A little helper

The yard project is progressing slowly. Mostly due to this assistant and his brother!

The value of a quarter

Cole has recently learned the want game.  Every time we go to a store he decides he wants to buy something.  I thought it was a good time to teach him the value of money.  I told him he could do some chores to earn money for a toy.  He got a quarter a chore. 

So, he vacuumed, and vacuumed some more.

Then he bought the batmobile!

Before remodeling pictures!

The bathroom!  

The kitchen, orange countertops and stove!  We took this picture halfway through the demolition.

The fireplace!  

A New Nephew

Hudson Lee Wilson was born on March 16th around 4:30am to Byron and Monique! He was 5lbs, 5 ounces and 18 inches long. He was a little early because Monique had toxemia, but everyone is doing well!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This year I thought we could try a traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage! We invited over some friends who were up for something new and had a great time! It is actually quite delicious. I think we have a new tradition and it is even easy!

I can be taught

I am not much of a baker, but make attempts every now and then. I have always dreamed of making delicious sugar cookies and have finally done it! They were just the right fluffiness and they tasted delicious!

Cole sure loved helping especially licking the bowl of frosting afterwards!

Here is the fool safe recipe!  The secret which most of you already know is to refrigerate the dough before hand and even while you are rolling stuff out.  

Sugar Cookies from allrecipes.com

1.5 cups butter, softened

2 cups of white sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

5 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt.  Cover and chill for at least an hour or overnight.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees and roll out dough on flat surface.  Bake 6-8 minutes in preheated oven.  Cool completely.

Sunday Talk

So, I happen to know a member of our bishopric very well and mentioned that I love to speak in church. He didn't let that get by him and I was promptly asked to do so! My topic was education and the blessings you receive spiritually and temporally. My focus was that from our temporal education we learn discipline which in turn helps us to become better disciples of Christ. It was a good self reminder which they always are!

Gymnastics

I enrolled Cole in gymnastics. The first day, Ethan about had a conniption because he wanted to join. So, I found a class for Cole when there is a mom and tot class for Ethan and they are both thrilled! They love everything about it.  Jumping, swinging, running, landing in a pit of foam and trampolines.  I love that they are working really hard and getting out some energy.

The pit!

The rings!  Ethan does a funny belly laugh every time he does these.

Crawling on the bars.

Running and jumping up the trampoline to do a summersault.

Time Out For Women

This weekend I got to go to a Time out for Women. I went with Shelley, Tiff and Tab and we met up with Jeanne and Lynette. We got to hear inspirational stories, talks and had a fabulous lunch at PF Changs. Everyone can use a little time out!

Take aways: By their fruits ye shall know them, but sometimes they are slow to ripen (aka children). We are surrounded by abundance. God does give you things you can't handle so you rely on Jesus Christ and the Atonement. If you need hope, PRAY.

A Visit From Nanny and Grandad

Nanny and Grandad came to town and we were busy playing!  We went out to the flight museum where we got to tour an Airforce 1 and the Concord.  We spent quite a while there as my Dad loved it!  

We went to the aquarium and the boys enjoyed seeing the fish and even touching a few!

We went on the Seattle Duck Tour which is very interesting!  It happened to be quite cold so the boys were ready to be done when it was over.

Matt and I even got to go out on a date and not have to pay a sitter $50 bucks!  Glorious!

We went out to my cousin Shayne's house which requires a ferry ride and had a delicious lunch!

Grandad left after a few days, but Nanny and I were able to go out with Shayne and finally buy some plants for my yard.  It is going to take me loads of time and work, but I will post pictures soon!  Here is a sample of what I hope to get planted.

  

Let Them Eat Dirt!

Yes, my friends, that is dirt!  Not quite sure why the boys decided to taste it and they didn't seem to mind!