Today

Creative title eh? So lots of random thoughts for the day....
Our day (mine and the kids) didn't start off on the best foot this morning. Ashlyn woke up WAY too early and way too grumpy. Her grumpiness rubbed off on me way too fast (might have had something to do with her waking me up at 2:00 am and then waking up early- lack of sleep seems to make me irritable). But we just battled it out all morning. I wanted to throw in the towel and quit my job of "mom" for the day by 8:30 am. I don't know what it is with Ashlyn lately, but we are really having a hard time with her attitude, obedience, moodiness... ( I know she's a girl). I was talking to my dad last night about it and I said, "Dad, just tell me is this 3 year old behavior or is it personality." He didn't answer ( I don't think he dared tell me). She is so strong willed that there is no changing her mind when she has made it up. Anyway, I've really been struggling with her lately. So as I talked to my parents last night my mom said try really hard to point out her good points and praise her for what she does right. So I went to bed thinking how I could make things better and work with her more. That all went out the window about 10 minutes after we woke up this morning... maybe tomorrow mom.
In all the turmoil of this morning I somehow got Tanner down for a nap just to wake him up 30 min. later to go over to the church for a Young Women's meeting. Yes, I am now in Young Womens. They released me from Primary about a month ago, gave me the cushiest calling in the world (assistant ward librarian) for two whole weeks and then released me and called me as the second counselor in the young womens (over the beehives). I have so many mixed emotions about this calling. When I was released from primary I told Brad I would do anything they called me to, but I really didn't want Young Womens. I shouldn't have said it out loud. I know Heavenly Father knows the bigger picture and there is a reason for everything so I know Young Womens is where I need to be, but I'm just not feeling it yet. In our meeting today they were talking about activities and girls camp and all these cute ideas, and it all just feels so foreign to me. I had such great Young Women leaders growing up that really took time for me, and it wasn't until I had my own family that I think I truly appreciated all they did for me. I think I am so selfish with my time, I just keep thinking about my Yoga class that I loved teaching that I had to give up on Tuesday nights to go to mutual and how I have to spend one more night a week away from my family, and waking my baby up to go to meetings... What was it President Hinckley's father wrote to him on his mission- Forget yourself and go to work? I'm going to try.
Next thought.... I have great friends and neighbors and I feel so blessed to live here. I had some friends over for lunch for a neighbors birthday today and we had a great time. The kids actually played well together, and the adults were able to visit. My friend has been through some pretty crazy things the last couple of weeks and it is just amazing to me how strong people can be through their trials.
And last but not least we had SUNSHINE today. YIPEE! I think we all just need a healthy dose of sunshine to get over our winter moodiness! We went for a walk and played outside this afternoon- it was so nice. I am so ready for SPRING.

Happy Birthday Brad

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!! We had a little birthday dinner for Brad with his family on Sunday- the kids loved helping open all his treats! Today ended up being a busy day for Brad at work and then I had to teach tonight so we didn't get to do anything great, but hopefully we'll get to go out this weekend!

Everyone says Tanner looks exactly like Brad... what do you think?

The Painting is FINALLY Done

It only took me 3 weeks, but I finally finished painting (at least the main living area of the house. I still need to do the hallway and touch up the baseboards) I love how it turned out. It was worth all the work! Here are a few pics of the finished product.

St. George Getaway

It wasn't far, but we got away! I was desperate for some sunshine, and we were lucky and got some. It was so nice in St. George. Jacket weather in the morning and at night, but during the day it was in the low 60's.

We rented a condo and shared it with my brother Bryce and his family. Since Ashlyn and her cousin Sam are pretty much obsessed with eachother it made it really nice. They entertained eachother the entire trip. It is amazing that they never get sick of eachother. If it was up to Ashlyn we would have spent the entire trip at the Park or playing at St. Geroge (she called the condo St. George- she still has no clue it is an actual city). We went to the park several times, but managed to get a few other things in there too (ex: shopping, swimming, eating, eating, and eating some more!)

Tanner sat on grass for the first time- he loved picking through it and tried to eat the grass several times! We spent Sunday evening at the St. George Temple. Ashlyn was so excited to see flowers. She asks me all the time if it is springtime yet and when will the flowers start growing again.

One of the highlights of the trip was getting to go on a helicopter ride. There was a new golf coarse that was having its grand opening and was giving helicopter rides. Only the adults were able to go, but the kids loved watching. And as you can see it was a gorgeous day outside.

All in all the trip was great. We haven't really traveled with our kids before so this was the perfect vacation for our first time. We were nervous for the car ride and that was a breeze. Both kids did great in the car. Sleeping was a challenge, but got better each night. I guess we'll just have to get away more so our kids get used to sleeping different places!

My Little Tornado

I just had to post this picture of Tanner on a rampage in Ashlyn's room. I really have to worry when my house is quiet because it ALWAYS means this little guy is getting into trouble. He loves to get into drawers, closets, laundry anything that can be unloaded! And he loves to smile when he's getting into trouble. I love this little guy!

Boondocks

We had a much needed play day with friends yesterday at Boondocks. The kids have been such troopers this week being cooped up inside while I've been painting. So we decided to get out of the house and run around a little today. We met my friend Carly and her two girls Grace and Olivia at Boondocks. They all had a great time.

Tanner wishing he could play too!

Olivia, Ashlyn and Grace

Did I bite off more than I can chew?

Probably... Monday I was having one of those days where I just needed CHANGE. A vacation wasn't really an option, so I decided I would paint my house. It is a HUGE project, but I'm actually having fun- and the kids are a great help! I've finished the dining room and kitchen and am working my way into the entry way and great room. This wall shows the faux finish I am doing. Some walls have this faux finish and others will be painted darker in an accent color. I'll post more pictures as I get more done.

A typical afternoon

As the kids were destroying the basement (a daily activity) I decided to take some pictures!

Tanner loves opening and closing drawers, but hasn't learned not to shut his fingers in the drawers yet. He is just starting to pull himself up on things, but panics once he gets up because he can't figure out how to get down. (oh yeah, for Brad's family, because they were all wondering Tanner weighs 22.5 lbs)
Ashlyn comes to me dressed like this and says, "Trick-or-Treat. Mom, I'm all dressed up, now you need to drop a treat in my bucket." I thought it was a pretty clever way of trying to get a treat out of me.
Tanner is already fulfilling the role of a pesky little brother. He loves to be anywhere Ashlyn is and loves destroying her things. Every time Ashlyn would build something with her blocks Tanner was over there knocking them down with a grin on his face.
Tanner has some obsession with the TV remote. We've given him old TV remotes and he just throws them- he know the one dad uses and that is the only one he wants. When he finally gets his hands on it he starts shaking with excitement and then refuses to let go.
Where Ashlyn gets her coordination with balls is a mystery to us. She can make a basket from anywhere in the room and gets frustrated that the hoop can't go higher so its more of a challenge.

President Hinckley

I've been wishing all day I could head downtown to pay my respect to our dear Prophet, but know it would be impossible waiting in line with my two kids. I'm saddend by his passing, but also so happy for him- especially that he is reunited with his wife. He was such a great man, and I learned so much from him. Every time I saw him I just couldn't help but smile. I loved when I'd go to any event he was attending like at the Conference Center, and the entire feeling of the room would change when he walked in. What an incredible man!