Little Bit Of Heaven

15 years ago

2012-01-11T14:57:00.002-07:00

I married the man of my dreams.
This is the story of how we met.
I was serving a mission in Australia (Brisbane) and I was being transfered into a new area. I was nervous and a little sad. I was leaving a lot of people that I had grown close to in an area called Chermside.
When I got into the car to be taken to my new area there was also an Elder who was being taken to his new area. But man this guy was GRUMPY!!! I tried to ask a few questions thinking that maybe he was just shy and nervous. But the guy was a real jerk. So I turned to my new companion and started chatting with her.
Over the next week or so I came into contact with this Elder and he was still Cranky. I wasn't sure what his problem was but I knew that if we had to work together in this area then he would have to lighten up. (I can't stand mean people)
So one afternoon as we were all helping someone from church to paint his fence and deck I decided to have a little fun.
I took a handful of paint and hid it behind my back and went around the house to where the Elders were working. I stood talking for a few minutes and then suddenly I said, "Elder Little, you have a bee on your ear. Hold on, I'll get it!" I then took my handful of paint and smeared it on the side of his face.
I still have flashbacks of the look on his face. Instant anger for a short second and then a wicked glint in his eye. When I saw that glint, I ran! I ran harder than I had ever run in my life!!
From then on, Elder Little was kinder and funer (not a real word, I know). Our little group of missionaries became close friends and I was sad when a month later Elder Little was transferred.
Then a month after that I found out that he wa being transferred again and into my old area. The one that I had made some good friends and connections with. So I called him and gave him a list of people to see and what members to get good dinner appts from. :)
The biggest surprise of all was when a month after THAT when I was transfered back to my old area. The area where Elder Little was.
Over the next 8 months we all became close and had a lot of fun moments. Too many memories to express here, but eventually my mission was at an end. I had some amazing experiences in regards to "Elder Little" and was even encouraged by our Mission President to write him when I got home.
"Elder Little" followed me home 10 months later. During that time I dated and had lots of fun with friends. I worked hard at 3 jobs and just enjoyed being young and happy. I wrote to Bret and did a lot of soul searching and praying.
I hope I don't share to much, but Bret had always known that when he met the woman who was to be his wife he knew that he would just know it. For those of you that know my husband know that he is a very determined man. He knows what is right and he does what is right. PERIOD! That is how it was for him. He knew I was it. He never stepped out of line from what the Lord expected of him or what he needed to do.
I am completely different - I needed the time. And although it was a very difficult 10 months in some ways, it was a very important 10 months for me.
Once Elder Little came home, we dated and became serious very quickly! Bret got home Oct. 1996. We were engaged within a week and married within 3 months - January 11, 1997.
That was a day that was completely unreal! My fiance had a painful sprained ankle (dork was snowboarding the day before and got hurt) and there was a horrible blizzard on it's way. Bret and his family had to drive from Ogden to Logan through the canyon and almost didn't make it because of the amount of snow falling.
You have no idea of the amount of relief I felt when his old blue and white ford bronco pulled up in front of my house. From that point on I was in a sweet, happy faze.
We were married in the Logan temple and then had a luncheon for our families. I don't remember much. I know I wore a pink dress and that it was still snowing.
Afterward we went to my parents house to rest for a little bit before the reception. Bret and I took a nap while everyone else got things ready for the reception. The reason I mention this is that I remember being so concerned that I wasn't helping to get things set up. Not because I cared that things were perfect, but because I have always been "helpful" - it was wierd being treated like a princess and not having to lift a finger. :)
The reception was low-key and so sweet. I am a low-key person so it was EXACTLY what I wanted. Except the snow! In case you haven't notice the one thing that was constant about my wedding day I will tell you - SNOW!!! It was one of the worse blizzards in Logan for years. I don't think they've had one that bad since. Which made things even sweeter in a way. There were so many people that came to our reception that I know had to really struggle to come. The support and love that I felt that night was wonderful! My brothers went out every few minutes to put salt on the sidewalks and driveway. Family and friends travel for hours. And other family and friends cooked and prepared and set-up for this night. For us!
By the end of the night, I was a bundle of nerves. EVERYTHING was frozen!!! That included my car's locks and handles. We had to cancel our honeymoon suite in the canyon. We got a reservation for a run-down, hotel in Logan. I cried and cried while my dad and brothers used matches, lighters, and a blowdryer to open my car. I was an emotional wreck as Bret and I drove to our "honeymoon".
Looking back at it all, we laugh! What a fun memory for us to share with our kids.

You know, I am sometimes asked how I "knew" that Bret was the one... My answer? PEACE! The butterflies and rolling tummy feelings will come and go. But I know that the peaceful and calm feelings will remain. I know that things will be ok as long as Bret is by my side. He truly is my peace.

I wanted to express my love for my sweet husband. He is AMAZING!!! I have been blessed by his kindness and tenderness. He is devoted and constant. He takes care of me and nurtures me. He encourages me to be better but loves me as I am. He sees the good in me even when I can't. Today I get to celebrate the blessing that he is to me! :)
I love you, Bret J Little! I respect you and adore you! Thank you for asking me to marry you! Thank you for being everything I didn't know I needed! Thank you for being the perfect father of my children. Thank you for your goodness and righteousness. Thank you for the hugs and the kisses and the cute butt songs. :) Thank you for 15 years and an Eternity more. Thank you!!!!

My FB Thoughts

2011-11-28T06:45:00.002-07:00

I woke up this morning and turned on my FB to view how all my friends are doing this morning. I will be honest and have realized how FB has left a sour taste in my mouth lately. I could never put my finger on my sense of unease until now. And then as my mind started to think things over, it became more and more apparent about what FB really is. This is what I posted this morning:

I now realize why I hate FB!!! And my frustration with it has been growing. I love to post things, but I keep getting more and more unsettled. This morning I had a lightbulb moment!
FB is like a wierd adult version of high school. You often see that you aren't as popular as you want. You see that people often lie about who they are to look good. Your own life is never as fun or cool or exciting as... everyone elses.
I am sick of who I've become through FB and OH MY GOSH - can we stop the stupid one line comments meant to cut someone down?!
And finally, if someone in my life truly cared what was new with me, they would ask. A friend would know about me, NOT hover on FB wondering what my next move will be.
I will still have my FB account, but I will not be on here very often. I will still have my blog because I love to write. But I am saying, "BuhBye to the wierdness!" If you want to be my friend, then lets hang.
Peace, Little OUUUUT!!!! :)

These are my thoughts - FB has become a way for people to make one-line comments to say something to a particular individual that they are too chicken to say to their face. Often the thought is: "Maybe they will read this and realize what a jerk they are being." Doesn't that just sound wrong? And from that I realized that things have gotten where we think we truly need to have an opinion on EVERYTHING and that we are actually at liberty to state our opinions. We might even go so far as to think, "well, if they put it on FaceBook then they open themselves up to having comments made." I am now starting to realize that no one should have their life and mistakes judged by others.
I have to insert right now that all of this FB eyeopener stuff is actually kindof painful for me. I have done all of these things myself. Some of them often! It's an ugly place to be.
I also realized that although I knew quite a few people, not many of them were really friends. I would also get hurt because someone that I WANTED to be closer to would hang out with someone else I knew and it always made me sad. A perfect example is a few of the teachers at my kids' school. I really like them and want to be their friend. But it's a wierd thing to do. They are teachers and I am always so mindful of not crossing any lines. The ball is in their court (so to speak). But then my self esteem issues take over and I have talked myself into believing things. By the way, I am socially awkward! I often joke too much, or say goofy things.
Well, these teachers often hang out with another mom that is a LOT of fun!! She is a friend of mine too, but not a close friend.
Soooo, that's the point - I see on FB who hangs with who and is having sooooo much fun with whom. And it's a little depressing. But realistically, I need to ask myself if it's not being with someone because I want to or not being popular that makes me the most sad.
Another thing with FB is all the exciting things that everyone is doing! Seriously, it is VERY depressing hearing about everyone's trips and vacations and all the material things they have!!! My life isn't like that - we just don't have the money! And I am struggling with being ok with being poor. :)
Finally, all the cutting remarks - I am SICK of it!!!!! Why is it so important for you to cut people down? And the thing that really gets me - IF YOU REALLY DON'T LIKE SOMEONE, WHY ARE THEY ONE OF YOUR FB "FRIENDS"?!?! It's hypocritical in so many ways! I hear some people talking about gossiping and how they don't like someone because of the gossip and the backhanded rudish comments. Funny thing is - you are doing the exact same thing. Things that make you go hmmm....
Well, I need to go and take my freaks to school! That's enough ranting for now. Just be aware of your behavior and how outside things affect you!

Pics for Stacie

2011-11-22T06:52:00.003-07:00

All the pics are in backward order!! So start at the end of this post. :)

this pic is of different stitching. going from the center of the heart to the right, you are wanting to use the running stitch (the second one).

Hope all of this helps! Call me again if you need more info! :)

Holy WOW!!

2011-11-20T19:02:00.002-07:00

It's been a long day for me!! Long and emotional! I got some tough news today and it has really got me to thinking. I am not going to share the news (not my story to tell), but it made me think about the truly important things in life. Death is imminent for all of us. Some sooner than others and depending on your beliefs, you might cease to exist or go onto another life.
My beliefs are what give me a lot of strength. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of a Plan that goes further than this life. Not only will I still exist, but I can be with my family and with Bret for Eternity.
(sigh) And all my thoughts went back to my day to day life. All the petty stupid things just seemed to melt away. Is it really all that important what people think of me, or who is mad at who? And honestly, why do I get so frustrated about all that stuff?
I need to hold my kids a little tighter and treat my Sweetheart a little kinder (ok, a LOT). I need to remember those that I love and reach out to them continually so they know how special they are to me. Our time in this life is no guarantee. It's time for me to drop the drama and get real (so to speak)!

Wow

2011-11-13T16:51:00.002-07:00

I looked at my last post, March 2010. Long time ago. I have recently felt the need to come back to my blog and begin to write my life and feelings again. Before it was more about sharing what is going on in our lives, but right now I have been going through a lot of inside changes. I was a place to write them all down and I really like the "blog" format. Don't know why - just do. I think it might have something to do with the need we all have to share a bit of ourselves with someone. This is more of a random, "here I am" type of sharing.
So, onto my posting...
Lately I have struggled with changes in my personality and the way I look at things. Maybe it's because I am getting older. Maybe it's because I haven't been on my medication. :) And honestly, it could even be because I haven't been close to my Heavenly Father. Which is a big deal for me. Anyone who knew me years ago, knew how often I turned to Him. My testimony was a big part of my life and who I was. Not so much now. And it makes me sad.
My personality now? Bitter, sarcastic, untrusting, introverted, and judgemental. All of which were always part of me, just not very strong. Before, I was able to see someones faults before, but not let it affect my opinion of them. Now, on the other hand, I just get so frustrated by people and what I view as their poor choices. And I get angry and feel that I need to tell them the "right" way of doing things!
I know how bad this sounds! YUCK! But it's the truth. I could analyze myself for hours and figure out where this all comes from but I think for now I just wanna work on making it go away and getting back to who I am at the CORE.
First thing is to get back to reading my Scriptures and saying my Prayers. I NEED that! I CRAVE that!
Second is to work hard to be a Postive person. In my thoughts, my words and my actions. It is amazing how when you start to think negatively it becomes who you are.
And thirdly, I need to work on loving myself. This entails making better health choices and being content with my strengths and not jealous of others. I am a quiet, behind the scenes kind of person. I shouldn't try to be the life of the party. That's just awkward for everyone involved! :) LOL
Lastly, find ways to show the ones I love how much I love them in simple ways. Been reading the "Five Love Languages" book and want to apply it to all people I love. So don't be surprised to get a call or card or sign of love from me.
And as always, you are welcome to come along on this crazy ride of self REdiscovery!

Children and School

2011-03-10T08:23:00.002-07:00

I had a situation yesterday. Actually, it's a situation that has been building and it finally came to a head yesterday. It's still on my mind today.
And I have penned a letter to teachers. But first I must say that I truly LOVE my children's teachers. There are only 2 of Elizabeth's teachers that can take a hike, but all the rest of the teachers.... I LOVE them!!! I have been blessed with a great "team"!!! So having said that, here is my letter to Teachers:
Dear Teachers,
I am so grateful to have you on my team in helping me raise my children. I have entrusted their minds to your care for MANY hours a day/week/year. And I believe that you are doing an amazing job. I know your struggles and frustrations with your work. I try to help you as much as I can!
But I need you to understand something as well. My family tends to be late and absent more often than the normal child. I know this is frustrating for you and can disrupt the classroom. But there are 2 main reasons we are often late or absent.
First, I have 4 children! If I was up late with ONE sick child, that means I am exhausted and FOUR children will be late the next morning because Momma can't get out of bed.
The second reason is because sometimes we NEED the break. An extra hour to sleep in, or a day with Grandma and Grandpa. Or even a Jammy Day at home cuddling with Mom. Their mental health is a lot more important to me than their mental capabilities. I guess you could say that I would rather have an emotionally secure and sweet dumb child than a smart pain in the "bleep". And honestly, in your classroom - wouldn't you? LOL! I might be wrong, but I feel strongly that One of the reasons my kids are such "good kids" is because they are so well grounded. In our house; family and soul trumps school!
And having said all that, I want you to understand that if you see the lateness and absences affecting my child's schoolwork PLEASE talk to me about it! I am willing to take it up a notch if I need to and if I am able to. But DO NOT make fun of them or harrass them in front of the class for being late. It's not their fault - it's mine. :) Come talk to me.
You guys know that I love you! You know that I would do what I can to help YOU!! And I have. Not to be a brown-noser; but because I really do understand how difficult your job is and I REALLY do appreciate all that you do!!!!
Have a great day - Love my kids - and call me if you need me!
Hugs,
Steph

How 'Bout Them Chiefs?!

2010-11-03T20:32:00.007-07:00

Here are some pics of Halloween. We went to Greg and Jackies. First we had a little Halloween party with yummy food, games, and playing. Then we went trick or treating in their neighborhood. The funny thing is that each year we always have an "incident". One year Greg almost lite a house on fire. Another year we had a lady give the kids a package of sliced cheese. Well, this year didn't disappoint! At one of the houses there was a big Chargers banner outside. Greg dared all the kids (8 of them) to say, "How 'bout them Chiefs?" instead of "Trick or Treat!" (I am assuming that the Chiefs just beat the Chargers in a game). Greg told the kids that whoever said it he would give them 3 full-sized candy bars. Well...... they all did it!!!! bwahahahaha!!!! They came skipping back to us and wanted their candy bars. Funny thing is that at the next house they each said "How 'bout them Chiefs?" They figured they'd get 3 candy bars EACH time they said it!!! Smart Funny kids!!

Playing Musical Chairs

Even Ellie drank some Party Punch (out of Andrea's cup)!

Primary Program Parts

2010-09-12T20:22:00.003-07:00

Tonight after Scripture reading and prayers we had each of the little kids practice their parts. We all had a good chuckle at Livvy; "Prophets guide us through inspiration and respiration." bwahahahaha!!!! Prophets do a lot of breathing I guess. :)

Our New Puppies

2010-09-06T20:43:00.003-07:00

No, we aren't crazy!!! We just fell in love immediately! A friend of mine has 3 mastiffs and the female had puppies. 11 puppies that they have been bottle feeding for the past 9 weeks. Wow Terry, that's a lot of patience.

Well, as we looked at all the dogs we decided on 2 girls. Lily is black with a white chest and paws. She's the biggest. And Ginger is brown with a white chest and bits of white on her paws. She's the runt.

They are such sweet little girls. We have a lot of fun with them. Potty training is a little frustrating, but that's ok. They really are good dogs!

Heavenly Father MAKES You Have Friends

2010-08-25T21:44:00.002-07:00

I am a loner type of person. :) Most people wouldn't know that about me. I can have fun with people, but I truly just like being home with my family - alone. I never really got into playdates or game night with "The Girls." And I think my kids are starting to get frustrated with me because they don't have friends over very often.
Recently I've wondered about this quirk of mine. I am sure I have even hurt feelings or offended others because of my lack of desire to "do things." I don't even like the phone.
Now don't get me wrong, I truly LOVE people. I have so many friends and family that I feel blessed to have in my life. I can't really understand what my problem is, but I have decided to make a concerted effort to be a better friend.
Things brings me to my main point....
Heavenly Father has placed me in a wonderful pickle. :) I have a friend who has been going through some yucky stuff. I think we both felt that we wanted to be closer but just never had the time. For some odd reason she felt impressed to come to me with her struggles. We have become very close and I treasure her friendship.
Now as I look back at the whole situation, I feel so grateful for a Heavenly Father who sometimes throws things at you that you need. I didn't even know that I would need my friend so much. Or that I would learn so much from her.
Strength!!! She is an amazing source of strength.
Love!!!! She truly loves her kids. They are her friends!! I have seen the power of such a love. It heals and smooths the horrible things in life. The love she gives those little monkeys is 100% Christlike!
Peace!!! She wouldn't say that she has any type of peace in her life right now; but she has it. She is the one who brings it into her home.
I have also learned how much I need to open up again. I didn't used to always be so closed. So watch our world, here I come!!!!!

Elijah and Jake

2010-08-19T12:35:00.005-07:00

As most of you know, our Ward was split a few months ago. We were put into a brand new Ward and in the shuffle, Elijah and Jake weren't up to date on their Scout Awards. This was our first pack meeting as the new Pack so they received quite a few awards. Elijah has since moved on to Boy Scouts but he received the rest of his stuff for Cub Scouts. Except for his Arrow of Light. He will be getting that in a few months. I guess the Pack Leader is trying to get the higher-up Arrow of Light people to come and do the ceremony. I will post pictures when that happens. :)

You know, growing up my mom had 5 kids to work on different things with. Scouts, Personal Progress, Faith in God, Duty to God..... it is really tough to make sure you aren't cutting corners on their goals and advancements. It has gotten a little bit easier with Elizabeth because she will take the initiative and do things, but with the boys it's harder.

I guess I need to say that I am proud of US, as a family, for achieving these fun milestones. :)

Just a few Pics

2010-08-16T11:24:00.007-07:00

Camping in Sedona with RAIN, 6 adults, 9 kids, and tons of FUN!!!!

A boy and his dog. Jake LOVES Dozer!!!

Elijah turns 11!!

Our paper bag laundry room floor! (Very proud of us)

Elizabeth turns 12!!

School is in

2010-08-16T10:02:00.002-07:00

Well, it's official - I get ME time!!!! The kids have been in school for a week and a half and Bret went back to work this morning. I am sitting in my house, playing on my computer and listening to country music. And as I sit and contemplate my first day alone, my mind struggles with the age old question....
"Do I do what I SHOULD do, or do I do what I wanna do?!"
I guess technically I could do both. I need to go to the store and clean the house. I want to go to the Library and take a nap.
I do know one thing for certain - I will be spending more time posting on my blog. I have been enjoying Facebook, but you can't really share a lot in the little comment section. :)

I Love My Son

2010-07-04T19:23:00.002-07:00

Has it really been since March till I last posted on my blog?!!?!?! Oops!

Jake is so cute and fun! Today I was laying on the couch taking a little nap and the kids were watching cartoons. As I was dozing in and out, I could hear Jake laughing at things on the TV. He's so funny! I love it that he still laughs out loud at things. :)

Blessed

2010-03-21T16:20:00.004-07:00

Sometimes in life the planets align, the cards are stacked right, and all the pieces fit in the puzzle. That is today for me. :)

It all started as I walked into the Primary room and realized that I had set up the rooms yesterday. SCORE!!
Then as the little ones came walking in I prepared myself for the usual cryers. Those are the ones that I get to hold and cuddle and comfort. But today - no tears!!!! :)
Then I checked for teachers and what we were missing. All accounted for or subs already in place. Cool!!!
Nursery - check!!!! No tears their either (which is VERY rare)!!!

Now don't get me wrong - there were a few hiccups. It wouldn't be Primary without something. But I rolled with it easily today. My counselor who was suppossed to do sharing time called this morning with a sick family member. So I pulled something together. It went amazingly!!!!! Especially with the Junior Primary. I turned down the lights, put on some church music, and sat on the floor with them. Those spiritual, tender moments are the reason I love Primary! Those children are so special. Now I know to some extend what the Savior felt as He gathered the little ones around Him and blessed them.

I came home - took a little power nap and then made dinner for our neighbor teens. I love these kids SO much!!! They are really good kids. We ate, laughed, and had loads of fun!

Now I get to go and spend some time with the YCL's.

Gush, Gush, Gush. I just realized how totally mushy all this sounds!! But for some odd reason things look really good today.
By the way, did I mention that my kids go back to school tomorrow? :)

Simple Women's Daybook

2010-03-18T19:18:00.004-07:00

Outside my window...
it is dark. 7pm. I also see the freeway lights in the distance.

I am thinking...
about how much I've enjoyed this week of spring break with my family. Bret is off and we are sleeping in, playing games, riding bikes and working on other crafts around the house.

I am thankful...
for my talents. It's not often that I feel blessed for who I am, but at this moment - I am. :)

I am wearing...
jean shorts, bare feet, and a green comfy tshirt that says, "I used to have a handle on life, but it broke off." :) What can I say - it's comfy.

I am creating...
a flannel blanket for Bret.

I am reading...
I am about to start a book called Mary and Joseph on CD. I need to download it onto my phone so I can listen to it while I work on blankets.

I am hoping...
that I can do the things I need to for my callings. Primary Pres. and YCL leader at Girls Camp. Both are tough and I feel overwhelmed at times.

I am hearing...
the kids having a rematch with Daddy on Halo.

One of my favorite things...
my new quilting frame that Bret made for me. I LOVE it LOVE it LOVE it!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Finish Bret's blanket; start on the boy's blankets; Girls Camp things; Pinewood Derby; PTA stuff; and start making plans for a new thing we are doing with PTA.

A picture thought I am sharing...
This is one of my alltime favorites. I've been feeling a little melancholy about my little ones getting big. Sometimes I really miss the old days. :(

Simple Womans Daybook

2010-03-11T08:26:00.004-07:00

Outside my window...
I see the school hallway.

I am thinking...
about how sick I am of kids. I am doing the Book Fair at the kids' school all week!! Soooo done!!!!! It makes me grateful for the teachers and all they do for my kids.

I am thankful...
Mt. Dew :)

I am wearing...
blue capri's, white top, flip flops, and my school ID tag.

I am creating...
nothing at all!!!!

I am reading...
I was reading the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which was a TOTALLY awesome book!!!!! LOVE it!!! Now I'm back to a series by Tamora Pierce.

I am hoping...
that I get to sleep in late a lot next week - Spring Break.

I am hearing...
the pitter-patter of little feet. School just let out.

One of my favorite things...
Hard Salami. Just had some for lunch, it was yummy.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Book Fair, work on PineWood Derby cars, clean my house, take a nap.

A picture thought I am sharing...
again, no picture. sorry!

Ok, I'm Private

2010-03-07T16:22:00.002-07:00

Just so that some of you know, in a previous post I had the name of my childrens' school. After a friend of mine reminded me about safety measures I deleted the name and I decided to make my blog private. I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I just decided to do it. :)

Suns - Close Up

2010-03-02T22:54:00.003-07:00

Helping at your childrens' school really is rewarding!!! Well it is if you have the best school in the world!
My school bought tickets for my family to go to a Phoenix Sun's game last night! We actually got to go early, sit in the front row, and watch the team warm up. It was a LOT of fun!!! The kids really enjoyed it and I am so glad that I got to experience it with them. :)

My Little Biker!!

2010-03-02T22:49:00.003-07:00

Before I continue further into this post let me start by saying that I know J really should have learned to ride a bike earlier in his life, but he just wasn't interested. Well, this week Hubby MADE him learn. The kid was a full rider in about an hour!!! He has been riding his bike all over the place. But J is J and he always has to take everything to the next level.... It wasn't even 24 hours after learning to ride his bike, and he was pulling bits of wood and rocks and anything he could get his hands on to make ramps and things for him to ride over. :) The final straw was when he insisted that he needed to use the mattress in the garage! Guess what Daddy is doing tomorrow - building a small ramp. I am tired of my son trying to make his own - he's not very safe.

Lent

2010-02-28T15:36:00.004-07:00

I have to admit that in my ignorance I never really knew what Lent was all about. The other day Hubby explained to me how Catholics will give up one thing from their lives in the time period before Easter. This is what Wiki says about it:

"Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Conventionally, it is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. The forty days represent the time that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan.
This practice was virtually universal in Christendom until the Protestant Reformation. Some Protestant churches do not observe Lent, but most, such as Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Episcopalians, do."

Self-denial - that's the part that I'm referring to. My friend is giving up sugar for the 40 days and she's doing awesome!! But it got me thinking.... what would I give up and could I even do it? I'm sad to say that I don't think I could. I admire the practice. I can imagine such strength and closeness to the Savior by participating in Lent.
Now hold that thought and go forward a couple of weeks in my life and it brings us to yesterday. The kids have been fighting more and whining about video games more. So on the spur of the moment I decided that we were going to be a video/computer free house for a week. Blogging doesn't count. :)
This afternoon as I sit and "veg" I think back to my conversation with Hubby about Lent. And it really puts it into perspective for me about how difficult Lent would be. My thoughts continue on to the Savior and His 40 days of Fasting and Temptations. My little week of "lentishness" doesn't even compare. :( I am struggling with it and it hasn't even been 24 hours. "Natural Man" is VERY strong in me......

More Words From Livvy

2010-02-26T09:19:00.004-07:00

So there's this other Kindergartener that likes to chase L and her friend Celeste around the playground. His name is David. We have now come to realize that a "good day at schoow" is when David is absent. :)
The other day L gets in the car and says, "My day wasn't so good."
I asked why and she said, "Because David swaved other kids ot catch me and Cewest." (Yes, that's an exact quote).
I had to think for a minute to translate in my mind......

David slaved other kids to catch me and Celeste. :)

Simple Women's Daybook

2010-02-22T17:52:00.004-07:00

Outside my window...
it's chilly and windy. It was raining earlier today. I love the rain. There are swing cushions all over the yard.

I am thinking...
about how blessed I am. My children are behaving and I'm sitting crocheting a blanket watching the Olympics while dinner cooks. I am a simple simple person and I love the quiet moments of joy.

I am thankful...
for crockpots!! :)

From the kitchen...
it's actually clean. I can see the fridge with art projects all over the front.

I am wearing...
jeans and a "Riding Dragons - 1968" t-shirt.

I am creating...
a baby blanket for Preston. :)

I am reading...
"Dear John"

I am hoping...
that the kids continue the peaceful niceness!!

I am hearing...
well, it was the Olympics and now it's Dr. Phil - messed up family.

One of my favorite things...
Phoenix winters. :)

A few plans for the rest of the week...
mostly the normal stuff. But next Monday we are going to see the Sun's play!!! I am very excited!!!!

A picture thought I am sharing...
actually, I'm not sharing a picture right now. I'm not on my computer. I'll add one later.

Conversations on the Ride Home From School

2010-02-22T17:46:00.002-07:00

E - "JACKPOT!" (a game we play by calling out every yellow car you see)
J - "Mom, what will you give me if I win? Candy?"
Me - confused "Win what?
J - "If I win at Jackpot - A dollar or candy or something?"
Me - "No Jake, I won't give you anything." mental sigh
J - "Well, then I'm not playing. What's in it for me?"
(yes, he actually said that) :)
E - "Jake, you can't always play for money and things. What if you are playing against a HoBo? He doesn't have anything to give you if you win."

Did that conversation really just happen?! Yep, you bet your bottom, it did!!"

Will the REAL Stephanie please step forward?!

2010-02-16T08:46:00.004-07:00

I don't want to clean the very messy house, I don't want to go to the appointment that I have for Livvy's speech, and I don't want to put real clothes on. I just want to lay around the house and read a book. :) Can I please??!!!???

I feel sad today. I feel lost in so many aspects of my life. Have you ever had a time in your life where you are a completely different person than from who you've always been? I am going through that right now. I don't know what caused the change and it's very foreign to me. I really do feel odd - like I'm not myself.

For example, I used to enjoy being creative. I wasn't ever extremely talented, but I had fun creating things. Not now. I can't stand the hassle it takes to create. I want things simple.

Also, I used to be a friendly person. I have ALWAYS loved other people and found joy in my friendships. Now I don't let anyone get too close. I don't like the hassle of dealing with people. I can never do the right things for them. Things I say or do are misunderstood.

I used to be more organized in my callings. Now I'm a scatterbrained, teary-eyed mess. I can't seem to formulate a concise thought to save my life and I don't wear mascara to church anymore. It ends up running down my face.

It is such an odd feeling to not recognize yourself. And the frustrating thing is that not all of my new "traits" are bad. I just don't understand why I'm so different and how can I get some of "me" back?

Bang! Bang!

2010-02-13T22:26:00.001-07:00

Look @ what we did today!

Shooting

Something From My Sister

2010-02-12T09:04:00.006-07:00

Ok, this posting idea is something my sister does and I LOVE it!!!! So, I am going to copycat.

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK
Outside my window...
it's a nice chilly Phoenix morning. Something like 55ish (no snow). My grass is mostly dead and my birds are gone. I need to fill the bird feeders.

I am thinking...
about what I need to get done today vs. what I WANT to do!

I am thankful...
for my calling in church (Primary). We have a Teacher Inservice this Sunday that I'm working on. The title is, "Teacher, Do You Love Me?" I LOVE those kids!!!

From the kitchen...
i see no dirty dishes, but I do see random things on the counters. Primary Binder, jewelry, and Cody (Livvy's stuffed animal).

I am wearing...
jammies - striped pink bottoms and a Tinkerbell "Feisty" shirt. I also have on my jacket still from dropping kids off at school.

I am creating...
Magnets with the Primary Presidency's contact info.

I am reading...
A series by Tamora Pierce (LOVE her)!!

I am hoping...
that my med.s kick in soon. I hate being so angry! :)

I am hearing...
Price Is Right. In-laws are in town and LOVE it. So do I, it reminds me of being home sick from school. :)

One of my favorite things...
texting!!! I have recently gotten Unlimited Texting and I now wonder how I ever did without it.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
shopping and planning for Sunday evening; cleaning house (expecially the bathrooms); putting the deadbolt back on the door (don't ask); plan a meeting with the other YCL leaders; and lastly, hug lots of kids on Sunday!!! :)

A picture thought I am sharing...

I made "Squid" for the kids and their cousins last week. This is how it SHOULD have been made. I didn't take a picture of mine, but it wasn't made like this. That's what I get for hearing of the idea from my mom who heard it from my sister and I didn't go straight to the source. :)

Bye Bye Facebook

2010-02-12T08:56:00.002-07:00

I have been thinking about taking a break from Facebook when last night Bret tells me that he thinks we should do a week without it. I'm sure his comment has something to do with the condition of the house. :) But honestly, it's not a bad idea. I spend too much time (unintentionally of course) on that darned website. Soooooo, my first morning without Facebook and trying to be more effective with my time and where am I? On Blogspot!!! LOL

Things are good for us here.
The kids are all well and happy. So am I. Bret too.

There, simple and sweet!!!

Miss me?

2010-01-13T09:31:00.004-07:00

Well, again - I've let my blog fall by the wayside. Today I don't want to move off the couch and as I sat and read my sister's blog I felt inspired to update mine. :)

When I was a kid we were suppossed to write in our journals often. I'd go for a few weeks without writing and then suddenly a lot would happen and I'd try put down my feelings and frustrations. Then I would spend a large amount of time just updating and never getting to a truly heartfelt entry.
So quick version: I was called as Primary President in our church. I am the PTA Secretary @ school. I was also recently called as a YCL Leader over Girls Camp. I am BUSY!!!
Bret is still teaching at Phoenix College. He was just put on the Stake High Council @ church. He is still serving as Stake YM Secretary too. And he is still enjoy Judo and will be receiving his brown belt this week. He is BUSY!!!
Elizabeth is in the 6th grade. She is also in the GATE program and Student Council. Her biggest excitement recently is Show Choir. It's a program that they started at school and they performed during the school's Christmas concert. They were AMAZING!!!!! Just like mini"Glee's". They were asked by the District Board President to perform during the big rodeo that we have here in Buckeye. Feb. 1st and 7th.
Elijah is in 5th grade. He recently got glasses and has been very responsible with them. He is on the Principal's List with his grades at school and he is doing well in Scouts.
Jacob is in the 3rd grade and such a joker. He keeps his teacher laughing and is Mr. Popular! :) He is also doing well at Scouts and really enjoys going.
Livvy is in Kindergarten. She loves her teacher and her mamma. She thinks it's the greatest thing when she sees me at school and often tells me, "Mommy, Will you come and say hello to me when you are at school today?" She's our deep thinker and often has some amazing concepts. Last week she told me why our bodies grow bigger. "When we are borned; our big, huge spirits are squeezed into our little, tiny baby bodies. Then little bit at a time our spirits stretch out our bodies." What fun thoughts!!!
Dozer is Dozer! He's almost 12 years old and still acts like he's 3. I don't know what we'd do without our dog (small horse). I almost found out when he got lost a couple of weeks ago. But he was found and returned. The lady at the pound was amazed at how "young" he acts. It didn't surprise me - most of us women know that all males have an inner childishness that come out when they are excited or happy. :)
That is the quick update. And again - I'm done with this "journal entry." I'll add some pictures in a little bit too.

New Glasses

2009-10-25T19:36:00.002-07:00

At 5 Years Old?!?!?

2009-10-22T17:34:00.002-07:00

This morning Livvy tells me:
"Mom, you know that girl that has the same shoes as me?"
I nodded.
"Well, I'm not friends with her anymore." she said.
I asked her why and her response was something I didn't expect AT ALL!!
" Because she lied (pronounced 'wied') to Pacey and she spit on Cynthia."

Has it started already?! I refuse to have my children living their lives in such drama. I don't care if I have to beat it out of them.

So I did the only thing I could do - smacked her around a bit. :) Just kidding!!! I just shrugged and said, "That's life Baby."

OOOOOHHHH, but that's not the end of the story.....
She was naughty this evening and got in trouble. Later when we were cuddling and I was talking to her about what she did wrong she tells me, "Mom, you lied to me." Again, pronounced "wied" and it took me a few trys to understand what she was saying.
You wanna know what I lied to her about?
(wait for it..........)

"You said you thought I was the most cutest girl ever."
Bwahahahahaha!!! It was one of those moments in a mom's life when they need to swallow the laughter and take a big breath.
I said, "Oh Honey, I DO think you are one of the most cutest girls ever! Why do you think that?"
"Because you love other babies more than me!" This was said in her most dramatic voice and tears running down her cheeks.
It has begun!

Having fun with PSE

2009-09-11T16:58:00.004-07:00

Well, I downloaded a trial version of PhotoShop Elements. I signed up for a free class to learn some basic techniques with it. And since I've been sick for the past few days, I've been resting and playing with some photos. Wanna see what I learned so far? :)

Busy and Addictions

2009-08-11T16:18:00.005-07:00

Well, I recently read an article in the Ensign about computer games and becoming addicted to them. Just so you know, I'm blushing from shame at this very moment. I LOVE playing on the computer.
Anyway, it really got me thinking. I have an obsessive personality (can we say Mt. Dew anyone?). The problem for me right now is when I drop all of my sweet kids off at school each morning. I come home and want to play my computer. And eventually I look at the clock and more time has gone by than I was expecting. :(
Also throughout the day I want to "pop" back on and just check things. Not a good idea!
Before I know it my day is all gone, my house is still a mess, and my kids are home wanting to be fed. Mac & Cheese has become a constant meal at our house and I've neglected my responsibilities.
I know that this is wrong. :( But when I read the article it put a different spin on things for me. This type of behavior is damaging spiritually! Here's a neat quote from Elder Donald L. Staheli (of the Seventy):
"Distractions and discouragement are some of Satan's most effective tools. He finds ways to help us make excuses about why we can't do this or that. He gets us involved in wasting our time and resources in things that lead us away from improving our lives and developing our talents. He blurs our focus by diverting our attention. This can happen to the very best of you."

Wow, message taken - loud and clear!! But in contrast, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom (of the Seventy) warns us that we have a choice to make.
"When we are out of balance, we have a choice. We can delay making changes and experience the tragedy of a failing family or the sorrow of losing our own spirituality; or we can be attentive and continually nudged by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit to make necessary adjustments. Seeking balance among the essential responsibilities of life is preparatory to salvation."

Well, needless to say but I'll say it anyway - I have decided to make some changes in my life. I'm entering a different phase of my life right now. It's actually a little scarey. For so long I've been sooooooo busy being a mom and a housewife, etc. Now that I've got some time to do other things I have NO idea what I want/need to do!!! I don't know what my talents are! Or even what I enjoy doing (aside from excessive gaming)! It's a little scarey reinventing yourself. I sure hope this part of my journey in life is as fulfilling as the rest has been. :)

First Day Of School!!!

2009-08-06T09:25:00.002-07:00

Here are the pics of this morning. The kids had mixed emotions. Elizabeth was nervous, but she was trying to be brave. I think she'll be fine once she gets into things. She's sitting near a really nice girl.
Elijah was like always. Goes where he's told whether he understands or not. He was talking to a few friends when I went to help Elizabeth find her line.
Jake was nervous, close to tears. But he is sitting right next to a friend of his from last year, Molly. She's such a cute, sweet, funny girl. Plus one of his other friends is in his class as well. He'll be fine once he gets into the classroom.
Livvy went right into class. She was so excited this morning. Then when I went to take her in she was nervous, but there weren't any tears. I told her that I had to leave because they don't let parents in today. She said, "Ok." And sat at her desk looking around. She looked so dang cute! :)
And me - I'm doing great now. Of course I cried after I dropped Livvy off. But I went into the nurses office (she's a friend) and composed myself. :)
Now I'm feeling real good. :) I'm watching some of my shows and playing on the computer. Then I'll get up and clean my house. Peaceful!

Picture of kids with G&G Little

2009-08-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell Pics

2009-08-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

View all

Get your own

Girls Camp Was AMAZING!!

2009-07-25T10:54:00.003-07:00

It sure was tough though. I can't remember last year being so full of opposition as this year was. But I also don't remember last year being so Spiritually filling as this year. We had some wonderful moments where the girls felt the Spirit strongly.
For me personally, I fell in love with those YCL's of ours. I saw some amazing things with them and we really connected. I hope to serve as YCL leader again next year.

Now that camp is done, my focus is on getting ready for school. Clothes, supplies, all that jazz.

We have these bins in our storage closet that I go through each year before school starts. One is for summer clothes that I've bought at clearance prices (but I buy a year up in sizes). Another is for winter clothes. And the 3rd one is for school supplies that I've also bought on clearance.

We've gone through the clothes and made a trip to DI yesterday to buy what they need. And now I am scouring the sales for the best prices on pens, paper, etc.

We also have one last "Hurrah" planned before school starts - a trip to Lake Powell with family. I can't wait for that! The kids can't wait either!!!! I swear, if I hear, "when are we going to Lake Powell?" one more time I'm going to come unglued. :)

Oh, I have some other news to share - we got a new car. It's a Chrysler Pacifica. I LOVE it!!!!
It's a very nice car and it seats 6. It's gotten 4 out of 5 on ratings and it drives wonderfully. I like having a car and not a van or SUV. I'll post a pic later. :)

Other than that, life is good. We are happy and healthy.

Girls Camp

2009-06-25T15:51:00.003-07:00

I have been BUSY getting things ready for girls camp. I found a quote that really made me think about all of our work with the girls.
"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." ~T.S. Monson
I have to say - I LOVE these YCL's!!! They are truly amazing! My heart goes out to them though for all the things they have to go through. It's a lot harder than when I was a teen. A LOT!!!! I often feel that we should love them and that should be the focus. Rather than the "problem" that needs to be solved. Because if you leave out the love - they feel like a problem!

Anywho, I really enjoyed that quote. Just thought I'd share. :)

Don't Freak!!! She looks dang cute!!

2009-06-18T12:27:00.003-07:00

Where's the Vodka?!

2009-06-10T17:42:00.003-07:00

I had to throw the "Vodka" in the title of this post. It's not very often at all that a devout Mormon talks about Vodka. :) And I will talk more of that in a minute.

But first, there are a few things that I have decided I cannot do without during summertime. Here is my list:
A Pool - where else can you send your kids to get some much needed exercise, and to be out of the house for a couple of hours?
Bologna, cheese, and chips - the staples of every lunch at home. Sometimes I'll even have some salami, tomatoes, or ham to put on the bologna sandwiches. Jake thinks sandwiches at home are the best thing in the world because he can have all the extras - mulitiple meats, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.
And along the food lines, it is also most important to have some sort of freezing/popsicle type of substance. Sometimes it's kool-aid, sometimes it's capri-sun. Either way, we throw it in the freezer and they can eat it outside.
Legos - my kids have drawerfuls and drawerfuls of legos and they LOVE them!!!! Many hours of entertainment (until they fight over certain pieces of course).
A Library - we love the reading program and I love having books on hand for all of us to read. I have read 3 books in the past month. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read!!!
Mt. Dew - need I say more!!

On other bits of news - the vodka we have been using here at home. E's got an ear infection and it works great for that. :)
Bret is gone till Saturday - I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss him!! But I have to admit that our new kingsize bed is just as fun (or funner) than our queensize bed was without him in it. (evil grin)

Suzi and I have started our long hours of Camp work. Just last night we were up till almost midnight. I feel bad for keeping her so long, but I had fun just being with her. We have such a awesome bond. She's one of the few people I can truly be myself around. Thanks for going Suz - I know you really didn't want to. :) Maybe I'll bake you a cake - one egg or two?!!!

Thoughts

2009-06-05T08:50:00.003-07:00

I've been very "thoughtful" the past couple of days. It has been triggered by 2 things. I was scanning old pictures of the kids and really started to get heart sick for those old days. I miss the times of holding my babies and chasing toddlers. I miss no school and having cuddly jammie days - just 'cause! Life was so sweet and simple then, but I was so confused and muddled that I couldn't enjoy it. Why is it that during the most precious times of your children's lives you are at the hardest personal struggles as well. What's that saying? "You can't enjoy the forest for the trees." It's so true. As Young Mommy's we are only staring at the tree and trying to figure out how to help that little sapling grow. *sigh* I wish I could go back and savor those moments.
Now, the second thing that triggered my thoughtful state came from a friend that is going through some difficult things with her tiny, tiny bundle of joy. I have been amazed at how this little family gathers around this little one's "nest" to just be with him. To just gaze and wonder at the little warrior that he is! It's a tough road for all of them - but my advice is what EVERY older mom gives young ones: CHERISH the NOW!!!! Natalie, look for the quiet joys. And let all the unessential things take a back seat. :) Truly cherish this time and learn from it. You'll blink and next thing you know Duncan is headed to 5th grade dealing with girls and trying to be cool. Of course you'll be hoping for a good teacher for him (but she won't be as totally wonderful as my daughter's 5th grade teacher). :)

2009-05-31T09:33:00.001-07:00

Mothers hold the world together when all seems set on its destruction.
-Pam Brown

Summer Is Going Well (so far)

2009-05-30T15:31:00.004-07:00

I've really been enjoying sleeping in a little bit more, relaxing about the house, and preparing Girls Camp things. I could do with a little less fighting, feeding, and breaking things.

New things in our lives:
* Summer hair for the boys - mohawks!! And of course they look dang cool.
* Shattered back door! I think we are going to have to "white-trash" it though. It's actually still in the frame, just spiderwebbed all over. I'm thinking we need to get some duct tape and tape it all to keep it in. Another bonus to that - it'll keep some of the sunlight out and help with the electric bill. :)
* The 3 biggest kids are starting up Judo again. Elizabeth has been doing it, but the boys took a break. And they are starting up again; mostly because Daddy will be there helping with the class.
* We've got the pool up - kids are loving it and spending lots of time in it!!! They've gotten a little bit of sunburn yesterday, but I found the sunscreen so today there wasn't a problem.
* Summer scheduling has started too. The kids have a limited time to play video games, and more time to play outside and in the pool. We've started the reading program at the Library and the kids all picked out some challenging books to read this summer.
* I was asked to be a YCL Leader again this year for Girls Camp. I LOVE doing it!!!! I have really come to love these girls and I really do enjoy them. Please pray for me though. :) We have a tough group this year. I'll need more patience!
* Bret is off work for the summer. I think we've ironed out the kinks with having him home. After a few years of this, we (meaning me) are handling it a lot better. He might do a little extra work for a guy at the Crime Lab. That would be nice.
* We are not heading to Utah like we usually do. The main reason is because our poor van will not make it. We are trying to run it into the group because it's paid for - but we can't make long trips in it. Not super reliable. But by not going, it works great because we are saving the trip for the winter. My nephew, Skyler, is getting baptized. So we'll get to attend that!!!!
*Produce is starting up again. I have a friend who has a friend who...... You get the idea. :) Point is, I can get boxes and boxes of produce for free or real cheap. I'm SOOOOO excited about this!!! (Bret isn't)
I got strawberries yesterday and made jam - yummy! Today I got squash, corn, and pears. Oh, and I also got green peppers yesterday. My plans for all this wonderful food? Well, I made the jam. I think I'll get some ice cream and make strawberry shakes for the kids. Then tonight we'll be having corn on the cob with dinner. I'll freeze some too for later. I'm cooking up some of the squash to make soup. I'll puree some to use in recipes. And of course bake some to eat. Tomorrow we'll have stuffed green peppers. And Bret LOVES pears!! So do the kids.
* Overall, things are really good for us - happy and healthy!!! We are together and loving it. What more can I say?!

My Backyard

2009-05-14T10:28:00.002-07:00

I don't have the best looking back yard. But I love it!! Are you wondering why? :) Well, it's because I love birds and other little animals. :) I'm not a bird watcher type, with my binoculars (I use those for other things - wink wink) and stuff. I just like to fill my bird house full of food and see all the little birdies come and fight over it and tweet and dance around.
At this moment I have a bird laying in my grass with my sprinkler on. He is lifting his wing to let the water clean his "armpit." I have a hummingbird dodging in and out of the sprinkler and there is a family (4) of chipmunks pulling weeds out of the grass and running off.
Wildlife :)

Wow

2009-05-13T08:28:00.003-07:00

This morning my Mom sent me over to this site to check something out:
http://www.allthingsheartandhome.com/
And this is what I found while I was there:

The trip to the grocery store that changed my life
by Robin on January 6, 2009
Thirteen years ago on a cold January afternoon, a trip to the grocery store changed my life.
The pressure of juggling the schedules of four teenagers was pressing in on my last nerve. Truth be told, something was always pressing on my last nerve. That day I still needed to grocery shop and do a mountain of laundry.
I left the kids at home and headed to the grocery store.

Inside the store, I pushed the cart up and down the isles trying not to mow down the huge display of spam. Who eats spam any more? How old is that stuff anyway? My mind was racing with nonsense when my buggy nearly hit the back of his heel.
I gasped and the gray haired man turned around.
“Hello, neighbor” he grinned.
Standing there, in a dark blue suit, crisp white shirt and a shinny red tie my neighbor Robert, looked completely put together.

“And how are you this fine day Robin?” He sounded surprisingly chipper for a man who’d just six months before lost his wife of thirty years.

“I’m okay Robert, how are you doing?” My voice dripped with pity. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you” he said looking down and stuffing his hands in his pants pockets. “ It was hard at the end. She put up a fight though.”
Suddenly, he looked right into my eyes. “It’ll probably sound terrible to you, but I’m kind of excited about starting over.”

Pregnant pause. What the heck do I say to that?

“Well, that’s good.” I stumbled. “So is there anyone in particular?”
“No, no, no. Not at all. I just know what I’m looking for this time. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but it would be someone exactly opposite of Sheila.”

Dear Father in heaven, could this GET any more awkward?

“I mean, I loved her” he added quickly, “but she and I had a rocky thirty years. She was, I guess you’d say, a little difficult.”
He forced a laugh. “She’d say the same about me. Anyway, next time, I want less drama. More peace. And more laughing.”

Time stopped. My chest felt heavy. I couldn’t breathe. This was a God Thing…
We said our good byes. I felt so sad. For Sheila and Robert.

But I also felt sad for my husband, Mike and for me.
The lights in the store were too bright. I looked at my feet. The floor was too shiny.

That’s how Mike would feel if I died tomorrow…
It was true and I knew it.
Uptight. That was me. Life as a rule overwhelmed me. Some days I went from drama to drama.
Finally getting to my car, shivering, I put my head in my hands and wept. Slowly the heater started to warm the cold air around me as I heard a clear message from God’s heart to mine.
If I die before Mike, I don’t want him to look for someone opposite of me. Like Sheila, I needed, less drama. More laughter. More peace.
That very day I came home and wrote down what I wanted Mike to say about me when I was gone…this is it…
*She loved God
*She loved me and the kids
*We always knew she was praying for us
*She made our house a home. Peaceful and safe.
*She supported me and encouraged me constantly.
*She was my best friend.
That list has become my standard. How do you want people to remember you?

Can I just say Wow!!?? This really made me think!

When I'm A Little Old Lady (in honor of Mother's Day)

2009-05-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

When I’m a little old lady
Then I’ll live with my children and bring them great joy
to repay all I’ve had from each girl and boy
I shall draw on the walls and scuff up the floor;
run in and out without closing the door.
I’ll hide frogs in the pantry, socks under my bed
whenever they scold me, I’ll just hang my head.

I’ll run and I’ll romp, always fritter away
the time to be spent doing chores everyday.
I’ll pester my children when they’re on the phone.
As long as they’re busy won’t leave them alone.
Hide candy in closets, rocks in drawers,
and never pick up my clothes from off the floor.

Dash off to the movies and not wash a dish.
I’ll plead for allowance whenever I wish.
I’ll stuff up the plumbing and deluge the floor,
as soon as they’ve mopped it, I’ll flood it some more.
When they correct me, I’ll lie down and cry,
kicking and screaming, not a tear in my eye.

I’ll take all their pencils and flashlights, and then
when they buy new ones, I’ll take them again.
I’ll spill glasses of milk to complete every meal,
eat my banana and just drop the peel.

Put toys on the table, spill jam on the floor,
I’ll break lots of dishes as though I was four;
What fun I shall have, what a joy it will be
To live with my children, like they lived with me!

I Never Knew

2009-04-27T11:01:00.002-07:00

Wow, I never realized how talented my daughter was! I mean I've always know that she's super awesome, but it isn't until you see her shine in front of others that you really have your eyes opened.
Elizabeth sang in Sacrament yesterday with one of my old YW. I was soooo nervous - more nervous than she was. What is it with her, she's always so calm and collected when I'm about to puke my guts out. :)
She did AMAZING!!!! They sounded so beautiful!

Wild Goose Chase with a Dog-Chewed Can, Crystals, and a White Box on a Fence

2009-04-21T16:16:00.003-07:00

That was kindof a long Title. Sorry! But I was remembering something else we did with our company this past week. I actually had a dream about it last night.

Last week we went on a GeoCache behind our house. We hiked and hiked and hiked without any luck. But we DID find a watering can toy that had been chewed by a dog, some really awesome "crystals," and Paige even found a gold ball that somehow found it's way home. Even though she had been told not to bring it home. :)

As we walked along a barwired fence (because we had been told that the geocache might be on a post), the kids saw a white spot in the distance. We all got very excited thinking that we had found it. The kids ran ahead of us and suddenly we see the "white spot" fly into the air. :) It was funny to watch the kids from where we were. They all slapped their legs with a big, "Awwww Man!!! It was just a bird!!" I laughed and laughed.

In the end, we didn't find it and will forever remember the fun we had trying to get there. I still have the dents in my back from taking the cactus picture!! wink wink

Fun @ the Zoo

2009-04-20T15:05:00.002-07:00

We have had soooooo much fun with Jen, Blake, Lane, and Paige here. Last Wednesday we went to the Phoenix Zoo. The coolest thing for all of us was when we went to the tiger's cage.
As we stood at the glass looking at the tiger, he suddenly started pacing and looking really angry. Which is kindof cool but only if you are behind the glass and there is a big drop off between the glass and the tiger. We were all wondering why he was so upset and we saw one of the zoo workers drive by in a little open truck thingy. Hurm???
We started to move on when another worker drove by and the tiger started getting upset again. This time we asked the zoo worker why he was behaving that way. The guy told us that 3 years ago he and the other worker were the ones that tranq'ed the tiger and moved him to another cage. And now, 3 years later, the tiger still HATED those 2 guys.
WOW!!! It was really cool to see the tiger come running up to the edge of the drop off and roaring really loud.
3 years is a long time to hold a grudge! :)

Oh My Goodness - this was soooo funny cool!!!

2009-04-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

Watch Sheep Herding Sheep Art and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

chipmunks and magic phones

2009-04-09T09:43:00.003-07:00

chipmunks - most of you know that our back yard backs up to the mountains over here by us. we have a cinder wall, but there's total wildlife behind us. we've heard the coyotes (not the mexican smugglers - although they are back there too). lately we planted our little garden and we now have a family of chipmunks eating our sprouts! the kids think it's soooo cute. me - not so much. livvy and i have to keep chasing them off each morning and throwing rocks in their general direction.

livvy had a funny idea this morning. she was telling me about how "awesome" it would be to have a magic phone. you could call someone and then travel through the phone to them. so she's been all over today; she took some orange julius to grandma v, dozer went with her and grandpa played with him; she went to say hello to grandma and grandpa little, but grandpa was at work so she stopped over there for a few minutes; and she also went to give daddy hugs and kisses at work.
anyone else want her for a little while - australia??!!

2009-04-06T21:43:00.003-07:00

Green Fingers, Raspy Lungs, and a Dirty House

2009-04-06T18:30:00.002-07:00

Well, as some of you know, we recently had Jake's Baptism. And along with that came a ton of family! We had SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much fun with all of our loved ones, but now I am real sick. I'm going on 2 weeks now with a horrible cough and can barely get any breath at times. Forget doing anything like talking (Bret liked that) or overexerting (hence the dirty house). I've been doing a lot of Mafia Wars, sleeping, and drinking homemade Orange Julius.
Now I know you are wondering about the green fingers - Elijah and I just painted his PineWood Derby car (green). As I type I can see the thumb and first finger of my left hand going clickety, click, click.

Anywho, I am really wanting to post the video I made for Jakey's Baptism. I'm not sure if it will be possible, but I think I'll give it a try tonight after monkey's are in bed.

I also wanted to apologize real quick for letting my blog become dilapitated and overgrown with old posts. :) I will try to rectify that in the next few days/weeks.

My sister and her fam come next week. Maybe we'll have some really fun photo's to post for GMa & GPa V.
Hugs!

Little Man Grows Up

2009-03-17T07:55:00.002-07:00

On Sunday Jake had his Baptismal Interview with our Bishop. Bret went with him and I finished cleaning up the Primary rooms and saying goodbye to the last of the kids. Quietly Jake walks up to me and looks at me. I smile and ask him how his interview went. He said good and then tells me, "Mom we have to be reading our Scriptures and saying our Prayers every morning and night. And I'm supposed to be reading my Scriptures by myself too."
Now mind you, we try hard to do it once a day - but we are hit and miss.
Well, on the way home from church I look back to see Jake reading his Scriptures. :) And he has been reminding us every morning and night to read and pray. Bret said that he promised Bishop to read and pray every morning and night.
It makes my heart so glad to see him so eager to do what the Lord wants him to do.

For Jake 2/21!!! I Love You!!

2009-03-07T11:35:00.001-07:00

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I have been Neglectful!!!

2009-03-07T11:00:00.002-07:00

And I am very sorry! There are 2 reasons for my lack of posts lately. The first being my busyness. I've been being kept busy with PTA things, Primary, Judo, Groceries, and a few other things. :)
The second reason is because I have promised myself not to do angry blogging. I've set a new goal for myself to be a more positive person. Funny thing is, this new goal has been a trial lately. I've had a LOT of dramatic situations in my life recently and it's hard not to sit and vent.
But don't you all worry - although I'm not going to post so vehemently about things, I'll still let you know about the things in my life (good and bad). I'm not someone who things life is perfect and all is well in my little bit of the world. I'm not going to pretend either. :)

So having said all that, here we go!!
This post is dedicated to Mom Little - who just seemed so sad to not have me posting anything. :) I know that you have all missed me (hahaha) but she seemed so distraught the other day. Genuinely suicidal because she craves my wise words and funny antidotes!! So yes, here is more of ME!!!

The good:
We are all doing well. Nobody has killed anyone (yet). The weather in Phoenix is AWESOME!!!! I bet we'll even be able to put the pool up for my Paigy in April. Keep praying for April sun (and no kids have their prayers answered like Jen's when it comes to the weather).
What else? positives, positives I love my Primary kids!! I am so grateful for where I am at in my life and love my family dearly. :)

The bad:
Had a horrendous fight with Judo lady (and not even about her dumping her rotten kids on Elizabeth). It was something totally different and it was BAD. We are no longer friends - sie lavie (or however you spell it).
I was watching a comedian the other day and he mentioned about getting older and how he has reached a new stage in his older, wiser age. He doesn't talk to Stupid People anymore. I totally related to this!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been feeling a lack of patience for people than I had when I was younger. I've been cutting the fat so to speak. And I honestly don't feel this need to have these kinds of people in my life.

I've been frustrated with the Scouting program as well as our Stake Leaders in the church. I'm trying to be meek and mild (not so easy these days - seems my shovel is Super Glued to my hand).

I've had some situations with the school too. Nothing with the teachers or staff or things like that. Just with the School District right now. I've got to go to some meetings and find a few things out before I decide where I stand.

I've been VERY frustrated with our Primary kids' parents!!! Wednesday nights are HORRIBLE during and after Scouts and Achievement Days. HORRIBLE!!! Parents let their kids run all over the place like freakin monsters!!! They expect us to watch their kids while they are doing their own things. It even carries over after our activities are done.
This next Wednesday we are lining up chairs in the hall and after our activites are done we will be telling the kids to sit in the chairs until their parents come and get them. Then if we see kids running around after their parents have gotten them then we will take them by the hand to Mommy or Daddy and say, "Your child is running around in the church. They need to stay here with you." And I honestly don't care at this point what people think of me. I don't talk to Stupid People!!! hahaha

The Ugly:
Nothing really in that area. Except for my behavior on Wednesdays dealing with difficult children (not mine)!! :)

So that it is so far. My life - changing, yet fun!!

Livvy - Feb. 06

2009-02-20T20:24:00.002-07:00

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Saw this on another blog...

2009-02-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

Love this video - very cute!!

An Old Video For GMa & GPa Little

2009-02-11T23:45:00.002-07:00

SuperBowl

2009-02-01T19:46:00.002-07:00

Well, it is 7:47pm and we are watching the beginning of the 2nd quarter. We have Church from 3-6pm. We taped the Superbowl and are now watching it. We were invited to go to our friends', the Biggs, but we decided to stay home and make it a quiet evening. The kids have school tomorrow and it's so difficult to get them up if they haven't gotten enough sleep.
I don't care much for Football, but it's nice to be sitting here with my hubby listening to him scream at the TV. It's funny cause he keeps making comments as if I really care (or even know) what he's talking about.
And just so you all know - I've been instructed that Bret will not be answering the phone and if anyone tries to tell him the score then all heck will break loose! So Greg and Dad, don't even bother calling to harrass him. :)

We don't have a lot of snacking food :( BUT I'm in the process of making the Baby Bacon Explosion right now. :) It's something I read about online and thought I'd try. Listen to this:
bacon strips weaved together. Sausage spread out on that. Then cooked and crumbled bacon in a line down the center. I added chopped onions and then rolled the whole thing up. It's baking in the oven and smells YUMMY!!! We'll see how it tastes. I'm sure it's going to be real rich. What sort of a side dish can you put with it to off set the richness? Not sure. It'll have to be something we have on hand. This meal wasn't planned at all. :)

Well, I need to go and make sure my Explosion hasn't exploded all over the oven. LOL
Have a great night!!!

What was it,.......

2009-01-23T13:45:00.003-07:00

Like a year ago, Jen, that you were trying so hard to win Kinzcash for Paige to get a pool? I mocked you, in my mind (maybe out loud too), and teased you about an adult playing kids games. Well, the past couple of weeks I've been fixing me a bowl of what Bret would call - Shutty Stew!
I apologize for any horrible emotional scaring that I caused to your soul, Dear Sister. Because I have found the joy of Webkinz!!! I am no longer ashamed to say it:

I LOVE WEBKINZ!!!!!

I'm even thinking of getting one for myself. But then again, my 4 children will miss the KinzCash that I keep getting for them. And I will lose my excuse for my excessive KinzPlaying (you know, to get cash for each of my 4 children I must spend a LOT of time playing). That's my justification anyway!!!
Well, I need to get back to my work (no, not webkinz playing). Has anyone seen a webkinz animal having to do with Orlando Bloom or Mt. Dew? :)

Donations

2009-01-23T06:44:00.002-07:00

Ok, we are having a big Mom's Night Out for PTA. We are trying to get together all sorts of donations of items or services. If you know of any place that will donate easily please let me know. OR if you have your own little business and would like to donate something, again - let me know. We will be advertising anyone that is kind enough to donate stuff.
We've got mostly big businesses, but then I was thinking about my little homemaker friends who have started different crafty companies. I figure they can donate too and we'll advertise for them too. You can even attach a cute little business card to your item. :)
Anyway, let me know if anyone wants to donate or knows of places that will donate. We'll give you a letterhead letter and the tax info or anything else you need.

Breakfast Discussion

2009-01-15T12:37:00.002-07:00

This morning as the kids ate their cereal, Livvy asked a question that blew my mind.

"Guys, do you know what envy means?" A little smile on her face.
Elizabeth responded, "Actually, Livvy - I don't."
I waited for Livvy's answer to see what crazy thing she'd say.
"It means that you are jeawous of something someone has."

WOW, since when did my 4 year old learn what Envy means?
A wonderful learning tool that we use often in our house. And I'm not ashamed to say it!! The TV.
It's from a show that she LOVES called Martha Speaks - helloooooo, it's a talking dog, can it be any more perfect for my little dog lover?!

For the rest of the day she walked around saying things like, "Daddy, I'm envy of you. You get to sweep in." (I'm envy of Daddy too, I'd LOVE to sleep in)
"Wizzy (translation - "Lizzy"), I'm envy of you cause you get to go to school."
And my personal favorite:
"Dozey, I'm envy of you cause you have a tail!" LOL Funny girl!

The Zoo

2008-12-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to take pictures of Jackie's family at Papago Park. The zoo is right over there so they invited us to join them. It was SO much fun!!! The kids loved it and enjoyed all the things to do there. Here are the pics from the trip.

Zoo

Jiciwhat?!!!

2008-12-20T19:13:00.003-07:00

Jicima! Pronounced with a H (Hikima). It is a root veggie that takes like a very slightly sweet water chestnut. And it is my new favorite!!
I am having so much fun getting all this free produce. I'm trying so many new things. The garage is now my produce fridge with all my veggies & fruits on a large table out there. It's cool enough, but not too cold. What's out there now? 2 cases of Fuji apples, a box of zuchinni, half a box of bok choy, about 20 lemons, and a case of jicima. The lemons are pretty much done and the green beans are taken care of.
Do you wanna know what we had for dinner tonight? The yummiest stir fry I've ever had!! I started by cooking chicken breast in chopped fresh garlic. Then while that was cooking I cut up my veggies - fresh green beans, sliced onion, bok choy ( you have to diagonally cut off the leaves and chop the stems, but save the leaves to add near the end), I peeled and diced the jicima and sliced the zucchini. Then took the chicken out and added flour to the juices. I wisked that and added a little more water. Then I cut up the chicken while the veggies were cooking (all except the onions and bok choy leaves. I have some stir fry sauce and added that along with the onions, cut chicken, and a sprinkle of chicken boullion. Then lastly I added a bit of soy sauce and the bok choy leaves. I served all that over long grain white rice (bret had brown). It was SOOOOOO yummy!!! Bret's not a big stir-fry guy, but he enjoyed it too.
I know it's silly - but I enjoy getting things for free and USING it!!! Thank you Elise!!!!
Well, I need to go and make cookies now, burn CD's for the Primary kids, and plan Sharing Time!! Busy night for me!
By the way, does anyone have some canning stuff they wanna get ride of? :)

This Is Cute!! Click on it.

2008-12-16T14:01:00.003-07:00

How To Get A Soccer Partner!!!

September 2002

2008-12-15T16:49:00.001-07:00

Wow, really melts my heart, my sleeping sweeties!

Classroom Door

2008-12-15T16:38:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I go to help in Elizabeth's class every Wednesday. I usually will grade papers, or anything else she needs me to do. The week before last Mrs. Isaac wanted her door decorated. She told me her idea and I went to work. Basically she wanted a blue hill, a white snowman and black sky. She'll be making snowflakes for the kids to write their favorite Holiday memory on. Then they'll glue them onto the black sky.

Well, this is my end result! I'm actually very proud of myself. It was my idea to tear the edging on the snowman and "poof" out his body and head. I also thought using the tissue paper as a 3D thing too. I even had a little bit of yellow paper at the bottom of the snowman. I showed it to Mrs. Isaac before the kids came back in, then took it down. :)

Oh, and of course - I had to have a little model!

Calling All Recipes!!

2008-12-14T18:31:00.002-07:00

I was going to title this post - Using What You Got!
We have been blessed to receive 8 boxes of lemons, one box of bok choy, and a box of broccolli. I have a friend who has a friend who gets free produce (that's the quick story) and she has been giving me tons of food. I've gotten zucchini, sweet potatoes, cantalope, cucumbers, pumpkin, chocolate milk, and now the lemons, bok choy and broccolli. And we are talking about boxes of all this stuff! It has been so fun using the food. I just can't let anything go to waste. :) It's been a blessing too with my Sneaky Chef cooking.
Tonight I made chicken broth soup with noodles and dumplings. I put some chopped bok choy in the bottom of my soup and it was YUMMY!! I really like bok choy! :)
Soooo, I need some more recipes that have bok choy, or lemons in them. Mela, don't you have a really yummy lemon bar recipe? I'd LOVE that one.

On other news, we are sick! We had a real fun Christmas party planned for Friday and we couldn't go. Livvy did the winner of all barfs! She aimed for the toilet and missed completely! But she did manage to get the tub, the walls, and her hair. Yes, nasty!
She slept with me that night.
This afternoon Bret and Elizabeth went to church and came home early. She was sick. Fever and upset tummy. Within a couple of hours we had an almost repeat of Friday. Elizabeth actually made it into the puke bucket.
I sure hope it doesn't go through all of us. :)

When life gives you lemons.....

2008-12-13T13:05:00.004-07:00

Make lemonade!!! That is exactly what I'm doing right now - making lemonade (literally). I got 3 cases of lemons on Wednesday night and today I am juicing them; making lemonade, lemon water and lemon Mt. Dew (yes, truly - and it's yummy). I am also drying lemon rinds with a little clove for potpourri, making lemon decorations, and going on the internet to find all lemon related recipes.
I'm doing all this today because tomorrow I'm getting 5 more boxes (at least, maybe more). :)

I LOVE lemons!!!

In other Little news, I have been BUSY (understatement)!!! This week I've been working the Holiday Store at the school. I did it last year, but this year I was in charge. So I was there the entire time. With and without kids. Do you know what it's like trying to keep 4 kids from destroying an entire school after it has closed? It's hard!!! On the evenings when we were doing the store, my kids (along with 4 others) broke a radio, shorted out a room (almost electocuting themselves), spilled apple juice on the carpet, and beat up Santa!
What a week (glad to be done)!!! I just have to go back on Monday to count up the money. We better have made a LOT!!!!

There is still so much to share with you all, but I have to get lemons done, 4 reports for school, laundry, and a house to clean. Besides, I have to hurry and get off the computer before Bret comes down the stairs and sees me goofing off. :)

Thoughts!

2008-12-08T08:23:00.006-07:00

There is a family in our Church who recently had a son die a sudden, sad death. They weren't very active, but I have seen the growth they have made. They have started coming back to church and working on their testimonies. It is amazing to see how such a horrible tragedy can be used for good too.

It got me thinking - each of us needs to be closer to Christ. No matter where you are in your spiritual growth, you can still be closer. I need to be closer. Am I on the right track? Am I using experiences in my life to bring me closer? Or will He need to take some drastic measures to GET me on track? I hope that isn't the case. I hope that I can be meek and teachable. I really want to be the sort of person that when the Savior needs me, He can ask and I can hear.

There is a song that I love that talks about when others see me I want them to look THROUGH me and see Christ. I hope that at the end of my life I have reached that point.

I have people in my life that I admire and respect so much! I really wish I could just take bits and pieces of them and apply them to my personality. Just this weekend I was thinking about someone in particular who is SOOOO giving!!! I won't go into the specifics of her life, but she has been doing things that are difficult for her (and her family) because it will help bring others closer to Christ. She just keeps giving and giving and giving. I don't know how she does it! :) But I see that as she opens her arms wider to others, her heart is fuller and people are blessed. And her prayers are answered in amazing ways. I know that I feel closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father when I'm around her. She is an amazing example!! Thank You Rela (all names have been changed). :) LOL I love you!

Thank you all for touching me and teaching me! I really do see your hearts and try to be more like you all in different ways. I could go through my list of friends/family and pick out specific things that each of you are so amazing at. Thanks for being my examples! I love you all and as we go into such a wonderful loving season - I hope that we can all bring ourselves a little closer to Christ!
Hugs and Kisses!
and by the way - if I'm unreachable this week, please be understanding. my plate is overflowing!!! i'll be at the school all day, each day this week. my cell phone is over on minutes so don't call that unless it's an emergency or unless you have at&t. :) if you need a nonemergency issue, leave a message on my home phone. thx guys!

Christmas Beautifuls

2008-12-06T22:27:00.002-07:00

I love this season for many different reasons! Livvy gave me just one more reason the other night. We were driving home from Judo and taking the scenic route. The kids LOVE looking at all the Christmas lights. Suddenly Livvy yells out, "Look, there's MORE Christmas Beautifuls!!!"
What a cute thing to say. We have now reverted to calling the lights Christmas Beautifuls!

What were you doing on the 9th of Nov.

2008-11-24T20:44:00.002-07:00

It was a Sunday and it was a very relaxing, calming day for us. I took some pictures. Here is what we were doing on the 9th of November.

I've Had a Lot of Thinking Moments

2008-11-23T23:25:00.005-07:00

There has been a lot of things happening around me lately that have really caused me to stop and think about my life and my priorities. Many of us just tend to go through life doing what we do. We simply exist - not really living!

We have had 2 devistating, tragic deaths in the past month. Our sweet Judo instructor is battling terminal cancer. And the other evening we found out that one of the little girls in our Nursery has a brain tumor. I feel so deeply how blessed I am. Not because I don't have trials - we all do. But because I am able to take a step back right now and wonder how I can make a positive change in my life. I can think about what I can do to show more love for my kids and sweetheart or how I can better serve the Lord. I can think about what I want kind of a person I want to be.

On my mission we used to set 3 goals each Sunday evening and post these goals all over the flat. We had a constant visual reminder or what we wanted to achieve. I'd find out what goals Sister Grant wanted to work on while I was sitting on the toilet. :) Often times these goals would repeat themselves for months. (I always did struggle with reading my scriptures!)

Anywho, I think I need to be setting goals again. But different goals. I don't care how many hours I should be tracting. I need goals to help me LIVE life!!!! If I passed away tomorrow I'd want to feel that I had learned everything my brain could hold. I'd want to feel that I had shoved every ounce of love into my family to last for a lifetime. And I'd want to know that my love for Christ was so strong that it would save my simple, weak soul. And you know what....
Even if I don't pass away tomorrow, I know I'd have lived a life of AWESOME todays!!!

Yes, I was There!

2008-11-21T18:03:00.002-07:00

last night, at midnight - Dickenson's Palm Valley Theatre. We had such a fun group of people for our Twilight movie!!! When Edward first came onscreen there was a bunch of middle aged women whistling and cat calls. :) We had fun!!! Mela and I smiled at each other during the good parts and I'd looked back at times to see Cat smiling. We were all wondering if Becky would have to take Becky to the hospital (dilated to a 3, now that's DEVOTION)! :) I couldn't see much of April, Wendi, or NiKole during the movie but we all chatted after.
Thank You Ladies for such a fun, time!! :)

Now for those of you that haven't gone yet and are wondering how it was, I'll tell you that I'm not a picky movie person. Although Clone Wars and Batman & Robin were my limits! :)
I thouroughly enjoyed Twilight!! No movie is as good as the book in my opinion - I'm a reader. (shrug) But there is also something fun about seeing it visually as well.
Now of course there was cheese (and I'm not talking about the nachos), there were parts that weren't very well done. And the running parts were a little goofy BUT (always, a big butt) I loved it. :)
Edward was a hottie, Jacob was NOT!!! Jasper was also surprisingly HOT!!! :) Rosalie looked like an 80's streetwalker though - I was disappointed. Alice was very cute! Bella was very gloomy - I was also disappointed in her always confused, grumpy mood.
I liked the dynamic feelings though. It was very intense. I liked that. :)
So my opinion, if you critic and tear apart movies, don't go. You won't enjoy it. If you can just enjoy a movie for what it's worth then go. I loved it and would like to go again. :)
Thanks Mela for sharing it with me! I had fun giggling with you over the exciting parts! :)

Judo!!!!

2008-11-16T09:30:00.004-07:00

I am so amazed at my little girl!!!! Yesterday was her first Judo Tournament. She did amazing!!! She got Silver. :) I am so proud of her - it was a tough day for several different reasons and she pushed through and dominated. I'll be posting video clips of each of her matches later today. But here are some pictures of the event.
Sorry that things are so unfinished today with my blog background and not having the clips up - we had a tough day yesterday and last night. I have Sharing Time and Conducting in Primary today. I'm busy. :)
Elizabeth didn't feel well after Judo yesterday and was up all night, sick as a dog. She seems better today, but she slept with me and we had a rough night.
Anyway, here are the pics.
Love you all!

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Halloween - Sliced Cheese and Discarded Clothes

2008-11-04T20:52:00.004-07:00

Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays. We always get together with my brother and his family and trick-or-treat with them. It's been a tradition for about 8 years, I think. Each year we have something new to add to the list of memories and this year was no exception. Last year Greg set fire to himself and the whole neighborhood (that's the way the kids tell it anyway). This year it was all about Cheese!
You know those houses where you know they don't come from the States and have no idea about our traditions and customs? Well, we knocked on one of those - Asian. Very sweet older lady who felt so bad about not having anything to give the kids that she handed them a pack of "12 Sandwich Slices." :) Elijah was so excited about this large item she had handed out until he saw what it really was. Luckily he didn't show his disappointment until after she had shut the door. He turns to me and says, "Aw Man, Sandwich Slices?! What, are we having sandwiches?" Oh, I love that kid!
Bret and I have also decided that we've got this trick-or-treating thing down to a science. And I am going to share my great wealth of knowledge with all those beginners out there.
1. Children only come home with about 10% of their costumes still on their bodies. The other 90% is in your arms. Don't dress them in complicated costumes. My homemade Puppy, Zombie, Doctor, and Hunter are just as cute as the Scream character whose mask is being held by dad and his robe is tied up around his waist.
2. Pillowcases really don't make good bags for the candy. Maybe they are great for older kids, but little ones - stay away. They are hard to hold open and it takes 20 years for the passerouters to get the candy into them. Your child then holds up the line for my speed demons. :) The best "bags" are the plastic pumpkin ones sold at Walmart for $1. They have the open top and a handle and are PERFECT for the little ones.
3. Little ones will complain 20 minutes into the trick-or-treating. Their little spirits are so torn! Candy/Tired..... Which one? After 20 minutes, the tired starts to win. After another 20 minutes they really get whiney. And I suggest you just don't go past 60 minutes total. You'll have an uproar on your hands.
4. Go in a group. My reasons behind this are not brought on by a sense of safety and concern. It's purely selfish. If you have a group (preferably one with a few older kids - 10 years old or so), then you can stand out on the sidewalk watching the door and send your littles up with the biggers. You have a lot less walking to do and fake smiling to do. Seriously, I'm a selfish person.
Sooo, those are a few rules of thumb for next year. Hope you find these helpful! :) And now because I know that there are Grandma's and Grandpa's out there waiting anxiously, here are some pictures.

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Locks Of Love

2008-11-01T17:11:00.003-07:00

Elizabeth has been wanting to donate her hair to the Locks Of Love. We finally got it done (thank you Jackie). She looks so cute with the shorter hair. More grown-up. :( She can't be growing up, I'm not ready for that.
I will be posting Halloween pictures soon too. :)

Candace, I Know Your Out There!!!

2008-11-01T14:22:00.002-07:00

:) Bret's mom called and told us that you found our blog. :) YEAH!!! Email me, he's wanting to see your blog - we both are!

YEAH!!!

2008-10-26T15:32:00.003-07:00

The Primary Program is over!!! It went really well. And I got to sit up on the stand with the kids and just watch it all. I love these kids sooo much! As I sat down in my seat just before it started, one of the little girls next to me, Lindsey, cuddled right up to my arm and smiled at me. Then Ethan and Reagan behind me tapped me and grinned real big.
I really felt the Spirit as I sat and listen to those little testimonies and songs. So sweet, so sweet!

18 and Life!!

2008-10-23T15:11:00.003-07:00

Does anyone remember the old 90's song called "18 and Life" by Skid Row? Well, this was the story of my life last night!! :)

Some of you may remember that I offered to babysit for those in our Ward who wanted to attend the Memorial Services for Brad. I would have LOVED to have gone, but Bret worked late so I offered my babysitting.
At the start of the day I had 4 kids set up to come. And then within the next few hours more calls came in. The grand total at the end of it all - 18!!!! 18 kids and little old me. :)
It wasn't bad though. Nothing that a 2 ltr of Mt. Dew didn't help cure. LOL

So I've been walking around cleaning up the house singing this song:
18 and life you got it
18 and life you know
Your crime is time
And it's 18 and life to go........

The Start of the Puppy Costume!!

2008-10-22T10:49:00.003-07:00

Livvy really wanted to be a puppy for Halloween. I have decided to make their costumes this year (to save money) and I am so proud of this shirt!!! It's a white shirt with cut felt circles handsewn onto it. Then we added some brown capri's and puppy ears made out of her hair. We still have to add a tail and the face paint. But isn't this such a cute start?! :)

2008-10-21T19:32:00.005-07:00

I've been debating on whether or not I would post about something that has happened. And I've decided to go ahead and tell everyone something that our little church family has been dealing with.

News Coverage

Brad was a member of our Ward who worked with the Scouts along with his wife. His wife is a sweet, sweet girl. They have a little 18 month old boy and another one on the way. Her pregnancy has been difficult and risky. Brad was an amazing father and a caring husband!!

This has affected so many of us. Whether you knew the Gerrard's or not, when something like this happens it really hits your heart. It makes you re-evaluate everything in your life and tell everyone you love just how important they are.

I am trying to get together groceries items for their little family, and there is also an account opened for them at Desert Schools Credit Union (in Arizona). This news has even been shown in Utah. I think there is an account open in a Utah bank as well although I'm not sure where it is. If you'd like to make a donation, the account is under the names Susie and Brad Jay Gerrard. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. And please, if you know anything about the incident, contact the authorities. Everyone would really like some closure and justice in this case.

Fall Break is Over.

2008-10-20T22:14:00.003-07:00

I have mixed emotions about this. My kids were getting restless, but it was so nice to be with them and to sleep in and to have such a relaxed schedule. But it was time.
Things are back to normal now and I have so much to do. Time to get busy again. :)

Things are ok here for us. A few hiccups in this crazy life of ours, but we're ok. I don't have much to say tonight. I'm pretty tired. So I'll sign off for now until something more fun comes along! :)

Hugs to you all!!!

I am officially - DONE!!!!

2008-10-19T15:52:00.006-07:00

I am so sick and tired of being nice and kind and polite!!!! I am sick of getting walked on and not standing up for myself. I have reached my limit. From now on, expect me to tell you exactly how I feel!!! I won't be rude, but I WILL be straightforward. For example:
1. Do not send your children to me to ask me why we are giving out candy on Fast Sunday in Primary! It's passive agressive and judgemental. Unless you want to deal with trying to get 97 children to memorize their Program parts then leave me alone! Oh, and why are you casting the first stone?!!!
2. Facial hair does not determine a man's righteousness or willingness to serve the Lord. My husband is one of the most amazing men and if all Young Men could emulate him then they would be alot better off than they are now!!!
3. Friendship does not mean calling someone ONLY when you need them!!! It doesn't mean dumping your kids on them and crying on their shoulder and never returning the favor. It' doesn't mean dumping them when you find another new friend. I'm sick of being the doormat and it really hurts! And the phone goes both ways, in case you didn't know. If I don't call you and you want to talk - then CALL ME!!! Think of ME!!! Maybe I'm having extreme trials in my life and can barely even get out of bed much less try to call every single person in my life every single day. I LOVE YOU!!! Understand that!!! But I am also busy and have things in my life that affect me deeply. Maybe I need some attention too.
4. Don't ask me my opinion if you don't want it!! From now on, I am officially a brutally honest person. I'm sick of being sweet! It hurts!

That is all I can comment on right now. My awesome facial hair husband has a meeting (yes, he is righteous) to go to and needs the laptop. I have to say - you are all lucky because I could go on all day.
P.S. If I've offended anyone, then I'm only a bit sorry! I am so frustrated that I can't be truly sorry. But I know tomorrow I probably will be! Oh well, I'll deal.

Having Fun Making Backgrounds!!!

2008-10-16T19:41:00.002-07:00

I can't believe how much fun I'm having making backgrounds! I took down the page for my sister to try this one out and I really like it!!! I think I'll keep it for a while. For those of you that missed my sisters' page you can check out her blog for the next little while. I'm not sure when she'll change hers (I did mine and hers the same).
If anyone is really wanting a background, let me know. I can try photos like the one on my sisters (it's harder to make it work). Or themes or just colors. This is fun! :)

Happy Birthday Jen!!

2008-10-16T13:19:00.002-07:00

This background is dedicated to my sister. Today is her Birthday and she is such a special part of my life! The picture is of the 2 of us. I'm the one on the bike, she is the one pushing. I must have bribed her to push me. :)
Jen, thanks for being such an amazing sister, but mostly for being one of my bestestestest friends! I love you!

I Made This!!

2008-10-16T00:22:00.003-07:00

I'm so proud of myself!! I made this background all by myself!! I have figured out how to do lots of different backgrounds! Want me to make one for you? :)

The New Face of WestPark Elementary

2008-10-14T15:40:00.003-07:00

Yep, that's me! I HATE to have my picture taken!!! Last week I got a call and was asked to have my picture in a flyer that the School District will be mailing out to all the people in Buckeye (and surrounding areas). There is an OverRide vote coming up at voting time and it is VERY important for our school district. WestPark is a Performing School right now!! We have awesome teachers and average sized classes. BUT if the Override doesn't get voted through then our school district will not get the funding it needs to supply new teachers and staff (even buses and other things) for the new schools opening up. That means that they will have to take the resources from other schools to fill the need. WestPark will be the first affect by this. They will take 9 of our teachers for a new school to open next school year. This WILL affect our Performance! Also it will affect my kids! :)
Sooooooo, the guy is coming over this evening to take a picture of me and the kids doing homework or something like that to put on the flyer. Normally I would have said NO!! But there were 2 reasons for doing this - and I don't mean to sound Hoitty Toitty.
1. My kids will be in the picture and dang, those are some cute kids!!!
2. I am at the school a lot. The other parents know me and hopefully seeing someone that they know is a Mom at the school and supports this vote, will get them to think about it.
Other than that, I would NOT have done it!!! And I will probably not post the end result on my blog (unless it makes me look thin and sexy). :)

Yum-O

2008-10-09T20:10:00.002-07:00

Well, I made a hit of a soup for the kiddos! Thanks Jen for the recipe! I even Sneakified it too. :)

The original recipe is Tortilla Soup, but I really don't have the time to make my own tortilla's into strips and then crisped up in the oven. I just added corn tortilla chips and the kids liked that!
Plus, I also used green taco sauce instead of the normal red salsa.
Sooooo...

Spicy Shamrock Soup :)
1-2 lbs of chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
2 cans of chicken broth
1 cup of green taco sauce
1 cup of corn

Cook the chicken breast and then cut into bitesized pieces. I cooked them with some salt and garlic. Then add the broth, taco sauce, and corn (we didn't use corn, but I put in about 1/2 cup of green puree*). Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla strips or tortilla chips. I was thinking it might need a little something more in the soup, but not sure what. Maybe some rice or hominy. If you have any advice, let me know. :)
*The green puree is from The Sneaky Chef and is basically a puree of brocolli.

The kids are on their 3rd bowl as we speak!!! It is a huge hit with them. I'm not sure if Bret will like it or not. We'll see later.
Oh, and Jen - I think I might try thickening it up for another meal and serving it over the Fry Bread.

The Nurse Won't Take Care of Your Child!

2008-10-09T14:38:00.003-07:00

I got this call the other day. It was someone from the school, Wendi, telling me that if my son comes into the Nurses office with a belly ache then she isn't allowed to help him. What did Jake do?! Obviously it was something naughty to get him denied Nurse's assistance! And Jake has the abilityreally think that they check your child's lunch at school?! Well, when you are friends with the staff then they sure do. HaHaHa!!
We were OUT of lunch meat!!!! I guess that when I pack a butter sugar sandwich then I should also add an after lunch Tums mint! :)
By the way, don't judge me!!! You have all had bad Mommy moments! Just cause my moments are always a public display doesn't make me less of a bad Mommy. :)

Dude

2008-10-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

Livvy and I were driving home from taking the kids to school today and there was a guy jogging along the side of the road who wasn't wearing a shirt. I hear a little 4 year old voice say, "You don't have to take your shirt off to impwess the girls, Dude!"
Man she cracks me up!!!!!

Wow... I am full up

2008-10-07T15:12:00.005-07:00

I don't even know where to start! I've been thinking this morning. And I've had a lot on my mind about friendship and people in my life. I've had someone that has been a part of my life for almost 13ish years. We went through a REAL close phase of our friendship and then a real NOT close phase. There's been a lot of "stuff" involved and it's over the past few months that I feel that we are getting closer. I like this! And I've been thinking about this person today. Hugs!

Well, this afternoon I read my sister's blog and she had a post about hurting or offending someone. Something about a peanut allergy! At the end of her post she asks the question, What quality do you love to have in a friend? And I started thinking about my experiences and friends. Do you know what my #1 Quality is? Flexible! Odd response huh? Yep, I like the pretzel friends! :)
Truthfully I love a friend who will be what I need when I need it. Someone who will understadnd that I'm not perfect and I make mistakes. One who will also let me help and love them. One who will not just take and take and take from me but also willing to give too. Flexible! As we all go through stages in our lives we need certain people in our lives for certain reasons. To fill different needs. I have been blessed to have so many amazing friends to be what I needed when I needed it. I've learned so much from each one. I know it's a cheesy concept, but it's been on my mind lately.

You never know when you'll make a new friend or what they'll teach you. Jen, my advice - make up some real yummy peanut free cookies and take them to her. Nobody can resist sweets! If all else fails, I guess she'll be the one who fights against you in PTA - you know, the Peanut Gallery!!! LOL Did you get it - the Peanut Gallery.
(Ok, not my best material).

It's Getting Closer and I Can't Wait!!!

2008-10-07T13:45:00.002-07:00

The Twilight Movie. I really can't wait to devle into the makebelieve word of Edward and Bella.

Today....

2008-10-01T10:43:00.002-07:00

I am doing what I want and no one can stop me!!! After this past week of being sick and working my fingers to the bone on PTA stuff and Puppets (wait for the next post) I have decided that I get to do what I want to do today!
I have already gotten a Breakfast Jack and a Mt. Dew (only 1).
I've been blog stalking and a little bit of DigiScrapping.
Now I shall take a little doze on the couch while Pivvy plays with her toys on the floor next to me (she loves to play with her toys)!
Then while she's napping I'll do more of what I want. Who cares that there are 50 loads of laundry waiting to be cleaned, bathrooms that are growing mold, or carpets that have dog hair and chips ground in. This is a Stay-at-Home Mothers version of "me" time!!!
Don't call me during my nap or I might have to grab my shovel! LOL :)
Hugs to you all and remember to take a little of your own "me" time today. Jen, that's an order!!!!

In Sickness and In Health...

2008-09-30T13:48:00.002-07:00

I have committed to quit drinking Mt. Dew. Some of you know of my lifelong struggle with this. And it's actually very pathetic! But that's my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my life. :)

I've gone 7 days without a soda! Well, I had one bottle of Mt. Dew right before our date on Saturday because I was starting to feel really sick and I needed a kick to make it through the night. There is NO WAY I'm not going out with Bret if I can help it!!! BUT, except for that one soda, I haven't had a single can of pop in 7 days!!! This includes ANY other type of soda too! I haven't seen the weight pour off, but I know why it isn't doing that yet. In an effort to "get off" the Mt. Dew, I allow myself a chocolate shake. Stop Laughing, it works!!! Now I need to find something to get me off chocolate shakes.... Hahaha. Not really!

I am expecially proud of myself because I have been VERY sick and the only thing that I wanted during the past 4 days has been my soda. There's nothing like a strong drink to clear your head and quiet your upset tummy. But I resisted the temptation.

Anyway, I just had to share that with you all! Wish me continued luck!

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!!!!!

2008-09-25T17:20:00.004-07:00

I am the PTA Secretary and we are REALLY looking for Crafters who would like to come and buy a spot to sell their things. You will only spend the $50 and keep ALL of your sales! There is going to be a lot of traffic through the school this night. The craft fair will be in the cafeteria and there will be a Carnival going on in the back of the school. Everyone has to walk right past the cafeteria to get to the back. :)

Please, if you are interested let me know or call the contact (Valerie)!!! It's a way to earn some extra money for Christmas!! Thank You!!!

Oh and feel free to post this on your blogs too or tell anyone that makes/sells crafts!

What's Left After A Raging Party (Livvy Style)!!

2008-09-22T09:53:00.005-07:00

Yesterday we went to Greg & Jackie's for my Nieces' birthday party and it was SO fun!! There was a blow-up bouncy thing and face painting and cake and lots of lots of kids!!! :) And as you can see (sortof) Aunt Jackie painted Livvy the most cutest puppy face ever!!! This picture is from this morning though so almost all of it has worn off. She wouldn't let me wash it so we kept it on for bed. I would have posted a pick when it was fresh and super cute, but although you'd think that at least one of 8 adults would have brought a camera to commemorate the party - we didn't. Morons, all of us!! I am the smartest moron though, I at least had a camera ready to take and sitting by the presents to carry out to the car. The kids grabbed the presents and not the camera. It was left at home. :(

Giving my kids.....

2008-09-20T09:57:00.002-07:00

a little bit of my childhood!

Last Saturday Bret and his BFF, Duane, planned a sand volleyball night at this park near us. They invited TONS of families from the Ward and we weren't sure who would show up. It was very causual and "whateverish". We had about 10 families come and it was SOOOOOOO much fun!!!
The volleyball nets were in a big sand pit with 2 courts side-by-side. Some of the adults played on one court and all the kids (about 20) played in the other one in the sand.
We all stayed out till late and as it grew dark I looked over at the kids. Their ages ranged from 2-12 and they were all interacting and playing and connecting without adults bugging them. They were close enough to keep an eye on, but far enough to just be themselves.
It reminded me of when I was a kid and we would stay out late in the summer and run around the neighborhood as a large pack of wolves (crazy and free). We'd play games like tag & hide-n-seek. Or run around in someone's front yard because their mom wouldn't let them leave the yard after dark. :)
It was amazing freedom and I didn't think about how great it was to be with other kids without adult interaction until I watched all the kids last Saturday. You know, you get all those emails passed on to you about the beauty of the old days. And I get sad sometimes about the fact that my kids will never have what we had. BUT I often tell myself that when they are 30ish they'll have emails (or something more hightech) passed around about the good old days of WII's and MP3 players. About the freedom of antibacterial everything and life lessons like 9/11.
But it makes my heart happy that I got to provide for them a little bit of MY childhood. That freedom and connection with other kids!!
They had so much fun! All the kids worked together to make a pile of sand as tall as Elizabeth's waist. I wish I had brought my camera! The big kids were even burying the little kids in the sand and the little kids were LOVING it!!! LOL - I think we'll have to do it again soon. :)

Would You Do It For A Pancake Snack?!

2008-09-20T09:29:00.003-07:00

How can you pass up the opportunity to use that comment as a Title for your post?!

This morning we had Grandma Pancakes. My mom makes these pancakes and my kids LOVE them!!!! In fact, when we visit Jake tells me that he is most excited to have Grandma Pancakes. She even makes real cool shapes!! (sometimes you have to tilt your head and squint your eyes) :)
Every once in a while I make Grandma Pancakes for the kids. A few months back my mom saw these things you can use to pour the mix into and tada there's the shape! SO simple!!! I RARELY make shapes for my kids (I'm a horrible, lazy mom). But now I make them all the time!!! I even invented my own shape - PacMan. And for all you other horrible, lazy moms, here is how you do it. Just make a normal circle shape and then slather it in butter and lastly (the hardest part) take a bite! I'd like to say that I actually put thought into that shape (I've reached new levels of pathetic!!) but it happened because I made a few of the shapes (Mom, if you see more get them for me, I'll pay you for them) and then I made a few circles too. I gave each kid a shape and a circle. Jake walked up and saw Livvy's plate (the circle had a bite out of it) and he said, "Hey, I want a PacMan too!!!!"
Accident is the best invention! LOL

During breakfast Elijah said, "Mom, don't call me 'Elijah' any more. Instead call me Pancake Boy. Like Scooby Doo only with Pancakes."
I then said, "Would you do it for a Pancake Snack?" (You know, like a Scooby Snack, only with pancakes) :)