reading books

I was going to only post one photo but I think the progression of pics speaks volumes. Notice Harmony's reading vs. Charity's. I LOVE my sweet girls! 

 This is the one I would've gone with but you would've missed all the FUN! LOVE them! I also LOVE how much they love their books. They'll choose books over anything else. You'll be their new best friend if you hold them on your lap and read to them. All I have to do in the car is make sure they have a book in their hands on a long drive and they're good (unless they're starving).

Charity's Pink Eye

Yesterday I noticed the area under Charity's left eye was pink. I called the nurse to see what she said. She wasn't concerned since her actual eye was fine. She told me to keep an eye on it. If it began swelling or got any redder I should bring her in. During the night she woke up. It seemed a little puffy and to be bothering her so I gave her some benadryl. It took care of the puffiness but not the redness just on the area around the eye. We were going to spend the weekend with some friends of ours who is also a nurse. She wasn't concerned either. Last night Today I was on a walk with the girls and a friend of mine saw that her eye was a little weepy and gunky. She suggested I take her into the Dr. I called in and they could fit her in immediately. The Dr. said it was in fact pink eye and wrote a prescription. My poor baby. He said the dose would be big enough just in case "someone" else got it. He said to put drops in both eyes in case it spread. No one else got it, it didn't spread. It must've been an extremely mild case. It's highly contagious until after 24 hours of using the drops, however. Our weekend plans were put on hold needless to say. Look at that sad face. She took it like a champ though. 

That day WIPED me out though. I had the girls on a walk. Had to rush home, take them inside, change their diapers, load them and the stroller in the car, rush over, take them out, load them in the stroller, restrain charity while the Dr checked her out (which is NOT easy), reload them in the car, take them to target for the drops, Charity had a blow out, change her while the scrip was getting filled, reload them in the car, take them home, get them out, changed and put down for a very late afternoon nap. All the while my phone was dying, and being in a hurry. I held Charity down to give her the drops, put them down for a nap and COLLAPSED on the couch. Chuck came home a little while later to me staring at the wall. He hesitantly asked "are... you... okay?" "No. No, I'm not okay." I was EXHAUSTED. But we got the meds and the pink eye kicked to the curb. All's well that ends well.

toy box fun

The folks and sista visit

I'm ashamed I didn't take more pictures while my parents and sister were in town for nearly three weeks. They came into town just in time to see my last Christmas Concert with the MOTAB and stayed through Christmas and New Years. 

Of course we had to fit in a hair braiding. 

I got Charisse sick so she wore a mask whenever she needed to cough. We said it looked like she had a trachiotomy. haha! She was a good sport about it. There was a LOT of card playing. Not just any cards but Hand and Foot.

Grandma and Grandpa. The girls LOVED having them stay with us. They loved being read to, cuddled with, and I loved the extra set of hands and all the free babysitting.

Auntie with the babes

Grandpa reading their favorite new story they got from them. 

Saying our goodbye's. Don't mind my smoker voice. Yikes! We love and will miss you guys! 

Dev's in town!

My Christmas present from Chuck this year was a new set of work out videos. I needed a change from the old sets, especially with the winter and inversion and not being able to work out outside. We can't afford a gym membership so this my shot. 

My bestie Deveney was in town for a few days. We LOVE our workouts together. My DVD's came JUST in time to give it a try to start our new year off right!

We both had a rough December of illnesses, family visiting, off schedules, ets. We're feeling out of shape and need to get back in the game! Yikes! 

 T25 did not disappoint. It kicked our BUTTS!!! I can't wait to start the recipes, and try the rest of the tapes. I'm excited! Thanks Dev for another fun workout. You're the best!

Dev was in town for just a couple of days. Her cousin, Kendall, passed away from cancer. He was 26 and practically a brother to her. It's sad to see someone so young who hasn't experienced so many things in life, pass away. I went to his memorial service with Deveney and her family. I never knew Kendall but from what was said by his bishop, Stake President and father during the service I was deeply moved. It made me want to do better and be better. He set amazing goals for himself until the very end. I wish I'd had the chance to know him. His life and testimony moved me. I pray for his family and friends who grieve his loss but who enjoy the comfort of knowing he led a good life who was prepared to meet his Savior. 

I'm so sorry for the circumstances of your visit Dev, but happy to see you. Much love!