"The Birthday Project"

Last year, my birthday was less than ideal. We woke up really early in the morning and took Lindsay into Primary Children’s for her 2nd surgery. That day had potential to be the biggest downer of the year. However, I was amazed at how many people were beyond kind during that time. We received phone calls, texts, messages via the internet, cards in the mail, dinners at home, and meals brought to us at the hospital, gifts for all of us, visits in the hospital, people babysitting Matt, help with hospital bills, and so much more. I couldn’t believe the goodness and kindness of family, friends, acquaintances, and even perfect strangers! I promised myself that I would be a better person and try to help others more. I was trying to think of what I could do/who I could help, when I came across THIS.

Have you heard of this girl? She spent her entire birthday doing random acts of kindness, and she's encouraging everyone to do the same. I decided that since people had been so good to me, I’d at least try to spend this birthday helping others. I gave myself a whole week to do it, instead of just packing it all in to one day, and my acts of kindness aren’t nearly as impressive as hers, but at least it’s a start.

So, to all those who have been so generous to my family and me, this birthday is dedicated to you! Here are my 27 acts of kindness for my 27th Birthday!

1- I babysat my siblings’ kids so that they could go on a date.

2- We took little bouquets of flowers to two ladies. (By the way, if you want to do this, the week right after Valentine's Day is a perfect time---all the flowers are REALLY inexpensive!)

3- We took a gift card to the sister missionaries.

4- Lindsay outgrew her diapers, but we had over 100 left, so instead of saving them for the next kid, we gave them to two new moms.

5- We gave a treat to the garbage man--he even let Matt sit in his truck and pull the loud horn!



6- We made a double batch of soup and took some to a girl who has been sick.

7- I had a gift card to an auto shop. I had Matt give it to a person inside, and they thought it was so nice that they gave Matt a sucker!

8- Matt took a treat to the recycling man.

9- We left a treat in the mailbox for the mailman.

10-We left quarters for someone to do their laundry. (I think that was my first time in a laundromat)
11-We made cookies for some neighbors.

12-We took some cookies to the police station--they gave Matt and Lindsay badges!

13-We gave a box of donuts to two bus drivers--they let Matt sit on the bus, and he LOVED it!

14- I made chili for 50 people (the scouts and their parents)
15- I ironed all of Darin's work shirts!!

16- We left quarters at the car wash.

17- I asked my bagger at the grocery store what her favorite candy bar was, and the I gave it to her has we were leaving.

18- I took a treat to a neighbor that was having a bad day.

19- I brought in my neighbor's garbage can.

20- I made cupcakes for my cousin who just came home from his mission (and I thought they turned out pretty cute too).


21-We took a box of donuts to the fire department--they let Matt sit on the fire truck, gave him a little tour, and gave Matt and Lindsay hats.


22- We got some gifts for the parents and kids at Primary Children's Hospital.

23 to 27- I want these to remain secret--hopefully no one will find out about these :)

And, there you have it! It made for a busy, and fun birthday week!

"Night with the Stars!"

We had New Beginnings tonight. It was hands down the best New Beginnings I’ve ever been to! The girls chose a “Night with the Stars” theme. We did kind of an Oscar night, complete with red carpet! These pictures don’t do justice to how awesome it looked! But, at least it will give you an idea.

The AMAZING invitations that Jena made. Aren't they super adorable!? I love them!


The refreshment table.


The cake with all our “stars” names on it.


Barbie and her husband made all of these YW torches, and each girl got one! So cute!

Two of my girls posing on the “red carpet.”

The ladies.

It was a great night.

Just because I think she's a little cute...

Lindsay is working on 3 molars right now.

Not fun for her, not fun for me.

However, I still think she is kind of cute!

The Weekend.

The weekend started out a little crummy--just because this guy had to go to the Klondike with the scouts. There were over 500 scouts, 10 events, and Darin’s troop placed in 3 of the events! They got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! I was pretty proud of them! They came back with some fun ribbons!

I was so glad that Darin had Monday off.  It made it feel like we actually had a weekend.  Darin took me out on a date Monday morning!  We ate some yummy French toast at Kneaders!  (Thanks mom and dad for watching the kiddos.)  The long weekend felt like a short one, but we still had fun!

Valentine’s Day Part 3

Last night Darin was a few minutes late getting home from work. I heard an unexpected ring at the doorbell. When I opened the door, I found a really handsome man holding these:

(The handsome man was Darin in case you were wondering).


We had a romantic dinner for two downstairs. My handsome date:


We started out with some Swiss cheese fondue.


Followed by steak and shrimp fondue


.
And we finished the dinner with some chocolate fondue.

Later, as we were putting the kids to bed, Matt had something in his bed. I was worried he might have taken it from one of the kids at the party, so I decided to put Lindsay in bed then have a talk with Matt about stealing.

I was about to put Lindsay in her crib when I noticed there was something under her blanket. It was a Tinkerbelle Valentine that said, “To: Lindsay Love Dad.” I went back to Matt’s room and his was a Cars box of Chocolates that said, “To: Matt Love: Dad.” The kids LOVED their valentines—even Lindsay kept giving Tink kisses and shaking the box. I thought it was so sweet that Darin surprised the kids with valentines! He really is the best dad ever!




After the kids were in bed, I went to peak on our bed to see if Darin had left me a surprise too. I didn't see anything until Darin came in, and said, “What’s that behind the pillow?” It was a box of chocolates just for me! I dare say, BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.

Valentine's Day Party!

We had a little Valentine party with my sisters, neighbor, and their kids. We started off with a crepe brunch.







Then my sister read some books and played some games with the kids, but I didn't get any pictures.

Next we exchanged valentines!


I know that everyone and their dogs have been making these valentines, but I just had to share, because I thought it was so cute!



Then we made cookies











...and ate cookies!


Happy Valentine's Day

A Surprise Valentine

Last night my parents brought Matt a valentine. But it wasn't just any valentine--it was one attached to a string! Enjoy this 12 second video!!

Matt’s Car Birthday Party

For more party ideas click 

HERE

Matt had a fun little belated birthday party with some of his friends. We had car sandwiches, fruit cars, fruit punch fuel, dipsticks, spare tires, and cake. The kids played with the car road, had car races, and made cars out of boxes. It was a really fun day!

Two Birthday's In St. George!

Last week we went down to visit Darin’s parents in St. George and to celebrate Matt and Darin’s birthday. We ate a lot, went to some fun parks, played, ate some more, relaxed a lot, and just had a good time. The only problem was, I hardly took my camera anywhere. Here are a few pictures from the week.


Darin, Lindsay, and Dad checking out the new fire pit.



Darin’s parents are still working on unpacking from the Philippines. This is one of the treasures they found when unpacking: Darin’s Halloween costume from when he was 3. Matt LOVES it! He wore it his whole birthday!


Darin’s birthday is the day after Matt’s. We started the morning by going to the St. George temple. Then Darin went golfing with his dad and brother, and didn’t get 1 picture!


The cute birthday boy!

Matt looking dapper for church.



Thanks mom and dad for the fun birthday weekend!