Standard's Night Carnival

For our Youth Standard's Night we did a carnival. They went around to the booths and played the games and then answered questions about each of the standards. It was a success! The youth loved it, it was fun and they were reminded of their standards. If you'd like more info, let me know! 

 Juggling and balloon bunch

 Sponge toss (our brave YM president and Bishopric 1st Counselor) and Tightrope

 Cotton Candy

Bean Bag Toss and Hula Hoop

Dart Throw and Popcorn

Cupcake Walk

 Basketball

Photo Booth

Face Painting (or hair) One of our artists!

Fishing Game

"Come See the Modest (and bearded) Lady!"

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Backyard 1

First project.
Sprinklers.
Doug has been digging, trenching, piping, and who knows what other terms go there. All I know is he has been working like crazy. Go DOUG!!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Nothin' Left for me to do but DANCE!

Allie is going to a little dance class once a week. It is adorable to watch them frolick around!! She loves it. They are doing a recital next month to a song from "Rio." Can't wait to see them all dressed up doing that dance!! I'll have to post a video of that.

Easter

We did Easter baskets and a very simple egg hunt in our front yard on Saturday. Then Easter Sunday we were able to have a special morning together talking, reading and thinking about our Savior and the Ressurrection. In the "Friend" magazine there was a little book about Jesus' last days and Allie had us read that over and over again. We acted it out and it became more real to her. 

Doug's sister, Mattie made these adorable skirts and bows for the girls. They LOVE them...so did everyone else at church.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Toddler Bed

We switched Katelyn to her toddler bed last week. She didn't want to help dad put it together (but Allie did). What she WAS excited about was climbing in and out of it and nuzzling in it. She was a very happy girl that night. Stayed in bed...didn't fall out. 

Since then...We woke up to her saying "help you, help you" and went in to see her on the floor. But she has stayed in it :) What a girl :)

The morning after. I just love her morning hair..it's crazy!!

Snap, Krackle, Pop!

AJ has a sticker chart where she works on certain behaviors each day. She earned a date with mom. Our favorite date is to the mall but this time we took it easy. We went to Costco and ate samples and shopped and then came home and made a treat together. Rice Krispie Treats...she can make them by herself...and I ate 3/4 of the pan. Whoops...extra miles at the gym this week I suppose.

Very serious about melting the butter + mini marshmallows with her new birthday apron from Nan and Pa C.

 Licking the spoon is the best part!

 She worked on getting every last piece off there!

She insisted we take some pictures together. I must say, they are my favorite part of the date. My way to remember this time with her (since my memory is so horrible).

Everywhere we go people comment on how much she looks like me. This picture proves just that.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(idea from Soulemama)

Mmmm...Oatmeal

This is the breakfast I eat 6 out of 7 days of the week. Oatmeal with cinnamon, brown sugar and a nice heaping spoonful of almond butter. Mix it all in and it is so scrumptious. My girls devour it as well. 

(I realize this picture looks less than appetizing, it's pre-mixed + I am not a good photographer. Just try it and you'll see what you've been missing. You're welcome.)

A little humor for today...

Good thing we love them! 

Reminder

"Close your eyes mom. Ready, open them! This is you. You are so beautiful."

Thanks little darling. 

After watching General Conference I have had a gentle + firm reminder of how blessed I am. Here's to being more patient, listening to and talking with my kids, magnifying my calling as a mother and wife and teaching my kids to be self-reliant + so much more!

We had cups with different words that we thought might be said a lot. Everytime Allie heard them say a word she put a bead inside the cup. I was amazed at how well she listened! Guess what cup had the most beads in it??

 They also colored and had some great snacks too! They did much better than expected. It also helped that they both napped during the afternoon sessions. :)

Now I'll be off to read a talk before bed.