Easter in St. George

We spent Easter weekend at my parents'. It was a lovely warm weekend of egg-dyeing, swimming (at my sister's), church going, egg hunting, and eating.

Menu Planning

This little tool has been keeping me organized lately.

Because of this simple little weekly calendar stuck to the side of my fridge, my weekly menus are planned, my grocery shopping is quicker, cheaper, and much more enjoyable, my afternoons are less stressful, and dinner is always ready on time. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating. Having the menu out for all to see makes me plan better meals, and reminds me to move things from the freezer to the fridge to defrost the night before. Planning the menu for a whole week also forces me to plan other things about my week -- what we have planned during the day definitely impacts what we'll eat that night: will I have enough energy to cook? should a certain day be a crockpot day? what night will work best for pizza?

After 3 hours of church on Sunday mornings, a quick lunch, and putting the girls down for naps/quiet time, I retreat to the craft room to plan my week and menu. I actually look forward to it.

I'm sure most of you reading this already have a system in place. But up until about 4 weeks ago, I didn't! I wouldn't say the way I was doing things before was bad, but I will say that this way is SO much better. It has definitely simplified my life.

I pretty much followed the tutorial from here.
I got my 12 x 12 inch frame for half off from Hobby Lobby and
used E-6000 (best craft glue ever) to attach my magnets.

Easter Tree

This is what kept me busy for a few evenings while Ben was studying.
(I made the decoupaged eggs and pomanders)

Yes, for some people a Christmas tree just isn't enough.

Catch Up

Wow. I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. And guess what. I haven't taken a single picture since then either. What in the world?! It's not like we haven't been doing things. There were many picture worthy happenings.

In no particular order:

The girls and I went to visit my parents one weekend in St. George while Ben had drill. We made a little trip to the sand dunes, which Chelsea and I raced up and then down :)

My parents came to visit up here for like 2 weeks - Claire has asked for them by name (Honey? Papa?) every single day since; sometimes first thing in the morning, often while looking longingly out the window. She is now also very familiar with and fond of "doduts" (donuts).

Papa and Paige and Claire rode the tractor. And the horses, kind of.

My mom and I went skiing at Deer Valley! Just the two of us! My only day out on the slopes this year. It was lovely. Thanks, Mom!

Ben and I went on a real date and ate at Shabu Shabu House and saw Adjustment Bureau while the girls basked in the attention of their babysitters/grandparents, and we didn't worry about them one bit.

My sister and her two kids, who are the same ages as my two kids, came to visit. We played and shopped and talked and ate Chick-Fil-A and Cocoa Bean cupcakes.

My niece had the mother of all 4-yr-old birthday parties at Provo Beach Resort.

My nephew turned 1 and destroyed/enjoyed an entire half of the giantest chocolate cake you can buy.

3 daffodils sprouted and bloomed in the middle of my lawn. They were not there last year.

I got a very part-time job (not really picture worthy).

I've been crafting for Easter. A lot. Well, . . . a lot for me. (while watching Ugly Betty on netflix).

I started a menu/grocery shopping system and I've stuck with it for 4 weeks (again not picture worthy). It's been great. I may share more about that in a separate post.

We (including Ben!) visited the baby goats at Thanksgiving Point farm. Claire was adorable feeding those goats. So brave and giggly the entire time. I was a teensy bit afraid for her fingers.

We've had a couple of yummy Sunday dinners in Heber with the cousins and second cousins.

I went to "Girls Night Out" at Seasons of Home with my grandma, aunt, mother, and sister.

And

I held a small lunch/play-date/baby shower at my house for two of my most favorite people. We had 8 little girls and 1 baby boy running around :). One of those friends gave birth to her 3rd girl less than a week later. I've visited her twice. So sweet.

The End. Although I am sure I'm forgetting something.

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As I read back over that I am kicking myself for not taking any pictures! I vow to do better this month.

And, if you read all of that, you deserve some kind of award.