Zach turns 7!

We had a party for Zach on Saturday and he had a lot of fun! I can't believe that he is already 7! He wanted a sports theme party and invited some friends from school. I was ready for him to throw some type of fit during the party...you know, not wanting to share his new toys or something...but I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't throw one at all! He was in a great mood the whole time and even let his friends put together his new toys and play with them! I was relieved! Aiden, our neighbor, even stayed after the party was over because they were all playing so nicely!

I loved having a low key, old school party..you know, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, goodie bags. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a birthday party people! When we lived in Arizona it was crazy, people would spend so much on their kids parties! Bree's one friend took about 15 kids to Build A Bear! It was fun for Bree of course, but then I felt tremendous pressure to keep up with the Jones'!

Last night I went out to dinner with some work friends and it was so much fun. I love a good Girls Night Out! I told my mom the other day that I love my job mainly because I have made new friends. Anyway, they all wanted sushi, which I tried and did like one roll and loved the Tempora. But, I didn't eat all that much. We still wanted to hang out a bit more and someone suggested Village Inn because it wouldn't be crowded. Now we're talkin'! If anyone knows me, I love places like that. So they all got some dessert and there I was chowin' down on an omelet and pancakes!!! Such a fun night, thanks girls!

Valentines Day

Or as my boys call it, "Valentimes Day" The kids all had fun at their parties and spent about 2 hours after school eating candy and going through their Valentines. I spent a good part of the day on Thursday searching for a clear balloon for Bree's bubble gum machine Valentines box...Harder to find than I thought! Anyway, we spent a lot of time on her box (thanks for the idea Sunny) and I was feeling pretty good about myself and was feeling pretty crafty. I thought Bree had a good chance at winning the contest at school. Well, she didn't win, she was up against a light house box, popcorn machine box, and a Sponge Bob box. Are you kidding? What is up with all of the over achieving moms out there? Can't they give it a rest for just one holiday and let the rest of us feel adequate for once? Why can't we just decorate a shoe box like in the good ol' days?? Anywho- Steve surprised me with beautiful flowers and cute sweats! When the kids got home, Zach took candy from his loot and made us all a Valentine that went something like this, TO MOM I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL VALINTIMES DAY AND I AM HAPPY YOUR MY MOM and he taped a tootsie roll to the paper...How precious is that!? I am treasuring these times while they still like me, I know the day will come too soon that they are embarrassed by me! :)

Lost tooth

Here is the 1st lost tooth picture. I think I was just as excited as Zach.

A Child's Mind

I love the way a child's mind works, so innocent and so curious. I love the questions and answers that I get sometimes. Ryan had his Valentines party today at preschool and as he was going through his Valentines, I asked, "Ryan, will you be my Valentine?" and he quickly said, "No, I don't want to me mailed...or hanged on the fridge." :) It took me a minute to understand that one!
At work this morning, Ryan asked, "Mom, how does hair stick on?" He was so serious, so I tried not to laugh....I love it!!

I was expecting a call from my brother on Sunday because he was driving in from Page, Arizona with my mom's car. I asked him how the drive was going and he proceeded to tell me that he'd been in a car accident and asked if we could come get him in Richfield, Utah. The car landed on the roof, shattered the huge sun roof and somehow my brother walked away from the accident. If you were to see a picture you wouldn't believe that he didn't have serious injuries. I am so grateful that he is okay and cannot believe that our family cannot catch a break! So we went on a "rescue mission" as my kids called it, to get Uncle Brent. He was a little bit in shock, but he made us laugh when telling us about the sage brush by his face as he dangled upside down in the car. :) The paramedics did have to flush glass fragments and dirt, etc. from his eyes....Yikes! And he's the type that doesn't even wear contacts because he can't touch his eyes! Anyway, quite an eventful weekend to say the least, but I'm so happy that he is ok and back home with his darling family in Texas. Love you Brent!

Taken

Steve and I went to see this movie last night and let me just say that it was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. If you like Jack Bauer...the lead guy is like Jack's even cooler cousin! I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to be on the edge of their seat the entire movie! I told Steve that I feel like I got a cardio workout because my heart was pounding for 2 hours straight! I LOVE a good movie!

Little Sneak

Ryan can also be known now as The Little Sneak. The other day, I bought 3 Reeses candy bars for my kids and said they could have them if they ate all of their lunch. Well, Bree was tending and she called me in a panic saying that Ryan had snuck away and ate his without even touching his lunch. Later that night Steve and I were asking him questions about it and he told us that he went in the bathroom and ate it! What I would give to be able to know what thoughts he had in his head at the time. I can just imagine it now, "I'm gonna just grab it and hurry into the bathroom. No one will notice it's even gone!" And what must he be thinking as he's munching away? :) Anyway, Steve and I couldn't hide our amusement and were laughing out loud and Ryan had a big grin on his face. So now we have taught our son that it is funny to break the rules and steal candy and hide and eat it. Once again, another great parenting tip from Mel and Steve. :)
One more cute tid bit...Ryan was eating marshmallows today and asked if they were made out of marsh... :) Thanks for making me smile Ryan!