St. Patricks Day!

I'll admit I enjoy St. Patrick's Day and the fun that comes with it probably more than the kids do! Every year I love to surprise the kids with something green for breakfast. The green eggs and ham didn't go over as well as I had hoped for last year so I played it a little safe this year with green pancakes. I tried making some shamrock shaped pancakes but the end result looked more like balloons on a string. I love watching each of their expressions! As always they are somewhat hesitant but this time they actually liked it.
The girls sat Adam's work clothes out the night before so he wouldn't forget to wear green the following day. Kaitlyn was so serious when she told Adam, "Dad... don't forget because it reeealy hurts when someone pinches you"!
As I was talking to a friend she gave me some fun ideas for dinner. Meatloaf, green mashed potatoes, green beans and lime aid. I am thinking we need to make up some of our own holidays so we can change thing up from our normal routine.

It's a Round Up!

This evening Kourtney and Adam had a daddy daughter date that was hosted by the Activity Day Leader's. It was a Daddy Daughter Round Up! The evening would consist of dressing up(cowboy style), playing games, and dutch oven dessert. The dressing up was a little challenging but Adam and Kourtney managed to find a pair of cowboy boots and of course their stick horses!
When it came to roping, Kourtney out did her dad! Adam came home and told me we need to sign Kourt up for the rodeo! There was a bale of hay with a steer head that they all had a chance to rope. Kourtney roped it several times consecutively. Adam on the other hand had a very different experience;). When it came to the horse race Kourtney's horse out ran her dad's horse. Adam will tell you that unfortunately he had a bum horse. His horse was much older, slower, and out of his prime.
After the horse race they had the privilege of herding animals (balloons) with a broom. Adam was proud to say that her did very well at that event! All that experience from herding children pays off!
Kourtney and Adam had a fun evening spending time together. I am so grateful for the time that Adam gives each of the girls. I know that times like these have a huge impact on the relationship they have together.

Valentine's

This year we decided to do things a little different for Valentine's Day. I had asked the girls a week ago what they wanted for a special Valentine's dinner, and of course they all chose something different. I was all prepared to make three different meals until a few days later when they changed their minds with a unanimous decision. The decision didn't surprise me at all. Hot dogs! What is it with a hot dog? What kind of a special dinner is that? Oh well, It was their decision. I wanted to make the day fun for them. We pulled out the candles and fancy dishes. Their date(dad) picked each one of them up for a fun candle light dinner. Makell thought it was the neatest thing. She would just look at things on the table and start giggling. She loved the heart shaped jello. I surprised them with some of their favorite desserts, chocolate covered strawberries and Belgium cream puffs. As we talked over dinner we have decided that we need to do this type of thing more often. I hope this Valentine's Day they all felt super special and that we can remember this for a long time!

The National Anthem!

Kourtney's choir class at school had an exciting opportunity to sing the National Anthem while doing sign language at a Utah Flash basketball game. Kourt has been really excited ever since her choir teacher announced they would have the opportunity to do this. They did such a great job! After their performance she said the coordinator guy told them they were the best they had ever had. If that didn't boost the excitement!

Sound sticks were handed out to the crowd. The kids loved them! Notice I said kids. Adam and I learned rather quickly that next time the stick will be left at the venue. Sound sticks are banned from ever entering the car for the ride home. The sticks disappeared rather quickly after arriving home;)!

Science Fair Project

Personally I think these Science Fair projects come around way to quickly, but Kourtney really enjoys science so it is fun to see her excited about it. This year she decided to chose her experiment from the chemistry field. She ended up testing "how permanent was permanent marker"? I have to admit I was curious because I have found permanent marker on some surfaces other than paper around here.

Makell and I went to the school the day of the fair to see all the kids experiments. I wished I had a picture of her face when I walked through her class room door. Her display was the second one from the door and she jumped up with this huge grin on her face to tell me that she has won and her experiment would go on to compete on the district level! She was sooo excited! I am so proud of her! She put a lot of time and effort in to it. She also had to write a report on her experiment and I had to laugh at the last line she wrote. It stated: "I learned not to use permanent marker, unless I want it to be permanent".


She gathered several samples of different surfaces and labeled them with the type of cleaner she wanted to use to try and remove the marker.

Congratulations Kourt!

The UP House!

What is it with kids and boxes? I have said many times, forget the toys and give the kiddos a box and some crayons and they could entertain themselves for hours. In this case it has been for weeks! The girls have been demonstrating their creativity! They found balloons in the closet and went to town. They have each put their own personal touch somewhere on their so called "UP" house. Makell thinks it is the best thing ever! There have been many times that I have peeked in and found her with close to thirty babies and stuffed animals packed inside. It's cute to see their little faces peeking out the windows or door when I knock and ask if anyone is home? Adam likes to sneak around the corner and scare everyone. If you could only hear the screams and laughter:)! Maybe some of the neighbors have;)? I am still trying to figure out who is the biggest kid;)? Fun times! There have been a few nights Makell has been in tears because she couldn't actually sleep in it. I am pretty sure this box will be sticking around for quite some time.

Hello 2010!

Bring on 2010! With the start of a new year it's always interesting for me to look back on the previous year and evaluate myself to see if my goals have been checked off or unfortunately fallen through the cracks and left blank. This year I am taking a different approach to things. Usually I write my goals down in a journal but this year I have put them where I can see and read them every day! I wished I would have done this years ago! So far it has really helped me stay on track.



Just recently I heard some tips to follow that will help you achieve your goals.


They are:

1- Evaluate (decide what needs to be done)

2- Have a Plan (write down what you want to accomplish)

3- Act on the Plan (DO IT! If you need help don't be afraid to ask for help)

4- Report on your progress (follow up with someone)

5- Evaluate your progress (Keep Going! Ask our Father in Heaven for help! He's your

biggest fan!)