Monday, April 9, 2012

Happy Easter

Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this beautiful time of year. I am so grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ. My life is blessed every day because of him. We really tried this Easter week to focus on our Savior...on Wednesday we went to the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant, which is a huge production about the life, death and resurrection of Christ. It was so neat, and really well done, but the best part was watching the eyes of my sweet children, and the questions they asked about Jesus. "Why didn't everyone believe him when he only did good things?" asked by Bree. The only answer I had was I don't know, because that is something I wonder too. We had a birthday dinner for Jesus on Friday (April 6th)...and instead of singing Happy Birthday (which didn't quite seem apropriate) after going around the table and sharing something we love about him we sang He Sent His Son. It was actually really neat, and really helped us think of Christ all weekend.

We did an Easter Egg hunt and breakfast with the neighborhood, had some good Saturday work (removed an area with rocks and put in a sand box! Thanks daddy!), and Robbie and the kids even jumped in the pool! (Air is nice, but the water is freezing!) Then today we enjoyed a beautiful Sunday. We did an Easter Scavenger Hunt through the house that led the kids to a little Easter gift from Robbie and I. The kids loved it. But my "Easter dinner" didn't turn out so hot: deviled eggs were too salty, broccoli had gone bad so I made some brussel sprouts but they were gross...well because I had to boil them because they were frozen but then tried to saute them to taste like I usually make them...but they tasted like drowned, burnt mini cabbages. Robbie pulled out a great accent however pretending he was from "Brussels" and got the kids to eat them. So it was totally worth it. It was histerical :) I love that man! And of course he said the dinner was delicious.

All in all, it was a great weekend. Happy Easter!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Conference weekend!

Oh we love conference!! We did some fun things this year I just thought I would share...of course the old standard "Conference Bingo" was a hit again. Bree and Gabe are getting better at not "hearing" things that haven't been said just because they want to eat a treat! They both got to choose the treats at the store that week to put on the squares (marshmallows surprise, surprise...) and were SO excited Saturday morning to open them!

Also I got a couple of new ideas from here ...and that is also where I got the packets with the bingo and some coloring pages. But my favorites were the print outs of pictures of the 1st Presidency and 12 Apostles, which I taped up on the wall, one for each child, with boxes under each person for the kids to run over and color in when that person came up to speak. Then we did the "Conference Spring Garden" which I am excited about. I had cut out all of the flowers that had pictures of the 1st Presidency and 12 Apostles on them, and put up some "grass and stems"...so they were curious the minute they saw it in the morning. They took turns coloring the flower for each speaker and then put it on the wall. Then after the talk I would write on their flower what they spoke about. Now, for the next few months we will "pick" a flower and do a FHE lesson/activity about that topic. I love it cause it's a great way to review what they spoke about, and keep the spirit of conference around even longer.

We also started a couple of traditions: We had a pre-Conference camp out in the back yard Friday night...so fun! (Ha, I slept in the house with McKay, but Robbie and the kids loved it! It was perfect cause they stayed up late, and woke up early, and then both fell asleep during the afternoon session!) Then had a BBQ lunch with burgers and beach salad (that acini de pepe salad that we love...but it's pretty involved to make so I never make it, but Robbie loves it...so I thought it could be a great Conference treat!) And then crepes for breakfast on Sunday morning (first time for the kids and they were a hit! I wanted to do something that we didn't do very often.) It's hard to just "start" traditions when you're not sure what you want to do...and neither of our families had any particular Conference traditions...but these were fun and we'll see if they stick!

But aside from the treats and the traditions, Conference was just amazing. My father taught me to always go to Conference with questions, and then listen for the answers. And just like in every other Conference they were answered. I was blessed with ideas and inspiration on how to be a better mother, a better person, and a better follower of Christ. The brethren are so inspired and without fail, speak with power and the spirit. I am so grateful for a living prophet and apostles and the guidance I receive from them. Such a blessed weekend!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fun with Grammy and Grandpa!

Yay for company!! We were so blessed to get Grammy Robin, Grandpa Mark and two of Robbie's siblings Markell and Adam here last week because Robbie's cousin got married (congratulations Hunter and beautiful Lindsay!). Since Grammy knew she would be needed to help her sisters with the wedding, she came a couple days earlier just to be with us! The Zoo, Peter Piper Pizza, tee-ball with Grandpa, and then all of the wedding fun made for a wonderful week!

The wedding went so well (thanks to Markell for watching the children while we were in the temple!), and Bree and Gabe just loved every minute with family.

(They loved Grammy's ipad and iphone a little too much :) and wondered why we didn't have one!) Robbie's parents are such wonderful grandparents...they are full of hugs, tickles, games, and patience :) And Robbie and I loved the little date moments: wedding dinner, temple ceremony, and a fun hike up camel back mountain with the cousins! Seriously I was going through withdrawels this week...LOVE alone time with my hubby! Weddings are such beautiful reminders of the blessing it is to be married to such an amazing man.

AND we had a break through with McKay..., he loved everybody!! Since we don't live close to family all of my children when they are babies don't go to others very well :( They get clingy and fussy when others try and hold them and it's no fun! I always feel so bad. BUT, he has outgrown it!! He was all smiles and went to everyone!

I should mention though, the above situation with my children is not the case with Uncle Adam...they ALL have loved him from the start! We love Uncle Adam! (Bree is the only one who can make him smile in pictures...he's usually so serious! And he has such a great smile too! This one is silly for Bree :) Hope fully Sami can come down next time too!

Thank you so much Grammy Robin, Grandpa Mark, Adam and Markell for such a fun week! We love you!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Cuteness by Bree

Though it's not quite swimming weather, with the warm weather Bree and Gabe have been dying to swim. They have tried on their old swimsuits and have both outgrown them, so they got new swimsuits today. Before dinner Bree said,
"Mom, could I pleeeease wear my swimsuit for dinner?" (the rule is no dress ups at meals)
I thought for a minute, my heart softened a bit, "Sure" I said.
"Oh thank you mom!" and then with a smile, "I said a prayer that you would say yes!"

Love it :) Only what if I would have said no?!

Also so cute, on Monday we were cleaning the house getting ready for Robbie's family to come for his cousin's wedding. I was wiping the table and Bree walked in with a binder under her arm.
"Mom, pretend that I am a sister missionary."
"Ok, Hi Sister missionary!"
"No mom, pretend that you don't be-love in Jesus" (That is what she says for "believe"...but I can't bear to correct her because I think it is SO cute when she says it!)
Me: "Oh, ok. Then I wouldn't know who you were so you'll have to say hi to me first."
Bree:"Hello! I am a sister missionary! I am hear to teach you the gospel!"

Then we proceed and she ends up "coming in" to my house and teaches me a lesson about Christ :) The binder she had was a Sunday book filled with pictures of Christ. When I asked her where her companion was she said she was teaching my next door neighbor. It really was the sweetest hearing her explain about the pre-mortal life, about how Jesus died for us, and just watching how excited she was to "teach" me. Love it. She is really becoming such a sweet, sweet girl. McKay absolutely adores her. Gabe thinks she is hillarious. She makes friends wherever she goes. I just love my girl.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Week and Grandma Carrie's

Whenever I leave town I feel like my life goes on hold a little bit. Even though I have my cell phone, and usually my computer, there is something about being "home"that gives me no desire to check in with the real world. And I love it. I just want to spend time with my parents and sister, and let my children enjoy every minute of being with family. I can honestly say it is that way at my in-laws too. Well last week Robbie was going to be in Florida for work, so rather than be home alone we took a little trip to St. George! Oh we had such a wonderful time! As you can see, the kids were all smiles too :)

Working with grandpa in the tractor, riding down to the river, jumping on the tramp, feeding the dog, picking fresh broccoli from the greenhouse, playing in the amazing playroom, spending time with my sweet 93 year old Grandpa Ralph (my dad's dad who is living there...the kids LOVED him! Especially McKay?! He was ALL smiles!) riding the carousel, and just. having. fun! We even got to spend a little time with my cousin Ash-e-ly (as my children call her) and her son Wyatt who are living there right now. LOVE HER!

And it was so fun getting to see my sister play soccer, go to a Zumba class (my first time...yes, loved it) and have some great talks. She is amazing and such a great aunt. And I have to say how proud I am of my parents...for the past few months they have been developing some great healthy food habits and doing very consistent exercise. I mean, they have always been pretty healthy and exercized some, but they realized recently that now is such an important time to really take their health seriously or soon it will be too late. Well, they have taken it really seriously and they both look and feel AMAZING! I only hope I can look like them when I am 55! My mom is gorgeous, inside and out. My dad is a rock, inside and out :)

I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents who give so much and teach me so much every time I am with them. Thank you mom and dad!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Saturday fun!

I have a couple of posts started, trying to catch up on SEVEN MONTHS of my lack of blogging...but first I think I will just start from where we are so I don't get too overwhelmed :)

We had such a fun family Saturday! We started off at 6:30 volunteering for the Phoenix Marathon. We worked at the mile 9 water station and were in charge of handing out the "goo" stuff. They wanted each station to have a theme and my friend who was in charge of this one chose, Michael Jackson. SO FUN! She got everone sparkly silver MJ gloves and had her cousin who is a DJ playing music and talking on the microphone the whole time. And let me just say, he. was. hillarious. Can you imagine while you are running hearing: "Oh there is that pretty lady I have been waiting to see all morning, looking so fine while you run..." "C'mon, let me see your moves man..." "Slap the Michael Jackson glove and you'll run faster I promise!" Robbie and I were laughing so hard. And the runners were totally getting into it! Well, not the ones who were trying to win, but the others LOVED it! And Gabe was so into it. This picture was one of his Michael Jackson poses: (not sure what it was, but he sure had some moves!) And he HAD to wear one of the volunteer shirts, even though as you can see, it was HUGE! It was a bit chilly, so Bree didn't really get into it until she warmed up, but Gabe was all about it. He was helping hold up the goo and no one was taking his for a while, but oh his face was golden when a runner finally reached down and grabbed it out of his hand. Priceless. He was so excited. And I was in heaven of course, being able to dance all morning to MJ. Ahhhh. It was a blast.

After that fun we ran home and changed to head down to the Lehi Days Rodeo! Robbie couldn't stop smiling as he put on his boots and cowboy hat. (See that handsome cowboy in the center of the picture?) Pony rides, animal petting, BBQ, and the kids even got to participate in the money goat chase. They were a little disappointed they didn't get anything (ok there were only a hundred kids between the ages of 4-7), but it was so fun they got out there! The weather was perfect and it was such a fun day!

And though this isn't from Saturday, I just have to include a picture of McKay with his teeth. He has four on top and two on the bottom, but they just look so funny! In the cutest way of course :) He does this scrunched up smile too...we all laugh so hard, and then he looks at us and laughs back. Love it!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SUMMER FUN!

Wow...first I can't believe it's September (that's when I started this post...ha, it's the end of October now!), second I can't believe how fast time has gone! Life with three munchkins is fun but crazy! But we had such a fun summer that it would be a shame not to document it! Here it is in quick time:

McKay's BABY BLESSING

So neat having both of our parents. Though our missionary efforts were unsuccessful, it was a wonderful day and McKay was an angel. (My dad's favorite thing is to take naps with babies that will sleep in his arms :)

Bree's DANCE CONCERT She's a natural. Loves it. Dances all over the house all the time! Well, I should say we both do :) Now I'm just on the search for a dance studio I really like down here!

MOVING INTO A NEW HOUSE

Found a house! Loving it :) Still very much in the process of decorating and it will be a while before it's all furnished, but there is so much room for the kids to run around and play! Funny how kind of like potty training, no one ever tells you how much work owning a house is! Saturdays are filled with mostly all work (picture is of our backyard...have a great shed, a fun fire pit and a pool on the other side :) and more trips to Home Depot then we want...but it feels so good too! We have a guest room and would love to have visitors!

TRIP TO MOBILE, AL

McKay and I went to my favorite place to see some of my favorite people! I went there first in 2000 when I participated in and won America's Junior Miss...now it's called Distinguished Young Women to help move it away from the "pageant" label it gets sometimes from people who don't know what it is. Now I am the State Chairman for the state of Arizona and have the best committee in the world. I had such a wonderful time there this year and loved getting to bring one of my babies for my Mobile family to see!

FAMILY REUNION AT LAKE POWELL!

What can I say but I LOVE MY FAMILY!! Oh this trip was a blast. Awesome food, great converstations, Mas Que Nada dance party, neat devotionals, have to be the first on the lake mornings...and all with my favorite people in the entire universe! (You can see some pictures on my sister's blog :) Thanks Liz!)

4th of JULY IN PROVO AND A 10K

Oh I love Provo in the summer! We had so much fun with Robbie's family...the ranch is our all time favorite. Gabe talks about the horses probably every day still and is such a little cowboy. Bree informed us while we were there that her name is "Rosie" when she is a cowgirl. We went to Stadium of Fire and surprisingly loved Brad Paisley (like his music, but didn't expect much in concert...but he was great!). Even ran in to my brother who was sitting a few rows down! My brother-in-law Tanner and sister-in-law Kassi had signed up for the Freedom run 10K with her family and ended up having an extra number cause someone didn't want to do it anymore...so I decided to. Now this was July, my baby was three months old and I had barely started back running...and even then still with a double stroller every time. Now the cool part (sarcasm) is that Kassi is an all-american runner. Ran at BYU, set national records, was sponsored by Nike. Yes, she is amazing. My sweetest brother-in-law Tanner wanted to run with me, cause he thinks it's more fun to run with someone, even though that meant he was going WAY slower than he could have. It was so fun talking to him during the race, but surely I ran faster than I would have since I didn't want him to have to go too slow. I was feeling good, but they only had ONE water stop the whole race and I really started feeling dehydrated by the end! And then when we were a mile away Kassi ran back, already having finished the race...umm having WON the race...came to finish again with us! I finished the race and it was like I was in a cloud. My head hurt so badly I could hardly see straight. My pride was really hurt and I tried not to be embarrassed (not sure why I thought I would even be close to finishing with her?) Oh I felt so lame...inside and out. Why do I have to be so dang competitive! But after going home and sleeping it off I was ok :) And I just adore Kassi :) I'm such a dork. Thank you Harmons for such a wonderful trip!!

TWO WEEKS IN ST. GEORGE WITH MY SISTER SARAH!

My parents had to be out of town for two weeks, so the children and I went up to St. George to "take care" of Sarah! She's 16 and it's not like she needed a babysitter, AND as a busy Junior in high school she was hardly around. I did feel useful though, it was soccer season and so I got to make her food, do her laundry, feed the cat and dog, and cheer her on! It was SO fun watching her play! She is an awesome soccer player! AND I got to spend a little time with a few friends who I never get to see (love you girls!)! I thought I knew how hard it would be being a single mother just having Robbie travel once or twice a month, but I gained a WHOLE new appreciation :) We sure missed daddy! (And he missed us :) He had the sweetest date planned when I got back!! Oh I have the best husband.) But it was so nice having a little change of scenery and getting to spend time with Sarah. I love you sis!

Ahhhhh summer fun. But now I am excited for it to cool down so I can get out my sweaters and start making pumpkin everything! Can I just tell you how much I LOVE pumpkin :)

Harmon's Haven