I am loving being back in the habit of blogging more the past few weeks; so even though I missed last week, I’m going to try to touch on some of the fun things we did for the past two weeks.
I heard something I really like from a guy in our ward. He says that when he’s feeling weighed down by life, work, responsibilities, etc. he likes to look through the pictures on his phone and remember all the good things that have happened in his life. I feel like that is a really great, simple and easy way to remember just how much love and joy Heavenly Father sends us! This blog post is kind of like an extension of that idea.
One thing I have continued loving is our new version of Family Party where the kids get a chance to arrange the activity. Almost two weeks ago, when it was Carter’s turn, we had a fabulous family craft night! Carter started collecting potential craft supplies–like strawberry clam-shells, cardboard boxes, etc.–the week before and added those to the other craft supplies we have on hand. Everybody found a way to make something creative and new, and everybody had a lot of fun!
We crafted up until past the kids bedtime, so we left a lot of the stuff on the table. The next morning, when I wasn’t paying attention, Helen decided she was ready to play with the craft supplies again….
But how can you not love her?!
This past week it was Portia’s turn to choose the activity. She chose a family karaoke night! She and Josh made sure it was super impressive! We had Josh’s new giant speakers, fancy lights, and a disco ball. Here is a video of Portia rocking out to her favorite song!
Tomorrow I’m going to take a turn planning Family Party. I feel like the kids have set the bar pretty high!
Last weekend, Lacey and Richard cashed in the Christmas gift we gave them, and we had Lucy with us on Friday night. She was so good the whole time! It was so fun to hear her talk and see the kids interact with her! Plus, she even slept great for us!
The next day, after Lucy returned to her parents, we cashed in the Valentine’s gift we got from Mother and Daddy and got frozen yogurt at Menchie’s. The kids love Menchie’s because of the toppings, and they loaded up on them. The parents did too. 🙂
A month or so ago Fay ran out of pants that fit her. So we went to the store looking for pants, and a years-long dream of mine came true! We found Fay the perfect jumpsuit! I feel like Fay’s age and its environs are the demographic for whom jumpsuits were truly designed, and I have been dreaming of having one for her since she was in kindergarten! I was taking a picture of Fay in her adorableness the other morning, and all the kids needed to take their turn also being photographed. It was cute and happy, even if we were a little late to school drop-off.
Am I right?! 
They’re all so cute!
Last Sunday, Fay made another batch of cupcakes for her church youth-program goal. The family all enjoyed the delicious vanilla Valentine’s cupcakes, and then we brought some to our neighbors. Fay made a sweet card to go with her sweet treat. It is a genuine pleasure to support Fay in this goal. I’m excited to see what other goals she makes in the future!
Another very exciting thing that happened this past week is the arrival of our new camera!!! We have loved using the camera that Josh got for Christmas back when we were dating. I honestly would have just kept using it forever, basically–especially since I already knew all the controls and settings I like to use–but the last time I went to use it, it wouldn’t turn on. Silly me, I must not have charged the battery. I charged it to completely full, replaced it, and the camera still wouldn’t turn on. I called customer service/repairs and they walked me through some possible things I could do to get it to turn back on; but to no avail. It was just broken. But that’s what tax returns are for! So now we have a beautiful new camera! So far I’ve learned the settings I generally use; but I have the goal to learn more cool things the camera can do!
The camera in all its glory!
Here are some pictures I have taken with it so far. (It is a much better photography tool than my phone’s camera.)
The last thing I wanted to mention was that the weather most of this week has been GLORIOUS! The kids and the dog have played and played in the sunshine! Carter taught himself to pump this week; Helen developed a love for playing in the dirt; and the kids at home and I even enjoyed a picnic lunch outside this week! I’m very much looking forward to more spring weather!
Is there going to be a disco ball at your epic party that got postponed???
That is what it was for! But we’ll have to wait and see if anything comes of said party.