My Polygamist Children

I know they may be the cutest polygamist looking children ever, but when I started taking these pictures, that is exactly what I thought they looked like.

When I took Abby pictures, I loved how it turned out in front of these reeds. So when it was a sunny day today, I wanted to take the kids over for some "quick" pictures. When I started talking about outfits for the kids, John says, "I thought this was going to be a quick thing?" I knew I had to be quick in my choosing, or my husband would not be in on the whole thing. See I usually prepare months in advance for my kids clothing. Mostly so I can get cute things on clearance, but also because I like to be prepared...especially on my fall shoots. But again this had to be a quick choice, and I chose WRONG! The girls look okay, but the boys...well, let's just say WRONG!

I do like some of them, so I thought I would share them, but I don't see them permanently on my blog anytime soon. We'll see, they might grow on me.

I could get all sappy here and go off about sisters like I have done in past blogs, but I will just say, that I am very happy they have each other.

I didn't get a great group shot, but this was WAY to poised for John, and he wasn't much into it. Oh well, next time I will take you Trish, cuz there will be reshoots. Thanks also to her for doing Micah's braid....oh that makes me think polygamists again. WHAT WAS I THINKING! PS This is how Abby's invitation turned out. It was my first attempt at making one. I think it went pretty well, and taught me a lot about Photo Shop. Thanks to Chelle who helped with my lack of knowledge too.

TURNING 30 In a month!

what to do while i am 30...

I turn 30 years old 1 month from today! I decided I needed to make a list of things to accomplish during the year that I am 30. This was inspired by my friend Brenley, who is 2 days and one year older then me. I remembered hers, reviewed it, and realized how many things I know she has accomplished. So I think it could be good for me. I may change a few things here and there up until my birthday.

1. scrapbook Noah's life for his baptism

2. add 300 dollars to the DISNEYLAND fund(currently at $810)

3. exercise at least 4 times a week

4. go to the Temple once a month (or 12 times)

5. read the Book of Mormon all the way through

6. go on a real vacation

7. take a photography class

8. eat less chocolate

9. read one book a month

10. visit Oregon and Colorado(I don't have to fly, wish I could put more here)

11. write John one love letter a month

12. learn the art of couponing

13. read a book to my kids everyday

14. start crafting again

15. make cookies from scratch once a month and take them to someone

16. buy a new lens for my camera

17. Become skilled at Photoshop

18. eat more fruits and vegetables

19. have FHE every Monday

20. have one date a month w/ John

21. learn to play 5 songs on the guitar

22. say five positive things to my kids a day

23. cook one new recipe a month

24. sew something

25. make all Christmas gifts and have them done by December 1st

26. do laundry only on one day of the week

27. take my two youngest to the Library for story time at least once a month

28. finish and print my blurb books of my blog from the last two years

29. read one book on parenting

30. take more time for just myself

Little Ms. Abby

This was my first attempt at baptism pictures. Abby's mom actually came up with this idea. It will be the picture they use for the announcement, with the writing on the left.

I had a fun time, even though it was freezing. Poor Abby, at least I got to keep my coat on the whole time!!! It sure made me grateful my kids are born in warmer months.

To see more of BEAUTIFUL Abby, click HERE.

Jog Log (Let's face it that is what I do)

(at least she looks darling while wearing these)

So, I am trying to work really hard at working out. While John was on vacation I went to Yoga with my sister-in-law at her gym. Who says money can't make you happy. I would probably do yoga every day if I had the money to keep going back. Yes, I could get a video, but it isn't the same. Really! Who can find ZEN with kids running around!!!

I have tried a few videos. I do Jillian's 30 minute shred quite often, and Mari Windsors Pilate's. I think i had a break through with running when I would rather run then do these videos. I am really bad with the monotony of videos, yet, right now I run the same path every time I run so that I can see improvement in my running time. I am weird.

A few weeks ago, I was having breakfast with my HS friends. I was telling them how frustrated I was about feeling like I was getting bulkier instead of slimming down. My jeans are getting tighter around my legs. They asked me about using weights while exercising and I don't except when required with Jillian, but even then it is only two pounds. Then a friend whom I love very much said, "Well, i hate to break it to you but you have gymnast legs." Translation, big and muscular. It made me so depressed I went home and ate probably a dozen cookies. If I can't ever get slender legs, and my body is just going to keep getting bulky, why keep going? I was a gymnast, does that condemn me to have a gymnasts body for the rest of my life? I don't remember thinking I had bulky legs in HS. I honestly could have, but not realized it. I was lucky and had a pretty good body image for myself back then. Not face image...I had bad acne. annnnd I digress. So, Is this just my new almost 30 year old body I have to get used to? I know I still need to work out(I only gave myself one pity day). It is good for my health no matter what.

I told John if we had money I would go hire a personal trainer. He told me they are a huge waste of money. I don't think so personally, but it's not like I want one for every work out. I just want someone to give me advice on my body type, and what work out would be best for what I want to accomplish. So, I am calling out to all of you fellow bloggers who have knowledge. Am I stuck with what I got, or can I change it? Be honest, I've got to get my head wrapped around what 30 means for me.

(Just so you know, I know there are more important things in the world besides what my body can look like at 30. World hunger, war, Haiti, etc. All things worth giving more time to thinking about. I'm not that shallow, just looking to find some answers. Thank you to those who understand.)

Valentines and other stuff!

Hope U had a GREAT VaLeNtInEs!!!

I let myself do something I shouldn't have. A friend got to go on vacation and she is the room mother of Micah's class, and asked me to be in charge of the Valentines Party for our kids class. I should know my limits on these things, but I keep thinking I will get better. It really should have been an easier task then I made it out to be. I just work it up in my mind. The party turned out great(in the kindergartners mind)! The cookie mom had her order lost and the game mom's printer wouldn't work, both got there about a half an hour late. It is a good thing that Micah's teacher is calm, cool and collected...and knows how to entertain sugar hungry kids.

Here are the cookies...they were delicious once they made it.

This is Noah. They were celebrating Chinese New Year, and had a parade in the middle of the party. I was glad I got to run out and take a picture!

This might be considered Micah's Valentine, but really he is a good friend. She needs more good friends like him.

This is another great kid, Ryker. His mom is now very tan from her trip. SUPER Jealous!

I had to snap these few quick pictures of my kids!

The flash was not working, and I didn't have time to take anymore, cuz once my kids heard my parents voices, they were..............GONE!

They hadn't seen them in ten days. That used to be nothing, but the new norm left them wanting their grandparents.

They joined us for our candlelight dinner since their plane got in at 4:20 pm. We loved having them. They weren't only missed by my kids.

Just a fun little addition to dinner. We hope you had a great Valentines. John put some of my favorite pictures to music. I wish I could show all of you, but I am a not qualified in this area. It was accompanied by a beautiful letter. I sure miss getting those every week. I love you honey! You are a great dad, husband, provider, lover, and friend.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

"Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize.

Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.

"True love lasts forever.

It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things.

That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us."

Joseph B Wirthlin

For LOVE!

Toone Families Story

John and I have shed tears over this story many times. We don't know these people, but they must live close to us. The funeral for these little girls will be held down the street from us tomorrow.

Doesn't it seem like most days life is one continual motion. It is almost as if we are in-human, because nothing is threatening our routine of life. Then "WHAM" an accident, a tragedy happens, and all the sudden life seems a little too real. Sometimes it doesn't have to be your own tragedy to feel the effects, and you realize once again how precious life is.

I have heard one too many stories lately of God calling one of his precious little ones home. To be watching your little ones play on Friday, having them wake up sick on Saturday morning, and gone by Saturday night. It seems unfathomable. I've said it before and I will said it again, this is not the trial I would choose if we had a choice. But something these little girls father said, really hit home. (Paraphrasing) "One of the things that is getting us through this, is that we know none of us are going through this alone. They have each other, and we have each other." Can you imagine the pain of losing two? And yet their good hearts are holding onto the fact that they have each other.

My familes heart and prayers go out to this family. God bless them and give them comfort in these hard time. I also pray that I may cherish everyday I have with my beautiful ones.

A slave to the ALARM CLOCK!

At the end of January John had a very needed break. Very needed for him and for his wife. My parents came and watched the kids for one night while we got away. We saw Avatar in 3D, ate dinner(this is heaven with no children), and spent a night at the Anniversary inn. I REALLY didn't want to come home, but we still had the whole week to look forward to with having Daddy home. We did some fun things with the kids like surf and swim, read books(okay, I do do this sometimes when he is at work), and even the circus. We went up to see John's parents in Idaho. My kids adore their grandparents and cousins. It makes me so happy to see them enjoy themselves with family. John and I slipped away with his mom, brother and his girlfriend to see the BYU ballroom dancers. It was a lot of fun. We even got to see Ryan and Ashley from "So You Think You Can Dance." They weren't my favorite dancers on the show, but it was still fun to see them in person. Although Rockland is a little remote for me, we always have a good time, and it was good to be there while John's dad had some medical issues. Dr. John = HERO!

But now that the vacation is over and my Hero has returned to his everyday job, I miss him. I am really so grateful for him. On Monday morning when that alarm rang for the first time in 10 days, I felt like 1) I didn't want to let him go, and 2) He is amazing that he can get up everyday and go to work, especially when the alarm is set for 4:30. I think, being a mom is a very hard job, rewarding in its ways but hard. But was I ever grateful to my husband that morning that HE was the bread winner, and the slave to the alarm clock. I might hear the ring, but I don't have to answer the call. I like being able to go to work in pajamas(scrubs isn't that bad either). I needed this reminder. I love my kids but when John works long hours and the winter weather feels confining, life at home can seem very tedious. Now I use the alarm as a good loving reminder to myself how much I love my "JOB" as I snuggle down in my bed for another hour or two.

Thanks John for your tireless hours of hard work, even if all you do is listen to "blips of the heart." I love you honey.

Micah's first pop-star crush!

We were watching a very innocent music video, and Micah goes,"Mom, I love him!" Soon to be followed by, "I want to marry him."

I was in shock, and asked her "what is it you like about him, that he plays guitar?"

"No, she replied, I just do."

Later she said, it had something with the way he leaned over to strum his guitar. Mostly she told me this by demonstrating.

Here is the video.

His name is John Rzeznik. That is all I know about him, I don't really care to find out more, and when I went to the real version of this song, Micah wanted nothing to do with it. She immediately wanted to go back to the Elmo version and play it over and over. She kept giggling saying, "I will only go away from it for one song, then I gotta play it again." It was super cute, but just made me wonder what is to come in the future. I kinda miss the days when Elmo was her idol.

I personally think this has something to do with her Uncle Joel. She has a pretty big crush on him. He doesn't look much like John R, but he has shaggy hair and plays guitar and strums like him. I kinda hope it has something to do with it anyway.

Beautiful stuff to share

JO JO DESTRUCTO TURNS 18 MONTHS!

Josie Mae Farr

18 months on January 31, 2010

Height: 31 inches (30%)

Weight: 21 lbs 6 oz (10%)

OFC: 18.5 (63%)

Don't let her fool you, she might look innocent, sweet, and adorable, and she is, but her nickname is Jo Jo Destructo for a reason.

She can get into and on anything and everything. Garbage cans, dryer, top bunk, drawers, cupboards, opens doors, toilets, sinks...it could go on forever. She leaves a path of destruction wherever she goes.

Her favorite word is "MINE!" Does not matter what it is, she thinks the word "MINE' defines it. At least she is pretty good about not throwing a tantrum when she finds out the indeed it is not hers.

This picture isn't great, but essential. Josie does this thing where she bends forward just a little and flips her hands back(like in above pic). It is adorable.

This picture makes her look little, but she is getting big so fast!

She still absolutely loves milk!

Josie is a master study of her siblings. She had the perfect look down that melts her daddies heart along time ago. Jo has taken to liking sitting on the bar stools with the kids. Which can be a problem when she stands up. John was trying to help her understand the danger of it by scaring her with a mock fall. Then he set her firmly on the chair and walked to the other side of the island. Jo put on the saddest pout and peeked at John through her eyelashes. It was heart wrenching even for me. John gave her a big hug. She was immediately fine and smiling again...and ready to stand on the chair as soon as he moved away.