Just a quick note about our wonderful girl's night out! The girls and I got to go to a play put on by local children, and they did Sleeping Beauty! It was fun to get all dressed up and go see a play, which Teagyn has never been to. I think Calli went to one a long time ago, so this was new enough for her too. It's just a whole new experience compared to going to the movies or something. They got to see all these older kids, and some kids their own age singing and dancing, wearing costumes, etc. I think that is a really good thing for them to see, and to see if they might enjoy doing something like it. I asked Calli if she would like to take acting classes with this company, and she said- no way, it would be too hard to learn all those lines! But I'm pretty sure she might think differently if we actually put her into them! So- the real kicker to the whole evening was that during intermission, we bought a few raffle tickets. Actually, I bought one for each of us. There were two big gift baskets for the prizes, and we one the first one! It was so hilarious- Calli grabbed the ticket out of my hand after I told her we had the winner, and marched right up to the big stage, Teags very shyly following after, and went up to the announcer and grabbed her basket! She was very gung-ho... but Teagyn thought the other basket was for her, so she just sat there with a very sad look on her face. Once she turned around and realized the entire audience was smiling at her, she got a little freaked out and ran back down to our seats~ It was priceless! Plus, what an awesome basket! It had two Sleeping Beauty barbies, a very fancy wand and crown, chocolates, popcorn, lip glosses, lotions, perfumes- everything fit for a princess! We finished off our date by going to TCBY, which is a real treat, because we hardly ever go out for treats. We all wore chocolate grins home and ordered pizza for dinner- what a night!

Signs of Spring!!

Okay, I know how lucky I am to be having a very, very easy winter this year- it's just that I think we deserve one after the last three we had, which were awful! So- it's been at least 40-degrees pretty much this whole winter, and we are seeing signs of it now! There are pretty little leaves and sprouts popping up all over the yard- it makes me so happy!

Well, I'm sure some of you know that we have been having some rough times. We are getting through it however, and things are starting to look up. Thanks to all my wonderful family (on both sides) for all the love and support. For updates, Chris' mom Jan is doing really well- she will probably come and stay with us for a few days to have a change of pace. She says hi to everyone and thanks all of them for the love and support also! For now, she is recovering and getting better every day, and it's soooo nice to see her laugh and joke again! Good thing we're all so silly, I think it keeps her spirits up a little more~ The girls are doing great as always... Calli is super excited for next month- she is doing an after-school cooking class on Mondays, and can't wait to start cooking here at home more often (I have a hard time letting her make a mess!) I told her she needs some practice, and that I will try harder to not care about messes :)

We are still on our health kick. I don't know that we've lost a ton of weight yet, but we are both definitely feeling the benefits. Chris is busy this weekend doing the home and garden show in Spokane- very long hours ALL weekend! But it's good for business, and he likes the leads! I am still working here and there and doing the best I can to find something permanent. I have decided however that I am going back to school very soon! I want to keep going in the medical field, so I think I will be starting with my medical assistant certification, and then probably move up from there. I can start working out of the house when Teags starts school this fall, so that will be good for me. Anyway- love you all so much!

life is rough....

Just when everything seems to be going well- there's always a little something to remind us all of our precious lives, and how easy it is to waste them.... we had a really scary time today. Jan (Chris' mom) had a stroke yesterday, but didn't know she was having one until this morning... she finally came around enough to call 911 from her house early in the morning, and the hospital called our family.... what a scary thing~ She is doing alright for now, but is still feeling scared and confused, and having some trouble seeing. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers- we love her!!

As for my wonderful sister Amy- she is almost done with radiation (I believe) and from what I can tell, this is a really hard thing to go through. Amy- you are the most inspiring, awesome, and brave woman!! I love you and wish I could give you 1000 hugs right now- but I am sending them your way:) I love my family soooo much and it's so hard to see them go through these kinds of things- everyone take care of yourself!

Cookie party!!!

For the sake of originality this year, Calli and I decided to do cookies for each classmate for this year's Valentine's party... so I baked about 70 sugar cookies yesterday! Madison and Calli, and Teags decorated all the cookies, and did some special ones for their best friends. It was way fun- and I think all the kids will really appreciate something a little different~

Making changes.....

Okay, so we have been inviting some very good changes into our household this past few months or so.... very biggest thing was that Chris and I both quit smoking! I know this is a hard topic, and it's hard for me to admit to some of my family that I had been smoking. But WOW- what a difference it has made!!! Overall, we have really started to take more interest in our health. Chris and I have started running every morning, which I thought I would really hate! Surprise- I love it! We both stick in our headphones and Ipods, and grab Annie the dog- and we just head out in the neighborhood. By the time we get home, it's time for a healthy breakfast (which I also really never liked before) and then time to get the kids up and ready for the day. So- the quitting smoking has made more of an impact on our overall health than just how good it was to quit. I put this picture above on here because I have really enjoyed reading this. It's based on a plant-based diet (vegan) but you don't have to do it full-bore. I am mostly just flirting with trying to cut out meat and dairy more, and really sticking to whole grains, veggies, and no more processed foods! It's going to be a little tougher for the family than just me, but I think this will make a big impact on our health also.

So- I'm really excited about all these changes. I feel like this is more a change in our lifestyle than just diet and exercise. We are really going to stick with it, and all the encouragement you could give would be wonderful!