Calling All Princesses....

I have another plug for a great thing! Have any of you heard of the Princess Festival in Lindon, Utah? If not, you've got to check it out. The Princess Festival is an event where your little princess can be in an interactive adventure to learn courage and grace. We went a couple of years ago and loved it. We couldn't wait for Kasidee to be old enough to join in, and we're planning on going with cousins this June. It's an enchanting adventure (in a castle!), and THE BEST PART is that 100% of the proceeds goes to "In Our Own Quiet Way." Quiet Way helps people in Kenya have access to clean water, medical supplies, and school supplies.

Check it out at www.princessfestival.com and be sure to click on "About" and "Our Story." What's better than having a great time and helping people in need, all at the same time?!

Ji Ga Zo

We just found the coolest thing. We just happened to see it on the store shelf this afternoon and were so intrigued we had to buy it and try it. I'm so surprised we've never heard of it before because it's so cool. I know - the suspense is killing you. It's called "Ji Ga Zo." It's a puzzle, one of those sepia-toned ones that is just shades of brown but when you put it together you see an image. Cool enough like that - but what makes it even cooler is that you can take a picture (they recommend a close-up of a face), upload it, and the program will make a "symbol map" for you to follow to put your customized picture together. Then you can do another image - it never has to be the same puzzle twice! It's 300 pieces and the girls, Quentin and I had so much fun putting it together this evening. Check it out. We started with this picture (and cropped it a bit):



And ended up with a cool, customized puzzle! (Squint your eyes a bit to see it better):



How cool is that?!

Happy 96th, Butterfly Grandma!

Quentin's grandma turned 96! Instead of Great-Grandma Stephens, my girls refer to her as "Butterfly Grandma" because she loves, loves, loves butterflies. What an inspiring lady she is - she's 96 and in really good health. She's spunky, positive, and still wears high heels! She is a joy to be around and everyone she meets just loves her great attitude! Look how cute she is....

Happy Home Anniversary #4

We moved into our home 4 years ago today! In some ways it seems like yesterday, and in some ways it seems like we've been here forever. I'm amazed how we're still thrilled with our house and our neighborhood - it's a little piece of Mayberry, at least to us!

Seussical the Musical

Kiera and Makenna had the opportunity to be in their school's musical. They were in the Charlie Brown play last year and loved it. We were prepared for the long rehearsals (I figured they each spent about 25 hours in rehearsals over the last 2 1/2 months - and they didn't even have speaking parts!), but they were so stoked to be in it this year. Kiera was Gracie the Gray Mouse (one of the Jungle Animals) and Makenna was Max the Dog (the Grinch's sidekick). They performed for the school and did 2 performances for family. They got a DVD of one of their performances, a T-shirt and a bracelet. How cool is that?! The play was directed by Addie Holman, who also directs at Rodgers Memorial Theater. What an awesome opportunity, and something they'll probably always remember!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a card the girls made for Quentin - straws and spaghetti. Cute, huh?

My girls' personalities are so different, but it seems to be much more noticeable during holidays or other "major" events. Take Valentine's Day. Kiera secretly and quietly got all of her valentines ready about 2 weeks ago, even before she got her class list. She not only did the ones for her class and teacher, but she made special ones for her grandmas, church teachers (current and last year's), and other friends. She even made her valentine box all by herself. And this morning she got up early, put on the "Valentine outfit" she had chosen a few days ago, and wanted her hair curled.

On the other hand, every time I asked Makenna to do her valentines, she would say, "No, not right now. Maybe later." All weekend long, it was the same response. So finally yesterday I told her she needed to get them done for her class party today. Same response. Finally at about 8:00 I told her they needed to get done. Nothing. So I said, "I don't mind helping you, Makenna, but I don't think it's fair that I do all of your valentines by myself." Kasidee piped up and said, "I'll do them with you, Mommy, so you won't be all alone." Heart. Melt.

I should have just told Makenna that she could go to school with no valentines, but I know her pretty well and thought of a different trick. So...Kasidee and I began doing Makenna's valentines. I wrote the names, Kasidee picked out the candy to go inside, I folded them, and Kasidee put the stickers on to close them. After just a couple of minutes of doing this, I think Makenna got jealous or something and decided to join in and help. Finally.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Brave

A couple of weeks ago, I had a dental cleaning/exam scheduled. Of all of the people I thought of to babysit Kasidee, I knew they had other things going on. So at the last minute I decided to take Kasidee with me. She sat in a little chair near my feet and quietly looked at books. She was so good - like a little mouse - and the staff was so impressed.

So when I had to go back yesterday to get a cavity filled, I decided not to even think about a babysitter and just take her with me again. As we were getting ready to go, I said, "Kasidee, thanks so much for going with Mommy to the dentist. You're going to help me be brave, huh?" And she smiled, gave me a hug and said, "Yeah, just pretend I'm your mommy."

Plug

Those who know me well or read my blog regularly know that Quentin and I LOVE live theater. There's just something about it that is exciting and exhilarating, plus it's a good excuse for a date night. It's something different, and something we can't do at home (like watch a movie). We also especially love Rodgers Memorial Theater in Centerville and have had season tickets for about 4 or 5 years. LOVE IT!! Most of you who live around here are probably aware that RMT will no longer be doing plays in their little playhouse on Pages Lane. Even though that playhouse is old and in need of repair, it felt small and intimate, and it was just fun going.

Anyway, they've been building a huge new building near Dairy Queen that will house the new theater (it's now called Centerpoint Legacy Theatre.) As we've watched this new theater being built, we've been a little apprehensive. We've worried that it will just seem big and formal, and we were "mourning" the small, intimate feel of RMT's old playhouse.

Well, a couple of weeks ago we went to an Open House for the new theater and I have to admit I'm way excited. Although the new theater seats about twice as many as the old theater, the back of the new theater has only been extended 10 feet more as compared to the old theater. It's fresh and new and modern, and the facilities are impressive: there are 7 stalls in the women's bathroom (compared to 2 in the old theater), the stage can "drop" for special effects, and the legroom in between seats is great - if you're sitting in your seat and someone needs to walk in front of you to get to their seat, you don't even have to stand up!!

Seeing familiar faces in the RMT cast and production team at the Open House made me realize that the quality of plays done at RMT deserves a more impressive building. Everyone seems so excited - like a dream come true to them - and they've been so touched by the outpouring of support from the community and local businesses. However, an informal poll showed that most people outside of Centerville didn't even realize a new theater was being built. So get the word out!

The first play we'll see at the new Centerpoint Legacy Theatre will be "Hairspray" in a couple of weeks. I can't wait! And here's my plug - if any of you out there like live theater, check out this new theater. Tickets are a lot less than other theaters like Hale Center, etc. and yet it's a quality, professional cast. LOVE IT!

Hmmm....

Maybe I'm getting old. Or maybe I'm cheap. Or maybe I'm lazy. Or maybe I'm a homebody. Or maybe, subconsciously, I like to feel in control. Maybe I'm all of that. But I've been noticing things and think maybe I've had somewhat of an epiphany - at least for me.

First of all, I love going out to eat. At least, to places I like. But I've noticed over the past few months that as I've eaten my favorite dishes at my favorite restaurants, I think to myself, "This is soooo yummy. But I bet I could make this at home." And you know what - I've tried, and the results are pretty tasty. I can make pasta that rivals Olive Garden's Capellini Pomodoro. And I have a recipe that even tops Olive Garden's minestrone. I can make open-faced focaccia sandwiches similar to Firehouse Pizzeria's. I make bagel sandwiches like Einstein's, and I can even make yummy Cafe Rio salads. Maybe it's because what I tend to order at restaurants is pretty simple. But it's what I like. And I'm thrilled to be able to make the stuff at home. It's certainly cheaper that way, and I can know exactly what goes into what I'm eating.

BUT...I still can't find the right recipe for my fave Noodles and Co. dish, and I can't find pitas big enough to do my fave Pita Pit wrap. And I could never compete with the variety found at my fave restaurant Sweet Tomatoes.

And another BUT... The downside of cooking at home is that I can't just get up from the table, walk out the door, and have someone else clean up the mess! So, there are still lots of benefits that will keep me going out to eat every once in awhile.

Anyway, the second thing I've realized.... Last weekend, Quentin and I went on a date to see a movie. We had gotten a free ticket so we thought it would be a good excuse to get out and spend some time together. The movie was okay, and it was fun getting out. But we realized how much more we like our own theater room in our own house. It's more comfortable, we can control the sound, we can pause it to go to the bathroom or get a snack, and we don't get sticky shoes.

So...like I said, maybe I'm old/cheap/lazy/a homebody/a control-freak. But I just like being home and being entertained at home. It's easier and more fun!

Dads and Donuts

Today was the first grade Dads and Donuts. It is all Makenna has talked about for several weeks. She made sure Quentin could go into work late, she made sure he didn't forget, and she has secretly sung me the songs but made me promise not to tell Daddy. Looks like they had fun!

Food for Thought

Some of the Relief Society ladies at church Sunday were discussing this article. I was intrigued, so I looked it up - pretty interesting!

(P.S. I don't know how to do that fancy thing where you just click on a word to view the article, so you'll have to cut and paste this whole thing - sorry.)

http://www.salon.com/life/internet_culture/index.html?story=/mwt/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs

Dilemma

(This is my bathroom in different lights)



We have a light purple bathroom. Yep, just like a grandma would have. It's the bathroom that the girls use, but it's also the one that "company" uses if they're upstairs. It hasn't bothered me too much in the 4 years we've lived in this house - I think because I've always had in the back of my mind that I would eventually paint it a different color. Well, a few months ago I decided to get with it and pick a color. I always get so nervous picking paint colors because what I see on the little card ends up looking totally different on a wall. Anyway, after months of looking at 25 or so little cards in different lights (even different seasons!), I gradually narrowed it down to one. perfect. color. And I got excited. And the plan was that this week I would finally get 'er done.

I casually mentioned it to the girls on Monday that I finally decided on a paint color and that I would be painting the bathroom sometime this week. I even showed them the cute little card with the color on it. They all gasped and looked horrified. "You can't paint our bathroom! It's the girls bathroom and purple is the color for The Sisters Club. If you're going to paint it at all, you should probably paint it pink." Um, no.

So...I guess I have a dilemma. Should I respect the girls' wishes and leave the bathroom like it is (even with the froggy potty chair and ducky toothbrush holder) and realize that they'll grow up too quickly and eventually outgrow a purple bathroom and then I can paint it what I want? Or should I "be the mom" and say, "Well, that's tough because I'm painting the bathroom. You have a purple bedroom for crying out loud - isn't that enough purple for you?"

Any ideas?

How Lucky!

On Saturday as we were driving home after picking up the girls from their cousin's birthday party, Quentin and I said to each other, “Well, we’ve got the afternoon and evening free! What do we want to do?” And the girls all shouted, “Go swimming!” They have been wanting to go swimming for months, but for some reason I just hate public pools, especially in the winter. But Quentin said, “Why don’t I just take the girls, and you can have some free time at home?” I was dumbfounded. I wasn’t even stressed or in a bad mood for him to feel like he had to offer that! He said he was up for taking them swimming and told me I could have some peace and quiet at home to do whatever I wanted to do, as long as it wasn't cleaning or cooking or laundry (do I have the most thoughtful husband or what?!) Anyway, Quentin even took Kiera to Target before to get her a new swimming suit since hers was too small. They were gone for about 3 hours (!) and I had a nice, quiet time at home doing a little scrapbook prep! When everyone came home, they had baths/showers, we made pita pizzas for dinner and sat down to watch “Undercover Boss” that we had recorded, and the girls were all asleep within minutes!

Long Weekend

Since the girls went back to school after the Christmas break, I've been looking forward to this long weekend with no school. It's been relaxing and fun - we had a cousin's birthday party, we went to Bountiful High's production of "Cinderella," we visited with Grandma Johnson in the care center, and the girls played with each other and with friends. Kiera has a friend in her class that she's been wanting to invite over for quite awhile and she finally was able to come and play. This girl is Oriental, and Kiera said she moved to Utah from a place very, very far away. "China?" I guessed. "Japan? Korea?" Kiera answered, "No.... She moved here ALL the way from West Virginia!"

Yesterday Quentin also had the day off, so we took the girls to the Treehouse Museum in Ogden. We haven't been since Kasidee was born, and they all had a lot of fun. Even after 3 hours, it was hard to tear them away!


KIERA PLAYED A REAL CHESS GAME WITH A BOY A LITTLE YOUNGER THAN HER. I THINK THEIR DADS HAD FUN TEACHING THEM....

Bad Mood

This morning after Kasidee woke up and walked into the kitchen, she and Quentin began teasing each other a bit. He said, "Oh Kasidee - I'm so glad to see you woke up in a good mood!" She quickly hid her smile, pretended to frown and said in a gruff voice, "I'm not!" Quentin said, "You're not in a good mood? Oh dear - are you grumpy today? Are you mad and angry?" Kasidee said, "Yeah - I'm a mom!" (This time it was MY smile that quickly faded!) :)

Lego House

I think we're addicted to making Lego houses. We got a set for Christmas in 2009 that makes 3 different houses, and we had fun making all 3 of them. Then we got a new set this last Christmas and had fun putting it together this evening. I love that it's a puzzle that all of us can be involved in. Even Kasidee liked helping find certain pieces. Kiera ended up doing most of the actual building, while the rest of us hunted for the right pieces. It took 2 1/2 hours and it was just so fun! We'll probably have the house out for a couple of months, then take it apart and try a new house style (this set also has plans for 3 different houses).

Fun in the Tub!

I really hope my girls won't hate me for posting these pics....

The girls usually take baths/showers in their bathroom (they call it the girls bathroom and tease Quentin if he goes in there), but every once in awhile they want to take a bath in the big jetted tub in the master bathroom. This morning they wanted to do that - all together - and they thought it was amazing how many soap bubbles were made when we turned on the jets!

Snowflake Shadows

I think I have a thing with shadows on my wall. About a month ago, my mom, the girls, Quentin and I made twisted paper snowflakes and hung them on the window - the other day I saw this beautiful shadow on my wall and couldn't resist taking a picture!

Monday morning we woke up to a little bit of snow - so light and powdery! Kasidee wanted to help me shovel and she was such a good helper! I couldn't believe how well she did, and it was fun having her outside with me. Isn't she just such a cutie?

Li'l Lady

So...on Thanksgiving Day I noticed a little ladybug shell on Corbin and Nikki's driveway. I felt so sad for the poor little ladybug but continued to walk past it. Then I went back, stooped over and picked it up. I debated about showing it to Makenna, who loves animals and bugs. I thought she would think it's cool, but I worried that then she would be upset that it was dead. I picked it up and put it in a little container. Awhile later, I showed Makenna and we noticed that it was crawling around!! We ended up taking it home and researched how to take care of ladybugs. Since they eat mostly aphids (which I don't readily have a supply of in the wintertime!), we read that they can survive with a damp paper towel for water and a raisin for food. We put it in a container with a fake palm tree (Makenna's idea) and covered it with saran wrap and poked holes in it. And it has survived for 7 weeks (and counting!) under our care! The girls have fun with it, and we're looking forward to releasing it in the springtime!

Spring Cleaning

Is it weird that I've been in the mood to - and have actually started - my spring cleaning? I don't know what it is, but every year after I put away the Christmas stuff and look around at my naked house, it inspires me to deep clean, organize and get rid of stuff we don't need/love/use anymore (isn't there always something?). The way I like to spring clean takes a bit of time, and I like to have it done BEFORE spring actually gets here. That way I can actually enjoy spring and start to focus on outdoor projects. So...my goal is to take 2 or 3 rooms a week and deep clean - top to bottom, inside and out. You know, do the cleaning that no one else may even notice but I know it's done so it makes me feel good. I have a checklist on the computer for each room, and I check it off as I go. So I did Kiera and Makenna's room (it took me over 3 hours!) and the downstairs family room (that was only a little over an hour) and it just feels good. (P.S. Kasidee is such a good little helper when her sisters are at school!)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! I don't really start my new year until the Monday following the 1st. It's just too hard to get motivated when it's a holiday - there's too much relaxing and puttering and playing to do. So hopefully I'll be motivated by Monday (after the girls go back to school and I'm forced to get back to reality) to put my new plans in action. I've been thinking for several weeks about the goals I want to work on this year, and the goals I think we need to work on as a family. It seems I always have at least some of the same goals year after year - be a better parent, be healthier, etc. I think I have to realize that goals like those can't be an all-or-nothing type of goal. If I fail in one area (like, I still have a hard time saying no to soda pop), then I'll just try again. And again. But the point is that I'll keep trying, and hopefully I'll learn along the way. And maybe be a tad better at the end of the year.

Another thing I've been thinking about a lot lately is BALANCE. And I want that to be my theme of this year. Balance in all things. I've been to some houses that are so simple and clean - they have nothing unnecessary and nothing out of place. I long for a house like that, and seeing theirs makes mine feel messy and overloaded. But then I look at other houses that have lots of stuff and yet they feel homey and comfortable and warm. I want that feeling in my home too. So...balance. I've got to do what works for me - without comparisons. And not just for my house. I think it's dangerous for us (and I'm guilty of it!) to to compare ourselves to others (or what we THINK others are like) and wonder how we measure up - parenting styles, education, family time, etc. etc. My goal this year is to find balance in each area of my life. To have a home that is orderly, but also a home that is comfortable to be in. To be a mom that can be a "tough guy" when I need to, but also to be a mom that my girls like to be around and can have fun with. To be good to my body but not beat myself up if I eat something not-so-healthy every once in awhile. To get things done, but also enjoy life along the way!

Festivities

Here's hoping this post finds everyone happy and healthy, with good memories of a merry Christmas!! Like everyone, things at our house have been busy and crazy and fun this holiday season. I haven't posted for awhile, so I guess it's time to catch up!

I was able to help with Kiera and Makenna's class parties. Makenna's class decorated gingerbread houses, and for Kiera's class, I was in charge of a craft, so we did beaded candy canes - I was nervous that the kids might think they were lame, but they ended up having a lot of fun making them!





We had the Scootlebugs Preschool Christmas Program - isn't my class so cute? (One of my girls was on vacation)




We met Barbara, Dallin, Corbin, Nikki & kids to see the Odgen Village - lots of little "houses" with scenes you can peek into. So fun!




Kiera had her Christmas piano recital at the Centerville Library. Each student had a solo piece and a duet piece. Kiera wanted me to play with her. As a kid, I remember my piano recitals making me really nervous - and I was this time! But it went great, and it was fun to be able to play with her!




We had Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's house - this is my favorite part of Christmas! It's so warm and comfortable and inviting at Mom's house, and it's fun to have good food and hang out together!




Christmas Morning!!

Kiera got an American Girl (look-alike!) doll:



So did Makenna:



Kasidee got a jeep that she can really drive. Here's the story. Clear back in about September when we were walking to school, Kasidee saw a little girl drive one of those little cars to school and was fascinated. She kept talking about how neat it was and that she wanted one too. I said, "Well, maybe for Christmas" - thinking she'd forget all about it by then. Well, she talked about it for over 3 months and that's all she wanted for Christmas. Oh, and gum. Well, do you know how much those dang little cars are? Some of them are over 300 bucks! So we began preparing her that Santa might not be able to bring her a car, but that he would bring something that he thinks she would like. She was okay with that, but she never stopped talking about how much she wanted her own car. Well, Quentin was brave enough to go out on Black Friday before midnight, and, well, the car was about 75% off. Couldn't pass it up - and it makes her very happy!




Kiera also got a sewing machine:



And Makenna got an little monkey she had been eyeing in the store:



Plus a "real" train set! Makenna had asked for one, but Quentin and Makenna "fight" over whose turn it is to play with it!



Each of the girls got a nightgown with a matching nightgown for their doll (for some reason we didn't get a picture with all 3 girls):



And Granny (my mom) gave each of the girls a Pillow Pet (a long-desired, much-desired item, but I was too cheap to buy what I thought is a dumb thing). But now Granny is the girls' hero!



Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas! Now is my most favorite time of year - the stress of the festivities is done, and it's not January yet, so I can just relax and play with Christmas things with my girls!!