Fast February - Mild March

In February I couldn't get enough of the blog. In March I have hardly given it a thought. We've had a lot on our minds. Count down to Nathan graduation, Nathan trying to find a job, 10 weeks until school is out for me, and keeping the kids entertained in the beautiful spring weather.
I can't express enough how excited I am for what is coming. To reach a goal that seemed larger than life sometimes is a huge thing. I'm so proud of Nate. And, I have to admit I am excited about moving on from my job. I have learned a lot, but it has been emotionally draining and exhausting. My last big trauma was last Friday. I had a half day off for training and my staff assistant was sick so there were two substitutes in the room. One of the kids went a bit hay wire and did unspeakable things with his own human waste. When my half day training was over I returned to school to people crying my name and saying "We are SO happy your back." Yea, thanks a lot. The thing is, he is the cutest little guy. Anyway, when the bell rang, I ran out of school as fast as my legs would carry me.
The great thing was that Nate and I had a wonderful weekend alone planned in Salt Lake. I jumped on the Frontrunner and met Nate there. We had dinner at PF Changs. We jogged through downtown Salt Lake on Saturday morning. We drove to Park City for some shopping. And we finished it all off with the opera. Marriage of Figaro. It was a fabulous weekend. I was so glad we did it.

Maybe Famous

Rachel loves to sing and dance. She reminds me of myself so much. One day I caught her belting it out with her Island Princess Barbie. This past weekend we went and watched my nieces Sidney and Nikki dance. Rachel was quick to want to run out and find an open spot where she could try some new dance moves. I think she learned that dancers move around a lot and roll around on the floor. I can't wait until we can put her into some lessons. She will love it. For now I am just enjoying her experimentation.

High Heels, How Young is too Young?

I acquired these shoes about a month ago. Try as I might, I simply can not walk in them. Then, one afternoon, Emily stepped out of my room walking in them like a pro. My mother should have started me in heels at her age. Maybe I would be able to walk in them now.

Cousin Conner

The kids had a fun weekend with cousin Conner. It was great to see Ben play with some boy toys for once. He always gets stuck playing dolls and house with the girls. Boys are not plentiful in our neighborhood. We watched "Speed Racer", a very interesting show, and the kids pretended to be Speed and Rex Racer. I heard some interesting conversations. One of which went like this.

Cousin Conner to Rachel: If you want to live then give me all your fortune and glory.
Rachel: I don't have Fortune and Glory. They're at school.

Another went like this.

Conner: My brother died in a car accident.
Ben: Yea, so did mine.

Anyway, you will all have to see "Speed Racer" now.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!!!

This morning I woke up not really remembering it was Valentines Day, but I was reminded pretty quickly when Rachel woke up and immediately asked "Can we give you our cards now?"

"Umm. I think we better wait until Daddy wakes up."

Then she says "And do you have the cards for me and Emily and Ben?"
Huh, cards . . . for the kids. Uh oh. Mind you, I did get them a little something for Valentines Day. Just not cards. Off I rushed to make a few homemade Valentines. I can't disappoint my little girl.

When Nate woke up we exchanged our Valentine gifts. Nate gave me a beautiful card that said

"Loving you has changed me forever. . .Loving you has given my heart a home."

So sweet. And beautiful flowers. I mentioned that I didn't buy cards this year. . .that includes for my husband. I also didn't have time to make him a Valentine before the kids discovered me hiding in the laundry room. So, Nathan received a used card, pulled from my stock pile of cards that we have given eachother over the years. Poor Nate. I love him. I expect so much. I would have never put up with a used Valentine from him. Yet, he just smiled and laughed a little. Such a patient man. Happy Valentines Day!

You Know Your Baby is Growing Up When. . .

For a long time I have been playing the ding dong belly button game with Emily. Hence, she has always called her belly button a "bing bong". Sadly, she has now figured out that the little cave in her tummy is just a belly button. Hmph. Bummer.

Beyond Their Years

Nate discovered that our litttle girls are beyond their years in spirituality. He came into our bedroom and found Rachel and Emily surrounded by books, playing on the bed.
"What are you two doing? he asked.
Rachel politely told him "We are at the temple."
"Oh, and what are you reading?"
"The scriptures," Rachel replied with a smile. Duh. What else would you read at the temple.