Keeping it Fun

Mix tapes, Burned CD's, and Playlists

2012-02-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

The idea of compiling various songs to express one's love and friendship is not new. The medium has change over the years. However, the desire to express our feeling to the ones we care about has not. That is exactly why I am writing this cheesy post. To let the one I care for know how much I love her this Valentines day. So if your gag reflex is suppressed and you have a box of tissues at hand, please read on.

The thing that was so great about mix tapes was the amount of effort it took to create them. You knew that the person really liked you because it was such a pain in the butt to create a mix tape. I personally never made one for a girl, but I remember trying to make my own mix tapes. I would sit by the radio waiting for a certain song to play just so I could hit record button just in time only to have some annoy DJ talk over the intro.

Then came along the CD mixes. It was a lot easier to drag and drop some mp3's that I downloaded off Napster and burn a CD. I will admit that I have made a few CD mixes for different girls over the years and handed to them with my hands behind my back looking towards the ground slowly kicking at something that wasn't there shyly saying, "Hey I burnt you CD, I hope you like it."

Now we have iPods and playlists to express our infatuation for the opposite sex. To be honest I don't even know how this works or if people even do this. Do you give them a jump drive with the songs on it? Or do you ~~email~~ Facebook them the list of songs? Maybe you take their iPod and add the playlist to it. I don't know.

So I am at a loss. I don't have the time for a mix tape nor do I have the equipment to produce one. Not that my beautiful wife doesn't deserve something that takes the same amount of time and effort as it does to crank out a mix tape. I don't think a burnt CD will do my love for her justice either. I'm not even sure that the CD player is even hooked up in our car. A burnt CD just won't do Sylvia much good. I am confused as to how the playlist thing even works, so guess I will create my own thingy.

Following the progression of radio to MTV and music videos. I thought I would try out the whole song compilation to express my love thingy with music videos from YouTube in a blog post (well some aren't actually music videos but its the thought that counts right?). I just hope next year the music videos in my post don't turn into pointless TV shows that have nothing to do with music and make people dumber if they watch them.

Here it is:

I still remember exactly where I was when this song was playing in my truck. It was at the roundabout by the Branbury Appartments in Provo. I was singing along with Sylvia in the passenger side. We had only been dating for a few short weeks. When it came to the chorus of the song that says, "Hey little girl oh I love you" I remember thinking to myself, "Hey I think I really do love this little girl sitting next to me."

Unwritten Law- Cailin

We were driving home from my parents property in Paris, Idaho. I leaned over to change my iPod to this song and took my eyes off the road. While doing so I drifted off the road and took out a mail box on the side of the road. The mail box smashed the rear view mirror into the passenger side window where my little girl friend (Sylvia) was sitting. Pieces of glass flew all over her which cut her up a little bit and scared the crap out of her. I felt so bad. She was so good about the whole thing. She hardly complained at all and almost immediately forgave me for being so stupid. Being so quick to forgive is one of my favorite qualities she possesses.

The Cure - Just Like Heaven

We had been dating for couple months or so when Sylvia told me that she had lost a Mason Jennings CD that she really like. So I decided to surprise her one morning at work. I bought the before mentioned CD and put in my bumpin' stereo system in my black and red 65 mustang fastback. I pulled around back of the dry cleaner where she worked and turn her favorite song up as loud as it would go and waited until she came out.

Mason Jennings - Keepin It Real

It was Sylvia 21st birthday and I really wanted to impress her with an over the top day that was perfect and memorable. Among the activities were watching a movie in the mountains on my laptop, serenading her with my guitar and vocals, long boarding down the canyon, dinner and shopping at Walmart. Like most of the other activities that day, my rendition didn't go that well. I forgot the lyrics and mess up the chords.

Rise Against - Swing Life Away

I almost forgot but I actually did make a mix CD for Sylvia. I made one to play as background music while I proposed to her. The setting was the most romantic place on earth... Joe Morley's BBQ. My brother-in-law Nate set us up in the banquet room. I had a full spread of flowers and ribs. This is the song that was playing after I popped the question. Luckily Sylvia said yes and we slow dance to Tim McGraw. I don't think that I have ever told Sylvia this, but still to this day get a little teary eyed (just a little because I'm a manly man) when I hear this song and think of her.

Tim McGraw- She's My Kind of Rain

Happy Valentine's Day Baby Cakes! I love you.
Xox0xX

Green Christmas Party

2012-01-17T22:42:00.003-07:00

Look at the fun our family had at the Green family party on Christmas Eve.

Yeah I awasn't really sure what was going on in this chasos, but the kiddos had a lot of fun opening gifts and and trashing Grandma Sherrie's house.

PURE SEXYNESS

Work it Tori!

Macy loves her Baby. For the first couple of weeks she would carry that baby all over the place, and wouldn't forget diaper bag it came with.

The Two cute babies

Zoo Lights 2011

2011-12-29T23:28:00.003-07:00

Christmas for Theo

2011-12-22T21:07:00.001-07:00

Theo, our dog, was the focus of the Christmas activity tonight. After dinner we went to neighborhood grocery store, and we picked out a few gifts for him. Tori was concerned about Theo's ability to unwrap his gifts, but was excited to hear that she would get to do the honors for him. I think Macy will have more fun squeaking the squeaky toy she picked out for Theo than he will. Then to top it off we had coco for a little bed time treat.

Christmas Oranges

2011-12-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Shoot dang, I didn't take pictures of our activity tonight, but onefrom the web will do. It is nice to have something to look at.

Anywho, we listened to the story of the Christmas Orange, talked about how life is better when we serve other people, and then had a tasty citrus treat.

Merry Birthday

2011-12-20T23:17:00.003-07:00

Tonight we went to a Merry Birthday Party for Tori friend Charlie, and Macy's Friend Owen. It was a fun little get together with friends. Macy and Tori loved loved that Santa came to visit. Santa Clause sang a couple Christmas songs with all the kids, and gave them goodie bags.

Christmas Movie Night

2011-12-19T21:50:00.001-07:00

Santa Clause 2

Neighbor Gifts

2011-12-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

The plan for tonight was to make neighbor gifts. We were going to hand them out tonight as well, but we got a latter start than we planned. Oh well. Now we are hoping we don't freeze to badly when we go pass them out tomorrow.

The Shoes were Filled

2011-12-18T07:41:00.002-07:00

and Tori and Macy were delighted

Christmas Around the World

2011-12-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

For the 17th of December we learned about Christmas celebrations from around the world for our activity. We used an advent calender from the December 2009 issue of the Friend. Then we tried out a couple of the celebrations we learned about.

First we put candles up in our windows like people do in Ireland to show we would welcome Joseph and Mary in our home. Then we got balloons to and let them go in the night sky as an Argentine would do with a globos on Christmas Eve. We also had the girls put there shoes outside the door to be filled my St Nicholas like the children of Germany do on St. Nicholas Day.
I am most likely going to continue a Christmas activity like this every year because I love my girls learning about different cultures. If you would like to try this activity out then you can find what I used here.

Not a PJ Party

2011-12-16T23:59:00.001-07:00

Christmas parties are great. Not only are they fun, but italso makes our Christmas activity for the day a no brainier. I also like thembecause I feel a bit cooler and liked when I am invited to one. Tonight our family wasinvited to a party. So I felt cool, no pressure to plan something for an activity,and was ready to have fun. However I read the invite wrong. Ugh. Theinvite mentioned wearing your pajamas so we did. Of course it was a joke; I seethat now after my whole family showed up to a party dressed in night wear. Ohmy goodness I felt so ridiculous, but with the red neck tendencies I was ableto pull it off. LOL!

My girls had a lot of fun with all the other children, andenjoyed eating treats. Jake and I had a great time chit chatting, and laughingwith friends. Thanks for making me feel cool, Batemans, even in my PJs

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas tree has scoliosis.

Also pictured is the newest ornament, Tori's Blankie. Now our tree is complete.

Red Neck

2011-12-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

Oops, I meant to start writing this post before 12:00am so it would be archived for the 15th. I got wrapped in reading your recent posts, and time escaped me. Oh well.

Anywho, Today for our Christmas activity I had planned to go read Christmas books at the Library. However Jake was delayed at work, and we needed to eat dinner and go to Sam's Club before I headed to a girls night, so time was tight. I did some quick thinking, and we combined our Christmas Activity with our errands at Sam's. Instead of going to the library we picked out a few books at Sam's, took them over to the couches on display, and read them Christmas books there. HAHAHA. I am shameless. Jake was so embarrassed that he wouldn't sit down with the girls and I. I guess it is border line red neck to do that, but I am from Louisiana so some of the red neck tendencies are just natural.

Cards

2011-12-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

For today's activity(14th) we made cards to pass out at a retirement home.

decorating gingerbread men

2011-12-14T16:06:00.001-07:00

Working on Cards

2011-12-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

Guess what. We are sending out Christmas cards this year. I am so proud of myself. I hope to send them out as soon as tomorrow, so if you would like one give me your address. If you don't want to leave it publicly for the world to see call, text, email, or facebook it to me. In return I will send you my address so you can send me your Christmas card you are so proud of getting done this year. I will be honest, I really want your Christmas card. I envy those people who have a wall full of Christmas cards displayed in their home of all their friends and family. It is my Christmas wish to have a wall full of cards to display. So send me your Christmas cards! Please and Thank you.

Christmas Fun: Letters to Santa

2011-12-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to make me a less boring person Sylvia has planned out a billion things for us to do this holiday season. I am not sure if this sort of systematic desensitization therapy will work on me, however I did make an attempt to appease my wife by taking the lead on today's festive activity.

The activity... letters to Santa.

I acted as the scribe for Tori as she dictated her letter to me and signed it herself.

Sylvia wrote Macy's letter. Otherwise it would have only read "milk, bottle, BOTTLE! thank you".(Macy can be demanding but surprising very polite at the same time.)

I discovered a few more things that Sylvia wanted.

Last but not least...

Temple Square

2011-12-11T22:59:00.001-07:00

Pics with Santa

2011-12-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know it is a rip off to pay the prices to have mychildren say cheese with the Santa in the mall, but for some sticking reason Iam hooked to going to the mall every year. Every year I feel I must take thegirls to the mall for their picture with Santa Clause, because all the otherSanta’s we come across just are not good enough in my twisted mind. So today we went to the mall and bought overpriced pictures to get my mall Santa fix and to fulfill December tenthsChristmas Activity. We almost postponed tonight’s scheduled trip to the mall,but I just couldn’t shake the need to go.

This year Tori and Macy gave their best smiles yet for theman in red.

Finger Paints

2011-12-09T20:39:00.001-07:00

Today to create a little Christmas cheer we finger painted holly wreaths. I don't get out paint very often because I have a hard enough time keeping my home clean and tidy as it is, so this was an extra fun night for Tori and Macy. Anyway, after we were finished we hung our beautiful wreaths right where they should go, the front door.

Toys for Tots

2011-12-08T19:20:00.001-07:00

Tonight we for our Christmas Activity we took the girls to the toy store, and had them pick out a toy for the Toys for Tots drive. We were going to drop them off tonight, but we didn't make it there before I turned around and found them sound asleep. We will drop off the gifts in morning.

Snowflakes

2011-12-07T22:19:00.001-07:00

The 7th Christmas Activity

Gingerbread Village

2011-12-06T23:00:00.001-07:00

For the sixth day of December we made gingerbread houses with friends Jeff and Shasta and my sister Angela and brother in law Loyd for our Christmas activity. This is our 3rd year to do houses together, and I can't wait till next year.

working

and working

Macy and Jake are cranky about having their picture taken.

This is my first ever pretty gingerbread house. Seriously all my other gingerbread houses I have made have been real bad.

Angela's house.

Tori's house. I love the snow girl on the side of her house.

Shasta's

Jeff's house was built in about 5 minutes. I think it very impressive considering the amount of time he did it in.

Shoot dang Loyd's house broke.

Best part of the whole night was getting all the houses together to make our gingerbread village

New Baby

2011-12-05T21:56:00.001-07:00

So December 5ths Christmas activity was to go to the zoo, but we visited the newest member of our family instead! It was much better seeing a band new baby than animals. Actually I wanted to go to the zoo too, but at 20 degrees and a slight wind from whaever direction the zoo wasn't so appealing.We will go to the zoo another night, but we just won't be able to get the group-on deal, but whatever.

It was great to see our new nephew, Jamison. Lucky enough we got to see him awake. He is so little and sweet, and looks like a cute old man. The girls loved him. Tori enjoyed holding him, Macy was always concerned if his beanie fell off or if he cried. Those to are so good with babies.

Confessions of a Stuck Princess

2011-12-05T09:02:00.001-07:00

This adorable post of Macy comes with a confession of sorts. Please don't judge. I purchased a child's leash some time ago. You know the ones disguised as a stuffed animal backpacks that crazy children wear. Thankfully I haven't had to use it because Macy has relaxed her anti hand holding policy she has with Jake and I. Ugh, that was a stressful time. Walking through parking lots was nuts with that Macy, shes didn't want to be held or have her hand held, but she just wanted to run into the store by herself. Of course I didn't let her do as she pleased. I would either hold her or drag (as nice a I could) as she would kick, scream, and wiggle angrily. I am so happy that was a relatively short phase. However at the time it seemed never ending. Now Macy is much better with only an occasional out burst.

Anyway to the adorable stuff.

I was doing a few little chores in the basement when Tori started to yelled for help. I went to go see what the mater was, and I found Macy with the leash on, witch got caught on a lamp in my room. Macy couldn't really move, but didn't seem to mind. She was just relaxing on my bed. I thought it was humorous enough it warranted a pictures and blog post:) so got my camera and Macy started to pose for me. She did a great job acting a little damsel in distress.

Here is the story of the princess and the stuck leash. By the way, I am thinking this up in a English accent.

Oh, I am so sad. As I was climbing upon my mother's bed the dark lamp of the Dark Lamp Lord snared my leash, and I am stuck.What ever shall I do.

I know what I must do. I must call for help. Yes I will call for help.

Help me from the trap I am caught upon the dark lamp of the Dark Lamp Lord!

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME NOW!!!

Oh look someone has come to save me. I am the happiest princess in all the the land!

Wing It

2011-12-04T21:49:00.001-07:00

My plans for December 4th's Christmas activity fell through, so I had to wing our activity today. Originally I planned to decorate gingerbread men that I ordered from bountiful baskets. Only I didn't order gingerbread men, I ordered a gingerbread house instead, ugh. Decorating gingerbread houses in already scheduled for later so I didn't want to substitute the house for the men. What did we do today you ask. Well we had friends over for dinner, we started to watch the Christmas devotional, but the four children made that to tricky, so we talked instead. Then I cut out paper men for the kids to decorate. After our friends left my family read scriptures and talked about the true meaning of Christmas. We tried to teach Tori and even Macy that by doing good deeds, not only at Christmas but all year round, is a great way to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. I hope somehing got into there brain that I wanted them to learn. All the lights, decorations, trees, and Santa business is really getting the way of what is really important, what am I to do?

These are our cool friends that we invited over. And that I am wearing is my PARTY sweater! It is much even more beautiful and worthy of your appreciation when you get to see it with you eyes. Maybe if you are lucky you may see me in it. Since Stephanie and I took photo together, I decided it would only right for Jake and Devin to take a pic together. But they didn't to get close. What weirdos.

Provo 6th can Party

2011-12-03T22:18:00.001-07:00

My ward Christmas party was today so I used that for the Christmas party as our December 3rds family activity. The party was enjoyable. There was the Bishop's delish roast beef, musicals, good friends, and Santa.
One of the musicals was by the primary children. Tori isn't in the primary yet, but I had her go up with them to sing. It was so cute to see her up on stage. She didn't know the song, but she tried her hardest to guess the next word in the lyrics. Eventually she started to dance around a little bit.
Another good part of the party was the appearance of Santa. The girls were happy to see him (that was the part) Years previous one of them has always been freaked out by the fat old man in red.
You want to know what else. I won 2nd place in the center piece battle. Hahaha, I really can't believe I won anything with my 2 minute center piece, but I did get the idea from better homes and gardens web site. I guess those better homes people do know what they are talking about.

Paper Chain

2011-12-02T22:59:00.001-07:00

December 2s Christmas activity was to make a paper chain to decorate with. Nothing fancy, but I thing that girls enjoyed it.

Advent

2011-12-01T21:06:00.001-07:00

It is December, and officially the Christmas season! Let the celebrating begin!

As of last year one of our family's Christmas traditions is to have several advent calenders. We have calenders with candy, ornaments, scriptures, and activities. My favorite of the them all is one that holds an activity for our family to do daily. I came up with a range of activities that are crafty, fun, religious, service oriented, and/or educational. The activities range from outings that will take the entire evening to simple 15 minute project that are perfect for the days for busy days.

Our family's plan for December 1st was for every one to pick out an ornament for the Christmas tree. Jake picked out a car, I got a snow flake, Tori decided to get a pink bell, and Macy was okay with a blue reindeer I picked for her. I wanted Macy to pick her own, but while we were shopping Macy was only grabbing the packs of glass ornaments. I don't care what the ornaments look like that everyone picks out they, but just can't be breakable. Out cheap, little artificial tree gets knocked over at least once every year. Plus, my children see ornament as toys you can hang, not as eye candy.

I can't wait till our Christmas tree is filled with the ornaments that hold memories of the past Christmases. I know a collection of random ornaments doesn't make for a very fashionable tree, but I really am not interested in having a posh tree. Don't get me wrong, themed trees are beautiful, and I admire them, but I love to have my family involved in the decorating of the tree. Maybe one day when we have more space I will have a family tree, and another for the pure pleasure of having a fancy tree.

Our Christmas activity advent Calender

Here is a pic of us and this years ornaments.

Mom & Dad

2011-11-30T13:49:00.001-07:00

As I am writing this final gratitude post I am thinking of many major people, blessings, experiences, and so on that I did not mention in during my blog fest this month. Trying to decide between them and then having to write all about why is daunting, but I can't get the idea out of my head I need to thank my parents, and here I go.

Both of my parents had tough childhoods. They did not grow up in ideal situations at all. They talked little about their times at home, but from what I do know I was giving so much better that what they received.

My father was a very busy man even, and still is till this day, but he always found time for me. He drove me to early morning seminary, coached my softball teams, helped me with my home work, made me breakfast in the morning, and taught me the importance of living and keeping the commandments. A quick story about my father...When I was 10 or so I brought home two black cats named Camilla and Gabby. Of course my parents were not to pleased about this. My mom gave away Camilla, and said thay gabby was going away too. I was so upset that I sang the first verse of You Are my Sunshine into the vents of my house over and over again for everyone to hear. Well my father came to me when I calmed down, and told me that he would fast for me so could keep Gabby. My parents still have that darn cat, and a few of its offspring. HA! That story makes me smile.

My mother and I have never had a great relationship, and to be frank it is harder to write warm and fuzzy memories of my mother. Anyway my mother does have great characteristics they just clashed with mine. My mom is a great missionary, loves to have fun, she taught me how to live frugally, live healthy, and to recycle. A warm and fuzzy memory of my mother that I do have is from when we went to general conference together. We were sitting next to one another, and the speaker said something to the point that parents want their children to be better than themselves. My mom rubbed my leg lovingly, and look at me with so mcuh love and tenderness. That meant so much to me. I knew she loved me and wanted the best for me.

Together my parents have taught me that working hard in marriage is one of the most important things you can do for your family. They taught me that I can over come, and give my children better than what I had. Even though my parents are not perfect I love them and am thankful they are my parents.

I love you Mom and Dad.

Little Happenings

2011-11-29T20:47:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of cute little happenings in our family from this month.

Tori's BFF lives next door, and tori likes to give her things. This gift is a single ritz cracker in ziplock bag. Elnore wasn't home so Tori decided to leave in the mail box to surprise her friend

Awe, Macy fell asleep with her papa Wayne.

Tori and Macy were enjoying treat on Thanksgiving with their cousin and grandparents.

I wish my camera had the the ability to capture this stunning sunset. The sky painted with pinks, blues, greys, oranges, and purples.

We set up our Christmas tree! The girls had fun helping decorate it, and fluffing up the branches. Every Christmas seems t be getting better as the girls get older, and can be more involved.

So none of these things are grand or glorious, but I love them. Everyday is filled these little happening ,and am thankful for the happiness they give me.

Thank You to You

2011-11-28T23:23:00.001-07:00

I have been looking around for my carmera this evening but I can't find it. I know it isn't to far because Tori was taking pictures with it today. I was looking for it so I could actually post some pictures of my family, but maybe tomorrow. I know a blog is so lame without pictures. So I want to say thank you for reading my blog, and occasionally leaving comments, even when there is nothing to look at. I promise I will post pictures soon.

Songs

2011-11-27T19:51:00.001-07:00

Many times when I am feeling the heaviness life can place on my shoulders I sing hymns to self. They offer me comfort, and bring me back to center. I am very thankful for the music that invites the Holy Ghost into my home. Here are a couple songs that I sing often during the day to feel the love Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, has for me.

Be Still My Soul

A Child's Prayer

Day Off

2011-11-26T23:51:00.001-07:00

Nope, I did no post a gratitude post yesterday. I have several excuses, but even more important than the excuses I was ready to have a day off from blogging. Yesterday was the perfect day to take time off from the computer. I slept in, shopped, had a spa day, made ginger bread houses, played games, laughed till I snorted, and spent time with family. It was lovely in deed. And since I was staying at my in laws my in laws they were basically babysitting the girls the entire time. LOVED IT!!!
Even though my days are fairly simple and low stress I am thankful for my days off, like yesterday, where I get to kick my feet up and take it easy. I am thankful that my mother and father in law are SO willing and Happy to babysit Tori and Macy so often. I am thankful that Jake understands that shopping and spa outings make me very happy:). I am thankful for family and that we can have good times together.
And I am happy to get to write a post about it today.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T19:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! How has your Thanksgiving been? Mine has been good, it has been gluttonous and lazy, I am wondering how many extra dimples will grace my thighs from today's extra caloric in take and lack of physical movement. I am also sore from a teenager running her car into the back of mine last night. Yep, I was involved in a low speed accident. I am okay. No, Tori and Macy were not in the car with me. Yes, our car is fine, a bit more scuffed up but it is totally drivable. I am very thankful for all those things. Mostly I am thankful that Tori and Macy weren't in the car with me, and were at home safe with Jake.

Back to Thanksgiving. I am thankful for this day dedicated to thanks where we can get together with the ones we love.

health

2011-11-23T17:33:00.001-07:00

My children woke up from their naps feverish and cranky this afternoon. It is no fun. With all their crying and in demand neediness, and my crazy paranoid tendinitises I am very thankful for my girls all around good health. Tori has spent some tine in the hospital, and that gave me enough experience that having a seriously sick child is a living hell. Pardon my cursing, but that is the best description. I am thankful m children are healthy little buggers. No on to nurturing my children's inflictions.

Happy

2011-11-22T18:54:00.001-07:00

Not to be cavalier, but I am so thankful that my days like yesterday, the somber ones, are few and far in between. I have problems 99 problems but depression ain't one (I have had Jay Z's song stuck in my head all day.) So yes I am happier today, was more productive, and got out of bed. I am thankful for happiness, and that most of my day are filled with it.

somber

2011-11-21T15:32:00.001-07:00

Today I am in a somber mood, and the weather is gray, cold, and rainy. I am thankful for the weather today. It seems to have kept me company, and be understanding to my less happy self.

My House

2011-11-20T16:38:00.001-07:00

This morning I had the great pleasure of having one of my achievement day girls (achievement day girls is a church group for 8-11 years old girls in the LDS church) came over for a ride to church. This was her first time to come inside my home, and as she was following me around while I was getting a few things done before we left. As she was following me she said, "Wow your house is really big." Her sweet little complement was extremely humbling and carried with it a realization of how much I have, and how much more I needed to be thankful for what I have.

For at least the past three years I have complained about my home, and have been wanting to move into a larger, newer, and nicer home. Okay honestly one day our family will move from our 1920's bungalow styled home, and I'm hoping that will be the next two years. But I can change my attitude towards my home now. I know I have been needing an attitude adjustment, but it took the words of a child to open my eyes to see how 'big' my blessings are, even when they are not as large, new, or nice as some desire I have.

I can recognize, and thank my Father in Heaven that home has electricity, running water, is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and keeps me dry. My home has a basement that has helped us pay for the mortgage when we rented it, and now it gives up the extra space that we wanted. My home is cute, quaint, and in good condition. I live in a neighborhood where I am not scared to go outside at night, and I have great neighbors. My home is conveniently located to shopping, parks, the freeway, and schools.

My home is wonderful place, and it is a big blessing in my life. I am thankful so my 1600 square foot, 1920s, bungo styled mansion.

I am a Doula

2011-11-19T19:25:00.001-07:00

I am a Birth Doula. In other words I support mothers throuh labor and birth. It is my passion to help moms in her birth decisions. I also feel that it is one of my talents, but as always I doubt myself from time to time. I was especially doughty of myself the first few births I attended. Over time I have leaned more, I have become a better doula, and my confidence has grown. Today my confidence grew leaps and bonds when I saw one of my past clients

My past doula client invited me to her daughter's birthday, who's birth I attended. I have kept in touch with this mother over the past year via facebook, however I have not seen her since two weeks after she gave bith to her baby. When I saw her today she ran to me rapped her arms around my neck and gave me wonderful hug. Her hug meant the world to me.
It really helped me understand how important my role as a doula was to her. Her hug validated my passion and talent I have to help mothers feel loved and supported in bringing life to this world. I realized that I do not need to doubt myself.

I am thankful for the boost in my confidence, for my passions and talents relating to the empowering process of birth, and I am especially thankful for all the parents who have allowed me to part of the most special parts of their lives. It is an honor.

Snow

2011-11-18T23:12:00.001-07:00

Another thing you might know about me is that I am NOT a fan of winter. I won't make you suffer through all reasons why I don't like winter, and exactly why winter is so much worse for me than you;) because this post is suppose to be happy and full of gratitude. What I do want to talk about is one of the few things I do like about winter. And that honey is the first big snow storm of the season. I can't help but get a little excited, and be amazed at the beauty of snow covered trees. Oh and the tranquil sound of snow falling is so peaceful and I enjoy it so much. Plus, it starts to look like Christmas when everything is covered in fresh white snow! However this year this is what I enjoyed most about the first big snow storm of the season...

HAHA...Oh my Macy is a cutie.

Even though I dislike the winter, there is that small part of me that is thankful that I get to enjoy the all benefits that snow brings, from the beauty to the recreational benefits. I am thankful that I can sit on my couch sipping coco, and watch the snow fall ever winter. I am even more thankful that I get to watch my kiddos enjoy the snow, and creates happy times I can cherish.

p.s. She is not a weirdo, Jake!

Another Ramdon Thanks

2011-11-17T23:06:00.001-07:00

For the sake that I can't make up my mind what to give thanks for, and that I really want to go to bed I am going to make another list of random things I am thankful for.

Warm Showers Because I stink, they feel good, and are the only way I warm up after a cold day.
Games I love playing games, not mind games, but ones like Sikbo, Phase10, 5 Crowns, Settlers, and scrabble
Aprons They can be a cute way from getting dirty.
My mini trampoline, It entertains my children and gives me a good workout
AllRecipes.com 90% of what I cook come from that website, plus the reviews keep me from going crazy, while trying to decide which recipe to cook.

Okay I am done for tonight.

The Last Diaper

2011-11-16T18:46:00.001-07:00

If you are my Facebook friend, or if we talk on a regular basis you might recall this summer Macy started to show interest in using the toilet. She was doing quite well, well enough that she could of been potty trained. However I had plans to travel to MI, TX, WA, and other places, so I didn't think it was wise to try to start potty training Macy at that time. I decided that I would start the potty training in the fall after everything settled down.
September rolled around, and getting that girl to do anything but play in the toilet (GAG) was a no go:(. I tried again in October with no better luck. But this very morning everything changed. Macy woke up and told me she needed to poop. So I sat her on the pot, and she pooped!!! I sang and danced to our potty song loud and proud several times. Macy loved the excitement made over her toilet usage, and for the rest of the day, but once, she made it to the toilet. She even used the toilet with out me helping her a couple of times. Oh my heavens I am so excited to be done with diapers!
My plan is is not to put her in an another diaper from this time forth. We might not go any where for a while, I know there will be a "potty spill" from time to time, and night time might take a few nights to figure out, but I don't have to buy another box of diapers for Macy ever again. hallelujah

I am thankful that Macy has decided to use the potty!!!!

Bed Time

2011-11-15T18:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, most good parents have their kids on a schedule, and have them in bed everyday at same time, typically before 8:00. However I am not one those good parents. Don't get me wrong I think I am a great mother :), but I have always thought that I could have improved upon the whole schedule thing.
My children go to bed typically around 9:00 sometimes even latter, yikes. For a while Jake and I were really good at getting them in bed by 8:30, but during the summer, with the long days, remodeling of the girls room, and frequent traveling that 8:30 bedtime flew out the window. Now that things are back to normal I am hoping to get Tori and Macy to bed much earlier, and tonight it happened!!!
Oh I am so happy that the girls went to sleep early. Tori was really pushing my buttons this evening from 4:00-6:00 and it was really exhausting to stay patient with her, so when she went to sleep at 7:00 it was a huge relief. Hahaha, I do love her, and I'll be happy to see her in the morning, but I really needed the early bed time.
Today I am dedicating my gratitude to early bed times for my children, especially on days, like today, when my patients is running low. I am thankful for the extra time I get with Jake, and even the extra time for myself. Man, an early bed times are the best!

Family Dinner

2011-11-14T20:40:00.001-07:00

Family dinners are great. I am thankful that the majority of the time my family sits around the table and enjoys a simple meal together. I am thankful I was raised in a home where I enjoyed family meals, and learned powerful way to bond with family members. Along those same lines I am thankful for 20(quick) minute meals, crock pot meals, and what ever is easy to make, so I can make food for my family with out to much fuss.

This is what we had tonight...

Chicken Spaghetti

Added by Ree on September 5, 2009 in Main Courses, Pasta

Prep Time 30 Minutes
Cook Time 45 Minutes

Servings 8

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

2 cups Cooked Chicken
3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
¼ cups Finely Diced Green Pepper
¼ cups Finely Diced Onion
1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
⅛ teaspoons (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
Salt And Pepper, to taste
1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cook1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghettiin same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghettiis cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar.Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to twodays, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (Ifthe cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

Party Time

2011-11-13T22:26:00.001-07:00

With Macy's birthday came some partying, and we had a lot of fun. First we had a family party with my in laws last Sunday. It was compete with one of Macy's favorite foods, fettuccine Alfredo, gifts, cake, and candles. Then on Macy's birthday I took her for out for our family's traditional birthday breakfast to Village Inn. My sisters Camilla and Angela, my brother in law Loyd, and Tori joined. Macy enjoyed a early morning banana cream pie, and scrambled eggs. For the rest of the day we kept a low profile, till Papa Wayne and grandma Sherrie came over. Then Jake And I went to the freezing cold BYU game, and Macy got to play with her grandparents. Finally today we had a few friends over this evening to celebrate. Macy loved playing with all the kiddos that came over, and enjoyed her homemade ice cream cake.

The goods Macy scored at the family party

Macy loved eating breakfast with me and her aunties

Whip cream is yummy!

Saying bye to Auntie Camilla :(

Macy and Tori cuddling and watching a movie.

All my sweethearts taking Sunday nap.

Macy's Huge ice cream cake.

So the thing I am thankful for today is for birthday parties. I love to celebrate, and to have a good to time. I figure that our life, and the life of the ones we love is one of the the most worthy causes to celebrate, and the best excuse to throw a party. I most likely get this from my mother, but all long as I am on this earth, even when I am old and grey, I will celebrate my life on the day I came to the earth. I am thankful for the day we get to eat cake, sing happy birthday, and enjoy company to recognize that how ever so many years ago our life began.

May is Two

2011-11-12T23:15:00.001-07:00

My sweet Macy turned two today!!! The past two years with Macy in our family has been such a blessing. Macy is my little crazy, funny, cuddle bug. She is full of attitude, loves to run away, and can drink milk all day long. She is a picky eater, but lately we have been discovering more things she will eat. Macy gives the best hugs and kisses. But the words from her cousin, Brockston, sum up Macy perfectly when he said,"That Macy, She is a character."

I am thankful that Macy is my daughter. I love her blue eyes, and her curls. It makes me so happy to see her dance. Yeah for my Macy.

Today, my little two year old.

Macy enjoying her first birthday

Macy's Birth day

Temples

2011-11-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

Toady is a big day for our family. More specifically it is a huge day for Jake's sister, Karen, her husband, Jared, and their baby, Dallyn. Today is the day Dallyn will be sealed to Karen and Jared for all time and eternity! Karen and Jared were married and sealed 09.09.09, they adopted Dallyn in March of this year, and then last week the adoption was finalized in court. Yeah!!! Today they will go to the Bountiful Temple to become an eternal family. I am so happy for them. It has been a long hard road for my sister and law, and today is seems to outshine all the crap she has been though.
I am so thankful for the sealing ordnance that bonds Tori, Macy, Jake, and I as an eternal family. I am thankful for the so many temples so close, and a that soon I will have a temple only a few blocks away from my home. I am thankful for the peace, knowledge, and assurance I receive going to the temple.

Artsy Tori

2011-11-10T21:31:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting to do a thankful post about my girls till I had alot of time to dedicate towards them, but I'll do a quick one about oneof Tori's talents. I am thankful for Tori's artistic talents. They makeme so happy to see. Her are some examples...

This is Tori's self portrait made from playdough, made today.

This is a picture of Tori and Macy. Tori drew this in February.

One of my favorites is this picture of a bird. I think it is really pretty. I need to frame this one for sure.

Great Day

2011-11-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Actually a lot of really wonderful things happened. I slept in latter than normal, My girls cuddled with me while I was waking up. I got a lot accmoplished in the exact time frame I wanted. I got to see Jake in the middle of the day. I finally got some essential oils I have been wanting. I went out for icecream. I got all the laundry done. I made dinner, eggplant Parmesan at that, and guess what, I liked it!!! I have never had eggplant that I liked till today. Yepee. Anywho, I also bundled up with Jake and the girls, and we walked to the church on this very fine fall night. It was beautiful! I loved the sound of the leaves crunching, the smell of the smoke from peoples chimneys, the crisp air, and the brilliance of the moon. Plus seeing my girls all rapped up in blankets was very sweet to me. After our church activities I picked up my sister Anglea, and we drove to the Salt Lake airport and picked up our sister Camilla! I love love love having family coming into town! I am ao happy to get to spend time with her.

I am thankful for today, and how GREAT it was. I am so stinking thankful my sister traveled safely here, and is able visit with me. I am so Thankful.

Food

2011-11-08T21:53:00.001-07:00

From time to time I purchase produce from a co-op, bountiful baskets. I love it, because it is a great deal, and I get to try new vegetables and herbs I normally don't buy. This week some of the goods I got were leeks, an eggplant, oregano, basil, and Rosemary. As crazy as it is I have never bought these things fresh. Well I bought a basil plant and killed it, and an eggplant. However I am trying to forget the eggplant because nothing went well with it.
So far I have used all of the herbs, and I have had a delicious time with them.
With such a tasty time I have been having I can't help but be show my gratitude for my food. I am thankful for all the wonderful food Heavenly Father has given us. Yes I am thankful for cake, cookies, and all the things we make, but I enjoy the foods that were placed on this earth for our well being the most. I am so thankful for the nutrients that fruits and vegetables provide, and the health they support. I love how I feel better eating them, and that I can eat as much as I want.
I am thankful that I have an abundance of food. I never go hungry, and never have gone hungry. I am thankful I can buy food anytime day or night. I thankful for the the food my garden produced, and the eggs my chickens give me. I am thankful that I can prepare my food. I am thankful that very y basic need for life is so easily attained for my family, and the lack there is never an issue.

Internet Entertainment

2011-11-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

I am so dang happy and thankful for the Internet. Like most people in developmental countries I use it for everything! But most of all I use the Internet to entertain my self. So here is the latest souse of entertain have taken advantage of.

BABABAHAHABAHAAAA! Funny right! This is so great.

Thank you, thank you, thank you lesliehall for making this video

OCCAION

2011-11-06T10:34:00.003-07:00

Look at these absolutely beautiful people. They are my sisters and my one little brother. They are loud, funny, and always know how to have a good time. We dance together, laugh together, and love each other. I know Heavenly Father knew I needed these seven people in my life to support me, teach me, and help me be a wonderful, fun, and loving person. I have the deepest gratitude to have that common thread that bounds us all together .

Olivia, Candida, Camilla, Angela, Odessa, and Nina I am the luckiest person to have all of you as my sisters. You are all so beautiful, and I miss all you so much.

Ivan my one brother, I am sorry I have mean to you growing up. But I love you, and think you are a wonderful father and man. Stay true and strong.

LOL

2011-11-05T22:20:00.003-06:00

If you didn't know I am a birth doula(professional labor support), and am a member of a local doula association, The Utah Doula Association. Today was the annual the UDA's Fall Retreat, and it was a blast. Honestly I haven't had this much fun at a doula even before. I think the difference was today was that I decided that I didn't feel like I needed to impress my fellow doulas, and so I was just myself. I was more talkative, told more corny jokes, laughed more, and introduced myself to more people. I am so happy I did because today I laughed my head off with the same ladies I was so eager to impress in the past. Anyway it was so fun laughing and luaghing with such great women.

Anywho, from that I want to pull my item of gratitude.

I am thankful for laughing with my friends family, and even with strangers. I thankful for the times I laugh so long and hard I almost pee my pants, snort, can't breath, fall to the ground, and am sore the next day. I love the happiness it brings, the wombs is will heal, how it unites people, the anger it calms, and the walls laughter will crumble.

From one of my favorite General Conference talk of all time I would like to share,

"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead.It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around youmore enjoyable."
-Elder Joseph B Wirthlin "Come What May, and Love It" October 2008 General Conference

A Few Random Ones

2011-11-04T23:22:00.001-06:00

Again I waited till late in the night to write a post on gratitude, and my brain and my fingers don't seem to be working very well. So for today I will list of a few thing that make my life easier, happier, and/or better:) Oh these aren't list in any order of importance.

Spell check, yeah I am not a speller.
Netflix, I guess i shouldn't use it so much as a babysitter but it works so well.
Elcetric blankets, I don't have one, but I happy they exsist, because one day I will have one, and my life will be better.
My home phone, I always know where it is unlike my cell phone.
Air fresheners, Because my house can smell like clove, grapefruit, pumpkins, Christmas, flowers, fresh linens, or whatever I want to.
Makeup, Because I lookbetter with it on
Yard sells I love good deals, plus yard sells make me extremely happy.
Flowers, Where ever they are flowers make life so beautiful, colorful, and fragrant.
My Bed, Because it so comfortable, and all i want to do at the moment is to get in it.
Digital Cameras, I can take a million pictures of the same thing and it doesn't matter.

And that is ten random things I am thankful for, and I feel that is good for tonight.

PS I am thankful that Amber Logas invited me to her house and fed my family delicious enchiladas.

To Sleep

2011-11-03T23:27:00.000-06:00

Oh man, I need to start writing these posts earlier. I am so tired right now, but it gives me a good idea for today's graditude post.
One of my greatest gifts, talents, blessings, or whatever I have been given is the ability to fall asleep fast. I love it. From time to time if I am in a Facebook debate, or I have A LOT going on it take me 15 minutes to be out for the night. It just might be my greatest talent.
I know it seems like it doesn't help most of you, but if I have any direct contact with you, I promise it does. I am an absolute winch when I am sleep deprived. Just ask my sister in law Wendee. The last time I attended a birth all night long I was not able to get a good rest before a family party. After the party my girls were sticky from treats so I put them in the bath at my mother in laws. Well my phone slipped right out of my pocket, and into the bath. I was such a crank from being awake for over 36 hours that I picked up the phone, and chucked right over Wendee's shoulder. I almost hit her in the face! Then I said, "Ugh I'm just so pissed off." Then I stormed out of the bathroom. Sorry Wendee.
So yes my talent of falling asleep keeps you from having objects thrown at you, and possible black eyes and bloody noses. Plus from hearing profanities come from my mouth

So I am very thankful for my greatest gift, talent, blessing, or whatever to be able to fall asleep quickly and easily.

Now I off to sleep.

To My BFF

2011-11-02T23:19:00.003-06:00

Again through out the day I was scanning the many things I have to be grateful for. Today I want to give my thanks to my BFF who happens to be Jacob Rollin Green. To my dedicated husband I publicly say thank you.

There are a million ways I can thank you, Jake, but so I don't embarrass you to badly I will keep this short and sweet. I know you try so hard to make me happy. I see them. I appreciate them. Thank you. La Lu Pe Poo:)

November 1

2011-11-02T22:10:00.002-06:00

11/1/11 was a great day of challenge. Not only did I decide to take upon myself the challenge to post feelings gratitude daily this month, but I also am also doing marriage dares with Jake. My dear friend, Georgia, Yes the same friend that gave the idea to share my feeling of gratitude, created a blog that is dedicated to a 40 day challenge to become a better spouse and grow more loving, joyful, and secure in our marriage relationships.

So far it has been rewarding to be able to have a good way to direct my thought and energy during the day. Not only am I more aware of the blessings in my life, I am focusing on my relationship with Jake more. It is amazing how much my attitude has changed in just two days. I have noticed that not only have my actions been more patient, kind, grateful, and loving, but so have my thoughts.

Here is to better me and richer marriage in 38 more days.

Season of Gratitude

2011-11-01T23:36:00.005-06:00

As you have noticed my blog really isn't soul searching, deep, or exactly personal. It is more of 'this is what we did fun today', and I have been thinking I should add in a little more depth in my blogging. However I am not the most poetic, passionate, or eloquent writer, and this typically freaks me out to try to do posts that are more than a quick account of a family activity. But I think have found a solution.
My dear friend Georgia gave me a a grand idea to share my feelings of gratitude daily during the month of November. Isn't a beautiful idea. It will give me a way to express myself in a personal way. So here I go trying to be a little more soul searching, deep, and personal for the three of you that read my blog.

Day One
So after making the decision to share my gratitude of the blessings in my life last night, I have been sifting through what I should first write about, and several worthy ideas popped into my head but the one that stuck was inspired by Beautiful Heartbreak by Hillary Weeks music video posted on facebook my sister. Here it is

Today I want to express my gratitude for my heartbreaks. My heartbreaks, my hard times, my trials, my times I would never wish one anyone, I give my gratitude. They have made me strong, better, and into the woman I am.

Every fear, every doubt,
All the pain I went through;
Was the price that I paid to see this view;
And now that I'm here I would never trade...

The grace that I feel,
And the faith that I find...

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T00:10:00.014-06:00

I love Halloween simply because there is very little expectation on how much you do or don't do. If you do or don't decorate, whatever. If you Dress up or not fine. If you do a million fun Halloween things or not, great. If you take your kids trick-or-treating to 3 houses or everywhere you an think cool. Plus I love any reason to celebrate. So when Halloween rolls around I take full advantage to celebrate, and have fun.
This year was a good one. We did a lot of festive things. So get ready to view pictures of our many different Halloween celebrations. I am serious there are way to many pictures. It is almost like looking at facebook.

The first Holloweeny thing we did this fall was to go to Pumpkin Land. I feel like it a good deal for our family. There is a corn maze(I don't like corn mazes) a farm yard zoo, air toys, playground, Halloween alley, and of course a pumpkin patch. It isn't to pricey at $4 a head, $3 if you dress up

Next I took the girls to Thanksgiving points Barn Yard Boo. They always have fun at Thanksgiving point, and when there are games and other fun things to do it is that much better. Tori even won 2 tickets to he dinosaur museum by guessing where the cow would poop. Plus there was the most adorable little calf there.

No Halloween is complete without carving pumpkins. Even though I am not crazy about sticking my hands in a slimy stinky pumpkin I do it for some Halloween fulfillment. Anyway we went to our friends Jeff and Shasta's with Angela and Loyd, and has a lot of fun eating dinner, talking, and carving pumpkins. This is the first year I did something other than triangles for eyes and a crazy shape for a mouth. I carved two witches stirring the pot. The witches are suppose to me Tori and Macy. Jake made a droid robot, and Tori used stickers to make a face.

Angela, Stephanie, her kids, and Tori, Macy and I went to UVU Halloween carnival. They has a lot of stuff to do like frost cookies, paint pumpkins, eat donuts, a spook ally, and games. To bad the calendar and posters all had the wrong ending time on them. We only had 15 minutes to play before it ended. However even with the little time they had the girls had a good time.

Another family thing we did that was a really cool, was the Stringtown Nightmare Express. It was a mini train that you sat and rode through little haunted tunnels. Surprisingly it is put on by just some people who happen have a mini train track going through their neighborhood in Lindon. It is free, they run it for week , and expect over 11,000 people to attend. We went when it wasn't busy and waited maybe 15 minutes in line, but it looks like the line could be easily 2 hours long. On a side note we all dressed up for this. I was super mom, Jake super dad, Tori wonder girl, and Macy bat girl.

BYU also had a carnival. We went to this last year and Tori totally remembers petting the snake. This year she was excited to see the snake again. She also touched a live tarantula Macy touched the blow up witch cat.

We also went to the ward party, had chili, and trunk a treated.

Jake mother has a little shindig as well. She cooked chili annd bread sticks. then we played a few game. The funnest to watch was bobbing for donuts. one of the adults would dare do it but the kids sure had fun.

On Halloween day we went Trick-or-treating of course. First I took the girls downtown Provo to trick-or treat. We walk so much and by the end the girls were so tired. Tori couldn't hold her candy anymore, and Macy fell asleep. But they got so much candy I used it for trick-or-treaters that came by our house. We also had our friends over for burgers that night, and then Jake took the girls out to trick-or treat around the neighborhood. And that my dear was our year of Halloween.

Blankie is Back

2011-10-31T23:53:00.003-06:00

Oh so long ago in August:) Tori left her precious, dear while blankie in Texas, and Aunt Candida found and sent it back. We received Tori blankie in the mail last Wednesday. Tori was over whelmed with happiness to get her hug, and sniff her old friend again.

Potraits by Tori

2011-10-29T13:58:00.002-06:00

Who needs pictures taken? Tori is now available to take wedding, family, and all your other photography needs. Her schedule is very flexible ans her price are the best in town.
*She does not grantee your picture will have good lighting, be in focus, or centered.

For a while now Tori has been eager to play with the camera. She loves taking pictures of everything. The ground, people backsides (clothed), trees, and everyone who will let her. These are a few of her better ones.

Peek-a-Boo

2011-10-29T13:47:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness Macy is such a toddler now.

Girls Night

2011-10-29T13:31:00.002-06:00

The first Saturday of each October and April Form 6-8 Jake goes to a Church Meeting for all the priesthood holders, and Tori, Macy, and I Have Girls Night. Well we do when we are home, and not other places. There have been a few times we haven't had a girls night, and it bummed me out. So this October we stayed home over conference weekend and The three of us partied at Chucky Cheese, had sundays , at Mcdonalds, and then the girls picked out new shirts at Target. So Fun! I can't wait till April for another Night with just the girls.

Colors of Fall

2011-10-18T15:25:00.003-06:00

For family night this week we went to hike Stewart Falls. When we got to the trail head it was a littler darker and cooler than we anticipated, so we decided to hike a little ways till the girls had enough. I think we might have gone a third of the way before Macy's hands started to feel like ice. Tori was bummed we didn't make it to the the falls, but she did have a lot of fun collecting the red, orange, and yellow leaves. Speaking of those leaves, they were stunning. Crazy as it is I have never been up the Provo canyon area during the Fall. I can only think if we had made it to the falls how stunning it would of been to see the Autumn colors surrounding them. maybe I'll try to convince Jake it would be a good date to go on this weekend.

Anyway, Tori has been asking to collect leaves and paste them on paper like she has seen Sid do on Sid the Science Kid. So for a some fun we did just that for a little art project today. All of Tori's leaves she collect from the trail. Macy leaves came from the neighbor's yard.

Pancake Art

2011-10-12T09:25:00.000-06:00

This is as exciting as pancakes have ever been in my house. I have made mickey mouse pancakes and mini with out her bow before( yes they are the same thing). And I have used a heart and flower pancake shape thingy, but butterflies, Ms, Ts, and big flowers is about as innovative as it gets around these parts. Tori and Macy had a lot of fun with them. Best part they ate them better then regular roundies.

Ear Rings

2011-10-11T20:47:00.005-06:00

Tori asked to get her ear ring in her ears, and I said Yes, obviously.

On Monday morning Tori came to me with a pair of my ear rings, and asked me to put them in for her. I told her I couldn't because she didn't have pierced ears. She then asked to go to the mall to get ear rings. I was so surprised. I never thought should would want to so soon, because I told her in the past that to get earrings you have to get holes put in them, and it hurts a little. She has even seen a older girl at the mall get hers done, and didn't like the looks of the experience. I even reminded her after she asked that it would hurt, and I would have to clean them a lot, but she still seemed really excited to get her ears pierced.

Jake and I had discussed that when our daughters asked they could get their ears pierced, but we didn't think we would be asked so soon. I called Jake after Tori asked and let him know what we were going to do that day. I was more excited about the idea than he was, but he reluctantly gave his consent.

When we got to the mall I had Tori picked out the ear rings she wanted, sat in the chair had her ears marked, and on the count of three Tori's first ear was pierced. She started to get teary eyed and freaked out, but before she could runaway or go crazy her second ear was pierced. The lady that helped us was really fast, and did a good job. Tori did cry for minute but stopped as soon as she saw she was going to get a sucker. Even after the minute of pain she was still very happy to have ear rings.

Six or So

2011-09-25T23:02:00.002-06:00

Maybe a month or so ago Macy has really become a lover of layering dress ups. Quite freently she come out of her room dressed in a couple of layer a frill and lace, but this past week she decided to put on the entire drawer of dress ups. HAHA! She was one big puff ball on girlishness.

The same day I babysat my niece Marla. She was such a good baby, and she got me a little baby hungry. However I have no plans to get pregnant for a little while longer. Anywho, Macy and Tori loved having their baby cousin here to coo at. Tori liked helping feed her a bottle, and holding her. Macy enjoyed giving her hugs and kisses.

A message to BYU Football

2011-09-25T22:55:00.002-06:00

I want to let you know that even though the Utah game was a bit of a disaster, well a 10 points from a complete disaster, I will always be your fan. GO COUGARS!

2011-09-25T14:54:00.003-06:00

I attended the General Relief Society Meeting at the Conference Center with my in laws. It was great. I am not sure who doesn't feel this way, but President Dieter F. Uchtdorf talk was exceptional. He used the forget me not flower, which has five petals, as a metaphor to illustrate five things he would like the women to remember. They were
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.
2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
3. Forget not to be happy now.
4. Forget not the why of the gospel.
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you.

His talk was very touching for me personally. It can be so easy for me to forget these steps that I see as great contributors to my joy in life, self worth, and Testimony.

Here is one clip from his talk you can find more here from his talk.

So I just had to get a picture of the lovely woman I attended the meeting with. They were a bit hesitant about it, but they went ahead put a smile on their face, and took a beautiful picture for me. Thank you so much Autumn, Karen, Karen, Wendee, Sherrie, and Cindy.

After I took the first picture I turned the corner and there was the Salt Lake City Temple shining so beautifully. I was a bit bummed that we didn't take a with Temple in the back ground vs. the western sky. Karen noticed my slight disappointment, took my camera, I spun Sherrie around, and in two seconds we had a totally glamorous picture:). I love it.

Spontanous Tea

2011-09-09T20:52:00.002-06:00

This morning we had a bit of an unplanned party at our house. First the next door neighbor girl came to play. Tori was being a bit of a pill till I told her we could have a tea party. Her mood immediately changed, and she began to find dresses to where to her Tea Party. I figured that inviting one more little freind over would only make tea party more fun so I called and invited Tori's that lives around the corner. She came over very excited, and started looking through Tori's dress ups. While the girls were getting dressed I mixed the pink lemon aid and prepared the treats. I set up the kids table laid out a table cloth, passed out the tea set, filled their tea cups, and gave out snacks and the fun began. The three of them were so silly together as they sipped their pink lemon aid, and nibbled on their pretzels. Tori had a great time and didn't want her friends to leave.

Dragon Fight

2011-09-09T18:43:00.004-06:00

Labor day was a blast! It was full of fun, eating junk food, staying up way to late, laughing with friends, and dragon stomping fun.

We went up to Vancouver , WA to support one of our favorite little boys, Carter, in his fight against Leukemia. Carter is the son of our great friends Dennison and Robin. Carter was diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of last year, and for the past eight months has fought a hard fight. He is doing great, and to celebrate him going into maintenance (a significantly easier part of treatment) Robin put on a huge party. There were close to a hundred people there. I don't have pictures of the party, but Carter smashed clay dragons, and slayed a dragon pinata to symbolize his smashing and slaying his personal dragon, cancer.

Other than the party we had tons of fun. I felt like a youngin staying up till the wee hours of the morning, taking, eating all the junk food in the house, playing video games, watching to TV shows, and laughing at all the good times we had. Tori and Macy had a great time to playing with Carter and Jude.

Last but not least, Jake celebrated his 30th while we were in WA. I am trying to convince him the that new cool is 30, and that 30 makes him seem more distinguished, mature, and so attractive. I don't think he believes me though. Anyway I didn't know what to get being that he bought his own gift. I figured humor would be a good gift, so I gave him ensure, hard candies, wrinkle cream, and hair dye. HAHAHA. He said it was mean. Sorry babe! I love you so much!

New Layers

2011-08-29T21:13:00.008-06:00

Neasa's and Fern's tiny first eggs!

So in my garden post when I mentioned blogging about the chickens sometime, I didn't think it would be so soon. However today had to be the day I wrote about my gals because the two younger chickens, Fern (my favorite) and Neasa, laid their first eggs today! I am so happy to have four laying hens.

Okay now let me tell the story of me coming to have my chickens.

It all started about a year and half ago when I was asked to gather eggs, water, and feed the the chickens for my neighbor. I immediately became interested in having my own chickens after I experienced how awesome it was to go out in the morning have fresh organic eggs. Jake was never nearly as excited as I was about the thought of being poultry owners , but sometime between last year and this past spring he became okay with the idea of getting chickens. So it was now down to getting a coop built, AKA another project.

My chicken dreams were slipping away as more important projects kept popping up taking priority over the chicken coop. My hope was almost lost when my neighbor, who asked me to care for her chicken last year, texted me, and asked if I would like her two chickens being that she was moving to NC.

A couple weeks later Jake and my bother in law moved the chicken coop to our backyard. I brought the chickens over, and just like that I had two chickens. Tori named those two Penny and Jewelry.

With Penny and Jewelry I typically got two eggs a day then a few days where I would only get one egg. I wanted more eggs, so I looked into adding chickens to my two chicken flock. I found out that is was possible to add chickens, but that a pecking order had to be established. That means the the chickens will scuffle a bit or alot till they sort out their individual ranks in the flock.

I looked in the classifieds for cheap chickens and found a guy selling soon to be laying chickens in close by. I bought two of his chickens, and introduced the new chickens to Penny and Jewelery. The pecking started. The new chickens, Neasa and Fern, never fought back, and I felt so bad for them being pecked and chased. Thankfully blood was never drawn.

Now that is was been a couple of weeks the pecking and fighting is slowing down. I think it will take a little while longer for the four of them to become totally happy with one another, but everything is going well.

Today has been the most exciting day thus far though. Finding Neasa's and Fern's eggs was so great. When I first saw them I was taken back because the eggs were just little things. I can't wait to go out tomorrow and see if they have laid anymore eggs!

Neasa, she seems to be the most photogenic. Maybe she wanted to peck my camera. She did not try, and hasn't pecked me, but that look in her eye seems a little fishy.

Neasa and Fern the new layers!

Jewelry. She seems to give the most eggs, but is also a bully.

Neasa is my favorite chicken. I love her black and white feathers. She is also the brunt of most of the bullying of Jewelry, and is most scared of me.

Last but not least, Penny. Tori tells me she is the boss of all the chickens. Maybe she is, and has Jewelery do all of her dirty work.

Camping Flowers

2011-08-28T08:32:00.003-06:00

This weekend we went camping with my sister and brother in law Loyd and Angela, and their baby Marla, and a couple of friends. My daughters had a lot of fun. Tori loved being in the forest, sleeping in the tent, and eating marshmallows. Macy like playing in the dirt. Both of the girls did very well sleeping in there sleeping bags, however Jake and I didn't sleep very well:( Air mattresses with Jake and I don't create great sleep. Even with crappy sleep I still really like to camp. It is fun to get out of the house, eat smores and rough it just a little bit. Tori and I hope to convince Jake to go camping st least one more time this year before it gets to cold.

Tori and Macy in their dirty happiness

Flowers Tori picked for Jake.

Angela and Tori

Uncle Loyd and Baby Marla.

My rad family and Jake's new tent he got for Father's day. I don't think he loves it, but I do!

Macy giving Jake snuggles.

Glorious Garden

2011-08-25T14:32:00.005-06:00

Early this year I didn't write anything about planting a garden, but I did. As usual I planted tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, squash, radishes, onions, lettuce, peas, and spinach. I Just didn't get around to taken pictures, and to quite honest with the sprinklers doing the watering for me, and paying the neighborhood kids to weed, I didn't pay much attention after to it till it started producing.

This is my bounty from today. Yes just from today. That is 42 tomatoes( including the little ones), 3 peppers (not shown), and 6 zucchini, and yes one egg. Yes, we have chickens. I will blog about them when I can get glamor shots of the gals. Granted I haven't picked anything for a few days, but still I am amazed at my green thumb. HAHAHA! Just kidding, My tomatoes are small, and if I knew what I was doing I am sure I would have better results.

With all my tomatoes I want to can salsa. Yummy! I have a also heard great things about making tomato jelly. But most of all I love giving tomatoes to the neighbors, which gets in the way of having enough tomatoes to can, but wherever. I have met a few of neighbors, and became better acquainted with them in past couple of years due to my tomatoes. They sure are amazing little vegtiable or fruits, aren't they!?!

HypnoBirthing

2011-08-23T14:21:00.003-06:00

Most of you know, but just in case you didn't I am a child birth enthusiast. Really! Experiencing my births and working with couples as a birth doula (birth support/coach) has increased my passion for the divinely designed, and awesome process of birth.

With that passion so strong I decided to start teaching child birth education classes called, HypnoBirthing. Yeah it sounds a bit crazy, but HypnoBirthing focuses on using self-hypnosis and relaxation to learn not to fear birth, but to learn to work with your body to birth your baby calmly, and safely.

I am currently looking for pregnant couples to join my class. If you like me spread the word:) I would greatly appreciate it. I will even give you gift if you a couple that you recommend takes my class!

The class is a five week course
My next class starts Thursday, September 1 from 6:30- 9:00. After that my next class is scheduled to begin Thursday, October 13 from 6:30-9:00.

Now go and spread the word!
Thanks!

Tuacahn

2011-08-22T00:13:00.006-06:00

This year the the Tuacahn Amphitheater is St George put on Disney's The Little Mermaid, and my very generous in-laws treated us, and the rest of the family to the show. I loved it! Tori loved it, except for the mean parts that is. Like when the chef throws knives at Sebastian.

The Little Mermaid was one of Tori favorites from she was 18 months or so. So she was in awe to see the play. She loved seeing Ariel's sisters and seeing Ariel rescue Prince Eric from the water. Tori was a little sleepy by the end of the show because it ran till 11:45pm. However she did very well and stayed in her seat.

HAhAHA!!! Look at Macy's face. She was not amused with the picture taking, but she gave me some great scummy looks!

I thought fro a second to have the family get together for a picture, but I decided not to bother them. So I took this instead. You can see all of the parts adults in the family other than myself.

Snow cones!

Jake is so hard core.

Tori, Look At The Camera!!!

Thank you for finally looking, Tori, I mean Sebastian.

On the way home we saw a beautiful double rainbow! You have to look close to see the top rainbow.

Michigan to Texas

2011-08-12T23:21:00.009-06:00

Last month two of my nephews turned eight years old. The months prior to this I was constantly debating if I should spend the cash to go to their baptisms. I couldn't make up mind. I considered going to just one of the batisims and not the other or going to both of them. I also had to make up mind if Tori would be coming or not. This was a very emotional process for me. It would cost a lot of money to go to both and bring Tori but that was what I really wanted. And I hated the thought of not going at all. Plus, I would be away from Jake for a week and half. That is a really long time for us. I finally made my decision when I lost my patience with Jake. ( I can be a little rash, poor Jake.) I bought plane tickets for both Tori and I to fly to Detroit Michigan, then to Austin Texas, and then back home.

After I bought the tickets I felt a guilty for acting so rashly, but Jake understood that I really wanted to see my family. He also knew that I wanted to feel closer to my nephews that live so far away from me. I don't think he was totally clean of frustration with my purchase and even more so with me being gone so long but he was very clam about it all. What a great man I have.

As I prepared for my trip I was a little worried about flying alone with my two children. I did a little research on flying with children and got great ideas on good food to pack, toys, and other things. I even bought them super cute matching outfits to fly in.

On all three flights they Tori and Macy did great! They got a little frustrated at one another from being so close for over three hours but overall I was very impresses with their behavior. If I had to I would totally fly with them again by myself.

So now that I am back and every thing is done I am very happy went. I missed Jake a lot, but I got to know my nieces and nephew so much more. I has such a fun time.

Now to the good stuff...

At the airport...

Flying....
In Michigan...

These three cousins are close in age and had fun together most of the time.

Macy and Stella would play well together then start biting and pulling hair when they got bored. Crazy girls.

Tori Hanging with Pa Pa Ron

Tori and Reighly having fun at the lake.

Spenser's and Bryce's combo birthday party

Tori love plating with Emily. However Emily taught tori how to be add some sass to her life.

In Texas...

The Alamo!

Everyone at Bryce's baptism

Jenna's cat trap

Fun at the Oasis

Candida you are silly

Three cute cousins.

My cool nieces and nephews.

Rain Rain, Horray!

2011-07-27T18:32:00.005-06:00

Holy Moly it rain really hard today. it rained hard enough in a short period of time to cause the the street drainage to flood. I don't think there has been a time since we have been in our house that is has rained enough to cause such huge puddles. The girls has a lot of fun jumping and running around in the water.

Water Baby

2011-07-20T17:44:00.010-06:00

Macy is a total water baby. She loves and is total comfortable in the water. Here are few examples...

From the time Macy was about a year old she has been happy lay back and relax in the tub. Now when you ask her to wash her hair she will go head and get her hair yet and rub her head.

Playing at the near by splash pad is also one of Macy's favorite things to do.

This water love of Macy slows us down almost everywhere we go. Every time she sees a water fountain she must stop and take a drink and play in the water. She has memorized where the drinking fountains at church are.

At the mall there is a large stone globe that rotates in a small pool of water right by the play area, and Macy always runs over play with it ever time we go. She typically gets her clothing soaked, but the last time we went she decided to take it a step further. The girl put her head in the water over and over. I really didn't like the it to much but had to take a picture. Before i know it she in going to jump in and float around in it like it a bath tub.

An on going battle I have with Macy is to keep her out of the bathroom. Thankfully she doesn't play in the toilet, but she likes to play in the sink. She turns on the water, makes bubbles, and slashed all around.

Macy had so much much playing in the water hose. She completely soaked herself.

Tori's Joke

2011-07-19T22:48:00.002-06:00

This Summer We have being going to the Library's outside story times. For the first few minutes the mike is past around for the children who want to tell a Joke. Tori always got very excited to tell a joke but got a little to scared to tell one. Finally she was brave enough to tell one. If you can't watch the video her joke is, Why did the ant cross the road? So the alligator could eat him. Yeah she made that joke up.

Rainbow

2011-07-19T22:18:00.002-06:00

While driving home from Manti we spotted a beautiful rainbow out in field. I couldn't resist stopping and to take pictures. My girls loved the flowers so much they didn't want to stop picking, smelling, and playing with them to look at the camera. Still I think they are pretty dang cute pictures. Maybe one day while driving out in the middle of no where I'll see another rainbow and I'll be able to get pictures of both of my daughters faces.

HAHAHA

2011-07-19T22:14:00.002-06:00

HAHAHA, I am laughing at myself thinking I would blog daily. Anyway here I am again rededicating myself to blog. This time lets say I just try to blog more frequently. More Frequently and that is it. Here we go...

Day 7

2011-05-15T23:32:00.003-06:00

Jake and I's wedding anniversary is coming up, and we started to talk about our first year of marriage. Unfortunately we can't remember that much:(. We were asking more questions about that time than sharing memories. So sad. But that is the very I need to keep up with my daily journaling/ blogger. In ten years from now when I am talking about my fifth year of marriage, or when my girls were 3 and 18 months I want more than questions about the time to talk about.

Today lets talk about our friends the E's (for privacy reasons I will not be sing their names) They have one little boy, who is a couple months older than Macy. My girls like playing with him quite a bit. Funny thing is, Tori enjoys his company more than Macy. The E's and our family have become pretty close over the last few months, and it has been so nice to have good friends close by. I mean I have a lot of friends that are great, but it is only once in a blue moon than Jake actually becomes friends with one of my friend's husband. Anyway, it has just been so nice to have friends who are always so willing to help us out, and we can do the same for them.

The Es and our other good friends the O's came over for dinner today. I didn't make anything to fancy but is was so fun to be with great freinds. I didn't pull out the camera before the O's left but here are a few pictures from the girls playing this evening.

I know Macy's hair is crazy, and in her eyes. But look behind those crazy locks and look at that sweet face. I just think Macy is such a pretty little thing. Oh and check out her tans line on her feet!

Tori thought this motorcycle was pretty cool.

This is the E's son. Poeple have mistaken these two for twins. He is bigger, but these two have the same coloring, and curly hair that make them so cute together when they play nicely.

Day 6

2011-05-14T22:35:00.003-06:00

Today's main event our neighbors fifth birthday Party. It was fun for us all! There was great GREAT food, a bouncy house, socializing, face painting, karaoke, and of course birthday cake! The girls ran around, and played for 3 hours, and I got my talk on.

Marla & Macy

2011-05-14T22:16:00.003-06:00

Awe, Marla and Macy have the same newborn features. Oh so sweet.

Marla

2011-05-14T21:41:00.003-06:00

I have a new niece that was born today!

Here is Marla Iyoko Ericson

I haven't talked to my sister yet due to cell phone sensitive security devices the hospital uses for the baby, but my sister birthed Marla unmediated! I am not sure if that was totally my sisters plan, or if she liked it or not, but it is nice to have a sister to have that bond with.

Right now I know my sister made it to the hospital only 20 minutes before Marla was born. That is so crazy awesome! Anyway Marla was 7lbs 15ozs, 19.5 in long! What a sweet, chuncky, squeezable baby!

Congratulations Loyd and Angela!

Days 3,4, & 5

2011-05-13T21:37:00.009-06:00

For those hoping I would keep up with my daily blogging and were disappointed the last couple of days, I apologize. I tried to blog, I did. By the time I had a chance to blog Wedensday and Thursday blogger was doing maintenance, or some kind of baloney that made it so I could not share with you the joys of my family. Now that everything seems to working I'll Make up for the lost days.

Day 3, Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Jake took these pictures, and I think they are so dang cute. Jake always captures really sweet and silly moments of the girls.

Day 4, Thursday, May 12, 2011
Macy is officially 18 months!!! I am so happy! When my children turn 18 months it is more exciting for than when they turn 1. At 18 months your baby seems to have graduated from a baby to a toddler. They start attending nursery, have so much personality, potty training is coming up, they start to talk more, and they just seem more fun, until they start freaking out. Anyway I love babies, but I love my toddlers even more!

For this very exciting milestone, we went to the park and had a picnic with some friends. I didn't make a big to do about it. But I did bring cookies to share at the picnic. We celebrated on Monday instead with a movie, and popcorn. Monday was a nasty day weather wise that desperately needed a pick me up hence the early celebration.

Macy on her 18 month Birthday!!!

Day 5, Today(the day I posted this)

Yeah!!! I am back to date. Honestly I know it isn't that big a deal if I miss a day, but that is what I was thinking when I didn't blog for the longest time.

Anyway, Today was a beautiful day. We went to the gym, we went for a walk (Tori rode her bike), we played with friends, the girls got into their swim suits, and played in the water. The sun was so warm and nice, and my body seemed so pasty white I thought I should join my girls. I went to change into my swim suit and my day crumbled.

I had locked my self, and the girls out of the house. UGH! Jake was an hour and half away, I didn't have my phone, or shoes on. I sat their a minute trying to decide just what to do. I slipped Jake's flip flops on, put the girls in the stroller, and walked to a friend's home around the corner. Her husband was home, but she wasn't. I always feel a little awkward when that happens. He let me use his phone (Jake didn't answer) Let me borrow some of his wife's sandals, and let me sort through a bag of handy down girls clothes from their neighbor, so the girls could change from their swim suits. Oh and by this point Macy had pooped in swimsuit, and Devin gave me a diaper and like a hundred wipes to clean her up.

I didn't get pictures of the girls in their crazy outfits. I was to grumpy to even think about taking pictures when I finally got home. However, something good did come of this mishap. I was able to help Deven. He had to run some errands and was going to bring his son along, but instead I stayed at his house and watched his boy while he did what ever he needed to do. Plus, Tori and Macy had fun playing. I guess he still helped me more, but I still at least I wasn't a total waste of time while I was locked out of my house for three hours.

Trick

2011-05-10T19:52:00.002-06:00

Finding something intresting to take a a picture of daily is going to be quite tricky. Most of our days are pretty normal, and uneventful. In the last hour Tori was awake I asked her to do a trick. This is what she came up with...

Tori said the trick she did was called a wiggle wiggle. Are you impressed?

Poser (Day one)

2011-05-09T21:40:00.003-06:00

Macy loves to give a good grin and pose for the camera...

First I took this picture when she didn't know I had the camera out

After only one shot with out her knowing she gave me a beautiful smile, but that was not enough

she had to sit up, and

give me a full body shot, with a super cheesy smile.

On a side note Macy did not want to get out of her PJs today. I tried two different time to get them off of her. First before we went to the gym a little before 8. I was okay with her wearing her PJs to the gym, because its the gym, it was early, and it is pretty normal for kiddos to run around the gym day care in jammies.

Then I tried at 11:00 after I gotten ready for the day, but she still refuse to let me take them off of her. So I took her to the mall as she was. We just went to go see a movie, but I am sure someone thought I was crazy for not dressing my child. However Macy is a very smart girl. It was cold and wet out today and the most cozy, and comfortable thing to do on such a chilly day was to stay in her pajamas.

And a bit more info... I took Tori and Macy to see Rio. It was a cute movie, and I know because I did not have to get out of my seat once. Macy sat on my lap the entire time, and Tori scooted down a couple of seats towards the end of the show. i have to take them to another show again.

2011-05-09T21:28:00.002-06:00

This picture was taken a while ago, but I love it so much I have to share it. Tori and Macy are so excited when Jake reads to them at night. I can tell it makes them so happy to close to their dad, and have him read to them. My babies' daddy is so awesome!

Blogging

2011-05-09T15:17:00.002-06:00

Now that most of my friends, family members, and whoever have facebook accounts, I haven't been good keeping my blog current, if you haven't noticed. It is just easier to put pictures up in one place, so maybe every one should get off their high horse and sign up for facebook. Just kidding! I need to post more so I can have a better account of my families' life, especially since I don't write in a traditional journal.

I have also been rather poor at taking pictures. This is really sad to me. Because children change so much, so fast, and if there aren't pictures all those little memories just become lost in my crazy brain.

So to combat my blogging and picture laziness I am going to start a picture(s) of the day. I actually wanted to do this at the begging of the year, but late is better than never.

Let the blogging begin!

Easter Fun

2011-05-02T15:05:00.004-06:00

Easter was good. Saturday I took the girls to two city egg hunts. Both of which lasted 30 seconds before all the egg had been picked up. One went a little better because some older kids hid their unwanted eggs for Tori and Macy to find. Some were empty other had a cookie voucher in them. Either way Tori and Macy loved finding the eggs.

Also on Saturday we had dinner with Jake's family. After which we had an Easter egg hunt. Jake's mom like to fill the eggs so they explode with candy when you open them. Tori and Macy brought home two gallon sized ziplock storage bags home full of candy. I used the candy from Saturday to put on their baskets.

On Easter Sunday we went church and spent the rest of the day at home. This was the first major Holiday we didn't go anywhere, and it was so nice. We did do some fun stuff with the girls though. Of course we let them find their baskets in the morning, then after church we had dinner, a nap, egg hunt, and then decorated eggs.

During all these fun things I tried my very hardest to teach Tori why we were celebrating. Even with all the candy, egg hunts, decorating, and excitement over the Easter bunny she can say when asked why do we have Easter?, ''We get eggs because Jesus died so we can live with Heavenly Father, and Jesus again. And Jesus lived again, and loved me, and loves me to pick up my blocks, and be nice to Macy."

Moab

2011-05-02T14:50:00.004-06:00

Jake and I went to Moab for a little get away a few weeks ago! We had Jake's parents take the girls for a couple nights, and had so much fun as just a couple. We went camping, mountain biking, hiked around Aches National Park, and while we were in Moab we made every single one meal. I am so proud. Anyway here is the proof of the some of the cool stuff we did.

We took a tour of the Fiery Furnace

Delicate Arch, the one on the Utah licenses plate

Macy Smile

2011-03-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Her smile makes me happy.

Over a Month Late

2011-03-06T22:18:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday my sweet three year old!!!

Tori birthday party was a lot of fun. Kind of crazy because I have a small house and there lots of kiddos running around. But hey Tori had fun.

Fairy Tea

2011-03-06T21:51:00.003-07:00

The city library puts on a Fairy Tea every year, and I finally been one the ball with all the library new, and was able to bring Tori. Thankfully I saw the poster, and asked the librarian about and she said to come on the first day tickets went on sell, and it would even be a good idea to come a little before the doors opened. So I did. I arrived 15 minutes early and there was all ready a long line of moms. Some had been there since 6:00am! A little crazy I think, but to each their own. But I am little crazy, too. Because I actually bought an entire table worth of tickets so I could invite friends. I am glad I did. Tori had so much fun with her friends all dresses up in their fairy costumes. The event was so cute. There were people playing harps, ballerinas, the fairy king and his court, a cute necklace for everyone, and tasty treats.

More November

2011-01-05T18:43:00.002-07:00

In November Macy turned one witched I have all ready blogged about and here are a few other happens from November...

Macy discovered she love whip cream

Macy learned to brush her hair

The the help of my mother in law and other crafty people I made these super cute turkey shirts for the girls.

Macy Turned 1

2011-01-05T15:02:00.004-07:00

These are pictures from from Macy's family party. I did have a friends party too but I totally forgot to charge my camera. My sweet friend lent me her camera, but I gave the camera back to her with out saving the pictures to our computer:( Now I think they are gone. Poor Second children.

On Macy's Birthday she barfed:( and so did Tori:( There was this crazy contagious barfy/diarrhea bug going around the ward. Thankfully it wasn't too bad. Each of the girls just barfed once then had the run for 3 days. Yuck!

Anyway we had a lot of fun partying it up!

Jake's Fam

Macy had plenty of help opening gifts

Macy's First Baby. It is even a fancy one that play peek-a-boo

I totally thought Macy was going to love digging into her cake but she just didn't realy care that she had a personal sized cake in front of her. All the chocolate on her face is from other people trying to get her to eat her cake.

One super cool thing is that Macy blew out her candle at her friends party and knocked the candle off the cake to put out at her family party.

Halloween '10

2011-01-05T14:53:00.002-07:00

We had a nice Halloween. Jake and I dressed up for skeletons for a friends party a week before Oct. 31st. On Halloween Day I took Tori and Macy to the pumpkin patch/ corn maze/ play ground. They had fun. Unfortunately the girls were so wiped out that they had no energy to brave the rain that night to go trick or treating. Tori fell asleep at 6:30.