Sun Feb 28th

it was Ward conference today which was very good. The talks in Sacrament meeting we're all about the scripture that I've been pondering for a long time. 2Nephi 32:3 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." I couldn't believe when I heard that scripture quoted not once but twice by two separate speakers. 

How the Lord blessed me today: he told me to suddenly stop when I was about to badly dent Nick's car. He was parked partly behind me and I didn't look before backing out of the garage. I learned an important lesson about always looking before you go even if it's just out of the garage. Thank you Heavenly Father for helping things not to be worse. 

Nick: Ella do you know I love you?

Ella: Of course! I would be so sad if you slayed me. 

Nick: Ella why all the sudden talk about death lately?

Ella: Well, you don't know what I've been through...

It turns out that what she has been through is reading the Book of Mormon... Oh me oh my!

Fri Feb 26th

I woke up early this morning and read my scriptures and prayed. I got out for my run by 7:20am and did a 7-miler today. I should have stretched better though because my poor legs are very sore now. 

Jordan called and we chatted for a bit then I took Link and Lisey to the Farm. It was pretty crowded. I guess everyone had the same "get me out of the house and into the sunshine" feeling as I did. We had to park pretty far and wait in a long line just to get in. Then as I got to the front of the line i realized that I had forgotten my photo id in the car and the lady maybe go all the way back to get it. We finally made it in though and had a nice time waiting line for ponies and seeing the animals. We met up with Bonnie and Johnny too. 

My handsome boys!

Mon Feb 22nd

I had planned to go for a run outside this morning early but it started snowing, hard. Then I thought about taking the kids to the gym with me but with Lincoln's nap schedule that wasn't going to work either. So I decided to go with the theory that doing something is better than doing nothing and I ran the stairs 55 times and did some core strengthening exercises. I actually got a pretty good sweat from just running the stairs so maybe it wasn't totally worthless. 

Then we had a major play time playing with toys. Lisey and I played a lot of catch and Link even joined in too. During Link's nap I paid all the bills and played a little with Lisey. 

During tutoring Link and Lisey and I went to the store.

Lisey was being a really good big sister!

Bonnie invited Lisey and Ella over after school, which worked out nicely because I helped Nick with his taxbot and other financial stuff for his business. The only bad part of that was when Ella got home she did not want to do homework and we were also pretty much at a time for homework. We still needed to eat dinner and then get dad off to the airport.

Sun Feb 21st

This morning I listened to an article from the Feb Ensign.  The article was talking about two particular chapters in the Book of Mormon that talk about the way to be happy--2Nephi 5 and 4Nephi 1. 

It talked about not having contention as a key to happiness. Something that really stuck out to me in that section was what it said about patience. It said that not being patient is a sign of self-centeredness. If your not patient you feel that everyone else should be working  on your schedule. I'd never thought of a lack of patience like that. It never occurred to me that the cure for impatience is to be more conciderate of others. What an interesting thought. I've often prayed for more patience or forgiveness for not being patient but I'd never considered that the way to accomplish that goal is think of others instead of myself. 

I had a lot of time to ponder this thought of patience as I chased Link around the church building today during what should have been Relief Society. It took a lot of patience to not be upset with him for being a baby who likes to run free.

After church because asking Ella if she'd like to watch Joseph Smith movie. Ella was concerned because she thought it was too scary for Lisey, especially the part where Joseph gets hot tar put on him. Ella thinks about the hot tar for a moment and says to Nick "was the tar really hot?" Nick told her it was very hot. Then Ella switches gears and makes a comment about the weather, " I don't think UT knows what hot is!" Ha ha good one Ella, it is a very cold day. Ella's got the quick wit that her daddy has.

Super kids with a super daddy! 

We had Ammon over for dinner tonight. We had broccoli cheddar soup but I accidentally misread the recipe. I thought it said 8 cups of cheese instead of 8 ounces. The soup was very very cheesy but surprisingly still very good. The kids had a blast playing with uncle Ammon. And he had some news for us. He's going to get back together with Kim. They had broken up for a while but they both miss each other and they're going to get back together. We like Kim so that's good news for us.

Sat Feb 20th

We had a slow morning. Ella did her homework and then the girls played and played and played. Bonnie came over for a little while and they all had a good time. Link took a really long snooze and woke up happy. After Link woke up, we went to the pool and swam for a good three hours.

For dinner we had chicken broccoli and couscous. Then we went to Ella's activity day evening of excellence. Ella didn't have anything to bring but they had asked her to give the closing prayer. It was probably a smart move of them to ask her because we probably would not have gone otherwise. I'm glad we did though, The talks were good and it felt good to be involved in Ella's new activity days program. 

The only terrible part was that Ella chose to sit in the front row and Link and Ella both had a bad case of the tooties. And their mother had a bad case of the giggles. I had to hold in my laughs so hard. It was very mature of me, I know but I just couldn't help it. Way to be reverent Brooke, way to be reverent. Then when I got home I realized that my pants had been inside out the entire evening. I had to laugh hard again. How embarrassing. Overall a very embarrassing night. At least I got in some good laughs... it's been a while since I laughed that hard.

Fri Feb 19th

Ever since Lincoln learned how to walk he's wanted to be very independent. He wants to be big boy now and he lets us know that by screaming when ever he doesn't get his way. Walking really has opened a new and exciting door of possibilities for Lincoln. All of the sudden he can go places he's never been before, reach new heights, and explore new venues. Walking has made him want to be free. He doesn't even turn around anymore to make sure I'm following him. He just sees something he wants and makes a sprint for it. That doesn't mean he doesn't have his clingy moments, but overall he's become a lot more independent. And I think it all began with his walking. I think Link's new theme song is "I'm a wanderer". 

I helped out at Ella's school today. I'll link wanted to do was climb the stairs over and over and over again. That little boy and his stairs. After school we went straight to the curiosity museum. The kids had a blast playing outside on the zipline and running through the maze. Link had a blast exploring with his new found leg freedom. He gave me a heart attack though when he wandered away while I thought he was underneath the table with the girls. Scariest minute of my life!! I couldn't find him anywhere and the girls and I were running around like crazy people. Finally we found him because of his screaming. I guess that's one way to make me grateful for all his screeching. 

This is the face I found when I finally found Link. Oh little Link! 

The girls were so cute playing together at the museum. While we played outside Ella kept saying "We're on an adventure today!" Lisey sliped on some ice and started crying. Ella said "we never give up until the task is done" and then came to help her up and they continued on their adventure. So cute!

Party at the Curiousity! 

Lisey: "Look mom I went potty!" I peek in the toilet to see her little turds and she whispers to me "it's magic. I did that." Haha kids say the darnest things. 

Wed Feb 17th

We drove home today. While Nick, Ammon and I were getting ready to go today, mom took Lincoln for a walk and Cameron entertained the girls. That means going for a sweet ride on the minibike. 

Not a terrible drive. We had to make a lot of extra bathroom breaks but no major melt downs or anything. It was nice having Ammon along. He's good company plus he helped with the driving and the gas. I miss San Diego but I have to say, it's very nice laying in my own bed again. 

Thurs Feb 18th

Lisey woke up in a super good mood today. As she was going potty this morning she asks me what we're going to do today. I told her that she has preschool and we also need to go to the grocery store. Then while a huge smile on her face, Lisey says "I want to go to Jesus' house today". 

Lisey has been helping me clean this morning and put away all the clothes from our bags. I told her that it was almost time for preschool and that we needed to get ready to go, then she says "I want to clean all day! My name is cleaner girl!" 

Thurs Feb 11th

Another magical day at Disneyland! Amber didn't come with us this time, but we met up with Bri and Harper and our neighbors Brittney, Bonnie and Johnny. They came down to Disneyland too! We didn't even plan it like that but we were chatting and found out we were both going down to Cali around the same time. 

This time we did a lot more of visiting the princesses and getting their autographs this time around. 

We also got a chance to go to California Adventure for a few hours. We saw Mickey and Anna and Elsa there. We also go to go on the Tower of Terror... Which was crazy fun... Well at least Bri and I thought it was fun. The girls thought it was rather scary. Then we saw the Parade of Color where they shoot water everywhere and shine lights into it to make images. It was a cool show about Walt Disney and how he came up with the ideas for Disneyland and his movies. I guess it was more like a tribute to him. It was very cool to watch. They even shot fire into the water. It was really cool. Another great day at Disney.

The tower of terror!! Ella and Lisey really did think it was terrifying! I thought it was awesome! 

Tues Feb 9th

Mom took these cute pictures of Lincoln yesterday on one of their outings. She and dad had both Link and Mary for most of the day. She said Link was really happy and kept eating all day. They played catch together and Barbies. It was a great Giga and Link date. 

I went for a run with mom this morning. Nick had to do some work, but in the afternoon we went up to Old Town with Harper and Bri. We started out in the Mormon Battalion. Link was not feeling sitting for the presentation so he and I walked around the grounds. I think the girls liked the show though. I'm glad they got to learn some church history. 

Then we went to an old fashioned candy shop. Lisey got a candy necklace and Ella got a huge lolly pop. Then we went to a Mexican restaurant. 

Link loves Harper so much. It's so cute to watch him with her. He's so gentle with her. They'll going to be great lifelong friends. 

Link has discovered the joys of skateboarding. He gets the proudest look on his face when we stands on it. He loves to lay on it too and paddle with his feet. He's so smart! Skateboarding championship here Link comes! Watch out Tony Hawk! 

Tues Feb 16th

Nick told me that at See's candy yesterday Ella says to him "dad I have to tell you something, but I don't think you can handle it." 

Nick: "ok, what is it Ella?"

Ella: "I don't really like chocolate that much."  

Haha! Ella has such a way with words. That is shocking news though. 

We ran up Black Mountain this morning. It was pretty hot, but way great. It was so clear up at the top. We could see San Diego the city and even some islands that are in Mexico! I can't believe how amazing the weather has been this trip! I think it's been warmer then a lot of the days of summer here. I never want to go back to the snow! 

After the run we went to La Jolla beach with Bri, Harper and Amber and her kids. Ammon and Cameron decided they wanted to walk to the beach following the stream that starts at the reservoir by our house. We picked them up at Del Mar after their adventure. 

We stopped at Marshals while we were waiting for the boys to come and we got some fish tacos at Finns (taco Tues only $1.50 each!). We didn't get home until about 7:30 and we were all pooped. We tried to watch Pirates of the Caribbea but most of us feel asleep instead. It was a great day and a great trip. I'm so not ready to go back to Utah! 

 

Mon Feb 15th

This morning I went to the beach with Cameron and Ammon. The waves were super awesome and Cameron and Ammon both did super great. I did ok. I got up for a few on my knees and a very few on my feet but it was very fun being with my bros. Afterwards we were all pooped and got monster burritos to eat.

While we were at the beach Nick, Mom and Anne took the kids to the mall and Costco. 

The kids had a great time with their daddy :). 

Then Cameron and Ammon and I went up the hill on the minibike and did the slack line. Cameron and Ammon both made it all the way across, which was pretty amazing. I made it almost half. My balance is lacking I suppose. Oh well maybe next time. It was still a great time. And then the boys and I played some ping-pong until Nick came home with the kids. We had Cosco pizza for dinner and watched Everest. It was a great day in sunny San Diego.

Fri Jan 22nd

Nick had meetings most of the day, so I was pretty much on my own for fun. I went to the gym and hung out with Britania. 

Mom sent us this pic of her with the kids at the Provo city temple open house. 

Our last night of feasting. We got a ton of dishes. Go big or go home or in other words: Go big and go home big ;)

Thurs Jan 21st

They canceled our trip to Haiti today because there is rioting on the beach. We had a good time playing on the ship, even though we were way bummed. We played volleyball, swam, and played ping-pong. Overall a great day. 

Sat Feb 6th

We made it to San Diego! Link took a nice long nap so that made the first 4 hours of the drive really nice. I'm so glad Link slept bc he definitely did not sleep last night at Kekoa and Crystal's house. I felt so bad because he woke up crying several times and I'm sure the whole house could hear him. It was a fairly miserable night. But we made it through and were here in San Diego so all is well. 

Giga and Papa were at Cameron's Cindarella play, so we Took the kids to play at the park to run off some energy. Then we all went to dinner at Café Del Sol y Mar for a yummy welcome to San Diego treat.

Wed Feb 10th

I went for a run with Amber this morning. I took Link in the stroller and he was a great boy.

Then we went to La Jolla beach. It was a gorgeous day! I went out with my snorkel and wetsuit and swam out to the reef to see what I could see. The water was pretty murky but I still saw a great big orange garibaldi and few giant striped fish. When I got back Nick and I took the girls out on the rocks to see the tide pools. The tide was low enough that most of the rocks were exposed and we could see quite a bit. We saw lots of tiny baby crabs, a few sea slugs and lots of hermit crabs. It was great being out in the sea together as a family. It's so great being able to share the things I adored doing as a kid with my own children. I love San Diego.  

Sun Feb 7th

Ella's pure and simple testimony that she bore in church today: "my name is Ella. I know that Jesus died for us so we don't have to suffer as he suffered and so we can return home to live with our Heavenly Father. I know the church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." I felt the spirit so strongly as Ella bore that testimony. I am so proud of you Ella. 

"Take your youth where they can feel the spirit" -Pres Oaks

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith" -Pres Ukdorf 

Fri Feb 5th

This morning Lisey and I were making heart valentines. She wanted to make one for "my parents", Anne, Cam and Jesus. She looked up at the picture of Jesus up on the wall and said "don't look Jesus" and proceeded to make a lovely card for Jesus. Lisey you are so sweet! 

More craziness. We decided to leave today for San Diego instead of next Tues. It always surprises me how long it takes to get out of the door. I worked from the moment I woke up and swept my way out the door. But we made it out, only an hour and 15 mins later than we planned. Unfortunately that made it 5:15 aka traffic time. 

Nick was really irritated that we didn't make it out on time. I took his degrading words for a long time, but I finally snapped and told him to shut his mouth. That made him even madder. We haven't talked much since. I know I need to apologize but I'm still feeling upset about how rude he's been to me the last 3 hours. I guess I was rude too. I'll have to apologize soon. 

Thurs Feb 4th

I was in charge of Bunko tonight. It made the day a whirl of craziness and stress. I cleaned cleaned cleaned and cooked cooked cooked cooked and went shopping two different times, once for food for bunko and another time to get the prizes. Like I said... CRAZY!

 Nick was really helpful. He took Link with him to the gym. Then he took Ella to tutoring with all the kids in tow. Then he fed them and got them all to bed. Way to go super dad! 

I think Bunko went ok. It's definitely a lot more fun when it's not at your own house. I got the prizes from Deseret book  and I think most people liked them. I made zucchini stew and beef stew. I think those are both delicious, but Nick told me after that he doesn't think most people like zucchini like I do. People probably ate it to be polite I guess. Oh well at least it's over and I don't have to host again this year. 

Tues Feb 2nd

True love: letting your baby wipe his snotty nose all over your face as he attempts to kiss you.

Ella had a bad case of diarrhea this evening. She moaned and sat on the toilet for several minutes, serveral different times. At one point when I went upstairs to get her some new underwear, she had accidentally pooped in hers, she had especially painful bout of diarrhea. As I was headed back downstairs I heard her praying. She asked Heavenly Father to help her to feel better and she thanked him for the many blessings he's given her. It was a sweet and sincere prayer. I know Heavenly Father heard it, I just hope it's the right time and His will to heal her quickly. Either way, I could see Ella's faith in her prayer and I know Heavenly Father did too.

Mon Feb 1st

I'm Snow is falling all around. On the house tops on the ground. Snow is falling on our car, on the driveway, near and far. It's a cold and windy and very very snowy day. I woke up early and got ready to go for a run outside. Then as the sun came up, I peaked out and saw the frozen frozen earth. Needless to say I didn't get my run outside. I did do the stairs just over 50 times. And I danced around the house keeping my body moving for a long time and lifted weights and did crunches. Something's better than nothing is what my mom always says. And that is what I did today...something. Random somethings but still something. 

I did laundry today and cleaned up the house. I wanted to get out go to the store or something like that it was just so cold. 

Around 1:30 I went out to the car to go get Ella for tutoring. The car wouldn't start. Nick was about to go to work, but he stayed and helped me jump the car. Then as I tried to get out of the driveway, the car got stuck. Luckily Nick was home and could help me shovel the driveway. He decided not to go into work today so that he could drive me to Ella's school so I wouldn't have to drive in the snow. What a sweetie. I was very glad I didn't have to drive in the snow because it was slippery out there. At one point, after tutoring, the car got stuck again in the snow and I had to get out and push it. I would've been scared silly if I was left alone to drive in all that crazy snow.

We finally made it home alive and in one piece. Then it was time to do homework. Homework is going to be the death of me. It is such a nightmare to try and help Ella to get it done. She gets so distracted. Usually I try very hard to be patient with Ella while she's in distraction mode, but tonight after a long day and all that stress, I was very worn out and my patients was short. After keeping in frustration for a long time, I finally snapped. I yelled at Ella and she cried. I gave myself a mommy timeout to cool down and then apologized. We finally got her homework done and was able to play, which is what she wanted to do the whole time anyways. 

Nick started his BYU Idaho application to get the ball rolling. Unfortunately he realized that it was due  today, February 1st. I helped to make some pretty good essays but in the end we realized he needed his ecclesiastical endorsement to turn his application in anyways. It was a sad realization that we had just barely missed the deadline. Bummer. 

We had family evening and got the kids to bed then started folding the mountain of laundry. It's been a long frustrating day. I think most of this frustration came from this blasted snow. At least it's over and we can start fresh again tomorrow.

At least cuteness came out of the day. These kids are very cute.