DAY 28

"SUNDAY DUET"

DAY 27

"THE KEY TO..........."

DAY 26

"GOT MAIL?"

DAY 25

"BANG HEAD HERE"

jk! Do you ever feel like it though?! I have felt so behind lately! Making lists every day and never finding enough time in the day to get it all done -- Am I focusing being a good enough Mom? What does a good Mom do? I try to spend quality time with each of my kids daily but is it enough? Homework is happening (with MUCH coaxing) Piano practice is too (coaxing there as well) trying to fit Family scripture time in with good, willing attitudes, trying to gt kids to be by 8 pm and always getting there around 9 -- I hate going to bed feeling like we have to loose it for them to know we are serious about going to bed. I love going in and seeing their sweet, tender faces and knowing I could have been a "nicer"mommy in the day -- I hope they know how much I love them -- I hope that they know that I feel like if we have a home that is kept up we can feel happier but not loose my patience trying to get it there -- Then it really isn't worth it! Ok, I am truly rambling but the gist of it is --I hope I can enjoy the Season, seize the day, and keep a focus on what matters most and at the end of the day not feel like I have run into one of the things pictured above! What matters most? FAMILY!

BIRD WATCH

Out near Glover lane there is the most amazing site this time of year! BALD EAGLES! Ry took the kids last MOnday and saw several -- Her returned home and told me and I was so bummed I hadn't gone with my camera. So this past Sat. at dusk we took a drive.

The sunset was beautiful!

We didn't spot many eagles but some other pretty birds

Beautiful reflections in the water!

Amazing hawks in flight

Then today I wanted to go again and we kidnapped Kels from school lunch and took a picnic in the car and went back -- This is a bird we aren't too sure what it is -- We think possible a baby hawk. Tomorrow we are taking Aubs so we may see more!

Close up of the "who knows what" bird

Another flight!

More eagles this time! But am I out of control? I wanted to see MORE! A few have told us about a great spot in Centerville on the corner of 1100 W. and Pages Lane. I went yesterday and nothing but thought we would try one more time late this afternoon and here is what we saw!

EAGLES very CLOSE UP!

I had my zoom and when I looked up at this guy and saw this face in my zoom -- I almost screamed! I just clicked and got back in the car!

More

and one last final close up -- I think I've got my fix and it was so fun that the kids got to see it all too! They are only out for a very short time so if you have the chance -- Go and see! It is truly a sight! They are such beautiful birds!!!

DAY 24

"LEARNING A LESSON"

A little excitement in the neighborhood

It was such a pretty day this afternoon and warm enough to get out and get some play time outside -- Carter was in heaven playing with buddies and the girls loved it too after school. We were outside chatting when we looked up and saw smoke behind our house! We ran to see and saw the field in back of the house was on fire -- not a huge fire but still fire and the wind was a little more than normal. It was cause for concern and the guy looked like he had it under control but then it got bigger and he looked possibly worried as his kids started coming down with water. Our neighbor ended up calling the Fire dept. and they came -- they pulled right into our driveway and went through our yard to get to it-- It was almost out by the time they arrived but they came and did some precautionary outing themselves. Carter was in HEAVEN! He ran into my prop closet and got out the fire hat and so I had to take advantage of a good photo op with the firemen. They were so nice to let him -- It was a fun day for him -- Not only play outside most of the day but have a small fire truck and firemen right in his own driveway and yard! Who knows what we'll do tomorrow!

Then tonight we gave Grace her first baby food! I had no idea it was time but at her apt. last week the Dr. said since she is over 16 pounds -- we can start food anytime! Well, we did it tonight and she loved it! The kids thought she was so funny and she loved every minute!

DAY 23

"FLIGHT"

Simple Machines

Mikelle was involved in creating a simple making for school -- All the third graders were involved adn it was so neat to see them all there and all the different machines. They came up with a patent and went to work! Mikelle used pulleys, an inclined plane and tubing to make water go up and down like a scale. It was all her own idea and she had a little help from Dad. I had to leave a bit early unfortunately -- Carter took off four times and kept getting "lost" in all the commotion- I still am getting used to getting around with a baby -- I've been so used to being able to follow him quickly -- And he was not in the best of moods -- He was so tired -- due to waking up at 3 in the morning to go turn all the lights on and eat a roll! Must be a growth spurt! But we were able to see Mikelle demonstrate her project and get a few snaps of her! Good work Kels!!!

DAY 22

"FIREWORK FLOWER"

taken one year ago today in AZ

DAY 21

"MY GUYS"

DAY 20

"SIGHT TO BEHOLD"

DAY 19

"FRIENDS"

DAY 18

"YUM"

DAY 17

"DOG'S BEST FRIEND"

DAY 16

"PUGGLES"

fun weekend

We had a great weekend-- Sat. night we made Chinese food and sat downstairs "Chinese style" on pillows and watched the Olympics. Carter was so into it! He LOVED the ski jump and had to mirror everything they did! It was too cute and we got a kick out of it! Then we had Valentines on Sunday with my parents out for dinner and celebrated again yesterday with a Valentine treasure hunt with the kids and Ry and I went on a little date to lunch and some errands. It was great and such a fun time to just relax and be with our family.

DAY 15

"ROASTED"

Picture of the day and a great idea! My friend told me to BAKE corn on the cob (In the husks) in the oven -- 30 im. at 350 - The husk and silk falls right off as you peel it back! Easy and YUMMY!

My Valentines

To the loves of my life -- I LOVE YOU!!!!! HAPPY VALENTINES!

DAY 14

"VALENTINES"

Happy Valentines Day!

DAY 13

"CALLED TO SERVE"

DAY 12

"BEAUTY"

DAY 11

"HOMEWORK"

DAY 10

"SLUSH"

DAY 10

"MINT"

DAY 9

"GROOMED"

DAY 8

"SAN FRANSISCO PEAKS"

DAY 7

"LEMONZ"

DAY 6

"Fix Or Repair Daily"

4 months!

Another month older and cuter! Gracie has been getting so much fun and still so good! She even had a little cold and cough this past week and has been such a good little sport and still so pleasant. Except for when I leave -- I had to do a couple things this past week and got her down for the night only to have her wake up and scream when I left and daddy came in to soothe her back to sleep. She is getting a little attached but I love it still! She is smiling, cooing, laughing, sqwacking, and has even rolled onto her tummy a couple times. She is just a joy and such a fun baby! Happy 4 months baby girl!

DAY 6

"FAMILY"

A day with Mom

So today I used my 20 lbs of tomatoes (again from Bountiful Baskets) and made my Mom's chile sauce! There is something about canning that makes me feel close to her. Especially reading this recipe, in her beautiful handwriting, with her instructions, smelling the onions and peppers cook with tomatoes and spices, remembering my younger days with the same aroma in my home, and just being grateful for her and feeling like I have a little bit of her with me in that moment.