Brock's Birthday

Earlier this month Brock had a birthday and we spoiled him the best we could. I don't know who had more fun--Brock, the kids, or ME (because I got to plan it)! Ha!

This is what he saw when he woke up (dragged out of bed by the kids, actually). He said it was the first time he'd had a present wrapped in balloons.

Under the balloons (which each had a 'spooky ghost drawn on it, per Brady's request) the kids and I had put together a 'candy card', but with healthy snacks because we're trying to eat better. I think it turned out pretty good--it even rhymed!

While we were eating breakfast, I informed Brock that his real present would be arriving soon. I hired him a gardener for a single morning (thanks to our friends the Zumsteins!!!)--to help him put together our garden. He has spent so many weekends helping me out that his garden has suffered (see below).

He spent the next hour planning and prepping for Raoul's arrival.

This is our Before shot. Pretty, but not very tidy.

And After! Isn't Raoul amazing?! 

Brock was so pleased and the rates so decent, we've decided to have Raoul come once a month and help Brock keep it up. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROCK!!!!

Daylight Savings

It is the bane of young motherhood. Last year it wrecked havoc on my schedule and made me one grumpy, super-pregers mom with two irritable toddlers.

This year, to my surprise and delight, we have adjusted without any trouble. WHAT?!?!?!

Here's why...our kids go to bed at 8pm--all three of them. They always have. But starting a month or two ago, it felt too late for the boys. With school, soccer, play dates, and spending more than half of every day outside, they started getting grumpy around 7 (right after a big dinner). Audrey too--she was always ready for bed by 7:30.

I wanted to put them down at 7, but I knew they'd start getting up at 6am. I just couldn't face it!

Then Daylight Savings hit.

To my surprise, the problem resolved itself. The evening grumps went away and it only took me a few days to adjust my internal clock--after all, I go to bed earlier too. The daylight-at-bedtime thing is fine because I have blackout curtains in the boys' room.

Weird.

And so it is, for the first time ever, I love Daylight Savings!

Christmas 2011

A very, very late Christmas from our little family!
This picture is from Christmas Eve in Park City, UT. As you can see, the boys were extremely excited, Audrey was a good sport, and we all had a fantastic time!