The Extreme One

A New Page

2011-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

So yada, yada I haven't blogged forever, moving on.

I am sooo not an Oprah fan but for use of a better term, I have had a serious aha moment, that I have to write down so I don't forget it. Recently I had a amazing experience with my son Brody, who is one of the coolest people I know, this kid sets goals and acheives them all the time and I have no idea how is he so great! Well last year he decided he wanted to do the Ragnar Relay Race and I was a little aprehensive,...big race, my little boy, not enough sleep and he loves his sleep. But I said okay, he paid the dues and off we went. We were so lucky to have him on a team that was incredible such great role models for my boy (and little did I know ME!) I just wanted to freeze time and never forget the lessons he was learning. He pushed himself harder and faster and longer and it was amazing and yes I cried.

But in the middle of this experience was the beginning of my aha moment, at the end the second leg for our van, one of the best people I know started her run, she was nervous, and I could tell a little worried and really nothing phazes this girl, so I was a little concerned for her. This run was hard and long and dark and uphill. But she told us to go get some dinner and then come get her and we could go to the place where we would sleep. (such a rockstar) So we did, as we made out way back to her as I was driving up, up, up the hill that she was running, I began to be worried for her and just couldn't imagine how she could be doing this when we finally reached her almost to the checkpoint I might add, I felt this huge sigh of relief seeing her running, with what looked like vigor and enthusiasm. I couldn't believe it! I rolled down the window to ask her how she was and if she needed anything and her reply was NO I'M AWESOME!! said with the most joy and passion I have ever heard. I remember thinking I never want to forget the joy I heard in her voice, she wasn't being boastful or saying she this awesome person, she was absolutely filled with awesomeness!! I loved it,

After pondering that for a few days I started to realize what an impact it was having on me, And I started to ask myself some questions that needed asking. Do I have anything in my life that I do for myself that brings me that much joy? I have joy watching my children succeed and my husband but do I have anything like that, I wanted to be able to feel that.
There are many things I used to love to do, that I have left by the wayside and put others first as I should do being a mom, but the season of tiny ones is gone and why I am still crazy busy running them here and there, the time has come for me to find my passion and my joy.

So after a very long, tearful, amazing discussion with my husband, we decided with some changes to our lifestyle that for now I would quit my job and take care of things that I need to, to find my joy. The list is long but I have such peace in my decision, and even though it is so hard to leave a job I love dearly I know I need to do this for my family, my hubby and for me. I need to look in the mirror and be proud of what I see, and I am so grateful to people who inspire my every day and a husband that truly loves me and supports me. I couldn't ask for anything more. Really long post sorry if you endured it and finally a pic from the race and my boy with pure joy on his face.

neener, neener....

2011-02-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

For very long time(island talk) I have read blogs where people talk about these amazing vacas they take (over and over again I might add) to sunny locals with beautiful beaches. I would be green with envy wondering if it would ever happen to me. Well guess what it is!!! And I am going to blog away!! Especially when this is what occured today!

So for you jealousy pleasure (or mine) I will be going here. And yeah that is a real picture Cozumel Mexico.

And here Montego Bay Jamaica (can't ya just here the beach boys?)

And finally here Georgetown Grand Cayman. uh huh! Can't wait, can't wait. So excited. And so grateful to my sweet Mother in law for taking all her kids and their spouses on this fabuloso cruise!!!

Heavy Things

2011-02-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

All righty we are just going to ignore the fact I haven't blogged in like forever because I like the island of denile, it is pretty here and they know my name. And I am going to blog about something trivial and menial.

Do you have just have things that are dumb about you? I like heavy things (considering my current size, this statement makes me laugh and is hilarious to me) I know it seems weird but I do. Heavy glasses, silver ware, dishes, jewelry. So when a certain birthday hit upon me like a ton of bricks (heavy pun intended) I was thrilled when the hubster, listened to me when I had said about a year ago ever so gently handing him the tag off a piece of jewelry I had bought from an dear old friend of mine, saying "If you want to buy me a gift go here" I know subtle. Well he listened (shocking) Not that he listened just that I say a lot of crap and he managed to pick up some of the good stuff I said. This lovely along with 5 other charms it came with was delivered to me on my birthday. And made me soooo happy and giggly. And one of the charms in particular is heavy so it beautifully keeps straight and doesn't go ring around the rosy around my neck (which drives me nuts). Anyway just thought I'd share my love of this stuff. Her stuff is cool, hip, bohemian, and so different which are my favorite things. BTW I was not paid for this advestisement (but I'd like to be :)) Go to that pretty orange sticker on the side over there for all the goods. Kelly Annie Jewelry Rocks !! Oh and so does my hubby!

I am failing

2010-09-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Having one of those days, I am having a day when I feel like I am failing at everything, Mom, wife, Friend, daughter, sister, human. Blah, blah is all I got. I have the feeling there is a giant elephant and not only cannot I not take a bite I can't even see around the other side of it. It is not helping that as of tomorrow I will officially have a teenager (why in the name of suess does that have to happen??) I hate my kids growing up for the record, hate it, alot. Especially when I look at pictures like this one

I did NOT give him permission to grow up, or get hugged by girls (except me) or to suddenly think I am lame. NO NO NO!

Okay temper tantrum over I am going to have a time out I will be back when I am not so grumpy! Have a great weekend.

Guess where I got to go??

2010-09-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

So I have the best mom ever!! She took me somewhere I could never dream of going especially in this economy but it was so worth it. Here's a clue,
Yeah that's right Lion King baby!! It was truly amazing, I am a big baby when it comes to live theatre no matter the show I cry a little (or a lot) depending on the show at the beginning and this one I was so weepy the whole time it was truly amazing! If you get the chance, GO!! My best joke of the night... was for these guys. I think they work at Jamba Juice on their days off. Haha I am hilarious I know!!

It was awesome plus as my buddy said Simba is a hottie!!

Thanks mom!! Love you so much!!

Also I have to share this pic he lost two teeth in two days and couldn't be cuter, have mercy!!

Too Funny not to share

2010-08-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

I usually don't share many stories from my work but this one was too good not to. So I am doing the first week of school schpeel (sp?) and I have an instrument simailiar to the one above that I use as a attention getter or a quiet down class tool. So last year all my classes voted and we named him Bob, I drew a face on him and when the class gets too loud Bob shakes his head in protest. So as I am explaining this a little girl raises her hand and says this....
'Mrs. Bankhead, Bob is funny because he kinda looks like my Uncle Bob except without the nuts... yeah go ahead and try and keep a straight face in front of your class. I dare Ya!!" Sorry sick sense of humor but ya gotta laugh!

A small interruption..

2010-08-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Just a question for you blends (yeah I stole that term), Do you ever have people who are in your life whether you want them to be or not, that make you feel well, yucky about yourself. And then you go around analyzing for the better part of your day, is it them or is it you just being paranoid. I have someone like that for me, they make me feel inferior and horrible about myself but do they really or is it just me?? My bet is it is just me, but there is some pretty stiff evidence that is them a little too. Sorry just wondering if anyone out there feels the same way, maybe I just needed a rant. We now return you to your scheduled programming.

This is one of my favorite quotes and current mantra
"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission"
Elenor Roosevelt
hmmmmm.......

Gotta go back.....

2010-08-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

Well it's here that time for books, teachers and dirty looks. But this year was not as fun for some reason, letting my oldest venture into the depths of Jr High was particularly awful for me at least he was fine! But here they go!! We had a school clothes fashion show an idea I snagged from Nie Nie, packed up the packs, John did his dad thing, we had a Jr. High talk to Brodyman about standing up for what's right and off they went.

Seriously my youngest is killing me with sweetness in this pic!
The pic on the porch a tradition!

This is all he gave me I wasn't allowed to get out of the car, I had to take this sitting in the driver's seat while he walked away....its hard to drive with tears in your eyes....just so you know.

These are the things that stick in my mind and hurt my heart.

The elemetary ones, at least I get to see them a little.

First day of school for this girl is like Christmas, seriously..

Porter in his English classroom!

The boys are back in town!!!! I couldn't ask for better friends for my kid!!

Have a happy school year!!

Coming out of the Closet (heehee)

2010-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Just kidding!! But really I worked on this closet for ever!! And it was a labor of love, but what lies beyond the mysterious black curtain (don't worry I have since steamed it) you shall see now when my darling lulu asked for a black, white and lime green room, I was really excited buy I knew I would get bored and so would she if we painted the room green so this was a comprimise.
Isn't it awesome? In the pictures it looks more yellow than the green that it is but hopefully you get the idea.

On top of three of the polka dots which I used a mixing bowl to paint on individually uh yeah last time I do that I had the hubster cut me out some circles of scrap wood (free!) and got some pull from hobby lobby (2.50) and made some hangers for bathrobe, backpack, scarves etc.

They happen to be her initials

I love how it turned out even though it is a small closet we have tried to make the most of it. Pardon the stool in the closet I had just finished!

I loved this because unlike most of the things I do that I steal ideas this one was all me!! Happy Friday all!!

What are you watching??

2010-08-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is a really dumb trivial post but I have found some really new great shows this summer that are decent now I can't tell you when they are on because I tivo everything but I might be able to tell you what channel they are on....maybe. Plus I need any suggestions, of your faves, Keep in mind I don't watch Bachelor/ette, survivor(don't tell my dear friend Neleh ;), big brother, but I have become a recent fan of biggest loser.
Anyway here they are:
1. Top Chef- I have watched this for a long time but it is still one of my faves plus I have a big monster chef crush on this guy I know its weird but its my weird. BRAVO
2. Covert Affairs-Have you seen this show, it is soo much fun its like Bourne Idenity for girls, plus if you were a fan of Ugly Betty you will love seeing Henry, cute and awesome and blind!! Yeah Love it!! USA
3. Flashpoint-This show rocks! It is kinda cheesy but so good and really intense and so sweet in some spots, this is a double winner because me and my hubby love it together. CBS
4. Rizzoli and Isles- This one is good, it hasn't gotten great yet but it is good and its better than watching CSI reruns. TNT
5. Burn Notice-My hubster has liked this one longer than I have I finally gave it a chance and tried to think of it more than just a show about a girl who loves guns show (which is what drew him in) and it is pretty funny and a fun show, great characters and a good time. USA
Again totally trivial and dumb but a little fun once in a while doesn't hurt!

One Proud Mama

2010-08-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

That's right I said proud!! That's okay once in awhile right?? Well my Brodyman. Set a goal, worked hard and accomplished it! He really took to bike riding this summer when he did in cycling merit badge for scouts, well while I was training for my new scout calling I happen to see this bike ride up in Bear Lake called Bike the Bear where they ride around the lake for a 50 mile bike ride but because this is the 100 year of scouting and for a special badge (which they didn't get btw) they could do the lake ride twice so he wanted to do that. He got up for weeks at 6:00 am and would go on 10,15 or 25 mile bike rides to train and last Saturday he did and my very sweet nephew did it with him so he wouldn't have to ride alone (sooo grateful!) and he did it, he wanted to quit along the way but we told him we knew he could do it and so he just kept going! So Proud of him and all he accomplished and what he learned along the way!! Here is some fun pics of the day!! Getting ready to go soo tough!

Coming in from the 50, check out the traffic yeah I was a nervous wreck!
The last aid station that was open, his Dad and I became the roaming aid station after that.
90 down 10 to go and still smiling!!

The final stretch!!

If you can't tell that says 100!!! So awesome!!

Time to reflect

2010-08-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't posted anything about the loverely trip we got to take this summer, it was awesome!! We don't travel much (not that I don't like to, just don't get to much) So when we do, I try my best to make it FABULOUS!! Anyway we went to Zions National Park, Route 66 (the most important part for Porter) and San Diego and had tons of fun. Here are some of my favorite pics from the trip.

Porter and Daddy in the pool at Uncle Doug's house so nice!!

Kids hiking in Zions, and this is where we learned to read signs more carefully! Little more of a hike than we were planning on.

Porter and his ultimate find, we happen to think this looks exactly like Stanley from Cars, huge find! He was so happy!

I asked all the kids to do this but Catie really took to it, the first thing we do when we go to a coastal town is find the beach it was lovely!

This was like the mother ship was calling Brody and Porter home, they were in heaven and I really liked it too, amazing talented people live there.

Right before we left I was doing some famiy history and discovered that my great, great grandparents were buried in Chula Vista, Cali so my hubster humored me and drove me around to find the cemetary and it was so cool, plus I found another relative that the records had buried in the wrong place so cool!

Finally (for this post) was the Midway museum aircraft carrier I didn't expect to love this as much as I did but it was sooo cool, one of the highlights for me. Maybe some more pics later, much more to the trip but to many pictures make me crazy!

Ok so here it is

2010-08-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

The only reason I am doing this post is so I can link here and be with the cool kids, I love this blog, everything about it, her humor, her style and I have a serious dog crush on Maximus. (You seriously need to read all the posts regarding him. But this is the blog where I recieved the inspiration for the tree in my daughter's room, that redo to follow soon! Anyway I wanted to do something cool enough to link on her show and share day so, I tried but I am not sure if I succeeded. Here it is: I had an old table my great grandfather gave to me years ago and I did a very sorry yet fitting for my furniture at the time redo and when I got bored (which is easy) I put in the kids playroom(dungeon) to do puzzles on. Well I really needed a end table in my living room so I decided to bring it up and see what I could do, here is the before:

Gross

Please don't judge me:

Obviously that no food in the playroom rule is not being followed, shocker!

Here it is primed :

And here it is painted red velvet red!! Loved it, but I do have brown faux leather couches so I decided I wanted just a little bit more so.......

I added a dark walnut glaze just to give a little hint or brown and make it go better with the room

There it is to see the really cool links to some awesome stuff go to Just a Girl button on my side bar. She never dissapoints!! Happy Friday!

Because I am a dork

2010-08-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

and it took me a week to write a shout out post please scroll down to see a post I wrote and some of my favorite go getters!!

A video for Sunday

2010-08-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

I love, love, love this song, I wish I could have it in my heart all the time. Happy Sunday!!

Had an awesome day

2010-07-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

with my momma and little girl, went to the Artisan Fair and the quilt store. Sported my new sassy hairdo (really sassy! hehe) Then came home to a beautiful, wonderful smelling rainstorm. So I ordered my kids outside(only two of them listened) and demanded that they play in the rain while I grabbed my camera and shot some of my favorite pictures ever!! Please summer never end......

I am going

2010-07-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

HERE on Saturday. You should join me, promises to fill that "I have a cool new thing that you don't have" need that we sometimes get. Lots of cool stuff held by this cute girl with one of my favorite blogs. See you there!!

I have the greatest

2010-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Mother in law, she is wonderful, loving and kind. She also has a wicked sense of humor if you listen close enough. I am so lucky to have her in my life. So here is my top ten list of things that I love about her.

1. This lady has chased,killed, and plucked chickens as a child. tough cookie
2. She can quilt, sew, bake, cook, can. (pretty much rocks)
3. She is completely selfless.
4. She endured being a wife to a Bishop 6 yrs and Stake President for 11 yrs and I never heard her complain. Think about that though long time.
5. She had a baby at 42 and still loves him.
6. She like myself sees how absolutely wonderful John is.
7. She loves my kids and takes the time to tell them.
8. Porter would say she always has cookies and string cheese.
9. She loves unconditionally seriously she does it for real!!!
10. She loves me despite my many faults.
Happy Birthday Mom!!! Love you bunches and Bunches!!

Good-Things-to-Come

2010-07-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love these videos so I am sharing another one, a nice sabbath thought. I love Jeffery R Holland and always get teary exactly at the same time as him it seems during his talks. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Good-Things-to-Come

On a lighter note

2010-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

I thought what about a little flashback friday, I thought this was funny although some of you may be too young to remember some of these. But excuse while I go roll my jeans and put my banana clip in my hair! Have a great weekend!

Taking a break today

2010-07-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

I get to spend the day with these two angels, and I couldn't be happier. As much as I adore being a mom, I really love being an aunt, kinda like being a grandma without the wrinkles. (hopefully). So forgive me today but I really need some snuggles and lego, and gi joe time with these sweeties.

Today is yucky.

2010-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Its hot and humid, I have no motivation, and its a sad day for me, but I am taking in some lovely peace with this, thought I'd share. Have a lovely day.

Do you know people??

2010-07-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

That just rock? you wonder how they do what they do, and you are in awe of them, I know alot and though I am not a big hugger or note writer, (if you have ever given me a gift, I apologize I am grateful I just suck at writing Thank you notes). But I do notice things, I have done something simailar to this in the past and I am always looking for ways to be more positive, I want to try again. Ultimate Positive People are going to be featured today. They may never see this but I know its here and when I look back I can model myself after them when I want to choke the nearest ding dong.
1. Smilin Stacie Keime=always GENUINELY smiling, So sweet and grateful, plus she's beautiful with sweet gorgeous kiddos. I love me some sweet little Millie! I also love that she always really thinks about what she says before she says it and you can see her being very careful. I DON'T have a filter like that. Love, LOVE love Stacie!
2. Amazing Ann Brough= I have NEVER heard this girl complain about anything. Not to say that she doesn't but I just have never heard it. She is such an awesome person, always wanting to help people, such a great Mom plus she makes me laugh! I love how motivated she is always running or doing something athletic, (seriously can we bottle that drive). Love Ann
3. Nie Nie I don't know her personally but I go to her blog for a kick in the behind whenever I need one. First the odds she has overcome are truly INSPIRING but her take on life usually always makes me cry. I want to know how to be like that, take a trip to her she really is so awsome.
More to come don't worry if you know me I admire you in one way or another and your time is coming!!

February Are you kidding me??

2010-07-19T15:50:00.001-07:00

Has it been that long since I blogged, WOW what a loser! Well needless to say I have a ton to recap but I am not sure how much I will recap because who wants to catch up, but a few things yes maybe... I can account for my time from February to April, So here goes I am now a certified sparkler (phlebotomist, if you are a fan of twilight you get that) and a CNA, neither of which I am using at the moment, but it felt so good to be back in school learning something even if I just use it for family and such. I also helped direct another school musical, my favorite so far Willy Wonka plus I got to work with two of my favorites! These girls rock!!

I would insert a picture here of us together but for the fourth time I was too busy to even get pictures of my kids. Ugh! Horrible Mom!

Also this little guy turned 7 and had his first friend party (I don't usually do this because me being one of 6 John being one of 7 we are a walking party) He had fun and so did I, I might even do it again (maybe) We had a cowboy party and the boys were so cute, they roped a bull (plastic) rolled the hay (clarification not a roll in the hay) and got tractor rides with my other 7 yr old John who did donuts in the tractor. It was a blast!

I have also been working on some remodeling projects that don't suck! So I will post pics of those soon when I finally finish putting down the baseboard, and when just went on a FABULOSO vacation! That was the best I have ever been on!! I love my family!! Hopefully I will still have readers and followers but who knowS?? Is anybody out there??

Are you there blog??? its me crazy...

2010-02-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

I know, I know we all say we'll do better but sometimes we just have to let somethings go my prediction will be about 3 weeks from now, I will be better but who knows?? I am helping with a school play at my childrens school, Going to school myself so I can sparkle!1 (I'll explain later if you don't get that). Had a couple horrible weeks at school (my work) when a family endured an unthinkable tragedy. Kind of rocked my world a little more than I thought it would. Tore all the ligaments in one of my ankles, (ever tried to chase oompa loompas on crutches not fun!!) Anyway these are the reasons, there not that great but there mine. So I hope to be back soon and as for my journal blog (not that you care) I have kept careful notes I just need to transfer them to computer. Hope your all well Loves to the bloggies!!

I think I fixed it!!

2010-01-27T22:10:00.001-08:00

Let me know if it worked I think it was somewhere in one of my widgets. If it popping up on you please let me know! Thanks for the input!!

Can a blog have a virus?

2010-01-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

I think mine does, everytime I pull it up I get this stupid adopted austrailian thing? Is it doing this to you when you pull up my blog? If it is I am terribly sorry. If you know how to get rid of this any suggestions would be welcome!! Happy Tuesday to you. AI is on tonight and I am hoping to recap sorry I have been a slacker to much life lately.

So this one show started again,

2010-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love this show, but I don't really always watch all of it, I really like the beginning. You know the part with a lot of weirdos?? And one of the blogs I love to stalk, recaps The Bachelor which I refuse to watch but I love reading her recaps so I thought I would recap AI.

Hasta la bye bye, won't miss you at all, can't wait to hear the sound of you gone!
Sorry if you like her

Can't wait to see what she brings to the table, I really love her, but not like that!

If this is his last season it is also mine, he is why I watch, I love his honesty.

I liked Posh Spice more than I thought I would, she was really nice and not as weird as I thought she would be. (Are you sure your friends with Tom Cruise?)
Here are some of my faves.
OF Course the cutie patootie cancer surviving guy from Utah
gorgeous eyes a little Sinatra like and blue eyes to boot?? HELLOOOO!
Justin Williams

The Alicia Keys girl with the beautiful teeth and voice
Ashley Rodriguez
I predict top 20!

The little girl with the Grandma with Alzheimer made me cry
good, but didn't love it.

The afro,Jim Morrison, broken wrist dude...can't decide yet...he kinda looked dirty to me.
The boat driving dude loved him! But I don't think he'll go that far.
I love the Amadeo Diricco funny New York Italian guy. Maybe it's because I am sitting through some musical auditions this week also, but I enjoyed it being back!
Welcome Back AI!
See you for Orlando REcap and please tell me your favorites!!
And if my recap is horrible! or if its okay!

Top Ten things I like more than I should

2010-01-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

I totally stole this from another blog and mine won't be near as creative or funny but here goes, If not at least you could go to that blog and laugh for a while.
1) Doritos Nacho cheese, they give me migraines but I still love them.
2) Broadway musicals, and yet I not seen an actual "broadway" musical.
3) The FLO lady from the Progressive insurance commercials, seriously cracks me up.
4) Blogging, facebooking etc. (pretty obvious don't ya think?)
5) Simon Baker from the Mentalist (in the words of Rachel Ray whom I loath YUMMO!)
6) Snuggling with my kids on second thought I can't love that enough.
7) Knowing the answers I am quite obnoxious
8) Making any kind of progress any at all!
9) My hubsters arms they are hugs and awesome and very muscley, they make me feel all kinds of safe.
10) Dr. Pepper, looove it!!
Tell me yours come on you can do it!!!

So did you hear??

2010-01-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

I started a new blog, because 4 is just not enough!! This one I am pretty excited about so if you would like to check it out, Feel free and please follow even if you don't, it looks so lonely on the side, it is still in the beginning stages so I will get things going better in a couple of days. This blog will be going private for reasons of my own. So if you would like an invite leave me a comment either here or there, this blog will remain public though. Hopefully you all had a wonderful New Year!! Much love!

♪♫What are you doin' New Years, New Years Eve??♪♫

2009-12-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

So What are you doin New Years Eve?? Love that song by Mr Barry Manilow who is so easy to hate just ask my hubby, but I can't think of New years without think of him and Night Ranger who I remember playing at Dick Clark's Rockin Eve when I was younger.
I am so happy to be bidding adieu to 2009 Hasta la byebye!!
I am also happy because I get to spend the New Year with these besties:
Doing this:

and this
Playing these:
and eating this:
Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you have a great 2010!!!!

13 years of high and lows

2009-12-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Marriage is hard, to suggest otherwise is a disservice to anyone who is considering it or who is in it, but it is so worth it, today I celebrate 13 years of marriage with my sweetheart and best friend, and I can honestly say I love him more everyday, it was however fitting that on our anniversary eve we were fighting like cats and dogs last night! All is well and resolved (i.e. I got my way, because I am usually right!) and today we ARE reminded of how much we love each other and how far we have come. So in honor, I thought I would post 13 of our highs and lows to remind how much work we have accomplished and to remind him (not that he ever reads my blog) how much I love him. Happy Anniversary honey!

Bad news first
1. The Day we got home from our honeymoon, he was let go from his job, and I lost mine 3 months after that.
2. The first 1-5 years of our marriage John had to constantly remind me that if we fought he would not leave me or divorce me, this was not an easy lesson for me to learn.
3. For 8 long months we forgot to love each other.
4. CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS!
5. They day we lost our little girl, this was also one of our highs.
6. Our two different time schedules.
7. John realizing that I am probably the most stubborn person he will ever meet and HE married me.
8. The day I had to watch John betrayed by a couple of his closest work friends. (he forgives, me not so much!)
9. Um yeah, the economy sucks and construction really sucks this is ongoing.
10. Getting used to both of our families has been a real struggle and is ongoing but we love them both.
11. Finding out John's Dad had leukemia
12. Finding out John's Dad's leukemia had returned,
13. And losing him 2 short months later.
Now the HIGHS!
1. Finding out after knowing each other for most of our lives that we loved each other and getting married 2 1/2 months after our first date!
2. Discovering I was pregnant shortly after our honeymoon, after being told I would never have kids. (don't do the math!)
3. Brody, Catie and Porter enough said.
4. Our first home, however much I hate it, its ours and we have made it ours quirks and all.
5. The realization that history does not have to repeat itself.
6. Falling in love over and over again.
7. The day he turned to me and said "You married me fat why wouldn't I love you the same way you loved me?" .....Plus do you think I would ever want to start over with someone else?? after all the work I have put in, if you left me I would get a dog and call it good!! (lolololol this still makes me laugh!)
8. Surviving the worst twenty four hours of my life and having him there beside me at the end of it.
9. The day we realized that all of our kids are smarter than us!!
10. The day we were sealed for time and ALL eternity.
11. and the day we realized the significance of that sealing and knowing exactly what our little girl looked like without ever seeing her. Our Olivia is waiting for us.
12. The day John started his own business on his own.
13. could be tomorrow..........

Loved you forever, always have always will!

Why we do what we do...

2009-12-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Is it worth it, all the searching for the gift especially when they ask Santa for something different than you and Santa had already discussed? All the wrapping, and the hiding and the stressing and counting, does so and so have more than so and so.. Well when I see some of these faces on that lovely morning I say YES! YES! YES! it's worth it!

The look of the perfect hat!
Cool shoes for keeping tootsies warm!

What prompted this response? Speed Racer sheets! (The best part is I forgot about them and shoved them in at the last moment and 6 bucks at ross!)

The big gift that we "expected a huge response and they just sat there in awe...
Can you guess what it is??

Love it!
Awesome!

Just so you know Santa you can find these at the Clark Planetarium in case you go to twenty stores again??

Couldn't you just kiss that face??

This is...I am too cool to be this excited but I can't help it because after all I am still a kid!!!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and that the faces you got to see were just as wonderful!! Happy New Year!!

WARNING!! Sappy, self indulgent post coming up...

2009-12-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

I sat down at the computer for the first time in a while, i have been FBing from my phone a lot lately and I just haven't had time. So tonight as I looked over some lovely blogs that I frequent, I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude for the blessings I have. I am usually the queen of negativity and I sometimes dwell on it for way too long, who am I kidding a lot of the time! But as I sit here listening to the kiddos playing together instead of going to bed, my hubby looking oh so proud of himself for the gifts he bought me himself. (he is a really good shopper!) Gazing at my Christmas tree that I love and my blanket from when I was a little girl wrapped around me. Even though I don't feel great, I feel grateful, for a grandpa who is spending his first Christmas in heaven in a while, and the love that he left behind to my three little children, he was not perfect, he had flaws but he did do something AMAZING!! He was and is a wonderful grandpa to my kids and I miss him, I miss him for them.
This time of year can be so sad for so many people but I need to remember my blessings, need to remember how many things I have been blessed enough to love and care for. I love my family, I adore my children, I have the best friends and my best friend I love more everyday and I cannot imagine my life without him five days after Christmas we will Celebrate 13 years together!! I have a sick twisted ritual that I check off my list every year we are happy together its something only a child of divorce would understand, but the thing is, I cannot imagine being happier with my hubby. We have our challenges and trials but we are solid and I really didn't know if that was possible for love to be like this.
I wish all of you peace and happiness during this season, I wish you hope, wish you small celebrations of tiny happenings and comfort in your own skin. I wish you love. Merry Christmas Everyone! And when your tired and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings...(White Christmas)

Have you seen this?

2009-12-21T15:56:00.001-08:00

I have not been feeling the spirit of the season much, but the other night my mom called me and said what was that guy in?? She made me turn the channel, (on a side note I am that girl I can usually tell you exactly what that guy or girl was in movie, tv show etc, tons of useless info knockin around my brain, hence the phone call) So I turned the channel to kbyu and this concert was on and I proceeded to watch this song and was a blubbering baby by the end, and I was oozing with Christmas Spirit when I was done. Enjoy!! Merry Christmas

2009-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

10 Random thoughts from inside my brain...

2009-12-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share these things that have been banging around my brain lately, and I do mean banging my head is killing me right now.
1. Dear Syracuse residents PLEASE learn how to drive in a round about its not that hard
2. I worry sometimes that when I get old some of the thoughts that I sometimes think, I will actually do! (i.e. telling the people up the street that if they are going to pay money to have people put up there christmas lights don't ruin it by putting clashing lights on their handrail) I know it shouldn't bug me but it does. '
3. Why do I always feel better when I have pretty toes?
4. Does everyone jump into their jammies as fast as they can or is it just me?
5. shhh...I kinda of have a little crush on kid rock (I know ick!! but I'm just saying..)
6. I hide people on facebook when they cuss, even though I have been know to cuss myself! What a hypocrite!
7. I really love the smell of butter cooking on the stove.
8. My hubby is the best guy, really don't deserve him!!
9. I have really good friends, even when I go into my shell and ignore them, they are still my friends. That's love!!
10. Even though I have been sOOOOOO struggling with my testimony I realized that I do have one and that it is really strong and I need to work on my accepting his plan and stop trying to force my plan. It doesn't work!
Happy hot chocolate days to you all!!

Love Again..

2009-11-30T12:27:00.001-08:00

So this weekend we got to go to a wonderful Wedding of John's sister. It was such a beautiful event. John's oldest sister Melanie, is seriously one of the most gracious, sweet people you will ever meet, and tragically the year John and I were married Mel's husband was hit by a car and later died from his injuries. She has six wonderful kids and she has been so amazing throughout the whole ordeal, magically she has found love again and he is a WONDERFUL!!! guy. I am so excited for them and Mel so deserves it. It was such a sweet event and of course I cried! Thanks Mel for the beautiful evening and for letting us share some of your joy!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy this video! One of my favorite songs!! Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday!!!

Not the reaction we were going for!

2009-11-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

So back in September we surprised Porter with tickets to a Brad Paisley concert. Anyone who knows us, this was big we didn't tell him it was a huge surprise, HE LOVES Brad he is always walking around with my ipod on singing his songs and its funny because he likes the obscure songs. But I was so excited so off we went, we stopped at five guys burgers on the way and then he fell asleep going down there but it was okay, it was going to be a late night. So we get and wake him up, and of course I am way more excited than I should be and his reaction (keep in mind we had to wake him up) wasn't exactly what we were going for. But never fear he did warm up and then continued to be in awe the rest of the night. So Funny though, make sure you don't miss his burp along the way AWESOME! Love this kid!!

Thriller How to (funny!)

2009-10-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

Please disregard this, it is a really long story why I am putting this on here but it is pretty funny especially for my favorite holiday HALLOWEEN!! Enjoy if you would like

I'm BAAAACK!!

2009-10-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! It has been such a long time since I have blogged and I truly to apologize because I do miss my little journal! Well I am done with all my bookwork for skill and I start my clinicals bright and early in the morning (really early 6 AM!!) But I am so excited!! I am sure after my first couple of "changes" I won't be as excited but I am letting the feeling flow right now! DoIH! bad choice of words! Things are pretty good here just school, work, school work. I have lots of pics to post so I will do just a few to try to catch up.
First we took the kids up to Cache Valley over Labor Day to see the headstone that was put in place, it is really beautiful, plus I caught the little guy talking to Grandpa and telling him all about 1st grade. Seriously tore my heart out!!
We also went up the canyon for a drive and I caught some beautiful pics but just one I had to share. was this....loove it!!

Okay that's all I can handle right now. Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Where am I??

2009-09-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering?? So am I!! I have so many things to blog I hope to do a whole lot of catching up this weekend but don't count on it, the list is long... we have had too much of homework, errands, birthdays, outings, work, getting ready for mom to be in school, family visiting crazy, crazy, crazy and it feels like overnight! Did I mention I have a twelve year old now??? ugh! more to come soon I promise!! Toodles!!

My favorite jewelry maker is worth a look at...

2009-09-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

So Kelly my friend with the coolest blog, in addition to being a kick it in the bootie photog, also makes amazing jewelry! I have a lovely personalized bracelet she made for me with my kids pics it is seriously my favorite piece of jewelry I own, but don't tell my hubby I do love my wedding ring. Anyway, I added the button to her etsy shop on the side over there on the right. Check it out even if you can't afford anything right now, (like me) it is still fun to dream, if I could by them these lovelies would be at the top of my list! They are worth buying an new outfit to match, just to be able to wear them! LOVE IT!! HAppy day to all!!

OHH WOAHH I gotta gooo!

2009-08-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

That's right I am going back to school!!! I am so excited!! I am going to get my CNA and from there I will go on to get my blood sucker certification! I am really excited it just feels like progress and that is great! Wish me luck it has been 13 years since I have been in school!! Thanks for the interest by the way!! Please understand if my posts slow down even more! p.s. do you like the rydell high homage pic!??

Do anyone else feel stuck???

2009-08-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Things are hard right now, and I really think its not just me, I have talked to so many people who are really just struggling right now. I hate feeling that way, I hate feeling like I am not making any progress toward anything...SOOOO I have done something about I can't say yet but stand by the big announcement will be coming in the next couple of days....Do I have you intrigued?? Probably not but it was worth a try! Happy End of Summer!

A Jedi might I be...yes.

2009-08-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

So back on the fourth of July we went to the Layton Park (best fireworks ever!! LLLAYTTTON LAAYYTONN!) Anyway who can resist the light up swords?? Not I says me, so it was time to battle we had such a fun day with Cliff, and Chase and Mike and Jim, we missed Paul! and families I was feeling a little frisky so I decided to battle with my new sword and I was pretty good if I do say so myself. The best part was when some of my students saw me and the looks on their faces CLASSIC!!
May the force be with you!
A great defensive move!
Going in for the kill, Was there ever a better face! Ugh!
Did I mention I also scared my own children and all my nieces and nephews by jumping in the pool with them fully clothed, They got over their initial shock and started splashing me pretty soon after that!

Field Trip!

2009-08-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

So for another Field Trip we went to the Arts Festival which was way fun, plus we road the train there (makes if funner) Here are some pics of the trip

Waiting for the Train...
Making art stuff
Admiring their creations
Face Painting Power Ranger

This took WAAYY too long The top on was supposed to be the Transformer sign not a scary teddy bear
The following is what happens when you get bored on a train on the way home..

Practicing to be in a cover band of KISS
Happy Summer Everyone!

So do you see what I see?

2009-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

So Brody is going to turn twelve in just around 60 days, and last night we went to the Raptor game and I was snapping pics, and imagine my surprise when I downloaded them this morning and saw this. Now look closesly.....do you see it??? Yes it could be.....right above his lip a little shadow....ahhh!!! Not yet please!!
Of Course it could just be dirt???!!

Anything to not go to bed!

2009-06-28T21:27:00.001-07:00

So many of you know I am doing the Biggest Loser contest, and my personal goal right now is by the next weigh in I want to lose 9 pounds I know lofty goal but I am very determined so I have been working out twice a day morning and night. So tonight I started and my kids were supposed to be getting in to bed, but they come down to see what I am doing, and start to join in, and I am so out of breath I can't tell them to go to bed (haha) so we just started to do it together and it was so fun and cute they were totally supporting me! Porter says to me everytime I work out "Mom I think your getting skinnier!" So I thought it was so cute I had John grab the camera and allow myself to by photographed while exercising, (never going to happen again though!) And caught these cute pics of us doing Turbo Jam Fun! Fun! Fun!

Field Trip!

2009-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay so money is a little tight, so why many of my friends are going on vacas, lagoon, etc. I have been trying to figure out (cheap.free) ways to keep my kids entertained. Well who knew it could be so fun. Not that I wouldn't love a vaca and believe I am not being mean at all. So this was our field trip this week, (it made it funner for the kids if I called it a field trip)
First we headed up to Huntsville, along the way we went over Trappers Loop and up to Snowbasin,
now I got this book well two book actually one is called "Off the Beaten Path" and the other is "The Roadside History of Utah" between the two it told about all the little historical facts and quirks about Utah. So I would pull over now and then and we would find out about the Indian Burial Ground in Uintah and why things are called certain things, and they were excited when we say David O. Mckay's House (one of our churches prophets) well then we went to the monastary up there I printed off their schedule and what they do there and told it to the kids they thought they had to get up early but they had no idea, the monks rise at 3:15 am, well I'm sure many of you know they make all kinds of goodies there so we picked up some jam, creamed honey and some caramels made by the nuns. Don't worry I only had one! Catie also wanted a rosary but I talked her out of it. This was the view driving into the place, I don't know about you but I love a street lined with trees makes me feel very happy and Rockwell esque. Love this pic
Anyway after that we headed back into Ogden and went to Union Station when for one price we got to go to three museums again reading the history along the way, we got the train museum where the kids loved playing in the and on the trains,
The gun museum, (my redneck childrens favorite) and then a car museum my favorite,
We then left drove to Fisher park in Clearfield and ate lunch under a tree and the kids played loverly day with the kiddos. It was so fun and pretty cheap. Happy Summer Everyone!

I did it!

2009-06-17T11:08:00.001-07:00

So without telling anyone, I really tried to break a habit I have had literally since I was a kid, and I used to watch it with my mom! Yep I have not watched GH for like 4 months! That is huge for me! I know its dumb but it is something I have felt guilty about for a long time, not only because it is pretty smutty, but just a big waste of time. So wahoo! one more accomplishment down for my 35 things by 35 list, which i have yet to post but it is coming.....
Miss you Sonny and Jason! but only once in a while!

See this girl..

2009-06-16T06:20:00.001-07:00

She is killin me!! Got the wii and wii fit, (thank you ksl) been working it everyday for an hour and seriously hurts to walk, ahhh but alas no pain no gain right?

Porter's Graduation

2009-06-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Here it finally is, what a crazy couple of weeks, did I mention I am also doing a contest called Biggest Loser so trying to fit working out, eating right (its a challenge for me believe me!) into the last couple of weeks, INNN SANNE!! Hence I gained two pounds at weigh in! of course all the brownies, cheesy potatoes, and other comfort food didn't help either, not that I really complaining YUUMMMM!
But I digress, Here are some fun pics of the P-man at graduation, now keep in mind this little boy is obsessed with his looks, he is always asking me if he looks handsome or cool. Funny huh? So his little posing pictures are all him he decided where he wanted to have the pics taken and how he was going to stand, Also he had to go around after the little program and get all his girls to take pictures with him, oh and some of his guy friends too! But he did melt my little heart when he sang skinny marinky dinky doo (sp?) and pointed to me when he sang I love you!! Best moments ever!! I will so miss kindergarten!

I'm am so cool

Even though I have white socks on!

See I told you I am still so cool!
These two have a very serious love/hate thing going on!

He totally put his arm around her and then looked to see if her mom noticed!
His best girlfriend, he just cried the last day of school, because he was going to miss her so bad!
Happy Summer Everyone!

So Blessed..

2009-06-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well it really has been a beautiful week, despite the obvious, We have been so blessed by so many with love, support, meals, beautiful plants and flowers, (which I will really try hard not to kill) cards. The love has been pouring in and we really do appreciate it! The service was beautiful it really was just a perfect day. Everyone did so wonderful! My hubster John had to speak, funny thing is he doesn't speak, ever, no welcome to the ward talks, no fast Sunday testimony bearing. NADA! Well he did beautifully, everyone was moved, I could not have been prouder of him. Not to mention he was looking GOOD!!!! Observe. Who is that hottie mctottie??

Also my little girl sang the song that her grandpa always sang to her, You are my sunshine, killed me!! I don't know how she did it, but it was amazing!! Not a dry eye in the house! We also had some men that I know who are in a quartet sing O my Father! BEEEUUUUTIful!!!!!

It really was such a perfect day. Dad recieved military honors and my nephew played the bagpipes, really so cool, We have been so blessed and I think Dad would have been so pleased!
Thanks you all for your well wishes! We truly do feel very loved!

More than I thought possible...

2009-06-01T05:50:00.001-07:00

I love him more than I ever thought possible, it hurt way more than I ever thought it would, It was sweeter than I thought it could be, the spirit was as stronger than it ever has been, I wondered if I could ever stop crying,(and still do), John and I have more wonderful friends than I ever thought we did, (you guys rock), the family has been better than ever before, and Heavenly Father has been so close and the veil has been so thin, I am truly grateful for loving Father in Heaven and a husband who has taken my breath away through this whole thing, seriously WOW! Those who are interested I will post details of the Funeral arrangements soon! Love to you all!

The Power of Prayer

2009-05-25T19:24:00.001-07:00

Okay so I'm sure many of you know, that John's Dad has been very sick within the last year, he was diagnosed with Leukemia a year ago and did well with chemo but never did get a bone marrow transplant and now it has returned and after fighting a good long battle he has decided that for him, it is time he return home, as soon as the Lord wants him. We have spent a beautiful, lovely, tender weekend with him, and we realize that very soon he will go home. It has been hard at times but it has also been absolutely beautiful. I don't know about many of you but I am a doer, I don't feel good for anything unless I am doing something to help out, so I have been trying to keep myself busy and probably driving my mother in law crazy but it has been nice to feel like you can do something to help when you feel helpless.
But I just had to share something that just is amazing to me, we have been trying to get Dad up to the table to eat for his meals and he has been doing pretty good with that, but for most of the day he sleeps and he is not too coherent and tends to repeat things a lot, but when he prays to bless the food, the cancer melts away, the fogginess melts away and we are left with the patriarch of our family praying for guidance, love and support for his family and reminding us to do what is right. It is remarkable to witness, I am so blessed to be able to spend this time with this wonderful man who I have grown to love so much. I am so grateful that my children have known this amazing grandfather who loves them so much, and I am truly grateful for the extra time the Lord has given us to say the things that need to be said. Hope you are all well.

Yay!!

2009-05-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ok it may not be cool but I am so happy Kris Allen won! I liked them both but I liked Kris more, to me he seemed to push himself more and he didn't get hardly any of the publicity that Adam and Gokey got. And last night didn't it seem to you that the producers wanted Adam to win? I mean Kris's number with Keith Urban was cool, but even Adam got way more camera time and fireworks and smoke and fire and Kiss? I kinda wish that would have had Bon Jovi perform with Kris wouldn't that have been cool? I loved the shock on the faces of those who thought Adam had this in the bag. (including himself) I like the guy but I really don't think I would buy his album. And honestly if he did the screaming thing one more time, I would scream! So yeah for the underdog, the good guy, the quiet guy, the humble guy!!!! Yay, Yay, Yay!!! I know this is completely stupid to be this excited over AI but life sucks right now so I picked something frivilous to blog about instead of something terrible!!

The big 6

2009-05-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

Well today is my baby's 6th birthday, can't believe how fast it has gone. This kid came fast and furious and has never stopped since. We just love him to death he has such a sweet heart and right now it is totally about him, and for right now that is okay. He his a classic youngest child (believe me I am married to one) but so fun and creative. So glad that he his part of our family a day doesn't go by when he doesn't make us laugh.

Love you Bubba!!

Question for you!!

2009-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Did I ever mention that I am afraid of snakes and rodents? Well I am, terrified!!! I have heard all the rationale that there more afraid of you than you are of them. (I highly doubt it!) In fact I really love doing yardwork a lot but because of the snakes in our yard I hardly do it anymore because of the snakes. But recently I have been blessed with a new toy, thanks to my father in law who doesn't use it anymore.
Yes that's right a rider lawn mower, Did you know there are no snakes up here? It rocks!! I love it! So my question to you is? What are you afraid of that may seem silly to others but it terrifies you regardless! come on fess up and help me feel better about my phobias!! Happy Monday!

To all the Moms I've loved before.....

2009-05-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all my Mom's!
There is so many mom's I look up to my friends are fabulous mom's!! My sister in laws are great moms too! But there are a few mom's who I turn too when I need a mom and yes I still do need my mom's!!

Karen- has been my friend for 21 years now WOW!! I have looked to her for so much advice, love, support, sanity. She is truly one of the smartest people I know, And I do truly cherish her, my life would be very different if I didn't have her in it.
Bette-I have been blessed to have her in my life for 12 1/2 years she was a friend of John's who I was very grateful to inherit, she has been through so many things with me and has been a constant source of love, devotion and support. And she and Tom are such good grandparents to my kids!! We spend every Christmas morning with them having Tomlettes! We love you so much Bette!!!!
Mary Jean-My mother in law is truly one of the most amazing women I know. She is such an example to me. She never ever says anything bad about anyone! She is so Christlike and full of grace and love. She can cook, sew, clean, quilt, can, bake, sing, play the piano, and has the patience of JOB!! Her heart is so full of love, and for those she lets get close enough she has an amazing sense of humor! I have watched her this last year when most of us would be screaming at the heavens but she has continued with grace and love and I love her so much and I am so grateful for my Mother in Law!!!!!
MY MOM is the best she is ALWAYS positive, I don't how she does that. But she is one of the most important people in my life and I don't know where I would be without her she is my rock. I love her so much and I have learned so much from her. Nothing is real until I tell my mom, and even when I get really bad news I don't usually break down until I tell her. She has always been there for me even when I was being a butthead! That's love ya'll!!! It doesn't matter if she cares about it or not if I do then it is important to her! I always need her!

LooooooVE you MOM!

Lets go here

2009-05-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

I want to sit here in a billowy (word?) linen dress, walk barefoot, stare at younger men through my sunglasses so they won't know (don't judge me you would do it too) eat amazing food, sleep in a roon with no windows just openings. Who's coming!

Family and Friends

2009-05-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know, our family is having a special fast for John's Dad tomorrow, he has had a miserable week and is very weak and in a lot of pain. Please keep him in you prayers as you fast this Sunday. Thank you again for all your love and support.

WOOOHOOO

2009-05-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sarah, I actually won a giveaway!! That hasn''t happened before! And let me tell I really need it this week! So in honor I will be paying it forward and when I reach 300 posts I will be doing a giveaway of 3 things look for if it should be in the next couple of months I am at about 233 right now. Thanks so much Sarah I can't wait!

Okay can I just say that WICKED was amazing, Catie didn't move the entire time, except to turn to me and say "MOM it's so awesome!!" it was so sweet! Thanks to Jana for the in with the ticks. We loved it and tonight I get to go see this lovely in Miss Saigon with the hubster! Yeah!! Sorry for all the downers lately I am going to try to be more positive and realize how blessed we truly are! Have a loverly weekend!

Are you sure?

2009-04-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Okay so everyone knows the old saying, the Lord will never give you anything you can't handle....Do you ever want to turn your little head and heart heavenward and say,"REALLY?" I am not trying to be whinny (is that a word?) I just have days when I am like I don't think I can take one more bit of bad news! Ugh! Now my cutie patootie skinny friends would probably say that is when I go for a run or a bike ride or swim. But I am pretty sure I will be making a fresh batch of these lovelies and medicate myself! May you all have a blessed day!! Come over if you want a cookie!

For an awesome giveaway go here

2009-04-27T14:23:00.001-07:00

A cute friend of mine I was able to reconnect with on Facebook, i just found out has a blog which is really good! and she is having a great giveaway! So if you would like to check it out go here!!
She is in an awesome chicky with an awesome story and she SOOOOO funny!!
Happy Monday!
GREAT GIVEAWAY BLOG!!

For all you twilight fans!

2009-04-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well she has done it again! My friend Kelly has started a blog that I find HILARIOUS!! she has a doll of Edward (that doesn't sound right, doll.... how about a micro, yeah that's better) anyway, that she is taking with her around places and photographing him experiencing the world. If you need a good laugh go here she just started it so there are just a few but it is so funny!! Enjoy!

Adventures with Portable Edward

Lovin the symphony

2009-04-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun at the symphony with the 5th graders and my son this week. It was so great to see the kids actually getting excited to go, we worked really hard on learning a lot about the composers and the music we would be hearing. And I was so proud of them. They were so well behaved (could not say as much for other schools) and for the most part they told me they really did like and even some said I didn't like this song but I really liked this one! PAY DAY I love my job! and plus I had fun with my Brody I hate that he is getting so big!

The cute girls in my group VERY well behaved!!
Cute boys in my group also very well behaved!
Brody and his buddy Tanner so cool
So we also went to the capitol Beautimos!!
I took pics of some things I thought were pretty.
Take you kids it's free and pretty fun!
Beautiful Chandelier in the Gold Room
Happy Weekend Ya'll!

What is this feeling so sudden and new??

2009-04-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Okay I cannot stand it anymore, Next week is going to be awesome!!! About a year ago a BFF of mine, told me she was going to get season tickets so she could buy Wicked tickets and asked me if would want in and I quietly replied, YES! YES! YES!
Anyway so we were able to get tickets at a deeply discounted rate compared to what they went for at the box office. And now next Wednesday with the kiddos and the hubby we get to go see this
AHHHHH! I can't wait.
So next a couple of months ago a friend who was season tickets to Pioneer Theatre asked me if I wanted her tickets to the she Miss Saigon? This show she heard was a little racy (alot!) and she didn't think she would like it? (Me bring on the racy!!) Now I have loved this show since my senior year of High School. For reasons I can't go into on my blog but if you see me ask I will tell you! I know the music backwards and forwards! (is that proper?) So I said again YES! YES! YES!
Now here is where is gets exciting for the last year or so I have been reading this awesome blog about a lovely who was in Grease on Broadway and her adventures in NYC especially being LDS in the lovely city! I love her blog she always makes me smile. Well Grease was over so she came home to Utah C0unty and auditioned for guess what??? You guessed in Miss Saigon and was cast as Ellen one of my fave characters. SOOOOO EXCITED!!! Can't wait to see all this awesomeness!!

P.S. You should really check out http://mormoninmanhattan.blogspot.com it is way too cool!!
Have a great week everyone!!!

Have you noticed?

2009-04-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air!! Its hard to find it when it keeps snowing here but I have seen little clues and collected them for you, so you can know that yes it is coming! By the way what kind of whacked out ground hog did they get this year to predict stuff, winter was more like the energizer bunny!

Grass is getting Greener!!

Tulips are blooming!

Popcorn is popping on the apricot tree!!

My little boy comes home with little red cheeks!! (isn't he so cute??)

Happy Spring Everyone!

Doing it with Grace

2009-04-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Last year father's day I love this picture!

Well I have been avoiding blogging about this even though it is very much on my mind, but I just keep thinking maybe if I don't talk about it, it won't be real, After all I am, very good at denial.

About three weeks ago we found out that John's dad leukemia returned, we knew it was coming back someday we just hoped it would take longer. It was almost exactly a year from the first diagnosis. The news is not good, he is on some medication that he receives seven days in a row every four weeks and in addition to that he had to still receive platelets, and sometimes antibiotics. He is done with his first round and is starting to feel okay, but is still very tired and now they have put in a central port cath in his chest. That being said, this man is tough he never complains about how he feels, sometimes he just says "I don't feel as good as I did yesterday." Of course this is the man that walked around for weeks with a disintegrated gall bladder. But he is a tough old farmer. I have watched him very closely through this process and been very touched by his strength and his character.
Working on the farm

The road has not been an easy one for us, he and I have butted heads a couple of times and that is not shocking considering we are two of the most stubborn people on the planet. But I have to say I have so learned to love this man, he is an AMAZING grandpa to my children. They love him so much and as soon as they see Grandpa has come to the farm, they are throwing on their boots as fast as they can yelling at me, "We have to go help Grandpa!!" I love the lessons he has taught my children about the value of hard work and saving and being VERY frugal. I have known him most of my life as he was my Bishop from the time I was five till I was ten or so and then he was my stake president. (funny huh?) So to be able to see at this time when he is very close to leaving us and the stalwart grace he has, is so inspiring. I have seen him soften over that last year and I had the AMAZING opportunity to write his life history for him for a family history book being published. To hear about his experiences with the church and some of the prophets and apostles have taken my breath away. I have truly had a change of heart. I love him so much, and more importantly my children love him so much. We had to sit them down to explain to them what was happening with Grandpa and how Heavenly Father must really need him because he is calling him home very soon,
Dad and Lulu blessing day

I HATE having to break my children's heart, but I do take so much comfort in the fact that they will all remember him and all what he stood for when the time finally does come which I hope is a long time from now!!

This is the part of parenting that I must have missed where you help your children through insurmountable pain. Dad at the height of chemo still smiling!
I don't remember signing up for that. And I often wonder how in the world did Heavenly Father watch his son have so much of it. It just boggles my mind! But I am so grateful for the joy and experience of being a part of this great family and the time I have been given to come to love this man so much! And I pray for the strength to be the mom, wife, daughter in law, sister in law that helps her family during this time. And I also pray it won't be soon. Sorry to be such a downer, I just had to get my feelings out.
Brody, Catie and Caden on the horse with Dad leading the way

I can't stand it!

2009-04-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Okay keep in mind we have like seven weeks of school left and I am running a little empty on patience and enthusiasm! However did you ever know anyone whose voice just reaches some part of your brain and makes you want to pull your hair out or scream just so you don't have to hear their voice? Be it high pitched or weird there is just some voices out there that make me crazy and I have one student (1 out of 800 isn't bad right??) that just has one of those voices that leaves me wishing he would get bronchitis or lose it just so I don't have to hear it. I know I am horrible, but as I sat in class today it was all I could do to not put my hands over my ears and scream LA! LA! LA!
Anyone have a similar problem????

IMHO

2009-04-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay I feel like I can speak on this with authority being a girl of substance, but while at the mall the other day with my hubby, I was walking behind this teenage girl who was bigger with her friend who was not, And they both had on WAY too tight tank tops, Now neither looked great but the bigger girl especially I just wanted to walk up to her and say WHAT ARE YOU DOING!! It does not look good at all to do that, I just feel like sometimes these girls wear this type of clothing to get attention, by trying to give away WAAAAY too much. It is not okay and it does not look good at all!! Okay I am done now! p.s. halter tops and low jeans are wrong too!!

Well it's almost done!

2009-04-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well I finally feel good enough about the progress of the dining room to show a little slide show, the coolest thing about this project is we literally did it about $20 at a time! It does help to know people and have a hubby who can do stuff, but we literally kept it very cheap! Hope you like it!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Brody's looking for a sugarmama!!

2009-04-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

So Sunday night after conference we were sitting around with some great friends, Jeremie and Lisa, and they have a sweet little baby Ella who is under a year. And the time came to feed her and Brody offered to help, he wanted to feed her the cereal, (What a sweet boy he is, seriously what 11 year old would want to feed a baby? Tear,) so he is sitting there doing it and he is doing a pretty good job, and we complimented him on how he was doing. Here is how the conversation went

Mom, Dad, Jer and Lisa: Wow Brody you are doing pretty good at that.
Brody: Yeah Thanks, its a little hard but I think I am getting pretty good.
Mom, Dad, Jer and Lisa: Yeah you will be a good dad someday.
Brody: Well, ****wait for it.....I am planning on being a Stay at HOME DAD!!

I am stiil laughing!!
So if you know any Suga Mama's or Cougars, Brody will be looking in a couple of years!!
Aim High Buddy!!

What?? It's When?!!?

2009-04-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Did Easter sneak up on any of you? It did me, even when I knew when it was, I was like dang! already?!! I love Easter and I usually do a little Easter Egg Hunt with the family, but it is not happening this year, due to economic crisis (doesn't that make is sound better, than we're broke!!lol)
Anywho! But now I am scrambling thinking we need to decorate eggs, call the Easter bunny and put in our order, and and and. A couple things I am planning on doing, having a lovely dinner with my lovely family! And making these with my kids because we are out of school this week YEAH!!

Yes I know some of you moms are cursing spring break but this year for me!! IT ROCKS!! My three sweeties instead of 800 sweeties (some of them are not all sweeties, but I won't say who!) I will take that, we are doing lots of spring cleaning, fun projects, baking, playing some games and spending time with family. We are really trying to enjoy this time,
There is many things that are really hard and very sad happening in our little lives right now that I just can't blog about yet, so we are truly trying to find JOY in the JOURNEY!! I hope you all have a beautiful blessed Easter!!

So I Made a Dress!

2009-04-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

And I had a lovely model, to show it off!! He pretty much hates me right now! But that's how I roll. If I take a pic its going on the blog, he may never let me take a picture of him again!!

I have risen

2009-04-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

to the occasion of making bread!! This is my first loaf that I felt really good about displaying. It is not very healthy yet, but I have to use up all my white flour first to make it worth it. Wheat bread is right around the corner. Isn't it so pretty though!! I know I am pathetic!!

My Cakes

2009-03-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well here is my slideshow of Wedding cakes, there not much but I thought this could be my show n tell this week I have more pics but these are the only ones that would fit on the slideshow. I have a bunch of birthday cakes too so I will work on those later but enjoy!! Thanks for all the love!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Know anyone needing a cake send them my way!! Thanks Marnie by the way!! You rock!

This made me smile

2009-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Porter because someone tagged me on facebook to do so and his answers were so funny. Plus I love this little pic I got of him. I love this little snugglebug and I hate that he is getting so big. Enjoy this little peek into my life.
1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
Make my bed
2. What makes Mommy happy?
When I give her hugs
3. What makes Mommy sad?
Not hugging her
4. How does your Mommy make you laugh?
Telling jokes
5. What was your Mommy like as a child?
Little
6. What is Mommy’s favorite thing to do?
Play Ghost Recon
7. What does your Mommy do when you're not around?
Just wait until I get home (duh)
8. What is your Mommy really good at?
Sewing (ha!! Got him Fooled)
9. What is your Mommy not very good at?
Throwing the football the way I want her to
10. What does your Mommy do for her job?
Work at the school
11. What is your Mommy's favorite food?
Mimi's Cafe
12. What makes you proud of your Mommy?
Give me hugs
13. If your Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Senator Amidala
14. What do you and your Mommy do together?
Read and Snuggle
15. How are you and your Mommy the same?
we have the same skin
16. How are you and your Mommy different?
we like different food
17. How do you know your Mommy loves you?
share with me (keep in mind, my Dr. Pepper is in front of him!)
18. Where is your Mommy's favorite place to go?
Fat Cats (Not!)
19. What does Mommy like about Daddy?
He buys you stuff
20. Who is Mommy's best friend?
Me (duh)
I have also interviewed the other two I will post theirs later.
And yes he drank the last of my Dr. Pepper!

Be Still and know that I am God....

2009-03-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

I love this quote and I notice any time things get hard this is what I hear running through my head over and over. I think it is probably because I rarely take the time to be still and ponder our Father in Heaven, don't get me wrong I am still quite a bit, you don't get this figure by not being still. But very rarely do I be still and ponder my testimony but when things get hard this is where my thoughts turn to. So many of my friends recently are enduring really hard times. I want them to know of my love for them and for them to be comforted by our Heavenly Father.
I am sending my love today to Shelley and Melinda and Amy I hope you are comforted and loved at this time and that you feel those loving arms around you.
John's family has been through a lot in the last year and it looks like now it is going to be another hard year. We are offering up special prayers and love to members of his family today. We hope that they will be blessed because of those prayers and that we all can be comforted. These are interesting times we are living in and I truly believe without a knowledge and love of the Savior we will be lost. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and take the time to be still. And thank you for all of your great comments on my previous post, I have taken many of your suggestions and put them to work for us. Happy Sunday!

I am BACK!!

2009-03-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

I have given my blog much thought lately, whether to continue doing it, what should it be etc. I know it is stupid to give it that much thought but nonetheless I have. This last week I have had times where I thought I would explode from stress, and then I have wonderful friends and family who seem to be so in tune (btw how do you do that?) and know just when I need a pick me up. So to you guys, you know who you are THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Be it chocolate (yummy) or flowers (beeeeauuuutiful) or just a sweet comment on the blog you guys ROCK!! So I have been thinking that my blog needs to be more random. I laugh (or at least try to laugh) a lot during the day so I am going to try to post some of the things that make me smile and hopefully they will do the same for you. I also realized that I love comments so I am going to post questions of the week and hopefully I will get comments (it makes me feel special) I also am currently trying to do many projects so I am going to try doing show n tell because again it makes me feel special! So I will try this first question today.

I think many people are trying to get back to basics in many ways, some of you who I know have always been there but I think with the economy (that really bites at the moment) people are trying to get back to the basics for example,
I am now making bread for my family, I know a mormon that can't make bread its a wonder I have made it this long!! We are also planting a garden for the first time, is it wonder I haven't been kicked out of RS!! I am also learning to sew! (maybe I should have spoken with someone before I confessed I don't know how to do any of these things. So here is the question:

What are you doing if anything to help with the current state of the union and your family where are you finding ways of cutting corners that you haven't before? I want to know because I need all the help I can get and you are some of the smartest people I know! COMMENT AWAY!! (I mean it!!)

***Pretty soon I will be posting a slide show of my cakes over here ----->>>>>
so look for it and if anyone you know needs a wedding or birthday cake throw me a bone if you wouldn't mind THANKS, CHEERS and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

Blogging Blaaahhhhhsss!

2009-03-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just get BLAH! Of course you do. I am having blogging blahs, I am tired of the same old thing on my blog, I feel like all it is becoming is really self indulgent, because I try to make sure I do my Flashback Friday, and One Word Wednesday so as I so often do I am throwing out the old book and rewriting it AGAIN! I don't know really what I will be posting from now on. But I hope it is a little more creative than what I have! I read others blogs and think that is so cool how they did that and it is things I don't even think about posting so if you don't hear from me for awhile this is why, I am trying to find my way. With the current state of events, Utah seems to be finally getting hit with the economy. Our business is suffering, but I am really trying hard to be grateful for all the blessings we have, John has a great amount of work, (getting paid is another story) but at least he can work. The stress of it all is contributing to my blaahhss! I have all these fabulous friends who are making themselves more fabulous by getting fit and lovely! Which makes me so happy for them and a little jealous. Of course not jealous enough to join them! But right now I have switched to survival mode and its all I can do to keep my head above water. So if I wasn't self indulgent before this post surely has done it!! But know in the words of the who's down in whoville says WE ARE HERE! We are just not feeling it right now! Love to you all!

Truly Awesome Tuesday

2009-03-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Okay first off all DWTS started last night, and it was great, How awesome was Melissa? I don't watch the batchelor but of course I know what happened and she did awesome!! Hopefully Denise or playboy girl will be the first to leave, because really crying the first show? Come on! Anyway I digress did anyone happen to see this little gem afterwards?

It is called Castle and
It's completely cheesy and eye candy but it is one of those shows that I think John and I will like together because it has something for both us. If you didn't see it you should its pretty fun, and the writing is pretty clever. Enjoy good TV because in this economy its all I can afford how bout you?

Flashback Friday

2009-03-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

1993? Any Questions!!

One Word Wednesday

2009-03-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

Spring!!!

Truly Awesome Tuesday

2009-03-03T17:44:00.003-08:00

Sorry folks this is what I am finding truly awesome about today, but I think its enough. Power of Prayer!

Flashback Friday

2009-02-27T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here is two things I miss, spending time with my Dad and Disneyland. I think this picture is hilarious because I am holding a frozen banana with the chocolate and peanuts, my mom said they were my favorite and today I HATE BANANAS, I don't mind the flavor but the texture KILLS me!! I also love how my Dad is looking with trepidation to see if I am going to drip on his head! Awesome!

One Word Wednesday

2009-02-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

Homey G'

Truly Awesome Tuesday

2009-02-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

What happens when you give your child a camera and let them take pictures of themselves building their Christmas Fort?(a new tradition at our house) You find out that one of your children likes to stand on the tv stand in your room and jump off pretending to be batman! Truly Awesome!

Mad about you Monday

2009-02-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the only thing I am really Mad about today is this, I have been a blog loser lately, this flu thing has been awful, hopefully I will return from the land of the foggy haze soon.

Flashback Friday

2009-02-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

OK, this is dumb, but this was one of my favorite shows when I was young. I have always loved time travel stuff, the thought of going back and steering someone off another persons path and changing your life forver, to divulge who would reveal too much. Anyway back on track, Voyagers was awesome, and I remember I was so sad the day the older (hot) guy, died on the set very sad. Anyway enjoy and see if you can remember it!!

Valentine Hair, had to post sorry

2009-02-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

I did this hair do for valentine's day for Lulu, I got the idea from one of the hair blogs I stalk, but did my own twist on it literally. Can you see the heart?
Hope everyone had a great love day!!

One Word Wednesday!

2009-02-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

Wonder..

Here is a question...

2009-02-14T19:45:00.001-08:00

What do these two have in common you may ask??

Whenever either one of them are on TV I have to turn the channel or mute it.
Who knew they would have something in common??

Flashback Friday the 13th did you know?

2009-02-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

All right here it is the baby pic, 34 years ago this week this holy terror entered the world, just so you know the green spot is from the picture, not because I was having a exorcism moment from the getgo!!

Back where we belong,

2009-02-12T16:45:00.001-08:00

Well you get out and the pull you back in..that's right John and I are back in the nursery. Well it doesn't help when you ask to be back in the nursery, (hint, hint not me) But yes there we are. I have noticed I am very out of practice, and need to get back in the groove of things. But it is so much fun they are very sweet and so cute. I really hope we can get past tears soon, I just feel bad for them when they cry and for the parents. We are going to a new ward that has the safety windows which is awesome don't get me wrong, I am totally for this, However the next parent who isn't sneaky enough and gets seen by their child, I think John is going to hand them their screaming child on the spot. It is so funny the kids can be great but as soon as they see mom or dad peeking in suddenly it is WWIII. I love the nursery though and it is a good spot for me to be right now. I have really struggled spiritually lately, no big things just found it really hard to feel the spirit. Not that I was doing a whole lot to help the matter but hopefully I can get back on track and follow in the footsteps of their little feet.

I'm back among the living....kinda

2009-02-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

Well book fair is over Yeah!! And I am starting to feel normal again, however I am feeling under the weather but I thought I would post this little gem. The other day I was feeling pixel happy and snapping shots of my little nephew (Jack, Jack heart attack so stinking cute!!) And my cat wouldn't move so I snapped a few of her. Let me be clear I AM NOT A CAT PERSON!! however I am even more not a mouse person, and when you live thirty feet from a farm you become a cat person very quickly, and although she has grown on me, she and I aren't buddies. Which makes these pics all the more funny!
Here is the first with her refusing to look at me while taking her pic. Brat...

and then after I tortured her into letting me take her pic I got this look...classic.

Flashback Friday

2009-01-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

The awesomeness of this picture know no end, be it the mouse that I am holding (I think its a mouse) or the way I resemble the mouse or the awesome couch I am sitting on! It really is too awesome for words! Happy Friday Y'all

I'm going in!

2009-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

Today I emerge into the madness that is the BOOK FAIR! If I don't post for a week of so you will know why! Wish me luck!!