Happy Spring!

March has been a great month! The sun has emerged and the grey has slowly retreated. Things really started improving the week before St. Patrick's Day.

I was out on a walk with Sheri when I discovered upon my arrival at home, a package from Annie, my sister. What fun! We opened it up and felt brightened and excited about all the fun treasures she sent us. She sent a cute leprechaun card that plays an Irish tune. She gave Matt a box of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies -one of our favorites! She gave me a cute green and white striped purse/bag. She gave Eve an adorable green polka dot umbrella, Sterling a can of silly string, and Sheri a little purse with green nail polish and lip gloss inside. Sprinkled in the bottom were Hershey's Creme de Menthe kisses. This happens to be one form of chocolate that doesn't leave a yucky after taste which I am particularly sensitive to during times of morning sickness. - - Oh yeah, time to announce that formally. We are expecting a baby - due October 5th. - - I just hit 12 weeks, so let's all hope for increasing energy, and less nausea. It has already been improving. :)
Anyway, Let's just say Annie made my day/week! Her package was so cute that I made a centerpiece out of the items. It was all too cute to not display!



The day before St. Patrick's Day I created a fun treasure hunt. Our play area in the basement was a mess (from the kids.) They don't play down there very often and so I don't worry about it too much if it isn't perfect. However, this seemed like a perfect chance to clean it. I created a note from a pretend Leprechaun. Here is what it said:
"Dear Smith Kids,
I played a St. Patrick's Day trick on you. I made a giant mess in your toy room!
Ha Ha! Ha Ha! Ha Ha!
Now you have to clean it up! There is one little catch. Don't put EVERYTHING away or you might find all my clues and discover my pot of gold!
Sincerely,
Mischief Max,
Your friendly Leprechaun
P.S. - Your mom told me that if everything is put away she will make pancakes with green whipped cream tomorrow."

The kids had a great time with this. I had remind them a little bit to clean as they searched for hidden clues among the mess, but they ended up doing a good job of putting everything away as they collected the 10 clues. After they found the clues, they started the hunt and found 2 more clues which led to the "pot of gold." It was fun!

The kids find the note discover that they have to clean up the 'leprechaun's' mess.


The mess before.


A clean room and all the collected clues.


Finding the last clue.


The pot of Gold.


Enjoying the gold.



I also want to also note that we had a fun morning at the kids school this same week called pastries for parents. This is where we get to look at some of the kids' art work and enjoy muffins or doughnuts and juice together. Here are a few cute pics from the morning.






Also with the arrival of spring has come many park visits. Here is one where I am practicing with my camera a bit.







Recently, the kids surprised me with a pedicure on our sunny porch. So thoughtful! I had to document it and actually, Eve has a great touch! Not as good as Matt's foot rubs, but there is definitely some raw talent that I will be happy to encourage!



Sheri spritzing with some nice smelling body spray.


Dumping out the soaking bucket.


I definitely felt spoiled!

A final spring highlight is that birthday season begins in our family. Matt is March, Eve is April, Sheri is May, Sterling is June, and I am July!

We are so grateful for Matthew in our lives. I count my blessings that he has turned out to be just perfect for me and a wonderful father to our kids. We relish our time with him. He strengthens and supports us and makes our lives more fun! Although he likes to complain about getting older, I think he is as handsome as ever!







Happy Spring!

There is Beauty All Around

Do you ever feel blah? Not unhappy. Just sort of bored or tired of grey skies? Lately I have felt a little this way. Not because I don't have enough to do, but because sometimes life is just like that. I know that I am tremendously blessed. Last night Matthew reminded me of that. He came home with flowers for me. He is always finding new ways to brighten my day or lighten my load. I am so grateful that he is my husband!

As I was pondering my flowers today when the bitter, gusty wind was blowing outside, I thought about how nice it is to have a bright and beautiful spot amidst the grey.

Life can be like that. Sometimes it feels like a lot of routine and utility. I am glad to be reminded that life can also be beautiful, fun, and joyful.

Thank you to my wonderful husband! I am the luckiest woman in the world!

February 2012

Early in February we enjoyed some snow. It was actually quite a lot (8-10 inches I think!) I know, I shoveled our driveway. Lest you think my husband is a slacker, he went out later and shoveled as much as I did.

The kids had a grand time building a snowman and eating snow. . .





sledding with Dad . . .




and later, having a snowball war with 3 other neighborhood families. (Sorry no pics yet)




Valentine's Day was special this year because the kids wanted to use the money they earned to buy little presents for each member of the family. We went the Saturday before and they each picked something for each person. Also, by Valentine's Day our little mailboxes had become quite stuffed of sweet little notes to each other.

Here are a few of my favorites.


We also had heart shaped pizza and I made Trifle for dessert. I think it was a bit too sweet. My mom's is much better, but I can't figure out what I did differently.




On the 16th, the kids had the day off. We decided to hit the Children's Museum again, this time with friends.












On the 17th the Owen family came to visit. It was so nice to see them again and feel right at home with them. They arrived late Friday night. Saturday morning I made waffles and then in the afternoon we went to the temple and then out to lunch. In the evening we decided to go bowling.











Sunday we went to church and relaxed. We also enjoyed playing card games.

Monday we hit the Mormon Trail Center Visitor's Center before the Owens headed back. I only mananged to get a few magic moments captured.



We had a wonderful time! The kids were happy to get non-stop play time with their friends and I was glad to catch up and hang out with Matt and Kristen. Thanks Owens for a great weekend!

As a final note I wanted to quickly share a story about Eve. She is very determined! One day after school she asked (again) to walk home. It was a nice day, but quite a distance, especially for all the little ones. I tried to dissuade her. Nope. She wouldn't believe me that it was too far. So, finally I thought I'd let her learn the hard way. With me slowly following her, mostly on back roads, we started the trek home. Well, she was determined and finished the walk in about 1/2 an hour. She was happy and a little worn out when she got home. It gave her some great exercise and I don't think she'll ask again soon. Mission accomplished!