Easter Weekend

Why is it that every Easter weekend is so jam packed, oh maybe because every minute of my life is jam packed!
The weekend began on Thursday for this household. We squared away Malia and Sierra with friends, Sierra doesn't have Friday off from school so she stayed back to keep that 100% attendance in play and Malia didn't have ballet practice, first time in weeks, and wanted to spend time with friends. So Corby, myself, Teesh, and the little nuggets piled into Lila and headed North. We had a few stops along the way, but arrived at our destination by 7:30PM. We stayed with Brad and Teresa's family this go around since we had to be on USU campus bright and early 8AM. Corby stayed up chatting, but I put little ones to bed and hit the hay. I have been so tired lately.
Corby dropped Teesh and myself off on campus around 8 and we registered and settled in our seats. The announcer said," oh students you will be divided into groups according to your declared degree and parents you will stay here with me". I wasn't ready for that but the announcer reassured us that we have to cut the apron strings soon anyway, so why not give it a trial run. I don't know about this college thing, the closer it comes the more I think Teesh should stay home.
It was a l-o-n-g day, but oh so great. Teesh met friends and I sat and sat and it felt nice. I learned all about the resources at the university and listened to how much this experience is going to cost. Lucky us, did you know that Friday the State Committee was reviewing and passing a bill that will raise all state college tuition by 5%. Isn't that the best news ever. I agree, I was smiling from ear to ear. The other special moment of the day was of all the people I could sit by, I chose to sit by two ladies that both have children that scored 33's on their ACT's. Hello! that is pretty close to a perfect score. So, while I am complaining about the outrageous fees and tuition costs, they are sitting back saying, "Go ahead, raise tuition, we have a full ride" Some people's children get all the luck.;) The principle of "what is best will happen and we are strong enough to handle anything that crosses our path" applies here! It was a fantastic day and we even took a tour of where Teesh will call home on August 17th.  She will be staying in the dorms, San Juan. We are trying to switch her to Davis Hall though, they are just nicer and have a few more features that will help with the tight, small, cramped, quarters of good ole' dorm living. I only lived in a dorm in the MTC for 3 weeks which was more than enough time for me! Good luck Teesh it will be great, I promise.
Corby spent the day visiting with Teresa and then headed to his sister, Janalberries, to dye eggs. This is the second year in a row I have missed this tradition, but Corby filled me in on the juicy details so it was as if I was there.

 Bria and Ada thoroughly enjoying themselves.

 

Such a sweet little face.

Bria enjoying the cousins and photo shots!

 Bria, Brynlee, and Ada

 Bria, Brynlee, Ada, and Kale

These photos crack me up! Every picture Kale is doing something funky with his face and hands. Gotta love two year old's and this one in particular is extra lovable.

Corby picked Teesh and I up from campus around 3:30. Bria and Ada rode with Daddy to come get us strangers. As soon as I entered Lila, Bria blurts out that Ada's pull up flew out the window. What? Corby smiles and confirms that yes, that is a true statement. As we were almost to Janalee's pad, Corby sees the pull up in the gutter by the side of the road. He makes a u-turn and grabbed that baby up so slick and fast. The little girls thought it was hilarious and I thought it was so unnecessary but none the-less, our pull up was found and I might add had to be used on the drive home. When we arrived at  Janalee's we enjoyed some summer lounging on the grass, playing games, and eating some awesome grub. We had to cut the evening short for our long drive home and busy morning that lay ahead.


Before we left, we met the newest family members in the Hubbard household.

I know Janalee, this isn't the best of you, but look at little Ada Rae peering out from behind you. Oh and by the way, Janalee is like 6 months preggers in this photo. Would you have known that if I didn't point it out? Yea, I didn't think so. Some people and their tiny little bellies, Jealous!

Kale doesn't like the feel of the chicks feet so this is how he holds his friends.

Teesh you are such a beautiful girl. Way to be brave even though you really didn't want to hold that animal.

Saturday morning, Teesh had to be at the park at 7AM sharp to prepare for the Community Easter Hunt. We showed up at 9 and by 9:03 the hunt was completed. Teesh was in charge of the 0-4 year old's group, Bria went with the 5-8(My poor baby almost got trampled) I prepped my youngins for a successful hunt by giving this advice, "It is a dog-eat-dog world girls, take out your neighbor" Bria thought that phrase was so funny, she thought I was telling her to be a dog. I was proud of my advise. Corby just shook his head as he often does with my counsel.

It was so fun to run into friends from our neighborhood.

Here is Teesh all official in her Taylorsville shirt.

The Loot!

I then took off to begin my 11 mile run, while Teesh raced home to change her clothes and head to the stake baptism, where she plays the piano. She caught up running with me around mile 4. We ran and ran and got to 9 miles when I simply just ran out of time to finish the last two. I felt disappointed to quit but I had an obligation at 1o'clock. I accepted defeat and was only a few minutes late to my appointment.
I attended a class titled "Intro to Alternative Healing" I learned from experts about different ways to heal ourselves emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is interesting because most attendees aren't my same faith, but we all believe in a higher power. I feel more comfortable with others who don't believe the same as me, kind of strange but I do. I feel like I get the opportunity to bear my testimony and share my beliefs often which I absolutely love.
The meeting ended at 4:15 and I was back on the road downtown to the conference center with Kathleen, Teesh, Malia, Avery and myself. Sierra met up with us there because she had been to a Baseball game with our neighbors. It was an incredible evening. The speakers were wonderful. They had a tiny little 12 year old give the opening prayer, now that takes guts. She did amazing. I love the message which was "Stand Ye in Holy Places, and be ye not moved" I hope my beautiful daughters were listening because wow, so many truths were shared. What a great opportunity to share with my girls. We bought some ice cream and different toppings to finish the evening off right.

March, St. Patties Day

This month is almost over and I haven't had a chance to do my photo of house decor and shelf. Because this holiday ended up on a Sunday this week we had our traditional green pancakes for lunch instead of breakfast. My house looks like a tornado landed so please excuse the mess and enjoy the thought.

 I need to brag for a bit here, see my letters? I saw these in an ad and asked Corby if he could create them for me. He pulled out the card stock and created the letters. He is amazing huh? I traced them on wood and then cut them out. I love crafts that cost little to nothing. Frugality makes me so deliriously happy!

 I made this many years ago and still absolutely love it! It hangs on my front door.

 This sits to the side of my front door. It is rather big but looks so festive. Even though we don't do much for St. Patties day, the decor is always fun.

 Here are our green pancakes!

We splurged and even had sausage for the holiday. Ada loves sausage!

 Here is my Sierra Magera doing her dishes. I am embarrassed that my house is so messy but it is the sabbath and we are having a day of rest. Plus this blog is real and real is messy homes some days.

When everyone was dressing for church, Bria asked why we were all wearing green. I explained how if you don't' wear green you get pinched. Bria began to be all nervous saying she did not have green pj's. This girl cracks me up. I told her I would protect her when she got into her pajamas.

 

19 years

Today is our 19th Anniversary! Wow! Many moons ago, when we were both college students, we decided to marry. We chose President's Day weekend to allow us a three day weekend. We had a short little honeymoon and then back to the studying.  With marrying on a holiday weekend, that means we also get to celebrate each year on a holiday weekend (some good, some bad but mostly good) Because of our all-expense paid-trip in April, we decided to go easy on the celebrations this go around (Who am I kidding, we always take it easy on our anniversary celebrations) Just seems like something always comes up to gobble the extra moola we could have used, oh well such is life.

Anyway, one of our favorite places to go is Off Broadway. Groupon had a BOGO so I snatched those tickets up in a real hurry and began to make plans for our glorious upcoming event.
Morning of the 18th, I woke to my three favorite treats on my pillow, piping hot crepes in the kitchen next to a beautiful card. Corby wrote down some of his favorite things he loves about me. So tender! He definitely made up for his lack of on Valentines Day(more on that post) The day was pretty normal, Corby worked on taxes while I put the finishing touches on the upcoming school talent show.
Malia and Teesh made dinner for the girls while Corb took me out. When we were getting ready to leave he asks, "Where do you want to eat? Sizzler? Cafe Rio? or Arctic Circle? Nothing screams true love like those restaurants. He had coupons which is why he suggested those choices. Love my frugal hubby, most of the time;)
I opted for Zuppas. Gotta love their Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup, YUMMY! We enjoyed a nice light conversation of our budget and how it is working currently and then headed off to downtown to see Doctor U.
We didn't want to have to pay for parking so thought if we found parking somewhere in the free zone then hopped on traxx we could save a little money. We drove around and quickly found free parking and only a half block from a traxx station, Booyah!
We walked to the station and realized the tickets were still in the car so back to Lila the Lexus, we should have known then what was in store for us later on this evening. Foreshadowing I have to say, deep thoughts.

We waited at the traxx station listening and watching the characters that were with us. Wow, what a cultural experience this was, must bring children to see how some live.
After about 10 minutes of waiting the train pulled up and we got on. It was awesome being dropped up right in front of OFF Broadway Theatre, perfect planning Corbster.
The play was awesome. It was a spoof on Doctor Who. Neither Corby or I have seen Doctor Who but with the luxuries of internet readily available at your finger tips, we researched what we needed and quickly educated ourselves for the upcoming entertainment.
The play did not disappoint! It was hilarious. I love laughing so hard my cheeks ache. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. When the play was over, we crossed the street and patiently waited for the last train to come pick us up and take us back to that half block from our car destination. We waited. We waited. We read the schedule verifying that we had a train coming. Yes, yes last train of the evening coming 10:18. We had plenty of time until we realized it was a holiday which meant traxx were running on the Sunday schedule. Hurray for holidays, kind of, we were stranded there with no ride back.
Corby suggested he leave me and walk the 7 blocks back to our beloved Lila but I would have nothing to do with that so we began the trek. Pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked........
Now 7 blocks isn't the problem here, I love walking and exercising the problem was all the characters that were out at this time of night as well as the temperture. It was cold, thankfully I had my coat which I normally opt out and leave in the car. Blessing!
We saw homeless people settling in for the evening. We were approached for money and cigarettes. At one point, there were so many homeless people around us we were definitely out numbered. As we sped up our pace we caught up with one gentlemen that was screaming and all bent out of shape because of his crackers. I held my purse tight and prayed we would be alright. After what felt like forever, we finally made it to our vehicle, jumped in, turned on the heat and locked the doors. Whew, safety! So let this be a lesson, just pay the couple of dollars and park close to your destination especially on your anniversary celebration.

When we arrived home our garage door was locked, now that is odd. We gently knocked but no one came. Corby went around to the front and just then I hear Sierra unlock the door and run away. Weird! As we walked in we were greeted with this......

The girls had made us sugar cookies and cards. It was a great surprise. The little ones were tucked in bed and sleeping soundly, the house was tidy(just the way I like it before hitting the hay each night) and my girls were happily conversing. Perfection I tell you. The cards were thoughtful and keepers for sure. We said prayers, hugged and all retired.
19 years seems like forever and in reality is a pretty long time! We have had our ups and downs along this journey, but I'll take it. I love my family and with the good comes bad and that is OK because we have each other and that is all that counts.

Valentine's Day

February 14th, the day of love. The day of flowers, chocolates and anything else to show your true love, appreciation. At NPA, we don't do parties so it has been many years of not worring about valentine boxes and candy. But this year, with my little ones in preschool, the boxes and candy must be made. It was fun to help Bria and Ada produce their valentine holders. I helped a little but for the most part they were the authors.

I just love these little faces, so innocent, most of the time. What joy feels my heart to be their mother!

When the boxes were complete off to bed these little ones ran. Excited for what would come the next morning. Excited they should be, I had some great things in store for everyone.

The girls woke to this.....................................

Pink heart shaped homemade pancakes and grapefruit. I began this tradition multiple years ago and the girls just love it. Bria isn't so sure about the pancakes being pink, but I reassured her they taste the same, so she gave it a whirl and whala she liked them as much as traditional. Silly little Breeta!

I was super happy the pancakes turned out so well, some years they stick to my mold and it is the thought that counts.

I bought each of the girls their favorite candy with a card. I decorated the cards and wrote heartfelt messages to each family member.

I bought the family a new Wii game. I have had so many friends tell me how much fun this is so we we will try it out.

Bria loves Scooby Doo so when I found these cards I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to see her smiling face. Gotta love morning hair! oh and sorry Corby I cut your head off. This photography business is harder than it looks. I must take a class when life s-l-o-w-s down.

Happy Valentine's Day

Sierra squeezed in enough time to get in our pictures

I have to explain these flowers, they were purchased a few days after Valentine's Day. I was a little disappointed on Valentine's Day to find not one family member did a thing for me. No cards, no notes, not a thing. I actually cried. Lately, I am an emotional wreck, hormones I'm guessing because I have never been like this. I don't expect a lot really but a homemade card or my favorite candy bar would have meant a lot. Bria could sense my sadness and asked what was wrong. I told her I didn't get a valentine and it made me feel sad. So next time she was with her daddy, she encouraged him to purchase these flowers. She was all smiles as she brought them in to me and presented her valentine. She told me I did not need to be sad anymore. She is one in tune kid! She also made me a valentine that just melted my heart. I love 5 year olds, they are so darn precious and adorable.

She wrote the word Love several times. The drawing in the right hand corner is an elephant. See his trunk and tail.? What a priceless gift she provided me. Thanks Bria, for being so loving and giving me a valentine.
To Corby's defense, which truthfully I am still so hurt but he did make up for it on our Anniversary a few days later, he was planning to get to the store and just ran out of time. I say what day is Valentine's each year? Does the day change each year? Huh, you had time just waited too late my man. Move on, get past it, we all make mistakes. Do again next year and we will have a boxing match on our hands my dear sweet loving companion. Love you Corby!

Ada wanted in the picture. She is so silly the expression she can manuever. I love my tulips and they are blooming so beautifully. Kind of makes me have a little spring fever.
All in all Valentine's Day was memory making. I love my family.

February

In keeping with my theme of showing my holiday shelf decorations, I thought it appropriate to begin with this photo. I painted the doors on the shelf black. Did you notice? Don't blame you if you didn't, it is a small subtle change.

My table centerpiece

February has always been such a busy month for us. It is a short month, maybe that is why is seems so busy but here is our list:

Corby's birthday is the 9th

Valentine's Day the 14th

Our wedding anniversary 18th

School talent show 20th

Parent Teacher Conferences for two schools and three girls

College Scholarship Application deadlines

Two Ballet Rehearsals

 Valentine Party for Preschool

and lastly studying for upcoming exams

Wow! I feel better just typing that out, but wowsies I am tired knowing what is ahead. One day at a time is my latest motto. Things always get done, so just one day at a time.

 

New Year's Eve

We don't really have traditions to bring in the New Year. Sometimes we celebrate with family, sometimes with friends. This year it was the friends category. My work out buddy, Misty, had us over to her pad. She has 6 children, oldest being a boy then 5 girls, so we have a lot in common. Our two oldest and two youngest are similar ages but her middle two and Malia don't mix too well.
I made some appetizers and she provided veggies and we settled in for a full night of games.
It is so fun to hang out with others when our children get along so well. Seriously, we were there from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM and not once did the girls argue. They get along so well (they spend so much time together at the daycare and also attend preschool together) I love that they have such cute little friends.
We played Slide 5, Mormon Bridge(have to be careful with this, Misty and her clan are not LDS), Catch Phrase, Scattergories(Corby's all time favorite), and a few other games.
When the magical midnight hour struck everyone sent a few texts wishing loved ones a new year and then we continued our game. No kissing. no pots and pans banging, no screaming just a quiet little moment to bring in the new year.
As with most,  some of the resolutions we as a family propose:
1) Jennifer will take over the allowance ledger and payroll department
2) We will try to be more kind to each other
3) Weekly Temple Attendance
4) We will be following a 95% plant base diet
5) And my most favorite, putting little girls in bed and teaching them to fall asleep with my assistance. Don't judge me here. I was a good mom to my first family and my girls could sleep without my presence, but somewhere along the struggle to get them here I slacked and they think I have to lay on their floor when they go to sleep. UGH for sure!
6) Jennifer, Leticia, and Sierra will all run a half marathon in April

I think we will stop there for family goals, don't want to overwhelm ourselves and end up not doing anything. Every new year we have an FHE about individual goal setting. We discuss how we felt last year went and what, if any, changes we need to implement for this upcoming year. The girls have 4 categories, 1)Spiritual, 2)Academic, 3)Physical, and 4)Entertainment. They must provide a goal for each category. I then type up the goals, laminate them, and hang them in visible spots in the house as reminders. I have to say some years are better than others, but this system seems to work well.
So cheers everyone to goals, and to 2013......We have high hopes for this being a bright new year!

Elf on the Shelf

My friend, Misty, had this elf hiding in her house last year. I was so impressed with it that I adopted it as a tradition for our family. Watching her children get so excited talking about their elf I wanted that for our family as well. I went to Hallmark and purchased the book and the elf and brought it home to allow the fun to begin.
So the story goes like this.......an elf comes to your house and watches your behavior then at night flies to the North Pole to report to Santa the good and bad she sees. When the elf returns, she will hide in a different spot so it is your job to locate her the next morning. The little girls have just loved this fun holiday tradition. When they first wake they do nothing until "Elfie" is located. They know not to touch "Elfie" or she will lose her flying powers and  not be able to report good behavior to Santa dear. Elfie has been spotted in all kinds of places in our home.

The girls wake every morning to find where Elfie is. She seems to find the funnest places to land and watch. One morning Elfie brought a treat from the North Pole, Jelly Belly candy canes, delish.

Good thing we found Elfie before someone made breakfast, it could have been a bit hot for her.

Traditions this time of year

Candles made by my neighbor from Magna

Willow Tree Nativity, no touching little hands

I absolutely love this time of year! Not for the presents, even though I do love to surprise my loved ones with items they never thought possible. I have gathered for years to get this nativity scene from the Willow Tree. It is expensive but so beautiful. I wish I had taken a close up shot of the individual pieces but you get the idea. Look at my table decor......guess how much a I paid for the candlestick holders? waiting, waiting, OK, I'll tell you, .39. Yes, you read that correct. American Express was running a deal for small businesses and they would refund you up to $50.00 so I found my items and the total came to $50.39. Is that a deal? I was so stoked, I seriously love to bargain hunt, it makes me so happy to decorate my home for little to nothing. Corby doesn't mind it either. The ornaments on top of candlesticks were not included in the price so over all that center piece cost me $14.39 still not bad, eh?

Here is our sad little tree that we threaten to get rid of each year and after 10 years, it continues our journey with us. It was given to us at a real low income time in our marriage and it just represents so much that even though it is little and broken I can't seem to part with it. It fits nicely in our bay window and don't you love my ornaments I made 12 years ago. I think every year I need to change it up but I never do because these ornaments and tree are just what Christmas is all about.......love, kindness, sacrifice, and service. Do you spy Sparkle in the blinds checking to see if we are all behaving!

I went a little overboard with the garland and lights but it makes our house feel so festive. Corby is always wanting to turn the lights off to save electricity but Ada goes right behind him and re-plugs them back in. Way too go little Ada Rae, she knows how to work the system.

Here is where we display our collection of Christmas cards and school artwork. Before the season ends, this door will have no bare spots. We always feel so loved and remembered when we hear from good friends and family.

As you have probably notice, I change out my shelf every season or holiday. Corby made this shelf many many moons ago and I still just adore it!

When Teesh and Sierra were just toddlers I made our stockings. I made my own pattern and bought the fabric with the help of my sister-in-law, VaLynn aka "Lynnakins" She borrowed her mother's serger and we set a date to sew away. Lynnakins is an amazing seamstress so with her help it surely would turn out swell. We made 10 stockings(thinking future here ;)) I loved how they all turned out and I guess others did too because I used them as decor for one of my boutiques and they all sold leaving me with only 5. Five worked well for many years but when Ada and Bria joined our clan we were two short. Every year I had intentions of making two more but every year Corby and I ended up with no stocking so this year I took the easy road. I used a coupon at Kohls and brought home stockings for the parents. See now our family is complete!

 Isn't this the cutest little stocking ever! Corby got it one year and I attached it to the garland and it just remains there year after year. Bria designated it as Maybelle, our cat's stocking.

Another tradition is to make our neighbor gifts rather than buy or have it be something to eat. This year I felt ambitious and made these Christmas tree ornaments with a cute little saying about how much our neighbors and friends mean to us. We all worked hard and completed 30 of them in only a couple of days work. I was extra excited as we were able to make every one of them with all the supplies I already had, score on two counts, getting clutter out of my house and two meeting budget once again! So so excited!

My girls all helped in their own way in the cutting out, sanding, painting, and assembling of ornaments. This is what Christmas time is to me, spending time with family working on projects. Last year on Christmas Eve we were painting our basement, more on that in another post. Some of my girls weren't exactly excited with that festive plan so this year I'll stick to ornaments.

 The little girls painted ice cream cones to join in the fun. I just love all of Bria and Ada's expressions in these few photos.

 Score sign and the line smile!

Sierra not interested in painting  trees but painting her nails, at least she joined us.

And here is the end project!

Another tradition that we do this time of year is draw each others names each week and do kind deeds secretly for each other. Some of the kindness I witnessed was, doing each others chores, painting nails for young ones, calling and seeing how a day went or a test turned out. Being extra kind and just all around showing more love. I love this tradition because it means more than some silly ole gift it hopefully will bring out the spirit I so love about this time of year.