Book Fair Bonanza

I LOVE books.  Hmm.  Let me rephrase that: I LOVE new books.  The thought of going to the library and checking out books that some kid sneezed on or coughed the bubonic plague all over doesn't appeal to me (you know librarians don't disinfect their books).  Last week Jeremy got sent a home note stating that he would be going to the book fair on Monday.  However, I never got that note.  My mom was deathly ill last week and she forgot to give it to me.  So Jeremy went to the book fair and came home with a list of books that he wanted.  11 to be exact, totaling over a hundred dollars.  I love books, but when you are saving for a vacation, $100 for books is A LOT!  So I sat him down and said that he could choose 1 book.  Out of all the books he listed (spiderman, goosebumps, marvel) he chose "High School Musical's Awesome Eats Cookbook" yes that is right, a cookbook.  All night I tried to convince him that he didn't want a cookbook.  He held firm.  I looked at the price $17!!! for a cookbook!!!!  What are they making filet mignon?!?  This morning I tried one last ditch effort to talk him out of getting a cookbook and his response was:  "Mom, I don't want to be like you.  I want to be able to cook.  Besides, me and Dad can spend lots of time making good food for you." So grudgingly I went to the book fair today and grabbed his cookbook.  When I went to the cash register I was told that the books were buy one get one free.  So I looked at his list and chose the next most expensive book:  "Oh Say Can You See."  It was a book about the National Anthem.  Why Jeremy wanted a book about the National Anthem I don't know, but I was getting my money's worth.  When I dropped them off at mom's house, Jeremy was so excited and the look on his face was priceless:

So once Jeremy masters one of his delectable recipes, we will invite you down for some good old High School Musical eatin'.

Nighty-Nite

So Matt's profession is somewhat, how shall I say, BORING.  I don't like numbers.  The sad thing about it is, Matt LOVES talking about numbers and reconciliations and ledgers.  He could go on and on and on (trust me I know this from experience).  A few years ago we were driving up to Nephi.  It was late and Matt was getting TIRED.  One little sentence changed all that.  "So Matt, what are you learning about in your accounting class?"  Suddenly, a constant hum of accounting terms is being thrown at me and my eyelids start to get heavy and I was out and sawing logs in a matter of minutes.  Matt, however, was wide awake.
So last night, I could not sleep.  I was tired but I just couldn't sleep.  Matt started to drift off and I knew that if he continued, he would be asleep and I would be up for at least a couple hours.  Desperate I leaned over and asked, "What did you do at work today?"  Suddenly he sits up and starts yammering about payroll and GL stuff.  I listened for a few minutes and then my brain shut off and the next thing I remember was my alarm going off this morning.  I tell ya, it's better than any sleeping pill.

A Blast from the Past

This weekend I went up to one of my old roommates wedding shower.  It was great to see her and catch up on old times.

I met Holly (love you best friend) and we headed to the shower together.  Amber (the one in the middle) is getting married on April 25.  We'll be in Disneyland, so we will miss out on the reception, but I am so happy that she found someone to spend the rest of her life with.  Congrats Amber and I wish you the best.

I Should Be In Public Relations

Many of you know that I am REALLY good at getting what I want.  Most of the time, I get what I want.  Or I can convince people to give me what I want. I can change a totally unwilling husband (my brother - who is just as stubborn if not more than my Grandpa Garrett) response of NO!  We can't afford it!!  To the response of "OK Have a great time."  I should work for the White House.  If I were spinning things, we wouldn't be in a financial crisis at all.  It would be more like an opportunity for new growth and investments.  So here is how it went down:  My family (which includes my mother):
 
Linsey's family:
 
and Jenny's family:
 
are all going to Disneyland:

I got it into my head that I should invite the Kansas City Bailey's to go with us.  I figured that Louis would have rotations and school and couldn't get off, but that doesn't mean that his wife and kids couldn't enjoy the happiest place on earth right?  So here are the Baileys:

So I called Louis and told him the plan and he said no way no how.  They don't have ANY money because he is going to med school.  I told him the benefits of a family vacation.  He said he would talk to Sheridy about it.  Later that night, the answer was still no.  Well, I really wanted them to come (and I usually get what I want).  So I called my mom and my sisters for reinforcements.  Each took a turn begging and trying to convince said cheap-o (still love you though) brother to let his little family go to Disneyland.  When he got home from his rotations for the week, the answer was still no.
We interrupt this blog for a "soapbox sermon"
"Hem hem.  Let me start off by saying that vacations just aren't practical.  Everybody can always use that money for something else:  improvements on their house, food storage, braces, a new car, entertainment, etc.  The list goes on and on.  BUT - there is absolutely nothing that beats a family vacation.  The memories made will last their entire lives.  And I am amazed how vacations can cement a family so close together.  So, to me, it is worth it to sacrifice a little to make a fantastic family vacation possible.  It is possible.  Also, people would surprised how affordable Disneyland really is.  Bottom line: nobody can really "afford" a family vacation, but everyone "needs" a family vacation.  Sermon over.

OK, so after all my familial attempts to coerce Louis into relenting had failed, I decided to pull out the big guns.  When Louis and Sheridy were dating I HATED her.  I really did.  I am not proud of it now, but back then she was the devil to me (even though she did nothing wrong).  Now, she is like my sister and there is no family drama or any bad feelings at all.  So I told Sheridy to tell Louis how awful it used to be and how now we are all begging her to come on vacation with us.  So I hung up the phone and 15 minutes later Sheridy called back screaming, "WE'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!!!"
Like I said, I am pretty good at getting what I want.  I am so excited that almost all my family will be with us, April 21 can't come soon enough.

I'm a Little Excited

So Matt and I have decided to go to Disneyland.  They had killer deals on tickets and we even got a free night in our hotel room.  So we booked it.  Needless to say, I'm excited.  I was so excited, I made the mistake of telling the kids that we were going to Disneyland.  So then every other minute they kept asking "When are we going to Disneyland?"  "Do we need to pack our suitcases yet?"  So finally, to stop the never ending questions I made a countdown calendar:
 
They move a little family picture of us on the tea cups each morning.
We are leaving April 20 and driving down to state-line (staying at buffalo bill's) and then we will be in the parks April 21- 25 (staying at the del sol inn).  We'll drive home on Sunday.
My two sisters are bringing their families on the 23th and staying through the 25th.  I am excited to be all together at the happiest place on earth.
Both my mom and dad have had Bailee and Jeremy busy working to earn money for the trip.
Jeremy has gone to help his Grandpa on the farm everyday.  Bailee folds towels and helps Grandma do the dishes and cook.  I have been on the Disney boards trying to map out a plan of attack.   Matt has even made some dinner using the Disneyland recipes.  We had chicken fusilli last night.  It was so yummy.  It tastes just like the fusilli at the Pizza Port in Tomorrowland. 
If anyone has any tips, let me know.  Did I mention that I am excited!!!
So, I'm going to add some of my favorite shots from around the parks:
This is the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  It is one of my favorites.
  
Matt's favorite ride in California Adventure.  The Tower of Terror.  I have to post a pic from the inside too:
Creepy!!
 
Bailee's favorite all-time ride - the Tea Cups!
 
One of my favorite rides:  Splash Mountain!

Matt's all-time favorite - the Haunted Mansion!

The Big Cheese himself - Mickey Mouse!!

I figured I end with an awesome pic of the fireworks.  So in just 32 days I will be there.  Anybody care to join me?

Transgressions

It was the word of the night. Every kid stumbled over it, except for Sam. That was the only word he got right. It was a great FHE. Sharon made some awesome Pelmeni and then we played Aricles of Faith Concentrations. The kids loved it.

This one was a little harder for the kids to memorize, but they did ok:




It was a great night and I am glad that we were able to share it with the Payson Morrills. Good Food, Good Company, Great FHE!

Like a Little Girl

So this weekend, Matt was acting like a little girl.  Whining: "Why don't you write a blog about me."  I looked at him and asked if he was serious.  Forget the countless others.  His birthday, our anniversary, etc.  So here it is Pookie, just for you:
1.  I love the fact that I can call him Pookie in front of everyone.  Back when we were dating Matt told several HORRIBLE jokes.  It got so bad that we banned him from telling jokes unless we were at a Denny's.  So late one night, Matt told me the Pookie joke and it was so BAD that I started calling him Pookie.  Eight years later, it is my favorite pet name.  My kids have even started calling him that.
2.  I love that he has absolutely no concept of  gender roles.  He PREFERS to cook, and he really enjoys doing the laundry.  He has gone up to members of the ward (old ladies mind you) and asked for recipes.  He's not ashamed about it either.  He could go on and on about the best ways to prepare an egg.  However, the next minute, he will be downstairs watching how to rebuild an engine on Horsepower TV.
3. I love how hard he works.  He really does.  He works full-time up at pinnacle Monday thru Friday and then Saturday he spends all day working out to the meadow.  He is busy guy, and he teaches his kids the value of hard work by his example.

4.  I love how emotional he gets.  Matt is a sap.  He loves to gush about his family and one of his  favorite things to do is tuck the kids into bed every night.  Bailee has him wrapped around her little finger and he knows it.  All she has to do is look at him and his heart melts.
5.  I love that our priorities are the same.  FHE is important to Matt.  He loves to help the kids with their talks and scriptures for Primary.  He wants to spend time with his family when he gets home from work.  He looks forward to our date nights just as much as I do.  He likes to go on family vacations.  He helps Jeremy with his school work and reading.  And he knows that a family rooted in the Gospel will be able to overcome anything that might come our way.

I love you Pookie and I hope that you enjoyed your list.  You are a great dad and a wonderful husband.

The Difference Between Me and a Grown-up

So I have been reading a lot about the "Big Love Controversy."  Frankly, I am peeved.  How dare they?  To air such sacred ordinances is insensitive and for what?  Ratings?!?  It really bothers me.  So while we were in my Dad's office at the church I started ranting about it.  And then I asked him what he thought about it.  This was his response:  "Well, that certainly is their right."
That is the difference between me and a grown-up.  My dad understands that those kind of things don't really matter.  The only thing that matters is what I am doing and how I am becoming a better person.  Even the church has said, it "as an institution does not call for boycotts..." and "Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness..." 

I Am Amazed!

Jeremy has come a long way from the first of the school year.  Most days, Jeremy can be found doing this:

Actually all he ever does now is this:

Thankfully we have shelves of books.  So Jeremy has been grabbing books and going to town.  He sounds out the words and when he gets stuck he comes and asks me or Matt.  I am just amazed.  My little boy is reading and he actually likes it!!!  They are having a contest at school.  If each kid reads 500 minutes during the month of March, they will get a free ticket to 7 peaks water park.  Jeremy is very excited.  So if you have any book suggestions, I bet he would be happy to hear them.

Godhead

Success!! We finally had a FHE with no hiccups. Last night was great. After dinner we headed downstairs for a little "Aricles of Faith Concentration"

I was surprised at how quickly the kids got the answers right. Once all the numbers were off the poster, they then had to try to decipher the Article of Faith.

Matt helped them a little bit, but they got it and then we played the song from the Children's Songbook CD. The kids were dancing around and singing the song. They even let me record some of it.

I am so thankful for my family and how excited they are for family home evening. Even though it was a lot of work, it was one of the best lessons we have had. I absoultely love to watch my children and the excitement that comes from learning something new. I am grateful for the family home evening program and I know that we will be a stronger, more close-knit family because of it.

I Just Had to Share This

So I was perusing sugardoodle this morning looking for some FHE ideas, and I struck gold.  So I figured I would share what I came across.  I found an idea to help the kids memorize the Articles of Faith.  They are keys with the article on the back.  There is blank one for their name and one that the kids can check-off when they memorize that article. 


So each week we will do one article of faith.  We might have to take two for the 13th.  But I figure I will make a little poster about the article and then play memory, listen to the children songbook songs on the articles and then have dessert.  Sounds like fun right?  Anybody want to join me?

I Have Strong Feelings Against March!

I don't hate March, but I do have strong feelings against March.  I think it is because February is such a big month in our household.  It is full of this:
 
and this:

and this:
 
March, however, is full of this:

and this:
 
leaving kids bored:
 
No offense to those who just love March.  I just can't wait for it to be over so I can so some of this:

and some of this:

So only 26 more days until the month is over and they can't come soon enough.

I Just Can't Win

Month ago I took Jeremy in to see the Doctor and that particular doctor looked at him and told me that there was nothing wrong with him.  He said that I need to stop being overprotective and only bring them in when they are on their death beds.  I'm not joking.  He really did tell me that.  So obviously I didn't go back to that guy again. 
This time.  Jeremy started getting a fever on Monday, but he was still running around and eating like a teenager.  Tuesday, it was a little worse so he stayed home from school.  Last night he was burning up!  So I called the doctor (Dr. Jones, he's actually really nice and caring) and got him in.  They took his temperature and it was over 103!!!!  The doctor came in and determined that he had both an ear infection and strep throat.  Yikes.  He did say that if anyone in the household started to get sick, just call him and he would call in some scripts.  As we were leaving he jokingly said "Don't let it get that bad next time."  So one doctor tells me not to bring them in unless they are on their death bead, and when I do that, another doctors tells me to bring them in sooner.  I just can't win.

Month of Love Celebration #9

The last one of the month. Also known as, the weekend of hamburgers. This weekend, we went down to Cedar City and stayed with Linsey and Ray. I talked Matt into leaving work early so we could get on the road earlier - but it came at a price:

Unfortunately, Matt insisted on eating at Brad's. It has never been a place I enjoy going (as you can see)

But his birthday comes only once a year. And look how happy he is:


After our "delicious" dinner (and the first of many hamburgers to come), we headed out to Newcastle to spend time with the Tullis'. After everyone arrived and got settled we played a little "Hit the Deck." It was late and everyone was slap happy, which made the game all the more interesting.

The next morning, I literally had to drag EVERYONE out of bed to make it down to St. George for Kohl's Doorbusters. Matt got a very emo shirt.


We, of course, had lunch at In n Out burger (hamburger #2). It was here that the Morrill's passed a milestone. Our kids are now too big to share a meal. We started out just buying them a hamburger to split. Not five minutes later, both kids have devoured both the burger and the fries and were asking for more. So now, they need their own separate food. After lunch we let the kids blow off some steam at the park.



After Matt and Dad has visited every cowboy store imaginable, we headed back to Linsey's. For dinner Linsey and Ray grilled up some burgers (#3 and counting). Then we had a little birthday party for Megan (she's one year old), after she opened all her presents, Jeremy and Bailee gave Matt their carefully picked out presents.

Jeremy gave him a Batman movie. The one with Val Kilmer and Jim Carey. I don't remember what it is called.

And Bailee gave him a hammer. Apparently, in her mind, the only gifts you give to boys are tools. It was a great (and WARM) day, and I am glad that we got to spend time all together.