Did you know...

...that when Lilah runs with her arms folded she falls down?  At church we try to get the kids to walk with their arms folded.  She usually gets one out of 2 and always falls down! 

...that Madeline got a new outfit from Grammy for her birthday?  It's totally Madeline, leopard print skirt with a bow (which she tries to sneak on during the week as play clothes) a black shirt and a brown velvet vest (that I do let her wear during the week).  She got to wear it to church today with a fancy new hairbow from her aunt Trina and she thought she was hot stuff!

...that Calvin loves to tease?  He told his dad there was a man in the bushes when his football rolled in there and he had to go get it.  He said it was a sniper.
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..that Anna Elise got TWO Pizza Hut 'Book-it's' this month?  So we just had to try their new Dipping Strips for only $12.  It fed our family and everyone LOVED them.

...that Sally is now 26 weeks along, just starting the third trimester?  I'm feeling pretty good with the exception of my hips - they hurt, a lot.  This new little nameless girl seems to be very active and kicks and moves, but usually when it's quiet.  The kids always want to feel her kick but she seems to sleep when they are around.  She's practicing for when she gets here =).

...that Mike watched three car wrecks on his way to pick up cabinets on Friday?  We were glad when he got home save and sound!

Single Mom

This past week Mike went to his yearly NHance Convention.  He leaves for work at least once and sometimes twice a year.   He's been doing it for 4 years now and I can't say I ever get 'used' to it or like it.  I can say that the kids were remarkably well behaved this time.  Anna Elise was especially helpful.  Maybe it's because I've never been this long without an infant and usually have one when he goes, but the work seemed light and the time passed quickly.  I had some help from friends and other then being extremely lonely at night (and unable to sleep) it was ok.  Mike had a good time.  He flew to UT for the Convention.  They always treat him well, he was able to learn some great new things, was introduced to some new products, and participated in some fun activities while there, including a USU basketball game with their famous student cheering section.  The only picture for this post was taken by a fellow franchisee and emailed to Mike.  I had to laugh at the picture - this is Mike if he ever has to sit and listen to anything for more then 30 minutes (yes, that includes sacrament meeting and well, any meeting).  He swears it's the only time he fell asleep.

Some fun things we did while Daddy was gone:

• had school off on Monday, so we slept in, did lots of playing, and ALL went grocery shopping
• had 2 hour delay on Tuesday, so mom felt 2 hours behind all day! 
• went thrift store shopping with a friend on Wednesday, it was 50% off and I think I'm hooked, we got CUTE shoes for Lilah and for the new baby for only $1.50 each!  I bought 'skinny' clothes for me too.
• had dinner with some friends on Thursday and went to bed way too late! 
• went shopping at the outlet mall and got to see 'mouse in the clock' at the Yankee Candle Store with friends

I'm very thankful for Mike and that he is usually around and helps out so much at home, with both of  us working and both of us taking care of our growing family it takes a lot of coordination and I'm grateful to have him!

Lovely Lilah

Our lovely Lilah was not quite so lovely this week.  She is really regressing with her potty training to the point where I'm ready to put her back in diapers (but I won't).  She won't stay in bed at night (she tries to climb in bed with everyone else) and today she redecorated her room and gave herself a make over during nap time.  Calvin came and told me she had found a red marker and drawn on everything.  Luckily it was one Anna Elise's old school markers and although it's not technically washable - it kind of washed off.  She drew all over her wall, window frame, sill, blinds not to mention the window.  She drew on stuffed animals, books, and all over herself.  She had marker on her face, hands, and stomach.  Later when we were getting her ready for bed we found drawing down her back - at that point I clued in that she'd had some help!  Calvin had apparently found her and then joined in and then told me about it.  We think he drew on her back and helped her with her stomach and she did the rest - but you never know.  It was exasperating when I thought Lilah did it, it's less cute when your 5 year old helped!

Lilah has learned to open her bedroom door this week so nap time is even less fun for mom now.  She has decided to undress at night, and is throwing real temper tantrums now.  We sure love the two's!   It's a good thing she is so cute!

Happy Birthday Madeline

Madeline turns 4 tomorrow!  We celebrated today with donuts for breakfast, cake for dinner, and presents in between! In usual Madeline fashion she didn't care what day we celebrated.  She had a pink cake - not just pink frosting, but pink cake - we bought a strawberry cake mix and she loved it!
She loved being sung too at primary today and she is excited to be closer to 5 (so she can ride the bus).

Girl Baby Names Update

I got a great response from my last post - thank you for all your help!  It was a lot of fun and I feel like I need to respond to everyone.  So - here is where we stand now.  I checked the website that Emily left for me and I LOVED it.  I don't know how I missed it.  After using it I  came up with a new favorite - Joslyn (or Jocelyn as Chantal suggested at probably the same time I was looking it up).  Of course Mike doesn't like it, but he didn't throw it off the list either.   When he got home last night he had a new idea, Clarissa, which is what Amber suggested.  That is definitely a contender.  I have to tell Jessica and Anne Marie that I love the name Claire, in fact I like it so much it's Lilah's middle name - so I can't use it. Brittney - I really like the name Josie.  I had forgotten until you suggested it that I had it on my list of girl names when I was younger (actually Brittney was on my list then too =).   Anne Maire I loved your list of names.  Emmaline reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, there was an Emmaline at the school she taught at...and if you have another girl and name her Lilah (or Lila or Lyla) that's cool with me, April Ann does have an Annalisa!
Anyway, I don't know if I got everyone - oh Sarah, yes I really like the name Scarlett (and Ruby too) but I don't know if it really fits with my other girls.  Anyway, I appreciate all your suggestions - we now have a few more names on our list of possibilities.  We still have a long way to go, but I feel much more positive about our options!  If anyone else has any other suggestions, let me know!  Thanks again!