If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.--A
“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.” President Benson

Wednesday

Hmmmm....

  • Sometimes the sound of my name (MOM) said by my kids makes me cringe. Usually when it is repeated over and over and over again. Does this ever get to you too?
  • I think house cleaning styles are like personalities. Mine is sort of clean on our first meeting, and then after that it is pretty much what you see is what you get. Sometimes, you might catch me on a more refined day, but a better part of the time there are a few loose ends here and there, meaning my house has always got something out of place. John is more clean and perfect on the first meeting and would always like it to always LOOK that way. Always. What is yours?
  • Sometimes I feel like my life is a LITTLE out of control, and I wonder if I will ever get it under control. Have you ever felt like that? Can you have a mid-life crisis at 30?
  • I am a HUGE loser! By that I mean, I lose everything. I have now lost 2, count it 2 wedding rings. I lose my keys all the time. Things get misplaced and I just figure they will show up and don't get overly excited about looking for them, and then some how time passes, and they are lost....Micah's coat, Micah's scooter, new umbrella, etc. Are you a loser too?
  • I like denim. When you wear two different kinds of denim, are they supposed to match? For example, A denim jacket and denim jeans. Do they gotta match, or is that too Match-e?

  • THESE ARE JUST THINGS I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT, and QUESTIONS I WANTED TO ASK...IT WILL PROBABLY GET ADDED TO.

Friday

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.

Wednesday

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

Tuesday

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.

Wednesday

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.)

Tuesday

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.

Sunday

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