Keep Calm and Carry On

Our 2012 Family motto

2012-01-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo

2011-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

2011-06-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

I entered this giveaway for moi. But I thought I'd share it with you!

Countdown to Valentines day. A Quote/Story/Poem a day....

2011-02-10T14:41:00.001-08:00

three words

unknown
I just love you.
Words demand explanation. They require analysis. They are the construction and expression of my thoughts. Of my heart. But they can't describe it. They can't describe any of it. They can't tell you how deep the memories are, or how often I think of them. They can't scream what I really want to say. They are the mask of how I really feel and they try to disguise the pain, but someone will strip it away. And someone will make those words worthless.
So what is a word worth? Nothing. What are three words worth? Nothing. But we say them anyway, because you know. You know, more than anyone what they mean. You know when I say I love you, I really mean that those three words can't describe what it is we have. When I say you're amazing, I know the word is just a cover; a quick way for me to remember all the things that amaze me about you, a mask for the memories we share, a disguised version of our adventures together. And I really believe that you know, when I say I miss you, it's not just that. I miss you every moment, and I miss just what your name means to me. It means an alphabet of sounds and letters and words. But none of them really mean anything, because words are based on trust, they rely on how truly and deeply we feel. Remember, always, that they don't mean anything, they are letters and they are constructions, but we deconstruct them every day and we twist them; we manipulate them so that they say what we want them to. But no word, no shape, no photograph could ever twist so far that it could begin to explain even a little bit of how I feel.

Valentines and love stuff

2011-01-31T22:11:00.000-08:00

I happen to have a dear little one that just adores horses and ponies. I left her a little love note on this cute printable from here.
She can't read, so I tried to write it in a way that she would understand.
Basically I dumped her favorite nail polish on it , then tried to wipe it off with her favorite shirt and then hid it all under the couch for her to find a year from now.
That's the love language she speaks.
So, I spoke back.

This one I would put up year round. Love the color almost as much as the design.
The husband wants to know why I like a picture of a green onion with love written in it. I say " It is not a green onion with love written in it. It is a green swirl signifying eternal love and the never ending circle of life. " To which he rolls his and says " Whatever" by which he means, " You are brilliant, I am so glad you are my wife, and can see things so much more clearly than us simple minded men " To which I rolled my eyes back at him, and which really means " your welcome husband. Glad that you can so clearly see you are wrong. I am right."
We talk a lot like that with our eyes.
That's just how we are.

"Keep calm and" anything is my type of saying. Found here.

I printed this one too.
Simple.
To the point.
Uses a picture to get your point across.
Very me.

How adorable. I have always loved letters. This is from here. She is my new obsession.

This one is from here and she even tells you how to make one of your own.

And remember, it isn't Endure to the end dear friends, It is Enjoy the end.

Shared with:

Really?

2011-01-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

Something random happened today. I was given this........

From this lovely lady : Therapeutic Crafting. Go check her out. I happen to think she is pretty awesome.

In part, by accepting this award I have to share 7 things about myself.

So here goes.

1. I love learning. No matter what it is about. Big or small. I am drawn to learning and discovering new things.

2. I am very critical of myself.

3.I am the definition of a homebody. Look it up. That's my picture under the definition.

4. I am grateful for all the cloudy, dumpy, hard-to-get-out-of-bed, nothing is going right, the dog ran away, days.

5. I really appreciate the sunshine on your face, snuggle with my kids, love at home, kind of days because of the reason listed above.

6. I hate chocolate.

7. I sometimes forget my kids birthdays. I like to think it is because I really really don't want them to grow up. I cry on every birthday. Very sad.
.

To accept this Award you must:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

What we have to give.......

2011-01-23T19:33:00.001-08:00

Elder Neal A. Maxwell rightly said: “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us.”
President Thomas S. Monson, stated: “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”

FREE download from here.

Geegee the stingy cat

2011-01-18T19:56:00.001-08:00

When we were kids my mom was also so good about reading and singeing to us every night.
In fact, she would read to any time we asked her to.
A book that was on high demand from us back then was a story about 3 kittens. Each kitten had their own distinct personality and traits that made them distinctive.

There was George, the only boy, who was filled with curiosity and often found trouble.

Then came Geegee ( it is said with a soft g ) who was stingy and bossy.

Lastly comes Ginger. The quiet, shy, kitten.

We loved this book because there was a kitten to represent each of us children.
My brother Justin was of course George.
Hilary was Ginger.
Which inexplicably left Geegee for me. Although,at the time I fiend ignorance as to why I was Geegee, I knew without a doubt she was me. I was her.

My favorite story was when Geegee took Georges red ball and sat on it to keep him from finding it. Then she took Gingers ball and sat on it. Then to finalize her act of greediness, she sat her her own ball as well. It seems uncomfortable and pointless since she couldn't even play with her own ball after that, but the point was that she was stingy. And stingy is bad.
There are more of them, then there are of you, and they will gang up on you.
And forever call you Geegee,and when you tell your mother a funny story about your own stingy daughter she will laugh and say " remember that one book you loved about that cat named Geegee......" (this is all said in a wicked witch voice as I am typing this)and continue to laugh at how she always told me I would end up with a daughter just like me.

I fortunately was able to learn this deep and thought provoking lesson from that long lost book. However, since it was lost, my own children have not been exposed to it's infinite wisdom. Such as: no sitting on something that is not yours, or if you do sit on something that is yours, you will miss out on all the fun. Oh, and being stingy is bad.
Case in point: Gwenna

This girl is a coloring fanatic. Little does it matter what she is coloring on or with. She will color it. Just ask my hubby about the "why-are-faces-drawn-all-over-my-desk-in-permanent-marker-!?!?!" incident.
Today, we had her best friend/cousin, over to play.
The coloring books were quickly brought out. The crayons passed around. All was well in the land of coloring.
Until I saw this.

Not the dirty shirt. I honestly don't care. In our house I subscribe to the philosophy that you get one shirt a day. That isn't because I do the laundry, I just hate finding 20 shirts thrown on your floor. ( This is only my philosophy. Because when your hubby looks at you with a horrified expression that you actually wore that out of the house and you are ~~shamed~~ convinced to change before you got out together)
Back to Gwenna.
Do you see what is under that cute booty?
A coloring book. No, it isn't to help boost her higher so she can see over the table. No problems there.

I am pretty sure, no, positive it is so Brooky can't have any pages from it.
How do I know this?
I am super smart. And good at looking at a situation from many angles and from the facts that I am able to gather in mere seconds am able to form a probable hypothesis gleaned from my mecha of motherhood knowledge and experience.
Just kidding.
I asked.
Me: Why are you sitting on that coloring book?
Gwenna: I don't want Brooky to have any pages. ( Bless her heart, she is still naive enough to tell the truth)
Me: Why can't she have any pages?
Gwenna: 'Cause it is my favorite book.
Since Brooky was fine with this ast of greediness, I explained to Gwenna that if she sits on her favorite coloring book ,then even she can't color in it.

As with Geegee, if that was the price she had to pay, so be it. It was worth the sacrifice. It was worth not getting something for herself in order to keep someone else from getting it as well.
Luckily her good deeds far out weigh her bad.
Right after this they decided that they were starving and desperately needed a popsicle. Only problem was,there was only one left.
Gwenna told Brooky she could have it since she didn't like that kind.
Hey, it counts.

Even if was also because she would have had to get off of the coloring book to go get it.
It still counts, okay?

D is for Delicious little notes

2010-11-10T14:39:00.001-08:00

These are all delicious little notes I found on the internet that are all free for download. 99% of them came from Gingerella

Rose Dall

2010-11-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

2010-11-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is where I am today....

C is for Calendar

2010-11-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

This year for Fab Friday/Super Sat. , the amazingly talented girl in charge of the whole shebang did things a little differently.
She was brilliant enough to come up with the idea of having everyone vote on their favorite craft, and the top 10 picks are what we had the chance to sign-up and make!
Even better, after the voting was done she threw together a blog featuring all the crafts and even had Paypal access so we could find what we like, and pay for it all at once.
This was all done in-tandem of setting up a beautiful display table every Sunday, taking order forms, making assignments, the list goes on.Shavonne is someone that just exudes talent and craftiness.
That being said, one of the projects I voted for was something I had had my eye on at another blog, but wasn't in the least bit motivated to make!
Shavonne asked that if whoever was willing to teach a class would get a priority vote, I jumped at the chance to finally make this, and cast my vote. Well, it was picked and I am teaching that class now.
So, many hours and mess ups later, I did it!
And I thought that to at least justify all the time I invested in this lovely craft, that I could at least share a tutorial, to save you the same heart-ache if you decide that you want to make one too.

What is it?

~Birthday Calender & Card Storage~

I added the year they were born next to their name so I can also see how old they are. Disclaimer: The names are real, the year and dates the are by, are not. Except mine. I was absolutely ~~not~~ born in 1985.

Now for the how to!

I also used an old stamp set from Joannes to do the lettering and numbers. The "Happy Birthday" larger stamps were a set from Hobby Lobby.

1.For the front I stamped out Happy Birthday onto white card-stock..Then I just free hand cut them out, so they ended up different sizes.

2. While they are drying, cut out your scrap book paper for the background behind the calender months.

You will need 13, 7& 3/4 x 5 &1/2 for the top background of the calender, which includes the front cover.
Then you will need, 12: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2
for the bottom background.

3.Next, either make a calender from your computer, or meticulously hand stamp your own and end up hating your stamps by the time you are done, or click on my copy I scanned for you and print it off onto card-stock.

4. Next forgive me for my lack of computer know how and over look my imperfections.

You will need 7 versions of the 31 days, 1 version of the 28 days and 4 versions of the 30 day. Or do like me and make all your months have 31 days. That is a personal ~~mistake~~ preference.
Since that is what I did, my copy has that too, just print 12 and trim it to the month accordingly. You will have to configure it to fit 6 & 3/4 x 5 & 1/4 for the top and 8 & 1/2 x 5 & 1/4 for the bottom.
Whew!

5. Ink it all up. All of it. The envelopes, the patterned paper, the card stock. Everything.

6. Stamp all your months onto the top flap of the envelope.
On the back of Decembers you will have an extra envelope. I stamped Miscellaneous for, well, miscellaneous cards

7. Now is the time to get all your ribbon and zippers and staple it to the card stock. I really enjoyed this part and tried to do them all differently.

8. Apply sticky tabs to the corners of your card stock, put it on top of your patterned paper, put more sticky tabs on the back of that, and stick it to your envelope.

9. Line up your finished envelopes and punch holes through the bottom and top. Put in your 2 rings.

10. Finish up the front with the " Happy Birthday". In the picture you can see that I stamped a birthday cake on the envelope first, but it is side ways.

11. Take a bow, you are done! I am going to be making a few more of these for gifts this year and now it will be a lot easier this time around. If you found this helpful at all feel free to comment and let me know!

I linked!

C week! C is for Cornicopia

2010-11-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

There is something to say about decorating for Fall.
The warmth of Fall colors is so inviting. The muted reds, the pumpkin oranges, the warm yellows.
I love pulling out the cable knit throw blanket to snuggle under with a nice cup of honeyed herbal tea.
The overall implied coziness of Fall is what makes it so great.

Years ago Mom asked me to help her put together a Fall center piece for her dinning room table.
I picked out the supplies and made the arrangement, she footed the bill.

Fast forward a few years.
I now have the Cornucopia arrangement and the dinning room table.
What can say. Mom is a very giving and generous person.

I have had to add and take away from the arrangement, but to this day it remains a favorite piece of mine. It even gets lovingly tucked away in the ceder chest in the interim, while other seasonal decor is either in plastic bins in the garage or shoved in garbage bags up in the attic.

Also this year I added a corduroy table clothe, & rattan runner for texture.

I have seen these candles on the bloggishere a lot lately and thought I'd give it a go.

You might be able to burn the candle for a few hours, but I am not that careful, so these will stay just the way you see them.

.
Here's a little easy peasey tutorial. Hope this helps!

I linked to the following:

here!

here

The deffinition of a Mom Cave

2010-11-01T23:34:00.001-07:00

I am entering a great giveaway over at Between Naps on the Porch. She is an amazing Blogger with a plethora of tips and ideas on things like:
~Decorating
~Tablescaping
~Before and Afters
~DIY Tutorials
~Thrifting
~Antiquing
~Historic Home Tours
~Gardening
Go check her out!
So, when I received an e-mail from her saying that she has partnered up with Home Goods for a Mom Cave giveaway, I was super excited to say the very least! They are graciously offering a gift certificate to a lucky winner to help spruce up their Mom Cave.

Do I qualify on the "Mom Cave" part?

Let's see.

mother:

NOUN
1.female parent: a woman who has a child, or a female animal that has produced young
2.woman acting as parent: a woman who acts as the parent of a child to whom she has not given birth
3.originator: a woman regarded as the creator, instigator, or founder of something
4.origin of something: the cause, source, or origin of something
"Necessity is the mother of invention."
5.protector: something that protects and nourishes like a mother
6.good or bad example of something: something very big, good, bad, or extreme, or particularly noteworthy in some other way ( slang ) ( sometimes considered offensive )
"a real mother of a headache"
7.taboo term: a highly offensive term for somebody regarded as objectionable or contemptible ( taboo )
TRANSITIVE VERB
1.take care somebody with tenderness: to look after somebody with great care and affection, sometimes to an excessive degree
2.give birth to baby: to give birth to and bring up a baby
3.bring something about: to give rise to something

Ok.
Check on the Mom part.

cave
definition:
1.large underground hollow: a large, naturally hollowed-out place in the ground, or in rock above ground, that can be reached from the surface or from water

Ummmm.Well. This might be a loose interpretation of a cave.
But, I do feel like this is where I can go to do numerous things.
Relax.
Learn.
Plan.
Tune out.
Just plain old me time.
Yep.
This is a Mom Cave.
So, I will share with you my Mom Cave and what I dream about having, to make it a more complete and "me" space.

"How can a $250 gift card to Home Goods help you create your own 'Mom Cave'?"

I would finally be able to have a space that I designed with just me in mind. I would love to draw together different design elements to make the space feel more cohesive. ( being all wordy makes me sound like I know what I am talking about, even though we all know I have no design style other than O.C.D! )
Winning would also allow me an afternoon of unmitigated, guilt free shopping. Just being honest.

(These next few things I found on the Home Goods website will help share my vision with you.)
From this:

To this:
Yeah. That's the ONE.
From this:

To this:
Can we say storage heaven. The baskets, the boxes, oh my.
Or any of these lovelies. I love the natural texture of the woven bins. They can be used for a multitude of things. Paper stuff. Office supply stuff. My photography stuff. Stuff I don't want anyone to see....the possibilities are limitless.
Clear turquoise glass? Nuff said. This is definitely a statement piece. And the one thing my Cave needs is LIGHT. Badly.

From this:
The back wall and doors are screaming for something.
To this:
Now that's a perfect inspiration board or two. I am thinking that if I find something similar it would work hanging from the cabinet doors .Cork on one side. Chalkboard on the other. Divine.

A little of this, a little of that. I love how silver can really help brighten up a space. And candles add a nice ambience.

From this:

To this:
These would work just fine if I do say so. The perfect pop of color.

Even if I don't win,I now officially have a wish list and know what to look out for.
Especially that chair.
When you are at Home Goods and if you see it.....call me. ( I said that with a fake hand phone gesture to my ear )
I would owe you one.

B is for Body language

2010-10-29T23:59:00.001-07:00

This week I was able to go on my first ever field-trip with my baby girl Gwenna.

We went with our pre-school group to a family owned farm over in Gilbert and,

since it was a ways away we all decided to carpool to save on gas and plus its just more fun getting to visit with someone you might not see a whole lot of otherwise.

I had the privilege of riding with the lovely Laurie and her kiddos. She is one gorgeous girly and so fun to talk to.

Anyway the weather was lovely and the day seemed to be filled with promises of adventures and future memories.

Or so it seemed.

Laurie, having a baby boy about 18 months old, brought along her stroller to push since we would be doing a lot of walking.

Gwenna innocently asked if she could push the stroller since the baby was out and walking around.

And that's when the trouble began.

The stroller somehow became an extension of herself.

She wouldn't walk away from it unless she had the reassurance that no one else would touch it.

-Lets look at the cow.

The stroller looks at the cow also.

I nicely cropped out the stroller at the expense of cutting her in half also.

These little piglets were so cute that I really wanted one. Even though I sometimes feel like I already have four little pigs as it is.

-Let's ride the tractor.

The stroller couldn't ride, but was safely waiting for her anxious return. Trust me, she was not happy about it being out of sight. Someone might touch it.

Brave little Brooky sitting on the bench.

-Next, lets take some pictures by the pumpkins- so Mommy can feel like this was worth the $10.00 and since you won't do anything else because that would mean leaving the stroller and heaven forbid anyone else should get a turn pushing the now very popular and highly requested stroller among other 4 year olds and even the suggestion that you take turns or at the very least share a handle has brought tears to your eyes and I want photographic proof that we did indeed go on our very first field trip together which you won't remember because you are all consumed with this new obsession that has made your My Little Pony collection seem like a long forgotten dream and which you will talk about for the next week straight to the point of which you even convince Daddy to get out your old baby stroller so you can push it around the house and scrape up all the walls and even more surprising to even take it to the store with us and push you around in it even though Daddy is slightly embarrassed that you are a 4 year old in a baby stroller and now even I am slightly regretting having gone to the Farm in the first place even if it meant missing out on the missed photo opportunities.

I tried to get her to let it go long enough to take some photos.

Her body language says it all.

Anxiety.

Look at that hand! So tense!

Way beyond tense. Even the foot is in on it now. It isn't even worth showing her fake smile, it was terrible. Painful.

Here it is not so bad. But again, body language. Someone else was thinking about touching the stroller. Her hands are saying " I will rip off your head if you touch it..."

So I distracted her with a giant squash I said was as big as a baby. Then she wanted to hold it like a baby. Oh look. In the background. The stroller.

Brooky also held the Baby sized squash. She said it was an ugly baby and dropped it. I agreed.

With the ugly part. Not the dropping a baby part.

Well, only if it's as ugly as this squash.

Kidding!

Imagine if my mother had felt that way.

I would have been a dropped baby.

Dropped many many times. I looked a lot like this baby squash.

So, no. I do not condone the dropping of any babies.

Even ugly squash babies.

Or ugly babies that look like squash. ( Thank you Mom for never dropping your baby that looked like this squash either.)

I said this was probably the Mommy squash.

So she did what she does to her own Mommy.

She walked all over it, and was very ungrateful for the time and energy the Mommy Squash put into making her a special Halloween hair bow after she begged and begged for one.....oh, wait.

On to more contrived photos.

Body language people! You play the expert here and tell me what you think she is thinking about. She is darling though. I will give her that. It is the only reason she gets away with the stuff she does. Well, and maybe because I love her too.

B is for Blue skies

2010-10-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

I fall instantly in like with anyone who also can appreciate art. To be able to look at something seemingly simple, but that transcends time and the ordinary.
To me that is beautiful.

“Joseph Pielichaty couldn't go on vacation (neither can I Joseph, neither can I) so he created a book featuring blue skies from different countries he found in the travel section of newspapers. By doing this he could "travel without leaving his room". Awesome. I can't travel, but all I really do is mope about it. Joseph's way is much more productive. And artistic.”

I found this great post and pictures here .

Then I added a few of my own blue sky.
Forgive the clouds.
They are rare here and they are what makes the sky pretty to me.

What is the sky like where you are?
Where would you like to see the sky from?
I'd like to see the sky from.......
I don't know.
I'll have to think about that for a little longer.
But for you, here is the sky from Arizona.

B is for benefits

2010-10-26T01:25:00.001-07:00

I love the benefits of having the world wide web in my home. The limitless resources. The instant access to information. It is definitely something my family benefits from!

So, I though I would help you benefit from me benefiting.
Makes sense, right?
I am posting a great list I found at the Crafty Crow of FREE Halloween printables!

Free Halloween Printables Round-Up!

One Charming Party

Babalisme
We made these! I so appreciate the boy version too!
Babalisme
I made this and shared it in am earlier post.
The Graphics Fairy

Paper Crave

A Fanciful Twist

Rob Ives
via Paper Forest

Each Penny Pretty

Two Straight Lines

Made By Joel

design.wash.rinse.repeat.

Cheeky Magpie

Urban Debris

We Love To Illustrate

Folding Trees

A Little Hut

The Idea Room

Creative Mamma

The Decorated Cookie

Blue Yonder

Chica And Jo

Living Locurto

The Idea Room

design.wash.rinse.repeat.

Cheeky Magpie

Paper Glitter
Remember how I found this earlier and almost choked? Yep ,still love it!
Craftily Ever After

Creative Kismet

Paper Glitter

Paper Glitter

Fun With Mama

These last two are the direst link. Just click and print!

I linked here!

B week

2010-10-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

B is for belonging.

What do you belong to...
Who do you belong to...
What belongs to you....
Who belongs to you...

I belong to them.

I also belong here.

And I belong to this great country.

A is for Autumn

2010-10-21T15:01:00.001-07:00

When we lived back east/ish in Ohio, something magical would happen every Fall. The leaves on the trees would go from green to a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors.
The vibrancy of those colors is what was so amazing.

What I realize now is how little you actually appreciate things like Fall leaves when you live in places with trees and seasons! People would hire landscapers to do Fall Clean-ups, where they basically come in and strip the trees of all the dying leaves and pile them up and haul it all away! The tragedy of it all still boggles my mind. I mean don't the leaves fall for the soul purpose of allowing us to rake them up into great big piles and then stand backwards and put your arms out, close your eyes, and fall backwards into the pile?

Living here in the desert of Arizona, you miss out on Autumn leaves.
But fortunately, we have places like Hobby Lobby to help us all pretend that we have an actual Autumn. We can go there and buy all the fake leaves we want.
Sad, I know.
It's like all the people we see with fake snowmen in their yards and icicle lights at Christmas time around here. You just sort drive by with a sad expression of pity for all the lack snow.
Because it is A week for my Illustrations of Life Project: A is for Autumn.
So, without further ado. My version of an Autumn Wreath.

It is so easy to make I feel like it is redundant to even tell you how to make one!
Oh well, here goes.

I found 3 of these metal stars at a garage sale for .25 apiece. ( I hate when I read that people find things at garage sales and fix them up. All that means is that the rest of us can't go buy on too!)I just spray painted it with some spray paint from another project.

Then I went to Hobby Lobby while they were having a 50% off Fall sale. Grabbed a few of these lovelies.
x 2 of each except the white pumpkin
I originally was going to buy a couple packages of the loose leaves that come with I think 10 or so to a pack. But then I saw the display for the garlands and they were so much fuller and this one even had pinecones on it too! ( no before pic )
the wreath was .25 at a garage sale.
I gathered my supplies. Wrapped the garland in a big circle and attached it to the wreath with white twist ties that you can totally see and that bother me to no end. I am OCD so a normal person would tell you to randomly stick the accent pieces into the wreath, but I'm not normal. There is no rhyme or reason to the way I did it ( other than to me) so, randomly put your picks anywhere you please.

I hung it from my door with one of those great removable hooks that you just pull the sticky tab and it comes off. Not sure if it is supposed to be permanent, but I am pretending, and have used it all year. and yes my door is dirty. It's dusty here ok. And we just had a major dust storm not too long ago. Yep, we are lucky enough to get dust storms. So all you people that are snuggled up to your cozy little fireplaces when it snow, think of all that your missing out on.
Like dust. On your front door.
And Cactusmen instead of snowmen..

I linked this!

A is for Attitude

2010-10-19T23:17:00.001-07:00

Late on night, it was a little after 9, the doorbell rang.

With a sigh of exasperation after battling with the kiddos to get them to bed ,even though they were all not tired- and obviously starving and- Oh yeah, I forgot I really did have homework- and just one more kiss goodnight-and we don't have to listen to you the first time because Dad isn't home.

I dragged my weary self to the door, ready to do battle with whatever hapless solicitor schmuck had the bad fortune to ring my doorbell at this late hour.

All 4 kiddos also felt so inclined to come tumbling down the stairs, ignoring my vehement yell-whisper to stay upstairs, to see who it was.

And I am now even more angry "Because now if it is not a salesman but a serial killer we are all dead instead of just the brave self sacrificing mother".

However when I opened the door, this is what I found.......

A nice big container full of these lovelies.

My attitude was now changed from eye-rolling annoyance, to humility and gratitude.

It might just be cupcakes.

It might not seem like a big deal.

But I am ......

Humbled for the time and effort it took to make these.

Grateful for the laughs and smiles it brought into my home.

So, thank you to whoever took the time to bring joy to a weary mothers home.

Thank you.

Letter a week challenge

2010-10-18T19:13:00.001-07:00

As part of my illustrations of life project I am starting a letter a week.

This week is ......

For my A week I am going to start of with a picture I have titled : Always.

Even though there is that stupid watermark again,

this lovely photo of my Husband and I at my sis's wedding was taken by the lovely and talented Miss Emily Johnson.

Thank you for capturing this moment for us. Your talent is limitless and we are lucky to know you.

Paris Thomas. This is a beautiful story.

2010-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I laugh-cried when I watched this. He is one of the funniest people. But I especially appreciate his testimony.

Our new obsession......pumpkin bread!

2010-10-16T22:19:00.001-07:00

Today we had the honor of witnessing a baptism of a friend of ours.

We were overwhelmed with feelings of gratefulness for the time that we live in and the blessings of having the Gospel in our lives. We are a family that relies heavily on the power of prayer and daily guidance from our Heavenly Father.

After the baptism we opened our home to all those that wanted to come and congratulate Jennifer and her family and also to enjoy some yummy food.

I made several batches of pumpkin muffins with Cream cheese frosting that I thought were divine. Stephany made a to dye for Strawberry Bundt cake and Jeanette was kind enough to bring a yummy Red Velvet cake.

Food was had by all.

Good times.

Pumpkin Bread *Source

Rated:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Submitted By: Shirley Sober
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 32

"A friend of mine graciously shared her 'secret recipe' for this bread with me. It's become such a family favorite that I'm not allowed to enter my family's get-togethers without this bread in hand!"

Ingredients:

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

3 cups sugar

3 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

1 (16 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

Directions:

1.
In a mixing bowl, dream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture just until moistened. Stir in pumpkin. Pour into two greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until bread tests done.

And don't forget the icing!

Cream Cheese Frosting II *Source

Rated:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 10 Minutes

Submitted By: Janni
Servings: 24

"This is a wonderfully creamy frosting that goes well with pumpkin bread, carrot cake, chocolate cake, on cookies or between cookies."

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese,

softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1.
In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

Finally some one who "gets" my version of motherhood!

2010-10-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

source

"I'm going to write a book. I'll call it "How to Raise Children Without Slashing Your Wrists" It won't be over dramatic at all.
Chapter Synopsis
1. Look, maybe you aren't cut out for procreation
2. Too late, Now What?
3. The TV as Babysitter and Sanity Saver
4. Send them to Grandmas, but don't be surprised if they come back entitled and high on sugar
5. Discipline techniques that don't work, but make you feel Angrier, which makes you feel powerful, which makes everyone cry in the end
6. Accepting your role as Wicked Witch of the West
7. Who needs Love when you've got Guilt?
8. Removing the door handles to your children's rooms and other effective time-out strategies
9. Sleep deprivation, Repetition, and other Torture techniques (how to survive when your children use them on you)
10. Cleanliness is next to Craziness

What chapters would you include?"

This is another list written by the funny Steph on her blog that I thought was soo worth sharing.
Holy cow this girl is hilarious! Go check out her blog Everyone's Excited and Confused
and tell her I said thank you for being able to read my mind about being a mom and then creative enough to write about it!
P.s. I will be the first in line to by her book!

My introduction to Mod Podge

2010-10-14T20:35:00.001-07:00

It all innocently started with a little bottle of something called Mod Podge. ( Windows spell check keeps trying to correct the spelling with other options like"podgy" and "poodle")
I was introduced to this lovey about 2 years ago.
I had heard of it quite often, but was not in the least bit interested in plastering my coffee table with a nice layer of family photos shellacked permanently to the top with this stuff called Mod Podge. Or anything involving collages and decopaging. Blech.
Well, along came Super Saturday and lovely creative girls named Autumn and Aime, and I was shown the many versatile and limitless uses of Mod Podge.
Fast forward to the present and I am still using it every chance I get. If it can't be made with Mod Podge than maybe it doesn't really need to be made.
When I first set out to arrange my plate wall I was very optimistic. I simply needed to go to a few stores, buy plates that I surely knew were there waiting to be plucked up by my eager hands.
So not the case.
A year and numerous stores later, no such luck.

Then I remembered back to two years ago when Autumn showed me how to Mod Podge clear glass plates with Mod Podge! That was it!

So, now that I have finally finished my biggest challenge in decorating yet. And let me tell you. I love it.

They aren't perfect.
Far from it.
But I am way more than satisfied!
It is a fool proof way to get exactly the colors and look you want for very very little money.
I found the glass plates at Savers for $2.99 for 4.
The paper was 10 for $1.00 at Joanne's.
And the Mod Podge I already had but can be purchased at any craft store, which I only ever do with a coupon. So It was around $4.00 and lasts forever. I will be able to pass this stuff down to my grandkids.

I will show you how they all turned out and how I made my very own custom plates in another post. I can't wait!

I linked this post:

Here!

Here!Here!

Here

And so the plate wall begins....

2010-10-13T23:58:00.001-07:00

I have seriously had my eye on so many cute plate wall arrangements.

I finally gathered enough plates to get started on this long awaited update to my kitchen.

So, first up. Take down all the dustified crap that has been above my cabinets for far too long.

Next.....well. You'll have to wait and see!

On another note. Not feeling to much love for the dog of the house. He seriously needs to have something removed and put in a jar to display. THe next time he runs away, he needs to keep on a runnin'. I'm officially d.o.n.e.

I wish the below option was real. As in a real alligator could do this to him.

Just kidding!

No I'm not.

Thank goodness for Fall Break

2010-10-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is not my photo. Picasa adds my watermark to anything I upload.

Thank goodness for Fall Break. We are in much need of this time of relaxation.
It seemed like the kids were just starting to get that cooped- up- in- a- class- room -all -day -itch.
Bubby wasn't showing us his homework. Playing outside was too much of a temptation and the weather is finally nice enough to do so.
Sis was just hitting a brick wall with trying to memorize her math problems.
Drew is actually doing really well again. He hit that really rough patch last year and we were a little worried. But, alas he made Honor Roll. We are so ~~relieved~~ proud.
Gwen is her own person and if she decides that she is not going to preschool, there is no amount of ~~bribing~~ convincing her otherwise.
I was home-schooled for the last half of my school years.
I didn't realize what a luxury making my own schedule was! We still woke up fairly early and followed a pre-established curriculum ( this was before the internet and all its infinite home-schooling resources were made readily available) , but once we were done, the day was ours. We went on a lot of field trips and participated in lots of hands on learning.
So, because of this whenever my kiddos are off from school I try to jam pack it full of things to and adventures to have.
I usually get voted down with protests of " we just want to stay home and play!".

What can I say, I try.

Comlpiments from my hubby

2010-10-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

The other day when I had finished making this sign, my hubby, who was working in the yard, came over to admire my infinite sign hanging talents with me.

He tilted his head to the side, and said, " I dont't like it."

Huh?

There really isn't much to it, what's not to like?

Before I could reply he said," It should say The Wicked, her Frankenstein, and their little Monsters live here."

Thank you for being my Frankenstein.

Continue in Patience

2010-10-10T01:06:00.000-07:00

Along came a spider

2010-10-09T23:38:00.001-07:00

This is the ~~last~~ latest update I have made to our Halloween decor.( If you click on Halloween you can check out my original post. )

.
(I am still working on the Keep Calm and Carry on poster.)

The spider I found at Grahpics Fairy of course.

Next is a great print I found over at House of Smiths.

The above one is my version. I just altered her version in Picasa. I love the antiquey look of it.
I fond this here . Really I wish I could copy her entire house. I love the bright open feel of it. I have already made note of her color choices.

I am linking to these parties!

Keep Calm revamp!

2010-10-08T22:24:00.001-07:00

Apparently the reason I wasn't a fan of decorating for Halloween was because I hadn't found this.....
source
Hello! I found this great Remake of the Keep Clam poster that I have used for our family theme this last year.
The girl who made this at her husbands request also was kind enough to share it with all of us!
Go check it out and make one for yourself! Be sure and tell her I said I sent you..

This is why Keep Calm and Carry on is our family motto:

A convo with a potty mouth

2010-10-07T17:30:00.001-07:00

Me: So how was your day today?

( understand that I was with her the entire day. Or so I thought....)

Gwenna: It was good.

Me: Did you have a fun time with Brooky?

Gwenna: Mmmmhhhmmm.

Me: What was your favorite part?

Gwenna: We jumped on the bed.

We yelled really* loully. ( loudly)

And we did dancing.

And we played ponies.

And.....

we said bad words.

We did *loss and *loss of stuff. (....lots and lots...)

Yep. They said bad words.

Probably really really bad words. Like "stupid" and "butt".

I didn't hear these bad words being said, so I have to let it slide.

But I'm onto you.

Gone are the days of your seemingly childhood innocence.

I am now faced with a true potty mouth. And not just any old potty mouther type, but the kind that brags about it later while bragging about her potty mouthiness.

Is this what I have to look forward to?

What's next? Sticking your chewed gum under the table? Running with scissors?

source

Look. I even bought you a few necklaces to commemorate this milestone in your life.

Like I always say, it's the little things that make life memorable.

Wordless Wednesday/ Olives

2010-10-06T17:45:00.001-07:00

Thinking of others

2010-10-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

How do you teach your children to think of others? To put others needs before their own? My husband especially struggles with teaching this life lesson to our kids. “ Why can’t you just share? Just take turns!” is often heard coming from our lips. Most times however, they do apply this lesson and will give ( or at least trade ) willingly.

A particular memory that comes to mind, is of my vivacious daughter Serelle.

At the school they attend, they are given tickets for good behavior. When they collect enough they can cash them in for a prize.

Needless to say, Serelle was really motivated to collect as many as she could. She would rush to open doors for teachers, pick up trash, wipe lunch tables. Her favorite was when she found a $20.00 bill on the ground and turned it into the office.

After she had reached her goal of collecting enough tickets for a reward, she happily informed the teacher that she was ready to pick her prize. They went down the hall to the display case filled with all the prizes. It was full of books, posters, stickers, pencils, and other little trinkets.

I can just image the look of total concentration on her little face. So many choices!

That morning she had informed me that she had collected enough tickets and would be coming home with her prize. I knew she had a new found love of pencils, and figured that is what she would pick.

When she came home, I had not thought to ask her what she had picked, and we fell into our routine of doing homework and having snacks.

When she suddenly jumped up from the table exclaiming “ I almost forgot to show you!” Thinking that she was talking to me, I looked up to realized that she was talking not to me, but her big brother, Drew.

She ran to her backpack, reached in and pulled out a pack of Star Wars stickers. With a shining countenance and great big smile, she handed them to her brother.

“ As soon as I saw these I thought of you and how much you like star wars. I got these for you.”

All those weeks of planning and working, and when faced with a choice, she choose not to think of herself, but her brother.

With this simple act, I was made aware that they are listening. But more importantly they are watching.

I read a quote once that said "The most effective way to teach children is not with words, but with example.”

I am touched by, and grateful for, her loving example to her younger, and in this instance, older sibling.

Halloween

2010-10-04T00:13:00.001-07:00

To avoid spending much money on a holiday that is not my favorite, I try to make/create what little decorations I put up. Plus, we are big time Christmas decorators and I tend to feel a little smothered by January, which is another reason I keep it as simple as possible. Another perk this year is that Halloween falls on Sunday, so we won’t be out Trick-or-Treating. I told the kids that they would be shopping from home this year for their costumes for the Trunk-or-treat party
. Which they have interpreted as “ That means Mom will make all our costumes! I want to be a weird clone trooper nobody has ever heard of and is really difficult to make! Thanks Mom!” Noooooooo!!!!!!!
This was last year. The villain from Scream is our neighbor, Drew was home sick. Yes, my absolutely beautiful daughter is the Grimm Reaper. William is someone who wears a lot of camo and flip flops. And Gwen is Cinderella. I made the mistake of making that costume, which quickly made my kids think that I somehow enjoyed it and therefore will make anything they request.

This is a wreath I made from a really boring book by Charles Dickens which made it really fun to rip up.( I do love Charles Dickens though!) The skeletons are printed from The Graphics Fairy. I just cut them out, stuck them in old frames and mounted them on top of the glass ,with removable sticky tabs, of the frames already hanging there. The glitter spiders were $2.00 from Wal-Mart.
source

I spent a whopping $2.79 on this little vignette. The Boo is from V. and Co. The busts came from the dollar store.
source
Another print out from V. and Co.
source
LOVE this vignette I found here .

My entryway. Yes those are 4 skeletons hanging by a rope. Everyone thought it was morbid until I said there were 4 to represent each kid. Then it was just so cute. My owl trick or treat picture is from Graphics Fairy

Last years post Trick-or-Treating –Let’s- See- Who- Got The- Most –Candy- But –First- Let –Mom –~~Pick- Out- All- Her- Favorites~~ –Do- Quality -Control.
Except for Drew. I just wanted to throw in a picture of him to be inclusive.
I do things like that.
This is what the girls and I will making after school today. If I remember the source I will post it.
So, Happy Halloween! See you tomorrow!
Linking this post to:
Look for it here !

and here !

General Conference

2010-10-03T21:16:00.001-07:00

This weekend we had the pleasure of gathering together on the ~~off limits~~ nice couch to watch General Conference on the itty bitty computer monitor.

I was once again reminded of the gratitude I feel for living in a time and place that makes this possible. It was much need weekend. To have my chicks gathered round to hear the words of the prophet, and to have that spirit of learning in our home, is something that I will be eternally grateful for. ( As I type this the youngest is bawling about a piece of paper her sister has deemed very important and therefore untouchable, the boys are arguing about who kicked who first, and the Hubby is interrogating us all about the mysterious appearance of marker on the ~~off limits or you die~~ nice couch, so that feeling has quickly evaporated, I mean, struggling to stay present.)

Here we are gathered together taking notes of conference. You should also make note of the size of the computer monitor. That’s right, you can’t see it from how far away I am when I took this picture. But don’t feel too bad for us. We have some rockin’ speakers Andrew found on clearance at Best Buy that can be turned up so loud that all your other senses are dulled therefore you no longer can even think about how small the monitor is. See, that’s just how I am. I can find the ~~meaninglessness~~ beauty in all things.

We are truly blessed with the modern conveniences that we have and I am grateful for the time and opportunity I get to blog and to share my thoughts, however different, with those I love and those of you I may not know, but appreciate all the same.

My Illustrations of Life Project post 1

2010-10-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

I love photography. Not only the joy of capturing irreplaceable moments myself, but seeing the moments others have captured.

To be able to look through your camera and really get into the scene.

To be looking for that twinkle in someone's eye.

That laughter filled smile.

That seemingly simple moment of quiet contemplation on your child's face.

They say a good photographer will take thousands of pictures to end up with “the one”. The one that makes you pause. The one that makes you think. The one that draws you in and makes you wish you had been there.

They say that a photographer is an artist that illustrates life through photographs.Instead of with a paintbrush or piano, they are able to capture a song and paint a scene with the click of a button.

That being said. I am in no way talented. Knowledgeable. Or any of those things that are required to be a photographer.

But, if all you need is a camera and a love for photography, than here I am.

I would like to take today. This time in my life, to start my Illustrations of life Project. So, come along if you like. Lets see what moments are out there to capture.

I will try to post a photo a day for the next year. Photos that simply illustrate my view of life around me. It will sometimes be pretty. Other times pretty ugly. Sometimes meaningful. Other times meaningless.

It will be easy. It will be hard. It will just be.

2010-09-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

http://theshoppingmama.com/2010/09/crafting-made-easy-with-the-silhouette-craft-cutter-review-giveaway/

THis is a great giveaway!

Beach Wedding

2010-09-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

Congratulations sis. Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day.

Checklist for a great party

2010-09-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

1. Gather family.

2. Add Sponge Bob decorations.

3. Play the following games:

Water balloon toss, Pin the tail on the donkey, Piñata beat-down, Catch the cream ball in your mouth.

4. Pass out awards and Sponge Bob goodie bags and glow sticks.

5. Dance in backyard with glow sticks.

6. Eat the most yummy dinner of steak and mashed potatoes.

7. Then pig out out on delicious chocolate cake and vanilla ice-cream.

8. Remind Gwen for the 100zillionth time to put on pants. And if that can’t be done, at least some underwear would be nice.

9. Turn 30.

10. Marry this guy. Oh, wait. I did.

Thank you Andrew for surprising me with my very first surprise Sponge Bob birthday party. You created a memory.

It's the little things that make a house a home...: BULX - New Sponsor And A Giveaway...

2010-09-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

It's the little things that make a house a home...: BULX - New Sponsor And A Giveaway...

Check this out!

2010-09-09T15:39:00.001-07:00

The worst day with someone you love is better than the best day without them.

2010-07-12T21:54:00.001-07:00

This is a great post I read over on Mormon Mommy Blogs.com from a fellow Mom that writes for her own blog, www.excitedandconfused.blogspot.com ( not sure how tp link, but def wanted to give her credit!) I love this list because it is exactly what every mom thinks. I laughed at # 4 and 9 because they are so true! If this really is THE top 99 things to do in your lifetime, I am doing pretty darn good.

And if you ever see me out and about and I have snot on my shoulder or am counting to 3, smile and know that i am only accomplishing my lifetime list of 99 things to do before I die.

"Now that I've had my baby (June 4, she's beautiful.), I'm ready to conquer the world! Awhile back I ran into this list of 99 Cool Things to do Before You Die, so I'm ready to start checking items off like, "Skydiving" and "Bungee Jumping" and "Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro." But then that song by The Byrds starts playing in my head. Sing with me now: "To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season, turn, turn, turn. . ." So I've written a more appropriate list for this season in my life. Which ones have you done? 1. Felt the world shift and change when you held your newborn baby. 2. Thought, "Hey, they didn't tell me about this when I got pregnant." 3. Given away perfectly good pants because they just don't seem to zip up anymore.

4. Walked around with snot on your shoulder and pretended it's normal.

5. Wrestled with a car seat and won.

6. Cursed the makers of really loud annoying toys.

7. Rocked your baby until she fell asleep, and then kept rocking anyway.

8. Gained superhero kissing powers -- you kiss it, it's okay.

9. Learned the art of counting to three, in a loud, patient voice.

10. Avoided swearing like a pirate when a small child stepped on your bare feet with heavy-heeled princess shoes.

11. Dressed up as a butterfly and floated magically around the room with blanket wings.

12. Made a tent out of blankets and chairs and crammed your really large body into it.

13. Learned you really aren't a patient person, but tried to work on it.

14. Listened to really bad, heartfelt, vibrato out-of-control, children's music that for some reason your children love.

15. Succeeded in doing an awesome hairstyle on a squirming, uncooperative child.

16. Decided that bribery really does do the trick.

17. Read a Parenting book and thought, "Do they even have children?"

18. Gotten nothing but lessons in patience and enduring to the end from the past three years of church.

19. Allowed others to think you're crazy as you drive down the road doing the actions to "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."

20. Smiled and managed not to punch the people without children who give you advice on how to discipline them.

21. Pitied the pioneers, who didn't have movies/television.

22. Thought sadly about landfills, but put it out of your head by remembering what dunking poopy cloth diapers in the toilet is like.

23. Managed to get the grocery shopping done with one or more children in tow.

24. Put yourself in time out.

25. Given up career opportunities, wistfully, but gladly.

26. Thought, "This is so worth it. I have the best job ever."

27. Thought, "This is so not worth it. I quit." But woke up, fixed breakfast and took care of the kids anyway.

28. Heard your child say, "I love you so much!"

29. Watched with delight as your child lurches around the room with their first dinosaur-like steps.

30. Ignored your dirty house to play ponies.

31. Taught a child to use the potty. (And wanted to start an ad campaign with signs posted above every public toilet that read, "If you can use this, thank your mother.")

32. Tried a home business to make just a little extra money.

33. Actually sewn something, that turned out pretty good if no one looked too closely.

34. Played the choo-choo or airplane game to try and convince your child that food is not evil.

35. Slipped, tripped or twisted on a left out toy.

36. Fished pennies/small toys/anything small out of your child's mouth, while keeping the panic at bay.

37. Lost brain cells while watching a Baby Einstien movie.

38. Wondered where the instruction manual is.

39. Thought that you could improve upon the baby design model by adding three lights on the side of each baby-- one for hungry, one for tired, and one for poopy.

40. Listened with chagrin as your child repeats your favorite adjectives.

41. Crept into their room at night, just to make sure the covers are on and that they're still breathing.

42. Thought while breastfeeding, "No wonder people get breast implants. My shirts actually fit."

43. Laughed out loud at the optimistic "6 weeks after birth prognosis" by your male doctor.

44. Learned that you really aren't a pleasant person with only 2 hours of sleep.

45. Tried to explain why clothing is mandatory.

46. Had to eat your words because, "I would never do it that way," but then you do.

47. Called Poison Control.

48. Left the store without buying anything because your child is screaming.

49. Had to apologize to a stranger.

50. Wanted to petition that handicap stalls also be available to mothers with two or more children under the age of six.

51. Said, "That's not funny," when really, if you weren't the parent, it was funny.

52. Felt extreme anger at another child when they hurt your child.

53. Cleaned up throw up more times than you wish to count.

54. Eaten a soggy cracker.

55. Thought sadly of hungry people as you scrapped your child's uneaten food into the garbage.

56. Threatened to do something awful (and untrue) like leave your child at WalMart, or cut off their toe if they didn't stop misbehaving.

57. Even though you vowed never to say it, yelled, "Because I said so."

58. Not left the house for three or more days.

59. Discussed buying stock in paper towels, wipes and diaper companies.

60. Conversed with other adults about poop, drool, and snot.

61. Thought, "My gosh. My children are the most adorable things in the entire world."

62. Smiled when your kids hugged each other.

63. Thrown away Halloween candy (after fishing out all the chocolate bars).

64. Realized the true use of a timer is not for baking.

65. Thought, "Isn't there at least some period of their lives where they adore me and listen to what I say?"

66. Cried and cried, because you feel like you're just not cut out for this sort of thing.

67. Felt triumphant when your child spelled their name without prompting to your now impressed neighbor / relative / friend.

68. Put on boots, coats, hats, gloves and snow pants and just as you're walking out the door hear a rumbling from your child that indicates severe diaper problems, or having your older child say, "I have to go to the bathroom."

69. Realized that children's books are sometimes written for adults.

70. Had to remind yourself not to talk in a sing-songy, supercalm happy voice when speaking to other adults.

71. Sometimes the only constant in your day is that it will eventually end.

72. Discovered that a really childproof room is empty and padded and only exists in insane asylums.

73. Had to backpedal quickly when you told your child not to do something and they said, "But Mommy, you do it."

74. Dug out a sliver.

75. Been ignored. Over and over.

76. Felt that if you get touched one more time you might have to become a hermit.

77. Laughed (with just a bit of hysteria) at the magazine picture of well-behaved children that put together beautiful crafts.

78. Gotten an unexpected kiss and a hug.

79. Had your heart melt when you hear, "Hold me, hold me."

80. Cleaned up a blow-out diaper, and managed to salvage the onesie.

81. Thought, "Oh, my parents were right."

82. Prayed really hard that you're raising them to be good, thoughtful, happy people.

83. Hoped they won't remember the time you accidentally dropped / forgot about them.

84. Hoped they will remember the times you read stories / sang / played with them.

85. Felt like the Wicked Witch of the West.

86. Given an Eskimo kiss.

87. Felt your heart strings tug when they first let go of your hand to venture off on their own.

88. Pretended you liked something just to get your kid to eat / do it.

89. Wore matching outfits with your kids and thought it was awesome.

90. Tried to keep the car nice by not allowing food, then gave up and tossed food randomly at your children in an effort to quiet them.

91. Heard your child yell excitedly, "Mommy!" when you walk into the room.

92. Caused extreme giggling (on purpose).

93. Vanquished a monster with a spray bottle.

94. Answered "Why?" questions with preposterous and crazy answers but still not managed to stop the "Why?"s from coming.

95. Bought a really padded bra for protection from elbows and other stray limbs.

96. Played the, "I'm going to hide in the _____" version of Hide and Seek.

97. Learned to traverse the kitchen with a small child clinging to your legs and the phone on your shoulder.

98. Told yourself, "This is for her good."

99. Known this is the best and hardest job in the world. (But wished for paid time off)"

2010-07-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENEN TO THE 56 MEN WHO SIGNED THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE??

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Continental Army; another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What Kind Of Men Were They??

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated.

But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.

For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution.

These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America.

The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War.
We didn't fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time, and we fought our own government!!

Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes and silently thank these patriots.

It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

REMEMBER FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE!!

It's time we get the word out that:"PATRIOTISM IS NOT A SIN!!"
I found this over on Angelfist.com

Time will tell

2010-06-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

We have a tradition ( as of this year……. still counts, ok.) to buy a clock for our anniversary to commemorate our time spent together as a couple.

We hope to be able to look back and reminisce about the year we purchased each clock and all that happened that particular year.

We try to find ones that reflect our taste and moods. That reflect our sense of timeless style.

And maybe one day our children will look back and remember this small tradition of ours and want to carry it on themselves. We even joke about who will fight over which clock. Sis has dibs on the bacon making wooden pig one.

What can I say. She has good taste.

Get it.

Taste.

Oh, forget it.

Also. A big thank you to the “Smiths”. Who we were blessed enough to run into when Hubby and I were out celebrating our anniversary. They had just celebrated their 46th anniversary in June also, and were generous enough to share their witty wisdom on all things marriage and family with us over dinner. Thank you.

Foodnetwork.com I love you

2010-06-21T00:39:00.001-07:00

Peanut Butter pie

I hate peanut butter. Hate it.

Hubby and kiddos love it.

So, for Fathers day we made their Father peanut butter pie, per request.

I looked up the recipe on Food network and found a pretty highly rated recipe.

I love you Food network.com.

You came through for me yesterday.

We can now start seeing each other again. Sorry about the break-up.

But the recipe you gave me for Apple Crisp was ternasty. Terrible+nasty.

So, after a frantic phone call to Le Dawn for cream cheese, we gathered all the ingredients and whipped this baby up.

We also made an Oreo Mouse pie for no reason at all.

And I just happened to really want to try it anyway.

Weird coincidence. I know.

So. The PB pie got a thumbs up by all that tried it.

If you want the recipes I tried leave a comment or e-mail me.

P.S. I really enjoyed the Oreo pie too. A lot.

To my Dad

2010-06-20T01:34:00.001-07:00

Reasons why I am grateful to be your daughter:

You taught me the importance of looking people in the eyes. That when you do that, they will respect you for respecting them.

You taught me that being a girl doesn’t mean I can only do “girl” things.

Our first of many charity walk/hikes

Thank you for teaching me how to hike and fish. To throw a ball and not be afraid to catch one. For coming to all my Karate tournaments and being the most embarrassing/loud Dad out there. Thank you for being so proud of me no matter what I was doing. Except for letting me raid your closet that year in High School. You should have stopped me. But you didn’t. You just asked if I needed your belt to go with your pants and shirt.

Thank you for always listening to me.

You showed me how to listen to others and really look at things from both sides. ( My Hubby gets annoyed that even if I agree with what he is saying I can always find another alternative. But, deep down he loves it. I think.)

I learned that the open road is your adventure waiting to happen. That Disneyland was fun, but had nothing on hiking the Grand Canyon for the first time when I was 8 years old with you leading the way.

No, we did not hike the Grand Canyon dressed like that. Those were our looking good for the camera, fanny pack included, outfits.

You taught me that even though not everyone is perfect, we are all deserving of forgiveness. Weather that lesson was intentional or not, it is invaluable.

Thank you for all the mornings I would wake up and find funny and sometimes sweet notes from you hanging from my door by a piece of string. Even when I became a surly teenager and that door was locked, there was still a note.

I learned that a Dad is the fastest, strongest, smartest, funniest, most embarrassing, giving, understanding, accepting person a little girl will know. And that she will grow up to finally fully understand and appreciate all these things and hope her Dad knows that she feels this way.

I love you Dad. Thanks for being my teacher and for all the life lessons you taught me.

A Father Indeed

2010-06-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

“wax and booby”

2010-06-19T22:19:00.001-07:00

Wow, if I didn’t lose you after that title you have proven yourself desperate to read my blog!

Just kidding.

No I’m not.

Anyway, we have been enjoying a lot of things thus far this summer. Free activities being the key to all of our motivation to staying active during the sweltering heat of Az. One of them being the summer reading program that the library runs.

We are active/financial-supporters-because-we –always-have-late-late-late-books-which-result-in-over-due-fines patrons at our local branch. We are there at least 3 times a week and enjoy all the programs they have to offer.

The summer reading program lets the kiddos track their reading and collect prizes along the way. When they finish the required amount they get a FREE book. So they all zoomed through to get the free book.

Gwen chose Max and Ruby. Or as the entire population of Az that has even somewhat decent hearing, “I love my Wax and Booby book! I love Wax and Booby!”

Fun for all.Yeah me.

12

2010-06-14T01:51:00.000-07:00

To my dearest hubby........Thank you for making me your wife 12 years ago. There are times when it has flown by. And times when we have had to dig trenches and get through the battle. You have helped me to know who I am and where I want to be. You put into my life four of the most amazing people I know and have taken me to the Temple so that we can be together forever. Thank you for being the husband that I need and the friend that I always wanted. You have always been there for our marriage.
You looked across the alter and into my eyes not that long ago.
And every morning and night when I say my prayers, I thank Heavenly Father for sending me my knight in shinning armor.
And although your armor may have a few dings and scratches and might not be as shiny as it was then, you will always be my hero.

I not only love you. I adore you.

Photo contest

2010-06-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

This picture I took of Bubs just got accepted into photo contest!

It is a supposed to be a contest for photos of classic cars. I wasn't too sure on weather or not I should enter it, but thought " what do I have to lose? " So, all of you out there that I have email address's for....beware! I am going to be sending out emails for votes after Sunday!

Belated birthday wishes

2010-06-01T23:54:00.001-07:00

Dear Drew,

In honor of your 11 years as my son, I am sending you 11 wishes.

1. I wish that you could see yourself through my eyes. You are a boy that has many talents. One is melting his mothers heart.

2. Stay kind.

Your kindness will open doors for you and allow you to get close to people that would otherwise shut anyone else out. Your tender heart is a sign of your true spirit. I am glad I get to see it.

3. I wish for you to know that being the big brother is something only YOU can be.

You were sent here first for a reason.There will be times when you will have to pull them up by their bootstraps and be the strong one in the group. It will take them awhile to be thankful for you watching over them like you do, but they will thank you. Believe me.

Like in this photo. They looked like they were having a good time at the bar. But big brother knew that appearances can be deceiving and quickly took baby Sis into his arms and into safety.

4. I wish that you could see how smart you are. Not only with academics, but with the gospel. You always have the answer I am looking for.

Your love of learning will take you far. You have so much to offer with your intelligence and witty insight. If you fill your heart and mind with the wisdom of the Lord your capacity for learning and sharing that knowledge with others, will be limitless.

4. I pray that you will learn the value of hard work. This does not come easy for you and it will be difficult at times. But you have great men in your life that are the ultimate examples of hard workers and dedication. I know we are tuff on you sometimes, but it is because we can see your great potential.

5. I hope you keep your goofy sense of humor. You have such a funny way of looking at things and can find the humor in almost anything.

Like when I let you be the photographer for the night at Sis’s choir concert and I ended up with a ton of you posing with friends making funny faces and not a single one of Sis. You thought that was pretty hilarious.

And how you can laugh so hard at silly animal pictures that you can hardly catch your breath and we all end up laughing too.

Especially how you love to turn ordinary objects into props. You do this a lot. And it is always funny.

6. I wish that you will be able to find true happiness.

It’s hard to find. But it’s out there and you have already taken the first step in finding it by being baptized. Keep on this path of righteousness and you will find true

happiness.

7. I wish for you to keep your desire to serve the Lord.

8. I wish that you will always love Star Wars as much as you do. There is a lot to learn from Star Wars.

1. Listen to your ~~parents~~ Jedi trainer. They know what's best.

2. Using the ~~gospel~~ force for good, makes a good ~~missionary~~ Padawan.

3. Good will prevail.

4. Don’t run with your light saber on.

5. That being the hero takes help from everyone around you.

But please please please please please DON’T take it this far.

Although you probably will.

9. I wish that you will continue to develope your love of a good book. Books are the cheapest way to travel. But above all others, learn to love the scriptures. They will take you to wherever you need to go and will always have the answer. You just have to be willing to find it.

10. Be a good friend. The value of friendship is priceless.

Being good to those around you is a talent that you have. You make all the old ladies swoon with your chivalry. And one day you will make a special someone swoon. Blech! I know. I had to say it.

11. Last but not least. I wish for you to always know how much Dad and I love you. You were the first child to make me a mother. The first child to make Dad a father. Our first son.

Thank you.

I miss my sis

2010-05-19T00:02:00.001-07:00

It is still funny thinking about you being away at college. For some reason in my mind you will always be the little 7 year old who bravely came to live with her big sis 2,000 miles away from home.

You came because I cried every day from being homesick.

You packed your little bag and Mom sent you off to stay with me.

You didn’t cry once.

Later we used to laugh that it was because you didn’t miss Mom and Dad, but I know it was because just you loved me that much.

You happily slept on that bed Andrew brought home for you, and had scripture study with us every night.

Andrew also gave you whatever you asked for and did things with you he still won’t do with our own kids.

You were also there to hold Drew when he was born. Seeing you and Mom hold in him in your arms was priceless.

It’s funny how it took me getting married and moving that far away for to me realize how much I still needed my family.

That one, brave little girl, could bring more than her small suitcase of belongings. That she could also bring me the peace and contentment that I had been searching for.

Your selfless example at such a young age deeply and forever touched my heart. Your willing sacrifice was truly the light of Christ shining through you.

And that is why I think you will always be that little 7 year old in my mind.

Many will call you friend.

Few are privileged to call you sister.

Thank you for being my friend and my sister.

The stars aligned

2010-05-16T04:12:00.001-07:00

This is actually the morning after he lost his first tooth. And as you can see by the fact that he is holding his tooth in his hand, the tooth fairy failed to make an appearance.

Um.Ooops.

So, needless to say at 5:30 am, when this anxious 6 year old woke up this morning to see our special tooth jar still holding his tooth, he was pretty confused.

After all, hadn't he resisted even the slightest wiggling by his mother “who is infamous for not being able to leave loose and wiggly teeth alone because they call her name every time she looks at said wiggly tooth”?

I mean the fact that this kid REFUSED to brush his bottom teeth which resulted in even more botheringness (my own word, kthanks) to his mother compounded by the fact that the thing was completely horizontal, meant that it HAD to go. ASAP.

My plan was to just grab him, hold him down and have at it. But my inner voice that is known to some as a conscience, and that I typically try to stay in fine tune with, unfortunately said that this would permanently scar him. Then he would become even more terrified about losing teeth than he already is and would be content to walk around with a mouth full of wiggly crooked teeth.

I get the shivers and all twitchy even thinking about it. But to my great and exasperated relief, a miracle occurred at In’n Out Burger the previous night. The thing literally fell out of his mouth while he was talking. I only happened to have had my hand in his mouth trying to wiggle it, but that is a minor detail. The more important thing is that it is out.

I was so happy I even thought about having this done to the darn tooth. But thought better of it. I mean I would have to then do it to ALL my kids to teeth so no one would feel left out.

umkay. no.

Sometimes I feel like making one of these though. I am short a couple of heads to twist off and string onto a beaded necklace/trophy. So for now my children are allowed to live.

Back to the tooth fairy’s failure to materialize and fork out the dough.

I quickly realized at the same time Bubbs was lamenting over this delinquency on the T.F.’s part, that I hadn’t even taken any pictures of my boy’s first ever lost tooth!

I told him “The T.F. had purposely left the tooth there so mommy could take a picture since I forgot to the night before” To which he gave a huge sigh and said

“That’s what I thought.I’ll go get your camera! Your the best mommy in the world!”

I added the last part in my head.But it looks as though the stars aligned for me this time around. Although I was looking forward to getting that “Worst Mommy on the face of the Earth” award in the mail.

Oh, well. There will be another time. I’m sure of it.

The final countdown

2010-04-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

This is the face of a boy who just lost for the last time. Therefore disqualifying him to continue onto the final round. This year they ran the race a little differently and you only had 1 chance to qualify. One loss, your out.
I was happy with the fact that it took less than 45 minutes to run an entire race for 20 or so cub scouts.
I was a little disappointed with them only getting to race one 1-2 times unless you won. But they left the track up for a long time afterward so all the boys could do their own races. That was the fun part. Watching them grab their cars at the end of the track and running like mad to do it again before the slots filled up. I am glad he has learned to be a good sport through it all. Taking his loss for what it is and for cheering on the ones who did win.
I am not one of those parents that thinks everyone who participates is a winner.
That, by the shear fact of showing up to something negates all the hard work others put into playing and actually winning. If you win every time, you have nothing to work towards.
Why try hard, or harder, if you get the award at the end just the same.
Losing is hard. It is hard watching your kid that you would stand in front of an on coming car for, be hurt by something you can't protect them from.
I tried that.
My son, like I've said is a thinker. He likes to know the ins and outs, the hows and whys of things.
A moving ball coming right at your face, no matter how big or small, does not compute with his rationalizing brain. Plus, your arms and feet have to move in sinc and that is just not happening with him.
His strengths will sometimes be less obvious and a little irritating ( like when he is at the dentist and she can hardly clean his teeth for all the questions he is continually asking). But he will know the answers that no one else does. And has the desire to eat up words and knowledge like he is starving.

I was a little too over-protective and stood in the way of him learning through his shortcomings.
Like when he was a kid, I signed him up for baseball and soccer.
It wasn't a pretty picture.
He was his own worst enemy.
That and the fact that by the age of 6 these kids were pros.
So, I stood in the way.
I tried to protect my child from embarrassment and hurt feelings.
While I taught him that I would always be there to protect him, I was also teaching him that he wasn't "good" enough to play sports, or that he shouldn't even try. To which I am paying dearly, as the kid won't even go outside when all the neighborhood kids play baseball. ( He will however till his sister so she can go play.)
Not at all my intention.
So, even though he really really wanted to win his last pinewood derby, by stepping back and allowing his failure, I also allowed him to know what it was like to want to win.

And hopefully that small lesson will help him in this race of life we are all in.

The many faces of Easter

2010-04-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

We took Drew out to the movies the Saturday night before Easter, so my little sis came over and dyed eggs with the rest of my kiddos. The pictures are her fine art work. You can tell she is a document/photographer like myself. It drives my hubby nuts that I have to take so MANY photos EVERYWHERE we go. But I always tell him that from those 1,000's you get one that is truly amazing. So, thank you Anna for 1,000's of photos from your night of egg dying.

These are the many faces of William. Long after everyone else lost interest, he stuck around. Anna calls him her little buddy. There have been many tears shed by this little guy since Anna went back to school.
He says he " Just misses her so much it makes his tears"

"Bassetball" (aka: basketball)

2010-04-15T23:12:00.001-07:00

( the title is how Bubbs says basketball)

Looking at this photo makes me realize what a big world it is that he faces.
There he is in his too big yellow shirt, marching onto the court with his head held high.
I missed out on a lot of things in my lifetime because of fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of making a mistake.
Fear of not being perfect.
But looking at this, I have realized that no matter how small you are and how big the world is,
just go out with your head held high and have no fear.
And I am pretty sure that with a great big yellow #8 shirt, that we ALL could do anything we set out to do.
I am sooo proud of you Bubbs. You faced that great big court and played a great game. My Dad always said " If you come home tired, than you tried your hardest. So, come home tired."
You fell asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot.
Good game Bubbs.
Good game.

And the award goes to.....

2010-04-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

Sis and Brenna for not only most runs down the hill.......
but for making it look this fun.
I hope that their fearlessness lasts them a lifetime.
They definitely earned the award for:
Best jumps
Most runs
Showing up all the boys
and
Being so darn cute while sledding.

Spring Break observations

2010-04-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

Drew is the professor.
In this photo he looks like the evil professor.
"This is my creation....if all goes as planned it will blow up as soon as it senses girls nearby. Especially sister girls......Bwhahaha!"
Everywhere we went he was the first to build something. Including the nice leftover lump Gwenna is sitting on in photo below.

We called her the observer.
Sometimes it is more fun to play it safe and watch everyone else ( well, only me the Mom,)
gets hurt, and snow burns, and soggy wet. I did eventually trick her into going down the hill with me and Bubbs and ended up in a head-knocking-teeth-jarring-is anyone bleeding crash. I, or mostly my head, took the brunt of it. No regrets though. Having pain in this instance was soo worth the pleasure.

We called him the pro. He had the shoulder tilt action. He could maneuver back onto the track, around a tree, and use his feet to brake, all for the perfect 10 landings. He is a boy of few words but great actions.

We called them stupid. ( the ones on the bottom) Others called them the best Dads in the world.

At the end of the day this is what it was all about.

A special thank you to the Taylor's who are one of the few people that can get my hubby to laugh a belly laugh.
Thank you.

Well said. No, really.... I agree.

2010-03-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

Awkwarfamilyphotos.com

According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even the early 80s, probably shouldn't have survived. Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. (Not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking).

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. Horrors! We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of wood scraps and fruit crates and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

Now one was able to reach us by cell phone. Unthinkable! We did not have Playstations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no ninety-nine channels on cable, videotape movies, surround sound, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internet chat rooms. We had neighborhood friends! We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt. We played other games such as Kick the Can and Capture the Flag. We fell out of trees, got cut, and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. They were accidents. No one was to blame but us.

We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms, and although were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did worms live inside us forever. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Some of us weren't as smart as others, so we failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade. Horrors! Tests were not adjusted for any reason. Our actions were our own. Consequences were expected, no one to hide behind. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law. Imagine that! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. -anonymous

I fell

2010-03-26T01:43:00.001-07:00

This picture is so funny it made me think of a lot of things.

1. Falling down the stairs.

2. Wearing cut-off denim shorts.

3. Falling down the stairs while wearing denim cut off shorts.

Deep thoughts.
I know.
But most of all.

4. Being able to laugh at yourself while falling down the stairs and wearing denim cut-off shorts.

2010-03-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

Photo source: JunkFest...someone PLEASE tell me how to link!

I am sooo drooling over this talented girl's blog.
I DREAM of having a room like this.
If a room could describe a person, this room would be me.
But, seriously, these girls are super talented.
Go check out their blog.
They are super nice too.
I know 'cause I e-mailed them about how much I love those clocks and they e-mailed me back.
That's right.
We're like best friends now.
Well, maybe not.
I lied.
A girl can dream though.

Craft

2010-03-26T01:21:00.001-07:00

I want to make this.

I need to make this.
I will try and make this.
Well, probably not.
Anna, if you are out and you find a frame like this even if I have to paint it, call me, you have my #,
Oh, and if you see a nest like this, buy it. I will pay you back. Yes, really.
If there are any eggs like these,
same thing.
And don't you have paint this color?
Tell you what, since you'll have all this stuff, just go ahead and make this for me.
I promise to act genuinely surprised.

2010-03-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

Ever have a day like this?
I do.
More than I'd like to admit.
Thank goodness for friends and family who are always there to remind me that the sun always eventually comes out again.
Even if that friend is named Dawn and has to climb into bed with you to check and see if you are alive.
Thank you.

And can somebody get that girl an umbrella.
And some pants.
Seriously, where are her pants.

Photo source: Unknown.

Reading..........

2010-03-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

photo source: Awkwardfamilyphotos.com
Go there.

This is what my children see when they interrupt me reading.
House is burning down?
Hope you get out okay.
The dog ran away?
That's nice. Run faster.
You're starving because I've neglected to feed you so I could finish this extra long chapter?
There's leftover beans in the fridge. Oh wait. Never mind I finished those this morning.

I.........

2010-03-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

photo source: Awkward family photos.com

This is a prime example of why everyone in my family is glad they are not having a birthday in the near near future.
Oh, you thought this is what they would get as a punishment or because I am in a bad mood or something......no,no.
I like refried beans.
A lot.
I have no shame.
This would be my ideal birthday cake.
Stick a candle in it.

Ken's Perfect Hardboiled Egg

2010-03-25T23:54:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
6 cups water
8 eggs

Directions

Combine the salt, vinegar, and water in a large pot, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the eggs one at a time, being careful not to crack them. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil, and cook for 14 minutes.
Once the eggs have cooked, remove them from the hot water, and place into a container of ice water or cold, running water. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Tried it. It is super amazing. Go try it. I dare you.

XOXO

2010-02-03T17:28:00.001-08:00

This one is for my very own frog prince. Sometimes there is more frog than prince about him, but who's complaining.
Oh......I am.
I am still under the illusion that a simple kiss will help turn him into a prince.
He requires a little more than that, well, a lot more than that, but he is and ever will be my knight in shining armor, or frog or whatever.

I liked this one for my kids. If life is a sport, than I am glad to have them on my team. I choo choo choose them.

Sometimes.

No, that's mean, ALL the time. See? I AM a good mom.

This one is for my mom, sisters, and friends. I have been truly blessed to have people in my life who truly get me.
Anna, if we weren't related I'd wish we were. For the sole fact that you "get" what I just said makes it even more so. 'Nuff said.
Mom, you are the only person who knows what I am feeling with a simple "hello" on the phone. You are what I aspire to be with my daughters.

Wishing you a very early Happy Valentines day.
XOXO,
Michaela

Flash back Friday

2010-01-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

A girlfriend of mine, whose blog I religiously follow, has Flashback Friday's. Since I love everything she does, I am therefore going to copy her!
Thanks April!
This falshback is only from earlier this month though. My 2nd oldest child, Serelle, was baptized.
She was so nervous and had us go over and over what she would do or not do.
The commitment she has made at such a young age is a shining example to all of us around her. To be willing to take such a big leap of faith and be baptized at 8 years old is a big deal. Especially for a girl who likes to fly under the radar and is very shy when not around her family.
Looking at her now as a young girl, I see so much of who she will become.
She is loyal to her family and friends. In her own way she looks out for those around her and is very conscientious of making sure no one is left out.
She is also very intense in all she does. She loves intensely. Dislikes intensely. Is happy intensely. Is mad intensely. Is generous intensely. Is obedient intensely. The list goes on. She is a work of intense opposites and contradictions. Most of them good, a lot of them frustrating, but all of them Serelle.
So, for this Flash back Friday, I want to say, I love you Sis. Thank you for choosing me as your mother and for making my life complete.

Monday Doors on Tuesday night

2010-01-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

My second grader comes home every Monday with a Monday Door. It is a simple photocopy of a cartoon door that opens to reveal what she has written.
It is usually quick and to the point but more often than not it melts my frozen heart. To be able to look back at our week or weekend through her eyes is very refreshing and funny. Needless to say, I have saved every single one.
So, in light of this little happiness maker, I would like to start my own Monday Doors. ( yes, in true Michaela fashion, on Tuesday night)
This last week, along with everyone I know, my thoughts and prayers have more often than not been turned to those in Haiti. Especially with the feelings of being unable to help. Or that what little I am able to donate through tithes, seems so inadequit in the big scheme of things. What can my few measly dollars do for all those suffering?
The conclusion I have come to is that it can't do a whole lot. It won't go very far or make even a small impact.
But, if there are a lot of us giving, then together it equals something big.
All those small or big donations get put together, and allow those who can go and help to do so. I saw a picture of people loading all these boxes onto a crate to be shipped over to Haiti. The boxes were filled with things that are really needed.
Soap. Blankets. Clothes. And maybe what I was able to give paid for that blanket or t-shirt. And I can only imagine how grateful I would be to be on the receiving end after having lost everything I own.
So, please don't ever think that what you can afford to give is ever too small. It all adds up to something greater than us all.

Too early?

2009-11-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

This is one of my motivators. what kid knows how to draw a Star Wars clone trooper on an Etch- a-sketch on his first try in under 2 min? My favorite nerd in the whole wide world, that's who!

Is it too soon to be thinking about my New years resolution?
Maybe.
But, for people like me who get an idea in my head and have to act immediately,
this might work in my favor for a change.
So.....
My news years resolution is going to be this blog.
What does this blog and resolutions have to do with each other you ask?
I'll tell you, even if your not asking.
I want to resolve to be more productive and actually finishing all my "projects" that I start and never finish.
I figure this blog will be a great way to commit to that. If I resolve that I will blog at least every Monday about something ( notice how I even type/said that in a pseudo whisper, that's how nervous I am!)
And by something I mean anything. It could be a craft that I started years ago, or a simple sewing project that might not be blog worthy, or a recipe that I am trying with no guarantee that it will be edible, or just a simple snapshot of my life in motherhood/wifedom/sister/daughter/friend/American citizen/obsessive compulsive/book connoisseur/semi-crafter/photography lover/church goer.
Wish me luck!

Puppy Love

2009-11-28T16:31:00.001-08:00

I can not believe I am going to do this......
Blog about our dog. I know, I am not a dog"person" to say the least, but I am finding impossible to avoid.
We inherited this puppy from my mom, who inherited him from her neighbor.
What started off as just babysitting this mutt ( and I mean this in the nicest way, we really have no idea what he is other than part Chihuahua) quickly and inevitably evolved into permanent residential status for Buster. All along in the back of my mind I had this mental check list going of all things I would not put up with, and therefore be justified in re-homing Mr. B.

1. pees and poops everywhere.
2.barks or whines all night in his crate.

3. Bites or is overly aggressive.
4. Isn't compatible with the Alpha dog in the household,
otherwise known as Hubby/Daddy

This is how it went down.
1.The darn dog pees on command! ON COMMAND! I take him out every so often and say " go potty" and he.....goes potty. Darn. There goes #1 on get rid of, I mean re-homing list.

2.He LOVES to go in his crate. Snuggles up in a cute little ball and gives you his best puppy dog eyes.
There goes #2 on my (mustgetridofhimbeofrethekidsgtooattatched) list

3. Did you see the pictures? Nuff said. Darn darn darn. #3 goes down in flames.

4. So, I come home from grocery shopping the other day to find.......Hubby asleep on the couch with.......Buster on his chest sleeping away. Buster was too small at this point to have jumped up there on his own, so the only other explanation is that said Hubby put him there. Nooooooooooo.
So, having passed the test, and earned his stripes by being willing to be the new "baby" of the family, I formally introduce you to Mr. Buster Brown.

Keep on Keepin' on

2009-10-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have been on a "journey" of sorts lately. ( I am not a big fan, or little, of calling things by symbolic names, but I was really stumped on this one.)

It's funny when you think you have all the little details of your life all planned out, then.......wham! splat! bang! boom! and any other hit over the head noises you can think of, things change.

Some days I am convinced that even though this wasn't a choice, it really is for the better. I no longer have to worry about so many things that I did before. I am FREE.

Then, ( insert wham! etc... ) I am angry and resentful. I wanted the choice. It was mine to make and not someone elses. I am a PRISONER.

Confusing as my nondisclosure is, I realize that it is applicable to a lot that happens in life.

Being free to make choices about my own life, and the "path" I want it to follow. Giving up that freedom is really difficult and can result in a seeming life sentence.

But what I have learned also is that I can choose weather or not I am held prisoner to the trials of life. Life happens. Life goes on. Life is ever changing. Life is short. Life is a dance. Such is life. ( gag me now, please. Even I am having a hard time resisting all those quipy little quips!)

The photo on here is one from our road trip this summer. One of the places we stayed in was Nauvoo. Those of you who are members know the significance of this place. Back when the LDS church was starting out, a lot of the members settled in Nauvoo to avoid religious persecution. Well, that didn't last long, and along with abandoning their homes they also had to leave their beloved Temple.
The path they took leading out across the Missouri river was called the trail of tears. As the saints left their homes and all they had grown to love, they could turn back and look back over their shoulder at the receding Temple. Many people had come here at a high cost and would face many more challenges along the way. Knowing this, many tears were shed.
In commemoration of all the diverse people who embarked on the journey west, the church put up placards of personal accounts from these pioneers. This one in particular touched my heart and I too shed a few tears.
The trail has since been renamed The Trail of Hope.
Those people truly knew hardship. And keeping faith, hope, and charity, during their journey.

I am on my trail of hope.......

I will journey on.

2009-09-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

Today was just working out to be one of those days. You know the ones.
I need not say more. Okay, I will.

We had our family Friday all planned out.
Swimming.
Dinner.
Dessert of the week.
Family prayers and scripture study.
Movie.
Off to bed.
It wasn't going according to plan. I was grouchy first of all. Let me tell you, the old adage of When mom aint happy, aint no one happy, is all too true. Why can't I just be a grouch pot without everyone else snapping each others heads off? Well, needless to say our night was heading severely off course. We canceled swimming much to the demise of my daughter. Desert of the week was in serious danger of going out the window.
You get the point.
Amidst my self pitying, wallowing, and just plain sulkiness, my dear husband who's every word grated my tender nerves, remembers that he did not pay the Internet bill and could I please go online to pay it right this very immediate moment. With eyes rolling to the back of my head so severely I was dizzy for a brief moment, I went upstairs to pay the bill. I figured that while I was up there I would take my sweet time and also browse a few of my favorite mommy blogs.
Lately I had been lamenting the whole mommy blogging world and how I sometimes only feel inadequate after reading them.
But alas I clicked on a few. One in particular I have been following along with a few thousand other people. It is by a mom and fellow church member who a year ago was injured along with her husband in a plane crash. I came upon her blog after a girlfriend of mine mentioned a fund raiser she was attending for NieNie.I looked up her blog & was immediately hooked on her optimism towards motherhood in a time where it is more the norm to be snarky and derisive than hopeful and cheery.
There is something about reading about her love of the little things and her appreciation for her husband that I really, really, needed to hear. ( read: smacked up side the head with ) It immediately helped me to refocus on all my own simple treasures.
My humble abode.
My healthy kiddos.
A hard working dedicated hubby.
My own health and ability to stay home to take care of my family.
I realized also that things will never be perfect. Life will always move slightly faster than I can. But it is life and it is good.
I am sorely tempted to write our motto in permanent marker on my hand so that it is the first thing I see when I smack myself on the forehead.
When i finally went back downstairs I had my work cut out for me.

Was the damage irreversible?

The old adage should also add When mom sings, so does the choir.

Home

2009-08-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

We had many adventures this summer. Lots of them will be unforgettable and some we wish we could forget. ( locking our keys in the car in Albuquerque, witnessing 4 too many motorcycle accidents, food poisoning) But the most important thing we will take home with us is the gift of friendship, and time with Grandparents that makes childhood so special.
What I quickly learned from our 2 month long visit to Ohio, was how fleeting time really is. What started out as a long time to be away from home soon turned into a whirlwind of time going by too fast. It seemed like we had just arrived and then were all too suddenly packing to go home. My children made friends with the family across the street and were insepperable after that. The Robbertsons were a blessing I wouldn't have even known to ask Heavenly Father for. What a joy they all brought to our lives. Especially Gwena who still asks where her Trebor is. It really breaks my heart to see the questioning in her eyes, but I wouldn't trade our times together for anything. I want to thank them for their kindness and for opening their home on a daily basis to my children. You guys are an amazing family and we miss you!
I think the biggest lesson that I truly learned this summer is kind of cliche'. But that home is where your heart is. My heart is with my family, and so I was always home.

Summer

2009-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and we have returned to our regularly scheduled broadcast. Our new title is what has been deemed our newest family motto. Keep calm and carry on. It works with many different situations and seems to fit our family best.
You are driving in the middle of no where and EVERYONE needs to go potty?
Keep Calm and Carry on.
You realize at midnight Saturday night that you have no milk, bread, eggs, ect.?
Keep Calm and Carry on.
Your kiddos have been in the longest fight fest of their young lives?
Keep Calm and Carry on.
The house is falling down around me while I am PEACEFULLY trying to read my scriptures?
You guessed it, Keep Calm and Carry on.

An amazing quote.....

2009-05-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

This was on my girlfriends blog and I couldn't not share it.
" The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Well said Sis. Hinckley. Well said.

The ambitious climber

2009-03-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

She is definitely our fearless one when it comes to heights. Everyday she begs and begs to go. To her this has become a challenge that she wants to conquer head on. The nice kid that works there is great. He cheers her on along with the rest of us and in this instance is her life line. I am so impressed with her tenacity and strength, inside and out. I hope she faces all of life's challenges with this much perseverance and dedication to the things that she loves.......

2009-03-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

2009-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

And so it begins...........