Call Me Starla

Green Drink

2012-02-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

I got a fabulous new blender for Christmas.
I want my family to get all the nutrients out of their fruits and veggies you know!
I started making them all drink really GREEEN smoothies.
I could tell by their reactions that I jumped ahead of myself a little with this intense level of green.
I've toned it down a bit and I am breaking them in more gradually now.
I think it is working because the other day Rand told me that the smoothie I made him was "only a little bit yucky, but also a little bit good too"

Victory... I think so!

Kaylie

2012-02-16T08:52:00.001-08:00

My sister is almost 15
She is the best babysitter.
My kids LOVE her.
She is also a lot of fun to hang out with.
She was not quite 5 when I got married.
That is the same age as Rand is now (my third child!)
I am glad to have her as a sister.
She is growing up to be an awesome person.

Birth

2012-02-16T08:46:00.001-08:00

I was thinking about this the other day, and I can't believe almost six months have passed.

The feelings I had during, and right after, were so intense it was hard to imagine they would ever fade.
But they have.
The memory is vivid but the feelings themselves have paled.
It is a good thing, and also a sad one.

Birth is a very solitary experience in some ways.
Only while it is being experienced can its energy be truly fathomed.
No matter how many people gather around to provide support there will always be one woman alone with the torrent.
This isolation is alternately distressing and empowering.

Knowing complete responsibility to carry out a task so grueling can bring despair to the very soul.
On the other hand embracing and directing those all encompassing sensations brings with it an unrivaled sense of power and control.

Because of birth...
I am grateful to be a woman.
I know I am strong, and I feel empowered.
I love my body, and I can finally see the beauty in it.
I know I can do anything I put my mind to.

V-day

2012-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Lots of love to all my Valentine's... you guys are my favorites!

Thanks for letting me torture you with lots of photos this morning:)

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2012-02-13T20:23:00.001-08:00

I am totally addicted to this drink!

February 10, 2006

2012-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

The anniversary of my mom's death just passed. I usually just kind of avoid thinking about it when this day rolls around. I feel like I still haven't fully grieved her death. There was so much going on at that time and I truly felt I couldn't afford to break down. I told myself at the time that once the funeral was arranged and over and I had taken care of my dad (etc.) then I would really let myself feel everything.

I simply shut down.

By the time everything was said and done I think I had waited too long to really feel everything and process it normally. So my repressed grief shows up in spurts and starts here and there. I never know when or what will trigger it. It's as if I'm afraid that if I really let the flood gates open I will never be able to recover from it. That probably sounds really weird but it is what it is. I actually think this is the most I've written regarding my feelings about her death.

I miss my mom. It makes me sad that she doesn't know my kids. I try not to think about that because it really bothers me. I do believe I will see her again. That knowledge sustains me, but it doesn't stop me from feeling a little bit mad that I have to wait so long. I also miss just having a mom in general. A mom is someone who loves you no matter how you act or how much you complain. A mom takes care of you when you're a mom yourself and you don't feel like you can let yourself off the hook. A mom is someone you call for advice. A mom is there for you when you're sick, or hurting, or have something to celebrate. There are many other people in my life that can and do step in to fill-in in these situations. My dad has always been especially great about this. Including coming and taking care of me when I have a baby! (Yeah, he's pretty much awesome:) But it's still not the same as having her here.

I have a lot more feelings and thoughts about her, but it is all a little too complicated to face right now so I think I'll call this good.

The Color Run

2012-02-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Color Run was a few weeks ago and I ran it with my sister- in- law Candice. To sum it up you run a 5k while volunteers throw powdered chalk of different colors at you. The only requirement is that you wear a white shirt.

Here are some before shots...

Candice made up us some sweet white tutu's to wear:) Also a creepy guy jumped in our photo... what the???

I know I shouldn't have taken a photo of this but seriously people... if you think you should leave the house in tiny white spandex shorts, especially if you're an over weight, middle aged man... think again! You wouldn't believe the huge number of people we saw sporting this look! It was worse in real life too.

Other than run-ins with see through shorts the run was a whole lot of fun. It was a pretty laid back atmosphere and was not timed. As the race began we made a last minute decision to go ahead and run the whole way instead of taking it easy like most of the people around us.

When we ran through the "color zones" the powder was a bit suffocating. We quickly got into a pattern of skirting the crowds and hopping in, getting colored, and hopping out again.

After shots...

By the end I had color in my mouth, and everywhere else you can imagine. After showering I even had some lingering green that took a few days to wear off!

Candice left me a colorful seat in my car:) Check out her version of events here.

Overall a fun experience and I think I would do it again.

Happy 10th Nicky!

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

You are the love of my life. I could not live without you by my side every day. You are my best friend, lover, and confidante. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday that we found each other, and that you took that "leap of faith" with me. The knowledge that we can be together through this life and the next brings me sweet solace, and my heart swells when I think of being with you forever.

Girl's Weekend

2012-02-07T20:28:00.001-08:00

I wrote before about how I was excited to go away for the weekend with two of my oldest friends. Well it all turned out as fabulous as I had hoped.

On Friday night I met Jennie in Scottsdale, not too far from our hotel. We had a great dinner and great conversation. We shared the kind of chat I really needed, and it made me feel not so alone in some of my struggles. It reminded me that this get together was way overdue.

Jennie holding Farrah

After we ate we shopped a little and got really confused by the elevator!
Then we went and checked into our hotel.
Debbie met us in later on that night in our room.

I love how these girls snuggled on Farrah all weekend:)

Once Debbie arrived we stayed up until 4am talking! The time just flew by. I LOVE chatting with these gals. They are both so inspirational.

This is my view from bed while we talked.

On Saturday morning we managed to pull ourselves out of bed and we headed to breakfast. I love this photo... it turned out so cute!

Next we decided to do a little shopping. I ended up leaving to go take my Dad out to lunch since it was his birthday. My sister came too and we had a nice long lunch.

For some reason I failed to get a photo of my Dad on his birthday, but I did get one of Kaylie and Farrah. She is so awesome at taking care of my kids!

After my late lunch I met back up with the girls and we hopped in Jennie's car.

Calling to see if we can fit some pedicures in before the salon closes... and to ask some other questions... You know what I'm talking about Debbie:)

Getting my first pedicure. Is it sad that I have reached such an age without ever having one of these? I think yes!

We wrapped up the night by getting a bite to eat "to go" at La Grande Orange, which I have heard about but never tried. Then we returned to the hotel for some good food and more talk. This time we only stayed up until 1 or 2am.

Sunday morning we said our goodbyes, and took one last photo.

I made the drive home rejuvenated, but a little sad it ended so quickly.

Dear Debbie & Jennie,
I'm so glad we did this.
We waited way too long.
We need to make this a regular tradition.
It's so lovely to have the kind of friends that you feel at home with instantly even when years have gone by.
Finally, I haven't laughed that much in a long time and it felt great!

Debbie's Story

Catching Up + Procrastination = This blog post

2012-02-06T11:36:00.001-08:00

#1. Saw this, liked it, decided to share... Lose Yourself

#2. This week I want to blog about girl's weekend (1/20), and the color run (1/28), and also my hike up Elephant's Head (2/4).

Three fun weekends + fun things to do during all of them = happiness!

Some of these topics have been waiting longer than others to have their moment in the spotlight so let's hope I stick to my plan for this week's posts. So far so good... I have now written that I want to write about them which means, it's as good as done now:)

#3. Speaking of fun weekend activities... Me + Hiking = sore legs in more ways than one. You'll see when I blog about Elephant's Head.

Here's a sneak peak

#4. WARNING _ RANDOM THOUGHT AHEAD
It just occurred to me that there are not enough options as far as punctuation goes. I think I need something in between a declarative (and boring) period and and exclamatory exclamation mark. Most of my life falls in between these two extremes and I am not feeling fully fulfilled with my current punctuation possibilities... SO THERE!!!!!

#5. Nick + what I'm pretty sure are gallstones = no fun last night!
(That one deserved an exclamation mark. You'd understand if you were there)

#6. Wow, there is a lot of math going on here today... more than I've done in years. It's too much math isn't it? Yeah, you're right. Sorry:(

#7. What else... what else... nothing's coming to mind... better be done before I write more nonsense.

Goodbye for today

Speaking of Nick and having fun...

2012-02-02T20:31:00.001-08:00

He is off to the dunes tonight!

I am glad he's going to do something fun... especially since I had a girl's weekend away recently... but it kinda sucks to be left home alone all weekend:)

I do have a few things going on to keep me busy while he's gone so it shouldn't be too bad.

In spite of that I will feel a little nervous until he's back home safe and sound and in one piece!

A boy and his bike.

2012-02-01T17:56:00.001-08:00

Nick was riding his bike around with the kids tonight.

Some things you never grow too old for and sailing down the street on a bicycle has to be one of them.

He seemed so carefree as he sped through the neighborhood on his bright yellow BMX.

It made happy to watch him, because he looked as light hearted as as the kids.

Given the fact that he has quite a few important responsibilities I would say he deserves a few breezy moments.

He's a provider with all that entails!

He shares with me the joy, but also the burden, of raising at least 5 children up to be happy, productive, hard working, well adjusted and ready for the world!

AND he has a wife to maintain on top of that.

He does a pretty great job of balancing it all and so I'm thinking that's why it seemed so right for him to take a ride around the block just for himself.

Trevin & Farrah

2012-01-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

My brother is a pretty cool kid.

He is 17 now... which is crazy to me!

He has a car named "Charles" that he uses to speed around town.

He has a girlfriend who seems pretty nice.

He love his XBOX and his friends and his Morph Suit.

Basically he is a teenage boy who sometimes thinks himself "too cool for school"!

But that didn't stop him from loving on the cutest little baby I know this weekend.

Just when you think teenagers are nothing but trouble they do something sweet:)

Tonight

2012-01-20T07:55:00.002-08:00

This is at my high school graduation with what are probably my two oldest friends. We were all crying so it's not the best picture but it's the only one I could find of us together.

I have known these girls for as long as I can remember... probably from birth since one is my cousin and the other lived down the street from me starting when I was 9 months old! We went through a lot together and had a lot of fun together growing up. We only live a couple of hours away from each other but we still don't get to visit as often as I'd like. Isn't that just how it goes when you grow up and move on with life:(

The good news, and the point of this post, is that I am meeting these two gals tonight for a fun "Girl's Weekend" and I am so excited to catch up! Just thinking about it makes me smile:) Hopefully when I get back I will have a new and better picture of us to share... even if we are ten years older!

They know how to have fun

2012-01-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

At my house we have a job chart for the kids.

I fill it out every morning so they know what to do when they get home from school.

Monday was a holiday from school. (The same day that they turned down Chik-fil-a for broccoli because I told them they had to do their chores first)

At one point that day I walked by the job chart and laughed when I saw this! They even erased "Monday" on the side and replaced it with "playday".

I got the message loud and clear!

So let's do a quick recap of Monday (I've only mentioned this day about three times online. Can you tell I'm having a hard time getting over it?)

1. No school
2. All play
3. Broccoli
4. Shattered shower door

All in all, a weird, non-productive, fun, but sort of ended on a bad note kinda holiday! Well at least it was better than Tuesday:)

Seriously!

2012-01-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of my glass shower door in a million little pieces!

I spent over 2 hours on Monday night cleaning it up... it was NOT fun.

It is also NOT inexpensive to replace.

It's my bedtime

2012-01-17T19:07:00.001-08:00

This about sum sums up my night:)

For a day that started out pretty good it sure did deteriorate!

From about 5:30 on it went down hill.

Why does that always seem to happen on the nights when Nick works late and I'm doing dinner/ homework/ showers/ bedtime by myself?

The same thing happened last week - there must be a connection.

Grand Dreams

2012-01-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

I am already getting SO excited for two Grand Canyon trips that are planned for September of this year.

The first is another "rim to rim to rim" since the first one didn't go exactly as planned for some of us. Jake and I are bound and determined to go both ways, and I think I've even talked Nick into coming! I may even rethink those socks this time around:)

The second is a backpacking trip known as "Thunder River".

(Map Courtesy of Bob's Pixel's )

Hopefully I'll be posting here about these trips 9 months from now.

I don't know if I can stand the wait!

P.S. If you are into the Grand Canyon check out this book... It is pretty cool.

Just because...

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have cute sister-in-laws who like to love on my kids at wedding receptions:)

Messy Room

2012-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:00

This happens to be a corner of my bedroom, and my bedroom is always the last to be cleaned. No matter how many things get checked off my list on a given day it seems that the hours run out before I get to my own room.

It's funny because I hate spending all my time cleaning. When a whole day goes by and all I've done is clean, clean, clean I AM happy that the house is tidy.... But I also get really frustrated because it can be ruined within minutes by my little lovelies! Plus I feel guilty that I spent so little time with them while I was doing all this cleaning.

On the other hand I also HATE when the house is a mess. It makes me grouchy! I feel guilty playing with the kids or doing anything fun because... well... the house is a mess!

What a vicious cycle!

On a more positive note, kid chores have been going really well here lately, aside from the occasional melt down because someone's "legs are too tired to walk or clean".

In fact, a couple of days ago Ainsley (7) told me she noticed that when we all work together to get the house clean it goes by faster and it is even fun!

I gave that girl a great big hug because she had just made my day. Hallelujah! Something I taught her is sticking:)

The good news is that lately the house has been cleaner, the kids have had better attitudes about helping, and apparently we have even been having fun cleaning together:)

Sadly, despite the fact that I used the word clean (or a variation of it) ten times in this post, MY room is still a mess!

My favorite reference book...

2012-01-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the thesaurus.
It's one of my favorite books.
I know that makes me a huge nerd, but I don't care!
I love words, and I love knowing what they mean.
I like the dictionary for those last two reasons also.
BUT, there is nothing like knowing how to describe something in many different ways.
Synonyms are my friends!
And so that is why the Thesaurus is my favorite book of reference.
THE END

Awesome Stuff From Scratch

2012-01-09T10:43:00.001-08:00

This is the first of a new installation I am obviously calling "Awesome Stuff From Scratch".

Today we are highlighting Farrah's Christmas present from her Grandma Porter... right now she is the queen of awesome hand made stuff at our house:)

Now if this isn't the cutest little baby poncho you've ever seen then you must have seen a lot more of them than I have!

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2012-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hiking (note to self - don't wear a ponytail in photos!)

I used to hike with my dad when I was a little girl, and I loved it so much. Then when I got older I kind of lost touch with the hiking part of myself. It has been reignited in the last couple of years thanks to my FIL and SIL and the Grand Canyon:)

Anyway, I live really close to some great terrain and I wish I could take advantage of it more. I leave you with a trail I hope to continue down sometime soon....

Pensive, Pondering, Preoccupied

2012-01-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Please mind, just let me be
Your constant thoughts flowing
Your contemplations never ceasing
I can't escape you and I NEED peace
Please mind be still and let me be

Please heart, just let me rest
From your sorrows and joys alike
You feel so much
Your overflowing
Please heart be still and let me rest

Dancing with Nick

2012-01-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

Funny story

Last weekend we were at my B.I.L.'s wedding reception. Nick's mom came up to me and asked for my cell phone and how to work the camera. Then she told me I had to go dance with Nick while she took our picture since we'd never danced together.

I told her that I was positive that we had danced together before. She said that he had just told her we had never slow danced. I told her he was mistaken! I laughed and laughed. I tried to convince her that we have slow danced, but she made us take the photos anyway:)

And we danced...

The reason why I was laughing so much is as follows: I can tell you exactly how many times we have slow danced and where we were.
#1 at his friend Justin's wedding
#2 at his little sister's wedding
#3 at his friend Sahba's wedding
#4 this last time at his little brother's wedding

The reason why I remember each one of these dances so clearly is because they all... I repeat, THEY ALL started with him saying "You know we've never even slow danced and we've been together for _____ years!"

I can't wait until the next time he forgets our first dance. It's kind of fun doing it over and over again:)

Tour de Tucson

2012-01-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Nick and I after completing the Tour de Tucson back in November.

We both look smokin' hot right????

He rode 111 miles (with the flu) and I rode 42 miles (less than 3 months after having a baby... I think that deserves some parenthesis don't you!)

I think we were both a little disappointed in our times, but I keep reminding myself, and Nick, that we didn't do too bad considering the circumstances!

Glad we did it even though neither of us was at our physical best!

Done and Done!

2012-01-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well it's been one of those days today:(

Crazy kids, crazy mom, messy house, fussy baby, with a lingering headache on top.

Nick is working late tonight and I hope I can make it through the homework, dinner, showers, and bedtime without losing my mind!

I am now resorting to deep breathing in a room by myself... that is except for the child that is attached to me at the moment:) She's been there most of the day, why stop now.

I think it's working, please, please, let it be working!

I am going to keep looking at a few more photos like this one to remind me of how precious all those little rascals are.

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2012-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

All the crazy creatures that live near my house! Sometimes they are gross or scary but I still think it's cool that we see them so close to home:)

Missing In Action

2011-12-30T18:45:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these slippers?

It was Christmas Eve, and the kids had just received their stockings.

They all got new pajamas and a pair of slippers.

We put Farrah's on her cute little feet and snapped a photo.

Now I can't find them anywhere:(

Here's to hoping they turn up soon!

"Mother's are storymakers"

2011-12-29T10:29:00.001-08:00

Nick and I were just talking about how we didn't exactly "know" our parents when we were kids. Our childhood recollections of them are more "moments in time" type of memories. We both have special or fun times that stuck out to us after all these years, but we didn't begin to see them as people until we got older... maybe even after we became adults ourselves! This of course led us to wonder what memories our own kids will have of us from these younger years, before they begin to understand what makes us tick. Let's just hope they are forgiving as they look back:)

A few days later I came across this article and I really liked it... check it out.

The author also writes a blog that I've enjoyed reading lately

Growing Baby

2011-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

I want her to stay an innocent baby... maybe forever? Is that really too much to ask? I don't care if I have to be sleepless, moody, and carry a couple of extra pounds for the rest of life if it means I can slow her down. She is so easy to love and her needs are so easy to meet right now. But she's already growing and changing and there's nothing I can do about it.

Maybe it's all about the ease of parenting at this stage. All my feelings towards her are loving and she can't help but love me back:) There are no confrontations, or resentments, and as I well know, simply reaching toddlerhood will bring those! It's all so simple right now: a steady comforting rhythm of eat, sleep, and cuddle that I could live with forever.

I have an uncle who likes to say "Little people, little problems. Big people, big problems." Oh is it true! Of course there are nights that I am so exhausted I want to scream. Sure I dread the next bout of colic or poopy diaper. But in the grand scheme those things are all relatively easy to contend with. What happens when she's five, ten, or fifteen? Even adults need to be parented sometimes:) Right now putting her to my breast provides the necessary comfort ninety-nine percent of the time! With every day that passes we get closer to the end of those days.

She is so sweet, and perfect, and beautiful. I don't ever want to forget her chubby cheeks, big blue eyes, or perfect little lips. I know these recollections will fade as she grows and one day too soon I will stand amazed to think that she was ever so small and helpless. Of course I'll have memories of those special moments spent nursing, and rocking, and snuggling. I'll always remember her sweet scent as I sniff the top of her head. But it's not the same as BEING in that moment.

So far being a parent has been the hardest thing I've ever done. Each time it gets harder I think that I can't do it anymore. But then it does, and I do it, and it is exhausting AND amazing all at the same time. That's why, just this one time, I want to fully enjoy the small things... and this baby is one of them. I have had similar feelings with each pregnancy, birth, and subsequent growing child. It seems to get harder to say goodbye to the baby phase each time. Maybe it's because I sense my child bearing years are waning. I mean I can't go on doing this forever:) I feel a sense of peace about this portion of my life winding down, but also a certain sadness. So while I truly do rejoice in each milestone my children reach, I still can't help but cringe at the speed with which my babies are growing up.

Christmas

2011-12-27T09:22:00.001-08:00

Well the big day has come and gone.

It was wonderful to spend time with family, reflect on the birth of the savior, and enjoy "Christmas morning".

Once I reached a certain age I began to suspect that Christmas would never have that same magic that it did when I was younger. However, now that my own little ones are old enough to understand it, watching them open their gifts has become just as good, or even better, than being a kid myself:)

It's passing is always bittersweet. It is nice to have all the stresses over with, but it is also sad to say goodbye to the holidays for another long year. The kids are off for one more week and we are spending it lazily. We are hanging out, lounging around, playing with new toys, and eating left over pie!

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2011-12-27T08:36:00.001-08:00

Happy times with the family!

South Mountain

2011-12-23T08:29:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like seeing a photo of yourself in spandex to remind you that you actually went out in public dressed in that much spandex! I fought it at first but soon learned that it is worth the embarrassment to be comfortable on the bike.

This is a photo of me at the top of South Mountain in Phoenix. I rode from my in-laws house all the way up to the top with my F.I.L the day after Thanksgiving. It was quite a trip. I have to confess it included at least half of my most embarrassing biking moments. It was not my finest ride but I made it and that's what counts... at least I keep telling myself that:) Plus it will make a good story someday! I know I laugh every time I think of it.

Saying Goodbye:(

2011-12-22T16:45:00.001-08:00

A dear friend of mine just moved away... by a couple of states. It isn't too often that I make such a close friend and I was so sad to see her go. I will truly miss her, and I plan to do a good job of keeping in touch!

On the bright side, this move is a joyful thing for her brought about by good changes in her life. She has been through a lot of trials in the past few years and I am so pleased to see her happy and thriving!

Love & miss ya Margie:)

Planet Reports

2011-12-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

My two oldest kids are in a combined first and second grade class together. Last week they were assigned a planet report, complete with visual aid. I was less than enthusiastic for a few reasons.

First, a planet report (don't forget the visual aid) for six and seven year olds just has a parent intensive ring to it.

Second, studying the solar system isn't high on my to-do list this holiday season

Third, there are two of them! Two kids equals two reports (with visual aids)!

However, by the time the projects were done there were some bright points.

First, those kids of mine did an outstanding job writing their reports. They pretty much did the research themselves, other than a little help using the computer.

Second, they're not the only kids in this family who gained a little planetary knowledge. Rand (4 years) actually came to me several time spouting random facts such as "Did you know that pluto is no longer a true planet. It is now known as a dwarf planet!"

Third, I actually had a lot of fun making... oops, I mean helping make... those visual aids I feared so much.

Next time you see us ask a question about planets!

Tales of the swaddled

2011-12-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Farrah spent much of her first three months wrapped up tightly. It's the only way she was happy. Thinking she would follow the pattern of my other babies I began swaddling her less and less after the three month mark. She seemed to enjoy her "free" time at first:) Then about a week ago I realized her happiness had regressed, and just when she finally seemed to be coming out of her fussy stage. I couldn't figure it out! Then one morning it hit me. I promptly re-swaddled her and she was happy once more! It reminds me... just when I think I've mastered this baby thing along comes another surprise:)

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2011-12-19T12:36:00.002-08:00

Kids who make it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get a decent family photo:)

Christmas Time

2011-12-16T09:50:00.001-08:00

I am getting so excited for Christmas. The older my kids get the more joy it brings me! I am grateful for the holidays because they make me reflect on my blessings, and my Savior. I have had some touching moments teaching my kids about the birth of Christ. I have also had some funny moments trying to teach my kids the "truth" about Santa. No matter how many times we go over the santa thing Ainsley tells me she "just really wants to believe":) I am happy to be so blessed and to have the gospel to bring the true meaning of this season into my life. I am happy that my kids know the true meaning of Christmas and that they are learning to be kind and generous and hopefully starting to gain their own testimonies of Jesus Christ.

I'm not gonna lie though, I am excited about the more worldly parts of the season too. Hot chocolate, treats, decorations, and watching my kids school Christmas programs have been things I've looked forward to and enjoyed. I am also super excited for Christmas morning. I can't wait to gather around the tree with the family and open our gifts. I tried to get them things that we could spend time playing with as a family. I am looking forward to sitting around, eating, and messing with the kids new toys together!

I guess this year I have benefitted from the best of both worlds. I am celebrating the true spirit of the Savior's birth while embracing the traditions that bring me closer to my family. Today is the last day of school for the next two weeks. I can't wait to have all my kids at home with me and just absorb their sweet spirits. Now let's hope I remember how sweet they are when the messes and chaos begin! I may be coming back to read this post next week:)

Instagram

2011-12-16T09:18:00.001-08:00

Over Thanksgiving weekend we hung out with my cousin and her cute family. We always have so much fun visiting with them. Her kiddos are the cutest, her house is warm and welcoming, and her husband has the most contagious laugh!

She is an awesome blogger. She is also a master crafter and vintage lover. Check out her etsy shop debsfreckles. Finally, she is an amazing mother and wife. When I read her posts it always inspires me to be more creative and appreciative and to go give my crazy kids a squeeze.

Anyway she talked me into joining the world of instagram. I am now totally hooked. It is so much fun to play with and it reminds me to take photos everyday. Now you can see some of the highlights of my days such as...

My messy house

My awesome breakfasts

And my driving adventures

So thanks to Debbie for pushing my towards this great little app!

Oh yeah... If you have a smart phone look me up.

What's the difference?

2011-12-15T12:47:00.001-08:00

My "ode to a journal" got me thinking. What is the difference between keeping a diary and a journal? I decided to do a little research - google style:) There were a variety of opinions but most contained a similar thread. Of all the explanations I foundthis was my favorite.

Speaking of writing in journals/ diaries... what better place to do it than beneath a beautiful Cottonwood tree!

Ode to a Journal

2011-12-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago I brought this black beauty home. You see, I have a weakness for books of any kind and that includes journals.

Whenever I visit a book store I will inevitably be drawn toward the section that carries those uniquely bound treasures known as journals. I will look at them and touch them and smell them. I will WANT to buy them all, though I may or may NOT commit to one. You see the cost is surprisingly high for a book with blank pages!

If I succumb to my yearning and take one home it may take me a long while to put pen to paper. There is something sacred about a blank page under a pretty cover. At first, none of my thoughts will seem to deserve a note on the unbroken white of those fresh pages. I have been known to purchase a journal and stare at it for months... sometimes longer... before mustering the courage to write. In the mean time I feel a happy flutter of excitement whenever I look at it. For now that is enough I tell myself.

Most of the time I type my thoughts, but there always comes a day, or a moment, or an emotion, that needs to be truly written. Finally my hand will engage in the therapy that can always soothe my soul. I take long strokes and try my hardest to be neat. Handwriting itself has never been a strength of mine. I pour my little heart into each page and when it is done I hide that precious book away until the next time. There's always a next time.

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2011-12-12T18:05:00.001-08:00

These chubby cheeks and tiny hands... I just can't do without them!

Picture of a Cactus

2011-12-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I get an idea for a blog post I write something or download a picture and then save it. I usually come back to it later when I have time to elaborate on my thoughts. But sometimes I forget about it all together. Today I found an old saved post. It had no title. When I opened it I found this picture of a cactus. I don't remember the significance at all. Now I am really curious. What was I going to share about this special little desert dweller... the world will never know!

Apple Of My Eye

2011-12-08T11:37:00.001-08:00

"I got a guy that loves me so. He's the apple of my eye and..."

I had a teacher once who used to sing this song during spelling tests.

It was second grade.

Her name was Mrs. Niebrzydowski.

Her last name was on our first spelling test of the year!

Thanks to that I still remember how to spell it:)

But the point is - this little song often gets stuck in my head.

There is one problem... I can't remember anything but that one line.....

It has been driving me crazy for over 20 years now!!!

And finally, I am kind of sad that I am old enough to make that last statement:(

The End

Family Prayers

2011-12-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's time to say family prayers...
Me: Who wants to say the prayer tonight?
Rand: I do, I do, I do, I do!
Me: Ok, go ahead (we all bow our heads and close our eyes)
Rand: Dear Heavenly Father............................I need help.
Me: You know how to do this...First say something that you're grateful for.
Rand: I'm grateful for my family.......... I need help again!
Me: Ok, now you can say please bless that... and say something you need.
Rand: Please bless dad........
Me: Please bless that........
Rand: Please bless dad......
Me: Now say please bless that...
Rand: Please bless dad
Me: No that's not what I... you can bless dad if you want but what I'm saying is please bless THAT... then say something you need.
Rand: Please bless that... Dad will be blessed. (by this time we are all irreverently trying to hide our giggles)
Me: Please bless us to have a good nights sleep
Rand:........................
Me: (I just finish the prayer for him because we are all truly cracking up now and he won't finish!)

The Grocery Store

2011-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Before I had kids I loved grocery shopping. After I had a couple kids I liked grocery shopping ALONE. Now I hate grocery shopping period.

You gotta love these guys even though they made me start hating grocery shopping:)

A cold metal shopping cart never looked so comfy!

Christmas is in the air

2011-12-03T16:22:00.001-08:00

Last night we put up our Christmas decorations. Even though our tree is sort of Charlie Brownesque it has a few redeeming qualities:

First, it is cheap enough that when one of the little ones decides to unplug it and drag it around the house by the cord we don't stress... very much!

Second, it is small enough that the kids can put almost everything on by themselves, and they love being "in charge" of decorating. I can let them have at it while I take cute photos of them:)

Third, we have all hand made (read kid friendly) decorations. We made most of them out of paper + the ones the kids bring home from school. We learned of the necessity of this "kid friendly" decor when the incident in point number two occurred:) No glass ornaments here for a few more years!

Fourth, even though it is less than sophisticated, and obviously decorated by amateurs, it makes me happy when I look at it. Last night it even appeared a little beautiful to me:)

Guess Whose at the Nutcracker?

2011-12-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Ainsley is! She went to see it in Phoenix tonight with my Dad. He came and picked her up this morning and is bringing her home Sunday night. She was so excited about it. It has been a VERY long week of waiting for Friday to come at our house:)

I took a cute picture of her on my phone this morning before she left. She even dressed in Christmas attire for the occasion. Rand managed to erase the photo mere seconds after she walked out the door... and alas the moment is gone forever:( So you get a photo of beautiful ballerinas instead.

Having her gone has made me realize what a good helper she is, as well as how much I rely on her. We all miss her a lot, and can't wait for her to come home again. She adds a little spark to our family that only she can bring!

The things that pass for acceptable these days!

2011-12-01T09:58:00.000-08:00

We have a small stash of Halloween candy left in the house. It's pretty picked over and most of the good stuff is gone. Blythe is one of the few people who know it exists... or who actually wants to eat any of it:) She has been having a piece here and there this morning while the three big kids are at school. She came and hopped in my lap a minute ago and I noticed a stray candy crumb on her neck. I showed her and teased her "you have candy on your neck silly girl". She promptly ate it off my finger! I don't know if I should laugh or be grossed out?

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

I can't live without books. I love books, and I love to read. That is one thing about me that has never changed, and never will.

On that note I would like to introduce you to my library... there is another wall of shelves on the other side too!

My awesome husband built this for me because he knows that ever since I was a little girl I have
wanted a little library to call my own. He rocks and my library rocks!

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-14T15:50:00.002-08:00

Grand Canyon

I recently hiked the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim. I read a ton about the canyon before I went and I started to get a strange fascination with it. I guess you could say I became obsessed:) It was so cool and I can't wait to go back and do it again. I hope there are lots of return trips in my future.

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-14T15:50:00.001-08:00

My favorite bag right now... because I like purple.

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

#8 My home

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-07T16:33:00.001-08:00

Yes... I have Walgreen's on my list. It's because they employ my favorite guy - you know - the one who provides for me and the kiddos. Nick had been blessed with a steady and secure job thanks to the corner drug store:)

P.S. This picture is of a Walgreen's in the center of Time Square NY, NY. They really are everywhere!

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

#6 The family that raised me:)
We just went on an awesome trip to NY city last month and had so much fun together.

Can't forget mom... even though I can't see her right now I am so grateful for the time we did have. I can appreciate it more now that I have kids of my own.

Like it, love it, or can't live without it

2010-11-05T21:41:00.001-07:00

I saved the first five things for one day. There's kind of a theme...

#1 My favorite guy

#2 My number one helper and assistant mom

#3 My sweet and sensitive boy

#4 My biggest but best challenge:)

#5 My baby who's almost not a baby anymore!

Life is passing me by... almost!

2010-11-04T16:18:00.001-07:00

It feels like the last few months have flown by! The summer was crazy and busy but fun. Everyone was excited to start the school routine again in August, and now that "stressful October" (as I am calling it) is over I am ready to take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy the holidays with my little family:) My idea to ease back into blogging is that every day in November will be dedicated to things I like, love, and can't live without. It's my own personal version of what I am thankful for... stay tuned.

A Simple Pleasure

2010-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have written before about how bittersweet it is to watch my babies get older. Each milestone is exciting, but also a little sad. On any given day at my house "growing up" is happening. There are so many things I'll miss when my kids are grown: chubby hands, lisps and stutters, cuddles, and tiny voices saying "I Love You Mom".

In addition to this list of things that makes my heart melt there is a second list. It is full of things I could say goodbye to without batting an eye. It includes such lovelies as poopy diapers, tantrums, and a chronically messy house. In honor of this second list I bring you my latest joyful milestone. Three out of four children can now buckle themselves into the car without my help!!!

Even better, the older two kids can open the car door, get in, shut the car door, and buckle without me lifting a finger. The only thing standing between them and total car independence is the child proof lock, which requires me to open the door to let them out. Kid number three need help getting into the car, but can buckle himself. He also needs help unbuckling and getting out, but we are focusing on positives here:) It's only a matter of time before he joins the ranks.

This brings the tally of completely helpless passengers down to one.

If you know me at all you know I hate the ins and outs of the car with my little ones. It is one of my least favorite things about being a parent. I can't explain how wonderful I felt when I realized how far we'd come in the last year.

This is one of the few times I can enthusiastically say "Three cheers for growing up!"

At the end of the day

2010-03-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Lately I find myself looking forward to the end of the day. You know that time when dinner is over, the kids are clean and in bed, and I can put my feet up at last. Half the time I get to relax on the couch with my love. The other half of the time he is still at work for three more hours and I am on my own. So what do I do with these gloriously lonely hours? Well I'm glad you asked. I have developed a very wonderful tradition. First I draw myself a nice hot bath in my giant jacuzzi tub. Then I get some sort of a treat. Next I get a good book. Finally I get in the tub, turn on the jets, and read my little heart out while I eat my treat. I call it a delightful end to a long day! Try it... I dare you.

A short story about Rollerblades

2010-03-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else rollerblade as a kid?
I did, and as I remember, it was great fun.
I've REALLY been feeling the need to get out and get some exercise lately.
I hate running.
It just doesn't work for me.
I went to the store one day.
I saw rollerblades.
I remembered that I used to like them.
I bought some.
I felt a little "uncool" about this at first.
Then I remembered that I am an old lady with a bunch of kids and no one to impress.
I laughed at myself twice.
First I laughed because it's funny that I bought rollerblades.
Second I laughed because I cared that it wasn't hip.
Finally I strapped those babies on and went for a roll.
It's a good work out.
It is more fun than running, for me.
I laughed a third time because I almost tripped and fell when I first put them on.
But I was laughing with myself, not at myself so it's o.k.
This new hobby has made me realize how out of shape I really am:)
It also made me laugh a lot which is good because both burn calories.
The End

Helpless

2010-03-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

Our good friends got some bad news this week. I've been thinking about them non-stop. I've been praying for them. Somehow that doesn't feel like very much. I hate that I can't do anything to fix things. I hate that I can't say anything to make them feel better. I hate disappointment. I hate pain. I hate cancer.

Their story...
Team Ryan

Harley & Me

2010-03-03T06:57:00.001-08:00

Check out my new ride! Wasn't it sweet of my husband to buy it for me? He is the best! I can't wait to get on it and cruise around town:)

You know you're a boring old mom when...

2010-02-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

I HATE the vacuum I have now. It's performance, in my opinion, has been less than stellar. I have been telling Nick I need a new one forever. He always looks at me like I'm crazy and proceeds to tell me the one we have is just fine. So I was very surprised when he spontaneously decided to buy me a new one this week. I did leave him alone with the old one for awhile one day... maybe he had a bad experience:) I'll have to ask him about that. Is it uncool to be crazy excited about a new vacuum? Well it may be, but I don't care. My special delivery is on it's way!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-02-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate the 8th wedding anniversary.

Last Monday -
Nick: So, are we going to buy each other anniversary gifts this year?
Me: I don't know. I didn't get you anything yet. I figured we could just go shopping on Saturday and buy each other something then...Why? (I'm getting suspicious now)
Nick: I already bought myself an anniversary present.
Me: Of course you did (laughing)!
Nick: Well I guess it's really for both of us. (he sounds hopeful)
Me: Is it really for both of us or is it one of those things where you say it can be for both of us but it's something like a receiver for your stereo system and I could care less about it?
Nick: (sheepishly) It's one of those things.
Jacie: (matter of fact-ly) You can buy me something on Saturday.
Nick: Ok

Oh, my charming Nicky:) This conversation is SO typical of us. That's what I love about him. He's the only person as hopelessly UN-romantic as me. On a serious note... he really is the only one for me. We have grown so much together over the past eight years. We have had four beautiful babies. We have made a home, and a family, and a life. It doesn't get much better than that!

Our world is a little crazy, and a little chaotic, but we love it and we love each other! Happy Anniversary Babe!

"LEHI!" She yelled.

2010-02-02T11:38:00.001-08:00

I actually yelled "Lehi" at my kids the other night. For those of you who are not familiar, Lehi is a prophet in the
Book of Mormon.

I am not going to go into the whole story, but I will give you the bullet point version of events.

*Nick was working until 10PM.
*It was past bedtime.
*There were tired, cranky people involved.
*We were trying to read scriptures and say prayers before bed.
*These circumstances culminated with me yelling "Lehi" at the top of my lungs!

"And it came to pass that it got the kids attention and for a moment while they stared at me as if I was crazed I was able to finish reading and tuck them into bed."

Afterwards I had to sit and laugh at myself (it was that or cry). I mean... who yells Lehi? Seriously!

Yes, it's embarrassing but it's also kind of funny. That's why I shared. Think of this tonight while you're trying to feed, bathe, dress, homework, scripture, pray and put your family to bed:)

Remember how I said that everything about the holidays was GREAT?

2010-01-26T15:51:00.001-08:00

Well, there have been a few bad effects...

#1 - Everyone in my family is now hopelessly addicted to playing Super Mario Brothers:)

#2 My four and five year old now have a dangerous (but oh so fun) hobby!

#3 - I have hardly seen my LOVE because he's busy reading the presents I got him.

On second though...I guess if that's all I have to complain about I am doing pretty great after all!

Thumbelina

2010-01-18T19:15:00.001-08:00

I love this little baby so much. As soon as she was born I started to feel sad that she was getting older. I wanted so badly to keep her a newborn forever. When she was three weeks old I was crying over how fast she was growing... literally crying! Maybe it's because after having my fourth child I am starting to come to terms with the fact that I can't keep having babies forever. I'm not done yet, but the day will come when I need to be. The day will come when I will know with finality that I will never hold my own brand new baby again. At times that thought has overwhelmed me. It has brought me many tears and much sorrow. In those first few weeks I felt like no matter how much time I spent holding her and taking her in I couldn't get enough. It just wasn't enough.

I promised myself then that I wouldn't take her baby-ness for granted. This might sound strange but I was so upset by the thought of her not being a newborn anymore that I began to pray about it. I prayed that I would feel joy instead of sadness at her milestones. I prayed that I could really truly enjoy every perfect inch of her and every little event in her new life. I prayed that I wouldn't feel anxiety and sadness over her growing up (her and all my kids). I prayed that I would remember to pay attention as she grew so that I wouldn't miss anything. I realized today that it worked. She is 6 months old this week and I am finding joy instead of sadness in that. I expected to feel down about it. But I don't, and I am so thankful that my prayers were answered.

Holiday Hangover

2010-01-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

Has anyone out there ever felt like this poor little guy after the holidays?

I'll admit that there have been a lot of years where I did.

I am proud to announce that this year isn't one of them! This year Christmas was great. It was one of my favorite Christmases in a LONG time too. That cheer and joy and sense of peace that permeated my holidays is still with me now. Clean up is complete. School has started once again. The daily grind is back in full swing and I feel Awesome with a - yes - you guessed it - capitol 'A'!

To top it all off with a pleasant surprise, I realized that the "day after Christmas let down" is drastically less traumatic when your a grown up. In fact, I hardly felt it at all! This year my holiday hangover was a happy one!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

The new year is always a little bit bittersweet.

The sweet part is reflecting on the milestones and growth of my little family over the past year. The holidays were great and now it's time to settle back into life with a fresh outlook and renewed motivation.

The bitter part is knowing that another year in our lives is gone and that same little family is growing up way too fast for me. My babies get bigger everyday and the dawning of a new year is just another reminder of that.

It reminds me to stop and take in the sweet things in life more often. This next year will be more about enjoying each other and less about the daily grind. At least that's my main goal!

Now to go achieve it. The kids are having fun without me. I better go partake:)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

One year older... but am I wiser?

2009-11-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of me on my birthday (10-7).

Do I look older to you?

I do to me.

People always tell me "You're only as old as you feel." Well that's not working out for me because most days I feel older than I am!

26 going on 47 anyone?

I'm over halfway done with my 20's!

Time flies when you're having babies.

It seems like just yesterday I was 18.

Nick bought me a snowboard when I turned 18.

That was 8 years ago.

The good news is I AM wiser.

Aging, but wising too:)

Wolverine

2009-09-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Q: "Do you ever shut up?"
A: "No, not when I'm awake."

I am totally stealing that line:)

AAAHHHHHH!

2009-09-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am so annoyed! Usually when I feel like this I can just vent and be over it, but venting isn't working so far. It's time to get over it or do something about it, but I'm having a hard time. I HATE feeling like this. It is a serious waste of energy at a time when I have none to spare. I have a lot of lofty ideas about "moving on" and "coming to terms" with stuff that bugs me. Today I have a serious case of failure to follow my own advice!

I think that maybe I was unprepared for parenthood and family life or, my secrets to staying sane in an insane household - Part 1

2009-08-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

I like to call this lovely photo "One of THOSE days!"

That title is the understatement of the century! There were so many things I DID expected that I was falsely secure. I actually thought I knew what was in store when I began having children:)

I was pretty realistic about the negative changes that would come. I was prepared for a long list of things. I anticipated the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes. I expected that my relationship with my husband would go through changes, and that we would have less quality time together. I knew there would be less money and more toys. I counted on a messy house with lots of chaos, piles of laundry, and showers that were few and far between.

While all of these things have come to pass at one time or another there were some things I was very unprepared for. The first was how mentally taxing being a parent would be. There is nothing like being the sole custodian of another human being 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to drain the mind and soul. In my experience the challenges of parenting and the feeling that you'll never catch a break combine nicely with the lack of adult interaction to create a unique form of mental angst.

The second thing I was unprepared for was losing my "alone time". I was an only child until I was 11 years old. Thanks to this I am overly capable of entertaining myself for extended periods of time. Now that I'm an adult this "aloneness" has become a form of self-preservation. It took having a baby (make that two babies) to realize what a big part of me my "alone time" is. It quickly became clear that I MUST have this time (that and sleep) in order to act like a decent human being!

When I had my first baby I still had plenty of time to myself. No big adjustment there. Then came baby number two. I started to feel a little crazed at times. On a side note - this might also have something to do with the fact that they are only 15 months apart. By the time baby number three came along I began to realize that the lack of personal time had taken it's toll. I began to find it neccesary, but ever so difficult to get that elusive time to myself. I think I even blogged about it here about two years ago. Now that I am on baby number four I have begun to surrender to the urge to "self-preserve". I fit it in however I can throughout the day. I just do it!

I have some tricks for doing this. First, a little background that goes above and beyond the kid problem. I have a complex that causes me to feel guilty doing anything fun or relaxing while my house is messy. Now for the trick... don't laugh when I tell you... ready.... I set my timer and clean for a set amount of time, followed by a set period of doing what I want. This usually means computer time. Let's use today as an example. I dropped #1 off at school and when I came home I set the timer for 30 minutes and cleaned. Then I came into my room and spent some time downloading pictures and working on some projects while I nursed #4. Next, I set the timer again for 30 minutes of cleaning. Then I came back to the computer to write this blog while #2 and #3 watched a DVD. Now #4 is napping, I feel refreshed after a little self-expression, and as soon as I publish this post I will go back for round three of cleaning. You get the idea.

The trick to this trick is full acceptance of the fact that bad things may happen during the "alone time" sections of the day. For example while #2 and #3 were watching a DVD and I was blogging, #2 filled up a container with water and dumped it all over the floor and his brother. But that's OK. It was worth it. I have developed a seventh sense (in addition to the sixth and well known "mother" sense). This lesser known seventh sense allows me to hear activities in the next room and quickly assess whether my alone time is worth the mess, or if I should cut myself short and take immediate action. After much experience and fine tuning this sense almost always serves me well. I will give another example from today. While I was working on this post I heard the afore mentioned water spill and ignored it. On the other hand I heard #2 open the pantry and opted to leave my writing to intervene. It's all about your preferred mess. A little spilled water can wait. A pantry being raided can't. Choose your battles as they say!

My second trick is to take my meals alone. We eat dinner together as a family. However, for the other two meals I prefer to dine by myself. Lunch is especially sacred to me. I feed the kids, then put #3 (and hopefully #4) down for a nap. After they are down, and the others are fed and distracted, I make my lunch and I eat it in private. This way I get to eat at least one meal without people asking questions, begging for a bite, or climbing all over me. (Also known as eating in PEACE.) That's it. Even though it's usually only 10-15 minutes it's a great way to recharge during the day.

I just discovered this third trick. I'm sure some of you already take advantage of this. I must be a little slow because I just figured it out after I having #4. The trick= Husband does the grocery shopping. Nothing gets me more worked up than grocery shopping with all my kids. It's Horrible with a capitol 'H'! Plus, I usually do my shopping in the morning and it sets a bad tone for the rest of the day. Some may ask, why not just wait until husband is home and then go by yourself? The answer is simple... all the grocery shopping with kids I've done has ruined it for me. I dread doing it, even when I'm alone. Another reason is that by the time he's home I am usually to tired and lazy to go. On the weeks he work nights and I could go earlier I don't want to because I am hanging out with him. So my new discovery is to wait until he has a day off and then send him. Keep in mind that a detailed list is a must. A review of the list with me before he leaves is also required. You can never be too sure:) On extra special days I can even get him to take a kid along. This is nice but completely uneccessary. Like I said before, choose your battles. So far he hasn't seemed to mind this new chore. I like to think it's because he recognizes the value of me being less irritable. I almost forgot some of the other bonuses of this system. First, if you're like me, no more guilt for spending so much money on groceries. He doesn't mind spending money on food at all:) Second, He almost always brings home treats and things that I would never buy. Everyone wins here. Grocery Shopping - It's my new favorite thing to do.. or not do.

Fourth, don't beat yourself up. This may seem like common sense, but let's be honest. We all do it! I used to spend a lot of time being hard on myself for my imperfections. I'm not perfect. No one is. Surrendering to the guilt is not the answer. Spending time beating myself up just ruins my attitude. I mess up all the time. In spite of the fact that I spend all day cleaning my house is rarely clean to my satisfaction. In spite of the fact that I'd like to cook delicious healthy meals every night I don't. In spite of the fact that I love my kids I sometimes yell at them when I get mad. In spite of the fact that I dream of having a perfect family with a life that's all rosy sunshine and good times it isn't going to happen. All I can do is let go of that and do the best I can do that day at that time. I like to remind myself that I have a loving and forgiving family. My dad always told me to have the courage to admit my mistakes. Once again his advice is great! The minute that admit I messed up and resolve to do better I feel good again. Feeling upset at myself so easily turns into anger and resentment aimed at those around me. It is nearly impossible to be a happy and productive person under these conditions. My most important trick is to make a conscious effort to let go. If I let my frustration get the better of me I apologize and try to do better next time. It really works. Admitting my mistakes, even if it's to a five year old, is healing for both parties. When it comes to my husband and kids I'm all about moving forward. Who cares what happened yesterday today is today. Better yet, and more practical for me - who cares what happened a minute ago, this is a new minute:)

I may complain about the craziness of this life I lead, but the truth is that I thrive on a little bit of chaos. Those little babies of mine keep me on my toes and I love it. Even though I've been focusing on the negative aspects of family life there are many and more good times. I'm making it a point to enjoy!

Update

2009-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

The one month mark is looming over me. My sweet little baby is 3 weeks and 5 days old today. Time is working against me and my plan to enjoy this brand new little girl. If only the newborn days would pass as slowly as the pregnancy I'd be in heaven.

Now that home life is officially almost under control (almost is about as much as I can ask for these days:) I am beginning to write my birth story. This birth was such a different experience. I am so happy that I chose to give birth at home. I wish that I could go back and do it with my other three babies. I will post about it here when I'm done organizing my thoughts. Look out because I am now officially a birth junkie!

My oldest baby started kindergarten. That has been a little bittersweet. I can't help but feel that I'm turning over her upbringing to someone else. I know "home is where the heart is" but there is so much out there in the world I'm not ready for her to learn. I hope I did enough to prepare her for the real world. (That's what they're calling kindergarten now-a-days:)

I am looking forward to being able to write more here in the future. I went through a kind of writer's block the last couple of months. But recently I am bursting with ideas. I blame it on the sleepless nights! My head is finally clearing so look out. A bonus of breast feeding is that it's a great excuse to be on the computer:)

PHOTO: Baby after her first trip to the pool 8/8/09

I think I need a warning sign.

2009-06-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am 36 weeks pregnant,
and 4 weeks from my due date.

I am very uncomfortable,
and there is nothing I can do about it.

I am extremely irritable,
and even though I know it - I still can't be nice.

I am emotional,
and that is an understatement.

I am exhausted,
and it isn't going to get better.

I am nesting like a crazy woman,
and driving my family crazy trying to keep the house clean.

I am not being a very fun mom right now,
and my kids are bored out of their minds.

I am not being very nice to my husband,
and he is still being nice to me.

I am excited to give birth naturally,
and I am scared about it too.

I am getting a little worried,
and it is because this baby still doesn't have a name.

I am kind of a mess,
and it will get better:)

I REALLY needed to hear this.

2009-04-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."
-Thomas S. Monson

"There's no place like home"

2009-04-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my entire life I am starting to understand the desire to "put down roots". I have always been restless so this is a new feeling for me. As a child I begged my parents to move out of state. I didn't understand why they were unwilling to pick up and move across the country at my whim. I hated the heat and grew up longing for a place where snow was a common sight. I couldn't wait to grow up and move anywhere but boring old Arizona . I spent my last year of high school waiting for my chance to move away from home. I was desperate to get out on my own.

I graduated with big plans, but before I knew it I had fallen in love and was planning a wedding. I got married at the tender age of 18 and only then did I move away from my parents house. Nick and I spent that first year of marriage discussing and researching places we would want to live. I was dying to experience something new. Nick wasn't exactly opposed to this, but it wasn't a priority. He had just spent two years in Brazil and was a little "adventured" out:) I understood where he was coming from, but my yearning for change was still strong. In my mind only a move could bring me relief.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not completely disloyal to my home town. In fact, the older I've gotten the more I appreciate what a great place it was to grow up. Now I can recognize the features that make it unique and desirable. I feel a sense of home and comfort when I visit that I don't think will ever go away. Even though we've lived away for almost six years now we still say we're "going home" when we plan a visit.

Soon Nick was applying to schools and I was so excited at the possibility of moving far, far away. The ironic thing is that I grew up with a mother who would barely grocery shop by herself and here I was wanting to move to another state and be all alone. Maybe it was just my rebellious nature coming out once again:) Nick was accepted to school and we moved, but it wasn't where I had in mind and it definitely wasn't far away. We were a mere two hours from home. I have to admit that I was discouraged. Somehow I still felt there was something out there waiting for me... some new experience I couldn't get in my home state. In hindsight I can see that there were reasons we needed to remain close, and two hours has turned out to be the perfect distance for us.

I spent the next five years waiting it out in anticipation of where we would end up after school. I was slightly disappointed but not surprised when Nick talked me into sticking around southern Arizona for another three years after graduation. We would be moving about 25 miles away but in the wrong direction:) What's another three years, when I've already been waiting my whole life, I told myself. Besides, sometimes a career opportunity arises that is too good to pass up, even if it's not in the most desirable place:)

So last summer we packed up and headed south. After much searching Nick talked me into buying what we affectionately call the "dream house". Since the first day I walked into it I felt at home and I could picture us raising our little family here. This move felt different. This little town feels good. It feels right. It feels like home. I guess all this time I just needed to find a place that fit right. I'm still kind of surprised that I like it so much, but there's no denying it.

Since coming here I have begun to have a desire to put down those "roots" everyone's always talking about. I wish I had lived here long enough to have established relationships, to know the schools, my neighbors, and the leaders of the community. I crave that safety net of people that is gained from sticking around one place for a long time. The best part of being here is that I actually want all that, and barring some grand career opportunity elsewhere, I can have it. Who knows- maybe there is still some big adventure out there waiting for me, but I'm starting to feel a little like I could take it or leave it. I probably wouldn't turn it down, but if it never comes that's OK. I'm already home!

Have YOU made your peace?

2009-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

As the famous writer and poet Henry David Thoreau lay dying a friend asked if he had made his peace with God.

He replied, "I was not aware we had ever quarreled!"

TV always comes back to bite!

2009-03-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

After almost five years of being a mother I have learned some lessons about the television. A little TV can be a good thing. I can actually get something done when my youngest is napping (he doesn't really care for watching yet) and the older two are watching a movie. BUT... I have also learned that a lot of TV is a very horrible thing in our house.

Lately, I haven't been letting the kids watch TV or movies because they behave a lot better when they abstain. They are more obedient, more willing to work, and they fight less. Today I let them watch a movie, the same movie over, and over, and over, that is. The good new - I did get a lot of "stuff" done. The bad news - the meltdowns started around 1 PM. I also noticed around this time that all the chores they had done in order to be able to watch the movie were undone. I see my mistake. It was letting them watch the movie a third time. I should have cut them off at two:) Now I'm off to do damage control!

The day in review

2009-03-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today has been a VERY long day. The worst part is knowing that it's only 5:30 PM. I still have to feed, bathe, dress, and put the kids to bed, and then clean the kitchen. I take that back the worst part is that in the course of this LONG day I have gotten absolutely nothing done. AAhhhh! As I well know the less I get done during the day the longer it takes for it to end. I guess the logical thing now would be to ask myself why in the world I am sitting here on the computer at a time like this. That's a great question. Point taken! I am off to begin the nightly ritual.

Back in the saddle

2009-03-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well I can't say that I have done well with my goal of writing more. I have actually written less than ever since posting that I wanted to write more. Shame on me! Processing my feelings in writing is essential. It always has been, probably always will be. I feel like I've been losing my touch with the written world lately. If you read my family blog you know I am pregnant with #4. Now the first few months of pregnancy are worse for some than others, but let's be honest they're not terribly fun for anyone. This pregnancy has been somehow different than my others . It has thrown me off. It hasn't been the nausea (worst since #1), weight gain, hormonal outbreaks or emotional outbursts:) I wish I could blame it on those lovelies. It was more mental this time. The first couple months were just mentally overwhelming. Does that even make sense? I feel like I am over that now but it's amazing how long it can take to get life back in order. I kind of let cleaning and cooking and disciplining the kids go for a couple of months. Sad, I know. It is taken me another couple of months to get back into routine. I am pleased to say that we are well on the way though. I am confident that life will be flowing nicely just in time for this baby to be born and throw everything off again:) BUt the good news is that I have a new appreciation for "feeling like myself". What a relief it is too!

Commentary

2009-02-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

WHY I LOVE FOOTBALL

Point #1 - I don't really love football.
Point #2 - I just watched the super bowl. (Yes the entire thing!!!)
Point #3 - It was a pretty good game... and that's saying something coming from me because I don't like football:)
Point #4 - The Main Point - Since the Super Bowl just occurred and football is on the mind of many there are more than a few conversations floating around the media about favorite plays, moments, and so on. So without further ado I would like to share my favorite football moment.

One day the dear love of my life was watching football. To me this is just background noise. I was paying absolutely no attention until the following phrase caught my ear. "Now let's talk about the 'non-quitage' of this guy here." Did I hear that right I thought to myself. It can't be. That man did not just say "non-quitage". So I asked Nick to confirm, which he did. The announcers, in speaking of a player who refused to "quit" playing in a seemingly hopeless situation, had just created a new word.

FORMAL DEFINITION
non-quitage - The act of NOT quitting. (Not to be confused with non-quidditch - NOT playing the game involving broomsticks and a snitch in the Harry Potter series.)

Needless to say, I got a huge laugh out of this. So I've been thinking of ways that I can incorporate non-quitage into my own life and vocabulary and the possibilities are very promising. I'll keep you posted.

Love & Logic

2008-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

"Regardless of all our technological advances, parents will always be the most important source of information and values for their growing children."

Stop and Write

2008-10-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

I think I need to adopt this as my personal motto. I can't tell you how many ideas fly through my head every day. These thoughts come mostly in the midst of vacuuming, laundry doing, errand running, diaper changing, and a lot of times laying in bed at night. The best ones come at night after everyone is asleep and I am finally alone in my own head:) Sometimes they're of a deeper nature and sometimes they're personal goals. Sometimes they're just realizations about myself and the world around me. Often they're reflections on the little things that make me tick or even hold me back.

The best part about these little revelations is when I actually take the time to jot them down. I always feel so peaceful after I've evaluated myself in print. There are some thoughts that are fleeting but there are others that cause me an almost irresistible urge to stop and record them. I say almost because I tend to resist this urge when I am say driving or scrubbing a toilet, you know things that aren't the best to just stop in the middle of. And you know what? I always, always, ALWAYS regret it later. I tell myself that it's ok not to stop because I will remember it later when the kids are in bed, or dinner is made, or I am not so tired. The thing is I rarely remember. I remember that I had a really great thought. I remember where I was and what I was doing when it came to me, but that's not the important part now is it?

So I've been thinking (mainly since this blog has been so boring and uninspired lately:) that maybe, just maybe I need to STOP... and write when my mind tells me to. I'm making it a new goal of mine to give myself a moment to process and record these small personal inspirations... within reason that is!

Boys and their bikes

2008-10-18T07:23:00.001-07:00

Nick is at the dunes this weekend with his brother and some friends. I hate to see him walk out the door knowing that he will be gone for 2-3 days. But I am glad he's off to have a little fun. He deserves it:)

I do worry a little when he does stuff like this because of the whole "safety" factor of this activity. I know he will be careful though. He's smart and responsible and he knows better than to do anything crazy. He sure looks hot doing it too if that counts for anything:) I hope he's having fun right now, but I'm getting excited for him to come home tomorrow morning!

Remember to enjoy

2008-09-23T14:15:00.001-07:00

The daily stuff sometimes makes me lose perspective.

But then I remember to enjoy...

this baby's little arms wrapped tightly around my neck when I ask him to give me a "squeeze".

I remember to stop and listen...

as this sweet girl tells me all the things she can use her imagination for.

I remember to savor the sound...

of this tender-hearted guy when he says "I love you mom" at the perfect moment.

Then my heart breaks that I ever forgot. But I was reminded today so that's all that matters.

One of those sweet moments

2008-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a day I appreciated as a mother. I appreciated the fact that my kids are so close in age. I appreciated that their closeness in age at times becomes closeness in play. There are lots of days when I have had it up to here with all the fighting that goes on between these kids. There is yelling and arguing and bossing around that goes on. Sometimes there is even hitting and kicking and tackling! My little guy is now old enough to get in on the action too. Some days they drive me crazy with their fighting.

But there are also days when they don't fight as much. There are days like today when they play quietly for hours. On days like today they close their bedroom door and I hear the sounds of friendship, cooperation, and their sweet uncontrollable giggles. They are "imagining" they tell me when I open the door to check on them. The older two even work to entertain the baby so he won't desert their game. My heart is full when I see them enjoying each others company. I am reassured that even though there is often conflict between them deep down they really are best friends. Their happiness is contagious and I walk away from them feeling a little lighter. Oh and there is one more benefit. I can peacefully take five for myself... which I definitely did:)

My nEw HoME... ALmoSt

2008-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

WeLCoMe To mY soOn To bE hOMe SwEEt HoMe

tHe vIEw

This had to have been written about us.

2008-09-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

PUSH

Every time I look at you the world just melts away
All my troubles all my fears dissolve in your affections
You've seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am
And when I fall you offer me a softer place to land

You stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together
You're the one true thing I know I can believe in
You're all the things that I desire you save me you complete me
You're the one true thing I know I can believe

I get mad so easy but you give me room to breathe
No matter what I say or do cause you're too good to fight about it
Even when I have to push just to see how far you'll go
You wont stoop down to battle but you never turn to go

There are times I cant decide when I can't tell up from down
You make me feel less crazy when otherwise I'd drown
But you pick me up & brush me off and tell me I'm OK
sometimes that's just what we need to get us through the day

WOW I sat down to write tonight and this is totally not the direction I though it was going to go, but... I heard this song and it always gets me:)

My love has been on my mind lately (as he usually is on the weeks he works nights). It seems I always debate with myself about waiting up for him. One one hand, I am going to hate myself when the kiddos get up at the crack of dawn and I, unlike them, didn't go to bed at 7:30 PM. However, on the other hand, I want to see him before I go to bed.

Too cheesy for ya?
Too bad!

Every time I hear this song it reminds me of how I wouldn't be who I am today without his influence. There are so many things about myself that I never would have figured out with anybody else by my side.

Everyone wants to be with someone who lifts them up and brings out the good in them. I know those phrases are cliche, but you know it's true! We all want that person that really makes us stretch to become better and greater. I don't necessarily mean someone who praises us and makes us "feel" good, but instead, someone who "pushes" us until we BECOME good.

Until we become unblemished, undamaged, unhurt... WHOLE.

Thanks to him I'm on my way.

I think I'll be waiting up tonight.

Chaos Reigns

2008-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

So my life is crazy right now. Schedules have been thrown out the window, healthy eating has ben forgotten, children are wandering aimlessly consuming what they will and watching copious amounts of television...AAAHHH! All this is brought on by a little thing called moving. We moved this weekend, actually we've been, very slowly and painfully and at times in the pouring rain, moving for the last week. Now that everything is moved to our new place chaos has ensued. I am out of town as we speak while the boxes sit gathering dust and my poor love tries to clean the old house in between shifts at work.

This explains my absence from the blogging world. While I am sure it hasn't put a wrinkle in your days... it has in mine. I like blogging - here and on my family blog. I miss it. Oh how I miss the days when everything was under control and I could sit guiltlessly pouring my thoughts into cyber space. I am afraid that I may be saying goodbye to August before I can justify the expenditure of time and energy here. Oh well life calls and I answer. It's funny how it takes so much time and effort to get my life in order and so little time to disorder it:)

That Special Someone

2008-07-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else have a person, or people, in their lives that make them feel like this?

Well I sure do... and they're driving me crazy lately!

2008-07-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

“Only you know your circumstances, your energy level, the needs or your children, and the emotional demands of your other obligations. Be wise during intensive seasons of your life. Cherish your agency, and don’t give it away casually. Don’t compare yourself to others—nearly always this will make you despondent. Don’t accept somebody else’s interpretation of how you should be spending your time. Practice saying, ‘I feel good about my decision to . . .’ and then fill in the blank with whatever you’ve decided.”
-Chieko Okazaki

One of those days

2008-07-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am having one of those days. Not one of those days where the kids are driving me crazy and the house is a mess. One of those days where I just feel lonely and wish I had a good friend close by, and I ate a brownie for lunch, and now I have a headache from it, so I am force-napping my kids.

It seems all my "close" friends down here moved away. It's all superficial now! It's time to start over, but I am a little slow and complicated when it comes to making "real" friends.

Kyla, if you read this I wish you were still here and I could come over and eat a hundred "healthy" chocolate chip cookies while my kids trash your house:) I'll even let the baby crawl in the dirt.

I guess that's why I blog. In a way it's like having a friend I can talk to about anything. It's very said that my blog is my friend, but there it is.

I think I will go and clean now. Like I always say... If you don't have friends, at least have a clean house in case you meet some!

Funny Story

2008-06-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Ainsley is taking a dance class. Every week I sit outside the classroom and sort of listen as these two ladies talk. I'm guessing they are both around their late 30's. One has a little boy and the other has two little boys. They sit and talk business. It's not about their kids or any of that motherly stuff us softies discuss outside our toddlers parks & rec classes. It's serious. They talk about work and meetings and projects. It's actually interesting sometimes. Anyway, back to the point. I see them both look at me kind of weird every class. It's as if they really want to ask me something, but don't know me well enough. So one day I am in the restroom waiting for Ainsley to come out of the stall and one of these ladies brings her little boy in. We are both just standing there and suddenly she gets brave and makes her move.

Lady: "So are you their baby sitter or their sister, or...?" (She runs out of ideas here.)
Me: (with an amused smile) "They're mine."
Lady: "They're all yours... all three of those little ones... really."
Me: "Yep"

She gives me a look that rests somewhere in between shock, disapproval, and thinking I'm crazy. Then she must have realized how she looked to me and she got a huge fake grin and said...

"Well, wow. Congratulations on that! I mean, really... congratulations!"

Does anyone else find this funny? I mean when is the last time you congratulated someone on having a four year old, or a two year old... or even a ten month old for that matter. After that weird reaction I was tempted to let her know I was married, had been for 6 1/2 years, and that yes he was the father of all three. You never know where I live:)

I actually get this a lot. I can't tell you how many times the cashier at the grocery store has said "Ok I have to ask how old you are." or "Are you the mom?" It seems being a young mother makes for a good conversation with a stranger these days. The best part is that everyone's reaction is always to congratulate me. So I wonder when people see a woman with kids that looks, let's say 35, do they congratulate her on having a 4 year old? Maybe they do and I'm just ignorant. I find the whole thing pretty amusing.

I guess I can hope that in 20 years I still look too young to be their mother, but I doubt it!

Personal History Tuesday

2008-06-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

This weeks installation is going to be short and sweet... and it will involve cows!

When I was a very young child, somewhere from 5- 7 years, I thought that my dad was the best at mooing. Yes, that's right, I mean mooing like a cow. At some point in some game or play time my dad had mooed like a cow and I was impressed. I thought he sounded exactly like a real true cow. I even remember telling my friends that my dad was so good at mooing that they should all hear it. Now of course I think this is quite funny. I told my dad this the other day and he said that he never knew I loved his moo.

Strange But True

This may not exactly be the epitome of "historical" but it is an anecdote that had to be recorded at some point:)

That will be it for the second edition of "Personal History Tuesday". Pleases tune in next week for more of my story.

Home Again

2008-05-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just came home from the beach. There is something about the concept of the ocean that intrigues me. I sit on the sand and watch the waves that stretch out of sight and I am amazed to think of the sheer amount of the earth that they consume. I wonder about the purpose of this watery expanse. I go home and read about the tides and the science behind the seas. It gets pretty complex and I don't understand everything. There is something mysterious and risky about standing on the edge where the sky meets the water meets the land. I feel nervous but at the same time this scenery soothes my soul, and my belief in a greater power is confirmed. I feel small and powerless as I watch the surf surge around my ankles, but I also feel the presence of my creator. I am content and more than that, I am healed and my energy is renewed. As I drive away from the shore and back into the desert the feeling fades and I long for it as I always do when I leave its presence. Soon, however, I will acclimate to being back home and it will seem like I never left.

"Hananah Montananana"

2008-05-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ainsley and I were driving in the car yesterday when we had this conversation.

Ainsley - "Mom, when I grow up I want to pick a different name."
Me - "You do huh? What would you like to change it to?"
Ainsley - "Anana Montananana."
Me - (After asking her to repeat herself about 5 times) "Are you saying Hannah Montana?"
Ainsley - "Yes, that girl. That is the girl that I mean, Hannah Montana. When I grow up I want to change my name to that and then I will go on the stage and talk."
Me - " Where did you hear about her?"
Ainsley - "I saw about her on the TV."

At first I was slightly amused by this little conversation. But the more I think about it the more it actually kind of bugs me. I try to limit my kids TV time. When they do watch I am pretty picky about it. I don't even like them to watch stuff like Sponge Bob. Don't get me wrong I have definitely enjoyed a good episode of the sponge in pants with my younger brother (who is a huge fan). The thing is, it's not meant for two and three year olds. It's funny and there's nothing bad in it, but it's for older kids. If they were say nine or ten I probably wouldn't mind. I feel the same way about the Hannah Montana thing.

The show, as well as the character (don't know anything about the real actress), is pretty wholesome from what I've seen. I, however do not want my three year old concerning herself with this stuff. At this point in her life I'd like it if she was more worried about what was going on in Mickey's Clubhouse or maybe on the Little Einstein's rocket:) I guess my point is that it scares me that I thought I was doing a good job of monitoring what she watches and it turns out that maybe I wasn't monitoring as closely as I thought I was. I don't want my kids to go through life being overly sheltered, but come on, they're still toddlers. I'm making it a point to be in control of pretty much everything they do and see at this point.

It really made me realize how challenging the balancing act is going to be as my kids get older. Let's face it, it's not always going to be such innocent stuff that they're exposed to. I just hope that we can keep an open dialogue about it. I definitely don't want them partaking in anything questionable as teenagers. On the other hand I don't want to be written off with an "our mom freaks out about everything". They're beyond listening to me by that point, or sharing what they're up to for that matter. Trust me I know:) I want to be open enough that they'll respect my opinion and feel comfortable talking to me about anything. So my big question is... how in the heck do I manage all that?

Wow, this parenting thing is ridiculously challenging!

Personal History Tuesday

2008-05-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well I committed to write something about myself once a week so here we go. Where to begin... well how about the beginning.

I was born at 10:35 PM (give or take a minute) on October 7, 1983 at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. My parents had been married for approximately one year and three months and my dad was attending his final year at BYU when I was born. Here is everything I know about the circumstances surrounding my birth. My due date was October 4th which, by the way, was a Wednesday. My mom started having some sort of labor like symptoms that morning. I wasn't born until Friday the 7th. It was long and painful and her doctor was out of town. After much work I entered the world. Even though they didn't really know, they had been sure I was going to be a girl and they were right. My Grandma Brown (maternal grandmother) came to see me and says that her first impression was that my dad had brought me back from Korea (where he served his mission) with him. This means that I had jet black hair, dark eyes, and was definitely not fair like the rest of the grandchildren on both sides.

My parents were extremely poor students when I was born. When I say poor, I mean poor. One favorite anecdote of my mom's is about how my dad actually calculated how much money it cost him per hour to run the light bulb on the porch of their apartment. Then he left it off to save money until she complained about being big and pregnant and trying to go up and down the stairs at night in the dark. On the same note I have also been told that my first bed was a diaper box on the floor that my dad had rigged up for me. That lasted until Grandma Homer (paternal grandmother) decided it was too cold for me to live on the floor in a box at my tender age and my parents borrowed a basinet from my aunt.

When I was nine months old my dad got a job in Arizona and we moved to Gilbert. I guess here I should note that my mom was born and raised in Arizona. My dad grew up in Sandy, Utah. My dad's parents still live in the same house that they lived in before he was born. I stayed in Gilbert then until five years ago when Nick and I moved to Tucson.

That will be it for the first edition of "Personal History Tuesday". Pleases tune in next week for more of my story.