It's been a while since I've posted last, so I will try to give a brief recap of what we've been up to since then.  We are keeping busy and happy, but nothing really exciting has been happening around here.  

I am a cub scout leader, and January was a special month for the boys.  They had their pinewood derby, which was pretty fun and entertaining.  They loved it.

 

Nick has mastered the art of making onion rings.  I wasn't too excited at first, but I have to admit they are pretty tasty and his skills impress me.

 

Nick also surprised me with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.  For a pretty big birthday.  I will let the cake give it away.

 

Of course we didn't have enough candles, we just lit a couple for the kids.  Being 30 years old, I definitely have a different perspective on life than I had when I was 20, and I can appreciate and be grateful for that.  But it doesn't stop me from the fear I have of growing old.  I will just make the most of my life and what I've got while I can!

 I helped a friend host a cute valentine day party playgroup, and it was a hit!

 And for valentine's day I let Owen pick the menu.  He chose shrimp and asparagus, two of his favorites.  I made a salad and pasta to accompany it.  We had yummy red velvet cake and Italian sodas for dessert.

 We lit candles and used the fancy glasses.  The kids loved it!

Now here is a segment about Teslyn, since my days are filled with her while Owen is at school.  I feel bad I haven't taken as many photos of Owen lately, but I remind myself that I had this time with him before he started school.  Tes has always been a bit independent, so I enjoy teaching her to do things so that she can help herself more often.  She has mastered peeling a cutie orange.

And like most little girls, she likes clothes and changes them a bit too often.  I taught her how to put away her own laundry using the same method I taught Owen when he was her age.  I drew pictures of what goes in each drawer on a piece of paper, and taped it on the corresponding drawer. She actually has fun with this chore.

She loves the ipad, and has cute little games that she can play surprisingly well.  She and Owen have even skyped with my parents on the mission in France, before I was out of bed one morning!

I signed her up for an open play time at the gymnastics place.  She loves it!

We have a few friends in the same class so it's like playgroup every week.  I love to see her being so active, I wish they offered it every day!

Besides our good friends and family back in Las Vegas, I have to say that the #1 thing I miss about living there is the awesome gyms!  The best class options and varieties for me, the most fun playland for the kids to play and be active.  It was a couple months after moving to Montana before Teslyn stopped asking to go to the gym.  My kids loved it, and miss it too.

Sometimes when I am busy in the kitchen she will pull up a chair to the sink and start "washing" some dishes.  I can't wait until I can assign her that job!

Teslyn is so cute and funny, but also can be a little stinker.  Like today, when I walked into the bathroom to find that she had almost emptied my can of shaving cream into the tub.  It wasn't the first time, but it was the first time I caught her!  You'd think I'd learn to keep my stuff out of reach! 

But she is a sweetheart and is quick to apologize and promise to "never ever ever do it again!" So I can't stay mad.  She's too funny.  She is also a great helper.  When I tell her it's cleaning day and I start working, she will go find her own cleaning project to do without being asked.  Usually picking up her toys or making her bed.  And she is always so proud to show me.  She makes me close my eyes and she will lead me by the hand to whatever it was she accomplished.  She is so fun, we love her and she always amazes me.