And so it starts!

Yes, spring soccer has started up! Korinne was able to get back into the swing of things, even with a few snow patches still on the field!
Unfortunately, Porter's field had too much snow on it still, and his game was canceled, and he was the one most excited to start up again! Poor guy! He said he wants to move to the Phillipines where it is ALWAYS summer! I promised him that the warmer weather is coming, but he reminded me that whenever it gets warm, then it snows a few days later again! I think he's getting a little frustrated with our spring weather, just like the rest of us! Especially when we woke up to about 4 more inches this morning! Ugh! At least we're getting blessed with moisture, right?!

Boys

Do you think with the three of them working on the problem they'll be able to figure it out?

Is it just an inborn genetic thing for the male gender to watch TV like this?

I don't know why, but a few of our St. Patrick's Day party pics didn't make it onto the post...so here they are!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We had our usual leprechaun attack at our house. Those pesky little creatures always leave green footprints all over the house during the night and they hide things in weird places...and of course leave a treasure for the kids to find.

But I had a pure moment of insanity and I told the kids to invite a few of their friends over after school for a St. Patty's day party (all the other holidays get plenty of attention...so why not "go green" and party with the Irish!) Anyway, 19 kids later (that's a "few" , right?), we were having a blast eating green eggs and ham, and reading the story, of course. Then, we made some magic leprechaun wands...I had a feeling the kids might need them later.

It was a good thing we had those magic wands, because we found a note that said a leprechaun had spread gold pieces all over the yard and it was our job to find them all! So I set the kids loose, the smaller ones in the front yard, and the bigger ones in the back! It took a while, but I think they found all the gold!

We all had a blast! And I especially loved the warm weather so that everyone could stay OUTSIDE! Yeah!

SPRING!!!

Yeah! Spring is in the air! I know it will snow on us and get cold again, but today, the sun was out, I think it was close to 60 degrees, and we stayed outside ALL DAY! We couldn't get enough! We played on the swings, we rode our bikes, we blew bubbles, we jumped on the neighbors tramp, and we even got a little sunburned....hooray! Usually, today would have been a cleaning day for us...but who cares about a clean house when we can play outside?! We even had a picnic lunch on the back deck...we just couldn't help ourselves!

And... I was so ecstatic to discover my tulips poking out their little heads...I can't wait for them to bloom! Spring fever? Yeah, I 've got it bad!

And last, but definitely not least....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I know everyone says this about their mother, but my mom is the most amazing, caring, generous, self-less, loving person I know. She would and does do anything for me and my kids, as she does with my brothers also. She is an amazing friend and I love her dearly. I hope you had a wonderful day mom. We love you! Happy Birthday!

Hardware Ranch

Feb. 28th, Colby decided to take the kids up to Hardware Ranch, which we do every year, to see the elk there. I had worked the night before, so I stayed home for a much needed sleep day (thanks Colby), so he just packed up the kids and went on his own. They had a great time, saw lots of elk, and the highlight was, of course, McDonald's for lunch afterwards.

Welcome Home Tyler!

Feb. 27th, our neighbor came home safely after serving our country in Afghanistan for the past year. His wife and 3 boys missed him terribly... and we are all so happy to have him back safe and sound. I wish I would have taken some pictures of our street and neighborhood. Everyone had yellow ribbons tied in their yards or on their mailboxes, we had several banners on different houses welcoming him home and of course, flags lining the whole street...it looked wonderful. I am so grateful to the men and women like Tyler, who sacrifice so much, not only for our freedoms, but to also help others around the world who don't enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy here. So.. welcome home Tyler! We are so proud of you!

Draper Temple

Feb. 26th, I took Korinne and Porter, along with my parents, to the Draper Temple open house. I wanted the kids to be able to witness the amazing beauty of the inside of the temple and hopefully, instill in them an even greater desire to get there someday. At the beginning of our tour, we were given some information on what went into the building of this temple and where many of the fine materials came from, like the stone on the outside of the temple was from China and the wood all around the inside came from central Africa, but all the glass work was done here locally....it was all absolutely breathtaking. The kids loved the beautiful chandeliers, especially in the Celestial room and I loved being able to explain many of what the different rooms were for. I love that we have so many temples so close to us and we have the opportunity to visit so often. The blessings our family enjoys because of the temple are too numerous to count. I am so grateful every day that we have the opportunity to be together as a family forever.
I remembered to bring my camera so that we could get some pictures outside of the temple...but, wouldn't you know it, my battery was dead. Oh well, hopefully, Korinne and Porter will remember this day and what they learned and make the choices that will bring them back to the temple someday.

Fun in the Sun

Usually, "fun in the sun" has to do with hot summer days and beaches and stuff. Well, we just enjoy it any way we can get it! And Feb. 19th brought the perfect opportunity for some snowy fun in the sun! What a perfect day!

Snow days

Feb. 17th brought us another huge snowstorm that turned our world into a winter wonderland, again. The winter does seem to drag on, but when there is fresh new beautiful snow...well, we just have to take advantage!

Even Shelby seemed to be enjoying herself...for about 30 seconds!Holt wanted to see if his bike came equipped with 4-wheel drive....sorry buddy...only 3-wheel!