Answer Time:

From Alissa: do you like indiana?

Sure. I mean they have Caffeine Free Diet Mountain Dew. It rocks, so I should like it right? I think it is very pretty here with all of the trees, and so far I love the weather, although I am told winter is not fun. But I am up for anything. I have some great friends who have helped to ease the transition. I miss my family, but I have my own little family here, and really as long as I have Randy and the kids I will like where I am. The shopping is wonderful! The bakeries are to die for. But I do miss the West Coast. And all of my friends that aren't here. But yeah I like Indiana.. I just wish I could move it a few thousand miles closer to everyone I love.


From Amy: if you could be any color crayon which one would you pick and why?

I would be red. I have this insane love for all things red. Red shoes, red paint, red clothes, red nails, red red red. Red makes a statement. It is bold, bright, full of energy and represents me. My cell phone is red. I think I won 5 pairs of red shoes. I have a red purse. I have these funky red hair sticks I wear when my hair is long. Red makes me happy.


From Earlgirl: Are you still packing your shelves with food like crazy?

Yes I am still packing my shelves with food, though not as crazy as I was. Sadly it is a PAIN IN THE BUTT to go to the cannery here. You can't just call and make an appointment, you have to go through all of these hoops and it makes it hard. Although I do have over 20 cake mixes now and tons of premade frosting and cool whip because they were so cheap. I totally needed them. You never know when you will have a sugar shortage. And after listening to the news I am thinking I am going to go stock up on even more. How about a two year supply. Ha!


From Allison: How often do you change your kids' bedding?

Weekly. Not always but I strive for weekly and since having my Mom here I am totally on the ball! Go me! And I do it on Monday's, along with my bed too. It helps to just do it all on one day, but I make Randy help me get them all back together.

From Alan and Beth: Which bear is best?
(Remember: bears eat beets. Beets beat Battlestar Galatica.)

I am going to assume Alan wrote this. Because there is some Star Wars stuff.. I think?? And I have never watched all of the Star Wars, so I am totally clueless on the Beets beat Battlestar Galatica. So I think the Grizzly Bear is probably the best. They are big, scary, and will eat you.


From Five kids and some chocolate: If you could have one super power what would it be?

I would fly. I totally want to fly. Remember the Jetson's? I used to think that by the year 2000 we would be like them. I am sorely disappointed that we aren't. I want to fly. I could get places much quicker, and who doesn't want to fly?

Want some answers?

Then ask some questions!

Today I am opening up to let everyone ask me questions and then I will give you my answers. So shoot away. Think of what you want to ask me.. because you know you want to ask me something. Leave your questions in the comments and check back for the answer!

Happy Thursday!

Crutchless

That's right.. I don't have a crutch anymore.. unless my knee is getting too tired or sore. But whatever. I can walk without it!! Are you partying? Because I am partying!!
At the physical therapist and doctor yesterday I learned that..

I get to start doing squats.
Lots of squats.
And eventually one legged squats.
My thighs will be oh so toned.
I get to ride my bike 15 minutes a day.. everyday.

My goal for a half marathon in April is out. Bummer huh?

But I am supposed to in my doctors words, "Become the Queen of low impact cardio."

And running I can pick that up next Spring. Long time huh? But they want to make sure my knee is working awesome.. and that I don't have any problems, and that it has a chance to heal thoroughly and properly.

I saw a picture of the Plica that was taking out.. and as the doctor said, "it looked like a clams foot." And it really did.

It is getting better. And I am relieved. Thankfully my Mom was here until early this morning when she and my adorable sister jumped on a plane back to Washington. And now if I talk about it much I tear up, because I am sad they left. Eighteen days with them made me feel like my life was back to my normal. But now back to reality and we live here, and they live there, 2200 miles away. But they will be back.. and soon. One way or another I will see them within a couple of months.

And for your viewing pleasure a picture of the cutest sister any girl could have.

Primary Program 2008

Yesterday was the Primary Program. This is my very favorite meeting of the WHOLE year! I just love it. The sweet testimonies of children just melts my heart. And this year was no exception. The Spirit you feel as children bear the simple truth is undeniable.

I am the Primary Pianist in my ward, but due to my stupid knee I am not quite up to playing. I was sad I really love my calling, but I have to give thanks and a proper shout out to Sara who did it better than I could have and filled in for me these last few weeks for practice and then again yesterday for the program. Thank you Sara, you are a gem. And Amy did a pretty great job teaching all of those songs to the kids.

At times I wish I could video tape the programs. Not only are they Spiritual, but they are hilarious. Yesterday was no exception, thanks to Little Man. Little Man is a know it all boy. He loves to learn, know it, and tell it. He was quite disappointed when he received his part for the program, it was "My family likes to ___________." And that was it. I was fine, but he was not happy that his younger sister had a bigger part, and that he the older brother didn't have a huge monologue. What can I say he comes from two parents who like to talk.. a lot! He had decided for his part he would say My family likes to play. But yesterday he decided that wasn't good enough. He had his part memorized and got up there in front of the microphone and the Primary President was ready to help him when he not so quietly said, "I don't need any help, I know it!" Yes this boy knows what he wants! He said in a big voice and with absolute confidence, "My family like to.... *birds chirping*......... (looks at me, with the grin, and look on his face of.. I am getting my time up here even if I am just sitting there breathing loudly in the microphone, but I am so dang proud of myself grin... while I look at him and mimic eating, sleeping.. something.. and then takes a big breath and says,) Make cookies." Let me tell you.. he is quite proud of himself and his 15 seconds of fame. He wanted to think of something bigger and better but he was happy that he stood up there commanding every one's attention.

Little Miss said her part with the biggest grin on her face, "We have repentance so we can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again." But if you have heard her say repentance.. you know it doesn't really sound like that.. it is more bepentuns. Something along those lines. But her smile was the best, and she was so darn proud of herself.

The kids sang their hearts out. At times I could hear each of them above everyone else, but for the most part they blended in well. Little Miss danced a little, and Little Man played with his hair.. a lot. They were cute, my heart swelled, and I cannot wait for next year to hear their sweet testimonies.

Ready to see?

Here they are! One for Little Misses room, and one for Little Mans. I wish I could take credit.. however my only real original detail is my picture in the middle one. And they aren't hung yet.. you have to give a girl a break when she is on crutches. But hopefully they will be on their walls soon! So if you want the instructions, go HERE. Linsey is just totally awesome! And if you want to make them with me.. come on over.. I am sure I will be making more!
Have a fun Friday!

Guess what?

I know I say I am not crafty and believe me, I'm not. I did however do an artsy craft. Because unknown to some I am artsy, and love all things artsy, especially painting! But not so much crafty. Weird I know. Anyways I went to Michael's today.. or I hobbled there. I purchased paint, canvas, and a few other great things. And now my kids have art for their bedrooms. I bet you can't wait to see. But guess what? You get to wait. Happy Thursday!

The Sacred Grove Print

I wish you could see this in real life. It is 1000X's better in my oh so humble opinion. I am selling prints.. Finally. I am only going to sell 200.. yes lofty goal I have when I say only.. but I am aspiring to great things!
I am offering it in the following sizes:

8X12 Sprayed and Mounted on 2mm Styrene $40

12X18 Sprayed and Mounted on 2mm Styrene $65

16X24 Sprayed and Mounted on 2mm Styrene $100

20X30 Sprayed and Mounted on 2mm Styrene $140

You can either put these on an easel and display as is, are you can frame it. I have a 20X30 in my home, and LOVE it! These prices include shipping to your home in the United States. All prints are signed on the back and numbered.

Leave a comment and or email me at photographybyleeann@gmail.com and I will get your print ordered, signed on the back and numbered. I am selling other prints for the same price including the Fence from the Smith Farm, and the Smith Family Barn.

From Little Miss

Tonight during Family Home Evening Little Miss gave the lesson. She was very excited to give it on Adam and Eve. She was getting help from Randy telling the story. And then Randy asked her what happened when they partook of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil to which she replied, "Jesus kicked their butts out of the Garden of Eden." Yes that's right my sweet girl said that. I almost peed my pants I laughed so hard. Good times at our house.. good times.

At 2 in the Morning

I hear the pitter patter of those familiar footsteps. The warm hand then grabs my arm, Mommy.. I don't want to be alone, can I sleep with you? Those words, with a sweet voice, and a snugly kid make me a total sucker. I scoot over and pull Little Miss in to snuggle and go back to sleep. And then I quickly realize sticking her in the middle is a much better idea.. I don't feel like she is going to fall out of my tall bed and crack her head.

It drives Randy crazy for me to pull the kids into bed, but for me as a Mom, it is one of my most favorite moments with my kids. I love that they know no matter what they can come and I will make them feel safe and snuggle them until they are back to sleep. She always sweetly hugs me and says Mommy I love you, you are the best Mommy. And then she whispers a little more sleepy Goodnight.. and drifts back to dreamland feeling safe and secure.

Times like these bring me back to the times that my kids were infants. When I would get up at all hours of the night to change them, nurse them, rock them, hold them and just be there for them at any given time. And that was one of my favorite times of the day with them. I loved the daylight hours, but those still moments in the night with my kids without the distractions of everything else that needs to be done, or takes my attention away those are some of my favorite memories.

And last night at 2 in the morning, I laid there awake, listening to Little Miss as she fell back asleep I was grateful for that moment. Grateful to lay there with her. Grateful for my two children, and for the blessing I have of being their Mother. Grateful that they still come to my bed at night, and aren't too big for Mommy snuggles. She comes more than Little Man, but I always welcome him into my bed too and let him snuggle back to sleep.

While Randy might not like the 2 AM kicks and wiggles. Or the fact that after a while she completely kicked me out of the bed, and on to the floor, and then the chair.. I couldn't carry her back to bed crutches and all. And finally I had to wake around 5 so I could get some rest. I was grateful for the moment. For my kids and for the blessing I have of being their Mom.

Progress is..

• 1 Crutch instead of two. It looks really cool, let me tell you.
• Bending your knee almost as far your other knee, within two inches.
• Being able to stand for a minute without any crutches.
• Not having to wear TED socks anymore. My foot is no longer super hot.
• No longer being completely stoned. I can now carry on a coherent conversation.

Progress.. we are definitely seeing. And my knee is feeling it.

I Remember

It still seems like yesterday. And yet it also feels like it was so long ago. That Tuesday morning.. the world stopped. We all froze glued to the radio and TV for updates of what was happening. Our country was under attack. We united as one, standing for our country. It was the most patriotic I have ever seen out country be. And something I wish we still were. We were a nation united. Instead of being divided.
I am grateful for the freedoms I have of living here.
The Freedom to worship my Heavenly Father.
The Freedom to Bear Arms.
The Freedom to dress how I want.
The Freedom to do what I believe is best for my family.
The Freedom to be myself.
I am grateful for a military to protect and defend us.
I am grateful to live in a nation that was founded by God fearing men.
I am grateful to live in the USA.
And I am thankful to those who protect my freedoms, those who have died in this cause, and for those who died on that horrible day, 9/11.
I remember.

Plugging Along..

I am doing my Physical Therapy EVERYDAY. Just like I am supposed to. I can straighten my knee all of the way. Awesome huh? I can bend it within two inches of my normal. That my friends is progress. But moving it to either of those positions involves me whining, moaning, and being plain obnoxious. I still cannot stand on it. I still need my crutches to get my around, and I am still icing it, a lot. But slowly it is working in the right direction. I have a goal to have it back and ready. And a goal to start running as soon as I can. And hopefully I can go with Kellie to the Country Music Marathon next April and run a half. Not the whole thing.. I am not THAT crazy. Just a little crazy.

Race For The Cure

My friend Heidi is a breast cancer survivor! She is doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I think this needs so much support. And I have a dear friend Beth going through this right now, and so it hits especially close to home. I am asking you to donate on behalf of Heidi and this walk. Help her to raise more money for Breast Cancer. Go HERE leave a note and help fight Breast Cancer. We all know someone who is affected by this, and I am going to do my part to help the fight and find a cure.

Physical Therapy

I don't like it.
I don't want to do it.
It hurts.
I think they are really trying to kill me.
It's no fun.
I pout about it.
I whine about it.
I really don't like it.
I have to do it at home.. and my Mom makes me do it. *pout*


But.. I do have good range of motion. It is getting easier. I cannot walk on it. I have really strong arms, and my left leg ain't to shabby either. And crutches are my life saver. Except when I am so drugged I almost fall on my face. But I am making it. And I am pouting that I have to do Physical Therapy.. but without it I would be stuck with a straight leg forever.

Prayers

My heart broke for my dear friend Beth this morning. She informed me that her sister was in a tragic accident and passed away along with her daughter and unborn child. My heart goes out to my dear friend and her family.

As I have thought on this today, and wondered what I could do to help I am reminded of our baptismal covenants from Mosiah 18,
".. are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.."

My prayers are with Beth and her wonderful family. I pray that peace will fill their hearts as they lean on the Lord.

I didn't DIE!

Or Puke for that matter. This is my first surgery not getting sick as a dog after anesthesia. And I am feeling drugged but good. I wanted you all to know I didn't die.. and I am not puking!
Happy Thursday.

busy, busy, busy

I am busy. I have 3 shoots that need to be edited. I should go to bed. I went to Nauvoo. I have a super fun girl here visiting. My kids are growing way to quickly. We are in our 4th week of school already. How did that happen?? And tomorrow I am taking Madison (super fun girl) to the airport so she can fly home.. then picking up Randy, dropping kids in random places, and then I am having knee surgery. Then home to recover and then back to busy, busy, busy.