{ ME THINKS Monday....}

Family is the best {most of the time, right} --- what a fun family filled weekend we had 2 family gatherings with D's family played games, ate to much and enjoyed seeing two those who have been away at school, and a sister who came over for the weekend with her two cute girls we all enjoyed spending time with everybody. D's little brother Ryan is waiting for his mission call which didn't come before he is leaving today to sell alarms, and my cute sil Katelyn and her husband are leaving today to sell Pest control so it was a kind of a goodbye weekend and a few tears were shed. Its sad when everybody gets old {er} and starts moving on in life onto bigger things. Some won't see Ry for two and half years since by the time he comes back and leaves again they will not be able to come home. But we still look forward to getting the call. So I have lots of pics from the weekend. Fun times. Masen was up to his regular into everything the worst was these beutiful angle food cakes on a platter waiting for dessert and while we were in the living room all talking he was eating and tearing apart an angel food cake AHHH I won't even go into what else he was into!! BUSY BUSY BOY!!

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SO for Me thinks I've been thinking a lot this week that sometimes we get so caught up in the little things in life the hum drum everyday things , we forget to enjoy the big things to the fullest or try new things its like the same things over and over again and I always say to myself I need to do this different or that to mix things up but do I -usually no. {as Mary Ellen Edmonds says} "We have routines and patterns and habits that are almost smothering. We actually are doing more and more and more of less and less and less. We keep repeating the same things. We keep doing the same things without thinking about it we get to a point where we sit in the exactly the same place for meetings {yes guilty as we all know} or events. We drive the same way to school, or in grocery stores we go down the same isles in the same order and buy the same kinds of food we always do. How boring to come home and I always think we should try something new or something exciting but every time its the same old stuff. Some things can't change, but maybe everyday we should have courage to try new things, to change our routines often enough that we have a fresh view on life, and our surroundings." {I need to take that advice I get so stuck in routine like my kids always nap at a certain time, they are bathed every morning and ready by nine. I'm a big routine girl. How often do we do things we thought we couldn't and get so excited that we actually did it when do take the step! Its exciting something as simple as filling your own gas tank instead of going to the full service small things. The I can do it big or small things!

SO how about you? Are there times when you feel your life is getting rather narrow ?{I do} Are there things you've thought you might enjoy, but your hesitant to try? It could be piano lessons, family history, photography anything that we are scared to start or just put off it takes courage doing things you never done before, or just things you want to do more often. Try something new.

{I love MEE, she makes ME THINK and hopefully sharing it with you makes YOU think!!}

That's what me thinks for today so here are a bunch of pictures from the weekend!! We are so blessed with two great families on both sides. Hope you all have a great week!!!

PS. One more question this week is our 11th Anniversary wow were getting old! Any great ideas of small things I can do that you've done or anything? any ideas??

Family discussions !

Ryan and his cute friend Cami !

These are three of D's 5 sisters so cute and fun they are!!

Love this picture !!!

Love this pic of D and a sick Lauren at grandmas she didn't feel very good still this weekend!!

Grandma and Kolten loved these random pictures.

Some of my favorite pics of yesterday Masen loves loves horses so D took him out with the horses he loved it!

How adorable is my little niece !! She just lets you take as many pictures as you want she is so photogenic love her!!

My little farm boy!!

Uncle Ryan reading to Lauren

Playing on the semi's and throwing hay No wonder they love to go to grandpa and Grandma's.

{ Flashback Friday and a tag}

First of all stalkers I dedicated a song to you on my playlist turn up your volume and have a listen ha ha!! j/k but I like the song pretty fitting for a blog eh !!! and I'd love to know who is reading my blog!!


Question: Describe the most serious illness or accident that you ever had.

Answer: Well besides the breast cancer scare in January even though it was neg was the biggest health scare I've had. Other then that I've only had about 6 surgeries for ovarian cysts being removed that were all so large, all were laproscopic surgeries except the one in grade 12 for my appendix at the same time. So not fun. But I haven't had one for 3 years since I started taking some pills a quack DR gave me- DSF formula {Nutri West dist.} But I really think they are what has been helping me. The worst thing about these surgeries was being put in the maternity ward with the new mothers after recovery. Not a nice thing when its the only thing you've ever wanted was to be pregnant and have a baby and be in the maternity ward for that reason, but instead you keep going in for ultrasounds for cysts as big as grapefruit then they burst and they have to clean it up and put you in maternity and you listen to what you wish you could have instead of what you just had. Oh well fact of my life.

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So on a brighter note Holly tagged me so I'm going to do it with today's post for fun cause things have been kind of serious this week eh!! So for fun here it is 10 random things:

First item on the list your supposed to take a picture of your kitchen sink, nothing fancy here!

2. A picture of your fridge here it is

3. I couldn't pick just one either, so here they are in all there old nasty wearness as you can tell I'm vertically challenged so they all have chunky heels but I wear my black flip flops most days!

4. picture of your clothes closet

5. A pile of laundry {at least its clean and just waiting to be folded!!} Counts for something right!!

6. What my kids are doing... RIGHT now... Kolten is having a snack ! Lauren is playing with a friend who is spinning her in a chair a favorite past time here apparently! And Masen is reading a book!! Not cute pics of any of them oh well!

7. Favorite Room in the House. I don't really have one our house is to small but we spend a lot of time in the kitchen because its kind of a cross road to the bedrooms and the living room and I love how open and big it is this is only half the kitchen ( and I just noticed my board is crooked I'll go fix it )

8. Okay next is a picture of your toilet yuck nothing fancy but here it is in all its glory ?!!

9. Two Fantasy Vacation spots:

Cancun or even hawaii just to relax and feel the sun!!

Would love the go to England and Ireland D served in the ireland mission so it would be fun to see all {then next would be australia and new zealand someday!

10. Self portrait of thyself today so here it is:

So there are 10 random things to get to know you better hopefully you didn't learn to much new ha ha !!

I tag whoever wants to do it!!

Have a great weekend make it a great one its supposed to get nice here so hopefully it will its been snowing all week !! Make it a good one.

{ Thankful Thursday }

Well things are starting to feel a bit more normal today its still cold and snowy though could do with some sun that's for sure. But today I want to go over some of the talk given by Elder Ballard. {of course this pic is from BYUI a few weekends ago but you get the point.}
Anyway sitting and reading it its entitled "Daughter of God" really makes me think about my role as a mother and a women and what I want to accomplish in these years given to me to teach my children so they can be strong, respectful, honest and beautiful human beings inside and out. Maybe its a fear I have that I'll fail somehow but I pray that I like everyone else can do the best I know how to with all the help that I can get.
I'm so thankful for the talk by Elder M Russell Ballard: I'm going to put pieces of it here and there and write a little blurb after.
"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."
Hard to do sometimes but we try hard I'm thankful that in the harder we try the more we are blessed its hard to remember that on days like yesterday but we will be blessed in small ways and large ways we don't even know about right now!!
"We need to remember that the full commitment of motherhood and of putting children first can be difficult. Through my own four-generation experience in our family, and through discussions with mothers of young children throughout the Church, I know something of a mother’s emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, monotony, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made. Sometimes even husbands seem to have no idea of the demands upon their wives."
Sometimes they don't but when they try it means a lot. This will be the most overused quote on my blog I think but I love it because it says it like it really is inadequacy, monotony, and frustration so so true some days everyday feels like groundhog day the movie!
Maybe my favorite parts of this talk is this:: I'm so thankful that a man can put into words what we are feeling and have thought:::
"What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?
First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you. Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.
Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!"
Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.
D is good at helping out giving me time and talking to me but there are times that everyday life gets so busy we forget to do these things. I love it when he comes home and plays with the kids, runs around chases them or reads to them its all our favorite time in this house. I am so THANKFUL for the time he makes and gives us in his busy busy schedule. He does a good job at it as busy as he is. They are some of the most important needed things that we all crave!!
This would would make all the difference some days:
What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.
You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.
You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.
Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.
When kolten heard this part it was so cute and got his attention love this part think I need to remind him of this part ha ha all of them!
This next part is what I really need to do find something I'm good at and learn about it cultivate it and do it whether you make or do something like make hair bows and tutus, or are a photographer or learning the art of it, its something your good at you enjoy and makes you feel accomplished like its your little niche. I need to find mine.
"even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children.
What a beautiful love filled honest real life awesome talk to all the mothers out there or to just every women. I love it these were my favorite parts {okay and maybe I should have put the part about less "days" soap operas and surfing the net I'll work on that. We all have something we need to work on right!!}

I AM SO thankful for a church that I belong to and love that helps us to be a better people, better mothers, better wives, better friends, and a better stronger family unit, a church that teaches us to serve others cause that is where real joy is. To take care of ourselves our bodies and to be clean in mind, body, and spirit. What a blessing I was born into. I'm so thankful for FRIENDS. I'm thankful for the phone calls on Sunday when we weren't at church and people noticed and then called to see how we were doing and if we needed anything, the dinners people brought were awesome and so appreciated, so Thankful for my wonderful sister who fed my kids lunch one day and put them down for naps so I could sleep. I'm thankful to be watched over, loved and cared about and it makes me want to be a better friend and person. To be more aware and intune to others to help when its needed. What would we do without friends.
Well have a great day and make it a good one. Do something for somebody else. It works.
What are you thankful for give it a try!!

"Friendship is what gets you through the bad times and helps you enjoy the good times"

{ Stay at home MOM}

Yes that is what I am. Some days I wish for a little break or that I had a job to go to {not really } Cause this is the job I've always wanted and dreamed about. Its just that today was pretty much the first I've been out in a week. I'm so tired of poopy (really poopy) diapers, snotty noses, whining, coughing in my face, fevers, and everytime I turn around there is somebody else who needs something. Everybody always needs something. Do you ever feel like a maid, a servant, a taxi, a cook, a doctor the list goes on and I know everybody feels like this sometimes.

Sometimes I just want to be good at something that is just something I'M good at do you know what I mean. In a job you are evaluated or told your doing a great job or there is satisfaction in a job well done. How come somebody saying "Your a great mom" doesn't do the same as if I were making something and feeling the satisfaction of being the one who made it or accomplished it. Knowing if I'm doing a good job as a mom won't pay off for years and years. Sometimes it feels like my work isn't getting anywhere.

Being the mom isn't always satisfying we all know that but it is so worth it, I have three beautiful children. And a wonderful husband. I'm a very blessed girl. Just today I feel like a stay at home mom who isn't getting anywhere.

But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Just having a day I think and needed to vent. Do you ever just want to be all by yourself for even half a day just to to regroup and feel like your important to all who live in the house and that they do care if you are there or not. Sometimes it feels like a thankless job where there is no appreciation. Elder Ballards talk comes in real handy today to bad the ensign isn't out yet cause I need to read it! Just needed to vent I think. House bond, day three or four of cold, snowy weather and getting over being sick for a week plus all of us.

Being a stay at home mom really is the best job ever. hardest job too.

Hope everybody else is having a good mom day. Tomorrow is a new day right!

How can u not love these adorable faces !! I do thats for sure.

"...motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."-Elder M. Russell Ballard

Today is the hard and frustrating times part of that quote. pretty sure.

{ WINNER IS......}

I had Lauren draw a name and the winner is ...................................................

THE RICHARDS IN CANADA.......... YA!!! so email me your address so I can get it sent off to you!!

Renee and I were actually at Ricks at the same time she lived next door and we have seen each other a few times throughout the past 12 years!!

Thanks for playing everybody it was fun I wish I had something to send to everybody who put there name in!! Thanks for all the great comments all the time its so fun to hear what everybody has to say and to meet new people!!
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Funny story yesterday the family link center here called to tell me that a class I had signed up for {which I never signed up for} was starting half an hour later then they had stated originally. So I told the lady I never signed up for the class and said think somebody is trying to tell me something?? She laughed and didn't believe that I hadn't signed up for it I said no really I didn't. Wanna know what the class was for " PARENTING THE STRONG WILLED CHILD" Think somebody else signed me up trying to tell me something?? I got a good laugh because Masen is busy yes but nothing I can't handle he doesn't have behavioral issue's or anything besides the normal toddler issues. Maybe I'd take the class if it wasn't for 9 weeks. Just thought is was funny.
Or maybe I'm oblivious to the problem what makes a strong willed child, strong willed more then the normal toddler??
Have a good day!

He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.

{ME Thinks Monday }

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." – Dr. Seuss. Love it.

{Me thinks} I 've been reading Mary Ellen Edmonds book of lifes random thoughts {we're a lot alike all the random thoughts running through me all the time} So I thought I'd do my own edition of it for Mondays ! But first a few Me thinks

ME THINKS this snow is ridiculous there is so much of it! I haven't been out of the house before this morning for 6 days I am thankful that for at least 2 of it, it was a blizzard you should see some of the February like drifts! ME THINKS soccer and baseball won't be starting this week!

Me thinks this is the saddest, sickest sweetest face poor baby my boys both got sick so there was no church for us yesterday but both seem to be feeling better today, and Lauren hasn't gotten it yet hopefully she won't.

Me thinks he loves his new bed YEAH!! It's now been christened "MY bed"!So that tells me he's liking it!

Me thinks this is the funniest thing that doesn't make sense overheard by mom and dad yesterday:

KOLTEN TO LAUREN:: Sister's are always 1/2 off, that's why everybodies buying them.

So after laughing really hard at the randomness of it we had to tell Lauren it just isn't true.

For the real ME THINKS thought of the day:

{The reason I started thinking about this was because I got a few calls after church from some really thoughtful, nice people who noticed I wasn't in MY bench and wondered how we were doing and what they could do for us and that they missed us yestereday anyway this is what ......}

I've been thinking a lot about where we sit in church we always sit on the fourth row back, on the right hand side of the chapel. Its like our bench. Although I don't recall having my name engraved on this particular bench and I don't recall having announced that this is the single church mother with her three loud children bench { I need to see my husband on the stand so he can give the "eye" to the children if they need a little reminder the most parenting help I will get on Sundays during that hour} It just is. I have to be close enough so that my children can at least see daddy on Sunday too. I know I feel all off if it so happens I'm a couple minutes late like five to the hour or something and somebody accidentally stole my bench {cause they wouldn't have done it on purpose right.} But when somebody steals my bench my whole sacrament is thrown off the kids are worse, I'm instantly disoriented and I stand there looking like a lost child longing for my old bench wanted to haul those people from MY bench. But I look for another bench not knowing where I might even start to find a new bench for the day and I secretly vow to get to church 10 minutes earlier to make sure this doesn't happen again. It really throws me for a loop. So that's what ME THINKS and is asking Am I the only one who has a ME family bench -please don't sit here?? That's my random thought for today!! Let me know do you have your bench or spot where you sit every week??

Have a great week Make it a fabulous one ! I'm starting to feel normal again that is reason enough to have a great week for me!

{ No Flashback Friday because this is my 100th POST!! }

Wow that didn't take long 100 hundred posts later here we are. That's awesome a bit more times then I've written in my actual journal in the last seven months. So fun I love blogging I love that I have my children's sayings, our daily happenings, feelings, thoughts, ups and downs, my favorite quotes, its a lot of work, a lot of feeling and a lot of joy all saved somewhere and in a book all together in one place. LOVE IT!!! I love that I've "met" so many great people from all over who have similar life stories and struggles, or who are an inspiration to me who I can't wait to meet in real life. I love that I've gotten in contact with old friends who I haven't seen in years and feel like we are way closer now.

I love that its a place to share my testimony with all the wrong, sick and twisted media out there about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm just thankful I have a place where I can express my joy at being a member of this church.

~I love that I can share my "mommy guilt" with everybody and know that we are all in the same boat and have all been there, that we can laugh and learn from each other.

~I love that blogging is a tool to spread knowledge or something great that works for one that might work for all. I love that I'll be somewhere and think oh I have to get a picture of that for my blog.

~ I just love that its all being recorded and years later I can look back on it and enjoy the life lessons, the kolt's, Lauren's and Masen's fun, sad and happy accomplishments. Or just the little things I maybe would have forgotten.

~I love that its kind of like an online support group that others are thinking of you, cheering for you, or hurting with you, a place to give advice or just vent. So here's to 100 plus more posts.

For my 100th post I'm going to have a Giveaway just leave a comment even if you never have before. Next tuesday {the 22nd} I'll draw a random name and let you know who wins.

Here is what you will win
one of my favorite things the perfect sized tote bag even polka dots my favorite in spring colors! ~ a cucumber melon candle ~and a mini scrapbook alblum}

Here are my favorite kids in the world !! Today is a random whatever post day!!Really bad scan job it did too it looks better in real life I promise! I'm not like a hard core scrapbooker but I love plain and simple and would love to learn how to do it digitally!

"...motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard



This is the post that never ends j/k
Have a great weekend make it a great one!!
So what do you love about blogging??

{Just have to add::: So sad tonight we took the crib down and my baby is now a big boy! No crib it really does make me sad because it makes me face the fact that my baby is a few weeks short of 2 and when you want another one its a sad thing to put the crib back in storage. Masen was so cute he kissed his bed and blew it a kiss but then kept pointing to his crib in the hall and took him about an hour to get into the bunk bed and then the most beautiful thing he fell right asleep that hasn't happen in lets see ....forever!! Hopefully it will last. It was so cute.
fyi: Cassie to funny on your comment thanks your sweet, you made my day and made me laugh. That was good, your a good writer and you really should start a blog!!
fyi 2: I added the grad pics from a few posts back finally.
okay for real this is the end of the post that never ends!

{ Thankful Thursday }

This is going to be short cause I've been laying in bed for almost 2 days now with a aching , hot and cold body and a fever do not feel good but I needed a break from my bed and I'm starting to feel a tiny bit better. I'm thankful :

For a wonderful sister who came and brought me some medicine yesterday, feed my kids lunch and put them down for a nap! I love you and appreciate it so much!

I'm thankful for caring friends one of who brought dinner yesterday and ran an errand that needed to be done for me. I'm so thankful for thoughtful people!

I'm thankful for a friend today who took my kids for most of the day Kolt went earlier and the other two are going after nap time!

SO THANKFUL FOR THAT.

AND I'm so thankful that D came home early yesterday night because he wasn't supposed to be home until today but came home cause I was sick. He is a wonderful husband I'm so thankful for him everyday he is the best!! I'm thankful he got the kids breakfast and let me sleep in too.

Also have to say Happy Birthday to my little sister Liv today. I'm so thankful for her she is such a great example of all that is good. She is wonderful with my kids and they love her so much. She is an example of Christlike love and service. She served a mission to Boise and was a wonderful missionary ! She loves the elderly and works with them. She loves to laugh. She is fun. She is smart and beautiful inside and out. She is an example to me. She works hard at what she does. She is also a beautiful artist and draws and paints amazing pictures. Very talented. She is thoughtful and would give the shirt {or shoes} off her body if you said you liked it ! {Which she did a few weeks ago I told her I loved her shoes and have been looking for a pair like them and she comes over the next day to give me her shoes it meant a lot to me and made me think if I'm that kind of person? {Oh I didn't take the shoes of course} But that's just the kind of person she is. Happy Birthday girl love you. {Blogger won't let me add a picture right now so I'll try again later.}

I'm thankful for so much. I'm especially grateful that for the most part we are healthy. I sure hope my kids don't get it! I feel sorry for Kolten most of all because we had fun spring break plans planned and haven't been able to do any of them he is bored out of his mind and would probably rather be in school poor kid. Oh well what do you do. Soccer and baseball starts next week so he'll have fun doing that. Well have a great day I'm going back to bed!

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Sweetest kid EVER!!!

{Lauren is at the table scrubbing at the ink she ingrained in it all over when mom was in bed! So she was kind of in trouble}

{Kolten all excited to go fly his kite with dad}

K: Dad lets go ! Lauren lets go I'm so excited its going to be so fun. I'll let you fly it.

D: Lauren can't come out until she is done scrubbing the table.

K: Lauren I'll finish the table you go play with dad and the kite I'll finish it for you {insert tears by mom} because one he's been looking forward to flying the kite forever and he spent all his own money on it for ALL the kids. He wanted them all to be able to do enough to do laurens job for you. What a great kid!

D: Little talk with lauren then they all go fly the kite.

They did have alot of fun only wish I could have gone to take pictures of them.

{ A tag about ME }

Well just for fun here goes: Just so you know its snowing today what did I tell you eh! Its hot and short weather 2 days ago and snowing and cold today!! I woke up with an aching body and chills and a bad cough so not fun so its a lazy day today! Have a good day!



Where were you born? Bella Coola ,B.C
Middle name: Lee
How old will you be this year? 33
Nicknames: Mom, Mommy, Chris, Cridy-- a nickname my brother Leif gave me long ago that D occasionly calls me more to bug probably but I kind of like it because its one of those memory kind of names!! Like my roommates at Ricks calling me freedy {as in free-D}
Are you taller than your mother or father? Taller then my mom shorter then my dad
Do you cry often during movies? If its really good and emotional --august rush ya bawled!
What is your biggest pet peeve? Disorganization/ confusion because of lack of proper communication being made--/ Judgemental attitudes /When D gets in his organize everything mood {and leaves me a big disaster} ha ha!!
Favorite color: Blue maybe?
Favorite foods: I love food that makes me feel good after so healthy foods/veggies fruit/ smoothies
Favorite beverage: water/ or a fruit smoothie
Favorite cold cereal: Grape nuts with raisin's and almonds yummy with a yogurt mixed in { my morn breakfast love it!}
Favorite Smells: rain and thunder storms / fresh bread /baby after a bath and all lotioned up
Favorite time of day: Having dinner all together and talking about our day and the favorite things of our day, or reading to my kids, then Going to bed and just talking with D about our day or anything SO the end of my day.
What brand of shampoo/conditioner do you use? Burts Bee's {all I can use with my allergies}
Make-up products? Clinique /Boots number 7
How many pillows do you sleep with? One flat pillow! I hate puffy pillows they hurt my neck
Do you play an instrument? No would love to play the guitar though
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? National Treasure 2 I think
What is your favorite article of clothing? my flip flops I wear all year round and jeans
What is your dream vacation? Europe /Cancun /Hawaii/Australia new zealand oh did it say one? ha ha
What was your first impression of your spouse? How good he was, calm, a returned missionary someone who always serving others, good to his family he was wholesome and good looking too my dream cowboy with skills ha ha!! That's a big first impression eh!
If you were an animal what would you be? Probably a Canadian goose because I could fly and travel every winter somewhere warmer {so weird that I really just thought that and wrote it}
What is your favorite "me- time" activity? Driving and listening to my music loud and doing anything I feel like doing shopping, walking whatever! Time to think. Or a good bath and a great book!
What is one of your weaknesses? I'm like OCD I get irritated if things are picked up when they are finished with them or when we move I'm a bag!! And the house has to be clean before I can go to bed. I know bad.
What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? sandwiches or something breakfasty or maybe spaghetti
If you could live in a different decade/era which one would it be? I would have to say 1800's where I could live on the frontier the kids had fun simple things or work to keep them busy where life was easier {but harder if you know what I mean} Not so much evil in the world.
What is the emotion you feel the most? Love for sure for my kids, for my husband, for life.
Do you consider yourself outgoing? let's see ya I think so most of the time.
What is something you are constantly working on? Being a good mom sometimes its so hard but I'm trying!
Any hidden talents? well if there hidden I probably shouldn't tell you ha ha!! Lets keep it that way!
What is a word or phrase you overuse? What else --when I ask D {or my sisters or friends} about his day I keep going by saying "what else" / ANd of course "Clean that up" ha ha
What was the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Being sued once again for Masen! For the third time even after we were sealed and all!!! Imagine somebody trying to take your baby when he's a year and half or anytime for that matter. Scary even if you know it can't be done its the thought of somebody out there trying to take your baby. Very hard to go through!
What is the best thing that happened to you so far this year? Having the suing case closed on Masens case forever!done!
The best piece of advice you learned this past year? Live simply {so good in so many ways }
Who are the 6 people you are going to tag to do this survey? Anyone who wants to.
Now post the most recent pic. you have taken of yourself. Here ya go me in my new green spring coat ! I hate pics of me. Have a warmer day then us!!
















I love this quote just had to share it with everybody, how true eh!


"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around and shouting that he has been robbed. The fact of the matter is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

{ bUsY WeEk, GrAdUaTiOnS and BiRtHdAYs }

Congrats alley we love you!!!

About time I get a minute to update this thing! It has been such a busy busy week! Its spring break this week so things should slow down a bit hopefully. {{Just have to say that its 85 degrees today or 24 degrees here!! So nice today don't worry tomorrow it will probably snow}} Anyway we made it safely to Rexburg for graduation on Thursday the saddest thing ever about half an hour down the road I realized I had forgotten my camera I was so sad! SO the pics will come later when I can get some from the fam I got this one from my sister this is her and alley! But guess who spoke at the banquet and ceremony ELDER BALLARD!! I was so excited he gave another 2 amazing talks he is so funny too he said "a few probably think we are pretty much a bunch of old guys but we know whats going on, we're pretty cool " It was so funny! So down to earth I loved hearing him speak again and what a nice surprise I had no idea he would be there. Everything went really good and it was short but fun I got one picture my sister took. But other then that the rest will have to wait! Ricks has changed so much since I was there { okay this makes me feel old but its been like 12 years since I was there wow!!! Time goes by so fast. I loved ricks so much and had awesome roommates and so many fun memories there!

Anyway the kids had alot of fun at grandmas and Kolt was at a friends house and had alot of fun so everything worked out just fine. It was a fast trip but fun to be around lots of family and enjoy making new memories and watching others accomplish something big its exciting, always a new step in life taking us onto the next journey Alley will be an awesome teacher!

On Saturday it was my niece Kinlee's 2nd birthday she is so darn cute and funny she makes me laugh we sure love her! We had a family get together and made it a surprise birthday for my sister Livi { who also had her boyfriend Guy who is from England here and we got to meet him too they are so cute together!} Anyway it was a fun day the kids all had fun playing and I got a lot of fun pictures {oh if only I could use photoshop someday I will learn!!}

The kids had fun jumping on D !

Everybody including myself was so tired and worn out from the whole week and running that everybody crashed pretty fast last night but it was a fun week!!

My baby will be 2 next month crazy!!!

Love this picture where masen is kissing? or licking the cake with kinlee going in and bumping heads so cute!

I love this picture of Lauren cause it captures just how she is she loves to watch and silently take it all in I know the lightening is bad but I love it!! Thats my lauren girl!

Me and my cute sisters! They didn't really wear the same thing Livi got one for her bday ! {We missed you Holli!!}

Me and my brother!!

I love this picture of Liv and Guy it speaks volumes!!

{Okay ANOTHER random thought by ME are there times when you say something so stupid that you sit there and think why did I say that and where did that come from?? Or am I one of the choice few? Times when you go say something and nobody laughs or says anything and your secretly dying inside going okay I am so dumb WHY did I say that or why didn't I think about that first!! Moments like those you wish you could sink into the floor. Doesn't happen much but sometimes I feel so dumb or maybe more likely I think oh that totally sounds like something my mom would say. Life right???!

Well have a great week make it a great one!!! Any great ideas on what to do with kids who won't be in school and who won't have dad around for the week aahhh!!!! Help me!

Live your life as though there is a great joy to be experienced, an abundance of goodness in each person you come in contact with and the knowledge that you have enough inner wisdom to answer the mysteries that challenge you.

{ Thankful Thursday/ Flashback Friday }

D and I are outta here {yes for real just me and D whats that eh I look forward to seeing him for a couple of days~!} We are headed to BYU-I graduation for D's little sister she is a full fledged teacher with a great job to go to in the fall at a brand new school in Utah!! Congrats ALLEY!!

So I thought I would do these both so you have something new to look at ha ha! So for THANKFUL THURSDAY I'm so so thankful for my extended family -brothers and sisters, parents especially, sometimes we take our relationships in our own families for granted after the last post it makes me more thankful and aware of the shortness of life, sometimes out of the blue, sometimes out of tragedy and sometimes because of neglect and not making time for extended family a note, a phone call, just making the time to do it. I need to do better a lot better. I have 5 great brothers and sisters all in different stages of life and all have there own trials and situations. I hope they do know how much I love them. {Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.-- Jim Rohn} {Here are some pics of my bro sisters and parents love them!}

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. -- Joyce Brothers or this one is kind of funny cause we all feel like this sometimes right??

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.-- George Burns

I'm thankful for fridge locks ha ha Masen spilt a gallon of milk on the floor, squashed strawberries and strawberry syrup everywhere within two days! I had enough so I bought a lock and saved my energy of telling him to get out of the fridge it was a classic to see his face when he couldn't get into it!! A time saving, mess saving, beautiful invention that I'm so thankful for ha ha!!

I'm thankful that Masen hasn't ever gotten really sick from all the gross and disgusting things he has eaten or put in his mouth let me list them for you warning some are really gross { how about dipping a couple toothbrushes in the toilet and brushing his teeth ---after Lauren just peed in it!! Disgusting!or sucking on the toliet cleaner brush gag me yuck yuck and yuck!Or picking up deer poop and eating it like its candy or eating cigarettes off the beach and swallowing it before we could get to him, or eating somebody else's chewed gum from the garbage at church, or eating a rotting apple from the ground covered in ants --- This is our SAMPSON HOUDINI -- (aka Masen) who is quicker, stronger and sneakier then any children with constant supervision should be!! And you wonder why my children nap for 3 hours every afternoon that's why they are still alive!! j/k But some days--- I'm thankful he hasn't done this at least {I saw this on the Internet and had a good laugh I had to share with you all and it made me thankful that Masen hadn't done that at least!{I need to say though that he may be a handful sometimes but he is the cuddliest,sweetest boy and so good really he is just busy and has a zest for life that keeps going and going but we sure love him! Thank goodness he has never done this:::

I'm just thankful for the most precious things in life and that is my relationships with my husband, my children, my parents and brothers and sisters and in laws, friends, all family --all of them. Not much else matters much if the things most important and close to us aren't taken care of, nourished and worked on to make them better and stronger!

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Okay for Flashback Friday

Question :Tell about the last time you laughed so hard that it made you cry.

Okay that would have to be last weekend D was finishing painting the baseboards in the living room. So to keep the kids out we put our kitchen table on its side to block the kids from coming in. So D steps over the table to get some lunch makes a sandwich and without looking turns to go into the living and trips right over the table and lands on the living room floor. I'm thinking he is hurt cause he doesn't move I move the table a bit and his legs which had landed right in front of the table didn't move {if he had been hurt they would have landed on the floor when I moved the table} then I knew he was joking his sandwich was still in his hand in the air. He rolls over totally laughing and says "Ya I forgot the table was there" I laughed so hard I cried it was so funny this grown man tripping over a table and landing on the floor {maybe you had to be there} But it was so funny to us we just sat there and laughed I really couldn't believe that he did that he just turned around and dead dropped onto the floor right over the table.

"Laugh as much as you breath and love as long as you live."

Have a great rest of the week I'll post pics when I get back!!

ps Happy birthday Mandy !!

pss next week is my 100th post coming up {i think this is post number 96} so make sure you check back and I'll have a drawing when that day comes I'll post the pic of what when the day comes.

Thanks too for all the great comments over the past you all are so awesome I'm so thankful for friends and new friends I have yet to meet there are so many great people out there. We all are different but so much the same ! We all have feelings, thoughts, all have our own trials and we all have a need to be heard and loved, supported and appreciated!

Well have a great week make it a great one!!