Easter

We had such an amazing weekend last weekend with Ashton, and to make it especially wonderful it was also Easter.  We decorated easter eggs with the kids on Saturday afternoon, and invited cousins Dane and Bennett to join us.  The kids had lots of fun decorating eggs together and I had a little nap on the couch while their dads helped them.

Cadence covered a few eggs in bubble guppie stickers - along with a few on her hands.

Sunday morning the kids looked for their easter baskets before church.  Cadence found hers before her brothers were even in the room.

We have a later church time of 1 pm. So I was able to get part of easter dinner ready before we left for church and my mom had time to travel from Champion to join us for the day.

My gorgeous kids ready for church.

Church was nice.  Our choir sang the closing song "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" in sacrament meeting and I accompanied them.  Then the YW President had asked me to sing "Gethsemane" in YW.  I had sung it in sacrament meeting last week and it was nice to sing it again.  It has such a beautiful message and I hope the girls enjoyed it.

After church we came home and had dinner.  We had ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, caesar salad, and yummy cheesecake with strawberries for dessert.  It was a relaxing, lovely easter Sunday and I was happy mom was able to come up and spend the day with us.  I am grateful for my Savior and for my knowledge that I know he lives.

Amazing Weekend

Now that Ashton is 12 and has been made a deacon in our church he was able to do a couple of very special things this past weekend.  After getting a recommend from our Bishop last week, we woke up early Saturday morning, dropped off Bowen and Cadence with my cousin Sheri and then headed up to the temple.

Ashton is now able to do baptisms for the dead at the temple and Sheri had 8 family names that he was going to do for her.  We get to the temple and Ashton reaches into his suit coat pocket to pull out his recommend and it was gone.  He checked all his pockets in his coat, then I checked all his pockets.  He had shown it to me before we left so I know he had it at one point.  Luckily President Stonehocker was there and he made a call to our Bishop (sorry for the early morning phone call bishop) and we were able to proceed.  (By the way he found his recommend in the back pocket of his suit pants - the one pocket I didn't check).

It was wonderful to watch Ashton and his dad doing these baptisms and then the confirmations. It was so nice to be in the temple together and I look forward to the day when our entire family can be there together.  Ashton told me he loved it and wants to go once a month.  He would also like to go with his cousins.  We are hoping once Emry turns 12 the older cousins can plan a temple trip together either up here or in Cardston.

On Sunday Ashton was able to pass the sacrament in our sacrament meeting with the other deacons.  I thought it was neat that his very first time was on Easter Sunday.  He'll always be able to remember that.  He was very excited and very nervous and was hoping he wouldn't make a mistake.  He did a great job and I was proud of how seriously he took his responsibilities.  It was a very special weekend with a great young man.  I'm so proud of him.

Happy 12th Birthday Ashton

March has been a very busy month in the Atwood house and somewhere in there we celebrated a very special birthday with Ashton.

Jason was going to be in Vancouver for work on Ashton's actual birthday so we let him open a present the day before.

He got a CD/Radio and he was very excited to have a radio for his room.

Jason left for the airport later that night.  The next day March 17th, Ashton's actual birthday was a super busy day for me.  It was our ward's RS party and I had lots to do for that.  Busy all day making soup, decorating, babysitting, etc.  Then I picked up McDonalds for the kids, grabbed the babysitter and then headed to the church.  It was a nice event and I was happy to have it done.

When Jason got home we finished celebrating for Ashton's birthday.  A couple more presents to open.

He got a CD for his new CD player.  A Doctor Who "Tardis" Lamp, Doctor Who Christmas Special DVD's, with a Sonic Screwdriver.  Notice a theme.

Since this is Ashton's 12 birthday it is a very special birthday.  The Sunday following his birthday Ashton graduated from primary and then was ordained a deacon in our church by his father.  The blessing with his ordination was so special, I wish I could remember more of what Jason said, but it was so beautiful.  It was a very special day and lots of family came to celebrate with us.  After church we had a barbecue at our house for everyone and it was nice to visit.  My only regret is I didn't take any pictures of the day.

The following Monday we took kids out for a birthday dinner.  Ashton chose the cheesecake cafe.  As hard as he tries he still can't finish a whole piece of cheesecake and I think we are now up to Cheesecake 6 / Ashton 0.

Happy 12th Birthday Ashton.  You are becoming an amazing young man.  You are such a big help and a great example to your younger siblings.  We love you so much!

Bowen's "Fake" 10th Birthday

Yesterday was Family Day and since we were all going to be home and had no other commitments we declared it Bowen's "Fake" birthday.  Jason is going to be away on the actual day this year.  The day started with a big family breakfast.  Then we had an errand to run and then home for Cadence to have a nap and for me to start dinner in the crock pot.  Jason and Ashton worked on Ashton's room.

Later in the afternoon we went to The Peanuts movie.  We all really enjoyed it and Cadence was a good girl and sat and watched the movie from her stroller.

When we got home it was time for dinner.  Bowen had requested bbq beef on a bun, so we had that with lemon lime delight salad.

After dinner it was time to open presents.  Bowen got a minecraft lego set from Ashton and Cadence, and a laser game he's been wanting forever, and a 3DS Game.  Bowen never disappoints and is always very excited and grateful for his gifts.

Then it was time for cake.  Bowen had requested chocolate dessert.  I had teased how I didn't know how the candles were going to stand up in the top layer of cool whip.

The candles did just fine until he tried to blow them out.

It was fun to celebrate with such a great kid.  We love you so much Bowen and its a joy to watch you grow into a great young man.  Can`t believe you are double digits!  Hope your 10th year is wonderful!

HAPPY ``FAKE`` 10TH BIRTHDAY!

Valentine's Day 2016

We had a nice Valentine's Day at the Atwood house this year.  I unfortunately was a little sick, though I was grateful I felt better than I did on Saturday.  I felt so lousy I even had to cancel my hair appointment on Saturday morning.  I hope to reschedule that soon.

Sunday started like any other.  I ran to the church for a meeting.  Once I got home Jason left to attend another ward.  I rested for a bit, and then got the kids ready for church.  Jason was home by 12:30 pm and we headed to church.

My sweethearts ready for church.  They are the best kids and I sure love being their mom.

I wanted to get a picture of Cadence's outfit.  It looked so cute with her boots but every time I asked if I could take her picture she insisted that she be sitting for the picture.

After church and choir we came home.  The boys and Cadence ate and then played for a while before bed.  After the kids went to bed Jason served me a delicious gourmet meal.  I am getting quite used to being treated to these delicious meals he makes for me and our Valentines dinner was no different.

The starter was a caesar salad with homemade dressing.  I love Jason's caesar salad and I now refuse to buy a premade caesar dressing.

The entree consisted of a bacon wrapped filet mignon, lobster tail, with baby carrots, green beans, red bell pepper and cheesy bread.  So incredibly delicious!

Dessert Jason cheated a bit and bought premade chocolate souffles you cook at home, but made a strawberry coulis to go on top.

Such a wonderful dinner and I was so incredibly full!  I love my valentine and our sweethearts and never take them for granted.  I know how blessed I am.  Happy Valentine's Day!

My Loves

Happy Valentine's weekend to everyone.  We are having a lovely low key valentines this year.  My gift from Jason is to go and get my hair done.  I haven't been in a salon since before Cadence was born.  I really need it done.  I'm very excited and will post pictures next week.  Then Jason is cooking me dinner on Sunday night after we put the kids to bed.  I know I'll be in for a treat - he's a bit of a gourmet you know.

The kids celebrated at school.  Tuesday night they worked on their valentines.  Ashton wasn't going to make any this year, but then heard that others in his class were bringing some.  Turns out only 4 kids participated.  I'm sure this was his last year.

We printed off little cards that said "Have a Ball this Valentine's Day" and then included a little rubber ball and chocolate heart.

My youngest little love insisted on using her play cup at dinner.  She is such a little dolly.

Friday Weigh In - Week 3

Another week has zipped by.  It was a busy week and to be honest I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about my eating habits.  I weighed this morning and am happy to report I lost ...

1 lb

That makes 3 pounds down. I really am going to make more of an effort this week and try and speed up this weight loss.  I'd still like to be down 10 - 15 pounds by March 17th.  I've been better about drinking water, but my exercise is still nil.  Really need to do something about that.  I'll be sure to report back next week.  Thanks for everyone's support.

Friday Weigh In - Week 2

So I weighed on Friday, February 5th but then forgot to post about it.  It was a busy, but fairly uneventful week.  I was much better about drinking water, but still need to increase my activity.  I was pleased to see some success when I stepped on the scale.  This week I lost ...

1 lb

That makes my grand total - 2 lbs so far.  The weight loss is slow, but that is okay if it continues to go down.  This week I hope to keep up with my drinking of water, and to increase my activity.  We will see how I do next week.

Friday Weigh In - Week 1

Happy Friday morning everyone.  This first week in my weight loss efforts was a tough one.  I started having stomach pains Friday night so exercising or watching what I ate wasn't really a priority.  On Monday when I spent the day at the ER they pumped me full of so many fluids that for the next two days when I weighed at home I was up by 3 pounds.  I was a bit worried when I stepped on the scale this morning.  So I am therefore happy to report that this week I lost ...

1 lb

Not a huge number but an okay start considering.  Pleased it went in the right direction.  I'm feeling a lot better.  I get the odd twinge and a little pain at night when I lay down, but so much better.  I'm hoping to move more this week and that will help my weight loss as well.  Also, I really need to start drinking more water.  I am absolutely terrible at this.  I can go a whole day without drinking any.  So that will be another goal this week.  I'll report back next week.  

Stinker

As much as we love having Cadence in our family, we are all still adjusting to having a toddler in the house.  I really don't remember my boys getting into things the way she does.  She leaves her toys all over the house.  She is always wearing someone's shoes (including my students) and leaving them in random places.  Last night she got a hold of Ashton's homework and scribbled all over it.  The other morning Ashton forgot to take his hot chocolate mug back into the kitchen.  We love you Cadence - but you are a stinker!

600 Blog Post Contest Winner & Day in the ER

Since I'm already a day late announcing the winner of my 600 blog post contest I won't keep you waiting any longer.

The winner is ....

SHEILA

Congratulations Aunt Sheila.  You won 2 dozen homemade buns, a guacamole dip mix and soap from bath and body works.  As soon as I get your buns made Cadence and I will make a little trip up to your place for a visit and deliver your winnings.

So to explain why I am a day late in announcing.  I started having a pain in my right side on Friday night.  Wasn't a big deal, wasn't sure what it was.  Saturday it got a little worse and I didn't feel very well.  Then Sunday it was hurting quite a bit more and by the end of a busy Sunday I was feeling pretty crummy.  Then I went to bed.  I had a terrible sleep that night.  Really bad pain, couldn't get into a position that it didn't hurt.  I even went down to the sectional at about 4 am to see if I would be more comfortable sleeping in a semi sitting position.  I was able to get a couple hours.

That next morning we decided I better head to the hospital.  So we dropped off all the kids at Jason's brothers house.  Thought it would be easier to have them miss school than worry about drop offs and pick ups and we headed to the ER.  I got in pretty quick and after talking to and being examined by a doctor he was concerned it might be my appendix.  So I did urine and blood tests and then was sent for an ultrasound around 1 pm.

Then we waited.  My husband sat with me all day.  The only time he left my side was to grab a bite to eat a couple of times.  He doesn't like it when I'm sick, and he isn't the most patient but he did say the only thing that made it bearable was that he was spending time with me.  He wondered if we could take a selfie and post it on facebook with the caption "date night".  So the ultrasound showed something abnormal but they couldn't get a good enough look at it so decided I needed a CT scan.  They gave me 4 big glasses of water with dye in them to drink for 2 hours and then I went for the CT scan at 6:30 pm.

Back in the waiting room.  About 7:30 pm the doctor came with the results.  My appendix was fine - good.  Apparently we all have these little fatty balls in our bowels and one of mine had become twisted and had died and become inflamed and that is what was causing the pain.  Luckily the treatment is painkillers and time, no surgery required.  So at 7:40 pm, after a very long day we were able to leave.  I'm already feeling quite a bit better.  I had a much better sleep last night and the pills are helping with the pain.  I should be back to normal in no time.  I'm sure grateful it wasn't something more serious, and for everyone's concern and offers of help, for Ty and Jill to jump in and take our kids for the whole day, and for a 12 inch ham sub that night since I hadn't eaten since 6 pm the day before.

Cadence is happily watching her shows and drinking her milk so I'm going to take my painkillers and have a little rest.  Thanks everyone for entering my little contest and congrats again to Aunt Sheila on winning - see you soon.

Book Club & 600th Blog Post Contest

I love to read but it is hard to make the time which is why I love belonging to a book club.  It makes me make reading a priority at least to read one book per month.  My book club started last February. I can't believe it has almost been a year already.

February 2015 we read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed

- I liked the book by the end.  I appreciated the main character's personal development and was an interesting adventure story.  The language was a bit rough.

March 2015 we read "Secret Daughter" by Shilipi Somaya Gowda

- Loved this book.  Definitely a page turner for me.  Kept my interest from beginning to end.

April 2015 we read "A Paris Apartment" by Michelle Gable

- Good book.  Enjoyed the fact it was based on true events.

May 2015 we read "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

- Also a book with some rough language, but an interesting storyline and I enjoy books with twists I don't anticipate.

June 2015 we read "My Story" by Elizabeth Smart

- I enjoyed this book.  Elizabeth Smart is an amazing young woman and even though it was difficult to read the things she had to endure it has a beautiful message or endurance, faith and love.

July - no meeting

August 2015 we read "Confections of a Closet Master Baker" by Gesine Bullock-Prado

- I had trouble getting into this book, but was a fairly enjoyable read.  I was very fun that we met at the Cheesecake Cafe for this meeting.  

September 2015 we read "Wonder" by R.J. Palacios

- This is a wonderful book.  Written for middle graders, it is a great book for kids and adults alike.  Great story of tolerance and respect.

October 2015 we read "Alternate Beauty" by Andrea Rain Waggoner

- Enjoyed this book.  Brought up quite a few passionate thoughts for me and was one of our most animated discussions as a group.

November 2015 we read a book by author Martine Leavitt.  Martine was then able to attend our bookclub meeting.  It was wonderful to have her come and answer our many questions.  Martine is the mom of one of our bookclub members.

We been on a hiatus during the Christmas season and I'm excited to start up again next Saturday.  We have such a great group of ladies that meet and I'm been enjoying their association and the books so much.  Hope we have another great bookclub year!

So today's blog post is my ...

600th BLOG POST

To celebrate I'm having a little contest.  

To enter either comment on this blog post, or on the facebook link.  You have until Sunday at Midnight to enter.  The winner will be announced on Monday morning.  

The winner will receive 2 dozen homemade buns, a Guacamole Dip Mix from Epicure, and a anti-bacterial soap from Bath & Body Works.  Be sure to enter.  Good Luck!

Friday Weigh In

This isn't a New Year's resolution, or a diet rather a goal I have.  It's time to lose weight.  Unfortunately I have put on a considerable amount, but no sense dwelling on that I can only start from where I am today and pledge to not put on one more ounce.

So my goal is to lose weight and to become more healthy.  I'm not striving for a specific number or dress size.  I'm not quite sure where I will end up so for now I'll start off small and my first goal is to lose 10 pounds by Ashton's birthday (March 17th).

Each Friday morning I'll weigh and report my progress.  I've had success in the past so I know I'm capable of achieving it.  I'm a bit nervous posting my before picture here but its not like nobody can see what I currently look like.  So here is to making good choices, moving more and coming back lighter next week.  Wish me luck.  Here we go again!

Photo courtesy of Bowen - it's a little fuzzy.

BFFs

For Christmas mom bought Cadence and my sister's little girl Freya matching outfits.  I love it when they can dress the same - so cute!  They really are the most precious little girls and it is going to be fun to watch them grow up together.  I hope they will always be the best of friends.

Cadence kept trying to lay on Freya's shoulder - Freya was having none of it!

Trying to lay on her again - I don't know what she was doing.

I just can't get enough of these two!