your new year resolutions.

The Miracle of M&M"s

2008-12-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

So I was working on my Relief Society lesson for tomorrow on the couch when Elyse came and sat by me munching on M&M's.

Elyse "So there's chocolate in them?"

Me "Yes"

Elyse "so you put them in your mouth and make the chocolate pop out?"

Me w/a smile "yes I guess so."

Elyse "watch me"

And she puts one between her teeth and proceeds to "make the chocolate pop out"

Elyse "See!"

We have numerous conversations like this daily. The world through her eyes and verbal skills is such a wonder.

Day 3 of 3, Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T08:48:00.001-08:00

I almost forgot this one. Mark gave me a jewelry box this year. He has picked out such beautiful pieces of jewelry the past few holidays but I haven't had a good place to keep them. Well Payton had a different use for the box. She told me tonight that my jewelry box was her favorite present. I think Mark may have to open the two boxes of saws that have been sitting in my garage unopened for a year, and see if he can build Miss Payton a her own "china cabinet".

And they lived happily ever after! I wish this had turned out, Caia took this picture. Payton was snuggled right up against me. A perfect ending to a very Merry Christmas.

Our friend Dan Evans gave this puzzle game to the girls. We all enjoyed it.

Dan's mom Sis Evans sent each of the girls necklaces. Elyse's Necklace had a Dora on it. She wore that, and the bracelet, which matched exactly to her jammy's and robe, all day. She took it off for a nap and put it all right back on.

Caia and Payton's necklaces were "I am a Child of God" charms. How well she knows little girls. Mark is the only one that has met Sis Evans but she remembers the girls each holiday! Thank you Sis Evans for being so thoughtful!

(Some day I will remember to post pictures backwards first, then add text so this would all be in the correct order, I'm not great at thinking backwards, oh well!)

OK OK enough suspense for you impatient souls. I can't believe all of the flack I have gotten for not posting sooner. I hope this lives up to your expectations!

So after a late night, our morning didn't start until 7 am! I could hear Payton and Caia whispering and their little slipper feet scooting around. When they woke us they had only peeked to see if he had come, they wanted to wait for us to get up to play w/Santa gifts and stockings. I assured them it was OK to get into these things, and they took Elyse to take a peek. Elyse came back in talking 90 miles a minute. "Santa came down and stepped out of the chimney and left lots of presents, and a Diamond Castle Barbie!" She repeated this twice and I wished I had the video on. We are so bad at taking pictures on Christmas Day we start off taking them then Mark and I get to caught up in the action and get distracted. Our gift to the girls was a count down calendar to our Disneyland adventure in February. They weren't as excited as I though they would be. They couldn't get past the fact we have been telling them that we would go next summer or so. So finding out we are going this February I guess confused them!?! They got over it and excited when we watched the DVD from Disneyland.

We had time to talk to our Grandparents in Russia and AZ. We always enjoy these visits. I have to admit I feel very blessed to have two families that love us and we get to spend eternity with.

Skype is also such a blessing as well, we love that we can include them in our festivities even though they are both so far away.

Day 2 of 3, Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve packages! What could they be?P.J's like every yearl, but this year a little twist they came with a bag & slippers!

Payton, always so clever

"Oh they're so cute, oh it's noses are hearts, and they have bows!" and before bed she said thank you for the present. That's my Lyse, quick to say thank you and notice all the details.

I love that they like to match still.

Dinner at the Mosman's was wonderful as always. The kids start asking about 2 months ahead of time if we are going to the Mosman's for Christmas Eve.

Thank you Kim for another lovely evening!

Day 1 of 3, Merry Christmas.

2008-12-23T22:17:00.001-08:00

Sister Alvey @ the piano, Caia, Payton, Joseph & Emma Hansen, Ashley Todd Clay Hansen,

Sam and Roy Patten.
Gladys Patten, Clay and Amy Hansen

Monte came and crashed the party, Sue was home recovering from surgery. We love you Sue and hope to see you on Christmas day.

Roy Patten holding Bethany Alvey, Paul, Alex, and BreAnn Alvey.

Emma, Caia, Payton and Elyse completely enthralled with Sam's yukalaylee skills.

Sam Patten in the zone!

BreAnn helped me clean up while Paul enjoyed a good literary read, "The Bean Buckets."

I love that he was laughing as hard as the kids.

I decided it would be wise to try to post each of the next three days as they happened or I will not do our fun justice. We have a tradition of a musical evening some time the week before Christmas. The last 2 years we were at Doug and Nicole Haines, this year they were out of town so we moved the festivities to our house. We of course had a lot of fun and food. The Hansen family came, along with the Alvey's, and our home teachers the Pattens, who brought along two of our friends the Todd's. My favorite addition this year was the hot chocolate bar. I have been on a quest to create the coffee stand hot chocolate and I did it. Torani's choc. sauce, milk and Torani's flavoring, yummy whipping cream, along with my favorite Christmas present ever my cocoamotion from my Sis-in-Law Mary Liz. I have great plain white mugs from Target and I put out dry erase markers so everyone could write their names on them. Of course all of our teenage friends took it to the next level and decorated their mugs, it was a stroke of FUN on my part. Then we gathered around the piano for good old Christmas carols. I love that we spent most of our time singing from the hymn book. The kids each took turns playing a piano piece, and Sam Patten brought his yukalaylee( I had to look up the spelling for that one). I think everyone had a great time. I can't begin to express how warm and happy these events make me. I guess I host them for selfish reasons but I believe this is the kind of entertainment that the spirit is able to attend and I feel blessed to have a home to host them in, and friends willing to participate. Merry Eve of Christmas Eve!

Oh The Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow!

2008-12-21T22:04:00.001-08:00

The snow is only about 6" but this one of Elyse is off of our back deck with the wind drifts against our arcadia door.

Q. What do you do when it's too cold and snowy to leave the house?

A. Play with the Cricut of course! The sisters sign was made on my friends machine for girls camp this summer, our cabin had a Christmas theme.

Of course it's never to cold for the girls to play outside. These were taken tonight when Mark got home from tithing settlement. We heard the garage door go up but no one came in; when the girls realized that dad was not only home but he was "playing" (shoveling the driveway) in the snow they went out for the attack. My only regret was not getting a picture of our Dad, they got him pretty good. But then again you know the old saying..."you should have seen the other guy!"

He's Making His List and Checking it Twice...

2008-12-21T20:32:00.001-08:00

Thus w/ all of the list checking we decided to make sure we are on his good side and turned to cookie making. Along w/ cooking making we learned a few lessons....

1. Cookie making is serious business.

2. What starts out neat and tidy won't last but makes a mom feel like she has some control.

3. Three little girls in black are so cute, but cookie making and decorating show up well on black. On the flip side apparently it doesn't show in a pictures so much, Who knew?

It's been a good day. The cookies are done now to see if I can get cards out tomorrow. I didn't take into account that as fun as they were to make I need them to fit into envelopes and my scrapbook store closed down since I started them. So I'm off tomorrow to hunt for envelopes.

This Week

2008-12-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

Elyse making a cornflake Christmas wreath

So this week was filled with Christams fun. Monday night we purchased the ingredients to make gifts to take to some single sisters in our ward, we'll put them together and take them for family night/day on the Monday we get out of school. Friday we took our Joy School friends to Gritman Day Health to perform for the grandmas and grandpas. I pulled Payton and Caia out of school to participate and our friend Allison is home schooled got to come too. It turned out a lot better than I had thought it would, the grandmas and grandpas loved it. Saturday Caia danced in a Magical Peter Pan Christmas, twice. Mark, Payton, Carli, and I attended the 3:00pm performance while Elyse played w/Nik and Jordan Schwartz. We had enough time to grab Caia dinner, take it back to her, head home for Elyse, our potatoes, ham, and brownies, and to make it in time to be 10 min. late to our ward Christmas party while Caia did a second performance at 7pm. All in freezing temperatures, and blowing snow. We had one family from Genesee not make it home and have to bunk w/other members in town, and our Genesee ward members were unable to make it back into town today for church due to the highway being closed from the snow drifts. We have ended this Sabbath night just right. We watched Mr Krueger's Christmas, drank Grandma Monson's hot spiced punch and played a fun Christmas game that Caia learned at Achievement Days. The girls, including our little friend Carli whom we have adopted until her mom is done with school for the semester, are off to bed. Mark is nearing the end of tithing settlement and I still have Christmas cards to get out, teachers gifts to put together, and bishopric gifts too. But all in all it should be a fun week. Here is the link to to the kids performances if you have time. (I'll add Peter Pan soon.) http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hmons0691&search_type=

Elyse's Sleeping Habits

2008-12-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

So the other night I was sneaking into the little girls room before I went to bed and Payton's blanket was down like the picture above. I just thought it had fallen. Yesterday when I went to put Elyse (bottom bunk) down for a nap, as I was leaving she says "Close two doors mom." I was a bit confused and walked out closed her door and she yells, "no two doors" , that's when the vision of the night before came back to me and I realized the second door was her sisters blanket. She had actually stolen Payton's blanket while she was a sleep to create a second door. She by far has the biggest imagination. So after weeks of sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag this is her new favorite sleeping situation! She has such a tender heart! Last night she woke up and came into our room having had a bad dream and says "Mom I had a bad dream, will you come say a prayer with me?" After she finished w/her sweet simple prayer she says "Mom I'm sorry I yelled at you to get out of my room" (this happened at bed time). Let's just say I had no problems w/that middle of the night call and the rest of the night was peaceful.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T20:09:00.001-08:00

Caia making a crust for Great Grandma's Dutch Apple Pie.

Payton eating peels.

Caia peeling, slicing and coring apples for the pie.

Payton eating the peels almost as fast as Caia is peeling.

The table all set, we even had place cards this year!

(Only the best for our guests.)

Notice the fog setting in, we had

over 24 consecutive hours of a heavy fog.

Our last two weeks were good ones. Jolyn came and visited for the weekend (20-24). We enjoyed the start of my Christmas shopping in Spokane. For my birthday we started the day off with presents. Then I let the kids skip the morning of school and we went to the Breakfast club for breakfast. The girls love to go there for breakfast. We spent the day around the house, and that evening enjoyed prime rib at the Keusperts, (he was Marks 1st councilor for the first 2 years.) I picked up a chocolate pie at Costco for dessert. The girls sure got a kick out of all of those candles! Saturday we started some small gift crafts, hit a craft fair, and we topped off the evening with my friend Wendy at Twilight I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I can't wait for the next one and now I'm reading them again!

Jolyn was off to the airport and I turned to Thanksgiving preparations. We had two families of 4, one of 6, 4 Elders and us. I have to admit that everything went like clockwork. After dinner us girls slipped out to the Thanksgiving Michael's sale. ( I had to get my $30.00 Cricut cartridges!) The last 3 days have been unusually quiet. Mark and I did hit a few sales Friday late morning. And attended a Friday night baptism for a convert in our ward. We were excited that Logan Finally took the plunge, she is 16 and was baptized by her 16 year old cousin it was a very special evening.

The girls are all in bed and we are looking forward to the Christmas break I enjoyed having everyone home and happy to play together. Thank you to all for the Birthday wishes.

Have a great week.

10 Things that make me smile!

2008-11-18T21:36:00.001-08:00

OK I was tagged several weeks ago so here I go. I'm excited to take time to think about this.

10 thing that make me smile. ( Not in any particular order)

1. When Mark gets home and all the girls run to him yelling "Daddy"!

2. Listening to Elyse in the bath tub.

3. Watching Payton push every ones buttons. It can drive me crazy but at times I can't help but laugh.

4. When my girls leave for school, When my girls come home from school.

5. That Caia made her dad take her shopping for a birthday present and she wrapped it and it even has a great bow!

6. Mark, he can make me smile just by telling me that his whole world revolves around me, when in reality we all know our world revolves around him.

7. Knowing that even away from family that my Thanksgiving table is full, and getting to make Aunt Barbara's Stuffing. I love the smells while it's being made and I see in my minds eye her stirring that BIG bowl.

8. Remembering that my dad calls me "doda".

9. Elyse saying "it's just you and me kid" after we say good bye to the sisters.

10. When my girls snuggle up to read a Wrinkle in time. I'm amazed at both of their ability to see symbolism in this book.

OK I tag, Jackie S, Alisa S, Annie L,

A bit here and a bit there.

2008-11-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

(This post refers to the first 2 weeks of November. )

Not much of a picture week, but some great things to remember.

Elyse: She likes me to snuggle by her at night "for 1 minute". So the other night I was snuggling by her and Payton was asleep already. She closed her eyes for a few seconds then opened them and says, "mom, it's so hard to make the sun come up." Life is amazing when your 3 and the sun rises and falls around you.

Payton: Currently she is into riddles. The other night she was making up riddles about our family members. Here is my favorite. "She is the best piano teacher ever!, she likes to snuggle me, she makes breakfast, and lunch, and dinner, who is it?" She also lost her top tooth, I'll have to get a picture of that one posted. It's so cute her last two teeth she had our friend and neighbor Nik Schwartz pull them. All last week she kept saying "it's a good thing Nik is coming over on Friday because this tooth is loose" How funny is that? No he has no gimmick, no tricks, he is just Nik and can do it! I love having such nice young men in our ward.

Caia: HHMMMM she is 9. Past the cute saying stage but dabbling in the art of sarcasm, and giving her mom the cold shoulder when we strongly disagree. Luckily not good enough at it that when I smother her with attention for it she cracks a smile and life is back to normal. She has such great friends, she and Emma Clark have been friends since they were 1! and Addi is such a cutie too. They are currently playing Little Women at recess. She is a great reader, Emma read Little Women and now Caia is working on it. I think I had better borrow it next and read it. She is getting ready for a Christmas Peter Pan where she is an Indian Dancer with her Celtic group.

Halloween

2008-11-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

Emma Hansen, Caia, Payton, Spencer Banks, and Elyse

Payton and Lola decorating cookies, Elyse spilled on her costume so why not get comfy! My girls and their PJ's are inseparable.

Wow what a crazy Halloween season. With all of our little parties it felt like Christmas. After Payton's festivities it was Elyse's turn. It was our week to host our Joy School friends so that meant another Halloween party. The kids were so cute! The older girls were out of school so they were happy to be involved. We painted pumpkins, sang songs, ate more worms, and decorated yummy pumpkin cookies.

We have a fun little tradition with the Hansen's in our ward. We get together Halloween evening for soup and bread then the dad's take the kids Trick-or-Treating and we stay home and pass out candy, and chat. We invited our friends the Banks this year . This has to be the warmest Halloween ever. The kids wore a light sweatshirt and they didn't freeze! As for their costumes; Elyse switched costumes about 10 tens over the week. That night we took her down to the dress up box and that's what she came up with, although I think before she made it out the door she made a few more alterations to it. Payton too decided to change at the last minute, whatever! Life with 3 girls is always about going with the flow and a lot mind changing. What's important is that they had so much fun! ( Elyse is now telling everyone that next year she is going to be "a Super Hero". This post Halloween choice is her longest lasting decision, although I'm grateful for a whole year to figure out what on earth a super hero is to this 3 year old.)

Saturday was just as fun, the girls spent Wednesday night and all day Thursday gutting their rooms and cleaning so we their treat was High School Musical 3. Mark decided to "keep his man card" and volunteered to stay home with Elyse. I used to think there were way to many school holidays but I have grown to love our breaks, the girls are at such fun ages.

Party Time

2008-10-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

Cinderella making an appearance as a witch.

All of our guests were able to contribute to the brew, with bat eyes, (blueberries) Frankenstein tongues, (fruit by the foot), vampire teeth, (tips of candy corn) a few other things but the favorite being witch's breath (dried ice, I couldn't have planned it better if tried, I picked the ice up with metal tongs and it made a great screaming hissing sound.)

Payton and Mia Barret .

Allison Chatterton, Emma Ferrin, 6 year old Payton,

Carli Salomon, Elyse 3, and Kenya Contreras

We only do a birthday party with friends every other year and this was a party year for

Ms. Payton. She chose a Halloween theme. We played dress the witch, (a spin off of pin the tail on the donkey, thanks to my cricut machine) made a fabulous witches brew, (thank you Shannon Taylor for that idea it was as great as you said it would be) ate ribs, (string cheese), and worms (hot dogs sliced into 8th's then boiled curly). We Opened presents, wow we have a lot of littlest, Polly's, pet shops, and pretty pony's. Payton is in heaven, these are her very favorite things and she plays with them all the time. Even Cinderella made an appearance dressed for Halloween like a witch. Every one seemed to have fun, and Mark and I were glad it was over.

Shortly after the party Mark was off to a stake priesthood meeting. Later we had our favorite babysitter come, Kayla Stinebaugh and Mark and I attended the adult session of stake conference with Elder R Bruce Merrell of the 70. Following that we went out to a late dinner with our second councilor and his wife. Here is a shout out to our good "buddy"! Today we attended Stake Conference which of course was very nice, two sisters from our ward spoke today and last night one of our sisters spoke, so the Paradise Ridge Ward was well represented.

All and all a great weekend, it's 2:45pm and things are quiet....for now.

Happy Birthday Payton!

2008-10-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

Elyse enjoying Payton's birthday present from Brother and Sister Bennett

Payton enjoying one of her presents.

Opening her presents.

Payton's Birthday was the 24th. I can't believe she is 6! I told her that she didn't have to go to bed on Thursday night, in exchange she would still be my 5 year old. But she decided to go to bed and wouldn't you know it she woke up 6. It's amazing I love having a 6 year old. Friday she got up and opened her presents. She took snicker doodle cookies to school to celebrate. Elyse and I picked her up and went to McDonald's for lunch. That night the only thing she wanted to do was have her favorite primary teachers over for dinner, which upon her request was shrimp, rice and zucchini. What a fun dinner. We then went to a new ice cream shop in town instead of cake. Then we came home got into PJ's turned out all of the lights and watched a grand fireworks show out our window and sang happy birthday just for her. It was a perfect evening, (and U of I's homecoming).

This is for you Grandpa May!

2008-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls were in the kitchen just before bed. Elyse decided that something smelled and blamed it on Payton, she smells things all the time. So I told her it's her upper lip. Hers eyes got real big and she asked "my wips?" I told her it must be, we don't smell anything. She thought about it long and hard. This morning when she got up I asked her "what smells?" She says "oh, oh, that must be my wips!"

Pumpkin Carving FHE

2008-10-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Waiting to get started, Elyse was so excited.
"Oooo pumpkin guts, I need the sanitizer!" Elyse Keeps us laughing

A is for Apple-J is Joy School

2008-10-19T21:09:00.001-07:00

Elyse and I spent Friday with our Joy School group at the WSU apple orchards, the kids loved playing in the trees and picking apples. And of course you can't go all the way to WSU and not visit the creamery, so we enjoyed ice cream and cheese for lunch.

First try @ blogging

2008-10-16T21:46:00.001-07:00

I have been inspired to give this a try. Thank you Pennington's, Skinners, and to everyone else who have distracted me from another long day. I love reading blogs when I want to catch up on what everyone else is doing and forget that I have million things I could be doing. So I'm going to try this out. No more begging for pictures, and maybe less time consuming than Facebook. So here I go, with nothing to loose.