The Pressley Homestead

Inspired for 2012

2012-01-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

I always get so inspired and motivated with a new year. I just want to attack all my bad habits and just become the person I want to be RIGHT then! I know this is very unrealistic and the becoming is in the process, not the destination. With that said, that is why I am approaching things differently this year.....Baby Steps is my new motto.. not burn out!!!

I am not going to throw myself into a thousand different things and hit burn out in three months. I am going to eat an elephant (as the saying goes) one bite at a time. My focus areas: routines- morning and evenings, not only mine but the kids too, organizing and beautifying, spirituality, time for me, and time for family fun. And of course budgeting!

For lack of time, I am only showing my small successes with the organizing part. I can't express how gratifying it is to make something more functional. My "zone" this week is the kitchen. So I sat down and thought what gives me the biggest headache about kitchen stuff and it was my pots and pans mess. I hate bending and digging and shoving and cussing. So I got online and looked at what options were out there and found this!

These were from Home Depot and cost $20 each. I love them so far! I don't have to dig around anymore and I feel so organized and I think it looks organized too!

My cabinets present some challenges. First, they are super small and second there is a gas line that goes down the middle. This shelving was cheap compared to what is offered online but I would rather start out cheap and see if this set up will work and then once they wear out get good ones instead of drop the cash and realize I don't like the system.

By doing this small thing I freed up TWO drawers! Instant gratification.

I felt so good I kept going and did this little drawer. I got the idea off a site and really thought it was clever. I have never grouped such items together before but to me makes perfect sense.

This horror is next in line. I hope I can make some sense of these. If nothing else knowing I posted these pictures online and need to show that I did remedy this dilemma will be just the motivation I need to finally tackle this pantry job!

Here are the books that I am consuming slowly. I have already read "Sink Reflections" and can not say enough about this lady. I am very inspired by her and she is the one that taught me about home zones! I'm reading a few of the others now and am loving them!

Thank goodness for smart, inspired, creative, wonderful and caring people who write and share so I can benefit and improve!

2012 is going to be great!

Carson

2012-01-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

My handsome second born is now six years old! Carson is really starting to phase into another stage. He is acting way more independent and wants to do things himself and will get very vocal if you try and do other wise with him.

His special birthday dinner that he requested was spaghetti's, green beans and applesauce with apple juice to drink. I did not particularly care for this dinner but he seemed to enjoy it.

I really do think that this is the first birthday cake I have ever attempted to make and unfortunately it looks like it too. He was so sweet because I was telling him I would do better next time and he said it was great and he loved it.....that's all that matters then, right?

I can't help feeling a little guilty that he gets robbed a bit for his birthday celebration. I am kinda burned out on the whole "celebrating" when his birthday roles around. I think we will have to have a special party for him when the weather gets nicer.

A few tidbits on Carson
Carson is into playing the x-box a little more now. He is kind of a tough kid to shop for because he doesn't play too much with toys and the ones that he does say he wants don't keep his attention for long. He loves to boss Morgan around and have her play his games the way he makes the rules. Its funny how he has had to put up with Cole bossing him around for so long now that he can finally exercise that dominion over someone else now, (Morgan) he is taking full opportunity of it.

He is super easy to have get ready for school. His schedule is every day from 12 to 3:30 but on every other Wednesdays he goes from 8-1:30 and on the other Wednesdays he doesn't go at all. Confusing...yes I know. He looks forward to going all day...I hope that sticks.

His favorite color is blue, his favorite toy right now is his MP3 player, and his favorite cartoon is Cars 2. What makes him the most mad is when Cole messes with him but he loves to play with Cole even though it always ends in fights. The love/hate relationship of brothers.

Carson is a lot like his daddy. He will only take so much picking on before he really looses it. When the boys get to wrestling and Cole finally pushes him hard enough Carson will whip out his "fists of fury" we call them. It is just as it sounds, he will come at you with all that he has and his little fists are going crazy....they may be little but don't get in the way!

This little boy can have some really good melt downs, which typically occur when asked to clean a really dirty room. He is the type that will tell you he will do it and then not, but when asked he will say he has. When caught he will smile and come up with some bizarre off the wall thing what happened.

One of the many great things about Carson is how considerate he is. He notices the small and compliments. He is easy to read when he is pleased and his smile will light the whole room. I love him more than I could ever say. He brings so much light, love and great insight into my life. I love my little carsonator!

Family New Year's Eve Party

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to do snack foods for bringing in the New Year. Lay them all out and we could just pick throughout the night. I really should do this more often because I didn't hear one dinner complaint or "I'm still hungry", it was great! A little meat, crackers, cheese, veggies, and fruit. Topped off with a little homemade sheet cake.

I try to do stuff we normally don't do to set special nights apart, so I suggested to eat in the living room on a blanket. Not the best idea, but we persevered and attempted to talk to the kids about goals and why we make them.

I think after Carson kept doing summer salts on the blanket and Morgan was flipping her hair into every one's dinner plate I kind of started loosing my patience. Then add a heavy dose of Cole's stunts into the mix and I ended up with a full scale, mini, melt down.

Carson had just got into trouble by dad, and I was threatening everyone within an inch of their life to leave their party hats on and just look at the camera. (I had another picture that would really convey what was actually going on but I want to look back and remember the "happy" times.)

We all had a brief time out and came back together to eat some cake. Cole had gone to his room to whip up this quick apology note, which won me over very quickly!

Carson soon recovered from his crying fit and was happy again.

And Morgan totally enjoyed the cake and then decided to jump onto the "I'm sorry bandwagon" too.

It was a good night. We made it through and it was still fun. The kids made it to 11:30, but I was out by 11.

Pampered

2011-12-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is what happened when Morgan went to go run errands with dad.

This little girl LOVES her nails done, loves to dress up, loves all the super girly stuff! So I thought this was so special for Mike to go and spoil her like this. She is a total daddy's girl and it made me almost want to cry when I saw that he had gone and done this for her..totally out of the blue.

Here is the finished product. She was more than happy to show them off to everyone too!

The Christmas Desk

2011-12-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

So this is the little beauty I found on KSL for $20.00. Cole gave us a list of 17 items that he was requesting for Christmas. They were things like paper, scissors, envelopes, pencils...basically anything that was office related or craft related. To my pure delight after gathering these items and purchasing them his budget was only half way used. So I thought it might be fun to give him something that would house all of his "stuff".

I found the desk and Mike went and picked it up. To my surprise he said he wanted to fix it up!

I am so glad that he did because I wouldn't have even come close to how good this looks. On the side that Cole will sit at he painted on a dry erase section. (I didn't even know you could do that!)

He put such detail and care into it I was totally jealous that it wasn't going to be mine. Cole of course was in heaven when he found out it was his.

I love these DIY projects that don't cost that much! And I love that my incredible husband would take such time and attention to detail and do this for our son. I'm in love with the desk and my hubby!

Chistmas Roundup of 2011

2011-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

For some crazy reason I always get the bug to get crafty around Christmas. I found the cutest idea for a family advent calendar of fun things to do together. So I was able to hunt down the tools I needed (thanks mom and Audra) and put one of these together.

One of the nights was to put your kids down as usual but then after you tuck them in tell them to get up and get their coats on. We had hot chocolate waiting, the car running, and Mike drove us around while we listened to Christmas music and looked at the lights.

Here is a picture of our ward Christmas party. (As usual I forgot to bring my camera...had to use my phone one) Cole and Morgan were angels and Carson was a wise man. It was cute...anything with your kids in it is cute!

We went to Idaho and spent a few days there with family. We first stopped at my Aunt Kathleen's to have a little get together with Paul and Shana's family. So fun as usual!

Here is Morgan with her cute little cousins roaming around outside.

Morgan was pretty amused with this talking Santa Paul was holding. You could ask it questions and it would answer you back.

Carson decided to play with Shana's hair. She was in heaven and he thought it was pretty funny she was letting him have free rein.

I have always been really close with these guys. I spent a lot of great weekends out at my Aunt Kathleen's when I was growing up. It was fun and it still is so fun to get together with them. Family is the best!!
(As a side note, I am around 27 weeks in these pictures and this is why I try and avoid pictures towards the end....my nose and face starts to swell! I am vain!)

We stayed in a hotel while we were home this time and it was really fun. We had Cass and her family come over one night and we all went swimming.

Bella and Morgan are sooo cute together..I LOVE seeing them play! I'm not sure why Morgan has the pouty face though.

Here we are exchanging gifts at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Cole decided to give Grandma one of his teddy bears because he knows how much she loves them.

Here is my beautiful little sis Cassie. It was sure fun to see her and her kids.

Christmas Eve

We had just finished opening our new Christmas P.j.'s.

We had little elves come over this year and do the 12 days of Christmas on us. The kids loved it and looked forward to the door bell ringing those nights. Here is some of the loot from the elves they are modeling so enthusiastically.

There is a story to this desk here. We got this off KSL for $20 and Michael totally fixed it up. (Post on that to come.) This was Cole's Christmas present.

Christmas Morning

I think we had a super successful Christmas. The kids got what they wanted, we stayed in budget and paid in cash, and everyone was happy. This year was a little different because we had to get up and go to church at 9 am. So we let the kids open their stockings and one present and then we all got ready and went to church. It was a nice Christmas.

Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

This year was probably one of my most favorite Thanksgivings ever! I really focused on making it special and meaningful and to my complete surprise it worked!

I got up early that morning and read scriptures, really pondering all the great things I have in my life, big and small. Once the rest of the family got up we said our grateful prayers and got to work on this little tree here. We all thought of the top five things we were grateful for, wrote them down and stuck them up. It was such a great start to the day, it really set the tone beautifully.

Here is what our modest little table looked like.

I have never been one to be into nice settings and things but I think I wouldn't mind now to get some nice settings for occasions such as this. Yes, we ate on paper plates and drank out of paper cups. I had little prep work to do that day because it all had been pretty much done the days before and clean up was a breeze. I didn't feel stressed at all.

It was just our little family together. We did crafts,played a few games and watched lots of movies. I LOVE my little family. I have so much to be thankful for!

Round 4

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Michael and I found out a few weeks back what we are having. I am very sad to type its a boy, but not as sad as I was when I first found out. I am warming up to the idea. I never thought I was having a girl I JUST WANTED A GIRL! But alas, it is not to be.

I am so thankful that I understand that the universe is not out to get me but that I have a wonderful Father in Heaven who knows what I need and what is best for me and my family. He seems to think it is a boy and I will not argue with that.

I am almost 23 weeks along and have gained around 10 - 12 pounds and am feeling really good. I am really starting to show and it won't be long now before I will be forced to put maternity clothes on. I am still rigging my current clothes to make it work but even that is getting uncomfortable. I had a little girl tell me in church yesterday that everyone knows I am pregnant now. I asked her why and she replied, "because you are so big now and its just going to get bigger." Such sweet little children...I remind myself.

I pulled out all the baby stuff last week and washed them and set them up. I think this is the earliest I have done this but I like it. I think it helps me visualize and see that very soon we will be having another one...plus, I think it helps the kids transition better too. Instead of hitting them with a lot that last few weeks they will have plenty of time to get used to all the baby paraphernalia laying around.

The kids are doing so good. Cole and Carson are both pulling all A's and loving school. I am so pleased with them and how they are developing. Morgan is starting to get a little more feisty but she still shows so much love and affection that its okay.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun this year! We were busy.

We kicked off our celebrations this year with going to the zoo a week before Halloween to experience a night tour. That was definitely interesting and I would do it again. The kids liked it too. The highlight was hearing the lions start roaring, which was a little unnerving for sure! (I LOVE this picture everyone has a cute expression. )

The following weekend was the Excelsior's trunk or treat for the scholars. It was held at the drive-in and was FREEZING! We were lucky enough to get to park by our friends the Anderson's.

I had to post this of Cole because doesn't it just show such emotion and drive. I can almost see him saying in his mind "I am going to get so much candy and nobody is going to stop me !"
As a side note he was something different each night we dressed up.

This is from our ward's Halloween trunk of treat on Monday. Here is Morgan, our little princess, with her friend Brinley. Are they not so adorable?!

Morgan and I trying to stay warm at the ward's party.

Right after the ward trunk or treat we ran out to our friends house and went door to door with them. Where we live our neighbors are too far apart so this is not possible. I think next year we will not do so much candy I am still picking up wrappers all over the place!

We did a ton this year for Halloween and the kids had so much fun. And to me that is really what it is all about. I LOVE my kids and I LOVE the holidays. I hope they can remember the fun we had together as a family.

And now we get to focus on Thanksgiving and then Christmas!!! Too much fun I can't wait.

Family Fun

2011-11-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

It is either a feast or famine over here when it comes to visitors and this particular trip was a FEAST! It was awesome! We had my Grandma Clydene and Grandpa John come with Harley and stay till Sunday. Then Cass and the kids came that same day and stayed till Saturday AND my parents even came over for a few hour visit...all on the same day!

The kids picture just makes me laugh...I really tired to find one where all the kids looked normal but this was as close as I could get.....(I would make those faces too if Cass was my mom....I don't fault
Bella or Maddie!)

It was fun having them come before Halloween so we could do fun crafts together. The girls made really cute pumpkins.

I have never had my grandparents come and visit for a few days so this trip was really special for us. Grandma and I tried to keep the kids busy and Mike and Grandpa managed to get golfing in. It was a little tricky without our kitchen up and running but Grandma and Grandpa were so easy going it didn't even matter. And the kids played so good with each other. I love seeing all the cousins running around and having a good time. We will miss them till we see them again.

Conference

2011-11-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

General Conference
I had the kiddos by myself that day and really hoped that I could make it a special, spiritual, experience for us all to listen to the prophet. I want more than anything for the kids to really gain a testimony of Heavenly Father and what his plan is for us down here. So I thought by making them conference books, bribing with candy, building our own "tent", and getting a special breakfast prepared this would equal their cooperation and attentive listening during conference. How do you think that went??

As expected.....down in flames! I really need to be more realistic and plan more strategically if I want them to gain the objective (a testimony).

Lesson's Learned
Lesson #1: do not give candy to small children and expect them to sit, color, and play nice with each other.

Lesson #2: I can not expect the Spirit to be there if I am threatening them within an inch of their life!

Lesson #3: Bring down my expectations by 1000% and maybe I won't be so disappointed if it doesn't go my way.

Lesson #4: I cannot control the Spirit and when He wants to show....so I need to just do my best to create the enviroment (working with the people and things around me) that would be conducive for a special experience to happen.

Besides all that, I got what I could out of conference with the attitude I had. I started out strong..failed in the middle and ended strong. However, the Lord still saw fit to give me answers to some questions I had going into conference. A few days later in my personal study I felt the answers come and then was just filled with such gratidue that he would even bother with me after my "little explosion" over the weekend.

My testimony is strengthed on the fact that we all have the most loving, most forgiving, and most gracious God! He is really there to teach us and help us if we will let Him. I love him and believe with everything in me as long as I keep picking myself up and really trying, I will be with Him again someday.

Happy

2011-10-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

We have had our kitchen back for two full days now. Meaning we have all modern conveniences up and running. I can't even describe how happy that makes me. Last night I happily made a home cooked meal and tonight we had friends over and Mike and I just made some fun and yummy dishes. Is it sick that I am having this much fun ?

Its not just my kitchen contributing to my over all joy there are other factors such as feeling well, this time of the year, and trying to stay close with the Lord. All of these together with a kitchen makes me so happy to be alive and strive to be better. I wish these good feelings could always last but I know trials will inevitably come again. In the mean time I'm going to try and milk this moment for everything its worth.

I am happy!!!

Garden Highlights of 2011

2011-10-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Gardening is so hard, rewarding, incredible, exhausting, frustrating and fulfilling all in one. This year has been the best year for me ever at growing things. Finally, persistence has paid off! I still had plenty of failures but the small wins out weighted the losses.

I even made furrows and tried my hand at corn again. It was successful in the fact that I actually was able to harvest some corn. I bet if I watered it more next year I will get that one down. It was not as successful as I wanted but still a good second attempt.

Here I started some pumpkins, honeydews, watermelons, beans, winter squash and cucumbers. They were incredible...and still are.

This is what things looked like at the height of the growing season.

Here is one picking. Mike has been super helpful. He had to step up because when I didn't feel well I checked out of the garden completely. So thanks to him we still have one. It has really been fun doing it together. We will go out in the mornings on the weekend and just pick. I can't explain how fun it is to reap a good harvest. Not to mention the awe I have for Heavenly Father...He is amazing!

This is one of our watermelons on the scale weighing in at 25 pounds! We were really happy to find that we can grow watermelons. Man, they sure take up a lot of room though!

These were crimson watermelons and they were super sweet. The kids loved them!

Mike and I canned some of our tomatoes together. It was so much easier than I thought it would be! We have probably got at least 40 quarts off our tomato plants so far. We have an incredible neighbor who cans the tomatoes we bring her and then she halves them with us.

On the subject of canning I finally was able to not only do some but do lots of it. In our 4-H group we did peaches and pears. Those were lots of work but I love seeing those beautiful jars filled downstairs instead of empty.

Final story...that is Carson way off in the back ground riding Chance. Just minutes after this picture was taken the poor little guy got bucked off. He is such a little trooper. I guess he got right back on but was definitely shook up.

This summer growing season has been great. Lots learned and I totally look forward to next year. Now that Mike has caught the gardening bug it won't be such a hard sell to get him to make me more raised beds.

Things to note..

2011-10-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous place is Park City. Mike surprised us all with a weekend getaway back in August. It was so beautiful there. If I remember correctly it was the weekend before the kids started school.

Here is what the view looked like from our bedroom...we had a hot tub on our deck! Unfortunately, I was not the funnest vacationer to be around I was still feeling horrible so all I wanted to do was lie in bed and watch TV.

And that is what I did!

Here is my little baby girl turning 3! She loves everything Dora and everything girly! I absolutely love it and enjoy her beyond words.

Now that I have a clear head again and the sickness is gone I am fully enjoying my kids again. They are the best and they have to put up with so much from me. I am so glad they are forgiving else I would be in trouble.

Morgan and Cole drawing together on her new Dora table.

She got her Dora cake so she was set!

Kitchen Mess

2011-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

This story starts back on August 18^th. I had started the dishwasher and awhile later noticed mass amounts of water coming from it and flowing onto the floor. My first thought was, “dang, I am going to have to call an appliance guy and pay $75 for him just coming to look at it.” If I only knew then what that water leak was going to turn into that would have been the least of my worries.

It turned out we had had a leak for awhile and mold was growing….yuck! (Let me remind the reader that I am pregnant!) So that first day I cried and wondered how much this was going to put us out and why everything bad that could happen seems to happen to me….you know, the pity talk we all have with ourselves at times. Then when I thought I would give into my despair, please also keep in mind that I am just starting to feel human again…coming out of the morning sickness thing at this time, Mike tells me I should look into our insurance to see if this is covered. Hallelujah, it was! One minor detail we have our deductible is set at $2,500. O-well, it’s better than bearing this cost alone….and we are lowering that after this ordeal is over until we have adequate savings in place.

So now onto the photos of the last 56 days of our lives.

Where the water damaged happened.

First phase of drying it out with jet like sounding fans! Notice no containment area around to catch the mold spores!

Second attempt at drying out with a new company that knew what they were doing.

What it looked like inside the containment area. Did I mention what a joy it was trying to keep the kids off this plastic?!!

Kitchen totally and utterly gone!

Just an old picture of what the kitchen used to look like.

Another shot of what the kitchen looked like from a different angle.

This is what it looks like today. Still not done but O so close!

I am amazed at how beautiful this kitchen is now, and more importantly how much more functional it is! So here is a disaster turned into a major blessing. I am glad this process is almost over because I can’t say enough how sick I am of eating out, how tired I am of doing dishes in the bathroom sink, and having people in and out all the time. But if I had to do it again to get these results …I would!

I can't wait to start baking and eating home cooked meals!

Dates to Remember

2011-09-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Mike and I have been married for NINE years now, and together for TEN! That amazes me because it does not seem that long. I think Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he brought us together. We are opposite in a lot of ways but have so many things in common too. I think it the perfect mix to make us grow and enjoy each others company.

He has been so good the last few months with me not feeling well. I can't say how many times he has come home to a messy house, no dinner, crazy kids and a burnt out wife in the last few months. He puts up with me and I am thankful for that. Another thing while I am on a tangent... he never tries to fix me like I do with him. I know he may not like some things about me but he never tries to get me to change. He is kind like that and I have lots to learn from him. I love him and I always will. I look forward to the next nine years with him and anticipate all the good and bad that will only bring us stronger together. I love you Michael!

Back to School Date

This is Carson and me on our little date together. This is a tradition we started last year with Cole. Now that Carson is a little school boy too he had to have his time. This year Cole and Mike paired off and me and Carson. We ate at the same restaurant but separate booths so the kids would feel like they were getting their individual time. (The picture is bad cuz it was on my phone!)

After lunch it was off to finish the last items on our back to school list. I really think I like doing this way more than the kids. Its such an exciting time. Back to your friends and learning and all the fun stuff that goes along with school! I also LOVE getting school supplies.

This is Carson all decked out for his first day of Kindergarten! He looks so handsome in is school uniform. He loves school and is doing so well. I am so proud of him.

Extended Family Visits

2011-09-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Pressley Visit
We were blessed to have Tommy and Elaine, in August, drive all the way up from Arizona to spend time with us. That is a pretty big deal for Grandpa Tommy! They stayed a week with T.J. and his family and then they came over and stayed with us. It was special to have them with us.

We did family pictures (which I need to post on later), drove around some in the mountains, talked and laughed a lot with each other. Its good to see them.

Call Family Reunion

I think this is the first reunion, on my moms side, that I have gone to in a LONG time! They had it at Grandpa Ford's pond and I was able to see all of the Calls there. It was fun and the kids had a blast. I have really special memoires of family get togethers growing up and I hope my kids will have them too!

4th of July Weekend

2011-09-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am so behind in posts so I am taking a short cut by doing a big collage of the highlights of the weekend. We went to Idaho and spent time with family . It was great because we got to see lots of family! We went to the Body Exhibit, played at a park, went to a rodeo, the kids got to play at Great Grandma Clydene's twice with Harley, spent the night with Jon and Shana one night, then Grandma Chris and Grandpa Randy's house....we were busy . Plus, Jacob was down for a visit from Washington which was great! When we got back we had our own little firework show and got to be in the Erda parade on a fire truck!

Here is Grandma Clydene with Maddy.

Maddy and Bella getting messy with a cup cake!

Harley and Mo playing together.

Swim Lessons 2011

2011-09-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

So we kick off summer 2011 with a little swimming lessons! Morgan was not taking to the water this year. I felt so bad watching her cry but at the same time I didn't want to give into her and take her out. I want the kids to learn they can DO hard things but then I get soft and can't take it anymore and pull her out.

So after two swim lessons of this I ask if Mike will come. He was the secret all along! If daddy is there Morgan can do it. After two times of him coming she was on track and ready to learn.

This little fish LOVED swim lessons, he did so well. Carson is naturally inclined for sports activities and he just went for it. For most of the summer he couldn't even take a bath without having his swim goggles on.

This little bugger struggled a little. He likes to play in the water but he doesn't like to be pushed to try different things. Over all it went well.

Another Blessing Turned into Trial!

2011-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that I am now on my way to becoming a mother of four! We have been trying since last December (minus a few months... I just got tired), and it finally happened for us. I am only 8 weeks along but already dreading the next month and half until this nasty, no energy, wanna-throw up-but-don't, feeling will leave me. This is what I tried so hard for right? No, just want the baby not all this junk!

I am happy but in the day to day moments of the last month I don't feel all that happy. I am always amazed at how my mood and attitude take a nose dive when I don't feel good. So I am happy at the blessing of having another one in the long and distant future but so sad that I am in this horrible stage.

With each child my pregnancies get worse. So I can say very emphatically this is it…..no more! I am over this stage already and want to move on to the fun nesting stage. I am even crazy enough right now to take being huge and uncomfortable over this nasty stage.

No more venting. On to how we found out. We went to visit my family in Idaho for the 4th of July, which went down in flames, I will say the worst visit of all time and I don’t think anything could ever top it. I will spare future generations the bore of all the details, but suffice to say, it did not go well and I was an emotional basket case. I could not take my family and my family could not take me. So when I found out two days after coming home that I was pregnant I felt a little comforted by the fact that there were hormones to blame the whole event on. Sorry again, for any and all who had to put up with me that weekend.

I hate being so negative, especially in light of my last post. But "this too shall pass", as my Grandma Carol always says, and it will, and I can’t pray it here soon enough!

The Plan of Happiness

2011-07-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

I became active in the gospel at age 21. An ironic age only because of the worldly view that at that time in life is when you are finally old enough to be "free" and really start "living". For me, I had already experienced the world's offering of "free" and "living" and found it to be empty, cold, and enslaving. So to find the gospel and Christ was more than I could have ever dreamed of....I finally found peace and happiness! I found doctrines that helped me make sense of a senseless world! I found out why I was here on earth, who I was, and where I will go when I die!

These ideas and thoughts changed me. …not because someone said it was true and was really convincing in the telling, but I felt they were true ….inside. They became even truer when I started changing my life to be more in harmony with the Lord’s ways.

I stumbled upon paradox in my own search for happiness...when I submitted my will to the Lords he made me free! I felt and still do feel more inspired, alive, happy and at peace with myself and the world around me when I am keeping his commandments. When I try and do it my way and not chain myself to “dumb” rules I find I become empty and cold again.

My point is my testimony of the fact and reality of the Plan of Happiness! It truly is the plan to find happiness in this fallen life! We will not find it chasing anything else but Christ!

Why am I posting on this? To remind myself of these truths and to share them with others who may question and wonder where happiness is hiding.

Woe is me.

2011-06-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

I understand that trials and opposition are a part of life! I’m 32 years old and that lesson should not be lost to me at this point in time. With the passing of time certain lessons should register and become like second nature to a person. We have all heard the clichés “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”, “The rainbow can only be seen after the storm”, ect, ect, ect. I feel I have been around long enough for this principal to really sink in.

So why is it so hard to take setbacks when we know they will be inevitably coming?

It was one week and two days ago. I awoke that Sabbath morning to put the finishing touches on my lesson for church (actually I was just starting to prepare! I feel terrible when I do that.) And that’s when I got the call from Mike. The goats had gotten in and EATEN all my strawberries (80), all my raspberries (10), and broken and eaten several of my little fruit trees that were trying to get started in this cold world! How did I handle myself? Not good. I didn’t realize my deep love I had for all fruit bearing crop until that moment.

We, I mean the plants and I, have struggled to regroup and keep moving forward and have been doing pretty well until today! Those d*#@ little creatures got in AGAIN! Victims once again to the goats are my strawberries. Truly, I had hoped these berries would be my pride and joy this summer, but now I see it’s not to be.
So as I sit here and reflect on the how and the whys, I guess I just need to chalk it up to that opposition in life will also spill into the garden area too, and maybe three little goaties need to be shot, or sold, or something, but they NEED TO GO!!!!

Bee Update

2011-06-26T15:19:00.001-07:00

I LOVE having bees! I love seeing them in the garden and I love watching them in there own environment. Truly they are amazing little creatures. How can you not believe in a God after reading up about how they are made, and all they do?!

We have now put on the second super (box) on our second hive. We checked them after church today and WOW things are really happening out there! In this picture you can see the capped honey and the capped brood. Brood, which is soon-to-be-bees,are the brown capped off color and the honey is the white capped off part of the frame. This is the first inspection we have had where we have seen capped honey! They are doing what they are suppose too!

I think I have explained before that we came into a second hive by a friend capturing a swarm and giving them to us. I am so glad he did because now we have something to compare our hive with. Not to mention double the honey! We were able to taste some of it today and it was amazing. Still have not got stung yet but I am not holding my breath... I am sure it will happen.

Time With The Allen's

2011-06-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Cole with his first love...his cousin, Kandace! Aunt Deni came for a visit with Laura, Max, and Kandice last week. I think I have seen them more in the last year and half than I have for the previous ten...its great!

And then the kids and I went to their house that weekend because Danielle was going through the temple for the first time! How special it is to be close enough to do this with my family. She is a beautiful woman with an amazing spirit! I am so proud to claim her as family.

This picture had to be thrown in because it was just too darn pretty not too. When I think of heaven I think of sunsets.. I don't know why but I do.

Here is Aunt Deni with her daughter Laura. More amazing and beautiful women!

Happenings

2011-06-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I let Michael do this to our boys! Does it make them look sick? Yes. Will it be easier for me this summer? Yes. I HOPE it will grow out before school starts! They are still cute though.

Memorial day this year was FREEZING! We took the kids anyway to the cemetery and talked about what the holiday was about. Afterwards we went and got some grub. As you can see Morgan was eating on the most gigantic corn dog ever....and loving it.

I was having way too much fun mowing. I thought I could take down our little over-grown mound.....nope. Michael had to come and rescue me when he got home.

This is another project we can mark off the list of things to do! Perimeter fence...done! It is so encouraging to see things get done around here. It still amazes me what we have accomplished here so far.

You know you are in the country when people just give away horses. We are the proud owners of a 100% mustang now. His name is Chase and he is older. I can't help but liking him. He is not as intimidating as the others because he is smaller ...its cute.

Cole expressing his creativity with a napkin hat and his very loose front tooth protruding out. Mike and I took him on a date with us this past weekend in hopes to strengthen our relationship with him through individual time. Not really sure that worked out but we will keep at it.

Its cute to go out back because when we do all the chickens come running. They are so friendly and interesting to watch, minus the rooster Cole of course.

Birthday Party

2011-06-13T21:24:00.001-07:00

After trying for two days to post these pictures I am so ready to get this documented and done!!! (Irritating..sometimes blogging is fun and sometimes its a pain in the butt.)

Anyhow, this is Cole's birthday party. He is now a big 7 year old! One more year until he is baptised...wow!

We had fun. We invited my parents who brought Maddy with them and then, T.J.'s family, the Squires and some friends from Mike's work. It was pretty fun to see all the kids running wild.

Mike got a pinata again this year, which is fun to watch the kids take turns at it. We didn't blind fold them this year so it went a little faster than last year.

Our house is not that spacious so we have to really utilize outside when we have get togethers like this. It worked out perfect though, we set up a volleyball net and had fun playing it.

Randy wanted to check the bees out with me so we suited up and went out and did our inspection. It is neat to share that experience with people. You really gain an appreciation for the bees.

All in all the party was fun, Cole had a good time and we felt loved by the family and friends that came to play.

This Makes Me Happy

2011-06-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

This picture just makes me happy because she makes me happy! This little girl is a work of art. I am thankful for little girls! (Pray I get another one!)

Beginning 4-H

2011-06-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to get the boys involved in 4-H for some time and the opportunity finally presented itself a few months back. We were asked if we would like to join a 4-H group with three other families and we happily agreed. I love that the kids will be exposed to different projects, and I also love the fact that I am accountable to a group, which helps me stay focused!

Our first project was putting together the Mel Bartholmuel's (spelling I'm sure is wrong on that last name) square foot garden. So here the kids are making the mixture for the "perfect" soil.
Here the boys are home and planting their own seeds into there little gardens. Of course Cole is not happy but Carson seemed to really enjoy what he was doing.

It will be nothing less than a miracle if anything grows in those things, due to the high winds we had for the next two days after planting. Not to mention that the boys like to water log the things when they get the sprayer on. I have to tell myself, "Not my project but theirs constantly".

This should be a really great family activity and I look forward to posting more about this. Earlier this week we made our own worm composters so will have to post picture of that!

Carson Update

2011-06-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

My little 5 1/2 year old. He is growing so much and it is astonishing to watch it! This little boy is such a sweet, helpful, funny kid. I can count on him to snuggle with, to help around the house, and to tell the funniest stories.

He is going to Kindergarten next year. It is exciting and sad ...kind of the beginning of the end of the little days with him. We are now going into the school phase and I hope and pray that he will do well and make really great friends. I know he will be good to others and that brings comfort.

He graduated from preschool last month, and Mike came to watch and then he treated us to McDonalds. What a good daddy he is!

Couples Retreat

2011-05-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE self-help activities. And this little activity fell right into combining my two loves....self help and Michael! He was sweet enough to go along with me and we invited another couple with us...Brandon and Jeanna.

The day was about learning to communicate and better understand each other. One of the activities they had us do was to blind fold our partner and put them in a game of freeze tag. The partner who was not blindfolded had to communicate to the blind one where to go to get away from the person that was it. That was really interesting and enlightening to see how much I trusted Michael not to lead me astray. I totally trusted him by the way!

So we did activities on the ground for half the day like that and the other half was doing some fun things in the trees!

The giant swing by far was the highlight of the day for me! It was so thrilling to be lifted into the air and then dropped to just swing back and forth until you are stopped. Totally fun and I would do it again 100 more times. (I know the picture does not show that but really I was having a blast.)

Next came the zip tie. This one was very scary! You had to climb forever up this tree and then when you get to the top you have to jump off! It then zips you down the the other end of the enclosure by a line. Very intense...one that I would need to do a few more times to really lighten up. The zipping was fine, the jumping off the stand was the hard part.

It was fun and I would do it all again. There is something so freeing about falling.

Here is my honey after one of our blindfold experiments. I put a blindfold on him and then led him to a tree where he had to feel it in order to distinguish anything that would stand out to him about it, because he had to try and find it without his blindfold on. He did it too!

The biggest discovery I made for the day was just realizing, even more, that Michael really does "have my back". If I can always remember, especially when there is conflict, that he loves me and that if we just communicate we can get out of any mess we are in.

Here is Brandon being wild and crazy and jumping off a little stand to reach a ring that was really far away! This was one that I didn't do. Maybe if we go back I'll have to give it a try. All in all great day.

Goodbye DIRT!

2011-05-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Since our last attempt at grass last fall we have patiently put up with the mud, dust, and other unpleasantries that go along with mass amounts of dirt right next to your home. But alas, the sod has arrived! This is a view of the work ahead of us.

(The picture does not do justice to the 19 pallets of sod to be rolled out!)

This lady is an amazing woman! She is our home teachers wife... Tammi. Very knowledgeable and a super hard worker. I tired my best to keep up with her.

This man is our home teacher and the best one we have ever had too! He has helped us out more than once, and we are always thankful for what he and his family does for us.

Not only did they show up first thing April 30th but we were able to reap the blessings of doing it on a ward service day so we had a few others helping too. I don't know what we would have done if people didn't show up. (Probably still trying to lay it today!)

I can't tell you what having grass does to liven up the place. When it gets really pretty and green I will have to post an after shot.

Easter 2011

2011-05-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

This year's Easter was pretty fun. I wanted to make it more spiritual than it was but that didn't happen. I try to separate the Resurrection from the Easter bunny...at this age that is not always easy to do.

How we have attempted to do that is by teaching them about Jesus Christ's last days starting on Passover Sunday. And that whole week leading up to Easter Sunday we have a quick spiritual thought on what he did on that particular day. So this way it builds up to the miracle of the Resurrection. (This idea came from a fabulous book from Desert Book.) We do the Easter bunny thing on Saturday so we can leave Sunday for the real reason of the day. We were unable to do the whole week deal this year because Michael took me on a surprise vacation. (Later post on that.)

This was the second year we took the kids to Desert Peak on Saturday and let them do the hunt there. Later that day we had the Squires come over and we had our own little inside hunt for the kids here. (Cole chose to not be in the picture and was having a little episode in his room at this point.)

It is so fun to watch the excitement of the holidays on kids faces. I LOVE how Morgan was way into Easter this year.

I could kick myself for not getting an Easter picture of all of us that morning. We were in a hurry and the boys had to go on with out us girls that morning. We were running a little behind. I always underestimate how long it takes me to do Morgan's hair!

She was a vision in her cute little dress and her fuzzy little hair.

That day I was thankful that Christ went through with his hellish last days on earth for us mortals. I was thankful that he was strong enough, loved us enough, and never gave up on us, and finished what His Father sent Him to do. Because of Him I have the family that I do, because of Him I can progress and be better, because of him I can be with my family forever if I live right. What a blessing to know Him and feel his love!

Sweet Moments

2011-05-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Constant fighting, tattling, and hurt feelings are a norm around here it seems with the kids. I see it so often that when I see behavior that shows love and concern for one another it is the BEST feeling ever to witness and I want to treasure it always.

So Carson had to get some shots last week at the Dr.'s office to get him ready for Kindergarten. He was very brave about the whole situation until the nurse told him he would have to pull his pants down so she could stick him in the upper leg. At that point the situation deteriorated. It ended with him sitting in my lap crying very loudly and Morgan right by crying just as loudly. She did not like seeing him in pain at all. Once it was over they both settled down but it was sooooo cute to see her in pain over his pain.

Fast forward to today... we had some friends over and they have an older boy that was messing around with Cole and carrying him out to the backyard to throw him in the sprinklers. Once Morgan caught wind of what was going on she went running after them yelling, "Give me my brother", while crying. She was so upset over the situation. The older boy, Jared, pretended to hand him to her and she stretched out her hands ready and willing to carry him back to safety if she had too.

We all got such a kick out of seeing how sweet and protective she was that Jared decided to do it to Carson this time. Same reaction as last, crying and yelling after him, "Give me my brother."

I love seeing sweet moments like that where you see that the kids really do love each other, even though they fight 85% of the time. Ahhhh...the moments I live for.

The Girls Have Arrived!

2011-04-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Our package of bees arrived yesterday! It had been delayed a week due to poor weather.

I have heard that there are upwards of 10,000 bees in a package.

I am so proud of Mike. If he didn't do it I really don't know if I could have done it on my own. He didn't act nervous, he just went to work.

I played a very small roll in getting them to there new home. I helped hold the queen box while he tried to pull the cork out. Which by the way....is no small task due to the fact that the queen bee has hundreds of attendants. Thank goodness for bee suits!

Here Mike is with our finished product: all the bees in their home! The white posts are for a fence we are going to build around them so they are protected from the crazy wind we get here.

I am so thankful I have Michael! We make a good team. We are now officially keepers of bees.

As a side note..another attack happened with the rooster this morning. This time I was all by myself when it occurred. I went out to feed and the rooster totally chased me all the way from the horses to our fence. The whole time I had a rope and was trying to fight him off. It was horrible! I don't know why I can't defend myself against him.

I came in and told Mike and he came to my aid. However, Mike is not always going to be there and I NEED to know how to handle the rooster myself. How dumb to be scared of a rooster!!

Potty Trained!

2011-04-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

My little sweet baby girl is potty trained!!!! We attempted a few weeks back because I ran out of diapers and surprisingly it has worked!

Cassie has Bella trained already, I told myself, so I thought I would try too! The first week was full of accidents but she never once had an accident during the night or when she woke up! It feels so strange to have that out of the way.

Morgan is a joy and she surprises me everyday with little sweet things that she does. I am so proud of her and look forward to more milestones with her.

Starting Seeds Indoors

2011-04-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

I am taking gardening to a whole new level! In my quest to be frugal and prepared it makes perfect sense to try my hand at starting my own seeds indoors.

As usual, I stress myself out by thinking I have to follow everything by the book, that's why it has taken me so long to finally just "Do It"!! have been wanting to get started for a few weeks now and have finally found the motivation to get going. I am so excited to see if this will really work!

I'm starting lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, Shasta Daisy's and delphiniums. I am doing pretty plants too this year. We will be getting our bees next weekend and I want to pretty up the place for them.

If this works I will be so pleased! If anyone is interested here is a list of supplies and a rough cost:

- seed starter tray from Walmart ($12)
- fluorescent shop lights at Home Depot ($20)
- seed warmer from IFA ($19)
- Dowel to hold the light up from Home Depot ($2.50)
- seeds, already had
- shelving rack already had(if anyone is interested I found a great website that shows you how to build one if you don't have a shelving rack handy)

Rough total is around $55. I expect I will save way more than that by not having to buy plants at nursery's or Walmart for $4 to $5 bucks a pot! Not to mention, I won't have this start up cost next year!

Garden, T-ball, Friends & Funnies

2011-04-03T12:33:00.001-07:00

GARDEN
So this year we finally get to focus on beautifying the outside! I can’t tell you how hard it is to try and be patient with the process when you can visualize in your minds eye the potential beauty that could be, with time and lots of money.

I think this will be a great teacher for me…gardening. I can’t have what I want when I want it. I have to wait for the time and season and just be patient with the process.

So here I am planting our newest additions...six more semi-dwarf fruit trees. I can't express how bad I want these trees to produce and be pretty. There seems to be so much to learn with having them, and I don't mind that. I just want to do it right!

The year we left Fernly Janie and her mom came to my house that spring with pruning sheers and we went to work on my trees. They came to help me because I didn't know what to do or where to start. For some reason that was so exciting for me. I marvelled at the cycle of the seasons and the new baby buds that were coming out. So this picture of our tree budding this year brought back all those feelings of marvel and excitement again. Am I a gardening geek now or what?! I think I have caught the bug!

These little beds are for the strawberries. I plan on planting 100! (I want an overabundance problem.)

Here are my three raised beds all ready to go this year. Last year I only did one and had great success with the tomatoes. Hopefully, the Lord will bless my garden and I can have it again this year!

T-BAll
Michael got both boys signed up for T-ball this year. They are on the same team so that should be fun. This was the night before their first practice. Mike had brought home goodies for all the kids and was practicing with them.

It will be fun to see how the boys do in this activity. Carson seems to have a passion for it and Cole needs a little more practice, but we hope to help the boys discover where their interests are and have the pursue them.

Cole was excited with this outfit Mike got for him and his first mitt. They both did great practicing.

Morgan was not to be left out of all the fun. Mike made her night by bringing her home some new Dora P.J.'s. I can't express this enough...I love having my little girl in the house. She brings such a sweetness that makes me lover her all the more.

FRIENDS
This is our little friend Bria. She came to play with her little brother yesterday so her parents could go to conference.

Payton and Carson talking about who knows what. It was really cute to watch them pal around out back.

FUNNIES
Cole lost another tooth! It had been driving him crazy for a few days because it was so loose. I was not able to pull it out and to our surprise all it took was getting punched in the mouth by Carson to pop that little bugger out! Usually when he gets punched by his brother it is not meet with such enthusiasm but he was very proud of Carson for doing him such a great service. (Cole didn't ask him to do it... a fight broke out which escalated and Carson resorted to violence and ba boom tooth problem solved!)

Here was a note I found on the boys door that Cole had written.
"He man woman haters club. If I spelled this wrong that is the language that we use. Are boys club." The words in green that are harder to read say "Tooth fairy is the only one who can come in."

These kinds of things are priceless. I love my kids!

Things in our life.

2011-03-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

My honey took me out on the town for a date night and I don't remember why I had my camera with me, but I did. Oh! This was our Valentine's date! He took me to a wonderful steak house and then whisked me off to try some delicious chocolate waffles from an authentic Belgum restaurant. It was crazy good. (Janie, this is the place he wanted to take you to!) It was a great night. I love being married and taken care of so well. (Thank you Michael!)

This is Valentines day with the kids.

Here the kids were opening up their loot. It was fun to do something a little more than I usually do for this particular holiday.

This I just have to document because it is really sweet. Morgan for some reason has been sneaking in bed with Cole for the last little while. I don't know why, but her and Cole are buds sometimes and it is really heartwarming to witness. (Truly its a nice reprieve from the constant fighting that usually is taking place.)

This was a fun night! That poor victim there is my sis Cassandra. Her and the family came and stayed with us for the night and we LOVED the time with them. Mike and her have this relationship where they pick on each other. This is Mike showing her that he missed her.

These two little munchkins are two weeks apart. Bella and Morgan played really well I thought. Now that Cass is back we are looking forward to having them play together a whole lot more now!

These boys all played well together,they're are all little gamers. It was cute to watch them together. We are hoping to see them again in a few weeks.

The following pictures were taken while Mike was gone to Arizona and he thought it would be good to give his mom some updated pictures. These are the results of that photo shoot.

I love my babies despite the hardship of raising them! I would do it all again if I had to!

Bully Problem

2011-03-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

We have been experiencing a bit of a problem around the house the last few weeks. What started out as a great relationship has slowly disintegrated into a unhealthy one. Its the same old story we have all heard,

"He is so cute and just a little aggressive at times but I know he means well."

You know, that story. Well, I am ready to admit it....I am totally scared of our rooster named Cole.

Its beyond just a little aggression! He will charge at me and the kids and I hate to admit that I run! Just today I went out fully loaded with my weapon of choice (a rake) and had to swat him off 4 to 5 times! I came in the house totally shook up.

What makes it worse is that Carson and Morgan were with me! So I told Carson to make a run for it and he did, but Morgan wouldn't so I had to pick her up and try and fight off the rooster with only one hand. (And yes, I was screaming for Mike and he never heard me!)

So needless to say,I am a little traumatized by the whole situation and I'm sure I ruined any credibility I had with teaching the kids courage under fire.

Annual Idaho Trek

2011-03-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

This was the second year that I ran to my parent’s house for a mini vacation. ..It was nice. Again, as always, there was guilt when I left the kids, (why is that?) but I was still able to enjoy the time away. I know when I leave they are in excellent hands with their daddy. (Thank you Mike!)

I got their on a Thursday evening and stayed until Sunday. Some of the highlights were being treated to a nice lunch, working out with my mom, and visiting with other family members.

One of the many things I love about being with my mom is we know how to laugh..and laugh we do!

I hate to admit to this but I really resort to being a dork again when I get around family. I love to mess with my mom especially when she wants to get a good picture. I enjoy watching her reaction to my horrible little antics.

I LOVE the candid pictures where you get weird posses and real smiles. (I get my eyes closing in pictures problem from my mom.)

This little dittie is an idea I got off some blog. They are Valentines bags I made with my mom. The idea is to pull them out on February 1st and let everyone add little nick-knacks to them until Valentine's day. It was fun to do that, and the kids really enjoyed them.

I was able to squeeze in time to visit with a friend from 6th grade! This beautiful little, woman is Jill. I have super fond memories of my time with her...talk about laughing...wow, we would just laugh all the time it seemed. She has got a great sense of humor. I hope to rekindle our friendship, she is a keeper.

Carson

2011-02-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

My sweet, caring, thoughtful Carson is now five! He is growing into a fine young boy. He will start Kindergarten this year.....WEIRD! I am so happy with this little kid. Here are some highlights about him now in this stage of life.

1. He gives the most thoughtful compliments in family council. He has thanked me for changing the batteries in the clock...who even notices those small little things? Carson!
2. He loves his leapster, Cole's DS, and the adventures game on the X-box kinect.
3. He is still as animated as ever when he tells you a story.
4. He can be Mo's best friend one minute, and her worst enemy the next.
5. He LOVES girls, especially the pretty ones. He tells me when he sees one he likes that he wants to marry her.
6. When something needs to be done outside he is usually the one that wants to go along and help out there.

When I think of Carson I think of his little smile and his arms out wanting a hug. He is still a Mama's boy and I love it!

Where does the time go?

2011-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight was fun with our little family. After family council we pulled out the home movies and watched those for a few hours. Oh my, where does the time go!? (Every time I watch those things they put me in a reflective mood.) Just five years ago Cole was two and Carson was brand new! To say five years sounds like a long time but when you pull out the home movies it takes you right back, and then it feels like yesterday.

We truly do not have a lot of time here, and we truly do not have very long with our kids! The stages they go through in just a few years is crazy. Listening to Cole's baby talk and cute, little, Carson's monster walk is so far removed from where they are now. And to think that in a few years I will be longing for the present time I have with them.

What to do about the time problem? I guess its not a problem all the time, especially when they are crying and fighting....but in sweet moments like today when you see their childhood flash before your eyes, it makes me ponder on how do I want to behave in the time I have left with them? What can I do different to maximize the time I have remaining? How can I lessen the blow of them growing up eventually? The only thought that comes is spend the time on them now, love them, cuddle them, teach them, hold them, play with them, and just be the best I can for them.

It was a good day!

Sacrifices

2011-01-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

So tonight was my once a month girls night out. Sadly, I have sick kids and an absent husband, and I had to forgo my night out. Isn’t it funny the things we willingly and unwillingly give up for these little creatures in our lives?

Motherhood is truly a great teacher of who you really are as a person. I would never see some of the hidden feelings in my heart if it wasn’t for kids. I am thankful for the blessings of being a mom. I am thankful for my little demanding munchkins that will refine me like gold, I hope!

So I missed out on a girls night, o-well, there will be one next month and the month after but the little snippets of time I have with my kids at this stage right now will not last long. I think it best to sacrifice a little “me time” in order to be there for them because I get the feeling when they are grown I will long for these moments.

Hello Chore Packs!

2011-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

I love a new year! Its fresh and you can start new things. So one of the new programs around the house for the kids is there chore packs!

This is a system I found a year ago. I bought the book and haven't implemented it until now. To be honest this is our 2nd day of doing it and so far so good!

The kids love it and I think it makes them feel grown up. We have been doing morning chores for awhile before they go to school but now I don't have to ride them like I have done in the past.

So the system is this: you make chores for them in the morning and in the evening and label them in a way that the kids can understand. This is some of Carson's and we used pictures because he is not reading just yet. You laminate the cards and stick it into a little plastic pocket deal that you attach on to them.

You then train them in the proper way to accomplish a job and when that job is complete they take there card from the front and place it in the back.

When they have accomplished all of their chores they return the pack to me and we go back and look at how well they did. They have the satisfaction of feeling like they are contributing and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am actually teaching my kids how to take care of themselves and contribute. Plus, I am a sucker for these kinds of little things that make the daily grim of living a little more like a game or a challenge.

So hopefully this little device will help me help the kids to be responsible. Carson, was so cute yesterday when we were going through some of his chores he said, "Mom, I'm like your slave hu?" I laughed and tried to explain that no he was not my slave but he was my big boy and was helping the family live in a nice clean house. I am sure I will get some kick back from this but I am going to stick with this... it feels right for us.

Final Thoughts on 2010

2011-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

This past year for me at times has been filled with wonderful blessings and at other times I have found myself knee deep in trials. I am glad 2010 is over and I am more glad of the things I hopefully learned about myself and others around me.

This past year I have spent more time with my family than I have since I left home in 1998. What a blessing to be close to them. The only thing missing here is more time with Grandma and Grandpa Pressley. Truly this life is about family and sadly so many times I think I get distracted from that truth. Wouldn't it be nice to live what you know 24/7?

Most of the goals I set for 2010 I failed but there were a few that were great successes. One being our family councils. I think we missed only a few for the whole year. We hold these on Sundays and the kids and us look forward to them. I like knowing that in something as important as family time and communication we stuck to our guns on that one.

I have to agree with whoever said the hardest part about setting a goal is starting it. Truly, I can plan down to the slightest detail but to actually start something new sometimes is like climbing Mt. Everest. The hard part for me is finding the drive and motivation to just DO IT.

Well, 2010 is over and 2011 is here! I am glad for new beginnings and look forward to all the new blessings and trials that are coming to teach me how to be better.

Carpenter Cylee

2011-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Food storage shelves that I built with my own two hands....AMAZING, isn't it? I didn't know I had it in me. Well, once I did this I couldn't stop there. (I had a little help from Mike with this, but this was my baby.)

Onto CLOSETS! Yes, I need them so desperately here I was finally driven to just go for it. And.. success! This is not the before picture. (Imagine just a shelf and one rod.) I can not describe how good it feels to tackle projects that get me ORGANIZED!

SUCCESS

This is our closet when we pulled everything out of it.

This is the end result, minus a few things to finish up with, but I am so pleased! We did it! Thank you Michael, if you didn't help me with this it would have never happened. We make a great team!

2010 Holiday Highlights!

2011-01-03T13:30:00.001-08:00

To kick off the holiday celebrating we wanted to start the month off with going to the temple. What I thought would be this Spirit filled evening quickly turned into an irritating night and we couldn't get home quick enough. The place was packed...so much so that you could hardly walk!
It seems to me when I really want to have a great evening and it heads in the opposite direction I get just as mad as I was excited...strange!

We were able to get a few shots in.

Family movie night and Carson and Morgan all cuddled up together. I love to see peace and love shown!

The kids all dressed up and ready to go to our ward Christmas party.

This little thing is getting to be a handful. She is quickly following in her brother's footsteps with getting into cupboards, climbing, spilling and all other rowdy types of behavior typically reserved for boys. So far all manageable and adorable. We took her out of her crib a few months back and ever since sleeping time has become a bit of an issue.

This was Carson's big night! His preschool class put on a cute little program that consisted of singing and some talking parts. Super cute to watch this little boy, so handsome, behave himself so well at the program.

He is such a great little guy. Doesn't need to be center of attention 24/7 and that is very refreshing!

Cole on Santa's lap at the preschool party. Cole almost did not have Christmas this year. We have threatened it before but he came very close to getting a lump of coal!

This kid is amazing and smart and cute and such a HANDFUL. He still is very interested in the body and how it works. He has a life size skeleton on his wall. (Will have to post that later.) He will make a fine man one day if Mike and I can survive him.

Here is my lovely cousin Shana posing as Mary. She was a willing participant in this years nativity play. Her and her wonderful husband Jon, along with kids and other adults, performed at our family Christmas party. We have not done something like this since I was little so it was Really fun to do it again. I am so mad I don't have a picture to post of them in performance. Next year I will get one!

We stayed the weekend with my parents. This is my mom and Mo exercising together. It was too cute to not post this. My mom is such an example of health. She has exercised since I can remember and is very disciplined in keeping with a routine. MOM, Please Rub Off On Me!!!

My parents got the X-box Kinect and we all had so much fun playing that we had to get one too. (Now I don't have to join the gym I can have a personal trainer here in my living room.)

Now finally to Christmas eve. Here are the kids eagerly ready to open the traditional Christmas eve P.J's.!

Its amazing to me the obedience you get from your children when they know they get to open a present.

Michael did such a great job this year with my pajamas! I am well pleased with his selection. Morgan was too so she gave him a big squeeze.

I really struggle with blending the majic of Santa yet keeping to the reason for the season, Jesus Christ's birth. So after the presents and sprinkling of reindeer food we came in and talked about that special night long ago when the earth was changed forever. Mike told the story again and then we sang some Christmas songs. This holiday season was good. I am so blessed to be close to my family in Idaho and so blessed to have my own little family to teach and celebrate with.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great snow storm a few weeks ago and that just dumped on us...we loved it. It feels so good to be back to country that reminds me of my childhood. I love the silence of the snow and how peaceful everything seems when it is covered in white.

I also love the holiday spirit that everyone feels. The music that we play that testifies of Christ's birth, the thoughts of service and the focus of the gift that God gave to us makes it just the most special time of year for me. They kids are infused with excitement because of Santa and are constantly wanting to know how many more days. I really try to be patient because I know I did the exact thing to my parents growing up.

We stayed home for Thanksgiving and just had a fun little day with ourselves. We ate good, minus the few mess-ups, and had a sweet little testimony/thankful session that really made it feel good to be with each other.

The next day we went to Idaho to eat my parents left overs and to get the extended family time in too. It was fun!

Here is my beautiful mom with my adorable little girl.

It is so ironic the full circle of life. I am now going through what I put my mom through growing up and she gets to watch.

We had a little get together with my Aunt, Paul and Shana. Shana hosted it and the party was very fun.

We played games, ate, Shana and my Aunt K tried to show me how to knit and then we got into politics. I loved all of it. I usually will leave a place way before my kids get tired just in case of a melt down. This night we stayed until almost all of them were passed out. It was fun.

Its Good to be me Today!

2010-12-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

Why you might ask?

Well, two very exciting things happened the past two days. The first being that Cole went up in Sacrament meeting, on his own accord, and bore his testimony! I was so proud of him. We have testimony times at home to get the kids to understand what it is and what it is not. (My definition of testimony = It is not a travel log, not a time for telling random jokes, no life history please. It is a time for declaring what you know to be true and how your belief has increased because you are applying your faith in Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.) So you can imagine how happy I was to see him so eager to get up and do it for the first time. You could tell he was nervous.. I think I saw him pick his nose for a minute too, but he did great. He got up there and proclaimed his faith in Christ and said some other things I couldn't make out because he was talking so fast, but I was sure happy with him!

The second exciting thing...I got a job working for the school board out here! I am super excited and it does not take me away from my family. I attend a meeting once a month and then do clerical duties here at home. I am very happy for two reasons with this...the first is that it has a little money with it (and that is always welcome this way) and the second is that I am completely interested in the education system and how it works. The people that I will be rubbing shoulders with are AMAZING women and I look forward to learning a lot of great things.

And to conclude this post I want to update and state publicly that I kicked my caffeine/energy drink addiction. I got off it a few weeks after I posted about it. All I have to say about overcoming and facing obstacles in life.. all you need is a plan and the Lord involved and ANYTHING can happen! (Please remind me I wrote this when I call one of you crying and complaining about a challenge I have.)

Life is good and I am blessed!

PEACE in being PREPARED

2010-12-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

For those that know me they know I am a little passionate about being prepared and unfortunately (or fortunately, I am not sure yet) I have gotten even more passionate of late. All indications of a smooth ride into the future are lacking right now...for me I see massive storm fronts taking shape and ready to smash into our calm shores of life. If ever I start to doubt my own internal alarm sounding my mind reminds me of what our prophets have said in the past. Here are a few oldie but goodies that come to mind:

1. "The Lord has warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to the prophet and stored at least a year's supply of survival food..."
Ezra Taft Benson

2. "The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat."
Brigham Young

3. "The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah."
Ezra Taft Benson

4. "We will see the day when we will live on what we produce."
President Marion G. Romney

And a positive one

5. "We believe that seldom do circumstances arise in which men of rigorous FAITH, genuine COURAGE, and unfaltering DETERMINATION, with the LOVE of INDEPENDENCE burning in their hearts, and pride in their own accomplishments, cannot surmount the obstacles that lie in their paths. "
(Conference Report April 1948, pg.5)

I believe with everything in me that the time to prepare is NOW and not just temporal preparedness but Spiritual Preparedness too. What good does it do us to have the "things" and "stuff" to sustain us but not know what the Lord would have us do or know.

For those who are not actively preparing I would implore you to begin without any more delay. If you have to get up early to read your scriptures because there are to many distractions once you get up, then do it! If you haven't started supplying your family with the things that will keep you alive and not on the streets begging then start even if that means cutting into Christmas or whatever else you put above preparing.

There is safety in keeping the commandments and peace that comes to me when I do it and I want that for all I love and care about.

Halloween 2010

2010-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

This year for our Halloween festivities we went to our new ward's Trunk or Treat. It was pretty fun, even if it was raining on us.

We went to the Zeller's place and the kids had a lot of fun, especially Cole. He is not afraid to go off by himself now. Carson stuck very close to us. I don't think he was sure of some of the costumes we saw.

Morgan was so fun to dress up and watch walk around and say trick or treat.

After we made the rounds we went and got some pizza and movies and finished our celebrations at home. It was fun.

These last two pictures have nothing to do with Halloween but I wanted to add them because they are so sweet of the kids. Carson is just the cutest little sleeper I have ever seen. The dog he is squeezing is Bone his new puppy.

FHE Success Story

2010-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Family Home Evening can either go two ways in our house.

Either we (Michael and I) are able to be patient and persever while we try and teach the kids important life lessons and spiritual realites while they poke each other, wiggle around and basically show no interest in what we have prepared OR we are able to present a topic that grabs their attention and they sit and listen.

Not only do they listen but it seems that the information was internalized....at least for the evening.

This was just that sort of night!

The lesson came from a wonderful site that Lindsey sent to me. (Thank you I LOVE it!) It was on being strong and not letting the advesary hit us with his arrows of tempation. The kids really enjoyed and so did I!

The activity at the end was just as fun as the lesson. I don't think there is anything more fun in life than to laugh and feel the Spirit with those that you love more than life!

I love my sweet little family in spite of the many times that I want to strangle them. So when we have moments like these I want to cherish them and remember them.

VOTE TODAY

2010-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

“We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. … such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people. …” (D&C 134:1, 3.)

I hope the voice of the people turn out today. I hope that the voice of the people will be for saving our Republic. God instituted this incredible opportunity for us to be heard and have a voice. Please use your voice today and be heard!

My 1st Grader

2010-10-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here is Cole on one of his first days of school. He looks so handsome and SOOO old to me! Cole is a super sharp kid and is doing really good in school. I admire his desire to learn and his ability to catch on so quickly!

It is strange that he is gone all day now. I love the break but it is sad that for a substantial amount of the day my six year old is out of my control. It makes it easier that he likes it and is doing so well but at the same time it's dreamlike how fast time is going. On one hand I appreciate the speed but on the other it is sad that baby days are gone for good with him.

I look at this picture and hope so much for his future and the young man that he will become. My hopes are so high for him, and all the kids actually, and I realize my role as mother, and how crucial I am in teaching and modeling the correct behaviors for these little people! Overwhelming to think that these beautiful little creatures have been entrusted in my care. I am thankful they are mine for a time.

Isn't it ironic?

2010-10-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Getting the ground all prepped to plant grass seed. Beautiful isn't it?

Heartbreaking but getting through it.

Just another picture of what it looked liked all tilled and ready to go.
O-well, right? Again I am thankful for my gospel perspective on life. I believe we are not here to get what we want when we want it, although it is very nice when that happens. We are here to be tested and pushed to see how we will behave when the heat is on. I have to say I think I did pretty good with this one. I give myself a 89%.

No grass this year. We will need to till again, and buy all the material again and that will not be happening after the bill we will be getting soon!

On a more fun note this is our chicken coop. (I need to still paint the trim white.) Mike did a great job with this.

We have 16 hens and 1 rooster and I love them! We added 11 full grown ones a few weeks ago. They are not laying consistently yet because of the move..but will be soon I hope. We are getting a couple eggs a day.

Opposition in All Things

2010-10-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today started out very exciting! We got the ground all tilled and leveled for planting grass seed. We laid down all the starter fertilizer, seed, and peat moss and then Mike noticed a huge wet spot in our existing grass area. He started digging and noticed that water kept coming up!

WE HAVE A BROKEN PIPE FROM OUR WELL TO OUR HOUSE!!!!

And that's just the beginning of it. We attempted to solve it on our own and quickly noticed that it was beyond our skills, I guess I should say Mikes. (I was just watching.)

So we have an excavator come over and he tells us that whoever did our pipe was either a dumby or it was a homeowner that didn't know what they were doing. Needless to say we are all dirty and have no way of showering, flushing the toilet, and drinking water, ect. And this is going to be a very expensive fix.

Life...it really is a bummer sometimes, but I guess it needs to be that way so when things are smooth you really appreciate and savor those good times.

I LOVE my Calling!

2010-10-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

I love the church and having opportunities to serve. Granted some callings to serve are not always as welcome as others, but I truly love to serve and help in my community and ward. I don't think I would be who I am now if I had not had all the callings I have had. So I am truly grateful for the blessings I have been given through serving Him.

In some of those calling situations my heart wasn't in it, at first, and I had to get in and start working to start enjoying them more. In my current calling that is not the case at all. I am the emergency preparedness coordinator for our ward and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Not only do I get to talk about preparedness and try and get other people fired up about it, I get to learn more about it myself. What a dream! I am going to get CERT trained and everything.

Is this what I dreamed of becoming when I was a little girl...all crazy about preparedness? No, but I am past feeling weird about being a nut job because it brings me peace in this crazy world!

Fall Time

2010-10-05T20:26:00.001-07:00

There is something special about fall time for me. I love the smells, the feel in the air and the beauty of the changing seasons. Its so nice to be able to enjoy this time of year now that we are really getting settled here.

This time last year we were in high gear with moving and renting and all that stress. I am so glad that time has past.

We are just about ready to put the garden to bed. Mike went out with the kids this evening and came in with this bounty! I am amazed at how good my tomatoes are...I guess the trick really is just lightening up about gardening and not taking it so serious.

Its amazing to see what started as almost nothing became such a beautiful piece of fruit. I am thankful for a kind and generous Heavenly Father who not only blesses me with food but with real life lessons to be drawn from the garden.

I was amazed to find out there is a little apple orchard out here. This was at Carson's preschool field trip. This lady's property was really pretty. She had a huge green house, ducks and a massive garden. It was fun to see and the kids all loved it. (One day my apple trees will look like that!)

I Have a Problem

2010-10-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Cylee and I am a caffeine addict (among other things). Ya, I am and not just a little pop here and there either! I am talking full blown I am drinking energy drinks!! Pathetic? Yes!

I am airing my dirty laundry because this has been going on now for over a year. (It started accidentally too!) Is this a big deal to some people? No, in fact some may find this laughable. However, to me I know it is a problem for these reasons:

1. I know it is bad for my body..there is research on this stuff. (I am in my 30 's now and should be more healthy with my one and only body.)

2. It has messed up my sleeping schedule. I am going to bed way later.

3. I used to read my scriptures in the morning but now I have no desire to
because I always want to be busy moving around. (There is a huge indication right there that its bad!)

4. And I feel GUILTY!

So all the signs for change are there...will I heed and overcome or will I persist in this naughty behavior? I will overcome! It's just a matter of when am I going to start?!

Just Say No To Caffeine!

Fernley Visit

2010-09-25T08:56:00.001-07:00

HOME SWEET HOME

It is amazing to me how attached I got to this place. The appeal was not in its beauty, but the people are what made me love this place. They truly did become family to us and I will remember them always. So when we finally saw this exit sign Friday I was so excited! It felt like home.

We joke with the Chapman's that Olivia and Cole will marry one day so we can truly become family...if things keep up between these two that might just happen. (Olivia he is going on a mission don't worry!) I wanted to use a better picture of Cole but this is the best one I had...he looks a little questionable in this...like he is a little player.

After we got situated at our hotel we went and hung out at Jaine's house. It was sooo fun to see how the kids had changed and to watch them interact with each other. Here Reece is doing damage control because they had a little skiff and Morgan got upset.

It didn't take her long to warm back up to little Reece!

Tressa is so great she had a little party at her house so we could all hang out. It was so fun. The kids (all 20 + of them!) had a great time! I can't express how happy it made me to see all the kids playing together again. Super fun Tressa thank you so much! And of course you have to have a group shot of all us women!

I was not about to try and get the men to pose so I thought this would have to do. We are missing Trevor in this picture though dang it!

Carson was in heaven..eating Popsicles, jumping on the tramp with all the girls and just having fun!

Morgan was so good there. She didn't fuss all night.

Here is the man himself....Mr. Shane Chapman.

These ladies are so fun. There is never any dull conversation when these guys are around!

This is the best picture I had of Janie and I. She truly is a fabulous woman and I consider her my sister. Her testimony is so strong and she is such an example to me. Thank you Janie for letting us stay with you!!

Mike and Nathan hanging out...I know Mike was really happy to see his friends again. We decided that we will have to make this trip again in the future.

Lots Going On!

2010-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

I hate it when I don't keep up with blogging because when I finally do its such a huge job! (Too overwhelming and its hard to keep pictures organized.) The pictures are a little out of order but o-well here we go. I will persevere in the name of family history!

RANDOM SHOTS

These two are pretty cute together. I love how he has his arm around her. The boys for the most part are really good to her.

These babies came straight from my garden in one picking! I went overboard with tomatoes this year and feel a little successful with them. I was (and still am) able to go out everyday and get a handful of these. I had some problems with the big ones splitting but that's about all.

Mo and me getting ready to go to Uncle TJ's house to play.

Carson and I looking at each other very lovingly. Carson is a good boy he is going to make some girl one day very happy.

Here is the little man on his first day of preschool. He was, and still is, pretty excited about school. We got him into a cute little place really close to the house. I am excited about all the fun things he will be doing.

Here he is outside of Miss. Reine's house.

This is his little class and teacher coming out so we can pick him up.

This is a very beautiful thing going on in this picture. We have had 5 chickens and 1 rooster roaming around our backyard for awhile now. Can I just say crap was everywhere! They roosted on our porch so when we came out there would be all this poop right where we needed to walk. Well, Michael heard my crys and came to the rescue. Brandon and Mike are working on our new (huge) chicken coop...its almost done!

My baby girl turned two on Sunday! Is she not the sweetest thing? She is a joy to have in our home! We would not be complete with out her.

We have three horses now. One is ours and two we board. This is Bradon's 4 year old horse. He is always so sweet to the kids and takes them on rides.

For Mike growing up a city boy he has sure adjusted to living in the country for the years. He loves his horse and enjoys riding. It makes me happy to see him so happy!

This is Lily. This is the female horse that has caused a lot of drama between all the horses. I never realized how much personality horses have. She is concerned in this picture cuz Mike is taking her boyfriend away. The whole time he rides Yancy she will sit and cry after him. It is fascinating to watch.

Little Morgan walking all the way out to the corral in the back. She is a little trooper.

Here is Morgan's first day of school. I have decided to have one on one teaching time with her the days Carson goes to preschool. I can tell already she is going to excell just like the other boys. She likes to work on her alaphbet already!

So here is my new hair do. I totally went drastic. Mike and I had our 8th anniversay a few weeks back so I thought it would be fun to send him on a treasure hunt and at the end when he saw me I would be totally different. (I wanted to spice things up a bit.) Well, I got the reaction I wanted... he was totally surprised. Gone are the days of putting so much time into how I look. Granted I think I look better blonde but #1 my hair grows out dark too fast #2 I don't want to have to fork over the doe to keep up with it and #3 when its longer I have to put so much time and effort into it.

Here is Morgan playing with one of her new birthday toys. (Thank you family for the b-day money we got her some good toys that she loved.)

Mike and Yancy.

Thought on 9/11

2010-09-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

That day almost 9 years ago definitely changed me. I was 22 at the time. I was going to college and new in the gospel...life was really good. My roommate, Liz, called me that morning and woke me up and told me kind of in a panic to get up and turn on the TV. I did what she asked because her tone was different. What I saw on the news was that the first plane had hit and just minutes into watching I watched as the second plane hit. As I type this I feel the shock and sorrow of the day.

I thought, what is going on? Two planes crashing into the same building... this is not an accident. For some reason the realization that there was people out there that would kill themselves in order to kill and hurt others really grieved me.

For the next week (at least!) I was glued to the TV. I couldn't get enough of what was being said and what new information that kept coming in. I was totally obsessed.

Now nine years later I still get sad over the evil, crazies out there but more than focus on the evil in human nature I like to reflect on how people came together. All the people from all over the country that came to volunteer was amazing, all the patriotic e-mails that I got inundated with that made me feel good, all the news stories that told of brave men and women doing heroic things to help one another survive the attack. This is the side of human nature that I like to linger on.

Its my belief that there are more good, decent, human beings out there than we think. Its also my belief that this is God's promised land and that if we remember Him and remember our neighbors in times of need we will all be okay...no matter what happens!

Where To Begin?

2010-09-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

Parent's Visit
Mom & Randy came and visited with us for a few hours one day. We love having them come and visit. Now that we are closer their plan is to come and visit then leave, no more overnighter's which we will miss, but we are closer so we'll not complain. The boys love rough housing with Grandpa! They are always ready for mortal combat when he comes to play. And with Grandma its coloring time and showing off all the new things they have learned.

Shana & John Visit
I am so bummed! My computer crashed on me (that has never happened before) and I lost the pictures of Shana's visit. She is my 1st cousin. We were really close when we were younger. I spent a lot of time at her house growing up there for awhile. We would always think of fun things to do and always cry when it was time for me to go. To make us feel better my Aunt Kathleen would give us some Coke to drink before she took me home. Great memories so it was Wonderful to have her and her wonderful husband visit us here. They came twice and it was a blast. We hope to see them a lot more now. Hopefully, when they come again they will have fine tuned their skills in bowling so we won't have to school them again. And maybe the boys will go camping again and me and Shana can have a workout/cry-fest like last time. (I promise this next time I won't cry through the whole movie!)

Date With Cole
To get Cole ready for school I thought it would be fun to make a special day out of it. We went into town and got his school uniform and then went to Red Robin and pigged out! Cole is now in first grade!! I can't believe it. I will save how I feel all about that in his first day of school post.

The last week in pictures

2010-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Carson managed to get himself stuck in this tinker toy container.

Morgan came to the rescue.

The boys have loved just turning the hose on and having a slip-n-slide fest in the mud. Its cute to watch them but I don't care for the cleaning them up part.

Who ever has told us that chickens do not have personality I could not disagree with them more! These little creatures are really cute and fun to have around and watch. One followed Mike around yesterday out back. And I love seeing them eat the bugs in our backyard.

The goats in the backyard roaming free. When we are working back there Mike lets them out so they can eat down our weeds. Its cute to watch them but you really have to watch them. They will so quickly wander over to the garden or my trees and start nibbling!

Food For Thought

2010-07-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."

Are we in trouble?

Chicks

2010-07-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Mike brought home six baby chicks yesterday and the kids were getting familiar with them. Only Morgan was brave enough to hold one though.

They are really cute. True, we know nothing about them so its time to start reading. We are hoping by next year we will be having our own eggs! We shall see.

Holy Shiner

2010-07-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

Cole in one of his hyper rants last night tripped and hit his head right on a railroad tie in the backyard! It made a horrific thud sound! It is very difficult to remain calm and not want to panic when things like this happen. I am so thankful that Micheal was there to take care of it. His little eyebrow swelled up like I have never seen before and he got a cut right by his eye.

After Mike got him washed off and the wound cleaned and bandaged he took him to urgent care just in case. (Minds well use that route while we still can.) The Dr. said he was fine nothing was damaged.

Wow but look at his shiner today! Poor little guy.

Random June Pictures

2010-06-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Holy weeds!! I mowed these suckers down last week and look at them. I can’t believe how bad they are here. So I spent 3 hours this morning garbed up with a 3 gallon backpack on and sprayed over 7000 square feet of area. I don’t know where they came from…all of a sudden they were just here and I need them to be gone. We are prepping to get some grass seed planted. I hope by next week…then I won’t have to look at this anymore.

Mike, with Brandon’s help, has got his shed framed up. It’s exciting seeing things slowly come together.

My little garden this year. We have three 12x4 raised beds but only planted in one. I planted 9 tomatoes (probably too many for that space) and some peppers. Past the raised beds are a row of raspberries and strawberries that are actually still alive. Randy gave me some of his and I hope they turn out!

This picture is showing off my skill at putting together the drip system. I am so glad it is finally done...I have the callouses to prove it too!

This snake we found in our backyard!! We heard Carson screaming, that is a totally normal thing lately, from inside and didn't think anything of it. When he came in to tell us what he saw Mike said he wanted to see. I went with him and was very surprised to see a huge snake.

So we called up Brandon and he came over and checked it out and told us it was harmless. He said it is good for keeping the mice down.

All I know is that I don't want to accidentally step on that thing!

Morgan had just woke up from a nap and wanted to snuggle with daddy. I love that little sleepy look.

Here she is ready for swimming class. The klds and I all went to a swim class for two weeks. They boys did one for there age and Morgan and I did a mom and tot one.

This picture doesn't show what is really going on. Morgan is such a little momma. She has Carson lay on her and she will pat him. She will say, "Hold you baby". It is so cute.

This picture is adorable. If you can see her tongue is sticking out.

We took the kids a few weeks back to go bowling and play at our fun center.

June has been really busy for us. A lot of working outside and playing with family. The weather finally feels like summer so we look forward to what July is going to be like.

Colsterlicious Turns 6

2010-06-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

My oldest turns six!!! And wow, was that day crazy! It started out at the swimming park at 10:45 am for swim lessons. Then Jaime and the kids showed up so we could all play together there for awhile. Well, we didn’t leave there until 3:30 or 4:00….(it could have even been later I don’t quite remember now) and we all got fried! Yes, I did put sun screen on us but I need to remember to reapply here.

Being outside for so long drains you and by the time we all got home I knew we had stayed too long but it was fun. (I am still peeling from my burn.)

This was Cole’s request this year…a piñata. Mike took it to a whole new level though by getting a life size batman that scared the crap out of the little kids. Both Morgan and Kaden were horrified at the life size piñata. (In the picture below you can see that it is actually bigger than Cole!)

Cole was a mess after the water park. He was burned, over stimulated, tired and somewhat crazed for the rest of the evening. He had an emotional break down over a few minor things that evening but we managed to work them out.

Here is the birthday dinner of choice. Pizza, salad with hard boiled eggs and apple juice to drink.

All the kids got a chance to hit the piñata a few times. That thing did not want to break…maybe because it was so full of candy!! Mike and TJ went a little overboard with filling that thing but the kids loved it.

Grandma Comes To Town

2010-06-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Elaine, Michael’s mom, came up and visited with us for a week! It was so fun to have her stay at our house for part of that week. The kids enjoyed her and I LOVED having the company. She is such a good woman and has been through a lot in her life time. It is always nice when grandma comes.

Also, in the picture is Tommy. He did not come due to health problems but we hope one day he will be able to make the journey.

While she was here she went to church with us and came with us to the kids swimming classes. Not to mention, she let me abandon her with the kids for a few hours one of the days so I could go and do some coupon shopping. (Thank you again Elaine!) She is so easy going and such a help it was a nice break from the normal routine.

Here she is with all her grandkids. We love her and look forward to the next visit from her…maybe grandpa will be able to come too!

More Fun Pictures at Grandma & Grandpa's House

2010-06-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Grandpa took the boys out and taught them how to fly a kite.

Mom made that cute little outfit for Morgan. She also helped the boys make paper dolls with her machine. Cole really enjoyed the process.

This little girl gives the best kisses and hugs. Its fun to capture it in a picture. (Thanks mom)

Here Morgan is in time out. Mom had to take a picture of it because she thought it was cute and it is! I will tell her to go to time out and she will! In fact, she will stay (most of the time) until you tell her to come out. She is so obedient.

Playing dress up with grandma's shoes.

Fun at Grandma & Grandpa's House

2010-06-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Original Intent

2010-05-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

I am shocked and amazed at what I have not been taught about our American heritage! I am even more shocked and amazed that our history has been changed….on purpose! (I think enraged is a better adjective.) The things I am reading about our founders and the founding of this country is so inspiring it has brought me to tears. I WISH we were being taught this, I WISH we all knew our history. (I bet if we had been taught the truth this bull crap wouldn’t be going on right now in Washington and in our homes!)

I wanted to write about the separation of church and state phrase we all know so well. This phrase has lead us to take prayer out of school, reading the bible out of school, the ten commandments taken down in our public buildings and many more such ridiculous acts done in the name of separation of church and state. This phrase has been attached to the first amendment, even though this phrase is found NO WHERE in the 1st amendment or in the constitution for that matter!

The first part of the 1st amendment meant two things in dealing with religion. The first clause guarantees the free exercise of religion i.e. to freely express our religious faith. The second clause was to prohibit the establishment of a national church, meaning no national religion that we all had to adhere to. (Like the one the founders were trying to escape from!)

The professors of our day and politicians would have us believe that the founders, men of GOD, were trying to tell us that all religious activities were to be done in the home or in church not in public. We have been taught that the first amendment “really” means we have to keep religion out of our public life. We have been taught wrong! We have been mislead! Our history has been changed on purpose to get us away from God!

The founders intended the 1st amendment to PROTECT our religious activities and not establish a national government. They held church meetings in the Capital building for crying out loud! The founders were all men of God and were very spiritual and taught us that we would only be a free nation as long as we were a “moral and religious” people. They encouraged Christian principals. How in the world did we get to such religious intolerance for Christianity?

The court ruling in 1947 is where it all started. The court decided for the first time to not look at the founder’s original intent! They decided to redefine what church meant and to separate us from God!

I have been reading a book called Original Intent and it is blowing my mind but at the same time it is strengthening my faith! I heard a man say that he feels the same Spirit while reading the founder’s writing as he does the scriptures and I agree! I feel for too long I have been hesitant to talk about God in public or to freely express my views on life to strangers, afraid to offend. I think those days are over. I think I am ready to remind all those freedom, loving individuals, who fain offense when God is mentioned, to give gratitude to the Being who made it possible for them to do as they please. And I am ready without hesitation to remind our dear President that yes, we are a Christian nation and He is in charge, not him!

Washington Excursion

2010-05-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Mike is so great! He earned a free round trip and told me to go and see Cass with it sometime and I finally did. This post is all about my weekend trip with her. Cassie is 7 years younger than me and I feel we have a really good relationship. We fought all the way growing up but once I left home that is when our relationship changed. I guess we finally realized that we did love each other!

This is my sweet little nephew Maddux. I was so surprised to see how much he had grown! I am talking leaps and bounds. I have never really had the chance to bond with him but we sure did on this trip. I don't think I have ever meet a little guy with such a sweet, tender, little spirit like his. He has had a lot of physical challenges to deal with but you would never be able to tell with his attitude. I am amazed by him...he really touched my heart this last weekend.

And this sweet little thing is the spitting image of Cass! Bella was fun to watch. She is very independent and a little busy body. I thoroughly enjoyed her personality and can't wait till we can play again. I know she keeps Cassie and Tildan on their toes.
(I didn't get a picture of Tildan he was working most of the time.)

It was so green there! I could not believe all the plants and ferns and trees...it was truly a treat to see it. We went for a walk and Cassie took some pictures.

One of the nights we decided to color our hair together. Thank goodness this didn't turn out as bad as it could have. Cass being the trusting little sister just listened to me tell her what we needed to do. When we were on the last step I realized that I totally misread and we did a big no no. Needless, to say our hair only has a slight orange tint versus what it could have been. Thanks for not being too mad Cass!

Cassie and her family have been wanting to go to church so I was able to go with them for their first time there! It seems like a wonderful ward and the kids did really good. Granted sitting for an hour with a 1 1/2 year old has its challenges but I think they did great.

This is just minutes from where they live. Pretty, hu?

It was so wonderful to go and see where she lived and what her world was like. Her and Tildan were wonderful and hopefully I will be able to visit them again. What a great family. Thank you so much Cass for letting me come. I love ya!

Mike's Birthday Party

2010-05-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

For Mike's birthday we had T.J. and his family come over and Brandon. We had dinner and then played outside with the goats. We had a really great time and it was so pretty outside.

I had to post this picture. Is that not gorgeous? For as dark and ominous as it looked we didn't get too wet. It just clouded up and blew over.

Mike and TJ are always messing around. Here Mike had just got his brother and he was trying to catch his breath....Brothers!

The Goats Have Arrived!

2010-05-14T11:42:00.001-07:00

Here are our little strange creatures we own now!! Wow goats!

Mike and Brandon picked them up Wednesday evening and didn't get in until late. The kids got a chance to see them the next morning.

The kids seem to really enjoy them and the goats are really cute. They make the weirdest sound but once you get used to it its not so bad.

Well, after we all played with them for a bit Mike said he had to get to work. We all went inside to have family prayer. When we were getting ready to kneel down Mike looked out the window and said, "They're out". The little buggers had escaped! So Michael had to run to Cal Ranch and get some netting to put up so they wouldn't escape again. I am so glad he was there I would not have known what to do!

Backyard

2010-05-14T11:24:00.001-07:00

This is Artouro with the boys out back digging holes for the post.

With posts up.

Fence up...at least in the back. We are so almost done with it now and I can't wait! Brandon and Mike put up the rails and I put up the slats.

My Life

2010-05-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

I really wonder sometimes if these kids were not mine would I still think they are as beautiful as I think they are (did that makes sense?)? Regardless, I love them way beyond description and marvel that I was entrusted with such great kids.

Granted being a mother is trying and difficult at times but on the whole I would NEVER trade it in for anything. When I am at peace with life and I am not being hormonal I can stare at one of these little ones and get so inspired to be better for them. Because I want to be the best so they will model the right behavior and have the best chance in life! I HOPE so much for their future. I HOPE they will grow up strong in the gospel and enjoy the LIGHT that is there for them always.

I love them.

The Value of Work

2010-05-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes me feel as satisfied as working hard and then stepping back and looking at what you have accomplished. I LOVE that feeling! I like being sore and exhausted to the point where you can’t give anymore and just have to sit down. This is the description of today.

We worked on getting the fence up again, along with a few other things. We are still not done…..and probably will need to put a few more days in like today before we are. I am exhausted but very happy with what we all accomplished. Even the kids worked their little bums off.

When the boys and I were loading up concrete from the goat area little Morgan saw that everyone was working and without being told she went and picked up pieces she could carry and put them in the bed of the truck. She did this for longer than the boys did. What a little trooper! And the boys did well today too. I am very happy with this Saturday.

I think to work is good and gives us a sense of accomplishment and feelings of self worth. At times I may long for a life of ease and to have everything I want but I think if that were the case I would be an under-developed person. I know I feel best about myself when I have been working and when I practice restraint in my wants.

Wanna Be Farm People

2010-05-04T11:41:00.001-07:00

I love the idea of having animals that can produce and make it possible for us to be as self reliant as we can. Knowing you had some chickens right out back for fresh eggs or some cows that have been raised by you so you know what they have been eating. For some strange reason this sounds ideal to me. However, I was not planning on getting animals that did not contribute to our overall preparedness plan.

So when Mike sent me pictures of these adorable, little, dwarf Nigerian goats it was hard to resist. In order to justify getting them I ask, "Do they produce anything useful?"

"Yes, if you want to milk them!" I want to be prepared and all but I am not ready to take that ginormous step yet.

So in about a week and half we will be goat owners. I never in a million years would have thought I would own goats. But look at how cute they are. Could you resist?

I'm sure we have no idea what we are getting into but it will be fun to try and figure it out. Plus, the kids will LOVE them. And, here are all my justifications, this is a good practice animal. They are small, don't eat a lot, and we need our grass eaten down out back anyway. Hopefully, this will be a positive animal experience.

He Can Do It!

2010-04-13T09:45:00.001-07:00

He can ride his bike without training wheels! I am so happy for him. I love seeing his confidence increase in his abilities! We haven't even been working with him.

Here is the story...somehow one of his training wheels came off awhile back and he has just learned to ride it with the one. So this past Saturday Mike thought to take off the other one because he could see he was balancing so well without the one. It worked! I was inside and came out because I think I heard shouting. Expecting to find someone in trouble or crying, everyone was happy and Carson was zipping around. I guess he got it on his first try. Mike just gave him a little push and that's all it took.

A couple comments about his outfit. Carson loves those shorts and would wear them everyday if he could. He also loves striped shirts, especially that one.(Infact, he is wearing that some outfit right now.) He is still very much into balls but he is focusing his interest into baseballs. Carson tells me he wants to be a baseball player when he grows up. He is probably happiest when someone, anyone, is playing catch with him. He likes to quote movies such as Sandlot, Incredibles, and any other little phrases from movies that interest him.

I thoroughly enjoy his personality. Our family would not be complete without Carsonator!

A Little Down A Lot More To Go

2010-04-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is what we spent all day doing. I am not sure what time I started maybe around 11:oo but we went ALL day until 7:30. I don't know how I am able to type right now...every little muscle is sore. We did it though and are saving lots of money by doing it ourselves. And I like knowing that we can work together and get stuff done.

We still have this side though. I want to hurry and get it done so we can start working on our garden.
I will go crash now.

Thank Goodness for Guns

2010-04-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

TOOLS FOR OUR DEFENSE LAST NIGHT

Last night at 2 am our alarm went off! It is not a faint little sound it puts out, it is an ear piercing scream. A bit dazed, Mike goes for his gun and flashlight that he keeps by his bed. I go to shut off the alarm, sure that the kids are probably freaking out at this point. We do a quick plan of where we are both going to go before we go out into the hallway. I am going to check the kids and Mike is going to do a sweep of the house. The kids were fine...a bit scared, but I tuck them back in and hurry to go find where Mike went.

To not keep anyone in suspense, all was well! But we were very puzzled what could have set it off. All the doors were still locked, all the windows were shut and the house was clear of any strangers. We should feel easy at this point but don't. We check the alarm to see where it was triggered. It was the motion down in the basement. We decide to call the cops and just be overly cautious. They come and do a sweep of outside and in.

After they had left I felt a little unprotected but then the thought occurred to me, "At least you have guns if it comes down to it. Mike could defend us." When Mike came back in the house he told me that they had found some insulation down from the ceiling in front of the sensor. What a relief.

Still it was a good emergency situation that gets you thinking of all the what ifs. I am thankful for our right to bear arms. It levels the playing field and makes you not feel so dependent on someone else to take care of you. What if it was a break in and the police didn't get there in time? I am glad we are prepared in this area it makes you not feel as vulnerable in these times.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-03T18:58:00.001-07:00

Friday we went bowling and it was okay. It was good to get out and see some of the town but Morgan was all over the place, Carson was constantly whining about something and Cole...he did pretty good. I think because we haven't gone out together as a family we are a little rusty. Plus, Morgan is at the roaming stage of life where she is all over! However, with all the work that went into taking the whole gang into public I would do it again. I want to play this year a lot with my family.

It is so easy to slip into drill Sargent mode and suck the fun out of everything with all that needs to get done all the time. I need to put scheduling time daily to PLAY with the kids and let them be and do as they want will really be good for us.

The next day, our Easter as far as the Easter bunny goes, was fun. The kids enjoyed their buckets of treats they got and finding the hidden eggs in the house. On top of that we decided to brave the cold and went to a community egg hunt. Wow! is all I can say. There was a huge turn out (I am glad we went a 1/2 hour early) and there was plenty for all. I was really impressed with the city event. We froze but it was really great for the kids. I LOVE seeing their excitement! It makes me happy.

Now we will finish off the weekend with General Conference. Already with today's sessions I find myself inspired to step it up. I love the light and knowledge that comes with these special weekends where our leaders talk to us. Where our prophet talks to us! I am so thankful for that and can't wait for tomorrow without the distractions of Easter to get in the way. (It was hard to focus today with the sugar induced mob running around!)

This is Spring Time?

2010-04-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

So much for getting work done in the backyard. Michael took two days off so we could make some good progress but this is what happened. It started snowing early yesterday morning and didn't stop! We think we got a foot of snow.

I will now show more compassion to those who complain about long winters. (I will be more sympathetic mom!) I was ready to start working on the garden. But now we will be patient and try and enjoy the winter wonderland.

My Little Reader

2010-04-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Cole is amazing! Here he is reading Green Eggs and Ham to me. I am so proud at how good he reads! He gave a talk a few Sundays ago in church and read the whole thing. It is crazy to watch him get bigger and bigger everyday. Truly, my little boy is going to grow up right in front of me.

Cole's First Tooth

2010-03-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Cole came home last week from school beaming with pride that he had a loose tooth. To him this is a major milestone in becoming a big kid. He messed with it all day while bugging me with a thousand questions about the tooth fairy. Knowing that this day would come, but not thinking so soon, I was caught off guard by all the questioning.

We then proceeded to do things that might help speed the process along.

Cole was excited but very nervous about it hurting. Thus the look.

Then Morgee had to get in on the fun. We did not succeed in removing the tooth this day but we had success the next.

Here Cole is missing one tooth on the bottom. He was so proud and Carson was pleased too. (Is Carson not adorable?)
Cole came home the next day again bugging me about his tooth and wanting it out. So I said I would pull it for him. To my surprise with a little coaxing he let me grab it and I pulled it out with ease. It was cute to see the look of shock on his face when I handed him his tooth.

Of course right after this picture he dropped the tooth and it is still missing! Not to worry, the tooth fairy still came and he got 4 quarters from her.

I am so proud of you Cole. You are such a handsome, smart, funny little guy. I look forward to more special moments like this with you.

Starting From Scratch

2010-03-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

So this is what the yard looked like when we tore down the fence. It was so good to have it opened up back there. I will never understand why the previous owners bought it and then put up a little bitty fence.

Here we have the new posts up. Do they match the white fence? No, but we will get to that later with some paint.

I think we might have the best home teacher ever! Last week him and his boys brought us a truck load of cow manure over for our garden. I am talking a HUGE pile of poop. It was not fun to try and spread it around because it was so fresh but it will be so good for our garden.

He then came again last night with his boys and helped us shovel the manure around while his boys helped me move the concrete from the old posts out of the way. Then he proceeded to plow up our yard for us. He and his boys are amazing. It is exciting to see our yard slowly coming together.

I want to document these pictures so in the years to come when we have grass and trees we can so how far we have come.

My 1st Caucus Meeting

2010-03-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

With the travesty that happened on Sunday it was so nice to go get involved politically tonight and feel like I was making a difference. I went to my first caucus meeting and it was fascinating. I felt very self-conscious about not knowing the basics of what was transpiring but after awhile I started catching on.

We prayed, said the pledge of allegiance and then voted on delegates for our county and state. If you want to feel like you have a voice attend yours! We are even going to take it as far as going to the dinner where you pay money to listen to the candidates talk and persuade you to vote for them and this sounds totally exciting to me!

With the political climate that we are in I don’t see how anyone cannot be totally worried, concerned and motivated to change it.

Healthageddon Passes!!!!

2010-03-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

How sacrilegious to pass this piece of S@!! (sorry family) on the sabbath!!! I was hoping too hard that it would not....it has. What will our future look like in a few years?

Tonight I will lament.

Family Down, Family Down

2010-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

You know that expression "man down, man down"? Well, its family down here. Sickness has been making its way through this little family like we have never had before. It all started with Morgan last Thursday. I woke up to the sweet smells of vomit coming from her room. And from there it has taken us down one by one. It went Morgan, me, Mike, Cole and I think it is (at least I hope) it is at its climax. Yesterday, it finally claimed its last victim....Carson. Oh, and he had it bad.

So I slept out in the living room so I could be close and also set up the vomit shop station. (Which is just lining everything with sheets and towels so the damage will be minimal. Trash bag and bags ready to go and a little glass of water and a towel to wipe off face and hands if needed.) So Cole had already been claimed on Tuesday so I thought he was on his last stretch. Well, he commenced upchucking last night with his brother. And Morgan is having very strange stool. I will spare the reader the details.

Anyhow, this is what life is like right now. As Grandma Carol always says, "Suffer, suffer."

Prayers are always welcome!!

It's About Health Care! Really?!

2010-03-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I just can’t take it anymore! The back and forth with the government takeover of our health care system has taken me to the brink. I have had my hopes up many times that this piece of legislation was dead. But oh no, not on this bill, it keeps coming back with more sleaze attached each time. The blatant arm twisting this administration is forcing on Congress and us is unbelievable. I want them out…all of them. I want to see America rise up in such indignation and disgust that all those in Washington get thrown out. I want to see them stripped of their life time salaries, their life time benefits and shamed in the streets for all to see.

Is that a little strong? Yes, and I think that the punishment would fit the crime. They lie to us, they steal from us, they tell us we are not smart enough and then they have the audacity to tell us that they know what is better for us than we do!!! Isn’t this the ultimate grab for our free agency!!

Now let me write myself down from the cliff……I have my faith. I know that we are here to be tired and tested, to see if we will be obedient and true to our Heavenly Father. I know that what was started up there is continuing BIG Time down here, over our FREEDOM.

On one hand I feel so helpless, like what can I do to change the direction of a nation? But on the other hand, I feel empowered because of my faith. I can pray for her, for America. I can read and get informed on the issues and the Constitution, which God through inspired men set up for us here. I can get involved in my local government and make sure I am heard. And also, I can teach. I can teach my children what God gave us and what we must do to protect it.

This is all part of the Heavenly plan and I need to concern myself with what I CAN do, not with what I cannot. I can do a lot in my little sphere. And however this healthcare debacle turns out I need to remember whose care we are in ultimately.

Sunday Best

2010-03-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

So we wanted to get one of the kids before we went to church today. All dressed and looking so cute! Cole is in this stage of not smiling for the camera so that is why the serious look.

These two are their daddy's kids. They having been getting along for the most part but Carson is starting to be a little territorial towards Morgan. He has already managed to teach her how to hit and yell!

I LOVE having a girl. She is so fun to dress up. And she is really low maintenance which makes it even better. Its funny how these kids come into your life and consume you and pretty soon you are totally in love with them no matter how much they demand from you.

My little, sweet, emotional, future baseball star. Isn't he so handsome like his daddy!

Do You Smell That?

2010-03-03T10:46:00.001-08:00

I LOVE the smell of homemade bread. It reminds me of growing up. I remember being little and so excited when the air would fill with delicious smelling foods and being so excited to try them. The smells of food in the air really do make a house feel more like a "home".

I am trying to get back into all the good habits I had developed over in Nevada. The past two years (not counting the last 5 months, due to the move) I have made bread almost every week. It started out as something I should do because we needed to use all the wheat that we had. Then it turned into something I liked! I enjoy doing it and I like knowing I am in control of what goes into the ingredients. Plus, I want to give my children what my mom gave me growing up, a home that smells delicious with good things to eat.

Random Shots

2010-02-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

2010-02-23T19:49:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Denise & Uncle Chris stopped by and saw us last week for a quick visit. My Aunt is such a wonderful woman who has raised and is still raising the best kids I know. (She is my dads sister.) I can't say enough how wonderful it is to be closer to family. I love that we can drop in and make it to special occasions now.

And this little picture here is a recent steal I had at Target. Please brace yourself for what you are about to read. I paid around 26-27 dollars for all this stuff, BUT I got back a $5 dollar gift card AND I will be submitting for a $15 dollar rebate. So all that stuff cost around $7 dollars. I think Target is my new favorite store!

My Very Own Vacation

2010-02-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

I went and spent Friday evening till Monday night with my parents all by myself!!! It was so enjoyable. I missed Mike and the kids very much but this little time out was way over due. I was able to go and take care of only myself for a few blissful, wonderful days. My mom and I wanted to do some sewing and we have been talking about doing aprons for sometime and we finally did it. Below are some pictures of what an amazing craft room my mom has.

My mom has wanted me to be into sewing for a long time so I think she enjoyed helping me. I do have to say that when she helps me she really helps me. She didn't get invovled into her own project so she could stop and drop when I needed her. However, there is a down side to this...she wants to take over my project. We were able to work and play together without any major mishaps even with the little pocket situation.

My mom has five machines so it was fun to bounce around to the ones I needed. I am so lucky to have her to teach me these things. She has been sewing all her life so she is very good at what she does. Thank you mom!

Above are the two finished projects and I have to say I am so happy with myself. Marie Ricks, yes that lady again, says that every good home manager needs a good apron to wear when ordering your house. Now I am set with two!!

Thank you mom!

This is my brother Jake. I always have a lot of fun when he is around. He is the most sweet and funny guy you will ever meet. He has the best manners and is so fun to be around. He is getting ready to move a long ways away (sure Jake now that I am close!) and he will be missed!

My mom is in a photography class so she had me pose while I was there. She usually has to force Randy to pose for her and he can be impatient at times. So I think she was happy that I was willing to play along as long as she made me look decent. And I must say I was happy how they turned out. Its amazing what a little makeup and some extra time spent on yourself can do.

It was so nice to spend time with Mom, Randy, and Jake. They are such wonderful people. I loved my time away to be goofy, sew, and play with pictures. But I was so happy to get home Monday night and hug my family again!

Family Councils

2010-02-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

So we have finally implemented family councils. Tonight made week three and I love doing them. They are patterned after Marie Rick's example which is done in three sessions on Sunday. The first is done before church where Mike and I go over the calendar for the week, problems to be talked about and such things that will make the following week work out. The theory is talk out next week so you don't have to fight it out during the week.

The second session is done after church with everyone. We cover the calendar again, problems/solutions that everyone has, chores that have been assigned and we report on how we all did and then everyone gives specific sincere compliments to everyone. This by far is the sweetest part of the whole thing. I have felt my love grow for my little family like nothing else.

Then the final part is after dinner me and Mike meet with each of the kids individually and let them talk about what they want to and we listen and express love. I have gotten so much out of this time together with the family. I truly cannot express enough how I love them. I hope when I read this at the end of the year we are still doing this. I truly feel that this will keep us strong as a family and the lines of communication open.

My Little Girl

2010-02-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

This little girl has so much personality. She is so fun to watch when mad, happy, tired..basically anytime. She plays pretty good with the boys. They don't want her around sometimes but most of the time she is welcome. If she gets shut out of their room she will either yell at them or knock till they answer.

Morgan has the cutest little expressions. She is in the habit of sticking her tongue out and giving really great scowls. She also has a little adorable growl that she does when she is mad or she is trying to do something really tough.

I know this is going to sound crazy but for some reason I am really enjoying my kids lately....I know crazy but its true. Either I am experiencing some prolonged honeymoon phase with them or I am growing and getting better. I am leaning towards the honeymoon phase. Either way I really do enjoy being a mother good times/bad times. (I TOTALLY prefer the good times though.)

Perks of Living Close to Home

2010-02-05T08:23:00.001-08:00

The kids and I made a quick trip to go visit grandparents and great grandparents a few weeks ago. The main point was to go play with Harley. She is my little niece. She is the same age as Carson. We had fun and we look forward to getting to spend time with our family more!

As a side note it was fun to watch my grandma wrestle around with the boys and Harley at her age. I hope I have as good as health as she does.