1st & Last of 1st Grade.

Wow, can't believe we are going to have a 2nd grader!  And look how much you've grown up this last year, Brie.  Way to work hard in Mrs. Goelitz's class.  We are proud of you!

Oh poop.

Tomorrow I am going in for an Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy (in part because of the upset stomach and nausea that I was experiencing Dec-Feb, but mainly because Aunt Rachie got them done last year and found out that she has peptic ulcers and polyps (tubular adenoma).  Today I started the clear liquid fast and the laxative prep.  Boy was the drink a doozy!  I honestly could NOT stomach the last cup.  I had about a half ounce last and knew that if I drank it I would hurl and up would come the rest.  So I poured it in the toilet, thinking that that is where it would end up anyway ;0)

The real reason I want to write tonight though is because Dad has been SO awesome to take care of everything (dinner, clean up, you kids) so that I could keep the toilet warm.  Brie you stuck with me most of the evening cheering me on and bringing me whatever I needed.  And Alex, you sweetly commented several times that you were sorry I had to do this and gave me hugs.  Lij, you kept coming in too, full or curiosity...and wanting to eat my jolly ranchers and chew my gum.  I love you guys!

According to Motorla, 15 (March).

Alex, you were so proud of putting these puzzles together by yourself :0)

Putting together singing time for "Stand for the Right"

 Having the Talbert boys over while Lenay was living it up in the UK :0)

Aimee and Jack, getting so big.

Dad headed off to campus, sporting his newly decorated-by Brie "ugly tie"

 After taking down Valentines decorations.  It looks SO bare.

 Getting ready to send Em her March package.

Brie I hope you will forever love {stuffed} animals as much as you do now!

Lij's 3 yr old checkup.

Lij sitting on the awesome trike that Bompa & Mémé, Dad & I bought you for your birthday.

Good thing, "I'm snow cute" when it's snowing in March!

Alex napping on the couch

Shopping with Yuling, for the first time in YEARS, at Pier 1 Imports.  Their Spring displays were SO stinking cute!

If this bunny hadn't been so pricey I would have bought it in honor of my awesome accounting hubby.

I keep finding these messages, it must be true ;0)

Another reason we love Meatheads...

 After an singing time activity in primary

Bring on Spring!

The little clay elephant that Dad & I made for Aimee

This little cutie is starting to crawl!

One of the adorable birthday cards Elijah got for his birthday

LOOK, the Eiffel Tower!!

Aimee finally getting a chance to ride in the cart!  It must have been a tad bit warmer.

Love this!

Dad made himself this makeshift desk so we could work side by side at our computers

Still sporting the infant carrier!

Lij, you LOVE riding this combine harvester

Look what Alex made!

Olivia coming after school so I could pick up the carpool

The lovely new-to-us couch that providentially found its way to our home

Aimee starting to crawl up the stairs

Brie's friend over for a pizza party play date

Hooray...credit cards can be used at ALDI!

Final prep list for the double baby celebration

Kathryn's sweet gift and timely words about Alma 32 and having the faith and patience to let ourselves grow

Mother-son date with Alex :0)

Prepping "Mother Dear" singing time, thinking about some of my very favorite women in the world

Aimee helped out in singing time as one of the "sisters in our ward so dear" ;0)

Brie and Alex, you helped me make Sweet Sister Celia to use for singing time in May

Lij and your love for all little things that move!

I have so much fun decorating this mantle!

A surprise and impromptu visit to Dad's office

Aimee is still in the sitting up and crawling around a little bit phase

Love you kiddos!

The pie Alex helped me make for PI day

I loved seeing this sign while leaving a local presbyterian church here after voting

I voted.  But wow, are the politics in our country mixed up right now!  With no better way to say it, someone said that picking a favorite politician right now is like trying to pick your favorite STD.

Trying to sort out and put on paper all the ideas floating in my head for singing time

Lij in my galoshes

Alex after Kindergarten registration.  This is happening.  How are you already this big??

A late night visitor

Hippo teeth on top, hamster teeth on the bottom :0)

Baiting the leprechaun traps

All ready for St. Patrick's Day

Siblings having fun in the hall

After helping me wipe down the siding on our porch.  Wow was it dirty.  You guys are great helpers!

A box + lights = insta fun

I'm glad you guys can have all the messy painting fun at the Children's Discovery Museum

Dad & Brie's freezing cold and rainy camp out.  You guys are good sports!

Attending the temple WITH Dad, thanks to Sister Apperson watching you kids

I love these quotes!

My Easter carrot cake helpers

I couldn't resist buying this mini pot of tiny daffodils

Some PJs I made for Brie from a pair of 3x PJ pants

Cute girl!

Nursing my Aimee...sad that this phase will be over soon

Sunday post nursing snuggles!

Picking out a wardrobe for Paris (& Berlin) just in case it works out.  Fingers crossed!

Love seeing the fields like this with latent potential ready to sprout and grow and flourish.  Sometimes are growth is the same, temporarily under the surface

Me & my Lij

Little partners in crime ;0)

First Tea Party Tuesday of Spring

Brie's ADORABLE soil sammy...she coiffed her herself :0)

Aimee's current playground while I get ready

Cute little project from Brie's pen pals

Keeping the Paris dream alive!

Chelsea and Vivian coming to play while their brand new baby sister goes for a check up with her parents

Sweet little story on seeing past differences to find friendship

Sleepy Alex

New PJ pants for Grace too

Dad helping me to cut out and laminate and cut out ALL the pieces for Alex's schedule

On a date with Roo--watching the train go by before playing at the CDM

Great sensory activity and yummy cookie results

Bring on the messy self feeding!

Alex's schedule!

Cute girl

Dad & I on a date to find decorations and accessories for updating our sitting room to feel more like the Nauvoo Temple celestial room