Forget-Me-Not

My favorite talk from last October's General Conference was "Forget Me Not" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the General Relief Society Meeting.

I'm so excited it's Conference weekend again! I love hearing the words from my Heavenly Father through his Prophets, Apostles, and Disciples.

If you'd like to remember how much Heavenly Father loves you, read this: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-relief-society-meeting/2011/09/forget-me-not?lang=eng . Happy Conference everyone!

The newest member...

...of the Reil clan was born today! Congrats to Steve, Suzi, Sydney, Max, Isabelle, and Caroline! Sweet baby boy I can't wait to hold you (and learn your name)! His name is THOMAS EDWARD, love it!

Decade Dance Party

I made these little "10"s for the kids to share with their classmates on their birthday. Attached was the invitation to their Decade Dance Party.

We hung about a million balloons outside, in the mainfloor, and basement. I also switched out our Subway art to the birthday theme.

The food table. We served DIP! Chips & dip, nachos & dip, veggies & dip, and fruit & dip. It was so easy-peasy not to have to cook.

Since this was a "decade" party we invited our guests to dress from their favorite decade if they'd like. Kaleb, Noe, and I all chose the 80's again. I was sad that Len didn't get a full-body shot of me, you can't see my awesome acid-wash jeggings under my skirt, or my hot pink leg warmers. Thanks so much Annick for letting me borrow your outfit!

I taught the kids a dance from each decade (Hand Jive, Twist, YMCA, and Macarena). Afterwards we ate, then played a decade game. I made a DVD with 30 images from the 1900's to the 1990's of fashion, transportation, home appliances, food, and entertainment. When each picture was shown I'd toss a Hershey's Kiss to who could correctly name it. I'd toss another Kiss to who could correctly age it. We went back downstairs to do the Electric Slide, when a fist fight broke out between 2 of the boys. WHAT FUN! Luckily, both parents were able to talk and they're hoping to involve the school with mediation. Apparently, these two have had a problem since Kindergarten. Ugh! I hope they can get some help. My husband's background in Conflict Resolution sure helped in the moment though, ha ha!

Once things were under control we skipped the dancing and had cake balls and ice cream.

My friend, Lianne had her 5th baby the same day that I had Hiram. They are cute little birthday twins! Julia is about 8 hours older than Hiram, so I teased Lianne that if they ever end up dating Julia can be the older woman.

The kids were SERIOUSLY spoiled! They have very generous friends.

Unfortunately, our 3 hour party ran out of time, so the kids didn't get to open their gifts with their guests. We were on a time crunch too, as that night Len & I went to another friend's 40th birthday party. The kids were very patient with just opening one present then.

The next day was crazy busy with church and dinner group, so they had to wait until after school Monday to open their presents. Kaleb LOVED his two lightsabers and Percy Jackson books.

Noe was not as patient waiting to open her gifts (nor would I be), but the wait was worth it. She LOVED her two new princess barbies to add to her collection and her Anne of Green Gables books.

For party favors, I made up CD's with 22 awesome songs (see list below). The kids also passed out thank you cards at school on Tuesday. The party of the decade is officially over now and I can rest- whew!

[Track List: 1. Rock Around the Clock- Bill Haley & His Comets, 2. Hound Dog- Elvis Presley, 3. Chantilly Lace- Big Bopper, 4. Great Balls of Fire- Jerry Lee Lewis, 5. Twist & Shout- The Beatles, 6. Surfin' Safari- The Beach Boys, 7. Turn! Turn! Turn!- The Byrds, 8. The 59th Street Bridge Song- Simon & Garfunkel, 9. Get Down Tonight- KC & the Sunshine Band, 10. Night Fever- Bee Gees, 11. Dancing Queen- ABBA, 12. YMCA- Village People, 13. Holiday- Madonna, 14. Thriller- Michael Jackson, 15. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper, 16. Wild Boys- Duran Duran, 17. Enjoy the Silence- Depeche Mode, 18. Mysterious Ways- U2, 19. I'm Gonna Be- The Proclaimers, 20. Two Princes- Spin Doctors, 21. 1999- Prince, 22. Millennium- Robbie Williams]

Celebration on the 7th

I saw these cute Twinkie & doughnut 10's online, so I made up something similar for the kids to take to school to share with their classmates along with invitations for their party on the 24th.

After school, Jenn came over and brought them homemade chocolate mousse. It was SO good!

That evening, Len and I had our Stake Temple Recommend interviews, so we loaded all the kids with us to drive across town for that. After we took them out to dinner at East Side Mario's.

Gavin was so excited because we were eating at Mario & Luigi's restaurant. (Poor Thomas the tank engine has been replaced by Mario, ha ha!)

I told our server it was their birthday, so the crew came up to sing to Kaleb and Noe.

Make a wish!

They shared their yummy lava cake and ice cream with us.

We also had some mini spumoni ice cream cones- yum!

Little Giggles

My sweet Hiram was just laughing and laughing with/at me. I asked Len to grab the camera and record it. Of course, Hiram was more interested in the camera then instead of laughing, but you can still hear his sweet little laugh and a few squeals. This boy is so happy all the time, he is just a joy in our family!

Have a happy day!

I'm sure life is hectic with your move this weekend, but pause and have a wonderful birthday Whitney!!!

3rd of 12 = Success!

With only 3 days left in the month, I finally reached my goal. These beautiful angels, Dance of Life and Song of Joy are the whole reason I finally wanted to add the Willow Tree Nativity to my collection. They are sold separately, but I'm now at the weight I originally wanted to be at at the end of April, so I treated myself to both.

It's not been easy to "diet" this month. Not that I don't want to, I really do enjoy our muesli breakfasts, salad lunches, and lean protein & veggie dinners. Okay, sometimes they're not the most satisfying and I get the crunchies and munchies or my sweet tooth appears, but for the most part I am content with our new eating habits. It's been hard because there were so many times to cheat this month: Institute lunches, Dinner group, March break, Dates with my husband, Dates with my kids, St. Patrick's day, Relief Society celebration, Book club, Movie nights, Birthday parties (SIX this month)! Food is not just how we fuel our bodies, it is social! I like being social and it's hard to participate in the different activities and abstain from the food that goes along with them.

I will continue to strive to eat well and I will also cheat (as wisely as possible) when I am at social events. I hope to reach my ultimate goal this year, but I also want to enjoy life with my family and friends!

Budding Photographer

For one of Kaleb's Cub Scout activities they went on a photo walk. This was Kaleb's first solo trip with mom's camera. I trusted him though and he enjoyed snapping away at the trees.


I love the reflection he caught in this one.

And this one is my favorite, what an amazing perspective. Good job, Kaleb!

Taste the Rainbow

We caught a Leprechaun.


He took us to his pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow, and it was delicious!

Our new decor to add to the mix.

Little Hiram is almost the same size as his leprechaun.

Teague and his Irish lamb (that has a clover on his bum).

Gavin and his "I heart Ireland" bear.

Noe with her Irish dancer. She wanted to wear as much green as she could. She made up the rule that instead of getting pinched if you don't wear green, you get a kiss. And if you wear green , you get two kisses. I like her thinking!

Kaleb and his official Irish leprechaun. He was stoked to wear his Minecraft shirt.

Len: Do I have to hold this leprechaun?

Me: No, of course not.

Len: Oh, I will because I think you're cute.

Me: I'm so lucky!

Me, the green queen Irish girl who keeps her pot o' gold close to her heart!

Sleeping Beauty

Hiram fell asleep one day in the car.


He just looked so precious that I had to run in and grab my camera and take a couple (or ten) pictures of him. Love this little babe!