Seven (1/2) on Saturday

1. Last weekend Milo flew to California (for 48 hours) to attend his brother's farewell. It's hard to believe Tyler is old enough to serve a mission but he most definitely is. He reports on April 3rd and is heading to the Sao Paulo East mission. Brianne and Shaila were able to meet there as well and they had a good time catching up and laughing. I love this photo, apparently something was really funny and all four of them have a genuine smile (no easy task. it's a family trait, ha!).

2. With Milo in CA, I went up and stayed with Marion for a night. We went to our old ward and heard Chris Jackson report his mission. Hands down the best talk I've ever heard from a return missionary. I loved his message, it was exactly something I needed to hear (I should probably blog it!). I stopped and saw my friend Jane on the way home and a visit with her is like a breath of fresh air. You can't leave her home and not feel uplifted. Really.

3. Yesterday was Milo's Friday off and while I searched through bins of clothes looking for bigger sizes for Owen, he played basketball with the boys (Kat was at a stake activity). Reed supplied Milo with the baseball helmet and Dane suggested they play 'shirts and skins'. It took all of about 3 seconds for their shirts to be thrown off. We made Reed put his back on after the photo op, he was coughing after all but I couldn't resist. Milo wasn't too keen on the helmet either but I love that he played along. Not too sure how I feel about 'shirts and skins' but how much can I fight it with four boys in this house??

4. We also hit up Costco yesterday and found a 4lb container of strawberries for $5.99. I miss summer and it's wonderful produce but deals like this will tide me over for a few more months. We came home and had Belgium waffles with fresh berries and cream. It was delicious. And easy, even better in my book.

5. Today we went back up to Marion's. She was in another play and this year Leisha joined her. They did a Broadway Revue with 7 or so shows and they did a fabulous job. Now Nathan and Kathryn want to see Wicked (hello, me too!) and I'm dying to see Les Mis again. I love a good musical and I even sang along (quietly) a few times. Thanks theater people, another great show.

6. Last week I left my jacket and Owen's binki (I searched for days with no luck, ha) at Jane's house. We stopped on our way home this afternoon for another breath of fresh air. Oh and to get our things. Look what she sent us home with. Cake bites. They were so good and darling too. I love the ice cream cones.

Reed was happy with his cake bite.

The kids are always so happy for a visit back 'home'.
Our visits are never quite long enough.

7. It seems I've gotten a little too cocky with the good health we've had around here this winter. We haven't had a single sickness in the house since Owen's birth. Until yesterday. Reed started coughing with a low grade fever and tonight it sounded like Dane was going down next. It was bound to happen, I'm glad we're 4 months in and fairly used to hand washing before we touch the baby. Crossing my fingers for him to stay his healthy self.

7 1/2. For the few weeks/month leading up to Daylight Savings I was really patting myself on the back as far as mornings were going. I was up no later than 7, had both little boys bathed and dressed and even showered myself before getting the older kids to school. Most of the time I'd even made a hot breakfast. That's something for me, I'm not a fan of mornings. I felt like I had finally hit my stride since adding Owen to the family. I should've known better than to be proud because it. is. over. This week mornings have been killing me. How can one hour make all the difference??! Twice this week before school Nathan has come in to tell me it's 8am! It's a mad rush to feed them, finish packing their lunches (thankfully Milo makes the sandwiches), check teeth, clothing and backpacks and get out the door no later than 8:30. I'm forcing and earlier bedtime hoping it helps. If not, I'll remember my good month, ha!