Happy Valentine's Day

So, if you can't tell I am trying to update and did it in the wrong order! This is what happens when one goes backwards on the camera, instead of starting from where one left off! Just indulge me!
This year we decided to start a new tradition, instead of spending to much money on ourselves we will "Cupid" someone that we feel might be in need. Isn't that what Valentine's is about? Showing love to others? Oh how the holidays have become so commercialized and I know I fall into their traps, but I am trying hard not too. It was fun and the kids love ringing the doorbell and running away. Hopefully this will get nicky-nicky-nine-door (this is what we called it, is that what you called it? What did you call it?!) out of their systems for when they are older! hehe
Our cupid doesn't spend very much on our kids Valentine's anyways, but this year they were each surprised with a little something; Alex a pirate book full of games and puzzles, Andrew and Aubrey got banks that were much anticipated and Anika a frog book with a crazy puppet frog that came with it. Jared got....an I Love You frog thing...and a book about Hugs! (there seems to be a theme with frogs?!) And, I got this cute pot
that melts candle wax to smell yummy!

I made an early dinner of steak, shrimp, potatoes, veggies and salad for dinner.

It was a simple and fun day.

Jared and I darted off to Stake Conference later that night and Grandma and Grandpa Allen were kind enough to come watch the kids as they celebrated their Valentine Dinner the night before! The kids have lots of fun when Grandma and Grandpa come!

Happy Birthday

Oh how my kids love to hear the word 'birthday'! It sends them into a craziness of discussing presents, cake and what their next party will consist of and each time (except for once a year) we have to remind them it is not their birthday!
This time it was Grandma Allen's (Jared's mom) birthday (Feb. 11). We had a yummy dinner of chicken enchilada's, salad, veggies and of course birthday cake and icecream.
We are lucky to have such a great Grandma who loves her grandchildren so much and dedicates so much time to them. She is a great mother (and mother-in-law) who is loved by all.
There are not a lot of people who one would meet that is as charitable as she is. She is a great example to all of us.

Spring Part 4

Kids all over the neighborhood in shorts, laughing, playing, riding bikes, and just enjoying being together in the warm sun.

Talent Show

The kids school does an annual Talent Show
and Alex decided to play the piano. He chose to play, Rubber Ducky. He did a great job with no mistakes!
After school he told me his friends made fun of him for playing, "a baby song!" I told him I heard a lot of people say, "I like that song!" and not to worry about it as it takes courage just to get up there and do anything! Was that a good response?! I'm so not good at response! Alex has progressed quite quickly in his piano playing skills. I sure hope he keeps it up. His teacher is moving to England for 3 years-sad :( so we are on the hunt for a new teacher!

Today the girls went to the dentist. They did a great job. Aubrey was a champ and was in and out in no time! I think this was Anika's first official teeth cleaning visit and she did great until the tooth paste got in her stomach and she had a bit of a throw up! At least it was on her bib and not on the dentist. I felt bad for her as she really did a great job with the whole thing. I forgot the camera, I guess that is what happens with the fourth as hard as you try not to let it happen! You just walk out the door without thinking until it is to late. What will happen with the next...(no that is not an announcement!!!) hahaha

Spring Part III

My neighbor is out cutting the bushes down in his yard in prep for them to bud and bloom soon! I think I will go cut down all my dead flowers that I didn't pull out last year. It was over 50F yesterday, and today it will be close to that temp. again! Hurray for spring! Hurray for the sunshine!

Spring Part II

I saw a butterfly this afternoon!!!!

Spring is a Comin'

Look what I just found in my dirt! I don't know if this is good or bad, seems a little early but, I'll take it!

Preschool Field Trip

2/19/09 Field Trip: Anika has been loving preschool. Today Jared and I went with her class to sing to some "grandpa's and grandma's" in a retirement center. They sure love the little kids. Anika was a riot. Not only did she sing, she sang loud and did the actions too. For the raindrop song the teacher, Ms. Marilyn had some of the kids hold umbrella's, but she was not one of them. She was so sad and finally another little girl decided to let her have her umbrella with a lot of convincing from Anika... she loves this song, we hear her singing it all the time at home.
I only had my video camera. I think someone was going to send me still pictures, but never did!

Cucumber anyone?!

Anika asked me to cut her some cucumber, but I guess I was too slow for her! (she knows I can get carried away looking at blogs for too long!)

How lucky are we

2 Grandma's and 3 "Great" Grandma's
L-R: The Great Grandma Payne (Pam's Grandma), The Great Grandma Bullock (Pam's Grandma), The Great Grandma Allen (Jared's Grandma), Grandma Bullock (Pam's mom), and Grandma Allen (Jared's mom)

The Foolish Said To the Wise...

Isn't this picture beautiful?! (click for article)
Matthew 25
25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
25:2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
25:3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
25:4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
25:5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
25:6 And at midnight a cry was heard:
'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'
25:7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
25:8 And the foolish said to the wise,
'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
25:9 But the wise answered, saying,
'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you;
but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'
25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came,
And those who were ready went in with him to the wedding;
and the door was shut.
25:11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,
'Lord, Lord, open to us!'
25:12 But he answered and said,
'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
25:13 Watch therefore,
for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming

WOW!

Here it is, February already! Took my January snowmen down yesterday and replaced them with the few Valentine decorations I have.
Right now my parents are entering the MTC! Don't think it has hit me that I won't be able to call my mom up during the middle of the day when I need a question answered or just bored and want to talk! Any one's phone want to replace hers?
I am not always good at calling people. If I don't get a call from a friend for awhile, I am afraid if I am the one always doing the calling I am bothering them and don't know if I should call or not...anyone else feel this way or is it just my insecurities coming out?!
Are you glad I replaced my Christmas music now that it is February?
Watch out February always goes fast too since it is a short month.
Not too much longer until spring! Ya! I love Spring, not too cold, not too hot, the plants bloom, I LOVE my flowers
and have more great flower ideas for my gardens this year. I always have great ideas for my flower gardens, it is my budget that doesn't always agree! I am hoping to do the one in front of my house around the rocks this year first!
I love the flowers and the sunshine.
I miss having a living room to lay on the carpet with a blanket, or curl up in a chair with a blanket and a book and feel the heat from the rays come in through the window and eventually fall asleep in the warmth of the sun.
I use to always do this in my house growing up!
I don't see moving for 5 years or more, but there are a few things I wish my house had, I am not complaining, I do feel blessed for what I have, just making a statement.