Murder at the Deadwood Saloon

On Saturday night, my awesome friends and I had a Murder Mystery Party. I would say it's the most fun party we've ever had, but we've done a lot of fun things, so it's hard to choose. But this is right up there.
We were each assigned a character and received an envelope with tid-bits about them before we came. Wouldn't you know it, I was a floosy. Or Sally Star, saloon girl, technically. It was so fun to get dressed up and do something totally different! My kids didn't quite know what to think of me once I was in my costume. For Halloween I usually do something simple, so they were a little taken back.

Once we were all assembled at The Deadwood Saloon, the fun began. We were given objectives and then proceeded to act in character for the rest of the night, even through dinner. Being a hussy is hard work! ;) We laughed and laughed as the mystery unfolded and we all accused each other of killing poor Mitch Maverick. It turns out it was the very quiet Montgomery Money that was guilty, and only Christie guessed right.

I loved seeing everyone's costumes and hearing us all talk in western accents. The decorations were unbelievable and Lori and Nancy went over the top with it all. I was lucky enough to win best costume, though there were plenty that I thought were better than mine. Cami won best actress for a woman and Rachel for a man, and they both deserved it; they were hilarious! I couldn't stop talking about how much fun we had all day Sunday, and I even dreamed that I was in the Wild West the next few nights! I hope we make a Murder Mystery party an annual thing, it was so much fun.

This and That before I go crazy

I don't know how much more free time I'll have on my hands in the next few weeks, so I thought I'd better catch up on this while I can.

Trent had his Blue and Gold Banquet a few weeks ago, where he got his Music belt loop. He had lots of fun running around with the other scouts.

Hailey sang in her school's talent show last Friday. She did such a fantastic job! I was so proud of her. I wish I had a video camera! When they called her name to sing, my heart started beating so hard and my hands started shaking, like I was the one going up there. It's so hard when you know your child is nervous and there's nothing you can do about it! After wards, I called my mom to ask her if that happened to her every time I did a dance solo and she said "Yep, every time!". And what did she sing, you ask? "Mamma Mia", of course! She picked it herself, I had nothing to do with it.

You know that really cool house we were going to get in St George? Not happening. It's a long story, but Greg is heading down this week and will hopefully find something for us. I am trying not to freak out, but it's a little hard when we are moving in less than two weeks and we don't have anywhere to move to!

My mom came for a visit Wed-Sun, and I can't believe I didn't take one picture!!! We were running around the whole time, and I think we exhausted her. She is such a great Nana, the kids adore her. She took them all shopping and bought them fun stuff. She takes time with each of them, and makes each child feel special. They are so blessed to have her.

Our awesome neighbor's, the Nelson's, threw us a going away party on Friday night! We were so touched, and had a great time. We were pleasantly surprised that so many people came; Greg and I had both expressed concern that no one would come! This neighborhood has really helped us as I've faced my health problems, and my kids have made such good friends. We have leaned a lot while living here and our friends and neighbors have been wonderful. We are going to miss everyone! Here is a picture of the cute Nelson family, minus Curtis.

I love my children

Things I love about my kids:

• Rachel throws her arms around our necks and tackles us with her hugs. She does it with either her mouth wide open, or with her nose crinkled, but both ways saying "Ahhh!" in her cute way.

• Seth has an infectious smile. You can't help but smile at this sweet boy when he grins at you. It has gotten him out of trouble more times than I can count.

• Elise is so thrilled about everything. The other night Greg was asking everyone what their favorite word was and she said "Mine is EXCITED!". That describes our Elise to a T!

• Trent is so curious. He is constantly asking questions about space and dinosaurs and cars and just about everything. Each week he comes home from the library with a new reference book and he likes to share with us what he's learned.

• Hailey has a great sense of humor. She has Greg's sense of timing and wit, and comes up with the funniest lines. She is a master at quoting movies word for word and always has us laughing.

I am a very blessed woman. Each of these children have such unique personalities and bring so much diversity to our family.They might fight at times, but they also love each other more than anything. Who knew it was possible to love so many children so much?!

St George, here we come

Greg has been asked to take over as the Financial Adviser for the St George branch of WaMu, and he was happy to oblige. He's been wanting to head down that way for quite awhile, and has loved it as he's spent time down there each month. So in mid-March, we're all moving down.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. It is always hard to uproot your kids and they are happy here. But I also have faith that this is going to be a good move for us. Change isn't always a bad thing, though it can be scary. We are all sad to leave friends, but it's not like we're moving across the country. And who doesn't like St George? Well, don't ask me that from June-September, I've heard. :) Greg's brother and his family live in St George, and we're excited to be so close to them. They've been giving us lots of good advise.

We found a house to rent for a year, and I forgot to take pictures with the camera for the kids, but luckily Greg snatched a few with his phone. This is the front and the awesome kitchen!

So if you're heading our way, please come and see us!

The Super Bowl and a Popcorn Kernel

We decided to stay home and have our own Super Bowl party this year. We had lots of chips, homemade guacamole and caramel corn, mini-pizzas and pigs in a blanket. (I think it goes without saying that we ate too much.) My favorite part was watching Rachel try guacamole. She would get a little on her chip and lick it off, then do it again. (I used to do the same thing when I was young.) The best was when she put her soggy chip back into the bag. I had never heard Hailey say "EWWW!" quite so loud before.

The kids don't have school today, because of Teacher Development Day. (They should really be developed by now, they seem to have a day for it every month!) Greg let me sleep for an extra hour since we didn't have to do the morning rush. After I got up, I went to change Rachel's diaper and thought I saw a little booger on her nose. As I went to get it, I realized it was a popcorn kernel. She had stuck one up her right nostril! I had vacuumed the basement Saturday, but the kids obviously spilled some yesterday. I tried to get it out with my finger, but only pushed it farther in. After a frantic call to the dr's office, they told me to plug one nostril and have her blow, and if that didn't work try a bulb syringe. Neither worked, and they had said to bring her in and they'd take it out. Have you seen 'One Fine Day'? There was no way I was letting them put something that big up her little nose! So after some persuading she started blowing again and it finally came out. I almost took a picture of it, but you wouldn't have wanted to see it. Yuck! Lesson here: always vacuum after popcorn. Those little fingers find everything.

A week at the Poulton's

We have had a good week. I started feeling better by Sunday night, and we've been going non-stop since. On Tuesday night, Hailey had New Beginnings, which is a yearly program at church. They talk about setting goals for the year and that the decisions you make now will affect the rest of your life. Hailey gave a talk on Faith and did a great job. She looked so little up there next to the older girls! She came home early from school that day with a headache and dizziness, so I was extra proud of her for doing so well.

Trent had scouts Wednesday and it's taken Greg all week to totally kick the strep. I have been cleaning everything, sterilizing like crazy. We don't want anyone else feeling like he has. Elise had dance, Seth had preschool and we've had lots of homework and projects to do. But I've felt pretty good, so we'll take a normal week anytime!

I have been going through a lot of old pictures to post on Facebook, and one thing is clear: I look a lot better with a tan! When I lived in California, I was out in the sun all the time, so I naturally had a slight tan all year. I didn't realize this until I moved to Washington, where I was inside a lot because of the rain. I have been reliving a lot of memories with great friends as I've looked through these pictures. I can tell I got a camera my Junior year, because I have a lot more pictures of friends in Washington and Hawaii than I do of California.
It has been really fun reconnecting with people from CA that I lost contact with. Moving was really hard, right in the middle of my Sophmore year, but I wouldn't trade any of it. I was able to have two different high school experiences, and for that I am grateful. I got the chance to start over in Washington, and it helped me to see things about myself that I wanted to change, and I did. And I won't get started on the changes that happened in Hawaii. That will be another post. :)

Pajama Day

That's what I'm calling today. It's almost 3 pm and we are all still in our PJ's! Greg has strep throat, I have a sinus infection, as well as my stomach issues, and the kids have taken full advantage of Mommy and Daddy not feeling up to par. Meaning, the house is a disaster and they're watching too much TV. A few days won't kill them, right?

As I was lying on the couch this morning, Rachel came and wanted to lie with me. She is usually too busy getting into something to sit still for very long, but she lay here and played with my hair and her little hands explored my face. It doesn't get much sweeter than that.

We were so happy when it was raining earlier this week, it got rid of at least six inches of snow in the yard. I saw the lawn for the first time since Thanksgiving. Then of course, it starts snowing again this morning. I think it's pretty when it's falling and is fresh on the ground, but then it turns to slush and gross gray piles of snow line the streets. I will be happy when Spring is here.