the ins and outs

Happy Heart's Day

2012-02-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Pulling in and out of my driveway, I smile every time I see this little cutie. What a perfect week to bloom. I hope your day is filled with laughter and love!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Baptism Day

2012-02-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

Turning 8 is a significant birthday in our religion.

It is the coming of age to become an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At this age of accountability, baptism and confirmation of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is given. It is a time that we celebrate and give thanks to our Father in Heaven for such a wonderful gift and opportunity to begin our progression back to Him.

We were able to celebrate Laney's special day with several dear friends and family members.

It was a wonderful day!

It's GreatI To Be 8

2012-02-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

My little Laney Lou turned 8 years old!

I really can not believe it. I have realized that I can't treat her as a little one anymore. I should have realized that ages ago. Especially since it breaks my back to even pick her up. I've decided that this whole "children growing up" idea is for the birds.

I want to rebel.

Who's with me?

Holiday Happenings

2012-01-02T13:40:00.001-08:00

November and December are mysterious months to me. In just a few short weeks, we cram so much activity in our schedules that when the New Year arrives I wonder where I left my brain. I have to look back at photos to jog any type of memory.

Here is what I remember:

Attending a Harvest Celebration with the most adorable pilgrim crossing the ocean blue I have ever beheld...

floating on Cloud 9 at a Holiday Hoobilation where Mikelle sang like an angel...

being mesmorized by the spinning, leaping, and whirling of my lovely Laney Lou...

and smiling from ear to ear while listening to the melodic tunes of Seth at the Christmas Orchestra Concert.

I also remember the beauty of Christmas lights and the bundling of little bodies so we wouldn't freeze to death in the sub freezing temperatures (that was sarcasm right there. You might notice Mikelle is wearing flip flops).

I even remember a visit from the Big Guy himself on his busiest night of the year. My children were over joyed. I think that's what you might call that.

Christmas Day was wonderful. This is how it looked at our house for pretty much the whole day.

And now here we are.

We said goodbye to 2011 as a family and we ushered 2012 in as a family.

That much I will never forget.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

It only happens once in our lifetime.

11.11.11

Eric and I decided to do something out of the ordinary with our kids. We woke them up before sunrise and headed to an undisclosed location and said, "Surprise! Let's go up in a hot air balloon today!"

They were very excited, to say the least, and they forgave us for waking them up so early on a holiday.

They are kind that way.

Ready for take off!

No better place to test those paper airplanes!

Now to test those little parachute dudes.

We came in for a landing in a neighborhood park. Children in their jammies came running from their homes waving. It was so cute. A very nice woman who had a camera in hand, came to the park with her children and offered to email these photos she took of our arrival. Wasn't that so nice!

Along with my children, those cutie neighborhood kids got to help with air removal.

They had so much fun!

We were then treated by the pilot with a picnic breakfast. We ate while he told us the history of ballooning.

It was fascinating.

See how fascinated we are.

Happy 11.11.11

and

Happy Veteran's Day!

Trunkin and Trickin

2011-11-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

We love Halloween.

The weather is nice, the neighbors are nice, and the candy is, oh so nice.

Cute costumes by Becky. Thank you, sister dear.

We are so lucky. (I'm trying really hard not to be sarcastic). We not only get to Trick or Treat, but our ward always has a fun Trunk or Treating night.

Laney as Mummy with Pirate friend, Angelina, and my pink cowgirl, Kate.

Peter Pan hopping into the photo with Seth as "Quarter Back" and friends, Calvin & Hobbs.

There were fun games like "Flying Mice".

And, of course, the cupcake walk.

On Halloween night, we teamed up with some friends and headed out for some good, ole fashion trick-or-treating.

Off to the races.

Happy Halloween!

A Family That Planks Together...

2011-10-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

...stays together!

Thank you, Brian, for patterning a plethora of planking!

Silver Dollar City

2011-10-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

Our last day of our trip was spent over the border in Branson, MO.

Getting ready for some roller coaster fun!

The Big Kahuna Catching Some Flies.

Save some bugs for me, Beck.

I see it runs in the family.

Tea Cup Madness

Flying Dumbo Darlins.

Big Foreheads are in the Genes.

Carousel Craziness

3 Little Girls swinging in a Tree.

This makes a momma's heart pitter pat.

What is Grandpa teaching you?

Winding down.

Plum tuckered out.

Grandpa at the Great Level

2011-10-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Another purpose of our trip out to Arkansas, was a very special visit we were able to make with Eric's maternal grandfather. He had only seen him in person, that he remembered, one time. We spent a day with him and he was able to share with us important events in his life.

Seth was amazed at his great grandfather's unique car collection.

Among the many professions he had, one was a Greyhound bus driver for many decades. He had a replica of the one he drove.

I could hardly contain myself when he shared with us many old photos of himself and Eric's mother also. I was so excited!

The little girls kept themselves busy exploring his yard full of fun yard decor.

It was a great visit.

Fall(ing) For Family

2011-10-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

This Fall Break, we headed out to the Ozark State for a family gathering on my side. It has been over a decade since we have all been together in one location. For this monumental event, my parents decided we should have a barn raising. Actually, it was raised before we got there, but nonetheless, a barn was raised!

And a Big, Red Barn at that.

We spent a week in the beautiful Fall weather where we:

had cousins galore.

As well as hugs from Grandma and Grandpa.

There were tractor rides a plenty.

And when I say a plenty...

I mean a plenty.

Aunts and uncles were abound.

Some were literally bound.

There was an abundance of plaid.

And beautiful scenery too.

Roaring River State Park

We had much fun and laughter.

Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR

Rated America's #1 Haunted Hotel.

Don't I have a beautiful mother and sisters?

And the sheer beauty of the surroundings.

Near Beaver Dam.

We had a bout with rain and mud.

But the kiddos took care of the beautification thereafter.

It was a week filled with smiles, laughter and love.

The Bell Has Rung

2011-09-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's time for school again.

This year is momentous for me as a mother. It marks the first year all my children will be in school all day. I'm not sure what to expect with all this new found freedom, but I sure do look forward to figuring it out.

Newest Kindergartner. It just can't be true. Is she ready?

Plus, that purple clad headless gal next to Kate is my newest 8th grader.

Last year of Jr. High and this is the only photo I get...fail.

Newest 2nd Grader.

Why, o why must they grow up?

Newest 5th Grader.

Seth is remembering to yell at his mom after school for making him take this photo.

Getting on the bus.

Kate has been looking forward to this for years.

We made it to the school. Anxious to get in. (It's hot out here!)

Friends AND playdoh...Kindergarten is going to be AWESOME!

Underwater Fun

2011-09-05T15:36:00.001-07:00

Since our summer heat is still sizzling, we are spending as much time in the pool as we can.

It's the only way to beat the heat.

Here are my little fishies.

Check for gills.

They are sure to be there after this long, hot summer.

As far underwater as Kate will go.

Queen of Teen

2011-09-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

How does she make it look so easy?

I don't remember my emergence into teendom being quite so delightful.

Here she is living some teenage dreams.

She performed with a summer theater group in Wicked the musical...

She sang the National Anthem to open a Jr. High volleyball game.

She flew like a bird at an indoor skydiving establishment.

And she continues to melt my heart with one glance.

5

2011-08-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

She's 5. Kate is 5. My baby is 5.

I figure if I say it enough, it might finally sink in.

We had a great time giving Kate her presents this year. She was very enthusiastic about giving everyone a hug after receiving a gift from them.

Kate does not give hugs out on a willingly basis so this was a treat for us.

A Trip to Zion

2011-08-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is our second venture into Zion's National Park.

It is never disappointing.

Emerald Pools Trail

Can you see the water spraying over from above?

Entering the Narrows Trail.

We love the scenery and we LOVE the water.

You can ride the rapids.

And travel forever up the trail via the water path.

A "must do" in the summer.

Scenic St. George

2011-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a day trip into St. George this summer.

The St. George temple is absolutely stunning settled against the red rock bluffs of St. George.

It is the first LDS temple built in Utah.

Yes, it is that old.

We also toured Brigham Young's Winter home while in St. George.

Many things were original such as the bed above, not the bedding, and the cane below.

Ode to Grandpas

2011-08-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

My kids love their grandpas.

Who can blame them?

This summer they were able to spend time with 2 out of 3 grandpas.

What a delight!

Love berry picking with Grandpa!

Yellowstone Park

2011-08-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone is one amazing place. It is such a place of beauty and after learning all about it, it is a volatile place too. We really loved our visit there and loved that we got to experience the park with Grandma and Grandpa.

What trip to Yellowstone is complete without the wait for the ever famous Old Faithful.

She still remains Faithful. Right on time plus or minus a few minutes.

The creepy, but cool boiling pots and sulfur springs.

The overwhelmingly impressive Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

It is unbelievable!

Two beauties side by side.

Wolves, Bison, Bears, Oh My

2011-08-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Our Summer travels took us to Yellowstone Park.

We searched out the animals first and foremost.

We encountered this beautiful elk among many. Doesn't she look so peaceful lounging by the river?

And I dare say, she is posing for my camera.

Look at that smile.

We were fortunate to see a herd of bison off the main road.

They are majestic creatures.

We were not so fortunate to see any wolves or bears within the Park itself, but we did go to an amazing Discovery Center right outside the West gate to see them there. They are held there because they have tasted human food and have become a problem.

Temple Square Tourists

2011-08-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

We toured the office building for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The observation deck gave an excellent view of the valley.

We splashed in the reflection pool outside the Salt Lake Temple.

We tossed in some penny wishes too.

We enjoyed both Visitor's Centers on Temple Square.

We spent hours in the children's section at the Church History and Art Museum.

Here Kate is fishing off the boat built by Nephi and his family.

Eric is lifting a replica of the golden plates.

It gives new appreciation for those that were in charge of them.

Seth helped Mormon abridge the plates.

I think he may have a future in this line of work.

The girls dressed up and danced away in Latin American style.

We dined at the Garden atop of the Joseph Smith Memorial building.

It boasts its own beautiful view.

Here is a view that is difficult to appreciate.

And, of course, we basked in the reverence and awe that is the Salt Lake Temple.

Fireworks Love

2011-08-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

I love watching fireworks.

I love watching fireworks with people I love.

I love getting the best of both worlds!

Rise and Shout!

2011-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Cougars are out!

While in Provo, we took the kids all over BYU's campus and showed them all the places that had significance to us. Where we had classes, where we ate, where we walked, where we met, etc. It was nice for Eric and I to reminisce about our days in Happy Valley.

I hope my children have great college experiences like we did.

Parading in Provo

2011-08-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July found us in Provo. Since we were there, we decided to attend the parade. But, hey, why stop there? Why not be IN the parade. That's how my thought process goes anyway. Mikelle and I volunteered to be banner carriers in Provo's Grand Parade. I've never done that before so why not add it to the "done once in my lifetime" list? Mikelle was up for it. She needed a good Personal Progress project and this fit the bill.

While Mikelle and I were getting to where we needed to be before the parade. This was the scene with Eric and the rest of the kiddos. Look familiar to you? This is our typical parade demeanor.

We were lucky for most of the morning. It was overcast and even sprinkled a tad.

As for banners, we couldn't have asked for a better one. The adorable WWII Veteran who rode in the jeep behind received standing applause all the way down the parade route. It was endearing and brought tears to my eyes on occasion when parade goers would shout words of gratitude to this man. So sweet!

There we go. This may have been the time where a tiny pebble decided to lodge itself inside my shoe right under my heel. Or it may be the time where Mikelle's shoes came untied and she walked the rest of the way with laces flapping. Good times.

Some highlights of the parade according to Eric.

Yes, those are storm troopers...

...yes, those are LDS missionaries from the MTC.

You gotta love Provo.

And yes, that is Cosmo (BYU mascot) slam dunking!

Summer Swim Meet

2011-06-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Intense mental preparation before his events.

Swimmers to the block...

Take your mark...

Go!

First event, breaststroke.

A close race.

Second event, freestyle. Also, a close race...not a great angle to see just how close.

Not too shabby, eh?

More Applause Please

2011-06-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Applause sounded throughout the day as grade after grade held their own performances and award recognitions.

Fourth grade honored us with recorder recitals.

Narrator

2011-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ovations were given at the 1st grade plays.

No small parts here, just an abundance of small actors.

Every child had their parents' full attention as they caught every shy smile and bashful word on video.

I love moments like these.

Bugging the Ladies

2011-05-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

As preschool lets out, the children run for the field. With bug catchers in tow they are on the hunt. The object of their obsession...ladybugs.

The field has been teeming with them for weeks.

Off they go.

Looking this way...

and that way.

Success for me...

and for you.

Free, Back, Breast, Fly

2011-05-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Swimmer Speak.

This kid's got it down.

Newest Inductee

2011-05-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am proud of this young lady in more ways than I can type. My head spins to think of the potential she holds in just her little finger. She is truly a work of art in spirit, beauty, and soul. I am honored to witness such a life being lived.

(You'll have to pardon the blur below...results of too much "Yahooing" while trying to hold the camera steady.)

Lending a Helping Hand

2011-05-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Through the invitation of the local chapter of BYU alumni, Mikelle and I had the opportunity of helping with a local playground installation. We spent the majority of the day as members of the dirt removal crew. I nearly laughed out loud when she and I were given that assignment. Apparently, my tree stump legs give the appearance that I am meant for such physical labor.

Anyhow, Mikelle and I grabbed shovels and started at the nearest dirt hill and started shoveling away into wheel barrows. I was so impressed with my daughter. She didn't complain one bit. And it was not easy work. She loaded wheel barrow after wheel barrow with dirt. She was looking a little tired after an hour so I suggested she help with the children's craft area. I think she liked that idea. For the rest of the day, she alternated between the two stations.

We are waiting for the cement to be mixed and poured into the holes so that we can cover the area with wood chips.

It was a good day.

Raise Your Hand

2011-05-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

...if you went to school with a girl that looked like this.

But of course not as adorable!

80's day at school.

Seth decided to sport his Empire Strikes Back shirt...it debuted in May of 1980, you know.

Cycle of Life

2011-05-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

With her hard earned money, Laney purchased this Butterfly Keeper at our local Target. Inside there was a mail-in leaflet to order 5 caterpillars.

We checked the mail with anticipation for nearly 3 weeks. Finally, the creepy crawlies arrived.

We watched as they ate and ate the unidentified gunk they were sent in. They gorged themselves for almost a week before they started hanging from the lid.

It took no time at all, I'm talking a mere few hours, for them to encase themselves in their chrysalis form. Even after observing them intently, I'm still amazed at how that all happened. They didn't move at all and it forms around them...I need to do some serious butterfly research...I have so many unanswered questions!

To add to my amazement, in only 5 or so days they emerged in their beautiful butterfly form. How do they do it?

Life is amazing!

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

The holiest words my tongue can frame,
The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,
Unworthy are to praise the name
More precious than all other.

An infant, when her love first came,
A {wo}man, I find it still the same,
Reverently I breathe her name,
The blessed name of mother. 

George Griffith Fether, “The Name of Mother,”

I love you, Mom!

Just Be Frank

2011-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Seth chose to do a report on Frank Lloyd Wright for a class project. They were required to dress the part and gives facts about their subject as if they were that person.

Here he is taking a break from drafting the Guggenheim to tell a visiting student about his colorful life. He did a fantastic job.

Ni Hao

2011-05-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our little visitor says Hello from the pretend Orient.

A few years ago, Eric was in China on business and brought back some beautiful things such as this gorgeous silk dress.

It has been hanging in the girls' closet for some time now just waiting for Kate to grow into. I think she looks "keai".

Chopstick hair weaponry provided by Mikelle.

Father and Son Camping

2011-04-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Eric and Seth enjoyed the annual Father and Son Campout with our ward. I don't know how they could like being away from me so for even a night? (I have high self esteem) It might have something to do with how camp food tastes so good with a dusting of ash...

Or the chance to make roaring fires. I hear there were fires a plenty that night. What is it with boys and fire?

I love how it pushes them to the point of exhaustion so I can look at this beautiful, peaceful face when they get home.

Easter Attire

2011-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

They make me so hoppy!

Time on the Tarmack

2011-04-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

What a fun time we had at our local municipal airport this weekend. While watching Seth's flag football game, giant warbirds flew above our heads. Their silver bodies glinting in the sun. We had to get a closer look.

There were so many interesting planes participating in the festival.

I would feel like the Red Baron flying in this one.

I can't remember all the official names for these flying WWII museums. Something like B this and B that, but I do know they were B-eautiful, in that historic, patriotic, cool kind of way.

This particular plane was purchased by the Hoover company back in the day and transformed into a luxury plane.

Oh, yeah. I could travel like this.

We visited this one at last year's festival, but came too late for the tour. Not this year!

Cutest gunner ever.

The Army was also represented with this super impressive Apache helicopter.

Seth was diggin' it. Especially when the Army guy was giving all the specifics...how fast it flies, how far it shoots, how many rounds it carries. A cool fact he shared was that the guns will aim wherever the pilot is facing...helmet controlled. I asked what I thought was a relevant question, "What happens if he sneezes?" That would be a concern right? No wonder my kids don't want to take me anywhere.

Cute Way to Give Cash

2011-04-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm stumped as to what gift to give preteens on their birthday and especially for the boy variety. Recently, Seth attended a birthday party and wanted to give his friend money. There is something lackluster about just receiving cash (not that I will decline such a gift...EVER) so we decided to get creative.

We stuffed $1 bills into balloons.

We filled the balloons with helium.

You can purchase small helium tanks at stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and almost any party related store.

We attached the balloons to a box of yummy candy and ta-da!

It's all about the presentation!

Wishful Thinking

2011-04-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

The world is full of imitations, copy cats, even generic brands. Not being able to get what you want when you want may be the cause of such things.

I think that's what's going on below.

Manufacturer: Seth (I can tell by the flying pig on the display:)

Owner: Kate (I can tell by the flying horse on the screen saver:)

Impressive full keyboard for texting purposes, I assume.

Ah, ingenuity. Included is a fold out ipad. Awesome.

Reading and Loving

2011-04-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

I love Spring. I love to read.

I love to read books with the colors of Spring.

Bonus if it's a great story.

The book that we are currently reading is a Bonus ++.

Do you have any favorite Springtime children's books?

The Importance of General Conference

2011-04-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love General Conference.

(The garden on top of the LDS Conference Center in SLC;

pre Laney & Kate)

It is possibly the best 2 weekends of the year.

(Beautiful fountains and art elements inside the Center.)

By the closing session, I feel uplifted and edified.

My testimony of the Gospel is strengthened and my resolve to endure is recharged.

I feel its importance in all aspects of my life.

(Outside the Conference Center. Not sure why Laney is pouting off, but I'm pretty sure I'm scolding Seth for something.)

Click here to see Why Conference Matters to others also.

Have a great weekend!

Fabric Store Photos

2011-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

On a recent outing to the local fabric/craft supply store, Laney documented some of her interests while unbeknownst to me. I may have been preoccupied. That sometimes happens to me.

Sometimes.

It made me smile to see the things that caught her eye.

Here She Comes...

2011-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Laney hopped on her bike and took off this weekend. There was no holding on to the seat and running along side her up and down the road. Nothing of the doing.

Now if that's not good parenting, I don't know what is. Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of me patting myself on the back. Pretty loud, eh?

Honestly, though, a friend of ours taught us a "learning to ride a bike" technique. One that he used for his young son who started BMX racing at a young age. Take off the training wheels and the pedals, set the seat down low, and let them glide while pushing with their feet. This is to help learn balance. We tried it with Seth and now with Laney and here are the results.

...and there she goes.

Rat-A-Tat-Tat

2011-03-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

That's what I hear against the window pane.

He Doesn't Look A Day Over A Decade

2011-03-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Seth's 10th birthday in LEGO style. I was a little surprised that he wanted to have a themed birthday party. I wasn't sure if that fit his Joe Cool style. Here's what I came up with for the event.

Seth handed out these awesome invites (inspired by stephmodo).

Fun, don't you agree?

This was the layout before the "Mayhem".

Then enter the "Mayhem", aka party guests.

The LEGO icecream cake. Don't judge me on appearance...cake decorating and Stacy don't mix, but it was sure darn tasty! I got the recipe here and added Oreos on the top and red food coloring to the whip cream.

The party favors. I think my hand-drawn lego guys are cute...almost too cute for a 10 year old boy's birthday. Seth was borderline "yes" on this idea. He did, however, give 2 thumbs up on the contents.

Stephmodo also gave me some fun decorating ideas. So easy to make with cardstock and a large hole punch. I even printed out the water bottle labels all by myself! Your impressed, I know.

Party games involved...can you guess? LEGO's. They played a few rounds of Creationary and then a game of my own making...Annihilation. They had limited time to build the best tower they could that would withstand attack. From the second floor, I dropped balls that increased in size onto their tower and watched as the pieces flew in all directions. That was a crowd pleaser as you can imagine!

Inspiration for the next game and decor below came from deliacreates.

Seth was just "so-so" about the plates with faces. It's an age thing. I think they're awesome.

"I Spy a Lego Guy" was a hit though! Can you spy a lego guy?

These boys can!

And here's my LEGO guy blowing away his last 10 years. Okay, he's pretending to blow in the photo because he was too hasty to wait for the camera.

After the party was over and calm was enjoyed once again (relatively speaking) I snuggled my boy and pleaded with him to not be so hasty as to grow up way too fast.

I love that kid.

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Flag Football

2011-02-28T09:53:00.001-08:00

I have issues with competitive sports. Maybe it's the peace lover in me. Or maybe it's the idea of someone losing and the feelings of sadness that accompany that bothers me.

When my son approached me with the idea of him participating on a flag football team, I wanted to raise my self righteous nose and say, "Why on earth? Football is for meatheads." In fact, I think I did just that. But he persisted and after some discussion on what it means to be a part of a team and to keep focus on doing his best, we consented.

I want to say that the experience, this go around, was completely different from past sporting experiences, but I can't fully say that. As I observed at games, there were still the looks of disappointment on coaches' faces, on boys' faces, and on parents' faces. It physically hurts me to see that. I know I'm a bleeding heart. It's true.

But all was not lost, there was a positive aspect that occurred for me. It was this...our son did not complain one time. No, not once. He did not complain about practice. He did not complain that he dropped the ball possibly every time he touched it. He did not complain that he only pulled one flag the entire season. He did arrive at every game with determination to try his best. He was an example to me on how to play sports and not let sports play him.

So maybe, just maybe, the problem doesn't lie with competitive sports, but with MY attitude on playing the game.

It's true, lessons can be learned everyday and I'm thankful to my son for teaching me this one.

The huddle.

The arms in the air.

The team.

Sunshine and Happiness

2011-02-24T16:17:00.001-08:00

There is a direct correlation between sunshine and happiness. I'm positive about that. Add a picnic and a blondie, little 4 year old dressed in her favorite cupcake jammies AND her stuffed dog to the equation and the Happiness Percentages are through the roof!

One Happy Girl.

And the Carrot Stands Alone

2011-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Early in the Fall I was ambitious. When it came to my garden box that is. I had a plan. A plan that involved garden grown vegetables into the winter. I prepared the soil weeks in advance. I aerated, I fertilized and then I planted. I had picture perfect tiny rows planted with carrots, lettuce, and broccoli. I waited for the little shoots to emerge from the soil and when they did, there were shouts of joy and satisfaction. The plan was in action.

And then it wasn't. One morning I discovered something horrific. All my tender shoots were missing! Nowhere to be seen. I carefully looked over my tiny rows looking for clues. Nothing was out of place. No sign of insects, no sign of critter tracks. Nothing, nada. I was stumped.

Every day for the next two weeks I came out to see new sprouts emerging and then the very next day they would be gone. And then one day, in my frustration as I was looking towards the Heavens asking, "why oh why" I noticed a very small nest perched high on a second story window ledge and my mystery was solved. Those little chickadees had dined on or perhaps constructed their nest with my winter dreams. Drats.

I quit visiting my little garden box after that. My window of planting had since passed. I gave up hopes for the Fall planting season and began plans for the Spring...which includes netting. Take that.

During my time for contempt against feathered fowl, one of my children announced there was a lone carrot plant growing tall and proud. "Oh it's only a weed", I grumbled. And then curiosity got the better of me and I took a stroll to check things out. Low and Behold, sure enough, there all alone standing tall and beautiful was a carrot stock. Only one. We watched as the weeks went by. Unbelieving that the birds had not attacked. We waited and waited and then it was harvest time. Up came a carrot, big and strong. And with it, our determination to overcome all odds. Sounds dramatic, but a lot can be learned from that one carrot. Life's lessons are best learned like this.

From the carrot that stood alone.

Guardian of the carrot. Job well done.

Love Is In the Air

2011-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Literally.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXO

Decision on Dyson

2011-02-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

My Hoover had its last hoorah last week.

It was a fine and dandy vacuum that kept my carpets clean for almost 7 years. A few months ago its wheel compartment gave out on me. My ever-so-handy Beloved husband ordered new wheels and we were back in action. That only lasted for a short time before a piece gave way that held the rotating brush. After a thorough examination from my very own Jack of All Trades, it was deemed that it would cost more for new parts than the vacuum cost originally. A new vacuum would be purchased...but which one?

We are not hasty in the purchasing department around here (well, some of us (not me) aren't). I took on the task of researching vacuums. Which one was best suited for me? Which one had the bang for the buck? Which one could endure the use I'd put it through? Which one, which one, which one? It became a stress in my life. I started having vacuum nightmares. There were so many choices, so many features, so many prices. How does one decide?

I'll tell you how. I went to Costco where the choices are limited and I picked one of two Dyson machines...the one that was half the price as the other. And that's it. No more decisions, no more nightmares.

The DC 14 was the choice for me. The yellow one in the middle. It passed its initial run through and I look forward to our many years together.

Homework-out

2011-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Why not get a little workout while practicing your spelling words?

Spell punching bag...

p (punch) u (punch) n (punch) c (punch)...you get the idea (punch).

Valentine Cards

2011-02-09T12:55:00.001-08:00

Last year, my sister turned me on to these adorable homemade valentine cards.

I also saw the idea from this blog and knew I had to try my hand at such cuteness!

Here's the supplies I used.

Easy right?

Here's how Kate's turned out.

I had to add a disclaimer to the bottom of Seth's before he relented. Next year, I'll make it up to him.

A Post To Dye For

2011-02-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

This is how my hair days have been going.

Coloring my hair can sometimes give it the boost I need.

I have had good luck with this brand and color.

What helps your hair?

Oh What Do You Do In the Wintertime

2011-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

...when you've memorized the 13 Articles of Faith?

You go to the Articles of Faith reception and eat lots and lots of ice cream?

Is that what you do?

So do I!

Lucky Number 7

2011-01-26T12:13:00.001-08:00

There she is in all her birthday glory.

7 is going to be a great year for this little one.

I can feel it!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

December was relaxing this go around. Mostly by force seeing how I had surgery on my nose earlier in the month and that meant weeks of down time.

We were, however, grateful to have Christmas visitors from the Lone Star state.

Kate really enjoyed her time with Grandpa...

well, mostly!

We made yummy cookies.

And tiny gingerbread houses.

There was the fun of Christmas morning.

And new games to play. This is a fun one for your LEGO loving children. It's called Creationary.

We enjoyed nice weather and some serenading from Jefferson.

And we, of course, did not forget to dog pile at least once this holiday season.

Snow Day

2011-01-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, we had one and, boy, was it fun!

Thanks'quick'ing Post

2011-01-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, Thanksgiving has been over, way over, for some time now. Here's my quick and speedy version of how we spent our week of Thanks.

We traveled to Colorado to spend the week with Eric's side of the family. We added our 4 lively children to Dave and Cindy's 4 lively children and that amounted to a whole lot of liveliness! It was a great week. Frigid outside, but nice and cozy inside.

We were even lucky enough to see the annual lighting of the star in the quaint town of Castle Rock. No picture of the star or lighting of said star. Just this treat of a photo below.

Cindy also scored some free passes to a really cool wildlife museum. The dioramas there were pretty amazing. Looks like a real giraffe, huh?

They even had a critter corner where we saw footage from cameras suctioned to the back of sea turtles and other sea animals. Really cool!

As for the Thanksgiving feast, it was absolutely wonderful! The food was delicious. Eric has the photos of that and I can't wait around to get those so you'll have to use your imaginations. We were able to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa, Uncles and Aunts, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews and we loved it all!

But, please, next time can you have snow? Please?

Temple Day of Thanks

2010-12-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

The Saturday before Thanksgiving was our Stake Temple Day of Thanks. That day we happened to be on a roadtrip to Colorado so we weren't able to attend our local temple. We were very fortunate however to have stayed the night in Albuquerque where we discovered their temple was only a couple of miles from our hotel.

It was a beautiful, brisk morning when we visited. We only had time to walk around the grounds for a few minutes, but that was just what we needed. I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and the blessings of my relationship with him. What a peace it is in my life.