Now I Remember Why I Like To Shop Alone

Don't get me wrong-when it comes to my two daughters there isn't anything I wouldn't do for them as long as it's in their best interests or best for my sanity. Case in point:

While visiting our neighborhood grocery store this evening with both kids in tow, I had no more than stepped inside when Mikaela (bless her little demon soul) decides to throw the big one since her favorite shopping carts have all been taken (you know the ones I'm talking about-those gigantic carts with the "sports car" attached to the helm which make them ultra inconvenient and prone to ramming anything and any child within a 10 foot radius).
There's screaming, wailing, gnashing of teeth, and a few death threats involved before we finally head off in search of food. Everyone in the store gives me the evil eye because, heaven forbid, a child should throw a temper tantrum that I apparently cannot control. Even those who were looking on sympathetically are no match for Mikaela's ferocious antics and thus, look for the nearest escape route. I can't say that I blame them. I was beginning to do the same!
And why is it the elderly old ladies think they need to hone in on these "extra special bonding moments"? I mean, I'm trying to threaten bodily harm and the maiming of extremities when these gals show up and want to wax nostalgic about how they remember going through this as well. One granny was bold enough to tell me, "Don't worry, honey, this too shall pass." Uh huh, yeah well, would you mind keepin' it moving on down the aisle so I can have a serious "smackdown" with the spawn of Hades masquerading as my child without catching crap for it? And just for the record, I would NEVER smack my child....in public. :)
It's much more fun to keep them in anticipation. Kidding, people! Sheesh!
Thus ends another fun-filled day. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Wait...

Kid Conversations

Driving home from the store last week I asked Mikaela if she needed to go to the bathroom. She told me no. Haylie took this as her opportunity to "educate" Mikaela on the finer points of listening to her body. Here is just a small sample...enjoy:

Haylie: Mikaela, you need to listen to your body and your brain. It tells you you need to go potty.
Mikaela: Uh uh.
Haylie: Yes huh. You will pee your pants if you don't listen to your body.
Mikaela: (in full-on monkey voice) I don't "fink" so.
Haylie: Mikaela, what does your body say? It says you need to go potty. Mom, tell her she needs to go potty.
Mikaela: I don't "fink" so, Haylie.
Me: Well, if I tell her to go potty, then how will she know when her body tells her to go?
Haylie: Because you will tell her body.
Mikaela: Whatever, Haylie.

So glad Haylie feels the need to make sure I'm doing my job as a mother correctly.

A Bit Of Sadness

Last week we lost a really good neighbor. He took his own life and unfortunately, Eric was the one who had to help his family take care of the aftermath. He was a good person, and a great neighbor. We are very sad to lose him, it won't be the same without him. In a weird way it's been a good lesson for us though. It makes us both appreciate what we have and the blessings we've been given. It has also given me a greater sense of making sure I do what's right and making sure I teach my girls what's right so that I will have the opportunity to live with my eternal family after we leave this life.

Thank goodness for eternal families.

Totally Wicked!

I had completely written off being able to go to Wicked in Salt Lake, since tickets sold out in less than 30 minutes, until my fabulous sister Darby called me with the best news in the whole world. Her co-worker couldn't use the tickets she had bought and wanted to know if Darby or someone she knew could use them. Heck yes! Darby called me and asked if I wanted them. Again, heck yes! I was totally excited. I'd never seen the musical, but I knew all the songs by heart. I went with Mama Sue and we had an awesome time. The story line was great, the actors were wonderful and hearing the songs performed live was so cool. I love theater!

The stage just before the musical started. Haylie was pretty disappointed that she couldn't come. She knows all the songs by heart, too. I told her next time it comes, she can definitely go with me. Thanks a bunch, Darby! I heart you!

Mikaela Turns 3!

I cannot believe my little baby has turned three years old. I know everyone asks the same question, but I still can't figure out where the time has gone! When I woke Mikaela up the morning of her birthday I asked her what today was. She thought for a moment and then shouted, "It's my birthday!" Then without missing a beat the next words out of her mouth were, "Where's my blue cake?" Every time I've asked her what she wanted for her birthday, her only reply was, "Um...blue cake." No presents, no dolls, just blue cake. This was the little cake I bought for her actual birthday. Cute huh?

That smile says it all! Blue cake-all is right with the world.

Opening her huge stack of gifts. This kid was spoiled rotten!



Here's the second blue cake. It a blue kitty with white polka dots.

We love our little "cricket" so much. She is such a sweet, funny little girl and she makes Eric and me laugh constantly with her antics. She is also such a good little sister to Haylie. I am so thankful they have each other and that, for the most part, they love to be together and watch out for each other. She is such a little show off, but it's mostly just to make people laugh. And there is no denying she is her Papa's girl. We love her so much and are so grateful that she is part of our eternal family. Happy birthday, Cricket!

The Easter Bunny Strikes Again!

Haylie and Mikaela woke up to a living room full of candy, baskets and new Easter outfits. If we're lucky, the weather might actually warm up enough for the girls to be able to wear them. It sure is taking a lot longer this year!

The girls were excited to start hunting for eggs.

Out on the deck looking for eggs. It was too cold and wet do a hunt outside in the grass so we opted for the covered deck instead.

We also had hidden eggs all over the living room. The girls had lots of fun finding all of them. Another fun Easter. It seems to go by so fast!

Easter Candy Hunt

On the Saturday before Easter we took the girls over to the park by our house for their annual "candy hunt". There's really no hunting involved, they make all the kids line up in a circle and as soon as the siren from the fire truck sounds its a mad dash to pick up as much candy as you can. It's over in less than two minutes, but the kids love it.

Mikaela gives a big thumbs up for her experience. She got a ton of candy.

Haylie showing off her loot. She didn't do too bad either.

It's always fun spending time as a family. We love Easter!