The Mommy Diaries

Dream from Heaven

2012-01-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

This morning, josh kissed me goodbye as he left for work, and I fell back asleep for about 30-40 minutes. In this short amount of time, the lord gave me a wonderful gift to start my day...

I was an emotional mess this morning because I was so happy with this joy I had felt!

I had a dream that I pulled into my grandpa's house in alabama, same place it had always been, but there were beautiful gates, and the house looked updated...Same plan but fancier and brighter...

I was so excited to see him because I haven't seen him in so long...gosh 12 years maybe? I jumped out of the car and ran into the house, The smells were the same, scenery the same, just as I remember it. And then came my grandpa, This tall man, standing straight and tall, over 6'3", same half bald head, but the youth in his face was amazing! No wrinkles, just pure joy and light in his face. And he ran to hug me! No words were exchanged but I cannot even describe the joy and happiness that radiated from him. He just kept smiling at me. Then I awoke, with this happiness to start my day...

I was so excited at what I just experienced, I went into Darcy's room to wake her for school. I told her of my dream and I was crying telling her even, because I felt as though I was really there. She cried with me and hugged me (she's never met him) and I told her what a gift from heavenly father that was. He let me peak in at a little slice of heaven.

I'm so grateful today for that.

I know that my heavenly father loves us and shows us tender mercies just when we need them. I know that I will live with him again and with my family because we are sealed for eternity. I know that I better get to finishing the work for my grandfather, he is waiting! I'm so blessed to have the knowledge I have and grateful I can teach my children so that they may have the same blessings. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Been awhile...

2012-01-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

Gosh it's been awhile...Guess I'm kinda behind! Is it coincidence that I stopped blogging about the same time I got my primary president calling!? Life's been busy! But I am so blessed!

So Recap...

June- We had a great time in San Diego at La Jolla Beach for a week. We did Sea World, Lego Land and had some great family time just exploring!

July/August- Lake time, fishing, camping, swimming and just enjoying our summer! Completed my 2nd triathlon at Smithville Lake and felt like a rock star! It rained and was a chili start but felt great and finished great!

September- back to school. Can't believe Darcy is in 2nd grade! Zach is in preschool 3 afternoons a week, and I am busy being the mom of 3! Darcy is in Competitive soccer this year and loving it! Zach too loves playing soccer with his buddy Jack. And I am the real, live soccer mom with the mini-van. Love it! Also finished my 3rd triathlon!

October- Ran a HALF MARATHON! Gotta say that was never on my list of things to do, but felt very proud of myself and realized you can do what you will yourself to do! 2:04:50 was my time!

November- We had our primary program and it was very successful!

December- The holidays have snuck up quickly! Still no snow (yeah!) although kids would love snow, I'm enjoying the warm winter thus far! We celebrated our christmas by adopting 3 children to buy presents for. The kids like picking them out and hopefully learned how blessed we really are!

So there it is, the quickest shakedown of 6 months, but it's documented for our books and hopefully I will stay on top of things now!

Kiley Bug turns 1

2011-07-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Little Kiley Bug...You are already 1 years old and have brought so much joy and light to our family. You make us laugh everyday! You have this tough attitude and perseverence about you. You look to your big brother and sister and watch everything they do. We love watching you grow daily...body and mind. The wheels in your little brain are always turning! At 12 months old, your first word was uh-oh and you now say ball,and dada. Still no mama. You really started walking a couple weeks after your birthday and now just take off everywhere!

We love you so much kiley Bug!

The all important Kiley Bug Cake!

7 Years Old!

2011-07-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby girl is quickly becoming a young lady! 7 years of cuddling and loving you. I love your tender heart and your smart brain, your wilingness to help, your way of thinking outside the box, your whittiness, your great laugh , your eagerness to learn, and I'm so glad you are part of our eternal family. I love you Darcy and look forward to everyday with you.
Love , Mommy

This was the first cake...The second cake was layered black and pink with peace signs and it went so fast we didn't even get a picture!

Your very first American Girl Doll!

You will be a great mommy to her!

You named her Bethany.

First Triathlon

2011-05-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Since May 2010, As I was 9 months pregnant with my third baby, I set a goal. This time next summer, I WILL do a triathlon.
May 7,2011...My FIRST Sprint triathlon, Leavenworth,KS
30 lbs lighter now, I have followed my training schedule and despite having a bad flu 2 weeks prior to the race, I feel ready. 200m swim, 12.6 m bike and 3.1m run... Bring it!
At this point I have made it TO the race and managed to set up my transition area. That's a good first step right?

All the preparation, research, workouts, equipment buying, worrying, obsessing as my hubby may call it...I call it being mentally prepared! We have a pre-tri meeting and the nerves keep building. I've been talking and meeting people and gone to the bathroom 3 times...let's keep it real, so did everyone else!

They call the first people to start lining up by number to enter the pool. I'm #131, I've got awhile. They started and withing 2.5 minutes, #1 was out of the pool! I don't have awhile! I might throw up any minute...

I made it into the pool...Just remember to breathe! That's all that's important. Save your energy is what I kept telling myself. The swim was SO fast! I did it in 4:22. This includes hauling your butt out of the water and running out of the gym and crossing the timing mat. YES! I beat my first goal...I'm 1/3 of the way done!

Next up, the bike. Transitoned in 1:53. I Learned to COMPLETELY dry my feet before putting on socks and shoes. (although I could have been like guy #1 and carried my bike out of the transition zone barefoot! His shoes were clipped in his pedals already!) And put your gloves on after you get on the bike and going. Could have saved time there. Now this was a fairly hilly course and I knew this going in. I trained for it well. Although I got to the first big hill and asked myself " is this the worst hill?" No, there were a few of those. The uphill 1.25 mile caused me to do some praying to get up that hill! I finally made it all the way through! It was a very beautiful ride and peaceful. Lots of thinking when you don't get to wear headphones!

Now came the hardest part...NOTHING prepared me for how numb my feet would be after the bike and into the first mile of the run. I almost cried because I COULDN'T feel my darn feet! The whole first mile! After that they finally realized that we were running now, and my strength came back.

At points during the race when I started to doubt myself, I replace the thoughts with positives and thought of my brother who had the most strength even when he was weak. I thought of my children and husband whom I want to be proud of their strong mommy. I want to be a great example for them. These great thoughts got me through the run with a smile!

"Thank goodness I can see that finish line..."
Almost there! Rounding that last corner! Thank goodness!
My darling and sweet and Handsome husband at the finish line with me. Thanks for supporting me the whole way through honey!
My best friend and cheerleader, Shauna!!
I DID IT! What an amazing experience! It's amazing what you can Will your body and mind to do!

Strength

2011-03-14T21:12:00.001-07:00

Today, I feel strong.

Since June 28, 2010 until now, I have lost 28 pounds. My ultimate goal includes 10 more pounds. I do want to see that number, but more importantly I want to be strong as a mother/wife.
I have worked out and worked out and built up my strength, and controlled my nutrition. I have set a goal of sprint triathlons this summer. Setting a goal helps you focus your exercise.
This takes will power/mind power. I am proud of my body and the way it is working for me. I am grateful to have a body that can function as I want it to (most days). I will take care of my body for my body is a temple for my spirit. I will continue to exercise and eat right and take the vitamins and supplements I need to take. I will be strong for me and for my family and I will be a good example to my children and others. I will fall down a few times, but then I can reread this post and focus again.

Today I jogged 3 miles in around 27-28 minutes and then hopped on the bike and rode 6 miles in 28 minutes. Last week I swam my 1/2 mile in the pool in 13/14 minutes. A few months ago I thought I might drown in the lake this summer during my triathlon, but baby steps and support from others have led me to today. Just a little step at a time is what I continue to tell myself. I am trying to treat life the same way...Just a day at a time. Do my best each day and the picture will be full of wonderful memories.

I am woman...Hear me ROAR!

New: My husband read my blog and sent me this e-mail. What a great man I have!

"I saw your newest blog post... I didn't think it was possible for you to impress me more as a woman and mother, but you did. I don't think I'll ever be able to express to you how lucky I feel each and every day I spend with you. You are a strong and amazing woman and I wouldn't have it any other way...

I know I've been working a lot lately and I haven't been there for you and the kids as much as before. I need you to realize how much I love and appreciate how you are able to remain strong and hold are family together. Even though I don't/can't express it to you very often, I do appreciate it and can't imagine you not being there to raise our beautiful children. Sometimes I get frustrated because I am not able to provide you and the kids the lifestyle that I feel you deserve, but I'm working on it.

I love you dearly and thank the Lord daily that I get to spend eternity with an angel. I hope you have a great day."

My darling husband, I love my job as a wife and a mother and have everything I've dreamt of!

Happy 4th Birthday Buddy

2011-03-14T20:49:00.001-07:00

My Sweet boy, you turned 4 this february! You have officially turned into a little boy in your language and your actions. You are so polite and loving and wear your heart on your sleeve. You come to me every single day and say "I love you mama...You are the best Mama." You absolutely love your family and show it everyday. You know how to say your own prayers now as well! You know your numbers and letters and are learning your sounds. You LOVE the Missouri Tigers and say you are going to college there. :) You tell mama everytime I make a meal " you are the Best maker mom" I love you. You are our little buddy and bring such humor and light into our home. You love to make us all laugh. You are loving sports and are quite quick! You will be able to do anything you put your mind too. It doesn't have to be perfect as you would like it to always be. I like that you strive for that. You love to keep your room picked up, clothes nice and I even caught you the other day in the bathroom making sure that every hair was placed and not "sticking up".

You are our special boy. Mommy and Daddy Love You!

The all important cake choice for this year was a Monster Truck!
"Zou Bear" is your new Buddy. Thanks Grandpa and Michelle!

Hope it was a great birthday little buddy!

Grandma Smith - 80

2011-02-20T07:22:00.000-08:00

This Grandma of mine turned 80 this month! How wonderful to still be able to all go to her house and have great food and company for the superbowl! She is the hardest working, most determined woman I know and I've learned many talents from her over the years. Gardening, Canning, Caring for animals...Many memories on her farm and hopefully many more to come! I'm so blessed my children have the opportunity to know her and learn from her as well.

First Triathlon

2011-02-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today I signed up for my first Triathlon, to be completed July 30, 2011. I'm already nervous just thinking about it! This is a goal I've had since I had been pregnant with Kiley. I've always enjoyed being active and this just seemed like a great goal to have! I want my children to understand as well how important it is to stay active and have a healthy lifestyle so I will lead by example.

On another note of random things the kids say:
Darcy today about 2 minutes after throwing up, "Mom did you know that washington was named after George Washington? And he didn't really wear a wig even though people thought he did?"

I love my Darcy and her brain, it's wired like mine. We jump all over the place!

HomeMade Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

No real recipe to follow here! We just boiled some chicken in chicken stock, threw in carrots, celery and some spices...and of course some homemade noodles by the kids! Who knew making noodles was so easy!
2 eggs to 1 cup flour - feeds two adults

The Tongue helps to roll the best noodles!

Family Craft Night

2011-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

We have been snowed in quite a bit this January...This week brought about 12 inches of snow! Nicknamed "Snowmagedden"... So we've been trying to come up with fun activities to keep the kids busy. This monday night, for family home evening, we decided to get out lots of paper, glue, stamps, & markers and let the kids make their valentines for their classes and family.

With all the snow, we are getting a little stir crazy here! I can't wait for warm weather to air the house out too!

Time to Reflect

2010-12-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well, another year is coming to a close. Let's see, this year we...
Went to Las Vegas for the Superbowl,
Had a third Baby,
Had our 10 year anniversary and celebrated it at Sea World complete with dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co...Which just so happens that we went to the same restaurant in Hawaii around our 1 year anniversary!
Josh had great opportunities come up at work,
Continued to enjoy our family!

Now, on to 2011!

Some of my personal goals for this year...
1. Continue to grow spiritually and keep a spiritual journal.
2. Be better at menu planning and saving money on groceries.
3. Complete a sprint triathalon or two this summer!

I reserve the right to add more to the list!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

Was A Success! We feel so blessed this Christmas season and every season really, We have such wonderful, healthy kiddos, fabulous family and Jesus Christ in our lives and home.

Scooby Doo Pajamas and Golf Clubs!

What more do you need?

I have pictures of Darcy in this same dress as an infant....I will put those up for comparison soon.

Good Lookin' Crew! Our Cousin Braden Joined us for Christmas Eve.

For those that don't know, GG plays this game that we all now play, Christmas Eve Give....

Every year on Christmas Eve Morn, the phone lines burn up and you have to be the first to say "Christmas Eve Give" to get an early present on Christmas eve. It was not my year...everyone of them got me this year!

Santa Sighting

2010-12-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

So we saw the real santa again this year! All 3 kids sat on his lap this year and no one screamed! (I think we will have a screamer next year)

They told santa two things that they would love to have. Santa asked Darcy if she has been keeping her room clean for mommy and daddy...I think her look says it all!

Kiley got in a little face time of her own. I just love those little (big) cheeks!

Fried Chicken...

2010-12-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Is best right out of the box! Churches Chicken is the best! Yes, we do feed our girls on occasion...

Dear Santa,

2010-12-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Zachary's first Santa Letter written (traced) by himself:

Dear Santa,

Could you bring me a remote control truck and golf clubs please?

Love, Zach Cato

My sweet baby boy...

This year Darcy asked for a REAL camera, a sewing machine, and some Junie B. Jones Books.

What great and practical gifts!

He Holds My Heart

2010-12-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

A RARE occasion...I stole Josh for a picture! My lil' honey! I love you more everyday!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-30T19:38:00.001-08:00

The classic picture that went on our cards this year!

Time is a Flyin'!

2010-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Time is just getting away from me! Not sure why but I either need to add more hours to the day, or make the day go slower. I am having a time juggling chores, jobs, and all of our fun time!

So here are some Fun pictures recently taken ;

We took the kids Ice Skating for the first time with our friends Bree and Aspen. They had a great time and did really good! Zach took about 10 minutes to learn and then he was owning the arena!

My little Bug watched from the side...

Josh even did a little skating! And looked very handsome too!

Here's that Hat again, This time we were looking for the perfect Christmas Tree!

School Parties

2010-12-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

I am the room mom for Darcy's class this year and planning the x-mas party for Zach's. I love it!

Halloween

2010-12-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Really Mom?
Isn't he handsome?

I know I'm very behind in Blogging!!! This year for halloween we were a mixture of things! We have Ironman, Dorothy and Pooh Bear, complete with a red bow of course! I wore the pirate wig for this party, but on actual halloween, the kids said "please don't wear that wig mom...It's scary!"

My Handsome Boy

2010-11-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

I love this little boy. He's so sweet, sensitive, caring, thoughtful, rough, tough, smart, ornery, condfident, independent....All by the age of 3 1/2. Zach always comes up to me and touches my shoulder and says "Love you mom". Sometimes it's "just because"...Sometimes because he knows he is about to be in trouble. Either way, I love it. I love you more Zach.

Testimony of Tithing

2010-10-13T19:45:00.001-07:00

I joined the LDS church right after I was married. We are required to pay 10% of our income in tithing to the church. This is to give back to the lord for the blessings we have received. Seems easy enough, but in the beginning, when you are only making 25k between us and I was in school fulltime, it was tough to pay that money every month. But I learned quickly the lesson that paying it and having faith meant that the lord would provide for us. This was probably the first lesson I learned when I became a member because the lord blessed us immediately to show us we were doing right. Every month when I thought we would not have enough money, we would end up having enough.

Fast forward through some tithing lessons to this summer. This is the summer that budget cuts by the state of missouri, cut into my job and my pay was cut by 75% starting in September. Having a baby this summer added more expense, and I was a little nervous, BUT all summer long I kept feeling like we would be fine. Everything would work out. I never doubted. (okay maybe once in awhile, I wondered). The exact same day I was sitting in a meeting getting told what our pay would really be, Josh called and left a message about a talk he had with his boss about some upcoming promotions. As soon as I listened to the message, tears welled up in my eyes because I knew our Heavenly Father was going to provide for us. We were being obedient to the commandments and working to do our best.
Well, here came september and Josh had not received a raise yet and I just received my last Full paycheck. Oh man. The strings had been cut. I felt like we were just floating away waiting for someone to pull us back in. This week Josh was told of his promotion and raise that he would be receiving...When you break it down monthly, it almost exactly makes up for the pay that I lost.
Now I know we didn't win the lottery, but I know that my prayers were answered and that we can continue to provide for our children the way we would like to. I know that if we are obedient to our heavenly father, we will be richly blessed. I have seen these blessings with my own eyes, daily.
My mom told me one day , "you just seem to want something, and it happens! You must be living right!" We are trying our best to follow Jesus Christ and to be obedient.

Zach Goes to Preschool

2010-10-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Zach started his preschool class this fall. Tuesday and Thursday mornings...It is only October and I see how quickly he's catching on to letters, numbers and songs! He is loving his time at school!

Kiley Bug-3 Months

2010-09-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I love my baby! What a happy little girl! She totally entertained my idea of hot pink pettiskirt with zebra for me! I saw this bench and bought it for the sole purpose of using it for pictures...then I returned it. I love how these turned out! And she even went to sleep on the bench for me! 3 months old now, has been sleeping 10-7 since she was 7 weeks. That right there is a blessing! Just having sleep allows me a clear head to function!
She is so close to rolling over, she blows rasberries back at you and smiles for everyone! Such a friendly , sweet thing!

Finally Mom!

2010-09-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Darcy has waited so long for this day! So many friends have lost a tooth and she couldn't wait! It got so wiggly she could twist it and one friend suggested that she eat an apple. As soon as she got off the bus, she ran home to get her apple! Sure enough it worked!
Tooth Fairy brought $3 for the special "first tooth". :)

1st Grade, 1st Day

2010-09-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

My sweet girl is ready for first grade! Darcy , you love school so much. You are so eager to learn and please your teacher and mommy and daddy. You are such a good example to your friends at school and continue to be a caring friend to others. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

You also have your first wiggly tooth and can't wait to lose it!

Zach looks up to his big sister Darcy so much. Everyday he wakes up from rest time ready to go to the bus stop to get Darcy. He lights up when she gets home.

Finishing our Summer 2010

2010-09-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to a close...(sad face). Of course we had all of our lake time, crafts and plenty of play dates. I so love being at home with my babies to enjoy our time together!

Growing up Fast!

2010-08-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days, where you sit back for a minute and reflect about how fast life goes. My children are going to be grown in no time flat and I have to pray that we lived in the moment enough, and that we teach them daily wrong from right. We as parents have to be great examples at all times and create an environment that they will remember.

Today I watched videos with family of myself and siblings when we were little , I was 8 in this particular video. I laughed so hard I was crying, but I had to think that if I remember that moment of 8 like it was yesterday, My children will remember these moments we are having now. Darcy is already 6 and what a little lady she is becoming. I have to enjoy these precious moments I have to snuggle and cuddle my children as much as they will let me, and forget about all the other things.
There will always be messes to clean but my babies are only babies for now!

I love my sweet and precious babies more than anything else in this world, and how lucky I am to have the knowledge of the true gospel and that we are sealed together for eternity. How blessed and fortunate I am...

Style

2010-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

My Sweet boy...This summer he goes EVERYWHERE with his green goggles! It's 100 Degrees out and zach is rockin' his goggles, doesn't matter how much sweat is under them, he's got the goggles.

He picks his own outfits, again doesn't matter how hot, zach could be wearing long sleeves and jeans. I let him where it around the house for awhile, then I can get him to change with a quick trip out to the garden to grab a tomato. He figures out that it's hot outside and changes. Works everytime...

And then there is the blue cup. Every morning Zachary wakes up and says this exact statement:
"Mom (or Dad), can have lemonade with warm water and no ice, just warm water and make it taste good...please?" As if we forget how he likes his morning lemonade...Cracks me up everytime.

And today, we went to the lake and water park. Zach was so tired tonight, but he managed to tell me this..."Mom, you are the best mom in the whole world." Thanks Zachie...My sweet boy

Conversations of a 3 & 6 year old

2010-07-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

Around 7:30 on a Saturday morning...Zach is bunking in Darcy's room...
Josh and I still in bed but can here them chatting...

Zach: "Darcy share with me!" ( I don't know what it was he wanted)
Darcy: "Wait your turn Zach!"
Zach : " Share right now or I'm telling mom!"
Darcy: "I said wait your turn!"
Zach: "I'm telling mom you won't share!" (he leaves the room but doesn't come to me...)
Zach, enters the room again with darcy, "Mom said Share Darcy!"

Smart little cookie....

One day I was going to Kiley's room to nurse,

Me: "Could one of you let Cocoa (the dog) out to potty please?"
Darcy: "Zach, let cocoa out, it's your turn."
Zach: "No , it's your turn"
Darcy: "Zach it's your turn, mom said let cocoa out!"
Zach: "Mom did NOT say my name darcy, She said one of us!"

These conversations crack me up! I love listening to Zach's language grow and I think his thought process is pretty smart for a three year old!

Kiley's Blessing

2010-07-19T13:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, at 6 weeks old, Josh gave Kiley a beautiful blessing. He blessed her with physical health, a strong mind and a clear heart and that she may live according to the gospel to return to her heavenly father. Kiley looked Beautiful! We are so happy to have Kiley join our family. She is such a sweet little soul full of life at just 6 weeks old. It feels as though she's been with us for so long. Maybe it's just that I knew she would join us for so long...

Garden Harvest

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

Today, I was exhausted when I woke up. But three beautiful children staring at me, how could I not smile and get out of bed and go about our day. I went out to the garden (after a few days of not going) and this is what I found! Being in the garden is so serene and peaceful to me. It allows me to gather my thoughts and get a little exercise and become ready for the day. Somehow it gives me energy to get through my day...

So for dinner we did a little of this...for our spaghetti.

And during the day, I did a little of this...4 1/2 qts in one day isn't so bad! Better than none....

Wildlife Fun

2010-06-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

We have been having fun with nature in our own backyard this summer! You saw the finches we've been watching (see below). Now we have a squirrel we named "Freddy"
that has been providing lots of entertainment trying to get onto our birdfeeders. We named him Freddy because when I was 4, we named a squirrel freddy in my backyard that we used to feed acorns to in Mississippi. The kids have gotten a lot of laughs from mr. Freddy.

Then we have this little guy who has been hanging in our backyard for a few nights now. He's so darn cute!

He got a little tired from playing so hard!

As long as he stays away from my garden!

I have a real appreciation for nature and I'm so thankful that my kids pick up on that and have taken on the same appreciation!

Angel Smile

2010-06-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

I caught this picture of miss Kiley smiling. My Father-in-law says he pictures an angel whispering in her ear. I just stare at it and wonder what she's thinking in her dreams. What will life here hold for her? I pray that she gains a strong testimony of Christ and the blessings he will offer should she be obedient. I hope for her a lifetime of happiness and challenges that she will gain faith through so that she may return to her heavenly father and live in the celestial kingdom with him and her family...We are sealed as a family for all eternity, after all.

New Arrival

2010-06-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hello World!

Kiley has made it safely into our arms! She is beautiful!

Kiley Evelyn Rose Cato

June 1, 2010 9:52 a.m.

7 lbs 4 oz 20 in long

More to come later...

The Final Belly

2010-05-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

You wait and wait for the end of pregnancy thinking it will never come and here it is, two days before she's scheduled to arrive! Here are a few final Belly pictures. We are so excited to meet our little Kiley! Tuesday at 10:00! We are counting down the hours now!
Never mind my overly tan hands and I'm working on my Mani right now!

Darcy Turns 6!

2010-05-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that my baby girl turned 6 yesterday! It's hard to believe! She had a friends party last week, and then yesterday on her actual birthday which also happened to be the last day of school, we went to Olive Garden for lunch, celebrated with some presents at home and then on to another friends birthday party for some slip-n-slide fun!

Spray Tan Party

2010-05-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

My Fabulous Friend Shari, agreed to do a spray tan for all the relatives while they were here. The sisters in their 80's had never had one! I was so proud of them for trying it out! It was Hysterically funny to listen to all of them. Below is our before picture (although some of us have been getting our tans regularly, can you tell?)

Cousins, Cheryl, Patsy, Cindy...Look more like sisters to me.

Sisters After

Woo-Woo!

A Beautiful Woman

2010-05-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

This Month we had a nice party for my Grandma! She turned 80 this month and we had to celebrate this occasion! My Grandma is full of stories, wisdom and love and isn't afraid to share any of it! I have grown up with her around and learned so much about life , tradition and family and now I'm fortunate enough that she is teaching my children all these things.

Her sisters and their daughters all came to town from the south! Her sisters are all in their 80's and not once did I hear them complain about the drive! They are all tough, beautiful women and I'm so lucky to come from such a great line!

More Stong Women, My Mom, Sister and I

Love this picture of them!

It really was a fun weekend and my mom did a fantastic job planning it! Great Job Mom!

Mommy Theme Song

2010-05-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

This is my mommy theme song, it still makes me laugh even though I've watched it many times!

New Life

2010-05-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

One Week from today I will be holding my next baby girl. A little life I have prayed for to come be with our family. I have nurtured and protected her for 9+ months already. I have dreamed dreams about her. I have wondered what her personality will be like and how she will mesh with her family. What part will she play? What will her strengths and challenges/trials in life be? What will she teach her family?

As moms we pray for easy times for our children but we look for those windows to teach them and guide them, if they will listen. I try to be such an example to my children, but what downfalls should I be working on and teaching them along the way? (patience, always a work in progress)

Such pressure to be a great mother, but I will just take this next step one day at a time and this next week I will soak up the newborn moments that I get to have as a mommy!

Just for the record, so far I know that her awake time is between 9-10 at night. She's a party girl during that hour!

Mothers

2010-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm truly blessed to have such wonderful mothers to pull my strength and abilities from. I had a wonderful Mother's Day and am so grateful for my great mom whom I can pull my mothering skills from.

I have a great Grandmother and also married into wonderful mother's! I feel very blessed to have such fabulous children that I try to guide daily! I have a wonderful husband who makes me feel like the best mom in the world everyday. I am so happy and grateful to have all the strength around me to keep me uplifted and trying to be the best mommy I can be.

Even when they think this of me...They still love me right?

I love all my babies! Just Can't wait to hold this third one!

Morning Friends

2010-05-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

We hung our bird feeder right off our deck so that as we were eating our breakfast every morning we could watch our little friends! The kids and I get a kick out of watching them and making up conversations between the birds. It makes for a fun start to the day!

33 Weeks

2010-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Everything about me seems to be moving at snail pace lately, (including blogging)

understandably I guess when you see the belly...So this week is 33 weeks, which means 6 weeks left! Hopefully she stays in for the whole 6 weeks! Maybe I need to discuss the May calendar with her to convince her why she should stay in there for 6 more weeks. I had a dream she came early and with lots of hair. Let's hope the first part was just some spicy food....

I'm so excited for June 1 and to see this sweet baby. We opted to Not do the 3D ultrasound this time which is making me more excited for the end, just to see what she will look like! Will she look like Darcy, Zach , Combination? It's fun to sit and dream about what she will look like and how she will act. What personality traits will she contribute to the family? Josh's Grandma continues to say everytime I see her " there's something really special about this baby" and she gets really teary eyed every time. I've never seen that from her before and it makes me even more excited to see who heavenly father has sent.

The kids are so excited and ready to welcome her. Zach is already sensitive and protective to her. Every night I rock him and he always says "I can't squish the baby mom" as he moves to my side. He is ready to "protect" her as she will sleep in his room. Darcy asks all the time "do you think she will look like me mom?"

So little baby girl, we are all ready, excited and waiting for you , but please wait until June 1....

Easter

2010-04-09T19:38:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous Easter Day! What Beautiful weather, General Conference, and Friends and Family in our home! I could not have asked for a more perfect day!

My Dad, Darrell and Kids

div>

Health Care

2010-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've come to really not like that word anymore. Seriously, can we rename it for awhile?

This forward came to me today...I found it Funny! Thanks Mom!

Let me get this straight. We're going to be gifted with a health care plan written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it, to be signed by a president who also hasn't read it and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke.

What the heck could possibly go wrong?

Darcy's First Date

2010-03-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

With her Daddy of Course! Last Friday Night was the Daddy/Daughter Dance for the District. Darcy was so excited for months about this, that SHE got to go on a date with daddy and not me. She picked out Daddy's attire and they were ready for the ball!

Completed the outfit with a wrist corsage...

And there they went! I heard all about the date when they got home. It included lots of dancing, skittles bingo, and ice cream afterwards. Sounds like a wonderful date. I wonder how it will go in 10 more years? Probably filled with a lot more worry and stress. I liked this date for her, it was stress free.

28 weeks...Countdown is on!

2010-03-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here I am ...28 weeks along now. Only 10 weeks left until my June 1 C-section! (assuming she decides to stay in there that long) That is not very long! Or will it take forever? I don't know, I take it day by day. I know that she is a VERY active little girl and I'm pretty sure she's been doing her bicycle kicks for exercise...or maybe she's just trying to kick out some more space...

I have no certain cravings other than sweets, which I normally have anyway.

I got to peek in and marvel at her during the ultrasound yesterday. She wouldn't hold still very long, probably due to the straight Sugary glucose drink thingie...

This really has been a great pregnancy other than the first few weeks. I can't wait to hold her. Until then I'll just keep shopping for her!

We still have a list of names so if you'd like to throw some names out there to be helpful I would appreciate it! I just request that it end in -y- or -ie- or have a nickname that can end in those. We have Darcy, Zachary and ?

Let's here them!

2010-03-15T06:32:00.001-07:00

All out!

2010-02-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

I want to go all out for this little baby girl! No more gender neutral because most likely this is the final baby!

I see all of these car seat covers and want to make it myself...But there are so many dang cute ones! I don't know what to choose!
Not to mention I might need to enlist some help in making it...

Here's a couple of cute covers I've found so far...

Presidents Day: AKA: Fun Family Day

2010-02-15T18:49:00.001-08:00

I love the days that my hubby and daughter get to stay home for the day! Josh told our church missionaries a while back that we would take them to Fritz's, a fun hamburger joint where they deliver by train, today. So we headed downtown on our fun family day! We ate and walked around at the Fairytale Village display, which was really neat by the way! And to our fun surprise, our friends the Utz's showed up at the very same time we were walking in from the parking garage! Not even planned...Great minds think alike!

Zach's Birthday

2010-02-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

Zachary's Birthday, February 11, 2007...Crazy how time just goes so fast...

I went in Zach's room that morning and reminded him that it was his birthday...He quickly gave a fist pump along with a "yes"! And he loved the balloons on the door...
We had a small family party at the house...with the highly requested Lightning McQueen cake. Gotta be the toughest one I've made so far. Hard to get the right shape!

somehow I got the left picture to turn into the right picture...

Happy Birthday Lil' Buddy!

So Cute!

2010-01-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Hallmark Ad ! The kids in it are SSOO cute! I love it!!

This one too! I mean seriously where did they

find that little red head!

Okay, fine, I wasn't going to share, but I was a proud mommy! Don't judge me...

Just had to say a little somethin...Don't know if it will happen again.

Painter's Anonymous

2010-01-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've come to the conclusion that I need help...I can't stop painting. I already love to paint, but the nesting thing kicks in pretty hard when I'm pregnant on top of my regular nesting tendencies and I have an addiction. I'm not afraid to admit it, just don't know how to stop it...

Last week I painted my bedroom going from the builder's neutral color to a "Burnt Terra" a.k.a chocolate color...LOVE IT! Now I need some new accessories and ceiling fan, but we'll get to that another day...maybe when the money tree blooms?

Then this week I painted Zach's room going from the neutral builder color again to " All American Blue"...Love it too but again want new accessories...Patience Amber Patience...

(don't mind the mess in that pic, and the blue looks a little deeper and greyer than the picture. I know that is not a real word but it makes sense in my head. I eventually want this to be an old sports theme, but it's fine for now)

So today I decide I didn't like my red wall anymore and painted it Chocolate Brown too...I don't know if I like the brown, may need a different brown, but I'll let it sit a few days and see what I think...sorry no pics here...

Seriously I have a problem...I love this problem...

And the Verdict ...

2010-01-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

A Healthy Baby Girl!

I couldn't get these loaded right, so turn your head to see the profile...

How blessed I am as I watched in amazement at 5 months along my baby girl playing in my belly. I'm always in awe that everything is in place so quickly. I'm amazed that since I got pregnant, both my children have told me it was a girl. I'm amazed at how much I can worry about a child that is 5 months along and still has 4 months to grow! I feel so much better after seeing her today and her perfectness. I am truly blessed.

Snow Play

2009-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

I don't even remember the last time it snowed THIS much in missouri. But what do you do when this happens? Sled of course...

Christmas 2009

2009-12-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas has already come and gone and the end of another year is coming soon! What a great year it has been!

Who's this Beautiful Family? Oh yeah, that's mine, with one more cooking! I love my Family!

Christmas at my Mom's house...

My beautiful Mom and sister...I look adopted here...I should go red...

My little cousin Braden went with us....Opening gifts! Yahoo!

Setting the Stage for Santa...After we went to put the kids to bed the dog thought she would play santa and ate half the plate of cookies....Sneaky little dog.

The Coveted Roller Skates!

A VERY Tired Puppy with her Christmas Bone half gone. Guess she didn't want anybody messing with it!

Thanks to all my family and Husband for a wonderful Christmas full of family time!

Santa

2009-12-15T06:43:00.001-08:00

This is the Real Santa

Zach wasn't convinced...

The Hunt

2009-12-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

The Hunt for the Perfect Tree...

Somehow we always pick the COLDEST day to go on a hunt...

"We like this one"

Daddy , our hero, chops her down!

Blitzen was a little tired today from his flight down with one of the Helper Santa's

Christmas Baking

2009-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

Since it looks like this outside: yes that's snow, not the white sand of pensacola beach that I wish I was at right now...
We decided to do a lot of this:
So far today we have made 8 mini-loaves of pumpkin bread, 2 regular loaves and 24 pumpkin muffins. Then we moved on to cookies from my new favorite blog... The Pioneer Woman. If you have not read her blog, she is living my dream life...if only I could win the lottery...

So the kids and I decided to make her Favorite Childhood Cookies...After eating them, I understand why they are favorites. They are SSSOOO yummy! and Fluffy! I have had trouble with flat cookies lately but not this recipe!!! YEAH!

After making the dough and letting it get cold in the fridge, we cut out our little cute shapes and the kids painting on their colors. I have never done this and the kids were thrilled to "paint" and eat cookies!

Some of their finished cookies! I haven't gone back with the icing decorations yet, but we did taste some and they are so yummy! The orange zest makes the cookie!
We love Snow Days!

Little Z

2009-12-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

I have not been as great at keeping Zach's Scrapbook so I needed to document a few things...

Reasons I love my little Buddy...

He is full of energy and goes 100% on everything

He is stubborn, independent, and can "do it himself"

He wakes up in the morning ready for the world and says "Look Mom, the Sun is awake! It sure is a nice day!" I love that positive energy in the morning and it always makes me smile.

He has a Jean Feddish....Freaks out if his jeans aren't ready and waiting for him...I think it's kinda funny.

He tells me and everyone else "Your my Best Friend"

He wants me to rock him every night. We are never allowed to skip that part.

He LOVES to wash the dishes and will stand at the sink forever "washing the dishes"

I could keep on going...

My Favorite Pic!

2009-11-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

We went to the GREAT Chiefs game where we BEAT the Steelers! What!?

Anyway, the kids got on the big screen several times and at one point it started to sprinkle a little. They were sitting in one chair with a blanket over them. I could hear them giggle so I lifted the blanket and snapped a picture. This might be my favorite picture of the year. It makes me laugh everytime!

Holiday Fun

2009-11-23T13:03:00.001-08:00

WE had some Holiday fun with friends at the lighting ceremony Saturday Night. Great Weather too!

Darcy's Best Buddy...She always asks me for "tall" shoes in hopes that she'll be tall like her friend...I told her there's no hope for her being tall...

I Won a Contest!

2009-11-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Sweet! I won a case of 6 #10 cans of food from The Ready Store! It was worth $148! Yeah for my food Storage!!

November 10

2009-11-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Today would have been my brother Jared's 27 Birthday.

Happy Birthday Little Brother. I'm so glad that you have a perfect body now and can live in glory with our Heavenly Father. I will be with you again and am so happy to have that knowledge.

We miss you very much every day.

Early Morning

2009-11-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Josh went to the lovely and warm Phoenix, therefore I have to teach Seminary in the morning....Wish me luck! At least it got me reading the scriptures this evening...And I have to teach next wednesday when he is in Chicago. Is he making this a weekly thing?

FALL FUN

2009-11-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Fun in the leaves at Granpa's house! The kids "Helped" rake leaves this weekend. Talk about a good workout...running and jumping in leaves!

Announcing Baby #3!

2009-11-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

I can't hold it in any longer...We are proud to announce (cautiously) baby #3!

My anxiety level has come back down today after seeing this sweet little miracle today in my ultrasound. Although I can't feel anything, she/he was kicking and moving away and that little heart was beating strong at 170. (which says GIRL to me). Darcy was always in the 170's, Zach always in the 140's.

It is even more amazing on #3 to me, that 9 weeks ago it starts as a cell you can't even really see, and after 9 weeks, there is a little body and a heartbeat. It Really is a Miracle from our Heavenly Father and I felt so blessed just hearing that heartbeat today. I know I'm not out of that Danger Zone yet but I sure have been praying hard.

She / He is 9 weeks old today and look at those budding arms and legs!

This pregnancy has definitly been a little different for me so far. Way more cravings than with the other two. Chipotle (in small quantities), pickles and banana peppers, SALT, McDonald's Cheeseburger...I mean seriously I might go broke by the end of this one...

Also, I NEVER threw up with the other two...Broke that record the other day...Yuck...

So there you have it, Our big Announcement...I wanted to wait a little longer, but I couldn't contain my excitement after today!

Halloween!

2009-11-01T13:36:00.001-08:00

Suiting up getting ready for some trick or treat time!
Incredible Love...

Grandpa is taking them out! (my dad...not that you couldn't tell)
Counting up our results!
We had a fun Halloween Evening!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

My husband, who never dresses up, Dressed up for the Family this year. Yes I repaid him...He wasn't the happiest Mr. Incredible, but he'll do anything for his family! Love you Honey!

More pictures to come...

Creative Find

2009-10-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

How Genius is This!! This person repurposed an old entertainment center...

Before:

Into an AWESOME play kitchen!

I love it!

Fall Fun

2009-10-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Monday, I had to work so my mom and gigi took the kids to the pumpkin patch for some fun! They met their cousin Liam there too!

We went to a farmer friend's home to see this cute little miniature colt that was 3 days old!Fall is really beautiful this year! I'm loving the drives looking at all the trees!

Accountability

2009-10-10T15:41:00.001-07:00

*Caution* I may offend somebody...But it's my blog...

As I lay in bed for the THIRD day, I caught something on Fox News that really irked me. The reporter was talking to the Coca Cola CEO about Soft Drinks being Taxed more because it caused Obesity....EXCUSE ME!???? But last I checked everyone had free agency on what they want to put in their body!! If I want to have a soft drink, I'm entitled right! What happened to making everyone responsible for themselves and what they eat! That's why we are here right? To test our free agency?

When we were at Disneyworld a few weeks ago , the first day we were at Magic Kingdom, I noticed something very scary. This is no exaggeration, I bet 3 out of 4 people were completely overweight. I'm not talking a few pounds...I'm talking WAY overweight. Kids too! It was the first time I've really noticed this epidemic that the media continues to talk about.

Don't get me wrong, I could stand to lose a few pounds,

BUT, people have the free agency to choose what goes into their body and when and how much they exercise. Why should there be extra tax on soda? Silly to me.

I had to get that off my chest.

Flu season already?

2009-10-09T10:07:00.001-07:00

REALLY? It's October 8 and already the flu hit my house hard! It started with Zach a few weeks ago! Then it hit Josh right before vacation, Then Hit Darcy ON Vacation, and now it's finally hit mom. Mom's are NOT made to get sick! Too much to take care of!

I've had this junk in my head and chest since last Friday. Started feeling a lot better on Tuesday and Wednesday (substituted school on those days too!) and by wednesday night and Thursday , it hit me like a freight train! Stopping me in my tracks! Who knows HOW many people I infected at Josh's Aunt's funeral we had to attend yesterday! (Julie was really ill and she is at peace now.) Talk about a bad day!

I'm not just looking for sympathy here...There is a point to my story!

I am a girl who doesn't do nose spray or anything else that goes up your nose...Can't stand it...

BUT I finally resorted to this yesterday... THE NETI POT.

It wasn't near as bad as I though it would be. Pretty gross actually. Josh said we've reached new heights in our marriage...He watched. That's love right there. It did help! but not enough for me...

I finally drug myself to urgent care after spiking a fever yesterday. I have the Flu AND a Sinus Infection. Super.

I don't know how many flu viruses are out there, but watch out for this one..!

Stupid Flu Season. What's scary to me is that it's only October 8.

Where Dreams Come True...

2009-10-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Whole Kingdom was decorated for fall!

We even took a day off for the beach!

Zachary IS Buzz "Lighter" as he likes to say...

The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom...I think the Bug's Life Movie inside the tree was Josh's Favorite!
My little "Safari Girl"

My little Zebra

My little Enthusiastic Park Goer...

Zachie was in love with Minnie Mouse. He hugged her for a whole minute!

What a wonderful Trip! We had a blast! Disney really is the most Magical place there is!

I have tons of Pictures, Just thought I'd catch up the blog a little!

When You Wish Upon a Star...

2009-09-22T11:38:00.001-07:00

I love this song! And I can't stop singing it!

This is a big deal and a dream of my own since I was a teenager! The day I would take my own kids to Disneyworld to see all the Magic! And My hubby has never been!

We leave Thursday!!!!

Happy Marriage

2009-09-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

I came across this article through another's blog about marriage and thought it was beautiful!

I had to share!

Marriage isn't easy sometimes. It's the tough parts that makes a marriage stronger.

I am thankful for my loving husband, even through the ups and downs! I love you Honey! 2 weeks til vacation!

Buddies

2009-09-01T19:37:00.001-07:00

Whose kid is this!!?? We love Jack!

Football Season Kickoff

2009-09-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

LOVE FOOTBALL SEASON! It's my favorite sports season to watch at least..
We took the Kids to the Chiefs Game with Grandpa last week...Always fun and don't forget we always reach our goal of getting on the big screen!

We took the Kids to the Chiefs Game with Grandpa last week...Always fun and don't forget we always reach our goal of getting on the big screen!

Letting Go

2009-09-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

As if the first day of kindergarten wasnt' tough enough...The next week I let her try the bus...

Do you know how hard it was to put my 5 year old on the bus? Although I have to admit after 1 week of driving and picking up from school (6 miles away), that was going to get old real fast! Darcy wanted to ride the bus SO bad. Had to lay down some ground rules but it seems to be going well!

Coming Together!

2009-08-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

My home town is getting bigger but it still has that small town feel! Recently a friend of the family (or whole town for that matter!) had a life changing incident and is now paralyzed from the waist down. 1 month before that her husband had lost his job. I have been pondering this a lot lately and wondering why this has happened to the nicest family you would ever meet. This is a family that grew up in the town and treats Everyone as their best friends. The only conclusion I've come up with so far is that maybe it's to give the people around her, a chance to serve them. We are given trials without knowing why to test our faith. It is testing this family tremendously but I have no doubt that they will come through it just great!

Today we went to the pizza hut there in Smithville because they are donating 20% of the proceeds to this family. Everyone has on these great Hot Pink Shirts that say "Team Shauna" on them. (I will post picks after I go back for dinner) The feeling and spirit of watching a community come together for a family is amazing. What a fabulous feeling I've had being around all this kindness! I encourage you to go for dinner if you have no other plans!

Also, a HUGE benefit is being put on this Saturday (see below) There will be pony rides, face painting and a HUGE silent auction with things such as chiefs tickets, a side of beef (raffle) donated by a local farmer, and many other things. There will be Fabulous Food (mexican ) as well! Please Join and watch how a community comes together for a cause!

Mexican Fiesta/Auction for Shauna

Let's all pull together for Shauna Martinez!

Location:American Legion

Time:2:00PM Saturday, August 22nd

After a Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-17T15:49:00.001-07:00

Darcy had a great first day of kindergarten! Here is her update!

"I ate all my food at lunch mom;corn dogs, chocolate chip cookie, green beans and my chocolate milk. And we got 3 Recesses! we had rest time but the mat I got was UNCOMFORTABLE and I told the teacher that!"

I pressed her for more, one kid threw up already, 3 kids had to go sit at their seats during circle time, she met 2 friends at recess to play tag with. She sang songs, got to go to library, and had a pretty good day!

We came home for a rice krispie treat and then she fell asleep! What a long day!

My day involved getting things done, playing with Zach (who kind of wandered around for awhile not knowing what to do) and a small workout. We survived the first day of school!

Kindergarten!

2009-08-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

So today is the day that I've thought about since last year at this time when I saw kids getting on the bus...Today is Darcy's first day of Kindergarten!

In Darcy's words as we headed to the grocery store saturday , " This is the BEST time of my life! I get to start school!" This IS a whole new chapter in a child's life. Starting school IS a big deal! I'm am now the mom (and ex-kindergarten teacher ) that is beginning to understand what My mom has understood since she became a mom and what other moms felt like dropping their kids in my class. I feel like I'm being inducted into a new chapter of the Mom's Club. And this is just kindergarten. This is a BIG step for me, letting her leave the safety of our home everyday for 7 hours. My fears for her is what scares me. What if she get hurt and I'm not there, or she's hungry or someone hurts her feelings or blah, blah , blah. I know theses are lessons they must learn to make them stronger. But our children get to come home to their haven every afternoon and discuss their day. I guess we start out with the small steps of going to school and the steps get bigger as our kids get older. I'm grateful for the small steps, even though it feels huge. So my next step will be to let her ride the bus. Give me a few weeks...

I had my mom breakdown moment last thursday after back to school night. Got it all out. We as moms are entitled to those moments. How can I not be excited for her! She is Thrilled to go to school. I'm thrilled too, just a tad sad. She will LOVE school. She has a love for learning and meeting new people, helping others, pleasing others. I'm so grateful for all the qualities in my little girl!

Today I am holding it together better than I thought! I get to have alone time with Zach now. She was totally excited and a little nervous. Once we got to the classroom though her big smile came!

Happy first day of School to my Little girl!

Last Days of Summer

2009-08-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

With less than 2 weeks left until my little girl starts kindergarten (sniffle,sniffle) we have been enjoying our summer days together! We have been going to the lake tubing and swimming, yesterday we went to the zoo with friends, and anything else that sounds fun as a family! House stuff can always wait!

We went camping one night, complete with hot dogs and smores...

Yesterday was a fun day at the zoo! Zach was so excited! He woke up and brought his shorts and shoes to my room and said " I ready to go to the animal store!"

We have been tubing on the lake this week now that it is finally hot enough! Both the kids love it! Darcy has even learned to do a flip off the tube (turned upside down ) into the water! I can't believe she's not scared!

I love summer! I hate to see it go so quickly but now we will welcome football season! Go CHIEFS!

FINALLY!

2009-07-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Blank Big Wall of 2 Years has something beautiful on it!

Remember My kitchen!?

Well to the left of my table there is/was a big blank wall...

Only with Shauna's Decorating Expertise...I added the paint, (which COMPLETELY warmed up the space) Found an Iron-Tri-Fold Screen thing on Clearance at the Hobbster for $50, totally tore it up and made it 3 separate pieces...and WAHLAH! I love it! (and I didn't kill myself with the metal router dealy thing taking the legs and hinges off)

Square Foot Gardening

2009-07-21T14:47:00.001-07:00

I finally can't take the weeds in my garden anymore! Enough is Enough! After losing my first round of green beans to rain,weeds and bugs, I have Decided to move on to my square foot gardening. This means a 4 foot box complete with my string grid on top.

They were easy to make, just a 2x8x16 board (untreated) and the lowe's people will even cut it into your 4ft pieces for you! I put them together with 2 screws on each edge. Then I first put my landscape mat down, then filled it with a mixture of compost, verulite and peat moss.

I planted 9 seeds per square foot since green beans only have to be 4 inches apart.

And then I waited.......And here they are! NO WEEDS and you can plant more in your space since you don't have to leave rows. You NEVER walk inside the boxes, you only work around them. This keeps the soil from getting packed down.

I plan on making more boxes for next year since everything else is already planted. I have a couple of squash that we ate already, tomatoes are finally turning red and this year my thornless blackberries gave me some fruit!

Seriously, it's a lot of work, but when you can walk out and pick a cup of blackberries or strawberries for lunch, or even tomatoes or squash...I guess it's all worth it! And great conversations with my kids happen while they are helping me. And when they are not helping me...It's great thinking time along with a good workout!

Fun at the Park

2009-07-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day. It was 75 and breezy...In July! We went to the park with our best buddies and had a nice time! Thanks Utz's!

Today's Mission

2009-07-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, I finally kicked myself in the bum and decided that all other household chores can wait until tommorrow...Today's mission is my 72 hour kits! I'm tired of thinking about doing them and "oh I really need to put them together!" Today it will be done!

Step #1 ; looked under my bed and found 2 good duffle bags and then found 2 kids backpacks in the playroom. I also pulled out some plastic bags that I save ( you know the kind that curtains come in...I sometimes use them for Parents as Teachers and they are pretty waterproof. perfect) And I got out some baggies, I'm sure they will come in handy.

Step #2- I wandered around my house finding things that would go great in my 72 hour kit. Here are the things I have found at home so far:

Cereal to munch on, canned chicken and tuna, plenty of water, toilet paper, firestarter (lint from the dryer and a toilet paper roll in a baggie), disposable washcloths, (the kind for babies) wind up radio/flashlight, Emergency Heat blanket, hand and body warmers (we usually use those at chiefs games!) matches, candles, animal crackers , matches, crackers, cards, bandaids, Maalox (cause you know my stomach will be all jacked up under stress!) and gum.

Pretty good start I thought to myself...

Step #3- Among my morning errands of the bank and dry cleaners, we stopped off at Dollar General to see what else we could find. Here's is what else we got for around $50.

Cookies, spaghetti with the pop top, pudding, granola bars, canned juice, duct tape, electrical tape, gauze pads (2 sizes), alcohol, calamine lotion, razor blades, gum, knife, twine, rope, sewing kit, beef jerky, chapstick, kleenex, plastic sheet...

Now, I have to condense this all to fit our bags and continue to find the things I'm missing. I still need to raid my first aid box for some extras, find clothing to put in, a tarp maybe, a blanket, and others. Here is the list I was going off of. I HAVE to finish this by today! I will post my end results! Thanks for checking in! Blogging this helps keep me on track for some reason.

Happy Trails!

Price My Space

2009-07-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Nesting Place is having a party and I thought it would be fun to try it out! I love the Nester! She has great ideas! This is my first time to party with them so I'm a little nervous and remember my home is always a working progress!

I chose to do my kitchen area since it's where we spend a lot of time. And I have to tell you I love to find bargains! I have a different perspective now that I've taken pics and am staring at it. I already see a few things I want to change! But here we go...

1. Table and 6 chairs, extends to be bigger: $500 from a friend

2. 4 full panels; $12 each-Target Clearance

3. Chandelier from a Liquidation Sale at Design Lighting (Dangerous Sale Folks...) $180

( and I even hung it by myself! Don't try that at home)

4. My Favorite Piece! Kitchen Island $160! (Used to be my son's changing table) Already had the red paint, bought the piece of Granite that sits atop of it from a friend.

5. Rug; $20- Target Clearance

6. Plate Rack- Free, 3 Cowgirl plates $6 each from Kohl's

7. Bar Stool- Free from an Uncle's Bar in Houston

8. Window Valances, 4 at $7 each- Target Clearance Again

Lemons and Glass Jar- Marshall's $35

So there you have a little insight on one room. Now that I look at the picture, I REALLY need to paint eventually. Throw me some colors that might look good! Stainless Steel Appliances would be Super too, but I guess I'll have to save for that!

Thanks for visiting!

Prepared

2009-07-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

I still cannot figure out how to put the box of you tube on here with the play button...

I once again this week have felt a tremendous urgency to get more food storage and to be ready. I went and got my water barrels and continue to stock up on food and supplies. I am going to the cannery again the next couple of weeks. I cannot ignore these feelings. I will not fear if I am prepared...Spiritually and physically for my family. I know the lord will bless us if we follow our promptings. Don't ignore the promptings!
I found a neat video to watch, it will just take a few minutes.

CLICK HERE

By the way I found a fire safe (small one) at Marshall's for $20 and a HUGE flashlight/Spotlight there for $16. Surely I can't misplace this flashlight...

Anniversary #9

2009-07-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Honey! I love Josh more now than ever. I love the way he loves me and his family. Thanks for a great 9 years so far honey! (14 including dating!) I know we have eternity to create more memories! I love you baby, you little hottie...

Addicted

2009-07-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else tried these from Costco!? Love them! They seem like I'm eating regular potato chips, but you can eat 38 of them for 130 calories! It's great and my kids even like them! I had never been to a Costco before this weekend with my sister-n-law in St. Louis. I had her take me there to stock up on those veggie straws! Try them out!

Happy, Happy Birthday Husband Dear

2009-07-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my fabulous, funny, caring, sensitive, loving, hard working, handsome, playful, goofy, spiritual, genuine, sincere, and wonderful husband.
We love you!

And yes, this in an old picture, because my husband always dodges photo time! I'll get some new ones today!

Today's Funnies

2009-07-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Darcy is a character now that she's "5"...Here's some examples:

Driving Home From Karate

Darcy: "Mom can we go to McDonald's please?"
Me:, "No, let's just eat lunch at home, we are trying to save our money for Disneyworld, remember?"
Darcy: "But Mom! You spend your cash all the time!"
ME: "What have I bought?"
Darcy: "Well you bought that lamp you didn't need the other day!"

Me: I was at a loss for words, she had a point "okay we'll go to mcdonalds...."

Whose side is she on anyway!?

Dinnertime tonight:

Darcy: "What's for dessert mom?"
Me: "These apple cinnamon muffins are our dessert"
Darcy: " MOM! This is not our dessert! Dessert has lots and lots of Sugar in it!" (with tears in her eyes, so dramatic!)
Me: Trying to contain my laughing..."Okay we'll have really good dessert tommorrow night since it's Daddy's Birthday."
Darcy: (smiling) "OOOHHH okay mom"

I love these little laughs everyday!

Love Your Body

2009-06-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

I spend so much time focusing on the parts of my body I want to fix, when really I should just appreciate that I'm healthy and my body works! I came across the blurb in the new Shape Magazine this month and I will hang it on my fridge. I thought I would share with you:

LOVE YOUR BODY TODAY BECAUSE...

1. It's unique;no one else has the same one.

2. It's capable of extraordinary feats, enabling you to run ,climb ,jump ,lift, squat, snuggle, and spoon.

3. No matter how badly you treat it, it's willing to give you another chance.

4. It's expressive, telling you how it feels (pay attention) and broadcasting to others how you feel about it.

5. Let's face it, Confidence is pretty sexy.

6. Your daughter must learn to love hers.

7. Somebody out there (or many somebodies) admires, covets and adores it.

8. You'll regret not loving it more later.

So there you have it! I will post this on my fridge and refer to it when I'm feeling down about my body. I will appreciate my body more and think about the amazing things my body can do!

P-Cola

2009-06-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

Second Half of Vacation...Pensacola Beach, Florida

I grew up traveling by plane because my dad is a pilot. So you get used to sitting in airports for long periods of time trying to get to your destination or home;that's what you get for flying stand-by. My kids have already inherited this traveling bug in their blood because they did fabulous on this whole trip! Trying to get home was hard. I probably could have driven home faster from Birmingham, but that's what it is when you fly stand-by. Sitting for hours does save quite a bit of money I suppose. And I got to read Twilight on this trip and just about finished New Moon! (I know I'm a little late on that...)

So, after the family thing in Haleyville (see previous post)My mom, the kids and I drove down to Pesacola Beach for a few days. This is my favorite beach in all of florida I think. White Sand, as fine as sugar...In fact as we were driving down the beach to look around, Zach said in the sweetest little voice "Mom, can we play in the snow?" It's that white...

We had a nice relaxing time, no agenda. The kids had a blast. I felt bad that Josh didn't get to go, but maybe next trip!

We started on a walk after dinner one night...The kids were dressed cute...

They ended up as this...

What a Week!

2009-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

The first half of our vacation...
The kids and I , along with my Mom and Grandma, Headed to Birmingham Alabama last week to see family and sights that I haven't seen in a VERY long time. As a matter of fact, probably before I had kids was the last time I have seen some of these fun people! Those of you that know my grandma "gigi", multiply the fun with all her siblings and it's a comedy show! We had fun telling stories around a Lantern because all the power was out. Those were some crazy storms down there and when you are in Haleyville,AL, (aka. middle of nowhere...This is where my grandma grew up and her brother Johnny still lives) It gets spooky! But we were all at My Great Uncle Johnny's home and had a ball listening to some great stories. A Cousin of mine , Robin, whom I'd never met (Hi Robin! I know you'll be reading this...) Had so much in common with us it was unbelievable! She has my dream home on 12 acres in Tennessee and does all kinds of gardening and food storage as I do! It was fun getting to know her and sharing ideas!

We headed to Russellville, Al, where I went to kindergarten and did some sight seeing. As a kid I always thought it was boring when my parents would drive around and say " look that is where I grew up, or that's where I used to..." Now I've officially started doing that with my kids and I love it! Now my kids can be bored doing that for now.

We went to Moulton, Al where my grandpa and uncle are buried. We went to see a lot of graves while we there because My mom and I are so into doing our geneology. It was really neat to document all of those sights with my kids in the pictures so that I can pass that along to them later in life. In my church we can do baptisms for the dead, and how neat it was to go see the headstones of some of the people I have already done!

It was so interesting, spiritual , thoughtful and more for us to cover ground where we had been before with previous family members who no longer walk with us. It brought back a lot of memories and I think it's neat to see and think about past chapters of our life, good and bad.

Back to Haleyville we went to meet up with more relatives that came to town to meet up with us. Haleyville is the founding town of the 911 service that we use. Can you believe that!? A tiny, tiny, town of all places...Anyway, there was a festival going on (2nd Sunday of June, always) to celebrate the 911 founding. That was a good time. We walked the square and saw the monument to people that died in war. My Grandma's brother is honored on that plaque. Once again, thankful that I could visit this...

People in the south know how to decorate graves! I've never seen such beautiful flower arrangements on every grave! We decorated graves and went to church on sunday before we headed out for the second half of our trip...

Okay, now for some pictures...
Us with my great uncle johnny. He has the cutest darn house in the country with horses! You can see every star in the sky out there!

From the Right: Laura (gigi's sister) Grandma, My mom, Cousin Patsy (eileen's daughter) Johnny (gigi's brother) Eileen (gigi's sister ) and Ray(husband of Eileen)

Vacation Baby!

2009-06-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note...We are having a fab time with the Surf,Sand and Sun! I didn't even know I could still get tan lines! I'm never at the pool long enough...And the sun feels oh so good! The Sand on Pensacola Beach is My favorite sand of all beaches! It's like sugar. Yesterday we drove down the beach to look around and Zachary asked "Mom, Can we play in the snow?" That's what it looks like, it's so white.
We had a great time in Alabama seeing Family members I hadn't seen in years...Despite all the scary storms!

Gotta get back to the fun...I'll update more later!!

2009-06-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

This ornery boy makes me cry somedays I get so frustrated but then there are moments like yesterday...
I came home from a Young Women's Luau with a flower in my hair. Zach came and peaked around the corner with a big smile on his face and says " Wow mommy! You look so cute!" Aw! Melt my Heart, He is forgiven...