What will be will be

This morning was beautiful outside, so I packed breakfast snacks and let the girls eat in the jogger while I took a two hour walk. We walked up to the part of City Creek Canyon where bright green clovers grow in the creek; ever since we’ve moved here, that’s what I look for every year to tell me it’s Spring. And wow, is it Spring! The clovers were lush, bright green, and much more abundant than I’ve ever seen them. Too bad I didn’t take my phone–I wish I could have taken a picture. The birds were chirping, the creek was gurgling, and that bright green clover made me really happy.

The sad part is that I have had shin splints for over a week, and the two hour walk (with a couple short jogs in the middle) exacerbated them to the point where I spent the rest of the day in a mild state of pain. Happily, on my walk home, I ran into Aria and Anique, both avid runners with lots of shin splint experience, and they gave me some tips. There’s hope!

Then I came home, cleaned the house, fed the girls, and gave Lydia a piano lesson. We make such little progress in these lessons that sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it. But then I always conclude that it is worth it, just because Lydia and I get so much one-on-one time, and, if nothing else, Lydia is learning to sit and focus at the piano. At first I’d give her a treat when the lesson was done, but then I started to worry she’d confuse sugar with happiness, so now at the end of our lesson we take water breaks and read together. It’s my favorite part.

Then I finished my book, fed the girls, practiced the piano, and cleaned the house. Abe and I had planned on going to the temple tonight, but as soon as Abe brought the baby-sitter over, he checked his wallet and could not find his recommend. He searched for fifteen minutes and finally gave up. Truthfully, I was so disappointed. I had been looking forward to going to the temple all day, and I almost suggested that I go by myself–but then I didn’t know what we’d say to the babysitter, who was already at our house. We ended up going to the Cheesecake Factory, since Abe’s mom gave him a gift card there a while back. When it came time to pay, Abe found his recommend behind his credit card. I guess it wasn’t meant to be a temple night, and even though I was initially disappointed, I always love talking to my husband, so it turned out okay.

The flash on the camera phone is BLINDING. Abe took a picture of me, but my lopsided squint in the face of the flash made me look inebriated, which I was not.
The flash on the camera phone is blinding. This is Abe enduring it. Abe took a picture of me, but my lopsided squint in the face of the flash made me look inebriated, which I was NOT.

Mopey Monday

I stayed at preschool this morning. Misty had the kids make “giraffe skin” out of yellow paper, cut sponges and brown paint. Afterward, we took the kids out to the back yard to play.

preschool 3 preschool 1Then we came home and I gave Lydia another piano lesson before lunch. Her technique is really coming along, although I was a little impatient today and our lesson ended in tears and hugs. I had a little bit of an emotionally down day today, and I felt so bad for taking it out on Lydia.

Abe wanted to take me out to Smashburger to celebrate my cooking competition on Saturday, so we met him there before school.

smashburger1 smashburger2

While I was at school, Abe was home with two very melodramatic girls.

This was after Mary got put in her crib for not behaving, and Lydia was denied a princess puppet show because she refused to clean up. Misery loves company.
This was after Mary got put in her crib for not behaving, and Lydia was denied a princess puppet show because she refused to clean up. Misery loves company.
But they did have a princess hair night again.
But they did have a princess hair night again.

Then Lydia attempted to knock Mary in the head with the iPad. Thankfully she missed. While she was being disciplined, Mary ran around the house naked. When Abe found her, this is what he saw:

She was typing code into his laptop.
She was typing code into his laptop.
Lydia perked up and joined her.
Lydia perked up and joined her.

Guess my night learning about different dry heat/wet heat methods to cook food was pretty tame in comparison. Abe’s downstairs running off the evening’s stresses on the treadmill, and I am just about to try to forget mine by picking up my book.

Oh! Mom and Grandma, I am about to post some pictures from yesterday onto yesterday’s blog. Abe forgot to email me some cute pictures he took from his phone. I’ll just tack them onto the end of yesterday’s blog.

 

President’s Day (run, sales and school)

Happy President’s Day! One of the pictures I neglected to take yesterday was of the town right outside of Zion. The entire Main Street was lined with flags, and that helped put us in a patriotic, grateful spirit. On our run this morning, we decided that we would rather lead our very own happy lives than lead the country, and we are so grateful to those who are elected and willing to do the latter.

We went on a run to City Creek Canyon this morning, but since we were both exhausted, we did a lot of talking and walking on our “run.” By the end, Lydia was begging to go to the park, and so Abe took the girls to the park while I showered and did some homework. When they came back to the house, Lydia was a wreck because she did not want to sit in the middle of the messy jogger for even a minute longer. The jogger was full of spilled snacks, sippy cups, random toys, and rumpled blankets. Lydia was screaming and trying to wriggle out of her seat belt when they pulled up to the door. I felt a lot of sympathy because that’s exactly how I feel when the van gets trashed. Maybe she got it from me.

Anyhow, before Lydia’s jogger meltdown, she and Mary had a lot of fun at the park. Mary has started throwing herself off any height she can climb to because she expects Abe to catch her. Abe made me promise to never leave her unattended at the park for even a split second from this point forward. Duly noted.

We calmed down by having a banana swirl party. Here is Lydia pitching in our family effort to get Mary to eat.
We calmed down by having a banana swirl party. Here is Lydia pitching in our family effort to get Mary to eat.
Lydia is more successful than her parents.
Lydia is more successful than her parents.

Then we took a family nap (except for Lydia, who came into our room periodically to do puzzles, ask for food, and color). Then my Auntie Geri called and we got to talk for a long time. I have been meaning to call her for over a month, so it was really wonderful to chat.

And then we took advantage of all the sales at the outlet mall in Lehi. Abe got a whole bunch of new clothes, and I got a sweater and some jeans. I swore off jeans when I discovered leggings last year and made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t wear anything that’s not at least as comfy as my pj’s. That commitment has been extremely comfortable, but I find myself doing crazy things…like not changing my outfit for days because it’s just too easy to wear what I wore during the day to bed…and when I wake up, guess what? I’m already dressed! So the sad, unhygienic continues until the absolute need for a shower intervenes. Also, I am excited to have jeans that fit.

Then I took my midterm for my concepts and theories class. It was really easy, and I suspect the teachers have a lot of pressure from the administration to spoon feed success to the students as much as possible. I’m not complaining, though.

Then we came home and discovered a package from Balu to the girls! Lydia was asleep, so Mary got to sleep with both new stuffed toys:

IMG_6691 IMG_6692

 

February Camping trip

We just came back from our St. George and Zion camping trip. I took ninety-five pictures, so I will try to whittle them down (somewhat) and just post the highlights here:

Our neighbors left us some chocolate covered strawberries on our back porch right before we left on our trip. Here's Mary chowing down at a gas station en route.
Our neighbors left us some chocolate covered strawberries on our back porch right before we left on our trip. Here’s Mary chowing down at a gas station en route. (Lydia just finished hers — with evident satisfaction.)
We borrowed Lydia's friend, Cole, for the afternoon and evening. The first thing we did was go to Abe's cousin's soccer game.
We borrowed Lydia’s friend, Cole, for the afternoon and evening. The first thing we did was go to Abe’s cousin’s soccer game.
Charlie won his game! Posing with the victor.
Charlie won his game! Posing with the victor.
Then we went back to our campground to set up tent. The kids shared a bag of chips, ran around, and even helped a bit.
Then we went back to our campground to set up tent. The kids shared a bag of chips, ran around, and even helped a bit.
Sharing chips.
Sharing chips.
Running around
Running around

 

Wanting to help.
Wanting to help.
It looked a little wonky because we didn't set up the vestibule properly. But it was huge! This is the first time we've used it, and we fit a queen sized air mattress AND a twin air mattress (I have a bad back) in there with plenty of room to spare.
It looked a little wonky because we didn’t set up the vestibule properly. But it was huge! This is the first time we’ve used it, and we fit a queen sized air mattress AND a twin air mattress (I have a bad back) in there with plenty of room to spare.
We bundled.
We bundled.
And hugged.
And hugged.
Happy and warm.
Happy and warm.

 

The next morning, eating granola bars and fruit.
The next morning, eating granola bars and fruit.

After breaking camp and attending Sacrament meeting, we went to Zion National Park.

Entering Zion National Park. The pictures do not do it justice at all. The majesty, splendor, and vast scale of the rock formations just took our breaths away.
Entering Zion National Park. The pictures do not do it justice at all. The majesty, splendor, and vast scale of the rock formations just took our breaths away.

IMG_6639

Abe wears an adventure hat, and so Lydia does too. Here she is before hike #1 with a pine cone and leaf.
Abe wears an adventure hat, and so Lydia does too. Here she is before hike #1 with a pine cone and leaf.
Abe in his adventure hat. I have so many versions of this picture, and they are all so cute.
Abe in his adventure hat. I have so many versions of this picture, and they are all so cute.

IMG_6647

IMG_6649

Lydia and Daddy are so far ahead!
Lydia and Daddy are so far ahead!
Deciding to catch up.
Deciding to catch up.
Caught up.
Caught up.
Wanting Daddy to hold her hand.
Wanting Daddy to hold her hand.
Success.
Success.

 

Hand holding.
Hand holding.
Oops! I'm supposed to be taking pictures of the scenery!!
Oops! I’m supposed to be taking pictures of the scenery!!

IMG_6658

Hike #2 (Weeping Rock).
Hike #2 (Weeping Rock).
Under the weeping rock.
Under the weeping rock.
Enjoying the view.
Enjoying the view.
Hike #3: The Lower Emerald Pool.
Hike #3: The Lower Emerald Pool.
Made it.
Made it.
On our return trip.
On our return trip.
This is what's behind where we're crouching in the last shot. The kind man who took our picture focused on the people instead of the view (hey! That sounds like someone I know!).
This is what’s behind where we’re crouching in the last shot. The kind man who took our picture focused on the people instead of the view (hey! That sounds like someone I know!).

Early Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Well, it was for Abe and me. We celebrated early since babysitters are booked on Friday. Pre-date, the day was so relaxing. Lydia was exhausted from all the highs of yesterday and took an almost three hour nap. Mary slept too. Abe got home by 5:15 and we left on our six hour date right away–which just might be the longest date we’ve ever been on.

Here are the pictures from early in the day:

Mary dancing (before her outfit change post-messy meal).
Mary dancing (before her outfit change post-messy meal).
Playing.
Playing.
Playing "fish, fish, fish, fish, FREEZE!" We learned this game yesterday, and Mary especially loves putting her hands together and pretending to swim like a fish.
Playing “fish, fish, fish, fish, FREEZE!” We learned this game yesterday, and Mary especially loves putting her hands together and pretending to swim like a fish.

And from our date:

We went to a restaurant called Cedars of Lebanon. The food was amazing. I would love to work here (part time) and learn how to make that yummy food sometime down the road!
We went to a restaurant called Cedars of Lebanon. The food was amazing. I would love to work here (part time) and learn how to make that yummy food sometime down the road!
Our food.
Our food.

valentine2014 1Then we tried to go see Saving Mr. Banks, but it was only showing in Layton, and we were late. So we saw Catching Fire instead and have talked nothing but rebellion, revolution, and fantasy lit ever since.

A series of delightful events

Days like this make me wonder why every day can’t just be like today. Why can’t they? I can’t figure it out, but I’m really glad when days like this happen.

This morning Lydia crawled into bed with me and wanted the iPad. I trade the iPad for practice time reciting scriptures, and today I actually recorded her reciting her scripture.

Then we went to a Valentine’s day party at preschool:

mary at preschool audreyLydia spent the rest of the day going through the valentines from her friends over and over. She had so much fun.

Then I took the kids to Gateway for Dairy Queen Blizzards and some pizza:

lydia and shakeAgain, this part of the day made us all unreasonably happy.

Then I gathered my courage and took both girls to the movie, Frozen.

frozenThis was their first movie, and they loved it. Well, Mary spent most of the movie climbing up and down the stairs and running around the theater while I chased her. Thankfully, there was only one other family in the theater, and they had small kids too. At one point, Mary ran right under the huge screen just as a big boom from the movie rang out. She let out a delighted yelp and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her straight back to me.  She’s my little thrill seeker.

Then we came home and took naps. They napped so long that I didn’t have the heart to wake them in time for me to get to class, so I just read all of the class slides and did a bunch of homework instead.

The only low point was when I lost my temper at Lydia after dinner because she was screaming for cake. But that really was the only low point for Lydia and me, and the rest of the day was just a delightful series of fun events. I guess if this happened every day, I wouldn’t appreciate these good times the same way…but really, it would be so nice.

On top of it all, Abe got moved up into a track that positions him for the next round of promotions today, so honestly, every one of us had a great day.

Now it’s time for baths and bed. I think I even have time to read my book tonight. Yay!

Here are some more pictures from the day (mainly for Mom and Grandma!):

Talking with Nana and Grandma Cullen.
Talking with Nana and Grandma Cullen.
Lydia wanted them to see her cat's pink smile.
Lydia wanted them to see her cat’s pink smile.
She spent a lot of time trying to get them to see her cat.
She spent a lot of time trying to get them to see her cat.
Here's her cat's "pink" smile. He needs a bath...
Here’s her cat’s “pink” smile. He needs a bath…
I did Mary's hair while we were on the phone. Clearly, I need to focus more when I'm attempting pigtails.
I did Mary’s hair while we were on the phone. Clearly, I need to focus more when I’m attempting pigtails.
After naps. Trying to figure out the iPad
After naps. Trying to figure out the iPad
Because I don't understand the "less is more" principle when it comes to pictures of my kids.
Because I don’t understand the “less is more” principle when it comes to pictures of my kids.

cooking, skiing, museums, and lots of family history

I was so awake last night that I crawled in bed and talked Abe’s ear off, even though he was already unconscious and couldn’t actually form verbal responses. Then this morning rolled around…and I wished I hadn’t been so talkative last night. Nevertheless, I rolled out of bed and headed to school.

While there, I tried to conquer my fear of frying by making tempura. My fears were realized when I: sliced a knife through one of my finger nails, permanently scarred my arm from bumping a burning hot metal spider, set some towels on fire, and got splattered with hot oil. I swapped in sweet soy sauce for regular and my dipping sauce came out bland (sweet soy sauce doesn’t have the same salt content, fyi), and my tempura was pale and soggy. I was scared of taking the oil temperature, so my oil went from being so hot that the chef lectured me on fireballs that happen when oil that temperature erupts into flames…and so low (because I was appropriately scared out of my mind by that lecture) that my tempura didn’t brown or crisp. Argh. But at least now I’ve tried frying foods, and I know with certainty that I hate it.

Then Abe, Balu, and the girls met me at school so we could go straight to Sundance, where Abe and Balu skied away. Well, actually first we went to Qualtrics so Abe could pick up the ski passes (free at his new job!). I loved seeing his office and how open, friendly, and fun everything felt. It made me happy to think of Abe spending happy, productive time in that positive environment.

THEN we went to Sundance, where we dropped off Abe and Balu.

Abe doesn't have sunglasses, so he borrowed my sparkly ones.
Abe doesn’t have sunglasses, so he borrowed my sparkly ones.

The girls and I then headed to the BYU museum to see the Sacred Gifts exhibit I learned about on Wednesday. We had to go through the exhibit twice at a fast clip because Mary was antsy and didn’t like it when I stopped in front of a painting. Lydia was quiet, although tired and miserable because she had wet her pants right before and we didn’t have any extra pairs on hand. After viewing the exhibit, I made a quick tour of the rest of the museum before getting back into the car and going to Abe’s grandma’s house five minutes away.

We had a terrific visit full of family history stories. Here are some pictures I took to remind me of the stories:

This is Christina, Abe's great grandmother, who immigrated from Greece. In Greece, her father was kidnapped by the Turks for ransom. Her family was well off and paid the ransom, but the kidnappers took the money and killed her father anyway. Her mother died of a broken heart.
This is Christina, Abe’s great grandmother, who immigrated from Greece. In Greece, her father was kidnapped by the Turks for ransom. Her family was well off and paid the ransom, but the kidnappers took the money and killed her father anyway. Her mother died of a broken heart.
This is the husband of Dorothea, Grandma Darais' Swedish grandmother. His brother saved up money for a ticket to America, and he loved his brother so much that he gave the ticket to him and stayed behind to earn another ticket for himself.
This is the husband of Dorothea, Grandma Darais’ Swedish grandmother. His brother saved up money for a ticket to America, and he loved his brother so much that he gave the ticket to him and stayed behind to earn another ticket for himself.

IMG_6433

This is a picture of Abe's grandfather, Alex Darais, with a piece of art he entitled, "The Song has Ended."
This is a picture of Abe’s grandfather, Alex Darais, with a piece of art he entitled, “The Song has Ended.”
The original piece is still in the living room. Alex fashioned a paper canary to sing in "The Song has Ended."
The original piece, which won an award, is still in the living room. Alex fashioned a paper canary to sing in “The Song has Ended.”

IMG_6429

Norma's father made this for her before her third birthday. He died when she was three, and so this is a treasure to her.
Norma’s father made this for her before her third birthday. He died when she was three, and so this is a treasure to her.
A photograph of Alex Darais.
A photograph of Alex Darais.
Alex did not like this family photo, so he had the picture redone.
Alex did not like this family photo, so he had the picture redone.
This was his preferred version. Abe's dad, Tom, is the second to youngest son in the picture.
This was his preferred version. Abe’s dad, Tom, is the second to youngest son in the picture.
A portrait of Alex by Andrea, his daughter (Abe's aunt). Her self portrait is on the left.
A portrait of Alex by Andrea, his daughter (Abe’s aunt). Her self portrait is on the left.
Lydia recited her scriptures (1 Nephi 3:7 and 2 Nephi 2:25) and the first article of faith for Norma. That made both of them happy.
Lydia recited her scriptures (1 Nephi 3:7 and 2 Nephi 2:25) and the first article of faith for Norma. That made both of them happy. (Lydia’s not wearing pants because of her accident in the car. Norma lent her socks for the ride home. They came up to Lydia’s thighs!)
Mary got a kiss.
Mary got a kiss.
The girls hugged each other a lot today.
The girls hugged each other a lot today.
They loved the real cat outside.
They loved the real cat outside.
Playing in Grandma Darais's toys.
Playing in Grandma Darais’s toys.
A happy shot.
A happy shot.

After we picked up Abe and Balu, we all went to the museum again and took turns going in so that all the adults could absorb the exhibit. Abe and I just love how enthusiastic and joyful Balu is–he appreciates everything, from nature to art to food to awesome Qualtrics prize wheels. We were so happy to spend Saturday with him!

Then we ate pizza in our already trashed car and felt sticky, greasy and gross for the car ride home.

Our water heater turned off in our absence, so I have to wait until tomorrow to shower. Since I didn’t have time this morning or yesterday, it’s starting to feel like I’ve been camping…