Logan and Laurie are asleep. Jackson and Emily are still at school. I've read my scriptures. I'm avoiding the laundry room and everything that has to do with housework--one day can't hurt. What's a girl to do...blog! A 5 month rest from this great pasttime, is probably long enough. But more importantly, I've got things to say!
Today is my birthday--36 (and proud of it, mom!)!
I have had so many phone calls, texts, emails, FaceBook birthday wishes (Thank you Ryan!), a beautiful bouquet of flowers (Thank you Eliza!), a delicious homemade apple pie (Thank you Annette!), lunch with friends, and now a quiet house to think and to be grateful! Grateful for the opportunity to be living a truly wonderful life. Grateful to be surrounded by amazing people. Grateful to have a loving, kind, and thoughtful husband and four great kids! Grateful for goodly parents. Grateful for sisters and brothers and inlaws who are my best friends. Grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grateful for the Spirit. Grateful for Conference Weekend. Grateful that my life has been filled with things that are virtuous, lovely, and praiseworthy.
So yes, I have a lot to celebrate today! Thanks to all of you for making my birthday...and my life so sweet!
October 8, 2009
May 27, 2009
Much to Blog About!
It has been quite a while since I have posted anything on our blog--we have had a great month with much to tell...so here begins the blogging marathon!
Christmas in May
For Christmas this year, the boys in our family each got a ticket to a Yankees Game and the girls got tickets to Wicked on Broadway! After several months of waiting, it was finally time to go!
Happy 1st Birthday Laurie!
The most important event that has happened this last month was Laurie's first birthday! She turned one on April 25th. Here she is one year ago...
I can't believe she is already a year old. I wish she could stay little just a little longer! We had a great day celebrating--she (with the help of her older siblings) opened a few of her presents that morning before we headed off to baseball games. She had a great birthday nap and then we all went to dinner at a very Chinese Chinese restaurant. Someone at work recommended it to Ryan because of the salt water fish tanks right by the table. He was right--they were a hit. We sat next to Nemo and Dory! The food was pretty good too. Laurie loved watching the fish and the chopsticks kept the rest of the kids entertained!
After dinner we went to the park. Then went home to finish opening her presents and have cake and ice cream. I made Laurie her own little cake she could eat all by herself! Happy Birthday Laurie! We love you!
Here she is today....
I can't believe she is already a year old. I wish she could stay little just a little longer! We had a great day celebrating--she (with the help of her older siblings) opened a few of her presents that morning before we headed off to baseball games. She had a great birthday nap and then we all went to dinner at a very Chinese Chinese restaurant. Someone at work recommended it to Ryan because of the salt water fish tanks right by the table. He was right--they were a hit. We sat next to Nemo and Dory! The food was pretty good too. Laurie loved watching the fish and the chopsticks kept the rest of the kids entertained!
After dinner we went to the park. Then went home to finish opening her presents and have cake and ice cream. I made Laurie her own little cake she could eat all by herself! Happy Birthday Laurie! We love you!
A Day at the Park!
When the sun finally arrived in the North East we decided to go into the city and spend a warm Saturday afternoon at Central Park. When we got there we discovered that the rest of New York had the same idea! We picked up an early dinner from the Shake Shack (yummy!) and took it with us to the park. We ate, played a little baseball, and then went exploring! We loved our afternoon in the city!
Happy Easter!
Here are a few pictures from Easter morning. Logan was sick and didn't go to church, so I never got a picture of my kids dressed up in their new Easter clothes. Maybe another day!
Lichfields in Jersey!
Melinda and Steve and their family came and stayed with us during Spring Break. We loved having them here over conference weekend! They spent some time in the New York City and also drove up to Palmyra! Thanks for the "incredible" visit!
April 19, 2009
Philadelphia over Spring Break
We left Thursday after lunch and drove to Philadelphia for the rest of Spring break. We loved it!!! We went on the duck tour, visited all the historical sites, ate a cheese steak at Genos, saw the ballparks, and ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art--some of us more than others! (Jackson's new nickname is "Little Rocky!") We left Saturday and went to Valley Forge--it was really raining, so it was a quick drive through the park--but it was so great to be there!
April 7, 2009
April 6, 2009
April Fools!
Jackson came home from school pretty disappointed that his "Derek Jeter is coming to my house for dinner" prank didn't fool his friends as he had hoped! So, we decided to play a little trick on dad! We found the idea of dessert for dinner on Familyfun.com and set out to the store for the essential ingredients. I have to admit, with four kids at the grocery store, I was thinking the joke was on me!!!
We created a delicious meal of fish sticks (wafer cookies covered in peanut butter and rolled in crushed cornflakes), mashed potatoes and gravy (vanilla ice cream with caramel topping), and garden peas (watermelon yogos). We also had to pick up the real stuff too--fish sticks aren't a regular item in my freezer! My kids LOVED them (even Logan!) so maybe we'll have to reconsider the wonder of processed cod!
They were so excited for dad to come home from work! It was so fun to watch their reaction when we served dad his chilled plate! We also kept with the crazy utensil tradition for dinner--maybe that's why Logan ate so well--he may be using the melon baller more often if it will get him to eat!
We love April Fools Day!
We created a delicious meal of fish sticks (wafer cookies covered in peanut butter and rolled in crushed cornflakes), mashed potatoes and gravy (vanilla ice cream with caramel topping), and garden peas (watermelon yogos). We also had to pick up the real stuff too--fish sticks aren't a regular item in my freezer! My kids LOVED them (even Logan!) so maybe we'll have to reconsider the wonder of processed cod!
They were so excited for dad to come home from work! It was so fun to watch their reaction when we served dad his chilled plate! We also kept with the crazy utensil tradition for dinner--maybe that's why Logan ate so well--he may be using the melon baller more often if it will get him to eat!
We love April Fools Day!
April 5, 2009
March Madness, Gladness, and Sadness
The Madness
There's nothing quite like this time of the year--the excitement that comes with little buds on the trees and a brand new NCAA bracket! We love March at our house! Ryan is the only one left in the game and still rooting for North Carolina. Karen was pulling for UConn. Jackson was disappointed when Duke lost early on (however, he does get a few bonus points for being a loyal Aggie fan by placing them in the final game.) Emily was cheering for Oklahoma. And Logan did pretty well until last Saturday with Villanova! We have a little fun family competition each year with the Dent's and the Kellett's. The winner gets to keep the Basketball Bobblehead Trophy--we had one in our home all last year but unfortuately weren't quite as lucky with our picks this time! Bye-Bye Bobblehead! Let us be the first to Congratulate Doug (from the Kellett side) and Stephen (from the Dent's)--well done boys!
The other thing "maddening" at our house (I am DELIGHTED to say) is getting better! We aren't there just yet, but have made GREAT strides in potty training this month. He's wearing underwear all the time, even to bed! This may be more info than you would like, but poor little Logan is constipated which makes it pretty tricky! We are trying to fill the kid with fiber and hope that it helps. All we can say is "Desperate times call for desperate measures!!!"
The Gladness
We have truly had a great month. With Jackson's birthday and baptism. We were lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Kellett and Grandma and Grandpa Dent come for the celebrations! We spent an evening walking past the little shops in Chester (we ended up window shopping because most of the stores were already closed)--however the Chocolate shop was still open! Yummy!!!
We also took them down to the Jersey shore--unfortunately it was cold and windy, so we kept warm inside one of the many arcades on the boardwalk while we enjoyed the view!! We'll wait a few more months before heading there again!
The Sadness
We did have some sad news this month--our favorite missionary, Elder Davis, got transferred! We have loved having him and his companions in our home. He stopped by to say goodbye and return one of my pots--he had filled it full of surprises for the kids. He is such a great missionary--always happy, always positive, strong testimony, and a hard worker. He will do great things in his new area! We miss you Elder Davis (Elder O'gwin too)!
There's nothing quite like this time of the year--the excitement that comes with little buds on the trees and a brand new NCAA bracket! We love March at our house! Ryan is the only one left in the game and still rooting for North Carolina. Karen was pulling for UConn. Jackson was disappointed when Duke lost early on (however, he does get a few bonus points for being a loyal Aggie fan by placing them in the final game.) Emily was cheering for Oklahoma. And Logan did pretty well until last Saturday with Villanova! We have a little fun family competition each year with the Dent's and the Kellett's. The winner gets to keep the Basketball Bobblehead Trophy--we had one in our home all last year but unfortuately weren't quite as lucky with our picks this time! Bye-Bye Bobblehead! Let us be the first to Congratulate Doug (from the Kellett side) and Stephen (from the Dent's)--well done boys!
The other thing "maddening" at our house (I am DELIGHTED to say) is getting better! We aren't there just yet, but have made GREAT strides in potty training this month. He's wearing underwear all the time, even to bed! This may be more info than you would like, but poor little Logan is constipated which makes it pretty tricky! We are trying to fill the kid with fiber and hope that it helps. All we can say is "Desperate times call for desperate measures!!!"
The Gladness
We have truly had a great month. With Jackson's birthday and baptism. We were lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Kellett and Grandma and Grandpa Dent come for the celebrations! We spent an evening walking past the little shops in Chester (we ended up window shopping because most of the stores were already closed)--however the Chocolate shop was still open! Yummy!!!
We also took them down to the Jersey shore--unfortunately it was cold and windy, so we kept warm inside one of the many arcades on the boardwalk while we enjoyed the view!! We'll wait a few more months before heading there again!
The Sadness
We did have some sad news this month--our favorite missionary, Elder Davis, got transferred! We have loved having him and his companions in our home. He stopped by to say goodbye and return one of my pots--he had filled it full of surprises for the kids. He is such a great missionary--always happy, always positive, strong testimony, and a hard worker. He will do great things in his new area! We miss you Elder Davis (Elder O'gwin too)!
March 28, 2009
Jackson was baptized on March 14th. It was such a special day, especially since all of his Grandparents were able to be here for the occasion. Grandma Dent helped us make a lei for him to wear (Ryan served his mission in Hawaii and wanted to start this tradition in our family.) We are so proud of him and his decision to be baptized.
March 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Jackson!
Jackson turned eight on March 8th! This is the birthday he has been waiting for for a very long time! We have had quite a month celebrating!
Surprise Party!
We decided to give Jackson a Top Secret surprise party this year for his birthday! And surprisingly enough...we pulled it off! All the parents waited until the night before to tell their kids about the party! Ryan took Jackson and Logan to get their haircut (which took a little convincing!) and pick up the pizza--as soon as they left I let Emily in on the secret and she was a great helper with the decorations and last minute preparations. While they were gone everyone arrived. We had just enough time to get our guests their Secret Service Badges--complete with pictures, fingerprints, and code names. It was so fun and the boys loved it.
Jackson was surprised and so excited! (Future note to self--surprise parties don't need party horns!) We started with lunch--they had to decode the menu and decide what they wanted to order! It was a great (and quiet) activity! After lunch we had a few Spy Training games and then sent them off on their final mission! We opened presents and finished the party with cupcakes and ice cream!
Finally a Scout
When Jackson was three, I was a den leader in our ward. He loved going to scouts and learned the Pledge of Allegiance and the Cub Scout Promise. Infact he could say the promise better than most of the boys in my den! We found this video of him the other day! We laugh every time we watch it! We wanted to include it in this post because he is finally an official cub scout!
Jackson asked me a few weeks before his birthday if he could have a scout cake! Great! I need to stop asking for suggestions! I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do for this one, but finally decided on a scout shirt. It turned out to be a fun challenge! He loved it.
I'm happy to report that I didn't eat one piece of his cake! It wasn't a very big temptation....and I think I have found a new weight loss plan--Food Coloring! It took a lot to get the right blue!
Ryan had early morning church meetings, but came home for a few minutes before church so we could light the cake, sing Happy Birthday, and let Jackson open a couple of his presents. We saved the rest of his gifts until after church! His favorite gifts were his scout book and uniform (surprise!!) He put it on as soon as he opened it and has worn it most every day since!
It was so fun to have his birthday on a Sunday and be able to spend the whole day with him. Jackson is such a great kid and we love having him in our family. He has such a great desire to do what is right! We love him so very much! Happy Birthday!!!
Surprise Party!
We decided to give Jackson a Top Secret surprise party this year for his birthday! And surprisingly enough...we pulled it off! All the parents waited until the night before to tell their kids about the party! Ryan took Jackson and Logan to get their haircut (which took a little convincing!) and pick up the pizza--as soon as they left I let Emily in on the secret and she was a great helper with the decorations and last minute preparations. While they were gone everyone arrived. We had just enough time to get our guests their Secret Service Badges--complete with pictures, fingerprints, and code names. It was so fun and the boys loved it.
Jackson was surprised and so excited! (Future note to self--surprise parties don't need party horns!) We started with lunch--they had to decode the menu and decide what they wanted to order! It was a great (and quiet) activity! After lunch we had a few Spy Training games and then sent them off on their final mission! We opened presents and finished the party with cupcakes and ice cream!
Finally a Scout
When Jackson was three, I was a den leader in our ward. He loved going to scouts and learned the Pledge of Allegiance and the Cub Scout Promise. Infact he could say the promise better than most of the boys in my den! We found this video of him the other day! We laugh every time we watch it! We wanted to include it in this post because he is finally an official cub scout!
Jackson asked me a few weeks before his birthday if he could have a scout cake! Great! I need to stop asking for suggestions! I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do for this one, but finally decided on a scout shirt. It turned out to be a fun challenge! He loved it.
I'm happy to report that I didn't eat one piece of his cake! It wasn't a very big temptation....and I think I have found a new weight loss plan--Food Coloring! It took a lot to get the right blue!Ryan had early morning church meetings, but came home for a few minutes before church so we could light the cake, sing Happy Birthday, and let Jackson open a couple of his presents. We saved the rest of his gifts until after church! His favorite gifts were his scout book and uniform (surprise!!) He put it on as soon as he opened it and has worn it most every day since!
It was so fun to have his birthday on a Sunday and be able to spend the whole day with him. Jackson is such a great kid and we love having him in our family. He has such a great desire to do what is right! We love him so very much! Happy Birthday!!!
March 24, 2009
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