Don't you know? I'm a GREAT aunt!

(Charlotte smiling at me)

My beautiful niece, Candice, and her cute family now live in Omaha which is only three hours away. It's wonderful to have extended family within a day's drive.

(Candice and Charlotte at the zoo on a cold day)

Their townhouse is just minutes from Omaha's famous Henry Doorly Zoo.

(The desert dome at Omaha Zoo)

Candice is doing a great job decorating it and making it feel like home. (The townhouse, not the zoo!) Last weekend, my brother and his wife were in Omaha visiting, so we drove up to spend the day with them.

(Kevin and Marian with their darling granddaughter - one of seven grandchildren.)

We had a wonderful visit, and Kevin treated us all to a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, my favorite!

(Cheesecake Factory, Omaha)

With Kevin's recommendation, I tried their Chris Outrageous Chocolate Cake for the first time.

OH! MY! GOSH!

It was a perfect little day trip and we certainly enjoyed the company and the food, despite the weather. We look forward to seeing Candice, Craig, and Charlotte again soon...over Easter weekend.

Glimpses of Jen's Spring Break

(Before watching this video, pause tunes at bottom of blog.)

Empty TP Rolls

I always heard if you ever become a Girl Scout Leader or a Cub Scout Den Mother you should save everything (empty TP rolls, egg cartons, milk cartons, you name it) because there will come a time when you need them for a kids' craft. Since Brookie is three now and has such advanced fine motor skills, she loves crafts! I decided it was time to use up some of my collection today. After googling images for "crafts made with TP rolls" I found this darling idea from Parents' Magazine. Perfect for Spring!

Isn't it so cute?!!! I didn't find any directions, but it was simple enough to figure it out.

1. First, I placed a rubber band around the cardboard tube (about 1/8 inch from the center) to act as a guide for my pen.

2. Then I drew a line the circumference of the tube and a second one about 1/4 inch from the first.

3. Next, I cut the tube with scissors from the edge just up to the line all the way around. I made snips about 1/4 inch apart, but depending on how wide you want your flower petals, you could adjust this.

4. Repeat on the other side.

5. Finally spread out the petals.

6. The flower can be left natural or painted any color you desire. (Tip: use a very dry paint and brush. My cardboard got a little too limpy.)

7. Stuff the center with crumpled giftwrap tissue or other colored paper.

8. Stick in a skewer for stem (pipe cleaners could work too; I just happened to have skewers on hand).

9. Add a paper leaf if you want and display in a cute vase or container. Voila!

What child wouldn't be proud to take this home? The true test is...can a three year old do it? With a little help from me, Brookie made three more flowers. Not quite magazine photo quality, but pretty darn good. Her favorite parts were gluing on the leaves, crumbling up the paper for flower centers, and filling the vase with Easter grass. She had trouble cutting all the way to the center line, but did a great job overall! She is so proud of herself and loves her flowers.

Happy Spring Mom and Dad!

OUT with velcro; IN with grommets

Just a little update on the New Kids' Court:

Turns out that self-adhesive velcro isn't so adhesive anymore once it's saturated with rain water. The spring winds and thunder storms did a number on my creation. So, on to plan B....grommets. Grommets were my initial thought, until I decided velcro was easier and more economical. Grommets are definitely the solution; grommets and zip ties.

Here's how they look up close:

I also ordered interlocking foam tiles like these from greatmats.com. They cover the concrete patio perfectly and are working out great for a safe, soft, durable, play space.

Photo of final project still to come...

Clothes Thief by TheSn0wSh0w

(Before watching this video, pause tunes at bottom of blog.)

My son, Daniel, and his buddies in BYU's Snow Hall are constantly creating videos for fun. This one took 2nd Place in BYU's Funniest College Videos Competition. Check out more of them on youtube. They are all done by "TheSnOwShOw"...and they make! me! laugh!

p.s. "Two Man Flash Dance" always puts me in a good mood. :)

O-LEAVE-IA

Guess who dropped in for a visit tonight? Sweet little Olivia - one of my former daycare babies - who moved away six months ago. It always makes my day when she comes back to see me!

Oliva when she first came to my home

Olivia now

She is 23 months old;

Still one and she's potty trained!

She can do a perfect summersault!

She can communicate in clear sentences.

"Shakes her bootie" & does other cool dance moves.

She can hop and jump,and run like a champ.

She is good at puzzles, shapes, and colors.

She gives the best hugs - if you're lucky.

She makes my world better.

LOVE YOU OLIVIA!

Thanks for the Jimmeries; we'll never Fredette it

Sadly BYU basketball is over.

It was the BEST year ever!

Jimmer's 32 wasn't enough last night,

but he is still so ballin'.

Love that kid!

Can't wait to see what the future holds for him!