Chop! Chop!

"Before"
(this was 6 months ago after her last hair cut)

"After "
Our very brave Alicia had hair down to her lower back but decided to go dramatic. We told the girl to cut 4-5 inches but it ended up being more like 6-7 inches. She loves it although it was very hard for her to see it fall. I think it just shows off how dang cute she is!! She says she loves it because she can do so many fun things with it. No more pony tails day after day!

The Real Quicker Picker Upper!

This week helped me remember that I was going to do a review on my new cleaning machine. I tended 3 boys for my friend (who took a much needed vacation with her mom) for a day, I watched my cute nephew Daniel (while his little brother is in the hospital) and I actually baked lots of cookies and banana bread this week (which made extra messes for me). This morning I heard Benny get up around 6:30. I waited for him to come get in bed with me but he never came. I heard him come back upstairs and then there was silence. Finally, I got up to go run at 6:45 and peeked into his room. I had to muffle a laugh as I watched him down chocolate chip cookies in bed while he read books.

Electrolux Pronto 2 in 1

I got this for Christmas because I was sick of bending over and sweeping into a dust pan all day long. For those that know me very well, know that I can't stop cleaning. (I'm not a deep cleaner but just like things looking nice) With the twins and after installing new floors last year I was sick of sweeping and not getting all of the dust in the pan. I use this great machine on my wood floors and tile. I LOVE IT! There is a dust buster that comes off that I used to vacuum out Benny's bed this morning(I also use it for my stairs for a quick clean). It sits on a charger when I'm not using it and is very easy to clean. I just dump out the little container every 3 days or so and clean it out and let it air dry over night every couple of weeks. It even sweeps under the cabinets. It sweeps up rice! It has enough power to clean my whole kitchen & dining area & the portion of the living room that isn't covered by my rug.

For the negatives: You have to push on the button constantly when using the dust buster portion. Not a big deal but it would be nice if it was a switch. Also, it doesn't pick up bigger pieces but if it's a big chip or fruit loop, I just step on it and up it goes. You also need to make sure the little rubber wheels don't get stuff on them(like little rocks) or they could scratch your floor.

So I give this machine 41/2 stars!! It is a life saver. I got mine from Sam's after Christmas for around $70. They are $99 in Target and you can get them on Amazon for around $80 but after shipping it is about $94. I haven't looked for them in Sam's since so I don't know if they were just a Christmas item. Happy Cleaning!

Welcome Home!

My mom & dad are almost there! It's been about a month since they left their mission in D.C. After touring, driving across the U.S. and visiting family along the way they are probably just pulling up to their home as I type. They left my house this morning. The kids were so sad to see them go. They showed up yesterday morning and it only took a few minutes for the twins to be right in their laps.

My parents tended them while Eric and I went up to Logan b/c Eric received an award from USU as the "Outstanding Young Professional" in the HYPER department. But this gave the twins enough bonding time for Adam to cry and throw one of his fits when my parents were getting ready to leave. He got on his shoes and was insistant on going w/ Papa and Grandma. Only after Papa gave them each a quarter to buy a piece of gum did the tears dry and they were ready for picture time. We are so excited they are home & it almost feels like they never left.

The Blazin' BB

Richie's first derby was a great success. You can't tell by the picture but there are grooves on the back w/ tons of bb's pried in there. Rich painted it himself and designed it. After making all his cars by himself, Eric learned a few tricks. Also with the help of Uncle Jake, the axels were slick! Richie was the only one who broke the 4 second barrier. He made it to the finals. It was him against two brothers whose dad vowed he would learn to make the best derby car after their last car wouldn't even go down the track last year. For some reason in the finals, Richie's car only broke the 4 second barrier one out of three times (it might have something to do w/ them putting his car on the slowest track twice). But he placed second and he was so excited!

I was running out the door to go to work for 3 hours before the derby and remembered that I hadn't sewed on Richie's badges in the upper picture. One call to Aunt Cindi and she was here to pick up the shirt, went home and sewed it all on for me and returned the shirt in time for the derby. Thanks to a wonderful Aunt!!!

Richie loves scouts and works on something almost everyday.

Spring Break!

Tommy catching some rays!

Since our crazy district didn't give us a spring break, we took one for ourselves. I headed to Las Vegas with six kids. We dropped off Eric in St. George for a conference and then headed to the sun. The week was spent at Robin's house relaxing, chatting & controlling the kiddies! Oh, we can't forget the endless shopping trips we made. I bought some awsome shoes, a cute purse and a great outfit, and that was just my part. I also had to shop for a spouse and six kids. Let's just say Vegas gambling isn't the only way to deplete your checking! It was plenty warm for us but I think the Vegans thought we were crazy. Alicia and Tommy were the only ones that swam every day although Emily and Richie did brave the tipid waters a couple of times.

Emily & Alicia spent their nights at Mike & Michelle's. They loved tending Chasers and having Aunt Michelle do their hair.

(Emily holding Chase in her cute outfit from Holister & sunglasses from Michelle) Adam and Benny never really got all the way into the pool but had plenty of fun playing on the steps with their cousin Connor. Caden was their fun babysitter most of the time since their sisters were busy elsewhere.

(Ben, Adam & Caden)
This is one of the few times Michelle actually had to hold her baby. He is a tunk but so darn cute. He reaches for anyone that passes by. Love the glasses, Michelle!
(Chase, Connor, Michelle, & Caden)

The putting green at Robins house was a huge hit. The kids loved it and no one ever bonked anyone on the head with a club, that we know of.

(Dillon & Richie)

Robin's pool is gorgeous and it is just right for kids. It is a lap pool and the kids love doing cannon balls in the middle but can all touch (except the 3 year olds) bottom at both ends. The water wasn't real warm but that didn't stop them. The heater was on but it didn't click on until noon.

Caden thought all should join in on the fun! Our last day of partying was in Bloomington . There were five of our siblings there~ Dusty, Robin, Me, Jim and Mike. We had lunch and an easter egg hunt in a park. Robin treated all the kids to the ice cream man. She handed one of the older ones a twenty. I didn't think it would be enough, we did have 15 kids afterall, but it came to $19.75.

(Dustin, Caden, Alicia in her cute sunglasses & earrings Aunt Robin bought her, & Robin)

We ended the party at Cousin Sherrie's house. My Grandma and Grandpa Tebbs were there w/ the Bulkely crew. I hadn't seen them for so long and I miss them so much! It was so fun to see the cousins, Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Russell. We played in Sherries great back yard and had a bbq. I had had a rough day w/ bloody noses and having to say goodbye to the Vegans but I was surrounded by family which was all I needed. It is great to be home but I sure miss them all! Alicia said it all when it snowed yesterday...."I wish we could have stayed in Vegas just one more week!"

Happy 8th Birthday Rich!

Richie is an easy-going, sweet, thoughtful, talented,laid-back guy! I enjoy listening to his many stories and ideas that are very elaborate. Sports is his first love. Not sure which one but football, soccer, basketball and baseball are among his favs. He is a hard worker at school. Rich is so excited for his baptism. He can't wait to get the Holy Ghost. The baptism date is April 12th. He is a great brother to all his siblings but especially to the twins and Tommy. He is very patient and loving with them.

Tommy, Adam, Me, Ben, Emily, Richie & Alicia

Eric took Richie street racing for his birthday.

I Love You Richie!

Is it warm yet?

I took the little boys to the park last week. The sun was out and it was a nice day. I picked up Wendy's and layed out a blanket for a little picnic. I got back into the car and turned it on. I read the temperature.....37 degrees! I guess I jumped the gun a little. I guess sun does not equal warm. But the kids didn't complain and played at the park for an hour. They kept coming back to eat their fries which I can only imagine were very cold. But at least the weather kept their chocolate milk cold.

This week is suppose to be in the 50's so we are loving it. And next week we'll be in Vegas basking in the sun. Heck, we'll probably be ready to swim and get tan. This has been a very long cold winter.