Fun in March

We had a lot of fun in March. We went to a breakfast with the Eater bunny, an Easter egg hunt with friends an Easter egg hunt with Garrett's family, met grandpa for lunch at City Creek, Wore new green clothes for St Patrick's Day, Had a hair cut from Sharla, Bre and Mom had a special date, played with friends in the yard (the first time for spring), dyed eggs, and got Easter baskets with new dresses.

What a fun month!

Another Claire post

This morning Claire was the last one to wake up, the last one to get dressed and the last one to eat breakfast. This is all normal for her.
As I was cleaning up breakfast and she was the only one left in the kitchen she came up and said, "mom, has anyone already said Thank you for making breakfast?". I said no. And she gives me a huge hug and says "thanks for making me breakfast, mom!".

How could I not love this little ball of mischief!

Claire's commercial

Claire had a blast on the set of her latest commercial. She's building quite the resume. She's such a natural. She hasn't even realized that all her work is in magazines and tv and helping pay off attorney fees. She just laughs and smiles and has a ball.

Just like every other time she made a friend. They loved using the remotes on the bed to go up and down and watching tv with their snacks. They would sneak onto set  to watch the other one when it wasn't their turn. So cute!

Semi Private Blog

I've been back and forth about what to do with my blog. I love having a place where I can record my feelings and all the good and bad that comes with life.
For awhile now I've been writing some of my deepest true feelings and then leaving them as a draft so I could add them to my book later. But that became a lot of work. So I decided I would pretty much delete everyone. If you can still read this it's because I probably tell you all the private stuff anyway and I know that you still look at this blog.
So far now it will be much more personal. As I've gone back to read some of the posts they are pretty raw and true to how I'm feeling at the time. I had almost 150 readers and took it down to about 10. But with facebook and instagram everyone else is seeing all the happy times anyway.
One day maybe when this has all blown over with Kenny, I can go back to sharing the cute things my kids do and things we do as a family with everyone, but for now it will just be a select few.

Sweet Little Claire Bear

Claire has been sick all day. Throwing up and sleeping pretty. After one time of throwing up I said, "Can I hold you?". And she said "No, I don't want you to get sick".

Oh how I love her!!!!

Happy St Patricks Day! 2013

Why is it that only mean leprechaun's visit our house? Last year the trashed the girls room and this years they trashed the living room. Bella was so excited to see what had happened over night that the first thing she did when she came home from Kenny's was check every room. That's when she saw this......

At least the girls got a treat from mom and dad and the fact that I said they wouldn't have to clean up the mess the leprechaun made, made them happy!
Maybe next year we'll get a nice one....:)

Kindergarten Round Up #2

Claire had Kindergarten round up. Basically they get to see the class rooms, meet teachers, have a snack and learn what will happen next year.

I just can't believe Claire is old enough. I thought I would be happy about this, but of course in the last 2 months or so she has become my best little helper and friend. I will miss her like crazy when she's at "real" school.

I was sad I couldn't be there, but Seth was and he said she had a great time!

I had another great birthday thanks to my family and friends. Sweet Melissa made me homemade lemon french toast with strawberry filling and whip cream. Seth basically gave me the day off and I took full advantage. The next day we had a party for me and Laura. More for Laura since she turned 40. We had a roast and toast for her. That was great! Lots of good stories. Then on Monday I had a lunch date with more friends and family.

Seth rolled his eyes when I reminded him about all my plans. Seriously, doesn't he know me yet? I've been having a count down with the kids since Feb 1st. :)

 Dan is such a good sport about all the hopla that goes into my big event, even though his is only a day after

 Laura's roast and toast. So much fun!

Cousins

In February the Lunt's came for a quick visit and we got to have breakfast with them at our house. It was lots of fun! The twins and Claire ask every day when they can see Hailee.

Boise is just not close enough.

A little getawy

Seth and I were finally able to get away this weekend. It's just what we needed. We've had so much stress with money, Kenny, court, therapy, Bella.....you name it.
We are so blessed to have great parents who were willing to take the kids for the weekend. Sally sleptover on Friday night and then my dad and Jan will have them Saturday and Sunday.
It's been fun to just be together and not stress.
I love Seth so much and feel so grateful for all the blessings in my life.

Blue

I miss Bella. This has been had past few couple of days. She left with Kenny on Friday. She was able to go to Veronica's birthday party but then had to sleepover at Kenny's house Friday nigh and Saturday night. She came home for church and had to go back. Because it's MLK day today (monday) she has to stay with Kenny and he claims he gets her for Tuesday as well, because there is no school and it is an extension of the holiday.
I miss her so much!!
Seth and I had a biggest fight since this whole thing happened. He just snapped. He couldn't stand to watch me cry and lay around and not be normal. Jan came over and sat with me and the girls and Seth left.
The next day we had a good talk with Gary Johnson and that really helped.
We know the adversary is trying to tear our family apart. We just need to stick together.
We have court on Wednesday and that will be good. It is all about the back child support. Of course Kenny is saying a million reasons why he hasn't paid but they won't hold up in court.
He is also still pushing for joint custody and has set up a custody evaluator.
SO we'll see what happens.
I just love my Bella with all my heart and I hope she knows and can feel that!

Claire's birthday morning and party

I'm a little behind in posting. Things have been crazy busy and stressful. But Claire did have a wonderful birthday morning and an even better birthday party.
The night before her birthday she kept reminding me about all the things I needed to get. "Make sure you decorate my door, and don't forget the camera and the birthday plate."
I'm not kidding this kid gets more excited about her birthday than she does about Christmas  I guess I can feel good that I've raised her right :)

Happy Birthday Claire!

Dear Claire Bear,
Oh my goodness I can't belive you're 5 years old! And I really can't imagine how boring my life would be without you.
You were so cute last night. So excited about your big day. You reminded me I needed to decorate your door, get out the special plate, make sure you had "baby doughnuts" for breakfast, make sure the camers were ready and of course that the presents were wrapped.
Finally around 9:00pm you came out of your room crying because as you said "I'm sorry mom, but I just can't sleep. I'm too excited for my birthday".
I've never met someone who gets more excited about their birthday than you do, and I love it! Here's just a few of the many qualities we love about you:

• You have a tender heart. There are many days when you can't wait for Bella to come from school and the first thing you do is run to her and say hi "hi Bella! I'm glad you're home. Also during the hardest time in my life you were there for me. Not many 4 hyear olds can say that. When Bella was gone and the twins were gone, you were the one that made me happy every day. Drawing me pictures, giving me hugs and kisses and when I couldn';t stop crying always offfering your blanket and an apple or string cheese. You realy took care of me.
• You are so smart. One day when you were getting in the car Mrs Char said "She is just so bright". It's true. You remember everything and love to learn
• You make us laugh. You always make funny faces or tell funny stories. Even your laugh is contagious
• Friendly. You make so many friends wherever you go.
• You love Coke. I like this because in so many ways you are just like your dad, but your love for Coke is just like your mom!
• You are a great sister. Sometimes you tease but you're always there with a supportive hug and kiss.
• I think my favorite thing you do is no matter whenever I ask you what your favorite part of the day has been you smile, give me a hug and say "right now".

Oh Claire! I love you so much!!!! You are such a blessing in my life and our family.
We love you,
Mom, Dad, Bella, Sydney, & Bre

Bella's Baptism

 Bella's baptism was just wonderful. I've blogged all the personal stuff but basically she was just glowing. We were so happy to share the day with the people that mean so much to us. Of course I didn't even take out my camera until almost everyone had left the party, but I did get a few.

Bella's Baptism (from a mom's perspective)

Bella was with Kenny for most of the day on her bapotism, because it was his weekend. And the day went very smoothly. I baked a lot, got ready for the party, helped Claire with her party invitations and took care of poor Syd who was really sick.
 When Bella got home I had already dressed the twins and Claire. So we got her ready and headed over to Marianne's so she could have her hair done.
When we got to the church Bella was almost jumping off the walls she was so excited. Her 2 other friends who have divorced parents were also getting baptized. It was just great that it worked out that way because Bella didn't feel any different and they all had each other
.

December Activities

We've had a fun month and it has flown by so fast!!

We visited Santa and had a carriage ride with Aunt Beth and Amber and their kids at the annual party at Colonial Square. 

We also had a family night decorating our ginger bread house!

Luke and Bella celebrated their birthdays at grandma and grandpa's and had a blast!

Bella's birthday was a huge success! We had our regular breakfast and presents in bed. She chose doughnuts. The twins gave her a stamp set and Claire gave her a coloring set. From her parents she got a new Christmas dress and a letter saying that in honor of her 8th birthday she would be getting her ears pierced!!! She could not contain her excitement!

 Later that night we went to Walmart where she picked out her birth stone for her new ear rins and it came with a matching necklace. As we were walking out of the store she "I just feel different". Cute

 The elf even remembered with a little note by her gifts.

Happy Birthday Bella!

Dear Bella,
I can't believe you're 8 years old!! What an amazing time I've had with you over the past 8 years.
I've learned so much from you.
Every year around this time I get emotional thinking about the night before you were born. I felt so close to you and you weren't even here yet.
The things you've had to deal with in your 8 short years will know doubt make you a stronger and better person! I know the last 7 months have been hard, but they have made me know one thing for sure....Heavenly father sent you to me and dad for a reason. We can all learn so much form each other.
You have such a strong testimony and I love that you can't wait to get baptized. Dad is just as excited to baptize you.
I can't wait to see what this year brings.
I love you so much!!!! (As a big as the house)
Love,
Mom & Dad