Shhhh, twins sleeping

They always start out in their own bed.

I love to go check in them at night and see what has happened.

Random stuff

Just wanting to post a few random things.

Aaron had to be out of town on my birthday last week (oh, woe is me - no, not really - it was a great day!). My kids gave me this when I woke up. I treasure it. (thanks mom)

While doing the dishes Monday evening I got to enjoy this beautiful view. I don't know what I enjoyed more, the rainbow or the cutest attached vases my sister sent me for my birthday (thanks Kate!!) I am obsessed with them.

When Aaron got back in town I mentioned to him that my car was a mess. The next thing I knew, he took all the kids Mother's Day shopping and when they got home I opened the garage door and this is what I saw. All five of them, busy at work. Made me so happy.

And last, Antrhopologie sends me a coupon for my b-day every year. They are always packaged to die for. This year was a little card with a candle, the candle is part of a necklace. How fun is that?

Proud new Aunt

This is my brand new nephew, Clark. I took these photos of him this week and am so proud of them. I am head over heels in love with this handsome little guy and the only thing I want to do all day long is hold him! I make no apologies for the number of photos I am about to share, I am only sorry I am not sharing more. But hey, we have to keep his announcement photos a surprise!

This is our house!

We decided to sign Julia up for soccer with her cute friend London. Today was the first game & she had an absolutely wonderful time!

Her team, although much smaller than their opponents, won! Do you think it could be that the 5 year olds were intimidated by her older brother and his signage?
He was so excited for his sister that he spent the past three days prepping her for the big game. He showed her many fancy moves and told her time and again not to be afraid to slide!

PS - He scored a touchdown today at his first game of the season!

Easter 2010

My Grandpa Joe & Arnold Friberg

If you recognize this painting:

then you are probably familiar with the great artist, Arnold Friberg. My Grandpa Joe & Arnold Friberg were close friends for over 70 years. Mr. Friberg was also famous for painting the sets for THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Every Easter when the movie is shown, I'm reminded of this photo:

Arnold Friberg with my Grandpa wearing the actual robe

that Moses (Charlton Heston) wore in the movie.

PS - Notice George Washington's hands - - they are modeled after my grandpa.

Another take on "magic" jelly beans

Since we woke up to this today:

I thought I would test our "magic" jelly beans in the snow

Welcome to Easter in Utah!

Cutest Easter Tradition

I blogged about this last year after Easter and got requests to do it before the holiday this year. I think this is by far the cutest Easter tradition.

1. Buy some "magic" jelly beans

2. Plant them in your yard, this only works the night before Easter

3. The next morning go outside and see what grew.

I love magic jelly beans.
Anyone know how I can make some dollar bills grow overnight?
Now that would be fun!

(PS - I found these at Walgreens for $1.00, which is by far the best deal. I went to a specialty candy shop and they were half the size for about 5 dollars!)

My Brother

Happy Birthday Jeff!

10 reasons my brother is AMAZING

1. He is super smart -- he has a PhD in electrical engineering .

2. He is the BEST dad ever - - his kids adore him.

3. He taught himself how to play flemenco guitar and he is awesome!

4. He has a great sense of humor.

5. He reminds me of my dad (handsome, kind, funny, generous, spiritual and hard working).

6. He is a gifted athlete.

7. He keeps himself in great shape by running year round. (even in the snow)

8. He is the most disciplined person I've ever known.

9. He loves to learn and reads text books to relax?

10. In spite of all his talents, he's the most humble person I know.

St. Patrick's Day

Growing up we never really did anything to celebrate St. Patricks day except wear a bit a green, of course. I was not prepared for the fun that is had around here for Kindergarten. Every kid made a Leprachaun trap (I could not believe how amazing they were!) The Leprachauns come at night and make a disaster of the room, leaving chairs turned over, scribbles on the tables, notes on the board and more. No one caught him but he did leave a gold dollar for everyone. There was face painting, games, cookie decorating, a treasure hunt, candy, stories, hat making and more.

While most people were green on St. Patricks Day, a tender hearted little guy I know was very blue. He had way too much fun with his best buddy in town from California (more on that later.) and had to say goodbye before going to school. Broke my heart!

Happy Birthday Julia!

The sweetest girl I know turned 6 today

She was put in charge of all activities for the day. She isn't having a friends party so I told her she could invite a friend to join us.

Lunch: In-N-Out.

Activity: Shopping for jewelry, clothes and stuffed animals

followed by crafts at home

After dinner : Spoiled rotten and well deserved.

Happy Birthday sweet Julia !

Crazy Hair Day

When we woke up on crazy hair day I didn't have anything in particular in mind . . .

However, when I saw the finished product it reminded me a lot of:

Furniture makeover

My good friend moved to South Africa last week and she sold a lot of her stuff to accomodate the move. I was able to buy this piece for $25.00! I had some paint in my garage and decided to give it a little change. This and a couple of other pieces have sparked quite a few changes at our home, if I ever finish I will post some more pictures.

Before:

After:

Valentine

My Valentine.

I made this shirt for him. Well, actually for me but I thought he would like it. When he saw it he couldn't stop laughing. I guess than means he liked it (?)

Part of our day:
No holiday would be complete without our menu, right?
Click here for the white pizza recipe, here for the pasta carbonara and here for the salad.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope yours was great.

That boy of mine

He turned 9 today

Nine things I love about James :

1. He loves sports and is pretty darn good at them.

2. He loves to read and he is very smart. He has read at least 5 big chapter books since Christmas.

3. He is very sweet and kind. Several of his friend's moms have told me that he is always nice to their little brothers and sisters and includes them when he is at their houses to play.

5. He is appreciative. For example - two weeks ago I brought the 5th LIGHTNING THIEF book home from the library for him to read (simple gesture on my part). He hugged me over and over and kept saying, "Wow, thanks mom! Thank you SO much!" Made my whole week, his appreciation for that small thing.

6. He is very helpful.

7. He isn't afraid to blow me kisses in the middle of his basketball game or give me hugs in front of other people.

8. He is a great brother. When James is involved, all four kids play without conflict together for hours. He doesn't tease and he loves all of his sisters.

9. He is well behaved and responsible. His teachers, both school and church, have always told us how obedient he is. Even when all the kids are acting up together, he seems to remember the rules.

He got to design his perfect day today, so--we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast, played at the park all morning long, went to see THE LIGHTNING THIEF with a few friends, opened presents, had dinner at In-N-Out, and watched the slam dunk competition with his dad.

More Valentine's

Today we decorated cookies. Click here for my very favorite recipe, it is my mom's. Another mom in Julia's kindergarten class gave me the best tip for decorating cookies with kids. I used to dirty a million little bowls, spoons and knives so they could go to town decorating. Not any more. I bought a box of disposable pastry bags. I bought a box of 100 at the craft store (bring a half off coupon - they were priced over 20 bucks) And now when we are done there are NO dishes to wash!!! I just throw it all away.
One more thing - I saw this here and knew I had to do it. There is still plenty of time to make your own. I thought this would be a fun thing to do each year and see how they grow. Another reason I love this blog, Thanks again Lorie for the fun ideas!