~Day 31: Doctor's Office

The girls recreated a doctor's office for their toys... Complete with an exam bed, front desk, and a used phone for a TV.  I do love when they make up things on their own!

~Day 30: Love/Hate Relationship

Yes.  THIS is my pile of books that I LOVE and the pile of laundry I HATE and am avoiding.  I think I choose the books...

~Day 29: Shopping... bleh.

Lately I have tried to be better about planning a menu each week.  I use the ads that come in the mail, look at what is on sale and try to base our meals on that.  So far it is working out pretty good I think and we are saving some money.  But I must say.... I HATE SHOPPING.  Never have liked it.  I'm forced to do it once a week.  I wish I was forced to do something I enjoy doing... like reading.

~Day 28: Tired Girls

Both girls had to sit with me because they were tired.  I love these moments.

~Day 27: Felt!

Brookie made most of our family out of felt.  I think I look good with yellow arms and a triangle hand :)

~Day 26: Imaginations Run Amok

The kids have made up their own game and are enjoying themselves tonight.  I love hearing the laughs and seeing the smiles on their faces while they play.

~Day 25: Derby Baby!

Ashton had his Pinewood Derby today and he did really well!  He won the price for Sleekest Design!  He designed the car himself and did most of the work on his own.  Proud of this little man!

~Day 24: @#%$^$&%!

I had the bright idea of putting together a 1000 piece puzzle.  This particular puzzle is a mosaic-style puzzle of a tiger's face.  Beautiful picture.  After 3 days I had put together maybe 10 pieces (besides the border) I came home tonight with a much easier puzzle.  Nick made fun of me, so I challenged him to do better. I told him if he could put together at least 10 pieces that I would stick with it.  @#%$^$&%  I'm sticking with it.

~Day 23: Bunco!

       I was invited to play Bunco this year with a bunch of fun ladies.  It was a lot of fun!  I played once before.... about 10 years ago.  So it was nice to pick it up again!    

       

~Day 22: More Puzzles!

The program keeps making the picture sideways :(  But the girls put together a puzzle of their own.  They did a great job and had to put it together twice :)

~Day 21: First Selfie (wahoo!)

I did it.  Took a selfie with my new phone for the first time.  I have now lived.  

And so have you--for viewing it.

~Day 20: Out of the Stone Age

Say hello to my new iPhone 5C.  

Yes, I loved my slide phone.  

No, I'm not embarrassed.

I know everyone is secretly jealous that I had a slide phone and they didn't.

~Day 19: Fabulous Day!

Today I was able to spend almost the entire day with my beautiful friend Cece!  She and I were in high school together many moons ago....  She came into town today with her family, and both our families had a great time together.  Originally I think we planned on spending just a few short hours in the morning, but it turned into an all-day thing.  I'm so glad she let me know she was going to be in town!  I love you Cece!

~Day 18: Yes, I just did that...

I really did just take a picture of my food.  And doesn't it look fabulous?  Had a great dinner tonight with a wonderful friend.  We seem to always end up at the Cheesecake Factory, and that is just fine with me :)  I love this place!  But I love my friend more!!  Love you Stacy!

~Day 17: Happy Birthday, Ashton!

Ashton turns 10 today!  Love this little man!!  Happy birthday Ashton!!!

~Day 16: Abbie, my birthdaughter.

This is a picture of a picture, so it's not the best to post.  My adoption experience has been so fabulous!  I received her 13yo pictures today, along with a video she made for me.   She is growing up so fast and is such a sweet girl!  It has been such a blessing to watch her grow up.  I don't regret my decision at all.  She is where she is supposed to be.  What a blessing adoption is to so many people. 

~Day 15: LEGOS

I love when the kids are using their imaginations and NOT playing on a computer of some sort...

~Day 14: Grandpa

Happy birthday grandpa!  My grandpa Arlen turns 82 today!  He is still going strong!  

Love you grandpa!

~Day 13: Hockey Night.

Hockey and computers.  I'm lucky I didn't get a picture with him flipping me off....

(Go 'Yotes!!)

~Day 12: Cold in Arizona?

They are having hot chocolate.  Like it's cold or something...

~Day 11: Fabulous Reader!

So proud of my little man!  and excited for him!  He finished Rick Riordan's The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus series) in 5 days!  this book has 531 pages in it.  FIVE DAYS!  Good job Ashton!!!

~Day 10: Snuggle Time!

Both girls asked to sit and snuggle with me tonight.  Definitely, yes!  Of course they really wanted me to tickle them... I obliged them and there is no sweeter sound some days than a child's giggle.

 I love time with my kids!

~Day 9: Out Cold

Almost forgot my picture for today.  So Cailee and her ever-present pony get the shot tonight.  She always has this thing in a headlock every night.... she didn't even wake up when the flash went off, she was that tired.

~Day 8: Minecraft.

Don't think I need an explanation here.

~Day 7: Act of Kindness!

Cookies for friends!  

I have a sweet friend named Hazel.  For her 34th birthday, she wanted to perform random acts of kindness with 34 of her Facebook friends leading up to her birthday.  One act of kindness a day for 34 days.  What a great idea!

Today my girls and I helped her on her way!  We made chocolate chip cookies and took them over to two friends tonight!

On the way home, both girls asked if we had just done a good deed. I said of course!  They both said how happy it made them!  And also how happy that made Heavenly Father :)

My girls have such big hearts, and it was so fun to help Hazel out today!

~Day 6: Merry Christmas?

Yes, we still have our Christmas decorations up. 

~Day 5: The Village

The girls are always being creative when they play.  I LOVE it.  Today they created a 'village' in their room... they spent hours playing together with their Petshops and Princesses.

~Day 4: Bikes!

All the kids were outside playing, which was so much better than being inside on the computers... BrookLynn learned how to ride her bike with no training wheels today!  yay for Arizona weather!

~Day 3: Aren't We Happy?

Two pics for the price of one today...

Before:  This is our brave 7yo crying because she doesn't want to have a quiet time.  

She NEEDS a nap... she doesn't think she needs a nap.

After:  This is our brave 7yo after she TOOK a NAP. 

 Did mom know she would fall asleep if she was forced to have quiet time?  

Yes... yes she did.  

Smart mom.  

Happy kid.  

Happy mom.

~Day 2:Cailee and the pony

Beans always has to sleep with a pony... tonight it is just one: hers. 

 Last night it was two: hers and Brookie's.  

BrookLynn is lucky tonight.

She gets to sleep with her own toy.  

So considerate of the 5yo to let her have her property back.

~Day 1: Happy New Year!

Day 1--Here goes!!

What a fitting way to begin the year.  2 of my 3 monkeys bringing in the new year with me... only one is conscious though... Love my monkeys!!