Girl's Weekend

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

#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...

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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...

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

Messy Room

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Happy times with the family!

South Mountain

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:(

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

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

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

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

Christmas Time

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:)