Woman to Woman: Keeping you marriage alive

"Whether you've been married for 38 years, 8 years or are a newlywed, you've probably picked up a few of the keys to a happy marriage, one which is nurturing and continues to grow. Maybe your marriage has struggled, but you've found a road back to each other and have insights for those in similar situations. What would you say are the three most key elements in your marriage that keep the romance alive and the heart aflutter? "

In just a few weeks we will celebrate our 8th Anniversary. I can hardly believe that I have been married to this wonderful man for 8 years. It has flown by so quickly but somethings seem like ages ago. I feel as if I have known him forever. I gush about Randy a lot. I am head over feet in love with him. I never knew I would love someone this much. I never knew that marriage would be so joyful day in and day out.

Rule number 1 in our marriage if you are going to fight, fight naked. This rule is harder as our kids our older and no quite to the age to really be unsupervised, but it does work well. Who can be that mad when you are naked?

This rule also applies to keeping the "romance alive" in our marriage. For obvious reasons.

Another thing we do is get away at least once a year for a few nights away. Last year it was Las Vegas, this year it is Las Vegas again. Cheap flights and lots of fun! I book our tickets then my stomach churns.. and goes into knots. Do I really want to leave the kids for 4 night? Can I handle it? What if the plane crashes and I die? What if, what if, what if????? Thankful my wonderful husband kindly says dear, book the kids tickets they can come. And I come to my senses before any such thing happens, and we go enjoy our time and remember life before kids. And remember how much joy they bring to us. And the unity they bring to us. And yeah it keeps the romance alive, and it just keeps us closer and connected.

We don't go to bed angry, we talk about it. Sometimes we talk until 2AM, but we get on the same page and are 100% okay. It is important to talk about what is wrong rather than just ignoring it. And the small things really don't matter. We are both learning still to let things roll off. If it doesn't matter in the eternal scheme of things it really doesn't matter. This is something I really try to live by.. but there are those moments that well.. I don't. But each day I try to do better.

We laugh.. a lot. We joke we have fun. We know how much fun it is to laugh together. To love together, to be together. We try not to be too serious.. light heartedness and laughter keep us going and more and more in love.

Join in! Leave a comment and leave link at Mr. Linky at Morning Glory's and Lei's blogs.

THROUGH THEIR EYES AFRICA

Go to the through their eyes africa blog at: Through Their Eyes Africa Be a part of history! Today I am participating in the first ever“blogathon” to raise funds for the Through Their Eyes Africa project. Please go to their blog and give generously today. You can make a difference to some of the neediest people on earth in a very unique way, and we need your help. This project will be sending a group of well known photographers into a remote part of Africa that has not received any help yet. The photographers will be mentoring young adults on how to take pictures so that we can get a look at their society “through their eyes”. The funds raised from this project will go right back to the needs of these people. So, please go now and give at www.throughtheireyesafrica.typepad.com . They need your donations to make this happen. Remember, what you give will make a difference in the lives of some of the neediest people on earth. Be a part of history. Be part of the solution. Thank you for your generosity.

This is a great way to make a difference.. to help those in need. I hope that we can all unite together for a great cause.

Thanks Jessica Claire for putting this out there for so many people and helping to bring awareness.

Attack of the Stamps

Need I say more?

Woman To Woman: "Share an important quote and what it means to you."

One of my favorite quotes is "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." -Gordon B. Hinckley

I have this quote above my pantry. I love it. It applies to many things in my life. I apply to raising my children. I shouldn't just endure everyday with them, I should enjoy them. Enjoy my kids in each of the fun busy stages they are in. Not quickly wish it away and count down until each week is over and the weekend is here. We should have joy in our posterirty. We should enjoy our kids. Take a minute to enjoy the simple things.. pretend we are in hot lava.. be silly. That is what being a kid is about. Looking back my best memories are when my Mom was a kid with us playing and having fun. She enjoyed us!

A big reason it is above my pantry is to remind me to enjoy my food. I have had issues which I have talked about in the past. The Lord wants us to enjoy our food, savor it. Not be obsessed with every bite making it a chore. It reminds me to enjoy a good meal, not to count the calories of everything. Life is not meant to be so focused on all of the details, and in our society it is and it honestly makes me sick anymore. People cutting, stuffing, dieting, doing all these things to look happy, and not enjoying who they are, and the great people that Heavenly Father has made them to be. A friend of mine once said will you really be happy if you lose those 5lbs. I thought about it.. a lot. Probably not. I am happy being me. I am who the Lord created, I enjoy my body now. Not just endure it. I am stretched and squished in all sorts of new ways, and I am freaking hot. I enjoy the way I look. I am uniquely me.

We need to enjoy the times with our spouse, the quiet moments where we can just be together. Not endure the years of marriage. Marriage is a wonderful and beautiful thing. The Lord didn't give us marriage to torture us for years. He gave it to us so we could enjoy it. Enjoy the companionship and to be blessed throughout the eternities. I enjoy each day with Randy. The fun and laughter he brings into our home. He helps me to not be serious and to realize it if it doesn't matter in the eternal scheme of things it really doesn't matter. I don't have to endure any day with him! I am blessed to enjoy each and every day with him.

I truly believe that Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured. It is my motto, my mantra if you will. Enjoy it. It goes so quickly and is a great gift.

Join in and read others! Leave your link at Lei and Morning Glory's blogs!

Goodbye 3...

Today is Little Miss is 3. The last day she is 3. She will never be 3 again. She is my last 3 year old. Tomorrow she will be 4. I can hardly believe that she is almost 4! How did that happen? Where has the time went? Truthfully, I am a little sad.. a little excited.. a little bit of everything.

I realized the other night in the middle of the night when I do my deep really random totally me thinking, that she has 14 months until she starts Kindergarten. Now I know some people would be jumping up and down. But I am not. I have even contemplated no preschool, which my husband quickly vetoed because he says it will be good for her... (it will right?) I have one year left of having her home and then my kids will both be in school everyday. How did this happen so quickly? I still remember four years ago going the the hospital with my head hurting and having them tell me to lay on my left side, lights off and to not move. My blood pressure was sky rocketing higher and higher and my kidneys were failing slowly. I had gained 15lbs in one week.. I was no a pretty sight. I even had one friend tell me Lee, you look fatter every day. Gee.. thanks. I had no idea what my future would behold.

Little Miss year of 3.. let's look at the highlights.. or read about them.

She finished speech therapy. What a huge accomplishment, and something that I am so incredibly proud of. Seriously proud.

She attended preschool for three months, then because her speech was SO GOOD she got "kicked out" okay she didn't qualify anymore, but the kicked out makes me giggle. What a great accomplishment.

She learned to pump on her swing. All by herself. I am jumping for joy on this one! It just happened a couple of weeks ago, but she will now go outside and swing for HOURS. And she loves it, as long as it is the yellow one!

She can ride a bike.. with training wheels. But I think with some practice those will be off this summer. She doesn't need them too much and seems to balance quite well on the two wheels.

She is now a Sunbeam in Church.. she loves it!

She is my faithful reminder to make sure we have scriptures as a family every night. It is a great example.

She knows her ABC's and 123's! Hooray! What a great feat!

She can spell her name.

These are some of the great things she has learned this year. We are so proud of our Little Miss. She is such a joy, to all she meets. I am excited to see what four brings for her. But I am praying that times slows down. That this year will feel like the last four. That four will be just as great as three.

GO Look!

The pictures are up.
Go to the other blog to check them out! I am thrilled with them.. and hope they are too.

A Daughter's First Love, a Son's First Hero.

The title sums up my post.

I married the most awesome guy in the world. I wanted to marry him after the first kiss way back in 1999. I knew he would be an amazing husband and Dad. Little did I know what a tremendous Dad he would be. Randy is the LOVE OF MY LIFE. In case you haven't gotten that from my previous posts.

My kids adore their Dad. He adores them as much as they do him. Randy is the Dad to get down and play and wrestle with them. He is the rock of our home. When the kids are scared Daddy is their to comfort them. I am so proud of the great Dad that he is. The kindness he shows and the gentleness with our little princess when she is having a 'day'.

He is an example of a righteous priesthood holder for little man. Showing him the way to be a great father and husband.

Randy I love you, not only for who you are but for who you help me to become. You make our family complete.

It's My Blog.

I can brag if I want to. Because this blog is about me. It is MY blog. You know how I was so excited to go take the pictures, now I cannot wait to edit all of them. I have previewed a couple quickly, and I must say. I rocked it. Seriously rocked it. I am quite proud of myself. Yeah I could be modest, and say they are just okay, but I really believe they are better than okay. I think they are freaking rad! Yeah, I said rad on my blog. That is how much I rocked it.
Now you can go back to your lives.. I will quit bragging.. for now. Just wait until the pictures are up though... on the other blog though. Then.. I might just brag again.

Excited!

I am so excited! Tonight I am taking engagement pictures. I am working with a great couple, who are just so fun. I am so excited to go out tonight and I am hoping that the winds will die down and I will get the shots I am envisioning. I have been scouting out the perfect places, and thinking of all of the fun things we can do with them! Wish me luck! It is going to be fun! And be on the look for some new pictures! **doing the happy dance as I not so patiently wait for time to pass!**

Woman To Woman: "Having the latest baby everything"

"There is such a variety of baby products available in stores that it can be overwhelming. Add to that the pressure you often feel from your peers to have the latest and greatest of baby equipment. Add to that still the bombardment of products that promise to make your baby smarter, faster. When you want to be hip AND have those things that make mommying a little easier, how do you keep from breaking the budget?For those women who are past the child-raising stage, do you have difficulty with these pressures in wanting to provide the "goodies" for the grandchildren? Do you see them as a hindrance towards a child's natural ability to develop? What were some ways that you were able to achieve similar benefits without all the bells and whistles?"

I remember when I found out we were expecting Little Man. I was thrilled. And then I started pouring over the baby websites. What was my baby going to have. The best I could buy him. He was my baby after all and you only want your kids to have THE BEST. Right? Or so I thought.

I remember searching high and low for the perfect stroller car seat set. It had to match and it couldn't just be a cheap one, it needed to be nice, have bigger wheels and just look cool. I was 21 when he was born, I was still hip. I remember my Mom laughing that I wanted all of this matching stuff. She told me it didn't matter and to buy nice things on sale. I scoffed at this advice. This was my child, my offspring, he was growing in my belly. I wasn't going to buy something that I deemed mediocre. I bought my stroller and car seat that matched and was beyond proud of them. They were a nice blue and khaki plaid. Something that looked cool still.. I felt like he would be the hippest baby. I was proud of our choice, okay my choice. Randy was just glad it wasn't covered in Winnie the Pooh or something equally as dreadful. It was used by both children. A worth while investment, but I still giggle that I had to have a certain print. And that some just wouldn't do. It is incredibly silly and makes me just laugh now. What was I thinking? That really mattered to me then?

I had a boppy, actually I had two. One that my wonderful Sister-in-Law made me. She took hers apart to figure out how to make one for me. I loved it. And another that I entered to win online, and heck I did. I was shocked I won it.. but guess how much time I had been spending online looking for the perfect baby stuff.

I had a diaper genie, that was a gift, otherwise I would have never ever bought one. I am not a huge fan. I think two Wal-Mart bags work just as well, and heck they are basically free.

My crib set, I made it. It was simple, and I used it for both of my kids. It had animals on it and leopard print, and the alphabet. What is not to love. I was sure my son would be learning while looking at it. Did you know all he did was poop, pee, and puke on it. Really.. it doesn't matter what it looks like. They don't care, it is purely for you.

I have watched my kids grow and learn. I have wanted the cool new learning things. But when it comes down to it they play with them for a while. But they are quite content playing with blocks, wooden blocks that Grandpa made. The little things, the details that I thought mattered, that I barely remember now. And in a few more years they won't even cross my mind. There are things far more important than having the latest baby or kid everything. My kids are growing far to quickly for my taste. (All though you might find a day where I wish it would just speed up and be done with.) The little details are just that details. The perfect toy that your kid breaks no less than one week after buying you realize they are just as happy playing hot lava in the living room with blankets and a few basic toys. The big expensive toys and baby things and all of the new hoop-la.. really not necessary. We didn't have them. We are successful, smart, and *gasp* normal functioning people. We don't need therapy for being so deprived.

I see our culture and this constant we NEED more, not just want, but our wants our becoming NEEDS. We need to be clothed, we need to be fed, we need to be sheltered. We need so little but want so much. I want my children to be appreciative of all they get. At times I worry they think they are entitled to certain things, I do not ever want them to feel like that. I work on it. I want them to work to get things they want, not just have them handed to them. I think we as a society need to do that. I am working on defining my needs from my wants. I need much less than I want. But don't we all.

Now go check out Lei and Morning Glory and join in. Leave a link leave a comment and enjoy your day!

Life is just busy..

I realize it has been a few weeks now since I have taken the time to blog. It isn't that I don't want to. I get blogger block. Serious blogger block.

What am I doing right now? Working on the Mad Hatter Lupus Walk, that I am chairing.. I am in desperate need of a committee to help me. Right now I am the committee. I have 3 months until the walk. Do I have any takers? I am so excited to do something to raise awareness and to raise funds for Lupus. It is a primarily a woman's disease and there is so little out there! I want to help, to make a difference. I am not going to stand by idly and wish there was something different. I want to get out there and help. So if you have some extra time, I would love you forever and ever.

I am doing more photography stuff.. did I mention I got to shoot a wedding with a friend for her brother? I did. And it was so much fun.

Kids have started swimming, and soccer is starting soon. I am a soccer Mom, always on the go. I seriously love it though. When my kids are busy they are happy.. and so am I!

And I have had my dates and alone time with the wonderful Randy.

And last but not least I have had just all of the normal busyness of being The Mom. It isn't that I don't want to blog. The topics are not coming to me. Or I think of one but quickly forget. I am going to work on that.. in my spare time.

I want GUM too!!!

While coming home from the park today I had a revealing conversation with my kids.
Little Man: Mom, can I have some gum?
Me: No, I don't have any.
LM: Mom's friend, can I have some gum?
Mom's Friend: Sorry I don't have any either.
LM: Little Miss has some, why can't I have some? That isn't fair.
Me-looking at Little Miss, I didn't give her gum. I don't have any at all. But she is chewing something.. hmmm.. is it old gum from a bench.. oh nasty. Then I look at her flip flop. She took a bite of it.. and was chewing on the bright green piece of flip flop.
Me: Little Man that isn't gum, it is her flip flop. Please kids, if you are hungry ask me, don't eat your flip flop, that is just gross.

Have I mentioned I love being a Mom. Because I do. Who else gets to laugh at all of the gross stuff kids do.. and then come blog it.. so I will always remember it. Seriously.. it was pretty funny after the gross factor wore off.

Woman to Woman: Celebrating Me!

We (women) tend to focus so much on our weaknesses and often blow them out of proportion. But our strengths, the things we are good at, go unnoticed, especially by ourselves. I know there are times when I have feared that my confidence may come across as arrogance. It's taboo to assert your successes as a parent! And even in general, I think women are very careful about how much credit or attention they give to themselves. But we all certainly deserve praise and recognition. And so, right on the heels of Mother's Day, this "Woman to Woman" is an opportunity for us all to admit that we are amazing, and to share our strengths with one another.

Okay isn't this fitting the same week as my birthday! Hey it is my blog.. isn't always all about me! Why shouldn't I celebrate me?

This is hard for me though. I can tell you all of the weird things I do.. or the things I don't always like that I do. But to tell you the great things about me.. it is just hard. But I am going to do a List.. like Sunny did. It works for me.

1. I am quick to forgive and move on. I don't hold grudges, and I am not easily offended. I know everyone has good. And we are all trying our best in this life.. some days are just really hard.
2. I love my husband.. why am I celebrating this? He is the best thing that ever happened to me. I love him more than I could ever have imagined. He makes me feel whole, I am complete when I am with him. I am better because of him.
3. I laugh. I laugh at times when I want to cry. I laugh at times when I shouldn't, but it is me, and I like it. I laugh when I want to yell at my kids. It is better to laugh, a melted crayon in the dryer is much funnier if you laugh.
4. I have taught my children to pray. And to have true faith that their prayers WILL be answered. I know that our Heavenly Father hears us. And my children know that too.
5. I am comfortable in my skin finally. I am not afraid to goof around and be silly with my kids, Randy, or my friends. It is better to laugh than to be that serious. Who cares if I act like I am 5. I am happy.
6. I am optimistic. Life is good. I keep a positive attitude in my life. It comes naturally, but I really like that about me!
7. I am a good mother. Contrary to what I might feel or say at times, I am. I am not screwing my kids up that much. I enjoy every minute with them. My kids are fun. They are growing quickly and I enjoy all of the time I get with them. I don't do everything perfect, but I try. And they adore me.
8. I have a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What is not to celebrate about that! I know He lives. I know the Gospel is true.
9. I make friends every where I go. I run into people every where that I know. If I know you, I consider you my friend. I have lots of friends!
10. I am honest, sometimes to a fault. I work on making my filter work. But you never wonder what I am thinking. ha!

That is my list. All of the randomness that it is. It is me!

Join in on Woman to Woman! Go visit Lei and Morning Glory and leave you name and a comment!

They Say It's My Birthday!

Happy Birthday.. to ME!

A whopping 27. *phew* I am getting old. Okay.. not really that old.. but now I am late 20's, no longer mid-twenties as I have been informed. But whatever. I still rock. Humble, I know.

In case I haven't thoroughly posted about the wonderful qualities of my husband or informed you about how awesome he is, or if you have forgotten you will be reminded today. I did get to sleep in this morning, we have Church, REALLY EARLY. Before 9:00 AM early. Can you feel my pain? So sleeping in on Sunday means 7:01. The kids were up shortly after.. and then I patiently waited for presents. Wait, I lied. I didn't wait patiently at all. I couldn't wait to see what I got! I was excited.. super excited. I was surprised with some great gifts from my kids, an exercise ball, which I have been wanting. And then a picture of my shoes that are on their way.

I can't wait for them to get here! I am so excited for them. I got some stuff for my photography which is always fabulous. And then I got a bag. One of those bags that make you stop breathing for a second. When you see the blue bag.. knowing there is a blue box inside of it. I opened up the bag, took out the box, untied the bow and pulled out a beautiful bracelet. Seriously what could make a girl happier? I love my pretty shiny new bracelet. I was thoroughly shocked, I was not expecting jewelry, much less from Tiffany's. I think he has won Husband of the Year for the next 20 years!

And then I was spoiled by my parents, In-Laws, and my great friend's with clothes (Gotta love my clothes!!), gift cards, and lotions. I am feeling very spoiled, and very loved.

(If you look closely, you can see my new bracelet.)

We had a yummy ice cream cake that I found a recipe for this week. We enjoyed the company of our loved ones and the chance to relax and enjoy the night.

To everyone who made my birthday great thanks! I enjoyed my dinner last night, the shopping, the bowling. And even more I just enjoyed the company of good people, feeling loved and just knowing I have people I can truly count on. You rock!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Mother's Day. A day to honor our Mom's. The women who have nurtured us. Cared for us. Stayed up with us in the middle of the night. Who listen to us when we have problems.

I have the best Mom in the world, hands down. Last weekend we had our girls weekend, and I got to spend part of that time with my Mom. And lest you think my Mom is short, she is 5'8.. I just have my Dad's height. I love my Mom. I don't think there is a kinder Mother out there. She has sacrificed her wants many times to give her children the wants they want. She is an example to me of how to be a wonderful Mom, full of charity and compassion. She has empathy for those around her. She is truly an example of the type of Mom I want to be.

I love to do stuff with my Mom.. she will giggle with me at the silly things in life. She knows me all my quirks and things I do, she loves me unconditionally. I had no idea how much my Mom loved me until I had kids of my own. I hope you know Mom, you are the best in the entire Universe. I am blessed that you are my Mom, and my friend! I am so proud that I am your daughter. You have taught me so much. I love you Mom!

Tagged!!

I have been tagged by Mimo for a meme. Here are the rules as passed on - Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about the seven things and the rules. You need to choose seven people to tag and list their names.Don't forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

Seven people.. do seven people read my blog? I don't know!

1. I have my full year's supply of food. I am feeling thoroughly Mormon, and I like it!

2. I love to fly.. anywhere. Even if for just a scenic trip, it is thrilling for me.

3. My son is going to go to ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN! (do you think I am excited?)

4. I have taken over 7000 pictures with my new camera since the end of January. Really, I am not surprised.

5. When I was a kid and learned about your "middle finger" I believed as long as I held both middle fingers up together it was okay. I showed my brothers this often. Eventually I wised up.

6. I thought Schucks was a bad word. I cringed EVERY TIME my Dad would say we were going there. It was the "Bad Word Store".'

7. If Dora is not on, Little Miss will shriek, horrifically and become completely irrational. Perhaps we watch too much TV.

I am tagging
Randy the better half of me!
Bloxham Bunch
Misty
Teacher Mom Mad Woman
Lei
Les
And Andrea!

A Girls Weekend!

I had the privilege of going to Time Out For Women with my Mom, my wonderful Sister-in-Law and terrific Friend Allison! We had a fantabulous girls weekend. We shopped at the outlet malls.. and oh were they fun. We drove through crazy traffic and they were blessed with the opportunity of hearing me call every driver stupid. Yes I know where my kids get the word from. And then, we were Spiritually fed, uplifted, and we have been able to feel like we can go on. We are doing our best. A good girl's weekend rejuvenates your soul. It makes you feel like you can do it! Like you aren't alone. All of these women who are fighting the same battle. There is strength in numbers. I will give a run-down in the next few days. Right now I am exhausted. I don't sleep much in hotels. I have no idea why.. but I don't. I do however come up with GENIUS ideas at 2AM. And sometimes I even remember them. This was a wonderful weekend and I look forward to another Girl's weekend. Sometime I need to take one just to shop.

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.