Tie Scripture Totes

This week I decided to stop my cleaning for a couple of hours and pull out the sewing machine for a project I have been wanting to work on for a while. Well, of course, two hours of focusing on something other than my house and kids created chaos and disaster throughout the house. But, I ended up with some cute things that I love. Thanks to my family members that donated their ties for these cute scripture totes. I made them with ties from Brandon, Grandpa Gary (B's dad), Papa (my dad), Uncle Jonny (my brother), and Grandpa Jerry (my grandpa). I made one for Koby, Spencer and myself. They are the perfect size for scriptures plus a small notebook, Personal Progress book (for me, or Duty to God later on!) and Hymnal. I am excited to take mine to Young Womens on Tuesday. The boys showed their off today at church. Obviously, this picture was taken well after church (and food!)Koby and Spencer's bags with small handles (they both wanted to use the USC tie from Grpa Jerry)My bag with a cute shoulder strap (and a tie from Koby and Spencer)

Children's Festival

Last year we went to the Children's Festival and the boys literally asked for at least a month to go back. Well, of course, it is only once a year. I found out two days before that it was on Saturday. So, we almost missed it. But, we went and the boys had so much fun. There is just all sorts of booths with crafts, food, projects, etc. There is a bounce house and balloon animals. It is free to get in, plus each child gets to pick a free book (good books too!) and all the booths are free, including the bounce house. I love a cheap fun weekend!

Candy Candy Candy!

Our Easter started out with an egg hunt at the boys preschool on Wednesday. The boys got packages from Grandma JuJu that they were so excited about. Then on Saturday we had our Easter egg hunt at Grandma Jennis'. She always goes overboard and the kids love it. Here are the boys on the hunt and checking out their loot...(plus a cute one of B and Clay)We had to wake the boys up Easter morning since Brandon had to go to his meetings still. They were alert right away and soon hunting for their Easter baskets. Once they checked out the loot in them, they had eggs to find. The Easter bunny color codes their eggs so there is no confusion or fighting. I love watching them help each other out. They get so excited and are so sweet to each other. Clay missed out on all the excitement, but the boys helped him find his basket when he woke up. A few more pics of the hunt at home, the loot, and us just before church...By the way, the diet starts again tomorrow - no more Easter candy for breakfast, and lunch, I know I'm not the only one, right?

Happy Leprechaun Day!

(As my boys call it) The leprechaun visited our house yesterday. He left a trail of gold all around the house that ended at a bucket of candy (that I ate for breakfast, thanks a lot!) We had green dinner - Chicken (regular), green beans, green mashed potatoes, and my attempt at green rolls (I didn't use enough food coloring for them, but they were yummy!) It took Koby a few minutes to taste the mashed potatoes, which are normally his favorite. But, once he tried them and realized they tasted the same, he gobbled them up! Now, it's on to Easter - I hate that it is so early this year. Let's cross our fingers for nice weather for our egg hunt!

Let's hear it for the boys!

We took the boys to see Peter Pan at Greeley West High School on Saturday. I am amazed at what a great job they do, you would never guess it was a high school performance - awesome actors, live orchestra doing all the music throughout, great singing (no feeling sorry for them when they mess up or cringing because it is hard to listen to). Anyway, the boys were entertained through the whole thing. Even in the movies they get tired of it and want to go home. Okay, so my point is about the actual play - Peter Pan. I haven't seen the movie for who knows how long, well before I was even close to being married. Now that I have boys, the meaning is different than I remember. Peter Pan and the lost boys don't want to grow up. They don't want to go to school or wear a tie. They want to be messy, stinky, slimy boys forever. They wipe their noses on their sleeves and never clean themselves up, they play all day long and fight pirates and indians. What more could a boy want? Well, apparently, they want a mom to tell them stories and sew them pockets! Boys need pockets, and they certainly need moms. So, if I could help it, I would let my boys stay boys forever.

But, I know that is not fair and I need to let them enjoy the same things that I have been able to, including having them. Today our ward said goodbye to a boy leaving for a mission and I can't help but look years into the future at the day that will be my boys. I try to think of this every day and keep things in prespective. I love having stinky, slimy, snotty boys with rocks and trinkets in their pockets! Let's hear it for the boys!

2nd Annual Potato Derby

Tonight we had the Aschcroft Ward Elder's Quorum 2nd Annual Potato Derby (long name!) We really invited the whole ward though. Brandon and I did most of it with a little help from his counselors. We had a good turnout and more than enough food. We, of course, had potato bar with rolls and salad and lots of yummy desserts. Then everyone carved and decorated their cars and it was off to the races. Everyone had a great time and lots of people helped clean up so we were not there as late as I thought. Good thing since we are losing an hour! We had prizes for the Most Creative - Mr. Potato Head, Fastest - a pullback racecar and Safest (slowest!) - a Police car. Here are some pics from the night...

Just some of the cars...

Grandma Jennis and Clay helping Spencer...

The fun continues...

We are still playing hard with Grandma and Austin. Grandma brought these yucky looking critter things that you blow up. So, then they just look like fat disgusting critters. Plus, they are reusable. Austin is the designated blower-upper because he likes to do it and all the adults think they are too yucky to touch, especially with your mouth!

One of our fun activities today was bowling. Here are some cute pics and the boys' great form!

Totally random...Spencer threw his sock and somehow it landed on the wall?! Ya, it wasn't sticky and neither was the wall (although most of the house is about now!) I guess the texture caught a snag or something? Thought it was funny.

We love cousins!

YEAH! Grandma JuJu and cousin Austin are here to play! They got here after midnight and we have had nonstop fun since we woke up this morning. Including, McDonalds. bubbles, the park with skateboarding, and a fun FHE shown in pictures...

We started with songs...

Then coloring easter eggs (I know a little early)...

Then making (and eating) bunny racers (peeps riding on hoho cars with candy parts)...

We are so excited for the rest of the week. We miss Uncle John, Aunt Kim, Addie and Bailey. Also, Papa and everyone else! But, sorry Kim, so far Austin is not missing you! He is a good boy, I am hoping he will wear off on my boys instead of the other way around!