HAPPY EASTER (a week late!)

AJ leaving pre-school after a fun Easter party!

One day on our way home from dance, we saw a sign on the side of the road that read 'Baby Chicks For Sale'. The kids screamed and I hurried and turned the van to get to where the chicks were. They must have had at least 100 baby ducks and chicks for sale. They were very cute. The kids almost talked me into bringing a couple of home. But after spending less than 10 minutes, the smell was unbearable. And then after I drove away, I began to think"baby chicks turn into big chickens, what would we do with chickens roaming our yard". I'm glad I didn't buy on impulse:)

Dying Easter eggs (we had a couple of friends over, too)

Easter Sunday. This may be the last time I get them to wear matching clothes, but don't they look so cute. They girls aren't really into the princess style dresses anymore, which is a little sad, so we had to settle for Justice outfits. But they're still girly and cute.


Easter egg hunt at our house. Afterwards we went to our friends house for a yummy breakfast!

We hosted Easter dinner. Matt's parents, my parents, and two uncles came for dinner. AJ thought he was in heaven sitting between his two uncles. All day he kept asking, "When's Uncle Steve going to be here!"

Easter is my most favorite season/holiday. I love that the flowers begin to bloom, everything begins to come alive again outside. I love the weather turning warm, new spring clothes, but most of all, I love the spiritual message of Easter. I love our Savior, and I'm grateful that he lives and that he knows and loves me!

TODAY I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark.Today I will make a difference.
I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving.Today I will make a difference.
I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble...I will get up. It's OK to fail...I will rise again.Today I will make a difference.
I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

CRAZY DAYZ!

About once a month our elementary school has a spirit Friday. Recently it was crazy day (not to be confused with crazy hair day). Basically anything went. When I dropped the kids off for school it was fun to see everyone's creativity. The girls chose their clothes and how crazy they wanted to be. They both chose old dance costumes, nonmatching socks and shoes, nonmatching hair flowers and crazy big earrings. They thought it was kind of fun to have an anything goes day, and wear whatever their little hearts desired that day. (Apparently I don't foster independence because I always choose what their going to wear to school, and set it out the night before. That way they don't wake up and choose some crazy nonmatching outfit, like these, to wear to school. I have issues with my kids looking like little orphans.:)
AJ was very disappointed he didn't get to go to school looking crazy. He wanted a mo hawk.

Silly Boy!

The other morning I came downstairs to check on AJ after I'd taken my shower. The girls were already at school. This is what I saw.................................

What a little turkey! Apparently I never explained to him that the produce drawers weren't designed to be step stools. I asked what in the world he was doing........."just trying to get some yogurt." (it's kept on the very top shelf). I couldn't get mad at him because it was such a funny sight..... him just standing there, staring into the fridge...... and with his crazy green footie PJ's on. I guess boys will be boys.........I don't think my girls EVER would have thought of this!

Loving the new camera

Lauren received a digital camera for her 8th birthday a couple months ago. She has LOVED it! And although I don't really appreciate the pictures she takes of my backside (not on purpose, of course), or pictures of me first thing in the morning, she gets some fun pictures. So, here's some random pictures from Lauren, that captures our personalities and happenings in our home!Lauren has become great at self portraits.She's willing to share the self portrait at times. This is of her cousin Emma that she loves. They always have so much fun together. They share the same birthday, but Emma is 2 years older! They love hanging out and having sleepovers together.

Again, sharing the camera (obviously someone else took the picture this time). This is Lauren's favorite friend, Hunter. If neither one of them are at piano or dance, then they're together.

Lauren's favorite Uncle Nate, posing for the camera.

AJ with his LUCKY CHARM hat, or at least that's what we called it. This was St. Patrick's Day, and the hat he made at pre-school. Doesn't he look like the Lucky Charm boy??

Sister Micaela, always dancing. AJ usually tries to get in on the action. He's a great spotter.

Typical, out of control Micaela. (Again, in dance clothes). She went a little crazy with a stamp pad apparently. She's a clown!

The classroom pet gerbil we babysat for the weekend. Not sure we'll do that again!:)

Some of Lauren's friends at her birthday party. This picture was taken at Target during a scavenger hunt. These were the girls in Lauren's group, and some of her best friends. Lauren, London, Haley, Hunter.

Matt Daddy (as the kids call him.......that's his Wii name.........mine is Mamabeauty. The kids named us both, and call us these names all the time) pulling a face. In his usual attire of dress shirt and tie.


The young photographer captured the personality of her brother in this picture perfectly. He's a little goof!