Family days

I am always a little sad at the end of the holiday season because we don't see everyone as often for a while. But one of my goals this year is to be better with my cell phone and blogging just to keep in touch. ( No snickering)! And I am so happy that Jenny and her family were able to be in town after Christmas to play and hang out a bit! Today we went to the planetarium and we all had a great time being amazed by our solar system and universe and how much we don't know. Always fun for trivia with Carver.

A New Year--- Finally and I Made it!

So, I've missed doing a little blogging and remembering the things that go on daily, however mundane or silly. I have had a stressful year and didn't really want to create more things for me to do, but right now, I think getting back to normal and having fun along the way is the right path. So get ready for some 2011 and 2012 pics updates and fun!

Spring in all its

Every day that goes by I realize how amazing my kids are! And it makes me so frustrated with myself that I don't just cherish every moment and remember all their funny things and just sit and play with them all the time I can, but alas there are a lot of mundane necessities that I have to take care of as well. Work has become increasingly irritating, but I am dealing with it better (I think). I am grateful that I have a job that fits our needs right now. And I am also very thankful for family that has been really supportive lately. I was happy to see Laura and her family while they were here, I only wish we could have done more together. I am also so happy that it has started to warm up and we are able to play outside more and shed some winter clothing (on most days). So, life is pretty good. Some fun things we have done lately include Jungle Jims (always a favorite), cabellas (madalyn's favorite place), swimming and most recently the Zoo-- wow that polar exhibit is going to be awesome next year and I can't wait! And finally I have had a chance to read a little again! I can't believe how much I enjoy a little escape from reality.

April fools

Sometimes I think April Fools day is so fun and exciting to look forward to, however this year I didn't really give a thought to it until at work we had a little April Fool's present in the shower and I decided it is not that great of a day. We did some deep cleaning and I have decided the general public is a bit lazy and disgusting. Enough said.

basketball and bowling

The family out for a fun activity of bowling.
Madalyn the great
She has bowling moves you won't believe
And an awesome jump shot...off dad's shoulders
Nica strutting her stuff at the bounce house
and at the bowling alley
Carver's jr jazz team
he is pretty good at blocking and defense
why are you taking so many pictures, mom?
time to get serious.
getting ready for mischief.

Build a bear

Madalyn and Nicalee giving their animals a bath
Nicalee... playing on the computer. A very common habit right now that drives me and clint crazy because she changes settings, types all sorts of jibberish and has caused more than one headache regarding the computer and remotes and cell phones. ARRRR.
Cute Carver and Maddie acting like they just adore each other-- sometimes this is a common pose...some days the teasing and fights are accompanied by mom or dad lecturing or yelling...grrrr.

mysterious march

Nicalee with a huge lollipop-- she was in heaven
Nicalee sleeping on her favorite stair
Carver at the Dinosaur Museum
Madalyn at her birthday party at Classic skating
Madalyn at her preschool birthday celebration
What happened to January and February? Oh yeah, work and craziness is what happened. Anyway, it is time to update and remember the good times. My amazingly awesome gal Madalyn turned 5---wowsers, that is something I have mixed feelings about. Time to schedule the well-check/kindergarten shot doctor appointment. Her dreaded visit. But she will get a reward as promised. Carver played Jr Jazz basketball and had the time of his life. Nicalee was able to experience bowling and build-a-bear for the first time and just tonight went potty for the first time...with Madalyn as coach (I almost can't believe it) yet we were all right there in the next room to verify. Clint is busy with Norway Freight. And mom has been trying to get enough sleep to make sure she can still keep the house looking decent, teach piano, sometimes make dinner (sometimes is the operative word...ok I am doing that more than I used to) and have everyone eat it, start exercising again (preparing for a half marathon again), and play with my funny children. So, now my new blogging goal is to record and share all the funny things my kids do and say on a more regular basis. Let's see if I can do this. So here are a few pics to show our life.

Byu Museum of Art: Carl Bloch

When I was at BYU I went to the MOA just about everyday because of all the time I spent in the HFAC. I needed a break from practicing and time for quiet and relaxation. Sometimes I would eat lunch there or in the garden next door and look at the sculptures... I didn't realize at the time just how much time I spent there. I have only gone there occasionally during the past 10 years (what a shame). I was able to go there with my sister and brother-in-law last week and I didn't realize how much I missed being on campus, it was a great experience being there again. As we went through the museum I realized that it was more moving than I thought it would be. The original paintings were eye popping dimentionally, they really looked 3-d. I have always liked Carl Bloch because of his interpretations of the scriptures and I like the look of the individual characters. Sometimes I think his works help me remember my time in Israel. Either way, it was a nice time away from the kids being able to look at great art and dream of my vacation to Denmark with my honey to see some of the other pieces and churches and castles....ahhhh. Someday, maybe 20 years, maybe sooner. All fellow art lovers and travel bugs are welcome to help plan the trip!