The Petersons

Would you know Him?

2011-07-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

This life is amazing! We have all been afforded an incredible opportunity to come to this world and LIVE, be tested and find ourselves. I'll be honest with you, I think I've failed some testes. Most of those failed tests were opportunities that I didn't take, that I turned my head and kept going, instead of recognizing the moment.

My heart has been in deep contemplation lately about the story in the Bible of the two disciples that walked the road to Emmaus. Along the journey the resurrected Savior drew close to them, and went along with them on their journey. While they were on their journey they talked about the resurrected Savior, not realizing that this precious time with the Savior was slipping through their fingers. Neither of the men recognized the Savior while he walked with them. Would you know Him?

Wildflowers & Patience

2011-03-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've seen a more beautiful spring then this spring in southeast Texas. Wildflowers are piled high everywhere you go. Bright vibrant green wild grass, and just like the cherry on top of my favorite flavor of ice cream, colorful wildflowers. As you drive down the highway, surrounding our house, down old main street, the flowers surround you. The beautiful vibrant color waking everyone's winter slumber.

This spring I feel like the beautiful wildflowers are a gift to me. I have always believed that God only gives you challenges you can handle. I remember vividly times in my life, where I have broken down and pleaded right out loud to my Father in Heaven, that "this was more than I can handle!" Even knowing what was coming next a calm cool reaction, peace that drips over me, and a strong assurance that I can handle this.

Patience is intriguing to me. I think it is a virtue that few that have ever lived have mastered. In the midst of a "challenge" it seems to be the only thing that you can think of. I know that this life is full of challenges, some who have met me may think I'm naive, that I simply don't see the negative scenes around me. Untrue, I choose to believe this life is full of happiness. And honestly probably equally bad and good. I simply choose to see the good in life, in people, in the circumstances that surround me, I choose to see the wildflowers and not the rain. But you have to endure the rain with patience to see the breathtaking wildflowers.

It's interesting at the seemingly end of a challenge, when it's so close you can see the end. God does something..... he lets us stretch. A little further, a little longer, a little more refinement. Why? I think he wants us all to rejoice more! More rejoicing in the wildflowers, more rejoicing in the giggles, more rejoicing in journey. So at this last mile of my marathon, I will choose to stretch a little farther. I will not break! I know that God only gives us what we can handle, and I choose to become that person that he knows I am! May you see your "challenges" as opportunities to touch others, to stretch further, to become the person that he wants you to be.

click here for a great uplifting message

What kind of cow are you?

2011-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

I can honestly say, I didn't sign up for this. Moving to Texas was the perfect part of the plan, but I didn't know that perfect plan had a farm involved in it. God sends us EVERYTHING we need, I know he does. If we open our hearts and minds to listen, no matter how difficult or challenging it may seem, he feeds us EVERYTHING.

I love Saturday mornings, especially slow Saturday mornings. This slow Saturday was early into our arrival of the Wild Grass & Full Pond summer, the kids were playing happily outside. I don't remember the exact activity, but I do remember chasing lizards was on the task list. Sean was busy putting the finishing touches on his talk for sacrament meeting and I was being entertained by the children.

I think it would be a safe assumption to say I would consider myself more of a city girl. I was feeling very out of place, but intrigued by this country setting, after all I only owned a pair of flip flops and running shoes and the rest of my shoes have 4 inch heels. Contemplating my new setting was quickly interrupted by a scene taking place in the pasture. I couldn't quite tell what was happening, but as the scene unfolded my eyes quickly filled with tears. I tried not to draw the children's attention to the field, but it was inevitable.

The owners of the farm had rounded all the baby calves and herded them into an old farm truck. The mother cows were not happy. As the truck pushed it's way through the cows and across the beautiful green wild grass, the mother cows quickly fell into three categories. Some of the mothers stood trying to make a fuss, and quickly died down. The other mothers followed the truck for a short run and stopped. But one mother in particular would not stop. This mother ran as quickly as she could, making a huge scene, chasing the truck with her baby all the way through the pasture, until the truck had come to a stop to open the gate to get out onto the road. She didn't stop, she dug her hooves into the soft wet ground, making as much noise as she could, protesting as loudly as she could.

I came into the house sobbing, not only because the baby calves were gone, but at the surprising lesson one mother cow taught me. What kind of cow was I going to be? I am so blessing with an amazing mother that did chase me all across the field, who protested bad decisions I made, but she NEVER gave up!

I believe God gives us what we need, he feeds it to us, but are we always listening? If we open our hearts and minds to listen, no matter how difficult or challenging it may seem, he feeds us EVERYTHING!

Mint Chocolate Truffles

2011-02-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

I remember waking one Valentine's morning and feeling under my big fluffy white pillow, and there it was a small beautiful box of Kara's mint chocolate truffles. I must have been maybe 10, but that small box of truffles communicated how much LOVE my daddy had for me. All these years later, the memory still communicates those same feelings.

LOVE is amazing it motivates mankind to be at their best! Reaching beyond the laws that tie us to this earth.

I am absolutely moved by Team Hoyt (click here to watch their story). I sobbed this morning as I watched the movie on their home page. If that isn't true love and devotion I'm not sure what is! Warning: get some tissues and if you've done your make up and a some place to go, don't watch this now!

Love motivates us to have mercy and compassion on all! Here is the video of a complete stranger who throws himself into a dangerous situation to help a complete stranger, keep watching until the angle changes and you'll see the train speeding down the track. (of course he used to be a Marine, they know all about LOVE for mankind, and country.)

Jesus was the ultimate example of LOVE, and he taught us : "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

Whether it's a box of Kara's mint chocolate truffles, or a kind note, I hope you celebrate the people who have shaped your life, who have made sacrifices of LOVE to make your life bright. This year for me it will include a prayer to my Father in Heaven. "All, everything I understand, I understand only because I love." And may we all watch around us to LOVE our neighbors. Happy LOVE weekend!!

Wild Grass & Full Ponds

2011-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw the farm house, I almost burst into tears. The shutters on the front were worn and broken, the "driveway" was a long dirt/enormous weed path that took you through several gates down to the small dirty house. Not only did I move to the middle of nowhere, but if the middle of nowhere had a middle of nowhere, that's where I was.

I was use to adventures, the last 2 years of our marriage had been filled with moves, and new babies (that's right I said babies), graduate school, business deals, and it had all escalated to this dirty old farm house surrounded by nothing but 200 acres, cows, oh and don't forget Jack the donkey. In a small amount of time, we put a lot of work into the house and its surroundings to make it a temporary home for our family. I even have some great memories here!

When we first moved in it was hot and humid, the wild grass grew plentifully in the fields, and the large pond was full of water and catfish. The summer moved on slowly and the ponds began to dry up, everyone said it was an unusually dry summer. I remember watching as one of the farm help drove in to water the cows. The cows came running from every corner of the 200 acres to take the refreshing water. He didn't take count, he watered the cows that came. As the summer faded into fall and now into an extremely cold winter, I love to watch the feed truck come across the field and the cows chasing behind to get their food. Each day they know where to go to be filled, to feast.

I know my soul is the same. There are beautiful fulfilling moments of wild grass and full ponds, and there are brutal winters of thirst and hunger, and moments where I know where to go to feast, but can't be found anywhere near. Where are you?

Alma 32: 28 ".....It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneith to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me."

There will be things I will never forget about this small farm house. There will also be a lot I'll be happy to forget! But moments of giggling kids as we bounce down the "driveway", hide-and- go-seek tag played over and over with very few new hiding spots, learning to feed my soul & understand the spirit, Jack the donkey, and the lessons I learned from watching the cows, I won't and don't want to forget!

Our backyard from the wild grass and full pond summer.

The Fuel Gauge

2011-01-30T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love my daddy, he is a strong, independent, hard working and a by the book man. He grew up working on the family farm in Grantsville Utah. There are amazing qualities men have that grow up working, and I mean working hard. My daddy knew the answers to all the questions I asked him, and I asked loads of questions! Just ask him about the drive from Utah to Chicago. I remember once my daddy giving me advice, he stopped to fill up his truck with gas, and I noticed he had a half of tank left. "Dad! You don't need gas, you have plenty." I'm sure I threw out there with a little teenaged girl attitude. My dad taught me a lesson that I didn't fully understand until yesterday. He wanted to run on the top half of his tank, the truck will run better, and you'll always be prepared.

Yesterday I found myself on a long drive home, it was a beautiful, warm, blue sky and sunshine day (the kind of day that you know why you moved to Southeast Texas). I watched my fuel gauge slowly sink down to the bottom, and I swear the bottom half goes much faster then the top half. I had spent the morning at a Stake Relief Society meeting, and I was really thinking hard about faith. I finally learned the lesson my daddy was teaching me (whether he knew it or not). We all have a Faith Gauge, and we choose how full we want it to be. Did you hear? We get to choose!

Where is your Faith Gauge? Are we running on fumes seeing how long we can go without refilling, maybe it feels like there is no gas station in sight, are we watching the gauge quickly dropping down to empty, or are we running off the top half? I finally had a deep awareness of my Faith Gauge. Just like my daddy always tried to teach me, if we run off the top half of our tank, we will run better, and we will always be prepared for that moment in our life where our faith is tested, and it will be tested.

Thanks Daddy!

Picking up the pieces.....of confetti!

2011-01-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

This morning I found myself picking up after my toddlers 3 year old birthday party. I knew the second I opened that package I would be picking up pieces of confetti for days, maybe weeks, but it would all be worth the smile on his sweet little face. I think I must have spent a good 20 minutes on my knees in one corner trying to coax the small pieces of confetti into the dust pan. After the floor finally looked clean I started to fill the mop bucket with hot sudsy water I turned around to mop, and there they were small pieces of confetti still dotting the floor. I laughed out loud, after all I knew what I was up against.

The beautiful bright dots of confetti scattered on the floor made me realize my life has been dotted with beautiful bright people. My mother has always told me life is a patch quilt, you'll meet people all along the way that will hand you pieces to your quilt, and you get to choose, "Is this a piece I want to put into MY masterpiece?" Whether you choose to use that piece you were handed or not, it all effects you and the direction of your masterpiece.

Holding my steaming bucket of mop water staring at the bright dots all over the floor, I finally understood what my mother meant. Each one of those dots were people, experiences, moments that changed my life forever (whether I knew it or not). Some were shining moments in my life, others were dark, but each one shaped and molded me into who I am today.

It was fun to pick up the confetti now, I would hold it and think of which person, or moment it represented in my life. I look forward to picking up the pieces of confetti for weeks to come!

Happy Birthday Andrew! I loved hearing "You have got be kidding me!" as you opened your presents. I loved the ring of chocolate around your smiling mouth, left from your yummy chocolate birthday cupcake! I love that YOU ARE one of the beautiful bright dots of confetti that has changed my life forever!

Happy, Hopeful & Fulfilled

2011-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl my mom always told me "If your pretty you have to be 5 times as nice!" I remember hearing this phrase dozens of times in my life, one memory sticks out in my head. I was riding down the street with my mom, me in the front seat, her driving as this phrase spilt from her mouth. At that moment is where I learned/discovered that a simple smile is the kindest gesture you can offer anyone.

Why is it that smiling is one of the most challenging things we do? I often have people ask how I can be so happy all of the time, I'll tell you my secret. "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be." And some days frankly I choose to be in a really mad mood, at least until my husband calls me out, and makes me say "I want to be in a bad mood", and as that phrase pushes it's way from my half smiling mouth, well... it's really hard to keep a straight face.

"God's plan is a plan of ultimate joy for each of us. His principle suffice in any situation. But each of us, young and old must face our challenge in our own way. Each one of us must reach for our own joy."

How grateful I am that I get to choose each day what makes my happy, what makes me feel hope, and what makes me feel fulfilled. Oh motherhood has taught me so much!

Funny how life recycles it's self, I found myself repeating the same phrase to my sweet girls the other day, while we were driving in the car, I wonder what they will take from the phrase. I hope they choose to live a life that is happy, hopeful, and fulfilling!

Railroad Ties, Avocado Pits & Birthday Cake!

2011-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

I had such a beautiful blessed childhood! I grew up in a small town and from my bedroom could see miles and miles of beautiful mountains, I saw colorful sunsets, puffs of smoke that rose from chimneys across the valley. The inside of my home was equally as beautiful, calm, peaceful and kind (except when my old brother picked on me, and all older brothers have to pick on someone).

That home holds thousands of great memories! I can't even count the times I walked up the railroad ties that framed the front stairs and slipped and fell on my behind, but I never really learned my lesson. The secret passageway to the neighbors and the countless avocado pits I planted there (none of them ever grew.... I know weird). The time my sister and I danced to "Walk Like An Egyptian" over and over again, we even made our brother call the radio station and request it again!

David celebrated his 7th birthday last week. I love his smile, I love that he enjoys life! I love that he brings so much light and happiness to my home! I hope he feels as blessed as I do. May my home be filled with the laughter of my children, the love of my marriage, the brightness that comes from faith in Christ, and the smell of fresh baked cake (can't hurt right?)

A New Year!

2011-01-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I LOVE New Years! It might just be the optimism in me, but it seems like everyone is soul searching and dreaming of the way they REALLY want to live. If we could think that way all year long, I believe our world/lives would be happy, fulfilling, exciting! New Years Resolutions are so important! I made a few, and am "getting after them"! I hope you made some as well, I hope they were life changing, difficult resolutions that might not just happen this year, but will make your entire life BETTER!

If you haven't made some life changing, difficult resolutions now is YOUR time!

We were so blessed to spend New Years with family in Austin TX. It was a great little trip for our family, and those kids were just spoiled playing with their cousins! It was fun to leave 13 kids with 3 daddies and go shopping with Kristy & Dani. Cute clothes, good food, lots of laughs, break from kids, yup it was GREAT!

Happiness....

2011-01-12T06:45:00.001-08:00

This makes me HAPPY!!

Of course the free box was the hit on Christmas morning! LOVE YOU!!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

We had a nice quite Christmas out here on the ranch. I really wanted to make it super special and memorable. I had so much fun incorporate things I remembered from my childhood.

David started it all off with Reindeer food how cute is his teacher to send home special Reindeer food with sparkles to help direct Santa to our house!

One of my favorite memories of Christmas was the paper lanterns we would set all up and down the stairs in our front yard on Christmas Eve. We did a much smaller version, but it brought back great memories!

We had a beautiful dinner, (which I slaved over ALL DAY LONG), including Grandma Worthington's Famous Pumpkin Pie, Chicken Ala King, Home made rolls, Smoke Alarm Potatoes, & Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pecan Salad. But when those kids sat down to dinner, they knew it was something special. It is a beautiful sweet memory!

Of course the Nativity acted out by our 4 littles! Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, and an angel (who really wasn't feelin it!)

We had a beautiful Christmas! I hope yours was the same, warm, happy and full of LOVE!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun time in Galveston for Thanksgiving this year. The first couple of days it was even warm enough for laying on the beach, and playing in the water.

My parents came to Galveston leaving the freezing grips of Utah, I think they really enjoyed the warmth and sunshine. Dad took everyone out to try some beach fishing (we haven't quite figured out that one yet!) What a great memory for our family!!

My mom found the lounge chair next to the big windows that looked out right to the ocean and recovered from Kneaders Thanksgiving there! Whenever she wasn't there Zimi kept Grandma's spot warm! It was really cute! I hope you all had a joyful, warm(even if it was only in your hearts), Thanksgiving!

Kimball At The Car Wash

2010-09-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Poor Kimball really didn't like the car wash! And I should know better, it always rains when you wash your car!

Texas!

2010-09-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a while.....lots of pack, moving, driving, unpacking, and now we get to play! We are *loving* Texas.....well most of it. I mean how can you love this

As one of my good girlfriends says invest in a good bug guy! Man, that's the truth! We live on a little ranch out about 20 minutes from Buna, were Sean's business is located. Sweet Andrew just broke my second camera within a year, but as soon as I fix that problem I'll snap a picture for y'all. David and Zimi are really liking their school, and I like it too! They are having a blast, and really doing well! Here they are on the first day of school.

Zimi has started her dance classes (Ballet and Cheer) and Andrew is taking a little Tumbling class. They are all loving class, and that they get to go with their cousins. I promise more pictures when the camera situation is fixed!

National Ice Cream Day!!

2010-07-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Yayy!! Today is National Ice Cream Day!!!

Whip out the ice cream and eat as *much* as you want cause calories don't count today!

I sure love those kids! lol!!!!!

Here is our yummy "watermelon" ice cream! It was really yummy!! You can find the recipe at stressedspelledbackward.blogspot.com

Happy no calorie counting day!!

Shhhh It's a Secret!!

2010-07-16T13:17:00.001-07:00

Ekkkk!!! I love doing things that are {secrets}, don't you!! I had so much fun working on a secret the other day! Aren't secrets so *FUN*? On a completely related topic {hint, hint} one day I want a sewing room kinda like this {not purple} not that there is anything wrong with purple, I'm just sayin.

Can you give me a P?

2010-07-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated the letter P in our Alphabet Summer! (I think it might be our Alphabet Summer/Fall.) Of course we dressed in PINK, PURPLE, or PLAID for our adventure today. (Or if your 6 your way too cool for the dressing up part! DUH mom!!)

Oh and there was way too much sun light, so no one could open their eyes, I mean come on lets sacrifice for the team here! lol!!

And what else do you do on P day then a PICNIC in the PARK with the POND? Kimball is in heaven, stuffing her face with PASTA salad!

We even got PATRIOTIC cookies from the bakery!

Kimball totally stole a cookie, and I caught her in the act! lol

And don't forget the POPSICLES!

With dinner we had POTATO salad, PINK PUNCH, and PUMPKIN bars! The PETERSON'S really enjoyed P day! Happy P day to you!!

A bunch of B's

2010-07-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today we had our B day of summer (an idea from a girlfriends girlfriend...... thanks whoever started it!) It was FUN!! We invited some BUDDIES,

we picked up lunch from the BAKERY, and headed to BRIDAL veil falls.

Everyone wore something that started with a B: BUTTERFLY flip flops, BLUE, BLACK, BROWN, *BLING*!

We even had BUBBLE GUM!!

After lunch we ate BROWNIES, and showed off our BELLIES, and BOOTIES!

Happy B day of summer!!! Thanks BUDDIES for coming with us!

Texas...Here we come!

2010-06-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more excited! I am finally announcing, we are moving to Texas! Ekkk.. it has been a long time coming. Where in Texas, well Buna....I know where in the heck is Buna, that's how I feel too!

What a great new adventure for our family!! Oh, and if your driving through Buna, and sneeze, you'll miss the whole town, so please hold your sneezes.

This ought to be FUN!! Don't worry I'll be speaking with a southern droll in no time. See y'all around. We think were headed to Texas end of July- early August!

Husbands

2010-05-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Only 12 more hours until my soulmate is HOME!! Yayy! Call me CrAZy, but I love being right there next to my HOT hubby! I hate being miles and miles and miles apart! I can't wait to see him!

THE END

Gorgeous and her Spring Program

2010-05-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous had her spring program at Preschool yesterday, I am so proud of her! Not only did she sing and dance well, but she is also very well behaved.

I think my favorite part (which I didn't get on camera, cause I was balancing a purse, camera, and Little Miss Diva and standing trying my best to take pictures and video......whew I'm glad I made it out alive! anyway!!) my favorite part was, when some of the kids were acting like trees and the others were acting like dinosaurs, Gorgeous (a dino) was jumping and trying to eat the "leaves" on the trees (it was funny).

I love my sweet Gorgeous!! I am so happy she is my baby and I get to watch her grow up and get to hang out with her! LUCK ME!! Here is a short video of one of their songs. I love my Gorgeous!!

Give a way and cute cupcake topper ideas!

2010-05-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

Yay!! Another give a way!! I absolutely LOVE my Anthropologie Extra Ingredient Apron......so here is another to give a way. *Read on for RULES*

I just came across this absolutely fabulous website that I *LOVE*!! House of 3, or Rhonna's Blog they have wonderful downloadable ideas. And every now and again they give them out for free. Like the cupcake labels I used for mothers day click here or look how cute these would be for a birthday click here. I know I know REALLY CUTE FREE STUFF!!! All you do is print and cut them out, get toothpicks and adhere to the toothpick, you can make it double sided on the larger one if you want a more finished look. Then all I did was buy bling stickers and stick it right on. SO EASY, and everyone LOVED IT!!!

*RULES for give a way: Give a way ends May 24th, 2010 12:00 MST, comment on the post over at stressedspelledbackward.blogspot.com and you are qualified. Comment on new posts between now and May 24th, and you get brownie points!! You must claim your prize by May 28th, 2010 12:00 MST, or your prize will be given to the next fabulous person of my choice! Good LUCK!!

House of 3

2010-05-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

So my most FaVoRITe new blog is House of 3, the new background and header I'm sporting yup from the House of 3..... $.99. CUTE!!! It was slightly more difficult then the average change of background, but it was worth it. They have classes, online or at different locations, live webcasts, I know SUPER CUTE STUFF. Go check it out!

Found it-- Kimball Walking

2010-05-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm way into posting movies....I was looking for this and thought it had been deleted, but check me out, I found it! I just love this little DIVA (this is her new nickname, just ask Aunt Katey & Aunt Laura why).

My New Life

2010-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

My we all have such GrAcE when we are faced with our "trials"!

Kimball Walking

2010-04-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yayy!!! Check out Kimball making a run for it. Today is the first day she has spent more time walking then crawling. I can't believe my baby will be 1 tomorrow! Don't listen to my voice, I have no idea what I am doing?!?!

God answers prayers!

2010-04-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Our little family had a really amazing, scary experience last night. I am so grateful for the lessons we learned. We saw the power of prayer revealed right in front of our eyes! How amazing for my small children to see God answer their cries to him. I am so thankful that God watched over us and protected our family. Remember, when it seems it is IMPOSSIBLE (which it was), God provides a way!

Michael Buble

2010-04-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

All I can say is Michael Buble's concert was AMAZING!! We must have been quite the show ourselves. I convinced my sister-in-law to come with me (she was 9 months pregnant and delivered her baby a week after the concert) and then there was me shaking it, and singing. I decided the lights are off, no one can see you (or cant see you clearly enough to make an accurate assumption that it really is YOU dancing and acting crazy!) Anyway, I had a BLAST, what a fun night off, and Michael Buble can SING!! Thanks Dani for going with me! Here a the only really bad picture I took (I've got to get better at taking pictures, too much dancing, not enough pictures!)

Family Pictures

2009-12-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

We had such a great (FREEZING) time taking our latest family pictures! I just loved it (well, not the freezing part)!!

We were up in Heber area for Thanksgiving and it was the first time in a LONG time that all of my family has lived in Utah.... so of course family picture time!

Halloween

2009-11-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun Halloween this year! (click on the picture and you will see how much fun K-girl is having!)

Our traditional Halloween Dinner "Eyeball" Tacos! This year we even had a little witches brew! You never knew witches brew came in a shiny sliver pot did you!!

A, really LOVED all the "food"!! It was worth putting on the costume and saying "treat treat!" He really didn't like the scary masks people had on! (Either did I) One little melt down and my sisters house-- but then we got it figured out!

Z, had a great preschool party!! And loved getting all dressed and curled up!

D, was a great white shark-- that's about as scary as it gets around here!

K, really could care less about everything, she got a great nap, and got to be carried around all day, pretty good day for a baby!!

K's blessing

2009-10-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

K's blessing was about a month ago ( I know, I'm a slacker for posting so late)!

It was such a great time with all the families! This is the first time in YEARS all of my siblings are living in Utah- it is such a blast.

My sister Laura took some great pictures of cute K-- didn't she do an amazing job! Thanks Laura!!

Holy crap- I updated my blog! (Powell)

2009-10-21T12:20:00.001-07:00

It's about time I updated the blog! Last weekend we went to Lake Powell ( me, D, and Z) it was a blast! Many of you don't know that I HATE lake water, just cause I feel like the whale at the bottom of the lake is going to eat me at any given time! Anyway-- so this was actually the first time for many things at Powell-- cliff jumping, tubing, and attempted wakesurfing were all the list. I had such a great time!

So far cliff jumping is my favorite, probably cause you really can't fail at it, gravity just does it's job! D and Z just LOVED playing all day in the sand and water. Z even tried to wakesurf with Uncle James. We all had such a GREAT time with my family!

Here is a picture my nephew Austin took! Awesome hu?!?

Only 1 week left!

2009-07-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are on the move! Only 1 week until our first trip up to Utah. We are so excited to be surrounded by family, and for it NOT to be 115! Our front room is filling up with boxes (SLOWLY) but it is filling up. Sean is VERY busy at school finishing up his last trimester. So that really leaves me to pack things up and get everything all ready to go. Moving is nice because it really gives me an opportunity to go through everything and decide if I really want it, and to get everything SUPER organized. I thought moving with 3 kids was hard try 4 and one of them being a brand new baby. I keep telling Sean it will be a miracle if we (I) survive! I feel like it's one big huge Groundhogs Day.

Sorry no pictures lately because A. got a hold of my camera and it hasn't been the same since. For some reason it wont load the pictures on to my computer. I wish technology would just work like it's suppose to.

Z vs. Gravity

2009-06-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

Oh, poor sweet Z! Yesterday she and gravity had a little fight on the monkey bars guess who won?

Look at those big sad blue eyes, and cute dimpled chin! Man I hate the tears, but she sure is cute!

Summer!

2009-06-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

We are well into summer down here-- and have had to get really creative with what to do all summer long. What else do you do in the summer in Arizona?

I love the swim teachers! Mr. Oboe is Z's teacher, and he is incredible! He is so GREAT with the kids!

Miss Alexis is D's swim teacher, and she does a good job as well! D is just eating it all up he loves it.

The babies and I have been watching, but it's a handful to keep K and A all together, and not in the pool and not walking around throwing pretzels at everyone. So this next week A and I will start a swim class together- it ought to be fun!

Sleep

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I finally feel like I am back from the land of newborn hibernation! Kimball is sleep GREAT for a newborn, and I really can do life when there some sleep! So for all of you currently enjoying a full night of sleep, enjoy it a little more just for me!

Baby Kimball

2009-05-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

She is here! We made it! Kimball was born April 27th at 11:17am. She is healthy and doing really well. Labor was long (11 hours) but pushing was really short (I don't think that 3 pushes even qualifies as pushing).

Everyone is making the adjustment (not so smooth) but we will get it figured out!

We are so happy she is here and healthy!

Addendum

2009-04-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is my Addendum to an earlier post "Twins?".

THINGS YOU NEVER SAY/DO TO A PREGNANT PERSON

*NEW*

6. Oh, it looks like you lost your waist line! (Seriously..... it's called pregnancy, and the baby is coming in 1 week!)

7. Looks like your ready to pop! (says the toothless checker at Wal Mart, I wont even say what I'm thinking!)

A's Poo Poo Party!

2009-04-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about babies, is poop! (Can you sense the sarcasm?) This morning we were on our way out the door to pick up Z. from preschool and I usually have to wake A. up to go get her. Well, I sent D. in to see if he was awake, and he came running back yelling that A. had smeared poop all over his room. I laughed and thought what a cute 5 year old playing a trick on his mom. NOPE-- A. had removed his diaper and smeared poop everywhere! So now we call it the Poo Poo Party! Might as well make it a party-- RIGHT?

(I spared you the pictures, although in some weird way it was pretty cute!)

It also made me every grateful to the person whom invented disposable diapers, can you imagine washing all the poop out of cloth diapers? (I think I just threw up a little in my mouth, enough poop talk.) I know, I know I am single handedly destroying the entire planet with the amount of diapers we have gone through, but I'll have to plant some trees, turn the lights off, and HEY I already recycle!

Girlfriends Day!

2009-04-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I got an email from one of my girlfriends and wanted to share it with you! Apparently today (this week) is Girlfriends Day/Week--I know it snuck up on me too! But I wanted to share these things with you all!

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Rats, She's Up!" -- I know that this is the person that each of us wants to be!

Then I thought both of these were super fun!

You have to know that I am known as the "CRAZY" Aunt.

Pass It On!

2009-04-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

For those of you who think that kindness is dead, here is a great story for you! Last night Sean and I went out on our Friday night date. We decided to try a restaurant that neither of us had been to On The Boarder (I was craving Mexican). Anyway, we had such a pleasant time laughing and talking, our waiter was phenomenal, food was great, bathrooms were clean (you know the important things)then our waiter walked by and dropped a note on our table. Someone had decided to buy our dinner for us. The handwritten note said something along the lines of, thanks for being our families guest tonight, tip your server, and pass it on! Our hearts were touched, and my hope in kind deeds were restored! So now my turn to pass it on, this will be the very best part!

Random

2009-04-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

*Have you ever heated Spaghetti in the microwave so long, the it exploded, and left pieces hanging from the top of the microwave? I did today, kinda cool!

*Are you a foaming, lotion, or regular hand soap kinda girl?

*A. has decided that when I'm done with Z.'s hair it's his turn and climbs right up to get his hair done! Cute! I'm training him well!

*How in the world did my mom have 5 girls and get everyones hair done and be on time for anything?

*Someone asked if I swallowed a watermelon! HE HE like I haven't heard that one before! (from my 5 year old- Honestly)

*Umm. Watermelon sounds good!

*When you spell something incorrectly and the little red line comes up do you

a) correct it before you move on

b) try to spell it right yourself

c) come back at the end to fix any mistakes

I think that's it! Apparently my VERY pregnant brain can only think in short random sentences now, Oh the end has to be near!

Rock Star!

2009-03-30T09:20:00.001-07:00

When someone says "Rock Star" I think of this

or maybe this

or this

What do you think of when you hear Rock Star? So if someone was to tell someone else they were a "Rock Star" is it a complement, or a dis? Still trying to figure this one out!

So Very Pregnant!

2009-03-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well, for lack of a better excuse-- this blog has not been updated lately because I am feeling so VERY VERY pregnant! So I'm not so sure on the updates in the next 5 weeks, but I will for sure do my best!

We had Sean's brother and his wife and kids in town this last week, and we had a BLAST! The weather was perfect, and we headed up to Lake Pleasant one of the days, and just played in the sunshine, and splashed in the water! It was SO fun! We also had a Mom's day out, and Dani and I went shopping and over to this great Cafe and had a fun time looking for baby things, and trying to find a cute one piece swim suit for our girls (hello, where have all the cute suits gone?) After all that walking and a few contractions it was time to get off my feet! I am so lucky to have such a great family!

No- I did not get any pictures while they were in town, and my excuse is that I am too pregnant! (Works for just about anything!)

Getting down to the bottom of it!

2009-03-12T09:36:00.001-07:00

What am I going to do with my sweet little Z? I think she has started to figure out that a baby GIRL, is coming to stay at our house. She did great when A. was born, and didn't have any problems with the baby BOY coming, but this time it's different. I just can't seem to figure out what the real problem is and get down to the bottom of it!

We had our Stake Relief Society Enrichment this last week, and I am so glad that I went. They broke up into small classes that we rotated between, and I really just enjoyed the classes I attended. I opened the program and read the title of one of the classes and just BURST out laughing "If my home is a temple, why are the patrons so noisy?" It has been interesting to concentrate on this more the last couple days! She gave some good ideas, and one that I loved was-- when you go to the temple every person you see, is so kind, and says, "we are so glad your here today"...ect. So I am trying to let everyone know when they come home, how glad I am to have them home, and how great I think they are.

Nesting

2009-03-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just went out and picked up some nesting materials!

Ok, this is the olympic stadium in Beijing China, but I swear if I were a bird, this is what I would build!

Here we go-- I did pick up some nesting materials, but this is more like it. Just a start to making my olympic stadium, ummm nest.

Secret Pie Plans

2009-03-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

David has brewed a plan in his cute little head. But Shhh it's a secret! He was trying to figure out how he could get Grandma to send us one of her great pies from her bakery. He told me that maybe if I made her some treats and wrote her a note about it, that she would send us a great pie. Spoiled little kid! I don't think he understands that most kids don't have baking moms and bakery grandmas!

American Idol

2009-03-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

So all I have to say about American Idol is WOW, can that Matt sing!

What in the world was he doing on the first week. I had picked him to be in the top 5 and then he sang on the first week, and Sean looked at me like "Are you crazy!" I feel much better now that he came out and sang his butt off! Now, don't let me down Matt! Here are my other 4 picks for the top 5 --

Danny

Adam

Allison

Lil-- and man can that Lil sing, and she has the attitude to back it up!

Lists!

2009-03-04T12:01:00.001-08:00

Are you a list maker? Come on, I know the truth! You make a list with 65 things that you would like to accomplish by the time you head hits the pillow again. Does making a list make you feel better, or worse? The end of the day comes and half the list is crossed off (a great satisfaction) however, half of the list is not finished (defeat).

I admit I am a list maker! I make lists for everything, I even admit that I put things on the list that I have already accomplished that day, just to cross it off. (ahhh that feels good) However I am rethinking my list making addiction today. I mean how much more am I suppose to accomplish in a day then walking around carrying the BIG belly with the baby in it!

I really think there should be some ground rules for all list makers.

1. If you are within 8 weeks of delivering a child you may not make a daily list!

2. (JustRandi did this during Christmas and I think it's a swell idea) If you do not accomplish the items on your list that day, they are terminated (say good bye, never gonna get done!) Really makes you think about what you are putting on that list!

3. Do not, I repeat DO NOT, put your comfy (don't get anything done) clothes on in the morning!

I have broken all the rules today, within 8 weeks, everything that's on my list has been there for a while, and I put my comfy (don't get anything done) clothes on today. Great that means, I have nothing to do today, maybe lay out in the sunshine and sip Pina Coladas all day! (Gotta run I'll need to make a list of items to pick up from the grocery store!)

Thankfulness

2009-03-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Caution: Heavy Thinking!

Yesterday we had Stake Conference, and I was really HIT by one of the talks in particular! The speaker talked about REMEMBERING, and being THANKFUL. Ouch, two things that I don't think are my strong holds.

First of all, I'm pregnant, so REMEMBERING in general is not so great these days! OK- just kidding, I know I said heavy thinking.

Anyway, in my head I was combining this talk with another talk that President Eyring gave about journal keeping, and the ability that gives us to remember. And now this speakers talk about thankfulness.

I mean it happens over and over in the Bible and Book of Mormon, the people are in need of Gods Mercy, God delivers them (and apparently they forgot to write it down in their journal because) they soon forget to be thankful start complaining (something I think all of us are guilty of, please tell me it's not only me!), and then they are back in bondage.

I too had miracles that have happened in my life, have I recorded them all? (NO)

Do I forget to be thankful, not only for these MIRACLES, but for the everyday things that God gives me? (YES)

Do I complain, in my head, or out loud, about THINGS in life? (YES)

Do I remember to be TRUELY thankful for the important things? (NO)

See ouch, OUCH.... seems like I have a lot to work on!

I guess this is me confessing and saying that I will work on REMEMBERING and being THANKFUL!

Things I am Thankful For:

1. I am thankful for the opportunities that we have been given

2. I am thankful for the ability I have to be a mother

3. I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord with all of his heart!

4. I am thankful for the Lords support and guidance we have received.

End of Heavy Thinking

Is it me?

2009-02-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or do you think that the pregnant lady on the right, well her belly is getting bigger?

Snake!

2009-02-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

As I was sitting here tonight, all the babies finally tucked in, and Sean at school late I heard such a strange noise. CHSHSHCHS something like that! Hu, what is that, I know I've heard that before, thinking, thinking........ SNAKE!

I quickly started to think of all the other options I had, some little one sneaking around with socks on dragging their feet on the tile, the water heater (it's never sounded like that before-- but just maybe it was turning a new leaf!)

Anything, A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Then my thoughts turned to IF I were to encounter a snake this evening how exactly would I handle that situation.... would I be brave and take care of the problem myself (how do you caught a snake to begin with?)

My dad used to chop off their heads with a shovel that might work--but I would have to be near the snake. But my Grandpa Kimball, well he'd just shoots the dirty sucker! That also seems to run in my Dad's side of the family, but he tends to shoot larger objects-- squirrels ect. I don't have gun, and I'm not quite sure where Sean's shovel is, not that I would even get that close.

Honestly we know how that situation would turn out, me up on the top of the desk (remember Sean at school happily studying away unaware of the dangers and trauma going on at home), on the phone with the home teacher (no wait I don't think he would face the snake either), Dad-- oh yea he is in another state and I don't know where the shovel is! Just as my mind stared through the ward list, I rolled my desk chair back and saw it out of the corner of my eye............ A CAN OF KIDNEY BEANS! AHHHHH! Half way on top of my desk before I relized it was just a freaking can of beans I hit when I moved my chair!

Almost peed my pants, but totally took my mind off the noise, and now that I think about it.... I haven't heard it since!

It's a Girl!

2009-02-23T08:20:00.001-08:00

Today we got a "go shopping--It's a girl!" We are so excited! We did our 3-D ultrasound, the baby cooperated enough to peak at gender, but her face was right up against the placenta-- so we got a 3-D of her cute dimple in her chin, but that was about it. In two weeks my Doctor said they will try again, cause he wants me to have a great picture-- totally works for me! Lots of work to do to get ready for this sweet little girl!

So here is my question for you, we are going back and forth about names for a sweet girl and these are the two we are deciding between

1. Kimball (my mom side of the family, and Heber C. Kimball is my great ggg grandfather.

2. Alzada we would call her Ali (Sean's great g grandmother)

6 Years!

2009-02-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Last night Sean And I celebrated our 6 year anniversary (which is really today)! We had such a fun time! I spent the day cleaning and packing up the car and cooler-- when Sean got home from school, we went to the fancy food market, and picked out our favorite dinners, then we headed to old Glendale to the Drive Inn Movie. I loved that we could talk, and laugh out load (even at the dumb parts). We did park at the wrong movie to start with, but soon we matched the voices on the radio to the mouths on the screen, and we were set! It was so fun to go to a full blown Drive Inn-- 9 screens, the movie comes over a frequency on the radio-- it was GREAT!

Monday is our 3-D ultrasound, hopefully the baby will cooperate a little more then before, and we will get a peak! I'll let you all know! I'm starting to feel like it's time to get everything together, 9 more weeks!

Crazy WalMart People!

2009-02-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

I know, I know we have all been there, at the entrance of WalMart and you patiently wait in your car for the people to cross into and out of the store-- somedays it feels like you will never make it anywhere else! After 5 minutes of waiting and yielding (like the signs says here at our WalMart) you start the Indian nose merge, slowly inching into the crosswalk, and FINALLY make it through. Well, I guess those are the good people. What has happened to our WORLD! I know, the "CRISIS" reaches far beyond housing, finances and jobs--we have lost the art of yielding at the crosswalk at WalMart.

Now, driving like a "bat out of heck" through the cross walk at WalMart trying to dodge the big pregnant lady with a cart full of groceries and two kids, I know that is a lot to ask! But let us all try to act somewhat civilized!

I also know there are crosswalkers who are not good at protecting their own lives! They just BOLT out of WalMart like they robbed the place and shoot out right in front of your car (without even looking) as it slowly inches it's way through the crosswalk. I'm not trying to change the world, just have some human decency at the local WalMart!

Going to the Zoo!

2009-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we are going to the zoo on a little field trip with David's Preschool class! I'm kinda sad the day has almost arrived, now how am I suppose to bribe my kids?

Last time we went to the zoo this massive Gorilla sat on his hand and pooped and then proceeded to eat it, right in front of everyone. Gorilla's make me a little nervous anyway! I swear I was the only mother, who was running the other direction, explaining that his mommy should have taught him to NEVER eat his poop! Seriously, I think too many visits to the zoo could lead to lifelong therapy for children. We will see what adventure come from a group of preschoolers at the zoo-- there is just bound to be something!

Oh- and it's suppose to be sunshine and 70 tomorrow, perfect day for the zoo! Just trying to make you want to come visit! ; )

Here is the deal!

2009-02-16T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the deal with the super cute give-a-way, so tomorrow I am officially posting it on my Stressed Spelled Backward- Desserts blog. I have given everyone who I love most-- that's you-- an opportunity to have their name twice in the drawing (become a follower, and link your blog to mine). So maybe you want to have your name entered again? Here you go-- if you write a small post on your blog, facebook, whatever about this really cute recipe blog, and the give-a-way coming up, you can have your name entered again. Only for my most favorite people in the world! Remember I'm not posting anything on the give-a-way until tomorrow. Someone will be so super cute in this Anthropologie Apron! I want a picture!

Giving Up Chocolate!

2009-02-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy chocolate with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop eating chocolate years ago', the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks

like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and chocolate.'

My Husband sent this to me today-- I got a really good laugh! Thanks babe!

Give-A-Way!

2009-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my new dessert blog- I am doing a give-a-way! I'm just giving fair warning, cause this is one stinkin' cute give-a-way! So in order to qualify you need to just go to Stressed Spelled Backward and become a follower. Becoming a follower is really easy, just look down the right side of the blog, and click on become a follower. Tuesday I will officially announce the give-a-way, but you will not want to miss out! OK- cause I like you guys so much I will give you a sneak peek! This cute Anthropologie Apron- in celebration that winter will soon be over! And if you want a chance to have your name entered twice in the give-a-way, simply link your blog to my dessert blog, and make sure you leave a comment here, and I'll check it out, and then you'll have two chances to be wearing this super cute apron! Click here to go to my Stressed Spelled Backward- Dessert Blog.

New Blog!!

2009-02-11T10:02:00.001-08:00

Here is my new blog-- in an attempt to one day have my own Food Network show, I have decided to start a new blog! Stressed Spelled Backward-- is my blog all about sweets, techniques, spices, where simple to complex subjects will be covered. As I explore some new things you can too! Here is our no fail environment! Email me any questions you have and I am so happy to answer, or learn and discover with you. From time to time I might throw some of my favorite dinner recipes up as well! So tell your friends, and I'll tell my friends-- it will be one big party! OK- so add it to your bookmark, your blog roll, your list of favorites (because it soon will be!) Oh- and jump on and add yourself to the followers list! It's really easy, and it will update you when I update with a new recipe-- and we all need those! Click here and I will take you there!

Butts!

2009-02-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

I have ruined my children! For some reason everything at our house is "butts" this, "butts" that-- I honestly can not finish a sentence without someone (the 5 and 4 year olds) throwing a butt out there! Then comes the fact that my D. has mooned more people in his short life, then I think most people even think about mooning! Somehow with the mix of my genes with Sean's we came up with butt-less, hip-less children, so tell me what is suppose to keep those pants up?

And then it hit me-- this is all my fault! I won't take all the blame it seems like Sean and I split this one 50 - 50! Apparently we both contributed our "bad" genes, and today my mind went back to South Jordan and Sean and I dancing around sing our rap song "I like dry butts". First of all just to remember Sean doing what I would say is the Steve Urkel dance, makes me giggle-- more then giggle, really he'll have to do it for you sometime!

Ok- the song was created during the potty train of the now 5 year and 4 year old. "I like dry butts and I can not lie, you other mommies can't deny" something a little like that! So really I have created this whole mess! Well, that in some strange way makes me feel a little better! Glad we solved that one!

Serious Eating!

2009-02-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

We take eating spaghetti very serious around these parts!

I really do feed my child!

Weird things about me!

2009-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

I have just come to the conclusion that I do some pretty weird things! Here are just a couple you let me know what you think!

I have to fold my towels a certain way, every time --

I love to iron my sheets-- that is why I want one of these someday!

I start every post out with SO, then I type a few more words delete the entire thing just to get rid of SO-- every time!

I always want chap-stick on when I go to bed, but not till yesterday did I actually have chap-stick in my nightstand.

I LOVE raspberry jam, but I can't handle if it's not Smuckers, or homemade!

I love/hate Costco-- but doesn't everyone! OK- maybe not so weird!

Twins?

2009-02-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

So yesterday after my best efforts of getting everyone to church on time, dressed, early enough so I can lead the music. I was feeling really great about myself- on time, everyones hair done, shirts ironed, even I was completely ready (and when does that ever happen?) sitting and waiting for our 9:00am meeting to start. Sacrament meeting went well, no incidents to report, then we moved on to Sunday School.

Sean had run home quickly to get the Ipod player he needed for his lesson, so there I sit helpless, no one to defend me when an older women in the ward asked when I was due. I responded with the correct date, and then with a surprised look on her face she proceeded to ask if I was sure I wasn't having twins? WHAT? HONESTLY? Did she not ever get the memo that said you never ask anyone, even if they are having twins, if they are having twins?

Really I have seen some BIG pregnant people in my time, but I am not one of them! To my defense I gain my 25 pounds that is healthy and good for the baby, and that's about it! My inner dialogue went something like this- "Now, you know you are really getting up there, are you ready to die?", "Did you forget to take your medication today?", or "Alzheimer's must be kicking in, I think you have confused me with someone else!"

But all I could muster was "Some days I feel like it!" with a kind smile on my face. "Thanks for calling me a cow!" No, I didn't say the second, but I sure felt like it. So just incase you are wondering, I am measuring right on with my due date thank you very much! But apparently it is my my job to educate people in proper pregnancy etiquette.

THINGS YOU NEVER SAY/DO TO A PREGNANT PERSON

1. Now, are you sure your not having twins? (would you like me to poke you in the eye?)

2. You haven't had your baby yet? (does it look like I'v had my baby yet?)

3. Rub a pregnant persons belly, especially if you are an EX- boyfriend, would you rub a married persons stomach? Then keep your hands off!

4. Looks like you need a crane to help you up there! (Nope, just a crane to run you over) *SMILE*

5. Man looks like your ready to get that baby out! (come over here and I'll take out all my pent up aggression on you)

Now this is one pregnant person! But I'm still not asking if she is having twins!

Big Mouth!

2009-01-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am officially diagnosing myself with a disorder I get from my father! "Sports Big Mouth" Disease. Last night Sean had a church basketball game and finally it was early enough for me and the kids to tag along. Well, we will see if he ever invites me to come again. I just have a hard time sitting there and not saying anything. First of all my husband is a STUD! He played one great game of ball last night including the winning shot! Go Sean, Go Sean!

It started off slow, just some cheering for my hubby, calling the old guys dramatic (have you ever noticed that the older the guys get the more dramatic they have to be when they are fouled?), then the ball went out and the ref. gave it back to the white team (red team is our team), so I said a "SERIOUSLY?" (It should have been red's ball) I even got a "just let the ref. do his job, we are all just here for fun, RIGHT?" (from a guy on the white team, and he wasn't even a good ball player!) That is exactly what I was there for! And it sure wouldn't be any fun if no one stirred the pot, this is church ball after all! Then red team stole the ball back, and I topped it off with a "Yah, that's right it was reds ball!" Then came the famous line of my fathers "OH COME ON!" The little baldy on the white team was messing with my hubby, and the ref. was apparently blind! Honestly white #35 was getting away with way too much! Long story short, I don't know if they kick pregnant wives with 3 kids out of church ball games, but that would be quite entertaining!

Splish Slash!

2009-01-29T09:02:00.001-08:00

I know cute kids hu? Can you believe one more will be joining them here in a couple months? Sean was bathing the kids the other night, and yelled down stairs "bring the camera". Well, this alone is a HUGE deal, Sean is more into capturing moment with his heart (you get what I'm saying)! What a priceless moment! And D is just such a nut, I can not get a serious smile on his face since he turned 5.

I was talking to my Mom yesterday and she reminded me of something Z said when she was here visiting. We were saying our family prayers right before bed, and Z blessed D that "he would act like he was 5!" Seriously, I don't know where she gets these things ; )

A's Birthday!

2009-01-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great day yesterday for A's 1st birthday! What a sweet cute baby he is! I am so lucky to have such wonderful kids, both D and Z were great to make his birthday such a HUGE deal. Of course the pictures the Grandparents are waiting for CAKE!!!

A. LOVED his chocolate cake- I know I broke the "good mommy rules" with the whole chocolate thing, but he went after those cupcakes!

I don't know which is worse D's chocolate mess, or A's! Oh right I forget it's a boy thing!

I'm giving up!

2009-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

So I am finally giving up a life long hatred, I can't believe I'm really doing this! Honestly, I thought I might have this hatred for my entire life, but here I am giving it up! I was watching You've Got Mail with Sean over the weekend, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" came on, and normally I would cringe, grind my teeth with disgusted and mute the song- BUT I found myself lost in the beautiful moment and I would even say ENJOYING the song. So, I must have somewhere along the way given up my disgust and hatred for this song! So now I say ENJOY!

Oh- and one other thing I have decided to give up- French Fries! I know, some of you might say CRAZY! I know CRAZY!

Obama

2009-01-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

I was proud of my country yesterday! It was such a neat moment to watch the first African American President be sworn in. I have had plenty of doubts about Mr. Obama, but a few things were very evident to me yesterday as I watched history unfold. He loves his wife- there was no question in my mind that President Obama loves and adores Michelle. He loves his children- kids are the MOST HONEST in the world, they love their father, and he loves them. I also believe that President Obama believes in God. I am grateful for the number of times that God was referenced, and called upon. I know that plenty of people dislike some of the items on President Obama's agenda, but I do believe that those three things play a large role in a persons character. So here is my hope and respect (even if I disagree with many of his points of view) for President Obama, may God play a huge part in his leadership!

I am grateful to be an American, I am grateful that here women are respected, I am grateful that I can choose to worship the way I want to!

Funnies!

2009-01-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, after watching the news about the plane that went down we were blessing the food and D was advised to remember to thank Heavenly Father that everyone was safe that was involved. This is what came out in the prayer, "Please bless that all the people were on the plane that crashed." I don't think that is what Sean was going for, after a quick giggle we helped him correct his sentence and started again.

Z is one smart little cookie, while I was making dinner D was playing with his new Play-Doh and didn't really want to share. So Z came to me and said, "If you don't share Jesus will take it away. David isn't sharing so Jesus will take it away!" Oh can I mention the cute smile on her face while she said this. Both Sean and I burst out laughing, and D, quickly decided to be a sharer.

Man who is teaching these kids these things?! Really?! What am I going to do with them?!

Watch This

2009-01-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

I love when something finds you from two different directions! Sean's Dad recently sent this to him in talk form, and my sister Christy posted it on her blog, all within a day or two of each other. Obviously we needed to hear this! I hope you find some quite time and don't forget a pen and paper while you watch- if anything you will feel peace, joy and love! Click HERE to see it.

Attack of the Number Lock!

2009-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

There isn't anything more frustrating then typing the perfect comment then realizing you are logged out of blogger, and for some freaking reason you can't log in. All yesterday morning I spent admiring peoples blogs, and not commenting because something had taken over my computer! If you have a MAC you might understand! There is no number lock on light, no number lock key clearly marked, so how in the world am I suppose to know it's on- Right? Me and things that lock - it seems like I always lock things that don't have the unlock button clearly marked. Seriously is it too much to ask in this life? UGG! But thanks to my sister Christy I am back on my way to making comments, my life has now been restored to perfect harmony! I heart my MAC, but I hate number lock! (Who uses number lock anyway?)

D's Birthday!

2009-01-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

Holy cow he is finally 5! We had such a fun time on D's birthday, it was a beautiful day, and we all had a blast! I can't believe I have a 5 year old (I'm really gettin up there). I could not get a serious face on that boy for the life of me!

We headed over to our little park/greenway and had hot dogs and cake and played a little T-ball. David was adorable and kept thanking me for making a great cake. Really a box of cake mix and some easy frosting sure made that kid happy!

Z's day started off a bit hard when she realized that this was not HER special day, it seemed like by the afternoon she got the idea.

D really wanted to feed the ducks on the lakes here. We didn't mind all the sunshine and blue skies, this was D's first outside birthday party. It really was a great day!

Check out these cute guys hanging out in the sunshine.

No Wait, It's a Girl?

2009-01-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Basically I can sum up this post by saying- we have no idea what we are having! (well, were are having a baby). I returned for my second ultrasound to get some more pictures of the baby, and the ultrasound tech, said she thinks it's a girl! So we have one vote for a boy, and one vote for a girl. We really don't care, but it would be nice to know. This baby doesn't really want to cooperate! We will have one more chance to peek at 30 weeks when they do the 3-D ultrasound. So for 6 more weeks, we don't know. We have chosen first names for either- Sean for a boy, and "Zada" for a girl. When we have a better idea, I will let all of you know! Right now I'm just giggling with the idea that we might get to do the pink, frilly little baby girl stuff again!

Bring it on!

2009-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Most of you already know that I am a holiday junkie! So to that I say BRING ON V-DAY! I love Valentines day, it's the only day that you can wear red and pink together and get away with it! So in honor of moving on to the next holiday last night we made Red Velvet Cupcakes. Yes, I know they were even as good as they sound! Although for the lack of chocolate abundance, I would say this particular recipe is more like "Raspberry" Velvet Cupcakes (meaning the color never really made it to red). I'm also a batter kinda girl, so if you just want some yummy batter mix this up and enjoy! Oh, and please don't forget the Cream Cheese Frosting! Yummy, Yummy!

Red Velvet Batter

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

1 t cocoa powder (more like 2 t when I was done with it)

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 T red food coloring

1 t white distilled vinegar

1 t vanilla extract

Preheat to 350- Mix together all wet ingredients, slowly add mixed dry ingredients to wet, and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 t vanilla

2 cups confectioners' sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Add sugar slowly, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase speed to high and mix until light and fluffy.

Last One I Promise!

2009-01-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

So, I promise this is the last holiday post! I just had so many fun pictures, so here are the last of them. Let me just say one last time- we had such a fun time in Utah! A. is so cute! He didn't get to party much with us on New Years Eve- but what can I say he loves his sleep!

D. was a trooper! Both the kids stayed awake to celebrate with us at midnight. Now most of you know I am a little sleep crazy when it comes to the kids, but what the heck, it's once a year.

Z. loves her sleep a little more then her brother, she was tired but didn't want to go to sleep!

My poor Nephew, he slipped and broke his leg on the ice, being an nice brother and scaring away the deer for his sisters friend. I know he's a cutie, but you'll have to wait to line him up till he's home from his mission. I can't believe he's that old.

Party! Party!

2009-01-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

We had a great New Years Eve party at my sister Laura's house. We made a yummy "breakfast" dinner, and stuffed our faces with the yummy "pancake balls" from my sister-in-law Amy, and a great syrup from my sister Tami (I'll post both recipes). Then we played a "fun things you don't know about me" game- it's always fun to play with people you know well! I did learn a few things! Then the real entertainment began- family skits. We all did just goofy "talents" but it was a BLAST! My brother James and his family rocked out with their amazing lip sync!

Then it was our turn- we did a little circus act.

Z. was amazing dancer, D. was our number man "one two skip a few ninety nine one hundred", Sean was the magician and made his kids "disappear" and his wedding ring pass thru his stomach and come out on the other side, then the final act was one of my hidden talents the "hunch back". I did threaten people with their lives if there were any pictures or cameras going. You know no evidence, so did it ever really happen?

Then my sister Tami's family did the amazing cannon ball act!

Christy's family did the "potty trained elephant act", poor James got peed on by the elephant!

Angie's family did the amazing yo-yo act, you should have seen Angie go!

Laura's family did the someone is your legs thing, she was hilarious, a rap song going and she was far better then her teenaged kids- shake it sister!

Last was my Mom and Dad, it was so FUNNY! We hope they didn't lose to many brain cells, for our entertainment!

Most of all it was great to be surrounded by family, laugh until we almost peed, and love each other! I love New Years, it gives me a great opportunity to think about how I can do life better! I hope your New Years was a BLAST, and that you had an opportunity to make goals, and to be excited for the new year.

Girls Day!

2009-01-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun time in Utah, one of the day's all the mom's got to go and get the toes and fingers painted (a birthday present from our sis Tami)! Thanks Tami! I was really in need of a good pedicure!

And the following day Grandma, had a girls day for all the granddaughters. They got their fingers and toes done at the spa,

and Grandma had a little "tea" party,

after they all get dressed up in their dresses Grandma got them, and dressed their American Girl dolls,

then they had pictures taken.

Here are some behind the scene pictures I snapped while the girls were posing for the photographer

Back from the land of the frozen!

2009-01-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

We are back from our Christmas trip to Utah. What a fabulous time we all had! Everyone from my side of the family was in town, and I loved my first "I'll be home for Christmas" Christmas. The drive is really really really really LOOOOONG, but it was so fun to arrive on Christmas Eve, and join in the celebration. There was a TON of snow, and it was a powder perfect White Christmas. Santa Clause even found us all the way at Grandmas house! A. had things to open and play with, but this is all he wanted to do.

D., loved the fact that Santa had eaten all of the cookies- Peanut butter with kisses, my favorite YUM!

Z. loves her American Girl Bitty Baby that Grandma gave her! She sleeps with it every night.

What a great Christmas! LOTS more pictures to come, but I thought I would ease you into it! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

It's a Boy!

2008-12-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had our ultrasound and we got a "I really think it's a boy", but he is sitting indian style in me, so she didn't give me a 100%, but she was pretty sure! We are so excited to have another part of our family coming! Nothing is better then being a mom, I am so grateful for these little souls! We are taking NAME IDEAS- so give us your best boy names.

Grandpa's Famous Scones

2008-12-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

One of my fondest memories is when we (the kids in the Worthington family) would go out to play in the snow, and we would come home to warm scones (courtesy of Grandpa Gary) and Hot Cocoa (courtesy of Grandma Colleen).

Not only did it fill or bellies, but it warmed our hearts! Today I shared this tradition with my kids. They LOVED them! The only thing missing was Grandpa Gary and Grandma Colleen! Oh- and I loved the fact that it was 70 outside and this tradition still warmed my heart!

Soup Bowls & Love

2008-12-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

I have really been enjoying this time that I have had with all of our little family. I am so grateful for my children and the happiness and joy they bring to our house! Z. has been on a CUTE roll this week- here are some of the things she has said.

We were on our way down to see the Temple lights, and she yells, YELLS from the back seat "HERE COMES THE SOUP BOWL!!" (She was talking about the spaghetti bowl (you know where all the major freeways cross). And then Z. continues with "D. lets take a big bite!" After I corrected what kind of bowl was coming, we all took a bite of Mom's favorite food (spaghetti)!

Z. and I were shopping last night, she is a SUPER helper to her mom, and she only asks for a treat like 100 times. Anyway- as we were looking for Molasses (where is the world of Wal Mart is the Molasses!) she says "Mom, will you still love me when I'm big?" The other mom on the isle burst out into tears (she had just had a baby), "that is the cutest thing I have ever heard!" I followed up with big tears in my eyes, "of course I will love you, of course I will love you!"

Finishing the shopping trip we had to venture over somewhere remotely near the toy section (which is scary this time of year) and Z. just held onto the cart and sang loudly "Santa Clause is coming to town!" I think she has done a great job of reminding me about what Christmas is! When we leave anywhere she says "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" with a BIG smile. She is such a sweetheart!

Eventful Trip!

2008-12-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

The youth in our ward headed down to the Mesa Temple to see the light last night, Sean's with the Priest, and we thought we would make it a family trip. So, I was driving- and thought I remembered exactly how to get there. But I didn't remember as well as I thought I did! I was just one block off, but one block off doesn't get you there! So after thinking I was so smart- till we drove about as far down into Mesa as we should have, I admitted that things were not looking so familiar.

So the GPS came out- didn't really work, but it was a nice hood ornament! I finally call information on my cell, and the address came back 525 E Nain (should have been MAIN). REALLY! Everything in the universe was trying to keep us from being on time! So, we finally came to the conclusion that being late was just part of the plan. So who knows why, but we did finally make it to see the Temple lights. Beautiful!! I loved the palm trees all lit up, the camels and wise men coming across the north lawn were amazing! And a pretty cute "old people" choir were singing on the stage. It was fun, the kids favorite part was the floating "bubbles" on the water. It really did remind me of a piece of Utah, except for there was no snow (I'm great with that), and I'll take lit palm trees any day!

Lunch Anyone?

2008-12-18T12:04:00.001-08:00

We Cry Over Spilt Milk!

2008-12-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently we cry over spilt milk at our house, but only if it gets on our "most favoritest jammies in the world, from Grandma"! I get it, there really isn't much worse then your favorite jammies wet. But man, I really didn't know that milk was the END of the world.

ME, Well I really try not to cry over spilt milk, but man, the floor just got mopped!

*SNIFF *SNIFF

Holy FUDGE, That Was Easy!

2008-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (RAIN), and I'm starting to feel like I just might get to make treats and fun things till Christmas! Yesterday we made FUDGE! I have always put off making fudge cause I thought it was way too hard and time consuming. WRONG! Here is a simple recipe, that tastes GREAT! It really is as easy as it sounds! I did need an extra pair of big hands when it came to pouring the fudge out. We made our fudge with milk chocolate and added coconut in one and reese cup pieces in the other. YUMMY!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups semisweet, or milk, or dark chocolate pieces
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter
1 cup coconut, or reese cup pieces, or walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter or margarine in large sauce pan, over low heat. Heat stirring constantly until chips are melted, about 5 minute. Stir in your choice of add on, if desired.
Pour into well-greased 8x8-inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate until set.

Yummy Penguins

2008-12-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

If I had it my way, the weeks leading up to Christmas all I would do is bake and make fun things with my kids (that would be in the perfect world). Last night the kids and I made these super cute "stuffed" penguins. I love these, because although I LOVE treats, this seems like these have some kind of nutrition. My kids just love these cute little guys, I stuff the olives and cut the carrots, and get all the pieces ready, then let the kids put them together.

Cream Cheese Penguins

INGREDIENTS

18 jumbo black olives, pitted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
18 small black olives
1 carrot

DIRECTIONS

Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive. Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet. Save the cut out piece and press into center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.
Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive onto the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up. Secure with a toothpick.

Christmas Performance

2008-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today Z. and D.'s preschool classes got to sing at the High School Christmas Assembly. First of all, how cute are they!

They sang "I saw Mommy kissing Santa", "Must be Santa", and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".

The high school kids were GREAT, and cheered and yelled for them. I love that they got up on the big stage and performed! I was so proud of them!

Z's Cute Picture

2008-12-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Another photo courtesy of Tami, taken while my camera was "lost". This is at Z's dance performance, with her friend A. What cute little girls!

What are they thinking!

2008-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

I have quickly come to the conclusion that lack of snow leads people of AZ to do some pretty CRAZY things!

It's bad, and it's like every other house here. I don't know if it's because all the old people move here, and like the guy at WalMart said today, "I have all too much time on my hands!" Or if the lack of snow leads people to spend countless hours trying to see how many lights they can get on the house! I mean, the weathers nice, lets throw some more lights on that house. Honestly, I wonder what they are thinking?!

A's new girlfriend!

2008-12-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

I don't know what the deal is, but every time I turn on the vacuum A. comes a crawlin! He loves the vacuum! My other kids were all terrified of the vacuum, but not A. he crawls right towards it, like he's playing a game or something. The other kids sit and scream at me cause they think that A. is going to get sucked up the vacuum, but he just giggles and giggles. I mean it use to be cute, and ha ha- but now I literally have to run while I am vacuuming to stay ahead of him. I don't get what he's trying to do, but he thinks it's a blast! I mean, I love my Oreck, but not as much as A. does.

Really!

2008-12-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

So last night I was in the kitchen making some dinner and overheard this conversation. D. and Z. were in the front room reenacting the Nativity scene and apparently I have been doing it wrong all these years.

Z. as Mary "I'm gonna leave."

D. as "Shepherd" (Joseph) "Mary never leaves!"

D. "Guess who rides the donkey..... Mary!"

Z. "I think I need to write this down!"

D. "I think I'm gonna ride the donkey too."

Z. to her mom " I'm Mary and he's my guy!"

Z. to D. "I'll just carry my donkey."

Kids are so cute!

I'm the Airhead!

2008-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

So yesterday after a series of events I labeled myself the biggest AIRHEAD in the world. Now this morning, I have just confirmed my diagnosis! I, I repeat ME- I was the one who hid the camera, and now it has been found. So all my complaining about my children, and all the hours of making THEM search for the camera have come back to bite me in the booty! Sorry kids! I think maybe an ice cream cone (I know, it's December but it's still 80 down here) can make up for being the worlds biggest AIRHEAD of a Mother! And maybe I'll buy myself an Airhead and I'll feel better too! So the good news is that there are many pictures to follow!

Not so Sympathetic!

2008-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

Turkey Day was GREAT! It was so fun for Sean to go play football in the morning, and not FREEZE his booty off. He came home and said that was as much fun as he has had in a long time. Great what does that say for me, I must not be that entertaining! (NO, I'm kidding) Since both of us are without family here, we had some friends in the ward invite us to do Thanksgiving with them (even if we are Y fans). We had a great time- and I'll just wait for her to post pictures on her blog, and steal them from her again! Thanks Tami! The best part was the 5 pies for 4 adults and a bunch of kids, we could have swam in pie if we wanted to. It was a great time!

A. is growing up so so fast! Today I was changing his diaper, and had him on my kitchen counter, and he started to pee, so I threw a bunch of paper towels over him and he just laughed and giggled- sure real funny! But I couldn't help but laugh at my giggle pee baby!

Apparently I am not so sympathetic - because Z. found her giraffe from preschool and the head had been ripped off, and I thought it was funny and started to laugh. And I got a dirty look and a "Mom, it's snot funny!" and she stomped off into the other room. Man, I'm such a bad mom! I didn't know that giraffe was her "favorite in the whole world" and that life was now not going to go on. What would we do with our our drama queen (and I was talking about Z!)

Attack of the killer oven!

2008-11-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last night since daddy was at school late for a test, we decided to bake a Costco pizza for dinner. First of all that pizza is HUGE- and as we were just goofing around I hit the lock button on my oven. Well, if there is a lock button there should be an unlock button -right? No, no unlock button (first of all let me say that this oven has all the bells and whistles- a warming drawer, a bread proofer.....)

So me being the guineas that locked the oven thought that the internet would tell me how to unlock my oven- NOTHING! Remember Sean is at school taking a test, so I can't even send a 911 text. So my next thought was to push all the buttons on the oven and see what happens. (SMART I know) I can't make anything work except the oven light. The timer now goes off- I had set it so I had about 5 extra minutes. My theory on the timer going off and it unlocking was wrong as well!

Now, I am running around trying to find the owners manual, Z. is crying, A. is crying, I am going to pee my pants. In my minds eye I can see the fire truck in front of our house, because I locked the stinkin' pizza in the oven and it burned down the house. I finally pick up the phone and call my dad- he should know a thing or two about ovens. As all his best ideas were coming to an end, and the pizza crust was getting really brown he says "What happens if you push the lock button down for a really long time?" (by the way I had done this several times all ready) But I decide what the crap, I'll hold it down for 5 minutes if I have to. 1 minute- seriously 1 whole minute into pushing the button- the oven starts beeping, and flashes a "Door Unlocked" at me- but no the door was NOT unlocked. 30 seconds later the entire oven was off no light, Nothing- and finally my oven door was unlocked.

I had defeated the Kenmore Elite, GO ME! GO ME!! Oh, and the best part was the the pizza was a little crispy, but still GREAT! Hope your dinner last night was a little less eventful.

Vandalism

2008-11-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

Moving to Glendale I figured there would be some vandalism problems, but I never expected this! People from my own ward vandalizing my home- ok just kidding. We have had an on going rivalry with a family in our ward that thinks they should support the Utes- and of course you all know that we bleed BLUE at our house. A little sidewalk chalk, and some RIP BYU signs- must have done us in. We are so sad about the game on Saturday- we couldn't even watch! = (

Friday was Z's year end ballet performance. It was so fun the spend the morning getting Z. all dolled up and ready for her performance. Miss Cindy was a great teacher, and has far more patience then anyone I know. They were all so cute! The thing that Z. loved the most was her pink rose her daddy gave to her. She still has it and carries it around every where she goes.

Saturday was D's final day of little sluggers baseball. He had such a great time at baseball! It was a good time where he and his daddy got to go do something together. D's favorite parts of baseball were the hula hoop game, the yellow balls, and when Z. came to watch.

It was a great weekend, and we are so excited for a warm and sunny Turkey day!

Peeing my pants!

2008-11-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I always made fun of my sisters and their "tipped" bladders! But today while I was out shopping it happened! No, it's not nearly as bad as I am making it (remember I was born into a family of over exaggerators). So, my cold is all but history- but for some reason I have this cough that just will not go away! UGG it is just drivin' me crazy (my husband is even sleeping in our closet, so I don't wake him up in the night). Just remember you could park a car in our closet so it's not too bad!

Anyway, back to peeing- so I am in Costco and hustling to get all my stops done before Z. finished preschool (it basically looked like Super Market Sweep- oh that's every shopping trip!) And I had a cough attack- literally I'm sure that is what looked like. Anyway- being well into my 4th month of pregnancy, I have NO bladder control when I cough. So there I am in the electronic section of Costco crossing my legs, having a cough attack, face bright red-cause I can't breath, and my eyes both just watering like crazy, trying to quickly open a cough drop (have you tried to do that while having a cough attack, they should have an emergency button!)

Anyway, all that to say I wont make fun of my sisters when they cross their legs to laugh, cough or sneeze!

Sometimes I forget!

2008-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I forget, that my job is to teach! I get swept up in the daily, and the Christmas decorating, and forget that my entire job (being Mom) is to teach. Today David came home from school with a little something extra in his backpack (a battery that he had taken from Miss Linda's) so I ask him about it, he says he just took it from Miss Linda's, cause he wanted to. I had to decide quickly what in the world to do.

Option #1 pack up the car with all 90 of my kids, drive across town 15 minutes to return a stinkin' AA battery.

Option #2 scold him about stealing make him sit on the naughty bench, and return it on Friday (if we all remember).

Option #3 forget about it, and wake up one day with a 19 year old that is stealing cars, and robbing peoples houses (I do come from a family of over exaggerators (is that how you spell that?)

Option #4 Oh wait, he is to young to go to jail.

Anyway, after 2 seconds of really considering #2- I proceeded with Option #1. We loaded the car, and drove across town (30 minutes round trip) and the light bulb really went off, I could be mad, that this took me away from cleaning the house, making dinner, and decorating the Christmas tree (yup, still isn't done, remember the cold!), or I could do my job TEACH! So all things said, it was a good 30 minutes to teach about honesty, repentance, the power of forgiveness, and to scare the boy to death (just kidding). With big tears in his eyes, he said he was sorry, and that he knows better, and asked if she would forgive him. She handled the situation perfectly- got right down to his face and gave him a big hug and forgave him, and said that doing the right thing is hard sometimes, and thanked him for being honest. Thanks Miss Linda for helping teach a little boy such BIG principles. I really do love my job!

No "Good" Medicine Here!

2008-11-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

Beware you might need some hand sanitizer after this one, because I have yucky Utah cold! You know the kind, the one weeker, that makes you feel like your head is going to explode. Yup, and you know it- I'm pregs so there is no "good" medicine I can take. So this has me really reconsidering our plans for Christmas! No- I couldn't do with our a week or so of snow! Oh, it's so bad that I misspelled a word, and the auto correct, couldn't even give me a suggestion. I even misspelled misspelled, man I better go lay down before I hurt myself (or I the auto correct)!