parties...sort of

 Mason had his Valentines Party on Monday, but it wasn't a party.  They exchanged valentines and had a treat and drink.  Where's the party?  I was told it was due to all the snow days we had and the teachers needed the time for work instead of a party.  I won't be surprised if next years "party" is similar.  I think it's sad. 

Carson's party was Tuesday.  They exchanged valentines then they frosted and sprinkled their own cupcake.  These kids are so sweet and well behaved.  I hope some of these kids are in Carson's class next year. 

my valentine

I wanted to surprise him today and take him out to lunch, but instead we made it a date.  I never know when he'll be in the office.  Besides, when he is he's usually on a conference call.  I didn't want to take a chance.

I love you Bri!!!  Thanks for lunch.

warmer

 Thursday I noticed this fountain when I was dropping Karlee off at school.  It was still that cold.

 Friday is was in the 50s and we couldn't wait any longer.  I took the boys to the park.  Adam loved the gazebo...and the ducks.

Bailee went on a VC camp out on Friday night. Then today we went to Mason's basketball game and Carson starting saying his stomach hurt.  He was sick.  He didn't make it all the way to the restroom, but he was close.  Brian was grateful he didn't go to the boys bathroom.  Then he would of had to clean it up instead of me.  :/  With Carson sick that really lighten up the rest of our day.  He had a game and 1 then a bday party at 2:30.  He was very upset he couldn't go to the party.  It was a Chuck E. Cheese. 

Since our day was free, Brian helped Mason work on this project for cub scouts.  He did a great job and was very excited to finish it. 

Tonight we were all going to go see the Harlem Wizards.  Now Brian will be going with Mason and Karlee ( Bailee has a babysitting job).  I'll admit I'm disappointed I won't be going, but I know Carson would prefer me to snuggle with him since he's sick.  Also, I think I can get Carson to the bathroom faster than Brian. ;)  Mason had an assembly at school yesterday to see the Wizards in action.  He's extremely excited.  I'm going to send the camera with Brian.  Maybe he'll get some good shots.  My fingers are crossed.

den leader

Have I mentioned...that I was recently called to be the Wolf Den Leader?  that I know nothing about scouting?  that I never had a desire to learn about scouting?  It's all true.

I've now had a few Den Meetings and you know what?  It's kinda fun.   I have three boys.  Mason, his non-member friend from school, and another boy from church.  They are all good boys.  I think I might like it.  Shh...don't tell anyone.

I went to the Scout Shop for my shirt and patches.  Ouch!!  They're expensive, not to mention the hours of painfully hand stitching the patches to my overpriced shirt.  Oh well, I'll have that shirt forever. 

Mason has been asking for a scout hat ever since he became a cub scout.  Today, I gave in.  This one looks so much cooler than the traditional cub scout hat. After I had checked out, I noticed they had a cookie cutout!!  Now I'm set.  I can't wait to make some sugar cookies for all the boys in our Den. 

funny story

"My wife Lizzie came home one day giggling, handed me a piece of paper while saying she loved the story on it. It read: “Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona then she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.  As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a white bag on the seat next to Sally.'What in bag?' asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the white bag and said, 'It's a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband'. The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said 'Good trade.'"

snow day...again

My iPhone couldn't decide if it was snowing or hailing.  :0)

Outside it is cold...very, very cold.  But the roads are fine.  Ugh!!  We now have three days to make up for school.  Two days were already built into the calendar. 

birthday

Today is my Mom's birthday.  I love this picture of her with Mason.  This was taken November 2003 in Florida at my oldest brothers wedding. 

My Mom taught me soo many things, but there are two that stand out the most. 

• When sharing, one person cuts and the other one chooses. 

This happened last week when Bailee was about to eat the last cinnamon roll and I told her I wanted half.  So I asked her, do you want to cut or should I.  She pulled a face and replied, if you cut you do it even.  Imagine that, we get equal parts.  I ended up cutting and Bailee chose.  Not much to complain about that way.

• Give your spouse a "real" kiss.  It helps every situation.

When we lived in California there was about 3-4 months that Brian and I didn't discuss a certain topic, it always made us fight.  It was during my pregnancy with Mason which of course compounded every emotion I had.  On Mason's blessing day it all came to a head and I was a mess.  All of Brian's family was there and my parents.  My Mom came to me, when I was a crying mess, and told me to give Brian a "real" wet kiss.  I was a little surprised to say the least.  She told me to go find him.   So I went and found Brian and gave him a "real" kiss.  It melted our hearts and helped us to communicate.  It didn't fix the problem, but it caused us to feel the love that we had for one another. 

These two things might seem silly, but to me they are wise.  Advice that I will pass on to my own children.

I miss you Mom.  I know you are in a better place and without pain.  But I still wish you were here...

missionary ~ almost

This handsome young man, Brian's nephew, received his mission call yesterday to....

Bucharest, Romania!!

He leaves June 29.  I'm sure he's very excited.  We are very proud of him.  He's such a great example to all of his cousins.

Go Chase!!!

Day 4 ~ no school

Can you believe it?!  Another day of no school.  But this day will be fun.  We have snow!!  Real snow.  I went outside before the kids were awake so I could get a few pictures without foot prints all over.  It's beautiful...and peaceful.

 It's has been 84 hours that we have been below freezing.  If we're lucky tomorrow afternoon we should make it to 34 degrees.  I'm surprised it took this long to form, but we now have ice on our pool.   

 Before breakfast, before 8, we all went out to play.  We were the only ones out and we were noisy.

 This is sad, but this is the first year everyone has boots.  No ski pants, but two pair of pants work very well.

Off they go to the park.  I think Stella had fun too. 
It's still snowing...

We're going to try the movie again today.  Wish us luck!