Celebrating the New Year!

This year we rang in the New Year with some of our close friends and neighbors. Brett and Nicole Rowe and Joe and Crystal Albrecht and their kids, Cambree and Tevan joined us. 

Our festivities began around 7 p.m. and we started the evening out by munching on appetizers, drinking yummy slush and eating some delicious desserts. After gorging ourselves, the kids played downstairs, while the adults played several games against each other. We had a great time playing games and visiting. When the New Year approached we put on party hats, shot off a cool confetti cannon for the kids and blew on squawkers. The kids seemed to have a great time, including us big kids. 

After we rang in the New Year we headed downstairs to our mak- shift photo booth. I had found a cool background and some photo-booth props at Wal-Mart and had set it all up in the basement. The kids and adults had a great time taking a few pictures before heading home. As a party gift, I wrapped up some Hershey Kisses in some party bags and printed out cute labels that said, "Midnight Kisses" for everyone to take home. It was such a fun evening spent with some of our great friends.

Time Out for Women

My dear friend, Crystal Albrecht, invited me to go to Time Out for Women with her mom and Sisters at the Maverick Center in West Valley, Utah. Time Out for Women is a convention for women to attend of the LDS faith. It isn't put out by the church but they have several amazing speakers come and speak, as well as, several LDS singers, songwriters and musicians. The conference took place on a Friday night and Saturday day. It was such an uplifting weekend of inspiring messages and uplifting music. 

The theme for the weekend was entitled, Inevitable Light. Some of the speakers on Friday Night we got to hear from was Sheri Dew, Olympic Gold Medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace. For the music portion we got to listen to pianist Josh Wright and Sandra Turley.

On Saturday we heard from Several Speakers: Sister Elaine Dalton from the General Young Women's Presidency, Emily Watts, Kris Blecher, Wendy Ulrich, and Camille Fronk Olson. Mercy River provided the musical portion. 

I wish I had enough space to write about what each speaker spoke about but that would take up so much space. However, they all spoke about sharing our gifts with others, overcoming trials and trying to become the very best selves we can be. It was a much needed pick me up, because so many times I am so hard on myself when it comes to being a mother. I sometimes  feel like I don't measure up and can be so hard on myself. Going to this convention reminded me that I do have worth and no matter what my talent is I need to share them. We aren't all given the same talents so it is important that we share them with others!! 

I had so much fun spending time with one of my very best friends listening to some inspired messages and great music. I am so grateful I got to share the weekend with Crystal's mom and sisters.

Birthday Time!

When did I get to be so old? I turned 33 this year. I am kind of getting to the point in my life where I don't want to keep track of how old I am and just enjoy living! I am loving my 30's and I love how I finally feel secure in who I am and what people think of me doesn't seem to bother me so much. I truly just enjoy being me and spending my time doing things that make me happy and spending my time with others who make me happy and make me a better person. However, I feel like Time seems to be speeding up and I hate that feeling. 

Despite feeling older, I did, however, have a nice birthday. Mark took the day off from work and we went and saw Disney's movie "Maleficent" while the kids were ate school. We also went to lunch too. I had a nice relaxing day and Mark and the kids spoiled me rotten!

A week later, we went out to eat for my big birthday dinner with our friends, Joe and Crystal Albrecht. Crystal also has a June birthday and we begged our husbands to take us to the Melting Pot  Fondue Restaurant to celebrate our special days for a joint celebration and date night. It was a great evening! We had a great time visiting, enjoying each other company and gorging ourselves on delicious fondue!

Lunch Date

One of Karmindy's strengths is that she is a friend to everyone she meets. Karmindy has a lot of gal pals but she also has a lot of guy pals too! It is something I admire about her. She truly loves everyone and when she sees a friend it isn't unusual for her to go up to them and give them a hug or pat them on the arm. She is very tender-hearted and just loves people. I am pretty sure she gets this trait from her mom because I also love being around people and making friends. She makes me a proud momma! 

Since Karmindy had an all girl birthday party, her cute neighborhood friend Keegan was a little disappointed he wan't invited to her princess party. We didn't think any boys would really want to be invited. My bad and a lesson was learned for next year! However, Keegan still wanted to spend some time with Karmindy for her birthday. So I made Keegan a deal and told him that we would have a playdate and we would go to Chick-fil-a one afternoon for a playdate. He seemed to perk right up. Keep in mind, Keegan and Karmindy's favorite place to eat and eat together is Chick-fil-a. On the day of the lunch date, we picked Keegan up and headed to Chick-fil-a. Keegan and Karmindy both have a love for Scooby Doo things right now and so knowing how much Karmindy loves Scooby Doo, Keegan wrapped up a Scooby Doo movie and some Scooby Doo action figures for Karmindy's birthday. (The movie has been viewed at least a dozen times and the Scooby Doo action figures haven't left Karmindy's side). Both Karmindy and Keegan had a great time eating their "nuggets" and playing in the playplace. After Chick-fil-a, we went back to our home and let the kids play. It was a nice afternoon for both of them. I sure love my little social butterfly!

Friends & Frozen Princess Night

We have been so fortunate to have new neighbors move into our neighborhood. We are particularly grateful for our friends the Albrechts. Crystal and Joe Albrecht moved into our neighborhood with their two children, Cambree and Tevan about a year ago. We have become fast friends, and they have become like family to us. I have especially enjoyed getting to know Crystal,  we have so much in common. She is like a lost sister I have always known. I am also so grateful that our kids are around the same age! All four of our kids have also become fast friends and we enjoy the time we get to hangout for "game nights!"

Today was the last day of Spring break before heading back to school, so while Kaleb and Tevan went over to the Albrechts to play, the girls came here to our home for a play date.

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Karmindy and Cambree truly enjoy being together and when Cambree got here the girls played hide and seek and then spent the rest of the time making cupcakes with Karmindy's cupcake maker. The girls had a fun time giggling and decorating their cupcakes. I love the little relationship these two girlies have. It is so fun to listen to their conversations. 

While the girls were playing, we got a special surprise in the mail. Mark and I ordered Karmindy an Elsa dress from Etsy to wear for her birthday party/Halloween this year. When it arrived, we immediately had to try it on! Karmindy was thrilled and enjoyed twirling with and singing with the pretty sparkly cape.

 After Cambree left that evening, Mark came home from work and we headed to dinner with the kids to celebrate our last day of Spring break. I happened to also know that Chick-Fil-A was doing a Frozen princess night from 5 to 8 p.m. and knew that Karmindy would love to meet the princesses from the Popular Disney Movie. Elsa is her favorite princess and I knew she would flip if she saw them. When we arrived at Chick-Fil-A it was a nut house. I swear everyone this side of the valley was there. After a while it died down but it was still pretty busy with customers and the lines to see the princesses were long; however, We figured it was still cheaper than a trip to Disneyland.! Bahaha!

Karmindy enjoyed watching the princesses sing, "Let it Go!" and enjoyed meeting them in person. I think the movie has come that much more alive and real to her after meeting them! We are so glad we could indulge Karmindy's small obsession with the Movie, "Frozen."

Fun with Neighborhood Friends!

With all the new homes that are being built in our neighborhood and ward, we have been truly blessed to have some amazing families move into our little area of the world. One family in particular that we have become fast friends with is the Albrecht Family. Crystal and Joe Albrecht moved into our neighborhood this past year and our families have just meshed. Their two kids and our two kids are about the same ages and Crystal and Joe are also our ages. It has been so fun to get to know them. Our kids play great together and it has been so fun to be able to get together from time to time to play games, have BBQ's and just hang out. Crystal has become one of my very best-est gal pals and I truly enjoy hanging out with her and spending time with her. We have a lot in common and have enjoyed many a afternoon crafting, watching reality tv, and working out several times a week in the mornings. I am so grateful for our friendship and love when you meet a friend who inspires you to be a better person. Crystal is "my person."

This past week, Crystal was working and Joe was headed to a Jazz game and so they needed someone to watch their kids. They asked us and we were happy to help them out. After school, Cambree and Tevan came over and the kids hung out all afternoon and evening. For dinner, we splurged and got pizza and bread sticks from Little Caesar's. 

The weather was nice enough to eat out side and the kids enjoyed that. After dinner, the kids played until I took them back to their house for the evening to get ready for school the next day. The boys had fun playing the Xbox/mine-craft and the girls enjoyed playing dress ups, putting on makeup and giggling and teasing their brothers. 

It was a fun night for my kids to have their friends over. We are so grateful for the many wonderful friends we have in the neighborhood we live in!

 

Best Buddies

Over the past couple of years, Kaleb has gotten to know a great little friend. His name is Anthony Nixon. Kaleb and Anthony have been in the same classes at school for both 2nd and 3rd grades. This past year (3rd Grade) the boys have become even better friends. Anthony and his mom and two brothers have been living with their Grandparents here in Riverton, while their dad was deployed with the military. It truly is a small world because I found out that Anthony's Grandpa(that grandpa he was living with), Steve Thomas, is the high counselor over the Stake Primary Presidency that I have been serving in. Brother Thomas, is such a sweet and kind man and I have truly enjoyed serving with him.

This past December, Anthony's Dad found out that he would be able to come back and live with his family in the states since his deployment was up. That meant that Anthony would have to move back to Georgia where his family was living and had a home.

When Kaleb found this out, he was very sad to think that Anthony would be leaving. 

Before the Anthony moved, I promised Kaleb that Anthony could come play and I would take the boys to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. The boys had a great time together. It has been a few weeks since Anthony has moved and Kaleb truly misses his friend. I feel for him. Anthony and Kaleb had so much in common and actually looked a lot a like. It was pretty cute and crazy how much they had in common.We hope that in a few years that Anthony will be able to move back to Utah and Kaleb and Anthony will be able to go to Middle School together.

Here is another picture of Kaleb and his good friends from school!There just isn't anything better in life than having a good, good friend.

Feeding the Ducks....

 Karmindy is quite the social butterfly; especially when it comes to hanging out with the boys. I think it comes naturally to her since she has an older brother to play with and emulate. Karmindy has quite a few little "boy friends" in her classes at school, church and in our neighborhood. I am thankful that she can get a long with the boys and be rough and tumble but she also knows when to be girlie. On this particular day, Kaleb was at a Cub Choir Practice for the Century of Honor Scout Program at the Conference Center, we wished that we could've gone and watched him but only a select people were being allowed into the building during the practices. Since Kaleb was gone to his practice, Karmindy was feeling really left out, so we said she could invite a friend to go and do something. She chose her friend Keegan Smith. We picked Keegan up and took Karmindy and him to get some Chick Fil A for lunch and then headed to our favorite Herriman Park. We let Karmindy and Keegan eat, play on the playground and then lastly went over to the pond to feed the ducks some bread. Karmindy and Keegan had a great time together! I am so thankful for my kids friends!

Witches Brew Ha Ha!

I love all things Halloween and Witches and so when I saw that Gardner Village was putting on a Witches Brew Ha Ha 5k, I thought it would be fun to get a couple of friends together and sign up for the race together. Nicole Rowe, Crystal Albrecht and Liza Hood joined me. We decided we would just walk the race and it was fun. None of us are really long distance runners so it worked out well to just walk it. Plus, the four of us, along with a couple of other gals in the neighborhood had been going walking 3 times a week in the mornings so walking a 5k wasn't too difficult for us because we had already been doing it!

The 5k was such a fun event, we dressed up in our running gear and donned our witchy tu-tu's and witch hats and took off. All the participants were given light up necklaces so we could find our way on the trail. It was so fun and I hope we can do it again next year. When we finished we got a cute little finishers medal and a darling Halloween shirt. It was such a fun night with friends!

Friends

 Karmindy has had the opportunity to make some pretty fun friends over the past year or so and I am grateful for that. Karmindy loves to be social and play with friends and have them over for playdates. Karmindy has had the opportunity to get to know several new friends this past year and what good friends they are to her. Karmindy loves her friend Avery Wallin. Whenever the girls get together they enjoy dressing up and playing with Karmindy's princess dress ups and putting on make up. The picture above is of them one afternoon after I dolled them all up. Karmindy wanted to use her make up from her birthday that she had gotten from Avery and so we pulled it out and had a fun time using it. I also got out some of my make up and the girls were so excited. They have a cute little friendship!

Last year while Karmindy attended Small Wonders Preschool, she was able to get to know a little boy in her class. His name was Jake Simmonds. Karmindy and Jake were inseparable throughout the year. They really bonded and banded together. They loved doing everything together in class and were truly so respectful towards one another. I love when my kids find really good friends that help them and lift them up and bring no drama! It is very rewarding to watch. I am so grateful Karmindy has a friend in Jake!

Just a few weeks ago, Jake celebrated his 6th birthday and he invited Karmindy to a super hero birthday party! Karmindy was so excited to go and she said she had a blast. They had face painting at Jake's party and Karmindy came home looking like a princesses. Literally! I love the job they did on Karmindy's face paint. I thought it was very creative!

I love watching my kids grow and develop and it makes it extra special when they have good friends in their lives!

Boating with Friends

Our neighborhood is growing and new families have been moving into our ward. It has been so fun to get to know all the new families in our ward! It is also fun to get to know families that have lived in the neighborhood but don't quite get to know too well. Mark and I were invited by our friends, Matt and Liza Hood to go boating with them and a couple of other couples in our ward: Jason and Natalie Bradford and Joe and Crystal Albrecht. Mark and I love waterskiing and boating and were grateful for the chance to go and do something we enjoy doing with friends. All eight of us had a great time. It was so nice to get to know everyone and laugh and water skii and wake board. The weather was pretty moody that day and we got rained on several times but that didn't deter us from having a good time. I am so grateful for good friends near and far!