SNAP SHOT... february 2010

I remember as a child that February seemed to be the LOOOONGest month of the year. Dark, cold dreary and other than Valentines...uneventful. February has changed for me, now it feels like one of my busier months. Go figure.

02.05

Mark and I took Belle on her birthday date today, shopping at Walmart and dinner at Sunshine Pizza what more could a girl want.

2.07

Belle turned 5 years old. I know it is so cliche to say how unbelievable that is but really it is, so I'll say it...UNBELIEVABLE! Time feels like a slippery fish, constantly slipping out of my hands. I love my Belle boo! She is sweet and kind and sensitive and patient and beautiful.

02.10

I was upstairs referring the evening bedtime routine when Josie discover eggs and gravity and the combination of the two. Too bad I missed it, I can just imagine her delight.

02.12

Today was a busy day. In the morning we set up for the ward activity this evening. I was home by 11:30 just as the beading group ladies began to arrive. Back to the church for some Valentines Volleyball and then I dropped into bed.

02.13

14 years I have been a mother! WOW WEE! Alyna celebrated her 14th birthday. Hello stake dances here she comes!!! What a gift she is to me. I love my Alyna! She is helpful and kind and willing and smart and funny and beautiful inside and out. Mark and I still owe Alyna her birthday date. I wonder if she is avoiding a date with us? Were pretty cool I think, but maybe not?!

02.14

Isn't love grand! Valentines was on Sunday this year and quite honestly I can't remember what we did to celebrate. I'll have to ask the kids if they remember. Oh well!

02.19

The kids and I have spent many a Wednesday at the Library. It is one of my favorite places.

2.19

Departed PDX headed for South Carolina with a layover in Chicago at 11:15pm

Even though it was LATE, the kids were so great getting through security and waiting for our flight. A movie on the lap top in the airport really is kind of a special way to spend a Friday night.

2.20

Arrived at Chicago, O’Hare at 5:07am
arrived at Charlotte Douglas at 9:35am
Mom & Dad’s … nap on grandma the greats snugly bed
out to uncle Jimmy’s for dinner
boating on the lake
dinner with family
kids watched “Up” Mark and I went to bed

Calvin and Caleb sat a few rows up from Alyna, Josie & I on the flight to Charlotte. Mark & Belle were in the back of the plane. The woman next to them visited with them almost the whole 2 hour flight. It was nice to not have to entertain them and get a little sleep while Josie was snoozing.

Mark and I dreamt big retirement dreams on this swing!

Calvin's favorite part of the trip!

02.21

Morning walk in our PJ's ( I love doing that)
Quiet moment with Mark
Church
lounging, snacking, and Bridge to Terebithia
Sweet Potato Pies
Late night chat with Mom and Grandma

Daddy and his girls.

I couldn't hold it any longer... uncle Jimmy had me in stitches!

2.22

Rain?!

Carousel at the mall & lunch
the Princess and the Frog
Picking up pine cones
sunset on the Lake

This is why shopping is exhausting...cause she is FAST!

You are really not supposed to take photos in retail stores. Did you know that?

You know you are in the south when you come across a Piggly Wiggly!

02.23

Up early and off to Savannah, GA
SAVANNAH & TYBEE ISLAND!
dinner at uncle Bob & auntie Sharon’s

( were not really related Calvin just likes to thinks we are)

Belle loves her grampy! A lot!!

*For Carol*

Ever heard of Paula Deen?

Savannah was just as beautiful and fascinating as I remember, I wish we had more time.

Alyna was born in a little town near Savannah. It's interesting the twists of fate.

Tybee Island was only about 20 minutes out of our way. We were pressed for time, but I insisted because I really wanted to have our family see the Atlantic Ocean together. Who knows when we'll be back again.

Run kids run you only have 5 minutes... serious!

Precious!

02.24) Time is up, we've got to go...

I know Josie I wish we had a few more days too!

We stopped at the flea market on our way out of town. It really is something to behold.

Grandma the Great is great and grand and our time with her was priceless.

2.24

Grandma the Great helped me get the girls ready for the trip, brushed their hair.

It was sweet.
pictures & packing
lunch at Bojangles with Tammy & Melody (aunt Ruthies girls)

Departed Charlotte Douglas at 6:01pm

arrived at San Francisco International at 8:49pm

WHooooLLLYsmokes that is a gigantic airport!
departed SFO at 10:25pm

2.25

arrived at PDX at 12:20am WOOHOO!
back to the grind…school for the kids laundry for me and work for Mark.

I am so glad we went! So. Glad!!!

02. 27

YM/YW temple day, Alyna had a dinner date with Dad and then they were off to Alyna’s first stake dance. CRAZY! I am so glad they could spend the day together.

02.28

Fast Sunday, Sub in Primary, Belle had scripture and prayer, which I forgot. A whirling dirvish out of whirl, that is what I feel like.

epiphany of the month

The most delightful and delicious moments of life really are found in the everyday ordinary.

Post Script

I hung up my bunco hat after 4 years of playing once a month with 16 fabulous friends. I will miss it.

A thought from Spencer W. Kimball

What skills do we need to help us become self-reliant? … In the early days of the Church, Brigham Young pled with the sisters to learn to prevent illness in families, establish home industries, and learn accounting and bookkeeping and other practical skills. Those principles still apply today. Education continues to be vitally important. …

Dear Friends and Family, there you have it a little snap shot of February on the farm... and off the farm. It was fast, furious and Fabulous!! Farewell.