Whoa.. May!?!

I have been a serious blog slacker. April was a busy, busy month. How is it May already?

April in re-cap.

We had Randy's birthday, thankfully I blogged about that!

The kids and I went the circus one day.. Randy was at Hunter's Safety Class. They loved it. It was great entertainment and seriously fun.

Then there have been the T-Ball games, and all of the practices. Both kids are playing. 4 and 5 year old kids playing T-Ball, similar to trying to herd cats. Ever done that? Neither have I. But this is similar, I know it!

We also found out that Little Man will be learning Spanish next year in school, we are quite thrilled about that.

We had the Talent Show, which was just wonderful to watch!

And then we had my sister for a week, we went to her Special Olympics swim meet. It was wonderful. And I mean truly wonderful. There is such an amazing feeling there. It is indescribable, but I plan to go to all of them that I can. If you ever have the opportunity to attend I strongly suggest you go. You will not regret it. I wish I could explain the feeling. These kids are so excited for each other. They work so hard and do such a great job. I was seriously so proud of my sister and all of the other athletes that day. My own kids did quite well watching and want to know when they can be in Special Olympics and win medals. My sis won a silver, 2 bronze, and 1 5th place ribbon!

Maybe May will be a better blogging month.. we'll see! Catch ya later!

Woman to Woman: "Enduring health problems - either your own, a spouse's or a child's"

"Woman to Woman- Enduring health problems - either your own, a spouse's or a child's"

Well.. I have blogged about my health before. It is not exactly coveted by many. Look at me, I look healthy. I look like nothing is wrong. Look a little closer you might see a scar or two. Spend a day with me catch me in the bathroom you will see my meds. Spend a week with me you will see it.

I have Lupus, nine years since my official diagnosis. I have asthma.. adult onset.. 16 is that adult? And a funky heart valve. Jealous? I knew you would be.

Okay.. that sounds bitter and resentful. Really I am not. It is more humorous to me and something I laugh at. Because it is really just funny to me. And then I have these two amazing children who are wonderful, and they are HEALTHY. And I am not talking just kinda healthy, they are amazingly healthy. I love it. I am proud of it. I take pleasure in it. I pray that I have enough wrong for my whole family and all those I love.

So with my health issues I have had nine surgeries since I married my husband almost eight years ago. That is a lot. Seriously did he know what he was getting in to? He had to have some clue when my Dad told him, you can marry her but you HAVE to have health insurance. No if's and's or but's about it. Not a choice if you are married to her. He had no idea how serious that statement was. How much we would truly need it. I have not went a day without it! Thanks babe!

I don't look at my health problems as a burden.. I don't feel like going into a ton of detail, for the simple reason I have blogged about some of them in the past and well.. I don't feel like going down that road right now. My health has been something that I have taken and learned about my diseases, my body, and how to fight it. There have been times I have wished, I have prayed, I have pleaded to have them taken from me. Times I have not understood. Times I think it isn't fair. But then I am reminded we all have trials in this life. We all go through hard times. We all feel like things aren't fair. We all want a break sometime. But we all push through it.

When I am tired of it, I look at those who are going through so much more than me, that mine look trivial. And I am humbled, greatly. When I get on my knees I am often filled with an overwhelming feeling that my Heavenly Father truly knows me. He loves me, and is so aware of me. He knows the trials I have, and that I can endure them. That I can rise to the top, and that they will not beat me down. I have learned that when I can't do.. I have to stop. When I can do.. I go 120%. Learning more about Lupus especially has helped me to deal with it. Or blatantly ignore it. I swear denial.. it is what gets me by half of the time. And I frankly don't mind it. It works for me. I don't like to dwell on it. I like to be proactive.. do something to help make it better. Right now for instance I am the chairman of The Lupus walk for my hometown. I think it really helps me to endure. I am the head of the Lupus Support group. It isn't that I need one.. because really I have wonderful friends and family that are my support, but others do. I have had it longer than MANY people I know. Helping others cope helps me to endure and feel like I am making a difference.

I feel like I am all over the place tonight.. my brain is going faster than my hands. I have endured by just making it the best I can. Doing all I can and relying on my Heavenly Father to help me get through. And my husband.. he is the best man ever hands down. He supports me and knows what he needs to do when I need help. My family seriously.. they make it easier when I have my bad days. But for the most part anymore those are getting rare.

I feel like I haven't explained everything well. One thing I want to say is there have been times where I have been so sick or going through something so hard, I honestly thought I might die. When I had my lung surgery almost five years ago. When I was lying in a hospital bed barely getting enough air from my severe asthma. It was then that I know the Lord has carried me through and has given me strength. I endure through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Knowing that HE has endured all that I have and so much more. Knowing that He is there for me. With my health came the closure of my child bearing.. not by my choice, but by my bodies choice. It has been hard. Really hard. Not something I wanted to do. BUT, something that I knew I had to do, and have been blessed physically and in my health. The Lord has guided me down the right paths for my health so that I can endure. I cannot do it alone. I endure through Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in the eternal plan. Knowing that we are here for a purpose. That we do not go through things in vein. That we all have trials some more visible than others. These are mine. And I am so grateful for them. Without them I would not know my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ the way I do. Without them I would not be the woman I am today. How grateful I am for them. My Heavenly Father knows me and loves me enough to teach me in a way I can understand. What a testimony builder that has been to me. I endure because I know that my Reedemer Lives, and that we will live again whole and well.

Click on my links.. they will explain things in more detail if you want more! Hopefully this is a good Reader's Digest version of my feelings!

Now come and participate in Woman to Woman go to My Many Colored Days and to Morning Glory and live your link!

Little Man Singing in the Talent Show!!

We had a Ward Talent Show. Little Man wanted to sing. He is 5 and I am so proud of him and his bravery. He went up there and rocked it. He is not a shy kid! Seriously I am bursting. One of my BEST Mommy moments yet! Great job Little Man!!
And thankfully Dad videoed it on the little camera since I was doing the piano thing.

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter.. we started Saturday going to the neighbors for dinner and an Easter Egg Hunt, they had a few families over and it was so much fun! That night Randy decided a haircut was in order. I did a mighty fine job. Then Sunday was Church.. Little Man gave a terrific talk in Primary on Easter, it was great! We were quite proud of him. We had the Easter Baskets after Church and dinner with our family. It was nice to be able to talk with our kids about the importance of Easter and of the Resurrection of our Savior.

Here are some pictures from our weekend.

Little Miss with her dirty face after having a delicious dinner at our neighbors. Looking for Easter Eggs. Little Man with candy and marshmallow on his face.. finding the eggs!

Easter Sunday! All dressed up in their Church Clothes.

Doing her thing.

Jumping like the Easter Bunny. Seriously she is so beautiful it makes me melt. Or as she says, "I don't look beautiful, I AM beautiful!" Love it!

Ready for Mom to be done with the Camera.. Poor kids I just want to capture all of the moments of their life!!

And the new haircut which has turned SEVERAL HEADS! I only charge $5, so if you would like one please, let me know. I might book up quickly.

Also, I did a family shoot this weekend, my first! Go to my other blog and check it out!

Happy Birthday Babe!!

Yesterday my husband turned 30!!! We celebrated by watching General Conference, all day. But it was good. He got the Remington 870 Super Magnum Express Shot Gun he had been drooling over, his nice Mossy Oak Camo gear, and some killer BRIGHT GREEN Crocs, courtesy of his son who LOVES green. We had cake with all of the family, and found out we are both allergic to the Costco Carrot Cake. We followed up our cake with some much needed allergy medicine.

Happy Birthday Babe! I love you more than ever. You are the Sexiest Man I know. Thanks for being mine. Love you.

Woman to Woman: Is it Really Family Night Out?

This installment's topic: "Is it really a family night out?" in which you may share your views regarding children under age 5 attending formal events (such as funerals, concerts, weddings, even church services). We hope that those of you who have "tried and true" tips and tricks up your sleeve will share those as well.

No one wants their child to be the one that is screaming and that you have to drag out of the room. Or disturbing people at a peaceful dinner, or while they are listening to a concert, attending a funeral, or wedding. As I talked about yesterday, no one wants to be judged for the way their children behave. Easy way to avoid that, don't take them. BUT.. is that how we want to live our life? My kids are both 5 and under.. so I am 100% in this stage of life right now.

When my son was 5 months old we took him to the movies for the first time. He was quiet he nursed, and slept. We took him for about 5 more months, he would eat popcorn, or cheerios and silently sit there. Then we tried another movie, and about 20 minutes into it, we left. He was being noisy and did not want to sit, and we didn't want to ruin it for everyone, we decided either a babysitter would be good, or we would wait to rent it.. or even buy it for the same price as attending the theater.

I have taken my kids to funerals. Just recently Little Miss went with me to a friend's funeral, we were traveling a great distance and I didn't have anywhere for her to go. I took color crayons and a coloring book, and thankfully she was reverent and sat there quietly enjoying her crayons. It helped that the funeral was short. Also many loved ones of my friends, her sibling brought their young children. I didn't take Little Man, the two together I would have been out numbered and it would have ended in chaos. Funerals are not something I like to take my children to, they are sad, and my children do not fully comprehend what is going on, and I don't want that taken away from them yet. I try whenever possible when I am attending a funeral to find a place where my kids can go, so those that mourn can mourn in peace without the screeching of children.

Church, being LDS our children go to Church and are expected to sit through a 70 minutes Sacrament Meeting, and once they are 18 months they go to nursery, but until then they go to Sunday School with us, and to Relief Society. Some days at Church it is a GREAT CHALLENGE. I have had many days wondering what is the purpose when I am out in the hall trying to calm a child who is screeching and tired, and will not give up. But then you see your child reverently fold their arms, and pray. They ask about Jesus, and what to know more about their Heavenly Father. And even though it is work it is worth it. We have a Church Bag. It has greatly blessed our lives. I go to Wal-Mart and get the cheap little toys for under $2, and a new coloring book and crayons, and they get them only at Church after the Sacrament has been passed. Every six months I go and restock it so they do not get bored with what is in there. They don't get them any other time except at Church. It helps them greatly. Are they perfect, no. There have been several embarrassing moments, but thankfully we have all been there.

We on occasion will take our kids to restaurants for dinner. A while ago we went to Red Lobster, we took our two kids and told them where we were going and talked about behavior. I was sure it wasn't being listened to, but I prayed it was. Our kids were angels that night. Now before you think I have angel kids who behave perfectly everywhere, or that I am this magnificent parent, I assure you, neither is true. I have found when we are taking them to dinner that night, feed them a sandwich at noon, and nothing until dinner. It is best if you go to dinner by 5:00 though. And I am not talking little, little kids. Age three and up. My kids are always so hungry and ready for dinner they sit their quietly and enjoy their dinner until their plate is clean. We have done this several times, and like that day at Red Lobster, we were complimented on our well behaved children. No snacks, it is a magic trick. And I think only have two makes it much easier for us than those with larger families, I don't know how they do it.

Also, we are not above bribery. It works wonders. What kid doesn't want to get ice cream, or a yummy treat or a balloon? Everyone likes a reward. It always seems to work wonders for us.

There are many times that kids are better off home. I try to be considerate of others. But I also know that when it is just Randy and I out and we here kids shrieking that the parents are doing their best, and sometimes you just need to get out. Even if it means your kid will cry, or fits will be thrown. We all try to gain a little bit of sanity in our lives.. one way or another.

If you’d like to share your views on this topic add your name to the Mr. Linky here or here.

My Life Monday- My Personal Philosophy

How often do we see someone and judge them? Judge them by their looks, they way they behave, how they talk. I know I am guilty of this. Not something I am proud of either.

I was talking with a friend today, she is 36 weeks pregnant with her 3rd boy, and she had to make a trip to the Doctor last week with her almost 2 year old needing 20+ stitches on his eyebrow. She had one of THOSE days, you know the ones where your kids have colds, they aren't looking wonderful, and you haven't showered yet and have a variety of hodge podge clothes on. She rushed out the door wearing her husbands shoes that were too big so she could get her bleeding son to the Doctor. She was relating the problems and how some of her clothes were to small and she felt like she looked like some crazy crack momma. If you knew her, she is anything BUT that. She worried she was judged.

I have been the mother in the store with my children screaming that I am so mean, and they don't want me. Bawling on the floor, and I silently pick them up and carry them outside, trying hard to bite my tongue so my kids won't react even more. I have felt judged that I cannot control my kids. That I let them run wild without a care. That I am not a good mother.

No one wants to be judged, and I think in this world we are often quick to judge. I saw this story, which you should watch.. with a box of kleenex. Those I have judged are always different than I first thought they were. In this world, we so often are in a hurry. We are quick to assume, assume that people are not kind. That when things are said they are said out of spite, not out of love or concern. I often wonder what the world would be like if we took a step back and said maybe they are trying to show love and concern. They aren't trying to judge, to be hurtful. People aren't intentionally that mean are they? I think not. I think we as in everyone should look for the good. To the Child who is hurting, offer them help, love them. To the Mother with the screaming Children, smile, don't frown and glare. To the Mother who isn't put together, realize she sacrifices so much for her children. To person who speaks to you and leaves you feeling uncertain, believe in who they are, give them a chance.


I will try to be kinder, speaker softer, look for the good, and realize we are all trying on this long road. We are all growing, and learning. And we are all working to return to Him. He who loves us, and does not judge us.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name..

Remember Cheers? Okay, how could you not remember it? I love the theme song. I mean don't we all want to go where we belong? We have lived in 4 wards since we were married. The ward we are in now, is home. More than any other ward I have been in since I was married, now don't get me wrong, I have liked every ward, I have had great people I was friends with there. I have friends that are true wonderful friends, they are real, they are kind, and they make me feel like I matter and they care.

I have pneumonia right now, and I was picking up Little Man from pre-school today and one of the other Mom's offered to take both of my kids... (okay insisted) so I could get some rest. I was so grateful. I thought I might cry because I was so exhausted and just felt like crap, and the fact that she was so willing to help me out meant so much. Another friend has called and told me she is taking my kids for a few hours tomorrow. I am feeling very loved by my friends, and feel like the for the first time in years I really belong. It is home. It isn't that I haven't had friends, I am outgoing and make friends along the way always, but I have such a strong support group, I feel very blessed. The Cheers theme song seems to really be fitting for me. I feel like I am somewhere where everybody knows my name.

It is funny when we moved here almost a year ago I had certain areas I was looking at for a house, and this was not one of them. But I kept being drawn to this area. The Lord knew where I needed to be for me. To have the love and support of great women who like me for me. Where my husband has great friends, and my kids do too. I have great friends in all the places I have lived, people I cherish and love. But for the first time I finally feel like I am home.

My Life Monday- Embarrassing Moment

My Life Monday- My Most Embarrassing Moment. We all have moments of embarrassment. Some greater than others. I have thought about mine, and I am not really that sure of the most. I don't think anything has been that tragic, or maybe it is because I laugh it all off. I am thankful that my friend Emily's story wasn't mine though. I am not sure I would have come back to Church. I still think about it and giggle, thanks Em!

Do you remember Beck? I love Beck. They have a great sound, and my brother being so lucky back in the day 1996-97 era while at BYU got to go to a Beck concert. I was jealous. Very jealous. He got a cool shirt while he was at the concert and I coveted it. I was anxious for him to leave on his mission so I could add that shirt along with a few others to my wardrobe. I loved guys T-Shirts then.. what was I thinking?? He left and about two days later I wore the beloved Beck Shirt. Remember the song Where It's At!

Where its at!I got two turntables and a microphone..

That line specifically. Here is a picture of the shirt.. or at least one like it. It was pale blue, but whatever. Can you see the problem with this shirt? It looked great on my brother. I wore it to school.. I was 16 and thought I looked pretty good that day. After lunch I walked into English and my friend Jared looked at me and said hey did you know you left your headlights on? I looked confused undoubtedly, and said I didn't drive today I got a ride with a friend, but thanks. And he said nope, they are on. I figured he was just messing with me like always and trying to confuse me. I ignored him and he continued to tell me they were on and was I sure I didn't want to do anything about them. Confused I said Jared, I didn't drive! My headlights are not on, my car isn't here. No one even has a car like mine, I am not that dumb, but thanks. Being the great guy he said did you look in the mirror before you left today? I said umm... of course. Why wouldn't I look in the mirror? He asked did you notice anything? Umm.. not really, my hair looks good but whatever. I was naive.. what can I say. He then pointed out that my shirt looked like boobs, and was placed in an area that was strategically placed to draw attention. On a boy this looks fine, on a girl like me, not so much. It was May, it was warm, I didn't have a coat with me. I was embarrassed but laughed it off, what do you do? Needless to say that was the last time I wore that shirt. Every time I see it on my brother now I giggle.

A Sneak Peek

We painted, it looks great. We moved her furniture in, and I love it. The curtain hasn't been hung yet, and there are a few things that need to be done before you get to see the finished product, but you do get a sneak peek. Aren't you thrilled? I told you we painted it vivacious pink, and here is your sneak peek. The lovely pink that covers all of the walls in Little Miss' room. She loves it. I took a couple of pictures hoping to show what color it really is.. I think these two are the closest.. Actually more like the 2nd one.. not as dull as the first. Until it is finished more.. this is what you get!

Need to laugh?

I am blog plugging for my husband. Go visit Randy's blog, he has a funny video.. It had me laughing. And leave him a comment if you don't mind!


We painted a new bedroom for Little Miss last night. Pictures will come when it is all the way done, with furniture in it. Her old one was purple, she wants pink. The old one was small, this one is much bigger. Last night Randy and I painted the new one pink. And not just any pink, it is Vivacious Pink from the wonderful Sherwin Williams. The only place to buy paint! They know me when I go in. Always nice to be on a first name business with the paint store, they are more than willing to help me get the right color and have yet to steer me wrong. Little Miss is quite excited and hopefully this weekend things will come together and if I can get a few more things it will be complete.


Happy Friday!

Woman to Woman: In this skin...

27 is rapidly approaching. I don't want to get old. I still think I am 19, and newly married, not almost 27 and married almost eight years ago. My body looks nothing like it did eight years ago. It has changed, dramatically. Not only from giving birth to my two great children, my body has endured much since I said Yes to the man I love.

It began shortly after we were married, two weeks in fact, my lupus attacked my appendix, and they were taken out. It was the first surgery scar on my body. Little did I know what my future would hold. I look in the mirror and my body is no where near the same, there are tell tale signs of surgeries, and the scars that are covering me.

Each of them have a story, they have molded me to who I am. My body has fought to be here, it has fought to live. It has fought to breathe and to make it through some of the battles.

I have resented the stretch marks, that things are not what the once were. That things are not as tight, and after nursing two children I need to lift things more than ever. But recently I can look at it and say my children have greatly blessed my life. My scars all over my body have blessed my life greatly in many spiritual ways. I have learned and grown and have more compassion for others. I have prayed many times to feel comfortable in my own skin, and while I don't love everything I see all of the time, I do most of the time. It is a process... Something I blogged about the other day. I am slowly feeling like I like my body. When I take time to reflect on all my body this skin has done for me, and all it has went through I love it. I love how strong it is. The brute strength that was inherited from my Dad. I take pride in it. I am different than I was 8 years ago, but different is good.

I am a mother, a wife, a daughter of God. I do not have the perfect body for the world, but I have the perfect body for me. I can look at the scars the distortions and I remember many events in my life who shaped me to become the woman I am today. No longer the girl who I was when I was married, but a woman.

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For more Woman to Woman please visit the creators of this Seeds From My Garden, Morning Glory, and Lei of My Many Colored Days. Also feel free to join in!

My Life Monday-The me not many people know.

My Life Monday, the me not many people know. Thanks Rachelle, I think this is harder topic for me. I am pretty much an open book. I tell more than most people want to know. I am pretty much what you see is what you get.

I am a country girl at heart. I love the outdoors. I love animals and doing all of that stuff. I showed steers in FFA, and I loved it. I won Grand Champion in fitting and showing and first blue in Confirmation.Now it wasn't that I was great at showing, I was just kindly reminded by a great lady, Janice, to make sure I smiled at the judges and keep eye contact. I did and it worked. Not only did I get that, I also won Carcass Champion, awesome huh? Are you jealous? I won a HUGE belt buckle with it. Carcass Champion means that my dead steer hanging, his body was better than the others, more marbling, bigger rib eye, just all around better. I was proud, heck I still am.

I had horses as a kid, I sold them when my parents moved here 8 1/2 years ago. It broke my heart. I sold my mare Gypsy, and her son Jinx. I have only seen them once since I sold them, it rips my heart out to see them, I miss my horses, and I miss having the steers out in the field.

I miss country life. The open starry nights, the smell of fresh hay, which ironically I am severely allergic to. I am a true country girl at heart. I love going to the Fair every year and seeing all of the animals, I especially love seeing the cattle. I know all of the little grooming tricks to make the rump look bigger, and I love watching the grooming. I secretly wish it was me doing the grooming and the showing. It is hard work but it is fun.

Maybe you knew I was a country girl at heart.. maybe not. Given the chance and if I wasn't allergic to it all I would jump at the chance to be a real country girl again. But until then I will live happily in my suburban neighborhood. Enjoy that even though I don't have big farm animals, I have two great labs that my kids adore as much as I do, and even if my kids aren't learning to love the bigger animals they do have my love for the furry warm creatures.

Here are my girls.. since I haven't shared in about a year. Sage is 2 on Friday! And Izzy she turned 1 December 29th.

It's midnight, where do you want to be?

At home in your bed asleep right? That is where I prefer to be. Snoozing away and getting some much needed rest. Last night I went to bed early for me 10:30, I was quite proud and realized I would get close to nine hours of sleep. Jealous? Well don't be.

Shortly before midnight I hear this awful noise followed by I *gasp* can't *gasp* breathe. Nothing like those words to jolt me out of bed. Thankfully while I was sleeping Randy was in with Little Man. I go running in and he has a horrible bloody nose, (he gets them often, just like I did when I was a kid.) And he is wheezing horribley. It was awful. I could hear his chest just rattling and his cough sounded awful. I am asthmatic and he has never ever shown any sypmtoms of being asthmatic, but I was worried he was showing them now. After listening to him and trying to get the bleeding to stop I decided we needed to go to the ER, NOW! Randy got him loaded in the van and he stayed home with Little Miss while I drove like a bat out of ... a cave to the ER. I was flying down the road and figured if a police officer stopped me he could just rush him there himself. His breathing sounded so bad. And honestly I was feeling panicky.. I was trying not to, but it scared me. I know how awful it feels to not get enough air and it was breaking my heart. I didn't want to see my baby boy struggling. I was terrified he had asthma. Or that he was choking on the blood from his horrible bloody nose.

We got to the ER and I grabbed him and ran in and pushed the little doorbell button they have for people who are having chest pains or trouble breathing. I didn't even take time to read it until later I just pushed the button and was like someone help me now. He got checked and his 02 sats were at 88, not good. She listened to him and assured me it was very smart to bring him in. They had my sign him in and we were taken back to a room. Poor Little Man was so sad and his cough was getting worse. Thankfully the Dr came in quite soon. He came in and said Hi Momma, it sounds like a bad case of croup. I looked at him and I am sure I looked quite shocked but I said really, croup? He hasn't been sick at all, are you sure? He said the cough is the give away, but we need to do an X-Ray to make sure that is all. They gave him some oral-prednisone and then off to X-Ray. I could hear his breathing greatly improving. Prednisone while it is not my favorite drug sure works great. The X-Rays were good and it was in fact just a bad case of croup. After 2 hours at the ER we headed home with a little boy breathing easier and my heart beating less rapidly and offering many prayers of thanks.

Little Man woke up at 5AM, he ended up with about 6-7 hours of sleep as opposed to his normal 12. He is doing much better, and is currently napping. HALLELUAJAH! Cue the angels singing.

So What!

As I have previously admitted I watch the Tyra Show. I saw her show last week and it rocked. I am participating in her SO WHAT campaign, and I am challenging everyone to do it.
So here is my So What.

I weigh 160lbs, so what! I am not fat, I am not model thin but I am not fat. My stomach has so many stretch marks it is like a Shar-Pei, So What! I have two great kids to show for it!

I think there is so much pressure to look a certain way it will destroy us as women. We need to unite say So What! and embrace who we are. We are women, we are mothers we are daughters of God. It is huge for me to post my weight on here. Anyone who knows me knows that. I have issues with it. But I can eat whatever I want and stay at this weight, I have for most of 7 years minus the pregnancy times. It is time to get over it and say so what! I am freaking six foot tall. I don't have the stomach I once had, but I have something much better, the most precious kids in the world.

Join me in this! Leave your link, and post about what your So What is, I want to hear it!

Thankful

This week it seems I have heard of so many people having heartache. Loved ones dying, people falling ill. I attended the funeral yesterday of a childhood friend and her daughter. Tragic how quickly life is over. I heard of a death of five children in the Emmit, Idaho area. Heart breaking. There are so many more. With all of the sadness I am thankful. Thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for His eternal plan. Thankful for a Loving and Just Heavenly Father who created a plan for us to return to live with Him. Thankful for his peace and comfort He gives to us in times of sorrow. Thankful for the restoration of the gospel, and for the blessings of temples. Thankful for the sealing power. Thankful for all of my blessings I have in my life, my family, my health, all that we have. Thankful I am able to hug my children every night. Thankful for every second I have with them, and my husband. Thankful for life itself.

My Life Monday- My Food Likes, and Dislikes.

My Life Monday... I still think we need a theme song, I am thinking something like My Life Monday, come and learn about me! Rachelle created it just to learn about you and me! (Sing it to the Wiggles Playhouse Disney Song!)

Food that I like.. well for starters, ICE CREAM. It is good. I have been quoted to say it is my favorite food. I like to eat it even when I am freezing cold. It just tastes so good.

I like sugar, pretty much all sugar, it is my weakness, so I have resorted to only having it once a week, I feel better. And I don't crave it much now.

I prefer Skittles Starburst, or fruity, chewy stuff over Chocolate. I like chocolate okay, but it really isn't my thing.

Fatty meat is totally gross to me. When you get a piece of meat and it has tons of fat going through it that is all chewy I about yarf all over my plate. It grosses me out. Same with bacon that isn't cooked all of the way, I need to it crispy.

I hate Lima Beans too. The texture the taste all of it, just gross. I don't see how people can eat them. I like most food but that one is just nasty. Not for me at all.

I am not that interesting on my food likes and dislikes. Pretty much if it tastes good I will like it. I remember wanting to eat cow tongue when I was a kid because Ramona Quimby ate it. Thankfully I never did. The thought now makes me ill.

How I Love my Kiddos

I love them even when Little Man tells Little Miss to put a plastic bag over her head while I am driving. And she does. Not only that but it is even better when I am driving down the road and they decided that it was the perfect day to sit in the back of the van. Nothing to make you panic as you pull over put on your flashers, because well there is no place to pull over and frantically say take it off! Take it off! Nothing happens she just sits there and Little Man is smiling. You have to crawl back there like an idiot and take it off of her head and you see her with a big grin, saying Hi Mommy! (Sadly I did that when I was a kid also, I remember doing that. Sorry Mom.)

I love them when the tricycle is in the house at 6:00 AM and they are trying to pedal it on the carpet and not doing well. When I come downstairs they quickly say, Sorry Mom, I won't do it again. And scamper off to bed.

I love them when Little Man puts Pam Olive Oil spray in Little's Miss' hair. Yes it is a pain, and no son it isn't for her hair. It's not hairspray. It makes it oily.

I love them when I am not feeling well and they think that since Mom is slow today that they should bring me breakfast in bed. Even when it means a very large bowl of Special K cereal with milk overflowing and placed on a cutting board for a tray. Carried upstairs with milk sloshing everywhere and surprising me with breakfast in bed. It is sweet, it is messy, but it melts my heart, the kindness and love that they have. The compassion and desire to help.

I love them when after a hard day or a day of making poor choices they are on their knees praying to Choose The Right better tomorrow. To not Choose the Wrong.

I love them when I see them gently helping one another and giggling in a corner together being best friends. It brings me more joy than they will ever know. When they share jokes together and enjoy each other's company and stick up for one another it is one of my favorite moments of the day.

My kids, I love them, they are great, they are busy, and curious, they go from one thing to another and are into mischief, but I wouldn't trade them and all of their energy for anything.

It's My Life Monday!!! A Growing Experience!

I think we need some theme music for this. My Life Monday- Can you feel it? What a great topic Rachelle! A growing experience.. since I am tall I should have a lot of these! :) Yeah I do think I am THAT funny.

I seriously have so many things that I think have made me grow. And have made me stronger in my life and who I am. I think my biggest one though is my health overall. It started when I was born. My poor mother. I cannot imagine all of the heartache and pain she went through. When I was 10 days old at my check-up my doctor heard a heart murmur, and did an x-ray and saw that my heart was bulging and was in the shape of a boot. I was sent to Children's Hospital to see a pediatric cardiologist, Dr Stanley Stam. I had a heart cath done and they found that I had a VSD (hole in the heart in the ventricle). I was sent home on meds and scared my mom to death. This was 1980, they were not nearly as knowledgeable as they are now. When I got home I was running a fever so my Mom took me to the hospital where my pediatrician Dr. Olson met us there. I was put in the hospital and given IV's and all sorts of antibiotics to fight off whatever it was. After getting tests back they found out I had Staph infection in my blood. Not a good thing. With all my problems the doctors told my Mom to love me as much as she could love me and grieve like Hell when I died. How do you handle something like that as a Mom? I don't know but I am in awe of my Mother. In case you were wondering, I didn't die. After a few weeks in the hospital I got better, I still had my heart problem but I got better, and I came home. I was on heart medications and continued to go to the doctor often but when I was five my heart was finally normal shape and the hole had closed. It was a miracle. You would think that would be all right?

My Junior year of High School I got asthma, and not just mild, it is severe. I went from being able to do anything outside and around fire to even smelling smoke and having my lungs shut down. It was a hard and scary adjustment, as often I couldn't even get a word out because of my asthma, and well if I can't talk you know it is serious. I didn't realize how bad it was at times until I read my medical chart, let's just say I am grateful I didn't know at the time.

Right after High School I was diagnosed with Lupus, yes another thing. But thankfully this has not been as hard on my body as everything else. It is mild and I just say it is another thing to put on my death certificate. Seriously though, there have been struggles and trials with it. But not like many people I know so I really cannot complain.

Then there have been all of my surgeries, including the one I blogged about last summer. So what is my point to this? I do have one. My health from birth has not been a strong point for me. But you look at me and you would never know. I look fine and for the most part I feel great. I have my cardiologist I visit every other year to check my funky valve, my asthma dr, my rheumatologist, who I get to see today, and then my woman dr, and my regular family practice. Seriously that is too many. Through this is all there have been times where I have wondered why me? What did I do wrong? But those occasions are rare. I normally think about all of my blessings. I have grown so much spiritually through all of this. I would never wish them away because what I have learned is worth so much more. I know without a doubt that my Heavenly Father loves me. That I am a daughter of God. I have felt the love of my Heavenly Father at many times. I know he is so aware of me. I learned to love the scriptures and to read them for comfort and peace. I love 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I have grown so much spiritually. I have had people tell me they are sorry, don't be. We all have trials in our life and well, this is mine. But I am so very grateful for it. And I know it is something I will deal with my whole life, but with this great gospel I can feel my Savior's love and know he loves me. What a great blessing in my life. There are the days I don't want to think about any of it or deal with it, and I live in denial half of the time, because ignorance is bliss. But I also look it straight in the eye sometimes and know that when I am feeling alone there is one person who fully gets it. My Savior. My testimony is strong because of all I have been through, I feel so grateful that my Heavenly Father knew me well enough to know what would help me to grow, to turn to Him. When Randy and I were married there were people who thought my health would be hard on us, but it has brought us closer. He is 100% supportive of me all of the time. My health in general has been a great growing experience for me. How is that for long winded.

Look What I Did!

This is the before. And the after!

So here you go!

Happy Valentine's Day!

MY LIFE MONDAY!!!! Someone I Love!

Monday again! WOO HOO! Thanks Rachelle for doing this! I love it!

This week we are supposed to blog about someone we love in honor of Valentine's Day this week I am choosing Randy. The Love of My Life!

In a couple of weeks it will be eight years ago that Randy and I started dating. But I have known him for eight years now, just barely. I remember the first time I met him, I was at a fireside with a guy I was kinda dating and Randy was talking to this guys friend. I kept wishing he would introduce me, and finally they did. I was thrilled. After the fireside was over we were out in the hall talking and he thought I was 20 or 21 at least. I was 18 at the time so I took that as a great compliment, especially from a hot RM! Woo Hoo!

I saw him at institute that week and he invited me to his class and I went. He was hot and I was interested. We chatted and then I found out he had asked my good friend out on a date. *Gasp* Not like I was dating someone else at the time, but still. A few weeks later we went to a fireside together and that night he kissed me. That was it. I went in my house, went straight to my room, and thought wow I could marry a guy like that.

Yesterday in Sunday School I was asked what attracted me to my husband. I thought and quickly said his honesty, sense of humor, the way things were black and white. He makes me feel like I am a million dollars and the most important thing in the world to him. He is hardworking and so willing to sacrifice for our family. I love the Father he is to our kids. I love the husband he is to me. He treats me like a queen. He is wonderful. I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Something you might not know...

I will admit I totally think Tyra Banks is awesome. She has been my favorite Super Model for a long time. She is gorgeous and just seems so real. I even DVR her show, daily. Some I watch and some I delete. Last week I was at the grocery store and saw the People Magazine with Tyra on the cover speaking out about being called fat so I bought it. I was like what, she isn't fat, and why would anyone call her FAT? Then right after that I saw the Tyra Show with her on it talking about this issue. Here is a clip, watch it. I totally applaud her. I have been told I am fat in my life and I wish I had her confidence to just say kiss my butt. I am working on it. It is a goal. I want my daughter to say who cares. I don't want her to feel she has to be a certain size to be beautiful. She doesn't have to starve herself to be pretty she can be normal healthy and be a knock out.

So there.. you learned something new. It is my guilty pleasure. What's yours?

Thursday 13!

Thirteen Things about Lee



1. I love my new camera, it is the best thing in the world.2. Ice Cream is my favorite food, especially if it is Black Licorice Ice Cream.3. Chocolate is okay, but give me skittles or starburst any day!4. I thought I would have at least 4 kids, I have two they keep me busy!!5. Dill pickles with parmesan cheese a great snack.6. I am a klutz.7. I am addicted to sugar.. I have been trying to cut back a lot.8. Shopping helps me to alleviate stress at times.9. My laundry hose that drains the water fell out of the drain and flooded my laundry room today. My Dad graciously came over and helped me. 10. Weird things never happen when my husband is in town, always when he is gone.11. I want to play the violin again but I don't seem to make any time for it.. I have all of these other great ideas to keep me busy.12. I am planning a Lupus Walk and trying to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row.13. Laughing until my cheeks hurt is one of the best feelings in the world.


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Sleep Already!!!

Randy is out of town on business and Little Man thinks it is a good idea to sleep with Mom when that happens. In the past I haven't minded. It was nice he would sleep in later and would cuddle in the morning and it was fun.

The last two nights I don't think I have had more than 5 hours of sleep. I am tired. The first night I think he woke up every hour and would get up walk around then lay down. Drove me crazy. Last night he woke up at 5AM to go potty and didn't go back to sleep. I don't do well on that little of sleep two nights in a row. But Little Man does even worse. He is ornery. Thankfully today is a preschool day, and tomorrow night Randy will be home. Hopefully tonight we will get a decent nights rest.

I just want him to sleep, he is 5 it shouldn't be this hard.

My Life Monday: Pet Peeves!

Can I tell you how happy I am that Rachelle brought back My Life Monday. I know she brought it back a couple of weeks ago, I am just slow!

My Pet Peeves..

1. My name.. I like my name, but I hate when it is spelled wrong, drives me bonkers. Lee Ann, seriously spelled simply the correct way, and it is two words. Really not hard. And then there are the telemarketers that call and call me Mr. Lee Blahblah, really Lee is not just a boys name, and no HE DOESN'T LIVE HERE! Thanks!

2. People waiting for my parking space when I am just barely walking to the car. I am all for waiting if someone is in their car starting to back up, or at least the reverse lights are on. Saturday at Costco I took Little Miss out while Randy and Little Man were taking care of business, as soon as I got to the van I SUV stopped and waited.. and waited.. and waited. I was getting things loaded into the van and getting the cart put away and waiting for Randy and Little Man. I think I was out there for 6+ minutes and finally Randy came, the lady in the SUV looked irritated but I didn't tell her to wait for our family to be done with all of our business, it was her choice. Don't give me dirty looks because I am not fast enough for you!

3. There are more I am sure, but currently this is all I can think of. You know the standard falling in the toilet because the toilet seat was left up, especially when you were a little kid, hello cold! I don't know anyone who likes that!

I am sure I will think of more as the day goes one, like sunglasses on while indoors, really is it that bright? Or do you think you look that cool?

So those are a few.. what are yours?

A Brave Princess!

Little Miss has been talking about getting her ears pierced for a while. She loves my pretty earrings I wear all of the time. I told her it would hurt, but whenever she wanted them she could have them. Today she decided was the day. I wasn't sure how I felt about it.. I wanted her to be sure. We went to the Mall and watched at least four other little girls get their ears pierced and they all cried and she still wanted it. I figure if she can watch it and still be okay with it then let's go. It helped that Randy was quite supportive, as was Little Man. Little man being the good big brother that he is informed her that big girls don't cry when they do this, and they are brave. She said she was a big girl and wouldn't cry. She sat on Randy's lap while I captured the moment.. (A Security Officer at the mall informed me no photography in the mall.. but whatever.. where was he in December when I was snapping 100's of pictures in the mall.) This is the before.

Just finishing.

Feeling her new earrings.

Looking at the pretty earrings for the first time, deciding it is okay. She didn't cry at all!!!!

She made sure I got a shot of each side! Pretty pink earrings!!

Basketball Anyone?

I had the opportunity to ref two of the Young Women basketball games tonight. It was great fun and I nice little workout.. always nice to run up and down the court.

One of the girls wanted to play me one on one.. Umm.. yeah. Back in the day.. I might have been good. Now I am huffing and puffing getting down the gym. I thought I was in decent shape, I see now that girls 11 years younger than me are in better. Holy cow do I feel old! I think I need to get back into playing some serious ball.

I realized it has been at least six years since I had really played.. bare minimum, but probably longer. If anyone wants to get in shape and is up for a challenge, let's go play ball!

Game on Baby!