Summer has Begun!

Summer has officially begun at our house! We had a bbq outside, the kids played outside until it was dark and cold, the cousins have hung out, the adults visited(even with the blankets and jackets-it gets cold quickly at night here). It is late, late, late and some of this family is still awake, not just the Momma! Summer, endless summer!

We had a nice afternoon at my Mother in laws retirement party. Everyone said nice things and she was glad to have all of us there. Our Sister in Law came from Colorado--a total surprise! It was one of those priceless moments when she walked in-It made J cry!

I spoke to my brother yesterday. His daughter graduated this last week. How could that have happened? She was the darling little curly-headed girl at my wedding.
Remember when you were a teen and everyone always said how fast you were growing and you just looked at them like--NOT FAST ENOUGH! Well, I have completely crossed over. I have been out of highschool for more than 5 times longer than I was in highschool. My baby is 14 years old. I met my sweetie when I was *17*(yes, I was a very young graduate) OK, that is just icky to think that my daughter could meet someone within 3-5 years that she wants to spend her life with. Just for the record, I was almost 22 when we got married! When those little babies are placed in your arms you think that they will be yours forever. They are in your heart but the reality is that you really only get them as yours alone for about 10 years. After that they seem to start to separate from you. You have them in your home longer than that but it is not the same as when they were younger. I realize that this is a good thing. I don't want them living with me as adults. I want them to move out and have their own lives-but it is so hard to watch your babies become big people.

A favorite saying of mine is something that I struggle with-perhaps others do as well.
Enjoy the journey!

We have to take a few moments to just enjoy or those moments will be gone forever!

Date night

I got to go on a date last night with my sweetie! We went to a great Asian place called Pei Wei-fabulous!

I was just thinking about how glad I am that after---17 years! I still really, really like this guy! He is fun to go places with, talk to, walk with and anything else! I am just glad that he is with me in this crazy life!

Big Day!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

We are also heading to my mother in laws retirement party! It should be a big day!

Desperate times!

The reality of life---NO TOILET PAPER!

I have to go to the store-no matter what! We are down to ONE roll of toilet paper and two diapers!

Remember my list? Well, I printed off another copy of it. I am determined to start getting a few of these things crossed off. I hate that I am a procrastinator! I just have to finish some things!

First thing-metal boards for the kids rooms. I actually called and made arrangements to have a frame made for them! Next is the desk-I am going to paint the wood on Friday(if we don't go to the zoo-we might have family in town.)

Here We Go!

Oh, My! School is almost out! Those six words either bring sheer joy or ultimate terror. Which camp are you? I am actually a bit of both. I am ready for a change of pace. Not quite so rigid of a schedule. Hanging outside in the evening, not worrying about bedtimes.
I also dread it. I have four children-yes, I did say four! That means that I have to have more food around, I have to cook more, clean more, monitor more, everything more!
So, here are a few things that I want to enjoy this summer.
*Go to the Zoo a few times
*Go to Lagoon--and try and enjoy it(it is still quite a chore for me)
*Go to the lake with the boat(once it gets fixed-bummer)
*Go to the drive in-we have one of the few left in the country--so much fun for the family.
*Go to Grandma's house
*play in my flowers
*color with sidewalk chalk
*read a good book(I don't know if this will ever happen again! I hate,hate being interrupted)
*scrapbook
*evening walks
*movies outside on the patio
*looking at the stars
*smelling the mountain air

What are you plans for summer?

What a whirlwind weekend!
We started out Friday evening after tennis lessons-we made it to the campground in good time. We made dinner, sat by a fire, roasted old marshmallows(they don't work well) and all those sit in the woods kind of things.
Saturday morning we realized that we had no life jackets(duh!). We called Poppa who is our life saver often and he came and we spent the morning on the water. The wind picked up terribly so we decided to get off the water. That was a nightmare. The wind was making the water have terrible waves. Try holding a boat away from the dock so it wouldn't bang the boat-not easy! As soon as we were loaded up and leaving the wind started to die down! Isn't that our luck? We went back to camp, had a nice lunch and decided to try it again. It was a nice afternoon. The water was ICE cold! The wild #2 children(mine and his cousin) rode the tube and loved it! We ate a nice supper and then headed home for the night. With hubbies church responsibilities he needed to be in church. So, we went to church and headed back Sunday evening. Unfortunately, Saturday after the boat ride we looked inside the motor compartment. It wasn't good. Water is getting into the motor-that is bad! So, no boat for Monday! Oh,well! We took the jet skis and had fun anyway.
Our kids are true water babies. They just love the water. I wasn't feeling the best, I caught little boys cold.
I am glad that we are able to spend time playing with our kids. I hope that they will want to continue to play with us-it is harder and harder once they get older. Our oldest already wants to go other places sometimes. We want to be the FUN place.

Now that I have bored you with my weekend I will stop!

I do miss going to the cemetery with my Mom. I have always been one to go with her and walk around and listen to the who and what. Memorial Day is a very special day to remember those that have fought for our freedoms and to celebrate those that have passed before.

Tired

I am exhausted! We had a great day yesterday! We went out on the lake with our new family toy. The water was COLD so I wasn't getting in. I am now just so tired that I cold use a 3 hour nap. WE will be going back to the campground to spend the night and then we will hit the water again tomorrow.

Can you please press the stop button?

My day!
7:00-8:13 --try and get #3 dressed, fed,hair combed and out the door.
8:14 breathe sigh of relief at sight of #3 getting on bus
8:45-decide I better get a move on getting myself ready
10:25 -take #4 to Grandpa's house
10:50-get to Dr.'s Office
11:00 -Time for appointment
11:00-12:05 take nap in freezing Dr's outer office
12:06 -go to inner office-get weighed(same as last year)
12:15- finally get taken into patient room
12:25- Dr. finally comes in-actually a very good visit.
1:00- leave Dr. office
1:15-go through Taco Time drive through
1:30 pick up #4 from Grandpa's
1:40-2:40 rock and cuddle #4 (sweetest spot of the day!)
3:45--feed the starving herd after school
4:00-load Suburban with blankets, coats, trike, bat, mits, cleats, dance shoes, diapers etc.etc.
4:14 #3 is picked up for dance practice
4:15 leave for baseball practice
4:30 drop off #2 for practice
4:35 meet #1 at middle school for art show
5:00 Asked if I am ready to start teaching. ?in all my spare time?5 positions she would let me choose from-ego booster, yes--however,not even a consideration yet.
5:15 take dinner back to ball field, look like a dork with all this food, watch #2 pitch
5:30 #3 comes from dance practice(neighbors turn to drive-next door to the ballfield)
6:15 take #1 to softball game
6:25 come back to get #2 from his game, barely make it in time for him to bat!
6:30 round up #3 from playground(again)
6:40 go back to #1 softball game
7:30 take #1 to dance practice
7:35 take #2 #3 #4 for an ice cream
(all of this take place in a two block area of our town--however, a bridge is being replaced so you have to go about a mile around every single time! We live 12 minutes away from town)
8:00 get home-start mowing lawn
8:15 run out of gas ---fill with gas
8:30 lawn mower dies, not finished mowing.
9:00 trying to get everyone into bed, everyone thinks they need a shower(they did but it was late!)
9:15 Dry off #3#2, lotion, jammies
9:20 say prayers with #3 #4 get them to bed #2 had already fallen asleep
9:25 #1 comes home from dance practice.
9:45 #1 says she is starving. Make a fried egg and toast
10:20 -GO TO BED #1

What a day!

ick!

Today-yearly doctor's appointment! Yuck!

Happy Birthday MOM!

I am the luckiest daughter in the world. I have the BEST MOM ever. Today is her birthday! She is beautiful, kind, helpful and just basically great!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday

Fourteen! How did that happen? My baby girl is 14 years old! Doesn't 14 years just sound like a long time? If someone says to you, "in 14 years we will have our house paid for." It sounds like a really, really long time. Hard to consider. I have a 14 year old daughter!
We spent her birthday shopping. I survived with only a few scratches! We did really well, we hit our local Ross store. We found t-shirts,shorts,skirts,a darling dress and all of them were a decent price!Of course, we also had to find shoes---shoes are so cute this year! It was a fun day. Hard to believe she is this old. To me she is still a little thing. However, I have to remember--when I was 14 I had a driver's license!(daytime only-Idaho) I am SO glad that she doesn't get one until she is 16! I am also glad that we live in the country so that she isn't just "wandering" around town.
She is beautiful, smart, funny, talented and my little girl-how did she get this big?

Clean Toilets!

I broke down again! Being gone so much last week my house was overwhelmingly dirty. I was trying to not freak out about it but I also was not making much progress.I usually have my kids do their chores, etc. However, we were way behind and it was getting to me. So, I called in reinforcements. I called my now 14 year old(happy birthday-how did that happen?) and her two friends. Will you help me clean the house? Will you pay us? (the normal answer for that is NO, you live here, we all clean.) Yes, I will pay you.
Desperate times call for desperate measures! So, three teenagers and one hour and I can move in my house again!
The best $18 I have spent in a long time!

What to do?

This is a really scary world. I have some information that I wish I didn't have. I know things that would shock and scare anyone over 35. Things that are so common place that I have a sick knot in my stomach most of the time.
How do we live in this horrible world but not be OF this terrible place? I know the basic answer to that question. Read my scriptures, say my prayers, listen to good music, keep myself away from evil---these are things we know. However, the reality is much harder. The reality of teaching children is so much more difficult. There is nowhere safe for our children except our homes-if we make them safe. I am not a homeschooler yet. However, I understand it and embrace it. I live in a community that looks good, it acts good, it has strong, devout people in it. Yet, it has the same horrible element that the rest of the world has. Unfortunately, I think that many of us are turning a blind eye to things.
Just a bit of depressing info for a Monday.

Do you Listen?

Wow, another week beginning!

Today was actually fairly calm-especially considering the week I had!



I had a long talk with my almost 14 year old daughter tonight. It was one of those talks, just random stuff that is important or not so important. Why am I telling you this? Because my first instinct was that it was way past bedtime. She is usually not a talker(to me) so I just let her. I am so glad that I did. I learned a few things that are quite important.



Do you think that many times we are just in too big of a hurry to listen? I know that I am. Sometimes after having #3 talking to me for hours I just want her to not talk anymore. Do you think that we are also like that with our Heavenly Father? We just don't take the time to listen. I know it is true for me.



With all the noise in our lives we have to make a concious effort to turn off the noise and listen. I am going to try harder this week to listen. Perhaps that will be a new habit that I am going to work on. Listening-to my children, Husband and my Heavenly Father.



(if you want to make some new habits go to the Lazy Organizer's site for Smart Habit Saturday)

Is it Friday?

What a week! We have been running ragged this entire week.

Monday-FHE-big hike,baseball practice, science project

Tuesday-Bishopric night - me speaking at Enrichment meeting-YW planting flowers

Wednesday-Wedding at Temple(45 minute drive), luncheon,switch cell phones, cubscouts, Weblos, back to reception(45 min drive), extra dance practice

Thursday-softball practice, two-softball games,#2 Piano lesson, driving little girls to dance practice, baseball game, older girls dance practice

Friday-Gym(I needed it badly) tennis,#2 moving sprinklers(first day), packing motorhome with food for dance competition tomorrow-heading to campground at Lagoon(amusement park).

Saturday-dance competition-spread throughout the day starting at 8:00am until 5:30pm!

That list doesn't include Daddy working,Mommies work- laundry, dishes, homework, showers,grocery shopping, food etc. etc. etc.!

May is such a crazy month for us. So many things are ending yet other things have already begun. Also, the mindset has changed. It is now summer and nice warm weather. We all want to be outside playing!

I have often heard people say that children are too overscheduled. I do not disagree. We have tried to not have too many things for each child. However, when you have 4 children, 2 parents, a dog, a house and a partridge in a pear tree---oh, wrong story! We as parents-or me as the mother, we are often running a lot. I am trying to just go with the flow. I am not feeling like I am doing that too well. However, I have a very messy house and I am trying to just do baby steps. I am trying to just accept this crazy week. We are all healthy! The messy floor isn't going to kill us. It might embarrass us but it won't kill us!

So, if you come to visit, please just step over the mess and love us anyway!(bringing Alice wouldn't hurt either)

Tired

Tired! I am so tired today! We went on a hike last night for Family Home Evening. It was supposed to be an easy little hike. Well, it was a beautiful, glorious hike-that was also twice as long as anticipated and four times as steep and rocky! We took little Missy with us. We started the hike at 7:00pm and got back to the car at 10:10! That was a late night. Missy should have been in bed hours before that! Oh, well, she did so great! She really was a trouper. My lower back is sore and Daddy's knee is really hurting. It was longer and harder than anticipated, yet, it was a really great hike.

I was feeling quite "wo is me" yesterday. For no real reason except that I have a messy house and it never seems to really change! The hike seemed to use some energy, perhaps get those endorphins going-which is so important. Perhaps I can keep focused and realize that the mess that is my life IS my life. It isn't who I am, but maintenance is just a fact of life. Not always a fun, exciting part but still vital!

I was tagged awhile ago for 7 things you wouldn't know about me.

1. I am the youngest of four
2. I went to college in Hawaii( and 4 other Universities!-yes, I was a flake)
3. When I was 12 I was hit by a truck while riding my bike. I landed on my face. Luckily, I had no head injury(maybe that is my problem, an undiagnosed head injury)just lacerations and a hurt knee-I spent 4 days in the hospital.
4. I have a college degree(elementary ed.& special ed) yet I don't know what I want to be when I grow up!
5. I am a wannabe photographer.
6. I was a state officer for Future Homemakers of America in HS. Too bad it was a leadership club more than a way of actually helping me to run my household!!
7. I am a scrapbook supply collector-I keep thinking that I am really going to have time to do my hobby. I love it but don't make time for it! I have to really restrain myself from purchasing things that I love, yet know that I won't be using anytime soon.

I don't actually know anyone to tag that hasn't been so---think of 7 things about yourself. Perhaps write them down. Your family might think they are funny in 15 years!

I am going to go and fold the MOUND of laundry that has accumulated. At least it is clean!

Monday

Just checking in--just in case you were worried! We have been busy, my house is a mess(what's new?) I spoke in church. We will continue in this pattern for the next---oh, 100 years!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. I forgot to take pictures of my little present for my Mom. It was a little mini album-it turned out so cute. It was from a kit and I really enjoyed doing it.

I better get back to laundry. It is overtaking my house-again!

Scouts

Have you ever felt like an underachiever? I sure did tonight! It was our monthly Pack Meeting for Cub Scouts. I am the Bear leader in our ward(church congregation). We have our meetings, the boys are passing off requirements, advancing, etc. Then I go to the meeting--and the Wolf leader has like 12 additional EXTRA awards that her group has earned. I didn't even know that there were other awards that they could earn!
I often feel like that old saying "a day late and a dollar short". Even right now my computer is typing slow, I hope that it isn't dying. I have pictures that are not backed up yet!

On to brighter things! I got the wood today for the desks in the kids bedrooms. I had purchased some melamine, but I just was not convinced that I was going to like it. So, I got it. My friend Lara is quite the powertool gal so she is going to help me with this project. I also got some more ribbon to finish the labels for my pantry. I realize that I am being obessive, will anyone but me ever realize that my ribbon doesn't match? No, however, I figure if I am going to as much work and thought to this pantry as I have been then I have to go with it. Interestingly, I am finding that with the baskets there just isn't as much extra "stuff" getting shoved in the pantry. That is the plan, a place for everything!

I was also tagged by Chrissy . I haven't ever been tagged before. I am suppose to come up with seven random things about myself. I have to think about this. I will try and do it tomorrow!

Well, Off to my bed! I am going to spin class again tomorrow. I am feeling very good about this but very bad about my weight. It is up not down. I think that I may have to really step something up. Perhaps cutting out the pepper jack cheese would be a good start! I think that I may need to add an evening run into my routine. I might be able to schedule it in more this summer, in all my free time!

Little Bits of Sunshine!

Fun Little Goodies!

I made a trip to Michael's today. I went to find more ribbon to match what I am using for labels in my pantry. Instead of ribbon I came home with these fun little treasures! The stamps are darling--best part? they were each $1! The cute flower brads? not $1 but still adorable! I could spend hundreds of dollars on scrapbooking stuff. I am a collector! I refrained today and this is all I walked out with. I told myself that I had to use some of my stash before I could add to it!!!

Just thought I would share my fun finds!

Help?

Do you remember a few months ago when I shared a picture of the basket FULL of stuff that I took off of the dryer? Well, it happened again!

Obviously, I have NOT figured out a method that actually works to keep my dryer top fairly clear. I am actually the offender in this case. I sit things on my dryer. I HATE IT!

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I FOUND MY STUDIO!

I DID IT! I went into my scrapbook studio and actually created! I almost completely finished a special project. I need to go and buy a decent pen(my artist girl found them and so they are not usuable!)
and then add a few more touches and it will be finished! It felt so good to actually create something. The best part? I didn't over analyze each little detail. I am terrible at overthinking the placement of everything! I would show you but it is a surprise for someone who actually reads this blog! I will take pictures and then share when it is given!!

Now that it is very very late--or early! I am going to go to bed!!

Just Do It!

Rain, Rain go away, come again another day! That is what rain makes me feel like. Tired, dark, droopey.

Most of my family has plans tonight which leaves me and the little guy home. I am thinking that I am going to wander to the basement to my studio and actually see what that great room has to offer! I have not been using it and it haunts me.
Tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day. It would be wonderful if I could actually scrapbook. I really love to document things but I have just been overwhelmed by life for a few years. I also realize that I use that as an excuse. I blog --a silly waste of time, I could probably use my time more wisely and do other things. I believe that often times we do what we want to---I have been making time to go to the gym, some people use the computer, plant gardens etc. Why don't I MAKE time to scrapbook? I like it, I have a special room, I have neat products to use. I have great pictures? What is the problem?

I am an "all or nothing"gal. I don't mean to be but I am. When I clean, I usually want to clean everything. All 4 bathrooms, all floors vacuumed, mopped, all bedrooms done, etc. etc. etc. etc. I think that I am this way with scrapbooking.
Years ago I was fortunate enough to go visit my Mom a few times a year and basically do nothing but scrapbook for 4-5 days. I started with one and then two little ones. They were little enough that they were either sleeping or content to play around Grandma and I. Once #3 came along #1 was seven years old. She was not content to just sit and play. She wanted to GO and PLAY. She had to be supervised, there ended my easy time of scrapbooking. #3 is now seven years old. She has very very few pages that are actually about her. I feel badly about this.

Instead of complaining I should be doing. What are some ways that I could actually get more scrapbooking done?

1. Stop wasting time on the computer. (it is a mindless time sucker)
2. Make a small plan.
*find a picture
*jot notes about it
*JUST DO IT!
3. Stop waiting until everything else is "caught up". That is a dream. It doesn't exist. There will always be laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting and dirty toilets. I run around doing the same things every day. I have to decide to do something different or I will continue as I have been doing for years! Today is the day for change!

What is holding you back? Do you have something that you have always wanted to do but you just think about it and never do it? I hate this part of my personality. I have ideas, ideas but no follow through. It is something that affects many of us. Let's all decide we are going to do something-----and actually JUST DO IT!

My Mom mentioned that she had always wanted to go parasailing---so, we went!!!

I am going to go and explore my studio!!!

Pantry---Again!!

Do any of you remember this picture? Well, I am ready to finish this project! It has been almost finished since before my trip. I have needed to label the baskets. I am still not sure how to go about doing this. I know that I am overthinking this process! My big girl said just get some big sticky labels and stick them on! However, I want it to look cute!

The baskets are already helping! Labels are needed however, because I am the only one that seems to realize that things go in certain places! Actually, the family is starting to "get" the placing of things. I have a few more little tweaks to do, not liking the looks of a few boxes but not sure what would work better! When it is finished I will take pictures and have the pantry's big debut!!!

What projects are you working on? I have a pantry to finish and a desk to build!

Progress!

Wow, it is so nice to be able to see my floors! Also to not see too many sticky messes that I knew had been there for much too long!


I worked hard all day. We stopped and read books to the little one, made meals, kissed boo boos, etc. but all in all it was a very productive day! Each of the three older kids came home to their very own lists with their chores on them. Interestingly, the 7 year old was the very best at just doing her jobs, she asked for more windows to clean! The big girl wasn't thrilled but she had a friend that wouldn't let her go outside until it was finished. Now, the 10 year old boy---he still has work to do! He is in the avoidance phase. So, his list today will have todays and what didn't get done yesterday! I am really going to try and stay on top of this method.


We discussed these chores before I went to Germany but it hadn't been ingrained yet. So, a new day--a new job. We all live in the house, we can all work together to keep it clean!


I actually kept a list of all that I did--you know that each one of those things crossed off actually had six steps inside of it to be completed!

Totally different subject---How to keep from snacking? I want to eat junk, all day, everyday! I went to spin class, had a great workout---now to stay motivated! How do you stay motivated to healthy living?

Little Blessings

I ask Angel baby "where are you from?" Angel baby says,"Jesus"

and then grabs his Momma's face, turns her head, moves her hair and kisses her cheek.

Now that is a good day!

Get it done!

Today is "suck it up and get it done day." My house is a wreck and I can't stand it any more! I can tell that nice weather has hit(yeah) because my children are outside so much that the "enter and drop" syndrome has come again! We enter the house and drop whatever we have---never to be thought about again!

I am going to refrain from posting pictures about my filth, it is just too embarassing. So, I am taking a day off from any errands or the gym to get this house liveable!

I did go to spin yesterday and used my new bike shoes. This was "power spin", it kicked my butt! I was wiped out! That is good, tomorrow I will hit aerobic spin and hopefully, I will get a run in this afternoon.

Wish me luck, I may be offline for awhile---life happens in my home not on the computer!!!

I want chocolate!

Today all my thoughts revolved around--CHOCOLATE! I wanted it so badly! I actually have some good German chocolate hiding in my house. I know this!

This is what I had instead!

A blackberry smoothie. Some milk, ice, a few frozen blackberries and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Not calorie free, but I think that it was a better choice!!!

Tired

Do you ever look around and realize that you are outnumbered? Well, today has been one of those days for me. It has been a long weekend, no school on Friday. We worked ALL day Saturday in the yard. My flower beds were in desperate need of some love. I have a before picture--too tired to load it!

So, here is hoping that a new week brings much needed energy. I am trying to not enter the woa is me syndrome. It is so easy to enter but difficult to get out of.

What do you have planned?

I am going to go to spin class! I got some new bike shoes. Ones with clips in the bottom. Real bikers wear them, hopefully they will improve my form, who knows, perhaps I will get on the real bike hanging in my garage!!

Good night! Tomorrow is a big day. I hope that I can post something that means something, at least to me!!

Long Ride

How was the field trip? you ask. Well, imagine a busload of fourth graders driving for four hours. We did have a short bathroom break and a look see at the mud swallows. It really wasn't as awful as it sounds, however, it was a very long day. The main reason for the field trip was environmental awareness. We went to a bird refuge. Luckily, the kids really were very interested in the many, many birds flying around. After lunch at a park we went to the landfill and the burn plant. I actually found this very interesting. It made me want to learn more about recycling. We throw too much away---where is away? It doesn't just disappear!

For those of you that haven't known me forever, you might not realize that in a former life I was a teacher. I have an elementary education and special education degree. However, it has been 14 years since I was blessed with my first baby(wow, that sounds old). I am now out of practice. I was sitting in a seat with a boy that just really wanted to be friends with me. I struggled because I felt like the rude girl, I didn't want to be friends with him, I wanted to look out the window and not guess which restraunt he was thinking of! Later, there was another little boy who just talked too much. He wanted my ipod, my gum, my binoculars and my space!(and he was not my own child!) I actually had to finally find a new place to sit because he was directly behind me and he kept hitting me in the head. Not on purpose, he just has severe adhd and can't hold still. I just couldn't take it and had to move myself!

Remember how my boy WANTED me to go on this field trip? He could have cared less! He didn't sit by me, on the bus or at lunch! No holding Mommy's hand, no having Mom sit by you for lunch.

Oh, well! Mommy is not so cool!

Bus time!

What am I doing today? Fourth grade field trip, that's what! It is most likely the last time my big boy will really WANT his Mom to go-so, I get to ride the bus, eat a sack lunch and learn about birds!

Did you discover something that inspires you?

Inspire

What inspires you? Flowers, paintings, graphics, color? Since I am struggling with my messy house(just can't get "caught up" whatever that means!) I decided that I have to find a few things BEYOND my messes to inspire me.
I saw a beautiful sunset sky last night-all pink and dreamy.
My tulips are out in full glory.
Sun is bright and beautiful
Baby is talking to himself in his crib(instead of sleeping!)

Just a few! Better go attack the messies!
Go and find something beautiful!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DADDY AND GUY IN THE WORLD! Too bad everyone isn't as lucky as we are!

A New Week!

It's over! It's gone! All the icky ickyness is gone! Daddy was still sick last night. He didn't get any time to rest because he had to go to church all day. He feels his responsibility so strongly. He came home at 6:00 and was asleep by 7:00pm. He was still fevering when I went to bed at 9:00pm. He awoke this morning like nothing had happened. Let's hope that it is totally gone and it doesn't return!

Now, back to reality! My house is a wreck, Grandma is so glad that she isn't here! I have to start attacking the list, it is a long, long list. It needs to be ammended because now it has outside things to add to it!

So, here is to a good week! The sun is suppose to shine all week!

Enough is Enough!

This bug has officially affected every member of this family. All six of us. We were hoping that the Daddy would be spared. No such luck. He started about 4 hours ago. Hopefully, it will finish up during the night, he will be spared some of the misery and will be great by morning!

The girls both felt pretty rough today but both managed to dance and do well! Poor little one had her face in the bowl minutes before they went on stage. We actually missed the dance, they were early, the coach talked to the judges and they let them dance again==they even announced that a sick little girl was here to dance-they did so well!

Hopefully, by tomorrow evening the news coming from this corner of the world will be much nicer than it has been since Wednesday! This is the first time EVER that something has gone through ALL SIX members of this family. I hope that it is the last!

Saga continues!

Four down--two to go! The little missy started early this morning. Big sister says her stomach hurts-we will see. I hope that the Daddy doesn't get it, it was awful for me.

We are going to a dance competition, hopefully we are all alright! Taking the motorhome to help!

Barf Saga (part 2)

The pukes have spread. I now officially have them. Angel boy still has them, projectile style! Gross, I know.

I need my Mommy!

Just a few more pictures from my trip. I know that you don't have a clue what they are about but, they were eye candy for me. Every scene was so amazing that we couldn't get enough. Between the two of us we took about 700 pictures!

We saw castles, cathedrals, medival castles, darling little villages, large villages, gated cities, secret gardens, weapons, gates, window, goats, little German men and women, nuns, etc. etc. etc.!!!

Barf Saga

How you know when you have crossed that line. That line in motherhood when the barf just hardly fases you. You see your darling little angel baby throwing up and you just grab a rag. Not a mad dash reaction, more like, oh here we go, more laundry kind of movement.
Poor little guy has the pukes. Big brother had it two days ago. It didn't last too long, but he was sure miserable. Nothing was able to stay in. I hope that the rest of the family doesn't get it. The girls have a dance competition on Saturday. That wouldn't be good if they were sick. The hand sanitizer is out and being used--at least by this Mommy!

Daddy has been in Florida, it has been warm and sunny. I am jealous. I am here, in the snow with barf.

I am Moving!

I am needing to move! I awoke this morning to EIGHT INCHES OF SNOW! It looks like a Christmas storm! My beautiful tulips are totally covered up. It is still coming down, a total blizzzard!

Tragedy

I know that we have all been traumatized by this tragedy at Virginia Tech. Every day we send our babies out into the world, without us. Hopeing that they will come home to us at the end of the day. Senseless acts of violence, innocent victims.
I remember on Sept. 11, the shock waves. I also remember thinking that we can not live in fear. If we cower and never leave our homes, never allow our children to experience the wonders of life that the evil wins.

Do not allow yourself to think that everyone in this world is bad. There is beauty to behold. We must look to the light to see the sunshine, even when there is a terrible shadow hovering above us.

Jet Lag!

The jet lag has hit! We were so lucky that we really didn't experience any at the other end--there was no time. There were sites to behold.

I am exhausted! I am fortunate, my wonderful Mom stayed at my house while I was gone and she had it in great shape when I got home. So lucky for me, there isn't a messy house or tons of laundry that needs done. It is also a good thing because I feel like my brain has been disconnected from my body!

My Sweetie had to leave early this morning(5:00) for a business trip to Florida. He and I were up at 4:00 AM!!! That is much too early for any human to be awake!

So, I am not terribly interesting--just tired! Hopefully, this will wear off after one really good night's sleep!

P.S. I did make it to the gym! I did spin class! I loved it last spring, and just haven't been able to get myself there early enough since school started last fall--It felt great! I am feeling terribly flabby and soft. I am having to recommit myself to my exercise. It has been so hit or miss since before we went on our cruise!

Home Sweet Home!

Wow, what a trip! We went and went for 10 solid days! We saw more churches and castles than I can count! It was a "life trip". I will remember it always!

I will give more details later! I am exhausted! However, I missed all of my babies and my sweet hubby so much--I am glad to be home!

I'm off to Germany!

I am off to GERMANY in thirty minutes! It has taken an act of Congress(at least help from the congressional office and lots of prayers) to get my friends passport. It has been a nightmare. One minute she isn't going, I'm not going, I'm flying alone, she will be there in a day, etc. etc. etc. I haven't flown by myself for many years, I was terribly nervous!

So, here is hoping that she will be at the airport today before 12:00!

Have a great time--I know I will!!!!

T

Love Notes!

Sweet. Theynk's hunny, Mommy needed that!

Eggs!

HOW FUN! and messy! Little Man and Missy had a great time decorating Easter eggs after conference on Sunday.

Don't they just scream out SPRING?

Smart Habit Saturday!

This has been an interesting week. I have been so busy-with what you ask? Well, cleaning the dreadful pantry! I worked on this mess for most of the entire week! It was a monumental task. It is almost finished! I am not going to post pictures until it is totally complete, however, the floor is empty! I also have some empty containers and totes!

Because I am going on my big trip this week I am not going to add a new habit.
I have a huge list that has to be accomplished.
These are the things that will be on my list , they have to be done before my trip!

I have thought about my Smart Habit Saturday goals. I really looked at my huge entry from last week. (it was long!) I really managed three of my habits well.
* I did amazingly well at keeping my counter clean. It makes a difference in my day!
* I finished listening to conference on my ipod. I need to read the Priesthood session(not available on audio), before tomorrow night.
* The big kids did so well practicing the piano this week. Boy has been trying to do it in the morning. That works alright, we struggle with getting up. I hope that this is a sign that we are doing better!

My other two(exercise and scripture study) habits did not fair well. I will try again! Obviously they are not habits yet!
I am planning on taking my ipod with me and I have 1/2 of the Book of Mormon on it. Hopefully, I will start to get better about actually listening to it!
Reading as a family has always been a struggle for us. We were doing really well a few weeks ago. Must recommit and go for it!

I am in the beginnng thought processes of designing a "division of labor" chart! While cleaning the FOUR bathrooms of my house today I decided that each of the three bigger kids are going to be in charge of a bathroom. They all live in this house, we all work together to keep it clean! I am going to really make it official--like we are a business. I am the CEO and they all have responsibilities. I am doing more work than I should--that is my fault. Hopefully, I can get this to help them take responsibility.

This motherhood stuff is hard. We were having one of those money conversations in the car. The Boy said that "it's Dad's money". I said that it is my money too, he and I work together to help take care of our family. Little Missy said "Mom's job is to take care of us!" At least one of the children understands that I do have a job, a job that is 24/7, with no sick leave, vacation pay or health plan! I get no pay raises and usually no one notices what I do!

I am taking all the "baby kisses" I can get. I think that those little sweetnesses must be what is to hold me over until the grandchildren come! I am also keeping many a little love note--to remind me that someone does notice me occasionally!

A cleaning first!

This was a first for me. I vacuumed my jetted tub! I know that sounds crazy but we have been having an infestation of boxelder bugs. Our window faces south so the bugs loved the heat. It hasn't been very long since I had to clean the windows, sills, blinds, etc. because of these disgusting things. Well, once again it looked awful! However, there were tons of dead ones in the tub! I actually got the vacuum to suck them up. It is all shiny and clean, perfect for a good long soak. Hopefully, now that the weather has changed the little icky things will stay outside!

He was here!

Here is the proof that a little boy lives in this house!

Doing what?

I am going on a big trip--to Germany--in one week. What am I doing to prepare for this trip? Cleaning my pantry! I think that must be about the wierdest thing to want to have done before I go. However, it is almost done! I have made huge strides. It has been a massive project. I have been working like a crazy woman. I stayed up much too late last night trying to actually find my counter again. I did it. Today, I decided to finally tackle the two big craft/junk boxes. I went through every plastic grocery sack. I condensed two large totes into one smaller tote! I put every type of goodie in a clear ziploc bag so we know what is in it. I need a few more baskets and need to label every basket, in hopes that if they are marked things will be kept in better order!

What is on your list?
These are the things that will be on my list next, they have to be done before my trip!
*Clean fridge(Looks so nice, icky sticky gone)
*Clean garage/coat mess (This was yuck! We could hardly walk)
*Take piles to DI(like goodwill)
*Clean bathrooms (4) (contemplating how to turn this responsibility over to someone else)
*laundry-this is never ending! (did 6 loads) (laundry up to speed! All folded and put away!)
*vacuum (for today at least!)
*dust (one down! Hopefully, will get it again before I leave!)
*mop
*grocery shopping
*clean guest bedroom/scrapbook studio so Grandma can have a place to sleep! (this is a huge job that really will take more time after I get back--however, she deserves to be able to walk to the bed without killing herself)
*Go shopping for some shirts and shoes.
*Buy camera batteries
*put up Easter decorations! (Spring,spring-now I need some daisies!)
*Buy some new underthings
*clean-up basement
*Easter shopping(I will be in Germany)

Happy Thursday! My pantry is getting better!

Kudos!

Maybe I am not such a bad Mom after all!

Is This Progress?

Have any of you ever had a project that you put off for much too long because you haven't wanted to deal with the mess? That is the story of my pantry. It is a catch-all in our house. I am the worst offender! It has been bothering me for a long time. I really went through it a year ago, and tried some new ways to organize things. Some of those have really worked great, are still working. Others didn't work. So, I started a few weeks ago. Yesterday, I hit it with a vengence.

The PROBLEM? Now this is the mess that is now in my kitchen! I am now committed! I have to actually deal with this mess! I am going to have this straightened up by tomorrow(I hope today but I have scouts at the library and tumbling so I might need more time!)

Shopping or Torture?

This is my story and I am sticking to it! I need long pants-desperately! It will still be cool in Germany so I don't want to freeze to death in capri's. So---I made arrangements for the little guy and went on a shopping trip. This is how it went.
I went to the pants section of my size(or there abouts). I went through and grabbed 15 pair in each of the two sizes that I range in. I then grabbed a few tops, skirts, and sweat/yoga pants for the airplane. All in all I had about fifty items. Well, where I was shopping you can only take in 8 items. So, I started the torture! I tried on 30 pairs of pants and came home with 2 pairs of jean's in two different sizes and a pair of sweat pants that are capri's but on my short legs they are more like floods. Two hours and 45 minutes later I left the store. I had planned on doing more shopping, for some tops, perhaps some Easter--I was exhausted after trying on that much clothing.

Do you all now understand why I never have enough pants?

How Small?

Do you ever wonder if you should pray about something? What if it is a simple thing? Something that only matters to you. Perhaps a simple item that is lost, do you ever feel silly praying about it? I know that I do. However, I am learning that my Heavenly Father is aware of me and my life. I am learning to trust Him, even if it is a simple, stupid thing that is lost.

Smart Habit Saturday(updated)

*Updated* My friend suggested that I look at my habits and really see where I am. Those small habits that when used effectively make a big difference in your life. So, I thought about these;
*Clean off my counter before going to bed---I am actually doing quite well with this. I would say that I am probably doing this 5 out of 7 nights. I think that it is a habit that will always need a bit of motivation. However, my morning is so much nicer when I walk into a clean kitchen. It also seems that the messes don't add up as quickly throughout the day if I don't start out messy!
*Read my Church magazine-I have been listening to these talks on my ipod-I was trying to listen to at least one talk a day. I have not done as well this past week, however, I am almost through!! That is appoximately 48 talks! I will finish these talks this week because we get a new set this next weekend--I am excited for our General Conference!
*Exercise--this is a habit that has to always, always be thought about! I had a week that had me quite busy so I honestly didn't make it to the gym one time. I can feel it in many ways--my pants, my gi track, and my mental health.--So, I am trying to have a less hectic week, I am hoping to go at least 3 times to the gym and then try and run at home the others. The weather is so nice!
*Read scriptures-personally and as a family-we have always struggled with this. My little Missy is a big helper on this. I am going to try and read my own(or listen) every day. I am also going to try and read as a family at least five days. I think that if I have Missy make a chart and have her be in charge of it, we might do better!
*Have big kids practice piano enough-we struggle with this, they don't want to do it so they won't if I don't remind them. I am thinking about some type of chart for this also. Not sure-any ideas-these are big kids-stickers don't help!



Here we are at Saturday again! The weeks go too quickly for me! I have really been focusing on my Lifestyle goals this week. I have made progress for Smart Habit Saturday! It may be a tiny, tiny improvement but it is still significant!
I have purchased more baskets for my pantry declutter project.
I have purchased the materials for the built in desk in the big girls bedroom!
I have gone through one large rubbermaid bin full of old coloring books and gotten rid of most of them!
I have gotten rid of three years worth of scrapbooking magazines!
My house still looks like a train wreck but it is getting better!

My friend Lara had a quote on her blog today that I really liked. I have often felt these sentiments but I struggle daily with the day to day. I feel so behind that I don't do some of the "other" things that I would like to do, for myself or the kids. Here is the quote.

“Waiting for the chores to end before I take time to teach, mentor, plan, prepare, inspire, and study is like standing at the banks of a mighty river waiting for the water to finish going by so that I can cross to the other side!” Diann Jeppson

Here are Lara's thoughts on this;
Are you waiting for the river to pass before you cross over to become the brilliant, inspiring, competent person you were meant to become? No!!! We know you are building a bridge and already on your way to the other side because you are participating in Smart Habit Saturday. We are all working together here, pulling each other along, to make simple and often mundane daily tasks a little easier by creating life changing habits. This will give us more time to find our greatness within. Whether you want to become a great mother, wife, teacher, or leader, thank you for taking the time to inspire me!

So here is my list! It is not in any order-of importance or of need. It is just a random list that I worked on all week. I had a paper by my phone and I would write the thoughts down. This is by no means a complete list. This list also has nothing to do with personal improvement goals. These are things that need done around my home to make me feel less fragmented so that I can enjoy my life and be a better person!
I hope that by doing this list it will help me to actually start accomplishing some of these things. This will be an ever evolving list because I know already that I didn't include any of my outside needs on this list!!!

*Move washer and dryer downstairs
-call for cement cutter
-get long exhaust hose
*Put all decorations away in furnace room. Christmas/February/Easter etc.
Make sure they are all marked well.
*Move both freezers
*Build Desks in bedrooms(one almost finished!)
*Completely go through pantry-everything put where it goes. (This was major-I worked on it for an entire week)
-containers-label all baskets
*Studio/Scrapbook room-go through all the piles, dejunk, put everything in working order.(this is a huge project) (can see floor-a start)
*Clean garage-
-Winter stuff put away
-shoes-throw away old
-snowboards/skis up on brackets
*Re-organize hall closet
*Coat closet
*Clean fridge (looks so nice, icky-sticky gone!)
*sort toys-parts with parts(donate many)
*Go through each child(4) bedroom and sort all clothes and toys
*Hang up shelves in kids bedrooms
*Hang up name plaques and letters
*Sort books
*Clean off bulletin board (This has to be done ALL the time, it is the catch all and art gallery)
*Back up photos
-burn cd’s
*pictures into albums
*print digital photos
*go through lazy susan
*sort/discard old scrapbook magazines (my friend was thrilled to have them!)
*go through craft boxes in pantry (I went through every sack-reduced from 2 totes to 1)

If you are still reading you deserve a medal! Stay tuned and hopefully together we can make progess!!

70's Child!!

You know that you were a child in the 70's when you come across things like these! These coloring books were in the huge pile that I went through for my pantry declutter. They make me laugh! I remember all of them!

Bell-Ringers of Spring!

Look at what I found in my flower garden!!! Happy little crocus flowers! They are the earliest thing that blooms around here. I was so thrilled to see these little bell-ringers of spring!

Tuesday-already?

It is Tuesday-does it ever seem that the week goes so quickly that it has passed before you have caught up to it? I do all the time! So, because of my SHS lifestyle goals I am trying to overcome my procrastination habit. Just do it! Well, my friend Lara came by yesterday and we discussed how to do a built in desk, measured etc. I am hoping to go and get some of the supplies soon. I would like to have it finished before I go on my trip-if I just DO it instead of waiting until I get back I will have made progress!
I have also made a tiny bit of progress in the messy pantry. I bought some larger baskets that hold more, so that they can stay a bit more organized(I hope). I need to go and get some more, I bought all they had-baby steps!

What projects are you working on? I am going to write one of those longs lists--then perhaps it will make me want to finish them!!!!

I posted another picture of my awful pantry so that when it looks better I will have proof!

Sick Wee One!

Today was a strange Sunday. I got up and showered quickly, got kids moving, etc. We were on schedule until I went and got Little Boy blue out of his crib. He had bright red cheeks and was feverish. So, that changed all of my plans. I did manage to get the other three out the door to Grandma's so she could drive them to church. Little one and I just held each other all morning. I hope that he will be doing better soon. He was warm again tonight, he has been doing the motrin rollercoaster. Poor little baby! I miss church when I don't go. I also really enjoy going to the singles ward. It is a different feeling where they are not so family oriented yet.

My big sweetie came home from church today wiped out. It was a rough day as Bishop(congregation leader-LDS church). I wish that there was something that I could do to help him but there isn't really. So, I keep praying, and making sandwiches. He is such a good man. I am often reminded about how lucky I am to have him in my life. Now, don't get me wrong, he isn't a saint or anything. He has a few faults, but all in all I got one of the really good guys out there.

I am going to Germany very soon! I have many things that need to be accomplished before I go. I am not really worried about clothes or that type of thing(although I need some pants badly). I am more worried about getting this house so that it isn't so difficult for my Mom. Also, Easter will be while I am gone- So, there are just a lot of things that we Mom's just do.
I have thought about writing one of those lists--you know, the ones that list every project you want to accomplish. I have done these lists before and I don't think that they really help. I am such a procrastinator! However, I have plans to make some progress! Lara is coming over tomorrow to help me figure out a desk in the big girls bedroom. Lara is so handy with tools and she won't procrastinate if it is at my house! So, tomorrow it is!

What plans do you have? A paint project, a pantry declutter(oh, yeah, that is mine also). My garage is also in desperate need of some attention. I have 7 chairs that need painted(Shh, don't tell Lara) and the list goes on and on and on!

One step at a time!

Beautiful Saturday!

Saturday already! It is hard to believe that we have been home from our fabulous vacation 2 weeks already!

A few weeks ago I wrote about Saturday and how I needed to use it to prepare for Sunday. Well, here goes again! I hope that I can get better at this--you would think after almost 14 years of parenthood that I would feel better equipped!

Smart Habit Saturday has rolled around again. What to do, what to do? I am still working at all the habits that I have set up to this point! Perhaps the things that I have selected as habits are not truly habits but a lifestyle. So in light of that, what lifestyle do I want?
*Peaceful
*Healthy
*Happy
*Orderly
What do I need to do to maintain or achieve these four things?
Peaceful-Invite the Spirit of our Heavenly Father into our home. Try to maintain that Spirit. Sometimes that is the hardest thing of all.
Healthy-exercise,exercise,exercise and eat healthy. I also need to help my children learn about healthy eating-that needs work!
Happy-this goes along with peaceful. "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" that old saying is so true! I have to be the guide to my own happiness--my entire family almost always follows suit(the teenagers do not follow these rules!)
Orderly- this is my weakest link. I feel that all the others are affected by my lack of orderly skills. Almost all of my habits thus far have been based on this aspect. I read a thought once,
"If my outsides(house) are a mess my insides are a mess" That is how I feel. When my house is more orderly and neat all the other aspect of my life seem to flow more smoothly.

So, by looking at those things---the messy house is still my weakness! So off to work again! Smart Habit Saturday---work on those four things with an emphasis on getting more orderly.

Anyone have any suggestions about really getting children to want to help---they know how!!

For more ideas check out the Lazy Organizer.

Bits of JOY!

What brings you joy?
(in no real order)
1. Little Boy blue! He is sweet and yummy and is becoming a tease.
2. Sunshine
3. Clean clothes(put away is even better)
4. My sweetie(he just smells good)
5. All my angels tucked into bed at night.
6. Budding plants
7. Puppy greetings
8. Giggles
9. New Crayons
10. New scrapbooking tools that I hope to someday use!!!

Just a few totally random thoughts on this beautiful day.

What are some things that bring you joy? Write them down.

SUNSHINE!

I have flung open almost every window in my house! SPRING-GLORIOUS SPRING! I need spring. Every ounce of my being needs spring! I need to sweep out the cobwebs, out of my house and out of my soul! Every surface, closet, drawer, etc. needs some spring cleaning.

What are you doing for your spring cleaning? I am also feeling much more motivated to do some personal spring cleaning. You know-those things that we want to do, need to do to improve us but we wait. Why do we wait?

So, one of my Smart Habit Saturday goals for this week was to keep my house tidier, be more motivated and finish things. There are others but I will save that for another post. So I have been going through rooms of my house with a garbage sack and a laundry basket. All sheets have been stripped from beds, the washer is running and my house is a mess! I purchased some baskets for my pantry so I am working on that mess also. It is a happy, motivated mess! I feel progress!(that is a good thing)

What are some ways that you teach your children to work? I have often(daily) felt that I have not taught my children how to work. Well, that isn't true. They know how they just don't want to. So, my question and quest is this--How to get the ability to work to move to the desire to help because it needs done, not because Mom told them to do it.

Okay, off to the mound of laundry! We all need clean sheets to put back onto the beds tonight!!!

Miracles

I looked out my kitchen window and saw this. It is no small miracle.

These two fight, a lot. The big one is too big for the little one and the little one just wants to belong-no matter how loud she gets.

I had to go and get my camera to remember that occasionally, they do get along.

Dentist Woes!

My poor little Missy had to go to the dentist. She had FOUR baby teeth pulled out. The dentist had to really numb her up. She was so brave but she still screamed because it tasted yucky! She is in bed with a very numb, fat mouth. She tried to drink some chocolate milk and it ran down her face. Poor little toad!

THE FAT CAME BACK!

My pants have turned against me! I attempted to put on my smaller jeans today. I have been wearing these jeans for six months. They are a smaller size than I have had in years. Well, today, they just didn't fit! THE FAT CAME BACK! (yes, Mom I can imagine the roadshow of that song years ago!)
This is the first time since I started really exercising over a year ago that I have had a real big set back. I have vascillated up and down a pound or two but it was usually on the down, even if only by an ounce. I really haven't lost much weight in the last year but I dropped 3 pants sizes. Muscle weighs more than fat I guess!
Well, my body rebelled! I feel like a fat blob!

How do you get remotivated after a huge setback? I need suggestions! Yes the first one would be to STEP AWAY FROM THE TABLE!

Now that spring is here it should be easier, the dark, dreary months of Jan, Feb. are behind us. The overwhelming craving for carbohydrates(the more refined the better) is hopefully on the downswing with more sunlight.(did you know that men produce twice as much seratonin as women and that is why women crave sweets/chocolate-to increase the same feelings as serotonin-which sunlight also creates.)

Well, I better go and drink some water!

Reality bites!

Reality hit at the gym today! I got on the scale(first mistake!) I have gained at least a solid five pounds. The cruise did it to me this time! I told my sweetie and he didn't feel sorry for me at all. He told me (truthfully) that I didn't do anything! Well, I did do something, I SLEPT IN every single morning! On our previous cruises I did go walking on the upper deck a lot and last year I even used the ship's gym. Well, not this year!
So, instead of beating myself up I am hoping that I can drop this load quickly and not let it make permanent residence on my butt! I will also have to actually exercise! Two weeks + without exercising is murder on someone who has been exercising almost daily. It does prove that those calories burned while exercising DO add up---quickly!

On to a more positive note. SPRING HAS SPRUNG! There is just a change in the smell of the air! The sky is a beautiful blue and things are melting. I looked out my kitchen window at my flower bed and was anxious to go and cut down the old growth. I haven't seen any little tulip head yet but I am sure that they will be out soon. I need to go out front and see if my little crocus have popped yet, they are always the very first.

So, go and find some proof of Spring-it will certainly brighten your day!

Smart Habit Saturday!

Habits, Habits, Habits! I am often feeling that mine are all bad-that I don't actually have any good habits. So--to get back into gear for Smart Habit Saturday(a bit early) I am going to review my positive habits.
*going to the gym--a pretty solid habit(sick baby this week-so feeling flabby)
*brushing my teeth-(okay I know but I am trying to be positive with myself)
*making my bed-I am actually really good-it is almost always done. Suprise to my mother, I never did it until the day I went away to college!
I am sure that there are others, just can't really think of them! What are some that I want to work on?
*exercise harder
*eat healthier
*have kinder thoughts
*be more generous
*notice the positive
*read my scriptures
*play more
*keep my house tidier
*finish things
*be motivated
That is just a few-so what to start with?
* I have been trying to keep my counter clean--that is a never ending job. It gets dirty pretty quickly, but I am trying to look at that as a blessing-we have food to eat and a place to gather!
*I have been working on the bathroom-it is NOT a habit yet.

*I can't even think of all the things-so I will just start again with baby steps!! This week I am going to renew my exercise, reduce the sugar intake, try to be motivated, and actually pick up my own stuff(hoping that someday my family will realize that they have arms and they can pick up their own dirty socks).
I am also going to try and listen to one talk a day from General Conference(The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints , LDS or Mormons) I have them on my ipod and want to get through Sept. conference before April conference!

What are you doing to improve your life? If we just keep doing what we have always done we will have what we have always had. We have to make concious decisions to change.

Write it down!

For more ideas about Smart Habit Saturday check out my friend Lara's site.
(for those of you new to blogging, when you look at a post and it has a word that is highlighted, if you click on it, it will link you to another post-just a little info!)

Love Notes!

Just a little bit of love! It seems to me in this hustle bustle world that often it is too easy to overlook the tiny little joys that come into our lives. I know that I am often telling my sweetie that I don't "feel the joy". Well, sometimes that is true but others I just need to acknowledge the bits of joy that come my way.

So today-here is some "love notes" from little Missy. I am trying to really love these because they will soon start to get fewer and fewer until the only thing they write is a note that they need money!

Try and find some little bit of joy today. Perhaps a cute mug that your cocoa is in or the blossoms at the grocery store(which I think we should buy ourselves more often). Just be aware of the little love notes around you!!

(I don't want to take the time to re-scan the picture the other way-so, turn your head!)

One big mess!

Oh where to begin? I have been home from our fabulous trip for almost an entire week. One would assume that that would be enough time to get caught up. Well, I keep working but it doesn't ever seem to change! My friend Lara and her family came by last night and got to witness the mess first hand. She looked in my messy pantry to help with organizing it.

Do any of you just wonder how those other people seem to keep everything neat all the time? I do? I keep trying but basically just keep my messes at a dull roar, ready to burst into flames at any moment!

So, with that I am going to go and try and get something accomplished. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to actually keep children(and parents) doing the things that they have been taught? Mine are getting worse, not better!

We Are Back!!

What a great week we had! It was perfect weather--WARM!

We went snorkeling, on two catamarans and PARASAILING!!! That was so fun! I was really scared but it was great! I actually got to go up twice!!!!

So now I am back to real life. I have a very messy house that smells like burnt plastic(easy mac in micro with no water-bad combo!) and a little boy with a gooby nose. He looks like he grew a foot while we were gone!

So, trying to get back to "normal" (whatever that means around here)