Speed Dating

Dan and decided that we wanted to find out what speed dating was all about. Not your average speed dating but our poor, married, dorky version of speed dating. On Friday we took the girls with us to IKEA. Once there, we dropped Madeleine and Elisabeth off at their FREE 1-hour babysitting and that is where the speed dating began. Now although we still had our youngest little squirt, Victoria, in our busy crazy world we still considered that "a date". We had 1 hour to to quietly eat dinner together and browse around the store if we had time. Drop off was at 5:10pm and with Buzzer in hand our date was to begin and end by 6:10. Our meal was eaten, conversation there (kind-of, our attention still focused towards Victoria) and all in all we had a great time! After we picked the girls up we took them back upstairs to order food and let them eat. Weird...I know! But hey it's how we roll these crazy Residency days. I think we will be doing this again, so if anyone would like to join us. Feel free to call.

P.S. There are rules and restrictions to IKEA's babysitting.

And it's GOOOOOD!

We have been found wanting and waiting....that is.... for Madeleine to step up to the plate and show us her aggressive side in soccer. Well last Saturday Madeleine did just that! She got in there, put the pedal to the metal and scored! After the first one we were all shocked. I stood up, screamed like crazy with excitement (almost lost my voice), and Dan of course being the sentimental one teared up! That moment would have been enough to fill our excitement bucket for a lifetime but no, our cup runneth over. Madeleine pulled out two more AWESOME goals! What? My timid little bugger was aggressive and scored 3 goals! I am so proud and so happy for Madeleine. Her smiling face was truly PRICELESS. Of course it was the one game that I did not bring the camera to get the shots, ahhh!

Finally.

After 4 month of waiting I finally was reunited with my bike buggy's wheels. Along with many other things, I left the wheels to my bike buggy in Utah during the move. Thankfully, Dan squished them in his suitcase so I could come home to a bike that was ready to roll. I immediately threw on the wheels and jumped on my bike and took my babies for a ride to the park. Yes, I squished all 3 of the girls in the buggy. I love riding my bike! It fills my heart with complete joy and I can't do anything but sing and smile! It must be something in the fresh air. Yesterday was the best because Dan pulled the girls to the store to pick up a few groceries while I ran along side them. Exercise and fun, not bad huh?

Gardner Village

On the last day of our Utah trip we ventured over to Gardner Village in Sandy, Utah with a large group of my most favorite women in the world. Witchapalooza is happening right now at Gardner Village and I love going there this time of year. They stock the village full of hilariously cute witches that create a really fun ambiance for us all. We reserved a table for
16 at the Mill for lunch and chatted our hearts away! Ahhh, it was perfect! Luckily, for me Jenny best friend and her sweet kiddos met up with us. She announcing to all, that she is PREGNANT with their 3rd child! WooHoo, I am so happy for Jenny and Darren. That little child could not be born to greater parents than them. Madeleine and Elisabeth were in complete hog heaven being reunited with Adlen, Grant, and her cute cousins, Erik and Keilah. That afternoon really solidified that I was going to officially be sad to leave all of my loved ones in Utah as we returned home the next day! But....there is always our next trip. When? I have no clue, but I must have look forward to it and remain hopeful or else the distance between us and our families would be too overwhelmingly sad.

Last time we rode the horse Elisabeth cried if I would lift a finger from her body in fear. This time I went to wrap my arm around her and she said, "Noooo...I can do it by myself." Alrighty then, my Lizzy Pooh is brave and full confidence now! I applaud it my dear.

What?

"Rise and Shout the Cougars are out!"

I'll rise and shout... at the cougars! Man, it was the worst. After our two game winning streak and being ranked 7th in the National polls you can imagine just how thrilled and excited Dan and I were (along with our other family members who went with us) to see our Cougars play at home against Florida State. Poor defense and coming out flat, BYU got stomped all over. Even though the loss, we still enjoyed being there at the stadium. It is always such a beautiful view of the gorgeous Utah mountains. We left Madeleine and Elisabeth at home with Grandma Arrhenius and took Victoria. thankfully we did because she was the hit of the game. Dan and I simply enjoyed the game watching her flapping arms, swinging legs, and dancing bobs to the music and cheers. So...thank you Victoria for the fun!

"Pull out the stopper, let's have a whopper, just get me to the church on time!"

Wedding Bliss for us all...

I love the song in my title. It is from one of my most favorite movies, 'My Fair Lady. This song always plays in the back of my mind whenever I go to a wedding and now it is while I blog. Yeah! We recently got back from a quick trip to Utah. The purpose for our trip was to go to Dan's last brother's wedding. His brother Leif married Kylie Holt from Raymond, Alberta. Our girls were over-joyed to finally able to call her Aunt Kylie. Needless to say that our girls absolutely LOVE Leif and Kylie and so do we. They were married in the L.D.S. Mt. Timpanogos temple for time and all eternity on Friday the 18th of September. The wedding sealer was wonderful (the very BEST sealing that I have ever attended.) The luncheon and reception were wonderful and seemed to go off without a hitch. My mother-in-law did quite an amazing job getting everything together. Maybe wedding planning could be in her future? (I know she is rolling her eyes and laughing!) It was wonderful to be in Utah and spend time with the entire immediate Arrhenius family. We love them all soooo much!

Best Sisters FOREVER!

I wish I could have been there! I always wonder how my kids act when I am not around. After I picked up the kids from school, the girls quickly started in, like they routinely do, telling me about the events of their day at school. Madeleine excitingly told me, " MOM, today Elisabeth and I had recess at the SAME time!"

I then asked, "What did you both do when you saw eachother?"

Madie responded, "Well I yelled her name and then we ran to eachother, I picked her up, and we hugged." (Whew...I get choked up just thinking about it!)

I proceeded to ask her, "What did you guys do at recess together?"

"I pushed her on the swings the whole time, mom," Madeleine said.

I never had a sister but hearing things like this make me wish that I did. I hope their relationship together will stand the test of time and grow even stronger as they get older. They are lucky girls to have one another!

Lizzy's First Day of School

Fun Fact: Elisabeth's first day of school outfit was also Madeleine's first day of preschool over 2 years ago! Cool, huh?

I am a little behind with journaling but I decided better late than never. Elisabeth's first day of school was on Tuesday the 15th. We were all very nervous on what the outcome would be as this day arrived. She was excited at the idea of going to school like her Big Sister and it seemed to be the only thing that she would talk about for days. But I knew that our little one seems to be the kid who likes to talk the talk but not walk the walk. As we drove up to the school and walked to her classroom she was very quite. Not even a peep or smile. But she walked in, hung up her backpack and ever so bravely sat down and nervously focused on playing with the play dough, silently. I looked up at Dan with the hugest pit in my stomach, this wasn't our spunky little girl. Elisabeth doesn't know how to be silent! My heart just ached at her insecurity of the unknown. She was trying to be brave and did a better job at it than Dan and I. Once again I glanced up at Dan but this time noticing tears welling up in his eyes. I quickly stood up and whispered to him, "The tears have to stop...wait until we leave the classroom." He then grabbed Madeleine's hand and decided to walk her down the hall to her classroom, totally breaking down on the way! Cute, huh? I swear having girls has totally goobered, softened, and turned my husband into this totally sensitive and emotional guy! It was so sweet. Well, I gave Elisabeth a last hug and told her I would be back in a little while and left the room. I got out in the hall to be accompanied by at least 6 other parents who were crying as well. Saying things like, "She is no longer my baby." or "I hope he does okay." We all looked at one another, nodding our heads in agreement with one anothers comment, and then just laughed at our blubbering! Oddly I was the most composed out of them all. Despite the pit in my stomach I was used to this separation and crowing growing moment for our kids. I don't think it has gotten any easier but I that I am getting the routine down. Poor Dan...it was rough on him. It was the first time and first child that he had the opportunity to take part in the "first day of school ceremony."

Dan and I walked back out to our car and immediately discussed and analyzed what just happened and how Elisabeth did. Then we both poured our hearts out telling one another just how wonderful we thought the girls were. We both agreed that we wanted to run back into the school, grab the girls, and give them the hugest hugs and kisses again! Are we normal? Or are Dan and I crazy emotional lunatics? Either way, our girls are seriously growing up waaaayyyy too fast! Dan and I want our girls to know just how much we love our girls! It has been and continues to be such an honor to be their parents. I started the car and Dan and I looked at one another with a blank faces. What should we do now? Two girls in school, Dan done with work for the day(he had to go in really early for cases), and 3 hours with nothing to do. We decided to go walk around the mall. Dan took me to Nordstroms to smell the cologne testers, get me mascara, and then we headed over to Pei Wei's for an early lunch together. IT WAS THE BEST! Man... lugging one child around is cake! I guess after having to do it with 3 kiddos all by myself of course it would seem easy. It was GLORIOUS! I really look forward to the alone time I will get to have with Victoria. It is important and very special time to me.

Quickly the time came that we needed to get back to the school and pick up the girls! Both, Madeleine and Elisabeth ran up to us and seemed to have great day! Elisabeth was still a little unsure of what just happened but as the day went on, she opened up a little bit more about her day at school.

My Struggle.

Today was Stake Conference. Stake Conference is a 2 hour meeting that takes place twice a year in our church. We as members of the Church in each local area assemble together to meet and listen to special speakers, fill the spirit, and can usually always expect to leave with a renewed vigor to live better lives. The only problem that I have, since Madeleine was born Dan and I have not been able to really enjoy and appreciate stake conference like we used to. Our experience usually ends up with both ofus spending at least 80% of our time out in the halls, trying to control and entertain our children all the while trying to be reverent so others can be afforded the opportunity to enjoy the meeting.


About mid-week my internal struggle began. My struggle was not that this Sunday was Stake Conference but in knowing that Dan was on call and would not be there to help assist me with the kids. I have yet to master Stake conference with one or two children but now a third kiddo is added to the mix. So throughout the week while I was driving, cooking, or cleaning I had the constant nagging and scared feeling that Stake Conference was this Sunday. I even rationalized myself to the point that I had convinced myself that there was no point or way that we were going to Stake Conference. What was the point? I knew I would be out in the hall the entire time so it would better (easier) to stay home. I had even decided that I was going to create a spiritual, even reverent experience at home for the girls since we would not be going to church. BUT, (this is where the internal struggle steps in.) every time I would rationalize, my thoughts were immediately followed with a stupor of thought. My thoughts seemed to turn and focus on the importance of the meeting and taking my kids. There was a purpose and reason for Stake Conference. I could be strong, I could do this! Ahhhh....but I don't know, it will be too crazy! I knew deep in my heart that I needed to suck it up, get organized, be obedient , and GO TO MY MEETINGS! The thought came to mind, " I never said it would be easy...I only said it would be worth it."


My internal struggle followed me even through breakfast this morning and I had still not made my decision. Finally with a quick decision I announced to the kids that it was Stake Conference this morning, so we needed to quickly get ready and go. (Oddly, me telling the kids really set the plans in stone. Most moms know that it is hard go back on your word and plans once the kids know of them.) My decision was made, we WERE going to Stake Conference and we were going to have a great experience, like it or not! Whew! I am glad struggle the struggle with my decision was over now I just needed to move on and get my hiney in gear.


One by one I threw the kiddos in the bath, got them dressed, did their hair, packed my "goody bag", and finally got myself together. And we were off! On the way to church I had Madeleine say a prayer that we would be safe and feel the spirit today at Stake Conference. Our prayers were answered, our day went fine! We arrived to the meeting 5 minutes early and quickly settled into our row. I felt completely blessed. The girls were absolutely and amazingly wonderful. Other than our expected potty and nursing break they colored and sat there like champs. Out of the 5 years that Dan and I have attended our Stake conferences together with kids, I have to say that although I was flying solo with the parental help, ironically it was the MOST I ever been able to listen and hear the speakers. It was crazy! Man do you think the Lord was on my side today, or what?


The lesson that I learned did not come from a speaker, nor a song, but was from my little 2 year old daughter. About 15 minutes left of the meeting, Elisabeth, who was sitting next to me looked up and sang softly these words from a primary hymn, "Lead me, guide me. Walk beside me, help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do, to live with Him someday."


Whoa! I was filled with emotion. My answer and lesson was right there being taught to me through the words of my child. I am not just my kids mom by chance but by choice! I choose to be their mom, teacher, and example. My father in Heaven trusted me with the blessing of being my kids mom. I am grateful and honored to try to prove worthy of such a choice. I know that it is my responsibility to lead them, guide them, walk beside them so that I may assist in teaching them what to do, so that they can live with their Father in Heaven again someday. I was to go to Stake Conference to show my children that no matter how hard it may be...We need to do what is right....and go to church. Just like it is important to follow the prophet, pray, read scriptures, or to stand up and be strong to make good choices! I don't want to be an excuse for my children. I want my kids to look back when they are older and say, "My mom went to church... NO MATTER WHAT!" I don't want them to find any excuse not go to church , read scriptures, fulfill their callings, etc. I want them to ALWAYS know how important this is to their mom. I was completely humbled and grateful that I was taught such an important lesson through my little sweetheart. Today was a result of my Savior's love. My father in Heaven knows my worried heart and understood just how scared I was to tackle today's Stake Conference by myself. I felt lifted, guided, and inspired throughout the entire day. For that I am grateful and I want to tell you that our Father in Heaven KNOWS and LOVES each one of us, His children.

Madie's Kindergarten Pictures

Here is Madie ready to board her first bus ride ever. Mr. Dave is her nice bus driver.

Like I mentioned below, we followed our little Miss to school, so we could greet her when she arrived. So...here is the back of the bus. You want to see it, right?

Madie arrived and got off the bus so confidently. I was a Proud Mama today!

Poses before school to give us a little love.

First Day Overview

This morning we woke up early in hopes for a smooth day. We got ready, ate breakfast, read Scriptures, said our prayers, and were ready to rock n' roll! Madeleine looked absolutely adorable and seemed very happy. After our checklist of things to grab and do were completed, Madie grabbed her backpack and we headed to the front porch to take the must-have-classic first day of school photo. While taking pictures Madie did say to me, "Mom I feels like I have a bunch of butterflies in my tummy." I dare not tell her that I did too! Pictures were taken and then we walked 3 houses down to wait with the other kids for the bus to pick them up at 8:20am SHARP. We waited a few minutes and then my confident little burst of sunshine boarded the bus for the very first time! She was so brave and listened to her driver. He told her to look at the signs above the seats because the kindergartners sit in the front. As Lizzy and I waved and yelled good bye, Madie's sweet little face peered out the window to us. Wow...talk about amazing! Slowly the bus pulled away and then Elisabeth, Victoria, and I were off. I had previously decided that I was going to follow the bus to school and then we would quickly park and hop out, so we could greet Madeleine and help her find her way to class. As I arrived at Harlan Elementary it was a sight to behold. Families and kids were beaming with excitement taking picture after picture. Ok...this was good, I wasn't as crazy as I thought I was. The bus pulled up and Madeleine was one of the first to get off. She was so happy. She grabbed Elisabeth and in one long breath said, " The bus is so much fun, you should try it Elisabeth. I sat next to two twin sister girls who are in kindergarten and we talked the whole time. They had matching Dora backpacks, matching shorts, brown hair, but different shirts. One girls name is Ava. Mom we stopped a whole bunch of times!" Whew she was excited. I was really impressed with our Principal, her name is Embecka and kindly she stood outside greeting the kiddos at the bus and at the doors as they entered. I love little thoughtful details like this. She entered class, turned her card to let everyone know she was here, unpacked her snack, put it in her snack cubbie, hung her backpack in her locker, and then sat down at a table where the teachers had a special bag full of gifts for each kid with their name on it. We had the opportunity last week to come in and meet Madeleine's teacher Mrs. Singer. She is wonderful and actually I have have had a zillion parents tell me just how great she is. Mrs. Singer was so great with Madeleine last week when they met and it gave me just a glimpse of how well Madie will be treated this year.
We gave hugs and kisses, took a few last pictures, and said our goodbyes. I knew everything was going be fine and so we were off. We were off to return books to the library, make it to our scheduled appointments, and to fill up time until we got to see our little Madie again. We were so anxious to hear all about her first day of school.
We anxiously awaited the newest "big kids" in town just outside the school where the kindergarten teachers brought out their students. Madeleine's thoughts and words about school exactly, "Everything was my favorite part of school! There was this boy who bumped into me, then I bumped into a girl named Ava. Then Ava pushed me and told me that I pushed her. I told her to please stop. Then there was this boy in class who kind of looked HANDSOME to me, he had a necklace on. I sat on this mat that had letters and numbers on it and the Mrs. Singer had me sit on the letter B. I played with the house keeping only for a little time and then the sand box. The sandbox in class felt kind of cold and kind of cool. The play dough my teacher gave me smells like cinnamon. I loved the Library the most. School is good."
And that my friends was Madeleine's first thoughts about school on her first day of kindergarten. I could have not said it better. I'm not to sure about this Ava girl pushing her BUT I am not too concerned because Madeleine is very good at resolving any conflicts be it by herself or through her teacher. It is nice to have her home and you can bet that just minutes after lunch was gobbled down Elisabeth and Madeleine went right into playing play dough and "school."

p.s. Interesting bit of information. So the entire time Madeleine was gone all Elisabeth could do was ask, "When do we get to pick up Madie?" or "When will Madie be back?" But just as soon as we saw Madie, Elisabeth gave her the cold shoulder and told her that she did not want to play with her but only mommy. Madie hugged her and told her how she missed her and thought of her and all of the funny things she does. Elisabeth sadly gave her nothing. Not a smile, not a hello, nothing! She did however tell Madie that she did not miss her. Hmmm very interesting, huh? I later took Madie aside and told her just how much Elisabeth missed her. Happily, Madie smiled real big and walked into the other room and gave her a hug. The dynamics around here today are quite interesting. It is funny to me how after lunch and everything settled down Elisabeth wnet right into playing with her favorite big sister.

COURAGE

After seeing this idea on a few of my friends blog a couple of weeks ago, I quickly decided it would be an annual Arrhenius tradition as well. It is a really great idea to me and I was super excited to do it. After some thought and prayer Dan and I decided that our families "theme" that we were going to focus on for this school year would be COURAGE. We decided in Family Home evening tonight just exactly how we were going to have COURAGE as a family. We made a list that I will type up later and post on the wall for us to be reminded of daily. For the Arrhenius Family we have decided that we are going to have:

COURAGE to....

- C.T.R. (choose the right)

-Be a friend to EVERYONE.

-Learn and try new things.

-Stand up for what we believe in.

-Be yourself.

The girls really dug this school years theme and hopefully it will have a huge impact and strength to our family. Dan and I treated our little Courageous Princesses to their favorite fancy dinner of Pancakes, berries, sausage, and eggs. Yummy....thank you my darling Dan it was perfect. After dinner, bubble baths, Family Home Evening, dancing, and their must-have Pedicures the girls I heard Dan fiddling with the ironing board. I was wondering what in the world he was doing. Then minutes later he wandered into the room in his ironed white shirt and tie, church attire, and looking as sharp as could be. I could just to kiss him!!! That was my man! I was completely and overwhelmingly grateful as I looked at my amazing Priesthood holder as he took his role as the patriarch of this home so seriously. He then proceeded to give each of our sweet girlie's a special father's blessing (prayer) for this upcoming school year to help comfort and guide them through everything, come as it may. It was beautiful sight and so was my man. I love Dan more than words can even describe.

After we got the girls stories read, prayers said, and settled into bed I immediately went to the kitchen and "cleaned." I scrubbed the dishes harder than I think they have ever been cleaned. I scrubbed them harder and harder as the tears poured down my face. The reality finally set in...tomorrow is huge. Tomorrow is yet another step that is shoving my little girl into reality and helping time speed up WAY too fast! I sat there thinking of how absolutely MAGNIFICENT my little Madeleine just is. I kept thinking how I wish I could start life over with her again starting from day 1. Even with every up and down or high and low. Reasons being NOT that I would change a thing...but because every day, every minute, and every second have been such a joy, honor, and privilege that I have had to spend with this amazing little girl. I cherish my opportunity as her mother. I am so anxious and excited for all that in store for my little girls future but I must admit I am going to miss her terribly while she is gone. I know it is only a few hours but, Ahhh....I am seriously emotionally losing it! But I will have courage tomorrow because I am sooo proud of my courageous little kindergartner. Wish me luck as the day unfolds one moment at a time! I will definitely need your prayers! One child down and one more to go. Elisabeth does not start preschool until next Tuesday the 15th. Her preschool is at the same school as Madie's, Harlan Elementary. Their classrooms are just 2 doors down from one another...they both love this idea. I talked with their teachers and they said that the kindergartners and preschoolers get to play in their special playground together some days. Cool, huh? I can just envision them spotting one another on the playground and excitingly embrace in hugs! I love it! I know Elisabeth will love going to school but I have a very strong feeling that it is going to be a hard adjustment and ordeal for her to relax and not freak out. Here's to keeping our fingers crossed with her. I have taken her to her class multiple times already to help her prepare, adjust, and understand what will happen and where she will go every Tuesday and Thursday.

Our Labor of Love

Today is Labor Day and I would have to say that it had been the best Labor Day that I have celebrated. I am not really sure why we celebrate this holiday, maybe to honor those who graciously work in our country everyday in and everyday out. Getting warmer? Am I even remotely close? No matter the reason I will sing hallelujah and praises for this holiday because Dan had the entire day off and we were thrilled to be able to spend every waking moment with him. Ahhhh...perfect.

We spent a couple of hours at the park. On our way home from lunch at '5 Guys Hamburgers and Fries' we drove past this glorious sight. The girls and I started yelling and made Dan quickly turn back around so we could play. The park is off of 12 mile and is called Inglenook Park. I think this park is by far the best park that I have ever been to not only in Michighan but quite possibley ever! Hmmm...I might have to think about it but as of now my brain is not recalling any better.

Our girls like to swing but out of the three of them thus far Elisabeth LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to swing. She loves going higher and higher to the point of almost falling out. I think if I were to let her, she would stay at the swings the entire time we are at the park.

This morning ( I know the pics are out of order but...) we went to the small town of Franklin for their annual parade and festivities. Franklin is just about 5 miles from our home so it was a quick drive to enjoy a really quick parade. Not much to see at the parade but there was a lot of candy to receive. On the way back to the car from the parade Madie said, "I think that was a candy parade." I told her that she was completely right. After today, who needs Halloween?

Seriously I worship the ground this little girl walks on....

and hers......

And hers too!!!! Wow, I am lucky!

If you are looking at this picture and wondering if you are seeing correctly....YOU ARE! Yes this lady is holding her baby...I mean DOG in a baby Bjorn! What the heck, this is just out right absurd to me, it's a dog for cryin out loud! I got a good laugh today.

The kids dancing around to the music, happy to see their buddies.

Here are my sweet obsessions, I could just eat them up.

Two Laces.

Madeleine is on a roll baby. Conquering one milestone after another, I must say. Today my patience level was very high so I embarked on the challenge of teaching Madeleine how to tie her shoe. I am not the best at keeping track of when a child should learn to do something or not... but I probably should have taught her this long ago. It always seemed so much easier for me to quickly do it. Anyway, the outcome was good and her giggle level was high because she did it! The confidence she is gaining lately from accomplishing one thing after another is fun to watch. I am so proud of my amazing little/big girl!

Soccer is here again and Lizzy is going Green.

Thursday was Madeleine's first team practice of the year. She is playing with the MHYSA (Madison Height Youth Soccer Association) league this year. Fortunately this year she is on the same team with two of her friends, Zach and Addy. Her coaches are really great and the kiddos seem to be enjoying themselves so far. Madie really is a great little athlete but has the timidness of a baby lamb. In practice she does well on the drills and really connects with the ball but as soon as they start to scrimmage against one another she seriously stampers and hops around the ball. It's as if her ultra-sweet self does not want to "steal" the ball from anyone in fear of upsetting them. It is actually quite cute to see. Dan and I are trying to teach her how to attack the ball and be aggressive but so far...nothing! She's as cute as a button though and I just love watching her have fun. We love soccer season and are so glad that it is here again. I look forward to the season of practices and games and the opportunity I get to watch her.
I must say that the problem we are running into this season is not with Madeleine but with Elisabeth. Elisabeth no longer wants to sit on the sidelines and cheer her sister on. She has decided that she is going to play too. Even before practice I had to get Elisabeth completely "ready for Practice" just like Madie or I am sure all heck would break loose. As I was helping the girls put their cleat's on Elisabeth looked over to Madie and said, "Now I on your team, right?" Ugh...just rip my heart will you? I told her that this soccer is only for Bigger kids like Madie. Elisabeth then broke out in tears saying, " I a kid too!"
So as you can imagine Elisabeth and I spent most of the practice on the side of the field together imitating what the coach was having Madie's team do, so that Elisabeth could "practice" as well. I never prepared myself as a mother to encounter situations like this. I never realized just how quickly the second child grows up and tries to keep up with the older kids, until now. It breaks my heart, I need to start finding things for her to do to let her shine. Now all she needs to do is to quickly turn 3 so we can actually sign her up.

The other day Dan and I were at the store and we quickly spotted this jacket, like we always do with bright green things because of Elisabeth's obsession for the color. It was a great price so we had to get it. Let's just say that we her best friends for the day after we gave it to her. Look out preschool "Greenalicious" is ready to rock and roll. To say that she loves green is an understatement. I can not tell you how many tears have been shed and arguments she has had with numerous boys because they both want the green sticker, green cup, green ball, green straw, green paper...I mean the list goes on. The boys usually look at her and tell her that they like green and that she is a girl. Girls like pink according to them. I usually just giggle because that is a battle they will never win with my Elisabeth. So here she is with her favorite new GREEN jacket and as you can see...as happy as can be. I love it!

Noooo!!!!!

Recently Madeleine was sitting with Victoria in the family room and like always was talking and playing with her so well. This time Madie had a pile of things behind her back and would hold both of her arms behind her. She would then look at Victoria and say, "Victoria...is it in this hand?" Then she would proceed to pull out the hand with nothing in it and would shake her head and say," NOOOOOO!!!" Well just about 2 or 3 time of doing this Victoria caught on. Soon she would smile and shake her head Noooooo right along with Madie! IT was so darn cute, I could just die! The girls are really catching on to how much fun it is that their little Munchkin sister is learning things from them. What a joy!

That's my Girl!

About 1 month ago I took of Madeleine's training wheels off in hopes that she would be motivated to learn and ride her bike without them. Well in that month I have only gone up and down our drive way about a half a dozen times to try to teach her. After doing this I soon realized that we needed more space to learn. With all of the major construction that has and will continue to take place on our street there was no way this was going to happen. Finally on Thursday I really focused and put my mind on this matter. I decided that Dan and I were going to take her over to the parking lot behind the large shopping center and teach her there where we would be in a wide open space. I laugh because in Iowa we used to take Madie to Costco's parking lot to ride her bike especially when we were teaching her how to pedal and ride with her training wheels. Ahh how times have not changed. So we loaded the car up with the bikes and headed over to the parking lot. It was on about try number 3 when I noticed that I could let go here and there. About 30 minutes of running up and down the lot with her, slowly letting go more and more, SHE DID IT! By golly Madeleine figured it out and rode her bike all alone! It just clicked! It was soooo exciting. I could see the pride fill her. It was a beautiful sight to see her with so much confidence. Not too shabby, huh? And just days over her 5th birthday. She told me while she was on the bike that she does better when people cheer for her. (i.e. Dan and Elisabeth cheering across the parking lot.) It is really neat to see another milestone come and go. I guess this means that my little girls is growing up. I don't want to even begin to think what it will be like in a few days when I send her on to kindergarten. This experience was one of those special moments as a stay at home mom where I get to teach something to my child and see it in full bloom. I am the luckiest mom in the world that I get to see and share these moments with my children everyday!

Lizzy doing her best, to cheer Madie on with patience in the warm sun.

Victoria loved Madie's helmet the most!

Three Things I HAVE to blog about....

1.) My friend Jenny suggested Dr. Laura's newest book, "In Praise of Stay At Home Moms." I LOVE Dr. Laura (even though I think sometimes she can go a little over board)so I immediately agreed to reading it. I finally got my hiney in gear and over to the Baldwin Public Library to check it out. It was a summer "Hot Read" which means that I only have 1 week to read it and get it back. Hmmm..not a problem, like I said I love Dr. Laura. Well I read 75 pages last night and I REALLY REALLY like it. I suggest that EVERYONE read this book. It makes my heart swell with gratitude and love at the thought that I get to raise my children, no one else. It reinforces the HUGE importance of my role as a stay at home mother. Really everyone you have got to read it.

2.) While running yesterday I got a call from my brother Taylor. He very excitedly informed me that after having 3 boys they had just found out that.....they we going to have....................A GIRL! WooHoo for them. Awww I am so excited for them. This totally gave me hope that Dan and I do have a chance in having a boy the next go around, whenever it may be. So I want to once again congratulate Taylor and Sara on their next addition coming in February.

3.) Today I did something that I have been working towards for many many years! I finally ran a Half Marathon. It was only supposed to be my "long run" for the week in continuing to prepare me for a Half marathon. Last week my long run was 8.5 miles and this week I was going to bump it up to 10 or 11 miles, in hopes to run the Half next week. Ipod charged, huge water bottle in hand, kids in the car, and a excited positive attitude I was ready to run. (Honestly a pumped, confident, and positive attitude are a must in order for me to run far lengths.) Dan kindly was driving me up North to the Clinton River Trail. It being 16 miles long and I would just do 10 miles of it. But, on the way I look over at Dan and ask him, "Should I just do it? Should I just run a Half right now?" He looked at me with stupidity and craziness sitting there and thought about it for a second and then said, "It would be nice to get this running obsession over today." (He is not the biggest fan of my long runs, they annoy him. Obviously Dan has not caught the running bug. A 3 mile run and Dan is good and done.) He then said,"you have never run longer then 8.5 miles I am not sure you are ready. " At this point I was giddy bouncing around in my seat with excitement and I felt ready and good! I quickly told Dan to pull over because at this point we had no clue where the entrance to the trail was. Being in the right lane he immediately turned into the gas station on the side of the road so I could go and ask the attendant for some directional help. I looked at the name of the gas station and my smile was larger than it could be, stretching literally from ear to ear. I yelled, "Dan look at the name of this gas station! Look, it is a sign!" Dan quickly looked at the name and started laughing. The gas station was called: MARATHON!!! There is it was...a sign, my question answered, I was officially going to run the Half today!
A quick side note for those of you wondering: I have always planned on running in an organized run but over the past weeks while doing research and trying to figure out the logistics of when, where, and financial costs I soon realized it wasn't going to work. I knew I would only run on Saturday's (most runs are on Sunday's) and it had to be when Dan was not on an external rotation OR on-call. My pickings were slim and I felt like I was jumping through crazy hoops to find something. But it did simply narrow it down to a Half Marathon run in Holland, MI (3 hours away) at the end of September. Timing wise it would be great, it would be just after I get home from Utah. I was actually really really excited for this "awesome run" until I started to do the math and then quickly realized with hotel costs, gas, entrance fees, food, and all other misc. fees for the vacation it was definitely going to be more than we can swallow right now! Ugh...I hate when finances control every cotton pickin' thing. BUT this too shall pass and I was okay with that. I would now just need to get creative and follow through with my plan to still run a Half despite being organized or not. I mean my goal was to finish 13.1 miles and I was GOING to do it rain or shine, organized or not! So when life throws you lemons...I guess I will make a lemonade slushy.
Back to the story....We were pointed in the direction 0f the trail from the Gas Attendant which was only 1/4 miles away. So, Dan dropped me off with my phone and IPod in hand and I was ready to roll. The girls thankfully all fell asleep because Dan met me at 3 miles, 6.5 miles, 9 miles, and 11 miles to hand me a drink. Thanks babe! The trail was great but I ran into a few problems along the way. The first being at the 5 mile marker of the trail. It was closed down and under construction! I was sooo annoyed but quickly turned around and headed back on the trail from the direction that I came. A huge thanks goes to my mom who I had on speaker phone for at least 5 miles of the run. She just talked and talked, busily keeping my mind off of running. I love my mom and her stories! Dan quickly mapped out the rest of the race for me to follow. When I got back to Mile 9 he gave me a drink, showed me the map to follow, and cheered me on again with the kiddos now being awake. I was feeling great at this point and ready to finish up the last of the race. The second HUGE problem came at Mile 11. As I was running closer into Pontiac, MI ( a very scary and unsafe area) I felt pretty threatened and scared despite Dan being on speaker phone with me and following me in the car. My heart felt VERY uneasy at the people and run-down houses that I passed. I knew I Had to get out of there NOW! So he opened the back door to the car and I jumped in. Ugh...I was SOOOOOO annoyed. Why was this happening? Despite the annoyance I felt, I knew it was the right thing to do. Dan drove me 7 minutes in the car and dropped me off in a better/safe location for me to finish my run. He once again mapped out the last 3.1 miles for me to run! Stopping for the 7 minutes literally was the worst thing I could do. It was not a rest or break by any means. It was torture on me mentally and physically. It was like all of a sudden my adrenaline stopped working and all of my bone and muscle aches and pains immediately kicked in. The pains were a total beast! Ahhhh! But, I HAD to do it and no matter how slowly I ran up the last hill to finish the race, I DID IT!! I DID IT! I accomplished a goal that I had made for myself many years ago! It was such a liberating and exciting feeling. I felt like I could conquer the world!

This picture is at 9.5 miles....I was still feeling great! Like my lame pose? Get me a break Dan's cell phone camera is not the best with movement. Hahaha!

The final steps in completing my goal! WooHoo!

A look into Madeleine's imagination for just 1 hour.

So today we are lounging around the house while I have been doing laundry, chores, my calling (the ward bulletin), and other various nonsense things. I kids you not this is what I luckily get to listen and watch more or less.. everyday. Now when I tell you that Madeleine has quite the imagination on her I am not joking. So as I sit here at the computer doing this Sunday's bulletin I had to quickly stop to watch and log what is going on right now. Well we first I must mention that we started the morning off with Madeleine taking my two baskets of laundry that are waiting to be folded and set them up as pole Vault. She and Elisabeth took turns attempting to go over it for about 20 minutes.

The official Pole Vault...

We had a lunch break and during lunch Madeleine decided that they were going to be on a t.v. show about two Princesses (a.k.a. Madeleine and Elisabeth). Elisabeth was teh nice Princess named Ashlynn and Madie was a mean Princess name Ierna? who was going to try to steal a dance with Elisabeth's Prince. (Please note: this is all happening at the lunch table...during lunch.) Oh, I almost forgot...with Victoria and I being their Prince boyfriends. I just smile and go along with it in my efforts to prepare food, feed food, and clean up!


Well after lunch the pole vault soon turned into and then was expanded to Madeleine's...I mean "Dora's" trail to find magical musical instruments.
Madie word for word, "I'm Dora we need to find the musical instruments Diego (Elisabeth). First we need to go through the Spooky Tunnel filled with bats. Next, we need to under the Trroooollll Bridge. Then, we need to go through the singing gates to the musical instruments. But first we need the MAP, (A.K.A. Victoria) to show us exactly what we need to do. " Madeleine VERY enthusiastically then goes on and says, "C'mon Diego let's GO, GO, GO!" (Little music sounds being sung by Madie while on their journey.) Luckily they made it through the tunnel and then came to the very scary Troll Bridge. In a quick scramble and split second thinking, Madie then deemed me to be the Troll. ( Lovely, huh?) She told me that they needed to make me laugh in order to go over the bridge. With a sharp look thrown at me Madie then said, "Mom, tell us we can't cross the bridge until we make you laugh!!" Geezo...I better get with it, huh? They decided that to make me laugh they were going to do a SILLY DANCE. Well they finally succeeded and made it over the bridge and through the singing gates, FINALLY to the musical instruments.

"Dora's" trail in created...

The "Singing Gates" :


The Spooky Tunnel full of Bats:


Victoria A.K.A. "Map"

Madie doing the Silly Dance for the Troll in hopes to pass over the bridge.



There is absolutely NO reason for t.v. in this home. (though unfortunately a show still makes it on in our home ALMOST daily at some point.) This whole Dora ordeal is not a rare occurrence in our home. This is EVERYDAY! Today it is Dora, tomorrow it is animals, sports, princesses, etc. etc. All I have to say is, "You go girl!" I love, love, love Madeleine's imagination, I mean there is not a more exciting friend to play with in my opinion! I love even more that her imagination is rubbing off onto her little sister Elisabeth. If you ever need to be entertained just head over to the Arrhenius' just to observe my children. It is a riot!

I just sent the girls downstairs while I clean up and get Victoria down for a nap and I can already hear their new adventures together brewing. I think they arenow deciding to be moms with kids.

5th Invitation