I disappeared I know. For many reasons I have not been blogging lately.
I could not sign on to my account, so I couldn't post or comment. I don't know what happened or if it will happen again. My life seems to be going too fast, it is racing along and I can barely hold on. I have a babysitter at least once but more often 2 and 3 times a week so I can work on the new house and I feel like I am always apologizing for my messy house to the sitter.
"I am so sorry but this morning we were finishing up the
Trifold project, and making flashcards for the spelling test, and I ran out of milk and bread and diapers, so I had to go to the store, and I drove to the wrong school because I was talking to the builder while driving and forgot which kid I was driving...... and blah blah blah.... so sorry its a mess gotta go!"
I am ALWAYS rushing to the next thing. When I do slow down and focus on one thing... BAD things happen. Just the other day I was getting Anne ready for dance pictures and I totally ignored the two little ones. Getting ready is more involved than I would like. Make up to do, Hair to do, find all of the little pieces to each costume, fill out form and all of that stuff. We walk down stairs to get in the car at 9:25 and pictures are at 9:30 and Grace and Brooke are covered in black and blue sharpie marker. Faces, arms, legs, each fingernail and toenail, even both of their belly buttons. They also got to the wood
stair rail. I took a deep breathe and called the baby sitter who was coming later in the day and woke her up. "Hey funny story...... how fast can you get here? " She came fast so I didn't have to take my sharpie covered little ones to the dance studio. I really almost had to go out in public like that. I was proud that I didn't cry or even yell.
Today I was getting dressed and I found Grace making a "cake" on my bed. We are going on the Trek for our stake and I have been grouping my supplies in the corner of my bedroom. Well, I thought I had covered any tempting items or had them up high. But I guess I didn't do a very good job. Grace was mixing her salt cake and other items together right on my bed. I know this is all normal 1 year old and 3 year behavior but I guess I just feel
like I haven't figured out how to be productive and watch them at the same time. It is be productive and repair damage after or just get on the floor and play with them. That is what I would rather do.
I really wish I could be better prepared for my life each morning which would mean that I would have to get ready the night before or wake up earlier but I already go to bed at midnight and I wake up at 6. I know many of you keep those hours too but I just cant get up any earlier and I feel like I shouldn't stay up any later.
..........This was a while ago but I still want to remember the times like these so I am putting it on anyway.
We had a really fun President's Day FHE with my family. Thank you Ryan and family for the great lesson and games, and everyone for bringing food. Since we didn't have school that day, Anne and her friend went a little crazy with decorations and costumes etc. It was so fun.
Whenever my Dad comes to watch my kids he brings crafts and projects. They loved making straw rockets and watching them fly through the house. Thanks Dad!
The Brenchley legacy continues. Paul did well in the Pinewood Derby growing up. That Grandpa Brenchley really knows how to make them. Paul and Sam spent many many hours in the magic workshop with Grandpa. Sam came in 2nd place in the Ward and then came in 1st for the Stake. It was an exciting day. 
Great job Anne. She played with 16 others harpists in a group called Harpestry. They played for a Methodist Church Service on Sunday. Her Christmas concert was last week where she played 5 songs and did great. We love to hear her play. We don't love hauling the harp around town.
I have a thing about little girls and little white dresses. We own seven or so for Brooke and Grace. They wear them all the time in the summer. This one even Anne wore. They will never go out of style. This one could have been worn 75 years ago and will be in style in 75 more from now. This big grin was right after Brooke threw handfuls of sand into the water. The splash made her giggle every time. I can't believe my baby is so big! Stop growing up already.
My early birthday dinner. We took the two big kids on a quick ski trip. Here we are at my favorite Restaurant in Salt Lake The Dodo. It is an old college favorite of mine. It is now at the Gateway. If you go...... you have to get the smoked turkey sandwich and toll house pie (warmed up of course). I LOVE this place!
Anne's 10th birthday. How did ten years go by so fast? We had a fun party with skits, the fire pit, and some HS musical karaoke.
Happy 3rd Birthday Gracie Girl. We had a Dora Birthday party with her playgroup.
When the Bishop called and asked Anne to play in church I told him he would have to talk to her. I knew that if this was my idea that she could use this as an excuse to not practice or chicken out . If she was nervous or didn't want to practice I wanted this to be her deal. Well, she told the Bishop she would do it. She practiced so hard for 4 weeks to learn a new song. We prayed a lot for her to be prepared. I had never heard Anne play the song perfect before the meeting. Each time she played she had a couple of mistakes. I kept reassuring her that it was great and even if she had a couple of mess ups we would be so proud of her for sharing her talent. I was so nervous for Anne to play in Sacrament Meeting I could hardly watch! I just didn't want her to get so nervous and forget everything and freeze up there. When I was 9 I don't think I would have agreed to this. Why do we as parents worry so much? I just wanted her to feel ok. 
