Flashback Friday! "Can I Take a Picture With You?"

Since we are so close to Halloween I thought I would share a picture from Halloween Past. While we lived in Vegas we made it a tradition to go to a pumpkin patch every year, well three years ago we were at the pumpkin patch getting ready to take a few pictures when all of a sudden 10 people surrounded us. Some were men in black suits and sunglasses with ear pieces, some were younger women with rolls of stickers in their hands, and then an older lady came over and asked to be in the picture with Jimmy and the kids. I had no clue who she was, but felt bad to say no, so I smiled and said "sure". Once she walked away I noticed that the "sticker girls" had placed one on Grace and Lexi and they read "Carter" on them, at the time Jimmy Carter Jr. was running for an office in Nevada and so I assumed they were just people out trying to get votes for him.

Well, later on I was speaking to my Mom and told her about the old lady that wanted a picture with us and the "sticker girls" and my mother began laughing hysterically and told me that was Rosalynn Carter, former First lady and wife of former President, Jimmy Carter. Suddenly it all made sense, but I still wouldn't have known who she was since they were at the White House from 1977-1981. I felt a little bad for her because in her mind she is "Rosalynn Carter", and to me she was "some old lady that wanted a picture with us". It is fun though to look at the picture and think that Jimmy and the girls had their picture taken with a former First Lady, although I still chuckle a little every time I see it.

HAVE A GREAT HALLOWEEN!!

Love to you

Snow Days!

Well for the last two days it has been snowing non stop! The kids have gotten out of school and Jimmy out of work, so how come I don't get any time off?? Aww being the Mom is fun, right? Right?? All three kids have had some fun in the snow and both Jimmy and I have taken turns shoveling the drive way! Today I took the girls down to the park to do some sledding but it got VERY cold and windy after an hour so we headed home! Now we are doing some laundry and cleaning the house since there's nowhere to go and not a ton to do, but I am gonna go have some hot chocolate!

To Bath, or Not To Bath? That is the Question.

This is not about weather to be clean, but rather which fashion to do it in. I have been a lifetime bath lover, when I was little my mom would put me in the bath and I loved sitting underneath the warm running water. I would pull my knees into my chest and just let the tub fill up while letting the water run over my legs, just thinking about it makes me want a bath. To this day I still take baths most of the time, although there have been months and sometimes years where I will only take showers. I am pretty efficient in both cases, I can be in and out in just a few minutes if needs be, it just depends on my mood really. When I was in High School I would use my Mom's huge bathtub fill it with tons of bubbles, put candles around the edge and listen to music and just relax, I didn't have children then. If I were to try that now, the candles would end up in the bath with me, thanks to James, the bubbles would be used for beards and blowing all over, and the music would be drowned out with "Mom! Mom! Mom!"

Well recently I heard several teen-aged girls saying how they don't take baths because you don't get as clean when you do, and how sitting in the bath is just gross. Had I been a part of the conversation I would have given my two cents, but I wasn't, so I didn't. It did make me wonder, am I the only one (besides my Mom) out there that still LOVES to take a bath?? Are you a bath person or a shower person?? Hopefully you are one or the other, because trying to fit in the sink is just tricky and could be dangerous! Is taking a bath no longer "cool", because all the girls seemed to be in agreement, does this younger generation only take showers?

Sleepy Shutterbug!

This past weekend was a whirlwind! Saturday I was up early so I could be on the road to Colorado Springs for a family photo shoot, then I headed to my in-laws to meet Jimmy and the kids followed by lunch at Noodles N Company and then headed to the foothills (far away) for my cousins wedding! Whew! Sunday was the girls Primary Program and me filling in for an absent nursery worker and then after church a few visits from people in the ward, some kids that wanted to rake our yard and making Alfredo sauce from scratch to go with the "Linner" (lunch/dinner). I then headed upstairs to upload the pictures off my memory cards but fell asleep at the keyboard, so I found a comfy spot on my bed and took a much needed rest, Awww!

Well I woke up and it was about bed time for the kids so Jimmy and I hung out and watched a movie and then because I wasn't tired I read some from my latest book and wrote some of the one I am working on and then sat to try looking at the pics again. Success. I have to share a little bit!





( I was not the main photog, my cousin just asked me to bring my camera along, he was the groom, oh and I don't usually do lots of the lens flare thing, but I kinda like it in this shot. My uncle Steve married them, it was a nice ceremony. )

Flashback Friday! Who Knew??

This was just a few short weeks after Jimmy and I were married! We were such babies, and to think I thought I was an old maid at barely 24! Sheesh what perspective will do for ya!

This was Jimmy's VERY first trip to the beach and Disneyland. It was so fun watching him get excited over the smell of the ocean, the sunset and everything that IS California! I remember when Jimmy and I were dating he would ask me what I saw in him and I would say all the "right" and "nice" things, but I really had only seen the surface of who he is! Jimmy is even more of an amazing husband and Father than I knew possible at that time. We have grown so much together, he supporting me and I him. He has qualities that I didn't even know I would need, you see I was an "Independent women", I had been for several years and never thought that his ability to let me rest from my "Independence" would be so vital. He showed me that I could rely on someone else, he could help carry the weight of parenting and keeping a house and home going! I was no longer alone!

He has been here to be my help mate, and I have been so blessed in our marriage. He is kind, and generous, strong yet humble, intelligent, hard working and he is so patient with me. I know at first glance this might seem like a brag fest, but let me say that before Jimmy I didn't know I deserved all that. I know what it's like to be "legally obligated" to someone who is none of those things, so no this is not a "Look what I got" it's a thank you to my Heavenly Father for seeing far more than I could (and can) and blessing me with someone who would be more, than I could have imagined for myself.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!

Two weekends ago I went with some of my fabulous new found friends up into the mountains for a girls night! We all pitched in a little doe and rented a fantastic cabin, my friend Kari was the master mind! We all brought food and spent the evening eating, playing games, talking, dancing and laughing to the point of peeing ones pants, I won't mention any names!! The midnight oil was burned and the clock said 4:30 am the last I saw before falling asleep on the floor! It was a great way to bond with these amazing women, many of whom I had not yet had the pleasure of meeting! There were 21 of us in all, a few had been forced to back at because of other conflicts and they were missed but boy did we make some memories!! Thanks so much for allowing me to take part in such a great night!

Loading up the cars to head to the cabin

"The Hot Seat" This was a game where each person spent 2 minutes in the seat and the rest of us could ask them anything!!
I was smart and went first before the questions got too spicy!!

The next morning some had to leave pretty early to head back into town, but a few of us stayed and spent the morning eating more, thanks again Kari, and talking! I even went on a walk with a few of the girls, it was a beautiful morning in the mountains! The best part was that even though we had expected snow we had been spared, while the entire Denver area was blanketed with the white stuff!! When we returned home it was only 18 degrees outside brrr brrr brrr! It did take me several days to recover but it was sooooo worth it!! Let's do it again k ladies!!

Sunday Scripture! Righteous Fathers....Speaking of which Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today in our R.S. (Relief Society) lesson we spoke about Eternal Families, it made me think about how blessed I am to have been born to great parents and to have been sealed to them for time and all eternity. The discussion was a reminder of how we must work to keep our relationships with our families as a top priority. It also deepened my gratitude for my own family, my husband, children and our temple sealing. Since today is my Dad's birthday I thought of how having a righteous father helped me in my decision to find a righteous man to marry.

Latter-Day Prophets Speak:
The Sacred Role of Fathers

Be Kind

“Let us deal in kindness and with appreciation with those for whom the Lord will hold us accountable. I never get over the depth of meaning of the words President McKay often quoted: ‘The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother’ ” [see Richard Evans’ Quote Book (1971), 11] (“Reach Out in Love and Kindness,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 77).
Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–), Fifteenth President of the Church

Express Your Love

“We encourage you, brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children you love them” (“Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 51).
Howard W. Hunter (1907–95), Fourteenth President of the Church

My father is a wonderful example to me and to my husband, he is an amazing Grandfather and we miss being close to him very much! The other day I was looking through some pictures of my Dad on my computer and James came and sat on my lap, when he saw a picture of himself with my Dad on the lawn mower he began to pout his lip and then cry. I asked him if he missed his Grandpa, he nodded and hugged me, his tears brought the attention of Lexi whom joined us in looking at the pictures, the next thing I know they are both crying and wanting their Grandpa. I must admit that it also created mist in my eyes, I am so grateful for the man that raised me, for his love for my mother and the Lord. My Father is the most honest man I know, he is hard working and extremely generous of his time, talents and all that he has. I will never forget how he treated and loved his own mother, especially in the last few years of her life. My Dad has been a faithful servant while serving in any and every calling he has had over the years, never complaining about the meetings or work that has been required of him. I love you Dad and feel it an honor to be your daughter!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

The Stars Aligned!

This morning I had a family photo shoot and honestly the weather could not have been more perfect, nor the subjects!! Thanks Miriam,Ryan and girls for the great start to my day!! :)


oh and here are a few more

Don't Ask! Flashback Friday! I know it's not Friday anymore, just pretend!

In not so many words, it's been a long week and yet short at the same time! I am late on my post but who the crud cares, really??



This is my ALL time favorite studio picture of myself as a little kid, actually maybe of all time!! I think it captures me in my essence, happy! I mean how could you not love that face, no wonder my Mom kissed it all the time! :) I promise I have lots to post about and will do it soon!

Love to you

Your Hands Will Clap! , Career Change & Flashback Friday!!

This video has been a favorite of mine for quite sometime and I thought I really shouldn't keep this groovy goodness to myself any longer! I LOVE the old ladies that are givin it to the guys with a smile on their faces :)!!

Career Change!!

A change of heart has come upon me in recent weeks after our visit to one of the amazing museums here in the Denver area! This was the natural history museum and it has some of the best displays I have seen (granted I am coming from Vegas), but still very good! My parents went with the kids and I and it was a really fun afternoon. It also brought about my new love and a change in direction for my photography career! I have decided to take up Wild Life Photography (wink wink), I figure since I work with them on a daily basis, I am accustom to the danger and risk at hand! The best part about the wild life at the museum was that it was very "attentive", it made it much easier to get my shot! I was well prepared for the quick motion of such creatures but these animals were extremely docile and well trained, if only I could get my "wild animals" to be as such! LOL

James Looking at the bugs!!

This picture makes me laugh because we had told Grace that everything in the displays had been alive at some point......You should have seen her face when she saw this display of Native Americans!! LOL :)

Flashback Friday!! Christmas Past!
I love this picture for a few reasons: One, because I am holding my First Real Cabbage Patch Doll (I had one made by a neighbor) and Two, because just behind me you can see some white tubes that were actually the bunk beds that my Grandma Holler made for all of us for our dolls! I had actually walked in on her working on them and all I saw was these white plastic tubes and she told me she was making something for my Dad. I took her for her word and in fact I didn't put two and two together until I was a teenager! I don't have any living Grandparents so all of my memories of them are very precious to me.

Love to You,

A Recession! & Sunday Scripture

Now that life has been in a regular routine for a few months I am starting to feel the true distance between me and my family and friends in Vegas! More than ever I am trying to keep connected, and lately it feels like the blogging, over all is feeling the effects of a recession! I don't know if it's that you don't have much to say, or pictures to post, or it's just that life is going so fast you barely have time to use the facilities, let alone blog, but I must make a request that all of you get back to your blogs!!! I miss you!! Even if it's just a quick "We are all still alive and well" or "The kids have taken me hostage" or "I just plain hate blogging so call me instead", I am fine with any of those, I will take crumbs!! Maybe I should lead by example!!

The Run Down

Alexis- is still 10 years old but is most definitely getting close to 11! Something has bitten that girl in the "Do not fight with my mom" bone, because she is arguing less and is fun to hang out with again! She really helps me so much with the other two, occupying them so I can make dinner or getting them a drink or snack. Lexi, as they, her peers, call her now, LOVES school and has made so many new friends, she was even voted to be the class representative. She has such a great attitude about so many things, like recently she ran for VP of student council and when she didn't win she said "But the girl that did, will do a great job!" Seriously? I need to take ques from her! Alexis, as I call her, has a very tender heart too, when my parents left after their visit she was crying and said "I need counseling.", she loves them so much and it's been hard to be so far away!



Grace- Loves school, and that is a blessing for all of us. She had a few rough weeks where she was having hard days but with the help of her teacher communicating with me daily and the OT (occupational therapist) things are much smoother. Grace loves to create drawings to give me, writing her name, singing and getting into just enough trouble to keep me on my toes! She and James love to chase each other and pretend to be tigers/bears. She still makes me laugh everyday and says things like "I thought you were my best mom." when I get upset with her, they sure do learn the power of a "guilt trip" very young!

Being attacked by bears!

James- is now 20 months and is still my huggy monkey! He gives me hundreds of hugs everyday it seems, and just recently his kisses are accompanied with a "Mmmmuah!", which we all love!! He is bored during the day when the girls are at school, so I try my best to be fun and energetic. He LOVES books, dogs, celery, cucumbers, laughing, "Ball Balls", running, jumping, getting his groove on, singing and just being a plain ole boy! James is such a sweet boy, he loves when Daddy comes home, and hates when Mom leaves (you know, to the grocery store)! It is exciting to watch him come into his own, his personality is generally calm until "Sissy" provokes him and then WATCH OUT!!

James Getting ready to throw dirt and rocks at me!

Me (Marylin)- I am happy to be in a wonderful neighborhood where we can go on walks/bike rides as a family. It has actually been a dream come true to live in a safe community, to walk to the park, free of graffiti and obnoxious teenagers. Lexi can ride her bike up and down the street with her friends, that live around the corner, for those that this might seem trivial, I promise you they are not. I am getting the itch again for photography and I am still working on several projects for the house. The other fun thing I have been doing is trying lots of new recipes, so far, all of which have been a success, now all I need is a Kitchen Aid Mixer (Hint Hint Santa) and I will be set!



Jimmy- IS LOVING HIS JOB, which is a first in the nearly 7 years we have been married! His bosses actually appreciate his hard work. He just recently finished his first major project, in which he was responsible for designing the entire thing, inside and out on his own. For those unaware of what Jimmy does for a living, he is a private contractor for the Air Force Base. His background is in Civil Engineering, so everything up until now has been revolved around the ground work for projects, i.e sewer, water lines, curbs, streets, things of that nature. Well with this latest project he had to do the interior design work i.e, paint colors, wood working, fabrics and everything in between! It was a challenge, but he passed with flying colors! I am so proud of him for working so hard and dedicating his time and talents to his work. I must also add that he has begun a love affair with a women of the two wheeled type, his mountain bike!


Whisper- (the cat) is still black and white and a valued member of our family for over 6 years! She is perhaps the easiest cat ever, no bad behavior and she naps or sits in the sun for most of the day!!


Sunday Scripture

General Conference Weekend

We have been spiritually fed this weekend by all those that spoke during the 4 sessions! I personally learned so much and was reminded of things that were in need of such reminders. Here are just some of the ideas that stood out to me.

"Real love does not support destructive behavior."

"Laws and Police can Not replace moral behavior."

"God always provides safety for the soul."

"Be patient in our afflictions."

Each one of these has special meaning to me, I am excited for each of these talks to be presented in the Ensign and online so I can revisit them again soon.

Deuteronomy 18:15
15. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;




I am indeed grateful for our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, he has a true love of people and it shows in his actions and words. He is truly a man called of God to guide and direct us today. I pray that I might be more Christ like in all that I do and say.

Love to You,

Flashback Friday! I LOVE TO LAUGH!!

It is one of my most favorite things in the world!! I mean who can argue with how great it feels to laugh so hard you cross your legs and cry at the same time!?! If you don't enjoy laughing, we can't be friends!! :) I actually recently had a friend suggest that I don't even own a serious face, but, just ask my kids and they might beg to differ! I do love to smile and laugh so hard that my cheeks and belly ache, I love listening to others laugh, and in fact I will purposefully say dumb things just to hear it!!

One of the reasons I married Jimmy is his ability to make me laugh, sometimes it might just be because of something he said on accident. Example: The other evening we were sitting watching a little Tele when a commercial came on and Jimmy says "Oh look it's Dookie Howser." I seriously had to take a bathroom break because I could not contain my laughter! Once I was able to speak, I explained to him that it was "Doogie Howser" not "Dookie", he then erupted in laughter and that started me all over again and then it was just the two of us busting our guts!! I love that about him, that he can laugh at himself, he has taught me not to take my self so seriously and I am grateful for that. Actually Jimmy is the master at laughing at himself, my family often comments how most of the time it is his laughter that makes us laugh! I really should be documenting all the things he says or does that make me laugh, he has truly brightened my life!



I must also add that Jimmy and I have tried to pass the laughter on to our kids, they make me laugh all the time, weather is be something silly Grace says, something James does or Lexi running into a wall, I laugh everyday thanks to those little buggers!! I love to tickle them just to hear a burst of joy escape their mouths, it brings happiness to our home and hopefully they take it along with them wherever they go!!

Just this morning! He gets it from his Daddy!!