{Me Thinks.....its time to vent and giveaway :) }

  

Another long weekend....but today happy MEMORIAL DAY {to all it applies to} really to all of us memorial day remembrance day we all need to remember...those who have gone on..... and those that are/have fought for us to be where we are today....

{Okay turn up your volume.... checkout the new song from Scotty M.{AI}love it!! Kind of goes with this post in thinking of my kids family etc... love it! }

 so 

If you haven't bought this cookbook yet {{do}} every single recipe we've made from it has been so good my kids always tell me if something is a keeper or not and so far all we've tried have been keepers its worth the money..{{{.or you can keep scrolling for your chance TO WIN ONE... ;) }}

 

 Creamy corn Chowder

Chocolate Sheet Cake  

{when I make it again I would omit the cinnamon but thats just me}

the tortilla recipe in the book is awesome my kids prefer them over boughten ...

Kids and me were crazy house bound this past week....so much rain... I tried to get my summer organized with what we are doing and to keep the kids busy because if they aren't.......... this mama might not make it :)

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K2 is turning 2 CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! SO apparently that means the dreaded month between turning 2 till what 4 years old??

WELL within the last week my sweet snuggly sleepy blue eyed 

sensitive babe

developed a nice hitting arm......... 

a scream.......... 

and an over use of the word MOM at the top of his lungs! 

HE decided climbing up on everything was his new passion.... 

and got a new "do it myself" attitude

started food throwing off his tray {or stool} where he now decided he sits  and falls off of way to much....... so the stools get put up on the counter! 

Oh terrible two's I don't miss you!

{But they are far more calmer than the big M's who started at about 6 months and actually is probably still in them ha ha! }

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 ME THINKS

 Sunday I asked one of my kids to go to the burb with dad to which the child replied " ahh your so mean mom"...

 oh sorry for asking for you to go to the burb??

To which somebody standing beside me said 

"You must be doing something right." 

BUT that got me thinking since thats the kind of week we had last week 
{maybe it has something to do with all the dreary weather all this past week so take this post for what its worth and please tell me I'm not alone ;)

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Sometimes life isn't always the way we wish it would be 

sometimes those four beautiful miracles 
are my four biggest worries/concerns.

Sometimes I really feel like I'm getting nowhere....

.....and wonder how kids who don't listen now will ever listen when they get older..... 

I wonder if they will ever stop fighting and be nice to each other  

{for the most part they are fine} 

I wonder if something I'm doing or saying is sinking in or is it something that damages more than it helps? I don't know!

But to be HONEST it so hard being a MOM sometimes as I'm sure most of you who are or who watch others.....can see.....You love them so much want what is best and want so much for them....

 I'm constantly frustrated lately by the fact that sometimes kids seem think we are maids think they can order up a meal  at the drop of a hat.....etc that they don't have to do anything and I'm mean if I asked them to do something...I've tried chore charts and privileges but they all lose there excitement before to long....

How to get my kids to listen?

How can I be more patient?

How to get them to understand the difference between "your a mean mom" and we just all have chores to do? 

How do I instill a good work ethic if I can't even get them to wash the dishes they just used or turn the lights off after they leave the room all small things I know but the small things become big things

Lately I feel so discouraged  for lack of a better word of how to change things so that things get done 
but done with 

love instead of impatience 

done without whining, wailing and crying

done without the drama 

done without loss of privileges of what seems they don't care anyway

done without the extra 3 hours to get it done

because some days I feel done with trying to make it work 

done with feeling like I'm in the wrong for just wanting to teach my children to be respectful, honest, hard working, well mannered children.....to have values standards and be strong adults who know to be responsible and caring etc etc.....

SO then I go to bed and try again the next day
I pray hard and hope things go better tomorrow.... 

will it sink in, will it connect sooner than later?

I know that it has to be done without losing my patience I know that
I think 

 we all know that.......... its just so hard sometimes 

 so in my research to
help myself and my family and to take a deep breath and remind myself of where I want to be and the kind of mom/person I want to be 

I found a good article on LDS living that I really liked...so click on over and read ...

 we all can with help....from up above and from each other....

{for those who always ask where i get all my quotes the answer is everywhere 

and my new addiction is pinterest thanks Holly D for that just what i needed haha!}

Make a difference....
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PS..... I'm giving back.... It's TIME for a giveaway so what better than this AWESOME cookbook.....

so leave a comment

thats it. I'll pick a winner on friday....

If you already have it enter anyway and pay it forward!

{Thankful Thursday..}

EVERYDAY brings something beautiful if we are just willing to look up and see it. 

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley source deseret book

I'm so thankful for

1. my life. it may not be perfect but I have more than I deserve most days and I am so THANKFUL for that!

2. my husband who loves me and puts up with me

3. My four children who test my patience everyday and make me semi crazy but I love them more then  anything.....I mean how could you not love these adorable faces lol.......my crazies.....fun times....

{{the white thing on his head was a cut off sleeve.... turned smurf cap;)  }}

a little drama in the house of boys.....

{I love this status I saw today on a friends facebook page:

A promise to my children~ I am not your friend.. I am your parent. I will stalk you, flip out on you, lecture you, drive you insane, be your worst nightmare & hunt you down like a bloodhound when needed because I LOVE YOU! When you understand that, I will know you are a responsible adult. You will NEVER… find someone who loves, prays, cares & worries about you more than I do!}

5. My testimony and faith, church, scriptures, temple 

THANKFUL FOR....

6.  good babysitters. they far and few between but when you find good ones keep them I seriously have issues with babysitters that don't do anything {especially like say watch your kids and keep your house at least as clean as it was when they got there!}

7. Thankful for standards, values and beliefs that they still exist .....I was so happy Scotty won AI {although I did like both so it didn't really matter} I loved that he thanked the Lord first and above all! Loved it! 

I liked scotty from the start but I love country music so yeah and then the duet between scotty and Tim McGraw! Awesome! could have done without the entire rest of the smutty show..... but that and the last 10 minutes...is it just me or does anybody else feel like they push the limits of what they consider a "family" show...sad.

9.I amThankful K stuck to his piano another year...... he did a great job tonight at his recital so proud of him he memorized his piece again and did awesome! He is the only boy right now and puts up a nice fight sometimes to practice but he really is good! And learns so quick
is it wrong for me to push him until he can play hymns without thinking??
I love it when men/boys can play the piano!
{He looks so happy in this picture I know .....and so comfortable ha ha...... he loves it when I embarrass him lol he told me no pictures but I usually win ;)  }

He has a great teacher and he really likes her so I keep pushing him to do it! 

10. I am so thankful for articles like this one  
because I remember having so many of the same thoughts... there are so many what ifs at every stage of life.....
What if we quit 
what if'ing??
don't think that will ever stop do you??
Its a constant..
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"Life is just 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

HAVE AN AWESOME WEEKEND RAIN OR SHINE.... 

{TEN on TUESDAY ...}

 source Rebecca Cooper

1.  IT IS RAINing RAINing raining...but I'll take it over the devastating tornado's, earthquakes, volcano's, and the end of the world:) 
Love this poster from "the rapture end of the world people".
I think some did think it was the end of the world with the tornado's hit Sunday...but I did laugh when I saw this billboard picture..........

2. I {well D and I} went to court this morning for my court date to talk to the crown prosecutor about my $300 red light ticket I got after a girls night back in march. I even have  five witnesses who can attest that I couldn't help it..... it was icy and I slid through you can tell by the picture theres snow on the camera and slush/ice on the ground..... we got it down to $115....much better....thrown out would have been the optimum choice but better than nothing....

but I'm still never driving for a girls night again ha ha ;)   

{Thanks to those that watched my kids}

 

3. Hip checking has turned in to karate chopping my deranged dishwasher ....that now won't do anything but beep constantly and won't shut off and won't even start now! It's driving me insane!! I HATE hand washing my dishes..... paper plates and cups for us!! Seriously what is next .....a new lawnmower..... a new sump pump.... a ticket....life sometimes a little of everything right.....
Enjoy the sunny days, cause there's always going to be rainy days....

4. We tried to get our garden planted yesterday like three times each time we went out it POURED on us so we gave up....for now anyway...the kids are so excited each child has half a section of a box and can't wait to take care of it and see who's gets up faster etc etc might just work :)

5.The kids jumped on the tramp in the pouring rain and loved it yesterday. I LOVE watching my kids laugh and play with each other its really one of my favorite things!..and believe it or not I STAYED IN MY PJ'S all day long yesterday that is big for ME!  Each to their own of course ;)

6. I have some pretty fun shoes and people always mock me for my shoes or say I'm the girl with 70 shoes but I'm okay with that {fyi I don't have anywhere near 70 shoes} I like different shoes though its fun, I like height and I like getting a good deal.... each to their own once again...
my newest pairs I just got ......

mine are pink but I love them..

7. Why can't it be as cute and adorable to have a ponch ;) .... as it is I would think to have a cute prego belly........... sure would be a lot easier then sucking and tucking....... sorry I was joking about his with D cause I didn't  feel so good the other bloated day you know the days so I'm totally making fun of myself.. ha ha!

8. I love the biggest loser!  I cry every week, get inspired, and I just love it!  Tonight is finale and I can't wait!
 I strongly dislike stations that start a series then decide not to carry it anymore leaving us hanging!! I have PEASANT vision that is 4 channels for those of you who don't know what that is anymore..{I also still don't own a cell phone I know I know only one on earth ha ha}....
I don't have tivo/ dvr or anything like it so if I don't get it on my 4 channels I don't see it, so one of our stations here carried the first night of American idol but not the results show HIGHLY!!!! annoying!
Seriously who does that!!

9. I've won a couple of blog giveaways lately I won this blowdryer

and a $100 gift certificate to a vinyl shop on line.... fun! I love Giveaways!! oh and a little ipod cover a couple of months ago....SO for your giveaway luck go here and enter for some favorite things giveaway with the divine Ms. M

10. I Love this poem. I love adoption. I love my children's birth families....

Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother
Two different lives shaped to make you one
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun
The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried you tears
One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do
The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.
Now, which of these two women, Are you the product of?
Both, my darling, Both, Just two different types of love.
---- Unknown

LOVE THIS. Over the past little while since seeing three of my children's birth mothers in one weekend I have thought about it a lot and how each of my children come with their genetic makeup their looks and their little personalities it was amazing to me to talk with each of these beautiful mothers and see my children in their eyes or movement their emotions...
....I won't lie it does hurt a little because there's that hope inside that still hopes and prays for a little part of me and D in a child/ren too...,but that pales in comparison to what these children are to us the miracles, the journey to getting them here to our family.
These girls made this
possible when all else seemed impossible for all of us...
AND everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for each of these children and every person who helped, guided, directed and led them in our direction.
They are the biggest blessings of our lives.

"Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight."

— Gordon B. Hinckley

"Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

Have a great week

Thankful....

....for Jon Schmidt he makes amazing music this is the newest Michael meets Mozart...

{pause the music at the very bottom and have a listen its amazing.....}

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I am thankful for teaching moments as a mother realizing that children need to learn the consequences of their actions and that they don't need to do everything...and I don't need to feel bad because they can't be involved in everything...

working towards things makes them more valued and more appreciated. To many kids these days are given everything and I still believe kids need boundaries, rules, kids need goals and kids need to learn to work, run and play ....but work towards things/goals..... do their chores and in earning rewards....just like real life.....

source here

......that goes for parenting because sometimes its hard to realize that

the things we do aren't always going to produce what we intend right now or to feel appreciated or valued.......{cleaning cooking running here and there, giving our time, prayers, love, pretty much everything} and a lot of the time we think we can't do the things we have to do but we do them, and later on in life they will appreciate what we do today and so will we.

Its getting through the days and DO "ing" the things we think we can not do. 

Because now is our future we are building.

-------------------------------------------

Thankful for good books that help us not forget how we got to where we are today and those that suffered so much before we got to today...read this and can't wait for the movie to come out.....

---------------------------------------

Thankful for things that make me laugh you've probably all seen this already but I had to laugh....The caption says the royal wedding has happened before something like that.....

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Thankful for D's job and the company he works for and articles like this some of you have asked more about what it is D does.... well here is a big part of the company in Florida we lived here for training in 2007 for 4 months but here is a link.watch the video clip..this is what my husband did everyday with some of the men in the clip.... in florida.....

and he spends a lot of days here doing the same thing although here isn't so tropical we have our own wildlife ha ha!

Most of you visiting Florida or who live there probably have driven by it lots of times and never realized how much space it takes up its beautiful if you ever have the chance to visit or take a tour do its well worth it!!

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I am thankful for rainy days once in awhile to get things done.....and they make us appreciate the good days ...............

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for YOU.for my families those that are the very most important in my life. for comments.for advice.for the new friends I've met through blog land.for fun ideas.new recipes.for not feeling alone in my trials. for knowing we aren't ever alone we can all help each other through.for knowing that we are all just trying to make in through this life and together is a lot more fun.for my real life friends.for understanding.for sharing.for listening to me blab.....for venting....for discovering who we each are and wondering........

would you? how do we come off to others? kind of makes me think what my interactions with my family? children? spouse? everyone? 

would you like you, if you met you? 

Words thoughts deeds??

I guess that's where personal evaluation starts isn't it....

have a great weekend.....

{TEN on TUESDAY}

 What are we creating in this LIFE?? Some days are better than others....

 But these are the days we will miss more then any other too....so I've been told.....

1. SERIOUSLY!!! Ever wake up really grouchy and the kids are already fighting, nobody wants to hurry, nobody wants to help get anything done.... but they want to be somewhere at a certain time....... and they want YOU to do everything they can't seem to find the shower or the lunch kits or find a cereal bowl and a spoon????? and its not even 7 in the morning, its windy, you feel fat and sick and have no energy etc etc... as it is and all you want to do is climb back in bed and pull the covers over your head...well if you don't have days like this I'm really happy for you! But that was my morning ...............{don't worry it got a lot better ;) }

2. My dishwasher doesn't work unless I hip check it a certain way then if I'm lucky it'll start :)  Neither does my front door lock unless its hip checked......

source here

good moto but i ain't hand washing lol....so I'm making do

3. We got a sweet tax return ...then we got our property taxes bill.... so much for the sweet return..well there are a few dollars left over....;) more than I had right! At least we got one I am happy for that....

4. Terrible two's happen to even the sweetest babies when they start demanding their independence....♥ it :(  {though nothing to complain about compared to his sweet charming handsome five year old brother ....crossing our fingers ha ha} He did say some words this past week like "lets go" and "get up" K2 is so much fun I don't want him to grow up and I want three more just like him okay one more would be awesome!  When he's sleeping I want him to get up because he makes me smile, laugh and he gives the best hugs!! He is pure joy!! even with a few T 2 tendency's he loves his mama and we all love him to pieces!!!!
5. I really dislike the wind. like really.dislike.wind.

6. Can't understand why people have the need to spread stories and lie like there's no tomorrow..... like they are truths.... with no understanding of the what actually happened and how it hurts people along the way...life 

7. I get so sick of seeing front page news of somebody "coming out" who cares!! none of us say..... I'm straight.... I'm single.... I'm childless....... or whatever...... on a daily basis...... each to there own! but really keep it to yourself we already knew there was something off like telling the whole world makes it all better.... sounds like an excuse ....The topics that are news worthy these days is sickening ! Like it somehow makes it all okay because so and so is or does......

8. I'm a chewy candy freak that's why I don't have it in my house very often.... soft black licorice, puffy pigs {fitting kind of how I feel right now ha ha} jelly belllies, Swedish berries...yum....I think there are two kinds of freaks chocolate freaks and chewy candy freaks I am definitely the later....

9. My kids are almost done another school year that is crazy they have all had an amazing year!! So proud of them all and the growth and learning they have down this year!!! My grade 3er  is taking his first provincial exam today! poor child!

10. I can't wait to go to wicked.. go on a gno....or get the boat out...or go on a trip....away....with just D......hummm....
{and this quote is one of my favorites from TOFW that I can't stop thinking about thanks for the reminder sister! I ♥ it....

 "We have an Eternity to know our children as Adults, but right now is our only chance to know our children as children." 

-Hilary Weeks

As I grow to understand life less and less, I learn to love it more and more.
Jules Renard

Happy Tuesday....

{Pizza picnics and parties...}& ME THINKS

 source 1825

 I wrote on face book as my status on Sat May 14 "Its a miracle M made it to be 5 Happy Birthday M!!" It really is a miracle this boy has been on the go since he was born pretty much and I firmly believe he has many guardian angles that take shifts to keep him safe! There are a few times this boy has brushed death but thankfully the people involved listened and watched carefully in order to save him...and for that we will be forever grateful. Honestly can't imagine life with out our live wire in it!! 

We love you M!!

 {the cake may not look just like the picture from our best bites but everybody loved it...M wanted a chocolate candy cake so it was a good excuse to try a new recipe found here...of course I made my own lower fat adjustments to it and it turned out just fine really if the kids are happy thats what makes it all worth it to me}
This boy loves to

run play, make friends &

help people, He loves to learn new things and 

asks lots of questions all the time

he is a solid, strong boy, not only in stature but in will power

he loves little kids

gets up early every morning

naps {for moms sake ;)}

loves school most days

loves toy story

loves riding his bike 

loves hugs 

hates to be restrained in any way

defends his siblings 

loves to get dirty 

loves to pick a book and go to the bathroom a hundred times a night

believes the whole neighborhood is his backyard 

we are constantly looking for him he takes 24 hour surveillance :)

he loves water 

loves sleeping on the floor loves food especially food he's not supposed to eat being lactose intolerant that takes over a lot.....

likes to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it...

he is very smart and remembers things that happened when he was very young... 

says last night for everything  that happened "remember last night when we went to.....

and thinks he's pretty cool too ....

Well remember last night when M was born feels like yesterday but feels like 10 years ago either way we are so glad he is part of our forever family we love you M!!!!   

Thank you to his beautiful birth mom too for the gift of M in our lives! 

We love you!!

My favorite M quote....just replace the 2 year old part with M

A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.
-Jerry Seinfeld
love our M!

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Well this weekend was eventful we had an electrical fire in M's room thursday night thankfully we live in a time when breakers flip! And that it did.... after our house filled with rancid electric smell and singed the wall and socket and melted M's night light!! Thankfully that was the least of it!! and everything turned out fine....scary for a few minutes though!
D and I got out for our anniversary date finally..went to dinner and to the movie soul surfer good movie! It was just nice to get out together...love that man, I love my kids too but breaks are nice.....

Loving the warm weather 
we all got burnt a few times this week 
babysat my niece and had neighbors over and they all burnt too I felt really bad! it was kind of the days where it didn't feel that hot but we sure felt it later!! Just so nice to feel the sun again!!

hating the wind 

loving the walks and runs! and just being OUTSIDE!!

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ME THINKS

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

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The Creative Homemaker had this next paragraph 

on her blog a couple of years ago and I love it! Worth posting again!

It hit me because I still think about it a lot and it makes me realize that there is sometimes so much clutter in our lives we forget to appreciate the small and simple things..... whatever they may be for each of us..

"You are loved! Your Heavenly Father loves you. Your husband loves you. Your children love you. You have many friends and family that love you.

Sometimes we tend to forget that, or it gets lost in all the "clutter" of our everyday lives. You can't do everything, but you can do something. You would probably be really surprised about the number of people's lives that you touch. They are most likely looking at you and saying the same thing...."If she can do it why can't I?".....

--------------------------

so my thoughts....

How many times have you found yourself saying that same thing "if she can do it why can't I"? in our own families and within in our circle of friends. In my calling as primary president I sometimes go early and see what the ward before us is doing and think why didn't I think of that or holy they had an awesome sharing time.... but then I think we are all different for a reason and all have something to offer that maybe that one person needs or we need....and if we do our best and give of ourselves that is what is important....and I'm doing the best I can and I can't do everything but I am doing more of something each week...

and my constant line is 

"we are all different"

thats what makes us all unique....

and

 just being who we are, where we are and cultivating our relationships and life where we stand should be enough.... always moving forward doing something.

We are always looking for more then we should sometimes we try to do it all,  only to realize that the very most important things are being put on the back shelf that should be right at the front.

Sometimes I say have to say no and feel bad but then D reminds me we can't do everything........

As hard as it is sometimes. It usually works out for the best.

We can't please everyone either no matter how hard we try, I think we need to spend more time on the most important things in our lives, and feeling loved and being loved by those around us. and most importantly loving ourselves for who we are, not who we wish we were or letting the if only' s get in the way.

We get distracted to much by whats out there or things that don't matter and won't get us anywhere.  

I really think that doing our best serving others and being examples, spending time on those things that matter like spending time with our children, less on what doesn't matter in the long run will get us so much farther.....and it does more for the soul and others around us then we have the ability to comprehend.

Our children, family, friends are watching and learning from us.

We need to eliminate the "clutter" in our lives and do what we can

knowing that we can't do everything.

but we can do SOMETHING.
-----------------------------------

Be happy, be thankful

If you cannot find happiness along the road,You will not find it at the end of the road.

~ Author Unknown ~

Do something that matters

Have a GREAT week....
{ps loved reading the comments in the last post thanks so much to those that shared a recipe and those that showed themselves.... its nice to know who's reading...sometimes I think about going private for picture snagging reasons and who's reading reasons.....
please don't take our pictures...or I may have to go private.....
I love that we all have so much in common and where you are coming from :)}

{10 on Tuesday}

I think I might like a 10 on Tuesday once in awhile a nice random post full of whatever I'm thinking

now it has a random title..and I love randomly reading others....... so

 Here's my ten on Tuesday....

Don't remember where this came from but I love it...its a nice reminder

1. It's M's birthday this week and I don't know what I'm doing yet he has all sorts of ideas but they don't really work for a party...friend party or family party that is the question??....any ideas or sites? I have a TO DO list a mile long and it only keeps growing!
5 years old time goes by so fast!

2. I think I've entered a million of these jo totes camera bag giveaways have yet to win probably like the rest of us, but if I did I would get this color. Enter here for a chance though.......

3. I burnt my chubby arms today going for a walk and watching kids play and they hurt already...it is such a nice day though....

4. I need a second vehicle thats cheaper to fill up and because we need one.

5. I can't wait to go to "wicked" and for summer to start....get on the boat go on vacation etc etc etc have a break from the everlasting winter.....

 6. My Little miss L 

gave me a mothers day card with all about mom facts

apparently my favorite food is hot dogs {yuck}, and that I'm only 32, {close plus 3}  my favorite time of day is when the kids go to bed {maybe}, and I get mad when I get lied too {maybe she is learning ;)
But best of all
MY favorite PLACE to be is 

MY HOME {she has that one right loved that one!} BUT

7.I strongly dislike hate laundry there always seems to be a load on my bed to fold, one in the dryer and baskets of it still needing to be washed! I can't seem to catch up maybe cause we are always running lately! and when I build a house or move its going to have a nice big laundry room so my room isn't the laundry room/my bedroom grrrr.....

8. D and I haven't celebrated our anniversary yet maybe this weekend its been awhile since we went on a date....so crazy around here lately plus calving started on the ranch so that adds a whole other busy....

9. There's a neighborhood {town} thief  picking off lawn/home things around town hauling it off in a truck..... so put your stuff away....seriously not safe anywhere??

10. I randomly wonder who reads this thing that i have no clue about..... my map says a lot of random people..... from random places..... so maybe choose this random day to leave a random comment...... so I know who randomly reads my blog that would be awesome while your at it tell me your favorite summer recipe  Come on you can do it ;)

that's it how's that for RANDOM
have a great day !

{ Weekend +} Methinks...

source 1825

I have to first start out with a Happy birth mothers day which was Saturday... I probably had the most amazing 24 hours from Thursday night to Saturday..I had the opportunity to first serve at a birth mothers banquet put on by  LDS family services. Thursday night a mothers day program for them. I had the pleasure of serving and seeing TWO of my children's birth mothers there {K2's and M's}..... I have not seen my children's birth mothers since placement. 

So for one that is seven years for another that is 5 years and another that is over 2 years. The tears where plentiful, the love was strong and the program was beyond what I expected. I got to hug, laugh and talk to my two birth mothers for over an hour, I got to introduce them to each other ......two brothers first mothers.... together.... It was quite the feeling. 

I can't even describe the peace and love I had that night for each of them. Adoption is one of the most emotional, loving situations one can ever be apart of. 

 I think every emotion is present no matter the time. Because the love you feel for these girls is more than you can ever describe 

THEY MADE ME A MOTHER  at that is something you

 never properly explain or  put into words what they mean to me, to say that I love them all more then they will ever know is an understatement. 

You think that was amazing WELL on Friday the next day my sisters and mom and I went to TIME OUT FOR WOMEN 3 hours away and guess who I ran into and had the opportunity to see after 7 years  L's birth mother.... amazing! ALL IN THE SAME WEEK!!! Because after all these years its never happened and it was a weekend I will cherish forever...We gave each other a huge hug and like the other two felt the love they have for me and I hope they felt the love I have for them. I wish I could have talked to N longer but it was a crazy weekend. 

One I can 't believe happened in a span of 24 hours. Wow.

I hope they all know how much we all love them and pray for them everyday.

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Next up:

 

.....was amazing loved it what an uplift, a much needed break and so fun so many laughs, saw so many people some I haven't seen in years. Even some who read my blog that was fun! 

I love blogging and I love the people I met through it! 

So if your reading and haven't said hi before feel free to come clean lol!

I loved that I got to spend time with my sisters and my mom and my sisters MIL from england so good to see her again too.

 We missed my sister "Holli" get it?? Hall E wish she could have been with us....

 ....love meeting Lynn happens at least once a year and every time is so refreshing beautiful inside and out!! Love her!!

..... we like to think we are still just girls!

 we sure act like it most of the time ha ha

 ....how adorable is my little niece India remember this beautiful little 26 week born preemie look at her now!! So perfect fun and beautiful!

 the family....and some of our favorite people love you J.E!! 
{Terisa why didn't we get a picture!}

 ....this crazy lady Mary Ellen Edmunds the women is crazy fun!!! She is the reason I do me thinks it comes from her she writes lots of books and is a funny motivational speaker.... so fun to meet her...

 Hilary weeks was amazing loved her...... her singing her speaking she was awesome!!

Some of my favorite presenters were LAUREL CHRISTIANSEN who wasn't even supposed to speak to us but because someone couldn't get across the border we had the opportunity to hear her and I swear it was completely for me I loved it! She is amazing too!

My other favorites was KRIS BELCHER she is blind and had us laughing uncontrollably where your abs were aching kind of funny 

here is a clip its worth the watch she is so amazing too! 

and Hilary Weeks was amazing and brought us to tears..and taught us some valuable life lessons on our thoughts... so awesome...

I am so grateful for my awesome husband who spent the weekend with the kids they all had lots of fun without me so we all had a great weekend!!

PERFECT WEEKEND! So many good things happened that I will remember for a very long time!!!

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OTHER HAPPENINGS

Okay this week was insane with Dance recitals four nights of the week for little L she was awesome tired and ready to be done by the end but she is the most adorable Clogger !! She loves it and that is what matters to me! Her confidence level grew this week I am sure of it! She got roses from her sweet little cousin the first night and roses from dad on thursday night and ice cream date too! She looked so cute!

They were rocking robins! {she also lost her two bottom teeth within the last two weeks and she is proud of it!! } Love her!!

final bow....to bad I don't know how to push the record button on the video camera the third night I had watched thought I had recorded this perfect recital only to find out I didn't even push record smart mom eh!!! sad!

with that was 

CUBS/ PIANO/Meetings and lots of SOCCER.....

oh the joys.....the running around the car swapping the drama....

the life of mom....someday I'll miss this right....

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ME THINKS

Some of my favorite quotes and lines from TOFW......

What an uplifting weekend.....

HALT! Who am I??

Some people don't get along with themselves, learn to see yourself as your Heavenly Father see's you....Mary Ellen Edmunds

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What are you thinking?

We think 300 negative thoughts a day! Hilary Weeks decided to test that out and got a number clicker and clicked for every negative thought she was disgusted with the results and turned her negatives to positives! 

We are happier when we think POSITIVE -try it!

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become."....

We spend eternity with them as adults, enjoy the very short time we have with them as children.... get to know them give your time, talents and examples"

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Laurel Christiansen

"Don't you dare be the one thing standing in your way"

"Do the one thing you think you cannot do" -Eleanor Roosevelt

Prayer with Faith

Think with Faith

Live with Faith

Difficulty brings growth 

Expect things to turn out

We aren't all living our PLAN A

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives

Don't discount where you are......see your life differently....

God knows where you are today

 with him you are living plan A

Hope -wanting what I want for me

Faith- wanting what God wants for me

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Emily Freeman

"No Never" moments are those that make our testimonies grow the very most."

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.....And those are some of my favorite talks and quotes of the weekend I took a lot of notes but these are the ones that struck me...I'm so glad I went, so glad I ran into some people I never thought I'd see again in a very long time, if ever, and I'm glad I got to go with my sisters and mom.

“Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices and choices determine our actions…
It is our actions and our desires that cause us to BECOME something,whether a true friend, a gifted teacher or one who has qualified for eternal life.”"
-- Elder Dallin H Oaks

Have a great week....