New Carpet

So I scored myself some free carpet by opening a Home Depot Credit Card. Didn't even activate the card, but was happy to get the carpet. Honestly I think they were happy to get rid of it too because they gave me two rolls instead of one just to get it out of their store. I guess some guy bought it and then decided he didn't like it, so he left it at the store. Home Depot can't send it back to the factory because it was already cut, so they decided to give it away. Lucky for me that some dude has enough money to throw around like that, cuz it saved me over $1,200. There was only enough carpet to do the kids room, but that's okay because I didn't pick it out, so it wouldn't have been my first choice. But ironically enough it is almost exactly like the carpet we already have upstairs, just new. So the kids were thrilled to get soft fluffy new carpet and I was happy to save some money. We just had to pay for padding and installation. 

See...happy boys! And the kids are all really good about not wearing their shoes on the new carpet now. Even they understand they need to keep it nice. Whew! 

Some friends and Easter fun

The Phillips were in town for their Spring Break so we tricked them into spending time with us by having them drop off Ashlynn to play for the evening. They had plans to go to dinner and take their other kids out for some fun, but we kept them in our house until at least 10:30 I think. We are sneaky like that. It was super fun to laugh and talk for hours. 

These girls had the best time. They laugh and laugh together and I love that they still get along so well despite the many miles that separate them.

They decorated these cupcakes at about 11pm at night. So they were DEFINITELY interesting looking. We didn't eat them. LOL.

The next morning we had our Annual Primary Easter Breakfast and Egg hunt. The Primary out did themselves as usual and it was a great morning.

And I was happy to see my sweet nieces come too. Love these two cuties.

Brandon always collects a bit too much loot. Usually he gives it all away, but this year I noticed he didn't give quite as much away. Guess he's finally decided to like his candy.

 This picture took a bit of effort and they weren't really willing particpants, but hey...I still got my shot!

Directly after the Egg hunt was an Eagle Scout project. Paul took Carter home, who was quite grumpy from the late night, while I stayed with the other three to help out. The girls mostly walked around with Ashlynn, but Brandon chipped in and helped tie blankets for a nursing home. I was proud of him. I hope to someday be doing an Eagle Scout project with him too.

We pretty much decided to keep Ashlynn as long as we could, so she came home with us after the breakfast for a little bit longer.

Then her parents came and snatched her up to go visit family, or something silly like that. ;-)

Easter morning with my four cuties.

I'm dying over Carter's outfit.

One last morning with the Phillips before they headed home. This would be a super cute picture if Leah didn't have a blue mouth from a lollipop she had been sucking on. Oops!

My boys love Elijah and were happy to get to hang out with him too!

Friend time never lasts long enough.

Weeks on end

I'm playing some serious blogging catch up, so here's like a whole month in pictures. The hightlights anyway. Things I want to remember. I don't take pictures of the bad days! I'm smart like that.

My dad put a fan in me and Paul's bedroom, which meant I had to climb up into the attic to pull the wire through.Yeah...it wasn't fun. I was getting a little clausterphobic.

But the end result is nice!

Carter is already getting tired of school everyday so he often asks to stay home. This particular day I told him if he stayed home, he had to do chores. He readily complied. I guess it was still a win for me though. And I got to hang out with my buddy all day. Although I'm sure he whined for "orange chicken" all day long too. That's fun (insert eye roll). I shouldn't complain. A year ago I would never have dreamed he would eat orange chicken. Now, thanks to his inhaler, he enjoys so many more foods. He's just a bit obsessive about some!

 Leah got to have a fun friends night at Abby's house before she moved away. We'll miss that cute girl! She's been one of Leah's closest friends this school year.

Got asked to be a level leader for YW camp this year. I'm excited and scared at the same time! I'm not sure what I'm getting myself into. I'm guessing....a lot of work....but a lot of fun too!

Our second round of our YW Camp cookie dough fundraiser was Snickerdoodle dough. Not nearly as popular as the chocolate chip cookies, but still a success overall.

Volunteering in Carter's class. He likes to show me how many words he can write. It's cute!

Brandon has had an AWESOME week at school. He got Valiant Viking, made his 150% AR goal, AND won Young Authors. He's one happy boy!

More of Leah's baking creations.

Carter wasn't feeling well one day so I had to bring him home from school. (I think he was faking in hopes of getting some more of the previously mentioned "orange chicken".)

The girls worked hard and made their AR goals.

Me and Brooke have sat through MANY MANY awards together. They are long, but hey...it's better than your kids not getting an award. I'm always proud of their hard work and effort.

My little blondy.

It was a let's squish mommy moment.

Lots of fun sprinkler problems in our front yard. Thankfully my dad bailed us out of hot "water". Literally!

Getting ready for New Beginnings and super grateful for a creative husband to help me make invites. We are a good team. I tell him what to do...he does it!

Some Carter drawings, thanks to Youtubers who like to give tutorials.

Ashlyn made National Junior Honor Society. Super super proud of her. Junior High is a tough transition, but she got herself organized and has really worked hard at accomplishing her goals! Straight A's!

Snuck away for a Mommy Daughter lunch with Leah. She always begs to go to Souplantation. I have to say we were both a little disappointed this time around. Maybe it was an off day because usually we love Souplantation.

Carter lost his first tooth! It was quite Traumatic!

Easter Egg dying with the Osmonds. A many year's old tradition. The kids still love it, but definitely just spent more time playing this year instead of dying eggs.

Easter Party at school for Carter.

And I don't even remember why we were at the mall. I'm sure it was just another day he talked me out of school. Good thing it was only TK. I literally lost count of how many days he missed and/or was taken out early. Oh well!