Shoulda Knocked On Wood!!

Last week I was feeling a bit down, ya know "I'm so fat! I'm so dumb! I have gray hairs! I'm so ugly!, all the things you tell your self when you feel less than peppy! Well after a late night talk with my wonderful husband, who spent the entire conversation reassuring me that he loved me and that he would never leave me for some hot little number named Shirley with perky boobs and a flat stomach. Before I went to bed I thought I would stand before the mirror and make myself find at least one thing that didn't suck about me, it took me a couple of times going in and out of the bathroom to remember why I was staring at my self, and then I thought "I like my skin."

Well the universe has a funny sense of humor because the next morning I woke up with a GIANT RED ZIT in the dead center of my forehead!!!!! I surrender, you win!!!! lol (p.s. I am feeling better this week, I am not any thinner but I have found that if I just wear yoga pants all the time I don't notice as much tee hee hee)

Flashback Friday: Vegas Baby??

So the kids and I have been enjoying our time here in Vegas, missing Daddy however, but enjoying the unusually cool temperatures, seeing friends and spending time with my parents/"Gram" & "Pa" (according to James).

This whole "growing up" and moving away thing has given me this whole new perspective, not sure what perspective that is, but it's new. I love getting to come and visit the things I enjoy about Vegas, and then I can go home to Colorado. It makes me sad that the city I grew up in and loved growing up in, has changed so drastically in such a short amount of time. In the past I have described it as a cancer that started in a few small areas and has now spread to much of the Valley. The schools, the neighborhoods, the family oriented activities that were a huge part of this city are all on the fritz!!

Growing up in Vegas was great, I had lots of friends, loved my school and ward, and all the fun things we could do as a family i.e miniature golf, hike at Red Rock, Valley of Fire and Mt. Charleston, go to the lake, the movies, Warm Springs, Wet n' Wild, outdoor plays at Spring Mt. Ranch. Now all but, I believe one location for Miniature golf have closed, same with Wet n' Wild, and the last I had heard so did Warm Springs (a natural warm spring). The Strip rid itself of most of the family friendly hotels, and hang outs, everywhere I look there is graffiti, and trash just dumped on the side of the road. What the heck happened to this once great city?

Please don't misunderstand me, there are still so many wonderful people here and there are pockets of Vegas that are better than others, but it just feels like the life has been sucked out! I know that the economy has not helped, and in fact, it has exacerbated the "cracks" that were being formed years before the "crash"! More and more of my friends are trying to eventually leave Vegas, and it makes me wonder will there come a day that I won't have much reason to come back and visit?

I lived in Vegas for 24 years of my life and I look back on those years and smile from all the amazing things I did while growing up here. It saddens me to see it this way, and who knows, maybe it will make a come back down the road. (oh and as soon as I can get some pictures uploaded I will post the fun we have been having.)

10 Signs You Have The "MOM" Syndrome

There are ten very important signs to look for when considering the possibility you might have a case of the "Mom" syndrome. If you in deed have even a few of these symptoms, while there is no cure, you are not alone!!

10. You see a mess where no one else does!!

9. You stay up late just to have some quiet time.

8. You rarely eat warm food at dinner because; "I need catchup! I need a spoon! I need more etc etc etc.! Can you cut my food for me?"

7. You know the location of every fast food joint with a play area!

6. You find solace in hearing your friends issues with their own children and seeing their house a little messy!!

5. Taking a bath or using the toilet alone is like visiting a foreign country, it rarely happens.

4. Your favorite clothes are the ones that hide stuff the best i.e stains, tears, snot and they stretch a little!

3. Having time to blow dry your hair is a luxury.

2. You find your self cleaning up even while using the lavatory.

1. Discussions about labor& delivery, puke, poop, stretch marks & potty training are common place!

Bonus Symptom** The last time you watched your favorite T.V. show uninterrupted was when Silver Spoons was on television!!!

****If you answered yes to any of these you might be dealing with a case of the "MOM" syndrome and the best treatments are a night out with the girls, date nights with your husband or trips to Target without your kids!!!

Sunday Scripture: Hope

Moroni 7:40

And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

"Hope is the anchor of our souls. I know of no one who is not in need of hope—young or old, strong or weak, rich or poor. As the prophet Ether exhorted, “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.”

James E. Faust (November 1999 Ensign)

Today I was fortunate to attend Stake Conference (a twice a year special meeting for about 6-8 wards) with my parents. My Dad was in the choir so just my mom and I sat together (children stayed home today), it was a wonderful meeting, filled with all the things I was needing to hear! All of the Bishop's wives were asked to speak and each of their talks were part of this masterful quilt, none of them assigned, all spoken from the spirit and it was amazing how they all blended together perfectly. My sweet friend Michelle spoke and the things she said touched me, she recalled the pain of losing her son shortly after he was born some years ago, and then the Hope that she was able to live on, knowing she would see him again. The reminder to hold on, even when life deals us a nasty blow, a difficult test or a road block, was very much needed in my life at this time.

I have had several things that have been weighing heavily on my mind recently. A close family member received some scary news related to their health and for me it felt like a stone to the head. It was difficult to be so far away so that is why I jumped in my car and came to Vegas, I wanted to feel some what useful and supportive. There was a minor surgery and things are looking hopeful.

Another heart ache I have is watching my parents, who have done nothing but help everyone around them for years, including but not limited to their children, extended family members, friends, strangers, neighbors, and anyone that stood in need. They are now feeling the EXTREME downturn of the economy, my father works in the Commercial Real Estate industry and has for 25 years, and has never seen it this bad before. I worry for them, I know that the Lord watches over them, yet the thought of them struggling is more painful than when we were out of a job. I truly know and understand that trials don't only come to those that are doing wrong, but it sure stinks when good people, trying to do the right things are handed a whopper and gosh darn I can't prevent it.

My mother tells me that everything will be OK, that "some how things will work out", and I wonder why she is comforting me. Where is that magic wand when I need it? Then today I was encouraged to have hope and to lean on the Lord, He has his eye on them and that there is a reason for this trial. Maybe He wants them to move closer to their amazing daughter that lives in Colorado, maybe!!?? :)

I want to bear my testimony that I know that through Christ there is Hope, there is reason to hold on and keep going. I know there are so many people in the same predicament as my parents but I know that through faith, prayer and doing what is right He will bless us beyond our comprehension. I know He loves me and watches over me and my family. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet, that he is guided and directed by our Heavenly Father. I know the Book of Mormon to be a testament of Jesus Christ and by reading it I am able to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost and that I grow closer to the Lord. I know these things to be true, there is NO DOUBT about it, it has been witnessed to me too many times in my life to think other wise. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Sunday

All my love

Flashback Friday: Someone Else's Flash

Since I am far from my hard drive and since I lost another memory card to my Mom's printer/cf hook up, and all the pics I have taken since I have been in town, I must move on and therefore use someone else's "flashback".

Before

More Recently

I remember meeting Lindsay Lohan once at California Adventure, Lexi was so excited and was able to take a picture with her (at home). At the time she was a rising Disney Star, young and seemingly sweet. I feel sad for all these young ladies that are eaten up by fame, but at some point they need to take responsibility for their lives and make better choices.

Lemons

I recently heard a most delightful sentiment, it went something like;

"When life gives you lemons, you have to squirt people in the eye."

I know in a perfect world we are supposed to make lemonade but don't you ever feel like doing that instead?? No. Well, I guess I am alone then.

Recently it seems as though many a lemon has been added to my basket, or to the baskets of those close to me. The first lemon is just a lemon and you deal, the next one is a bit more daunting and sour, and suddenly it seems I am up to my eye balls in Lemons!

Have I brought this upon myself because I have been cooking more with them or the fact that I am in love with the color yellow? Whatever the reason or the season, I wish that these Lemons would find a juicer!!

(forgive me for being ambiguous about all of this, but at this time I am not at liberty to discuss details)

Oh and the adventures of a 13 hour drive alone with 3 kids is about to be served :)

Flashback Friday: A little Nudge

Today is the girls last day of school, school is not actually out until next Thursday, but we have a family Emergency and we will be headed to Vegas in the morning. Anyway, I was reflecting on the past school year and tears filled my eyes as I realized how perfectly placed the girls were into there perspective classrooms!!

The thought came to me that while all the things preceding our move to Colorado were difficult/stressful/sad/frustrating, they were set before us as a roadblock, not to hinder our progress but to draw our eye to another path. This new path has provided our family with opportunities, blessings, and joy, it was a little NUDGE from the Lord.

Before our move I had the distinct feeling that we needed to move for not only the job, but for the sake of our children. I wasn't sure why or which child, and today I realized that it had been especially for my girls. Grace was set in the most perfect Kindergarten class, her teacher has been so patient, so kind and truly provided a safe place for her to be each afternoon. Lexi has made so many friends and loves her teachers, she needed the change so much. She is happy and blossoming into such a great young women, I really find it mind boggling that she will be going into Middle School next year.

The Lord has blessed our family so much this past year, I know I have said this many times before but it's true and I can't let it go unnoticed and unappreciated.

(Lexi on the first day of school)

(Grace on the first day)

Just a couple days ago

First of all it is not right that Lexi's hair grows that quickly and Grace looks like a big kid now!!! What a great year they have had!!

(oh and as a side note I will be in Vegas for the next little while so if my Blog suffers my apologies in advance)

Happy Friday!

All My Love,

Sundays Scripture: Mothers

John 19:26,27
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the adisciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, bWoman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy amother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.





Today is Mother's Day, I am the very blessed Mother of 3 wonderful children. I know that my most important responsibility in this life is to cherish and love these little ones that have been trusted in my care.

I am so grateful for my own Mother, for her example and love. I know of Christs love for me because he sent me to such an amazing Mother, He showed me His love through her and I pray that I might teach my children in the same way. Love you Mom!!!

How many Moms in there more advanced years do this in a skirt??!!

In the time I have spent being a Mom, I have found my greatest joys and also my greatest weaknesses and sorrows. I must admit that I reject my physical body on a daily basis as I scrutinize it in the mirror, but when my "natural" tendencies subside and I am able to see through my spiritual glasses, I recognize each stretch mark as space for my babies to grow, and widened hips to bring them here. I am blessed to be healthy enough to carry them for 40 weeks (or 43 as Grace found out), my body is always strong while pregnant and I need to appreciate it more.

My Heavenly Father sent me the children that are perfect for me, I have learned so many lessons from each one of them;

Lexi has taught me loyalty and strength, loyalty because she stands by me no matter how bad I might mess up as a parent, and strength because I realized how strong I was in being a single parent in her early years. Of course there are many other things that she has contributed to my education but those two stand out.

Grace gives me the lesson in patience and unconditional love every single day. No matter the nervous break down, I feel peace and calm much of the time I am working with her. I know that it comes from my Heavenly Father, for patience does not come easy for me. Grace has so many struggles and for whatever the reason, the Lord has provided me with the love and ability to walk with her through them. I am so blessed.

James has given me the gift of learning to be more relaxed and affectionate. I have always loved to hug and kiss on them, but Buddy will come running up to me after just moments of separation (as in me going into the other room) and wrap his arms around my leg. He loves me to just sit and hold him and watch Go Diego Go, and somehow in my old age I am able to relax and just enjoy these sweet times. I feel more capable as a parent now, than I ever have, and I look forward to every day that I am able to stay home with my children.




Happy Mother's Day to all of the Women who have spent anytime nurturing, loving, holding, cuddling, teaching or serving a child. You don't have to have children of your own to be a Mother and I am so grateful for all the family and friends who have "Mothered" my children along the way.

Happy Sunday

All my Love,

The Effects of An HGTV Obsession

It's true I am slightly addicted to HGTV! If I am watching the tv then most likely that is the channel I am tuned in to!! The problem when I watch it so much is that I get ideas for all the things I want to do/change/fix/create in my own house. I wanted a little change in the master bedroom, but I didn't have a big budget so I created new throw pillows from a shower curtain and a little bit of scrap fabric. I painted a white dresser, moved a few things around, took some stuff down and added a few small inexpensive details (as in 75 % of clearance at places like Michael's, Ross and Target) So here are pictures of some of the changes.

BEFORE

AFTER (not quite done)

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

The Next photos are of pillows/curtains/pictures that have been added to these rooms

I made the above pillow and added some new pictures on the wall

I painted the little table and made the pillow

This pillow and two others were added to the couch

The curtains were some pre-made ones that I had and I just added fabric along the bottom in order to unify them and make them long enough for the window!!

These are picture walls that I put up (the above wall are pictures of all the military family members I have and old maps from WWII)

The Bully Part 3: Happy Ending!!!

Here is the 3rd and final chapter in the bully saga! I am doing much better on all accounts!! The last couple weeks have been crazy and I haven't had much time to pee let alone blog so my apologies for the long wait!

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