I can always count on Aileen for a good laugh

First of all.....today, I told Aileen that the Joyner's had invited us over for dinner on Weds night. She said, "Maybe they thought that since daddy is gone we could use some company". Then she paused for a moment and said something that made me crack up:

"Maybe that's why their called the "Joyner's". Cause they have people "join" them."

It was the cutest thing ever.

Aileen also recently turned my bed into an ideal movie watching area and Parker decided he should join her. (If you can't tell.....it's a pop up tent set up on my bed.)

It never fails.......

So, Sam left before the crack of dawn (4:00 am) this morning for a 2 week trip. It NEVER fails. When he leaves one of the kids (usually Aileen) gets sick. Aileen woke up this morning and immediately went to the toilet, "Mommy, I think I'm gonna puke". She spent the morning complaining about her stomach and moping around, and since Sam is gone we all had to stay home from church. About 2:00 Aileen said she felt "tons" better and was fine the rest of the day. I am suspicious........maybe she was nervous or sad or didn't know how she felt about Sam leaving again, even though it's just for 2 weeks this time (not 8 months). Anyways, she's feeling better, but it never fails....sickness comes when Sam leaves. :)

Happy V-Day

Aileen and Parker woke up to lots of fun gifts and candy. Grammy (my mom) and Aunt Krissy (my sister) sent them V-day packages, too. So, they had lots of stuff waiting for them this morning when they woke up. (You may be thinking...."is Aileen holding a shark book?". Yes, she is. She LOVES sharks and other ocean creatures. So, she got a book on sharks and rays and another on whales and dolphins. She was way excited. Parker is in love with Backyarigans so he got a new DVD.)

These are the beautiful flowers Sam sent to me and Aileen. Aileen was super excited to have flowers all of her own. What a good Daddy.

Aunt Krissy sent them V-day shirts. They are too cute, aren't they?

And finally........if you remember I am NOT a baker. I attempted a pie at Thanksgiving which turned out pretty good. So, I have once again broadened my horizons and made pretzels for the YW. Honestly.....it wasn't that bad. It's not that I can't do this stuff.....I just don't like to do it.

Later today we are going to dinner (an early dinner) with some friends for V-Day and then we will come home and watch the NBA All-Star events. Perfect evening if you ask me. Skills challenge, 3-point shooting contest and of course......slam dunk contest....will Dwight Howard top the "Superman" from last year.........??????

V-Day evening.........we were going to go to Outback, but our reservations didn't work out, so we ended up at some little mexican place. It was actually pretty good food. We had a fun time hanging out with awesome friends.

We all got a kick out of the big chili man and the margarita sign.

It was a really fun day.

Pay it forward

You may have seen this on other blogs - you sign up to receive something homemade and crafty, and then you pay it forward by doing the same thing for 3 people who sign up to do it on your blog. So here’s how it works:

1. Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and I will send you a handmade gift sometime in the next 3 months.

2. You get to pay it forward as well by doing the same thing for 3 people on your blog.

3. Once you leave a comment telling me that you want to participate, you need to make a pay it forward post on your blog within one day.

4. No gift requests. The gift I make and send to you will be made totally at my discretion! It will be made specifically for you by inspiration:)

Fairytale in the making

Once upon a time there was a little Princess named Marissa. She was a fiery little sprite who LOVED to sprinkle the Kingdom with cereal and crayons. Prince Parker, from a neighboring Kingdom, would often come over to play while the Queens worked their royal booties off (hopefully literally...he he). The Prince and Princess could often be seen sitting on the steps enjoying a snack together.

One day, during a normal visit, Princess Marissa sweetly gave Prince Parker a hug.

"Woa!!" thought Prince Parker. "Now's my chance to try my sweet skills".
Prince Parker made his move. It did not go well.

Prince Parker went home that night to sit on his throne and read a book to try and get some inspiration on how to win the fair Princess Marissa's heart.

A mischievous laugh escaped him as he devised a plan that would surely work!

Princess Marissa was unable to deny it any longer and finally accepted the Prince's affection.

Will it be happily ever after?????????????????????

Thankful

I just had to take a moment and thank my Heavenly Father for giving me such wonderful friends. Friends who inspire me and motivate me. Friends who make me smile and laugh. Friends who push me to reach a certain goal.....who I'm sure don't need my motivation as much as I need theirs. Friends who serve selflessly and love their Savior and Father in Heaven. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, and I am so thankful for the blessings that they are.