"New" Highchair

I just had to post these cute pics of cute Kasidee and her "new" highchair - I'm so stoked!! Our old highchair was one my old boss gave me (from when his kids used it). It was a nice highchair, but when we got it, it didn't have the safety belt thing. It lasted through our first 2 kids, but Kasidee kept trying to perfect her acrobatics in it - she just wouldn't stay sitting down in it!! So I've been eyeing a new highchair, one made with organically grown and naturally colored cotton - but it's $110!! I've been trying to justify buying this highchair eventually...but then I spotted a highchair in our neighbor's front yard. He was getting ready for a yard sale the next day - when I saw the price tag (10 BUCKS!) I asked him if he would sell early to me, and he said sure. So yay - now we have a "new" highchair. It's not the organic one that I've been hoping for, but it was ten bucks and (the best part) - I'm pretty sure it has never even been used (the plastic tabs hadn't even been punched out). So there you go - a cheap, "new" chair that straps her in! We're all happy!

Sleepover

Last night (this morning?) the girls were up a little after midnight, giddy about the huge thunderstorm we were having. I say giddy but it was really a mixture of excitement and fear - the same thing I was feeling. As we watched out the window, there were bursts of light nearly every second, coming from 3 different directions. Then it poured, adding to the dramatic night storm. Needless to say, we figured there was no way the girls were going to go back to their room by themselves, and I didn't particularly want to sleep on their floor. So we brought out the sleeping bags and made an impromptu bed on the floor next to my side of the bed. They squished together and cuddled. It worked - within 2 minutes they were sound asleep!

Catch the Reading Bug!

This summer, the Davis County Libraries have had a "Catch the Reading Bug" program. They've had puppet shows, storytellers, magic shows, jugglers, "Ginger the Origami Lady," and lots of other activities - and libraries and free things are 2 of my favorite things! The girls have really looked forward to going to these activities every week. And tonight was a 4-for-1. They played ice cube hockey, made little "bug cars" and "drove" them down a ramp, raced paper inchworms, and played beanbag toss. What fun!! Makenna got in the car and said, "This is a beautiful day. I got to go to Ella's birthday party AND to the library!" Can't beat that!

All-American Girl

At the girls' clogging performance last Saturday, I heard the song "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood and couldn't get it out of my head. It's a catchy tune! Every once in awhile, I get on a country music kick (don't worry - it usually doesn't last too long). Anyway, when I got home I looked up the song on playlist.com. When Quentin and I listened to the words together, we both started getting teary-eyed. You can hear the song by clicking on my playlist on the right-hand side of the blog. But below I've typed the words - so sweet!

Since the day they got married,
He'd been praying for a little baby boy.
Someone he could take fishing,
Throw the football and be his pride and joy.
He could already see him holding that trophy,
Taking his team to state.
But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket,
All those big dreams changed.

CHORUS
And now he's wrapped around her finger,
She's the center of his whole world.
And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American Girl.

Sixteen short years later,
She was falling for the senior football star.
Before you knew it he was dropping passes,
Skipping practice just to spend more time with her.
The coach said "Hey son, what's your problem? Tell me, have you lost your mind?"
Daddy said you'll lose your free ride to college, boy you better tell her goodbye.

CHORUS
But now he's wrapped around her finger,
She's the center of his whole world.
And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American...

And when they got married and decided to have one of their own,
She said "Be honest, tell me what do you want?"
And he said "Honey, you oughta know... Sweet, little, beautiful... one just like you. Oh a beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American..."

Now he's wrapped around her finger,
She's the center of his whole world.
And his heart belongs to that sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American Girl.
Oh American Girl.

Tappity Tappity Tappity

This morning the clogging class that Kiera and Makenna have been taking since January culminated in a performance on a stage as well as on a float in the Farmington Festival Days parade! The girls were thrilled! I was surprised that shy little Makenna (who would hide her face during practices) just beamed and smiled while she clogged during the performance. Later when Quentin asked her if she liked being on stage, she said, "Oh, it was SOOOO fun!"

Swim!

Yesterday evening we joined Corbin & Nikki (and Marina, Roman & Isaac) and Eric & Mischelle (and Spencer and Jordyn) at the Desert Peak swimming pool in Tooele. Quentin has taken Kiera and Makenna to the Bountiful Rec Center a few times this summer and we've played in kiddie pools, but this was our first outing to a "real" outdoor pool this summer. It was SO fun! It wore Kasidee out, and my girls were some of the last out of the pool at closing time. Ahhh, summer....

Hummingbird Cake

A few posts ago, I mentioned that one of my all-time favorite desserts is Hummingbird Cake. A few of you seemed interested in the recipe, so here it is. There are quite a few versions online where the recipe is "from scratch," but you know me - if I bake at all, it's got to be quick and easy. There are also versions with pecans and cream cheese frosting. But this simple version is the best in my opinion! Let me know if any of you try it - yum! (P.S. As a vegetarian, I can certify that there are no hummingbirds or hummingbird by-products in this recipe!)

1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 10-oz. jar maraschino cherries
1 package Betty Crocker Supermoist lemon cake mix
1 cup bananas, mashed (very ripe, but do not use frozen)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs

1. Heat oven to 350°. Generously grease bottom only of 13x9x2 pan and lightly flour.
2. Drain pineapple in colander set over a bowl, pushing pineapple against colander with a wooden spoon to squeeze out as much juice as possible; reserve juice.
3. Drain cherries well; finely chop and pat dry with a paper towel.
4. Add enough water, if necessary, to reserved pineapple juice to measure 1/3 cup.
5. Beat cake mix, pineapple, bananas, oil, cinnamon, pineapple juice mixture and eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer on low speed for 2 minutes.
6. Stir in cherries.
7. Pour into pan.
8. Bake 38 to 43 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center.
9. Run knife around side of pan to loosen cake.
10. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
11. Top with powdered sugar.

A Little Too Much Fun!

More celebrating today - and 2 blog posts in one day! This evening a group of my friends from high school had our annual "get together": Kristin, Amanda, Sara and me with our hubbies and 12 (almost 13) kids. I guess all the barbecue-ing, swimming in the awesome "pirate pool," and girls chasing boys with swim noodles wore my girls out. We got home and made mac & cheese (my girls don't eat much when there are funner things to do!) - and as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I glanced over and noticed that Kiera had fallen asleep on the barstools (and maybe you can see Makenna's legs as she was laying on the kitchen floor, staring at the ceiling). Poor girls - at least they had fun (Kiera kept talking about how much she misses her "new" friend Maren) and they'll sleep really good tonight!

Campout

I love the Fourth of July. It's a holiday without any expectations, and you're free to have whatever fun you can come up with!! Today was probably one of the most fun days we've had. We started out by taking our bikes out for a spin. I LOVE riding my bike (well, as long as it's on flat terrain - which is one of the reasons I love our neighborhood so much!) I rode a little bit last year but by June I was too hot and "big with child" to do it anymore. So today I felt free! I love riding!! Anyway, Kiera and Makenna rode their bikes and we put Kasidee in the bike trailer for her first time - she loved it! We rode to the park down the street, played, then rode back. We were gone about 2 hours, and we all had a blast - I even felt "giddy!" Then we went to Grandma Johnson's to visit with her and Mom for a little while. Makenna fell asleep in the car on the way home, and Kiera talked all the way home about our campout. We had thought about setting up the tent in our backyard, but since it was getting late and Makenna had fallen asleep, we decided to postpone it. Besides, I think Quentin and I were secretly relieved to have a good excuse. We were so tired, and the thought of setting up a tent and sleeping on the hard ground didn't sound too appealing anymore. But Kiera was so disappointed. She was so sweet about it, and was able to change our minds (kids have a way of doing that, don't they?) I've tried lately to be more aware of "seizing the moment" and making memories. Sure, we could have waited for a "better" time - but then again, it may not ever happen. So sweet Quentin set up the tent and gathered blankets and sleeping bags while I helped the girls get ready for bed (Kiera had woken Makenna up and got her all excited). And you know what? We had SO much fun! We ate corn on the cob in the tent, watched the neighborhood fireworks out the tent window, talked and cuddled, and spent a LONG night. Ahhh, memories!!






SNOWMAN IN JULY! Every year, a family in Farmington drives up the canyon to gather snow, then makes a snowman in their front yard on the 4th of July. We didn't get here till about 4:00, so it doesn't look like a snowman much anymore!

Happy Fourth!

MY GIRLS

THE KIDS (ISAAC AND SARAH DIDN'T MAKE IT INTO THE PICTURE)

KASIDEE ENJOYING HER FIRST LICORICE

HOW KASIDEE ENJOYED THE FIREWORKS

Happy Fourth of July!! Last night we celebrated by going to North Salt Lake's annual fireworks show on the Eagleword Golf Course. It's a tradition for us to do this every year. I've been trying to think when this started, and I think we've gone every year since the summer before Quentin's mission (1994). Quentin and I used to go with my parents and join maybe 200 other people. Now the crowd numbers thousands and our group has gotten bigger too - Barbara, Dallin, Ben, Shlenae, Corbin, Nikki, Marina, Roman, Isaac, Eric, Mischelle, Spencer, Jordyn, Becky, Alan, Sarah, Brian, Kathleen and Megan (Nikki's sister-in-law). Mom opted to stay home this year since she can watch the fireworks from her front porch (lucky!). We took her a sandwich before the show and visited for a little while. Today the 5 of us are going for a long bike ride around our neighborhood, then we'll visit Mom and Grandma for awhile, then we might splash around in our little pool. Enjoy the day!

Cousins (well, Second Cousins)

Last Wednesday was the 16th anniversary of when Grandpa Johnson passed away. To cheer Grandma up, some of the family (Mom, Kerry, Joey, Eric, Mischelle, Spencer, Jordyn and us) met her for dinner at her favorite place, Chuck-A-Rama. I think she thinks there are only 2 restaurants in the world - that one and Olive Garden. Anyway, we had fun, and my cousin Mischelle was able to get a few good pics of our kids.

Kiera, Spencer & Makenna

Jordyn, Spencer, Makenna & Kiera

Summer Evening Fun!

Sometimes I'm not a huge fan of Summer, with the heat and the bugs and the extra long days. But then, sometimes I LOVE Summer for exactly those reasons (well, minus the bugs). When it's extra hot and the days are extra long, it's so fun to just hang out and play outside. This evening the 5 of us spent hours outside, taking a walk, wading in our little pool, running through sprinklers, sliding down the slide, and swinging on the swings. Ahhhhh.... And I guess all that fun and cooling off did the trick - the second the girls came inside they drank 2 cups of hot chocolate!!

I Lost.

I just want to thank everyone for casting your vote about the Wii (see previous post). However, although there were more votes for waiting till Christmas (which I preferred), well, I lost the battle. (Can you see my head hanging and my eyes sheepishly looking up?) But I have to admit I'm not sad. At all. In fact, it was ME who made the decision to open and play the Wii TODAY. But don't start thinking I'm weak - Quentin just tempted me too much. He hasn't said much about the Wii vote lately, but he has had a plan. A very evil plan to tempt me. See, I've been salivating about the Wii Fit. I've seen demos about it and think it looks so fun. But I also know it is VERY hard to come across. So I mentioned that SOMEDAY I would like to have it. But thinking that we wouldn't open the Wii till Christmas, I thought that would buy me plenty of time. Well, little did I know that Quentin has been calling stores daily to find the Wii Fit and he ended up finding one (and took time off work to go get it). With no hints whatsoever, I opened a birthday package today and saw the Wii Fit. Oh boy. Dilemma, dilemma. I couldn't take it - I caved. After all, Christmas is so dang far away. So we opened it and have had a BLAST trying it out. I don't think I've been this excited in a long time. What a fun way to celebrate a birthday! (P.S. That's not ALL we've done today. Quentin took the day off, and we also went to the park for the girls' classes, went to Sweet Tomatoes with Mom for lunch - my FAVORITE place, browsed at a few stores, then came home and had Hummingbird Cake - my other FAVORITE!) And now we're STILL playing the Wii. Think what you want about me (I'm weak, hypocritical, whatever). But I'm having FUN!!! (P.S. The pic above is our Wii Family!)

What a Treat!

Last week I did a post about the "Play Day with Granny" coupons that my mom sent to Kiera and Makenna. Well, you would have thought it was Christmas the way the girls have been talking about them. We decided that today would be a good day, and my mom encouraged me to let them stay as long as possible. So I dropped the girls off at 11:30, then Kasidee and I shopped at Costco, puttered at home, and then I scrapbooked while Kasidee either slept or played near me on the floor! Yahoo! I never realized having just one to look after was so easy (I wish I had realized this when Kiera was a baby). Anyway, I'm so psyched - in just over 3 hours I was able to finish 17 scrapbook pages (I have a quick way of slapping pictures and journaling and stickers on a page - it's the only way I can keep up). So now I have our family scrapbook caught up (well, at least through the end of March). My goal is to have each of the girls' individual scrapbooks and the family scrapbook updated by their birthdays each year. Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent. When Quentin got home from work, he offered to pick up the girls at my mom's, AND he took Kasidee with him! So I have been home ALONE for a couple of hours! I just can't tell you how wonderful this break has been! It's kind of sad when you look forward to getting rid of everyone for just a little while so you can have time to yourself - but hey, it sure makes ya appreciate it when they get back home, right? I mean, I have really missed my girls today, and it makes me sad to realize that when Kiera starts first grade and Makenna starts preschool this Fall, Kasidee and I will be "alone together" quite a bit. This break has been nice, but I can't wait to have my girls (and my Quentin) back home! Thank you SOOOOO much, Mom and Quentin!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! We all had a fun day yesterday! The girls couldn't wait to give Quentin the stepping stones they made him - they're hoping he'll put them in front of their new playhouse (he's going to convert the shed in the backyard to an awesome playhouse). After church we had a picnic at the park with Mom and Grandma, then had pizza and visited with Quentin's family. I can't tell you how grateful I am for my girls' daddy! Quentin is simply amazing. I can't believe how patient he is - perfect for a daddy of 3 girls!! He is so wise, genuine and kind. He's thoughtful and sentimental. He can fix anything. He makes his girls feel loved and secure. What a blessing he is in our lives! We love you, Daddy!

More Lessons

I once heard that while it is hard to be a parent, it is important to remember that it is also hard to be a child (as is evidenced by Makenna throwing herself on the couch and floor in a fit). I took this picture this afternoon after we returned from dropping off Kiera for a playdate at Sophie and Chloe's house (they are sisters and are Kiera and Makenna's best friends). A few weeks ago I learned that Makenna pretty much refuses to participate in "clean up time" at Sophie and Chloe's house. And last week when Sophie and Chloe were over at our house, I reminded the 4 of them that it was almost time to end the playdate - I was amazed that Sophie and Chloe immediately began picking up toys and putting things away. Kiera quickly joined in, but Makenna just stood there watching them. I kept telling Makenna that she needed to help; finally I threatened that if she didn't pitch in, she wouldn't be able to play next time. After about 3 or 4 threats ("I mean it, Makenna"), I remembered the Love and Logic idea of "hoping" your children "fail" so they can learn a lesson. So today when Sophie and Chloe invited the girls over to play, I told them that Kiera could come but not Makenna since she had made that choice last time. So we dropped Kiera off and came home (Makenna whined and stamped her feet in her Snow White costume all the way). After her fit, we talked some more about it, and I think she finally "got it." She said she'll follow the rules next time. So...Kiera's been over there just under an hour. I think I may let Makenna go over for the remainder of the playdate. After all, it IS hard being a kid!

Thanks Granny!

Kiera and Makenna were SO excited to find special letters in the mailbox today from Granny (my mom). When they opened up the envelopes, they each found 6 coupons that read, "Play Day with Granny - Good for a day at Granny's house for crafts, movies, lunch, and lots of hugs! (Ask Mommy and Daddy first!)" They've been carrying them around all day saying they want to play at Granny's house NOW! What a great idea - I hope I can be a "Cool Granny" like that someday! Thanks Mom!

Reeeealllyy???!!!

I'm in shock.... I had an appointment with the bishopric last night. I knew what was coming - a new calling - but I was not nervous at all. I mean, I have a 10-month-old baby. It couldn't be that bad, right? Well, I got the biggest calling I've had in my life: First Counselor in the Primary Presidency. Woah. I thought they were kidding. When I expressed concern about Kasidee, they told me that I would have lots of support from Quentin as well as the other members of the Primary Presidency. They said my family comes first - ALWAYS - and that I should do what I can. If there is something I feel like I can't do, the Presidency will totally understand - because my girls should come first. After the initial shock, I have felt at peace with it. This will be good. And you can call it coincidence, but lately I have kind of felt like something would be happening in our lives to "mix it up." We've had a lot of changes in the last year or so and have felt rather grateful that we are done with the whole selling and moving thing and that our lives are finally settled. Well, I guess life really never is constant, right? There's always something for us to do, to learn, to change. This will be good.

Family Rules

Inspired by Super Nanny, for Family Home Evening last night we sat down and typed up a list of "Family Rules." We've always had rules (always wear your helmet when riding your bike, no shoes on in the house, etc.) but there were a few rules that have been needing some special attention. So we wrote down 9 rules and the consequences of breaking those rules. I get SO tired of telling the girls to clean up their toys every night - I either get the response, "We're too tired" or "Well, we will clean up only if you'll help us." So one of our new "official rules" is "Clean up toys/messes before bed." Whatever is still left out after they're in bed will "disappear." Another rule: "Bedtime is at 9:00 - a little later since it's summer (unless something special is going on)." If that rule is broken, then we have to forego the beloved bedtime stories. So now it's official. The girls know the rules and the consequences of not following the rules. And at the end of the day, if we look back and think that they've done pretty well for the day, then they get a little stone to put in their jar. (If they've been horrible, then no stone). After 10 stones in the jar, they can redeem them for a "prize" (like baking cookies, movie time, etc.) So we'll see how it goes!! (P.S. After we discussed the rules, Makenna's eyes got big as she held up her pointer finger and said very seriously, "And NO putting honey in anyone's hair.")

Let the Games Begin!

Today was the first day of the Centerville City Summer Recreation classes. Wahoo!! Kiera signed up for Arts & Crafts (which she did last year and LOVED - this year will have all new crafts; today she decorated a little backpack/bag) and Makenna wanted to do Tumbling. Makenna does the quickest, smoothest somersaults (summersaults?) I've ever seen. And she had a blast jumping around on the mats. As soon as we got home, the girls were begging to go back to their classes. I guess that's a good sign!

To Wii or not to Wii (CAST YOUR VOTES!)

Okay, y'all - you're invited to cast your vote in a very important Family Decision. A little background info first: We are the proud new owners of a Wii. As much as I despise gaming systems in general, I was actually the one who suggested getting a Wii "for the girls." I think they would have a blast with it. When I suggested it, I kind of meant it might be a good idea for the future - like in 3 years or so. But as soon as Quentin knew I might be okay getting one, he became obsessed. At his work, he gets points for performance that he can use toward merchandise. (That's how I got my Cuisinart food processor last year). He's racked up quite a few points and decided to use a few of them on this Wii - so it's free for us (yay!) He ordered it a few months ago and it just arrived yesterday. During the last few months, I have been trying to talk Quentin into saving it till Christmas. I mean, what a perfect gift from S-A-N-T-A, right? But when it came yesterday, he opened it up and went to Game Stop to look for games. Woah. (P.S. The girls don't know about it and it's hiding right now). So now here's your part - you've got to let us know your vote. Should we wait and surprise the girls with it at Christmas? Or should we let them open it now and enjoy it this summer?? Thanks for your help - I'll keep you posted as to the votes and the final decision!