We decided we had better get down to see our family before soccer games start next weekend. We have 3 in soccer this spring, 1 in track and field and 1 in flag football ( He is not quite old enough to play so he practices with the team. It is his normal football team and he really wanted to do it. So his coach is letting him do all of the practices , he just won't do the games.) Thank goodness Tiny A is only 2. What are we going to do when all 5 kids are in sports. Atleast the track and field and football are not on Saturdays. They are during the week. And "No" this is really not that much better, because we have to work around soccer practices, piano lessons, young women presidency meetings(My calling at church....and since one counselor is a teacher our meetings are in the evenings..) But atleast we don't have all five events at one time on Saturday......Afterall, there are only two parents.......

Today Is Crazy Hair Day at the kids school! I must admit they look pretty cute!

Double A with her conservative crazy hair...... Notice the purple braid....

Triple A with his "Not So" Consevative hair. He's such a crazy boy!

Last night Matt and I had the most memorable Valentine's day we have ever had in the last 14 years that we have been together. My fabulous sister and her equally fabulous husband got together with our kids and arranged a surprise candle light dinner for us. Over the past week my kids have been calling my sister and not letting me listen and would not let me know what they were talking about. I knew something was up but I honestly did not know the beginning of it. I thought they might be making a dinner but I thought we would all be eating together. We were told that we were not allowed to be at home from 4:30 until 6:00. When Matt and I (and Tiny A) walked into the house we were greeted by our hosts for the evening (Our 4 older kids, dressed up nicely) and then the curtains (which were hanging from the ceiling to block off our living room area) were opened to reveal a table for two decorated with candles, gems and hearts, music playing in the background and the lights dimmed. I could not believe it. Our chairs were pulled out for us and we were seated. Our waiter (Big A) poured our very yummy sparkling Cherry Cider, and our salads were brought to us along with a bowl full of garlic french bread. Oh, we also had menus on the table. Nothing was forgotten! Tiny A soon came in and started saying, "Where's my chair?" So our kind waiter brought another chair and our candle light table for two was quickly turned to a candle light table for three. (So is the life of a parent....But would you ever trade it? Not on your life!) Then our main dish of Spaghetti was brought to us. Wow, We were stuffed! What an incredible dinner. But it wasn't over yet. The most incredible dessert ever was brought out for us. It was a very yummy chocolate cake with cream cheese dessert filling in the middle and chocolate covered strawberries all over it. This yummy dessert was made by my sweet sister. So, this Valentine night ended up being so awesome! We had the best seats in the very secluded restaurant with the best chefs available and the best service anyone could ever have. The atmosphere was the best and it was a fabulous night! The kitchen crew (ie: Becca and Stetson) were great ! The kitchen was spotless!

We hope everyone is having a great Valentine's day.

Well, we survived the emotions of sending your child into surgery! Tiny A did great! Over a month ago she stepped on something and the Dr. thought it just punctured her foot and that it was clean. Well after several infections and several rounds of antibiotic, they cultured it and found that she had a staff infection. We were sent to a specialist and they determined there was definately something foreign in there that needed to come out. Because of her age they decided they needed to do it while she was out. She was scheduled for surgery with in the week. Ahhh! My nerves were definately getting the better of me. But after Matt and I went to the temple and many prayers on her behalf, I had such a peace come over me. I knew she needed to do this and she would be fine. Everything went great. We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 this morning and she went into surgery at 7:40. By 9:00 I was holding her in my arms trying to wake her up. She wasn't very happy about her IV or the big bandage on her foot. But she definately needed the surgery. They found a little chunk of wood that was almost 1/2 in. long and it was 1/8 in. thick. Not very pleasant to have that in your foot. So in a week or so she should be feeling much better with no more pains in her foot. Thank goodness for Dr. Panec. He was an excellent doctor. We were definately in good hands. The nurses were fantastic as well, and were completely in love with our Tiny A. Thank you to M's mom for getting the kids off to school and taking care of Audrey for us. Also, Thank you to my sister for bringing over dinner for us and for everyones good thoughts and prayers on Tiny A's behalf. What would we do with out family?

Last night I went to the temple around 4:00 and left M home with the kids. This is usually our routine....it is hard to find the opportunity to get there together. When I got home I had the greatest surprise. M was working on the computer doing church business and the house had remained Clean! My sweet older kids were in the kitchen working away at dinner. And it wasn't just something like mac & Cheese, it was a real dinner! They had gone through cook books and our cabinets and found something to make that would work with ingredients we had! They made a "Beef enchilada Bake". And it was soooo Yummmmyyyyyy! I am constantly amazed at how much they are capable of doing, and my two younger girls set the table. I truly am very blessed to have such sweet children who love to help us in anyway they can....So in return, M and I cleaned up the kitchen and dishes after dinner......Yea Kids! I am so proud of them!

SALT LAKE CITY 4 February 2008

I love how the church runs so smoothly...What a blessing to have President Monson as our new Prophet. He is such a sweet faithful man and so steadfast and immovable in the gospel. What a great example he is to all. My kids absolutely love this man. And what wonderful counselors he has called to work and serve with him. We will sustain and support these righteous men in their new callings as they continue to lead and guide us in these latter days.