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!

Wide Open Spaces

This morning we traveled to Riverside (near Tremonton) for the girls' cousin Destiny's baptism (Quentin's brother Chris's daughter). What a special day - congrats Destiny! Afterward, Chris and Wendy had a potluck party at their house. They are always so hospitable - they know how to have fun and how to make people feel welcome and comfortable. It's always fun at their house. And their "country home" is the perfect party place - it overlooks a huge gully with trees, a stream, and cows and horses. It's beautiful. And the kids had a blast - they smashed the pinata on the trampoline, chased the chickens, played on the swingset and with the pool table, and then...Chris and Wendy broke out their big toys - the 4-wheelers. Each person in their family of 6 has one (well, Chelsea has a dirt bike). Even 8-year-old Destiny has one just her size. Quentin took Makenna and me for a ride, and Destiny and Kiera rode on the little one together. It was SO fun! I asked Kiera if she liked it and she said, "You BET I had fun!!" Every time we're at Chris and Wendy's, I feel like I've been on a mini-vacation. Ahhhhh.....



Kiera, Makenna, Marina & Roman


Kiera, Makenna & Destiny

Last Day!

BEST FRIENDS KIERA, SADIE & SOPHIE
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YAY KIERA!


KIERA & MRS. CONNORS

Yesterday was Kiera's kindergarten graduation program, and today is her last day. Wow - it sure has gone fast. She's sad to be done - she has really LOVED school. I'm amazed at what she has learned this year, and I'm so proud that she has a thirst for learning. She's also really looking forward to having the summer off. She's made lists of things we can do this summer: activities at the library, free movies at the theater, arts and crafts class (for Kiera), tumbling class (for Makenna), finishing clogging class and being in a parade, a few camping trips, a visit from my siblings in Texas, a "date" with Granny, and lots of bike riding, park playing, walks, picnics, swimming, and trips to the children's museums. Sounds fun - I hope I can keep up! Happy Summer, y'all!

Lessons Learned

In just 2 days, we've had 3 experiences that have taught my girls (and me) "life lessons." First, while the girls were playing outside, Makenna came in crying but wouldn't tell me what was wrong, just that "the lady got mad at me." So Kiera filled me in. Makenna picked a few of our neighbors flowers; the lady came out and said she could look at the flowers anytime, but to please not pick them. I talked to Makenna about it and we decided to go apologize to the neighbor. We did (with Makenna's little face hidden in my pants) and I thought how this was actually a good thing - she learned about respecting other people's things, being responsible, and feeling (and saying) sorry.

So now lesson 2. The next morning as I opened my purse, I saw a little girl's hair bow - a bow that wasn't ours. When I asked Kiera about it, she said she found it on the floor of the store we were at yesterday. The girls are always looking for "treasures" on store floors - pennies, pebbles, nails, whatever. But yesterday she found a bow and stuck it in my purse. I told her that it wasn't ours, and her eyes immediately filled up with tears. She said, "Oh no - I can't believe I stoled something. Will I go to jail?" I tried to relieve her fears, and I told her it didn't look like something that store would sell; maybe it was something someone lost. So our task for this evening is to return it to the store because "that's the right thing to do."

And finally the last lesson (I hope for at least a little while!).... Last night, Kiera was teasing Makenna over and over and when Makenna finally argued back, Kiera pulled Makenna's hair. I told Kiera that we don't pull hair and took her to Time Out. When the time was over and I went to get her, she was sobbing hard but quietly. She said, "I don't want to hurt Makenna and I don't want to be mean, but sometimes I can't help it. I don't know how to stop. So I think I need to go away and live with Granny for awhile." As my heart broke, I told her that she didn't need to do that, that we love her, and that she can work on not hurting Makenna. But slowly and dramatically, she went out the door, saying she wished she didn't have to do this, but she knows she needs to, that she'll miss us, etc. (I think drama and playing the martyr runs in our family). When she closed the door, Makenna and I held each other and cried. About 20 seconds later, Kiera opened the door again and said that she decided today will be her last day till she goes to Granny's house. We all cried and held each other and I knew that everything would be all right....

Memorial Day

Memorial Day.... It's always been kind of a weird holiday to me. We're supposed to honor and mourn our loved ones who have passed away, and then we turn around and have a party (BBQs, pool parties, etc). A little confusing, but oh well. :o) Like most other Americans, we also had a bi-polar celebration this weekend. On Sunday we visited my Grandpa Johnson's grave and Quentin's Grandpa Stephens' grave. Each year, the girls talk about how much they miss their grandpas and how they know they're watching over them. Grandpa Johnson passed away before any of his great-grandkids were born, and Grandpa Stephens passed away when Kiera was just a few months old. But it's nice to have a day to reflect and ponder the meaning of life, why we're here, where we're going, and how we have been influenced by generations of people before us. Deep, I know.

On Monday we had Quentin's family over for a BBQ. The weather was stormy so we ended up eating inside but later were able to play Frisbee Golf in the yard and go for a walk near the Farmington Pond. It was perfect - it smelled so good after the rain and made me yearn to go camping!!

NANA AND KASIDEE


4 GENERATIONS


COUSINS (Roman, Marina, Sarah, Kiera & Makenna)


MAKENNA AND ROMAN


MAKENNA PICKED FLOWERS FOR ME (ROOTS INCLUDED!)

Yay! It's FINALLY Done! (Pretty much)

As you know from previous posts, my idea of quickly giving the downstairs bathroom a new coat of paint mushroomed into a big remodeling project. We decided to retile the floor (which was a big project in itself), then we added beadboard and a new faucet. Then we sort of got burnt out. But then I got the bug again (I love to always have some sort of project to work on) - one day I taped and prepped the bathroom for painting and then the next day I painted. I was so amazed - all three girls (even Kasidee) were content to play in the next room for several hours while I primed and put on two coats of paint. At first I worried that the paint color was too bright, but now I absolutely love it. In some lights it looks kind of purple and in some lights it looks kind of blue - I guess that's the definition of periwinkle, right? That's the color I was looking for. It's bright and fresh and envigorating. It looks like a totally new bathroom. So after the new paint, we were inspired to ditch the "cowboy" towel and toilet paper holders as well as the mirrored movie-star light fixtures. So we got new ones, as well as some new framed mirrors and a new shower curtain. I can't believe the difference. This has been a fun project that Quentin and I have enjoyed working on together. The only thing left is putting on the new knobs for the cabinets and maybe a new picture or two. And speaking of cabinets, we're still debating on whether or not to eventually repaing them matte black (they're brownish-blackish now and in need of a new coat of paint). So after that, we'll have to find a new project - perhaps converting the shed out back into a playhouse for the girls!!

BEFORE...





AND AFTER...

(P.S. The reason the mirror above the sink is off-centered from the lights is because we wanted it directly above the sink. So it kind of looks funny, but we're planning on putting a picture or a little shelf or something to kind of balance it out. Anyone have any ideas??)

A Cold and Wet Zoo Day!

Today was the kindergarten zoo day! Kiera was so excited, but pretty nervous about riding the bus. She's ridden on a school bus once, when her great-uncle Bruce gave her and Makenna (and us) a little ride around town. But she was nervous because busses don't have seat belts. Anyway, she was relieved when she found out that Quentin would be able to ride with her - he couldn't resist taking the day off to go. He LOVES being at anything he can that involves his girls - Kiera's teacher once told me that she thinks it's amazing how involved he is, since most dads don't seem to care! I know, I know, I've got the perfect husband, and the girls have the most awesome daddy! :0) Anyway, it was about 50 degrees and drizzly, but it was fun! Quentin and Kiera rode the bus and Makenna, Kasidee and I drove up separately. Kasidee slept pretty much the whole time, so she was warm and dry and snuggly in her cocooned stroller. Makenna loved seeing the animals, especially the tiger. And Kiera loved the new white alligator. Although it was crappy weather for going to the zoo and to the park for a picnic, the memories of it will last a LONG time!

What Does Daddy Do?

I can't stop laughing. Kiera called my mom this evening and my mom asked her how she liked seeing Daddy's work yesterday. Kiera responded, "It's not fair. Daddy just gets to sit around at his desk all day and do nothing. And he gets to have lunch in the break room. My school is harder than Daddy's work." Then my mom explained that Daddy works hard so we have enough money for our house, groceries, etc. and that if Kiera works really hard at school, she can be anything she wants to be. She asked Kiera what she'd like to be when she grows up. Kiera said, "A Couch Potato!"

Fun at Daddy's Work

NEW BUILDING

QUENTIN'S FLOOR

HAVING FUN AT DADDY'S DESK!


THE BREAK ROOM

Just about a year ago, Fidelity moved to a brand-new building right by the Gateway. Quentin has wanted to show us his new office, but security is so tight that he couldn't even let his family come in. But today there was an open house for employee's families to see the new building. The girls thought it was so neat to see where Daddy goes every day! And I have to admit I was amazed. Architecturally speaking, the building was so cool!! There are neat angles everywhere, there's state-of-the-art equipment and sleek, modern furnishings. And I love the colors - fresh and peaceful: soft spring green, rust-orange, blues and yellows. It just doesn't seem like a normal, blah office building. It was energizing. I'm so proud of Quentin - he works hard and loves what he does. Just ask him a financial question, and his eyes start glistening as he talks and talks and talks. He eats this stuff up. And he just loves to help people. He's got the perfect job for him.

NEW BOOKS!

Along with the Open House, Fidelity also had it's annual Book Fair, an annual event where employee's kids each get to pick a few new books to take home. In year's past it has been held at Thanksgiving Point, Hogle Zoo, and Discovery Gateway. This year it was at the Rio Grande train depot at Gateway. The girls got some new books (Yay! I have a little obsession with children's books) as well as cookies and juice. Yum. They also had a professional storyteller there as well as a magician and clown that twisted balloons into little poodles and flowers and swords. The girls thought that was pretty neat.

DOGGIES FOR CHARITY

So, as if that wasn't enough fun for one day, we let the girls splash around in the Gateway fountains in the swimming suits. I wasn't sure who had more fun - the girls or Quentin! Then, we checked out Build-A-Bear and found out that today only they were letting people make a stuffed doggie for free to donate to one of three charities (the girls chose the one that gives the stuffed animals to kids who have cancer as well as their siblings). They had fun and it was a good lesson about giving!