It's Always Fun When Susie Comes

My sister Susie is a joy to be around! We loved having her stop by and visit while she was on her way home from Omaha, Nebraska to Long Beach, California. She stayed with us for the weekend, and we enjoyed every minute of it! We took Susie to the Jordan River Parkway, to Gardner Village, to Thanksgiving Point, and to our favorite ice cream place.

Here are some snapshots of our time with her:

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend this year! Brad, Lizzy, and I flew down to sunny California to spend time with my family.

Lizzy had fun being a California girl. She loved riding in Uncle Craig's car and going fun places with her mama and papa. She loved walking with Grandma around the neighborhood and riding in the Bye-Bye Buggy.

We also had fun visiting with Rachel and Craig. Rachel had a huge baby belly and looked adorable. Only a few more days before Eric comes! We are excited!





Rachel had a baby shower on Saturday night while the boys were at the LA Galaxy game. I bought a blessing suit for little Eric, and I made him a blue crochet blanket.



I enjoyed seeing old friends and neighbors at the baby shower. So happy to see Krista and her sister again!

We had a very happy Mother's Day on Sunday. Lizzy wore her adorable floral dress my mom bought her, and it made her look like Strawberry Shortcake. My mother and I took Lizzy outside in the garden. My mother has such a gorgeous garden. Lizzy looked so pretty in it.

Lizzy loved hugging Sassy, too.

We had such a wonderful Mother's Day! I love my Mama. I hope I'll have another chance to visit her on Mother's Day in the future.

Easter Videos of Lizzy

Here are a couple of cute Easter videos I took of Lizzy during our Easter celebration.

Lizzy had so much fun dumping her Easter egg in the dye, I had to take a video of her dumping her papa's egg, too. She thought it was great!

There were a few times Lizzy was so excited and intent on finding all the eggs, she didn't realize some of the eggs did not end up in her basket.

Easter 2011

We had our little family Easter celebration on the Monday night after Easter for Family Home Evening this year. I have always made it a point to celebrate Easter on Monday nights during the years Scott and Emma are gone with their mom, that way we always get to celebrate Easter as a family every year. Scott and Emma are used to that, and they expect us to do that on odd-numbered years.

We started off the evening dying eggs while Papa began hiding eggs in the front yard. Scott and Emma enjoyed creating eggs with themes from their favorite books and video games. Lizzy was excited, because this was the first year she was able to join in the fun. She colored her first egg with crayons, and enjoyed dumping it in the dye the best. Scott and Emma also had fun creating their "Humpty Dumpty" egg, which we make every year. Basically, one egg gets chosen to be the "ugly" egg, and the big job of the night is to make it as ugly as possible. This year it ended up looking like a green and purple dinosaur egg.







After egg-dying, the kids got to go egg hunting outside. They each had their own basket filled with chocolate bunnies and Cadbury eggs. Lizzy's basket didn't have candy; instead she had a plush doggie with bunny ears. Lizzy enjoyed lugging around her pink basket and picking up eggs in the grass. Scott and Emma had harder spots to find eggs.






I used the dyed eggs to make our annual, colorful, Easter potato salad the following Sunday. We had a big Easter-style dinner with potato salad and pot roast with carrots. It was yum-yummy! I love Easter.

The Many Looks of Miko

Little Miko has the funniest little doggy face I've seen in a while. Bless her little heart, I can't always tell if she's cute or ugly, or if she's adorable or scraggly. Her fur is long and hairlike, and her muzzle is short and boxlike. She has a little under-bite that makes her bottom teeth stick out and her mouth never closes all the way. We like to make fun of her sometimes. When her hair is long and wild, she looks an awfully lot like an Ewok. If we dressed her up in a little cape, I'm sure she would look as if she just stepped out of a George Lucas film. With her fur clipped down and her face shaved, she looks very similar to Falcor, the luck dragon, from the Neverending Story. She has the perfect body for Falcor, too, despite the fact that she's black, not white. She has a very long body and very short stubby legs.

Despite her odd looks, we love little Miko and we're becoming quite attached to her. She has a great little personality, and loves to be cuddled and loved. Lizzy calls her "Mokee," and the nickname has caught on fast for the rest of us. We call her Mokee just as much as we call her Miko. Miko is a people loving dog all the way. She loves everybody she meets. She's also calm and relaxed most of the time, and only becomes hyper when she's roughhousing the cat. She's a fun little pup and we like having her in our home.

The Highlight of My Day: April 2011

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in April:

Fri 4/1/11: Today was a perfect spring day! Lizzy and I had a great time playing outside this morning. In the evening, we went with Papa to Harmons then had a picnic at the park. Lizzy loved sliding on the slide with her papa. It was LOVELY!

Sat 4/2/11: Brad and I watched two sessions of General Conference today. Lizzy was completely convinced that President Uchtdorf was Grandpa North. She had fun saying "Amen" during all of the talks, and she loved conducting the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Sun 4/3/11: We got about 5 to 6 inches of snow last night, and it kept snowing throughout the day. It was perfect for General Conference weekend. I loved Elder Richard G. Scott's talk in the afternoon session. He spoke about marriage and made a special tribute to his wife. I cried the whole time.

Mon 4/4/11: We talked about Easter and the resurrection tonight for FHE. Then we watched "The Easter Dream."

Tue 4/5/11: Lizzy and I enjoyed watching Gilmore Girls together. I loved it when it was commercial time and Lizzy would say, "Where girls?" After the commercials were over, she would say, "There is!" She's so cute!

Wed 4/6/11: I made Shepherds Pie tonight and it was a big hit! Everyone liked it.

Thu 4/7/11: Brad and I visited YSAs tonight. Then we got to go shopping together. Lizzy was so happy when I came home. She loves her mama. "Mama come home!"

Fri 4/8/11: Dinner at IHOP and then off to visit Marian! Brad and I had fun playing Nerts with Marian tonight, and Lizzy had fun trying to participate. We love Aunt Marian!

Sat 4/9/11: I enjoyed watching movies with Brad today, and not having to cook. Brad did about 5 loads of laundry for me, which I haven't been able to keep up with lately. He is wonderful! I love my husband!

Sun 4/10/11: My baby in my arms at church was definitely, hands down, the highlight of my day. I love my Lizzy. She is such a sweetie! I wish she would do better in nursery, though. She screamed and cried the entire time until they got me. Poor baby. But she was sooooo happy to see me, and that was nice.

Mon 4/11/11: Brad and I made some time after the kids went to bed to watch a movie together. I love cuddling on the couch with my hubby.

Tue 4/12/11: Lizzy and I played bubbles outside this evening, and Brad and Emma joined us. I was pleased that Lizzy got to go on a walk with her dad and big sister.

Wed 4/13/11: Brad... is .... lovely! Tonight he made me feel like the most wonderful wife in the world. I love spending time with him.

Thu 4/14/11: Peter Jackson posted a short clip of "The Hobbit: Start of Production" on Facebook. I was thrilled beyond thrilled!

Fri 4/15/11: I heard my baby's heartbeat on the Doppler today. It was lovely! In the evening, Brad and I had dinner at Virg's, then we headed over to the park with Lizzy. Lizzy LOVES going down the slides by herself now. It's her new favorite thing to do.

Sat 4/16/11: Today's weather was perfect beyond perfect! Brad and I enjoyed playing with Lizzy in our front yard. We played with chalk and then did bubbles.

Sun 4/17/11: We attended Stake Conference today. Lizzy was so cute and well behaved! She loved sitting next to Grandpa North. In the evening we did some more chalk and bubbles in the front yard.

Mon 4/18/11: Dinner at Wendy's, then a fun night playing Nerts at Aunt Marian's house!

Tue 4/19/11: Lizzy went on her first Easter egg hunt! She liked watching the other children gather eggs, but also managed to find 8 eggs by herself. Hooray for Lizzy!

Wed 4/20/11: I shaved down Miko today. She looks so cute now! In the evening, Brad, Lizzy, and I enjoyed having strawberries with cream at Marilyn's house.

Thu 4/21/11: Brad made my birthday absolutely wonderful! One surprise after the other... I was totally not expecting that. I loved that he showed up from work a half day earlier bearing gifts and treats. We had a relaxing afternoon and a fun evening. I love my husband!

Fri 4/22/11: I enjoyed going to Brad's volleyball game tonight! Lizzy had fun playing ball with Brother Mullen. It was cute watching her play. She's so athletic!

Sat 4/23/11: We had a yummy BBQ dinner at Marilyn's house with the Bruce-Clan, minus Bruce and Michael, and Scott and Emma. My macaroni salad turned out nicely, and I loved Loralee's potato salad.

Sun 4/24/11: Lizzy stayed for the whole second half of Nursery by herself! I'm so proud of her! It was nice going to Relief Society.

Mon 4/25/11: We had an Easter celebration and my birthday celebration for FHE tonight. We had a blast dying hardboiled eggs and going on a Easter egg hunt. Scott baked me a cake for my birthday, and Emma made me a card. I loved it! My kids are great!

Tue 4/26/11: Picked up the van from the mechanic today! I loved having wheels again.

Wed 4/27/11: Brad and I have been having a fun time watching Royal Wedding specials on TV over the last week. We are trying to get in the mood to watch the big televised event on Friday!

Thu 4/28/11: Time with my honey is a lovely, lovely thing! Scott and Emma went to visit their mom tonight, so Brad and I went out to eat with Lizzy. I liked spending time with Bradley. We had a nice evening together.

Fri 4/29/11: Brad and I got up at 3:30 in the morning to watch the Royal Wedding. Prince William and Princess Catherine had a beautiful wedding. I loved the music, the traditional ceremony, Kate's dress, all the unusual and pretty hats, Westminster Abbey, and all the fancy horses and carriages. I'm very happy for the bride and groom and for all the royal family.

Sat 4/30/11: I loved having Scott and Emma home this weekend. I could tell they liked it, too. Both had time to play with their neighborhood friends, and in the evening we went to visit the cousins, which they also loved.

Perfect Spring Days

It's that time of year again! The warmer weather has made outdoor activities more enjoyable, and we've been taking advantage of it. We took Lizzy to the park on Friday after dinner, and Lizzy went up and down the slide for the first time by herself. She was so proud and excited!

Lizzy had to bring her puppy to the park this time. "Puppy" had fun going down the slide, too.

Grandma North's tulips and daffodils have bloomed in our front yard. Lizzy says, "Hi flowers," to them every day. She treats them as if they are people. It's so cute to watch her.

Lizzy had a wonderful time playing with chalk on Saturday and Sunday. She also enjoyed playing with bubbles. She is obsessed with bubbles! She asks for them all day every day.

Welcome Spring!
We are so glad you paid us a visit!

April Weather

The first day of April brought us beautiful spring weather. It was absolutely perfect, but perfect spring days in April never last long in Utah. Here is what it looked like two days later:



I personally like the occasional snow storm in April. I love the way the bright sun shines on the white glistening snow, making sparkles appear, and making the whole world outside seem like a bright fairyland. I love seeing bits of green and color poking through the snow. I especially love it when the trees are in full bloom and it snows. We still have a couple of more weeks before that happens.

So, I'm not complaining. Spring snow is my favorite snow.

The Highlight of My Day: March 2011

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in March:

Tue 3/1/11: Lizzy and I had fun playing with our new puppy, Miko, outside in the front yard. Lizzy loves it when Miko chases her. So cute to watch!

Wed 3/2/11: I watched a movie today starring Gregory Peck. It was called "The Man with the Gray Flannel Suit." I thought it was a good movie, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

Thu 3/3/11: I helped Emma practice her spelling words tonight. She has improved so much! I'm so proud of her!

Fri 3/4/11: Brad and I had "Five Guys Burgers" for dinner, and watched the third Twilight movie, "Eclipse."

Sat 3/5/11: Lizzy and Miko had a fun time at Wheeler Farm today. Lizzy liked seeing all the animals and climbing up in the tree house.

Sun 3/6/11: I had a lovely weekend with Brad! He is the handsomest, sexist, loveliest, awesomest husband EVER! I love being his wife.

Mon 3/7/11: We watched "Shrek Forever After" tonight. Everyone enjoyed it, including Lizzy, who loved Puss-in-Boots, the baby dragon mutants, and the music.

Tue 3/8/11: I had a great time making Lizzy laugh to the "Open, Shut Them" song. She thought it was hilarious!

Wed 3/9/11: I went to my ward's Relief Society activity night at church. The theme was on the book "100 Dresses," by Eleanor Estes. I enjoyed getting some time away from home.

Thu 3/10/11: I have been reading "The Magician's and Mrs. Quent" for the second time. I remembered why I liked it so much! It's a good book.

Fri 3/11/11: Brad and I watched "The Karate Kid" starring Jackie Chan. It was a good movie!

Sat 3/12/11: I went to my stake Women's Conference today. I loved hearing Sister Colleen Terry speak on being of good cheer. I learned some good tips from the "dinner in a flash" workshop class, and I loved Emily Hill's presentation on dating your spouse. Have some great ideas!

Sun 3/13/11: Lizzy stayed for part of Nursery all by herself today! Yay Lizzy!

Mon 3/14/11: We cleaned up the living room for Family Home Evening tonight. It goes so much faster when every pitches in. Thanks to my family for helping me out!

Tue 3/15/11: I enjoyed getting out of the house tonight and spending time with ladies in my ward.

Wed 3/16/11: Candles and love songs... Brad is WONDERFUL!

Thu 3/17/11: No puppy accidents today or yesterday! That definitely made me happy.

Fri 3/18/11: I saw my little unborn baby for the first time today! I loved seeing his/her little heart fluttering on the ultrasound screen, and seeing little limbs moving. So sweet and precious! I'm excited to be a mom again!

Sat 3/19/11: All of us picked up my mom at the airport today and headed over to Murry for lunch at Woody's and a short visit to Wheeler Farm. We made a brief stop at Target where my mom bought a dress and doll stroller for Lizzy. In the evening we had dinner at Souper Salad and then we went to visit Aunt Marian's new foster puppies.

Sun 3/20/11: I loved having my mom come to church with me today! Lizzy looked so cute in her new pink dress.

Mon 3/21/11: We talked about fun activities we could do as a family for FHE. I liked hearing the kids ideas and their enthusiasm for spending more time as a family. After all, a family who plays together stays together!

Tue 3/22/11: I bought airline tickets for Brad, Lizzy, and I to go to Long Beach! I'll get to be with my mother on Mother's Day! So thrilled!

Wed 3/23/11: Lizzy loves to talk to her grandma on the phone. Every day she asks if she can call, "gramma." She's a cutie.

Thu 3/24/11: Emma had a sleepover with her girl cousins tonight, and for part of the fun we went over to Aunt Marian's house and played with her new foster puppies. Petunia is my favorite puppy, and so is Pepper. They are soooo cute!

Fri 3/25/11: Brad took off work today while the kids stayed home from school. It was as if we had a whole extra Saturday. FUN!

Sat 3/26/11: I did not feel well today, so I spent most of the day lying in bed reading The House on Durrow Street. It's the sequel to The Magicans and Mrs. Quent, which is one of my favorite books.

Sun 3/27/11: Lizzy and I stayed home from church. Brad came home feeling sick. I was relieved to hear that my symptoms were not pregnancy related, and instead I have a
virus, which means there's an end in the near future.

Mon 3/28/11: Lizzy took it upon herself to sort through my dirty laundry today. She had a lot to say about it, too: "Eww... gross!" "Oh man!" "Uck!" "Oh my goodness!" She made me laugh so much! Another highlight: We played Clue for FHE tonight, and Scott won!

Tue 3/29/11: Finished reading The House on Durrow Street. I loved it! Can't wait for the third book to come out.

Wed 3/30/11: Finally felt more like myself today! I was able to take Lizzy to the doctor and shop at Walmart without feeling too sick and tired. I bought a yummy three-cheese lasagna for dinner tonight and a chocolate cream pie on sale, which everybody loved!

Thu 3/31/11: I loved talking to my little sister and mama on the phone today. Most of our conversations included topics on pregnancy, food, marriage, babies, and Lizzy--- all my favorite subjects.