Birthday Celebrations!

So, I kind of love the fact that Gaupo and I's birthdays are only 4 days apart. Technically we are a few years and four days, but I love that they are close together. One, because even though it is fun to celebrate my birthday I am a mom and so, sometimes you have to make and do most things whereas if its someone else's birthday you feel like you are serving them and it is so fun. I love to think about my family and what they would like and birthday's provide a great opportunity for that.

Our celebrations started on Gaupo's actual birthday. I got up when the girls got up and I helped them wrapped Gaupo's presents. It's true he already knew what they were because we are trying to cut down our expenses, so we had a limited birthday budget and I wanted to make sure we were getting him stuff he would actually like. Anyway, after they wrapped up his presents we went and gave them to him in bed and sang him Happy Birthday. Then we left him alone to get ready. While he was doing that we made his birthday sign and blew up some balloons and wrote notes on them for him. The girls thought it was awesome and wanted to write there own. I was a little nervous because we were righting with permanent marker and we are not the best and keeping colors were they should be, but they did pretty good and Gaupo loved the pictures. My favorite was the one that Kylee drew of her and her dad together. I wish I had a pic, but you will just have to trust me it was cute. Then when we were all done with that (yes, Gaupo took his sweet time getting ready) we made him some chocolate milk for breakfast. The girls were extremely jealous, but loved taking turns adding chocolate and stiring it.

Kylee, Gaupo, and Tia opening cards.

After Gaupo went to work the rest of the day was pretty normal for us girls, but Gaupo's work surprised him with a Thank-you gift that had a gift card to Pie 5 (a new pizza place here in town.)  After some debate and asking the girls what they wanted to do, we decided to go for it and went out and used his gift card for dinner. We ordered 2 custom pizza's, 1 kids pizza, and two drinks. We spent all but like 43 cents on the gift card. We were pretty pleased with ourselves. It was fun to eat fancy and really do something special for his birthday.

Tia, Kylee and Gaupo eating their pizza.

Don't these two look so pleased with dinner?

When we got home we had a cookie cake for him. I made Guapo some "Cherry Yum-Yum" cookies and then arranged them on the plate. We all had one and then sent the girls off to bed.

Riding bikes real quick while waiting for Gaupo to get back from picking his car up at the Library.

Tia, Gaupo, Kylee, and the cookie cake. (Gaupo refuses to not make weird faces in pictures)

After they were asleep, we spent some time together for a bit and then Kitt came. She had called during dinner to see what the weather was like, it wasn't great, but we thought it would get worse, so she decided to come down. We talked with her for a bit, but then since we all still had real life the next day decided to go to bed.

For our family,  a lot of the celebration is in the food and people. So, Friday the celebration continued. I kicked the morning off by doing a workout with Kitt. We both said it was good the other person was there because we wouldn't have done it if it was just us. But, we did it and it really does feel good to get your blood moving in the morning. After getting cleaned up and sending Gaupo and Kitt to work (Kitt worked in Gaupo's office all day), I started Gaupo's cake. The girls really wanted to help and so we made it work. Sometimes I wish I could just make something all by myself, but then again it might not taste quite as good, because Kylee and Tia put a lot of joy and love into their cooking I am sure it tastes better when they help.

Tia and Kylee reaping the rewards of cooking great food.

Anyway, we got the two layers in the oven and out. Then put the third layer in and it was baking by the time my visiting teachers arrived. So, we visited and one of my VT has kids pretty close to my kids age and so the kids love playing together. Then when the left we went to a potluck Birthday Party for a lady in our ward Angel. It was fun to get together with a few sisters in my ward and eat and let the kids play. Honestly it is so nice to have kids that are willing to go play with other kids. Kylee has not always be like that, so I am glad it has finally happened. It was really fun and we accidentally stayed until about 2:00. Kitt and Gaupo only had about 30 minutes of lunch left by the time we got home. Plus Gaupo had been trying to call me, but my phone was off. Ooops, don't know how that happened. Anyway, we got home and got the girls down for naps, and Kitt and Gaupo sent back to work. Then I started frosting the cake. It was so fun. I had a great time trying to decided how to decorate it and luckily Gaupo has an imagination and enjoyed what I thought of. The cake had his name and a picture of a computer all made out of chocolate chips and M&M's.

A close-up of the cake.

By the time the cake was done the girls were awake, and I went and registered Kitt and I for the Try-a-Tri that is the first weekend in June. Then by the time we got home I was like, 'ummm what about the real food.' Finally, I decided that beef Fighitas would be good. So, I sort of thawed a London broil, sliced it and made beef Fighitas. They were good. They probably wouldn't have been Gaupo's choice, but we were celebrating my birthday too, so why not pick something I like and he thinks is good too. So, when Gaupo and Kitt FINALLY got home--they took forever, Gaupo was doing something and then Kitt was, oh man they took WAY to long to get home--we finally had dinner. It was good. We got the cake out and were taking pictures, and Gaupo had the girls on his lap and it was just more than Tia could take, and she stuck her hand in it. Luckily it wasn't too bad, but oh man! Oh well, the cake was good. After all that partying, we watched a short show and then got the girls to bed. Then Kitt and I went shopping.

Me, Tia, Gaupo, and Kylee around the cake.

Kitt with the fam and cake.

Oh it is so nice to have a second opinion and not have to chase kids around while shopping. We went to JC Penny. We looked at everything and both took a whole slew of clothes into the dressing room We finished trying on everything about 10 minutes to closing. I found some jean shorts, swim shorts, and a shirt I liked. I had a couple of coupons and so I got that stuff for like 20 bucks. It was pretty awesome. Then we went to Sprouts and Lucky's for a couple of food things I wanted and then got home. Gaupo wasn't too please when we got home because he had tried to call both of us and neither of us answered. My phone was on this time I just didn't hear it. Luckily, we got home before he got too worried. However, he was supportive of the clothes I bought. I have worn all of them and am really enjoying them. Once all the showing off of the purchases was through, we chatted for a bit, but we were all so tired that we hit the sack pretty early.

Saturday dawned. Saturday's are so great. I love that Gaupo has a couple of days to be home with us. We don't always use them to their full potential, but I just love having him here. Anyways, we had a scrumptious breakfast, plus I got to sleep in a little. Gaupo made breakfast burritos, bacon, and smoothies. It was so good. Then we went grocery shopping. Kitt is such a trooper to do these kinds of things with us. We got that done and came home there was a giant box on our steps. It was Gaupo's present, so he opened it and then gave me mine that had come earlier.

Gaupo with the cool chest.

Me and Tia pulling out a camping kettle.

Kylee and I with my new immersion blender.

Then we started making a dutch oven feast. We had dutch oven potatoes, lemon garlic dutch oven chicken, and birthday cake. Luckily we were smart enough to give Tia a sandwich while she was still happy and then she was full and we put her down for a nap after she joined us for a bit. It really was pretty amazing.

As you can tell she was pleased too, and thought it was amazing to eat on the floor.

Also, while Gaupo and I were doing food, Kitt and Kylee built an amazing tower out of Gaupo's new cooler, the box, and other stackable things they found. It was quite impressive.

Kitt and Kylee building their tower.

After good food, good times, and during rainy weather naps were had by all. When we got up we dinked around for bit, but then we had to figure out what to have for dinner. No one was really that hungry, but with fast Sunday being the next day you have to have something for dinner. So, after much debate and ideas we made homemade teriyaki sauce, fried rice, chicken, and some oven roasted veggies. It was a great meal. The teriyaki sauce made the chicken really good and it was just great. Then we had baths and sent the girls to bed. Once they were in bed Kitt ran out to get some sour cream she forgot she needed and Gaupo and I got cleaned up. Then when Kitt got back we decided we would watch a movie. We watched Sahara. It is a movie that we really like. We bought it for Kitt, but she hasn't watched it yet, so we decided to watch it so then if she was ever in a group she could recommend it. Oh man, I probably shouldn't like that movie as much as I do because it does have swearing, but its really good. After the movie, we talked and then it was time to go to bed.

Sunday happened early, but Sunday is also a great day of the week. We all got ready for church. Kitt and Gaupo took care of the kids while I got ready. Then when it was time to go to church Kitt left to go home too. Boo, seriously I wish she didn't have to work and could just play with us all the time. It is so fun to play with her. Anyway, church was really good. I had to give the lesson in R.S. It was a little on service, a little on looking outside ourselves, a little on getting to know your sisters, and probably a little on something else. I actually didn't quite know how it was going to play out because when I was preparing I got to a point where I just felt like that was all I should do, and I was like WHAT? I kind of need to know how to start this lesson, but I trusted and just went with what came and I thought it went well and I felt the Spirit there, so I think that makes the lesson a success. After church we came home and got the girls some food. Then it was naps. Then we had a dinner of leftovers from the night before. Then we got the girls ready for bed and I let them stay up a little bit, so they could visit on the family hangout. Just Oma and Aunt Kara were on, but the girls love Baby Ross, and they loved singing and saying hi to Oma so it worked. We had a good hangout and when it was over, Kitt and I talked for like another 30ish or more minutes and then decided we had better go to bed.

Monday was my birthday. To be honest it was kind of a hard day. One because as a mom with a birthday on a Monday you don't have breakfast made for you, you don't get to sleep in, etc. And yes, I know I had all that stuff in the weekend, but I am not perfect okay and I would really like it ON my birthday too. Also, I don't know what else was up but it was kind of an emotionally rough day. That being said it was still a pretty good day. We went for a run. I made myself a good breakfast of pancakes, but I was accidentally read the muffin recipe, so even though I tried to take out some of the sugar they were still pretty sweet. The day was perfect weather. My mom, dad, and Klaire called me first thing in the morning. The girls and I had fun going to the park and playing. I got some birthday texts. (see I really should not have been emotionally struggling, but hey its the way it was.) Anyway, after our fun morning it was time to get to work. I made white bread which takes FOREVER, and then I made my birthday cake of vanilla cinnamon rolls. It was a lot of baking and my kids did pretty good, but were also getting pretty naughty by the time I was done. About 4:30 I decided what I wanted for dinner. Gaupo had been asking me all day/weekend. I was so full or busy nothing had sounded good till then.

So, I called him up and said I wanted a party sub from the grocery store. He thought that was great, so when he got home he surprised me with linking onto a bike ride. That bike ride was so what I needed--a little space, a little fresh air, good food, and company. We went to the store and got the sub and some chips and then we went out to the bikes to go to the park and the hitch to the bike trailer broke. I was like oh man, what are we going to do? Well what we ended up doing was using the safety strap and tighting it as best we could and going to a park a lot closer than originally thought. It worked okay, but not great. Made weird noises, and hit the tire and stuff. Anyway, we get to the park and we find Kylee's friend Tori and her dad and brother their. The girls had a blast playing with them. They climbed all over the toys, picked lettuce (weeds), and ran from the monster that was in the basin drain. Finally, we made the girls come eat dinner which was very good. Then we had a short lesson, and started home. Gaupo biked the kids up the hill, but decided it best to walk them down the hill. It looked so funny, because he was leaning all weird trying to keep the trailer from sliding forward and at the same time hold his bike up. He was literally trying to walk perpendicular to his bike. It looked so awkward. Anyway, we get home and get settled. While I am getting the cinnamon rolls out, Gaupo glues the hitch back together. Then we have cinnamon rolls, and get the kids to bed. Then I talk to Kara and Heidi. Then we play games and call it a night. I was so tired. See looking at it I don't know what the heck my problem was a great day, but oh well.

Me, Tia and Kylee with our picnic dinner.

Kylee, Me, Tia, and my birthday cake.

Since one day is not enough celebration I decided to elongate it in to Tuesday. Gaupo got up with the girls, so I could sleep in. We had a good breakfast and then went swimming. We came back and got Gaupo off to work. I believe we played outside and then had lunch and naps. During that I made dinner of tequitos. They were pretty good. Then Gaupo came home and we had dinner. Then we were going to go in the bike trailer, but it broke again, so we didn't, and instead stayed home and rode bikes up to the high school. If you haven't been here it is a pretty good climb up and a pretty crazy down hill on the way home. The girls had a tough time going up and just about made me have a heart attack several times on the way down. Oh man, but they both thought it was great, especially Tia. She loves going fast, but she is not the best driver because she gets distracted and tends to steer toward what she is looking at and not where she is going. AUGHHH, so scary, but fun and funny at the same time. Then it was time for bed. Then I called my mom for a bit and while I was doing that my Visiting Teacher stopped by with cookies. That was super fun. Then after awhile Gaupo got home and we chatted and went to bed. You see this day as I write doesn't seem as birthday-ish, but in the living of it, it felt like a much better day. Oh well, they were both good.

So, I am officially one year older. It is crazy to think that I am 27 years old, but I am. I can't believe all that has happened in the last year and years. I am totally growing, changing, living, and overcoming everyday. Life is funny that way, no two days are really ever the same. So grateful, that i get to be a year older and I really can't wait to see what this year brings. It has already been great. I have great kids who are silly, crazy, funny, smart, loveable, and fun loving. I have a husband who is so supportive, kind, funny, silly, and a great dad. So, it looks like it will be another great year. Truly so blessed.

Kicking it Off in Arizona a Novel

Arizona just makes you feel like summer is around the corner. It wonderful warm sunshine. I mean that thing is HOT. I LOVE it. It just warms you skin and makes you feel cozy. It is awesome. Not to mention Arizona is my home and where some super awesome people live, so we decided to kick-off the Spring and hopefully soon summer off in Arizona.

The girls and I flew out on Monday. We left at noon. Gaupo went through security with us. We used the best kept DIA secret of the bridge security. It was great. The lines were so much shorter and it still leads to all the gates. I was really glad Gaupo was with me, because I was able to explore with more confidence. Anyway, we arrived at our gate and then we had to say good-bye. I really wish he could come with us. I hate leaving him here alone, but so glad he supports me in wanting to go home. So then we waited around for our plane to leave. Tia found the wheelchairs and was playing on those, plus we found a little friend to play with for a bit. That is always fun. Then we used the potty and waited for them to call 'zone 3.' I had no desire to board early as that just meant we had to spend more time in our seats. However, the flight went well. Tia sat by the window and had a great time moving the window shade up and down over and over again.

Us on the plane. Tia totally all about seeing what is out the window.

I also made the girls wait till we were on the plane before I gave them lunch, so they thought that was pretty fun too. Kylee took a little rest on me and Tia just did whatever she could think of in that tiny space until we got to AZ. As a side note, we paid for three tickets and so we had the whole row to ourselves. That was so nice because I didn't have to worry about them bugging the people right next to us. Anyway, we get to AZ and meet Papa. WAHOOO! It was so great to see him. He helped us get the carseats and suitcase and to the car we went. Getting the carseats in is such a pain. I kind of cant wait until we don't have to do those anymore, but its awhile a way, so I guess I will just have to hang on. And I digress.

 Anyway, we headed out and Tia feel asleep, so we got Papa some lunch at In-and-Out Burger and then went and parked in the shade and let him eat it. I did get some fries and Kylee and I shared those. They were so good. Then we went to my Aunt Liz's house. My cousin Michayle was visiting with her 3 girls, so we let the girls just run around outside and play with them. It was a much needed break from travel. After playing for a bit, we headed out to pick-up Klaire from the airport (she was flying in from Ogden after being at BYUI for the year.) Her flight was a little late, so we had to wait. But she got there and we got hugs and her luggage and got in the car to go to Distribution to look for a temple dress, but forgot they close early on Monday's and so we missed it. Good thing the temple has clothes she can wear, and she bought a few garments in Rexburg. So, then we hit Sams Club for some fruit and dinner and then went home. The drive home seemed like FOREVER! We had to stop once because Tia totally had an accident in her seat, so we had to stop and take care of that, but we got it taken care of (put a diaper on for the rest of the ride.) Finally, we got home around 10:00. Oma was so glad to see us, and Kylee was more than willing to cuddle with her. After a few minutes of stretching our legs we put the girls to bed, visited for a short bit and then went to bed.

Tuesday started bright and early as did almost everyday we were in Arizona. My kids just don't switch times easily, so if they made it till 6:00 or 6:30 I could not have been happier. Anyway, one good thing about getting crack-alackin' in the morning is that we get to have scriptures and prayers with Papa before he goes to work. Then Oma made us her delicious breakfast casserole. It is like an omelet, but she cooks it in the oven. It was so good. Of course, my polite little Kylee took one bit and then said, "I just like my eggs plain." We kind of need to work on our manners of not saying stuff like that out loud. I guess I should just really count my blessings that at least she didn't "yuck, this is disgusting." After breakfast, I took a shower. Traveling always makes me feel kind of gross. Kylee got to watch a show with Oma during that time. Then we went downstairs and played in Oma's super fun basement. Then i am not sure what we did (hazards of not getting this post finished last week 4/26), but I know we had a great time and then had lunch and put the girls down. Oma and I took a little nap and Klaire decided that was lame and went to visit her friend Paige. Well as we promised our naps weren't long and before she got back, Mom had made cookies and I had called Driel about the R.S. Activity that was coming up in a week. Poor Mom had taken the day of the temple and all that happened during that time was naps and me doing RS stuff. Luckily mom is a good sport and we enjoyed each other and chatting after I was done. After naps and before dinner, Oma had a presidency meeting, so we went to Pima park while she had her meeting. That night we just talked and played games and then went to bed.

Tia Climbing up.

Kylee learning to do the bars down. She is scared here, but she got really good at these before we left.

Wednesday was kind of the same thing except for breakfast was something else delicious. I didn't have cold cereal once while I was there and it was AWESOME!! I just haven't liked cold cereal lately, so if I can find a way not to eat it I will. After breakfast, Oma watched the girls while Klaire and I went for a run. Then when we got back we went to the Thatcher Park. Usually that place is empty, but for some reason there were actually quite a few people there. However, we played and had a great time anyway. I think we played there for about two hours it was kind of an impressive amount of time at the park. While there one of Klaire's friends mistook me for her and saw me and was like "Hey! What's up?" I was like "hey." Then she was closer and noticed I wasn't Klaire, but I looked a lot like her and was like, "Oh, I thought you were Klaire." I replied, "I am her sister, she's right over there." Anyway, it was pretty funny. So, after the park we went home and had lunch and the girls took naps. Klaire and I talked during naptime and then when the girls got up we went outside. They loved throwing rocks in the ditch, seeing the chickens, and playing with Skippy. Then we had dinner, and got the girls to bed. Then Oma and Klaire and I played games and talked.

Tia with her prized chicken egg. She begged us all day to go and get it.

Thursday we did a workout inside. That was kind of disastrous, because the girls kept doing things they shouldn't, but we got through. Oma had to to work that day, BUMMER. However, after working out, having breakfast, taking care of a couple fiascoes and taking turns getting cleaned-up it was time to get a lunch together. So, we made special drinks and sandwiches and gathered up some other stuff and stopped for a minute at Oma's work and said hi and my kids were great enough to get us invited back for some ice cream cake. From Oma's work we went to Papa's office were we got to see lots of the people he works with and of course they all thought his granddaughters were just so precious. (As they should) Then Papa gave the girls the choice of going across the street to eat at the park or in the breakroom. Kylee chose the breakroom, so that is were we went. Poor other people that were in there, Tia kept opening and closing the door. That door is very loud and it clicks where you open or shut it, plus the floor in there is all tile, so every sound is amplified. However, they did say they didn't mind and hopefully it is true because the normal quite breakroom was not. Our lunch was good, and it was fun to have it with Papa. Then we all, including Papa, went to Oma's office to cash in on the offer of ice cream cake. It was a fun treat and we totally dirtied that office more that it usually is, but don't worry we didn't leave it that way. It is just what happens when little kids get ice cream. So, anyway we went home and got the girls down for a nap and then Klaire and I took a little snooze and then chatted. When the girls woke-up they wanted to go outside, so we took them out there and then made dinner. Papa and Oma got home and we had dinner and during dinner we got to video chat with Aunt Kara and baby Ross. Then Oma and Klaire headed to the temple and Papa started getting ready. I cleaned up dinner and then the babysitter got there. Luckily she was okay with getting to know the kids while I went and got changed for the temple. Once I was a ready, Papa and I left for the temple.

It was so wonderful to be with Klaire as she received her endowments. It was fun to sit on the very front row next to her and mom. It was wonderful to be in the Celestial room together. It was also really nice to be in the Celestial room and just be able to relax and enjoy the peace and spirit of the temple. I really wish all my other siblings could have been there. It would have been/will be so neat to be in the temple all together. It was such a wonderful experience. I love the temple and the peace and feeling of safety there. Papa stayed to clean, while us girls went home. The babysitters had done great and the girls were in bed and asleep. So, we were chilling and enjoying being home. Then Papa got home and we chatted a bit more and then it was late, so we had prayers and went to bed.

Friday Oma worked at the temple, and Papa went to work super early so he could get a few hours in and then come home. While everyone was gone Klaire and I took the girls to the temple. I was going to do it sooner, but things just kept coming up. Finally, I was like we are going, so we went. Those two were so cute. The loved the temple and it was fun to talk about it and let them be there and answer their questions it was great.

Kylee and Tia at Gila Valley Temple.

We came back home and Papa was back, and ready to play WAHOOO!! The main thing we did was go on a four-wheeler ride. We went to Bryce cemetery and Kylee wanted to know where Derek was. After we explained that, and showed her my Mama Fawn's grave and a couple of other cool things up there we continued on to where there use to be a spring. When we got to where it use to be we climbed down and hiked the creek bed for a bit till we found where it comes out now. That was super fun for me, but you can totally tell my kids are from the city and haven't done much hiking yet. Tia kept wanting to run as if it were flat ground, which it wasn't so luckily we were able to save her from all but one spill. Kylee didn't like that it was hard and uneven, and that she had to watch out for bushes and 'jump' down to Papa. However, we all made it and I thought it was great. I love these treasures my dad can show me. I love seeing the secrets of where I live. Sometimes I wonder how different they were when he was exploring them, but I am so glad he can remember where they are and take me. I love it. Anyway, the girls were so done after that so we went back home. Once there we had lunch and then it was time for naps. After naps we helped Papa clean out the truck and got the carseats in it and all drove up to El Charo for dinner. Klaire and I got a sampler plate thing. It had a bunch of different things on it. It was all pretty good and it was fun to go eat Mexican in AZ. It's been awhile and after going and having my kids with us I remembered why. It is because kids always want to go use the potty like a million times, then they make a huge mess while eating, then when they are all done they want to get down and run around. AHHHHH!! Oh well, we all survived. That night we watched some home videos that Papa had converted to DVD in his class and oh my it was funny. It was like my life right now just with a couple extra kids around. Oma was laughing so hard, I was laughing, and Papa I think was laughing at both us and the video. Oma's comment was "I don't remember living in a zoo." It gave me hope that if us kids were like that at one time and turned out the way we did then there is still hope for my family. After awhile, we turned it off and I went and packed up all my stuff and then we visited more and went to bed.

Saturday we got up early and had breakfast and were out the door by pretty close to 7. We left knowing that there were possible weather factors, but I honestly didn't think they would cancel it. But lo and behold, they did just as we got to north Mesa. When they first called they offered me the Monday morning flight, but I just couldn't agree to that without consulting with the people that would need to take me and pick me up. Luckily we decided that Tuesday was best, because by the time I had spent an hour on hold the Monday flight was full. They were going to offer me a flight voucher, but I said 'Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. I need a flight can I get on the Tuesday flight?' Those people are crazy to think I can get a flight at the same price. Anyway, luckily I got the Tuesday flight and we continued with our day. Our day included getting some edging rock for Papa. That was a chore since we couldn't find the place for like a LONG time. Oh man, my kids were so done with the car. When we finally got the brick we went out to Aunt Liz's house to get Oma's hair done. On the way out, we crushed a basketball. It was unavoidable. Papa tried and almost crushed my suitcase but in stead of ruining my luggage he sacrificed the ball. I was grateful but I doubt the kids whose ball it was is. Anyway, while we were at Aunt Liz's house the girls played outside, I figured out the details of not coming back to Colorado until the day of the RS event and got the bonus of getting my haircut. Its a pretty simple cut, but man it it so nice to have it cut. I LOVE it.

I know its blurry, but these two thought the salon chair was amazing.

When that was all done we went to Costco and got Klaire a swimsuit. Then we went to distribution to see if Klaire could get a temple dress, and get her more garments. We were successful on the garments, not so much on the temple dress. Then we headed to Sams for dinner and then on the road home. Oh man, that drive seems so long when you are ready for it to be done. It is seriously a killer almost. However, we got home safe and sound.

Sunday was great. We got up and Oma and Klaire entertained the girls while I got ready. Then they got ready. Then we had a little lunch and went to church. Tia had an accident on the way to church. Yes, the child that went to Mesa and back the day before didn't make it the five minutes to the Church building. AUUUGHHHHH!! It is so frustrating. I wish I could find out what was going on when that happened, but I can't it is so weird. It is just like sometimes she forgets or I don't know she used it right before we left. So yeah, church started off great with me having to clean that up, but luckily things dry in AZ and luckily I had spare clothes. Actually, I am pretty sure that was following the spirit, because I ran back in the house to grab something and remembered I didn't have clothes and instead of saying oh we will be fine, I went and got them. So, I did have them. Thank goodness. So after that disaster, it was time for sacrament meeting. Well I had to take Tia out and then we came back and she fell asleep., which was great. However, when she woke up and needed to go to nursery she wasn't so sure about that. Luckily (I guess), Kylee didn't want to go to her class either and was more than willing to go with Tia to nursery, so not wanting to be stuck with two kids during RS I let them go. It worked out really well I think. After church we came home, and got dinner cooking. We had Papa Ross up for dinner. It was fun to visit with him. I wish I could concentrate more, but with two kids it wasn't happening. Oh well, dinner was good and the company was better and when it was all finished Papa Ross left we got things cleaned up and the kids to bed. Then me and Papa snuck off to Papa Ross's house. While we were there I got to catch up with my cousin Mary Anne and see my cousin James and his two kids. Oh man, it was so good to see them both. James little girl loved me and didn't want to go back with her dad. I think that might have made him feel bad, but boy did it make me feel good. She was super cute and funny I kind of didn't want to give her back, but I did. Then we went home and we visited for a bit and then went to bed.

Monday was a little crazy. Tia was running from one naughty thing to another almost faster than I could catch her it was crazy. So, we decided to get out of the house before anything got destroyed and went to the park again. This time we had most of the park to ourselves. It was pretty fun and we played for a long time. I seriously love that my kids love the park. I wish they would play in our backyard without one, but I love that they will at least play at one. Anyway, about the time we were going to leave a couple of my friends arrived with their kids. One was Jessica Pace, and then the other was Leseli Judd. It was fun to catch up with them and see how they were doing. I haven't seen Jessica in a long time, so it was so fun to see her and her kids. My kids were so done, so even though I wanted to stay a little longer it was time to go. We came home and had lunch and naps. Klaire and I meant to play games, but ended up talking. When the girls woke up we let them go swimming. This consisted of them dipping their bums in the pool and then getting out sliding on the slide and repeat, and done with lots of screaming. To be honest when my kids are having the most fun with a rambunctious activity it usually involves very high pitched loud screaming. We finished up with that and then went inside to help Oma with dinner. After dinner we had FHE. Oma pulled out a prayer puzzle and asked the girls different questions about prayer and then we played happy home and had a treat. It was fun and simple. Then we just kind of hung around and I repacked and went to bed.

Tuesday is pretty much covered on the previous post, but it was a very long and wonderful day. We were off by 7:00 again, we had to be this time or we would have to take the long way around. So, luckily we got off on time and through the blasting zone before it closed. It was fun to talk to my dad, and kind of enjoy our drive down there just us. Well, sorta. Tia and Kylee offered their two cents every once in awhile. Tia with usually going Papa, Papa, PAPA until he answered. She thought that was so funny. We made a pit stop at Jack in the Box and the pool store and then went to the airport. Luckily they let Papa through security with me and then we also scored and found a play area. It was awesome. I think every terminal needs one. It was so great. Then we eventually boarded and flew to Denver. Here we met are dad and boy howdy were we excited to see him and him to see us. Oh it was so good to be together again. I wish I could haven't spent all night together, but it wasn't to be and I did have a great time at the RS meeting, so it wasn't all for nothing. Plus the girls had a great time having some Daddy-Daughter time.

Sorry this is so long and not many pictures, but I forgot my camera and it was a whole eventful week. So hope you enjoy.

God is in the Details

So, I had a fantastic vacation in AZ that ended a week ago. I will post all about the fun and adventures we had while there, but I want to write a blurb about how God knows us and what is important to us.

I was suppose to come home from AZ on Saturday April 16. I knew there was a weather advisory out, but my flight wasn't cancelled or really even delayed yet, and I was missing Gaupo, so we headed to Mesa to see if we could get me home. Well as we were entering Mesa my flight got cancelled. When they called me I had options for Monday or Tuesday, but I couldn't make that decision alone because I wasn't taking myself or picking myself up. So, after I conferred with my parents and Gaupo we decided to do Tuesday which is great, because by they time I called back the flight Monday was full. Sweet I got two extra days of vacation, but I also had a R.S. Activity I was in charge of on Tuesday night (the day I arrived back.) I  got back about 40 minutes before the event started. So, let me tell you how Heavenly Father knew what would happen and helped me.

The week before I left I was planning what to get and where to get it and all that stuff. I had contacted a sister in our ward about how much food we would need. I had gone to price everything out and then I couldn't do any more. I mean seriously talk about a stupor of thought and action. It was crazy, because it was flowing and then all of the sudden it wasn't. I was thinking to myself 'What the heck, why isn't this working?' Well, I decided I had done everything I could. I couldn't buy the stuff that was on sale that week even though I wanted to. Heavenly Father knows me so well he made sure we didn't have the cash available at the time or coming to cover that, so I would look for another way to do it. Anyway, Sunday the first stone fell into place they finally called me a meeting coordinator after 4 months. I was like WAHOOOO!!! But, then I couldn't get a hold of her that night and I was leaving the next day. Oh well we just kept moving forward. Tuesday I was able to get in touch with this great sister and I told her I hadn't bought a thing and we worked things out, so she could go get everything except the last things we needed at Sams Club. We would go do that Monday. So, I was feeling pretty good about this arrangement, and then my flight was cancelled.

After the flight was cancelled and setup again, I started making phone calls. I called Laralee who said she would help Driel think of people to delegate stuff too. Then I called Driel (my mtg coordinator). She took the news like a champ. I told her the meat we needed had gone on sale that week at King Soopers, it was up to her what she wanted to do about the coleslaw (she ended up cutting up everything for it. Crazy wonderful lady), etc. I just handed the whole dinner over to her. Oh man it was so nerve racking. Isn't that sad that I had such a hard time letting go and trusting someone that was perfectly capable to do it. Oh well, I passed it off and then prayed for the best.

Then because my flight was cancelled I was able to get my hair cut. Oh my was that a relief. I couldn't remember the last time was hair was cut and it was getting bad, it wouldn't hold curl for anything and when it was straight the ends looked yucky. Anyway, my mom asked me if I liked it and I said I am not sure if I love the haircut or the fact that I don't have to worry about getting the appointment and what to do with my kids during it.

Sunday and Monday were my Bonus-Vacation days. They were double bonus because I got to see my cousin Mary Anne and my cousin James. I haven't seen James in so long. I loved seeing him. I loved watching him take care of his kids and love them. It was so awesome. Totally a blessing. Then on Monday I got to see Jessica Hancock (OK so she's Pace now, but she will always be Jessica Hancock it's just how it works.) It was so fun. I haven't seen her since high school probably. It was good to see her and her kids and hear what was up with them. See bonus time and bonus people--accident I think NOT.

So, on Tuesday we came home. First off it was really nice to get some alone time with my dad. I really like talking to him and he is a champion listener. It was fun to have him all to myself. Then he went through security with us (what a great guy). He helped me take the girls for a walk and we ended up finding a play area that had a tunnel, slide, and some stepping things, plus giant windows, open space, and not a lot of people. It was AWESOME. Especially since our plane was delayed, so we got to play for awhile and the girls LOVED it. Anyway, I get picked up by Gaupo we make it home at like 5:50, I am suppose to be at the church at 6:00 to setup and look like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. One of my friends dropped off a blue dress that worked for my costume, and because I cut my hair, it still had a little curl left so I had wavy pigtails. It was perfect. Anyway, I get there and Emily (she was the one who organized and planned the whole event) had everything decorated. Driel had the food. We were missing big plates, but someone came in and asked if there was anything they could do and I said, "Yes, can you go to the store and get dinner plates." She was more than willing to so that disaster was averted. Anyway, the night went great. It wasn't perfect, but you know what the 'meat' of the activity was. The speakers really brought the spirit in and gave great insights into Visiting Teaching. The food was great and we had enough of it. It was a great evening.

Heavenly Father is in the detail. This is a list of the details for me...
1. Called me an amazing Meeting Coordinator
2. Got my hair cut
3. My hair stayed curled. I am not a pigtail person, and I really thought Dorothy should have curled pigtails, so I was really glad that they could be that way.
4. I got home in time to help a little bit. It was kind of a worry because there was pretty bad traffic on the way home.
5. Enough food
6. The Program went good.
7. The only thing we were missing was big dinner plates.
8. I got home on Tuesday and Gaupo got the night off, so he could babysit the girls. He was so excited.
9. I got to see James, Mary Anne, and Jessica
10. I didn't have all the food at my house. That would have been kind of hard for Gaupo.

There are probably more, but those were some of the big ones besides the fact I got TWO extra days of time at home.

General Conference and Happy Birthday Kitt!

What a great weekend! Seriously it was so good. It was packed with family, fun, spiritual upliftment, good naps for the kids, and good times by all. We started out the weekend right with blueberry waffles for breakfast. I never make blueberry waffles because it it so hard to clean the griddle after, but Gaupo didn't want plain-ole and the girls didn't want cinnamon, so Gaupo said he would clean the waffle iron if we could have blueberry. Who am I to refuse when I have an offer like that. They really were very delicious. After breakfast we split-up to conquer so errands before conference. I hit the bank and two grocery stores while Gaupo and the girls went to Wal-Mart. It was a record, because we both got what we needed to done and were home in time for conference. Conference was really good and when the session ended we had lunch while watching the world report. I really enjoy watching that because it is very fun to see what the church is doing around the world.

After lunch, we decided we need some outside time. Plus, it is a super great place to wait for our Aunt Kitt to come. The girls rode bikes, we played bat (baseball), played rollie-pollie, and just enjoyed being outside. It was soooo nice. Aunt Kitt got here and we let her open her present from the girls--a new water bottle. Its a little small but hopefully she will enjoy it and it doesn't leak. Then we tucked the girls in for naps and watched the afternoon session of conference. I felt kind of bad that I purposely put my kids to bed so I could watch the majority of the session in peace, but it really was so nice to be able to concentrate and just hear what the speakers had to say. I don't necessarily remember what was said, but I love the way conference brings the spirit into my home and heart. After enjoying conference, we got our party on. We started off by coloring Easter Eggs. That was a little crazy with two little kids, but they had fun and were content to pretty much dump the egg in one color. It was pretty fun to watch them and to do something together.

The family all together.

Me and Gaupo. Aren't we so cute?

All the eggs before we ate them all up!

Once the eggs were colored, Guapo started a fire and we had a hotdog roast. Oh man, fire-roasted hotdogs are the best. Plus, I got some good buns on sale, so they were like SUPER good.

The fire.

Kylee enjoying her chips.

We also had chips which is a real treat. Then we quickly came inside and had birthday cake. We made our crockpot cake, but substituted gluten-free flour and it turned out super good.

Lighting her birthday matches. 

Blowing the out.

Us sillies around the wonderful cake.

Once we were stuffed to capacity, Gaupo rushed off to priesthood session. Poor guy, he didn't have time to shower, but he threw on his Sunday clothes and went anyway. While Gaupo was away we went to the park and play and played and played.

The girls rode their bikes to the park. Here I am helping Tia.

Aunt Kitt and Kylee swinging spider style.

Finally, we had to come home and take baths. Those kids of mine were dirty. However, we got them clean and sent them to bed. Then it was project time. I have been working on General Conference dresses, but I needed Kitt here to help me with mine and hers. So, we worked on that for like 3 hours. She is such a trooper, but she did get a cute dress out of it so she can't complain too much. She could complain a little because she helped A LOT and only got one dress. After it was all done, we visited until none of us could stay awake and went to bed.

Sunday dawn early, but I was really excited for the girls to finally have their dresses, so it was just fine. So, I got up with them and helped them get all dressed and ready. Then we read books, had milk, and chilled until the tired people got up. Gaupo made breakfast casserole and smoothies for everyone. It was so good. Then I went and got ready and then it was time for Conference. This session was pretty hard because Tia was every where, and every time I would try to entertain her with something new and quiet Kylee would want to. That wouldn't be a problem if Kylee didn't just take over and start telling Tia how to play with the toy she just got. Oh it was frustrating. However, we made it, and then went outside for a nice LONG walk.

Before the walk we went out and took pictures of us being all matchy-matchy.

It is pretty fun to walk up and around the school. We like to walk on the curbs, jump off the squares, and play at the picnic tables. When we came home we had lunch and then sent the kids to bed. They took really good naps and I was able to enjoy all of conference (thanks to Kitt who took care of lunch while I tried my hand at a glutten-free pie shell.) They even slept a little past that so I took a rest on Gaupo until they started descending the stairs. When they woke -up, they facetimed Oma for a bit and then I think they went out back and played while I made 7-Layer Pie and Pico.

Tia licking the beaters.

The finished pie.

Then I went out for a bit while Gaupo browned meat. Then I came back in to help with Greasy taco's. Oh man that birthday dinner was GOOD! We were so full after dinner and pie, but it was so good.

Kitt cutting the pie.

Then we cleaned up dinner and then it was time to put the girls to bed. Then Kitt and I visited for a bit and then I had to send her off. Sometimes I really wish she didn't work so she could stay and play more, but I know if she wasn't working staying and playing more wouldn't be an option either, so I will take her when I can get her. Shortly after she left I started working on some R.S. stuff and then Gaupo came home and I was still doing some R.S. things. I know we didn't play a game, but I am not sure what we did, but I do think we went to bed kind of early. Either way that was the end of the great weekend.

I really did enjoy General Conference. I loved the reminders of service and to serve where we are. I loved the simple word of the prophet: Temples and make good choices. I love the powerful testimonies, the great stories, and the way I really felt like I wasn't alone in the challenges that I face. I mean people aren't experiencing the EXACT same thing as me, but they are experiencing similar things and are coming off conquer. That gives me much hope. I am so grateful for the love and peace that conference bring and the hope and guidance it gives for the coming days.

I am so grateful for Kitt. I love chatting with her. I have really enjoyed working on the dress project with her. Kitt is so full of power and awesomeness. I am continually amazed at how she manages everything that life has thrown at her. I know that it hasn't gone according to her plan, but she keeps trusting in the Lord and looking for the best and doing her best. Man Kitt is awesome, I seriously don't know why someone has taken her away from me yet, but I guess maybe because I am not ready to be nice to whoever does that (just kidding). But seriously I am so grateful for the opportunity we get to have her close by, and the opportunity we have to hear and see her be successful. 

Easter 2016

Oh man, this Easter weekend just flew by. We got to kickoff the fun on Friday when our Aunt Kitt came a little early, so she could beat the snow. It is a good thing she did, because it did snow on Friday night. Anyway, she got here shortly after the girls woke-up from their naps and so we just played and then I made dinner. Which was very good if I do say so myself. Then after we sent the girls to bed Kitt and I headed to Hancock Fabric to get some thread, ribbon, and possibly some fabric. I had already got the fabric I needed, but they had some good stuff on sale, so I thought I would check it out with the real intent to buy. Anyway, we looked at everything and I pretty much decided I can't just buy fabric for when I might want to make something; I have to buy it when I know what I am going to do. However, Kitt was a trooper and looked at every table and rack that had sale fabric on it. Finally after about and hour we came home with just the thread and ribbon. We were going to make cookies when we got home, but Gaupo wanted to have some, so we opted to wait till Saturday and played a game instead. We played Settlers of Catan it is a very intense game. I lost by a lot, so to be honest I was one of the main ones that would be the reason why Settlers breaks up families. No really though, it was fun and we ended up talking for a while. Gaupo gave up around 11 and Kitt and I talked till after midnight.

Saturday obviously dawn bright and early; although, the girls did sleep in a little which was so nice considering when I went to bed the night before. Anyway, we got up had a quicky breakfast and hit the sledding hill. We made a good trail and were thus able to have quite a few good runs. The girls do pretty well at staying out of the path, but sometimes they forget because really it is the easiest place to walk up the hill. Oh well, it was fun. We went down multiple time in multiple different arrangements it was some good family time on the hill.

Gaupo pushing Kitt and Tia down the hill.

Kitt and Kylee going down. The crazies. 

When we came back in we talked the girls out of hot chocolate, but not out of snuggling under a blanket and watching a show. Gaupo, Kitt, and the girls watch some Curious George while I made cookies. They turned out pretty good. After the show and while the cookies were baking Kitt and I played with the girls downstairs while Guapo did some homework. After playing for a bit, we had lunch and then naps.

During naps Kitt and I 'projected.' Man am I glad Kitt was there to help me think things through, plus she picked out some mistakes and man it was good to have company. The time flew by and before we knew it we had little visitors coming and no dresses completed. Oh well, good thing they are General Conference dresses and we still have this week and weekend to get them done.

When we emerged from working on the projects, we had to figure out what to do for dinner. When you need something quick, easy, and filling is when being gluten free is rough. However, we figured it out. Gaupo pulled out the grill and we grilled up burgers in the garage and had those for dinner. Oh man, those burgers were so good moist, flavorful, something different than the winter food we have been living on, oh so good. The only downside is they kind of dried us out, so though the meat stuck around for fast Sunday the water was a little lacking. Anyway, after that tasty meal, Kitt and I got ready for the General Women's broadcast. I changed my outfit about 10 times trying to find something that I liked, and finally ended up going back to the first one I tried on. Uh, sometimes I wish I could just roll with it. Oh well, I finally settled on something and we headed out. We got there just before it started. It was so nice having Kitt right there. The meeting was excellent. The main message I got out of it was 'stop complaining about how much it takes to serve and do it.' I feel like I have so many opportunities to serve lately, but often times its not easy to do them so I don't or I kind of make a big deal out of it---BAD! So, I am resolving to serve with a willing heart and relish in the opportunity given to me to serve. After the broadcast, and visiting with a few people we came home. We played Clue. It has been a LONG time since I have played that game, but we did and it was a lot of fun. Then we talked and got ready for Sunday.

Sunday morning we woke-up to an Easter Egg Hunt. WAHOOO!!! To be honest, we had to tell Kylee it was Easter, but when we did she immediately was wondering if the Easter Bunny came. Which he did. He setup a great hunt for the girls and even had a few tricky ones that Aunt Kitt had to find. It was pretty fun. Although about halfway through Tia noticed there was a lot of candy on the table and was like 'Why the heck am I hunting if the goods are right here?' So, we kind of had to put that up so that she could focus on the hunt. It was super fun to watch the girls and Kylee is turning into a pretty good seeker.

Kylee with her load.

Tia with her load.

Tia helping Aunt Kitt get her eggs.

Kylee searching her Kitchen for eggs.

After the hunt, we fed the girls breakfast and then it was time to get ready for church. Gaupo took care of the girls while I got ready. When it was the girls turn to get ready, they were so excited to wear their new Easter dresses. While Gaupo was getting ready, Kitt and I went outside and took pictures of them.

Tia.

Kylee.

Tia and Kylee.

Tia, Me, and Kylee.

Tia and Kylee.

Then it was time to go to church. We chose to walk and it went great till we had to cut across to get to the church and most of the grass was still snowy and where it wasn't there was like huge mounds of snow piled up. However, we did find a way that would work and we got there safe and sound. Church was good and as always it was fun to have Kitt with us. After church we walked home, got lunch and then everyone took naps except me. I talked to Klaire. It was so great. It was good to hear about all the great things she is learning in the start-up company she is running for school. It was great to talk things out with her and it was good to have some quiet. Well 4:15 rolled around, and I woke everyone up. We talked for a bit which I didn't really mean to it just happened. Consequently, dinner got in a little late which pushed dinner from 5 to 5:30, but we all survived, but we were hungry we ate a lot of food. Don't worry though it was so good. We had beef roast, holiday potatoes, Nicola's sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Then Easter candy and cookies for dessert. After dinner, we played for a bit. One of the girls favorite games still is hide-and-seek, so we played that. It was so funny to watch and be a part of. Finally, it was time to go to bed, and get ready to send Kitt home. It is always hard for us to send her off, because really we don't want to; consequently, we talk for awhile and she didn't end up leaving till around 8:00. Oh so good to have her. The rest of the night I talked to my mom and dad and then went to bed.

We were lucky enough this year to have Monday "off" as well. It wasn't a true off because Gaupo has to work 4 tens this week, but it was still nice to have a 3-day weekend. We started it off by trying to sleep-in. That didn't work, so we had a great breakfast of toast, eggs, and bacon and then we went to the store. We are trying to be better at saying no to stuff we don't need, but you just can't not get after Easter candy, but we only got 2 normal size bags and then we were going to get Kylee sandals, but the Wal-mart selection was pathetic. I did pick-up a couple of shirts to go with the dresses I am making, but that is all we got and then came home. Once home, the girls and I turned around and went visiting teaching. The girls had fun playing and watching TV while we visited. Then we came home and played for a bit and then had lunch. After which was of course naps. I meant to only rest, but I one-more minuted myself into a two-hour nap. I HATE when I do that, because I don't get anything done I was suppose to, so I have to do it when the girls are awake, and even though their dad was awake and trying to entertain them they feel attention deprived and want me to stop whatever it is I am doing. Then when I don't they start doing naughty things. Luckily, I was able to get most of it done and then we went to Lowes to see how much a security screen would cost. We kind of need to get something for our front door because our kids can open it and it goes right out onto a busy street with sometimes crazy people, so I really would like something between them and the wide open street. Also while we were that direction we stopped at Ross and Kylee found a pair of sandals that she liked, so that is great. She has pretty much worn them all day. Then we hit Lowes and came home and had leftovers for dinner. Then for FHE we had our Easter lesson. We also added to the fun by doing it in the basement with flashlights. The girls thought it was great and it was really good. After FHE, the girls went to bed and I made bread (one of those things I was suppose to do at nap time) and Gaupo worked on homework. By the time that was wrapping up and I got done talking to my brother, we just watched and episode of Hogans and called it a night.

It was a pretty simple Easter, but it was really fun. It is kind of crazy how things rarely go as I plan, but honestly most times it turns out good anyway, and so is the story with this holiday. It was great, but not at all what I thought would happen.

I am so grateful for Easter. This Easter I couldn't help, but be so grateful for the Atonement and Resurrection. I am because of the hope it gives me that I can live with my Heavenly Father again, and also that I can see Derek again. I am so grateful for Christ 's sacrifice because through him I can repent, I can receive talk to the Lord and receive his help, and also I am strengthened to be able to do things when I think I can't do anything else. Christ really did suffer in Gethsemane and he was resurrected after being crucified and because He lives, so can I and my family. I am so truly grateful for this wonderful joyous occasion.

Spring Snow

Colorado has taken a pretty long break from snow, but we can't avoid it completely already. So, Thursday afternoon we got some snow. Tia thought it looked like so much fun she took it upon herself to play in it. She had her scooter out there, she really wanted her baby out there, and she had a shovel and bucket.

She loved it outside in her skirt. At least I got a had and coat on her.

However, none of those toys could possible compensate for companionship. After much coming in and out and in and out she convinced both Kylee and I to come out too. It really was fun. We played 'missionary.' That is when you go up to the playhouse knock and the person inside says "Come on in." Then you all hang out inside until usually mom gets tired of being squished; although, it is not always me to be the first to leave. Then when we are all out we do something else for a minute and then go into the playhouse again in the same manner. So we played that, made tracks in the snow, practiced stepping on the stones that are by the fireplace. I don't know we just did stuff, whatever we wanted and came to mind it was great. Finally, I did have to go inside to make dinner, but it all worked out good.

The snow continued through the night and we woke up to this on Friday morning.

Well with that much snow, it being Gaupo's Friday/Saturday switcheroo, and spring break from school, it was time to go sledding. We did a little work first by shoveling half the driveway. (Our nice neighbor helped with the other half and the oh so annoying corner.) Anyway, because we only had to do half we got out on the hill and sledded and sledded. We had the whole thing to ourselves because school wasn't canceled. it was fun. The snow was kind of heavy snow, but you know what it was still fun. After sledding we came in and had to head to the doctor for Gaupo.

Guapo has vocal cord dis-function and so we needed to go to speech therapist to learn how to retrain his throat to work right. It was kind of an interesting appointment and we hope what they tell us will work, otherwise I guess we will have to go back and see what other tricks they have. After the doctor we came home had lunch and took naps.

After naps, we went over to the church and helped Guapo setup for the Elders Quorum game night. The girls had a great time. They loved using the music stands to hold their books while they led the music. Tia found a giant ball that when we were all done setting up we went into the gym and played with for a bit. Just goofy simple fun.

Friday night Gaupo and I went on a date to the Elders Quorum game night. (Don't worry it was a date thing.) Sadly (at least from an attendance view point) only 6 couples including us showed up. It was actually really fun because we were able to play games all together. I really enjoyed getting to know and interact with the couples that showed up. We ended up staying at the church until I think 10. The evening was only suppose to go until 9:00, but we were having too much fun. We played a game called Telestrations it was super fun. We also played Banana Grams and Word Street. With food and good company it was a wonderful date.

Saturday morning came a little too early, but it's like my grandparents and parents always say "He who dances has to pay the fiddler." It was totally worth it though. Anyway, Saturday morning we had our swim lesson friends Valerie, Taylor, and Riley White come over and we went sledding. It was super fun. We had a great time and Taylor and Kylee loved sledding together. Taylor taught Kylee that falling out of your sled wasn't a bad thing, and in fact it could be actually quite fun. Tia in this last snow storm decided that laying on her belly in the sled and going down by herself is like the best thing in the world, so she was more than please to have Kylee and Taylor share a sled, so she could go down almost as often as she wanted. Anyway,  it was great fun. I want to say that other than that Saturday was pretty normal stuff, just playing and hanging out.

Now this is the best part about Spring Snow in Colorado--we walked to Church Sunday morning. I wore a jacket and my sandals and it was great weather. Such a great walk. I am telling you the ability to walk to church and then having everyone awake at 4:00 really does at our house make the Sabbath day so much more delightful. It was awesome. We also had our home teachers come over. I love having home teachers. I am not really sure why, but I honestly love having them come. I am pretty sure my girls love the extra attention and treats.

It has just gotten warmer since Sunday. Today was such great weather. We went to the park in shorts. We went over to our friend Jensen's house and played outside and with water. We had lunch there too. We also ate that outside. Oh, it was just such a great weather day and I really kind of feel like we genuinely used today. Sometimes lately I feel like I haven't used ALL of my day, but today I feel like we made good use of all of it. Really we probably wouldn't have but Jensen's mom called us up and we could only go for a bit, but you know what it was great.

Tia trying to climb over the fence today at the park.

TANGENT: I think that a lot of times I think I need a lot of time to do something. Like I need to have two hours to play with a friend and if its great weather I also need to walk there. Or I think I would really like to make dresses, but I don't have any new patterns. WHATEVER! So lame. I have found that excuses are so limiting. I get so focused on what the ideal situation or whatever should be like and then when you know life doesn't fit that perfectly I just let it slide instead of finding a way to do something great with the extra time given. Not that I have to do it all the time or anything, but to not do it ever is not good either. Lesson: Don't make excuses, just DO IT! It usually works out better than you think. Like today we got to spend the perfect amount of time at Jensen's house and I got some much need adult visiting and interaction time, not to mention more outside time. Also I stopped making excuses about the dresses I wanted to make and was just going to use the same patterns I had, well I went into the store and they had some really cute fabric that is like gathered at the top, so like all you do is sew it down the back and WHALA you have a dress. It was like super cheap, so I am going to work on trying to make that into all matching dresses and I even picked up some cool tie fabric. So, I will get those projects done, but I mean when I just did something things happened. True they aren't huge, but I have determined the greatness of life isn't made of great big things. It is made up of all the little moments that seem so big at the time. END TANGENT

I am loving spring. I loved the snow and the sunshine. I love that the world is greening up and beginning to look fresh and new. I love talking about Easter in our home. It has spurred tons of questions from Kylee some of which I know the answers to and some that I really have no idea how she even thought to ask that let alone having an answer for her. However, it has caused me to focus on the Savior more and I love it. So grateful for all the wonderful thing around me. I know this post might seem like a little too chipper, but I feel great right now. These last like 5 days have been awesome. With the getting outside, getting together with people, and whatever its one of those spans of time that is just great. Pretty much perfect.

A Visit From Grandma and Grandpa

Last Monday Grandpa texted Gaupo and said he needed to talk to him when Grandma wasn't so close. Well they two talked later and Grandpa said he was going to surprise Grandma and take her to our house if that was okay. OF COURSE, it was okay. So, we kept the secret from Grandma and Grandpa finally told her on Thursday. As soon as she got home from a funeral she was helping at she packed her bag and asked to leave. Grandpa said she had to wait until the next day.

So, true to his word he brought her out her and they arrived at our house around 4:45. I had just pulled the last batch of cookies from the oven. The girls, Gaupo, and I were outside eating cookies and waiting for them to pull-up. Every time I got a call or a text Kylee would want to know how much longer it would be until they got here. Oh my, the girls were so excited. Once they arrived, Kylee immediately wanted to show them where they were sleeping. I wish I had snapped a picture of the room because she had helped me finish it up. I asked her to put the towel in front of the pillow with the washcloth on top. She did do that, but instead of leaving them nicely folded the way I would have she had laid them out flat and with the washcloth laid out on top. Then she pointed to each side and told me who was going to sleep where. It was so cute. So, Kylee went up and showed Grandma her handy work while the rest of the car got unloaded.

Grandma and Grandpa brought more of Gaupo's stuff from their house. I seriously wonder if we will ever truly have it all. Luckily Gaupo was able to consolidate it down to two boxes from the 5 they brought. They really did bring some good treasures this time: a book with Guapo's scout jamboree and Washington D.C. pictures, pogs, more Yugioh cards, hats, his country report on Germany, and a few other things. Gaupo had a great time going through them and so did the girls.

After all that was sorted out, it was time to figure out what to have for dinner. I know I knew they were coming and I still didn't have a dinner plan. I had all the other days planned except that one. Luckily  I thought of something and made it. We had a pizza type thing for dinner. It turned out really good and our company enjoyed it. After dinner, we got the girls ready for bed and then got them in bed. I think it is so cute how Grandma and Grandpa love putting their hands in with us after family prayer and saying "Together Forever." Plus, Grandma loves the hugs that immediately follow that. After putting the girls down, we visited for quite awhile. We also helped them get all of their devices hooked up to our internet. We actually went to bed pretty early that night, but mainly so we could get crack-a-lackin' on the next day.

Saturday was great. We started off the morning kind of early. Not real early, because Grandma had had found out the kids were up and ushered them into their room. I walk out of mine and hear books being read and games being played. It was so awesome. I loved how quiet my house was and that they were all spending time being together. It was so cute. We had breakfast of pancakes and eggs at around 8:00. (That is pretty early for a Saturday around here.) Then we headed to the park around 9. Kylee really wanted Grandma to take her to the park, and Grandma and I were going to go to a women's meeting at 10. So, we went to the park and played at all the different parks over by the school. Then Grandma and I took off so we could go to the Women's Conference. While there the boys took the girls shopping for a few groceries (I had really been dreading this, so I was glad they did) and then to get a new outlet. They had just got the girls down and out for their naps when we got home.

Grandpa on the swings.

Kylee and Grandma.

Making a train down the slide.

At the Women's Conference Grandma and I chose to go to a class on relationship and a class on how life is like a marathon. The one on relationships was good. I will be honest though, my favorite part was the last 5 minutes when we were suppose to talk about ourselves. So, I Grandma go first. It took her a little bit to warm up to the fact she had to talk about HERSELF, but she did it and I LOVED hearing it. It was just one of those small glimpses into how she made it to who she is today. It was great. The Life is like a Marathon class was good too. The teacher didn't have a whole lot of time, but she has all kinds of spunk and did a great job. I love how she kept such a positive out look on life, when she was kept handed trial after trail. Anyway, after the talks we had a luncheon. We had what my mom would call "lady food." It was a salad bar. It had all the trimmings to make a great salad and then they had cake for dessert. It was fun to spend some one-on-one time with Grandma. She was such a good sport to go.

When we got home the girls were sleeping. Grandpa soon fell asleep and Gaupo, Grandma and I talked until I had to start shredding the meat for dinner. I finished shredding the meat and adding some sauces and the girls woke-up. Tia of course wanted to go to the park again, so we did. This time we let the girls ride their bike there. They both thought that was great and it went over so much better than the last time I tried that. Kylee actually made it all the way their and back. Tia did pretty well, but it is a lot harder ride on a trike. Grandpa has a great video of Grandma doing hopscotch and both Grandma and Grandpa were great sports about hanging out at the park again.

When we got home it was time for dinner. Then we popped some popcorn. That is Grandpa's favorite thing. I don't make it like Grandma, so I don't think he liked it quite as much, but he was still a good sport and the rest of us took up the slack on the rest of the bowl of popcorn. We ate the popcorn while watching one episode from the new Curious George season we bought Kylee for her birthday. It was pretty fun to squish Grandma, Grandpa, Tia, Kylee, and Me all onto the couch. Sometimes its fun to be cozy. I think it makes watching a movie and eating popcorn that much more special.

After the girls went to bed, us adults played Wits and Wager's Family Edition. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't sure if Grandpa would play or not because I really have only seen him play Mexican Train and we don't even own dominoes. (we should probably fix that) Anyway, he did play and we had a great time. We actually played two games of it before Grandpa called it quits for the night. After he retired to bed Grandma, Gaupo, and I played Ticket to Ride. It was a fun game. Gaupo won, but only because I couldn't finish one route because I only needed one card of a certain color. AHHHHH, the woes of Ticket to Ride. After the game we visited a little more and then went to bed. It was around 11ish.

Sunday dawned early, mainly because Daylight Savings Time started, but still it was early. I swear every year its hard to switch times. Oh well, we will adjust probably just in time to go to Arizona, but I guess at least it will happen. The morning started off with giving the girls showers. With Tia's head wound I couldn't wash her hair with the normal shampoo it needed to be a mild one like baby shampoo so her hair always looked greasy. So, I chose to do showers in the morning so that it wouldn't look as greasy. Then I did a cute braid. I tried to do it the same way I had when she had the accident, but that didn't work out, so I fixed cute a different way. After getting cleaned up, we had a super fancy breakfast of cold cereal and smoothies. It was really good. Then it was time to get ready for church. It always seems to take longer than I think, but luckily we were still ready to go and able to walk to church. Grandma and Grandpa joined us on our walk and it was so delightful. Church was ward conference. Every meeting was really good. When we got home from church we got lunch, and then got the girls down for a nap. We visited until it was time for everyone to wake-up. Once the girls were awake they were at full strength. Grandma was a trooper and took them on a walk while I made some tortilla shells to have our meat and rice on. Gaupo had to go home teaching, so when he got back we had dinner. Then the kids wanted to play games. Grandpa played Hungry Hippo's with them. They thought that was so cool. Then we finally got them to bed. Once they were in bed we ended up helping one another with technology. Just showing what cool things they could do. It was actually really fun. We had to go to bed at a decent time because Monday morning was going to be a little crazy.

Monday the girls were in Grandma and Grandpa's room again. You really do hate to break-up moments like that, so I didn't and sure enough they did eventually come down. We had muffins for breakfast and then it was time to get on with the day aka getting Tia's staples removed. Grandma and Grandpa watched Kylee while we went to the ER down in Lafayette. We were there FOREVER. We got their at 10 and they didn't even get us back their to take them out until like 1:30. Luckily Tia did really good, for the most part. I mean she is 2 and couldn't do a whole lot, so I will say she did very good. Anyway, I really didn't feel good about her getting sedated again, and the doctor agreed to try it and see how it went. Tia did great for staples 1-20. We got them out fast there wasn't a whole lot of getting upset. She pretty much just had a death hug on Gaupo and pups. Obviously she did a get upset, so we took a break. Then we started back up again, and got out about 10 more. Then we had to have some crackers and juice. Then we had to hold her real tight for those last 10, but we got them. Oh man, Tia was a champ! She did so good. She even calmed down pretty quick. Gaupo did most of the holding this time. He did admit it took more out of him than he thought it would. To hear that made me feel like less of a wimp. Anyway, with the staples out we headed home. Grandma and Grandpa had Kylee still awake. So, we showed her Tia was okay and then put them both to bed. Then Guapo and I ate the lunch that Grandma and Grandpa had picked up for us while were out. Then we sadly had to say good-bye. Really the visit seemed way too short, but we really enjoyed what we got and it is definitely better than nothing so we will take it. After saying good-bye, it was nap time. Or so we thought. I got a little nap before the kids woke-up, but just as we were getting to lay down Gaupo got a call from the Library needing him there to fix and emergency.

Tia coming home staple free.

After the kids woke-up, we do what I call a slow wake-up which is putting in a show and relaxing for just a few extra minutes. When the show was over I had to get making dinner. I was making dinner for us and a family that had just had a baby. When it was all cooked we went to take it to them and I got to hold the little baby for a minute. Oh it was wonderful. He was so perfect and cute. I am usually not a big baby holder, but boy it was so fun to hold him. It was so fun to let Tia and Kylee just totally soak him up. It was so fun. I am so glad they let us hold him. Anyway, after we got back we had dinner, FHE, and then sent the girls to bed. Then after cleaning up a little accident Tia had we watched some episodes and went to bed ourselves. It was quite the day, quite the weekend.

I am so glad Grandma and Grandpa were able to come. Sorry I don't have very many pictures, but I was too busy having fun. It really was a special treat to have some one-on-one time with them. I learned a lot from them, and about them. They are really wonderful people. My kids are super lucky to have two sets of awesome grandparents.