In the Spirit...

I loved listening to the Christmas Devotional tonight (in between yelling at my kids to be quiet- yikes). The decor, the music, the Spirit, the power of their words. This is what it's all about folks...it's about Christ, it's about family, it's about love, and it's about giving.

We're feeling it around here, even with all of our Christmas stuff packed away in Grandma's shed, we've managed to get in the Spirit of the Season.

Tonight we read: Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

Kallie's letter to Santa (see transcript below) safely tucked away in her stocking.

Little tiny 4' tree from Big Lots and ornaments all from the dollar store...I must admit I was impressed by their selection :)

Kallie's letter reads: Dear Santa, What I want for x-mis is a laptop (don't panic...not a real one). I did not just be good. I was awesome. I did not fight with my sister well only a little. I do jobs for my mom. I give gifts to my dad. And I do stuff for my family like take care of dog and do the dishes. Love: Kallie

She's made the NICE list FOR SURE!

Home At Last!

Guess who was welcomed home today with open arms...our Sequoia! Yay! I didn't realize how much I missed the ol' girl until I picked her up and headed down the road. And even though my girls were sad to take back the Jeep Commander rental car, I wasn't sad to say goodbye. No offense to Jeep owners, but I am a fan of this Toyota. The body shop even gave me a free car wash (inside & out). And no...I'm NOT parking next to my neighbor's other car because recently they've received threats on that car. Yup- I'm the one who now parks FAR away while my designated parking spot sits empty! Do you blame me???

Look how shiny and new it looks...you can even see my reflection!

And I would feel really ungrateful if I didn't take a minute to thank this girl (if she ever sees this) for helping out a friend in need. I've never really felt like a NEEDY person before, but lately I HAVE been. Can you take me here...can you drop me off here...will you bbsit the pooch...can Sydney come over while I help at school. Let me tell you friends like this are one in a million!

Giving Thanks...

count.your.many.blessings.name.them.one.by.one.and.you'll.be.surprised.at.what.the.Lord.has.done.

We got invited by the hostess-with-the-mostest to come to their warm sunny house for Thanksgiving. It was a great time had by all and very worth a long scary drive in the pouring rain to get there. Thanks Jensen family for a very fun (and yummy) Thanksgiving vacation.

Highlights:
*arriving safely
*free hotel stay vouchers
*many, many games of Blockus and Uno Attack
*food.food.food
*date night Friday (has anyone seen Fireproof?)
*Thursday morning 'Turkey Trot' I did it in 23 mins...yay me!
*the return of 'Kick the Can'...that takes me back to late nights at grandma's house.
*babies everywhere :)
*seeing Diane's house that has received much TLC from them the last few months, it's fun to finally see a place that you've heard so much about.
*Jensen photo shoot...check out my photo blog if you want to see 'um
*visiting with Greg & Elaine who came from California.
*very berry pie from Croshaws
*Greg running into Diane's sliding glass door...full speed ahead (I almost puked from laughter-really).
*Mark wondering why the baby felt wet, "did you get into the pool water" he asked...then he said, "OH CRAP" (it was literally, poor-poor Mark).
*swing set assembly in 3 hours flat- that's a record!
*great company...and did I mention delicious food


Does Uno attack ever really end? It just goes on, and on, and on...

Diane was offered a proposal of marriage because of some rolls she made for a neighbor...polygamy would have some advantages right?!? Doesn't Diane look like she belongs on Food Network!

Just another day in Paradise...Thanksgiving dinner pool side!

can't get over these lovely dishes...

kids table safely on the other side of the pool fence. The kids did a play for us after dinner complete with a hunter, turkeys running around, gun shots, turkeys dying everywhere...but then an encore performance with the turkeys turning on the hunter and chasing him down. Violent...yet funny!

cute, cute babies...how do your mother and father keep up with you???

Spencer (happy birthday you big crazy 9 year old).

Kallie & Syd FINALLY got to take their ear rings out. I let Kallie wear a pair of mine just to celebrate...doesn't she look like a teenager (scary thought).

Samuel...lovin' one of his mama's rolls

My cousins...Taylor & Isaac

And yes...Dan did his fair share of dishes. Love ya babe!

I'm thankful for (many things, but here's a few) *our townhouse*each other*Dan's education*our health*my kids teachers at school*our freedom*my testimony*my parents*my sisters*friends*extended family*staying at home with my kids*life*...any way, the list could go on forever, but I'm tired and ready for bed. I'm thankful for YOU!!!

Moon Sand...

Sydney wants some of this for Christmas...has anyone ever tried it? Is it worth the $$$ or is it just a big mess? Please help!

Happy B-Day to Me!

It's pretty sad when your sister calls to wish you happy birthday, and when she asks how old you are you have to do some quick math in your head...that's how you know you've officially reached old-aged-ness.

Truthfully, I wasn't expecting too much from today. Dan had to stay in Vegas until 9 o'clock tonight, and I figured it would probably be a little bit of a dud-day. However, I was ok with that because I'm spending 2 days with friends shopping and seeing Twilight. There's no way I'm complaining about a thing!

But then today came...and I was very much most pleasantly surprised (luckily I got my grumpiness out yesterday- that helped).

**I was surprised by all the cards, emails, and phone calls.

**I was surprised by a few gifts that were over-the-top generous (you know who you are).

**I was surprised by lunch with friends that I didn't think was going to happen.

**I was surprised by some b-day $$ in the mail.

**I was surprised by a little boy in his pj's wrapped in a blanket singing happy birthday to me first thing this morning.

**I was surprised that my hubby remembered that my b-day is on the 20th NOT the 19th.

**I was surprised that I didn't care that my girlies picked IHOP for my b-day dinner.

**I was surprised by this delivery at my door...thanks a million!

**I was surprised by Amy singing 'Happy Birthday' from Dawson's hospital room at Primary Childrens...and even more surprised that somehow she did a blog post for me.

**I was surprised that even though I'm older today than I was yesterday...I still feel the same as I did 10 years ago.

**I was surprised by an e-card all about l o n g boobs (which I have...ask Sydney :).

**I was surprised by a beautiful happy birthday hat custom made by Kallie Ann (not the greatest picture...look close).

**I was surprised by a "mood" cup that Sydney made me that has a picture of a smiley face, a straight face and a frowny face, so I can turn the cup to show everyone what kind of mood I'm in. If mama aint happy, aint nobody happy- right?!

**And I was also surprised by a VERY lovely "Snow White" version of happy birthday that was recorded by KayLynn on my answering machine. She may kill me for posting it...and she may even make me remove it, but it was so great I had to document it. Listen while you can...

**I am surprised over & over again by how blessed I am, and how much I love, love, love ALL the wonderful people in my life. Happy birthday to me!

Boundin' & The Girls are Back!

Ok, I admit, not the best few days of my life. Am I afraid for my safety- a little, Am I ready to move to a different house- if I could afford it, Am I worried about money- probably always will be, Am I a little hormonal- possibly :), Am I ready for Dan's schedule to be jam packed- definitely, Am I a patient person- never have been, Am I feeling better after a nice long whine to Diane, a good cry to Jeni and a HUGE golden spoon- MUCH better thank you!

Today I thought of that short Pixar 'Boundin' movie that is before 'The Incredibles' (I think). I LOVE, LOVE that little short film, because guess what...sometimes we ARE up and sometimes we ARE down. It is just part of life and it's ok to feel down and long as it's not all the time and as long as you 'REBOUND'. So that's what I'm doing...I'm rebounding. It's ok if my car is in the shop for 3 weeks, it's ok if I have to go get a job at McDonald's (Syd told me that's where she wants to work when she grows up :), and it's ok to worry...would I be a good mother if I didn't. So for any of you who love the Boundin' show as much as I do, here are the words: (keep scrolling down because there are pictures of Kallie & Sydneys 'band' at the bottom)

Here’s a story on how strange is life with its changes
And it happened not long ago.
On a high mountain plain, where the sagebrush arranges
A playground south of the snow
Lived a lamb with a coat of remarkable sheen,
It would glint in the sunlight all sparkly and clean,
Such a source of great pride
that it caused him to preen.
And he’d break out in high stepp’n dance.
He would dance for his neighbors across the way.
I must say that they found his dancin’ enhancin’,
For they’d also join in the play.

Then one day…

Then a-boundin up the slope
Came a great American jackalope.
This sage of the sage, this rare hare of hope,
Caused to pause and check out the lamb.
“Hey kid, why the mope?”

“I used to be something all covered with fluff,
And I’d dance in the sunlight and show off my stuff,
Then they hauled me away in a manner quite rough
And sheared me and dropped me back here in the buff.
And if that’s not enough
Now my friends all laugh at me
Cause they think I look ridiculous, funny, and pink.”

“Pink? Pink? Well, what’s wrong with pink?
Seems you’ve got a pink kink in your think.
Does it matter what color? Well, that gets nope.
Be it pink purple or heliotrope.
Now sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down,
When you find that you’re down well just look around:
You still got a body, good legs and fine feet,
Get your head in the right place and hey, you’re complete!

“Now as for the dancin’, you can do more,
You can reach great heights, in fact you can soar.
You just get a leg up and ya slap it on down,
And you’ll find you’re up in what’s called a bound.
Bound, bound, and rebound.
Bound and you’re up right next to the sky,
And I think you can do it if you give it a try,
First get a leg up, slap it on down…”

So every year, along about May,
They’d load him up and they’d haul him away,
And they’d shave him and dump him all naked and bare.
He learned to live with it, he didn’t care,
He’d just bound, bound, bound, and rebound.

Now in this world of ups and downs…
So nice to know there are jackalopes around.

Now for the best part, please let me introduce you to the brand new band...'The Girls Are Back!"

BTW- they asked me to be their "national geographic photographer"...everyone knows you don't have to ask me twice :) "I would be honored", I said...

Please notice their state-of-the-art-high-tech Q-tip microphones!

Let me know...I'll have my people get your people exclusive back stage passes!!!

CALL 911!

My hubby and I were sound asleep at 2:30 this morning with our window open letting the cool breeze in. I woke up and heard a few noises but figured I was being paranoid so I didn't get up and check it out. Then I heard a HUGE explosion that scared me to death! I elbowed Dan until he woke up and I asked, "What was that noise?" He didn't know so we both jumped out of bed to see what was going on when we heard a second explosion. Dan ran down stairs and while I looked out the window. What I saw about made me puke. Our neighbors car was ON FIRE! And guess who's car was parked right next to it! I ran outside and a lady across the parking lot yelled, "I'm on the phone with 911." Dan (who was in his G's) threw the keys to me and told me to move our car, I did even though I'm not sure how because I was shaking so bad. Anyway...all the rescue vehicles came and got the fire out before the gas tank exploded or anything- thank goodness! They took down my name and number and gave me a case number to check back with them because they suspect criminal activity (the boys tires were slashed last week).

I'm going to say to myself, "It could have been a lot worse." Maybe that will make me feel better:(

This is what the neighbors car looks like.

The only other thing they told me was to contact MY insurance company. So because my teenage neighbor is into trouble and people are blowing up his car...MY INSURANCE COMPANY GETS TO PAY FOR IT! That sucks big time!

my girlies...

There is a GOOD chance you will get a copy of one of these in a Christmas card soon...so act surprised and ooh & aaah when it comes :)

Look at all those TEETH! :)

Rideouts...

So, (as mentioned before) I'm trying to prove myself worthy to take this online photography class. Tonight (while Jeni & Nate went on a date) I talked all the children into letting me practice on them. Here are a few of my favorites of Sam and Maci...for TONS more click on {thru-my eyes} on the right side of my blog. My girls photos coming soon as well...

Oh dear...

Yesterday morning I left Sydney watching Max & Ruby on Nick Jr. while I got in a quick shower. I went downstairs a little while later to find her watching...Desperate Housewives! What the heck! I don't know how long she had been watching it or what she had seen. What am I supposed to do...not take a shower?

And then, after I had gotten her re-situated I went back upstairs to put my make-up on and my cell phone started ringing. It was Sydney calling me from downstairs to tell me that she needed to go poop (sorry about the details). What is this family coming to???

Not Discouraged...

My mom told me that my 'TOP 5' list last week made me sound a little discouraged. Of course I, like everyone else, have moments of feeling a little downtrodden, but I definitely didn't mean to sound discouraged in my post.

So to make up for depressing all of you (even though my background is depressing you more...I keep changing it because I'm not in love with my header & it's coordinating colors, should I change it again?) sorry about that side note...so to make up for sounding discouraged I am going to post a list of some the reasons I'm NOT discouraged:

*because I have 2 beautiful little girls sleeping in the other room.
*because my hubby is working DANG hard to make this new dream of his (ours) into a HUGE success.
*because we have a roof over our head and food in our fridge.
*because the house payment is current on my vacant 2nd home.
*because I'm meeting some friends for Twilight next weekend.
*because I had sour cream lemon pie for dessert.
*because all of my bathrooms are clean (it's true...I know you don't believe me).
*because Jeni helped me figure out on-line bill pay and I'm already singing its praises.
*because both of my girl's teachers RAVED about them at parent teacher conferences.
*because Dan didn't get in an accident when his tire blew this morning.
*because they didn't tell me we had to replace all 4 tires...only 2.
*because we are going to Phoenix for Thanksgiving.
*because I DIDN'T get called as RS President :)
*because my body is healthy and I feel great!
*because Staples took back the toner cartridge that I bought that was the wrong one and I didn't have to pay another $70 for a new one.
*because Syd didn't miss the bus (although it was a close call...run!)
*because I can't wait to see Jon & Kate (plus 8) get re-married in Hawaii.
*because it's fall and there's no snow on the ground.
*because I'm actually liking my new pillow from IKEA (I have pillow issues).
*because our bank accounts are still in the positive...for now.
*because I talked to my grandpa on the phone today.
*because as soon as we have $ we want to adopt a baby.
*because I figured out how to play a song as my cell phone ring tone.
*because I love reading the conference talks in the Ensign.


But mostly...
*because I know that I have a Father in Heaven and a Savior who love me and who have blessed me beyond my ability to comprehend...as long as I stop long enough to open my eyes and see the signs (like this one) of their abounding love. How grateful I am!

thru- my eyes

For anyone who is interested, (and I won't be offended if you aren't) I am applying to take an online photography class. For the class, I have to submit some of my photos and also write a few paragraphs so they can decide whether I'm worthy to be in the class or not. I'm questioning that same thing...but I'm ready and willing to learn so hopefully I will get this chance.

I started this other blog (thru-myeyesphoto.blogspot.com) in order to submit my photos and also as a way for me to track what I'm learning and the progress (major I hope) that is being made. Right now, all the pictures are ones I've posted before but more will be added regularly.

Check it out if ya wanna... (and it's ok if ya don't).

ps...if there are any specific pictures that you remember that you think might increase my chances of proving myself worthy, let me know so I can add them on {thanks}.

Dog Torture...

We went to In-N-Out in Vegas on Saturday and Kallie thought it was great fun to feed the pigeons her left over fries. I thought seagulls came out of the woodwork when ever there is food around...but holy cow! Pigeons are psycho- Kallie threw the first fry and all the sudden they were swarming us and making our mighty killer dog crazy. Hopefully you think this is a funny as we did...a little dog torture is always good for a laugh :)


By the way...Dan and I finally received a calling in our new ward yesterday (we haven't been sustained yet so this is top secret...if it gets out we'll kill you all). We are going to be...NURSERY LEADERS! Ha! We've NEVER been nursery leaders before so I guess it is high time we have a turn, and in a ward with 6 (yes 6) nurseries your odds are pretty good of serving the little children. Dan was beyond EXCITED (seriously)! He was pointing out the following: no meetings, no mid-week activities, get to sit with your family during sacrament meeting, 5 min. lesson to prepare and can't forget that you get to play with toys and eat snacks. By the time he was done listing all of the fabulous things about nursery Kallie and Sydney were begging to come in there with us!!!

{TOP 5} Tuesday...didn't want to know

5 things I'm SURE you didn't want to know today...

*i may or may not have worn a bra to the bus stop this morning...you'll never know
*S. came home from school and said..."that guy who's going to be the new president kills babies." (yikes)
*didn't get the floor mopped, but did get a golden spoon
*i may or may not have been on the ball enough to get registered to vote since we moved...you'll never know
*we may or may not ever sell our house in idaho even at a ridiculously low price

and of course a few photos just as a bonus...

Guess who...

is R.E.A.D.I.N.G! A light bulb went off, and she realized that those letters that make sounds actually mean something! She was so proud of herself and her excitement was contagious...

However...a word to the wise! If your mama is sitting by you with a huge camera, don't pick your nose because you can pretty much guarantee she can't resist the opportunity :)

all clear... oh and nice bed head my cute little Sydney :)