Junie B. Jones

I am totally stoked. Kiera has always liked books from the time I began reading them to her as a baby, and she really enjoyed learning to read last year in Kindergarten. This year in first grade, I'm amazed at how she has really taken off in her reading and spelling abilities. For weeks she's been talking about the Junie B. Jones books. I guess her teacher has been reading them to the class and she LOVES them - and she thinks it's cool that they're "chapter books." She said that as soon as she gets done with the Houghton-Mifflin (?) set that is required for nightly homework, she can begin taking home the Junie B. Jones books to read by herself. So she's been bringing home 2 books of the required reading each night so she can get through them fast and get on to the Junie B. Jones books.

Anyway, she saw the Junie B. Jones books for sale the other day at the store and begged to buy some - she would even use her own money. As a compromise, I told her we could check some out at the library. So last night we did. I can't believe how engrossed she was with those books! She spent over an hour reading them and read 5 chapters (about 40 pages). I literally had to turn the light out on her at 9:30 so she would finally go to bed. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that she loves reading so much!

Hey Blue Eyes

When Ben & Jen sent Kasidee this cute dress when she was just a newborn, I thought it would be forever till she would be able to fit in it (it's a 12-month size). Well, we tried it on for church Sunday - so cute!! And I love how the denim brings out the blue in her pretty eyes!

Happy Halloween!

Well, we survived Halloween. After a month of counting down, it finally came. We visited Mom and Grandma during the day then got ready for our big night out. For weeks, Makenna talked about her Tinkerbell costume that we have in the dress-up box. But then about 3 days ago she decided she wanted to be a ghost instead. After searching for a ghost costume and coming up empty, we modified an old costume (she kind of looked like Mary from Biblical times instead of a ghost). But then, when searching the DI costume section, we found this adorable "China Girl" outfit that Makenna fell in love with. So all was well. Kiera borrowed the witch costume from Grandma Stephens, and we just couldn't pass up buying Kasidee's little candy corn costume (though she has loads of hand-me-down costumes and dress-ups).

While we waited for Quentin to get home from work (unfortunately it was his "late" night and he couldn't get home till 7:00), the girls had a blast answering the door and handing out the candy. Then when Daddy got home the 5 of us started going around the block. We didn't think Kasidee would last very long, so after a few houses Quentin volunteered to go back home and answer the door while the girls and I continued till Kasidee got tired. Then I would take her home and Quentin would take Kiera and Makenna around some more. Well, Kasidee didn't get tired. In fact, she ended up lasting longer than the other girls! We eventually went home, got Quentin and we all finished going around the block (about 30 houses). Kasidee insisted on walking the whole time and screamed if we picked her up or tried to put her in the stroller. So it was slow going, but she had SO much fun! At each door, she would pick out a piece of candy from her bucket and try to give it to the person handing out candy! She's such a cutie!

So I guess Halloween isn't really over till the candy's all gone. The girls made a pretty good dent in their collection last night, but I'm afraid some of it is going to have to "disappear." That much candy is just nasty! Hope everyone had a very happy Halloween!

Halloween Week

I don't know about you, but it seems like instead of celebrating Halloween Day, we celebrate Halloween WEEK. Between school parties and school programs and Primary parties and community events, there's just so much to do before Halloween is even here. Yesterday I was running between Makenna's preschool program and setting up for the Primary party. After school we had the Primary "Trick or Treating for Food" party - where the kids dress up in their costumes and collect food around the neighborhood to give to those in need within our own ward. I'm amazed at the turnout and how much food was donated (4 trunk-fulls!) I didn't get any good pictures of the girls except this one of Kasidee, content riding in the wagon while we collected food. Kiera and Makenna were so hyped up and kept "do-si-doing" their friends, so all of my pictures of them were blurry. But check out the pic of a kid in our ward and his cousin, dressed up like McCain and Palin. I guess it's fun having Halloween Week. Last night my mom asked me to join her at Rodger's Memorial's play "Jekyll and Hyde" - that really set the spooky mood! I'll keep you posted on how today (the actual Halloween) goes - this morning Quentin and I gave the girls the "pink witch" mini Madame Alexander dolls from the McDonald's toys we bought over a month ago. They were so psyched and have been playing "witches" together all morning. Ahhh, simple pleasures!

I'll vote for you because...

We voted tonight. As we stood in the 30-minute long line at the library, we talked to the girls about the election. I asked Kiera if she knew who the candidates are. She said, "Well, I know John McCain. That's easy. The other one is... oh yeah. Rock Obama." When I asked her who she thought I should vote for and why, she said, "Definitely John McCain. His name is prettier. And it rhymes with candy cane." Enough said. Maybe I shouldn't worry about educating myself about candidates. After all, a pretty name is worth a lot!

Bella

The other night Quentin surprised me with a movie rental - "Bella." We thought it would be a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy (Quentin secretly likes chic flicks - lucky me!) But we were pleasantly surprised that it's a different kind of love story. It is profound. Seriously. It's got that film-festival "feel" and is kind of slow and a little confusing at first. But it's clean (no swearing or sex - wow) and it's very thought-provoking. It's a must-see for everyone. So go out and rent it! Then let me know what you think.

(P.S. This isn't a spoiler, but something I thought was cool. I guess the producers/actors were tired of making Hollywood movies with little substance. They wanted to produce a movie about something they truly believed in, and the movie "Bella" was born and has won many awards since. Bravo!)

Halloween Spook-tacular

Last night we went to the South Davis Rec Center's 2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular. Despite the crowds and craziness, we had a lot of fun and it really got us in the Halloween mood! The girls tried the Bat Cave, the Spook Alley, and all 5 of us got to go on a "Haunted" canoe ride in the 13-foot deep pool. Pretty cool!

(SORRY FOR THE SCARY RED EYES. MY FIX-IT PROGRAM ISN'T WORKING)

THE MAD SCIENTIST MAKING COTTON CANDY

Fire Station

I didn't get the best pics, but Kasidee and I got to tag along Makenna's preschool class to visit the Farmington Fire Station this afternoon. I think I was as excited as the kids - how impressive the fire station, the fire trucks and the fire fighters are!! The kids got to see Fire Fighter Jason dress in his fire fighter gear, complete with the mask that made "Darth Vader" sounds. They each got to sit in the seat of the fire truck, got to go in the back of the ambulance, and got a "Junior Firefighter" hat and badge. How cool is that?!

Castle Park

Last evening we decided to take advantage of the warm, Fall evening and went to the Castle Park in Fruit Heights. This is the girls' all-time favorite park and we all had a blast!

Out of Service

I was out of service for awhile today. Ever since I was just a kid, about 3 or 4 times a year I get what I call my "Weird Sickness." It comes without warning and wipes me out for usually an entire day. Last night I went to bed at 11:30 and at 1:00 in the morning I woke up in a sweat, feeling dizzy, my heart beating fast and my head pounding. And I threw up. 5 times in the night. Ugh. The thing is, my Weird Sickness comes out of nowhere and after I sleep and rest for the day, the next day it's like nothing even happened. Weird. It usually happens when I'm run down - I need my sleep, my food, and little stress. Otherwise it builds up and I get sick. Anyway, I was so upset this morning because I had a lot to do - help Kiera finish writing her talk, give the opening prayer in sacrament, do the rolls in Primary, help Kiera give her talk, sit with the CTR 5 class and do the Primary Presidency "thing" (thank goodness I didn't have Sharing Time today though). So yes, I had a lot to do, but if I even lifted up my head I got dizzy and needed to throw up. Sweet Quentin stepped in and saved the day. Without me even saying anything, he helped Kiera finish and practice her talk, fed and dressed all 3 girls, made piggy tails in Makenna's hair, changed Kasidee's diaper, called people to get a substitute for the opening prayer I was supposed to give, called the Primary President to let her know I was sick, packed up all 3 girls and took them to church, helped Kiera give her talk, got Kasidee to sleep, then brought the girls home after church and checked on me - and I slept sooooo good till they got home after 2:00. Now I'm feeling much better and I'm so grateful for my sweet Quentin. When we first got married, I was concerned that my parents would think that Quentin's sweetness was just for show - could he really be this nice and genuine all the time? Well, yes. He is so considerate of everyone's feelings and is always on the lookout for ways he can help. He really is this kind and his 4 girls are so blessed because of him. Kudos, Quentin!

Adam's Vantage

This afternoon we decided to join Corbin & Nikki (and their 3 kids) and Eric & Mischelle (and their 2 kids) for a hike to "Adam's Vantage" in Fruit Heights. Quentin and Corbin had done the hike several years before and estimated it to be about a 45-minute hike. It took 4 hours round-trip. But I'm not complaining. It was fun. There were parts that were a little steep and rocky and there were times when the girls complained that they were too tired or too cold, but overall it was a great time. The leaves were golden and colorful and at the top we were rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. I've always liked to hike (as a kid I used to wake up early on Saturdays or Sundays so I could join my dad on a hike), and it seems the girls have developed a love of hiking (as well as anything outdoors). I'm amazed at how nimble they were, climbing up the mountain trail!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today's my sweet mom's birthday! I've always thought her birthday was at the most perfect time of year. My mom has always been more than just a mom to me - she's my best friend. I can't go a day without talking to her at least once or twice. I tell her everything; she's my sounding-board! I value her opinion and feel that she understands me more than anyone else. She is the most considerate person I know - she is ALWAYS thinking of others and how she can help them. She is self-less, kind, and GENUINE. We are all SOOOO blessed to have her in our lives. We love you, Mom/Granny, and hope you have a VERY happy birthday!

Perfect Fall Day!

What perfect Fall weather we are having! My sister-in-law Nikki and I decided to "seize the day" and take our kids to Gardner Village for their witch and Halloween festivities. I think everyone else along the Wasatch Front thought of the same thing - soooo crowded! But it was fun and nice to be out in the great weather. Kiera wanted to wear her witch costume, so we were able to get some cute pics! After a couple of hours there, Nikki and I succumbed to our kids' begging for more time together. So we each grabbed some lunch and took it to a park in Bountiful. Ahhh.... I just wish October could last a few more months!

Cute Kasidee

Just some random cute pics of little Kasidee (I couldn't help myself....)

KASIDEE'S SECRET HIDEOUT UNDER THE BATHROOM SINK


DRAWING LIKE THE "BIG GIRLS"

Follow, follow me...

I don't know much about the little tricks and nifty things in Blog World. But my friend Kristin encouraged her blog readers to include the "Followers Widget" on their blogs - so I did (I think). So now I need YOUR help, my blog readers. Please click on the "Follow This Blog" link on the right-hand side of my blog. Then you can have a link to your blog on my page (or you can remain anonymous if you'd prefer). Thanks - we'll see if it works!!

Snow Day!

It snowed a bit last night and the girls were wild with excitement this morning!

3 Little Monkeys

I've mentioned in previous posts how much I love the 3 Little Monkeys store in Fruit Heights. Oh my gosh, I love it love it love it! It's the store I would have wanted to own. (Did you notice I even changed my blog title to 3 Little Monkeys - I figured that was appropriate since I have 3 little girl monkeys - see, I'm obsessed with anything and everything to do with this store!) Since I discovered it just over a month ago, we've gone about 5 times (for browsing, storytimes, etc.) I've actually only purchased one item there so far, but I've been making Christmas lists and am waiting for a time I can go solo. The products are a little pricey (and for a cheapskate like me, it's kind of to justify some of it), but they are things that no one else really sells. And everything is just so darn cute - almost magical. I feel like everytime I'm there I just wander around with my eyes wide open and my mouth drooling. I know, I'm weird. Anyway, this morning was their grand opening (though they've been open since June). The girls and I decided to check it out. We were there nearly 2 hours! There were balloons, storytime, face-painting, free crafts, and I won a $10 gift certificate (yahoo!) Man, I can't wait to go BY MYSELF - I may not come back all day!

Someday...

I love to get rid of things. I mean, sometimes I just get the craving to throw stuff away, so I go through things I've already gone through just so I can get that "high." Weird, I know - but those of you who are obsessive-compulsive/perfectionist will understand. Anyway, I digress. In all my years of getting rid of things, there are a few boxes of my childhood toys that I haven't been able to part with. Before I got married, I went through all my old toys and saved the ones that meant so much to me, thinking that SOMEDAY I would share them with my own children. I kept my Barbies and Sylvanian Families, my Cabbage Patch dolls and a few stuffed animals. The girls love to get out a box every once in awhile and play with "Mommy's Antique Toys." Well, I have a bag labeled "Stuffed Animals" that they haven't seemed interested in - till tonight. After begging me to open it, I explained that the toys probably aren't very interesting; they're pretty old and probably falling apart. But we opened it anyway. The girls gasped, wrapped the stuffed animals and dolls in their arms and swung them around. Then the dolls talked to ME (in Kiera's voice), asking me if I missed them. Although maybe half of them I don't remember at all and could probably take to the DI, seeing some of them brought tears to my eyes. My very first doll as a baby; my "Charlie" doll that I drug everywhere with me, the E.T. doll I rescued from its "abusive" owner (he punched it and tied up its arms, which broke my 8-year-old heart). I have dolls that my grandma made and original Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. And what a treat it is to "stroll down memory lane" and tell my own girls stories about my beloved dolls and animals and how I used to play with them. Sure, it may seem like unnecessary clutter to some people...but I never could have imagined when I was boxing them up so many years ago just what a treasure they were!

Random Ramblings

Well, this morning was the first day (since Spring) we turned our furnace on. It was a mere 67° in the house, but the girls thought it was so cold it could snow inside our house! So I set the thermostat to a toasty 69° (one degree warmer than we usually keep it in the wintertime), and all was well. It will be interesting to see what the girls think in January when it gets down to, like, 12°! It's supposed to freeze tonight, so our neighbors were out harvesting their garden and offered to help us do ours. We managed to get 4 yellow pumpkins, a handful of green cherry tomatoes, and a few cups of miniature carrots. I've always loved the idea of a garden, but except for my beloved chives and maybe a cherry tomato plant or two, we have never really done much. It's still my goal - maybe one day we'll actually have a "real" garden!

Another rambling.... For the last week or two, Kiera has gotten a little teary in the mornings when it's time to leave for school. I've been a little concerned since last year in Kindergarten, Kiera loved going to school till a fellow classmate started bullying all of the kids - for about a month Kiera was just overwhelmingly sad about even the thought of school. But Kiera assured me that no one was being mean to her - she just misses me at school. She said, "Home is the only place you can cry...."