Welcome to the Food Hut

So much to catch up on, but I refuse to leave anything out. So, let's go back to Valentine's Day. :) It landed on a Sunday this year, which made it fun to celebrate as a family. Every year I tape paper hearts to the kids' doors and leave a trail of hearts that lead to a surprise. They seem to forget this tradition and are surprised by it every year. I didn't take pictures, but they enjoyed pink heart-shaped pancakes and pink milk for breakfast.

After church I got started on our special dinner. Dave hung a rope and attached sheets to it to divide the kitchen from the dining area. They were not allowed in as I made dinner and decorated the table. Dave did a fine job on the streamers. :)

Dave seated the guests and presented the menus that I made the night before. They got a total kick out of ordering what they wanted. I was the annoying cook that yelled from the kitchen with an annoying "southern accent".
And for dessert...jello. :)

The boys LOVED dinner and it was fun to put a little extra into Valentine's this year.

We Are Having Another...

...BOY!!! Needless to say, Derek and Taylor are super excited that we are adding another brother to the mix. Poor McKenna will be doomed to play dolls with just her mom. :( She'll be like her mom...wedged between two brothers. The ultrasound showed that everything looks healthy and we are so grateful. The due date still stands at July 10th. We can't wait to meet him!!

Profile shot of the little guy.

What Talented Sisters!!

McKenna and I have been spoiled! Last Tuesday I cashed-in on a year old birthday "gift certificate" that my sister gave me. I've been wanting one of the watches (click HERE) that she makes and this is the one I chose. I LOVE IT!! I've received so many compliments on it and it makes me happy to wear it.

To add to the fun, we get home and there are two packages waiting for McKenna. Her aunt Laurel sent this handmade tutu!! Isn't it adorable?! I have some talented sisters. McKenna loves her "dress" and insists on wearing it all day.
Well, how perfect was it that in package number 2 was a little kids' CD player from my mom and dad. She now had the music to dance to!! She was having quite the party in her little tutu. She has been truly spoiled!

Thanks Stephanie, Laurel, and Grandma and Grandpa!!

A First for Derek

This was so sweet, so I wanted to add it for my (and Derek's) memory's sake. Today was Fast and Testimony Meeting and with one minute left, Derek whispers to me, "can I go up there?". How could I say no. So as I walked up with Derek he turned to see the congregation and says to me "wow, there are a lot of people". This was his first time doing it in Sacrament Meeting. I sat in the front row and he walked up there a little unsure. I motioned for him to keep going and he stepped right up and said:

I'd like to bear my testimony that I know this church is true. I am thankful for Primary and the Church. I bear my testimony that I will always be good. I know that Jesus is....real. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

He hopped down from the step stool and saw me smiling and got an embarrassed look. His testimony almost made me cry. It's amazing how strong the Spirit is when a child is bearing their testimony. After we sat down he looked up to me and whispered "I want to do that every Sunday so that I get more used to it".

Kenna Girl is 2!

Our sweet little McKenna turned two years old. What a fast two years! We decorated the house with streamers and balloons and put our "Happy Birthday" sign out in the lawn. She frequently ran to the window, pointed to the sign, and said "happy birday...Nenna". Oh, she definitely knew that it was her day. For dinner we went out to her favorite food...Cafe Rio. Good girl, it just so happens to be mine as well! She loves the burrito....and it pains me to share. :) After dinner we came home for cake and presents. The cake. Oh how I would love to take a cake decorating class, but this turned out cute enough.The presents. She gave a great reaction to each gift with a gasp and big eyes and raised eyebrows. She's a crack up. Taylor gave her princess fruit snacks, Derek gave her dress up shoes from the dollar store (I'm throwing them away soon...they are a hazard), I made her an ABC book, and she finally has a bike to ride instead of watching her brothers having all the fun. Oh, and aunt Stephanie made her some new bracelets.

McKenna is such a fun girl. She's all girl, but loves to wrestle and run with the boys.

Favorite things: bracelets, dolls, hair clips, shoes, books, her princess figurines.

Favorite words: Mommy, Daddy, Taylor, Boys (aka Derek), "Mommy, watch this", "Here you go", "come on", "up, please", "milp (milk), please", "Da-ee, get me"

Nicknames: Kenna, Kenna-girl, little mommy, Kenna Lynn

Weight: 25.5 pounds (35th percentile)

Height: 35 inches (81st percentile)

Head Circumference: 19.5 inches (93rd percentile)

That's a Brock! Tall, thin, and a smart brain. :)

McKenna has the sweetest smile and funnest personality. We love her hugs and kisses. She really has been such a joy in our home! Happy Birthday sweet little girl.

We Think It's Spring

I Have Bangs Again

So it had been 8 months since my last haircut. I was looong overdue. I wanted a big change and I sure got it! The stylist went a lot shorter than we discussed, but I'm getting used to the new doo. What do you think?

Before

After
I didn't tell Dave that I was getting a haircut and boy was he shocked when he walked in the door. But he gave a big "Wow!" and says that he likes it. Derek told me this morning the he "kind of likes my hair". Thanks, kid.