Look, Mom!

We were visiting Curtis' parents the other day. Close to their back yard are some delightful rocks the kids like to climb on and explore. We were up there looking at some Prickly Pear Cactus and coming back down. Maren came down with her hands full and a wonderful smile on her face.

When I came to see what she had found, I was surprised and glad she didn't start eating them thinking they were chocolate or some yummy treat......she had her hands full of deer poop! We promptly emptied her hands and ran her into the house to wash, wash, wash!!!

Princess with an Orange Box of Chocolate Chip Cookies

So Fun

I just love it when kids start talking. Maren has been talking for quite some time, but I just love some of her phrases!

Here are a few:

As we finish reading a book, Maren says, "Amen."
"Here go!" (Here you go)
"Come back!" (while tugging your fingers)
"Rella." (Cinderella)
"They're done!" (When the microwave rings or timer goes off.)

The other night I asked Maren if she wanted to read stories or to rock before "night, night" and she replied, "Rock bye." I love to "rock-bye" her!

A Few Cute Photos

Rub-a-dub-a-dub Three Cousins in a Tub!

Princess Maren

(notice her "glass slippers"--silver sparkles a must!)


All Wrapped Up in Daddy's Suit!

Sisters

The Perfect One

Not only did Lydia get Chuck-E-Cheese yesterday, she got Hangamers for dinner and a bike bell that will serve as a doorbell on the playhouse!

We were looking at bells and having Lydia try them out to see if she was able to ring them. She saw this one and said, "This is the perfect one for me!" Curtis and I looked at each other and knew there was no more looking for bells. She had made up her mind!

I will get some more pictures when we get it installed!

Potty Reward!

Lydia made it two weeks without an accident a while ago. The deal was when she made it two weeks we would go to Chuck-E-Cheese's! So, yesterday we took her and she loved it! Chuck-E-Cheese even walked out the door right to Lydia!

So, I got a coupon for 100 tokens for $10. Lydia got 10 free for her potty achievement. So, we had 2+ hours of fun with 110 tokens and $10. Well worth it! We still have extra tokens so we can go back for more fun! GOOD WORK, LYDIA!

They found Luba!

I am so grateful that she has been found. Many prayers have been heard and answered!

Lydia's Laundry

I asked Lydia to go put something into the laundry room. We are working on making sure it is put in a laundry basket instead of on the floor. I asked her if it got put in a basket. Her reply, "Yeah. I put it in grandma's!"

?? I was puzzled. Grandma's?

I put labels on the baskets so someone other than me knows how to sort them. She asked me one day what it said on the labels. Smart girl---she remembered it was "Jeans" (she didn't know I meant Levis)! And, yes, my mom's name is Jean--therefore, Grandma Jean!

Please Pray and Help Find Luba!

One of my sweet young women in the neighborhood is lost. If you are in Salt Lake or Tooele counties in particular, please keep your eye out for her! My heart aches for her family and I am praying that she will be kept safe and be brought home safely!! I love this girl! Here are a few pictures and descriptions:
MISSING
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT LUBA ANDERSON
CALL Tooele County Sheriff at (435) 882-5600
If you see her call 911 immediately
Lubov “Luba” Erica Anderson
Missing From: Stansbury Park
Date Missing: March 14 2009
Date of Birth: July 3 1992
Age: 16
Sex: Female
Height: 5’ 2”
Weight: 140
Build: Medium
Eyes: Green
Hair: Very dark brown(almost black)
Wavy, often pulled back,
Shoulder length
Race: Caucasian
Complexion: Slightly olive/”tan”
Clothing: Faded blue jeans split at
The knees, navy blue
Cotton tank top, bright
Yellow bra straps, bright
Yellow leather handbag.
Distinctive mole on right side of
nose.
RUSSIAN ACCENT
CIRCUMSTANCES
Last seen at 900 West North Temple in Salt Lake 6:30 am March 16 abandoning “out of
gas” vehicle. Also seen at Taylorsville WalMart 6200 S. Redwood on Saturday evening
March 14. Probably still in Salt Lake area.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=5883433

This is what happens when...

You give kids celery with peanut butter!!

Cute

Spring is getting closer!

(In case you are wondering, I am not excited at all!)

Monday was Lydia's primary teachers' birthday. We talked about it several days before and I asked her if she would like to do something for her. This was her plan:
-We need to make her a cake with chocolate on the outside and yellow on the inside.
-We need one candle and something to light it up with.
-Then we can cut it at the party and all have a piece. (She was disappointed when I said that we wouldn't be eating it.)

On Sunday night, Lydia excitedly said, "Tomorrow is my teacher's birthday!!!

The happy little giver took it to her teacher, but she was having a much deserved nap. But not long later a knock came at the door and it was her teacher! She thanked Lydia and told her it made her day! I think it made Lydia's day too! She loves taking goodies to people!

Maren is a funny girl. She was trying to stand on her head today. There are no pictures because I wasn't quick enough with the camera! She also enjoys taking care of the babies, rocking them, feeding them, and putting them to bed.
This barbie in our house is known as "Prince James." I guess Maren felt like he needed some leak-proof diaper protection!

Is it Spring Yet?

L: "Mom, is it spring yet?"

M: "Not quite yet."

L: "Ugh. Okay."

A Tow Truck Could...

Lydia was thinking the other day and said, "Mom, I think the tow truck could take our neighbor's houses." I asked, "Who will be are neighbors then?" She quickly replied, "Grandma Jean and Grandma Porter!" I guess she thinks they would make great neighbors. I would love it too! Too bad moving houses isn't so easy.

Lydia's First Talk in Primary

Lydia gave her first talk in Primary yesterday on "Family Members have Important Responsibilities." Ask Lydia to say "responsibilities" for you.... It is a difficult word!

Lydia did a wonderful job to speak up, especially since the microphone wasn't working. Here is her talk:

My family is important to me. In my family, there is me, my dad, my mom, and my sister. Family members have important responsibilities.

My dad holds the priesthood. He can give blessings to us when we are sick. He works hard all day and works in the garden too. He helps me pick up my toys and put on my jammies. He helps me do the monkey bars.

My mom teaches me. She stays at home with me and helps us to do jobs around the house. She makes us good meals and plays with us. She takes care of my sister and me.

In the scriptures it says, “Honor thy father and thy mother.” (Mosiah 13: 20) That means we need to obey our parents.

I am a big sister. I have to be a good example to Maren because she copies what I do. I need to obey my mom and dad and do my chores.

Maren is my little sister. She likes to do what I do. I try to keep her happy, safe and to help her do what's right.

I love my family and I am glad that we can live together forever. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

February, Where are you?

Well, February seemed to slip away with very few posts. So, if you are interested in what we were doing, here are a few random things.

The girls just had to get outside to play in the sand, even if there still were some ice chunks in it!


My cousin, Kyli, is graduating from BYU this spring and for one her classes she had to make a game. So, here is the game board we created!

Beautiful Valentine Flowers

(Curtis even came home with little boxes of chocolates that his little valentines loved!)

Our Fairy Princess

Our Strong Woman who CAN remove the lids from markers!

AND AT LAST!

SPRINGTIME IS COMING!! We have no snow and tulips poking through the soil in FEBRUARY!!

(P.S. For those who are wondering, Curtis planted the beginnings of his garden in February. Peas, Salad mix, spinach, etc. are growing in our 48 degree soil! The pansies are growing nicely in the basement.)

February Trip

We got to spend the first week in St. George and Las Vegas. Poor Maren was sick and then we all kinda got it from her. When we were coming home, I had no voice. But, we enjoyed the sun and seeing our good friends from Logan, who now live in Vegas!

We started our trip by going to see the Draper Temple during their Open House. What a beautiful House of the Lord!

We went a little farther to see Darah, my cousin who was visiting from Georgia. We found a place to eat in Payson. This was a sign on the restaurant door next to the restaurant we went to.

Then, we were on for the long drive to St. George.

Here are some highlights of our trip:

Barnes and Noble Bookstore!!!

The girls love these chairs and just reading book after book! Luckily, it wasn't very busy so they could rule the roost!

Parks are wonderful! Two were very close to our condo.

Lydia found a scooter in the closet. It was taped together, so there were many requests to repair it. She loved playing "delivery girl" in the condo!

We spent two days in Las Vegas with the Laceys! There were many fun activities and lots of playing! Thanks for a fun time, dear friends!

Valentine Sugar Cookies!
Chef Lydia in Anna's hat!
Curtis was having a duel with the Jedi Master, Aaron.
Brave Dads with their girls on a nauseating carousel!
(Once was enough for me. But, the kids could have gone all night!)
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Lydia really wanted some chocolates. But after finding out they cost several dollars for just one, we told the kids we were going to go to the other chocolate store(a.k.a. CVS Pharmacy)! They each got a box of chocolates for 99 cents!

This Catcus Garden is right outside the chocolate factory. The kids loved running the pathways and we were even able to get them to sit for a moment for a picture!

When we asked Lydia her favorite part of Las Vegas, it wasn't the cactus gardens, chocolate factory or free Carousel Rides at the Outlet Mall, or the Park, but...
"Playing the banjo with Jacob!"
(We will work on educating her on her musical instruments!)

It was nice to be in the sun and to not have to wear a coat in February! But, it is always nice to be home again.

HAM

We came home from church after 2pm yesterday and Curtis asked Maren what she wanted to eat and she replied, "HAM." So, I went to get her ham and asked her if she wanted some cheese as well. Then, she grinned her picture perfect best and said, "cheese." She says more and more each day.

Lydia was in the bathroom yesterday and she yelled, "Maren" and Maren yelled back, "What?!" Lydia told her some instructions and she responded, "kay." It is really fun to see them converse and play together!