Back to April...

Remember that one time I got so close to catching up on my blog? Well, then I got pregnant. Enter: survival mode. Be a mom (barely), work (barely), eat (barely) and sleep (I did this one well). That's about all I could manage to accomplish. And then last week I miscarried. But that's a story for another day. For now, here I am, back to catching up on my blog. Only six months to go. We'll see if I can manage that before life strikes again.

Jason is obsessed with Henry Weinharts (I told him if we have a boy we're name him Henry - he didn't object) <> Conference weekend - a giant bag of popcorn and Princess Layla (Lamar's dog) made these girls so very happy <> Headed to Grandpa's Father Daughter campout (I got to stay home alone - I cleaned my entire house and it felt great) <> Hazel's new obsession: looking at batteries (even six months later, she will take battery operated toys to my mom and ask for a screw driver because she wants to see the batteries - I really think this girls' mind is a replica of Uncle Daniel's) <> Home from the campout <> Swimming - still too cold in my opinion, but not for the kids <> I bought a grapevine and it sat in that poor box for over a month (maybe two?) before I planted it, but it never died (until six months later when the tortoises we let stay in our backyard for a few weeks ate it) <> It's always a happy day when last minute meals get thrown together and they are super easy and taste great (baked pasta, watermelon, green beans and bread made from frozen dough) <> Aebleskivers for Conference morning <> And little Miss Destructive/Curious got into my purse... can you tell?

Sister love <> We live really close to a small airport and every now and then they fly these HUGE old war bombers around. They are so loud and it feels like you're in a war move. One time, it was so low to the ground I thought it might land on us (I didn't get a picture of that one) <> Blue lips from egg whoppers <> First attempt at gnocci (meh, probably wouldn't make it again) <> Someone helping with the pineapple <> One night I got home from work late and the kids had eaten at my mom's, so we put the kids to bed and Jason and I had dinner alone after. It was really fun and I decided we should do that more often (of course we haven't, wah wah) <> Hot chocolate on a cloudy, rainy April day <> I finally got caught up on laundry and decided we have way too many clothes.

Hazel

Playing with friends: bubbles and donuts, do you need anything else?

Rodney is helping us with a project so him and Connie have been here often this spring <> Delicious strawberry salad <> Delicious potato bread <> One night on our way home from Kevin's, we saw a firework show and pulled over to watch - it was pretty good <> Gourmet dinner at Costco <> My first experience with Sweet Tooth Fairy cookies (which were delicious) <> And my new favorite late night snack: strawberries with Nutella (I remember buying Nutella when we were first married and thinking it was so gross. I couldn't find out why everyone raved about it. Then I tried it again and I'm not sure if my hormones have changed, but it's delicious now and I love it).

ASU baseball game with Dan and Karen. It was the last game played in Packer Stadium. Also, Hazel does the pitchfork to tell people how old she is, so she was a pro at cheering and all the old people loved it.

Homework on the nook <> Date night with Clara - we ate dinner and went shopping (and Clara pretended to be a mannequin) - this makes me excited for future dates <> Homework outside <> Final Let's Play Music performance where Clara played the song she composed <> Kathryn's girls were with my mom, so they all got to come to the recital <> Gym rehearsal <> Clara had never had a pop tart and really wanted to try one (I think they're disgusting) so I bought some and here she is enjoying her first pop tart.

Margo came over a few times to play. One time the girls helped me water the garden and get the food out (including my Barbie carrots) and another they mixed chalk with water and made a giant blue mess. But they had so much fun!

More Hazel... playing in the water spiraled out of control and first she got her clothes soaking wet and then she undressed and took a bath <> My girls love eating raw carrots - they even peel them themselves <> Experimenting with soap, eggs, pepper, grapefruit and water <> Dipping red peppers into green smoothies - why not? <> Modeling my mini strawberry pies <> Hazel sleeping - she comes into our room way too often but I do love staring at her <> Skateboarding <> Helping me make fruit snacks (they were, by the way, disgusting) <> She couldn't resist the temptation and made Kool-aid (by dumping the entire packet, no sugar, into a tiny cup of water) <> Making the strawberry pies <> Hazel fell off her scooter into the stucco wall and scraped up her poor nose and face. She really wanted a band-aid on it. And of course it made me laugh (not that she was hurt, just the band-aid). 

Hazel, her silly faces and the irrigation. She can't help but get wet whenever there is water around. She loves water.

Lamar needed some help with taxes. I was busy but he said he'd make it worth my time. I was skeptical at first but he colored my hair, did my girls' nails and did gel nails on my fingers and toes. It was really nice to be pampered during such a busy time.

March 2014 - All At Once!

The Phoenix Marathon was on March 1. Ironically, the Phoenix Marathon begins in and finishes in Mesa. This year Ryan ran the full and Lilly ran the half. We went to to show them support. The night before my girls slept at Angela's and the race path went pretty close to her house. After we picked up my mom, trying to make our way to Angela's was rather tricky. But we made it... and then we just had to make our way to the race which wasn't quite as tricky, but we had to go pretty far out of the way. We watched Lilly finish and then went to go get breakfast while we waited for Ryan. We got back just in time to hear them announce Ryan's name (mispronouncing Melzer) and see him cross the finish line. I'm so proud of these siblings of mine. I've never had much of a desire to run in a long distance race, but standing at the finish line and watching the sense of accomplishment and pride on the racer's faces made me think maybe I would like that. It really was a cool experience. That day it also rained. A LOT. My girls had fun playing in the rain and we were all so grateful for the moisture. It had been several months since the last recorded rainfall. I made potato soup, bread sticks and chocolate covered strawberries for dinner. I love soup on a rainy day. The culture celebration for the new Gilbert Temple was that night and it rained and rained and rained the whole time. I laughed a little that after so long of not having rain, we had rain on a day with a lot of big events around the valley, but I didn't hear any complaints. 

Daniel and Ashley in town ::: sisters on scooters ::: wild child ::: little Miss Studios ::: I ate my first Sprinkles cupcake (and didn't think it was that great - I prefer my homemade cupcakes) ::: Clara helping with dinner - Hazel said, "Good job sissy for not cutting your fingers off" ::: Hazel and her friend snuck behind the chair and were pulling every single piece of paper of multiple sticky note pads ::: Angela, Beth, Violet, Margo and Ames came over for lunch and Hazel got a bit muddy

My mom does a cousins sleepover once a month. I LOVE it so much. There's nothing like having a night where you don't have to pay a babysitter and you don't have to be home by a certain time AND you get to sleep in. It's awesome. One night we got to my mom's a little early and Clara and Hazel were catching rolly pollies in the yard. I love my bug-loving Clara. They also found the butterfly pictured and Clara was going to take it home but at the last second decided to let Elsa take it. She's old enough now that I don't make her be nice, so it always makes me happy to see her choose that and see her recognize the joy it brings her.

Hazel running (when the weather is nice, we walk/run/jog/shuffle a lot and every now and then she decided she doesn't like the stroller) ::: Elsa and Clara missing their top teeth together ::: vegetables are so pretty!! (and delicious sauteed with noodles) ::: Jason has a mild obsession with Henry Weinhard soda - I told him we're going to name our first boy Henry (because I actually do love that name) ::: orange trees are so pretty ::: family piano practice ::: Clara was insistent that she do everything at Target when she used her own money to buy something ::: and Hazel was insistent she ride on the bottom of the cart ::: Karen gave me some preserved lemons and I made chicken with them and it was delicious. I liked it so much I made six more jars or lemons ::: Clara still loves to hold my hand

Margo turned 2 in March and she had a art party. Hazel had a party with her ice cream cone.

Crazy bed head ::: pizza popper things I made that were delicious ::: sisters conversing in the windowsill ::: I bought a grape vine and it sat in this box unplanted for months. I finally planted it and so far, it's still alive! ::: a princess and her rings ::: we hadn't had asparagus for a while and it turns out Hazel LOVES it ::: I started playing wally ball and I kept breaking blood vessels in my thumb. I loved going and it was seriously good therapy for my wrists that hurt when I work too much. Unfortunately, I didn't go in the summer, but am hoping to start back up soon. ::: March madness at Kevin and Chrystie's... boys ::: Clara pretending Hazel is the horse - ha ha.

I got a new roll recipe from Kathryn. It is SO good! I decided to make them for the missionaries and clearly my bowl wasn't big enough. But I had enough to make a ton of rolls and I used the leftover dough to make cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning. Both were delicious. It's my new favorite roll recipe.

Clara got to spend the night with Lucy and Elsa the first night of Spring Break. It was Sunday and I figured it'd be about a 1.5 mile walk to their house, so we decided to go on a family "stroll", Clara's suitcase and all. Turns out it's over 2 miles each way and took us a LOT longer than we thought. But it was really fun and the weather was nice so I'm not promising we won't ever do it again. ;)

Lucy and Elsa got to spend a day with us for Spring Break. They painted rocks and explored in the backyard. Later that week, Lucy, Elsa, Leta and Annie went to the park with us while Ryan and Kathryn went to a wedding. After that, I went to a gardening class with Kathryn and my mom. I really liked it, but I feel like life is busy enough without a garden. Maybe when work slows down.

Another day of Spring Break, we went exploring in the mountains with Angela, Margo and Lilly. We found a cabin, saw beautiful scenery, found sand, had a picnic, played in a little patch of snow and drove my car where a minivan doesn't belong. :) I love the mountains and exploring. It was a fun day.

giant laundry basket (aka guest bed) ::: bags are packed ::: we got to go to quite a few of Jason's basketball games. I'm glad there were other kids to play with and that I had someone to visit with. ::: Hazel helping me stir ::: often we'll go out each quarter for Clara's good efforts, but this time she wanted me to make pasta, so I did. We threw in some Martinelli's and had a fancy dinner. ::: snack time on the grass - cookies, milk and mini lemon meringue pies that were way too tart ::: a flower on our pomegranate tree - yay!

Clara made lunch ::: Hazel acted like she was one playing in the toilet paper ::: just my cute girls ::: home from "work" and doing my more important work ::: I laugh every time anyone gets in these ninja costumes ::: Hazel jumping on the tables ::: Hazel wanted to fill out her own tithing slip and did. She's in this phase where her writing looks like Hebrew and makes me laugh ::: My van became a part of the 100K miles club!

Goodness I love these two little sweet girls so very much. I especially love Clara' obedience of being still and smiling in the picture and Hazel's wild personality and the expressions she can go through from picture to picture. I also love that they love each other. They fight, but usually they don't. They are also always comforting each other and worrying about each other. I'm glad they have each other.

And that wraps up March. I'm not even going to take the time to proofread... 

The Rest of February 2014

The night/morning we got back from Disneyland, I noticed Hazel felt warm. Sure enough, the next morning she woke up terribly sick. That night (Thursday), I started feeling sick and sure enough, I caught whatever Hazel had and it knocked me off my feet. It was AWFUL! I seriously don't know the last time I was that sick. I literally laid on the couch for nearly a week. I had a fever for three days, sometimes around 104*. Even once I was able to get off the couch, my energy was so limited. I had to rest for 30-60 minutes for every 15 minutes I stood. It was bad, but I survived thanks to help from people around, including our Elder's Quorum president that dropped off some canned soup. Something that seemed so simple was actually so appreciated because I couldn't cook or grocery shop. So here's what went on during that time: Hazel sick, sick and sick. She basically hung out on the couch for 2-3 days. Clara's second top tooth was SO wiggly but she refused to let anyone pull it for her. Toys. Gray/red tight theme for church. I taught my RS lesson when I was sick. The night before I prayed to Heavenly Father and told him I needed to know tonight if I could teach tomorrow because I wasn't going to be able to call someone to fill in for our 8:30am church in the morning. I felt reassured that I could teach. I felt fine and was able to teach, but as soon as we got home from church, I went straight to the couch. A new way to pick oranges. I laid down anywhere I could when I was recovering. If my kids wanted to play out front, I went and laid in the grass. Ugh, even six months later, I can still remember how horrible that 10 days was and am so grateful for good health.

One day Hazel begged for a picnic. She helped make her sandwich and went and sat on the porch to eat. I love watching my girls be independent. It makes me feel like a good mom.

Hanging out - on the couch - still sick ||| Hazel loves to peel her own oranges ||| For Valentine's Day, we had a little cookie decorating party at our house ||| Unfortunately, Hazel was sick (again! but luckily this only lasted 12 hours) and had to stay inside ||| Riding a tricycle ||| Making Valentine's ||| On my way home from the temple open house, I stopped and got Jason and I Filiberto's to eat on the couch for Valentine's Day. :) I actually think we were going to go out but since Hazel wasn't feeling great, we changed our plans. While eating our classy dinner, we watched a basketball game together and we had a lot of fun. Neither of us cared that we weren't at a fancy restaurant or doing something more exciting. We just like being together and we can show that we love each other any day of the year ||| Technology party in our bed. Every morning |||Hazel and her scissors. This girls has cut more with her scissors than Clara ever could have even thought about cutting. Luckily they were nice straight lines so I was able to tape it back together.

The Gilbert Arizona Temple open house was in February. James missed being able to go with my mom and dad and Lilly, so we had him come with us. It worked out good because Jason got stuck at work and wasn't able to go. We waited A LOT. While waiting to go in to watch the presentation, Hazel threw up. She said her throat hurt and started coughing and threw up all over. James handled it like a champ and helped me with the girls while we got someone to clean it up. He's such a sweet guy and I love having him for a little brother. We sure are going to miss him when he leaves on his mission. The temple was beautiful. I loved being in there with my kids. The next day, I got to go back. This time I met my cousin Lisa, her son Travis and my Aunt Peggy. Since they have never been inside a temple, it was fun to be with them and be able to explain a little more about what we do in temples and why they are so important to us. I love the restored gospel, which includes the sealing power. I love knowing I'll be with my family forever. That brings so much peace. I kept trying to get a good picture when I was there the next day, but there were too many people there. I realized I can go back anytime to take more pictures when no one is around so I stopped trying. :)

Hazel crashing Ava's party and eating pizza with Olivia ||| The tooth finally came out ||| ready to gather oranges with Dad ||| It seems every time I watch Margo, it ends in a bath... ||| Hazel at the park ||| My apples from October were still in my fridge at the end of the February. They started to wilt so I made homemade crockpot applesauce. It was so easy and delicious. Hazel loved "screwing the apples" ||| Lilly + Clara eating chocolate covered strawberries - my most favorite treat ||| Just Hazel ||| And Hazel again with her glowing hair ||| Sisters at the park

Hazel getting into makeup. Again. She loves being "big". At least she got it mostly in the correct spots, right?

Lost Dog Trail hike with my dad in the McDowell Mountain Preserves. This was a great hike. It was pretty easy, but a little longer than some of the others we have done. Clara was such a good little hiker. We even saw a few mule deer which was exciting. One direction we could see the sun, the other the setting moon. I can't wait until it cools off enough to be able to hike again.

Penrod Orange Fest 2014

I missed these pictures last year. :( I was not about to miss again and I even got a mostly successful family picture with our orange eyes. I don't think we'll ever get sick of our orange trees. It is so wonderful having fresh, delicious produce for several months out of the year. I wish all produce grew on trees.

 

We went to the inaugural game at the Cubs' new stadium in Mesa. It was pretty hot out, but fun to be there for such a historical game. I think the girls preferred rolling down the hill and wrestling each other. We all had fun and are glad we went.

Disneyland February 2014

We took the girls to Disneyland for the first time in December of 2012 as a combined birthday and Christmas present. It was fun, but it is so expensive and it's a pretty exhausting trip, so I didn't think we'd go again for at least a few years. But then, Suzanne decided to plan a trip with the Estes family and invited the Melzers. I was going to go only if my parents went. They decided not to go. So I decided not to go. Then they decided to go and Kathryn and Ryan decided to go. So I decided to go. I'm not usually such a follower, but I couldn't help it. Kathryn was able to get us discounted tickets and I wasn't sure if I would have the opportunity to go with so much of my family again. Jason didn't come. My parents and James drove to California with us. The sky was beautiful and James bought me my first vanilla frappuccino.

Lilly went with Ryan and Kathryn. Doug and Suzanne, Suzie, Jill and some of her kids, Jake and Britany, Kyle and Miranda all went too. Emily, Alexis and Justin met us on the first day too. We didn't see the Esteses much, but it was fun visiting briefly with them. The drive over was fine. We left after school on a Monday so we didn't get there until pretty late. We got settled in (we stayed at the Ramada - Main Gate) and tried to get kids to bed as soon as possible knowing we had busy days ahead. The hotel wasn't super nice, but the location was superb since it was across the street from the main gate. I would definitely stay there again. Clara and Hazel shared a bed and were SO excited to look out the hotel window when they woke up bright and early.

Our first day at Disneyland was fun. There were a handful of rides that were closed, but there was plenty to do. 

One thing that was different about this trip compared to our last was Hazel. Before, if I wasn't with Hazel, Jason was, so it didn't feel weird to go do stuff without her. This time, I had to rely on my family to watch her if I went on a ride without her. I didn't love leaving her, so we spent a lot of time on rides together and just walking around when everyone else was on a ride that we couldn't go on. One of Hazel's favorite rides was this rocket ship one over the water in California Adventures. Just like when we were there a year ago, we rode it many times.

That night we watched World of Color. The worker told us there was a constant mist if we were in the designated "Wet Zone" so we decided to stay there anyway. Um, we got drenched. It was horrible! And freezing! I took my jacket off for my kids and huddled behind the stroller. The cupholder in my stroller had about 1/4 inch of water by the time the show was over. The show is awesome, but both of my kids fell asleep, we were wet, freezing cold and exhausted from a late arrival the night before and walking who knows how many miles that day. Needless to say, when everyone else went out to eat, my kids said they preferred to go back to our hotel, get in their pajamas and eat snacks from the car ride. So that's what we did. My mom brought me a baked potato which I ate in my bed at like 10pm while my girls slept.

I had a pretty urgent work e-mail when I woke up that I felt like I needed to respond to. That delayed us about 45 minutes and even on vacation, Hazel felt the need to cause mischief. She put my cover up stick on as lipstick. 

 

Day two at Disneyland was also fun. Other than the Cars ride, the longest we waited for a ride was 10 or 15 minutes. We got to ride so many rides repeatedly and lucked out a few times. Like when the Toy Story ride broke down so a bunch of people got out of line and then it started up within 5 minutes. Or when we went straight to Peter Pan as soon as the park opened, only had to wait 10 minutes, rode on Dumbo since Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was shut down and got back to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride just as they were opening it up. It really made our trip more enjoyable. 

We all happened to be near each other on day two for lunch, well, I guess Suzie and her kids and grandkids weren't with us, but at least we got Jill and her kids and Doug's family!

As dinner time approached, we figured we better get ready to go home. Some of the people wanted to go on the River Raft ride. I told Clara she couldn't because lots of people in my car had work or school the next day. But then everyone said she could go. So she went with James, Kathryn, Annie Lucy and Elsa. Since no one was on the ride, they rode it I think three times. By the time they were done, Clara was drenched and pretty uncomfortable so it's good it was time to go. We headed back to the car so I could drive through the night. I was the only driver that didn't have to work or go to school the next day. Good thing I'm used to staying up until 3am, so I didn't get too sleepy. :)

Some people thought I was crazy for taking my kids without Jason but our adult to child ratio was so high there was more than enough help. I am so glad I went. It was really fun being there with my parents, Lilly and James, Emily and her kids and my extended family. One bummer was my mom hurt her knee so she rented a wheel chair to make walking all over easier. But other than that, it was a very memorable trip and I'm so, so happy I was able to go.