a noble attempt

We are "that family" at church...getaway toddler, crying baby, if I leave with one they all try to escape.  One difficulty is our chapel is filled by 10 till so the overflow is usually our option and the gym on folded chairs makes getaways all the easier and noisier. Still, there are plenty of families that manage.  I've taught many a lesson at family home evening on being reverent in which the kids can be model students.  We've role played, bribed, threatened and still struggle.  My latest attempt was this simplified quiet pocket of activities.  I think there was a few more minutes of quiet (but not much).  We'll keep working on it, I think time is on our side for this struggle.
The pocket activity:
The puzzle used craft sticks, glue and picture. This idea came from pinterest...I wish I could link you but it was one I didn't pin, I saw a picture and figured it out.
The paper pocket:
 I got old scrapbook paper and sewed up the sides after I folded it, and then added some stickers a notepad (5 for $1 at the dollar store) and a few colored pencils. 
Note: I made them the same to nix squabbles about what someone else my have and tried to make it activities that didn't just turn church into playtime but a quiet time to listen and have little hands occupied.

here comes peter cotton tail

We enjoyed a beautiful Easter weekend.  We skipped the city hunt for a little one in the neighborhood at the Seely home.  It was just a beautiful morning in a beautiful yard.  Later that afternoon we went to the Sarvela home for an Easter extravaganza...egg dying, hunt, and dinner.  It was such a fun, fun time.  We rounded the Easter weekend off in Springville with the Stika crew to enjoy a delish Easter dinner and celebration of Josh's b-day.  With all those fun celebrations I kinda felt like there was no need for the Easter bunny to stop by on Sunday morning.  Noah came home from school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wondering if it was still Easter because the kids at school said the Easter bunny had already came and gone.  He was pretty devastated.   So Thursday while we were cleaning the kids found an egg with a note/clue to find a basket where grandma and grandpa would soon be living.  That sneaky Easter bunny, how did we miss that egg ;).  So Liss saves the day again...the Easter bunny left a basket for Noah, Clara, and Rowan and the magic keeps on glowing.

princess p-a-r-t-y!

A magical day for our little princess Clara.  All the neighborhood princesses (and a few lone astronauts) gathered for a grand ball, delightful treats, crafts, and even a visit from "ariel".  Success!  Happy Birthday my girl!

clara's b-day note

My Sweet Clara Jane,

You are my forever side kick.  Through thick and thin I'm glad you want me by your side.  You are incredibly smart, and intuitive.  You love your independence,  I so wish at times I could help you work through things (esp emotions) ...it's part of my mommy job description! :)  Three was a challenging, big year.  There were three major illnesses, a hospital stay, you started preschool, primary and dance.  I am continually awed by your braveness. You are funny, silly, sweet, strong willed, shy, creative.  I love your imagination!  I love how loving you are to Baby Ben.  I love drawing pictures on your back and singing you lullabies.  I love when you play nice with Rowan and Noah, they sure love to play with you.  For the lucky that get a chance to see the real Clara they just love you and find you charming, fun and enchanting. 
XOXO
mommy

a few anicdotes of late...on our way to a play date the street was lined with "popcorn" trees (blossoming spring trees).  She was giddy, and excited.  "mommy look at all the popcorn trees!  I think we have a few minutes to stop and get a snack, we could bring ellie a popcorn ball too!"
She wants to be called a new name every day in the past week its been: Alena, Puppy, EmmaEllie, and Barbie (boo) but due to her inability to form "r's" it comes out "Bobby".
From Ben's birth Clara has been his little mommy.  She can make him belly laugh more than anyone.  She always calls him her "born baby".  I see her looking out for him all of his days.
For a little one that struggles daily with difficult meltdowns I am always so grateful how she is able to finally turn it around and be full of joy once again. 

I started a birthday interview to keep through the years...(thanks pinterest, for the idea)
1. What makes you happy? you (me/mommy...heart melted!)
2.  What makes you sad? tornadoes
3.  What's one of your wishes? a pony set
4.  Favorite color? pink and purple
5.   Favorite food? top ramen, artichokes
6.  Favorite song? Twinkle, One little light on the Christmas tree, I am a child of God
7.  Favorite game? memory
8.  Favorite show? Curious George
9.  Favorite movie? Dora and Tangled
10.  Favorite animal?  Stuffed ;)
11. Favorite book? Tinkerbelle, Angelina Ballerina
12.  Favorite drink? milk
13.  Favorite Holiday? Christmas
14. Favorite toy? kitchen and cupcake bear "Sprinkles"
15. Favorite outfit? Bedazzeled dress from Claire for her b-day
16.  Who do you like to play with? Row and Noah
17.  What do you like to play?  making rivers outside with the expensive house water (we have irrigation so I'm always telling them not to play with the expensive house water outside)
18.  What do you want to be when you grow up?  A princess, Rapunzel
 Should be fun to see how it changes through the years.  Love, love you my girl!

my cuties

Yes, I let them run around like little rag-a-muffins most of the time but they are still pretty cute to me.

while josh was in hong kong

Beck came to play, more like work.  I was supposed to be out visiting her, but alas, the trip was trumped for China.  Kids were sick most of the week (like deep suctioned, breathing treatments etc).  We did sneak in a few activities before we knew how sick they were.  Clara did her first scripture in church, she was so brave!  I had to snap a picture for Josh. We also went to Temple square.  It  has great museums to check out that are free, and child friendly.  We loved it. Josh's business trip to Hong Kong went well.  Noah just made it into the Chinese immersion program so hopefully in a few years will have some fluent speakers of our own to help us out while traveling. Our first visit to China was in 07. I was pregnant with Clara and missed Noah so desperately I didn't think we would ever go back!  

we are pbs kids

K-BYU sponsored an awesome kids concert and activities for Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Steve songs are enjoyable for the whole family.  His music is fun, teaches great concepts, without the "kids will only like me if I'm crazy and over-the-top".  I had my hands full with just me the littles, but definitely worth the trip.  He let all the kids come on stage and sing with him and then stayed after to meet everyone.  Now when the kids see him on T.V.  , they are pumped.