I-i-i- am an innocent cra-a-ayon!

(that's to Billy Joel's "An Innocent Man")

A couple days ago I walked up to Eliza coloring and I saw four unfortunately small pieces of broken white crayon at her feet. A little annoyed I said, "Eliza, what are you doing?" She looked at me, equally bothered, and retorted, "The crayon's not working!"

Queen Eliza

Now it just so happens that girls love princesses. And this 2 1/2 year old is taking royalty to heart. A few days ago Eliza told me (sweetly--but with conviction) "I'm so beautiful as the rainbow!" and "I'm the Queen of the world!" Then just yesterday...not so sweetly...she put me in time-out. And as she shut the door behind her she saucily stated, "You're in time-out since (throw head back) I'm the Queen!"

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Today I cleaned out the coat closet of 2 bins worth of snow pants, boots, heavy socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and the like. Plus a large pile of thick coats. Today my closet is free of sweaters and turtlenecks...and it's calling for more t-shirts! Let's hear it for spring!!

We've had about a week's worth of great weather (high 60's and low 70's) and people are coming out! In fact, it'll be interesting to see who all our neighbors really are. The first warm day 3 lovely gentlemen sporting pasty white chests and multiple tattoos were out playing Frisbee for, I promise, at least 6 hours.

Needless to say we have been spending lots of time at parks and in the yard area here. I've discovered a new park I Love (with a capital L). Also, our balcony is a great way for the kids to play outside but still be home when necessary. The balcony is also a really annoying way for kids to still play with neighbors when they're supposed to be doing jobs or eating dinner. Heh heh (shoulder twitch, eye spasm) but really, I'm ok. (twitch)

Repetir, por favor

The last month Daniel and I have been in 3 different wards--here, Columbus, and Plainfield. We have laughed every Sunday for 4 weeks as we have heard the same things over and over.

Letter from the first presidency about making wise monetary investements x2
Letter from the first presidency about asking local leaders questions instead of writing the general authorities x2
Sunday School lesson about magnifying your calling...x3!!

Fun, fun, and fun again!

Oh, to be 29 again

Well, as my post-op mother-in-law put it after her hysterectomy, I'm walking like I'm 90! Though I haven't been under the knife, I have turned over a new leaf and joined a gym! After a couple weeks of doing cardio on my own, I decided to have the "guy" show me a good weight training work out. So far I've done a day of upper body and a day of lower body. And...

OUCH OUCH OUCH. I am moving like I'm 90!! I cannot even describe the soreness! This Wednesday is abs...ughhhhhhhhhhhh. It's the one remaning zone that isn't in pain!

I'm really looking forward to getting on with this week, get the rest of the sore crumby part over with, and move like I'm 29 again!! And I'd better hurry, 30 is only a summer away.

Locker Partner Reunion

When was the last time you saw your 7th grade locker partner? Hmmmm? Well, mine was a great friend back in the late grade school and early jr. high days. She moved around a lot and left Oregon after only a few years. But, Kim and I remained in touch and decided to be roommates at BYU. You know, a great locker partner makes a great roommate. After having shared so many spaces, we wish we could share a street or even a city. But we're just happy to be only a couple hours apart.

Our family drove out to Plainfield, Illinois (about a half hour + outside Chicago) Friday night and enjoyed the weekend with Kim, Jason, and their fabulous 4. All the kids got along so well--you know those blissful moments you almost forget they're in the house because they're happy and out of your hair? Those! We had lots of those! We also had a great time at their very-cool children's museum (see Eliza sporting the goggles below). So fun to be with old friends!

Another reason to stay in your PJs

The other day Abby was desperately trying to avoid changing out of her pjs. When I questioned her she quickly rattled off reasons why she hadn't changed yet. She ended by showing me her arm covered in goose bumps, and declared, "...then I got 'the chicken pox brrr!'...(quizzical look)...what are these called again?'"

Apparently "the chicken pox brrr" can keep kids from doing a lot of things, so be on the look out!

Kind, but firm

"I said I want to nap on the floor. Understood?"
--Eliza when Mom was picking the blanket up off the floor.

"You be nice. And sweet."
--Eliza reprimanding Abby for saying something unkind.

Cozy Crayolas

While sitting at church one day I spied the cutest little crayon holder in the clutches of a doodling boy. It was love at first sight. Our trip to Ohio was just around the corner and I knew I must sew THREE before we left! Here's how they turned out:

Chef Boyar-Daniel

Daniel has found two great ways to relieve stress and relax. Jogging and cooking! Over the past several weekends he has delighted us with many treats. Namely:

chocolate chip meringues
peanut butter cookies
dinner rolls
Cinnabon recipe cinnamon rolls
lasagna
artichokes and dip

If I have not made you sufficiently jealous, tune in next month for an updated list. Maybe you'll have to stop by for a taste of Chef Boyar-Daniel!

joke of the day

(thank you John...)

"When I'm driving I see a sign that says, 'Caution: Small Children Playing'. I slow down, and then it occurs to me, I'm not afraid of small children."

Boys Night Out, Girls Night In

Several weeks ago Daniel ordered some discounted tickets to a Buck's basketball game for him and Andrew. I wanted Abby to have something fun to look forward to as well, so she invited two friends from preschool over for a girls night in.

The basketball game went great--Daniel said that Andrew LOVED every minute of it. He remarked how ironically, with all the lights, music, free stuff, cheers, advertising, and food, (in other words--TONS of sensory input) the basketball game itself is the least exciting part of the night! But they did enjoy the game too--Andrew was out to count dunks and he got to see 2 great ones! As they entered the building Andrew was given this funny little ice cream guy that he held close to him the whole night. They got back at 11 pm and Andrew was full of energy. What a fun time.

As for the girls, Abby, Eliza, and the two friends had a GREAT time. Abby laid out all her dress-ups in her room. As she was showing me her "shop" she took me to the closet and said, "Here's where they can pick up their accessories." Accessories!!?? So, they got dolled up, had an apple juice tea party (with mini sugar cookies we made earlier in the day), and then played games, house, and the limbo. Too much fun. I can't wait to do it again!

Watch Out Fred Astaire!

Armed with her toothbrush microphone and her pretty outfit, Abby is rockin' the balcony with her own song about winking and waving. And if you listen closely you'll be privileged to hear Eliza's whining about a bug.

Foolish Feasts

Ok, so tonight's dinner wasn't exactly a feast, but it was foolish. Daniel's out at a business dinner tonight so I was definitely going to do a simple kid-ish dinner. Then, inspired by April Fool's Day, I decided to mix up the dishes and up-side-down the plates. The kids thought it was pretty funny. (In case it's hard to tell--those are scrambled eggs in the cups, apple juice in the bowls, and bananas and cucumbers on the plates.)




But I have to admit, as far as dramatic effect goes, Saint Patrick's Day tops the charts (well, my charts). Fuit salad, green shepherd's pie and green milk--YUM!