We've Only Just Begun...

Izzy's 4th Birthday

2012-01-25T10:13:00.001-08:00

This year Izzy's birthday landed on a Sunday,

which meant celebrating both Saturday and Sunday

(darn :)

Izzy chose to go to Chuy's, her favorite restaurant (along with Costco) for her birthday dinner on Saturday. We, of course, were perfectly fine with this choice.

We also hiked along the greenbelt, which I don't think Izzy would have chosen, if I would given her the choice. Lance and I just wanted to get out of the house.

Sunday morning dawned early (we have 9am church).

All week she had been telling me she was so excited for her birthday because she was going to get Trix.

So Sunday morning she got her beloved Trix before church.

We waited until after church to open presents.

(A princess computer, Ariel bathtub boat, coloring book from Beth, Strawberry Shortcake movie, teddy bear, book, and puzzles.)

I finally got to use my sign I made a few months ago.

The back says "Congratulations"

Izzy chose little chocolate bears for her cake this year. We each got to decorate and eat our own. Thanks to Grandma Jensen, who always has a plethora of fun ideas and pans for us to borrow!

She blew out her candles in front of the computer so Grandma Jensen and co. could sing to her and watch her. We re-did the whole candle scene with Grammie and Poppy 30 minutes later.

Someday my family will actually be with us on our birthdays!!!

Happy Birthday Little Izkins!

We love you!

December and January recap

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

December and half of January came and went in a crazy whirlwind.

After shopping, school parties and pageants, dentist and doctor appointments, rental cars (we finally got around to taking the Sequoia in after it got rear ended in Oct.), Christmas lessons and talks in church, cooking and delivering Christmas goodies, and getting the house ready we were ready for the Christmas holiday to begin. My parents flew in on the 22nd and spent 10 days with us. It was awesome having them here for Christmas and for the break. We enjoyed many walks around Belterra (as did Molly), going to the Wimberley Trail of Lights, visiting the San Antonio Zoo, Eating great Mexican food on the Riverwalk, hanging out in Zilker Park in the 70 degree weather, and enjoying good food (including some good Texas BBQ).

After my parents flew home on the 31st of December it was scramble time to get Christmas put away, clean the house, and pack for our trip to Utah for the third wedding in Lance's family in the past 6 months. This time we ALL made the trip. It was a fast trip, one I didn't even really take pictures on, and we were home 6 days later.

(We have one more wedding coming up... Adria in May)

Now I'm catching up on life and getting everything back in order and everyone back on a routine.

I'm happy to say that "Blog" is the last thing on my list for today.

So here are some random pictures of the past month and a half, in no particular order.

Liv... 7 months.

We were lucky enough to get one good day of snow while in Utah. The girls were ecstatic!!

Izzy as an angle in her preschool Christmas pageant.

Dad on Christmas morning... enjoying the toys he bought for himself :)

Mom and Liv

Izzy and Beth Christmas morning.

Santa made their wish come true with a Barbie house.

Grammie made their wish come true with banks to keep their money in.

Christmas Eve Dinner.

My tradition on Christmas Even is soup, salad, and bread. It's warm and cozy.

I save the big dinner for Christmas.

This year we made Prime Rib, Funeral Potatoes, Asparagus, Rolls, and Trifle for dessert.

Liv while the rest of us were bowling Christmas Eve.

Gosh, Lance...you'd think we could find 1 pictures with you smiling :)

Molly

A teddy bear this big can make ANYONE happy on Christmas morning!!

More....more... more... Barbies...

San Antonio Zoo

Zilker Park on a 74 degree day in December!!

My dad won a photo contest with this one of Izzy.

Cool lighting.

Smoochable cheeks

I can't seem to get enough of this little girl.

She is so lovable.

I think it's safe to say that I LOVE the baby stage.

Hope everyone's holidays were lovely.

I, for one, had a lovely season but am ready to get normal life back in order and march onto the next stage...

2012.

Is it time for another post already???

2011-12-05T06:03:00.000-08:00

My excuse for not posting recently is because it's been so busy lately.

And because I forget to take pictures.

And because I'm lazy.

November came and went..

and with it came many days helping out in Beth's kinder class, going to Thanksgiving lunches with both Izzy and Beth at their schools, transitioning from being the Primary secretary to the YW, dentist appointments, dr. appointments ( ya know, trying to squeeze them in before the end of the year... needless to say we reached my deductible this year), and Thanksgiving ( and our favorite weekend.... Thanksgiving weekend).

Some highlights include:

*Helping with Beth's Pow Wow at school (they got to make shirts, listen to stories, make necklaces, go "hunting" for buffalo, etc.)

* Tiger Fun festival at Beth's school

*Watching Beth in her Thanksgiving program (she was the corn :)

* Eating Thanksgiving lunch with Izzy at her preschool

* Having our computer crash the day before Thanksgiving ( at least it was good timing for Black Friday)

* FINALLY getting a new cell phone. Now I just have to learn how to use it.. along with the new computer.

*Having our good friends, the Shreeve's over for Thanksgiving dinner

(Complete with all the traditional menu items, pumpkin, and butterscotch pie, Cars 2, and football of course)

* Our favorite weekend... which included:

- The bounce house

(the kids picked that over Sea World... Lance and I were totally ok with that :)

- Lunch at Costco ( why do we love this so much... I don't know)

-Seeing the new Muppet movie in the theater (cute)

-Thanksgiving LO's for dinner (Yum)

-I'm sure our favorite restaurant, Chuy's, was in there somewhere

-Setting up the Christmas stuff

(no Christmas tree yet... we're getting a real one this year. It's our year for my parents to come to Austin for Christmas...yea for no traveling...)

And welcome December!!!

I was having a hard time getting excited for all the Christmas bustle and shopping.

It's hard to feel the Christmas spirit when it's 80 degrees outside and all the stores have had their stuff out for a month and a half already.

Thankfully this past weekend we had the temperature drop drastically.

We also welcomed in the season with our annual stake Christmas concert, our ward Christmas breakfast, and the First Presidency Devotional.

It did the trick.

Now I'm ready to tackle my list.

Bring on the

Christmas cards
Grandparent gifts

Shopping

(I can't believe I've waiting this long to get started)

And Christmas menu planning

I love having my parents come for Christmas.

I love not having to haul my whole family to Utah, along with gifts and winter clothes.

I love being able to plan our winter break.

I love not having to work around everyone else's schedules.

I love hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals

(I'm sure that comment will come back to haunt me)

I love being able to buy big presents and not have to worry about them fitting in a suitcase.

So have a very merry Christmas Season and enjoy the month...

Finally...Rice Cereal!!

2011-11-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Liv was MORE than happy to try rice cereal today.

She's been patiently watching and waiting.

She's over 5 months but I've been holding off until after our trip to Utah last weekend and also because I'm trying to keep her small and little

(not size wise, as you can see it's too late for that... but age wise.)

I want her to stay"babish" for a while.

No growing up right now.

I'm enjoying the baby stage too much.

"Mom, is that all you've got? Isn't there any prime rib to go with it??"

Halloween

2011-11-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

Halloween this year was kinda "off"

Let me back up.

Thursday night Lance, Livy, and I flew out to Utah for Luke's wedding (Lance's younger brother).

Beth and Izzy stayed in Austin with some friends.

Saturday morning I find out Izzy has thrown up at our friends house...

the mom taking care of her is about 11 weeks pregnant, and sick.

I'd made these arrangements before any of us knew.

Luckily throughout the day she felt better.

Sunday afternoon we got home.

After 3 straight nights of 6 hours of sleep (Liv slept slightly more... but not much) we were exhuasted.

After 3 nights of "sleepovers" Beth and Izzy were also exhausted.

Sunday night we carve pumpkins.

Not because any of us really wanted to.

Just because it is what we do.

And Halloween was the next day.

Halloween morning.

I wake up with flu like symptoms...

As did 7 others of Lance's family that attended the wedding that weekend.

After throwing up for the first time in over 8 years (it was as fun as I remember it being :) I mustered up the energy to get the kids dressed up in costume and walk around the block with them trick or treating

(I probably should have stayed home but I LOVE LOVE LOVE trick or treating and didn't want to miss it )

Halloween night.

Izzy can't go to sleep because of some bladder issues (Still currently trying to figure those out, as they woke her up last night as well)

I go to bed with chills and fever.

Next day I feel better....

Then I get a migraine just for kicks.

Today doing better....

still feeling lasting effects from migraine

Think flu/food poisoning is gone.

Also re-reading this post and realizing it's boring and whiny.

Sorry about that.

Don't really care enough to change it though.

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween.

My kids are obsessed with cats. Every year they want a cat carving.

And

"No Dad. You can NOT bring Snugs with you to Texas this Christmas.

The girls will see her when they come to Utah next..."

Beth was the "Queen of Hearts" and wore a costume that my mom made me when I was her age.

Izzy was a fairy... again.

For some reason my kids are totally fine with simple costumes.

They even prefer ones they have already wore in past years.

Izzy has already asked me to be a kitty next year... even though she was a kitty last year... and I'm pretty sure the year before that as well.

Molly went as a big fat black pig.

Lance went as a tired, over worked lawyer.

Liv went as "Chubs" and was eyeing all the candy.

I just went.

Fall Fun Weekend

2011-10-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our "Fall Fun" Weekend...

Friday night we headed to the Austin Zoo for "Boo at the Zoo"

Basically it's a fancy way of saying you go to the zoo with flashlights and see the animals at night.

We also go to ride the zoo train through some "spooky" lights and such.

Cute.

Nice weather.

Something to do on Friday night.

Kids loved it.

(Disclaimer: NONE of these pictures are very flattering. It's just all I got to document, unfortunately)

Every year we head to the Marble Falls Pumpkin Patch.

It's my way of participating in fall, whether it's here in Texas or not.

I usually get some really good pictures but it was SO crowded this time.

We usually don't go on a Saturday but this year, due to "Billables" we had to.

I was just happy to be there and enjoy the hundreds of pumpkins, homemade pumpkin and strawberry ice cream, funny and entertaining goats, and a day away with my family.

I always get a family picture here to compare with my last one from last year...

This one IS NOT one of my favorites but after a long day in the sun we were just DONE.

My little baby chubs.

(K- This one is flattering :)

Pickin' all the Zenia's you could fit in a cup.

Hope you all are having a lovely fall.

Personal Preference

2011-10-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

Some people prefer to nap on the bed...

Some people prefer to nap on the craft table.

Texas State Fair

2011-10-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went up to Dallas to spend some time with our long lost friends, the Johnsons.

Some of the highlights of our trip were:

- Being rear ended on our way up to Dallas

(wait, that wasn't a highlight... just an inconvenience...

can I say that I LOVE having a big car!)

- Visiting with old friends

(As in Lis and I have been friends for 21 years!!)

-Lots of football

-Good food

-Family pictures

-A cute pumpkin patch

And...

While there we decided to go to the Texas State Fair...

on the one day when there was sure to be more than 100,000 people there.

Texas vs. Oklahoma Football Day.

NOT a good choice.

We weren't the only ones in for a disappointment that day.

Texas Longhorns were too.

I don't think I even need to mention the final score here.

Let's focus on our fight...erm....I mean walk around the fairgrounds.

The petting zoo.

Super cute.

There were llama's, zebra's (yep, we've now petted a zebra), a 3 day old baby donkey, ostrich, pigs, goats, and I'm pretty sure that little hairy thing was a yak.

Unfortunately Lance was outside with sleeping baby Livy in the stroller.

Doesn't she look excited to be there???

We even decided to add to our misery and ride the train to the fair grounds so we wouldn't have to find parking.

Not a really great idea either.

We were on the train for an hour each way.

Most of us standing.

Some of us having to deal with drunk OU fans.

Fun times.

Ok.... so next time we go to the fair let's NOT pick the worse day in the world to go???

Lis and I... and Liv

All the kiddo's

"Nice set of pumpkins ya have there sweetie!"

I love this sign.

Only in the South!!

It was a lovely weekend.

So nice to get away...

even if I did forget my nice queen airbed to sleep on :)

It was nice to hang out with good friends and welcome in the

"Texas Fall".

Matching

2011-10-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Matching dresses

I think that about sums it up.

Childhood Innocence

2011-10-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night we attended our first Texas high school football game.

As Lance explaining the penalty process to Beth he talked about them throwing flags on the field.

Beth got a look of alarm on her face and said,

"American flags, Dad???"

I can see why she would be confused.

We all know the importance the Texas puts on flags :)

*******

Yesterday Izzy was talking to me about flying around our house.

After a while she said,

"Mom, when can you take me to the wing store so I can buy some wings and fly?"

If only it was that simple, right?

Happy 6th Birthday Bethy!!!

2011-09-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Unfortunatly the birthday morning started about as early as the actual "birth" day 6 years ago...

7:oo am in Austin,Tx

6:00 am in Logan, Utah.

(I had to be prepped for a C-section)

Beth started out her day with her breakfast cereal...

NOT the breakfast of champions

Froot Loops

At school I took confetti cupcakes with GREEN icing, per request, for snack time.

I also went to her school and ate lunch with her for the first time in her new school.

We bought school lunch instead of taking lunch.

When we decided to do that the night before Beth asked me, "Mom, do I need to bring my money to pay?"

I was a little sad she thought she had to buy her own lunch....

For dinner we let Beth chose where to go for dinner. There were no complaints when she chose Chuy's

(small side note...

she actually chose McDonald's but I HATE McDonald's and I talked her out of it...

saying it wasn't a good dinner choice, more of a lunch choice...

Phew.... close one.)

Liv's take on the whole thing.

I think because it wasn't HER birthday.

Opening presents.

Beth had to wait for Lance to be home to open her presents.

She waited until 8pm.

Patient girl.

(She opened a ruffle skirt, wii game, Safety Kids CD and book, and a dress from Mom and Dad. Izzy gave her a Fancy Nancy card game and some stickers. Grammie gave her two adorable I Can Read books...which she seems to think she'll be able to read me tonight. She also received many sweet cards from family and neighbors :)

And for traditions sake...

The Cupcake with Candles.

Happy Birthday Little Bethy!

We love you.

BYU vs. TX Football

2011-09-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Lance and I were able to go to the much anticipated BYU vs. Texas football game....

The classic arm length "take it yourself" cell phone picture

(Yes...that is me in a Texas shirt and Lance in a BYU shirt

... old habits die hard I guess.)

Our view of the field

I mean really....do you know of any other state with a flag this big of their state flag?

I mean Beth says the Pledge of Allegiance of America AND the Pledge of Allegiance of Texas in Kindergarten.

That's pride my friends...

BYU 16

Texas 17

The Big 3-0!!!

2011-08-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

We got home in the evening from our weekend trip but were still able to manage some presents and a cake...

Lance seems to think that he is "old" now.

He's a bit depressed.

I try to tell him that his 30's should be better than his 20's....

we're outta school... have a family... a home... a career.... more food storage attached to our bodies...

It's going to take some convincing though.

Happy Birthday Hon....

We love you...

wrinkles and all.

South Padre Island

2011-08-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went down to South Padre Island, a few miles north of the Mexican border, with some friends, the Dunn's and the Fife's.

At first I was afraid it was going to be too hot to spend the day on the beach, Austin's high being 110 degrees this weekend, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a nice sea breeze next to the water, making it very pleasant.

The water was 85 degrees and felt great...the waves were mild so that little kids could get in the ocean without fearing for their lives.

Livy was awesome and just slept or sat in her stroller and watched the rest of us play in the sand or water.

My girls would the be the ones in the polka dots :)

The view from our bedroom window...

The end of our stay....

Beth was throwing a tantrum about having to wear those shorts...

Izzy was humoring me with a "smile for the camera".

A lovely weekend.

A little far to drive for one day on the beach but definitely worth going back.

Three Months Old

2011-08-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

She is growing so fast....

But remains oh so cuddly.

3 months

(Clearly having issues with the turning...)

Bathing Beauties

2011-08-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

My bathing beauties....

She loves her bathes...and her sisters are more than willing to help give her one.

Don't you just love naked babies??

(Can't get this one to turn for some reason...

hate it when that happens.)

These two rascals still love taking their bathes together...

I don't know if it's for the tom foolery that goes on in there or the fighting.

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Her first day of Kindergarten.

She was so excited!!!

(Lance asked her if she was nervous and she said "no")

I was so relieved.

I think her experience of going to preschool last year made it an easy transition for both her and me.

No tears on either end.

She came home happy and full of energy

A surprise after full day kinder....

and having to get up at 6:45 so we could make it there by 7:40.

I'm so glad she likes school and is excited to learn.

Even though it's hard to realize your little girl is growing up it's nice to think that she is ONLY in kindergarten...

still little in my eyes.

Utah in a nutshell

2011-08-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our month long exodus to Utah started with a family reunion in Centerville with Lance's immediate family...

It was a packed weekend.

* 4th of July Parade

* Eric got engaged to Shelby

* Carnival

* Olivia baby blessing

* The Church History Children's Exhibit

* And lots and lots of food!!!

After Lance left for Austin on the 6th I spent the next 2 weeks at my parents house with the girls.

On the days when my mom didn't have to work we did fun stuff like...

*Spending the day at liberty park

*The Church History Children's Exhibit....again.

*Going out to Costa Vida

* Going up both Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons to get out of the heat

*Shopping

* Eating Old Grist Mill Bread

*Making peanut brittle and granola....and strawberry shortcake....and lots more yummy food.

(Sadly I didn't get very many pictures during these 2 weeks....)

The 24th of July Cottonwood Heights Parade

It was a lovely month.

I enjoyed every bit of being in Utah and relished all the time I was able to spend with family.

Thanks for all the wonderful memories and help with the kids, Mom and Dad, and all the Jensen's and "soon to be" Jensen's :)

Now it's home to the 105 degree weather and trying to establish some sort of summer routine...

at least for the next 3 weeks until Beth starts kindergarten and Izzy goes off to preschool.

Pictures to Auntie Em

2011-08-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Auntie Em...

Hope your mission is going well.

Sorry you are always hot and sweaty...

Glad you're not in any gang danger anymore...

We miss you.

Love Livy

Love Beth

Love Izzy

BRB

2011-07-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Posting in the summer is kinda arduous.
I've noticed I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Most of us are too busy having fun to post the fun.

Currently we're on our yearly exodus to Utah for the month of July.
Lance is of course at home working.
He'll join us on the 24th for some Pioneer Day fun...
and more working.

No pictures of our Utah trip because my computer is currently in Austin... with the cable to transfer pictures onto it from my camera.

We'll be home the first of August to post pictures and update.

Enjoy July!!!

1 month old

2011-06-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Ah......

They grow up so fast.

Father's Day

2011-06-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate to have Lance's mom here for the morning of Father's Day.

She had spent the week with us helping us adjust.

Thanks Mom Jensen for all your help!!

His girls gave him homemade cards,chocolate covered peanuts, shorts, and yet another dress shirt for work.

THREE daughters...

How did that happen?

Happy Father's Day Lance!!

We love you,

From all your girls....

Isn't she cute???

2011-06-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is who I get to snuggle all day.

I love newborns.

Their smell.

Their tiny feet and hands.

Nursing them.

Holding them while they sleep.

Their tiny clothes.

And the fact that mine is already sleeping 7-8 hours a night.

That's my girl.

Thank you sweet Mom

2011-06-21T10:25:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to thank my sweet Mom for coming out to help me for 3 and a half whole weeks!!!

The first week she was here was spent dealing with my orneriness because I was still pregnant and was tired and fat.

The second week was adjusting to new baby stage and lack of sleep.

The third week she was here she was an emotional and physical support to me, who was dealing with an infection and pain.

I honestly couldn't have done it without her.

It was so nice to have her here for a while and not have to send her home after a few days.

Beth and Izzy felt like they had their best friend living with them.

They played games everyday, baked...and ate goodies, jumped on the tramp, read stories, and enjoyed getting Grammie's daily surprises from her treat bag.

Lance was just plain relieved that we were being taken care of and didn't have to worry about us while he went to work all day.

It was hard to say goodbye, as it always is...

But this time I was able to say

"See you in a few weeks"

instead of

"See you in a few months".

Thanks again Mom for everything.

We love you.

Random Pictures

2011-06-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

I know I need to post more pictures of baby Livy but I'm still trying to get a handle on life again...

This past week we celebrated my mom's birthday.

what was it, Mom...35 years old???

We enjoyed a day at home

(my car was in the shop for routine maintenance)

and some delicious Salt Lick BBQ take out for dinner.

Livy's favorite position...

on mom's lap

Not a real flattering picture but at least this one isn't blurry

Beth's been very helpful and is always very excited to watch bath time, feeding time, changing time, etc.

I have a lovely friend, Tara, who did a professional photo session with Livy last weekend.

I'll make sure to post those pictures as soon as I have them.

They are adorable!!

Debut

2011-05-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing..

Olivia Marie Jensen

May 23, 2011

12:44pm

7 lbs 8 oz.

20.5 in.

Everything went smoothly... like I had prayed so many times it would.

I finally had my epidural, which is probably the greatest invention ever made!!!

Now I have experienced a C-section, a natural birth, and an epidural.

I'm finding out it's hard to juggle 2 other kids, a newborn, myself and my SLOW recoveries, and sleep.

Thank heavens my mom is here to help for another couple of weeks. She has been invaluable to us in so many ways.

Lance has been able to spend some time away from work as well and has been a big help.

My wonderful friends have kept us in dinners for the whole week!

I feel so blessed to have this tiny little spirit in our home and I thank my Heavenly Father for her and for a safe delivery.

40 weeks and READY

2011-05-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

Um.....

I'm 40 weeks....

and waiting....

Still Waiting

2011-05-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

I don't know why I'm so impatient.

It's probably because I'm so uncomfortable...

and big...

and DONE...

and ornery...

I'm not officially due until Sunday

BUT...

my house is clean

my dinners are planned

my mom is here

my bag is packed

the nursery is stocked

the car seat is ready

my Sunday responsibilities are passed out

and I have nothing else to do.

I'm kinda going stir crazy.

And now it's the weekend.

And my doctor isn't on call this weekend...

And my friend Lauren, who I shared a baby shower with, is being induced this morning

But I can't because I'm doing a VBAC...

Ok- I'm done complaining.

I'm grateful for my good night sleeps

my un leaky body

and my time with my mom

Hopefully the next post will be of our new arrival :)

Baby Shower

2011-05-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friend, Tara, threw my friend, Lauren, and I a darling baby shower on Saturday.

Lauren and I are due 3 days apart and share the same doctor...

She is having her 2nd boy and as you all know I'm on my 3rd girl.

It was fun to share a shower...especially when we both felt silly even having one...

In Texas we usually have a shower for EVERY baby... not just the first or different genders.

The darling invitation.

Don't you love the colors.

She decorated SO cute.

Um...can't miss the tall fat one in the middle

Beth, Me, Lauren

Belly to Belly

(Lauren and I)

The race is on...

Who will deliver first???

Thanks a million Tara.

It was so much fun!

Time Out for Women 2011

2011-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Time Out for Women 2011

(Not a great picture but the best one we got)

* Last weekend my friends and I were able to leave the kiddo's at home with their dads for a night while we jontered off to San Antonio. We attended Time Out for Women and heard many inspirational speakers, including Sheri Dew. It was kinda like EFY for women. We stayed at the Marriot, ate on the Riverwalk, and stayed up WAY TOO LATE.

It was awesome!

Thanks to all my wonderful friends and my lovely husband who watched the girls :)

Hopefully it will be the first of a great tradition.

Withdrawals

2011-05-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

One year ago this week we were basking in the loveliness of the Caribbean.

Oh how I miss that vacation.

I think I'll go put my swimming suit on and sit by our blow up pool just for memories sake.

(Oh wait....I can't fit into my swimming suit)

Maybe next May????

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend consisted of:

* The Primary Easter Egg Hunt for the ward

(Of which I was in charge of the food...yippee)

*Painting the baby's room

(Thankfully Lance did most of it... I'll post pictures when I'm done with it)

* The neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

(Shown below... I never really got a good picture)

* Dying Easter Eggs with Dad

(I was making a carrot cake at the time)

* Easter baskets

(By the time Lance and I got up the baskets were a mess and Easter egg grass was ALL OVER THE HOUSE... hence no pictures.)

* Beth gave her first talk in Primary

(It was about Easter and the Atonement and she did very well)

*Church...

I love the Spirit I feel at church on Easter Sunday. I love reinforcing the love Jesus Christ has for us, enough to die and suffer for our sins. I love thinking about that first Easter morning when Christ was resurrected and stood in front of the tomb comforting Mary. I love talking about the real meaning of Easter with my girls.

* Family pictures

(We did the whole timer on the camera... run to the couch thing.....it seemed to work)

* Watched part of The Ten Commandments

( I love this Easter tradition... although finding time to watch all 4 hours of it gets tricky)

* Enjoyed my first homemade carrot cake after a fabulous Easter dinner of shrimp!

Hope you all enjoyed your Easter weekend.

Addicted

2011-04-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm ADDICTED:

Graham Crackers and milk

I finish every lunch with them.

I even pass up the Oreo's.

Somehow this makes me feel a little more healthy.

That's all.

The big 3-0!!!

2011-04-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Corpus Christi Family Vacation Do's and Do Not's...

go to the

Texas State Aquarium...

It was very cool.

Beth's favorite was petting the sting rays.

Izzy's was watching the dolphin show....twice.

DON'T

choose a beach with 4 feet of seaweed between you and the ocean

The beach wasn't actually that bad. The kids and Lance enjoyed making sand castles and getting wet. I tried (and failed) to get comfortable on a towel on the sand or sitting on the tailgate of the car.

visit the USS Lexington...

the aircraft carrier in Corpus.

DON'T

visit the Lexington when you are pregnant...

there are A LOT of stairs/ladders to squeeze up and down.

let your husband climb in the photo op planes to get some of his "I wish I was a fighter pilot" feelings outta his system.

go out for ice cream....

if nothing else just to see the

"chocolate face"

of the 3 year old.

DON'T

use spray on sunscreen in the wind.

It doesn't work very well.

I look just as bad.

go to Denny's on your birthday.

You get a free breakfast!!

DON'T

choose the only Sacrament meeting to attend that decided to skip Sunday School and have Sacrament Meeting go an hour and a half instead...

especially when you didn't bring anything for the kids to do.

DON'T

book a room on the coast based solely on price and a few internet pictures.

Our room wasn't THAT bad but it was a little dirty and didn't have the basics, like paper towels, soap, and toilet paper.

Thank goodness for Walmart.

When will I ever learn...

You get you what you pay for.

go on a lovely vacation with your family for your 30th birthday.

It was great to get away for a few days.

Thank you to all of you who sent me birthday wishes.

6 weeks and Counting...

2011-04-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

34 weeks.

The common question:

How are you feeling?

The common answer:

I'm good.

The REAL answer:

I'm uncomfortable

I feel like a walking beach ball

I've got more aches and pains than normal... am I really only 30?

I'm tired

I HATE stairs

I'm afraid I waddle a bit

I really really really wish I could eat ice cream for every meal

I wish Lance would neglect his work so he could clean, cook, take care of the kids, and do all the laundry.

I am so sick of appointments I could scream

(this week alone I have 2 dr. appointments, a dentist appointment, and a dermatology appointment)

I'm running out of clothes that fit me... let alone that I feel are cute

I'm excited to see my mom in 5 weeks!

I'm excited to have a new baby in the family!

I'm wondering if I can justify going shopping for new baby clothes with multiple bins of used girl clothes in my garage.

I'm starting to panic about the whole labor and delivery thing

I'm missing the use of my full lung capacity when breathing

I'm wondering why in the world there isn't Pregnant Mothers Parking spaces right next to the Handicapped Parking.

Thoughts on General Conference

2011-04-03T16:32:00.001-07:00

I LOVE General Conference.

I look forward to it every 6 months

(And not just because I don't have to get ready and tackle kids in Sacrament Meeting :)

At the end of the Sunday afternoon session when President Monson wraps up the conference I always hate to hear that it's over.

I always feel like it just began.

Especially when Saturday is crazy and you are trying to fit in yard work, shopping, garage sales, cooking, cleaning, etc. in between sessions.

I miss the days when we lived in an apartment and were able to watch all 4 sessions without interruption.

Owning a house and having Saturday be the only day to get things done makes Conference Saturday a little hectic...

Anyway.....that was a side note.

I wanted to jot some thoughts down I had today as I listened to the words of the Prophet and Apostles.

First of all did anyone notice the emphasis on getting married, not only in the general sessions, but also in Priesthood?

I love it when they emphasize the importance of something that I can say

"Check"

(It doesn't happen often that I can say that during Conference)

But also I wonder if we'll be making a trip to Utah this year for a wedding...

My sister-in-law has been dating a guy since last July and I can't help but wonder, ya know?

President Monson's talk on temples was so good for me to hear.

Hearing those stories of people working for years in the nickel mines to be able to afford to travel 2500 miles to the nearest temple really made me realize how blessed I am.

I tend to complain when I have to find a babysitter, set aside a weekend night, and plan and execute an hour and a half drive to San Antonio to visit the temple.

After hearing the sacrifices of so many faithful people to attend the temple I committed to myself to be more grateful for my "close" proximity to a temple and to silence my complaints when I have to make minimal sacrifices to attend.

I had never thought about how attending the temple always requires some sort of sacrifice and how that is one of the reasons it's so good for us to attend.

I loved Elder Scott's talk on his wife and marriage.

It was so touching to me how beautifully and heartfelt he spoke of his relationship with her.

I felt so grateful that he was willing to share such personal feelings with us.

I can't wait to read this talk again next month in the Ensign and mark it all up.

I also felt so grateful for my own marriage and the choice that I made 7 years ago to marry the man I did.

I am so truly happy in that choice EVERY day.

I love to hear my girls shout out the names of the General Authorities as they appear on the tv. It makes me proud as a mother to know that Beth and Izzy know President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf (they love just saying his name). We are working on the others, but enjoyed matching them with their fact cards I made as they spoke. It's hard to emphasize the importance of General Conference to a 3 and 5 year old but I hope they feel the love and truthfulness of the messages. I want to pass along my love for Conference weekend to my girls and make it something that they, too, look forward to all year.

Oh...

And by the way...

Watching Conference while pregnant is

NOT easy.

Emotions my friends...

And I'm NOT a crier.

I mean merely the mention of a child or a touching story.

I felt like such a GIRL!

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend and I hope you were fortunate enough to be spiritual uplifted as I was by the loving words of our church leaders.

Spring Break

2011-03-22T17:37:00.001-07:00

This past week was Texas Spring Break.

It's big down here...

EVERYONE (well not working class lawyers, unfortunately) gets a whole week off...

And expectations are high.

Even though I don't officially have kids in school yet, Beth did get the week off of preschool and Izzy didn't have her gymnastics class.

I didn't want to spend the whole week at home doing nothing and I wanted to make spring break kinda fun for the girls...

This is what we ended up with:

Mon:

Ikea....

Playland, lunch, balloon characters, face painting, and a little shopping for Mom :)

Tues:

A re-cupe day for Mom after walking around all day the day before.

The girls spent a fair amount of time outside with bubbles and the tramp.

I was able to open up my book and relax for a blessed while.

Wed:

Another doctor appointment.

Lunch with Lance at Mighty Fine (their shakes are my new best friends),

A quick trip to Ross and Michaels (can you ever have enough comfortable preggy shirts?)

A couple hours at a new park

Thurs:

Swimming at the indoor pool at the YMCA

A girls night out with my gals at BJ's

March Madness

Fri:

Bounce house birthday party for the girls

A late lunch at Zilker Park

Canoeing with Lance on the lake, complete with feeding the ducks

Costco

Panda Express dinner

Sat:

Mostly yard work and cleaning the house

Buying a new Tempurpedic KING sized bed!!!!

A few more errands.... back to Costco

More March Madness (we are really enjoying watching the Y play this year.... Utah State...not so much)

This week we're back to the norm.

Errands...

Getting new bedding

Setting up and planning how I want the guest room

(I can't tell you how excited I am to actually HAVE a guest room...now my moms won't have to sleep on an air mattress when they come in May!!!)

Preschool

Church calling meetings

Visiting Teaching

Etc....

After all that and I never even though about taking pictures. Sometimes I just like to sit back and enjoy the activities instead of worry about taking pictures.... of course when I blog about it later I always regret not having them. Posts with pictures are so much more interesting.

Sorry.

What We've Been Up To

2011-03-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

Life lately in Austin...

Lance

* Passed the Patent Bar!!!

*Working

* Working

*Working

* Squeezing in some yard work on a Saturday here and there

* Working

Rach

* Focusing on my goal of getting the living room/kitchen/entry decorated by Feb.

*Starting to think about Beth's room and finishing decorating that by end of March

(Some may think I'm "nesting"....oh no my friends....I'm always working on getting my house completely decorated and organized)

*Getting bigger... and FEELING bigger

Bethany

*Enjoying preschool

*Counting down to Disneyland...um....it's like 400 days.... next year....a LONG WAYS AWAY

*Enjoying the warmer weather outside on the tramp or in the sandbox

*Getting a "kick" out of feeling baby move inside mommy's tummy

*Bobbing her hair for the summer...and for less tears in the morning brush out

*Looking forward to the Daddy Daughter Dance Date on Saturday!!

Beth, Izzy, and Lance on their way to the Daddy Daughter Dance Date

Izzy

*Counting down the months until she can go to preschool

*Also enjoying the beautiful weather outside on the tramp or sand box

*Always the first to remind us to say the prayer at meal times

*Enjoying her gymnastics class at the YMCA

*Constantly saying things that make us laugh

Baby Girl

*Kicking

*Summersaulting

*Punching

* Hiccuping

*Doing anything active

*Gaining weight (65% percentile for her "age")

Molly

*Eating

*Wiggin out when left alone outside

*Eating

*Shedding

*Laying in wait for when Izzy's food touches the ground...

and sometimes not even waiting for it to leave her plate

****

We're happy March is here.

We're happy the weather is nice.

We're excited to welcome a new baby in May

We're trying to cross things off our list of things to do BEFORE May

We're looking forward to our little family vacation next month to Corpus Christie

And trying to come up with things to keep us occupied over Spring Break without having to face the millions and millions of other Texans out there...

Valentines Day

2011-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentines Day!!

I always have...

For as long as I can remember I've liked to:

Dress in some sort of Valentines color

Bake goodies and share them with friends and family

Make Valentines with my girls

Plan and prepare a fancy meal

Make the day special in whatever other ways I can think of

It's important to me to pass my feelings and actions along to my girls about Valentines Day.

I know most girls HATE Valentines Day and dread it.

I've also been taught to "lower my expectations"(thanks mom :) and to focus on what I can do for others instead of wondering what fabulous things people have planned for ME.

(Don't get me wrong...I still wonder :)

I think that focusing on everyone you love, instead of just a significant other, helps with the dread.

I hope my girls always love V-Day as much as I do.

***

This year Lance and I celebrated Valentines Day on Friday, as it was weekend instead of a work night.

We went to Red Lobster for dinner

(I was craving fish!)

and then..

The Austin Ballet!

(La Sylphide)

He totally surprised me by planning and executing this all on his own.

He's pretty good at planning nice things :)

I received these on Friday, before our date.

I LOVE tulips!!

The box is full of truffles, another favorite of mine.

On Valentines Day the girls went up to Lance's office and ate a special lunch with him. We heart attacked his office door, with strict instructions that he had to leave them up for at least 2 days so people would see it :)

We made sugar cookies...well the dough.....and ran out of time to actually cut them out, bake them, and decorate them... that is on the agenda for tonight for a late FHE. We also made peanut butter rice krispy treats... we were all wanting different treats...what's a mom to do???

We had salmon, scalloped potatoes, and lettuce wedges, and sparking cider for dinner...

with Creme Brulee for dessert.

It was a lovely day and we appreciated being able to spend so much of it with Lance.

We've been duly warned that the rest of month we may not be so fortunate...

Hope each of you enjoyed Valentines Day as well.

What We've Been Up To

2011-02-05T13:57:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I updated the blog.

These past few weeks have been interesting.

Izzy turned 3.

My grandma passed away.

I flew to Utah for the weekend.

It snowed in Austin.

I've already posted about Izzy's birthday.

My grandma, who would have been 99 on Valentines Day, passed away on the 24th of January.

I still can't quite grasp that it happened... mainly because most of us had accepted the fact that she would outlive us and that she may possibly be one of the 3 Nephites.

Even though it's hard to lose a grandparent

My feelings have been ones of gratitude...

She leaves to a better place, where my grandpa, her parents, her siblings, and a daughter were waiting for her,

Grandma had struggled with dementia over the past 10 years,

She had lived a good long life,

I had a good relationship with her,

I got to see her often throughout my life,

And my mom and Uncle Brent get to live their own lives, after spending years lovingly taking care of her.

It was her time...

Maybe a little past her time :)

Friday: Flew to Utah

Saturday: Viewing, funeral, visiting with family, wiped out...

Sunday: Church, visiting with family

Monday: Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU with mom, out to lunch, a little shopping, dinner with extended family

Tuesday: Flew home

Lance was so supportive, as usual, and stayed home to watch the girls while I went. The next week will be devoted to making up those blasted billable hours he missed...

Not only was my week weird because of traveling but as soon as I got home a giant cold front came through, as most of you know because you were in it too, and created some drama. Texans don't really know how to handle the cold. They freak out. They threatened to cancel school on Wed. and Thurs., some of our pipes froze, my favorite plant died on the front porch, and on Thursday night it actually snowed.... resulting in more panic, canceled school, Lance's office being closed, and the news telling everyone to STAY AT HOME!

Today, Saturday, it's currently 67 degrees... the sun is shining, the pipes are normal, Lance is working, the kids are outside, and life is back to normal.

I'm so glad that January is behind me... I hate January.

I love February.

But really....

Could the rest of my February be a little less dramatic.

Izzy's 3rd Birthday

2011-02-05T11:28:00.001-08:00

Izzy's birthday, the 22nd of January, landed on a Saturday this year... which was a blessing because Lance was around and able to spend most of the day with us.

Izzy started her morning with opening all her presents.

I never did really get a good picture of her opening them....

Grammie and Poppy gave her some sandles and a game, Don't Break the Ice.

Grandma Jensen gave her a chair that she made and a really cool book that moves when you move it.

From mom and dad she got a much needed pair of jeans (boring, I know), a remote control Strawberry Shortcake car, coloring book, a pretend camera, some little animals to go along with her barn she got for Christmas.

Beth gave her a piggy bank, which she loves, and some money to put in it.

During the day we made cupcakes, colored, went to a new bounce house, went out to dinner at Cheddars, and watched Despicable Me together.

I was too busy enjoying the day to take many pictures unfortunately.

Happy Birthday Izzy!!!

From the eyes of a 5 year old

2011-01-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Beth's Comments:

"Mom, your tummy doesn't look like it has a baby in it.

It looks like Cookie Monster's tummy when he eats too many cookies."

I HAVE been eating a lot of cookies lately.

Darn.

Too Many Christmas Goodies

2011-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Too much candy

Too much toffee

Too much chocolate

Too much popcorn crunch

Too much Stevens Hot Chocolate

Christmas treated me good this year!!!

Of course I had a good excuse.

I was eating for TWO !!

Some of you may already be aware of my growing belly...

Mostly because you noticed I was starting to look like a pear :)

We kept it mostly quiet until Christmas because we had Lance's parents open a little box with a baby doll in it on Christmas morning...

and we know how news travels fast in Centerville :)

And for all of you out there crossing your fingers that we will finally have a BOY

You can stop.

We will welcome GIRL number 3 into our family at the end of May...

Bring on the drama!!!

Christmas Day

2011-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning started at Grandma Jensen's house with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins... and of course Grandma and Grandpa Jensen...

What would Christmas have been without the coveted PILLOW PETS !!!

Thanks Grandma.

After spending half the day in Centerville we made the trek to Sandy for Christmas dinner with my family.

My dad in his usual Christmas position... behind the camera.

Lance was THRILLED to see our kitty, Snuggle Puss, again.

She clearly felt the same.

We gave my parents a bunch of date nights tickets for Christmas...

Utah vs. BYU basketball tickets were Lance's idea...

mostly because he knows the Y can actually beat the U in basketball.

Izzy is already following in her aunt Em's footsteps...

Christmas Jammies

My parents totally surprised us and gave us a Wii...

Really... I was floored.

Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Our Christmas vacation was so lovely.

I was able to fly out early and spend a week with my parents with the girls.

My mom and I had a chance to go see White Christmas at the PMT, go see the Tabernacle Choir CHristmas Concert in the old Tabernacle, and enjoy wrapping presents and making Christmas goodies. My dad had lots of chances to watch and bond with his granddaughters, which was a gift to me in itself.

Lance flew in t he 23rd after completing those pesky BILLABLE HOURS.

We enjoyed a week at his families house while my parents drive off to CA in the sunset to enjoy some warmer weather.

Talking to Em on Christmas was nice. She is enjoying, and learning a lot, on her mission. She is currently in Kansas.

Some other highlights of our vacation include:

* Lance getting frostbite on his chin while skiing in 0 degree temperatures

* Izzy finally deciding she was ready to be a "big girl" and wear panties... even to bed

*Lunches with cousins and friends

* A failed attempt to see Tangled...the only seats left were the front row.

We all thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and seeing a few friends when we could.

Focusing on the birth of the Savior is one of my favorite times of year and spending it in Utah was just icing on the cake for me.

Hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas.

(With getting ready to go to Utah I decided to forgo the Christmas Cards this year. I hope you all know we love you and wish you a Happy New Year!!)

Christmas Eve Gingerbread houses

2011-01-06T10:20:00.001-08:00

One of the girls favorite things to do during the holidays is to make gingerbread houses.

If we are at the Jensen's house it's a family affair, which is always better!

I love having a big family for the holidays...

Dad and Beth

Uncle Eric and Izzy's creation

Lance's idea of a good idea...

Uncle Luke's idea of a good idea...

Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant

2011-01-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Eve Pageant...

Beth loves to play Mary

Izzy was happy to play the angel

Lance relishes the role of one of the camels...

Riding into Bethlehem...

Uncle Luke was the as....I mean donkey.

Baby Benjamin played his role as Baby Jesus fabulously.

Angel Izzy as "the star"

Uncle Scott, Uncle Eric (he's back in there somewhere) and Lance as the wacky camels...

Snow in Utah!!

2011-01-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

After arriving in Utah and 40 degree RAIN we were ecstatic to get some real SNOW a few days later...

To taste...

To wear our winter clothes in...

To throw snowballs at the dog with...

And to build our first snowman in...

(Yes Em, if you ever see this picture, those ARE your sunglasses :)

Christmas Holiday 2010

2010-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

We are currently in Utah for the Christmas holiday.

I have pictures waiting to be posted...

and events waiting to be documented...

Alas... the cord I need to download the pictures is still in Austin.

And what would a post about Christmas be without pictures.

So until we return next week...

Enjoy your Christmas break and stay warm...

For those of you in Austin that won't be a problem...

As for us in Utah...the high today is 20!!

Christmas Party

2010-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

This year we got to go to a way fun Christmas Party at our friends, the Hackings.

Apparently it's an annual thing and ANYONE who's ANYONE is there...

This year we are feeling very important.

These are the white elephant gifts we came away with.

There were over 100 people there so we feel very fortunate to have these lovely gifts :)

Now anyone who knows me knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE popcorn. This little baby is the present I actually picked from the pile and unwrapped. I might or might not have put it under my chair so that it would be forgotten and no one would want to trade me for it.

This is what Lance unwrapped 2nd after his Glee Christmas CD was traded for

( Yes, I was sad but I knew it was inevitable...Glee is a hot commodity ya know)

He's very excited to put it in his office.

Doesn't every lawyer need a giant pink pirate piggy bank???

Visiting Santa

2010-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

We visited Santa at the mall last week to let the big guy know what we wanted for Christmas.

Beth wants a trampoline and a Barbie

Izzy wants... "presents".

Thankfully I have one easy child to please.

Of course they don't let you take your own pictures and anyone who knows me knows there is no way I'm going to pay $25 for a picture with Santa at the mall.

I'm one of THOSE moms.

Newest Addition

2010-12-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

The newest addition to our family.

Our dear bishop's wife had 3 piano's and was happy to give one away.

I never knew how much it would mean to me to own a piano...

especially considering when I was younger and was required to practice way more than I wanted to I would sit and contemplate ways to destroy our piano.

It has totally made my holiday to be able to sit down and play Christmas Carols.

Now if I can only get that talent/experience back I had when I was 16 years old.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend began with Beth preforming at preschool in a colors concert.

Afterwards we all enjoyed a Thanksgiving lunch at her preschool.

Lance's 4 siblings drove from Utah to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with us.

They arrived Wednesday afternoon.

The boys put up curtains in my living room while I started cooking...

Stuffing, Jello salad, Cranberries, and Pies.

Thanksgiving day consisted mostly of WAITING!!!

We always end up waiting for that blasted turkey to be done.

Next year we are putting it in at 7am!!

This year we didn't eat until 6pm and we were HUNGRY!!

Our menu was lovely though... worth the wait.

*Turkey

*Mashed Potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes & Gravy

(great flavor and pretty orange color.. my mother raised me to appreciate colorful food :)

*Stuffing

*Peas

(Aren't veggies on Thanksgiving just a waste of stomach space to you? They are to me too.)

*Rolls

*Jello Salad and strawberries

*Homemade cranberry sauce

*Condiments... pickles, pepperonchini, olives

*Chips and Onion Dip (while we waited for HOURS)

* Cranberry Juice and Ginger Ale

*Pies....Pumpkin, Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, Butterscotch

During the course of the day it went from 83 degrees to 50. Lovely.

We ended our evening with Toy Story 3 and of course Texas vs. Texas A & M football.

Of course I didn't think about taking pictures of any of this until AFTER dinner.

And the table was so beautiful...sigh.

Friday we all headed off to Sea World.

It was a bit chilly but still laughable to the "Utahans" that we were listening to Christmas music and it was in the 50's outside with no snow.

Welcome to a Texas Christmas.

Our company left on Saturday morning and we officially started our Christmas shopping.

Saturday night we watched an awesome BYU vs. Utah game...well not to awesome in Lance's eyes :)

Sunday I came down with some sort of bug and here I sit on Monday, blogging, Christmas shopping online, and trying to feel better so I can jump in with both feet this week.

Hope your Thanksgiving weekends were good ones.

November in a Nutshell

2010-11-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I blogged.

I really can't beleive it's already past the middle of November.

It's been beautiful here. November is the "fall" of Austin and the leaves are all ablaze, well the ones that aren't Live Oak or Cedar, which is about 15% of them. The air is finally cooling down and staying that way, no more 70 degrees and then 90 the next day. We still have 70's which are really lovely.

For Thanksgiving this year we finally get to host 4 of Lance's siblings. Adria, Luke, Eric, and Ian are driving to Austin next week to spend the weekend with us! I'm so excited !! Cooking for more than just us 4 is so much easier for a big meal like Thanksgiving. Last year we were eating leftover for weeks. So far the plan is to make 4-5 pies and visit Sea World!!

Because of visitors coming for Thanksgiving I have been in a mad dash to get at least the first floor decorated and ready to "show". I've had painters come and paint my living room, kitchen, breakfast nook, entry way, and staircase. I had planned on doing it all myself but after tackling Beth's bedroom I felt sick just looking at all I still had to do.....and I have TALL ceilings and walls and didn't really want to risk my life on a ladder. Of course decorating a house takes time and money so it won't be perfect, which is how I like things when people come, but it's looking better and cozier. Now if I could just get those curtains up....

Lance and I are in a constant depression every Saturday watching our Longhorns get creamed in football. I guess every team needs a rebuilding year...or two....or three???

SO SO SO SO excited to go home for Christmas. Can't wait to see snow, wear sweaters, drink hot chocolate, sit by the fire, and enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends. I'm not even stressed about flying alone with the girls this year. They are old enough to behave and be happy with a DVD player in the middle of them and snacks coming at them from all sides. It's how I cope.

I actually am stressed up to my eyeballs about most of the things I've written about. Decorating, hostessing, getting ready for Christmas, my church calling (primary secretary in a brand new ward...hello lists, agendas, binders, rosters, and ward Christmas party), etc.

BUT.....

to help with all the stress....

I get to go see Harry Potter tomorrow night, a night early, with Lance's firm for a client relations event... which means it's not only free but we get all the junk we want from the concessions stand!!! Heaven knows I love a good trans fat movie theater popcorn!!!

So for now I'll focus on all my many blessings instead of all my responsibilities.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving!!!

Halloween Weekend

2010-10-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

This years Halloween festivities started off at Beth's preschool on Thursday with a Fall Fun Day.

I was able to help out and man a booth. Izzy "helped".

Both girls dress up as witches.

Beth was a "nice witch"

Izzy was a "mean witch" (her hat was inside at the time)

Molly didn't want to be left out.

She was a "passive" witch.

We wonder what she was planning???

Ward Trunk or Treat on Saturday night

(this and a Halloween carnival at Beth's preschool was our "trick or treating" this year due to Halloween being on a Sunday... we got enough candy to satisfy the NEED though)

Pumpkin carving Halloween night.

Beth requested a kitty (surprise, surprise)

Izzy got flowers.

Lance was the artist for both....

I was making pumpkin bars

(one of our favorite Halloween traditions, and sorting pumpkin seeds for roasted pumpkin seeds)

Our porch on Halloween night.

We decided to sit outside and visit with our neighbors while "giving" out candy instead of going trick or treating. We explained to the girls that Sunday is a special day where we think about Jesus and we do things that help us do that. They were good sports about it and were happy to give out candy to others.

Hope ya all had a Happy Halloween.....

Now on to another one of my favorite months, especially in Texas.

November!!!!!

On to Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, and planning the holidays

(yes, Mom, I'm living in the present....just looking forward to the future :)

Just FYI

2010-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

I LOVE eggnog.

That's it.

Annual Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-12T08:01:00.001-07:00

Every year we head out to Sweetberry Farms to enjoy the plethora of pumpkins,

the homemade ice cream, the goats and horses, and the fresh flowers.

This year was a little on the warm side but still way fun. The girls look forward to it all fall, myself included. We pick out our pumpkins for our doorstep and take some fun pictures.

Our little taste of "fall" in October in Austin :)

Recommendations???

2010-09-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a book?

After finishing The Hunger Games series I've been on the hunt.

(No pun intended there :)

The weather has cooled down, for how long I don't know, but

it calls for a good book and a lawn chair.

I have the chair.

I NEED the book.

Please send me a recommendation.

Thanks a bunch.

Beth's Birthday Tea Party

2010-09-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

For Beth's first official birthday party we decided to throw her a tea party...

We made/decorated purses to take home prizes in

Played games such as musical chairs, freeze dance, pop the balloon, pass the parcel, and read a favorite tea party story, Alice and Wonderland.

Everyone got their own fancy gloves to wear and take home...

I mean this WAS a fancy tea party :)

For "Tea" we had apple juice, mini muffins, gummy bears, pretzels, mini marshmallows, grapes, animal cookies, strawberry candies, and a special swirly sucker on a stick.

Darn that dress.... I couldn't get it to stay up on her shoulder!!!

It was a lovely party.

I can't believe how much I stressed out over it.

I'm not a birthday party every birthday kinda person....

But I think 5 is a good age to start.

Glad THAT week is over!!!

2010-09-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Wow!!

Last week was a tough one.

I'm glad a new week is here and hopefully there is sunshine on the horizon.

Let me explain the emotional roller coaster I just went through...

Tuesday:

Beth's Birthday.... always kind of an emotional day thinking back 5 years ago to the day she was born. Good emotions. 20 minutes before expected in Beth's classroom with cupcakes for class, I get a phone call from Em telling me my dad has been in a car accident that morning, has hurt his back, and is currently getting a CT scan to see if he needs surgery. She had no more details so I hung up and tried to regain my composure before passing out cupcakes and smiling to Beth's preschool class.

Later I find out one of dad's back bones has collapsed on itself. Luckily no surgery is needed at this time... he'll keep me posted.

That night it hits me Em is leaving to go into the MTC the next day and I won't get to talk or text her until Christmas. This hits me harder than I would have expected.

Wednesday:

Em leaves to go into the MTC.

Dad is supposed to come home from hospital.

He doesn't.

Friday:

I find out one of my closest friends has had her baby 10+ weeks early and has lost him.

I feel sick.

I can only imagine the pain of losing a baby,

especially one that was so wanted and anticipated.

Saturday:

Find out my dad FINALLY gets out of the hospital.

He is equipped with a "clam shell" and a list of PT exercises.

"Forget about skiing this year, your brother's fishing trip, riding your motorcycle or bike, and hiking for some months..."

Sunday:

Find out one of my friends here in Austin is in the hospital with blood clots.

Started in her legs....traveled to her lungs.

Has been in the hospital for a week already.

I am ready for a new week.

One without ANY bad news.

One with 70 degree weather

One with fresh apples and peaches.

One with the hope of fall in the air and hope on it's wings....

Beth's 5th Birthday

2010-09-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bethy!!!

"Thanks Em for the wonderful sticker book...

I stayed up half the night playing with it,

much to my mom's dismay :)"

The fabulous Barbie tent Grandma J. made her...

(I absolutely love that my girls have a grandma that makes such wonderful original presents!!!)

Beth requested white cupcakes with green frosting.

We took some to preschool.

This was her 3rd one of the day :)

Accompanied with a green Popsicle instead of ice cream.

It was an interested day to say the least.

Lot's of mixed emotions...

Dad got in an accident on his way to work

Em leaves on her mission tomorrow

Beth turned 5 years old.

I'll be happy to tone down the emotions tomorrow!!!

Utah pictures in a nutshell...

2010-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Eating sprinklers in Provo with our fabulous friends, Ann and Co.

Beach with Grammie, Poppy, and Auntie Em in California

Santa Barbara Pier in CA

One of my favorites!!

Balboa Park in San Diego... riding with Poppy

The great San Diego Zoo

Fabulous!!!

Trying on Auntie Em's rain boots...

I am "taking care of them" while she is on her mission :)

Lance's 29th birthday bash...

in the middle of all the mission craziness of his brother and my sister.

He did get his beloved chocolate cake roll with vanilla ice cream thanks to his mom.

We gave him a GPS, case, and one of his favorite Disney movies... Robin Hood.

Family picture at Em's farewell

Hiking around the red rock in Saint George with BBF's

It was lovely to see you guys and spend some time with you again.

Our trip was full and satisfying and wonderful.

You would think 6 weeks would be enough but I could have stayed another couple of weeks to enjoy my favorite things...

The Utah State Fair with my mom

Fresh garden tomatoes

Fresh Utah peaches

Cool fall evenings

Sleeping with the window open

Sweatshirts

Fall leaves in the canyon

Alas....

Lance's work and Beth's preschool

have yanked my fall happiness from me.

We are home here in hot Austin...

Waiting for another 2 months to experience

"fall".

It is good to be home though.

Hello...

own bed

own kitchen

own schedule

own bathroom

own routine

own life.

We are HOME!!!

2010-09-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

What a lovely summer this has been.

After finding ourselves with a summer where both my girls were old enough to enjoy swimming, movies in the theater, story hour at the library, and "tolerated" shopping we utilized our summer days as best we could.

At the end of July we headed off on the 1400 mile drive to Utah to spend the rest of the summer with family.

Lance's brother returned from the Eugene, OR mission and his sister and her family were in town to welcome him home... which meant cousin time for my girls, which they LOVE!!

Em had her farewell... she leaves for the MTC on the 15th of Sept.

We had such a lovely time in Utah. This trip was full of fabulous weather, great books (I read the Hunger Games trilogy), good food, and plenty of family fun.

The girls and I got to go to CA with my family to see Grandma and spend time on the beach.

The San Diego Zoo was fabulous... even if it was a lot of walking :)

We headed down to Saint George to see our bestest friends, the Burtons.

We got to eat fresh peaches and tomatoes from the garden.

We witnessed Julia, Lance's cute sister, get her first boyfriend :)

I was able to see and spend time with my dear friends, Ann and Jamie....

(Andrea, sorry we missed you. We'll catch you at Christmas !!)

We checked out the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point, accompanied with ice cream cones and lots of water :)

I will post pictures of our trip soon.... just thought I would get my thoughts down while the girls are still asleep and I had a minute.

Hope your summer was a nice one.

I love that fall is just around the corner, even though for us it's not for another 2 months in Texas.

Most of us have kids that just started school this year, although with Beth it's just preschool because she missed the deadline by 2 weeks.

Good luck to all the mom's that had to say

"Good Bye"

at the kindergarten door.

I'm Coming Back ...

2010-08-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

We are still in Utah for another 3 weeks.
My laptop is in Austin where I blog so no pictures until we get back,
We have been doing some fun things but I think I'll wait to report on those.
Hang tight.
We get back after Labor Day.
Have a fun rest of the summer!!

Michael Buble Concert!!

2010-07-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

I saw this lovely man in person.... from quite a few rows back....but still....

His concert in San Antonio was a lovely way to spend a Saturday evening.

I LOVE his music and his voice.

Lance even admitted it was nice

(although he'll never admit that to anyone else)

I grew up listening to the music he has redone.

But I also really like the music he has written...

"Just Haven't Met You Yet" is one of my favorites...it was awesome in person.

The 4th of July Weekend

2010-07-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

This year we had a "4th of July" weekend.

Lance had Monday off and we were planning on going to Houston to hang out with his cousin and just to "get outta Dodge" for a while but alas, with the rain, sick kids, and taking care of a friends puppy (more on that later) we didn't make it.

We decided to do the best we could with Austin instead...

Saturday we took the girls to see Toy Story 3 and went out to lunch.

We all loved the movie... in fact I laughed so hard I had tears.

A MUST SEE for sure.

Sunday after church we BBQ'd our own dinner and then when outside and joined out street 4th of July party, complete with homemade peach ice cream and enough fireworks to last over an hour... it was nice to not have to drive through crowds this year. We were going to go to Lance's office and watch them over Town Lake but decided to stay and watch at home. It was late night and Beth actually tells me she didn't like that night because she was SO tired.

I didn't have my camera but here are a few pictures my neighbor took of us...

Izzy wasn't a huge fan of holding her own sparkler but she LOVED the fireworks in the sky!

"Look Mom, a PURPLE one!!!"

Beth loved both sparklers, snaps, and the fireworks in the sky...

of course it took her half the night to get over her sulkiness and join in the fun...

Monday Beth started swimming lessons for the first time... and yes, there were tears.

After her 30 minutes of horrible torture (of course she was laughing and having a good time after she got over the tears but she still holds to the fact that she HATES them) we headed to the San Antonio Zoo.

These pictures aren't great but it's all I got. It of course was hot, I mean it IS July in Texas, but bearable.

Couldn't get this picture turned around for the life of me but I love it.

Overall it was a fun weekend.

It is always kinda "different" when holidays are on Sundays... not necessarily a bad thing but just a different feeling all together.

Happy Father's Day!!

2010-06-21T07:16:00.001-07:00

For Fathers Day this year we gave Lance shorts, an exercise shirt, an ice cream scoop (all of ours were plastic crappy ones) and....

a remote control helicopter!!!

Needless to say we had a fun day yesterday watching him learn to fly it and learning how to aim and fire the missiles. I think what little free time he had has just been taken up with a new hobby.

Happy Fathers Day to you Lance and to my own dad :)

We love you.

Discipline Idea

2010-06-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

"Please sir, can I have some more?"

Our own "Sister" Missionary

2010-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

My sister, Emily, got her mission call today...

She will be serving in

Independence , Missouri

She reports to the MTC on October 27th.

She will be speaking Spanish... must to her delight.

Congrats Em... and Good Luck...

We are so proud of you for making the decision to serve the Lord and to sacrifice 18 months of your life to teach people about the gospel.

We love you!!!

P.S. And I am thrilled to have an excuse to come to Utah in October :)

What We've Been Up To

2010-06-13T17:43:00.001-07:00

This summer I decided to sign Beth up for a little Creative Dance class.

They use both ballet shoes and tap shoes.

She loves her "dance outfit" and loves to wear her bag with her shoes in them.

This is my favorite picture because it was just after we took a picture of her with her eyes closed. You can tell she is trying to keep them WIDE open ...

For some strange reason I feel more motivated to plan and do fun summer things this year. It's not like this summer is much different than the regular year for us since I have no kids in actual school yet. I think maybe it's because school will be starting in our lives this fall (if only 3 days a week preschool) and both girls are old enough to actually enjoy doing things.

Last week some fun things we did were:

* After a day of shopping the girls and I went to lunch (not something we do hardly ever unless you count Costco :)

* Dance class

* Day at the pool with friends (this is easy considering we have a neighborhood pool)

* Free movie at the theater (this is something Austin does every summer. Free movies in the mornings at the theaters)

*Library storytime

I find that if we have plans during the week it doesn't drag quite as much, especially when Lance has to work LONG hours and it's all me all day.

We are patiently (NOT) waiting for Em, my sister, to receive her mission call... and then will be able to plan our trip home to Utah for the summer.

Lance and I started P90X again...

we got lazy after the move and need to jump on the hour of exercise again a night... blah!!

I had Lance pump up my bike tires yesterday. I don't know what but I've had the urge to ride my bike again lately.

I was called to be an assistant cub scout leader a few weeks ago... but today my leader just got called to be the new RS president so I guess I am not longer the wing man....but more the actual leader... Yah!!!! I keep telling myself... attitude, Rach..... attitude.

I really do have a cute little group of guys, 9 year olds. So far, so good.

I am struggling to be a patient and loving mother of two very different girls.

Let me give you an example of just how different these two are:

One day last week both Beth and Izzy were playing in the sand.

Beth came in crying (nothing new...it's what she does best)

because Izzy had put sand in her eyes. She was inconsolable and cried for several minutes while Lance tried to wash out the sand...

After they went upstairs to put Beth in the bath Izzy came in the house.

Her face was covered in sand.

Beth had come into the room and I asked her why Izzy's face was covered in sand.

"Oh, well I put sand in Izzy's face."

Izzy blinked a few times, told me Bethy had put sand in her eyes, brushed off her clothes, and walked away.

Lance calls it "The Tale of Two Girls"

Oh... and Lance's life consists of working lots of hours during the day and on Saturday trying to fit in all the new house projects, such as building shelves in the garage and planting trees in the backyard. He doesn't even know the meaning of "free time" anymore.

Preschool Graduation

2010-05-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Beth has officially completed her first year of preschool.

Rachel has officially survived teaching a co-op preschool.

Rachel is still uncertain if this is something she is going to be doing again...

No...actually it was fun.

Most of the time I just felt like I should be better at it because it's what I got my degree in.

After teaching 4th grade I realize I enjoy teaching the slightly older group better than the wee ones... I guess I like the feeling that what I'm teaching is actually sinking in.

But this was my first experience doing a co-op and we had a darling little group of kids and I was able to do it with some really good friends of mine.

(Jenn S., Sarah M., Tiffany L., Jennifer W., Katie P.)

The Graduation Cupcakes

Graduating Class of 2010

(Preston, Beth, Taya, Ginger, Lily...Mason was off doing his own thing)

I laugh that we make such a big deal out of graduating from "pre-preschool".

Most of these kids will have another year of preschool next year.

It was a good excuse to get together, celebrate the school year ending, and get some cute pictures.

I guess it takes all types...

2010-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

So I don't get on Facebook that often and I'm certainly not one of those people who posts every 10 minutes...

I'm making cookies with my kids

10 minutes later

I love my adorable kids

10 minutes later

I have to clean the house today

10 minutes later

My husband is the cutest guy in the whole world

You get the point....

Anyway, I have a "friend" who has kept all the world up to date on her whole pregnancy.

Every doctors appointment

Every discomfort

Every sleepless night

Every craving

We have ALL been there...

(Yes, this is her first)

Today I was looking on Facebook and am "THRILLED" (heavy sarcasm)

to see that she has been in labor for some hours now and we are all getting real time updates.

5 Centimeters...

Low blood sugar

8 Centimeters...

Hard Contraction...

So my thoughts are this

SERIOUSLY???

You don't have anything better to do in the middle of labor than to

Facebook the world your every move?

I promise you no one wants to know...

especially the men that happen to glance at the monitor.

Wait until the baby is here and we'll pick it up from there.

Thank you.

More Cruisin' Pictures

2010-05-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Because Blogspot is dumb and I can't rearrange pictures these are in no apparent order...

Getting ready to dive in and snorkel at Grand Cayman

The gang... minus Kat, who was taking the picture.

Yes, we did pose for this picture. We're not usually so cheezy :)

Dancing the night away... on a floor that lit up

On our chartered boat in Belize... taking us to the reef to snorkel

We did a lot of this... looking out over the ocean.

The food was fantastic!!

It was hard to come home and feel that weird feeling in your tummy.... hunger???

Melis, Kat, Rach

Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman

Holding, feeding, and kissing sting ray.

(I have never seen water this blue... well other than the rest of our cruise)

Sea Urchin???

I wasn't there when this was taken... I was shopping for real Mexican Vanilla in Cozumel

Lance and Leif

BFF !!!

Cruisin' in the Caribbean!!

2010-05-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

So I'm a bit over whelmed to write about our whole fabulous week in the Caribbean but I figured pictures would be just as good. We didn't take a whole lot of pictures of us snorkeling and such because we were the only ones without a water proof camera. We have a ton more pictures on a Picasa Web Album... I just don't remember how to upload them to my blog... I'm working on it.

Here are a few we took with our own camera.

Keeping your dress down up on the top decks was always an adventure... the wind was quite strong.

Our fabulous cruise buddies...

Alta and Michael, Melissa and Leif, us, Kat and De

Rach and Melis

Don't ask....

I love these cute towel animals you get every night

The girls...

The guys...

A real and ALIVE starfish our guide pulled out of the ocean.

This picture is too dorky not to post... me getting ready to snorkel. We had just finished petting, feeding, and kissing sting rays (I have pictures of that somewhere).

Island Roatan... zipline, monkeys, and tropical birds...

I LOVED the flowers here... Island Roatan

Great sunsets every evening after dinner... the wind was so strong though so it was hard to get a decent picture with hair up your nose :)

Our window out the back of the boat...um...ship...sorry Melis :)

I'll post more pictures after I figure out how to get them on here... and after Melis sends me more (hint, hint).

It was a LOVELY vacation...

Romantic

Scenic

Adventurous

Informative

Fattening (sad, but true)

and all around

FUN

Thanks guys for a wonderful week!!

Cute

2010-04-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last night I did my toenails.

I attempted to do a French pedicure because I couldn't bring myself to pay $30 for a professional one.

Someday... but for now I thought I'd pay the $5 for the kit and try it myself.

Beth was very intrigued and watched the whole process.

This morning she asks me

"Mom, did you sleep in your toe nails?"

Cute, huh?

********

This morning as Lance left for work Izzy yells out

"Good bye honey!"

Cute, huh?

What We've Been Up To

2010-04-30T06:41:00.001-07:00

This past week has been a busy one.

Mostly getting ready to go cruisin' to the Carribean next week with our friends, the Burtons!!

-Plan and shop for outfits (darn...and excuse to shop!!)

-Haircuts

-Renew and pick up library books for airplane ride

-Laundry

-Water plants

- Square away final travel details

-Dream about laying on the white sand beaches :)

Gettin' ready to leave the girls with Grandma Jensen.

-Clean house

-Plan and shop for meals

-Make lists

-Write out addresses and how to get to the church, preschool, and, store

-Count down EVERY day from 15 with Beth until Grandma comes :)

Host a baby shower at my house

- Tell myself to NOT stress out about this, it being my first hostess job

-Clean house

-Redo mantle decor. to make it liven up the room a bit

-Tell myself that people are here to see the mother to be instead of my decorating skills, or lack thereof

Mothers Day

-Stress out a little bit about what to do, what card to make, and how to express my love to my mom and mother-in-law

The Countdown is ON

2010-04-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

We are headed to the Caribbean in 6 days!!!!

Wahoo!!!

And I Worry About the Babysitters!

2010-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came home from the adult session of Stake Conference to find a dark house.

The blinds were open.

The lights where off.

Lance was NOT in the office working, where he told me he was going to be.

The house was quiet.

I found my family locked in Izzy's room.

To keep Izzy in time out we have switched the locks around on the door knobs.

Izzy had turned the lock and shut the door before they settled down for stories and songs.

Imagine my amazement, and amusement, to find them tapping on the door...

"Could you please unlock the door Mommy?"

So funny.

And I worry about the babysitters :)

Our new Family Member

2010-04-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

We did it!

We finally got ourselves a dog.

She is a 7 year old black lab. named Molly.

We actually adopted her from a shelter at the Dripping Springs Founders Day Fair on Saturday.

She is a great "starter dog" as we were told.

We thought about getting a puppy but I didn't want the extra work, the soiled new carpet, the chewed up new furniture, and the hyperness of a puppy.

Molly is very sweet. She is overweight so our work is cut out for us. She is on a weight management diet and we plan on walking her A LOT. Maybe she won't be the only one who will benefit from the daily walks :)

She is still a little nervous around the girls but tolerates them and is warming to their constant attention.

Beth and Izzy are thrilled and want to play with her all the time.

When Izzy sees her she says, "Hi You!" and while walking her today she kept yelling, "Stop Boy" so she could pet her.

Beth keeps telling me she wants a kitten too.

We'll see....

29 Years Young... today and FOREVER

2010-04-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

My birthday consisted of:

* Teaching Beth how to take pictures so we could get one of Lance and I

* Baking an angle food cake and Lance taking it out of the oven and dumping it upside down before it was done... I wouldn't recommend this :)

* A 50 minute massage that Lance actually gave me LAST year for my birthday that I have been holding onto like gold. I thought today would be a good day to use it.

*Dinner with Lance at Texas Land and Cattle

* Sweet cards, texts, presents, desserts, and flowers from my dear friends and family.

Thank you to all who thought of me today.

I appreciate it.

I plan to stay 29 for a while now.

Easter

2010-04-05T08:55:00.001-07:00

This year Easter weekend was packed.

First on Saturday morning we went to our primary activity of breakfast and an easter egg hunt.

We got there 20 minutes late and the hunt was over and we barely grabbed a doughnut before they were gone.

Needless to say "ALWAYS be on time to an Easter Egg hunt."

Because we had missed this hunt we drove back to our neighborhood Easter egg hunt, arriving 15 minutes early to make sure we didn't miss anything. The girls got to see the Easter bunny and collect some eggs.

We went home and watched General Conference, pulled some weeds, I made our Easter dinner of honey baked ham, scallop potatoes, rolls, and fresh fruit and dip. It was lovely...and then Lance was off to priesthood for the evening. After I put the girls to bed I treated myself to a couple hours of The Ten Commandments and ate too many jelly beans.

P.S. After the talk in Conf. about lust I think I may have lusted Charlton Heston a little to much.

Easter morning greeted us with Easter baskets and jelly beans hidden all around the house.

We headed off to a neighborhood/ward breakfast to meet some new people and came home to watch morning Conf.

After Conference we went to an "Easter party" hosted by Lance's secretary, Katie.

There was a 700 egg Easter egg hunt, fajitas, and music...

Unfortunately it wasn't very "spiritual" and after a few hours we gratefully headed back to our car to listen to the Mormon Tab. Choir and to get back into the spirit of Easter.

Overall it was a busy, but lovely weekend. I am always so sad that Conference goes by so fast and that I wasn't able to sit and listen as well as I used to. Small children are NOT conducive to listing to 8 hours of talking!~

Luckily we Tivo'd it so we can rewatch it and get more out of it. There were some great talks and testimony of our Savior born and I felt the spirit very strongly.

I think it was nice it was on Easter and nice to have both the spirit of His resurrection and the spirit of General Conference on the same weekend.

I'm sad it's over.

Hope you all had a lovely Easter

and good luck getting rid of all the candy...

Dancing Queens

2010-04-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

At Beth's last birthday party, that Izzy attended as well, they were given tu tu's as a party favor.

They both LOVE them and love to dance around the room to whatever station I have playing on Pandora.

What a cute idea, right?

I think I might steal it and use it for Beth's birthday this year.

To you Mom

2010-03-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Beth's thought of the day:

What should my name be?

I know!!

Grammy!

Grammy is a prefect name for a princess....

I agree, don't you Mom?

A few of my favorite things...

2010-03-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad...

I simply remember my favorite things...

The smell of banana bread baking in my oven

A clean house

Clean laundry... and the smell of my favorite detergent wafting in the breeze

Hearing Beth say to Izzy while playing,

"Let's marry, my sweetness."

And then pretending to go to the temple.

Reading a good book

Children occupied so I CAN read a good book

And then I don't feel so bad.

The New House...

2010-03-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Per request I have posted some pictures of our house with "us" actually living in it.

The house is beautiful... our hand-me-down furniture, not so much.

I would of course love to redo every room right this minute but alas, must save money and gather ideas for some months.

It's a work in progress.

The front (no duh, Rach)

Because there are no basements in Texas we have to sacrifice half of the garage for storage.

Thanks to stacking bins and de-junking we did pretty good.

I've kinda just stashed some decor here... not really sure what I want to do with it yet.

I may put my holiday and seasonal decor in there.

Any ideas?

Beth's Room

We are looking at bunk beds currently to put in here. This will have an overhaul when I get the bed and the new bedding.

A couple shots of the game room. We are in the process of ordering blinds. For right now we get that Texas sun at around 3pm, thankfully it's been cool this spring so far.

Girls bathroom, across from Izzy's bedroom.

The study

Also currently looking for a bigger filing cabinet and possibly another book case.

Not my favorite room, but definitely needed and appreciated.

Lance spends a lot of time in here working.

Half Bath

Laundry Room

I love the space in here. Of course we plan to put another fridge/freezer in here for food storage.

With that and an ironing board (no I don't iron but doesn't everyone at least have to OWN an ironing board?) and the dryer rack it will fill up quickly.

I also want to put up little hooks for jackets and cubbies for shoes in here.

Clearly I'll have to prioritize my space.

Entry way

Kitchen

LOVE LOVE LOVE the counter space and big pantry.

Breakfast Nook

Living Room

Love the light that those big windows give us.

Master Bath

Master Bedroom

Sorry, this picture turned out kinda dark. Not much in here, just a bed, nightstand, and dresser.

Getting a bedroom set used to be the top on our list... now it's almost at the bottom.

So much want...

So little money :)

We are getting used to driving 15 minutes to everywhere but enjoying the fact that we are "out there". The stars are brighter out here and it's quieter. No sirens or people yelling in the middle of the night. Our neighbors and the ward are super friendly. We are looking forward of taking advantage of the pool this summer, the walking trails, feeding the ducks at the pond, and playing on the intermittent playgrounds throughout the community.

It's good to be HOME!!!

We've Moved!!!

2010-03-01T18:18:00.001-08:00

We've moved into our new house...

Life is crazy...

I've never been this busy in my life...

More later...

Stay posted!