YAY!!

The teacher strike is over, and we are back to the routine
(Hey, I thought I hated routine, I am so fickle!)

Today I had three hours of freedom..

First, I worked out really hard at the gym, and it felt so good.  I then went to the Entenmann's Oulet, Costco, Trader Joes and Wal-Mart. 
I'm so dang exciting, I can barely handle it!!

I then got a call from a friend who picked up some great deals at babyGap.  I called and had them hold the items in question, and before picking up Caleb from preschool I ran by and scored my own great deal.

I picked up these two cute swimsuits above for Natalie, plus to others for $21.53.  That's 4 swimsuits for a little over $20 bucks.  The best part, was they were all originally priced for $20.00 each. WOO HOO!!

What have we been up to, you ask??

Well, I realized I haven't posted in a week and a half, so thought I'd do a quick update.

After Spring Break, the kids got back to school and routines.  We visited Disneyland one evening, and then last weekend enjoyed a relaxing weekend in the mountains, where we really did nothing but relax.  Dave's work has been crazy busy including some really late nights, and it was much needed for all of us.

This last week was such a wierd week.  We had playdates with little friends, and I was able to help out in class again.  Our teachers went on strike on Thursday and I found myself at home with all four kiddos.  I was able to catch up on laundry and made them finish their homework in hopes of the teachers returning on Friday. That evening was Cub Scout Pack Meeting and Daniel received two activity badges for "athlete" and "fitness".  Way to go bud!!

Friday came and the strike was still on, homework finished, and not much else to do we found ourselves playing board games, watching movies, and visiting the park.

This weekend we made a drive up to Long Beach to have lunch with Amy & Doug before they enjoyed their fun evening together.  We feasted on nummy fish tacos and views of the port of Long Beach while the kiddos played in the sand. 

That evening, I enjoyed a "mommy night" with a sweet friend.  Great conversation, new projects to work on, and delish chinese food left me refreshed and more appreciative of my sweet family and the great friends that surround me, along with much appreciation to my Heavenly Father that knows me, and the desires of my heart.

This week is going to be as "off" as last week.  The teachers are still on strike with no end in sight.  The school is doing their best, but at most the school days are filled with crossword puzzles and worksheets and lots of play time outside.  Safety is also a big issue with security guards posted at all entrance/exits.  I feel better having my children at home, and tomorrow will work on math with the boys.  As a treat I'm thinking it's a perfect day for the beach with temperatures reaching 75.

Not sure what'll else will come, but whatever it may be, I'm sure it will keep me on my toes!!

Germany

Here are a few pretty pics from Dave's trip to Germany...

Spring Break Recap

What a crazy week!! After the egg hunt at the park, and dye-ing easter eggs, we dropped off Dave at LAX.  He was travelling to Germany for work, and some reminiscing of his mission days.

Sunday, we enjoyed a lazy morning of finding easter baskets, chocolate chip pancakes and conference.  We then got ready and made our way down to my parents for an easter dinner and egg hunt.  Back at home that evening, three kids threw up, one on me, and not much sleep was had by mommy. 


What a way to start the week!!

After that, they were done.  No more puking, and a few loads of laundry later, we were back on track. 

Monday, we played it pretty low key just to be sure everyone was well.

Tuesday, we picked up some friends and made our way to Zoomars, where we pet guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies, and goats.  The little ones rode the train, and it was a beautiful sunny day.









Wednesday was beach day.  What more can you say? Fantastic!!

Thursday we hit the park, and made homemade cookies.

Friday, Little Miss started looking pale, and then decided to empty the entire contents of her little tummy again and again.  She and I played sicko most of the day.  Thank goodness for the XBOX and all the movies we have loaded on it.  I didn't have to get up once, and we watched at least a dozen movies!!

Saturday was lazy bum day.  The weather was getting colder and I really didn't feel up to taking the kiddos anywhere, plus we were on the mend!!  They found various ways to entertain themselves and Daniel even made dinner (quesadillas).  I have such awesome kids!!

Sunday we went to church and then picked up Daddy from the airport.  YAY! We then feasted on German chocolates, and treasures from his trip.  We are so happy to have him home!!

Although it was a crazy, sick filled, fun filled, laundry filled week. I was so grateful for no schedules.  We didn't have to be anywhere at any specific time, and the kiddos were great. 

It was such a tease though, now I can't wait for summer to get here!!

Egg Hunt & Eggs

This morning we attended the cutest Easter Egg Hunt at one of our favorite nearby parks. 

We arrived early and Natalie and Caleb spent most of the time in the petting zoo, with llamas goats and sheep.







Afterwards we made our way to the play structures of the park and got our wiggles out, before the hunt began.

Each area was sectioned off by age..0-2 years, 3-4years, 5-7years, and 8-10years. 

A few minutes before the hunt was to begin they threw out all the candy.



It was over in less than 2 minutes..

Since each of our four kiddos was in a different area, we met back and went through our treasures.





We then met up with friends, chatted, and enjoyed the view...



while the kiddos tormented this little guy..





Happy hunting to all of you!!

After we got back from the hunt, we began the task of dyeing eggs.







Check out our pretties...

I need a good project..

With the beautiful weather outside, it's only fitting that I should attack that fun to do list of projects.  Cute, fun ideas to make my life cuter, more fun, and of course simpler.

This is now first on my list!!

Doesn't everyone need a necklace that is not only color coordinated, but has everything a Mom could need at any given time (there are two tutorials one for babies and one for kids, so fear not Mom's of itty bitty ones.)

http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/04/multitasking-mom-necklace-tutorial.html


This is probably second..

You've seen all the tutorials on how to turn a Men's shirt into a cute little girls dress, well why not try the reverse? What man doesn't need a super soft, and sweet shirt like this for the summertime?

http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/04/girls-dress-to-mens-shirt-refashion.html


ENJOY!!!

and HAppY ApRil FooLs DAy!!
pictures and ideas from http://www.crafterhours.blogspot.com/