discovery party

I took Tess and a couple of her school buddies to the Children's Discovery at the Gateway. The had the best time going from room to room, climbing walls, playing house, going to the grocery store, making food in the house, flying a helicopter, and delivering mail.

What love we've given, we'll have forever.
What love we fail to give, will be lost for all eternity.

~ Leo Buscaglia

finally it's tangible

After months of working. After weeks of waiting. I finally have a published copy of my first year blogging or rather my 2005 year of blogging.



It came in the mail yesterday and it was such a treat to pull it out and flip through it, even though I had a pretty good idea what it was going to look like. The one thing I wasn't sure about was the cover. Blurb.com (the company I used) now has a hardcover ImageWrap option, which covers the book directly with an image instead of using a dusk jacket. I have to admit I'm not in love with it as I was under the impression it would be made of different paper, so I don't think it's going to last that long, but I like it enough where I think I will do it for the rest of my books (I really dislike dust jackets).

A silly photo of me just so you can get the whole picture of the cover.

This is what I learned

a) You know as I was putting it together I wished I had more photos, so that would be my first suggestions...add photos, but now that I'm working on 2006, and I have a ton of posts without photos, I actually don't mind it. I suppose my favorite part is just having it printed all bound up nicely in one small package.



b) Write about what you want to remember. Write about what's important to you. As I was going through my earlier days I realized I wrote when I wanted and about what I wanted. I didn't worry about who was reading it (mainly because in 2005 no one was) or if the post was commentable (not sure that's a word). I just wrote. I think sometimes I can get caught up in whether or not someone else is interested in...insert topic...and I forget why I do it. I'm just a simple girl documenting my life while enjoying the connections and friendships I've made along the way.



c) Variety is best...at least it is for me. I like flipping through the year and seeing an assortment of post. For instance, one post will be about my day, the next post will have a list of things I like at that moment, then the next post will be about how I was feeling. They're all just so different. I guess naturally that does happen, but it was something I definitely noticed while doing this project and wanted to make sure I continued as I go forward.



d) I've grown. Not only in my writing, but I can see the person that I was in the beginning and the person I am today and there is growth. It maybe small and insignificant to others, but it's huge to me and the fact that I can actually see it gives me hope that as long as I continue to "do", more growth will come.



e) Note to self...never stop blogging. This is the first time in my life that I've been so consistent with a journal. I usually fade off or have about three entries a year, but for some reason blogging has provided me with a forum that keeps me coming back. I know it has more to do with the connections and friendships made, but whatever the reason it's something I can't imagine letting go of. It's strange to think of what my life would be like without blogging, it's made such an impact on me.



I won't say working on the book was the easiest thing in the world to do, but it was certainly one of my most favorite project this year so far. Not only did it have a design element that I enjoyed, but the end result is a treasure I'm grateful to have. So if you're thinking about it, stop thinking and just do it! It's definitely worth the time and money.

If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.

the big S I X

I was looking at her yesterday, listening to her play with her sisters, and the shock of her turning 6 left me. She is growing up. My little Tess, the girl who will always be four in my mind is turning into a big girl right before my eyes. It's crazy the way the transformation happens so gradually you don't even see it.



A few things about her that make her the Tess I love so much.

She enjoys being helpful. Yes, I know that sounds sort of strange for a kid, but I always find her looking for opportunities to lend a hand. She does have her moments of laziness, but for the most part she seems to legitimately want to be helpful...she's a pleaser.

She has the absolute best laugh. When she gets going it's rare I want her to stop. I could sit and listen to it for hours.

She is my tomboy. She prefers to play with boys and enjoys boy games. Her favorite movie is Star Wars (we are giving it to her today) and she thinks, "Luke Skywalker is so handsome". Ok maybe not so tomboyish, but who doesn't right? Actually I was a Hans girl myself.



She loves to create things. When I'm in my studio working she pulls out her art box, sit across from me, and colors, or paints, lately she's been into stamping. She actually has this great knack for choosing colors that compliment each other. I am always so shocked to see what she's done and realize how well it all flows. In my book that is some serious skills. This skill actually helps her in fashion too. She always picks out clothing that matches.

She finally lost her first tooth. It has been very loose for days now and on Saturday we got together with some friends, one just happened to be a dentist, and we talked her into letting him pull it. Because her tooth was so small he couldn't' get a good enough grip so he actually used pilers. Can you believe she let him do it? I was shocked. She's usually so timid to try something new, but once she makes up her mind it's rare that she goes back....She wanted the tooth out and the Tooth Fairy to come.



She is so tenderhearted. I would never have guessed Tess would be my most sensitive because she holds her emotions so close and it's rare you get to see what's in there, but when she allows you in she gives it all. I think my most favorite time to be with her is when she's on the emotional side and she just wants to be with me. We sit and I hold her not saying a word, just being there is enough for both of us.

To my sweet Tess, Happy Birthday! I hope all your dreams come true.

memorial day...bday celebration

Today we got together with Adam's family, ate lunch at Training Table, and then went bowling. We decided to make it a party for Tess as well since her birthday is Wednesday and it was the one thing she wanted to do.

it cracks me up that she's the only one not smiling...perhaps too many photos

she got loads of craft and art supplies

This is what it looked like most of the time...chaos. The kids never really knew whose turn it was and they all wanted to help each other. It was the good kind of chaos though, the kind you can just sit back and let happen.


A close up of the "cupcake" cake. Adam did the decorating and Lori supplied the pan.

It was a fun afternoon spent with family celebrating a birthday. I know Tess had a great time, she already wants to do it again.

As for the rest of the afternoon. We ended up at Barnes and Noble for a while where I bought a few books for the kids for this summer. Afterward we headed home in the crazy rain and upon arrival I went straight to my room to read (it's nice when kids are old enough that you can do this) and quickly fell asleep. I didn't want to, but I couldn't help it. Adam worked on painting my cabinets black, the last step in my bathroom transformation, so I'm that much closer to sharing my toilet free bathroom.

cherishing the memories

As I pulled into the cemetery, which was mobbed with people and lined with cars, I saw this beautiful sight surrounding me as so many families and individuals gathered together to mourn the loss of those who have gone before. It's one of my favorite times, Memorial Day, to go to the cemetery because the grounds are adorned with love and respect seen in flowers, plastic windmills, and even balloons.





I was alone with only Megan and Tess to accompany me. Adam and Bella were feeling ill and my family is in St. George at the moment. We sat there by the grave and I told them stories about my brother when I was a child, stories I thought they could relate to. They laughed and asked questions wanting to know more. Being able to share him with my kids has actually been the best way to let go of the hurt and remember the joy.



It wasn't long before they had left me and found interest in 3 little boys. As it turns out the boys belonged to a friend of mine and also a very good friend of my brother Alan, Nicolle B.

Nicolle is telling Megan she was her uncle Alan's good friend.

Surprised to see her, I don't know why as I've seen her there before, we talked for a bit and both realized that even death can bring people together. Of course I wasn't prepared as I should have been to clean Alan's grave (my dad usually has the equipment) so we all walked over (only a few feet from her father's grave) and we talked as we edged and weeded the grave stone. It was so good to see and talk with her. She brings back so many wonderful memories of his life and reminds me of all the wonderful times.

I missed my family and sharing this tradition with them, but it was good to just be alone in my thoughts. It has been a long road for me, but I can honestly say, even though I know he is not necessarily there, being there keeps him close and his life a reality.

I hope you all have a great holiday.

savoring a not so busy saturday & a few randoms

Because I had absolutely nothing I had to do today (love that) I attempted to paint this morning. Apparently I wasn't inspired in the least so grumpily I gave up and started cleaning. I enjoy starting a weekend off with some deep cleaning, especially when you add listening to a book at the same time, it really can make for an enjoyable experience.

I haven't seen my kids all day because they've been busy playing with this box.



You can't really see it, but they've been decorating it with markers. I told them when Dad finally comes inside he would cut them a door, but they just couldn't wait that long and ripped one for themselves...eventually they did take it outside. I love watching them play with their imaginations.

I found the song I was looking for (not that you knew I was looking for it) even with the internet it took me some time because I was completely on the wrong track. I saw an old navy commercial the other day and must have seen or heard something that caught my attention because I rewound my tivo and went back to watch the whole thing (i rarely do that). It sounded so much like Ashlee Simpson and then they showed the girl singing and I knew for certain it was her. Apparently I was way off, hence the problem finding it, it was not Ashlee Simpson. As it turns out the song is called The Last Thing On Your Mind by Lights. After my internet research I found out she was discovered by Old Navy on her MySpace page. How cool is that? She has fours songs available to purchase on itunes. I have been listening to it over and over again. Do you ever do that? Listen to a song until you're sick of it. I seem to do that all the time when I find something I can't get enough of. P.S. Dani I think you'll especially love it.

Since I have loads of time on my hands today I finally replaced some photos I've been meaning to for so long.

black-in my studio...white-in my entry way

When I say so long it's because the square frame in my entry has been a Christmas photo of the girls I've been meaning to change out. I had an idea I would change this frame to accompany each season, but so far I haven't done it. Seriously I don't know how time gets away from me.

Here is a closer view of the photo in the frame. I took it one afternoon while the girls were playing across the street on their scooters. Sweet Meg took a moment out of her play time to pick some dandelions for me like she did all last summer. I love that she continues to do this each time she goes outside to play.



Have a fabulous weekend.

unbelievable timing

So there I was this afternoon watching my tivoed version of the American Idol finale (might I add it was such a good finale), sitting on the edge of my bed anxiously awaiting the results, even though I was certain who would win, when Ryan Seacrest was handed the top secret envelope. I was waiting waiting, you know how they love to keep you anticipating, when Ryan said,"and the winner is David (pause)" and my tivo recording stopped...it went no further. All that was heard throughout my house was screaming as I was left there to wonder....WHICH DAVID?!!!!

Thank goodness the internet (youtube) was only a few steps away.

after the storm

It was nice to get a break from the heat even though I've been dying for some warmth. I suppose I just wasn't quite ready for 90 degree weather.

Plus, rain has this beautiful way of giving life back to the earth and making the colors pop. When it was all said and done I had to go out exploring.











Okay now I'm ready for the warmth again.

You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for people to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.

- Winnie the Pooh

weekend

When I saw Robyn this afternoon while picking up my girls she said she couldn't wait to see what I had been up to this weekend. As the words were coming out of her mouth I thought, I have nothing to show for it. And I mean literally I had nothing show.

Since my big day without kids was on a Sunday I just relaxed, let the time pass, did what I wanted at the moment, and enjoyed my solitude. I read a bunch, I took a nap, I wrote, and worked more on my blurb book #2. What can I say it was a great day and I was so grateful to Robyn and Kathy for giving it to me. Thank you!

However, today was an entire different kind of day. I woke up early, not because I wanted to, but because the light was calling to me. It's so much easier to wake up when it's bright outside. I wish it were that way in the winter...it's so hard to get out of bed in the winter. Anyway, I got up and exercised, and got myself ready to head out for the day. I did a bunch of errands which included taking a few things back and shopping for my kids (I realized as I was packing them up this weekend that they didn't have a lot of summer clothes). After the walking and shopping I got one of the worst pedicures of my life. Seriously it was $50 and a complete waste. Yes my toes look find, but she didn't buff my feet, ok she did for about 30 seconds, which is not enough time for my callouses. I was very bummed.

I ate lunch in the car (not my fav but it's what I did) then headed to Barnes and Noble because I was early to pick up my kids. At 3pm I meet Robyn and Kathy to get my girls, it was so good to see them, and then we headed home while Bella got teary in the back because she wasn't able to meet the prophet. Immediately they wanted to eat and soak in the bath. Perfect. Then my mom showed up (yes, i knew she was coming). I was invited by some of my high school friends to go to dinner, but because of Adam absence, not being with the kids the whole weekend, and a photo shoot at 730pm I didn't think I would be able to make it. Apparently my friend talked to my mom and she came to my house to watch the girls so I could go with them (thanks mom!). I only had an hour before I needed to be back, but it was a very fun hour of catching up for me. It's been a while since I've seen them and I miss it. I miss them.

I raced back home, giddy about the light, and found my mom chatting with two of my young woman, sisters, waiting for me. One of them is graduating in a couple of weeks and wanted some photos to send with her announcement. It was fun to just hang out with them and take photos (my favorite kind of shoot). I adore these girls and had a hint of sadness thinking this week could be my last week working with them.



I was suppose to just take photos of the graduate, but these two sisters are so cute together I just couldn't help it. I love this photo so much I'm planning on framing it and giving it to her as a graduation gift. I hope it will be something she takes with her when she leaves home.

Ok so there you have it. Not that you were asking for it or interested in the least, but it's an account nevertheless. It was a wonderful weekend and I didn't even mention Saturday and the time Adam and I spent together, which involved an IKEA trip, dinner, movie...hmm another time I think when I can show photos of the change in my studio.

Thanks again Robyn and Kathy.

3 lessons

I was a few minutes early to Stake Conference so I pulled out my ensign and began reading when I noticed everyone was standing up. Instinctively I stood up looking in the direction of everyone else and noticed a man and his wife walking toward me. It took me a moment or two, but when my eyes focused and I realize who it was walking toward me I felt the spirit witness to me that in my presence was the Prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson and his darling wife. Instantly I knew why he was there. His daughter was speaking in conference and had come to hear her. I was surprised he choose to sit in the congregation in the overflow area, but perhaps he felt more comfortable not wanting to draw too much attention to himself. He was five seats away from me and I couldn't help feel a sadness that my children were not with me attending the meeting. I know they would have loved to meet him.

It was a marvelous conference. Marvelous. Everything I could have hoped. I walked away feeling I had prayers answered and was so grateful I didn't pass up this opportunity to learn.

The Stake President related a story he had heard at a BYU commencement talk recently and I will paraphrase it.

A young man lost his father in his late twenties and was forced to take over a company and business he was not ready for. He was overwhelmed and prayed to the Lord that his father's spirit might be permitted to inspire him, but no inspiration came, no answers to guide him. It wasn't until years later that he had a dream one night where his father came to him and said he had been quite busy and then suggested to his son, "We really don't care much about your business up here-we care only about who you are becoming as you run your business."

Many thoughts ran through my mind as he told this story, it made so much sense, and I realized that I could fill that sentence with any number of things. For instance, We really don't care what calling you have or We really don't care how many children you have-we care only who you are becoming as you run your life. etc. Our choices are significant in the sense that it brings us to where we are and ultimately helps shape the person we become, but the Lord has given us free reign to choose for ourselves and He is only concerned about the person we are striving to become not the jobs we hold or where we live.

Another powerful lesson taken from the Stake Presidents talk was referring to a parable given in The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.

There was a bus that would take the souls from Hell on a ride up to Low Heaven where they were greeted by angels coming to minister to them. The angels encouraged them to abandon their sins and stay with them and progress to Deep Heaven. Many souls struggled with making the choice, but sadly the souls made there was back on the bus and returned to Hell. One soul, inclined to stay in Heaven, asked, "how can they chose to go back", and the angel said, "The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words 'Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven'. There is always something they insist on keeping, even at the price of misery. There is always something they prefer to joy..."

"The reason the souls returned to the bus was because there was some part of the natural man that their pride simply did not allow them to let go of...some sin or aspect of their worldly character that they pridefully desired to retain despite the best efforts of the angels missionaries. In a fit of ego gratification they wanted to hold onto envy, self absorption, lusts or worldly acclaim even at the risk of losing heaven. And this brings us to the heart and essence of the opposite of humility, that is, pride--in that pride is at it's very core a competitive vice. The opposite of a humble person who forgets about themselves, is the prideful soul who is focused not only on self, but on comparing themselves to others, and are focused on how they look and not on their relationship with God. The element of comparison and competition creates enmity between us and others and ourselves and God.

I'm sorry I know that was long, but I had to share it. Comparison is something I have dealt with a lot in my life and have a sense we have all had a taste of it. Comparison or even caring about what others think is a sure fire way of bringing me down and making me feel like I have absolutely no worth, but I hadn't really thought about how those feeling could be hindering a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know blogging can play a big roll in helping me compare to each one of you. It can be hard at times to see so many of you succeed where I fail, but I know that we have all come to this earth with difference strengths and weaknesses so that we will rely on each other. It would be a shame to let the one thing that pulls us together push us apart.

I love going to a conference where you walk out and think it was all prepared just for you. I have one last lesson I want to share, one more quote I don't want to forget. At the end President Monson made his long way up from the back and talked for a few minutes. He shared a story about when he was ten years old and was riding along the Provo River on an inner tube. He had been riding for quite some time when he came around a bend and heard people calling "save her". He didn't know who they were talking about until he saw the head of a fourteen year old girl come out of the water. He grabbed onto her, pulled her onto the tube, and took her to the shore. The point of his story was this..."Heavenly Father can intervene so always have listening ears." He had been on the water for some time alone, no one knew he was coming and yet he was there ready and willing to answer the plea to "save her". He ended by saying, "I am grateful God knows who I am and knows I will do what He asks me to do."

A very powerful lesson to remember to always listen...you never know when you might be needed.

guilty pleasure

Remember when I posted about almost going to Las Vegas? Well, I'm still not going, but as it turns out my mother in law had some fun things planned for the kids that weekend and she would still like to have them come stay with her. Come again? It's such an unbelievable offer it almost doesn't seem real.

I think I may have said numerous times, "Are you sure? I feel like I'm taking advantage." Well, I'm sure it is a little bit like that, having 48 hours at home without my kids is a dream, but I will say it no more and just enjoy this kid free weekend in bliss. I'm so giddy about it I can hardly stand it.

So I don't have a clue what I'll do...perhaps some reading, creating, organizing...the skies the limit. Whatever it is I feel so grateful for this little weekend break.

Thank so much for doing this Kathy.

fun run...take two

The school fun run that I went to last week didn't involve the kindergarten children because they were out of school for testing. I figured they wouldn't be participating in it this year because they weren't there, but I found out otherwise when Tess got in the car this afternoon and said, "I got third place, I would have won, but Meg (classmate) beat me at the last part." "What? Huh? There was a fun run?", was my response. I wish she would have let me know she was running.



I was so disappointed I missed it because it sounds like it was a good race and I would have loved to be there to cheer her on. You know I knew she liked to run fast and she's quite the competitor, but I never would've guessed out of all the kids she would have gotten third place. Apparently we have a runner in the family. She did say she wanted to bag dance and play soccer so I suppose I should listen to her.

In other Tess news...



She brought home these cute cards today they made in school. First they used watercolors and watercolor paper to make a design and then had help from parents to cut them up and make them into cards (some are missing for the school art auction). I thought it was such a cool idea and now I think I will have to make some of my own. I love how they turned out.

a friendship is born

All day yesterday I got to see these two silly girls from time to time playing, more often than not it was their mess I would run into, like there was no one else in the house. I have noticed since Robyn's (sister in law) been back in the States that Megan and Olivia have been paling around with one other during family functions (they remind me a lot of Bella and Whitney). It's enjoyable to watch them interact with each other, it's as if their telling a secret...they get in close, whisper, and then giggle giggle giggle. It's contagious and I almost want to be involved. Almost. It's just one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

I love that they found each other.

my favorite q&a

Tess drew this picture for me of us together and answered some questions about me on the back. I just love these Q&As. It's funny to hear what she thinks, though I felt she was pretty dead on on most of them.
Her answers are in bold.



She is 105 years old.

She is 59 inches tall.

She weighs 68 pounds.

Her favorite food is potatoes stew.

She likes to wear her jeans.

While I'm at school, she is on the computer.

She likes to read.

She doesn't like to clean up the messes we make.

mothers day

Despite what you might originally think, I love Mother's Day. I don't enjoy it because it's necessarily a celebration of me, but what the holiday is celebrating...

Mothers.

photo by adam

Being a mother is one of the greatest experiences of my life, but it's also one of the most challenging. I have come to realize most things in life that are worth anything are also the ones that will try us the most. So even though some days I get up and think, I can't do this anymore, I see my adorable three little girls and want nothing more than to be everything that they want and need. It's such a crazy feeling to know that I'm responsible for them. Me. Responsible. At times it's a weight I feel on every inch of my body and other times it's the greatest joy I can imagine. I'm not sure there is an in between...at least not yet. So I continue on this journey called motherhood hoping that one day I will understand it, the things that we do and the stresses we put on ourselves, so that when that day comes I can see clearly through the rough.

Besides giving me time to reflect, I love Mother's Day because it's the time I am showered with the most handmade gifts. It was the gifts I loved giving the most as a child and it's the gifts I love receiving the most. Here is what my darling girls made for me this year.

a notepad from Bella

a shrinky dink necklace from Tess

a paper mache flower from Megan

Oh and I don't want to forget my sweet Adam who is always so wonderful to me and especially on this day. Along with redoing my bathroom, soon to be done, he gave me a box of chocolates.


Thanks love for making my day fabulous.

a very very long saturday

6:00 am: wake up and get ready to go to the YM/YW fundraiser.

6:30 am: arrive at the church to start setting up/cooking for the breakfast.

8:00 am: still cooking

8:59 am: Adam arrives at the church to pick me up and we head to Kingsbury Hall for Tess' dance performance.

9:02 am: Adam informs me how bad I stink of eggs and bacon. Great no time to go home and change.

9:15 am: Arrive at Kingsbury Hall, drop Tess off, go get tickets for the show (free), call Nana to see if she's coming to the show this afternoon, give my mom directions over the phone, take a walk outside the grounds waiting for the show to start.

9:33 am: See one of my YW whose handicap sister is dancing in the performance too (whose also one of my YW). After talking with them for a few minutes they also tell me I smell of the breakfast. Nice.

10:02 am: The dance performance starts. They've asked you not to take photos so I didn't bring my camera.

10:15 am: Make a mental note to bring my camera at 4pm because I can hear cameras firing.

10:20 am: Tess performs and does a fabulous job. She was wearing a beautiful flowy white dress, which she just loved, and I must say she was one of the better dancers in the class. I will admit I was a bit surprised myself because a) she says she doesn't want to do dance again and b) I watched her practice last week and she basically did the same stuff over and over so it was great to see her go outside herself and try new things.

10:42 am: I look over at Adam who is totally dying wondering when the performance was going to get over.

11:15 am: The finale. We get up and make our way with the hoards of people to the door so we can meet up with Tess.

11:25 am: In the crowd I spot my cousin Matt whose daughter also performed today. We sat and talked for a few minutes.

11:33 am: Tess comes out of the building with a big 'ole smile. So excited to have performed and loving all the attention. My mom promised a treat the next time we saw her and she was off.

11:40 am: We decided to take the kids to lunch at Apollo burgers. Yum!

12:15 pm: Megan declares that she dislikes the grilled cheese sandwich. Apparently it wasn't up to Randy's (Jill's husband) standards and she fights with Tess about eating her hotdog bun.

12:45 pm: Finally arrive home. Adam asks what he can do for me and I say clean the house. He gets busy while I take a much needed shower.

2:05 pm: It feels so good to be ready. I grab a book and head to my studio to read, but find Adam working on the bathroom. It's my mother's day gift this year to fix the bathroom in my studio. I want to paint the walls gray (paint bought) and cabinets black, take out the toilet and replace the space with a book shelf or something like it so I can store more stuff and so I don't have to look at a toilet when I'm sitting on my computer.

2:15 pm: realize I would rather clean up my studio instead of reading.

2:30 pm: I ask Bella to gather what she needs to take and remind her to bring something to do while she waits to perform her dance in the dressing room.

2:33 pm: I hear Bella yelling at Tess and Megan.

2:34 pm: I walk downstairs to ask her about it and tell her to knock it off when she informs me,
"Today hasn't been the best day. I thought I was dancing this morning and I've had to wait so long. plus my sisters won't leave me alone."

2:45 pm: I help Bella get ready, pulling bangs out of her face. Meanwhile all the girls come in my bathroom and I do their hair yet again.

2:47 pm: Megan asks, "Why do boys stand up to go to the bathroom and girls don't."

2:55 pm: running out the door to leave I remember to grab my camera and a book.

3:12 pm: arrive at Kingsbury Hall for the second time today.

3:15 pm: As we're walking to the building I notice that you can see all the way to downtown and stop to take a photo.


This is what I got. I thought it was just perfect for how we were all feeling.

3:16 pm: Take a photo of Bella and Tess in front on the steps of Kingsbury Hall.



3:19 pm: Get Bella where she needs to be, park it on the grass, wait for 4pm. Adam reads and I try, but Megan is crawling all over me so I take out my camera and play with the sun.









3:55 pm: Make our way to our seats and see that my mom is already there waiting.

4:03 pm: The show starts.

4:10 pm: I look over at Adam and see this time he has brought his ipod to listen to. Nice. (FYI we are midway up on the balcony and no one is behind us.)

5:00 pm: Bella dances and does what I expected...a marvelous job. She likes dance and she loves to perform (I'm still so shocked about that) so it definitely shows when she's out there.

5:15 pm: The curtain goes down and we are done with dance.

5:30 pm: We meet up with Bella and say goodbye to my mom once again, but not for long. We are meeting for dinner.

5:50 pm: We arrive at Bucca Di Beppo for dinner for mother's day since I'll be with Adam's family tomorrow. I'm sitting in the car dozing when I look back and see all the girls are asleep, wasted in the back after such a long day.

6:25 pm: The kids are driving me crazy because they are tired and hungry and the food is taking forever.

7:15 pm: We walk out of the restaurant and see crowds of people...immediately I am grateful we are done and heading home. I try to convince my parents to go see Iron Man because I know it's their kind of movie. My mom gives chocolate and cupcakes to the girls for doing so good today.

7:40 pm: We are finally home. All the girls head straight to their rooms to get their pjs on and I do the same. I start a load of laundry and move the wet clothes into the drier.

8:00 pm: I just get down washing my face when megan asks, "Why are boys peeps so long?" I laugh and give her an answer.

8:25pm: We say prayers as a family, give hugs, and the pitter patter of little feet make their way down the hall until I can't hear them any longer. Finally I'm cozy in bed.

8:30pm: We put in Arrested Development and I am quickly dozing.

9:00pm: I feel my eyelids close for the last time as I hear Adam whisper goodnight, and that was the last thing I remember.

What a day.