Last Few Days

Just an update of the last few days..

* We bought 16 gallons of paint. Now I need to get over to the house sometime to mask and paint.
* Can't exactly do that right now 'cause we are down to one car. Scott's car is making some funny sound. A guy that Scott met at Fry's who is in school to be a mechanic came by on Monday to look at it, knows what's wrong, and is going to fix it. Sweet!
* Saturday night I had some ladies over for "movie night", which is never a movie night, because we always just chat. It's good to chat, though.
* Tuesday night I got to bed really late (like, 4 am late) because Scott got home from school really late (after 12) , then a little while after he got home I realized that I needed some stuff for book club that I was hosting Wednesday night, and so I needed to go to the store (being down to one car).
* Wednesday morning I got up with the kids around 8ish, gave them some yogurt, put on a movie and went back to bed. This is what I woke up to:

Books, toys, blankets, clothes, crumbled chocolate chips. I don't know if you can tell in the pictures, but there is a line of string tied to the front door that goes across the living room to the office. This is the rocking chair in the office, where the line of string leads to.

I was about to get upset, and I asked Katelynn why they did that. She explained that she was saving Michael, and using the string to protect him and save him from the monsters. (they've been really into 'monsters' and 'bad guys' lately in their imaginative play) She tied the monsters up in the chair to save Michael. Well, if it was in an effort to save her brother I can't exactly get mad at her, now can I?

* Last night I hosted a book club I'm in. Mostly it's ladies from my ward, but there are also a few others that either used to be in the ward, or that live in the same neighborhood as someone in the club. We only had 6 people, including me, but we still had fun. We only talked about the book for a couple of minutes, then the rest of the time we talked about other stuff. I tried out my chocolate fountain that Scott gave me for Christmas a couple years ago. Yum! I'll have to whip that thing out more often. So easy, and so good. Of course, we'll see if it will work again, because the kids submerged the bottom piece containing the motor in the dishwater I was soaking the other fountain pieces in. Grarg!

* This morning my visiting teachers came over. (even though I saw them last night for book club) It is always nice visiting with them, and the message they share is always fitting for me. This is the quote they shared with me today. It was so timely, because I have been thinking lately about how I need to be more diligent in my scripture study.

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “As you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to ‘treasure up’ the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?” (“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102).

*Nothing else too exciting going on. Just need to get moved and packed and all that jazz. Scott has a killer test in Neurology today that he has been studying his 'brains' out for. (hee, hee, hee) Other than that, just livin' the life.

FHE

The last couple of weeks we've been making an effort to have Family Home Evening every Monday night. The kids get really excited about it, and talk about it all week. They are really at an age now where they can learn & remember principles of the gospel and enjoy the activities. (They probably could before now, but both of our families we're slackers when it came to FHE, so it's been hard for us to get into the habit.)

Last week we talked about the Holy Ghost. I got the lesson from The Family Home Evening Spot, a blog dedicated to FHE lessons for kids between the ages of 0-5. They loved this lesson, especially Michael. A little while after FHE he stopped, listened & whispered, "I hear the Holy Ghost". Then he put his blanket over his head and said,"I'm the Holy Ghoooost". Not quite what we were going for, but I thought it was funny.

All last week, and all this week, he's been talking about the Holy Ghost. Lately he has been playing with a lot of imaginary friends (I think it's so cute). This is a conversation I overheard earlier today.

Michael, looking inside a tent the kids made in the living room...
M: Holy Ghost! Is that you?!
M (in a lower voice): Yes, it's me. You talk about me.
M: Holy Ghost!!
running over to me..
M: Mom, it's the Holy Ghost! He's in my house. We talk about him. He's Jesus' favorite friend.
later..
M: The Holy Ghost is here.
M (in a different voice): I don't like the Holy Ghost.
M (outraged): The Holy Ghost we talk about in family night! The Holy Ghost is Jesus' friend. I love him!!
M (in different voice): Oh, you love the Holy Ghost? Okay.
M: Yes! He's here!

I thought it was so awesome. Kids are so amazing.

This Monday we had a lesson about the Creation and Adam & Eve. We thought that would be a good lesson to have, because the kids like to walk around the house naked all day. So, we talked about the Creation a little, then talked about how after Adam & Eve ate the fruit they realized that they were naked and made clothes out of leaves, because they knew that Heavenly Father & Jesus wouldn't want to see them naked. Then we strung pictures of leaves on a string to make a little loincloth to go around their waists. They liked them so much that they hung them on their cribs at bedtime. They wanted me to take a picture of them sporting 'em, so here ya go. (Like Emma's crazy hair?)

Can you believe how tall they are getting?! I'm anxious for when they hit 42", so they can ride Splash Mountain at Disneyland. They watch "Song of the South", so they will actually know who the characters are and love the ride. But, I digress.

Oh, and if you don't have one yet, you should look at getting a copy of the Gospel Art Book that just came out. It's a spiral bound book full of pictures that are useful for using in lessons, talks, FHE, etc. The book is available at the Distribution Center for $3.50. But, a sister in my ward bought a case of them and opened it up to the other ward members to buy some if they wanted to. Since she bought them in a case, it made the books only $1.50 each, which is a steal! Totally worth it. And, my kids like to look at that book during sacrament meeting more than they like to look at their other books, so that's a bonus. It opens up conversation to tell the kids scripture stories, because they'll look at the pictures and ask what's going on. "Oh, that's Jesus raising Lazurus from the dead". "That's Jesus blessing the children". I love it.

A few laundry tips...

When washing a load of clothes, be sure to check all the pockets. Especially if you have toddlers. You never know when there may be a pack of CRAYONS in one of the pockets. Yes, CRAYONS. And, I didn't catch them before I threw the load in the dryer. You want to know what happens when you wash and dry a pack of crayons?! Weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth, that's what happens. The inside of the dryer was coated with waxy, crayon-y goodness. Behold the photographic evidence. Click on them for a closer look. I dare ya.


The clothing that was washed and dried with the crayons didn't fare too well, either. Check out these streaky jeans. At least it wasn't the whites...


I searched online to figure out what my best options were for cleaning out the dryer and tried a few different methods. What ended up working the best was Barkeeper's Friend for the large, wide surfaces and a generic Magic Eraser for the nooks and crannies. I used a damp cloth diaper, and dumped some BF on it and rubbed it around to make a little paste. Along with some elbow grease, it worked pretty nicely. See for yourself.


I even took apart the little lint catcher thingy and vacuumed it out. Now this puppy is almost cleaner than it was when it was born! Again, before:

after:


Whew! Look at that shine!

I still haven't tackled the load of jeans that got assaulted, but after reading up on it my plan of attack is: spray-n-wash, wash on the 'sanitary cycle' with normal laundry soap & Ultra Clorox 2 for Colors (which I thought for the longest time was laundry soap, until a heated discussion with my mother-in-law proved otherwise. A story for another day perhaps. Or not..).

I'll let you know how that pans out. So, to make a short story long, word to the wise--when doing laundry ALWAYS check ALL the pockets!! Take my word for it. I promise.

A New Post!

Where've you been?! Why haven't we seen a post for so long?! Well, I have been trying to taper down my computer usage. My name is Jillian, and I'm addicted to Facebook and blogging. Hi, Jillian. The other day I went to whole day without turning on the computer. It was amazing.

But, then the next couple of days I was on longer than usual "catching up" with all of my friend's new posts, all my notifications and things on Facebook, etc. SO, I guess the 'cold turkey' method doesn't work for me.

I think what I'm going to have to do is give myself a time limit every day and stick with it. I feel like I'm in elementary school and I need one of those little egg timers that looks like a hen. But, if that's what it comes down to, so be it!

SO, if it is the middle of the day and you see me comment on your blog, or see me on Facebook... Scream at me! Kick me in the shins! Call me on the phone and say, "Get your lazy little butt off the computer!" Stick pins in my eyeballs! okay, uhm, that would hurt really, really bad, so don't do that one.

Bottom line is--I have lots to do and less time to do it in, so I need to get my patootie off this wretched contraption. Can we do it? Yes we can!
and no, when I said that I was NOT endorsing Obama by any stretch of the imagination. I think it's actually in one of the kids' Bob the Builder books.

Just to Clarify...

* I hate cleaning up one mess, while 3 other messes are being made.

* I hate hearing kids throw fits because I will not turn on the TV and feed their addiction.

* I hate med school and the amount of time it takes Scott away to study.

* I hate bottles of syrup dumped on the kitchen floor..or anything sticky, for that matter.

* I hate scrubbing out a dryer coated in crayon wax because I was stupid enough to not check the kids' pockets before doing a load of laundry.

* I hate telling the kids the same thing over and over and over again and hardly getting any response.

* I hate it when the kids push each others' buttons.

* I hate running to answer the phone only to talk to a computer.

and

* I hate naptime & bedtime and all the drama it brings.

... in case you didn't already know..

Splash Park

Yesterday we met some friends at the "Splash Park". Basically it's like running through the sprinklers, bumped up a notch. It was hard to get some good pictures while the kids were running around. Here are my best efforts.


The kids had a lot of fun, especially Emma. But, she's my 'water baby', so I shouldn't be surprised.


Michael mostly just runs around the outside edge and flips out if he gets wet. He'd much rather spend his time chasing the ducks & climbing over the fence to scare his Mommy to death. He did enjoy manning the water 'gun', though.


Katelynn spent the majority of the time filling up a little bucket with water.

It was nice to get out of the house. We've been cooped up inside due to the nearly 100 degree temperatures. Our new house is within walking distance to this park, so I have a feeling we might be spending more time here in the future.

Spaghetti Time

The other night our friend Natalie came over to play. I hadn't made spaghetti for a long time, and since it's quick & easy I decided to make that. However, I had forgotten how messy spaghetti can be for a two-year old. My kids still make a little bit of a mess, but they do okay. At least I had the foresight to change the kids into 'stainable' clothes before dinner.

Natalie's messy spaghetti face. I think it's so cute. She had to eat the noodles one at a time.


Bon Appetit! Katelynn insisted on putting a towel on the collar of her shirt. She's such a goofball.


Emma licking her chops. Yum!


After dinner I figured the easiest way to clean the kids up would be to throw them in the tub. They had a blast, all four of them in the tub together.


Thanks for coming over to play, Natalie. We had a fun time!

I Melt

The last couple of days we've had highs in the high 90s. Yes, you read that correctly--90s! Nine Zero. Today I looked at our thermometer and it read 99. Can you believe it?! It's only April!

Wowzers! I'm starting to feel the heat!!

Primary Firsts

Today was Emma, Katelynn & Michael's first time participating in Opening Exercises in Primary. Katelynn gave the opening prayer, Michael did the scripture and Emma gave a talk. They were so cute up there! Daddy helped each of them with their assignment.

Katelynn started the prayer all by herself, and only needed a little help. She's really good at saying prayers.

Michael did a good job reciting the scripture. It was John 14:6: " Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." I love how he says his words that start with an "L". e.g "wuhife", instead of "life".

Emma did a good job with her talk. I'm not sure if anyone but me understood any of it, since I'm almost fluent in "Emma-ese", but I was still proud of her to get up there and do it, since she's usually the shyest one.

I can't believe how much they are growing up! It's still weird to me that they are actually in Primary now, not just nursery. To see them sitting up there grinning, waiting for their turn at the mic, made me smile.

One Little Monkey...

Michael has discovered that he can climb one of the trees in our backyard. So now, every time I turn around he's out there, up in that tree. The first time he did it was one morning before I woke up. I was in bed and Katelynn came running into our room yelling, "Michael's stuck up in the tree!!" At first I thought I was still asleep. Then I looked at my window and saw it for myself. I threw some clothes on, and ran out there to make sure he was okay. Once I realized he was fine, I grabbed the camera! He was already on his way down, but I still got one of his first tree climb.


Here are some pictures from another day of climbing. He was so funny, because he kept saying, "I'm saving my life!" Silly kid. He also calls this his "pirate tree". Don't ask me why. I have no idea.

Workin' hard.


I thought this picture turned out kind of neat, with the flower as the focus and the climbing boy in the background.

Well, folks. We have a little monkey on our hands!

Check-Up, Etc.

Katelynn had a check-up today and she officially has NO protein in her urine. Yea! The doctor said she looks great, so we are going to start weaning her off of the steroids. We have to stay on the same dose we are on (5 mL twice a day) for two more weeks, then after that we wean!

In other news... today we signed the papers at the title company and did the final walk-through, so all we are waiting for is the title company to do one last thing. Hopefully we will be getting the call from our Realtor tomorrow to say the house is officially ours. I am starting to get {more excited} about it. I wasn't saying much to anyone about our house hunting or letting myself get too excited about it in case something happened, but now I'm starting to feel it a little more. Maybe I'm just in denial that it is actually happening. Or maybe I'm just shutting it out in my mind because moving=hard work. But, yeah.

Tuesday night was Bunco. I had a ton of fun. I love it so much. I felt really happy and silly and just had a really good time. I feel so blessed to have an awesome group of girls here to hang out with. It's just so great. Words (at least my ability to string them together) can not express how awesome it is. Love.It.


Oh, and me kids broke me brand new camera. Argh! Now I have to ship it somewhere to get it fixed under the warranty or something, I think. Can I say it again? ARGH! So frustrating. And, it's totally my fault, too, because I would leave it down where they could get ahold of it all the time. So, it's frustrating that they broke it AND it's frustrating that I'm dough-headed enough to leave it within the grasp of 3 three-year-olds. Will I ever learn?!

OSF

FYI-- To celebrate their 40th anniversary, The Old Spaghetti Factory has part of their menu 40% off EVERY Tuesday between March 31st through May 26th!

Visit www.osf.com for more info and to see their Anniversary menu. Woo-hoo!!

On Thursday...

... we are closing on THIS!!

It needs a little work, but with some love & a little paint it should be a nice place to call home for the next few years. What do you think?!

Easter 2009

What a beautiful Easter day! It started out with Katelynn running into our room yelling, "Santa Claus took our Easter baskets away to fill them up!" In Scott's family they have a tradition of setting out their Easter baskets the night before, and during the night the Easter bunny comes, fills the baskets, and hides them somewhere in the house. So, last night we gave the kids their baskets to set out on the hearth for the Easter bunny to fill and hide. They were quite excited about that.

Before we could search for our baskets in the morning we went to church. The choir sang two songs, and they did a great job. I started to freak out, though, because they announced that there would be a speaker, the choir singing one number, then a closing speaker, but we were prepared to sing 3 songs; one at the beginning, one in the middle and one at the end. I was, like, "What do I do?! Do I just choose one?! Which one do I choose?!" Scott had to calm me down (for the second time that day, since I was hyper-ventilating earlier because we were going to be late for sacrament meeting). I wrote a note and handed it to the bishopric, asking them what we should do. They decided to have us sing the intermediate song and the closing song. So, it worked out fine. But, I was still Aaahh!

After we got home we had to take pictures of the kids in their Easter outfits. Looking at the pictures I can't believe how much they've grown. They are actually kids now, not little babies.

The girls were excited to have their pictures taken in their pretty dresses. Michael not so much. That's why we don't have an individual shot of him.

Emma

Katelynn

Emma, Katelynn & Michael

Then, it was time to hunt for their baskets. Michael's was easy to find. I *ahem* I mean, the Easter bunny hid it behind the train table, and Katelynn actually found it before church. Oh, well. The girls needed a little more help. We had to keep encouraging them, "Look HERE." Katelynn actually opened all the cabinets in the kitchen but the one her basket was in and left the kitchen. After a little prompting she opened the right cupboard and found it.

Success!


We told Emma to look in the bathroom. She just stuck her head in there, said, "Nope." and moved on. We kept saying, "Emma, go look in the bathroom again." and she was refusing to look in there! Finally we convinced her to look harder in the bathroom.

Now let's try out these bunny ears!

Michael with his basket.


Since Scott has a test tomorrow we decided to do "Easter dinner" tomorrow evening with our friends the Larsons. Then we can all enjoy our feast more (after their horrendous test is over) and play a game or something.

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter and have a chance to reflect on our Savior and his amazing sacrifice for us.

"Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me.
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me."

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

I loved this talk and thought it would be the perfect thing to share with you on this beautiful Easter. Enjoy!

None Were With Him

In Stitches

Right now in one of Scott's classes they are having a suture (doing stitches) competition. The winner will receive a grand prize. I think the pot is upwards of $1500 right now. Currently he is in 4th place. Wish him luck!

Here is a picture of them suturing on felt pads. Practice makes perfect!


Oh, and I have to tell you really quick... Scott is sitting across from our friend Nathan, who the kids have lovingly dubbed 'Daddy's Nathan'. "Daddy, are you going to study with your Nathan? Nathan is Natalie's daddy, huh? Is that you Nathan?"

Ha ha ha! Well, he *does* see Scott more than we do!

Picnic on Friday

On Friday Daddy called us to see if we wanted to meet him at the park for a picnic during his lunch break. We always love to go with Daddy to the park, so were very excited.

Here's Michael at the top of the slide, mid-jump. (I love this picture.)

Emma, also at the top of the slide.


Michael found a pet cricket at the park.


We took it home in an empty sandwich box. Sadly, by the next day he was in need of a different kind of box. Too much love and affection, I guess.

Emma loves it when her Daddy pushes her in the swings.

Underdogs were had by all.


I think Katelynn feels the way Mommy does when she's on a roller coaster.

Daddy loves his girls.


We are so happy that Daddy called us to go on a picnic. We love you, Daddy!

Red Robin- YuM!

Last Thursday we went as a family to Red Robin to redeem my birthday burger. Side Note: In case you didn't know, if you sign up for Red Robin's eClub they send you an e-mail for a free burger that you can redeem a week before or after your birthday, no strings attached. You're welcome.

We had a great time. The kids were really good during dinner, and were happy to get a balloon on the way out. It's nice that the kids are getting old enough to sit through dinner at a restaurant and not act like total psychos. Here they are 'playing' the arcade games while we were waiting for our booth.


One of these days they are going to find out that the games are more interactive if you put money in them. Shhh...don't tell.

Museum & BBQ

Our friend from UVSC (excuse me, UVU), Dave, was down in Arizona visiting his sister who lives in Chandler, so we decided to get together while he was in town. First, we met at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. Dave's sister, Jenn, has a cute little son, so we thought that it would be fun for all the kids to play at the museum, and it was about a half an hour away for both parties.

Here is a group shot at the museum.


Rowan, say cheese!


After the museum we headed over to our place for a little BBQ. Here are Michael & Emma 'helping' Dave play a game on his phone.


Katelynn hamming it up.


Scott & Dave doing "manly things", like grilling and drinking. FYI- these are just sparkling sodas. Scott has not taken up drinking, although with the pressures of school I wouldn't blame him if he did. Okay, I would blame him, but...


Thanks for coming over, guys. It was great to see you!!