And it was AMAZING!

We took an amazing group of kids to the "Amazing Pizza Machine" for one heck of an amazing birthday party! We decided on a joint party this year because it seemed like natural fit. All of Z&E's friends are also friends with one another. I've said it before and I will say again...we feel blessed to have such a wonderful circle of friends here in Omaha. If it truly takes a "village to raise a child" I'm glad our village is here. The celebration began earlier in the week with the arrival of Grandpa, Grandma & Gigi, Papa. The twins birthday is a special day and we are thankful to share the day with our family. The twins were very excited for the big celebration and it started out with a bang. After school we had our "grand" opening and then quickly raced over to the Pizza Machine. We met up with Cole, Spencer, Easton, Kiley, Mckenna, Katie, Emma and Katherine and so the party begins! The kids were very excited and happy to see their friends. They played games and rode the rides for 45 min. Next, we went to the party room for pizza, presents and cake. We finished up back out on the game floor to spin the big Birthday Wheel. The grand prize is 1000 tickets to redeem at the gift counter. Both kids had a turn to spin and lucky for us they both won! But, not so lucky for me they both picked out lava lamps for their room-purple and orange!

"The Magic wheel", magically every birthday child wins 1000 tickets

Twins have to share most things. So, it's only fair to give them each a chance to blow out the candles and make a wish. It's Z's turn.

Ellie is takes her turn very serious. I hope your wish comes true, Ellie

Bumper cars, the highlight for Zachy.

Avery couldn't get enough of this roller coaster...or her daddy!
Sweet girls, Emma and Kiley
Fun friends, Easton and Spencer

She did it!

Last month Ellie came home from activity days and said "Mckenna and I volunteered to sing at the Mother Daughter banquet." "You what, I said?" Is this the same little girl who almost didn't get baptized because she was so shy with all the people watching? Ellie agreed to sing a duet, one verse of "I am a Child of God" with Mckenna. She practiced many times throughout the week. Only one time did she ask me if she could cancel and stay home. I explained she had made a commitment, she needed to honor it, and she could not back out. "Yes, you will be nervous, but you can do it!" After school one day Mckenna's sister played the piano and helped the girls practice, 102 times exactly claims Ellie. Saturday morning, mother and daughter head off to the banquet and to a new challenge. Ellie and Mckenna's names are announced and sure enough my little girl heads up to the front! She's gonna do it! She did it! The girls sang beautifully! I was so proud. I love that Ellie has the activity days program, she has wonderful leaders that give her many opportunities to learn and grow. She is certainly growing up, I am so proud of the young lady she is becoming.

Ellie and McKenna singing "I am a Child of God" The girls also had a chance to showcase their artwork. Mckenna, Ellie & Katie

If you happen to see this girl...

Tell her to go home, take a bath and have her mom fix her hair.

Actually, this little cream puff was just enjoying her day with lots of good ol' fashion playtime. She made the most of it by playing at the park, riding bikes, and washing Daddy's car. Finally, a warm Saturday to play outside is just exactly what Avery ordered.

"Oh, What a Night"

Last month our ward hosted a fundraiser auction for the youth camp program. This always proves to be a fun event. We bid on a "night with the Behans" along with our friends. We won, and were so excited! We all the love the Behans, they are a wonderful couple in our ward who have become dear friends. We had no idea that such a special night was in store for us. Friday night we all met up at the Behans and it was absolutely a date to remember. We were treated to a "5 star" night of elegance! The table was set beautifully. Sharla and Wayne spent the day preparing and cooking our dinner. We were served a five course meal-mouth watering delicious! Mia is more on top of the whole blog thing, so check out her site for pictures of each course of the meal. After dinner, we set off to play "Settlers of Catan" followed up with a scrumptious almond torte topped with cream and berries. Oh, what a night! To the Behans, thank you so much for a memorable and wonderful date night. Good friends= Sharla, Wendi, Yours truly, Mia and Kimberly

If they could see 'em now...

Zachary and Ellie, one month old. Nine years ago today the doctors at Primary Children's Hospital gravely explained the miracle it would take to see our twins survive. Being 23 weeks gestation the odds were overwhelmingly against them. I believe in miracles. Survive and thrive is exactly what our tiny babies did. Zachary and Ellie beat all odds. Overcoming obstacles seems to be the story of their lives. And, their story starts April 17th in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After spending 4 1/2 months at PCMC, many memories fill my mind, most of them terrifying but all of them gratifying. I distinctly remember the loud beeps of the heart monitor, and the soft ticking of the ventilator. I will never forget the smell of our babies. It was not the precious aroma of newborn skin, rather a distinct smell of sterile tape and soap. Our babies were in the 24 hour care of perfect strangers. The nurses became our lifeline to the children. I remember the tender care of some nurses and the harsh reality of others. More than once we sat waving goodbye with tears in our eyes, as our tiny ones were being wheeled into surgery. This image is embedded in my memory forever. I believe in miracles. I believe in the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. I know with Him all things are possible. Our feisty, surviving 1 pound babies are a constant reminder that we all have a special plan here on earth. We are a family forever and for this I am very thankful.

If they,(doctors & nurses) could see 'em now... They would see that Ellie is a beautiful young lady who loves her twin. She is nurturing, loving, and loyal. Sweet Ellie is bright,vibrant, fun and very giggly. She is diligent in her efforts. Ellie loves to play tennis, computer games and reading. She is faithful and has an obedient heart. We love this precious soul.

Would they recognize Zachary, our handsome,strong willed, and grown-up son. Zachary is feisty, strong willed, and independent. He is determined, brave and, truthful. Zachary loves to play golf, watch t.v and has many collections. Zachary is the ultimate snuggler. He is funny, silly, and stylish. Our lovable Zachary with his sensitive heart brings joy to us each day.

Happy Birthday to Zachary and Ellie. May this 9th year bring many special wishes and blessings your way. We love you both. Love, Mom and Dad.

Oh, happy day...It's Jeff birthday

Happy 36th birthday to the unique and entertaining individual that I call husband, best friend and love of my life. Enjoy your day, sweet pea!

36 little known facts about my loverboy!

1.Jeff has a beautiful singing voice. He hides this talent, but if you've had the privilege of hearing him sing you'll agree, it's fantastic!

2.Once a breakdancer-always a dancer. Jeff can really bust a move! He loves to dance.

3.This gentle giant loves to hunt. He loves the mountains, fishing and the sport of hunting.

4.Determination--Jeff is determined and dedicated. He was originally cut from his high school basketball team due to being a "smartmouth" to the coach. The next season he was determined, proved to the coach he was serious and went on to star on the team. Eventually, played in college on a scholarship.

5.everybody knows his humor, but only a select few know of his love of "covered wagon" joke, or anything potty related! Boys will be boys.

6. Jeff has been voted" most valuable player" many times. On the court, for his skills and teamwork from his basketball team. Off the court, with Pfizer as he has earned this title several times with "Rookie of the year" being his favorite honor.

7.He's not afraid to show some emotion. No really, this man can shed tears like no other. Truth be told, I fell in love with Jeff because of his sensitive heart.

8.He loves shopping. Don't deny it, Jeff

9. Jeff gives me the best gifts ...he loves to surprise me and always spends way to much money on me.

10. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes, To know Jeff is to know his love of shoes.
11. He has the best" fake" laugh you've ever heard. Ask to hear it sometime.

12. He will never have to many white dress shirts.

13. Jeff loves fine dining. Eating out while Pfizer foots the bill has certainly shown him the better side of the fine cuisine.

14. Jeff knows people. He is a great communicator, and in tune to the needs of others.

15. Jeff is quick to say sorry.

16. He will ask for directions if he's lost.

17. Jeff has a photographic memory! He truly can remember all things, and continually amazes me with complete details. Movies from his 7th grade, a speaker he heard last year, and many times I ask him...where did I put my purse?

18.He is athletic, and loves sports. He prefers to watch college sports rather than professional ones. However, I am happy to report he's not one to stare at the T.V for hours on end. That being said, I know come March it's his turn to enjoy the Madness.

19. The "baby whisperer" can settle down and make any baby smile. Babies love him. He is nurturing and adorable with children.

20.Nothing compares to the love he has for his own children. There is no place he would rather be than right beside his family.

21. he was voted class clown in grade school, (surprised?) But, did you know he was voted "top drama student" in high school. He only joined the drama club for one year (cute girl in class) but once again, he excelled!

22.He is loyal friend and values his relationships with others.

23.He is very complimentary, and can make anyone feel special.

24.He is our Elders Quorum President. I love to see him in action. He mingles in the halls after church listening to the needs of others. He's the first person to offer help, and lighten the burden of others.

25.He doesn't like to read, but likes to be informed and knowledgeable. So, has taken to Books on tape and listens to them all day while driving around.

26.He doesn't like fiction, only non-fiction stuff.

27.He's patient. Enough said.

28.Jeff like veggies and dinner food better than dessert! What, you've never heard of such a thing neither had I until I met him.

29.Jeff loves movies. All kinds.

30.He is strong when faced with trials. He is my rock!

31. Jeff smells good. I mean really good. He loves cologne. He is particular and distinguished.

32.Jeff loves to play with the kids. It doesn't matter if it's dolls with Avery, Star wars with Zach or computer games with Ellie. He will always make time to play.

33. Jeff calls me everyday from work. Idol "chit chat" is not his favorite but he knows it's important to me and he never complains.

34. Jeff is diligent in his duties. He works efficiently. He is successful at finding a balance between work and play.

35.Jeff loves the Gospel, he is steadfast in his desire to serve the Lord. He is spiritual, and open to inspiration and guidance. He is humble, he honors his priesthood, and is mindful of the Lord in all things. I am thankful to him each and every day.
36. He is my most favorite person in the world.

I went on a date on with another man...and boy was he cute

2 years ago Zachary and I went out on our first date. We loved it, every minute of it and so the tradition started...Mommy and son date night. This week Zachary said to me "Mom, why did you stop dating me? Ouch. I guess it's time for our special date. The truth is...other than Jeff, there is no one I'd rather date than my little Z-man. Zachary just loves our time together. I don't know if he likes the actual "date" as much as the preparation. He puts a lot of thought into it...what should I wear? Can I wear a squirt of Dad's cologne? Will mom order me a boutonniere? Yes, the first year I did indeed order my handsome date a boutonniere. Do all kids have the insatiable desire for alone time with their parents, or just twins who never really had an "only child" phase of life. Zachary and Ellie just love their special nights out. And, who am I kidding...we love it, too!

We enjoyed our night at Roja, very tasty Mexican food

Zachary going down on the chips and salsa! His absolute fav.For an after dinner treat, we went to the Nestle cookie shop for some hot chocolate and dessert. Looks as if Z is lovin' his double chocolate peanut butter bar. He's giving me a chocolate covered smooch.

The simple pleasures of a 4 year old.

Last Friday Avery and I were walking into Target and I couldn't help but notice her excitement simply because it was raining and she needed to use her new umbrella. She carried her umbrella proudly and happily, even giving it an occasional twirl. She stepped in a few a puddles and smiled all the while. I looked down at her and wondered when do we as adults stop recognizing the small and simple pleasures in our life. A rainy day and accidentally stepping in puddles rarely brings a smile to my face. Yet watching her and hearing her little giggle made me appreciate just that...a mom and her daughter walking hand in hand, in the rain, happy to be together. Little children are our constant reminders to enjoy the beauty in all things around us.

One of my favorite things about Avery is her ability to find joy and happiness in exactly this, the small and simple things in life.

• Avery loves our kitties. Last week I peeked in on her and she was reading Flower a story. She was petting Flower with one hand while turning the pages with the other. The simple story she was "reading" and the tender love she was showing was so precious to me.
• Avery loves band aides, all kinds. She finds teeny tiny "owies" and covers them gently. At any given time you will find several band aides on Avery.
• Avery loves to hop, skip and jump all over. Thursday, as we left preschool she did the "hopscotch jump" all the way out the door and across the parking lot. Only a 4 year old.
• Avery loves her car seat. I think it brings her comfort. She happily gets in her carseat everyday. She often falls asleep while in the car and in her seat. I love to look back in the rear view mirror and see her resting peacefully.
• I love the confidence that comes with being a 4 year old. Yesterday, Avery said "mom, I am so pretty" She loves her hair and her freckles. She describes her hair as "honey colored" and is thrilled it's growing longer. She also loves to look at her freckles in the mirror. One morning after not feeling well and rather pale, she cried to me because she thought her freckles were fading. Ahh, such innocent confidence.
• A few things that bring an immediate giggle to Avery are: Curious George, milk, buttered noodles, Lucy, lip gloss, the colors pink& purple, flipflops, her blankets & webkins, barbie.com,all things-Daddy, Ellie, her backpack, Princess Ariel undies, her purple crocs, of course...her kitties. And, by giggle I mean a true laugh: it is as if her excitement can not be contained. Infact, she has even been known to giggle just at the though of going to bed. Her giggle is contagious.

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

The APRIL FOOLS version. Tonight I tricked the kids, and served chocolate rice Krispie squares, with ice cream and Carmel sauce for dinner. Ellie noticed right away but kept it a secret until the other kiddos figured it out. Avery went so far as to whine about how much she doesn't like meatloaf and doesn't want to eat. Zachary was in complete awe that his mom would actually let him have ice cream for DINNER. He hugged me and kissed me at the table. However, the disappointment set in when I mentioned they had to eat dessert which was a code name for their real dinner. Actually, Ellie said she wished the meatloaf and potatoes were real instead of the sweets! She did recognize that she is probably the only kid in 3rd grade to suggest such a thing.