Presidents Day-A holiday for others.

Many people I know look forward to little holidays that give them a three day weekend. We don't get too excited about those holidays around here. We never get to go anywhere. Shane is always working. Usually the kids and I do lunch together or something to make it fun.

This year we didn't even get to do that. We had that fire here in Herriman and the kids' school got cancelled for a day. They decided to do the make up day on Presidents Day. Lame. So as we heard about other people's travel plans and little vacations, we knew our day would be like any other. Not so fun filled.

I decided to at least try to have a little fun that evening.  We had a family home evening on Prayer. How is that extra fun? According to Jace it isn't, and he is usually right about these things. The fun was Presidents day, pizza, pajamas, popcorn, and the Prince of Persia. Clever eh?

Natalie and Hallie had been wanting to see it, so we had our evening of things that begin with P. At least a little out of the ordinary. A short evening of Holiday. We really know how to celebrate. Maybe we can go somewhere next year. . . . .

Valentines 2011

We had our traditional Valentines dinner last Sunday night. We had chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, beans and rolls.

We also went around the table and told everyone what we loved about them. Once we got past things like "you are good at sports" we had a nice time. The emotional ones in the family were even teary. I sure do love my family. I am glad they are mine!!!

Our Basketball Girl!

 We started a new sport this year. Basketball. We had some instant fans! (especially when they discovered the vending machine in the hall)

Hallie started the season because she thought it would be a little bit fun. She had never even seen a whole game. She now loves it! I think we have a lifetime basketball player! It was really fun to watch her learn the game.

Hopefully we will get to watch her for several more seasons. Jace and Abbie already want to play too.



Maybe they will follow in Grandpa Jaussi's footsteps and be great basketball players!

Where do they pick this stuff up?

This is for me to remember:

Last night Jace was changing his clothes for bed and his shirt got stuck on his head. All of the sudden he starts yelling: "Mayday, Mayday."

It was hilarious and no one knows where he learned it. He says " i heard it somewhere."  His whole life he has just remembered random things he hears. Then he throws it back at you when it is appropriate. And it is always used correctly.

My all time favorite was when he asked if he could do something and then said, "never mind I know you won't let me."

When I asked why I wouldn't let him, his response was: "Because of your cold, cold heart."

Not so nice, but used correctly. Like I said, I don't know where it comes from, but it is always good for a laugh.

Jace lost his first tooth!!

Like I mentioned, Jace had a loose tooth that took me by surprise. Well, it is out! It seems pretty early to me. He is still four! I think it did get loose on it's own. I think he would have cried if he had smacked it hard enough to loosen it. There was no crying. Just a happy kid who feels quite grown up.

 I feel like he is quite grown up all of the sudden. He looks big. No more babies around here. Such a strange feeling. I have been all about little kids for 13 years. I hardly know what to do with myself! I am not ready for my baby to be big. Losing teeth, getting ready for kindergarten, not needing me for much. So crazy.

In the car he said, "so mom, do I look so much cuter?"
"Cuter than what?"
"Cuter than with all my teeth, duh!"
"Yea, Jace you look cuter. And bigger. Stop growing so fast!"
"No way, mom, I'm big and awesome!"

Awesome he is, just wish it was at a slower pace!

UPDATE: He for sure lost his tooth because it was ready to come out. How do I know? Both his bottom adult teeth have broken through already! So crazy!

Oh, what do you do in the wintertime. . . . .

........when your kids are off track and it is 14degrees outside?

Hide in your bedroom on the computer! I am actually in here. Just not hiding. The little kids have friends over and they are all playing Mario Kart on the wii. I am where I can stop any fights or fix any problems, but where I can have the noise level down a few notches. Creative mothering at its best!

Natalie and Hallie are off with their friends. Other activities off track include classic skating, the Lehi pool, Herriman library, sledding on the little skim of snow we have here right now, cleaning-with bribes of Krispy Kremes or McDonalds when the jobs are done, precious naps (declared for all after they get into fights. this makes for happier kids and a happier mom).

If I get really motivated we might do some baking. February is the season for sugar cookies right?

All I know is that I am grateful that this time off track is only two weeks long instead of a month like next time! I am also grateful for a hard working, again employed, husband that makes it possible for us to do the activities that keep me sane and give our kids some good times!