Cookies

Bracken told Hayes & Kamri they could make cookies by themselves.

So they did. (minus putting them in the oven)

There is no flour all over the counter.

The cookies turned out good, we all enjoyed them.

I took pictures.

My blog decided it's over it's photo limit (who knew?!) so I'll figure that out tomorrow and hopefully post them.

General Relief Society Meeting

I enjoyed going to the relief society broadcast tonight. I loved the thought about what are we packing into our spiritual handcarts. I also enjoyed the talk about the atonement.
From Elder Eyrings talk I liked the quote from a pioneer woman living In Utah that readied and sent supplies with a rescue team headed out to help a handcart company headed to the valley. She had given up many of her personal things and then wondered how she could help more. She prayed to Heavenly Father, "What comes next for willing hands to do." Such a good attitude on serving others!
I'm horrible at remembering exact quotes so it'll be nice to reread the talks. I'm looking forward to next weekend and listening to General Conference!

We didn't get the house under contract, another buyer made an offer. I was in fairytale land thinking we'd get the first house we made an offer on. Everyone I have talked to that is trying to buy a house right now has made offers on multiple houses and been looking for months, not looking forward to that but I know eventually we'll find the right house for us. So enough boring house talk...I think I'll spare my blog the up and down details and just tell ya if we finally get one under contract....it might be awhile.

Bracken and I went on a date tonight to help cheer ourselves up. Thai food at Pin Kaow, it was yummy. Our kids were babysat for free, which was lovely. They fell asleep on the car ride home. Perfect, since it
was my turn to put them to bed.

No news

Every time we drive past the garden nursery Kamri begs to go see the turtles in the pond there. I promised we'd go today since I needed to buy some bug killer. Hayes had fun taking pictures of the turtles with my phone.

The rest of the day was a bit of a downer for me. I had a bad headache so laid down and rested while kamri looked at books. The tonight we didn't hear back about the house. Our realtor said the sellers agent hadn't responded to her call, email or text. She was in CE classes yesterday so maybe that's what happened today....hopefully the saying "No news is good news" applies to our offer since we were suppose to hear back by 9 tonight.

Energy

I cleaned up, vacuumed, did dishes and laundry. The house is clean, not spotless-- but clean. Thanks to having energy (and motivation) for the first time in two months.

It also helped that Hayes woke up at six and cleaned up all the toys to surprise me (and earn back his Legos he lost for not cleaning up toys yesterday.) I need to follow through with taking away toys more often!

It feels nice to have all the clutter put away. Hopefully this energy stays with me through the second trimester of my pregnancy at least!

We haven't heard anything on our counteroffer yet, they have until tomorrow night to respond. Bracken and I are realizing just how much we want this house because we are so anxious to hear back!

We put an offer on a house yesterday and the sellers counter-offered today. We have til tomorrow night to decide if this house is really where we want to be and accept or counter again. We love the house, I'm trying to not get too excited in case it doesn't work out but the amount of closet space alone makes me want to squeal!

Try try again

I missed posting for Sunday and I have no excuse! I thought to myself that I'd blog on my phone in bed after I read....and then I fell asleep without doing it! First time I've missed besides when I didn't have Internet access on our trips. Darn!

Today Hayes had to get three fillings at the dentist. He handles it well, thankfully since he has had to go so often.  Lyla and Kamri did well waiting in the waiting room for him to be done.  Here they are waiting before he went in: 

Afterwards we dropped Hayes off at school, put Lyla down for a nap and Kamri & I had some time together.  I'm loving the one-on-one time I get with her during Lyla's naps. Today she told me she wanted to learn how to draw stars. We got out the chalkboard and I started teaching her. She got really frustrated that it didn't look perfect so we had a talk about how just trying something is the most important, you don't have to do it perfect right off.  She kept trying and finally got to the point she could do it all on her own.  I love watching the excitement from success after trying so diligently to master something.

Fun Work

Soccer Games, house hunting and a surprise birthday party for Brackens college roommate, Josh. In between house hunting and the birthday party we told the kids we needed to go home and clean up the house. Hayes's response:
"The only Work I want to do is fun work--like mopping or scrubbing toilets or mirrors!! Never mind on the toilets..."

Now I know who my go to guy is for mopping!

Today was a pretty chill day.  I took the girls to a ward playgroup at the park and then Kamri & I worked on letters while Lyla napped. Hayes was at a friend's house until dinner time. Bracken came home and we all went for a walk--with Kamri & Hayes on their bikes. Then ate dinner and slowly got ready for bed.  There are a lot of things I probably should have gotten done but I had fun just doing stuff with the kids...and reading my book.

If you haven't already, go read about Joy. 

Journey with Joy

My thoughts tonight have been on  Justin & Breanne, our good friends. They will be both greeting their daughter into this world and saying goodbye tomorrow.  I wish I had shared their blog earlier but you can read about their journey with their baby girl Joy, here.  They are an amazing family and I love how Breanne and Justin have created so many memories for their boys to remember their sister by.

Our situation was different with our baby Dane, but I can't help but go through all those emotions again and pray for them.  Saying goodbye to your baby is one of the hardest and yet most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I'm grateful Breanne has shared their journey on her blog. Her example has strengthened my testimony in that families are forever. We may have to say goodbye in this life, but we will see them again.

A good friend has also set up a way to donate to help with their medical expenses.  If you are interested, the way to donate is on Lindsay's blog, here.  

Daddy Daughter Date

Video from Bracken's phone.  He asked her on Saturday if she would go on a date tonight. She has been counting down the days.   They had ice cream at McDonald's and then went to the splash park at Tivoli Village. Kamri gave him a big hug when they got home. Hopefully that's all her other dates get when she is older. ;)


Bracken asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. She replied, "I don't know what I want to do but I know what I want to be."  What?  "A ballerina!"

Blocks are more fun in a tent!

Boys Dance Moves

I forgot I had a blog until I climbed into bed. Darn.

My favorite line today was from Hayes. "Boys dance moves are called awesome"
I have a picture to add later of them dancing.

Hayes & Kamri both had a soccer game. In between games we made a stop at the pet store (just to look) and Tivoli Village to play at their little park because Kamri always wants to go there.  The rest of the Saturday was pretty relaxed.  I laid on the couch for awhile while the kids played and Bracken watched the Utah State football game. Bracken went to an eye doctor appointment. The dinner, baths and bedtime for the kids.

My favorite line today was from Bracken.  He coached Kamri's soccer team today at their game. Kamri wasn't too into playing today and at one point had her shirt pulled up to her armpits.  Bracken was yelling in his sternest-possible-tone-while-holding-in-a-laugh voice "Kamri, put your shirt down!!!"  Everyone on the sidelines were laughing at the show she was putting on which of course only egged her on more.  Trouble I tell you, trouble.

Took the girls to a splash park today with some friends. Lyla seems so big running around with them!

Thankfully, today went better than yesterday. Last night Hayes and I made a schedule of his typical day so he could see how much free time he would actually have if he just did his homework and chores without arguing.
I taught our co-op preschool today. We have seven girls this year and so far they seem to get along great. I do wish there were some boys to balance Kamri out a bit but all girls is fun too!

Growing Pains

We're experiencing some growing pains. Hayes has been having a hard time not having as much free time. Getting home at 3:40 now instead of 11:40 a.m. is a big difference.  Plus the whole fact that our summer was a continuous party we are now having our summer vacation hangover.

No biggie.  It'll get better. But today wasn't pretty.  Tears and Tantrums from Hayes which is very rare for him.  Then tears of frustration from me.  Then Kamri asked me why I was sad and she started sniffling.  She told me not to worry, she wasn't crying, just making the noise that you make when you cry.  Thanks for the support Kamri.


So here's to a new day tomorrow!

Dah-da

When Bracken got home from work today he came into the kitchen to talk to me. Lyla heard his voice from the other room and came running in babbling "Da, dad, dah, dad" and hugged his legs. He picked her up and she gave him a big hug. Love moments like that. Only wish I had a picture!

A grateful list:

I'm grateful for....

cold ice water

Lyla's belly laughs

long soft grass at the park

Bracken grocery shopping for me

prayer

a chance to start over every day

bracken's job

law school is over. for good.

ice cream cones after dinner

Kamri's singing

Hayes remembering his brother, even though they never met here.

nap time

hearing baby's heartbeat

a comfy bed

friends who look past my many weaknesses

being called "Momma"

supportive and uplifting extended family

realizing my problems are pretty darn simple and life is pretty great.

My favorite line today was going to the bank and having the banker ask me if I had a job.  I said, Not one that I get paid for. He didn't get it.  The two little girls innocently eating suckers as they sit on the chair don't look like  work but trust me dude, they can run laps around you.

I didn't say that...but I should have.

This & That

Last night I went to bed at 9:15--9:15! I slept until 7 this morning.  It was great but I'm hoping it doesn't turn into a habit of me not being able to keep my eyes open past 9.  The past few weeks I have to force myself to not lay down or I will fall asleep.  The other day Lyla went down for a nap, Hayes was at school, and Kamri wanted to watch a movie.  I put the movie on for her, laid down next to her and promptly fell asleep.  She startled me awake screaming at the movie and then looked over at me, Mom are you taking a NAP??!?!  Yep. guilty.  Although I'm not loving the tiredness factor, I'm grateful I'm not throwing up all the time.

Yesterday was a very fun (and hot) day.  Hayes & Kamri each had a soccer game, an hour apart.  It was humid on top of the triple-digit heat.  It was hot sitting under an umbrella, I felt a bit bad for these little four-year-olds running in the sun after a ball, their faces bright red.  Kamri would kick the ball towards the goal and her teammate would finish it off.  Hayes kicked the ball a few times, I don't remember him making any goals but as the goalie he stopped a few which was fun to watch.  Great games for the first ones of the season, just hopefully it'll cool down the next couple of weeks.

Bracken and I left the kids with a babysitter for the afternoon and went to look at houses.  There were some that the lot and area were perfect but the house wasn't what we wanted, or a nice house but not the lot or location we were looking for.   I'm thankful we don't have a tight time constraint so we can find a house that meets our criteria.

My favorite line is from Friday because I forgot to write it down.  As Bracken left for work Friday morning  Kamri asked "Why are you wearing your church clothes?!"  She'll have to adjust to him being dressed up most of the time.

This is all for tonight.

Writing

Hayes brought this home from school today.

It made me laugh.

Kamri wanted to write her cousin a letter. She told me what she wanted to write and I told her how to spell each word. 

The kids and I picked up Bracken from the airport tonight. It is so good to have him home! We went out to eat to celebrate the start of his new job. (and, let's be honest, because I didn't want to cook) Kamri conked out in the car and slept all through dinner. Hayes was excited to show dad his new Ninjago booster pack he bought today. Kamri bought a little Lego friends set as well.

Bracken starts work at the office tomorrow. When we started law school it seemed like it was going to be so long, it still seems surreal that it's all over with.

$5

Hayes has been wanted to earn money to buy a Lego Ninjago spinner. I usually give him a few extra jobs here and there to earn a quarter but he asked me today how he could earn $5 in one day. I wasn't in the mood to make up a list of jobs, arbitrarily decide a value, and then have him disappointed when he couldn't earn it all in one day. So I proposed if he would clean the playroom and the kids bedroom, putting things away where they are suppose to go (not shoved under the bed like he did this morning) then I would give him $5.
One of the better five bucks I've spent. He did a good job. I warned him not to expect to get paid for that in the future since they are suppose to clean up their stuff anyway...we'll see how that goes.

My mom fail of the day was I didn't pay attention to the time so Hayes was late for school by a couple minutes. Not so bad except he had gotten ready on his own--with chores done & lunch packed--an HOUR before school started.

And a picture from lunch today of Lyla. Miss Blueberry Beard

First Day

This girl has been counting down the days until preschool for weeks!!

Today was finally the day!

Bracken & I were also counting down the days because he started work today.  He wasn't as enthusiastic as Kamri was about school but he was excited to get back to doing something productive (with a paycheck included!!)  Turns out his first day of work included flying to Denver, eating a gourmet dinner and staying at a fancy-schmancy hotel.  Not a bad start, but I'm sure when training begins tomorrow --and work when he gets home, it won't be quite as posh. (Except of course the whole pay check thing...can you tell I'm excited about that?)

Kamri came home singing a song about being obedient and talking about how much fun it is being in preschool with all girls (there are 7).  I teach next week for two weeks. It's going to be entertaining.

We got all ready this morning, loaded the kids up in the car at 8 to go look at houses. The realtor called and he hadn't set up appointments from the list of houses we sent him so after waiting another hour we saw one vacant one. A bit disappointing, hopefully next weekend (and a new realtor...) will be better.
Had fun at a BBQ & swimming at Rod and Cindy's house and then just did stuff around the house.
Bracken starts work tomorrow! The day after labor day, how fitting. He flies to Denver for three days for training. Wish us luck--a new job for him and for me to get used to not having him around after being spoiled all summer!

Pause Netflix

Hayes spent last night throwing up. I jinxed myself by realizing a couple days ago that none of us have been sick in awhile. A week at school will do it to you I guess. The great news is he threw up in the toilet every time. A first in my motherhood career. Although I felt bad for Hayes it was nice not to have sheets to change and baths to give in the middle of the night.
He was quarantined to his room for the day although he didn't throw up again, I'm hoping keeping him away from the girls for the day will keep them from getting sick. The girls are sleeping in our room tonight. (since they all share a room) Kamri was excited about that.

This morning, I set up my computer for Hayes to watch something on Netflix. Usually on Sundays we only let them watch Veggie Tales on it but since he was stuck in his room all day I let him watch Shaun the Sheep. Bracken and Kamri had just left for church when I started the show for him. Hayes asked "mom, can you tell me when it's the time that we would take the sacrament and I will pause this and think about Jesus?"

After yesterday where the kids were being crazy and Bracken and I had no patience, we felt like we were raising brats. It was nice to have that moment to realize we aren't totally messing up in raising these kids.

Plus one

We're adding another kid to the bunch! Hoping around the middle of March and not much earlier! I had an appointment on Friday and got to have an ultrasound and hear the heart beat for the 2nd time which is so reassuring.

I have been feeling ultra-tired and a little nauseous but thankfully since Bracken has been around I have been able to sleep in in the mornings.

Today was unexciting so I decided this might make it a bit more exciting. :). Sorry to those I see often that didn't know, I have been random in announcing.

Bracken had friends from school over to talk politics and religion = late night.

They are still talking but I had to give in and go to bed, otherwise I might snore on the couch in front of guests.

Not that it isn't interesting....I just have turned into an old lady and can't stay up this late!