Here She Goes Again

Today

2012-01-17T21:27:00.002-07:00

Today was rough.

One of those day where you feel like you've been run over by a train and then dragged behind a bus.

I wouldn't have made it through the day if it weren't for....

the pep talk from an old friend who is a semester ahead of me in the nursing program,

homemade cookies delivered to my door (thanks Liz!),

a great big hug from my sweetie,

the smile from Ian as he patted the spot on the couch next to him telling me he saved "the best seat" for me to watch Cars 2 with him,

watching my daughter's far off look (I swear there were hearts in her eyes!) as she described an 'encounter' with her dream guy today,

my clinical instructor's comment on how much she loved my toe polish as I lay in a hospital bed as a 'patient' while she did a head to toe assessment on me (so thankful my toenails were painted!),

and re-reading (for the millionth time) the sweetest email I have ever received (thank you again Tiff!).

It's the little things in my day that I am finding are so important and so very needed to remind me that while nursing school is trying to take over my life- it never will.

It Begins

2012-01-08T18:17:00.005-07:00

Tomorrow morning is my first day of Nursing School.

I have been looking forward to this day for many years.

I face it with much anticipation, nervousness, butterflies in my stomach, excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism. In other words, I'm full of emotion.

I have several friends who have gone through or are currently in the program and therein lies the reason behind all of my emotions.

I have watched them stress out and cry over grades. I have seen bags under their eyes due to lack of sleep. I have heard of their (and their family's) many fast food meals.

But I have also seen their enthusiasm for what they are learning. I have rejoiced with them as each step brought them closer to graduating with their RN. I have cheered for them at their graduation ceremony.

Tomorrow this journey begins for me.

I can't even begin to express how humble I feel to be joining the 80 other student nurses in my cohort as we learn together the art of Nursing. What a thrill! An experience of a lifetime for sure.

It all begins with one step and tomorrow I will proudly take it- in my brand new (whiter than white!) nursing shoes!

30 years old!

2012-01-04T18:09:00.003-07:00

My favorite picture from our last New York City vacation.

Today as Ian walked down the sidewalk to my car after school, he motioned for me to roll down the window.

He leaned inside and asked, "Can I sit in the front seat today?"

"No", I replied, "you are still too little."

"I am not!", he forcefully said. "In cat years I'm like.... 30 years old!"

Gotta love how his mind works.

Clever. Very clever.

Holiday Wrap Up

2012-01-02T17:47:00.006-07:00

Photo taken with my new iPhone! yay!

Today was the official last day of our holiday vacation. Boooo.

So that we never forget how great the Christmas of 2011 was, here's a little wrap up.....

Santa was so good to us this year- I think everyone was happy with their haul.

Ian especially loved his 'big' gift, an iPod touch. He kept saying, "I can't believe I'm old enough to have an iPod!! And, "This is the best Christmas EVER!" Made this mama's heart happy!
As I am posting this, I can't help but notice that somehow Nicole and I escaped Christmas morning photos...

We had a lovely turkey dinner which was (unexpectedly) prepared by Erik. I had been put on call at the hospital, but a few hours later I got called in. Were we ever sad!

I felt so bad leaving Erik with a turkey dinner to prepare. But we ended up having our own 'Christmas Miracle' after all! I was able to come home two hours earlier than my shift was supposed to end, just in time to eat dinner with Erik, the kids and my parents!

We spent the holidays surrounded by those we love, by many piles of wrapping paper and boxes and with literally nothing scheduled on our calendars.

Lazy mornings, a little shopping, a movie or two, dinner dates, time to read books, card games to play, and lots of time to figure out those new gifts was pretty much about all that we accomplished for 10 straight days. Ahhh.

And now the decorations are put away, the house is sparkling clean, and we all feel refreshed and ready to face the new year!

2012 will bring big changes to our family. Some I am looking forward to and some not so much. It will be an exciting year though, that's for sure.

So welcome 2012, because ready or not, here we go!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-21T14:50:00.006-07:00

My friend Christy inspired me to do a post on what Christmas looks like at my house.

Christy and I have had lots of conversations on why it is that we blog. Blogging is a very time consuming thing and there has to be a good reason for doing it, right?

We came to the conclusion that we blog because it is how we are choosing to record the daily happenings of our family life. My hope is that some day this will be a way that my children and their children can remember and learn where they come from.

So when she posted the Christmas pictures of her house- I thought it was such a fun way to record what it looks like in our house too!

My pictures leave a little something to be desired, but you get the idea.

Here's how we display all the Christmas cards that come our way....what's up this year people? Keep them coming!
The mirror in the entry way....I love this!
the stockings were hung.....
Oh Christmas tree....
This sleigh was Erik's dad's when he was just a little guy....
a little of this....
and a little of that.
So there you have it. A little peek into our house at Christmas time. I hope this idea inspires you to give us a peek in to your house too! Thanks Christy!

Eighteen

2011-12-20T16:23:00.004-07:00

I'm not sure what the heck has happened, or who told her she could do it, but Nicole has turned 18 and is now a legal, voting adult.

Erik and I must have done something especially great in Heaven to be chosen to be Nicole's parents.

There is one word that pretty much sums up her whole existence. That word is awesome.

She excels in everything she does, she makes the world better place every single day, and she doesn't give herself any credit for anything good that she does. She's almost perfect.

Three weeks before her birthday, she announced that she wanted to have a dance to celebrate her big day.

By some miracle, the ward house was available on her birthday (the only day out of the whole month it was not already reserved!), so we booked it, made up 100 invitations and then Erik and I left on a cruise. :)

The night we got back, Erik disappeared for a few hours working on a little surprise we had for her birthday gift. I started working on decoration and food ideas for her party.

The day of her party, my lifesaver of a friend, Christy, and her children helped me decorate the gym and get everything ready while we waited for Nicole to come home from school.

Inside the garage, her surprise waited for her....

And this was her reaction.....
It was priceless. She cried and laughed and screamed and cried some more.

Then the party began....

In all the excitement, I neglected to take a picture of the birthday girl in all her sparkly dress-high heeled-gorgeousness, but I did manage to snap one blurry shot of the party.
It was a birthday to remember.

I'm so excited to see what her future will bring- she is just 5 months away from graduating and then she'll be off and running.

Happy Birthday Nicole! Thanks for letting us share it with you!

Sail Away

2011-12-07T13:20:00.004-07:00

You know how you have a million things to do the day before you leave on a trip?

Today my list of to-do's is long, because tomorrow Erik and I fly way on a trip for our 20th anniversary. It's a little early to be celebrating, but I will be neck deep in nursing school on the actual day so we are running away now while I still can breathe.

Back to the million things I SHOULD be doing. I should be packing, putting fresh sheets out for the sitter, organizing meals, finishing up that last load of laundry, but instead I find myself baking a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (oh and blogging).

It's so exciting to think that tomorrow I will be on an airplane flying somewhere warm and wonderful- but today, my heart is here with my kids and all that I will be leaving behind.

December is not the ideal time to run away. So much is going on. A lot had to be arranged for this to happen. And even with all of that, we are still missing out on much. Nicole has several events at school that we would have loved to support her in- a program to raise money for Sub for Santa, a dance that we were supposed to be chaperones at. She is also taking the ACT and I won't be here to make sure she has a good breakfast and to give her that last encouraging hug before she heads out the door. And that's just Nicole. I could go on and on with everything else.

So today, I am taking time to bake fresh cookies for my little loves. I want them to know that even though I am so thrilled to be running away with their daddy, that a part of me will be missing them the whole time I'm gone. Maybe these cookies will remind them of how much I love them. And that everything I do is for them and our family.

So for now, my to-do list will be set aside. And when they walk in from school today to the smell of pumpkin spice, hopefully that will give them something warm and wonderful to think about when I can't be here to tuck them in at night.

The Day the Grinch Came to My House

2011-11-28T13:36:00.008-07:00

It was the day after Thanksgiving and I had just finished putting up the last of the Christmas decorations when my house was bombarded with Whos (Student Body Officers) from Whoville (a.k.a. CHHS).
As they happily sat around visiting in the family room, then soon settling in for an afternoon nap,

the front door opened and in slithered the Grinch himself.
As he snuck around the house stealing stockings, wreaths and and ornaments,

and even candy canes from the littlest Whos, I wondered if Christmas would be ruined (or at least my decorating efforts).
But alas, I should have not worried for the Whos are amazing little people with tons of Whoville spirit.

Upon waking up, they did not cry about what was taken. Instead they gathered around a tiny Christmas tree and sang their little hearts out.
And as a witness to it all, what did I do?

Snapped about a billion pictures!

It's not everyday that you get to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas, acted out right before your eyes!
Why all of the theatrics you ask?

They were making a video for an assembly to get the kids at CHHS pumped for the annual Sub for Santa fundraiser!

Close To Home

2011-11-07T11:02:00.002-07:00

A phone call from my friend alerted me to a car accident on a major street near our home.

"Has Nicole come home from school yet?" she asked.

The accident had occurred just down the street from the high school just a few minutes after school had let out for the day.

An hour or so later, we found out that the accident had indeed been a high school student. A Senior girl, and it had been fatal. It happened to be Nicole's friend from cheer her Sophomore year.

She was devastated.

This hit close to home. She was the same age as my daughter. I couldn't help but put myself into her mother's place.

We had just sent off the money for our high school graduation announcements. So had this mother. We had been applying for colleges. So had they. We had been dreaming of the future and what our child will become. So had this family.

A few weeks later, as Isaac was searching frantically for a lost shoe, he heard sirens behind our house. Isaac looked out the window in his bedroom.

"Mom! Come see! There's been an accident behind our house!" he yelled.

We watched out his window as emergency workers frantically raced around in what appeared to be organized chaos.

I could see mothers in pajamas standing around, looking helplessly on. As daylight started to shine light on the scene before us, I could tell it had been a pedestrian/vehicle accident. They were frantically working on someone on the ground. My heart sunk.

It was the hour when the middle schoolers are off to school. The road behind our house is quite busy at that hour and it had been so dark. I prayed it wasn't a student.

Isaac rushed off to school just as they were putting the victim in the ambulance. It didn't take off. Not a good sign.

Life flight came soon after, landing directly behind our house. They turned off the engine. Things started to slow down. Emergency workers seemed exhausted and their heads hung down. I knew they had lost the fight they were desperately trying to win.

A few hours later, I found out it had indeed been a child on his way to middle school. He was in 7th grade, just like Isaac. In fact, Isaac had had two classes with him, sitting behind him in one.

Again, too close to home.

I thought of this mother- who had just sent her child off to school on what appeared to be a normal day- and now was facing her worst nightmare.

I spent the day crying as I looked out at the scene behind my house. Police tape, fire trucks, flashing lights, news reporters.

We now have a pink memorial on the street we travel on daily reminding us of the young life lost there. Behind our house, a blue memorial.

These constant reminders have helped me to treasure each day with my children. I let them know, just a little more often, how much I love them. I hug them a little tighter. I find more joy in the simple daily events- family dinner, helping with homework, tucking children in.

My heart aches for the families who lost their precious children. And like so many others who have been affected by these tragedies, I will never forget.

Catch up

2011-10-13T16:45:00.009-06:00

I know this is a bit ridiculous, and I do beg your pardon, but I need to play catch up on my blog (for posterity's sake, you know).

So here's how we spent Summer 2011....

We definitely did not do enough of this....
or this....
and can you ever get enough of this? Wet sandy faces. Gotta love 'em.
We enjoyed hanging out at the park with family for a reunion but the water was a bit distracting. Once the boys found it- that was pretty much it.

I never get tired of feet pictures, do you? Just wish I had glitter toes at the time so mine were all sparkly and such. :)
I win the mom of the year award for this one....swimming lessons.

Isaac (12) and Ian (7) have never had swimming lessons. The only excuse I have for this is my own phobia of swimming. But I finally realized it wasn't healthy to pass that phobia on to my children. So both the boys were enrolled and are now good little swimmers.
Love the goggles.....so mysterious.
Isaac can float! We weren't sure he would be able to do that since he has minus 20% body fat. :)
Then there was girls camp. Oh my! I was the camp director again this year and once again, for three months straight, I did or thought about little else. Girl's camp takes over your life and your house- literally.
But it is all for a very good cause I must say.

Fun was had by all- and testimonies were strengthened. So it was worth it all for sure.

We stayed in a lodge by Park City. It was awesome! Don't you love our chandelier?
And the table decorations? It wouldn't be girls camp without table decorations would it?
Some of my cute girls....
They all worked so hard helping in the kitchen or with whatever they were assigned to do!
The skits are always a favorite and this year was no exception. So much fun!
A week before school started, Nicole had her wisdom teeth removed. Her cute face says it all, doesn't it? No fun. It was fun for me though, I got to play nurse. :)
And now to the final event of the summer. One last BBQ with my family where we celebrated my mom and sister's birthdays.
It's all about the decorations I tell you. Tissue flowers have become my new love.
To keep the kiddos entertained and to help us get to know Grandma Rose and Aunt Terra better, I thought up some facts about each of them and the grandkids had to decide who it was about.

It turned out better than I had hoped because after everyone had guessed, the two birthday girls went through them all and shared a little more detail on each one. So fun!
And that my friends, is our summer in one post! Ahhhh. Now I feel better. Thanks for hanging in there!

Senior Pictures

2011-09-30T11:23:00.002-06:00

Nicole came home from school this week with a packet of papers for us to look through regarding her upcoming graduation from High School.

I can't believe it's that time already!

For the past few months, we have been talking about the need to get her senior pictures taken. It's a tradition to have professional photos taken of your senior student....at least that's what I've been told.

So everywhere we go, we are always looking for beautiful venues where her pictures could be done.

Recently we spent a weekend up in Park City and found some very scenic spots to have them taken. And since I am an amazing photographer, we decided to save a few bucks and just take them ourselves.

What do you think?

This one we call, "I'm so excited to finally be on my own and out from under the firm gaze of my ever present father." Didn't I capture the essence of that nicely?
Then there was this one...

It was just such a lovely backdrop that I couldn't resist. Her brothers couldn't resist either.

Speaking of her brothers, this one says, "You can't live with 'em, but I think I could live without 'em."

Ok, here's my favorite one....
It turned out really nice....after I cropped Isaac out of it!
I will definitely be leaving the photo taking to the professionals, and I am definitely going to miss this girl when she's off to college. But for now- we are enjoying every crazy, busy minute of her Senior Year!

My Happy Place

2011-09-28T12:23:00.007-06:00

You know when you are about to have some horrible procedure done....like a root canal or an exam on your nether regions (ladies you know what I mean)? The kind of procedure where you just close your eyes and hope and pray it is over soon? The kind that you try to visualize your happy place so that with the help of your mind, you can escape your current reality?

I'd like to introduce you to mine.

This is my happy place. It's a little off road campsite in Daniel's Canyon.
My family, the Adamson's, have camped at this spot for many years. My great-grandfather was a sheep herder and this is one of the spots where he would bring his sheep. Every year, over Labor Day weekend, we have a family reunion here.

I have so many happy memories spending my last days of summer with my cousins, riding motorcycles, putting on 'shows' around the campfire at night and discovering all the family names carved on the trees.
There is a breathtaking mixture of aspen and pine trees.

One of my favorite sounds is the sound of a gentle breeze passing through the aspen trees. There is nothing more relaxing to me than that sound.
My favorite hike is this one, were one minute you are among the aspen trees and the next minute you are in the cool and dark forest of pine trees.

I took a few pictures along my hike this year that hold special memories for me.

Our kids had a great time this year making memories of their own.

It's one of those places that holds so much hidden beauty.
But when you are there, time just somehow slows down so that you can notice it all.
So if I'm ever in a coma or just have a far off look on my face....now you know where I'll be. :)

The Best Man

2011-09-27T14:20:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago, some good friends of ours finally tied the knot.

Stephen and Anna.

Erik was asked to be Stephen's best man.

I thought it would be fun to document the occasion because it's not every day that you get to be a best man. It was a first for Erik.

Here's the best man checking out some pictures of the happy couple before the ceremony started....(isn't that little guy the cutest thing ever?!)

Pictures of Stephen and Anna hung in the trees....I loved this!
The tables all set for dinner after the ceremony.
Here we see the best man helping Stephen's friend Scott with his boutineer. Isn't that sweet? Oh the many tasks the best man must do.
The best man had Stephen's back the whole time....just in case he passed out or something dramatic like that. For everyone's sake, it all went as planned. It was a beautiful ceremony!
I had to put a picture of the beautiful bride in here too!
After fulfilling his best man duties, Erik headed off to the bar. For some Sprite my friends!
Then he got his groove on! The dancing was lots of fun- I've seriously never been to a reception where the father of the bride did cartwheels and whose dancing put us all to shame!

And then it was all over. A beautiful ending to a beautiful day!
Stephen with his best man- who also happens to be my best man too! :)

What do ya think?

2011-09-13T19:10:00.004-06:00

It has begun....

This is how Nicole (with a little help from her mom and dad) asked her friend Adam to Homecoming this year. We filmed it one weekend while staying in lovely Park City.

You may be thinking, "Isn't this a boy's choice dance?" You would be right, it is. But that's how Nicole rolls.

It's sweet with a little bit of kooky-ness, just like Nicole.

Enjoy!

Scenes from the first day....

2011-08-31T11:36:00.004-06:00

I can't believe summer vacation is over. In some ways I'm thrilled beyond words, in others I'm sad. But here we are, ready or not.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year.

Ian was very excited to start 2nd grade!

I think I was way more nervous for Isaac to start Middle School than he was. He wasn't very thrilled about his mom taking 1st day of school pictures either....but I snapped this one as he walked away. :)
Nicole starts her final year of High School- the look on her face says it all. She's a little stressed about all that is going on at the moment- but she's going to have a great year I'm sure!
This is the gift my children brought home to me from their first day. Piles and piles of papers waiting for my signature promising that yes, my child will be an angel in their class every day and will come TOTALLY prepared. Love it.
And this how Erik and I feel about having the kiddos back on a regular schedule and having a quiet house for a few hours a day.
Happy new school year to us all!

One down, three to go.

2011-07-15T11:18:00.003-06:00

All four of Ian's top front teeth have been wibbly, wobbly for the past month or so.

Finally, one came out yesterday (thanks to mommy's quick pull).

Ian was pretty excited......

and then he lost the baggie that we had put his tooth in for the tooth fairy. He was devastated. He wrote a note to the tooth fairy, promising that he would never lose one of his teeth again.

Then he cried himself to sleep.
In the morning, under his pillow was the money the tooth fairy had left him and this note.

Now he can't wait until the next one comes out!

Being Loved

2011-07-13T08:19:00.007-06:00

Ian's note of warning: "This is a dandelion. Not a drink for anybody. This is a drink for the dandelion."
And just to be sure there is no confusion as to who this floating bloom is for: "For mom. Only for mom. Love from Ian M."

All it takes is a 'not feeling so well' mama to bring out the oh-so-sweet side of my boys.

I must have eaten something that didn't agree with my stomach yesterday because last night it hit me. As I lay on my bed, hand on my stomach, one by one my boys came into my room.

"You're not feeling well?" Ian asked.

"Not so well." I said.

He crawled up next to me and gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek.

His kisses are the best.

They are a little bit wet, but very soft.

And they don't happen very often, so when they do you have to notice and treasure each one.

A few minutes later, Isaac came into my room.

"Are you sick mom?" he asked.

"I think so buddy. My stomach doesn't feel well." I said

"Do you need a bucket?" he asked.

"No I think I can make it to the bathroom if I need to." I said.

Then he proceeded to share with me how he knows when he is about to throw up- hoping that it would help me in some way too.

And in some strange way it did. I think it was the concern in his voice and the fact that he cared enough to share with me in his own way that he has been there and knows how I'm feeling. That always makes you feel better, doesn't it? Knowing you are not alone in your suffering. That someone has been there too and survived?

Erik was just as sweet. He put the boys to bed and then let me lay on his lap for a few minutes. As soon as he could tell I was getting sleepy, he quietly told me goodnight and whispered that he hoped I felt better in the morning.

The morning is here, and I do feel better. As each of my boys greet me this morning, the same look of concern is on their faces as they wait to see if I am feeling well or not.

It's moments like these that make me feel loved. It's not often that my boys are so sweet and lovey. It's moments like these that ease my fears of what life will be like once Nicole is grown and gone and has left me with a house full of boys.

It's a silly fear, I know. But the reality of it hit me awhile back when I realized she will be eighteen this year. She will be off on her own before I know it and the thought of her leaving our little nest causes my throat to tighten and tears to come to my eyes.

But it's going to be alright. I'm going to be well taken care of. I have my boys to look after me and love me when I'm not feeling well.

And she will be a phone call away just as she was this morning, when she called from St. George to say good morning.

4th of July weekend {in pictures}

2011-07-05T15:08:00.006-06:00

It started out wet.....

it was filled with lovely music by Nicole (and Mindy Gledhill), yummy cookies, and watching fireworks from the front yard.....

watching the flags wave in the wind, a wiggly tooth (actually all four front teeth are just about to come out!), and sitting lazily on the front porch.....
a parade with friends, sitting in the park with cousins.....
and fireworks exploding overhead!
Hope your weekend was just as wonderful!

The first and the last

2011-07-01T15:26:00.003-06:00

Today was the boy's last day of school.

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at their first day of school pictures and compare them with the ones I took today of their last day.

Ian on his first day of 1st grade...

and on his last.
Isaac on his first day of 6th grade...
and his last.
I think they both look just a little bit older, and maybe a bit wiser too? I certainly hope so.

Here's to a fun summer ahead!

The end?

2011-06-30T11:13:00.003-06:00

Almost every school day for the past 6 years, I have packed a lunch for Isaac. I can probably count on both hands the number of times in those years that he has chosen to eat a school lunch. He just never acquired a taste for them- unlike his little brother.

Today is the last school lunch of the year. As I packed it this morning, I got kind of excited thinking that this might be the last one I will ever have to make. He has told me that next year he is going to TRY to eat school lunch (is it too nerdy to carry a sack lunch in middle school?).

If not, at least I have 8 weeks off before I have to make sure we have enough bread, chips, drinks, and treats in the house to pack him a lunch.

Here's to 8 weeks off!

Trek and Toads

2011-06-29T10:10:00.006-06:00

Nicole asked me today when I was going to blog about her trek experience. I wish I could have let her take over my blog for the day and share some of it in her own words, but she is off playing at Lagoon today, so here's her trek experience through her eyes (via the pictures she took).

Nicole with her besty, Audrey
and with her main squeeze, Adam (who's not lookin' like a pioneer so much)
with her fellow travelers,
and with her other besty, Jaden.

She came home with some fun stories about running through meadows barefoot, dancing under the stars, all the good food she ate, holding her breath in the biffies (especially the last two days as they got fuller and fuller- gross!) and with two new friends.....
Squishy and Sketch.
We were expecting her to come home with a sunburn, some blisters,lots of dirty clothes and perhaps even a tick or two- but certainly not two baby horny toads.
I'm not sure how I feel about having lizards in my home, having to run out and buy baby crickets to feed them every day, and having their new home be on my kitchen counter. I would have preferred that she leave that part of her trek experience back on the trail- but I'm so glad that she is home safe with us again.

Fathers

2011-06-22T14:35:00.004-06:00

I don't know if you have the same problem I do, but shopping for Father's Day gifts gives me an ulcer.

It's not just the fact that I have wracked my brain trying to come up with gifts for Erik's birthday just days before Father's Day, but it's also that he's the kind of guy that when he wants something, he just goes out and buys it.

A few days before Father's Day, my ulcer was flaring up because I had not a clue as to what to buy for him. When I asked him what he would like, he gave me his standard answer, "a gun and a motorcycle". Funny boy.

I eventually came up with a few ideas, but I wanted to give him something meaningful- something that would remind him of how important he is in our children's lives.

I remembered an idea that had seen before. On a blog? In a magazine? On TV? Not sure. But what I did know was that I knew exactly what I was going to do.

I took a picture of his and Ian's hands,

and with Isaac,
and Nicole.
Then I printed each photo out and put them in a three picture frame. It turned out better than I had hoped.

After Erik had opened all of his gifts, he picked up the picture and said, "This is my very favorite."

My ulcer was healed.

Summertime!

2011-06-21T15:40:00.003-06:00

It's finally here! Can you believe it?

Are you in need of something to cool you off? I wanted to share with you a fun treat that we discovered.

Ice, Ice Baby.

It's a place that you would pass right by if you weren't specifically looking for it. It looks like any other shaved ice stand, except it's not!
It has some pretty unique treats and the prices are oh so reasonable!
The draw for me was custard and the cream....

I fell in love with custard a few years ago while visiting my cute friend back East. I was so happy to find this place right here in good old Utah, and even happier when I discovered this stand just down the street that serves custard too! Mmmmm, custard!
With custard on the bottom, cream on the top of whatever flavor shaved ice you choose- I'm telling you, it's heaven!
Some afternoon when you need a little treat, stop by Ice, Ice Baby and you won't be disappointed!

3701 S. Highland Drive

Flag Day

2011-06-14T10:39:00.004-06:00

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!
~Thomas Jefferson

This Week

2011-06-13T14:42:00.003-06:00

Happy Monday friends!

Here's a few things on my to do list this week...

Taste each flavor of 'Creamies' that are stocked in my freezer.
Hope and hope that the library calls with my book that is on hold.
I will read lots of blogs.
Sleep (it's something I crave more and more since I started working 12 hour shifts)

Work my way through 3 shifts at the hospital.
Enjoy my morning walks with my friend.
Enjoy sitting outside on the porch and around the fire pit at night with those I love most.
Kiss and hug my family!

It's going to be a busy week for sure. I don't know how I will keep up with it all.

What's on your to do list this week?

A special thank you to my in-laws for sharing roses from their garden! They are just what I needed to brighten up my kitchen!

Bugged

2011-06-06T14:55:00.003-06:00

I know.

They give you the heebie jeebies don't they?

Remember how I mentioned something about bed bugs in a previous post? It has taken me awhile to even want to talk about it- but now that we are finished treating the house, I think it's time.

Shannon, this is for you. :)

A few weeks after returning from our vacation to Bryce Canyon, Nicole was kneeling by the side of her bed, pondering after saying her evening prayers. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something move on her comforter.

Upon closer examination, she noticed lots of tiny bugs crawling along the seam. She went and got her dad. He looked at them. Neither of them were too alarmed. So she went to bed.

Now there are several things wrong with what happened that night. I am sure that you can figure them out so I will not list them here. But I mean, REALLY?

The next day, Erik casually mentioned to me that I should look at Nicole's bed. There were some bugs all along one of the seams of her comforter. It took me less than a second to put it together. Bed and bugs. That's all I heard.

I immediately went to her room. There they were. Bed bugs.

Just to confirm my suspicion, I looked bed bugs up on the Internet. Yep. We had them.

We tore her room apart, washing everything we could and bagging the rest. We called an exterminator and set up an appointment for two days later (the soonest they could be there). In the meantime, Nicole took up residence in the family room, and I washed every single piece of bedding in the house and vacuumed like a mad woman.

After our initial treatment- where the whole house was sprayed, including every one's mattresses, I started to rest a little easier. We hadn't seen evidence of them anywhere else in the house.

The treatments in the beginning were every two weeks and then the 5 remaining treatments were scheduled a month apart. The reason? The bugs can only be killed when they are alive. So we had to make sure that we got them as soon as any eggs hatched.

For months, I checked the mattresses for signs of an infestation. But we never really saw any evidence of them other than on her comforter. I guess we caught them early on. Thank goodness Nicole is a good girl and says her prayers!

So here's a few things that we learned from this experience:

-Bed bugs are everywhere. Clean hotels, old motels, apartments, houses and even airplanes.

-Be smart. Don't put your luggage on the ground in your hotel room. Always keep it (and your clothing items) up off the floor.

-When you first arrive, check your hotel room for evidence of bed bugs and if you find them, asked to be moved to a different *floor not just another room. Look for dark tiny spots on the mattress (bed bug fecal matter) or for the bugs themselves (most likely along the seams of the mattress). Also, if your room smells sweet- like overripe raspberries, that's another sign of bed bugs.

* the reason you want to be moved to another floor is that if your room is infested, it is very likely that the room down the hall is as well. They tend to move horizontally from room to room.

-When you get home from any vacation, throw all of your items that are not being washed in the dryer. The heat will kill any bugs that have hitched a ride on your belongings. As for your suitcases, put them in the trunk of your car and park your car in the drive way on a nice sunny day. Bed bugs don't like heat.

-If you do find bed bugs in your home (and this one is hard to do), DON'T stop sleeping in that room. Bed bugs like the carbon dioxide that a sleeping person exhales. They are attracted to it. So if you move to another room, so will they.

There you have it. Our bed bug story. I don't think it will keep us from traveling, but we will definitely be more vigilant in checking our rooms out, and keeping things up off the floor.

I hope by sharing this, it will save you some grief and a lot of money. Only now do I understand the saying "Sleep tight- and don't let the bed bugs bite!" Nasty!

Perspective

2011-05-28T11:52:00.007-06:00

I have a two-sided mirror in my bathroom. One side shows a reflection of things as they are, the other magnifies.

I can get lost in the magnified side. My pores look HUGE as do the little fine hairs on my face. I will find myself, plucking, trimming, squeezing and pulling until my face looks acceptable to me.

Today after washing my face, I looked in the mirror and all looked fine. Then I flipped it to the magnified side. I was horrified! Out came the hair trimmer, the tweezers and coverup.

What changed from when I looked at my face in the mirror to when I flipped it to the magnified side? Just my perspective.

I have found the same thing to be true in my life.

To me, I live life on the magnified side. Everything looks huge and messy and hairy. I can get lost in the 'huge pores' that are my problems. I get weighed down by the 'fine hairs' that others would never even notice.

I have few friends that I can confide in and can trust in their advice and perspective. They don't see me or my life in the same magnified way that I do. From their perspective, they can show me that things aren't really as ghastly or as nasty as I think they are.

During a morning walk, I shared an issue in our family that is weighing on my heart. My friend listened quietly. Then she pointed out something that I had never thought of before- or even realized that I was doing. Because I was so caught up in this issue, (too close to it perhaps) I was unable to see that I was contributing to the problem instead of helping to make it better.

I am so thankful for my friends. They are wise and sincere, honest and inspired. They help me to take a step back from the mirror and see things the way they are- which is usually much different than what I have convinced myself that they are.

Magnified mirrors definitely serve a purpose- to show you that missed black, wiry hair that has grown out of your chin overnight. But don't forget to take a step back and realize that when you examine anything too close, imperfections are sure to be found and those imperfections can make you want to crawl back in bed and never get out.

Thankfully we don't live under magnification. And whatever problems you have- there is always another way to look at them.

You just have to take a step back.

Motherhood

2011-05-09T13:15:00.006-06:00

My Mother's Day gift from my mom (it's a picture of her when she was 2 1/2 years old- the little heart is from the necklace she is wearing in the picture)

Sitting down to write my annual Mother's Day card to my mom is always a daunting task.

How do you adequately put into words and express how you feel about your mom? It's something I struggle with every year.

But this year, I just let go. I sat down with the card and my pen and just wrote. It felt good not to worry if I was sounding too mushy or if my spelling was correct (which it probably wasn't). In the end, I felt that the card came close to saying what my heart was feeling at that moment.

After reading it, with tears in her eyes, my mom looked at me and said, "You give me too much credit."

"What are you talking about?" I asked. "You were and are a wonderful mother. I owe you so much for all that you have taught me. Everything I learned about being a mother I learned from you."

The next day, Mother's Day, I was sitting in church listening to the youth of our ward speaking about their mothers. I started sobbing uncontrollably. The emotion of it all caught me quite off guard. I wasn't prepared for the feelings I felt as I listened to these children praising their mothers.

I felt inadequate. I felt like I was not as good as the other mother's I was hearing about. I felt like a failure. It was ugly. (The feelings I had inside as well as the snot and tears running down my face.)

I felt beaten down instead of feeling inspired to do better. I felt like there was no hope. During those few minutes, I had convinced myself that I did not deserve to be the mother of these beautiful children that God had entrusted to my care. I felt that I was not living up to His expectations. It was awful. It was all I could do to make it through the final two hours of church.

After church, Nicole gave me her Mother's Day letter.

Each line seemed to mend and soothe the self inflicted rips and tears that my tortured heart had endured during the meeting earlier that day.

"I feel the only way to truly thank you and to thank Heavenly Father is to be a mom just like you." she said.

It was the same thing that I had tried to say to my mom the day before (only she did a much better job of putting it into words). But as I read her letter, I had to stop myself when I noticed the same words my mom had said to me earlier starting to form in my mind, "You give me too much credit."

Being a mom is a hard job. But it is also the most amazing, wonderful, joyful, and fun job that one could ever have. And since there is no handbook that comes along with each child- it's one of those learn-as-you-go type of positions, we all just do the best we can. The problem comes when we start comparing ourselves to others. It is never a fair comparison either. It is always a comparison of their strengths to your weakness.

After reading Nicole's letter, I spent some time thinking about motherhood.

I am so blessed to be a mother. But I am not perfect. I am trying, but there are definitely days when I fall short. I truly believe that Motherhood is a partnership with God. And that is where I find my comfort. Where I fall short, He is there to pick up the pieces.

I am so grateful to be a mother. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned because of being a mom. I am grateful for the hard times and ever so thankful for the seasons of joy. Motherhood is a divine calling- and there is nothing I would rather be doing than raising my children.

Yesterday I learned that there is one who would have us feel as though we will never measure up, that we are not qualified, or good enough. But that is a lie. We are exactly the mothers our children need and deserve. God is counting on us to raise His children- He trusts us. And that is all we need to know. That is what keeps me motivated to try harder. To do better.

I am a mother. And it is oh so good.

Dear April

2011-04-29T09:29:00.002-06:00

You disappoint me.

I mean,

really?
Please stop being cold, dismal and snowy and start behaving like you should. You know, warm, sunny, SPRING-LIKE? You have one day left to change your ways.

I'm counting on you.

Here's to sunnier days,

Easter Dinner

2011-04-25T15:07:00.006-06:00

I know Easter has come and gone, but I wanted to share a cute idea that I used to decorate my table for Easter dinner.

I discovered a few years ago that I totally love lamp light (thank you Tiffany!). It makes a home feel like, well, a home. When I saw these little "lamps" in a magazine- I fell in love all over again.

All you need is scrapbook paper, scissors, double sided tape, wine glasses and LED tea lights.
Too cute right?
I think they would be perfect for a Mother's Day dinner- don't you?

You can find the template and directions here.

What do you get....

2011-04-25T14:52:00.005-06:00

When you take a gorgeous place like this.....
and you throw in a bunch of friends.....
with a lot of time on their hands....
and some of those friends are just plain crazy?
This is what you get. Enjoy!

Post edit-
I just noticed the video posted on my blog may be cut in half (like you only see half of the screen). If so, you can also view it here.

And your 2011-2012 Communications Officer is.....

2011-04-15T10:55:00.005-06:00

Nicole!

Congratulations!

So much time and hard work went in to her campaign. It was exhausting- but in the end, totally worth it!

Here's a video of her skit- be patient. The first 20 seconds you will have no idea what is going on. :) I wish it was a better recording- but at least you can get the idea.

One Step Closer

2011-04-13T11:49:00.004-06:00

Nicole has advanced through the Primary elections! Do you know what that means?

Well for us, it means life gets put on hold until this process is complete (which will be Thursday).

It was back to the table to make more handouts.....

This time it was braided bracelets. We cut up a bag of t-shirts that we were going to donate to D.I., and turned them in to these....

Lots and lots of them....
Thank you to the MANY hands that have helped!
We have one more day to 'wait and see'. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for her!

Snapshots of Ian

2011-04-09T16:16:00.003-06:00

seven years old

very excited to be in second grade- in 40 days (but who's counting?)
loves a girl named isabel

cares way too much about what his hair and clothes look like
loves to play with his friends
has a great imagination
loves to play outside- in any weather
says the sweetest prayers
loves to draw

is becoming a very good reader
has a very tender heart
likes spiders and spooky things

gets whiny when he hasn't had enough sleep
has the most beautiful brown eyes
and millions of freckles

wants to be a professional football player when he grows up
weighs more than his big brother
loves to have bedtime stories read to him

there's no one like him

i love you my boy
happy birthday

The Great Communicator

2011-04-08T20:18:00.005-06:00

Nicole is running for a Student Government office for next year.....Communications Officer!

We have been up to our eyeballs in posters, glitter and glue....

This one is my favorite!

We are learning a lot about campaigning. You can't just put up posters. No.

You must have something to hand out, you know, to get you out mingling with the folks who will be voting for you.

The rules are strict though- no food, drinks, stickers, flyers, helium balloons or stamps. No more than $50 can be spent on the whole campaign. So we had to be creative.

This is what we came up with....
Hand stamped necklaces. 200 of them. They say "Vote 4 NRM".

Voting is on Monday. Don't you wish you could vote? I do. I'd so vote for her. :)

Good luck NRM!

The Truth of the Matter

2011-04-07T10:34:00.002-06:00

I've kept you in suspense long enough.

The answers to my truth or lies post......

#1. So very true. I was a 'featured extra' in Together Forever. 14 years old, I earned $500 for one day of filming- and I think in the final cut I am in 1.5 seconds of the film. :)

#2. Big fat lie! I was a dental assistant right here in good ol' Utah after I graduated from high school. Disneyland would have been way more fun!

#3. Yes, it's true. Not a one! The rest of the drivers in our family have made up for my lack of supporting the budget of the police force though.

#4. Again, so true. What was up with that? I do think it led to my love of all things trauma though- hence the nursing career.

#5. True. It's the ONLY time I have ever lied (he, he). Well, except for my last post. :)

#6. Nope and nope. No food allergies and I had worse acne in my 20's and early 30's than I ever did as an adolescent.

#7. True. I love to write!

#8. Yep. And hunny, it really is time for a new car! Don't you think?

#9. Such a lie! I ADORE breakfast! I can't live without it!

#10. True, true, true! I should take some advice from my 16 year old self and return to living on a budget.

#11. This was a fun one to write. And it's a complete and total lie! The truth is, I was dating a sophomore when I met Erik (I was a senior in high school). I dumped him the next day and the rest is history. I never dated either of my brother-in-laws. :)

So there you have it. Thanks for playing friends!!

Fooled ya!

2011-04-01T12:07:00.003-06:00

Happy April 1st!

I used to be really big into April Fool's Day pranks but for some reason I just haven't been feeling it today.

So instead, how about we play truth or lie? This is going to be too easy for those of you who really know me. But here goes.....

1- I was a featured extra in a video that was produced by the church- in fact you probably own this video. (As in VHS- that tells you how long ago this was!) I can't reveal which one it is because then you could watch it and cheat. :)

2- I spent the first summer after I graduated High School working at Disneyland as a princess. Best job ever!

3- I have been driving for 22 years and have never had a speeding ticket. I'm gonna be a mess if I ever do and ruin that perfect record of mine.

4- I was the only child in my family to have to visit the emergency room. A total of 5 times. (fingernail polish remover in my eyes, a huge sliver in my behind, a broken finger, sliced open ankle, and a car accident)

5- I used to work at Adorn Me in the mall. I pierced ears. When a mom would bring her brand new baby in to have her ears pierced, I would lie and tell her the machine was broken so that I didn't have to be the one to hurt the sweet baby.

6- I break out in hives when I eat anything with celery in it. And speaking about breaking out, I had THE WORST ACNE when I was a teenager.

7- I have written faithfully in my journal since I was eight years old. You can only imagine how many journals I have! The 'teenage years' journals should be burned though. Every painful 'he said, she said' detail is in there!

8- I have owned and driven 10 different vehicles since Erik an I were married. That's almost a new car every two years. Hunny- I'm due for a new one!

9- I hardly ever eat breakfast. I'm all about lunch and dinner though!

10- I had an article written about me in the New Era when I was 16 years old. It was on budgeting and a photographer came to Marie Calendar's where I worked and took pictures of me bussing a table. So embarrassing!

And one more just for fun....

11- I had promised to 'wait' for two missionaries before I met Erik. One was already out on his mission, the other was just about to leave. (Was I a player or what!) When Erik came along- it was instantly obvious that I had found my man! I broke the news to them both two weeks later. A strange twist to this all is that one of them ended up marrying my little sister so he's now my brother- in- law. It was pretty awkward at first, but it's no biggie now. He was a much better match for her than for me.

So which ones are flat out lies?

A Bit of Unexpected

2011-03-24T11:42:00.003-06:00

I've had a few unexpecteds happen around here this week.....

1- While making vinegar taffy on Monday with Isaac, I started pulling the taffy before it was cool enough and burned both of my pointer fingers and thumbs. Ouch! That's never happened to me before- at least not while pulling taffy.

2- I fell in love with this book. I thought it would be an OK read, but I seriously could not put it down. I was pleasantly surprised! I'm a hopeless romantic and this was such a great love story. In fact, I'm going out today to buy Erik a pair of Wranglers and a cowboy hat!

3- I got to spend the afternoon with my parents yesterday cutting back the rosebushes at my Grandpa's house. When we got there, we rang the doorbell and after a few minutes, he answered the door wearing only some loose fitting basketball shorts. His body was all oiled up and his skin was red. He had been laying out in the backyard. It was unexpected, but it made me smile. My grandpa is one of a kind. It was an awesome day- spending it working side by side with my parents and serving my grandpa.

4- Erik won tickets to a concert (OMD- do you remember this band? Oh the Eighty's!). He was pretty excited about it- me not so much. I'm always afraid that I am going to get knifed at a concert or something equally as horrible. However, I put my fears aside and accompanied him downtown to The Depot. The concert started at 9:00. In the P.M.! On a Wednesday night! Anywhoo, as we approached the venue, there was a large crowd gathered around waiting to get in. They didn't look like they were too threatening so I relaxed a little. :) As we worked our way closer, we passed a man who was holding up two fingers and quietly asking if anyone had two tickets.

I looked at Erik and said, "We should give ours to him. He looks like he really wants to go." Unexpectedly, Erik stopped and asked him how much he would pay for them. "I don't know," the man said, "how about you give me a price you are willing to sell them for. My fiance just really wants to go and the concert is sold out." Erik paused for a minute and said, "How about $60." The man said, "For how many?" Erik told him two. Quicker than you could say, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, the man shoved the bills into Erik's hand.

"We are in!", he yelled as he flashed the tickets at his fiance. She started jumping up and down and screaming. It was pretty cute.

After putting the money away, Erik and I stood there for a second and looked at each other. Erik said, "What the heck just happened? I just sold my tickets." We walked back to our car that we had just parked moments before laughing the whole way.

Instead of wasting a night out, we decided to stop for dessert. After enjoying our dessert- still shaking our heads at what had happened, Erik reached for his wallet to pay the waiter. He grabbed the wad of bills the man had given him and realized that instead of $60 the man had given him $80. We're not sure if in all of his excitement he overpaid us or if it was something he had meant to do, but it was an unexpected surprise.

I have discovered that sometimes the unexpected- although it can sometimes bring pain and discomfort with it (as in example number 1), can also be quite fun and rewarding. :) Can't wait to see what the rest of the week will bring!

Just What I Needed

2011-03-22T14:48:00.004-06:00

I knew it was going to be a long day when I walked past the nurse's station and saw the board announcing that 10 patients would be arriving from the Operating Room and 4 would be coming from the Emergency Room that day.

My heart sank when I next noticed that my fellow aide, Jimmy, had been put on call.

"10 surgeries and I am the only aide. Just great.", I thought to myself.

On the floor at that moment, there were 12 patients. We had to have 15 in order to have two Aides.

"No problem," I thought. "Three more admits and Jimmy will be called in. It's going to be fine. I can do this."

THIS.

THIS was only my second day as an aide. I had been training for the past couple of months but THIS was for real now. THIS meant that I would be the only one who would be in charge of doing blood sugars, taking vitals, helping with showers and bed baths, helping patients to the bathroom or emptying catheters, hooking and unhooking IV poles, nasal cannulas, removing meal trays, changing linens, filling mugs, etc., etc. Just me.

The first patient came from the OR. I started taking their vitals as soon as they arrived. I would need to do it again 15 minutes later. Then an hour after that, and again an hour after that. Followed again 4 hours later. (Do you see how this can be a bit overwhelming when you have 10 patients coming from the OR in one day? That's a lot of schedules to remember!)

The second OR patient hit the floor about 30 minutes later. We were at 14! One more and Jimmy would be called in. Then I got the page to do discharge vitals in room 319. Now we would be down to 13.

It went that way all day. A patient or two would be admitted, and one or two would be discharged. The census just hovered around 14 all morning and into the afternoon.

I was literally running between patient rooms trying to keep up with all the vitals and answering call lights. At two o'clock, I was frazzled. Overwhelmed and on the verge of tears, I realized that I hadn't taken a break or had anything to eat or drink since 6 o'clock that morning.

I stopped by the nurse's station and announced that I was going to get some lunch- trying very hard not to look at anyone for fear that they would see that I was starting to get teary-eyed. "That's a good idea," one nurse said, "You have been running around all day!"

I went to the break room, retrieved my lunch from the fridge and dialed Erik. I needed someone to tell me it was going to be OK. I still had 5 hours to go and at least seven more patients coming.

Erik didn't answer. As I hung up the phone, I told myself that it was best that he hadn't because I probably would have fallen apart and then would have made a gigantic fool of myself.

I took a deep breath and opened my lunch bag. I pulled out my sandwich and noticed a square piece of paper sitting at the bottom of the bag.

I reached in and pulled it out. I opened the folded piece of paper and discovered that it was a note from Nicole.

"Dear Mommy,
I love you so much! Thank you for all that you do for me. You are the best mom! What you are doing at the hospital is truly amazing and Christ-like! Keep up the good work!
Love, Nicole"

It was just what I needed.

I swallowed back my tears, said a little prayer of thanks for being blessed with such a thoughtful daughter, and ate my lunch ready to face the rest of the day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T15:32:00.005-06:00

No furniture was overturned, and no green milk....the Leprechaun's were nice to us this year.

Instead, there will be green jello and green punch to go with a yummy dinner.....

and green goodies left for each of my favorite little Leprechauns.

Don't you just love celebrating all things green?

A rare opportunity

2011-03-16T16:47:00.004-06:00

Nicole was nominated this year to be in the running for her school's Jr. Prom royalty. She was one of six girls nominated by her Junior class.

Making it to the top six means that you must be in an assembly where you are paraded in front of your peers while a statement about you (that is written by your parents!) is read. All of this was pretty painful for Nicole. The only thing she was excited about was the opportunity to show off her prom dress- which she was so excited about because it was modest (something very rare these days when it comes to school dances).

Her daddy was her escort for the assembly. They walked arm in arm through the auditorium and across the stage with a spotlight on them while the little bragy statement I wrote about her was read. The audience cheered for her!

After a hug from her daddy, she was left all alone on the stage- which was the worst part for her. She said she felt very uncomfortable. But she was beautiful!

And then there were two....
Finally the stage was full- six girls and five boys. The 2011 Jr. Prom Royalty nominees.
Posing for pictures after the assembly....
More pictures on the stage....
In the end, Nicole was not crowned Prom Queen, but it was an experience that she will always remember!

She could have danced all night....

2011-03-16T16:31:00.006-06:00

Jr. Prom 2011.....

Isn't she lovely.....
We had so much fun taking pictures before her date arrived....
Maybe a little too much fun....
Then it was down to business.....Nicole with her date Adam.
So sweet.....

And then they were off for a night full of fun memories to be made!

The Skinny

2011-03-09T11:37:00.006-07:00

"I'm NOT going to school then!" Ian shouted at me.

"Yes you are!" I said back. "I will take you in your pajamas if I have to but you ARE going!"

Now this is not my idea of a great way to start the day. What was all the shouting about you ask?

Skinny Jeans.

We bought Ian a pair about a month ago and it was instant love. He wanted to wear them every day, even resorting to pulling them out of the dirty clothes bin if I hadn't washed them yet.

So this particular morning, I had had it. I put my foot down and told him he couldn't wear them again that week. They needed to be washed!

It didn't go over so well.

So I made him a deal. "Wear your other jeans today, and I will go out and buy you a couple more skinny jeans so you will have more than one pair to wear." I pleaded with him.

He finally gave in and peeled his worn-every-day-for-a-week skinny jeans off and handed them over to me.

Off to school he went with his shoulders slumped and his head hanging low. "The girls won't think I'm cute." he said as he got out of the car.

He is in FIRST grade friends. Doesn't this seem a bit ridiculous to you? Geez.

So, I bought him two new pairs of not just skinny jeans, but SUPER skinny jeans from Old Navy. He fell in love all over again.

As he left the house in his new jeans, his head was held high, he had a bounce in his step and he smiled the whole way to school. As he got out of the car he said, "The girls are going to love me today."

"I'm sure they will buddy." I said. "But don't you think the kids like you no matter what you wear?"

He looked back at me like I had just said the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "Yes, but they like me lots more in my skinny jeans."

What are we in for?

This very moment

2011-02-27T13:26:00.008-07:00

I've read 'this very moment' posts on other people's blogs- so yes, I am borrowing this cute idea. I take no credit for it whatsoever. I just love the idea of taking a snapshot of my life and writing it down so that I can look back on it years from now and remember how good life was- and hopefully still will be!

At this very moment....

I am eating a very delicious sandwich- turkey on wheat with Swiss cheese, with a side of kettle cooked sea salt and vinegar chips. Yum!

I am wearing my most favorite necklace. It's so simple.

It is so quiet in my house that I can hear the fridge running and the clock ticking. I love it!

I am recovering from a 12 hour shift at the hospital- will my feet ever get used to being on them for that long?

I am still in awe at how well Nicole's talk went last night at the youth Stake fireside. What an awesome young lady she is!

I am waiting for the dough to rise so I can make homemade rolls to go with the BBQ ribs we are having for dinner.

It is sunny and 52 glorious degrees.

I have two books waiting to be picked up at the library that I am very excited about.

I am looking forward to spending time with friends at lunch this week.

I have lots of hangnails- I need to drink more water.

I am working on my Sunday School lesson. It's always a work in progress- and always hanging over my head!

I am feeling that 'spring cleaning' bug.

I am reading a book about slavery and am wondering how this ever became an acceptable way to treat another human being?

I am trying to come up with a fun theme for girls camp.

I am texting Nicole. :)

I am doing laundry and enjoying the clean smells drifting through my home.

I am very content.

Random

2011-02-25T09:50:00.003-07:00

Here's some random for your Friday....

I woke up to snow this morning....boo!
But then the sun started shining like crazy and melted the white stuff away....yay!
I am reading a book about Julia Child.
It makes me want to cook fancy dishes and travel to France.
A lady walking down the hall at the hospital said she loved my hair and asked me where I get it cut.
I needed that.
I think my hair is hideous right now.
I hate growing it out.
I am doing it for my main squeeze.
I hope he appreciates the pain and agony it is causing me.
But he's worth it.
I got offered a job last night....while I was AT work.
A doctor at the hospital asked me to come work for him in his office.
Hmmmm.
I have girls camp on the brain.
Time to get things rolling.
My shoulder muscles just tensed up a bit. :)
I love the color green.
I have lots of leafy green decorations out right now.
The color green means hope to me.
I love hope.
I heard Erik singing along to some churchy tunes that were playing on the radio on Sunday.
It made my heart smile.
I am pretty sure there was a smile on my face too.
Speaking of smiles, you should have seen my face when Isaac came back to our bench after passing the sacrament on Sunday (for the first time!).
Ear to ear I tell you.
I love that boy.
He is so much fun to hang out with.
He has the best sense of humor.
I hate bed bugs.
Have I told you our bed bug story?
Nope.
And there is a good reason for that.
I can't think about it right now.
Hurry! Change the subject!
Great. Now I can't think of anything else.
I'm itching all over.
You probably are now too.
Sorry.
I'll end now.
Have a happy and blessed day!
A scam artist from Jamaica with a very thick accent said that on Erik's answering machine at work yesterday (after telling him he had won 1.5 million U.S. dollars AND a Rolls Royce) and now I'm going to say that to everyone I meet.
Yes, I hope you have a happy blessed day my friends.
Has a cute ring to it, don't you think?

Blessed

2011-02-21T21:54:00.003-07:00

For those of you who have children who are of driving age, you will know what I mean when I say that you hold your breath, and pray continuously until you hear them walk through the front door and you know that they are safe.

At the same time, your heart does a flip when you see their cell phone on your caller ID when they are out and about.

Whenever I answer the phone when Nicole is out, I anxiously wait to hear the tone of her voice on the other end of the line. I am always hoping to hear a, "Hi mommy!" instantly telling me all is well.

Friday night, the call came and I found myself holding my breath waiting for her greeting. My worst fear was on the other end of that line.

"Mommy! We were just in an accident! Someone hit us!"

She was hysterical, sobbing and very upset. I did my best to find out the details- making sure no one was hurt, which thank heaven's everyone was OK, and then told her to call 911.

And then I waited for her to come home.

I read something today that put exactly how I felt into such beautiful words.

"When our comings and goings are framed by prayers of safekeeping, returning is a special blessing." (Kate Braestrup)

And that is exactly how we are feeling about this weekend. So blessed.

The Man Cave

2011-02-14T21:51:00.005-07:00

Welcome to the Man Cave.

Isaac's birthday party this year was All Things Men.

There was a variety of 'manly' contests to entertain his guests....rootbeer chugging, best burp, push ups, pull ups, who could eat the most anchovies and sardines, just to name a few.

My favorite contest was who could make the best facial hair. The boys were given black paper, scissors and tape. I wish I could show the picture- it is SO funny! But I haven't asked the parent's permission....you'll just have to trust me. It was so great. There were side burns, unibrows, beards and mustaches of all shapes and sizes. Oh my!

And what were the prizes?.....Only the most manly things would do for these little men.
I can't believe my little man is 12! But he is. It says so right on his Chocolate Bunt cake. :)
A special thanks to Erik, the manliest of men, for running the show and for taking the pictures. I was at work and would have missed it all if he hadn't snapped all these great photos. Thanks hunny!

Hugs and Kisses

2011-02-14T21:36:00.006-07:00

The annual dinner for my loves....
flowers from Erik....
and from Isaac....

Here's hoping that your house looked like Cupid threw up all over it too.

Happy Valentine's Day friends!

Nineteen Years

2011-02-06T14:35:00.005-07:00

once there was a boy named erik and a girl named becky.

his young life was filled with crutches, bruises and pain as he learned how to live with his bleeding disorder. her young life was carefree as she spent hours upon hours dreaming of the man she would someday marry.

he wondered if anyone would be willing to marry him because of his health problems. she happily dreamed about her future.

she was in high school. he was just home from his mission. she instantly fell in love. he liked her legs and her long hair. she dumped her high school boyfriend. he asked her on a date. she knew it was love.

he was afraid to tell her about his health problems. she dreamed of her wedding day. he worried. she loved this boy. he loved her so much he was afraid to lose her.

she kept hinting she wanted a ring. he got up the courage to tell her about his health concerns and what it would mean for the future. she tried to be strong and said they would deal with it together. he was so relieved.

she told her mom with tears streaming down her face and worry in her voice. he bought her a ring. she had to convince her parents everything would be ok. he asked her to marry him. she said yes.

he took her to the temple. she saw eternity in his eyes. he said he loved her. she cried and said she loved him too.

and she still does....

This love story began over 19 years ago. I have now had the pleasure of being married to this amazing man for exactly half of my life. 19 wonderful years of being his bride.

I am so thankful that he chose me. I am thankful that he is always encouraging me to live my dreams, that he lets me be who I am- and that he loves who that person is.

He listens to my worries and fears (and there are so many!) and patiently helps me work through them. He has been forgiving and understanding when the laundry hasn't been done, or dinner isn't on the table when he gets home, or the house isn't as clean as is should be- because he knows that this 'dream' of mine is taking up precious time that used to be filled with being a homemaker.

He is an amazing example of service, charity and compassion. He has the best sense of humor and is so fun to be around. He is a great dad, a wonderful brother, a considerate friend. He still lives with pain and worries, but he never complains or voices his concerns. He lives each day to the fullest and is an example to all who know and love him.

Happy 19th anniversary to you- my dear husband. It has been my honor to be by your side, to grow up with you, to learn life's lessons hand in hand with you and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together- for the best is yet to come!

Twelve

2011-02-03T20:01:00.004-07:00

I can't believe it. He's twelve years old.

He is now the proud owner of a cell phone.

And owner of an xbox game that he bought with his birthday money from his grandparents.
We picked it up tonight...... I only wish my camera had done a better job catching his little 'happy dance' as he came out of the store.
Here are twelve things I love about Isaac (in no particular order)

1. His dimples. I live to see those dimples!
2. He is so thoughtful. He will often give me a shoulder rub- just because.
3. His laugh! It is so contagious. I am going to miss his girly giggle when his voice changes. :)
4. I love that he still wants to be tucked in at night.
5. He is a great help in the kitchen.
6. He's a hand holder. I love that.
7. He will let me put my cold hands on the back of his neck.
8. He is a wonderful middle child. When he tries, he can be best friends with his big sister and his little brother.
9. He is so smart! I wish I could say his math skills came from me but....
10. He is so excited to receive the priesthood and to be able to pass the sacrament.
11. He is starting to like girls. For some reason I just adore this stage!
12. He reads books with me. He snuggles up right next to me and just lets me read and read to him. It's my favorite!

Happy Birthday my boy!

Workin' Girls

2011-01-24T17:13:00.003-07:00

It's true! We now have two working girls in the family! (Erik says he is going to retire now. Funny boy.)

Nicole started her first job about a month ago, working as an assistant dance teacher for Pop Rox dance studio. She teaches 4 or 5 classes (i forget which) one night a week. She is in heaven! She gets to put two of her passions together- dance and children- AND she gets paid!

I started working a local hospital a few weeks ago as a CNA. I am still in training so I can't say that I love it yet. :) Most days I feel very overwhelmed and am on the verge of tears. There is just so much to learn! But each day gets better.

I have been surprised by how much I miss the days of being home with my children, baking cookies, cleaning the house, and doing laundry. Training has been intense (5 days a week, some days are 13 hour shifts!), so I sure have learned to cherish the time I get to spend with my family now. I adore being a mother- and once my training is completed, I will get to go back to a mostly normal 'mom schedule', working only a couple nights a week. I cannot wait for that time to come!

But we are thankful for our new jobs- for the experiences we are having and the opportunity to grow and do what we love. Oh, and the paychecks are nice too. :)

Disneyland

2011-01-22T22:58:00.005-07:00

And now what you have all been waiting for. I give you.....The Vacation.

Our vacation began by flying into Long Beach Airport.

It's such a cute little airport. (Emphasis on little.)

It has a lot of charm though. And the lines are really short!

Across the street from the airport, our rental car awaited us. When the kids and I saw it, our jaws dropped. What the? Are you serious? We are going to be driving around California in this all week? I think Erik was quite pleased. It was a cop car after all.

Just so we would never forget 'Bessie', or 'Clara', or 'Daisey' as it was lovingly called it over the next few days (Erik liked to say that he was driving Ms. Daisey), we took this picture.

If you can't tell, Ian is pretending to be handcuffed in the back. Don't you love it?

Ya, we drove in style, I tell you what.
I also have to include this picture that Erik took of me reading my Kindle. (This one's for you, Christy!) I brought it with me to Disneyland so that I would have something to do- other than people watching, which I totally adore- while the kids were on rides.
We met a lot of characters while in the park. Here are just a few....

But the biggest, and best characters we saw were the ones we traveled with. My sister, Terra, and her cute family. (Somehow the daddy's escaped this photo.) Oh and we also saw a few famous people....Stevie Wonder, Marie Osmond, and Sam (Jenette McCurdy) from iCarly.
This is a picture of the BEST meal Disneyland has to offer. Hands down.

The clam chowder bowl. Soooo good!
As we were leaving the park the last day, we took the famous 'Entrance Picture'.

Disneyland was awesome! The weather could not have been better....the lines were not too long....the company was fun to be with. But it had to come to an end- as all good things do.
The day we left, we stopped at Long Beach.

Taking off your shoes and putting your feet in the warm sand does a lot to lift your spirits- let me tell you!
There you have it. Disneyland 2011.

Magical for sure!

It's over

2011-01-18T21:06:00.004-07:00

As I sit here looking at these pictures, I cannot believe that I was standing on this beautiful sandy beach of California just a few hours ago.

The hot sun rays were pouring down on us, in fact I think I brought home a touch of a sunburn just to prove it, and the ocean was so calm. It was truly beautiful.

I wish I were back there....but alas, the vacation is over and it's back to reality.

My favorite parts of a vacation are:
the day we leave, I love the excitement in the air, all the unknowns of what is to come,
and getting to spend quality time with the people I love most.

My least favorite parts:
the piles of mail and laundry when it is over,
the messages on the answering machine that are waiting for a response,
and having to cook again- although by the end of a vacation aren't you just dying for a home cooked meal?

Now that it is over, I am so glad that I took way too many pictures. We have so many fun memories to hold us over until the next vacation comes our way.

There will be more to share as soon as the laundry is caught up and the messages have been returned. Until then....

Focus

2011-01-03T13:08:00.003-07:00

Less than an hour before the new year would begin, I found a quite spot in the house and with a pen and paper in hand, I wrote down my goals for the new year. I tried to look at each area of my life; spiritual, physical, emotional, social, mental, etc. and thought of one thing I would like to improve on in each of those areas.

After writing it all down, I looked over my list. It was all good. Really good. But, my list was long. My list seemed overwhelming. My list gave me a headache.

But then I had an idea. A flash of inspiration.

If I would take each of my goals, and work on them one at a time, instead of trying to tackle them all at once.....I just might be able to do it.

It is now three days into the new year. I am still working on goal number one, and probably will be for awhile. But it is good. It is really good. And I don't feel overwhelmed. I feel like this just might be my year.

It's amazing how differently things can look when you focus.

Happy 2011!

Bryce (barf) Canyon

2010-12-30T18:36:00.008-07:00

Allow me a scrapbooking moment my dears. *Warning: This may be one of those painful posts where someone shows you way too many pictures from their vacation.....yep. It's definitely going to be one of those.

Our family just returned from a little jaunt to a place that we now lovingly refer to as Barf Canyon. You may know it as Bryce Canyon.

It was sunny and quite lovely on the day we arrived....here is a look at the view from our room. Aren't parking lot views the best?

We haven't done a road trip for quite some time. It's not that we haven't wanted to. It's because our kids just don't seem to get along very well, and in the past, Erik and I have found ourselves using phrases with our kids that we never thought we would use. You know, the ones I'm talking about... "Don't make me turn this car around!", etc.

Surprisingly, the kids did really well and it was quite a pleasant drive.

When we got to the hotel, they amazingly still liked each other and decided to play a game. It was so cute. So I took a picture.
The cuteness didn't last long though. A tired Ian got frustrated and threw a fit. I just happened to have my camera out still, so I took another picture. Don't you love the look on Nicole's face? Priceless.
That evening was spent eating (a lot) and playing in the hotel pool. A nice way to end the day.

But then it got ugly. Nicole started feeling ill. Really ill. She spent the next 12 hours kneeling to the porcelain god every hour, on the hour.

That night, we got a nice dusting of fresh snow. The view from our window. :)
The next morning, we debated about what to do with Nicole. Leave her at the hotel while we go explore the canyon? One of us stay with her? Take her with us on a short drive to see a few things? What to do?
We decided to leave her there, run up to the canyon, drive to a view point or two and snap a few photos and then hurry back. Her last words to us were, "Don't be gone too long."
We started at Unset Point. I mean, Sunset Point. He, he.
I forgot to mention that we were traveling with our friends- I'll call the "S family". Here they are...Katie, Rissy-roo, C-dawg, Wendeline, Heady, and La la.
After snapping a few photos, our friends, who had come to hike for the day started on their way. All of a sudden, I had a strong urge to go with them. I really wanted to hike through this beautiful canyon and the hike they had planned for that day was only 3 miles or so. So Isaac and I decided we would go and Erik and Ian would head back to take care of Nicole. Great plan, huh? I thought so.
So off we went, snapping photos right and left! The pictures just don't do it justice. It is so shocking to see the bright orange rocks against the white snow. The touch of green from the trees just adds to the beauty!
And since Isaac was the only family member with me....I got lots of shots of him. Bare with me.

He had the time of his life! The "S's" are so fun to be with and the girls treat Isaac like a little brother. He got thrown in the snow more times than I can count and had lots of fun having snowball fights.
And I had fun using my new camera taking zillions of pictures. The scenery was so amazing!
So much fun for everyone!
Especially Isaac. Here he is sliding down the side of the mountain. It was quite a ride! I would have joined him but that meant that I would have had to climb back up again and man! I just couldn't do it. One time was more work than I had planned to do. I was on vacation, remember?
So back at the hotel, Nicole slept. And slept, and slept. Only Erik couldn't check on her because I had accidentally taken the keys to our vehicle with me....on the HIKE. Ian and Erik ended up being stranded at the top, waiting for us to finish.....which only took THREE hours. Oopsie. They made the best of it though. They did a little hiking and luckily Erik had his cell phone and called to check on Nicole- who was, you guessed it, sleeping.

Poor baby.
The last day of our vacation, Nicole was feeling much better. It snowed a foot or so during the night and was still snowing when we woke up, but Nicole really wanted to see some of the canyon before we drove all the way home. "All I have seen so far is the inside of the toilet and that wasn't so great!" she said.

It was about -7 degrees with the wind chill, but at least she got to see a little of the magnificent canyon before we left.
She is the best big sister!
Man! Can I tell you how great it was to see that smile of hers?
Did I mention it snowed? Take a look at our darling next door neighbors. They were from Japan. Their little boy was all bundled up and looked like an Eskimo. He was too cute!

See how the view from our window changed over the days? Crazy!
So we piled back in the car and headed for home. The weather was a bit sketchy to start off with......

But things soon cleared up and once again, we were treated to magnificent scenery!
Excuse the amount of pictures....but my good heck! Isn't it just gorgeous!

It was a vacation to remember for sure! We are already planning a return trip for this summer. Hopefully next time we will get to make new memories that don't have anything to do with barf. :)

The good things of December

2010-12-20T16:10:00.007-07:00

Once upon a time.....

There was a mother who was very busy studying for finals. She was stressed to the max (her eye was twitching and everything), but she didn't want to look back on the month of December with only memories of studying and tests. So she made a plan. She would study hard during the day and in the evening she would drag her family out to make some fun memories.

And that is what she did.....

A visit to the Festival of Trees was the first on the list of 'must do's' that month. This was the first time the boys in her family had been to the Festival- and they loved every bit of it from the trees to the treats!

The gingerbread village was a favorite for sure!
Then what to our wondering eyes should appear?

Nicole got asked to go to Snowball by a boy she adores.
Of course she had the time of her life!
Next on the list was a spontaneous visit to Yogurtland! It's a must at least once a month. So tasty!
The night before finals, the family climbed on board Trax and away they flew to downtown Salt Lake to see the lights on Temple Square.
So festive!
So beautiful!
So colorful!
Then right in the middle of the month, Nicole decided to turn another year older. We celebrated with the most delicious chocolate cake ever!
And the BEST birthday party anyone could dream of.

Herod the Fink....you should seriously book these guys for your Christmas party next year!
So with 25 of Nicole's closes friends, we clapped and tapped our toes and ate lots of sugary treats.
She even got her picture taken with the band. Awwww.
And now with only 10 days left in the month of December, what more fun things can we squeeze in? I can't wait to share it all with you!

Nicole, Colie, Colie-polie, Cloe, Baby-cakes, My Girl

2010-12-15T13:35:00.006-07:00

Seventeen years ago today, I started the journey of motherhood.

A tiny, dark haired, baby girl was placed in my arms and looked right into my eyes. I knew she was counting on me. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Day by day, year by year, I have learned how to be her mother. I have made many mistakes a long the way. She has been so forgiving. (I would never want to be a first child- but someone has to do it right?)

Today, I want to say happy birthday to the sweetest, most thoughtful girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Here are seventeen things I love about Nicole:

1- She has a crazy sense of humor.
2- She can laugh at herself.
3- She has such a strong sense of who she is and what she wants out of life.
4- She is the most fun person to be around.
5- She has the. most. beautiful. eyes (don't even get me started on her smile!)
6- She plays the piano almost every day and I love the atmosphere it brings to our home
7- She takes school seriously, but she still has fun
8- She makes me smile every day.
9- She is so willing to help around the house
10- She makes a mean grilled cheese sandwich
11- She loves her room to be tidy
12- She can make seven outfits out of just a few items- I don't think she ever wears the same outfit twice
13- She is a really safe driver
14- She is such a patient and fun big sister
15- She has a darling relationship with her daddy
16- She is always looking for ways to serve others or brighten up their day
17- She is my best friend

Have a very happy birthday my sweet girl! I love you!

Thanksgiving past

2010-12-01T20:07:00.004-07:00

Here I am just getting around to posting about Thanksgiving when it is now the first of December and our thoughts have turned to all things red and green. This will be the last of it, I promise. But I couldn't resist sharing all about our day.

First of all, my birthday party. It was the best! Balloons, presents, and lots of hugs. What more could I ask for? But it only got better....

I got to prepare my first ever Thanksgiving feast for my own family. I had so much fun ironing the table cloths and napkins, decorating the table, making name tags....because what Thanksgiving table is complete without name tags?
It was like Christmas morning for me, I could hardly sleep in! My mind was racing as soon as my eyes flew open. I learned quickly that there is so much that needs to be coordinated to pull off a meal like Thanksgiving dinner. I had no idea!
Pies to be made (OK, a couple were bought), vegetable platters, cheese and cracker plates (to tide the hungry folks over until the turkey comes out), mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, corn, sweet potatoes, turkey and stuffing. Oh my!

And to end the day (after dashing off to see Megamind- such a cute show!), what else but birthday pie!
This year was truly the best Thanksgiving/birthday ever!

Highlights from the day:

1. I got to decide on what and when to eat- no coordinating with anyone else. :) 2. Leftovers! We have never had Thanksgiving leftovers before! 3. Erik got to watch some football. Something he has not gotten to do on Thanksgiving for many moons. 4. I got a Kindle! Oh ya! and 5. The mini facial I got as I poured the water off the potatoes....the steam did my pores good!

Hope your Thanksgiving was just as pleasant!

Happy December 1st my friends!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T13:54:00.005-07:00

Today I am ending my daily thanksgiving series. I have decided to give myself the day off tomorrow....not because I won't be able to find anything to be thankful for (there will be too many things to choose just one!) but because I want to spend the day enjoying every minute with my family.

Today, I am thankful that we have finally made up our minds as to how we will be spending Thanksgiving day. Because of sick children and a few other things that factored in to this decision, we are going to be staying home this year. We will be having our first ever Thanksgiving dinner of our own! I am so excited to spend this holiday (which also happens to be my birthday) here in our own home, together.

I am excited to make pies, to cook a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and veggies galore. I cannot wait to wear my apron all day, preparing a feast for my family.

I am thankful that we won't have to go out in the freezing weather....unless we want to.

I am thankful that I will have the day to haul out the rest of the Christmas decorations...because today our living room is a mix of two holidays.
And I am thankful for you! Thank you for reading my thoughts, for taking the time to comment, and above all, for being my friend. It means the world to me!

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, that you get to be with those you love most, eating the most delicious food, having wonderful conversations, and making memories to keep you warm throughout the cold winter months.

Happy Thanksgiving my friends!

Thankfulness

2010-11-23T20:16:00.004-07:00

**A frosty look through one of the windows in our home.

The blizzard warning this afternoon had me taking inventory in my mind of everything we would need in case we were to get snowed in tonight. Milk, fridge full of food, flashlights, source of heat, medicine. Check, check, check.

Then I waited for each member of the family to make their way home. First Erik, then Nicole, and last the boys.

All safe and sound in our home, we watched the black winter wall slowly approach, while Christmas music played in the background.

It was exciting to watch the crazy weather outside while the news station on TV gave us an even bigger picture of what was happening beyond our front door.

With all the extra family time, we decided to rearrange the furniture and put up the Christmas tree.

With the fireplace warming us, the storm continues on full force as I blog away.

I am so thankful today for one of my very favorite sources of heat....my fireplace.

I hope you are all safe and warm in your homes too!

Thankful- day twenty two

2010-11-22T22:35:00.004-07:00

This pile of clothes can only mean one thing..... Today, I am thankful for a clean boy.

The older he gets, the harder I have to beg.

Just wish I could get him to pick up after himself.

**Maybe posting this picture on my blog will do the trick. How mean is that?

Thankful- day twenty one

2010-11-21T20:52:00.005-07:00

Ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia.

Two out of three kids have each visited the doctors twice in the past few weeks. My kitchen counter is starting to look like Target Pharmacy.

The joys of winter!

Today, I am thankful for medicine. From antibiotics to pain/fever relievers.

So very thankful.

Wishing you all good health!

So thankful

2010-11-20T20:01:00.004-07:00

for a warm house to be in tonight.

It's such a beautiful storm, but I am so thankful that I don't have to be out in it. I am thankful that I can just watch it from my windows while drinking hot cocoa.

Winter is here.

Thankful for....

2010-11-19T10:58:00.002-07:00

videos on YouTube like this one (if you haven't seen it already it really is a MUST). Oh how it makes me smile!

I cannot imagine how many times that little man has listened to this symphony to have each movement down so precisely. There is just pure joy on his face- I'm sure he 'sees' each and every instrument!

I think he should be given the opportunity to conduct it in real life, don't you? What a riot!

Today, I am thankful for the little things that me smile each day.

Thankful for...

2010-11-18T20:48:00.003-07:00

Someday, I am going to miss the sound of splashing and playing while my little one takes a bath.

Someday, I am going to miss the hour long process that it takes to empty the tub of toys before draining the water.

Someday, I am going to miss hearing the imaginary wars and super hero tales going on behind the bathroom door.

Someday.

But tonight I heard and saw all of those things.

Tonight, I am thankful for little boys and all of their toys.

Thanful for...

2010-11-17T21:35:00.004-07:00

all the good things we get to bake this time of year.

I love the smells of something baking in the oven. I love how it warms my home, and brings smiles to the faces of those I love.

Now if I could only figure out how to keep my baked goodies from taking up residence on my hips and belly.

For today, I am thankful for these yummy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Thankful for...

2010-11-16T19:00:00.004-07:00

I love looking through Ian's backpack when he comes home from school and seeing the projects have kept his hands busy that day.

First grade handwriting makes me smile.

Today, I am thankful for little hands and the things they create.

**No wonder he was starving when he got home from school today. Writing about all that food would make me hungry too! Yes I do, I like it too!

Thankful Thoughts- day 15

2010-11-15T14:49:00.004-07:00

Today, I am SO thankful he is home.

5 days of phone calls and texts as our only means of contact was way too hard- we all missed him terribly.

After getting him home last night we talked until late into the night and then I chatted his ear off all morning. I'm sure he was ready to run out the door to work today.

It's just so good to have him with us again.

**I wanted to take a picture of him standing on the curb at the airport waiting for me to pick him up, but there were too many cars zooming in and out that I thought it not wise to drive and snap a photo at the same time. Smart right? Instead, I asked him to drive us home and shot this one instead. I bet he's so glad to be home too. I think he's still seeing spots from the flash! Sorry hunny.

Day Fourteen- Thankfulness

2010-11-14T19:28:00.004-07:00

Today I am thankful for Sunday dinner.

For some reason this meal with my family is the one that I look forward to most. I love sitting around the table and hearing what everyone learned in church that day. In a small way it's a chance for me to hear their testimonies growing.

It's a day that is unhurried, most often calm, where we take a breather before facing the new week ahead.

This is the meal that I start planning for on Monday.

I try to make it a meal that everyone likes. No complaining on this day. I save the 'yucky' meals for the other days of the week. :)

**If you need a really good chicken noodle soup recipe, I have got one for you! It's so good that Erik says he could eat it every night of the week. That's saying something! Thanks again Tiff for the recipe. I think of you every time I make it.

Thankful- day thirteen

2010-11-13T20:12:00.004-07:00

High school dances.

Corsages, boutonnieres, expensive dresses, fancy dinners, the list goes on.

Today, I am thankful that good old pj's were the acceptable dress for Nicole's dance tonight. It saved so much time and money! Thanks just doesn't seem like enough!

I heart Sadies!

Thankful for a lesson learned

2010-11-12T18:28:00.005-07:00

I stopped by the hospital today to help for a few hours. It was early in the morning and I began to do patient rounds to see if there was anything I could get for them.

I stopped by the room of a frail looking man with thinning brown hair. He was in the middle of eating his breakfast of scrambled eggs covered in cheese, hash browns, bacon, toast, fruits, juices and a yogurt.

After introducing myself, I asked him if I could get anything for him, fully expecting him to say no. Instead, he asked me to get him an Italian Ice.

"You may not have any because they were out last night" he went on to say, "so if there are none, please bring me two cups of vanilla ice cream, a Styrofoam cup, and some rootbeer so that I can make myself a root beer float."

I thought his request to be somewhat strange because of the time of day and the fact that he was still eating his breakfast. But I told him I would go and check on the Italian Ice. Before leaving his room I mentioned to him that if there were none, he would have to wait on the rootbeer float because we were out Styrofoam cups for the time being, but that more would be arriving soon.

He said that would be fine, so off I went.

Less than one minute later, I returned to his room with the Italian Ice. "It's the last one!" I said as I handed it to him. He took it with a smile and I continued, "I will check back on you later, when the cups arrive to see if you still might like to have a rootbeer float." Then I left his room and went off to the next patient.

About 30 minutes later, I was walking past the nurse's station when the charge nurse said to me, "You forgot to bring my patient a rootbeer float." She seemed annoyed which surprised me. It hadn't been that long since I had brought him the Italian Ice. I had forgotten to check to see if the cups had arrived but I hadn't expected him to be that anxious to get his float.

I went to his room, and after knocking on his door, I slowly walked in. He was eating his rootbeer float. "Are we still friends?" I asked him with a smile. "I'm so sorry I didn't come sooner and that you had to ask your nurse to get you the float." I said.

I expected him to say it was OK, not to worry, etc. Instead he said, "You need to start carrying around a notebook so that you can write these things down. I know you get busy, but you shouldn't forget."

I wanted to tell him it had only been 30 minutes, that he was still eating his breakfast for heaven sakes, that he had JUST eaten an Italian Ice, that there was only one of me and 32 patients and that I WOULD have come back eventually.

Instead, I said, "You are right. I need to do that. I shouldn't forget."

I have been thinking a lot about this man and what he said. At first I felt like I was being unfairly criticized. I'm a volunteer for crying out loud! I often do get busy running errands here and there for this nurse or that and most days only get to each patients room once in four hours. But then I realized that he was trying to teach me an important lesson. He was trying to teach me how to give better care and to realize that these patients are relying on us to do things for them that they cannot do for themselves. And that thirty minutes can seem like hours to someone sitting alone in a hospital room.

A rootbeer float seems like a trivial thing to you and I, but to a patient who perhaps hasn't been allowed to eat anything but a clear diet for days and has just been cleared for a regular diet again, this type of thing can be huge to them.

I'm grateful for this man. Grateful that he took the time to teach me this lesson instead of just saying that it was OK.

Today, I am thankful for the lessons I learn each time I walk through the hospital doors.

Thankful- day eleven

2010-11-11T20:16:00.004-07:00

Need I say more?

Tart, ruby red little beauties- the fruit of the gods (in my opinion).

I am thankful for Pomegranates this time of the year.....it means Christmas is coming my dears!

Thankful for Prayer

2010-11-10T19:10:00.005-07:00

I had an overwhelming and stressful day today and there were two specific times that I was in serious need of immediate relief from symptoms I was experiencing that were distressing me and were distracting me from the nursing orientation I was attending.

On two separate occasions, I mentioned this to two different people I was texting (I KNOW! texting during an orientation.....shameful!). I asked them to pray for me. Almost immediately after, I felt relief from the symptoms I was experiencing. I KNOW that prayers are answered!

Today, I am so thankful for the power of prayer.

Thankful-day nine

2010-11-09T21:38:00.003-07:00

After a long, busy day, I am so very thankful for my soft, warm bed to climb in to tonight.

*It's very tricky to take a picture of yourself in bed! :)

Thankful Thoughts~ day eight

2010-11-08T20:02:00.003-07:00

I had such high hopes for today. Really high hopes. The boys were going back on track, the house would be quiet again, time to myself, ahhhh.

But it was not to be. At six thirty this morning, Nicole climbed in my bed and I knew she was still suffering from the flu that had her down all weekend.

A few minutes later, Ian was standing next to me telling me he was scared and that his room was haunted.

So much for sleep.

I tucked Ian in my bed and got up. I looked outside. It was raining.

A few minutes later, Isaac walked in my room and informed me that his head and stomach were hurting.

So my quiet day to myself quickly came to and end before it even began.

Two children home sick, a cold and rainy day, and then add to that the fact that I had to out in it to go grocery shopping (my least favorite thing to do), and you may be thinking, "What is she thankful for?"

Let me tell you.

Today, I am thankful to be a mother. Thankful that I have three children who need me. Who wander the house looking for me when they need sympathy, need a hug, a reassuring word, a hand to feel their forehead, a dose of medicine, someone to tell their bad dream to, someone to feed them, someone to take care of them.

Being a mother is a wonderful thing. And sometimes it takes a day like today to remind me just how lucky I am.

A Day of Thanks

2010-11-07T17:56:00.003-07:00

I have used this picture in a previous post, but I have very few to choose from when it comes to pictures of my hunny. (He likes to pose when I take his picture- flashing gang signs, cheesy grins, sticking out his tongue.) I need a good one of him today. Because today, I am thankful for this man.

We have a couple of sick children and he volunteered to stay home from church to take care of them today. (Actually, we drew straws and I lost.)

The reason I am thankful for him on this day is because after church, as we walked through the door, we were greeted with an amazing aroma.

Dinner.

It was such a nice surprise, and so very delicious.

Today I am thankful for my sweet husband and all that he does for our family.

Day Six- Sunshine in my Soul Today!

2010-11-06T14:01:00.005-06:00

Stormy weather is just around the corner. The sunny warm days are quickly coming to an end. So today, I am thankful for one last sunny, warm morning. Today's sunrise was especially beautiful!

A special note to Mr. Sun,

Please don't be a stranger. Know that you are welcome to enter through my windows any day of the week. Don't feel silly if it's the middle of Winter and you want to warm things up a bit down here. It may be unusual, but certainly not improper. Don't be afraid to mix things up a bit. I will welcome you with open arms!

See you soon?
Love,

Thankful for friends

2010-11-05T11:49:00.006-06:00

Two days a week, I get to have this friend to myself for one whole hour while we walk the streets of our neighborhood. And for that hour, we talk non-stop, solving the world's problems. We figure out life's mysteries, and those we can't figure out that day, we save for another.

She is wise, thoughtful, loyal, and so beautiful in every way! She makes exercising something that I completely look forward to.

Today I am thankful for friends like Christy.

*Please forgive me for sneaking a shot of you this morning :)

Thankful- day four

2010-11-04T17:38:00.006-06:00

For eight hours every week I get to be a small part of what goes on here.

The third floor.

I love the energy of this place, the healing happens.

Each day is different, each hour, each minute. Different stories, different circumstances of why the patients are here. Each is unique, but yet the same. They all need to heal. I love being a part of that.

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.

thankful thoughts~ day three

2010-11-03T18:46:00.003-06:00

Today I give thanks for the lovely park that entertained two boys who have been so terribly bored these past few weeks while they have been off track. Even though they fought like an old married couple the whole time we were there- at least it was a change of scenery for us all.

Thankful for this girl

2010-11-02T20:47:00.003-06:00

Tonight Nicole received her Young Women's Medallion. This is HUGE! Like Eagle Scout Award huge. So huge that today's thankful post gets 3 photos instead of one!

After the bishop awarded her with her Medallion, we surprised her with flowers (her brothers brought them to her, it was precious!).
Today, I am thankful for this beautiful young lady who inspires me everyday. She makes me want to be a better mother, a better friend, a more positive person, more service oriented. She amazes me.

She was the first to call me mother- a name I adore. In her (almost) 17 years, she has taught me so much and has been so patient with me as I have learned how to become the mother that she needs.

I am so thankful for her and for the wonderful young woman she has become.
Congratulations Nicole! I love you!

Be Thankful Always

2010-11-01T20:50:00.005-06:00

Hello November! I can't believe this, but I am happy to see you. (Not because you are the month of my birth, not because you bring us really yummy food, and not because I get to decorate the house with lots of orange (my fav!)) No, I am happy it is November because this is the month that I get to stop and think about all the blessings in my life.

I came across this blog, which is inspiring people everywhere to stop and notice the blessings in their lives.

I used to keep a daily gratitude journal, jotting down one thing each day that I was grateful for. I did this for 3 straight years.

I have missed it. So in honor of the month of 'thanks', I am going to do a portion of the 365 Grateful Project by taking a photo of one thing that I am grateful for each day and posting about it. I hope you don't mind.

Today, day number one, I am grateful for this little lady. She caught a mouse in our house. An icky, disgusting, quick, tiny brown mouse. Ewwww.

I don't love having a pet. But today, I am ever so grateful that I have a cat.

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:52:00.001-06:00

We had a fun night carving pumpkins, dressing kids up, a carnival at the church, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, and then watching the kids sort and count their candy when they were done.

Isaac with his 'Jazz' pumpkin. At one point he said, "We are going to be carving this until 10:00 tonight!" It turned out so cool!

"I think she needs more hair" and "Ew! Pumpkin just flicked into my eye!" were my favorite comments of the night from Nicole.

"I'm so good at this!" said Ian, multiple times as he carved away. :)

Some of my other favorite quotes from the night.... "I love wetness!" -Ian

"Is pumpkin good for your skin?" - Isaac

"My hands smell like guts." -Ian

And now that it's over and the Holidays are upon us- I will take a deep breath, put the Halloween decorations away and turn on the Christmas music to see if I can get in the mood! Because ready or not- November starts tomorrow! Oh my!

~~Happy Halloween!~~ Happy Holidays everyone!

Mazes and Pumpkins

2010-10-31T09:55:00.000-06:00

There is nothing like waiting until the last minute to post about our Halloween activities. But better late than never right?

Going to a local pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect pumpkin has been a favorite tradition for the past few years.

To add to the fun this year, we added another activity in the form of a corn maze and a hayride. Doesn't Erik look like he is having way too much fun?

A shot of the rest of the family....Ian likes to move around a lot.

We are rule breakers. We will admit it. The corn maze we went on should have taken 30-40 minutes. We completed it in about 15. I think we did less than a fourth of the maze in all. We discovered that we don't enjoy corn mazes all that much.

But it makes for some cute pictures.

And this picture is priceless. Cutest little animals ever.

Playing Catch-up

2010-10-30T11:36:00.006-06:00

A lot has been going on around here- too much in fact that I have had no time to post. But before Halloween has come and gone, I wanted to share a fun project that we did to help spook-ify our house. :)

Melted styrofoam cups. They make really cool ghosts.....see for yourself.

BONUS: It's a great way to entertain a couple of boys who are off-track.
Spooky, right? We ended up with about 50 of these little ghouls floating around our house.
I also want to share how Nicole got answered to Sadies. Her date put up a large spider web on our front porch with this note right in the middle....
there were about 100 little spiders all over and each were attached to a small piece of paper that said some random thing. The one with the answer said, "Ahem....Yes! I would love to go to the dance with you!" So creative!
Oh and then there's the snow. Oh the snow.

This is the best kind of snow though- the kind that makes the world white in the morning, is just enough for the boys to build a snowman and then is melted by the afternoon. I really am not ready for this.
Happy Halloween!

Everyone deserves a friend like this

2010-10-22T12:37:00.002-06:00

These wonderful treats and note were left on my porch early this morning, just waiting for me to find.

There is nothing better than to know you were thought of by someone.

Thank you to my 'friend' for being that someone for me today. It means so much.

Not only have you made my day, but you inspire me to want to be a better friend.

Thank you.

For me?

2010-10-13T19:53:00.005-06:00

It's been a long week. Studying for a biggie test in patho sucked the life out of me. I felt drained. Mentally and physically.

So Wednesday morning after the test was over, I decided to take my friend's advice to do something nice for myself. She frequently reminds me to do this- she is so wise.

So, this is how nice to myself I was....

First, I drove to the D.I. and dropped off the car load of stuff that had been in there for over a week just waiting for me to have a few minutes to do it. It felt so good!

Then, I stopped at a store and bought this cute jacket for a steal....

and this darling scarf......I wish the picture was better, the colors are so pretty and bright!
and then I put them together. Don't you love the background in this picture? Nice.
I do have to say that I'm not advocating that you run out and spend money on yourself, although every once in awhile it is fun to do that too, but when you do something nice for yourself, you will find that a happier you it will make!

So I pass my friend's advice on to you- the next time you find that you're feeling spent, make sure to be good to you. It can be as simple as giving yourself time to read a favorite book, going on a leisurely walk, curling up in bed and watching your favorite TV show, taking a nap, or even buying yourself a little something. And the most important thing- it's a MUST- do this with no guilt attached!

Smile

2010-10-13T19:26:00.004-06:00

Football season came to a close for us last weekend.

I am smiling.

Not just because we now have our Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays back to ourselves, but because the boys had so much fun playing. It was all worth it.

I smile because of this darling headband that came in the mail. Wouldn't you smile too?

Do you remember the last time you chewed a gumball? I do. It was today and it made me smile.
This lemony good cupcake, from a darling bakery in Midway, brought a giant smile to my face. Mmmmm. It was so good!

I hope you find that there are lots of little things in your life that bring a smile to your face too!

Today

2010-10-06T10:15:00.002-06:00

Today, I love him because....

this morning when I went to wake him up, he was busy putting together this puzzle. He is always working on a puzzle and often I will find him sitting at his table late at night or early in the morning putting one together.

I also love him because today he told me that he doesn't want to spend his tooth fairy money because it is special. "It's from a fairy!"

Today, I love him because.....

he knew I would be in to wake him up and he thought he would play a trick on me and make it look like he was still sound asleep in his bed. Pillows for his 'body', a football for his 'head'. I love his mischievous side (how many mothers can say that?) and I love how he flashes his dimpled smile at you when he knows he is being clever.

I also love that he still wants me to read books with him. We are reading a novel together and I love sharing it with him as he snuggles by my side. I love the questions he asks about the characters, knowing he is getting into the story as much as I am.

Today, I love her because.....

she still let's me in. She shares her worries and concerns, her joys and hopes, her stresses and feelings with me. I feel so lucky to be her mom and to be so close to her. I remember being her age just like it was yesterday and it's tough. There is a lot of emotion that plays a part of the high school years and I'm grateful she shares the good, the bad, and the ugly with me.

I also love that she cares about my opinion. She really wants to know what I think and she isn't afraid to ask for advice- anything from what I think about her outfit to relationship advice.

Today, I love being mom to these three amazing kids. I love that we are together under the same roof sharing these moments together. Today they are mine. And for that, I am grateful.

Weekend

2010-10-04T15:27:00.003-06:00

This weekend brought a concert, flag football,

more flag football,
and gorging myself on these lovelies.
But most of all, it brought General Conference. The words were exactly what I needed, especially President Uchtdorf's talk. Oh I so needed to hear what he had to say. If you missed his talk like I did, due to football games, go here to listen. You will be so glad you did.

What a Night

2010-10-02T22:10:00.006-06:00

I want to apologize in advance for the many photos that accompany this post, but this is how I scrapbook people.

Provo.

It is a town that people have many opinions about. I happen to have a very soft spot in my heart for this place. And that soft spot grew just a little bit bigger on Friday evening as we were one of the lucky ones who were able to attend an event known as the Rooftop Concert Series.

Friday's performing group was Lower Lights, part of a group of local musicians who came together in a time of need to put on benefit concerts for the sweet Stephanie Nielson of NieNiedialogs.com. This was her sister Courtney's way of saying "thank you" to this group by allowing them to perform songs from their new album for all of us. And the cost for us to attend, free.

The concerts have been going on all summer, on the rooftop of a parking structure in downtown Provo.

When I walked up the last flight of stairs to the roof, this was the first sight that I saw. I instantly knew I was going to love this event.

Charming is the word I would use to describe it.

Every little detail was thought of. The lighting was perfect.
The audience sat on blankets and chairs filling the rooftop to almost over flowing.
The weather could not have been better- it was warm most of the evening as the heat from the rooftop radiated up to us.
The stage was simple, the sound so clear.
The music was lovely. The performers put on quite a show.
We visited with the oh so lovely Mindy Gledhill afterward- and I was so excited to see her that I completely forgot to tell her what a wonderful job she, and the whole Lower Lights group did. Please forgive me Mindy!
But the best part for me, besides sharing this night with our dear friends, was meeting the one and only Courtney of cjanerun.com.

She was gracious, funny, warm and friendly. She was so kind to listen to my blabbering about how my parents are in her ward and how she bought my mom's yellow chairs and on and on and embarrassingly on. I'm sure she was exhausted from her busy day, but she laughed and visited with me and even posed for a few pictures. And I mean posed! Thank you Courtney! I will see what I can do about getting you that scarecrow in my mom's yard that you have had your eye on!

And thank you Christy for being such a great photographer!
Provo has always been a dear place to me. I spent many happy, carefree summers there as a child vacationing at my grandparents home. That home is now where my parents live so the wonderful memories are still growing.

I love being in this town, I love the trendy new restaurants that are popping up all over, I love walking down center street, and I love these summer concerts.

If you haven't been to Provo in awhile, you must. And perhaps you will even be lucky enough to catch a concert on the rooftop.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2010-10-01T16:31:00.002-06:00

Christmas??? What the?

This is Rudolf, made by Ian after school this week. He's a little confused about which holiday is coming next. So, I thought I would help him out....

Here's a little peek at Halloween at our house. Spooky, right?

Happy October 1st!!!

Seasons Change

2010-09-27T13:04:00.002-06:00

What better way to welcome a new season than to change up your bedding.

Welcome Fall. I'm glad you're here.

Homecoming 2010

2010-09-27T12:33:00.004-06:00

Homecoming has come and gone. Forgive me (Nicole) for being so behind in getting this post up.

Nicole and I shopped for a couple of hours before coming across this dress. She instantly fell in love with it- and who can blame her, it's darling!

There is a funny story to tell about it though. Remember back in the day, when you would go to a dance, how you would hold your breath until you saw that no other girls were wearing the same dress as you?

Well, as it turned out, the ONLY other girl wearing the same dress as Nicole that night happened to be a girl in her very own group.

Group pictures.

Need I say more? It's a good thing Nicole sees how trivial these things are. She just laughed.

Another dance, another memory. And only one more Homecoming dance to go. These high school years are going by so fast!
**Nicole with her date, Juan.

Two Brothers Apart

2010-09-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

Just in case any of you are having the same 'issues' with your children getting along and loving each other (is it the fact that they are 5 years apart in age or the fact that they are boys or that fact that they are 6 and 11 or that fact that they are siblings and that's just how it is? sigh.), I want to share something with you.

The other night, things were particularly sad around here, and it just happened to be family night. So in a flash of inspiration, I turned to the trusty MormonMessage's For Youth Channel on YouTube for help. This is what I found.

It has worked wonders.

It made my boys think about their relationship (ok, mostly the 11 year old is thinking- the 6 year old just reacts to how he is treated by big brother) and wow, I am loving the changes I see.

It is amazing how powerful family relationships are. This video does a wonderful job of pointing that out.

Enjoy.

*Warning: It's a two hankie watch

Sore

2010-09-21T14:13:00.003-06:00

Erik bought the P90X DVD's.

He asked me if I wanted to join him.

I couldn't let him show me up.

Cuz I'm in way better shape than him.

I lasted until halfway through the lunges.

He lasted a full 10 minutes longer than me.

Two days later, I still need help getting up off the potty.

As for Erik. He's moved on to disc two.

I'm just going to stick to walking.

Ouch.

Friends

2010-09-20T12:25:00.003-06:00

A few months after moving into our first home, I was attending choir practice when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to the woman behind me, who introduced herself as Wendy. She said that she wanted me to know that if I ever needed a babysitter, she had a daughter who would more than love to watch our little Nicole.

A week later our family was invited over to Wendy's house for dinner. And to this day, 16 years later, she remains one of my dearest friends.

Wendy was and still is a woman who always had much to do, but she made you feel like you were the best part of her day when you stopped by to visit.

Nicole and I would often find ourselves walking a few houses down to Wendy's house to spend the afternoon. I would sit at her kitchen table while she loaded the dishwasher, ironed a pile of laundry, or mopped her kitchen floor.

The whole time she would happily visit with me, listening to what was going on in my life, and would often share her wise opinion with me. Wendy is 11 years my senior and I always looked to her for advice (and still do!).

We spent eight very happy years being neighbors to our dear friends. There were many dinners shared, game nights, movies watched and even a few camping trips. We were treated as family and were invited to many of their extended family events and came to know and love them as well.

I still remember the day we told them we were moving to another house, to another part of the valley. I tried to reassure Wendy, who had tears in her eyes, that we would still be close and would remain dear friends forever.

She wisely said, "It's just not the same."

I look back on that time with such fondness, wondering sometimes why we ever chose to move. Life was simple back then. I seemed to have so much more time to sit and visit with friends.

I am happy to say though that we still remain dear friends. There have been times when our lives have gotten busy and we haven't been as good at keeping in touch as we should. But when we do, it's as if no time has passed since we last saw each other.

I am grateful today for dear friends. I have been blessed with a small number who hold that title. Some I get to see more often than others. But I think about them often and feel so very fortunate that they are part of my life.

Thank you my friends, for your love, your advice, your time, your smiles, your thoughtful gifts, your service, your texts, emails, and comments. I want you to know that I do not take any of these things for granted.

What would we do without friends?