Mon Mar 28th- Wed Mar 30th

Mon evening and Tues I didn't feel too hot. I had diarrhea and a stuffed up head, but I did my best to pretend that I wasn't sick. I Monday morning and went for a run out on the freezing earth afraid that's probably what started my cold off. It started snowing about half way through and my face was frozen. By the evening I wasn't feeling well at all. But I still managed to have family home evening and get the kids to bed. 

On Tuesday I felt even worse and I had had diarrhea in the night. But I tried to pretend like it wasn't there and that seem to work at least a little bit. A nurse came by the house to take some blood and ask me some questions for our new life insurance policy. I guess they don't want to take people that are dying soon on their life insurance plans. The rest of the day I felt rather like a zombie, but I did get to do some painting and I got Lisey off to school. Plus I visited both my sisters for visiting teaching. I also folded some laundry why Link snoozed.  And then folded the rest of it in the evening. Nick had a bunch of big meeting so he was gone all day I didn't get home until about 9:30. 

I woke up still feeling sick but I decided to go for a run anyways. I walked about half of it and ran the other half. I still went 5 miles so I think it was good exercise. I was just too worn out to run the whole thing.

The rest of the day was rather unproductive. I hung out with Nick for a bit, who now has unfortunately caught the sickness. Hopefully he gets better today through rest because tonight at 1:40 AM he has to go on the flight to Indianapolis where he has to give a few big presentations. Poor guy. He's napping now and hopefully that will do him good. 

Bonnie and Johnny came over to play and we made play dough creations. This is the frog Ella made. She was very proud of it and wanted a picture. Nice work Ella! 

Sun Mar 27th

Happy Easter! Ella, Lisey and I all got up to bare our testimonies. Ella's was sweet and sincere about listening to the Holy Ghost. Lisey told me that her testimony was about how Jesus loves her and she loves Jesus, but when she got up to the stand to say her testimony she forgot what she was going to say and I wouldn't help her. I was very proud of her for trying and I know next time she'll be able to do it. My testimony was short and sweet about how the savior died for me and that I know he's real and that he loves us. I said I was grateful for the resurrection and that we can all live again because of the Savior's sacrifice for us. 

We had a ton of people over for the big day. We had Brigham and Spencer, Eliza and Sam, Chris and Camille, Grandma Great, Ammon and Kim and Will. Sian and Steve were supposed to come to but Sian fell and hurt her arm so they went to the hospital and never made it. Poor Sian. She's always getting it some kind of scrape or another. The girls had a fun time playing with cousins. We had a big egg hunt out in the back with 50 eggs. Then Nick set up a trading post and the kids learned a little bit about the economy and supply and demand. 

We finish the night with a spiritual video about Gethsemane. Nick said a few touching words. It was very good. It was a great Easter. 

Sat Mar 26th

In the morning we cleaned and went to target to get a birthday present for baby Claire and a baby shower gift for Eliza. We also picked up some Easter goodies for the kids.

At home for links nap. After you woke up we headed down to Provo for the birthday party and then Eliza's baby shower.

While I was at the baby shower, Nick took the kids to the mall, where he surprised me by getting their ears pierced. I would like to say it was a happy surprise but I was more shocked than anything and rather disappointed. I think it's just because I didn't want my baby girl looking so grown up.

Well I guess it was the ultimate daddy date.  Lisey was a brave kid. 

Fri Mar 25th

Ella had a hat parade at school today and her and I made this lovely peacock hat. Ella designed it, I drew the Peacock face and she made the feathers in the back. I think it turned out pretty nice and so does Ella.

Ashlie came down from Redmond today for a visit. We went to the Curiosity Museum. It was so much fun being with my cousin. It reminds me of when we were in college together and had so much fun. We used to go snowboarding all the time together and I would go over to her house at least five times a week. It's fun being back in Utah so we can make with that more. 

Here's a glamour shot of Ella, looking her beautiful glamorous self.

Tues Mar 22nd- Wed Mar 23rd

On Tues we went to the museum of natural curiosity before Lisey had preschool. I climbed with them up the ropes course and all around. We went with some of my mom friends but Lisey wanted to do her own thing and so we just played together the three of us Link, Lisey and I. 

On Wednesday we went swimming at the pool before Link's snooze. We played with Bonnie and Lily there and I hung with my mom friends. While link slept leasee played with your babies and push them around in her stroller. She also rode her tricycle around and around kitchen. I love that Lisey is getting a more independent and able to play on her own. After school we went back to the castle museum with Ella this time. We had a grand time all of us together.

Thurs Mar 24th

I stayed up stupid late making a shutter fly book because if I ordered yesterday it would've been free. But it took me so long that I wasn't done till 1:30 AM and by then the code would not work, even though I tried it at 12:30 and it would've worked then but I had to have it perfect... Too bad. At least I have a photo book done for the next time when it's free. 

Because I stayed up so late last night I woke up very tired. I didn't make it out for my run and I didn't even get dressed until I was forced to when the door knocked at 9:30. After a shower with both Lincoln and Lisey, we walked to the park and played. While we were playing at the park, Ella's school called and said she had an accident and needed fresh pants. That made me feel bad because this morning Ella had diarrhea and asked not to go to school. Luckily it wasn't a very bad accident and wasn't noticeable. I went to pick her up and just brought her home. She finished up her homework while Lisey was at school and Link snoozed. 

After Lisey's school, her friend Bonnie came over to play. Lisey was being very sensitive about everything. Lisey wanted to play with Ella's gold coins she got from school. Ella said "those are mine. A leprechaun gave them to me." And Lisey says "No! They're mine, Jesus gave them to me." 

Thurs Mar 17th-Mon Mar 21st

For St. Patrick's Day fun and in honor of Nick actually being home, we went to Kneaders for breakfast. It was of course delicious. That was our major celebrating of the day. The kids did wake up to find that Lucky the leprechaun had left a note saying he escaped the trap they set for him and that you can't trick a trickster. I think Ella was just disappointed that he didn't leave them any goodies or treats.

In the evening I went to a relief society dinner to celebrate relief society's birthday. I left the kids home with Nick and enjoyed a true break hanging out with moms.

On Friday I took Lisey and Lincoln swimming at the pool. We all enjoyed that very much. After school we went to Walmart and Costco and rented Shaun the sheep the movie for movie night. It was pretty funny, even with absolutely no talking. Poor Nick had to work from 8:30 AM to 12 at night. He did make two sales though which is awesome. 

Nick was supposed to go and knock another long day on Saturday but I guess the long hours of yesterday and his lack of sleep and much screaming at the Tony Robbins event made his body give way. He woke up very ill and even coughed so hard he vomited, so he decided to stay home. 

In the morning we went to the farm to celebrate national agricultural day. The kids had a blast running free and riding ponies. Then we went home for Lincoln's nap and the girls played together. By the afternoon Nick felt a lot better and so he decided to come with us to the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. It was pretty fun free event. they had the egg hunt and then a three-Legged race, crafts, food and treats and (the kids favorite) cotton candy. It was great to be outside and with Nick. 

Sunday we went to the Provo City Center Temple dedication broadcast. Ammon and Kim came over to watch Link and Lisey so Nick, Ella and I could go. After the beautiful ceremony, we made sandwiches and picnicked at the park.  

Monday I went for a six mile run. After school we met Nick at the mall in Provo and then went onto the Bean Museum for a fun Easter egg scavenger hunt, crafts, and live animal show. We met Sian, Steve and Will there. We had our FHE lesson in the car. It was a great night  out. 

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Wed Mar 16th

I took the kids swimming this morning. We had a great time at the pool. It was a good activity to do before link's nap and I think it helped him to take a nice long one.

We went to the dentist today after school so Ella could get her space maintainer put in. We were late because Ella accidentally forgot I was picking her up and took the bus home  instead. We did finally make it to the dentist but we had to wait a while since we were late. This is link enjoying the dentist chair. 

After the dentist we rushed over to Activity days and while Ella did that Lisey, Link and I played outside at the park in the warm sun. 

Ella came home from school today and declared that we needed to make a leprechaun trap. We asked Lisey if she wanted to help and she said "sure!". We made signs telling him to keep out because leprechaun's never listen (at least that what Ella says). We made some fake gold. Apparently leprechauns can't resist gold especially if it says to "do not take". Ella is an expert on the matter after all. 

Mon Mar 14th

Nick gets home tonight at 1 AM. I am so ready for him to be back. This single mom business stinks. We did all the important things today, like tutoring and family home evening. It's been so horribly cloudy and cold and I do not like the cold or the clouds. It starts to make me depressed and I have to fight hard to keep it from overtaking me.

 We went to Walmart after tutoring and got some Band-Aids and Easter baskets for the kids. Lisey said her legs were so tired when we got out.  Then Ella, being the great sister that she is, told her to hop on her back. Ella thank you for being a good example of kindness. I guess i can say it was a successful day. 

Sun Mar 13th

I totally forgot it was daylight savings last night and when I woke up and looked at my phone I thought we had all just slept in an extra hour. I didn't realize till I looked at the house clocks. Good thing daylight savings time is on Sunday's or else Ella would have probably missed school haha. 

Lisey woke up very tired and irritable this morning. She said she didn't feel good. It's so hard to tell how serious illness is with kids. If they complain of a tummy ache all the time is it serious or just part of being a kid? I looked it up. I guess tummy aches are very common from 4-6. Poor Lisey. I guess you must endure. I made roll-up pancakes for breakfast. They were a big hit, even for tummy-ache Lisey. 

I was feeling a lot of trepidation about taking all the kids to church myself, right during Link's nap. I prayed and asked Heavenly Father to please help Link take an early nap so he wouldn't be so tired and cranky at church. I went to put him down at 10:45 (used to be 9:45am) and he didn't even put up a fight!! Which is a big deal because the last few days he has been wiggling and crying while I've tried to sing to him. I know that Heavenly Father blessed him to be tired at that time as an answer to my prayer. Thank you so much! I think Satan really wanted us to stay home today. First with Lisey waking up so cranky and "sick", then with my fear of no-nap Link. Ella even asked me twice if we could stay home today (not like her). I felt a little tempted, but after Heavenly Father blessed Link to go down so easily for his nap I knew I had to go. And I'm so glad I did! I haven't felt the spirit that strongly I'm a long long time. All three classes were wonderful and I cried lightly in each one. Thank you so much Heavenly Father! The spirit felt so good! I love it! 

After church we watched the Sound of Music and played with toys. It was fun sharing one of my special childhood classics with my own kids. The girls loved it :). It was a great Sabbath...  Except when Link grabbed my hair and would not let go. 

My goodness that hurt! 

Tues Mar 8th

We went to the farm this morning and played dress-up in the afternoon. Lisey had preschool and Link took a nice nap. I worked more on my tax form. This thing is taking forever. I feel like an investigator trying to figure out Nick's year's outings. 

Fri Mar 11th

Lisey's new thing is to say "sure" when you ask her something, even if it was her idea. It's so cute hearing her tiny voice say those words. Another cute thing she does is when she gets hurt and she's trying to explain what happened, she says "wawawawawa BONK wawawawawa!" Almost like she doesn't have the words to describe what happened, but she knows there was a bonk and that it hurt.

I worked on our tax expense form all while Link was taking a snooze and then we went to Ella's school to help out in her class. Afterwards we went to Walmart to get Ella's friend Ally a birthday present. We also bought Barbie spy squad, the movie. We watched that when we got home for movie night. The girls thought it was amazing. From what I saw it looked pretty cool, but I spent most of my time continuing to work on that tax form. After the movie the girls went to bed and I continued to work on that tax form until 11:45 PM when I finally finished it. Hooray hooray. I am so tired I could collapse.

Another beautiful pic by Ella out our car window. Thank you Heavenly Father for the beauty of the Earth. 

Tender Mercy: I had misplaced a package that Adam was coming over to get this evening thank remember a trap where I put it. I felt hesitant to pray for some reason. I knew Heavenly Father would blessed it to be so if it was his will, but I wasn't sure if it was his will. Plus I felt bad asking because I haven't been very faithful in my prayers lately. But then I remembered scripture to ask and you shall receive so I tried it. After I asked I recieved and just like that I remembered where I put it. Oh the tender mercies of God. He is so merciful and kind. Thank you Heavenly Father for your tender mercy on me.

Sat March 12th

Wow that was a horriblily, terrible, very bad, no good night sleep! I went to bed at 11:45 because I was finishing up the tax reinbursment form. Then I couldn't fall asleep for another half hour because all the numbers and things were running through my head. Ella and Lisey snuck into my bed. Ella was moaning periodically throughout the night and Lisey was grinding her teeth and tossing and turning.  I tried to put her back in her bed but she only stayed for a short time. She called out saying that she was afraid.  In the morning she told me she had bad dreams and that she saw ghosts.

 I think she had a fever in the night too. Her whole body was super hot, including her head. I went back-and-forth about whether not to give her medicine, but in the end I decided it would be better for her body to use the fever to fight off whatever she had. By the morning the fever was gone. All those things combined made for a terribly, horrible, very bad, no good night sleep. Plus we all woke up at 6:50 like usual. Yikes. I'll definitely have to watch my cranky level today and try and be patient with Lisey. Tender mercy: Link slept great! He went to bed at 7pm and woke up happy at 8:45am! Thank you Heavenly Father! 

Lisey and I played Memory while Ella was at a birthday party and Link snoozed. 

Ella went to a birthday party today where they went to get their hair, make-up and nails done. I caught this pic of her as she pazazzaled her way back to the car. Haha. Ella: 8 going on 14. 

Ella Fashionista Stephenson

After Ella's birthday party I took the kids to the Dino Museum. Lisey was really tired but I think everyone still had fun. I was super missing Nick today. The weekends are always the worst without Nick. It's so hard to see everyone with their husbands out for the day. Plus I feel like I can't ask any friends to go because they're all spending time with their hubbies. I miss you Nick. I can't wait to see you on Tues. 

After the kids went to bed I cleaned the house. Finally. I had been so busy with the tax stuff, I had let the house fall into shambles. I did a deep clean of the kitchen. And picked up the rest of the downstairs. It will be nice to have a clean house for the Sabbath. 

Thurs Mar 10th 2016

Lincoln is turning into such a kid! The last few times I've come in to get him from his snooze, I've found that he's turned his white noise machine off and he's jumping on his bed, happy as can be! When we went to the pool yesterday he closely observed how I blew bubbles and worked on doing the same! It's amazing to see his little mind working and discovering. 

When I put Link down to bed I always sing to him "I am a Child of God", A Child's Prayer, and Families can be Together Forever. Sometimes he puts up a big fight when I first start singing because he know that it means it's time for bed. Recently though, when he puts up a fight I just sit him up on my chest and rock him in my chair. While I'm rocking and singing, Link sings along!! Not the actual words, or even the right tune, but I am certain that he's trying to sing along. What a sweet boy! 

Link's major frustration in life is trying to get me to understand what he wants. He just starts screaming and pointing when we wants something and I have to do my best to try and figure out what that is. I think he'll be a lot happier when he can talk! He's get closer. I'm pretty sure he was saying a few of the words in I Am a Child of God. 

Lisey had preschool in the morning today. They had a field trip to the dentist's office. I asked Lisey if she wanted me to come and she said sure but then she wanted to ride in her friends car so I decided to go to Costco with link. At first I thought it was a terrible idea. Link didn't want to sit in the cart and he wanted to run free. But then I strapped him in and got an ice cream and we had smooth sailing from there. Until he spilled ice cream everywhere. But it's fine. At least I got the unpleasant job of shopping out if the way. 

Ella took this picture on the way home from tutoring. Utah definitely has a lot of beauty. 

March 4th Friday 2016

We went to temple square today with 

Stephanie Roth and her family. I pulled Ella out of school to go. It was a gorgeous day! Perfect weather to enjoy the perfect House of the Lord. Poor Lisey fell in the freezing fountain. All I had for her to wear was my jacket. Heavenly Father blessed us today by providing that jacket. She would have been miserable and cold without it! Thank you Heavenly Father! 

After a breif nap at home for Link (very brief), we went over to Sian and Steve's for pizza and smash bros. 

Link takes his video game playing very seriously! 

Sat Mar 5th

Lisey was playing with her baby doll very sweetly. She carried her around, patted her back and then put her to bed. When she asked me for a blanket for her baby I said "Lisey your such a good mommy". Lisey looks at me and says "I'm not a mommy. I'm a kid. Kids can't be mommies". Haha silly me. Lisey is so literal. If I say something like "Lisey your name is Silly Billy", she'll say "I'm not Silly Billy. I'm Lisey!" Lisey loves to imagine and pretend, but when it comes to who she is there is no changing it. Lisey. Period. End of story. That's it. Lisey you're cute. "I not cute. I Lisey!" 

We went to the curiosity museum today after Link's nap and spent almost 4 hours there! We spent a good chunk of time outside in the curiosity gardens. We haven't really had a chance to explore out there so it was great doing that today. 

We all had a blast and I think I wore the kids out sufficiently. They all took a tubby shower at home and then we ate and watched the live action Cinderella. That movie is so well made. It's beautiful. Bonnie came over for a bit to play towards the end of the movie. During the credits the girls and I ballroom danced and danced and twirled and twirled. When it was time for bed there wasn't much protest. Everyone was ready for bed.

Nick got back from his trip to CA around 9:40. I'm so glad he's home...even if it is breifly. 

Wed March 2nd

We went to a cat in the hat birthday celebration at the traverse mountain mall. Lisey and link had a great time.

Tues March 1st

March has started out pretty crazy. While Lisey was at preschool I pulled Ella from school to go to the dentist to get her tooth pulled. I noticed an abscess on her tooth that she had gotten the mini root canal on, a few days ago. I figured it was time to get it taken care of. While I was waiting with Ella at the dentist, Crystal called me and told me that Ammon was lost up in Zions national Park. She gave my number to the park ranger and he called a few minutes later. He asked a bunch of questions about Ammon, like what kind of person he is, would he be the kind to drink,is he a good outdoorsman, would he be prepared, and other questions like that. I asked him how serious the situation was and he said he wasn't going to lie, it was a very serious situation, especially if he didn't have a sleeping bag and if they couldn't find him within the next few hours. The worrying began. 

After I got off the phone with him, I went on a hunt for information about his trip. The Ranger wondered what his plans were and I didn't have any idea. I messaged Kam on Facebook to see if she could tell me anything but I never heard back from her. Then I called my mom and calmly told her the situation. Surprisingly mom was very calm. She said that Ammon had told her he was spending a few days in Zions. Next I was going to have Nick drive by his house and see if his roommates had any information. Nick was in a big meeting though and though he would've gone I figured I'd try someone else in Provo first, like Sian and Steve.  Before I could call them the Ranger called again and said that he was found. As it turns out he wasn't lost it all. They had had a late start and had brought sleeping bags and slept on the trail. One hour of worrying. Poor Crystal had had quite a few hours of worry and was rather traumatized by the situation. I guess she had almost died in a canyon before. Anyway this all went down while I was waiting for Ella at the dentist office. The tooth pulling was a success and the poor nurses all cheered when they found out that Ammon was found (I was on the phone almost the whole time I was there and I told them what was happening). I think Ammon was rather embarrassed by the whole situation, considering he wasn't lost or anything. Anyway crazy March 1st right?

Then I talked to Barbara, our tax lady. I have a ton of work to do to get our taxes ready. I have to go through all our bank statements and categorize them my trip. It is going to take forever. But it's better than paying a ton of taxes. Wish me luck.

Mon Feb 29th

Leap day! Just normal Monday things like taking Ella to tutoring and playing with the kids. And then after tutoring we got to hang out with the Roths!! It was such a happy reunion. Ella and Lisey met the boys in the middle of the road and they had a nice long hug. Then things picked up just like old times, the playing, the fighting, the crying, the laughter, and the fun. We had pizza and a pre-family meeting. It was just like old times. I sure do miss them.

Sat Feb 27th

We went to the pool today in the morning and had a good time. It wasn't crowded which was nice. Then we went home so  Link could take a snooze. After that I got to see my friend Stephanie Roth, her new baby and little Jay. It was so fun chatting. I sure have missed my friend. Her new baby is so cute. They named him Jaxson. 

Nick came home in the evening from his work trip.

Thurs Feb 25th

It was free zoo day at the Hogle zoo today. It was craziness. I forgot how much Mormons love their free stuff. I know I do. But I think I may pay next time… 

Lisey was being a little too independent today in the crazy crowded zoo. She wanted to do her own thing and not wait for me and Lincoln. At one point she started wandering head much too fast as I tried to make my way through the crowd and I lost her at a fork in the road. My heart ached and I was very afraid. Luckily I chose the correct fork and found Lisey sitting on a bench a little ways ahead. I think she finally realized that she had lost me and it was not a good situation to be in. I guess that's the one good thing that came out of it. I'd rather not do that again though. I'm not sure if my heart can take it. Link was so tired by the end of the day and cranky too. These naps are tricky business. He did fall sleep on the way home and continued to snooze at home though so that was good. 

Fri Feb 12th- Sun Feb 14th

Cam and Anne's play was a big hit! Cam was the Prince and Anne was a towns person. They both did so so well! We left Link at home sleeping, with a babysitter watching over him. The play was totally sold out and then some. It started half an hour late because they had so many people that wanted to come in they had to set up extra chairs. We got awesome second row seats. We had several people tell us that their kids told them to come to this performance because the prince (Cam) was so good. When Cam came onto the stage I screamed and cheered.  It through Cam off a bit, but Cameron told me after he loved it. Cam always did love positive attention. Cameron did great. And Anne really came out of her shyness for the performance. Way to go Anne! 

Us waiting in anticipation for the play! 

On Sat we went to the beach. It was so hot! It felt like a summer's day! The kids had a blast with the cousins and Aunties and uncles. I had fun surfing with my brothers! 

After the beach we went to China Fun for dinner. Delicious as always! 

Sun was Valintine's day. We had delicious steak and a whole lot of desserts. 

Giga dolled up Ella for church. So cute!