NINE YEARS and going strong!

I have a sweetheart for a husband. He knows when I need to get away and our anniversary was the perfect time to do it. Clyde and Evelyn were in town for the weekend and Chad talked them into staying an extra night so we could take off for one night. 

We went to Mo' Bettahs for dinner....not romantic but SUUUUUCHHHH GOOOD food! Then we checked into our room at the Anniversary Inn in SLC. We stayed in mansion suite (Chads not a fan of the crazy themed rooms) and it was just a really nice relaxing time. We played games, ate snacks, watched 2 movies! and just hung out. It was so great to have uninterrupted  time together.  

 At midnight we decided we should eat our cheesecake. I'm not a huge fan of it....but its growing on me.

 We love going to bed and breakfasts mostly because the breakfast is always so great! We had to get up early to get back to our kids (but its not like we could have slept in anyway now that we are parents we have internal alarm clocks!) But I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on the stresses of being a mom again.

Thanks honey for taking such good care of me and trying to make each anniversary special. I know you love me and I hope you know how much I love you. I never thought the day I married you I could love you anymore. But it has grown in so many ways over the years. Thanks for being my perfect match. You're the best!

In with the new!

Ahhh tax season! We were pleasantly surprised to get back about double than what I expected on our tax refund. We knew we needed a bed so for date night one night we went bed shopping. We laid on several but when we both laid on this one we couldn't get up . I was really tempted to ask if we could stay and have a nap since we were buying it. Our current bed we bought before we had Carter so it was really time for a new one. 

 On the way in this furniture set caught my eye and I made the comment I'd really like it. Chad didn't say much and we went home. I kept thinking and thinking about it. and came up with a plan so we could go buy it too. So we walked out with a new bed and this furniture set! Chad didn't want the chair but I told him it was a must!

And I think it looks quite nice in our new home! (except now  I need a new rug! Too many patterns going on!)

And once you spend that much in a furniture store you better let my kids feed your fish! Just kidding the really nice salesman invited the kids to feed the fish that they have in a huge pond in the middle of their store. They thought that was pretty great. Except now if we ever go back in you know what they are going to think they get to do! 

Hooray for buying new furniture and getting rid of old hand me down couches!!!!!!!!!!

My Valentines

V-day was pretty low key this year. The kids woke up to a few treats and gifts and we had an emjoyable day as a family. It brings me joy to see my kids excitement over simple gifts. I love to celebrate holidays but I tend to go a little over board sometimes. So it was nice to keep it a little simpler this year. We celebrated on saturday since it was on sunday. That night we went to the ward adults valentines dinner and dance and it was fun to get to dance a few songs with my hubby. 

 Mollie was over the moon about having a journal that locked!

 Ry scored some new bath toys and teething crackers.

 Later saturday night Chets family came to town and stayed sat and sunday with us. We did a dessert fondue party on Valentines and a pasta dinner. Chet had to leave early but we got some games in with the nieces. We sure love their family and look up to them a bunch! Happy Valentines Day!

What's happenin' with Carter

This kid! He is becoming less of my little boy every day and more of an independent kid! No we don't beat him....For spirit week at school they had a fake accident day. I gave him the option of a black eye, a bloody bandage OR a broken arm. He woke up early the next morning wanting all 3! We were able to pull it off quickly. 

 Another day was crazy hair day. Which also happened to be his 1st grade Valentines party that I got to go help with.

 That same day he had his SECOND cap put on his teeth. He definitely has his dad's teeth. He handled it all like a champ though.

 Speaking of Champ... Carter just ended his first season of basketball. He did so great! His team had 1st and 2nd graders on it and you could tell a difference in who had already played 1 year but Carter kept up and improved SO much! He could dribble quick and make shots easily but often got caught up in trying to hard. He's a little hustler and it was so fun to watch him play defense. He stuck to his guy like glue and followed him around everywhere. He did so great and we are so proud of his accomplishments.

Provo City Temple Open House

We were thrilled when we heard that the old tabernacle in Provo would be turned into a temple! We watched a small video before we went to show the kids that it caught fire but was reconstructed into a temple. They now call it the temple that was on fire!

 As always it was incredible to see the beautiful workmanship and how they did their best to recreate the same look. The kids loved it and Mollie kept saying she could feel the Holy Ghost.

 Our session was at 7:30 on a frigid February morning so we didn't stick around much to take any pictures but heres one of the kids by the fountain.

 And a few US-ies (see what I did there)

I sure love this little family of mine and am so grateful for the many temples we have had to opportunity to take them in. I think it helps them really know of their importance and have goals to be married there some day. I hope that with all of my heart! The temple is the place to be.

Mucky-yuck

Makeup or Mucky-yuck as my dad used to call it. Mollie has hit the age where she is very interested in makeup. She loves to be the beautician while I am the client. Lots and lots of blue and glitter.....

Mollie and her friend were doing makeup one day and didn't clean up after her self and minutes later I found this......oh she was so proud of herself!

 This was Mollies latest creation. One pink eye and one blue. with a sparkly headband around her neck to look like a choker....oh boy.

When her friends come to play they almost always go home looking like this,,,,

or this....she did blue noses every time she put it on for a while and I finally had to ask why. Cuz mom, its cute! Ok then!

I think my dad had it right. I have a love hate relationship with it! But I'm glad she is creative and loves to look "beautiful" although she is totally gorgeous without it!

Hot pools and snowboarding in Idaho!

The kids had a few days off of school and so we took off to Idaho for some fun! I talked Chad into taking a detour and going to Lava Hot Springs indoor pool with my family. Its indoors, warm water, and tons of fun! The kids loved splashing in the kids pool and when they got bored they hopped in the big pool and played basketball with their uncles!

 This was Brielles favorite spot i think.

 And it was Rylee's first time swimming! She was so tired but never made a peep! She just smiled and kicked her legs! I had a hard time keeping track of Carter because he was running everywhere and having so much fun enjoying some freedom in the water. Grandma hung out in the hot pools and helped watch babies at certain times. It was so wonderful sitting in a nice warm spa watching the snow fall outside!

 We traveled on to grandmas house and spent the weekend with them. Bright and early monday morning we headed to Pommerelle! I havent been on a snowboard since I was in high school but we all had such a fun time on the bunny hill with Carter. The drive up there was a bit scary but some kind strangers helped push our car up the road.

 This kid was more than excited to get on the mountain.

 The magic carpet! This ride almost got the best of me and Chad a few times! It's a little tricky on a snowboard.

 The boys shreddin it up.

 We took a break in the lodge for lunch and to let our legs rest! (and arms!) My shoulders were more sore than my legs from pushing myself up so often! It wasn't long though before we were ready to head back out!

Chad was good sport and was very patient while me and Carter learned (and re-learned for me) how to snowboard. It took me several times but I finally decided to quit being a chicken and just go for it. Once I did I was able to make it down the hill a few times without falling. YAY ME!

 While we were away Grandma entertained the girls with lots of games and cookie making! She's such a great grandma and always has fun stuff planned for the grandkids. I'm so glad my kids get to grow up and know both sets of their grandparents. We are so blessed in that department!

 It was such a fun trip, no one wanted to leave! Its always a long drive back to Utah, especially with 2 little girls who don't love the car. But I learned a new secret weapon for keeping Brielle happy in the car. APPLES! Yes folks, that is (or was) an apple! She is just like Carter and eats it down to the stem and seeds. But it kept her busy, wasn't too messy and filled her belly with a healthy snack! WIN WIN WIN!