new month's resolution...

Last Wednesday at R.S. birthday celebration our branch president came and gave a talk on the importance of balance in our lives. It was nothing "new" really, but was definitely something I needed to hear. He talked about how when we "don't have time" for the important things (scriptures/prayer/exercise/fhe...whatever) then maybe it's because we're actually wasting too much time doing things that don't matter. He mentioned computer time (noting that saying that might get him in trouble!)...and I have to say I wasn't offended at all even though it *definitely* applied to me.
I don't look at anything that isn't good online- but it's so easy to see how sitting down to check email turns into 30 minutes before I know it- looking at fun sites (which I'll list on my blog so you can be addicted as well...), checking blogs to see if anything new has happened in the past 3 hours ;) , or just researching random things. Anyway- so when night comes and I'm too tired to read scriptures, I really have no excuse. Should have done it instead of checking email. If someone needs to get a hold of me that bad, they've got my phone number so it's not necessary to check it several times a day, right??
And while I was putting Madison to bed the other night I was so grateful that it sometimes takes an hour for her to go to sleep because it's an hour I can just lay and think without feeling too guilty. But while I was laying there it occurred to me that when my life is out of balance (i.e.- I'm not doing prayer and scripture study like I should), I suddenly become more frantic and desperate; desperate for more alone time, for the kids to be in bed earlier, to talk to friends, to have the house in perfect condition (there IS a balance), to have more money. The list goes on.

So here's my new resolution- starting tomorrow (because I've already blown it today by writing this entry), I'm only getting on the computer at night after the kids are in bed. Period. I'll check email then. I'll check blogs then, etc. (Darla---since I know you stalk me and know when I stalk you, you can be my enforcer if needed...)
I'm trying this for the next 3 weeks because that's how long it takes to make a habit, I've heard...then I'll let you know if I'm anymore patient, nicer, feeling less frazzled, have more energy. (And I'll give myself a little leeway considering being almost 27 weeks preggo.)

If you've made it this far- number one, thanks, because I know this post was entirely self-serving. And number two, I suggest making better use of your time from now on. ;)

Now THIS is dancing....

I know this is so old, but it's hilarious and still cracks me up...

Happy St. Paddy's Day

At Dallin's preschool last week leprechauns visited his preschool and left their little green footprints all over the walls, doors, etc; and they even peed in the toilet turning the water green....silly leprechauns. They had lucky charms for their snack and when the milk was poured in, they magically turned green! His teachers did face painting, which was adorable. Dallin loved it, but by that night he couldn't wait to get it off because it was itching so much! His preschool is actually run by a friend of mine and she and her assistant are amazing...they always do such FUN, creative things I'm a little worried that Dallin will be bored with Kindergarten. Not really- I'm sure he'll be fine....especially since I called Christine for reassurance...long story. But he will *definitely* miss Ms. Christine and Ms. Kim-

My mom called me yesterday at about 5:00 to ask what I was making for dinner that was green considering the Holiday...I was trying to load the kids in the car to take Natty to soccer practice, change Madison's diaper before we left, and I was running late and was dreading the fact that it would be almost 7 by the time we got home. Needless to say, I hadn't even thought about dinner, let alone a GREEN dinner. Mom was always really good at celebrating the fun holidays, and we'd usually have green bread and whatever else she could turn green. I remember it being so fun; so of course I was filled with guilt that I wasn't creating fun memories like that for my kids. Anyway- I had a quick and idea while at soccer, so this is what we ended up having:
Green pancakes with green sprinkles and green milk...not exactly healthy or particularly creative, but the kids were impressed and I looked like a superhero. And that's all that really counts.

Natty is officially brace-free.....

natty got her braces off yesterday, so this is what she looks like without them. She was so excited because she doesn't have to go in each month to have them adjusted, and I was excited because brushing and flossing her teeth was a PAIN! She got her retainer, which she wasn't crazy about until she learned how to talk with it. And, it's cute. It's called "Party Sparkle" because it's clear with glitter in it.

Pop Quiz.....

No cheating.
#1) How much does it cost to have a votive candle removed from a toilet?
#2) What happens when a 4 year old swallows a computer screw?
#3) How long does it take to get a 2 year old's head unstuck from in between stair banisters?
The answers in a moment....

As I'm sitting here typing, I've gotta say I am F.D.H. (fat, dumb and happy). This afternoon a friend watched Madison and Natty while I took Dallin to register for Kindergarten. When I picked them up, I smelled something yummy and commented, "Your house smells SO good! What have you been cooking?" She said, "Oh! I made bread! Do you want a loaf?" I said, "Okay!" WHERE IS MY CENSOR!?? I didn't even pause and politely pretend I didn't want it. Zero control. Zero shame. Then I tried to backpedal, and say "Oh, you just made it! Keep it!" But sweetheart that she is, she wouldn't let me retract my offer. So I just got done eating the best tasting toasted homemade bread I've had in ages. It was as good as my mom's, which is saying a lot! I am a *lucky* girl :) Saturday Natty and Dallin were outside and they planted a tree:Do you think it will grow? Natty tied some dead leaves onto it so it would look "real". I've gotta say my kiddos are creative, and pretty dang funny if you ask me!

So the answers to the pop quiz are:
#1) $150

#2) I'll let you know. So far, nothing bad.
This morning's conversation between Dallin and I:
D: I don't feel like going to preschool today.
M: You don't? Why not?
D: I just swallowed Dad's 'puter screw.

Sweet.

#3) Luckily only about 2 minutes. (but Madison was madder than a wet hen until she got free)

M.E. Lou-Lou turned 2....

Okay, so it was a week ago, but I've been preoccupied. And a little lazy. And tired. She got a few outfits and adorable books from her Grandma, a Dora umbrella and raincoat from Beboo (her other grandma), a princess tiara and shoes from Sammie (her great-grandmother), a little chair, a my little pony from Dallin, and a stuffed ballerina from Natty. She scored.
I can't believe 2 whole years have gone by already! Here are a few of my favorite things about this little girl...
*Her contagious laugh-
*She sings...ALOT. And while the average person couldn't figure out the words she's singing, there's no doubt about the tune and rhythm...her favorites are "We will, we will, ROCK YOU" (she claps when singing ROCK YOU), and "Old McDonald Had a Farm, EIEIOooooooo".
*She likes to sleep with my hand over her cheek.
*She *loves* her brother and sister and is perfectly content to follow them and watch their every move.
When she was an infant, a friend commented, "She is such a gentle baby". I'd never heard a baby referred to as gentle before, but the term definitely fit then, and it still fits now. Happy belated Birthday Lou, Lou! We LOVE you!

Sammie

My grandmother came to visit from Missouri this weekend. It was so fun getting to see her.







While she was here we went on a few little adventures-- Dallin, Madison and I took her to Lynn's Paradise Cafe-- a quirky little restaurant in Louisville with what they refer to as "gourmet diner" food...I took my camera so you could see the decorated trees they have in the middle of the restaurant and the pairs of legs with funky pants that are hanging out of the wall. But I left the battery at home in the charger...so here's the link and you may be able to see some of the fun decorations and the yummy menu...
http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/

When Sammie was teaching dance in Joplin (she taught dance for over 40 years) she had a student named Shannon who she has kept in contact with over the years. Shannon now owns the Frankfort School of Ballet and asked Sammie if she would come teach a "Masters Class". So Natalie and I went with her to watch. I was so proud of her- she is still so strong, elegant, and graceful and was so skilled in how she was teaching the girls. It just seemed so natural for her. They ended up staying about 1/2 an hour extra to learn from Sammie. Shannon was so sweet and let Natalie participate in a tap class she was teaching. Natty may be getting the bug to dance again, except she wants to go to Ms. Shannon's school. If only it were a bit closer...!
sammie at the barre-


sorry for the poor lighting- her studio is beautiful, but it was dark outside and the inside lighting was not fun!

Anyway- that was our past couple of days! And it's Madison's birthday today, so I may actually do 2 posts in 1 day which means I'm good for another month.