Ping Pong Table Fort

The kids had a blast making this huge fort Sunday night with rooms for everyone. It helps to have an extra large table to start with and use of all the blankets and sleeping bags we own. Alli even brought in her lamp and the mini TV for entertainment. It's Jazz reading week at the elementary school so Madi spent the entire evening in the fort finishing two chapter books. Total minutes read just this weekend = 200. Way to go, Madi. They were all dying to sleep in the fort. Usually this doesn't happen on a school night but...we figured they worked so hard and there has to be some kind of bonus. Besides, you're only a kid once, right? Okay...maybe we are softening over the years. I remember as a kid making lot of forts with my brother and sisters. Before houses were built across the street, we used to make forts in the field with all of our friends. Great Memories.

BYU-Bound

For nearly two weeks and more than 10 times a day Kayli has been checking the computer for the outcome of her BYU application. The waiting and anticipation has been driving her crazy. Even after midnight she would check for an update. So yesterday, when I was folding laundry in my room...I heard this painful scream coming from the office. "Mommmmmm...come here!!" I race in to see what's wrong and Kayli exclaims with the biggest grin..."I got into BYU! I got into BYU!" We read the letter again together and then we both start jumping up and down screaming. She is in shock and wants to check the computer a couple of more times. It's true - she's accepted. We couldn't be more excited for her. Congratulations, Kayli!!
Calling her Dad at work to tell him the awesome news.

Valentines Weekend

I love being able to celebrate holidays for more than just one day.
The girls were so excited and got their valentines ready extra early this year.
Alli & Jake had a blast at the Jr High Dance.
I had a great time on Friday playing "Bingo" with Sara's class for her valentines party.

Saturday, we rolled out and decorated delicious cookies with Grandma and Grandpa, ate Mickey Mouse waffles w/ Strawberries & whip cream for lunch, and ice skated until our ankles hurt. Then we raced home and I went out to dinner with my Valentine to Maglebys...home of the award winning...to die for...Chocolate cake! It couldn't have been a more perfect day.




Madi delivered sweetness in making our bed with a thoughtful homemade valentine note. Thank you, Madi.


I loved receiving roses from my Man. Our friends from Albuquerque sent two bottles of Rudy's B-b-que sause...so Spicy... but, we love it.
Even though Kayli had to work on Valentines, she still found time to make three giant heart shaped chocolate chip cookies for her Dad, Grandpa and ???. Delicious!

On Sunday, we made a special V-day dinner for the kids with a fancy table including goblet glasses. Afterwards, Kayli & I painted glitter toenails on all the girls. (Grandma Judith, too :)) Way Fun!!

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!!

Phoenix Girls Trip

Last weekend, I went on an awesome girls trip with my Mom and sisters. This is a trip I look forward to every year. Enjoying 75 degrees and perfect blue skies was such a treat from the cold. Kim took us to a new outdoor mall the first day and it was hard to go in the shops because we all wanted to be outside. We shopped, ate out, went to the movies, swam and layed by the pool. We even went on a great hike in papago park. We played games and chatted until 1 am. Hummmmm...no wonder why I'm so tired this week. Thanks for such a great time. Can't wait to do it again!!
My Mom, Kathy and Tina - Waiting at the Airport
All of us - Sushi dinner at Kona

This ones for Cathy Mikesell...

Lately, I have been working on a school scrapbook for Kayli...woohoo...I'm finally to 4th grade. I found this picture as I was gathering events and photos. Look closely...there is some definate flirting going on in the background with Jacob and Bethany. I thought it was so cute I couldn't resist sharing.

New Temple

It's beautiful and less than eight miles away...yet, we are not even in the same district. Friday, we went through the Draper temple open house. Derek's parents came with us. The tour was wonderful and the kids were amazed. It was such a great opportunity to show our children the inside of the temple and explain the importance of each room. Of course, I loved the celestial room the most.

Ouch that Hurts!

The other night we were watching American Idol with the family. Our big blue exercise ball was wedged between the two couches. Sara began jumping on the ball...having a great time...until...the ball shot backwards and she flew forward. As you can see her face caught her fall. Tons of screaming and bleeding followed by lots of holding and get better hugs. We've kept the neosporin on it constantly and it's healing up pretty good. Sorry, Sare Bear.