{ A sprinkle of joy }

Playing Catchup!

2011-12-28T22:57:00.000-08:00

I know. I have been the WORST blogger EVER.

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What can I say...it fell to the last spot on the list. We have had a wonderful three months...and I am hoping that in 2012 I will blog again and stay on top of things!

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In a nutshell, here is what we have been up to. I am hoping to complete all my scrappin for 2011 by the end of the week so I will (fingers crossed) post more later this week. Then hopefully by next week I will be caught up on life and ready to start fresh again and stay current!

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Here's to hoping! xoxox Me

You busy?

2011-11-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Today we had an experience that just made me chuckle.

And realize how modernized my kids really are haha!

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Madysen wanted to play with a friend afterschool. I told her to call her friend around the corner and see if they could play together. A few minutes later she came upstairs telling me that our phone is broken.

"WHAT?!?"

"HOW DID YOU BREAK OUR PHONE?"

(I like to refer to myself as mother of the year in these moments)

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She shrugged her shoulders and said,

"I dunno. I just dialed the numbers and it started going

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP.

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Then I realized that was just a sound she had never heard before.

The rest of us just call it the BUSY signal

Crisis averted.

Phone is in tact.

Laughter spilled out of me.

Lesson learned hehe

{ Are You Serious? }

2011-11-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

I know. Many of my loyal fans (haha ya know all 4 of you who still read my blog) are going to grumble that I have already decorated my blog for Christmas. Especially since I haven't even talked about Cooper's birthday, Halloween or any of the festivities surrounding them. I just put my Halloween away last night about midnight and I am just moving forward at this point :)

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What can I say...being a college student/full-time domestic engineer/Mormon housewife and all the other roles I play has been a little nuts. Honestly, I didn't really think going back to school would be as stressful or time consuming as it is. Guess I'll blame that on my own delirousness hehe!

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I am almost done with 2 of my classes and in another week or so hope to be done with the last. That way I have a chance at enjoying my favorite favorite favorite time of year! So sorry my wonderful readers hehe ;) but I will just have to make a clean start again in a few days.

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In the meantime, to sum up, Coop had a birthday. He turned seven. We mini golfed at Scary Hill, he got a new bike, a Chicago Cubs scoreboard clock, a football, shin guards and a cake. Ya know..typical stuff hehe!

Halloween was a blast! The kids looked awesome and had a wonderful time. Today they are being given full access to their trick or treat bags just so it stops watching me all day long while they are at school. Ugh. Dieting is the worst in a house FULL of chocolate. It needs to go.

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So, sorry I am a blog loser these days. I will find my balance. It will be my New Year's resolution hehe!

Thankfully that means I have almost 2 months to really start ;)

xoxoxo Amanda

Parenting: The rollercoaster ride

2011-10-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like being a mother has a few too many moments that make you cry?

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Today has been "one of those" days.

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I took my Juddie to choir today. We walked to the door, hand in hand, and he gave me a sweet kiss goodbye. Fourty five minutes later I picked him up. He skipped to the car overly excited because one of the fellow students brought a Halloween treat bag for each kid. He buckled his carseat and opened the bag. We looked inside and it was a bag of halloween microwave popcorn. He asked if he could have it when we got home. I told him that it was butter popcorn and it was a kind he couldn't have. He melted like a puddle. All his happiness was gone. He didn't scream, yell, pout, argue or throw a fit. In fact he was silent. I looked back a few seconds later to find tears streaming silently down his sweet chubby cheeks. His life can be so unfair.

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As a mother, I would give anything to take this trial away from my boy. I hate that there are so many childhood experiences that he can't do because of his allergies. As a Mom, I would give up everything I have if there was a way to fix this. It isn't going to kill him, and many other mothers have trials to face WAY worse than mine I know. But it is awful to watch your baby silently cry because "all the other kids can" and he just simply can't. It's just so unfair. I certainly hope it is something that will fade away with time and not a life long trial.

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Fast forward to a few hours later.

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We are all in the car taking Madysen and her friend to choir. They request that their current choir practice cd be put it. I put it in and all four of them start belting out Christmas songs. Madysen is such a born performer. She was sitting in the front next to me and just singing her little heart out! A song about the Savior being the real meaning for Christmas comes on and she is belting out every word, just like her own little testimony that she just KNOWS what she is singing is truth. I started bawling again. Thankfully I was wearing sunglasses so everyone didn't notice that I was borderline sobbing underneath them.

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And I think to myself, how did I get so lucky. (And why am I crying so much today?) How is it possible that as a mother you love these little people so very much that nothing else in the whole entire world even makes a difference as long as you have them. And as a happy twist, they love you just as much back.

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Then it all makes sense. Heavenly Father just knows what He is doing. He knows that there is a reason, bigger and unbeknowest to me that Judd has had to battle health issues his entire life. He knows that as a mother I am doing everything in my power to make sure my children know His gospel.So He sends me a simple message through a song to help me to keep pressing forward and know that, despite how it seems some days, I am doing what He would have me do.

I am making a difference.

Even if it is to no one else but these three little people I call my own :)

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In the end, I suppose this rollercoaster called parenting really is worth it.

Atleast until they're teenagers that is hehe :)

xoxox

Germs

2011-10-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

So...

Does anyone else have this terrible disease?

Atleast now I know what's going on.

xoxox

{ Saturday is a special day }

2011-10-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today I realized what a true nerd I am.

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We started our morning going to soccer game after soccer game. Then we came home and Matt asked me what I'd like to do. I got a big grin on my face and exclamed...

"CLEAN! WINDOWS TOO!"

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To say the least, he wasn't super thrilled (or shocked either hehe). But as the wonderful hubby he is, he got out his walkman (yep he STILL has one of those for am radio purposes) and got to work.

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We scrubbed.

We scoured.

We washed WINDOWS.

I vaccumed curtains and shelves (oh how I love my vaccum).

Washed fingerprints off of...well EVERYWHERE.

Then I decorated my porch for Halloween. It is now 8:30pm and we just fed the kids, put em to bed and are trying to figure out what WE should eat for dinner.

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My hunger is secondary to my joy of my house sparkling. My salty pretzel candle is filling my house with the yummiest smell ever and I am sitting on the couch basking in the loveliness that is a TRULY super clean house.

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See. Told ya I was a big nerd.

xoxox ME

{Performance Picnic}

2011-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Friday was my kids first concert of the season! They were so darling and had a blast!

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Madysen adores her brother Juddie. She asked me before the concert to take the pics of the two of them. So sweet right?!

Juddie rocked the stage. He is so dang adorable on stage I was getting teary. He is seriously so adorable singing those songs. You'll have to come see at Christmas....haha

Madysen, as always, rocked the stage. She never misses a beat up there! Her performing has come so far I can't believe it! Her favorite song was "Let's Get Loud!" It was a great night!

We had a great night! Nonna, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa all came to see. The kids have so much fun performing with an audience they know and love! Course we have to get Judd to stay focused on the show and not waving at us all! Something to shoot for haha!

{Are You Ready For Some Football}

2011-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some FLAG football?

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My Cooper started playing flag football a few weeks ago and is having the time of his life! He is actually pretty good at it too. He is fast and agile so its a great fit for him. Plus he doesn't have to cry after each tackle. Everybody wins!

I love his face in this one. It cracks me up. Such intensity! hehe :)

Isn't he a cutie!?

QB is his 2nd favorite position. (Running back is first). But in this game, since they are 6 and it is new, they don't throw the ball much, but rather hand it off and run as fast as they can .

This game, they allowed Coop to actually throw it! He made a great pass, but sadly the boy didn't catch it! Oh well....back to hand offs!

I just love the look of pure FUN on his face in this one. I like to make sure he's playing for him, not ME Matt, and this pic proves he's having a blast!

Good job Cooper! We love watching you play buddy!

{ GIving it a Shot }

2011-09-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

It is pretty obvious I have been doing this WAY too much this week! I just have that OCD personality that when I have something I need to learn, I go 110 MPH until I have it down. It's a curse really...

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I am pretty happy with most of these. I am not using quit kits, but designing each page on my own so it takes a while but I like it so much better! Then each page is original!

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I started off using free kits I found online and although I like em, the ones you pay for are INFINITELY better. Of course. Nothing in life really is free. Lesson RE learned :)

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I love the one of Matt's Bday with the cupcake and the 2 of Madysen's Room reveal the most. Course those are some of my favorite pics too. Go figure!

What about you guys? Do you have a favorite?!

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Wish me luck. All I have done is canning, homework and scrapbooking since...well the last time I posted pretty much. My house is neglected. Ugh. It shows. So today, I am going to scrub it all down, scrub myself down, and then...well there's probably a pretty good chance I'll be scrapbooking again.

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Feel sorry for Matt.

If he's lucky, we won't have Spaghettios tonight.

Again.

XOXOXOXOXO

{Digital Scrapbooking Take One}

2011-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was Swiss Days....one of my favorite days of the year!! My Mom and sisters and I went altogether and had a blast! We shopped for nine hours! It was fantastic!

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I bought several things but my most exciting purchase was software.

I know I know that sounds so lame!

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But it was digital scrapbooking software and I have always wanted to learn how to do that! I threw these together in like ten minutes and I have no idea what I am doing! What do ya think...not too shabby right?

It begins...

2011-08-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend soccer started up for our family again. This year is a little different though...Madysen decided she was done with soccer and Judd is finally old enough to begin.

Both my boys were SOOO excited for Saturday to come...but I think Judd's anticipation was almost over the top. He could hardly sleep Friday night he was just so ready.

Cooper's game was first and it was lots of fun. He is playing U7 now so the field is twice the size as last year, they have 5 players instead of 3 and they have to learn to play positions. It was funny to watch Cooper adjust to this. He enjoyed offense but defense...not so much

Cooper is learning quick what it means to be a team player. I love to watch him play sports and see how much like his Daddy he is. They have the exact same body shop and it looks like Coop is going to be a natural at everything like his Dad. He is very agile and fast which makes a great player!

This was my all-time favorite.

Matt is Cooper's coach and Juddie was just dying to be part of the

team huddle to discuss strategy.

It was killing him his game was 2nd! hehe

Finally....Juddie's turn!

His coach is Matt's buddy Seth and they started out with their own huddle discussing how soccer goes. This is each of their very first time playing and it was kinda obvious which kids had been exposed and practicing with Dad/siblings and which hadn't hehe. It was adorable though.

Judd wasted no time jumping into action. Sadly the field was almost all dirt and no having grass to stop the ball madefor a billion and three out of bounds kicks. They got great practice throwing the ball in though :)

It was way fun because one of Judd's buddies from preschool, Porter, was on the opposing team. They would get so busy chatting they would forget to play! Both their coaches kept telling them they could talk later hehe

This was an important moment. Half time=Switch goals.

Always good to make sure the players know that hehe

Judd even was able to score a goal! He was cheering for himself before he even kicked it all the way in! It was pretty hilarious!

This had to be the play of the game for me. This little guy saw Judd coming to "steal" the ball and just hunkered down right on it so Judd couldn't get to it. Thankfully Juddie didn't just kick it anyway and permanently injure the poor kid.

He played hard. He played good. He had sweat dripping from his side burns. But he had SOOO much fun he couldn't have cared less that he was hot. He didn't even notice. It was so fun and I am so glad he is loving it that much!

FINALLY, he feels like he is one of the big kids.

Now if his Mommy could just be ok with that....sigh

{ Swirls }

2011-08-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

So although school started this week and life was crazy back in drive everyone EVERYWHERE again....

I started a lil home project.

Just like me isn't it. UGhhhh.

Thankfully it turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. I have been wanting to update my 1/2 bath off the kitchen for quite a while.

I just lacked the inspiration of WHAT exactly I wanted to do.

Leave it to the parade of homes to gimmie a grand idea.

Now I have NEVER stenciled anything in my life before so this was a first. That being said, I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

Here...take a look!

(Like an idiot I didn't take before pics...why oh why do I do that?!)

The walls were the same tan they are all over my main floor and it had pink and brown towels and a sign I made at RS one night many years ago that said WASH. That was all that was going on in here.

So.....

I added a lil something!

My main level is all decorated in red, black and white so I decided to carry the theme into the bathroom as well. Makes sense since this bath is RIGHT off the kitchen!

I painted the walls a yummy gray. I NEVER throught I would paint anything gray, but then I already painted Madysen's room white so I suppose this is the year of NEVER say NEVER.

Who knew?!

After the gray dried for a day I hopped in with my stencil.

THIS TOOK FOREVER!!!

Days and days to be exact. I would say a good 12 hours of stenciling for just a half bath, so if you decide to stencil...be aware!

Worth every minute in the end but still.....

We have a new store that just opened a few days ago in Farmington called Home Goods.

OH MY WORD!!!

This store just may bump down Hobby Lobby for me. It is really that great! I wandered around wishing I had more things to decorate and money to spend.

Honestly, I think I would make an excellent professional shopper. If only that were a real profession....

I added a few funky touches...like painting this wreath holder red and using it as a TP holder instead.

Honestly I did think of using it for a wreath...but where's the creativity in that?

IDK for sure if this will stay like this...but I am trying it out for a few days!

I am finding as of late that I love baskets. I love a small little basket filled with something colorful and cute and fitting for the space. I think they add a lil something without being over bearing.

I decided to add this one in here along with some reading material. Unfortunately, I have never known women who use reading material in this type of room, and I only have Parents and Family Circle for the men to read while using this room. I guess you can't have it ALL can ya?

I found a few fun little accessories to add a little color to the wall behind the toilet. Sorry there's not a great pic of the entire thing...but half baths are pretty small and the camera did the best it could haha

OH AND MY MOST FAVORITEST PART.....

How could I almost have forgotten!

We redid the baseboard to be 9" tall. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it like this! Sadly for Matthew we will be redoing the entire main floor like this. Good thing he loves me :)

Seriously, it adds so much drama and is just so WOW!!! I can't wait for the whole house to be done!!!

(not that you need lots of drama in a bathroom...just sayin)

So Wah Lah!!

Tell me what ya think...

As for me...I have stopped closing the door to this room. It just too fun not to gaze in there throughout the day. I just may have to pick up reading in there ;)

XOXOX

{First Day of School 2011}

2011-08-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day for us all!

Cooper started his first day of 1st grade and is officially in school all of the day! His favorite part by far is being able to eat lunch at school.

His BFF Crew is in his class as well as his friends Paige, Abby and Tessa.

Hopefully that stays a positive thing ;)

After day two, he is loving it all. Teacher, friends, LUNCH hehe

Miss Madysen started 4th grade. She has a teacher who is new to our school and wasn't sure about her first day.

Today she came home professing love for her and feeling like everything will be "amazing" for her.

She for the first time EVER has a bunch of her super good friends in her class.

Thankfully, I KNOW this won't be a problem for her but a wonderful blessing!

The hardest part of 4th grade so far has been deciding on what outfits to wear in what order.

Most of her school clothes are not super summer-y but we had to get just a few to start us off!

I'm sure the cold will be here before we know it!

I am so lucky to have such good kids.

They (usually) get along really well and although he won't admit it,

I know having Madysen there is comforting to Coop!

Judd is taking the year off school.

This was slightly disappointing yesterday with all the excitement, but later in the day I told him soccer started this Saturday and his world brightened immediately.

Unfortunately, he hasn't wanted to take off his soccer cleats since. Shin guards too :)

As for me, my first day of school went well.

Online is the way to go.

I can do my class at my own speed which will be fabulous.

I already took my first test and surprisingly got 100%.

WOOT!!!

Maybe I will be able to pull it off after all hehe!

xoxo

{Typo and Cavities}

2011-08-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

So sometimes when you do things electronically

what you really mean to say gets lost in transmission.

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Just a for instance...

That was the card that came with my birthday flowers. Matt ordered them online and the awesome clearly non-English speaking hispanic man didn't dare give the electronic mess up a try. I mean seriously, how does someone who can't even speak English well enough to know that #39ire is not a word get and keep a job in UTAH haha!

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Oh well...although the message was meant to be super sweet (and is) its sentiment was lost a lil in Spanglish translation :)

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On another note, today was the first time one of my children has had to have a cavity filled. We had to BE there at 7:30 and she sailed through it like it was nothing. They did a super job and she has never felt any discomfort through the entire process. I am so glad...I never want my kids to be afraid of the dentist. And I hope we are clear of cavities for a great long time after this!

I can hardly believe the summer days are less than a week!

I feel like this summer flew by faster than any of the others ever have.

I went to the Parade of Homes over the weekend and I am filled with ideas on redoing some little things that will add so much to my home. I love to feel inspired and to paint. Nothing is more lovely than fresh new paint. I just wish I actually enjoyed the painting part...:)

I will keep you posted on my progress! For now, we are going to live up our last few days of summer vacation and cherry hill!

XOXOX

Thirty Happened

2011-08-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yup.

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It happened.

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I have officially left my 20's behind.

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{deep breath}

I am 30!

This is me pretending that its just no big deal hehe

Matt threw me a surprise party with family and friends. Well...most of my loser friends didn't show pssht but that's ok. It's not like 30 is a huge milestone or anything ;) Now I know who my friends are. JK ;)

Thanks to everyone for all the fun gifts. You all know me too well!

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My gift from Matt was my iPad2!

I am ricidulously addicted to this thing. Honestly I feel like a teenage boy addicted to a video game. It just does it ALL and I am so in love with it! Thanks babe!

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Way to make me feel like a teen when I hit 30 :)

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Course when my grandpa is around I don't get a turn. I think before our cruise he will have to get his OWN ipad2 haha

My sisters got me this adorable scentsy cupcake! Isn't it adorable!?!

I think this face for my my neices benefit. Really blowing out 30 candles didn't get me THAT excited hehe

There ya go. It happened.

T H I R T Y

{ Motherhood }

2011-07-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a wonderful Relief Society activity.

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It was a mother daughter activity. Madysen and I were able to sing a deut together for the first time ever! It was neat and she loved it, being the little performer she is! We sang Mother, Tell Me The Story from the Primary songbook. I was very proud of her because she had to hold her own as I sang totally different notes and words at the same time!

She did wonderful! What a star!

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Yesterday was not my best mothering day. I was short with my kids. I was allowing them to make me crazy. My boys have entered into this new wonderful stage of both being right about everything, and therefore arguing their "rightness" ALL OF THE DAY!!!

It is making wanna rip my hair out somedays and yesterday I didn't handle it well.

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Then I headed off to RS. We had several different speakers who spoke on everything from not missing any of these seemingly annoying stages to infertility. I cried during almost all of them (which always makes it SOOO much easier to sing, ugh).

It was wonderfully refreshing and gave me an awakening on needing to continue to acquire more patience with motherhood. I don't think I stood in the patience line very long when it was being handed out. Thankfully Matt did, but I really need to learn it better!

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We got home and I made a conscience effort to be more relaxed as we got ready for bedtime. I couldn't believe the difference. I have always known that my attitude effects everyone, but watching it unfold was amazing. I am vowing to do better.

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At 8:15 this morning, I was laying in bed listening to the magical silence of no one else but me being awake.

A few minutes later, in walks my Judd-Bugs. He came in bed and snuggled with me. He wanted me to spoon him and just really melt into each other.

It was very sweet. He was stroking my hair and telling me how much he loved me.

Then, out of nowhere, he sneezed the hugest sneeze EVER right into my ear canal.

Magic over.

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It never ceases to amaze me how motherhood provides the

full spectrum

of human emotion.

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Oh well. I guess everyday we learn a little more right. :)

Lake Powell 2011

2011-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell 2011

WOW!!

I have never had so much fun and so much stress all on the same trip! Haha!

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We left for Lake Powell last Saturday and arrived home one week later more tired and exhausted than we have ever been in our lives and with stories that you just couldn't imagine!

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Let's take it from the top shall we...

Here is the houseboat.

Indian Fantasy.

Hated the name personally but hey...they didn't ask me.

It was a super fun houseboat. Four bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, kitchen and a huge deck on top with a slide and all! We got to know every square inch of this guy before we left!

The first day is kind of a blur. We left about 8 am and care-a-vanned down to Powell. It took a while to get down there and get everything on the house boat. Then we headed out of the slip towards Iceberg Canyon. The kids started tubing and playing in the water and about a half hour into the journey I started to feel like crap. I later learned that it didn't take much to start getting heat stroke for me. Ugh. The rest of that day is a blur. Thankfully I figured out my triggers so it didn't happen again the rest of the trip!

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Day Two

Holy freaking hot! If you have never been on a houseboat at Powell here's how it goes. You have to force yourself to fall asleep at night. You lay there praying for a breeze which rarely happens and melt at 95 degrees trying to fall asleep on a 3 inch mat. The bugs are floating all around you and bats are chasing after them. You are trying so hard to pretend you are comfy but alas, you have to wait until sheer exhaustion takes over. Each night gets easier as you are more and more tired. But the second the sun peaks over the cliff,

YOU ARE AWAKE AND SWEATING!

So you do what we did...change into your swimsuit and slide off the house! :)

The best way to do Lake Powell is to be in the Lake as much as possible. The lake was only 75 degrees and against the 105 degree weather, it was almost magical to feel cool in the water!

We did this most mornings to get the sticky substance off our bodies at the beginning of the day!

Just throw on a life jacket and chill. It was lovely!

My kids have never been fishing before so when the opportunity was presented to fish off the side of the hosueboat, they were IN!!

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Madysen caught several big fish as she stayed near her pole the longest!

Coop won for finding the smallest fish but still wouldn't get close to touching it. In fact, this pic took him to the edge of tears haha! Can't say I blame him much...

Then we headed out on the boat! The lake was choppy over the weekends so it was perfect for tubing! My kids thought this was the greatest game ever! Everyone else found out that my kids are a lil fearless! Even at four Juddie was constantly looking for the thrill of "FASTER"!

Then there was the cliff jumping. This I have to say I hated. I of course didn't do it but it scared me everytime Matt did. I lost a friend in HSto a lake powell cliff dive and it doesn't appeal to me at all. But naturally, Matt being a thrill seeker himself, had to try each cliff he could! Oh well...makes a good pic now that I know he isn't going to die! :)

Day two also held a bummer moment for us. Inconsiderate boaters driving past our houseboat at ridiculous speeds, broke our rope tying the boat to the houseboat and and sent the nose of the boat through a window. Lots of choice words were uttered, a smackdown nearly started, but hey...a memory made right?!? Thankfully Mr. Ray was a wonderful handyman and gave us a beautiful new duct tape window!

Day three:

We started out the day relaxing, eating breakfast and playing games. Raegan was so sweet to always plan uno and crazy 8's with my kids! They loved every second of it!

Then we headed out on our first adventure. The canyons were breathtaking and awesome! Pictures just don't do it justice!

Had I known what was around this bend, I may not have gone haha!

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We anchored the boats and swam through a nasty lake filled with brown and white muck I can't describe, and a tampon might I add (gag), and climbed up a cliff to begin a hike.

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This hike was terrifying. It was steep, slippery and I had my entire family with me. I lost half a butt cheek and had to hold Madysen to get her to stop shaking and sobbing. It was a technical hike with lots of team building trust experiences, but it took us to our edge! We made it though and that's what counts. Next year though, Madysen and I will stay in the boats! :)

Then we saw this awesome arch! Somehow it led to repelling off this awesome arch. I seriously wasn't cut out for all this high adventure stuff, but Matt was in his zone.

One of my favorite parts of this day was Shaun getting to repel. It was something she had on her bucket list and seeing her so elated brought me so much joy! She rocked it and had such an awesome day after doing it! She was much braver than I...

Matt's experience was not as wonderful. He didn't wear gloves and slid for about ten feet, giving most of the skin on his pinky to the mountain. It was (and is still) very nasty looking and had to hurt like hell but he STILL isn't sad he did it. Sheesh...I guess I must be missing out! :)

Tubing will never be my favorite thing. It takes a lot of upper arm muscle which you pay for the next day and being knocked in the face by my boobs isn't my idea of fun. But the kids wanted me to...so I did :)

The next day we sent the men to get gas and ice and we all played the Wii. I love just dance and its equally as fun to watch as to play! Even in a billion degree weather haha!

Then we headed back to the boats! My favorite pic of the trip is this one. This is Coop. Doing the turtle in his life vest. Completely gone! He was so overly worn out he did this almost every day on the boat!

Both my boys were beyond tired but they rested in the boats in the afternoon and were able to stay pleasant almost the entire trip! They did really good considering the lack of sleep and the hard core busyness they were encoutering!

Day Four:

More cliff diving...yeah :)

Then we went to this amazing spot called Hole in the Rock.

It doesn't look like that huge of a deal until you hear the story.

- - - - -

At the top of this hill the world is flat plains. For as far as you can see. Flat.

The pioneers were walking this very flat trail when they came to what you see in the picture. They had to pull their families, handcarts and animals down this crazy hill. Matt hiked it with a few others to see how tough it was and it was about all they could take. Alone, without kids or handcarts.

Had I been a Pioneer this would have made me throw in the towel. I can't imagine the tears shed to make it down this crazy steep unstable mountain. Matt was very glad he hiked it though. Gave yet another undeniable witness of how faithful those pioneers were. Amazing!

Day Five:

We headed to the indian ruins only to find they've been closed. Lame. It wasn't the same through the binoculars.

We decided to let people wakeboard and I hopped on the other boat to ride the HOT DOG with my boys!

- - - - -

While I was hot doggin, the other boat was wake boarding and hit a boat buster rock. The lake was rising at 12 inches a day (5 feet while we were there) and this was happening to a ton of people. The rocks are just 15-18 inches under water but just enough they can't be seen. The boat started taking on water immediately. We couldn't believe it was happening. We took everyone back to the houseboat and the men took the boat to be trailered and see if they could patch the hole(s). About 4-5 hours later, they returned, with the boat. Still taking on some water but slow enough we could just bilge it every couple hours.

We decided to baby the boat and hang on one last day. We were supposed to leave Friday, but between the boat having a hole and a leak and the houseboat giving us daily issues, one day early was a good compromise!

- - - - -

We decided to get back out there and play!

Matt had never done wakeboarding before but having a tower on the boat made all the difference. He got up right away!

Sadly since his feet are huge and wide, the board just wasn't made for him. He only lasted about 5 minutes till he was numb from the knee down and for the next two hours you could see the impressions from the board on his feet. He said it felt like he was being squeezed to death haha!

Shaun was a fun skiier to watch! She popped right up and did her thing for about ten minutes. Then she let go and said it was out of her system! haha

Kenz and Aaron were so fun to watch on the wakeboard.

They don't just stay in the wake, but can do all sorts of fun tricks!

Then my kids decided they wanted to learn how to kneeboard. I wasn't sure they'd have the arm strength, but sure enough they both figured it out and were up on their first trys!!! I was so proud of them!

Despite this pic, he really did have fun haha!!!

Then, of course, Matt gave it a try! He is just one of those people that can do any and everything. I am happy for him...but its just annoying when the rest of us can't haha!

Even though I longed for my good camera the ENTIRE time, this pic just made me laugh and turned out pretty great! haha!

Here is the TUBIN' CREW!

They earned their title after being drug around the lake and hanging on past any point of what normal people could do. And Matt had already lost half a hand during repelling!

Here they are showing off...still going 25 mph and posing for me! Punks! :)

I love this pic! Matt had such a great time doing it ALL

The catastrophies were plentiful but we survived and had a great time!

One not to be forgotten memory was the 4th of july party! I have no pics but...

Tate and Aaron climbed up the mountain near our houseboat to light off fireworks. About half way through their show, one tipped over and lit the side of the mountain on fire. It quadroupled in about five seconds taking out all the sagebrush in its path. Matt, Nick and Ray headed up the mountain side at lightning speed carrying no lights and large shovels. Thankfully the fire contained it self as it was in a gully and it smoldered fairly quickly. The next morning, we noticed the houseboat had 3 different fire extinguishers on deck. Good thing we only noticed the shovels :)

- - - - -

We have been home for 2 & a half days and I am almost starting to think I can function again. I feel like a person on serious advil pm trying to get through the day. I can't seem to get enough sleep. The laundry has an end that I can see, though there's a while yet till that happens, but we are going to recover haha!

- - - - -

All in all....we sure hope to do this again! Crazy as it all was...

Men ARE from Mars :)

2011-06-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary:

Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner.

I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it.

Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong;

He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset.

He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it.

On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving.

I can't explain his behavior I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.'

When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore.

He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent.

Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed.

But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else.

He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else.

My life is a disaster.

Husband's Diary:

Boat wouldn't start, can't figure it out.

I got a good laugh out of this! Oh how true to real life it is! Happy 4th of July weekend to you all!

Going to the Ball?

2011-06-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today documents on of my favorite days of the year. No questions

- - - - -

Bright white lights, fancy gowns...the works

Amazingly I never quite feel like the red carpet movie stars.

- - - - -

Nothing says happy June like my annual trip to the dr :)

Sadly, it was not quite as exciting as last years trip.

- - - - -

This year I remembered to shave (bonus for all) which helped.

My dr was super chatty. Interested in telling me stories of Lake Powell, horse back riding, trips to Germany, and the course of other womens uterus issues...ya know all the usual stuff.

- - - - -

You would think after birthing 3 kids it would be

NO BIG DEAL

right?!

And yet...somehow you are never fully prepared for the joy.

- - - - -

Monday was a beautiful day.

Weather was good, kids were happy and we headed to Cherry Hill.

I burned myself pretty badly.

Always fun to show the dr as he checks for lumps that I am to dumb to sunscreen my boobs.

OIY!

Not to mention...pushing and proding the sunburn wasn't my favorite.

- - - - -

Yet...survival was in the cards.

It is over.

Farewell until next year.

Next year I won't wear 7 pounds shoes. Those didn't help the scale :)

- - - - -

Happy Father's Day weekend to you all!

Alive in June

2011-06-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like an entire month has flown by and you haven't even had a moment to take the pictures off your SD card?

- - - - -

YUP

That has been me this month.

Life is GOOD but as always life is CRAZY

- - - - -

Here is a SUPER brief recap of a few highlights

- - - - -

Miss Madysen did a wax museum at school. She studied and dressed as SACAJAWEA. They held up their hands and when you "pushed the button" by pushing their hands, they gave you a brief description about their character's life.

It was super darling and Madysen did so great!

They stayed busy for hours being "wax" for the other students!

Then we moved on to end of school festivities. Sadly the weather didn't cooperate with the end of school festivities like Field Day water games in 50 degree weather.

- - - - -

So we stayed home and worked on our teacher gifts.

I have to say Coop's turned out super cute!

I'll just let the pics to the talking...

This is Mrs. Peterson. She was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL in every way. She is patient and kind and yet taught my son oh so very much. She was just truly amazing and I am so grateful she was Cooper's first teacher.

Cooper was so thrilled to give her a "handmade" gift. It turned out so cute in the end!

As all good teachers do, she proclaimed her undying love of her special gift.

Cooper beamed!!! :)

Then my little boy had his first graduation.

Say goodbye to KINDERGARTEN.

He even had a speaking part which he rehearsed for two weeks straight to make sure he was perfect.

Of course, as they called his name and handed him his diploma I completely teared up and just kept snapping pics to shield my eyes. I am such a baby when it comes to MY babies growing up.

Here he is...

My BIG First Grader now!

- - - - -

He proudly professed his new "First grader-ness" all the day long!

These are his good buddies, Crew and Abbie. These three play for hours together without even a single quarrel. A mother's dream really!

Next on the agenda has been playing baseball every second there has been a glimpse of sunshine.

- - - - -

Judd begs Matt the second he walks in the door to come "play pass"

This means setting up a mock field of bases and NOT taging him out after he hits his

"HOMERUN"

Then there is Coop's Baseball

This year he is a Royal

He is hilarious to watch. This is his third year and he is doing much better.

I just wonder when he will actually understand what playing a position means. :)

Here he is playing stand off with the catcher.

As long as he isn't touched by the ball he assumes he isn't out.

So naturally he slides to make the point he IS NOT out

And continues to ensure my

JOB SECURITY

by leaving this

Thus far, for summer fun, we have gone to Cherry Hill three times.

- - - - -

We have about 3 extra kids here at all times and the kids are loving it

- - - - -

We have gone to the library twice because Coop and Madysen are PLOWING through their books.

Gotta say that makes me intensely happy as a Mom!

- - - - -

Hope your summer is going super fun! I will try hard to be better about keeping up!

xoxo

AMANDA

My Favorite Signs of Spring

2011-05-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of year is spring.

- - - - -

Of course I am not a huge fan of rain, but I love to see the earth come alive again.

I love that this year I awoke to tulips going crazy each morning.

I love that we have atleast one warm day a week to truly learn to appreciate the joy of sunshine.

- - - - -

But my all time favorite sign of spring has to be this...

Two days of sunshine under our belts and

already these little freckles are popping up on both my boys:)

My children make me happy.

I hope they know that because I am very guilty of not saying it enough.

I love that although kindergarden is a miserable schedule on days I am trying to run errands, I still have my boys home for the better part of my days.

- - - - -

Somedays they make me crazy, but for the most part, they just make me laugh.

- - - - -

Course, like their dad, they think they are SUPER funny.

Although Miss Madysen doesn't really get the freckles, she got her hair cut today.

I for one think she looks like a rockstar with this new hair cut.

For her age, she has super AMAZING hair.

I wish mine would ever look this good to be honest!

See what I mean about thinking they're funny. :)

Cooper thinks his purpose in life is to be an overly humorous person ALL THE TIME.

His teacher has let me know that although he is very entertaining, he needs to learn not to be funny quite so often.

- - - - -

Pssht.

Like I haven't tried to explain that one right?!

Goofy. Weird. Adorably freckled.

What can I say other than,

they each have my heart!

xoxoxo

Could I be more behind?

2011-04-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok so life and writing about it has just gotten away from me.

That stomach flu clearly messed up my brain cells too. Ugh. Thank goodness its over.

And no...it wasn't over right after I posted last.

Creeped up over and over for another week. Good hell. We survived!

- - - - -

Now that we are all up and going we are back into ten million things going on.

Haha!

- - - - -

We have had a crazy two weeks. Holiday, birthday, near death experience of my lil sister, new car, soccer, performances...the list goes on and on haha!

- - - - -

I just don't have it in me today to post all ten thousand pics.

But just to be current...here is the cutest video of all time.

Watch Judd at his first ever choir concert.

(PS-He is a super robot don't ya think).

I mean seriously...was that NOT the cutest of all time?

No bias here.

Hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

xoxo Me

Day Five

2011-04-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

**Our Gourmet Diet**

**Our Marathon Runners**

**Our "Man's Best Friend"**

Oh My Word

It has been a LONG five days.

It has hit us each

One. At. A. Time

- - - - -

About every 18 hours someone comes to me with the pale skin and watery eyes saying,

"Mom, I am not really feeling very good."

- - - - -

Seconds later we are running to
"Man's Best Friend"

- - - - -

It has been awful. My poor washer and dryer are wishing they could go on strike.

We are currently singlehandedly keeping Powerade in business.

And Charmin as well.

- - - - -

Today I am starting to see a faint light at the end of the tunnel.

Oh please little light,

SHINE ON!!

- - - - -

The most fun is being the Mom of 3 puking kids.

- - - - -

As if I felt super myself, I was running from room to room, taking orders, switching movies, books, leapster games, taking requests for food, making bread and refilling gatorade.

Oh and did I mention

LAUNDRY

- - - - -

Not so very long ago, I remember thinking to myself, I wish I could just take a sick day, lay around in bed and watch movies and eat angel hair pasta with butter and salt.

- - - - -

What a stupid wish.

Never again.

- - - - -

Tomorrow will be better.

It HAS to be.

If I have to go another day eating pasta and rice and white bread I am going to puke again.

- - - - -

Hopefully we have served our time and get to go without this terrible plague for...

well how about a few more DECADES!

Atleast until every person can make it to the toilet.

- - - - -

That'll be my new wish!

Farewell Ole Friend

2011-04-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day.

- - - - -

(Well other than the fact that I caught the stomach flu from Judd and have been, well let's say spending a LOT of time on the bathroom floor ugh)

- - - - -

Today we sold the only car my boys have ever known, and Madysen can remember.

Not that it is sad to get a new car, don't get me wrong.

But I have a BILLION memories on this ole boy!

- - - - -

This month my ole 4Runner hit 215000 miles. That's right baby!

Gotta love a Toyota!

- - - - -

I am happy to say goodbye to several quirks though.

For instance, both the cup holder in front and back that used to hold 2 drinks, have each only held one for quite sometime. My Mom was a lil rough on my car, two different times haha!

The squealing of a cracked belt won't taunt me each time I turn over the ignition.

The seat won't nearly refuse to go back into a normal human size position when I drive AFTER Matt.

- - - - -

All of that

I WILL NOT MISS

- - - - -

But...I have loved this car.

Before it began to have so many joyous features, it was what I had always wanted.

I brought home both my boys from the hospital in this guy.

We took LOTS of fun family vacations in this guy too.

It was fairly nice to me in gas mileage as well.

- - - - -

Ah Memories!

- - - - -

Now we get to make new memories in our new (to us) car I have decided to name

STELLA.

She is a black Honda Pilot and comes with features my old car never could have imagined back in 96 when it was born. She is very lovely and I am quite certain we will enjoy each others company. Atleast I sure hope so beings how as a mother I spend the 2nd half of

EVERY.SINGLE DAY.

in my vehicle.

Like we all don't right.

- - - - -

So happy birthday Stella!

Boy our fam has been anticipating your arrival for QUITE a long time.

Welcome!!

The Completed Surprise

2011-04-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Completed.

A word I thought was never going to be used when it came to the redo of Miss Madysen's room.

But alas, it is complete. And it turned out ADORABLE in every way.

- - - - -

I kept her out of the room for several days as I put the finishing touches on. I picked her up from school and she squealed in delight that TODAY was the day!

- - - - -

I entered her room from the bathroom enterance so I could snap this pic...

Ahhhh the look of pure delight and joy! Right there baby!

She literally deemed herself speechless!

She loved every peice, every surprise...

- - - - -

I made this qulit with all these amazing fabrics at Hobby Lobby.

Then went crazy making the bedskirt and pillows.

So fun though!

So when I first started this crazy adventure...I found this hideous desk for 5.99 at savers. Oh boy...did it need TONS of work. And I naturally put way more than the original 6 bucks into it. But...

WAH LAH!!

Don't you think it turned out pretty fabulous?!?!

This was another find at the DI...

It needed a makeover to match this fun room

So...

I jazzed it up with some of the fabric from the quilt with help from my lil sister Ash!

- - - - -

It was a work in progress and took way longer than it should have haha...but nonetheless turned out pretty stinkin cute in the end.

Her dresser had to be completely redone as well.

It had been painted in 5 different colors to match her previous wall color/stripes.

Again...TONS of work

But alas, turned out pretty stinkin cute right?!

I wanted a funky shabby chic type nightstand for her.

Something not just a box with drawers.
One day I found this "plant stand" on amazon and I knew with just the right finesse it could be exactly what I had in mind.

- - - - -

It came in stark white so I had to paint and glaze it but it turned out very fun and funky!

Just what we wanted!

And it gave me the chance to have three more shelves to decorate!

**BONUS**

The "theme" for the room, besides screaming bright colors, is fashion and paris. I found these fun little feminine touches at all sorts of stores and just went to town on this room with spray paint. Nearly every thing in this room has been touched with spray paint honeslty.

I am so in LOVE with these funky frames you can get all of the place. Especially in pink!

This was Madysen's one request...this darling pink glitter covered dress!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ribbon so I tied it all over the place in this room!

Lastly, I wanted something simple and fun for the window treatment. After all, I had already made 7 pillows, a bedskirt and a quilt amongst redoing EVERY peice of furniture in the room, so I found this SUPER fun and simple idea at a boutique. I think it was just enough and turned out super fun for this room!

I was truly terrified to paint the walls all white.
But this room DOES NOT lack color that's for sure!

- - - - -

Happy early birthday Miss Madysen!

I hope you know how much you are loved!

xoxoxo

Mom

The Undertaking

2011-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

So, as mentioned, for Madysen's bday I have been

WORKING

AND...

WORKING

On redoing her bedroom.

- - - - -

Matt and I did this crazy paint job when we were building. The ceiling is purple, the trim is a faint pink, the top half of the walls are bubble gum, and the bottom half is...well 5 different colors. It is adorable but oh my goodness was it a taping nightmare. We did the chair guard also as complete amateurs. Thankfully I didn't take any closeups :)

When Madysen was two I made her this fun GIGGLE from a fun

show inspiration on Good Things Utah.

Everything was painted in all the fun colors of the walls!

Right down to the 5 bedroom doll house! :) This one is hard for me to part with. Madysen says she never plays with it...and that makes me sad. Seriously...no more Barbies at 9 years old. :(

The bench was always one of my favorite things...

well until I saw the bench I am about to unveil! :)

So...ya ready for a sneak peek.

Gotta say...I am a lil jealous of Madysen myself.

I want one for every room in the house they are so cute.

It started out like this...

Sanded and primed...and a whole lot of Matt and saws and drills and glues and...well ya know

Many honey-do-list hours later...

***WA LA***

Super cute huh....but wait for it

Then...

The completed project, pillows and all!

DON'T YA LOVE IT?!

My good friend gave me the idea for this BEYOND ADORABLE petal pillow.

Wasn't nearly as hard as it looks either! Gotta love that!

Ok Ok

So I was gonna save it all till the finished product is ready to show...but I am just too excited

After all, I have been working day and night for weeks...I gotta atleast let my blog know I am doing

SOMETHING :)

- - - - -

So I found this hidious chair.

But I saw its potential.

I started ripping it apart...man I hate that part.

I am such a germ freak I wore my pink polka dot gloves

After priming...and waiting.

And waiting...

I randomly decided to go with blue rather than white. Call me crazy!

Then we had to jazz it up with some of the fun fabric we are using in the room!

That and a chair with a hole in the middle isn't all that great.

Least not in my opinion

Stay tuned...maybe in another week we will actually have something done?

- - - - -

Ah...I best not hold my breath :)

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

So it is official.

I am completely and utterly and entire week behind in my life.

I am redoing Miss Madysen's room for her bday next month and it is truly taking over my life. Luckily...it is turning out amazing in every way but I'll share that tid bit with ya in a few days! :)

But now that St. Patty's day is a week in the past....here is our fam's lil celebration!

We always go green in every way possible on the big day!

- - - - -

I made a chicken and artichoke pasta dish and magically turned it all green ;)

Obviously we each wore green...

And Juddie got this fun frame at preschool in honor of the celebration!

We all had a super fine time.

It always makes me laugh each year how nervous the kids are to eat "GREEN" food.

Thankfully they dive right in eventually!

Then we finished it off with pistachio oreo pie!

It was very fun and as always we had a great time!

Hope you all did too!

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

2011-03-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Matt!

- - - - -

This week we celebrated Matt's 33rd birthday!

To start we all gathered at McGraths Fish House for some yummy dinner!

Mmmmm!

- - - - -

Everyone but Ash and Justin were there...:(

The highlight of the evening...well atleast for me...is always the fish hat!

Oh Matt...just seeing the joy this brings you makes it ALL worth it hehe

Then we came back to our house for presents and ... of course cake!

Finally...after 11 years...

I took Matt's glory day college basketball tapes in and had them put on dvds.

Then a friend helped me design cute covers for em too!

He was geniunely surprised and has always wanted to do that! Yeah for us!

Look at ALL THAT FIRE!

Happy birthday darlin!

I love you more than words can say!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear

2011-03-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am very serious about food storage and emergency preparedness.

It scares me to death how MANY people do not take it seriously.

I am going to decide this post to anyone who needs a push to get started!

- - - - -

I gained a very strong testimony shortly after Matt and I were married. We had been married about 9 months and I kept getting the urge to start one my emergency preparedness. I lived in a tiny one bedroom apartment in NY that had one closet, and I knew that NY was only our home until graduation. Logically it seemed silly to store things I would just have to pay to move in 2 years. Still, I felt very strongly that I needed to start.

- - - - -

So, I jumped on the wagon of collecting information and supplies to do our 72 hour kits. Less than 3 months later, I had them all but done.

- - - - -

Then one morning, I dropped Matt off at school and headed to work. A little after 9 a.m. a gentleman told me that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers in the city. A few minutes later, another. Within an hour my entire world was turned upside down. People were in chaos. Terror was in everyone's eyes. I was pregnant with my first baby and in a place far far from home. I was terrified of the unknown. I left work early and bought the last few things for my 72 hour kits and sat at home watching the horror on t.v. that I know we all remember. Living in NY was just THAT much scarier and unknown.

- - - - -

Our Bishop called every single family in the ward and asked us if we were prepared for what could continue to be more and more emergencies striking our state and country. I felt a calming overwhelming peace that I would be ok. I had a month supply of food and I had our backpacks in case we had to flee suddenly.

- - - - -

THANKFULLY we have NEVER had to use them. But I assure you, living only a half hour away from a terrorist attack solidified that even though we may never be in a true emergency, we will be blessed for being prepared. Even if it is just the sweet peace that Heavenly Father allows us to feel knowing we have done what we have been asked.

- - - - -

It has been my tradition ever since to rotate our 72 hour kits during general conference in April each year. My kids think it is fun to empty them out and eat all the snacks, and it is a fun way to keep them excited about General Conference. Plus, it helps to have the time to sit and do them while listening to GC. This year, I tore them apart a little early because our family situation has changed and I felt very uneasy that Judd's would be outdated due to all of his newfound allergies and I never want to be found unprepared :)

- - - - -

So I started by emptying out all the packs!!

When I was getting started, the HARDEST part was always the meal plans.

Seriously what in the world can you eat without all the wonderful luxuries of running water and a microwave anymore. It took some contemplating...but here is our daily meal plan!

I try to keep it simple. Remember, in an emergency, you don't want to go hungry but its not super likely that you will be sitting around bored waiting to be fed either. I try to keep it simple, nourshing when possible and most of all, LIGHT. Remember you have no idea how long or far you and your little ones will be lugging their things.

I put everything possible into gallon sized baggies to keep them protected and dry.

Each person has a toiletries bag, a clothing bag, a bag with plates and utensils etc and a bag with their own emergency supplies such as mylar blankets, waterproof matches, tent, candles, flashlights etc.

If you really want a full list you can just lemme know :)

After I purchase all the food, I divide it into gallon baggies labeled

Day One, Day Two and Day Three

I have always done this so that if you were in a situation, you would know how to ration your food to make it stretch for 3 solid days. I also print out the above meal plan and laminate it for everyone, so each individual knows what to eat and what to expect to find in the bag.

Here is a photo of our kitchen supplies. Plates, bowls, collapsible cup, utensils and can opener.

Don't forget the can opener or all your planning is a bust haha

I also include several garbage bags in the kitchen stuff. Just in case ;)

Each of our kids has basic first aid such as bandaids and neosporin, but this year I finally just added an extra backpack filled with 2 complete first aid kits and lots of extra water.
Again, if you need help with ideas, just lemme know!

We also have lots of battery operated lanterns,

flashlights and each a set of scriptures in our kits.

Here is a shot of our emergency baggies. Hot hands, poncho, blankets, tent, fire starters, swiss army knives, medial masks, gloves and a few other things. Gloves are one of my highest priorities. In an emergency, you have NO CLUE what you would be facing. These to me are just as important as shelter and blankets.

Lastly, your clothing and toiletries. I give each member of our fam their own stuff. Each has shampoo and conditioner, soaps and washcloths, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, floss etc.

Each person also has a pair of undies, socks and a long sleeved, long pants outfit. You could always cut them to be less if its warm, but you can't add more if its cold :)

Lastly, the kids have a bag filled with crayons, playdoh, coloring books, reading books and gum. They may very well need to be entertained and you need things without batteries. A world they've never known haha

It took me a few days, but ultimatly it didn't cost much money at all to redo our kits. This year we redid all the food, batteries and clothes and I switched to backpacks on wheels for the kids (Just in case). I still was able to do all that for about 40 dollars (because I am such an avid couponer).

I found this quote by the prophet, President Monson, that really helps me stay motivated:

“Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food … and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year’s supply of debt and are food-free.”

I have also been told on several occassions that the general authorities are not really telling us much about the need for our emergency kits and supplies anymore. They feel that 100 years of preaching it was enough, and we need to step up to the plate.

- - - - -

I am FAR from perfect in my preparedness. But I have a strong testimony that if we are prepared, we shall not fear. I hope this helps inspire a few of you to make a pack to atleast get started. The blessings of blind obedience are always such a strong powerful source for good in my family and I know that the faithful are truly blessed!

- - - - -

As always, I am more than happy to help any of you! And you few couponers I have inspired must know by now how much further those dollars stretch when you are working at it! Please let me know if I can help any of you. The more of us who are prepared, THE BETTER!!!

Love--ME

A New Day For Me

2011-02-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today is an exciting day for me!

After months of praying and pondering...

I have decided it is time for me to go back to school and finish up my education!

- - - - -

Not for any particular reason

- - - - -

I am not searching for a job or a change in my life.

- - - - - -

This is just something I have ALWAYS wanted to finish.
I am not a quitter, I am a finisher.

- - - - -

But my life didn't exactly go as planned in the middle of college so it was put on the backburner while I had my kids.

- - - - -

The wait is almost over...

HERE I COME

Today I applied and had transcripts sent over and found out some

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL news...

All my previous 44 credit hours from my first year will transfer with me!

EVERY.

SINGLE.

ONE.

I nearly cried with joy!

What has been really surprising has been people's reactions around me!

- - - - -

I genuinely thought that most people would seem excited and happy for me, but instead I have felt really critisized and selfish and that I am not thinking this all the way through.

I know it is a HUGE decision. I know that college is hard and a lot of work.

I also know I can do it!

- - - - -

Anyone who thinks differently can send me their fax #

and will get a copy of my diploma in the future :)

- - - - -

Matt and I both know it is the right decision. He is overly supportive even. He knows it has always been a goal of mine and I sacrificed my education for his. Now its finally my TURN!

- - - - -

For the few of you who have been super supportive, I can't thank you enough.

- - - - -

But if there is one thing everyone who knows me knows...it is

DO NOT tell me I can't do something.

- - - - -

I promise I will prove ya wrong ;)

So here we go!

I have a few more things to work on, but the hard part is over.

The decision is made and I am so excited for the challenge.

I have always wanted to have the chance to go back and finish what I started,

so this August, it BEGINS!

- - - - -

Wish me luck! Or not... ;)

My lil sister also started school this week and I am

SOO Proud of her and her choice! I know you'll be great Ash!!

Lil Friday Morning Pick Me Up

2011-02-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

So this is my chair.

It sits in a corner in my bedroom.

I have always thought it was cute.. and yet it has always bothered me that it seemed to need a lil something more.

- - - - - -

After a free five dollar coupon to Joann's Fabrics floating around the www yesterday, I decided that today was the day!

I found this darling fabric in my room colors...

Never before have I EVER like paisley...but this one somehow passed the test :)

And seriously...

WHO doesn't LOVE zebra?!?!

So I took kids to school and whipped up this puppy!

- - - - -

I had a throw pillow a billion years ago with a tie and I loved it.

So pattern free...this was my recreation attempt.

- - - - -
Not exactly like my last one...but I like it!

Unfortunately...it just didn't feel quite complete.

- - - - -

So I headed back to Hobby Lobby and paid 1.30 for this chocolate brown felt.

- - - - -

An hour later...we had this!

WAH LA!!

Together at last

Two peas in a pod

- - - - -
I think they look quite happy together :)

I am such a sucker for ruffles...but rufflie throw pillows are like $30+ for the mediocre ones

- - - - -

I gotta say, this was a $1.30 well spent.

Happy Friday!

Hope you are all planning a super fun President's Day weekend!!! :)

- - - - -

Hopefully next week my friend Michelle and I can get together and do some seriously amazing pillows for my basement. She is the pillow queen!

Family Valentine's Dinner :)

2011-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day at our house this year!

- - - - -

We always do a fun dinner with the fam for Vday because I really hate going out to dinner when ten million other people are!

- - - - -

I set the table up for a fun evening...

I made homemade vegan chocolate cupcakes so Judd could have some too!

- - - - -

Don't be afraid of the name...they were actually AMAZING and delish!

Several years ago a friend of mine had supplies at a girl's night to make these darling Valentine's baskets!

- - - - -

We have used them ever since!

I filled them with everyone's favorite goodies!

Of course the house was all decorated and ready for a party...

I am who I am! :)

We had red bubbly...

And pink pizza shaped like a heart!

I made chicken bacon alfredo pizza and it was a HUGE hit!

The kids enjoyed riffling through their baskets...

We had a fun time!

My kids are so spoiled....thanks to my MOM!

- - - - -

She stopped by with a HUGE bag FULL of goodies for each of them!

- - - - -

We had a few neighbors over for cupcakes and called it an evening!

.....Well, atleast as far as this blog needs to know ;)......

xoxo

Hope you had a fun day too!

2011-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?!?

- - - - -

Today at preschool was Judd's Party and he came home with a LOAD of joy!

He was so excited!

- - - - -

There was almost as much as Christmas!

We know how to party at Smarty Pants!

This is the darling picture frame he made at school.

- - - - -

I will never know why but something about the nasty tasting conversation hearts just make me smile. They are just simply adorable!

Anyone else agree?!? haha

This is Judd's Love Bug from school!

- - - - -

Kinda funny since his nickname is LoveBug!

He had a great time and is learning so much at preschool. Tuesday and Thursday are his favorite days!

- - - - -

Hope you are all ready for the big DAY!!!

Double C

2011-02-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

My son Cooper is a very lucky boy!

- - - - -

His very best friend in the universe lives just 2 backyards away and they are very much inseperable.

- - - - -

Honestly, the two of them remind me of an engaged couple...counting down the minutes until they are together again. They never fight, they never run out of things to do with each other and they NEVER wanna go home and be apart.

- - - - -

I hope it NEVER changes

They are both silly and think the EXACT same things are HILARIOUS

Their birthdays are only a few hours apart! Amazing right?!?

- - - - - -

Though I am sure someday Cooper will remind him that HE is the older one ;)

This one is for Robb

- - - - -

Yes that is your boy trying to kiss mine haha

Each afternoon we here a lil KNOCK KNOCK before the door opens and in comes Crewster! Cooper dashes for the door like there is a fire, and they pick up exactly where they left off the day before!

These two are the epitomy of BFF

- - - - -

The Double C's

Cooper and Crew (ster)

- - - - -

Heavenly Questions

2011-02-04T13:47:00.000-08:00

So I got the most hilarious email today and HAD to share with everyone

- - - - -

Wouldn't you laugh if this were the churches by you?!?

And last but not least...

Hope you got a chuckle!

Have a great weekend!!!

A day to be Excited

2011-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Today is a happy day.

Why?

Because after a billion hours typing in every. single. thing. I donated to the DI and various organizations, calling dr offices, hospitals, surgical center, HR departments...

Well you get it.

I HAVE FILED MY TAXES!!

So imagine my excitement when figuring it all, out, digging out my debit card to pay for it and receiving this wonderful message...

If you are expecting a tax refund, keep in mind that the IRS won't be able to issue a refund until they have processed and accepted your return, mid- to late February at the earliest

WHAT THE HECK?!?!?!

Ugh.

So now my filed, beautiful done return will sit in cyberspace until someone at the IRS decides that it's time to process returns!

Oh well.

Atleast I was able to check it off my to-do list while I lay on the couch trying to deal with this yucky cold right?

Yeah that's what I'll be telling myself!

A Moment To Be Thankful

2011-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

Last night two of my neighbors suffered ultimate tragedy and loss. The moment I heard about it my heart just shattered in peices for both families.

- - - - -

I am the first to say that I don't deal well with loss or tragedy. I was up late in the night and early in the morning just agonizing over the sadness of the whole situation.

- - - - -

I talked my husband's ear off about it. I laid there trying to sleep, unable to get my thoughts to subside.

- - - - -

Then I finally turned to my Heavenly Father. I pleaded with him to allow these families to find even an ounce of comfort today and for the long hard days, weeks, months and years to come. I prayed for those around them to feel comfort and know that Heavenly Father is in control.

- - - - -

It is times like this that I am so very grateful for the knowledge of the gospel. I am ultra thankful that both families have the same knowledge. There are so many hard things that we are faced with here during our earth life. Each trial we encounter seems so hard, and yet our Father in Heaven is aware of what we can handle. I personally have felt pushed over the edge several times, but only then have I seen true and ultimate growth.

- - - - -

I am grateful for my testimony. I am grateful for good parents who shared their knowlege with me, and encouraged me to find out for myself. I am thankful for priesthood blessings that can comfort when nothing else seems to help.

- - - - -

My heart is still broken for these poor families, but I hope that their relationship with their Savior is able to help them and get them through day by day. My prayers are with them.

xoxoxo

The Par-Tay

2011-01-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

Judd's birthday parties were super fun...and yes he had two!

- - - - -

On his acutal birthday we had a family celebration!

- - - - -

We made homemade pizza (no cheese of course) and a new recipe for a cake I found that he could eat!

He so loves being sung the Happy Birthday song!

- - - - -

I sang it to him more than a dozen times throughout the day!

Oh man...my baby is FOUR!!

Mr. Judd hasn't had an actual cake since his first birthday when we didn't know of his allergy yet.

Not that I haven't tried...but finally this year I found a vegan cake for him.

Poor kid...trying to find a cake with no egg or milk products wasn't easy!

- - - - -

But alas...thanks to the lovely internet...we had success!

But I dunno...

- - - - -

Do ya think he enjoyed it haha?!?

The next night we had friends and family over for cake and presents!

- - - - -

Big Brother Coop always has to be super close on the action...ya know just to "help" Judd out if needed ;)

One of his favorites was this toy... even if he didn't understand what it was right away!

- - - - -

It throws the ball for a dog so he can play fetch without actually touching any dogs!

PERFECT!!!

Our friends were so generous and gave him a whistle and gum...which he loves!

- - - - -

And as long as he plays in the basement...I don't mind either haha :0)

He got all sorts of fun things...but as always...loved his cologne.

- - - - -

Some kid I have here....at 4 already thinks he needs to smell good for the ladies!

What am I getting into here?!?!

He had fun, as did we!

Happy birthday buddy!

We ALL love you!

xoxox

And then He was Four

2011-01-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday My Darling Judd Bugs!!

- - - - -

Today is my baby's 4th birthday! I can hardly believe it is already here!

- - - - -

Birthdays are so fun and special, and yet I cry each year for each child. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that my children are getting older and more independent and able to do things for themselvses. But there is always that small part of me that realizes that the time is gone and never coming back. Ugh. Sad for me!

- - - - -

I have yet to make it through singing Happy Birthday to any of my kids without choking up, having to pretend that I am still singing and that I got something "in my eyes". This will be the 18th time I have sung Happy Birthday to one of my OWN children...and not once have I made it through without choking up!

- - - - -

But enough about me...

Today is about my

Juddie!

- - - - -

Four years ago yesterday I went into labor with my Judd. It was about 9 at night when I knew it could no longer be denied that the day was here. Judd was not due until February 11th, but I was quite certain that like it or not, labor was ON!

- - - - -

I was tired of looking at pictures of me post labor looking like a person who had nearly died, so when I realized I was in labor with Judd, I jumped in the shower, shaved my legs and suffered (and I did suffer) through blow drying my hair and doing my makeup. I was literally hanging on the counter during contractions, and then picking up the blow dryer between em! Nuts huh?!

- - - - -

Kiki came over to watch Madysen and Cooper, and my Mom and sister Ashlee and my hubby drove me to the hospital. I was obviously only 36 weeks but was far to dialated for them to stop the labor. I laid there from 11pm till about 6am, dealing with contractions but not getting anywhere fast. At 7am they gave me PIT and within 45 minutes, Judd was here! The only problem was I was 100% certain that Judd was a GIRL. I had decided that I wanted to be surprised at birth, but I just KNEW it was a girl. I didn't hold him for about ten minutes just trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I had another son, NOT a daughter. The moment I held him, all else was lost. I was IN LOVE with him.

- - - - -

Because the gender was not known, Matt and I had not totally settled on a name for him. We had it narrowed down to: Jack, Andrew and Judd.

- - - - -

About an hour after I was put in my recovery room, Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see us both! Grandpa asked what his name was and I told him the 3 we had narrowed it down to. OVER and OVER he told me how much he liked the name Judd, so I called up Matt and we decided...

JUDD MATTHEW

- - - - -

Judd has been a joy since the moment he arrived. He was a very easy baby, and let us sleep right from the beginning. He has had a rough time, dealing with asthma and allergies, but the bottom line has always been if he is rested and fed, he is the MOST pleasant boy!

- - - - -

Here is one of my all-time favorite Judd pics...this was his very first birthday (before we knew he was deathly allergic to milk haha) and his excitement of his first cake!

WOW how time flies right?

Don't you just wanna eat up those CHEEKS?!

And here is my darling boy today! He has grown up so much! He is such a joy to my heart that I can't really put into words how much I love and adore him. He will forever be my baby, although I try really hard not to treat him different than my other kids, but he is the only one who still likes to snuggle and give kisses so I am FORCED to allow him these guilty pleasures :)

Happy Happy Happy 4th Birthday my sweet boy!

You are the most wonderful JUDD in the whole wide world!

We all love you VERY much!

Farewell 2010

2011-01-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ok ok...

So I clearly know we are now 4 days into January...but we never really bid 2010 a proper goodbye!

It was a great year and I wanted to reflect a bit on our families top ten highlights

(good and not as good)

1. ALL THREE kids were in school this year. Miss Madysen in 3rd, Coop in kindergarten and Judd in preschool. This has been weird for me and yet wonderful! All 3 of them are super smart and it is so ABSOLUTELY fun to watch learning happen. I remember being young and not realizing that certain activities or tv shows were educational, then later realizing how much they had taught me, and it is great to see my kids playing games and seeing them learn even without their knowledge its happening!

2. Judd and I both experienced our first surgeries. NOT fun for either. Mine was kidney stones, his tonsils and adenoids, and I think we both agree 2010 would have forged ahead happily without them, but both were needed and both turned out just fine! We thank our Heavenly Father for good doctors and good nurses who cared for us both! And of course, loving family and friends always willing to step up when needed...you know who you are :)

3. All of my sisters are now officially married. This was a HUGE accomplishment! More for my parents obviously, but helping with 2 back to back weddings was a huge chunk of our spring! We love having men, well cmon, boys, in our all girl family now. Brothers definately add a totally different dynamic! Love em all!

4. Miss Madysen decided that she wanted to be baptised after turning 8! This decision made us very proud and happy for her. She has a powerful testimony for an 8 year old and is a sponge for doctrine and knowledge! She is a great example to her family and most especially her younger brothers who look up at her in every way!

5. Cooper became a human bullet on the soccer field. Year one...mostly us yelling at him to pay attention. This year...he OWNED that field. It was absolutely joyful to watch him develop his talent. He understood what he was doing and is seriously a full 3 strides faster than all the other kids his age...just like his Daddy! :)

6. We phased into a whole new world in 2010...after nearly 8 years of diapers...we left that phase in the dust! Judd's learning to potty in the toilet seems like an eternity ago...but oh the joys of not dealing with that are so monumental! I almost forgot until yesterday when I was tending and changed a diaper how NOT SAD I am that we are SO over that one! So it had to make the list haha :)

7. We took my mother, grandparents and Madysen and Cooper to Disneyland this year! I have honestly never had so much fun in my life! It is a memory I will forever cherish and love for OH SO many reasons! You never know how long people will be around, and having my grandparents go with us made everything so much more fun! My kids will hopefully always remember that trip too. Disneyland is so very magical to me. I wouldn't even mind going without kids, although truly they make it so wonderful! Hopefully someday soon we can take our little Juddie! Just gotta figure out what he would eat...

8. Matt's store was hit pretty hard in 09 with the recession. Thankfully 2010 proved to be much better for him and continues to go in the right direction. What a blessing that is and we couldn't be more thankful for a good job with the benefits our family needs. I think of all the others, this blessing is of utmost importance. I hope I never take his job for granted as I have watched SO many people go through loss and hardship.

9. Lame as it may sound, a highlight for this year was buying an SLR camera. I know it is bulky and not as easy to carry around, but in the end, my kids change so fast and so much I wanna capture it as best I can. Taking pics with an SLR has changed my world. And I don't even have a clue how to REALLY use it. I just shoot on auto...and yet it has changed everything!

10. Lastly, this year marks TEN YEARS of being with my wonderful husband! We started dating in April of 2000 and were married in August of 2000 so it has officially been ten years since we MET, fell in love and were MARRIED! I couldn't love him anymore than I do and although it hasn't always been smooth sailing every minute of everyday, I wouldn't trade a moment of what we have been through. We have both changed SOO MUCH in ten years, but hopefully all for the better! Love you babe!

So that's us in 2010!

There were huge ups and crazy downs but we made it! It flew by really.

Doesn't that make me sound super old...talking about how fast time goes by. Guess old people really DO know what they are talking about!

Hope everyone had a great 2010 and that whatever is in store for 2011 is AMAZING!!

{ A sprinkle of joy }

Playing Catchup!

You busy?

{ Are You Serious? }

Parenting: The rollercoaster ride

Germs

{ Saturday is a special day }

{Performance Picnic}

{Are You Ready For Some Football}

{ GIving it a Shot }

{Digital Scrapbooking Take One}

It begins...

{ Swirls }

{First Day of School 2011}

{Typo and Cavities}

Thirty Happened

{ Motherhood }

Lake Powell 2011

Men ARE from Mars :)

Going to the Ball?

Alive in June

My Favorite Signs of Spring

Could I be more behind?

Day Five

Farewell Ole Friend

The Completed Surprise

The Undertaking

St. Patrick's Day

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear

A New Day For Me

Lil Friday Morning Pick Me Up

Family Valentine's Dinner :)

Double C

Heavenly Questions

A day to be Excited

A Moment To Be Thankful

The Par-Tay

And then He was Four

**Farewell 2010**

Farewell 2010