New construction...

Try getting Lex to take a nap with this 10 feet outside her window! I can't wait until they're done building houses across the street!

A day of firsts...

Today Kaitlyn gave her first talk in primary! She had memorized her whole talk, but of course when she got up there she acted like she needed her daddy's help. She did such a good job though, and I just stood in the back beaming and trying my hardest not to tear up. She's pretty close to a perfect child (lately) and I'm so proud of her. I just can't believe she's already giving talks in primary!

In other news, Lulu had her first full day in nursery. It seems like I've been waiting for this day forever! I knew she wasn't going to do well. Lexie pretty much hates any adult that isn't me. She barely even tolerates Jared. Luckily, we have good nursery leaders who understand that some kids just need to cry it out and didn't come looking for me after 10 minutes of crying. Anyway, at the end of church I went to pick her up and she was huddled in a corner with her head buried in a blanket, clutching a baby doll. Apparently, she wouldn't let anyone touch her or comfort her and if anyone even looked at her she would break down crying. This might be a long adjustment period for her! Poor little girl!

Newest member of the family...

My little sis just had her first baby! He's the cutest little thing ever and I can't wait to hold him. Here's my newest nephew Ethan! Congrats Kendra!!!

The best smoothie ever...

Lexie hates vegetables. I mean hates them. Ever since she was six months old she has gagged on anything green. That's why I was ecstatic to read about this green smoothie on my friend's blog. I was a little hesitant at first, just because of the color, but it really is delicious. Now my kids drink several servings of leafy greens each day! There's several ways to make it, but this is what we like to do. Start by filling the blender with 2 cups of water, add about 1/4 cup of juice or some sweetener, then fill the blender to the top with collard greens or turnip greens. Blend. Then fill to the top again with leafy spinach. Blend again. Now I add two bananas and a handful of frozen berries. Lastly I add about 1/2 cup of low fat yogurt. Blend again. The fruit and yogurt help mask the taste of all the leafy greens, yet keep the smoothie healthy at the same time. My friend Tasha is the one I got this recipe from. Her post has a lot more information, see here . I don't think I've made a salad in the last month!

My day in court...

I have watched way too many episodes of law and order. This is why I was so nervous to go to court today. Back in August I was in a hit and run accident and today I finally had to go to court to testify. The ADA called me the day before and kind of prepped me and told me where I needed to go, but I was still extremely nervous. I just kept having images of some Jack McCoy type yelling at me and making me cry on the stand. I was so scared that I had a horrible sleep last night and I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep. Jared said a prayer for me and offered to go with me, but I reminded myself that I'm an adult and I'm not the person on trial - so I went by myself. I won't write all of the details, but I just wanted to mention how sad I was sitting in the courtroom. As I walked in the sign on the door read, "All men must have pants around their waists and shirt sleeves tucked in". I'm so naive because I thought to myself, "who would come without wearing pants"? The room was filled with about 45 people waiting for their hearing. Looking around me I could see how poor, uneducated and mislead all of these people were. I watched about 10-15 hearings before my turn to testify came up and while all were adults, most could not read or write and had no job. Finally, it was my turn. I had talked to the ADA earlier and agreed that I was not filing a civil suit and in return Mr. Moore plead guilty. His sentence seemed light - but I wasn't there to see him be punished. I just wanted him to admit what he did. He ended up with about $200 in fines, 24 hours of community service and was ordered to take a defensive driving course. I'm just glad it's over and hope I never have to testify in any kind of trial ever again. My heart was pounding the whole time and it was extremely uncomfortable to have that many accused criminals watching you at once. I felt like everyone kept staring at me and that I had forgotten to wear clothes that day or something. Hopefully, Mr. Moore has learned his lesson and won't be leaving any more women and children stranded on the side of the road anymore.

The big three-zero...

Happy Birthday Jared! Today Jared turns "30". Remember when that seemed so old? I'm just glad I have a couple of years before I have to come to terms with not being in my twenties anymore. So far Jared's taken it quite well!

I love you Jare Bear and am so grateful for all you do for your girls! Our favorite part of the day is when we hear your car pull up into the garage. I do have to say that you're a pretty lucky man to come home to three girls who absolutely adore you and spoil you with more hugs and kisses than most know what to do with. Happy 30th babe!

bum cracks...

I went to get the oil changed in my car this week. I took my car to this speedy oil change place where you don't even have to get out of your car. I pulled up in the garage and the guy told me to pop the hood. I couldn't find the lever to pop the hood so I got out of the car and squatted down so I could find it (I knew it was hidden under the steering wheel somewhere). The mechanic was standing right next to me obviously ready to help the girl who knows nothing about cars. Right when I found the lever Katy yells, "mom, you have a little bum crack"! Yes, the mechanic heard and probably saw and yes I was very embarrassed. Stupid low rise jeans.