New Dresses

I bought some "instant dress" material at Wal-mart to make some dresses for the girls.  I sewed a T-shirt  to it for sleeves.  Emily's is Disney Princess and Sarah's is Dora the explorer.  They really like them and they were easy to make.  These are a few pictures of the girls modeling their clothes.  I just love their expressions and poses!

Derek is 7!!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Derek, happy birthday to you!!  My little boy is 7...I can hardly believe it.  We were in Snowflake for his birthday, so that was fun.  I made a cake which everyone loved except me.  Derek directed the decorations and then did the sprinkles himself.

The Blast

Derek went with Grandpa Brimhall and Dad to a blast at Grandpa's work.  He got to watch as a mountain exploded.  He was going to push the button but changed his mind at the end.  He said it was very loud.

What a gorgeous day for a blast:) 

Playhouse

The 3rd week in March Darrell had a whole week off from work so we headed to Snowflake.  Darrell's plans were to work on grape trellises at his parents house but the first few days were cold and snowy so instead he built a playhouse for the kids. It will get good use between them and other cousins.

It even comes with a fire place to keep warm...the kids thought that was great.  Later in the week he built a little stove and sink out on the side which I didn't get a picture of.  Derek also added a garden space.  Also a porch was added by the door.  So cool...I would have loved it when I was a kid:)

Darrell put a chimney out the top of the house which resulted in a slight disaster.  It melted and caused a lot of smoke and stink.  So that was removed, cleaned up and later in the week a metal chimney was added on top of the brick.

This is just a cute picture of my dirty little girl after a nap:)  I am amazed at how quickly they get filthy when we are in Snowflake without all the concrete and pavement.

Happiness and Peace

I have been thinking a lot lately about happiness and optimism.  I want to be more optimistic and train myself to focus on the good instead of what is not going right.  I love the mormon.org you tube videos.  The following link is to a video that touched me this morning.

Come What May & Love It

LAUGH - SEEK FOR THE ETERNAL-PRINCIPLE OF COMPENSATION-TRUST THE LORD

The Money People

Darrell gave me on of my birthday presents tonight, a painting depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Emily came in our room to look at the picture.  She pointed to three of the men around the table and says "look...the money people."  I was so confused and said "what?" She responds "you know, on the dollar."  I was totally stunned that she made that connection, and she was right:)  I'm so quick to think she isn't paying much attention to things around her, but I guess she is.  

I don't want to!!

This picture was taken after a lot of whining, kicking, screaming, and refusing to empty the dishwasher.  She knows how and does a good job when she wants to, but this day she did not!!  "It's too hard" "I don't know how" "My ankle hurts." ETC. ETC. ETC.  Eventually she fell asleep at the table...this happens sometimes...she wears herself out protesting and then is sorely disappointed when she wakes up and I have not forgotten that I asked her to empty the dishwasher.  One day she might learn it's quicker and better just to suck it up and do it:)  Then again...maybe not:)