I Love My Bike!

I've written before how I love to ride my bike. Today we went bike riding as a family for the first time this season. We all washed our bikes on the lawn then took off - Kiera and Makenna on their bikes and Kasidee in the bike trailer behind Quentin. I always like to follow behind and watch my cute little family from the back. And I love being able to hop on our bikes in our driveway and just go. No matter which direction we start in, I love the flat streets - there's always somewhere new to go, and I love that we don't have to go up or down any huge hills. Our favorite place is "Community Park" on 400 West. Lots of bike trails, and we always stop for a break on the playground. Oh I just love it! I love living here, and I love riding with my cute little family!

Memorial Day

I've always thought of Memorial Day weekend as an oxymoron. It's a time to be reverent, somber even, and remember our loved ones and be grateful for those who do so much to preserve our freedoms.

And then we have a barbeque.

Kind of opposing thoughts and behaviors, and it's always baffled me. But I think I finally get it.

After church today, Quentin and the girls and I had a late lunch/early dinner in the backyard. Black bean burgers, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, baked beans.... There's just something about Memorial Day that signals the start of Summer and outdoor fun. Eating outside, watching the hummingbirds dart around, and being together as a little family felt good.

Later in the afternoon we visited Grandpa Johnson's grave and Grandpa Stephens's grave. We took a moment to pause and remember and to tell the girls stories about their great-grandpas. As we turned from Grandpa Stephens's grave to head back to our car, we spotted Dallin and Crystal with Grandma Stephens. Not long after, we saw someone we didn't know put their arms around Grandma Stephens - a niece that Grandma hadn't seen in decades. Laughter and gratitude filled the air, and it was fun getting to know this lady and hear some of her stories.

A few graves away, her family was quickly gathering. About 20 people surrounded the gravestones with camp chairs, blankets, and baskets full of cookies and Fiddle Faddle. Loud laughter and stories began. I looked around, almost embarrassed at the "irreverence." But then I understood the point of what they called their "Party with the Dead." They were together. They were being a family. They were creating traditions. They were telling stories and reliving memories. They were honoring their loved ones that have passed on, and they were celebrating the life they have together. And that's exactly what Memorial Day - barbeques and all - is for.

Zoo!

Another field trip - this time Kasidee and I joined Makenna and the other kindergarteners at the zoo! Makenna was soooo excited to be able to ride the bus! Toddlers/preschoolers weren't allowed on the bus, so a lot of moms (like me) drove separately and met the students at the zoo. It was a beautiful day - perfect weather - and the animals seemed happy it finally felt like a Spring day! Makenna's favorite animals were the pengunins and monkeys and Kasidee loved the giraffes that licked the building walls. After a couple hours at the zoo, we went to a nearby park for lunch - and got home just before it started raining!

MAKENNA ON THE BUS WITH SAMANTHA'S MOM...

SINCE LOTS OF MOMS WENT, I ONLY HAD ONE EXTRA GIRL IN MY GROUP BESIDES MAKENNA AND KASIDEE

WATCH OUT, MAKENNA - THAT'S A LION HEAD...OH, WAIT - JUST A DRINKING FOUNTAIN

THIS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF MY NIGHTMARES FROM NOW ON...

Sign Swiper

So...our cute little preschool sign was swiped. Erg! I've been so careful to put it in the garage if it's really windy, but it's been a couple of weeks since I noticed our sign - the sign right in my front yard! - was gone. How dumb is that?! Oh well. Maybe I'll have to call Dora the Explorer to help me find the Swiper.

Recital

On Monday, Kiera had a "Spring Piano Recital." She was so excited! She chose to play "Zip-A-Dee Doo Dah" and had it memorized. She'll also play it at the class talent show on Thursday. I'm just so thrilled that she loves playing the piano as much as she does. It's very rare that I have to remind her to practice - she usually does it on her own and is excited about it. Even though it's been a long time since I had piano lessons, I can honestly say it is a "skill" that has blessed my life in so many ways. I love being able to read music, even if it's just trying out the alto or tenor line in a hymn. And it's fun to be able to play a song for the girls and I to sing to or listen to. Even though I HATE to play the piano in public, I'm glad I know how to play. And I'm glad my girls have shown a love for music and piano too!

To celebrate after the recital, we thought about going out for ice cream but it was a little chilly. So we told the girls they could pick out a treat at Smith's Marketplace. As we were looking around trying to decide, we realized we were all actually hungry for some real food - so we went to Old Spaghetti Factory for a late-ish dinner. (And we still got spumoni ice cream for dessert!)

Gotta Love Spring!

This was the view out my window late this morning. Don't you just love Spring?! We've had so much rain and a little snow lately - and I just love it! We'll hit the hot, dry, stale weather soon enough. For now, I'll hold onto this loveliness as long as I can!

(P.S. As I was posting these pictures, Kasidee exclaimed, "That's OUR mountain, Mama!")

Mr. Mud

So...our neighbor came over this morning and taught Quentin the "art" of taping and mudding sheetrock. And it really is an art. The guy left after 3 hours and left Quentin to finish up - which took another 6 hours. But now the first application is done, and it's looking great. Quentin seemed a little frustrated and overwhelmed when he was left alone - he said he just couldn't get the technique right. But after awhile, and lots of practice, he got into the groove and it started getting easier. So now just 3 more applications with drying time in between - the countdown to painting and carpet is on!

Field Trip to Garlick's Farm

This morning, Kasidee and I were able to join Makenna and her class on a field trip! We walked just a couple of blocks to Garlick's Farm, where they have cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, bunnies, ducks, dogs and cats - all in their backyard! Makenna, such a big animal lover, was very hesitant to pet any of the animals at first. She was happy to observe from a distance. But she finally got brave enough to pet a 3-day-old goat, hold a baby chick, and hold a little kitten. I think she was in heaven then - that's all I've heard her talk about this whole day!

Sheetrock Done!

Yipee! The sheetrock is (finally) all done! What Quentin thought would take a weekend or two ended up taking, what, 4 or 5 weekends...? Anyway, it is finally done. So all the "behind the scences" work is done, and everything is buttoned up. It was a lot of hard work for Quentin. Now we're on to the "finishing work." Despite having (at one point) convinced Quentin to hire someone to do the mud and tape (Aimee, you gave a pretty good argument for that), our neighbor convinced him otherwise. He said it's not that hard, he would show Quentin how to do it, it would be much cheaper, and Quentin's done all the work so far already. Quentin's always willing to try something, so we'll see how it goes. I think we're both verrrry anxious to get this space done and finished. We've got a room full of preschool supplies and theater equipment waiting for their new home. Soon.... Soon....

Bittersweet

A little over 8 months ago when I started teaching at Kiera and Makenna's old preschool, I had mixed emotions. I felt like this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up (they had approached me to see if I would be interested in teaching), and yet I was scared to death. I was nervous about the time commitment (even though it was just 2 1/2 hours once a week, sometimes that seemed like a big chunk of the week), but I was also excited to have a creative outlet. I was nervous I didn't have "what it takes" but I was excited for the challenge. See, lots of mixed emotions!

But when I began teaching back in September, my first month was rocky. My 8 preschool kids and I were all trying to get to know each other and establish some sort of routine and expectations. I thought, "Oh my gosh - what have I agreed to do?! There's no way I can back out of this now - I'll just have to trudge through and somehow make it work." What was even worse was I was having second thoughts about starting my own preschool the next year.

But you know what? After about 3 or 4 weeks, it started clicking. I figured out the routine and things started going smoothly. I began enjoying and even loving the cute little 4-year-olds and looked forward to being with them. I enjoyed coming up with activities and projects, and my own girls were happy to do the projects at home as well. It started feeling like I had balance, like I knew what I was doing, and I loved it.

And now, 8 months later, I have mixed emotions again. The time has gone so fast and the preschool kids - and my own kids - have grown up so fast. I have been amazed at their progress, what they've learned, what they've become. And next Wednesday it will be time to say goodbye. Sure, I'll be able to wave and say hi as I see them around the school in kindergarten, but I won't be their teacher anymore. But hopefully I've touched them in some way. I'll always remember them - my first preschool class!

And I'll tell you what - I am sooooo grateful for this opportunity I've had. It's really helped to "get my feet wet." Because of this, it got me to seriously consider starting my own preschool, something I've always wondered about in the back of my mind. What better "job" (besides Mommy!) could I have? To be able to impact the future, have a creative outlet, make a little extra cash for our family - and all in about 5 hours a week! Plus, it will be extra special to be able to have Kasidee with me in my class!

And I can't tell you how grateful I am that my sweet mom offered to watch Makenna and Kasidee while I was teaching these past months. My mom is incredibly thoughtful and sweet. And this time has deepened the bond the girls have with their Granny - they simply adore her like no one else!

So...it's been a fun ride - and I'll be ready to do it again in the Fall!

Ceiling Done!

It's been a little while since I've updated everyone on the preschool/theater room progress. I know, you've all been holding your breath. Is it done? Well, no. According to Quentin, it should have all been completed 2 weeks ago. But you know how that goes. But hey, we're (by we I mean Quentin) making some real progress. A lot of "behind the scenes" work had to be done - wiring and installing recessed lighting, wiring for speakers and sconces and outlets and theater equipment, and making cute little boxes to "house" the speakers... Hmm...if it was just a preschool space most of that tedious stuff would have been unnecessary. But alas...

Anyway, after all that plus insulation installation (did you read that right?) it was time for sheetrock. Quentin has completed 2 of the 4 walls - and they're not just the 2 short ones. 1 long one and 1 short one, so it's halfway done! The plan was to finish the sheetrock, finish the walls (mud/tape and paint), install carpet and call it "Pretty Much Done." Quentin was planning on doing a "drop down" ceiling - you know, those ceilings in businesses with the ugly tiles. He wanted to be able to access the wiring in the ceiling if needed. But after talking to several people, Quentin was convinced to sheetrock the ceiling. Not only would it look better, but it's easier to install and much less expensive. Easier? Cheaper? Better looking? What's not to love about that?

So...a guy in our ward who does sheetrock professionally offered to help Quentin. He came over tonight and in 2 1/2 hours the two of them got the whole ceiling done. Wow. And it looks great! It's looking more and more like a real room - a gray, dusty, skinny room - but a room nonetheless! It's pretty exciting!

But Quentin likes to make things, well, a little exciting. As soon as the guy left, Quentin told me he didn't get to put one wire in. The wire to hook up the Wii or XBOX 360, in case we have a party and want to play that in there. And since Quentin is Quentin, he is now undoing half of the just-completed ceiling so he can put the wire in. Always an adventure, huh?!

But once the ceiling is back together, Quentin can finish sheetrocking the other 2 walls (in all his spare time - he works "late" one day a week, then some of the other days tend to be somewhat busy with his new calling, Executive Secretary). Anyway, this guy will come back next week, teach Quentin how to mud and tape (remember, that was the one thing - besides the carpet - that we were going to hire done; but this guy says it's easy and it would save a lot of money) and let Quentin use all of his handy-dandy tools. Then...paint, trim, carpet. Am I forgetting anything? Then we can go in our new room, sit on the floor, and breathe a big sigh of relief! (I'll keep you posted!)

Stuff.

My girls have toys. Lots of toys. Yes, a lot. But I didn't really think about it too much until a few months ago when I heard comments from a couple of people that we have more toys than anyone they've ever seen, etc. Seriously?! I kind of figured all homes with kids were overrun with toys. I have quite a few friends that undoubtedly have more toys than we do. And other friends that somehow manage to keep their toy stash to a minimum.

Should I be embarrassed? Well, I'm not. Probably 3/4 of our toys have come from other people as gifts. And I think it's important to teach our girls appreciation for what we have and what people give us, plus teach them respect by taking care of them. I believe that teaching respect for THINGS can be directly related to having respect for PEOPLE.

And besides, I'm thrilled that we finally have an official Play Room. In our old house, we had toys spread out in 5 different rooms. I felt like they were taking over the house. And that was when we only had 2 kids! But now, with the exception of a few beloved stuffed animals and some scooters and some dress-up clothes, ALL of the toys are tucked neatly into ONE room. And each toy has its place. All nice and organized. And when things get messy in there and we don't have time to straighten up, at least the door can be closed and dealt with later!

Don't get me wrong. I hate clutter. Hate, hate, hate clutter. It totally stresses me out. And I love, love, love to organize and get rid of things. I have weeded out toys and sent plenty to the D.I. You wouldn't know that by seeing the stash we still have. But believe me, I've gotten rid of a lot. But you know what? Even though I hate clutter and love having things "simple," I don't mind toys. Childhood is such a fleeting moment, and play is a child's work. Sure, kids can still play if they only have a few - or no - toys, but as I look at our collection of different toys, what I see is pretending and imagining and learning. And I'm happy to have that in my home.

So...do I sound defensive? Well, I hope not. I just went through our Play Room, straightening it up and thinking maybe I should get rid of at least half our stuff. But seeing each item made me think, and I began composing this post in my head. Because, after all, this is a Blab. I mean, a Blog! (And besides, just think of all the money my preschool partner and I will save by not having to buy toys for the preschool! Between our 7 kids, I'm sure we'll have enough to share!)

Yummy!

I think being a blogger makes me more aware of things I want to share with family and friends. Although I may come across as "quiet" to some of my friends, I do in fact have an opinion on most things. I just usually keep those opinions to myself most of the time. But blogging gives me an "out" to share things that I normally wouldn't bring up to someone I'm chatting to.

So...I just have to say that I love, love, love the cookies at Smith's Marketplace. Not all of their cookies - I'm particularly in love with their "Soft Top" cookies (there's Lemon, Pumpkin, Apple Cinnamon, Cranberry Orange, Banana Nut, and maybe one other one that I can't remember). They're big and cakey. Oh, yummy!

And what's even cooler is they are vegan - not just vegetarian, but vegan! Not that I'm vegan per say, but I do like to try to "do vegan" if I possibly can. Cookies are hard to make without eggs or butter/margarine, but I have found a few recipes that we love. But Smith's cookies are vegan without even trying to be! Instead of butter or margarine, they use soybean oil. How great is that?! And no eggs at all, not even those nasty "powdered eggs." Granted, a cookie is a cookie, and these are by no means healthy. The first ingredient listed is sugar. And there's white flour and corn syrup and potassium sorbate, among other things. But I love the fact that they're vegan. And they're yummy. And they're a great treat for when I'm not in the mood to make my own!

Fairy Houses

The girls were playing outside yesterday in the beautiful spring weather. After literally hours of playing, they asked me to go outside and see what they created - little Fairy Houses! Kiera's fairy house even had little tulip-leaf cars. Makenna's fairy house was set up inside on a chair, and included little carpet pieces and pretend food from their dollhouse. Oh, such imagination!

Baptism Day!

Today was Kiera's big day - she was baptized an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! She says she's been counting down since she was 4! It has been such a sweet, special day. We are so thankful for our sweet Kiera and for this important choice she has made. She is such a kind, wise, thoughtful and compassionate girl. I know she'll choose the right in her life and be a good example to others. We're just so proud of her!







QUENTIN AND I GAVE KIERA A PRECIOUS MOMENTS "BAPTISM" FIGURINE.

It's Great to be Eight!

Kiera finally turned 8 yesterday. Finally to her (she's been looking forward to this birthday for YEARS) - but it came too quickly for Quentin and me!!

Kiera had a fun birthday. At school, they did a "spotlight" about her, and the whole class made a train with birthday wishes - it's about 10 feet long! Fridays are "early out" days, so she came home around 1:30 and helped set up for her movie theater party with her friends.

Quentin had wanted to have the theater room finished for Kiera's birthday party, but we all know how long it's taking - and, well, it just isn't done yet. But in the morning he said to me, "Why couldn't we put the screen in the family room?" So that's what we did - we propped up the 106 inch screen, set up the projector, and geared up for a movie. Kiera's friends came with pillows and blankets in their jammies. We turned on the movie (Strawberry Shortcake Berryfest Princess) - I'm amazed how quiet 17 kids can be for an hour while a movie is going on! And I'm amazed that the 3 boys in the party were just as enthralled as the girls!

When Kiera's friends arrived, she handed each of them 5 tickets and they could redeem them for the movie, some pizza, popcorn, theater candy, or mini sodas. They ate while the movie was playing, then we did presents and cake. The last 10 minutes were spent (sort of) playing Disney DVD bingo and having a pillow fight. Good times!!

KIERA WAS SO EXCITED TO GET MAGNETIC EARRINGS FROM QUENTIN AND ME - SHE HAD CONSIDERED GETTING HER EARS PIERCED BUT DECIDED TO WAIT. BUT SHE LOVES THESE EARRINGS!


SHE WAS ALSO EXCITED TO GET A MINI AMERICAN GIRL DOLL WITH BOOK SET TO ADD TO HER COLLECTION!






"POPCORN" CUPCAKES