The Life of Lori Lynn

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

We had a very eventful Halloween! This is by far my FAVORITE holiday. We did the Halloween train in Lindon with some friends which is always an exciting tradition.We had Uncle Jason come to visit and he brought his lady friend who is now our good friend, Jenna. They were terrific sports about Halloween. They bought some costumes and took our kids trick or treating!
We did Frightmares at Lagoon and we also went to Nightmare on !3th in SLC. Very scary. I almost peed my pants. And apparently i just scream "stop it!!stop it!!!" in a very high pitch tone to which ever creature is scaring me the most.
AND, AND i spent way too much $ on my costume this year. But it was worth EVERY PENNY.
You see, I am known in these parts as "the witch". I am burned into the memories of several small children who have knocked on my door in previous years and this year was certainly unforgettable.
And now i am asking myself "why do i find such enjoyment in channeling my inner witch and scaring the crap out of kids (and teenagers) while the parents are off to the side giggling?"
Who knows. But know this..I am committed to being the hag on Halloween!
Matt was the scarecrow, Leah the unicorn (im afraid she does not share my zeal for dressing up), Hayley was a coffin bride (aka scary chick from the ring), Reese was a witch, Jenna was a vampire and Jason was a coffin groom.

Meet Jax #2

2010-10-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

This is our new lizard. I never thought i would say this, but he is so adorable. He is really little and crazy-eyed, but he is fascinating. Way more exciting than the snake. You would'nt think so at first, but then you see his lightening speed tongue (that is longer than his entire body) snatch up a worthless cricket and you are SMITTEN. At least I am. And our whole family. And all of the neighbor kids. But especially Matt.

FREAK OUT

2010-10-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, so i must explain why this post is titled "freak out". A few weeks ago my friend was visiting from CA for a photography workshop with an amazing photographer (Wendy with Blue Lily Photography). I received a message late Friday night asking if my little fam could "model" (when can I ever use this word seriously?) for this photography class THE NEXT MORNING. Are you KIDDING ME? AND my friend said "wear bright colors and look TRENDY. Umm, FYI to those who may think they know me..I wear black 4 days out of 7 any time of the year AND i am NOT trendy. I am typically a couple years behind the trends.
So, i took what we had and realized i had to be at Target ASAP the next day because Hayley has grown out of all of her clothes. And YES, i buy 90% of everything from Target.
The last family picture we did took me 3 days and 4 trips to different stores to get he right look. So it is a miracle we pulled it off. So, if you have done family portraits, you understand WHY i was freaking out.
But the BIG freak out came tonight when i was finally able to see our edited pictures. Oh. My. Gosh. Really, this is MY family. I made and birthed these fabulous offspring?? It helps that i have a hottie hubby, thats for sure!
It just makes me HAPPY. So very HAPPY. And to any stranger, we are just your typical family..but to me, i know the laughter and the love , AND CHAOS, that exists within the 5 of us. I love us. Truly, I do.
PS..u can see more on FB

I can BLOG again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

FYI : Do NOT use K9 Web protection for your MAC if you have one. It has SCREWED up my life!!!!! It would not let me upload photos of anything anywhere. I spent 1 1/2 hours in the MAC store yesterday and we came to that conclusion. Anyways, so i will be doing a little catch up and now i want to start taking pics again. So now i just have to find some free time..uhh...or sacrifice the cleanliness of my house..or stop reading to my kids at night so i can BLOG again. YAY FOR ME.

Utah Lake

2010-09-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hiking Doughnut Falls

2010-08-15T20:09:00.001-07:00

On the Farm

2010-06-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Matt and I were able to take our girls back to Illinois to see my Grandma and her beautiful farm. My Grandma is the most impressive 92 year old you can find. She still lives in the house where my mom was raised and just a few blocks from where my Grandma was born. She is surrounded by wide open spaces and she gives a wave to every person who drives by because most likely she knows everyone who does. She has kept many of the toys my mom played with as a little girl which my girls enjoyed playing with also.
We were able to tour Nauvoo and Carthage but when we were on her farm and in her company, i wanted to freeze time. I wanted to catch the moments which are so fleeting. There will never be a time like that again. It was truly something that was sweet and magical. my heart will always long to be in those moments.

Great Grandma Catherine

2010-06-25T22:11:00.002-07:00

The cemetery, cousins and the successful wedgie.

2010-06-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

Marching to the Flag

2010-06-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

There were terrible storms while we were there. We even had to hunker down in Grandma's cold, wet, dark basement because of a tornado, or tormato as Leah called it, which was quite memorable. So the flag was taken down and Matt had the girls march out to raise the flag when better weather arrived.

Fun in Saint Louis

2010-06-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Matt and i went back to the Midwest and we first stopped in St Louis where we toured the infamous Arch and went to the city's museum. I must say that going up in the arch was one of the craziest things I have done considering i dislike small spaces and i have a fear of heights. I did not even look out the viewing area when i got to the top. Pathetic, i know. But we had a great time. (The picture of me and Hayley is in the enclosed contraption that takes you to the top.)

Dancing Queens Part II

2010-06-14T20:19:00.001-07:00

Dancing Queens

2010-06-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hayley and Leah had their first ever recital tonight! It was quite a proud moment for Matt and i. Reese could have cared less. Just the fact that they had bright pink lipstick on with MASCARA made them incredibly happy and me incredibly scared for my soon to be teenage beauties. I might be praying for a pimple or two to keep them humble. Anyways, it was a momentous occasion.

Photo shoot in Boston, uh, i mean WITH Boston and brother

2010-06-08T06:37:00.001-07:00

Hanna our Homegirl

2010-06-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our friend and former neighbor Hanna came from Oregon with her family to play with us! We had a BBQ, we laughed, played out some "Debbie Downer" skits, enjoyed some Red Mango and laughed some more. We love you Hanna and we will always throw a party when you come to play. And we are sad to see you leave. Waa waa waa :(

Catch Up

2010-06-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Matt set up our old PC while we figure out what to do with the MAC. So....i can blog!! Here are some photos from the last couple of months.

Lots of Thoughts

2010-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, my computer refuses to upload my photos and since words do not seem to just flow from my brain to the keyboard, my blogging has been minimal. AND i feel like i am very busy. I just got a new calling, or job i should say, in my church. I am 1st counselor in the Relief Society, which consists of the women in our church. And i LOVE it. Our whole purpose is to help others in any way, but essentially help them want to draw closer to Jesus Christ. This is very good for me since I love getting to know people, but also I feel that it makes up for where I am lacking as a mother. You see, motherhood is challenging.
I feel like i should have taken several courses so i can learn how to deal with EVERY age group and EVERY personality. I could spend half of my day trying to figure out my 5 year old and how to handle her and the other half PRAYING for patience and love. Just because you conceived this child, grew her in your uterus, birthed her with tears of joy and then drooled over her as a baby, does NOT guarantee that it wont be challenging. Of course I LOVE my daughter, but we butt heads. You see, she is very smart and she remembers E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. She has an iron will that girl and wants immediate results. And after a long day with her, the conclusion is the same. She just needs to feel my love and has to be absolutely positive that it is available to her. And i need something you cannot find in a store or a bottle. And its PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING. I think when we die, we feel everything that we made people feel, whether its joy or pain. And as a mother, my job is to teach her about Jesus. I have to better and keep her close so she can remember these important things that i teach her. And so it goes..I have to believe that all of this will make me better than i am!

It MELTS my HEART

2010-04-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today my dad came and picked up Leah to take her to "Grandparents Day" at her preschool and then out to lunch. This was an unusual opportunity since Grandma is out of town, it was just Leah and my dad.
And when my dad arrived and got out of his car, Reese went running towards him with her arms outstretched and yelled "Pa!!!!!". And she let him hold her and she nuzzled right into his shoulder.
Now , to anyone else this would have been "cute" or something, but knowing that my dad is in his mid 70s and is accompanied with the aches and pains of being a little older, I thought of a million things. i thought of how my time with my dad is limited. Even if he lives to be 90, that is only 15 years, which is nothing. I thought of how they love their Grandpa but I am so excited for them to appreciate the person that he is and all that he has done in his life. To explain that he was a star athlete and an outstanding student and how fast he could throw a baseball when he was in his prime. I thought of how he was receptive to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and joined the Church because he was just a good person who wanted to do what was right and wanted his kids to have the Gospel. I thought of how freaking smart he is and still, to this day, i love to pick his brain. I love love love my dad and I am so grateful that he lives close by. I realized that the last 15 years of my life have flown by and in a way, i expect every one else to stay as they are, especially my parents. I DO NOT like the fact that they age too! Isnt that silly?
But the reality is that my family is eternal and that even when we pass on, EVENTUALLY we will be together. I am so grateful for this knowledge. It makes the pathway bright and eases any uncertainty. So for now, i will just be grateful.

What on earth do i do with this child??

2010-04-11T13:43:00.001-07:00

Leah's 5th Birthday Party!

2010-04-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Leah and all of her friends. I was able to meet some of her preschool friends and see her interact with them. And let me tell you, Leah has this whole other LIFE with these friends! Even though i am her mother and i see the best and worst of her, there is this whole other social dimension of her life. She is confident and funny and knows right where she fits into the world of the 5 year olds.
I have been amazed at her lately..with her ability to remember certain things, her whit and her fire. The fire that comes with its flames of emotion or its determination to consume what it wants. Its really only the fire that a mother can see. And i hope..I HOPE that she can tame that fire and let it light her way to get what she dreams of..hopefully, a good and happy life. But, she is already FIVE..and only five. She is SO strong but also so tender. If i can accomplish raising her and helping her become all that she is then i have conquered the world! Leah is certainly one of a kind.

Cuties

2010-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

You would think by looking at this picture that they never fight! Wrong. Its war most of the time. And its taking years off my life!

Strike a Pose

2010-04-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently Reese has become photogenic in the last 4 months. That was the last time that i had a working camera and actually documented the lives of my silly girls. But wow, Reese loves the camera and is quite funny about it. Here are her latest developments:

- Can now climb out of her crib
- can now climb INTO the drier
- can now climb out of the master tub which comes up to her chin so it is quite the climb(especially when her little is as slick as a bar of wet soap)
- open the fridge and get me a diet coke
- stick a Q tip up her nose to her brain

Last night we had a house full of family and friends over for dinner and after dinner a bunch of kids left and went across the street to the park. Shortly after we see Reese make her way across the street by herself headed to the park with someone else's boots on. Its actually pretty scary she can escape so quickly. Usually i know anytime she opens the door but that was an example how they can leave without you knowing. Crazy girl.

Reese

2010-04-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

So for some reason my photos are having issues! They will not upload properly to FB or Blogger! Help!

RSV and Other Shtuff

2010-03-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have been MIA for about a month so i thought i would excite all of my millions of readers with an update! ( To those of you who DO take time to read my blog, i say thank you for caring about this life of Lori Lynn. )

RANDOM TIDBITS

-still no camera but a freaking awesome new computer..we are brand new parents of a MAC and lurve it.
- yesterday when i changed Reese out of her PJ's i found a cell phone in the bottom and 5 pennies in her diaper.
- Hayley is as of 2 hours ago missing her 2 front teeth. She lost one of her front teeth at playgroup tonight. When i asked her previously why she couldnt pull it out she said it was because "it was stuck to her guts".
- Leah is still hilarious/crazy/sweet/intense and is quite the avid prayer. She loves to pray over any meal and would probably pray before drinking something or eating a snack if i told her she had to. The other day she started her prayer with "Dear Heavenly Father, we bow our heads for the church ..." and went on and on.
- Reese. WHERE do i begin? Naughty naughty naughty. She was diagnosed with RSV and an ear infection. This time her sickness was a bit of a scare for me but i must admit i loved the cuddling. Now she is back to cooking non food items in the microwave and walking along our slippery Granite countertops. Vigilance is KEY while parenting that girl.
-Matt has been making movies on our computer, and i must say that I am impressed.
- He says that we are going on a cruise this summer..we'll see. I have a phobia of cruise ships and am a little apprehensive . I know, retarded.
- As for me, does the vacuuming ever end?? There really is too much to say. Its a juggle of accomplishing "lists", being happy, staying calm, being okay if your house explodes because it will eventually get cleaned up AND remembering to PLAY with my kids NOT watch them play.
- AND, the other night i told my mom to rob a store on her way home from my house because she is just TOO good. She is so helpful to me in every way. I love her.

FYI

2010-02-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

So lucky me, our camera and computer are both broke. Its so lame. You might as well have cut off both my legs. I went without TV for a month so i should be able to endure this!

Totally Random!

2010-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

But here is my question... Hayley is off track due to year round school (lucky us) and i need ideas!! So far, i bought a book for us to read together. Thats a start!

And here are some random pics. I looooove the one of Matt. What a fetching BABE!! And some of Halloween..better late than never, right?

Grandma Makes Everything Better

2010-01-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

I really beleive that my mom is an angel OR that she has angels constantly swirling about her. Probably both. I am shocked that there is no visible halo atop her head, although her countenance does shine through her smile and her words. But especially around her grandchildren. You see, my mom is the most playful, loving and understanding Grandma and she would be the first to admit she is very much in her element around children. She has the innocence of a child and genuine desire to get on their level and make them feel loved. For example, Reese is obsessed with my mom. My mom came by yesterday and went to get Reese out of her crib and Reese cuddled with my mom and would not let go very easily. She is very attached to my mom even though she is only 20 months and sees my mom a few times a month AND has to compete for attention with her other 2 siblings who are just as attached! It is totally normal for my mom to have sleep overs, play hide and go seek, the tickle game, play play dough, beading, reading books, take them to the dollar store, to feed the ducks or the Dairy Queen. i learn to be a better mom just by watching her be a Grandma. Not only is she the worlds best Grandma, but she is also a GEM of a mother. She is understanding, never overbearing, never intrusive, but validates you in your time of need. I wish i could express what i think of her but all i can say is that she really is the best.

I AM SHORT.

2010-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

The only other thing i could think about besides how much i love these girls was how flippin' SHORT I am! Wow! Really?

Quotes from the Kiddos

2010-01-05T11:11:00.001-08:00

Hayley handed me a note during church the other day and it said this " I love my mommy so much. Love is so good in my body. I hope you love that I said that to you. I hope that you have a great day mommy". LOVE HER!

Leah: while in the car she says " Mom i am rolling down my window because i need some FRENCH air". Yes, yes you do Leah.

"Summer is when the snow melts and it is warm and COMFY outside!"

While combing her hair she asked "Did jesus put our hair on us?"

Reese: How do you quote a scream? I was talking to a good friend who has girls the same ages as mine and whose youngest is very similiar to Reese. Her little girl has the same fire and determination as Reese and my friend said " if she is this mad about being a baby then how is she going to handle it when we ask her to pee in the potty??!! Good question.

You're welcome Mom.

A Serious Question

2009-12-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

This post will consist of 2 serious questions, some thoughts and a display of a gorgeous picture of my mom and I.

Q #1. Seriously people, who looks more like Hannah Montana? Judy or me?
Q #2. This is actually the real question. Today in church the sunday school teacher asked "what 5 things would you like to accomplish in your life?"

My mind was blank. Still is. i mean, i know that i want to raise bright and good children who contribute to society. Whether that means that they want to have families of their own, or be a Rockstar (do they contribute to society?).

I would like to run a marathon or just run outside for that matter.

I would like to go to college. Ugh. The thought of that scares me to death, but thats why i have to do it.

As of a few days ago, i would like to learn how to play the guitar.

I want to become the BEST wife i can and always make Matt a happy man.

My conclusion is that I need to make time for more self introspection. Because time goes by so fast and I wont ever get that time back. i suppose that I just go day by day trying to accomplish the smaller tasks at hand, which are MANY.

Elder Uchtdorf said this : " God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because he needs us to love Him. His power and Glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny or even defile His name. His dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him . But oh how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek dtetermines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are- and who we will become."

UUUUUUGLY SWEATER PARTY 2009

2009-12-13T17:44:00.000-08:00

I may or may not have found these sweaters in my mother in law's closet. Lets just say her selection was better than the DI (thrift store). Which, by the way, is a very interesting place. i will just leave it at that before i get myself into trouble. Anyways, it was great company, great games , great white elephant gifts (aka candy bra), and great food.

Note to Matt: Febreezing a sweater from the DI is not the same as washing it...

I just got invited to an "Ugly Sweater Party" and i couldnt be more THRILLED!!

2009-12-07T10:54:00.001-08:00

Any suggestions wehere i can find some? Preferably with shoulder pads?

"Being grateful is the beginning of Greatness".

2009-11-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my family.

OEHLER

2009-11-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

Look at how talented my friend Clayton is. This is called an "ambigram". It says my last name both ways. Very, very cool. So who knows a friendly tattoo artist?

Hyper Hypos

2009-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

As, you have read in the previous post, my girls are full of personality & energy. Every night after their bath they are like wild animals. Tonight was no exception. So trying to have Family Home Evening by myself tonight was ridiculous.

Here is how it went:
"Hayley, will you please choose a scripture story to read". Hayley finds the picture of Adam and Eve. i ask her who they are and with a puzzling look she answers "Even?"
I get it... Adam + Eve + garden of Eden = EVEN. Interesting.

Leah then asks if the painting of Eve is Taylor Swift.

I ask Leah where Adam and Eve lived and her answer was "San Francisco".

Not so much.

But people, I am TRYING. Sometimes it is so hard to be Christlike and patient when i have NO patience! Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. :)

Matt's Children

2009-11-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when we stay home from church. Leah was feverish and lethargic the previous day and she is clearly feeling better in these photos.

They came upstairs as I was lying on the couch and wanted to perform "the Butt Show". Everything is about butts these days. You just have to incorporate the word "butt" in any sentence and they will fall to the floor in hysterics. But Matt and I would never, ever do such a thing!

Not.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!!!

2009-11-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

My WONDERFUL friend Hillary suprised me with tickets to my fave show ever! It was the perfect GNO! But it reminded me once again that i should be a back up dancer for Gwen Stefani!

Where did peaceful Reese go?

2009-11-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

This child rules our house. It is HER domain. Sometimes she looks at us as if she is thinking "what are YOU doing here?"
The screaming continues. Sometimes it sounds non-human. I am just waiting for the sign language skills to kick in. She has watched that darn sign language video at least 30 times. There have been a few break throughs.
If she is even slightly tired or grumpy she doesnt want to make eye contact. She will even get mad at her own reflection!
But, BUT, she is BRIGHT and SILLY and needs cuddling and affection just as much as she needs to run around and explore. Her little body and pig tails are about the cutest thing in my world.
Her body is healthy and her wheels are turning.
She is one of a kind and I love her like mad.

A few things you should know about mice that will want to make you vomit.

2009-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

I must admit that before a few weeks ago I did not know very much about mice. Only that we have fed many to our snake, but i did not know anything about how they can infiltrate your house.

So PLEASE take the time to read these few facts and LEARN so that you dont have to learn by experience like I did.

* If mice can get into your garage, they can get into your house.
* A female can have up to 1000 babies a year and has 10-13 a litter.
* They can survive on only a tsp of water a month.
* If you can fit a pecil through a space, a mouse can fit through also.
* They suck at swimming.

I have personally caught 6 in my house. Gross, i know. 2 by hand, 3 by glue traps and 1 by a clamp trap.

And EVERYTIME the girls see one fighting for its life on a glue trap they ask if we can keep it because its soooo cute.

And this is how Leah told Matt the other day: "Daddy! Daddy! Mommy caught a cute little baby mouse and she put it in the trash can (empty kitchen trash) and then she put water in it (she hasnt taken a breath yet) and it was swimming (she is making paddling motions) and swimming and it was soo cute when it was swimming (breath) and then...it..stopped...it stopped....swimming." VERY ANTICLIMACTIC.

The EXOTIC ONE

2009-11-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Exotic sister is in town from exotic California and we were able to have a short but sweet visit together. Boy oh boy, do I feel ever so plain, unstylish, FAIR and freckly next to the exotic one. Isnt she beautiful? I am just wating for Judy and Lou to break the news to us that she was adopted from Brazil or Tiajuana or somewhere...

My HOT Date with Donnie Baker

2009-10-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

* frost lipstick. check.
* pink legwarmers. check.
* t-shirt that says "im the bomb, like tick tick." check.
* ripped leggings with sequences. check.
* neon plastic jewelry. check.
* my 5 earing holes for my neon hoops still open. check.
* crimped hair with ratted ponytail. check.
* blue eyeshadow with pink glitter. check.
* belt with diamond studded tape cassette belt buckle. check.
* 1984 Michael Jackson magazine as my prop. check.
* MOST HILARIOUS HUSBAND WHO WAS IN CHARACTER ALL NIGHT. CHECK.
* BUT THE MULLET AND SWEAT PANTS NEED TO BE BURNED. ASAP. MEN IN SWEATS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL.

(And i might add that I was one of two non scandalous costumes there.)

WONDERMENT

2009-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

We have experienced our first snow of this fall and boy, is it exciting! The main goal seems to be to EAT the snow, any way you prefer. Hand-feeding it to younger siblings which is Hayleys method, or just simply eating it off the pumpkins, which is Leah's method. Both methods seem to portray their personalities quite well!

I really, really , really love this man.

2009-10-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

Some may know that our actual "courtship" was a long-distance one and VERY short. The majority of people would be SHOCKED if they learned the details. But I knew that I could NOT, absolutely in any way, let him get away.

Thankfully, very thankfully, he felt the same. Really? Me? I look back at pictures of myself as a teenager with my perm and Birkenstocks (scary, right?) and never would have imagined my life as it is now.

Dont get me wrong. I dont like to paint a perfect picture because the reality is you can never get too comfortable in marriage. And i must stop myself from sounding like i am giving advice because surely, i need to be recieving it. I would say my motto would be "what if" because i let the stresses of life get to me and Matt's motto is "whatever". He is alaways reminding me that God has watched over us and we will be okay. I guess that is why we are good together.

I know, without any doubt, God had His eye on both of us, coordinating our lives so that our paths crossed at the perfect time. I highly doubt that God "crosses His fingers" when watching His children stumble through life but i know that He wants us to be happy. I am sure He breathed a sigh of relief when Matt and I finally met. And He continues to watch us, very carefully, hoping that we appreciate His efforts of bringing Matt and I together. The man who married us said that FAILURE WAS NOT AN OPTION. Thats a good thing to remember. Anyways, enough sappiness.

Cousins and Vampire Teeth

2009-10-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

Destroyer of All Things Tidy..but the LOVE of my Life.

2009-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Pancakes and icecubes for breakfast..mmmmm.

And it continues....

2009-10-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

- Last night when Hayley and Leah were coloring , Leah told me she was drawing a picture of Taylor Swift and her boyfriend in bed...ummm...okay.

- Fascinated with the fact that there are mice (ack!!) in our house, after catching mouse #4 and this morning and seeing it squirm on the glue trap asked if we could keep it because it was soo cute. Just a few minutes ago she reminded me of that mouse and described it as "gorgeous".

-And Reese, cute yet destructive Reese, please STOP licking the glass because i am low on windex. Also, licking cotton balls is not a good idea, unless you are Buddy on Elf, then i would say go right ahead.

Cute...yet, perplexing.

2009-10-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

I could blog everyday about something Leah says or does and yesterday she was on a roll. Here are a few..

- While watching a Baby Einstein video with Reese which has puppets and real people she asks, "Mom, are those puppets dressed up as people?"

- Her name for Reese yesterday was "Reese Boob".

- Proudly she tells me "mom, i can spell DVD! ...D-V-D!"

-Disappointed that Matt ate all of the crab for dinner, I offered her fish and she asks "whats fish? is it crab?" No Leah, its fish.

Well, the apple doesnt fall far from the tree . The other day after going over to the church, my car wouldnt start. I was able to get it jump started and went home, and thought it was a good idea to let it run to have the battery charge. Well, after bathing the kids, doing the bedtime routine and watching a few shows, Matt turned it off two hours later.

I could probably think of several other examples about how i have a hollow head, but since its hollow i cant think of any more!

A Visit From Emily (Hermana Stewart)

2009-10-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

A friend from my mission came to visit me this weekend with her husband and kids. Some of the memories we made included watching the show "the Big bang Theory" which is HILARIOUS, a yummy Sunday dinner, catching a baby mouse in my house (which i might add should be a sport because it is very difficult), escaping to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a caramel apple and Downeast to lust after their CUTE clothes! Thanks Emily for talking, laughing, listening and just being you!

Aggie A-Dawg Aggster

2009-10-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

My neighbor asked if i could take a few pics of her little girl Aggie. After I was done , i was reminded how much i enjoy it. My friend Sarah, who is an awesome photographer told me to just buy a black sheet and throw it up on your wall and you have your very own "studio". So, voila!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

2009-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

* Pine-sol . I am addicted. The smell is euphoric to me and it usually means some part of my house is clean and without germies.

*HALLOWEEN -For sure my favorite holiday. 4th of July is a close second. I love that i can hang a "dead foot", as my girls like to call it, and its okay.

* Seeing my girls play WELL together. Sometimes they cant stand eachother but litle do they realize how precious their relationship is and how important they are to eachother.

* The Biggest Loser. I have cried through every episode. Sometimes audibly.

* When Matt wakes from slumber. I love when he emerges from our room peering out into the hall as if he is wondering if its safe to come out into the world of crazy children. This is usually around 2 or 3, right when i can use a little R&R. We will play until he has to go back to work in the pm and now I cant imagine how other women live without their hubbies until 6 or 7!

* Feeding people GOOD food. I love having family or friends over for a meal. Even if its a slice of warm cornbread on a cold day, it makes me happy.

* Finally, my own "a-ha" moments or self-realization when i can clearly see, without feelings of discouragement what i need to improve. Even better, actually improving these things! I have had tid-bits of personal success in the last month or so and it is rejuvinating to me. Watching conference gave me more of these moments.

Will somebody diagnose me please?

2009-09-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

So I have asthma. But I was diagnosed with "exercise induced asthma" when i was younger. Strangly, my asthma did not act up at all when i moved to Utah 13 years ago. i only needed my inhaler when i would go back down to California OR if I was going to be anywhere there was a cat. I maybe would use my inhaler 1-2 times a year.

For almost a year now i have been running. I started out running for a few minutes everyday. (I was out very out of shape after I had Reese.) Now i run 3-5 miles a day a few days a week. I have used my inhaler 1 time through all of this.

These last couple of weeks I have noticed my breathing getting worse. This morning was terrible. After 1/2 mile i am not even paying attention to my music because i am waiting for my body to let me fully inhale. Finally i can and i run a little further. My body feels like i am carrying an extra 50 lbs and i am totally sluggish. AND totally frustrated. The absolute STUPID thing is that my inhaler is empty because i was going to eventually get it refilled because i need it like twice a year. I pushed myself to go 1.5 miles until i was light headed and wanted to throw up.
Now i am at the computer and feeling fine but very discouraged. I know, I KNOW. I will get my inhaler refilled ASAP. But really, why all of a sudden? I dont get it.

So how was your morning?

Good-bye Cheeze Its. Good-bye Life.

2009-09-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Helllllooo South Beach!

Warning: This post will sound totally vain. Most everyone who knows me knows that i am NOT. Vain over what? I mean, really.
But I have hit a plateau. Meaning the #s on the scale have been stuck. I cant complain. I can kind of eat whatever AS LONG AS I run several times a week. But when you stop seeing changes its kind of depressing.
And this is torture because the weather is turning colder and do you know what that means? Warm comfort food. Mash potatoes, stews, bread dipped in soup...must i go on? Not to mention the festive baked goods!
So, no bread, starches, sugar of any kind. No milk even! No fruit even! Just for a couple of weeks.
The funny thing is that i feel great after the first few days of being a BEAST.
So wish me luck. Its also nice to realize that I DO have self-control especially when all of the Halloween candy is staring you in the face!

This is ABSURD.

2009-09-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, i have PMS, so my OB recommended taking a birth control pill. Yaz, to be specific. i opened up that little information booklet just for the heck of it and this is what i read.

RISKS OF TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES:
Risk of developing blood clots.
Heart attacks and strokes.
Gallbladder disease.
Liver Tumors
Cancer of the reproductive organs and breasts.

Besides the vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, depression (WHAT??!!), melasma, other side effects are: nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, dizziness, loss of scalphair, rash and vaginal infections.

Soooo. ummm. No thanks, I think i will just go for being depressed 3 days out of 30.

Can i butt you please?

2009-09-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

I was asking Hayley about her day at school and who she played with. She told me names of two boys and sometimes they play "can I butt you please." Perplexed, I asked what that game was and she said "Mom, its when you are standing in line and let's say I am behind Nick and i ask if i can butt him, and then i get in front of him!"
"No Hayley, you are suppose to ask if you can butt-in!"
Her eyes became evry big and her response was a thoughtful "oooohhhhh".

Miss Independant

2009-09-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Reese,
I would like you to take a look at this picture. You belong to a HAPPY family. Well, happy about 95% of the time. But lately you have not been so happy. I understand that you are getting your two front fangs in and that is probably painful. But you did get 4 molars at once and this seems to be much more difficult. Maybe your fingers hurt from chewing on them so much.
I also recognize that you are usually wearing hand me downs. Probably everyday. Is this hurting your identity as favorite child in the family? Is this what its about? An identity crisis? We all do look alike, with the blonde hair and all. People think daddy and i look like brother and sister. So maybe we can weave in some darker extensions for you, so you can stand out a bit.
I also see your frustrations through the physical abuse. i know Leah runs up to you out of no where and slaps you for no reason, but this DOES NOT mean you can slap me across the face. This needs to stop. ASAP. Along with the screaming. I need my ability to hear. Since my eyesight is failing and other body parts are not quite what they were at 20, I would like to be able to hear. Believe me, someday you will be able to talk and express profound gratitude for what an amazing mother I am and I would like to be able to hear those words.
So, maybe we can work on some sign language together and i can buy those videos that teach you how to read when you are like 2 years old. So then you wont be addicted to Dora like some other kid that I know. Even though the pool is closed, i will let you stay in the bath extra long. And i wont make you eat peanut butter and jelly or tasteless mac n cheese while daddy and i eat Cafe Rio.
I will do my best to show you that i still adore you and want to gobble you up everyday. Because i would like to give you a younger sibling to play with, but how things are going right now I might postpone that for a few years. Love ya kid.
Sincerely, MOM

MEET MILES

2009-09-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

So take a look at what the cop brought home. There are simply no words to express how I feel about it. Well, there are..but..you know. He has already ran away once and now I know why the girls were inspired to name him Miles. Reese finally has someone to boss around and she does a good job at it. Good thing he is a rather cute dog. I aint havin no ugly dogs at my house!

DE-NIED

2009-09-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hayley just started first grade. So part of my morning routine includes spending a good half hour with her. Just her. Helping her get dressed, doing her hair, reading to her as she eats her breakfast and making sure she gets to school on time.
This may seem like no big deal to the more seasoned mothers, but its a new and special thing to me to have a quiet household and be able to focus on one child.
I have been trying to read scriptures with Hayley while she eats. Or I try and cram in a mini-gospel lesson hoping that those ideas will be in the back of her head all day and help her. I have not been extremely good at this kind of stuff but i want to be.
But yesterday she said to me before she ran off to the playground " And Mom, no kisses, BECAUSE PEOPLE STARE."
Ughhhh. really? No kisses? None? Nada? And she informed me that walking her to school is not necessary.
My eyes started to burn. But i kept my composure. At least she didnt scream "You are a murderer of love!" like in the movie "Dan in Real Life". Which I am sure happens in real- life. So I guess I am okay. For now.

"You are not in charge of me!"

2009-08-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

I promptly put Leah in time out after she yelled at the top of her lungs "I am not going to eat your dinner! You are NOT in charge of me!"
Actually Leah yes, yes I am .
Then she screams " and you are not in charge of daddy eeda(either)!!
I replied, "no, Im not, because daddy is a grown-up and you are a kid."
Yelling once again she says, "I am not a kid!"
"Well then, what are you?"
(she is sobbing) she replies, "Mom, i am a people."

And I know you are OBSESSED with medicine, but its probably not a good thing if you offer to give the neighbor kids some cherry Nyquil. But at least you asked the mom if you could administer the medicine. Good job.

Oregon part I- The Beach

2009-08-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Matt and I were able to take a roadtrip to Oregon to visit some family and play at a beach house! Matt's bro Joe and his wife Nikki were awesome and provided a great beach house, yummy food, good laughs and a psycho cat. But good thing they have the most loveable dog who my kids thought was the highlight of the trip, next to catching snakes and swimming in the hot tub. Although the beach was a little colder than i am use to, it was still so gorgeous.

Oregon part II- Murdock the Beloved Dog and family

2009-08-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

Oregon Part III -Friends

2009-08-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to meet up with some friends who use to be next door neighbors and now are tree huggers. I love that I can see these wonderful people and be able to pick up where we left off. I love you guys!

TUDE

2009-08-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Dont let this smile fool you because this child has major attiTUDE! Where did my sweet-swinging-arms-happy-go-lucky-worships mom-child go?
I do realize that she cannot say any words and her vocab is limited to taradactle- (sp?) like screaming, but give us a break child!
The latest development, besides her deafening screams, are: biting me anywhere she can sink her teeth because she thinks its funny when i tell her NO, pinching me anywhere on my body, chucking food for fun, climbing up the bunkbed ladder, having absolutely NO fear in the swimming pool and last but not least, she lays on the floor (usually in church) on her stomach and kicks and pounds her fists while screaming..usually for no apparent reason.
And this is when she is totally healthy. She has had a cold this week so imagine this behavior while being extra clingy and whiney.
Thank goodness for motherly love that helps me endure through all of the chaos.

I didnt know that I was a Deer Whisperer!

2009-08-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this is the only picture I have from Girls Camp. But it was such a blast.

Just a few more that I love.

2009-07-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

Fearless Little Fish

2009-07-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

My children are fish. They could swim all day. The other night we were at a friends house and both of them jumped off the high dive. In their clothes. At night. I should mention that Chuck E Cheese was a guarantee for their bravery. And did i mention that Reese was screaming to get into the pool?
So this is Matt jumping off the high dive when he was little and they are proudly following his footsteps.

OUR FAMILY PICTURES!!!!!

2009-07-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

If you want to see them click HERE

Does anyone else see the resemblance??

2009-07-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sunshine After the Rain

2009-07-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

I am going to get really personal here and tell you and the world that I have really bad PMS. I will spare you the details of despair but I will tell you that it is not just cramps and mood swings. It is a dark and deep hole that I find myself in that I dont know how to climb out of. It is the scariest place I have been, emotionally, and it makes me wonder how people deal with depression on a daily basis. It makes me have a tremendous amount of compassion for them.
So on a lighter note, I am out of that hole and i am standing in the sunshine. i am content and i feel steady and ready to take on the daily tasks awaiting me. I feel refreshed and my mind is somehow clear even though my eyelids are still very heavy. So i am just going to take time to tell my family what i love about them.
Matt- I dont know why but I never thought i would find myself in my thirties watching the Simpsons with my spouse. Last night you begged me to watch it with you and I am so glad i did. We laughed so much, as we do EVERY DAY..TOGETHER. And i realize that laughter is vital for our love because the world we live in and YOU work in is a serious and scary place. Thank you for that laughter and ALL of the MANY wonferful things about you. I could go on and on about this man...
Hayley- YOU are my beautiful burst of sunshine. I love that we can have conversations now and I am fascinated with your fascination with the world around you. As you get older, I see why Heavenly Father gave you to me first. As you go about dreaming of being a mermaid while you sing Taylor Swift songs, I am terrified you will grow up too fast. I want to protect you and cradle that kindness that is in you but let you experience all of the things in life that will make you better.
Leah- Oh Leah. You are just a bag of skittles. So sweet and colorful. But a sticky, chewy, scattered mess when opened. I cannot believe that a 30 lb being can make me feel all that you do. You make me laugh like crazy but you can make me crazy. I know this is just a chapter in your book of development and i will someday miss your care free way about you..which is commonly expressed through your hair-do. Yesterday you asked me if we could see Michael Jackson in his box (casket). You were bummed when I told you that was not possible and then you went on about something else. You are one of a kind. Stay bright. Stay happy. Stay funny.
Reese- I LOOOVE how you swing your arms now when you walk...like there is a happy tune you hear that no one else can. I think that YOU are MY happy tune. Although you are the constant tug on my leg (and you occasionally pull down my skirt in public)all you want is to have me hold you, be near me, do what i am doing and see what i see. Every morning we lay in bed together while you drink your bottle and you are not content unless our faces are touching and my arm is around you. Then you are my shadow for the remainder of the day. Nothing in this world can produce the feeling a mother has for her child. It is God-given and nothing, nothing compares. I think it is God's way of letting us feel what He feels for us.
Motherhood is ALOT of work. It is hard and it is, I think, the toughest part of this life exam. But how else would i be able to feel this joy ? Especially after feeling moments of darkness. I need my burst of sunshine, my laughter, my skittles and my happy tune. :)

Quite the Party!

2009-07-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

For Hayley's 6th b-day we had some neighborhood friends over to celebrate. Hayley's original idea was to have a "Taylor Swift" party and dance around and sing to Taylor Swift with her taylor Swift hairdo. I couldnt really picture 6 year old boys enjoying that, so we went crazy with pizza and ballons and pillowcases and candy. i am continuing the traditional "Tootsie Roll monster" that originated from my dad who kindly passed the torch to Matt to be be the new monster. It just involves 1 "sleeping" adult who can growl at kids and handle being surrounded by gobbs of candy without eating it. And the kids loved it..well, all the kids over 5 years of age. Anyways, Hayley had a very happy birthday.

Mini Palos Verdes Reunion

2009-07-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

I was able to have a little reunion at my house with friends from the Palos Verdes stake! One of my favorite things is catching up with people from my childhood. All of these people i dearly love and it was so fun to see them. Hopefully more people will come next time!

HOME

2009-07-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Why, why, WHY is that not me standing on the beach?!!! UGGGHHH. It almost causes me physical pain to even look at the picture. Because you see, i spent many summers on that beach, without a care, without knowing how i was aging myself by just LYING there. My worry then was making sure my tan lines were just right. But soon, I will take my kids to that beach and i will tell them lots of stories as i am smearing SPF all over them. Someday. Hopefully soon.
(Thanks to Jenn who took that picture while in Palos Verdes..she shares this love too.)

THE PRAYER OF ALL PRAYERS

2009-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

This was Hayley's prayer tonight:
Dear Heavenly Father,
thank you for all of the rain today. It was so beautiful. Please dont let my mom do any more work today or tomorrow. And thank you for all this STUFF you made for us.
Amen.

Love that girl.

I LOVE THESE PEOPLE

2009-06-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

It all started about 11 years ago when 5 friends from the BYU dorms moved into a 6 person apartment. Angie, being the bravest, took the risk of sharing a room with the unknown mystery roomate. All kinds of scheming plans were made against this person in case she was a nut. Well that person was ME and here we are 11 years later with several children in tow, and we are the same even though our lives have changed. These reunions dont happen very often and this one was FOR SURE way too short. But I loved the conversations, the laughter and knowing that these people are in my life forever. I love you guys!

Rebecca's Wild Water Party- Part II

2009-06-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

I cant get more than 5 pics on 1 post..does anyone know how to fix that?

Rebecca's Wild Water Party

2009-06-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hayley's cousin Rebecca just turned 6 and had all of her cousins and some friends over to play on one of those big bouncy wet thing-a-ma-jiggers and it was SO FUN. Matt's brother Dan was visiting with his wife and kids and when Matt's family gets together you are guaranteed alot of laughter and good times. Here is the proof..

Remember these three?

2009-06-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day Matt!

2009-06-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love how you love our children.
Whether its holding our newborn or tickling our 4 year old, you are good at it. Whether its catching fish or catching escapee crickets, you have skill.
Whether its taking the the kids to Chuck E Cheese or taking them to the movies, you are always willing.
Whether its making them a shake or making them Top Ramen, its is always just right.
Whether the kids are grumpy or sad you can always make them laugh.
Whether you are sleep deprived or fully rested, you are always the best daddy.
AND THAT IS WHY WE LOVE YOU!

Everett

2009-06-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

Lets be honest, babies dont come much cuter than this. And when do thighs look THAT good?

Talk of Heaven and Puppets

2009-06-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me say sorry for all of the whining I did in my previous post. Hopefully this post will make you laugh. These have been the latest questions from my girls.
hayley: Mom, were Jesus and Heavenly Father soooo tired after they made this world?
Me: well, i dont think they get tired. Their bodies are not like ours. I am pretty sure that they dont need sleep.
hayley: what?! you mean, they get to stay up all night?!
me: they sure do!

Leah was asking me how puppets work and then asked me if WE have hands inside of us that make us move. I told her that our brains make us move. She looked a little perplexed and since then she has asked me at least 20 times if her brain is making her move. wow, how do you explain the human brain....

What's Worse?

2009-06-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

What is worse than getting a flat tire in the 2 lane contruction zone on the freeway when you are on your way to Lagoon with 2 anxious kids and you are already running late?
Its waiting 45 minutes for AAA to come because the mechanism to lower your spare is broken.
Then finding your spare close to flat the next morning when you have a crazy day ahead of you.
And you cant find the keys to your other car because well, you are a scattered mom of 3.
Whats worse is realizing you dont have much faith that day so you tell your kids to ask Heavenly Father where to find the keys.
And even if you do find the keys you cant drive the car anyways because the registration is mucho expired and of course you are putting off your emissions and inspection because of the big old crack in your windshield.
And did i mention getting pulled over for expired registration and the cop threatening to impound your car is really embarassing? Especially when you are a cop's wife?
ANYWAYS, I know all of these glitches are trivial in the grand scheme of things and everything is usually great.
But what is worse is that I HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO BLOG ABOUT. NO PICTURES EVEN.

Update from Justin, husband of our friend Michelle who passed away a few weeks ago..

2009-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

" Today was a great day with the kids. A friend of ours set up for the kids to go meet and ride a couple of horses up in Bell Canyon. The family was so sweet, the horses were so gentle and the kids had an amazing experience. One very special experience was shortly after we got there a huge yellow monarch butterfly came out of nowhere and almost " kissed " Wyatt on the nose before circling Brooklyn'S head twice and then taking off. The lady that owned the horses said that in the 14 years she had never seen anything like that at her place. We all looked at eachother and all of us agreed that it was likely Michelle that was responsible and in her own little way dropping by to say hello and I love you to the kids." -May 30, 2009

Airplanes, Great Company and SWEEET Hair

2009-06-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today we went up to Hill Air Force base to see the Air show. I must say I was not sure what to expect, but it was such a blast! I am pretty sure half of Utah's population was there, which made people watching extra fabulous. We met up with Matt's brother Jon and his wife and adorable baby which was great. I have to say that my favorite picture of the day is of Jon in his glasses with Chloe in the reflection. My second favorite is of the sweet mullet sported by a 50 year old lady. Very nice.

Just down the street!

2009-06-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

I know many of you will be coming to the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house, so stop by ! I am just a few blocks away! I AM TOTALLY SERIOUS.

I RAN A 10-K!!!

2009-05-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it was on my treadmill..does that still count? Or do i have to get the t-shirt? i am having some problems leaving the safety of my treadmill and embarking into the outside world of uncertain terrains. i have run outside a couple of times, but it was in the middle of the day, which i am not a fan of. And i am too lazy to get OUT of bed at 6am. Anyways, it just feels great to keep improving and reaching my goals. I would like to give shout out to and welcome back my calf muscles, my collar bone, and tell the 2 abdominals to encourage the other 4 to come out of hiding. And i would like to say welcome to my quads. i didnt know i had any.

Not quite So Cal, but it will do!

2009-05-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

There is a man-made, filtered lake here where I live. My kids are happy to be anywhere there is water so today we went to the "beach". I worked on eliminating my awesome farmers tan while Matt paddled around the lake in a canoe. Reese could not figure out what to do when she saw him! So it was a very fun day. :)

A Tender Heart

2009-05-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

This morning Leah wanted to watch Matt and I's wedding video. It has very beautiful music playing while Matt and I are roaming the temple grounds just drooling over eachother. I look over at Leah and she is SOBBING! when i asked her what was wrong she said " I really missed you guys that day! uhhg huuu ughh." And then she told me she never wanted to watch it again. Its funny, music really affects her. If i have a slower song playing in the car (even if we are going to Chuck E Cheese's) it will be a matter of seconds before she is crying for Grandma.

Happy Birthday, my Delicious Chunck Of Love.

2009-05-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure that I loved my other babies as much as I have loved Reese..I think. How could I have not, right? But there is this connection with her and i. Something magnificent. Something so great that it makes my heart melt everyday, several times a day. I am her drug and she is mine. Her place on my hip, with her arm woven in mine is just perfect. Seeing her first thing in the morning with her rosey cheeks and her bed head makes my day start out right. Maybe its the fact that she came 3 years after Leah and it was quite awhile before i could behold baby chub again because oh, that chub is cuter than it has ever been. Though chaotic and many moments of self doubt, in this last 365 days she has tapped into the place in my heart where immense adoration flows and love just spills from me. She is my Reesey boo.

Some Great Neighbors

2009-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

I just randomly took some snapshots of my friend's kids the other day and it was really fun. I dont know why but i love the bike picture. :)

Bittersweet

2009-05-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Our friend Michelle passed away this morning at the age of 28 from cancer. I cannot begin to describe the myriad of thoughts and emotions that have been running through me for the last few weeks and especially the last 24 hours. Matt and I visited her a couple of weeks ago and talked to her at her bedside. She was on oxygen for her delicate body that had been fighting this disease for almost a third of her life. WHAT do you say to someone, especailly someone who is young, that is dying?? i cannot explain what it feels like to be beside someone, someone who is a mother of 3 like me , who will soon lay down their mortal body and whose Spirit will transcend to a place far beyond our idea of perfection. And who will be greeted by loved ones who have gone before her. I wanted to ask what that feels like. HOW do you articulate to your young children that your moments with them in mortality are numbered? What would it take for them to KNOW that you will be ever so near them and that angels will watch over them? What do you say? Of course i could not articulate anything well and it took me all that i had not to openly sobb.
This morning I had a dream that I was rushing to a hospital to see her and it seemed to take forever. And when i got there it was too late and she had passed. Thank goodness our goodbyes here are not really goodbyes. I have absolute surety that Michelle has been released from her mortal body for a short time until the day of Resurrection when her spirit and body will be reunited in perfection. Then she will embrace her children, husband and family again and in that time it will all be clear and all sorrow will cease. What a day that will be.
I came across a quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell that says " As we wait with those who are dying..we brush against the veil, as goodbyes and greetings are said within earshot of eachother."

this is why where I live is so cool.

2009-05-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

The community that i live in has built nothing but new-old houses. All of the different designs are from different time periods. For example, this house looks just like my Grandma's old farm house in Illinois (that is in the next post). I have always had the desire to restore an old home because older homes have so much charm and character. But if you know Matt and I, you know that we are not the handiest people and an old home and its old problems might ruin our marriage.

If I had my choice....

2009-05-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

I would be HERE. These are pictures of my Grandma's house back in Illinois, just a few miles from Nauvoo. It is the most peaceful and beautiful place. I was back there with my mom, dad and a couple of my sisters for a family reunion a couple of years ago. My Grandma's house is surrounded by cornfields and dirt roads (that you can drive very fast on). The Nauvoo temple is a few miles away and one of the BEST experiences of my life was going as a family to that temple. It was a very sacred experience. My Grandma always has ALOT of food at her house..fresh corn, homemade apple sauce, cookies and fresh tomatoes with cottage cheese - YUM. I am DYYYING to take my girls back there. Hopefully someday soon.

A Very Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

How can it not be when yo are surrounded by these wonderful people?

Mom, how much do you love us?

2009-05-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

After a long and play-filled day, I finally get the girls bathed, somewhat calmed and tucked in bed. We say a prayer and then AS I AM SHUTTING THE DOOR all of their questions come. Tonight Hayley asks how much i love them.
My response:
More than all of the rocks down by the lake.
More than every cloud in the sky.
More than every drop of water in the lake.
Hayley:
More than all of the people?
More than all of our toes?
More than our house?
Mom, more than soda?
Me:
Welllll. I dont know.
Hayley:
MOM!!!

One Gorgeous Gal

2009-05-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Just so you know..

2009-04-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is what it looks like when your child almost bites all the way through their tongue...AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO. I guess they wont put stitches in a tongue. Leah fell backwards through a folding chair into another folding chair while at a reception. Her tongue bled but NOT as much as i thought it would. There was lots of screaming and crying for Grandma but some Tylenol and a Barbie movie helped ease the pain. SHE WONT EVEN DRINK CHOCOLATE MILK. And she is running around telling everyone "Look! I have hole in my tongue!" Cute Leah.

How on earth????

2009-04-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

How on earth do you get a decent picture with a squirmy 11 month old? I must admit this was spontaneous, it was dinner time and i was a little frustrated that Leah drenched herself in REALLY strong smelling lavendar vanilla lotion just prior to the photo shoot.

Happy Birthday Matt! I love you more than ever!

2009-04-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

Reasons To Love Leah

2009-04-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

#1 today you referring to Rees's bib as her boob.
#2 today you called mashed potatoes "mass pachetos"
#3 You told me that your favorite things are birthday cake, taquitos, cousins and pinatas.
#4 You played well with your friend Ella (who you are obsessed with) and hugged her at least 15 times in 2 hours and yelled I love you out the window after we took her home.
#5 You refer to Reese as your "baby head".
#6 you need chocolate milk like i need Diet coke.
#7 you want to call Grandma multiple times a day. Oh wait, so do i.
#8 You tell me how many poops you will have before you even go.
#9 you are ooober affectionate
#10 you can already talk to me like you are a teenager. scary.

EASTER, BIRTHDAY, BBQ and BARF

2009-04-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

We had a very full weekend with lots of candy, cake, Marines and puke. Leah's birthday was on Easter this year which was a special treat. We had a party with some of her little friends on Friday. Then on Saturday we had about 40+ people over for a Marine Corps reunion BBQ. Unfortunately that night I was a little queezy and the inevitable came, which also passed through the kids, my mom and some cousins who are visiting. VERY SAD. So Easter was a little differant this year. I wasnt so excited to pig out this weekend. But Leah had a blast. I love you Leah!

My girls..minus one.

2009-04-09T19:42:00.001-07:00