from my house to yours....

[Dorothy, Princess Leia, & a pirate]

Happy Halloween!

five somethings

1.


Megan had her school Halloween program today. She was as animated as she always is, but gladly this year she wasn't yelling the songs, though it does make it more fun. In the program the teachers make a witches brew. I found it extremely funny when they asked for volunteers to try it out and Megan was one of the only ones not holding up her hand. She had no desire to try a foreign substance...until she could smell the root beer. Then her hand shot up and explained to her friend that it was going to be good.


[This is her celebrating when she found out there would be root beer outside for everyone.]

2. I spent the bulk of my morning organizing my closet. It was way past due and I figured it was time to get rid of the clothes I never wear once and for all. I don't know why it's so hard for me to give away stuff I never wear, but it is. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I found myself piling up clothes, stuffing them in a bag, and not looking back. Now I just need to get it over to the DI before I can change my mind.

3.

We have pumpkins ready and waiting for Halloween night. With the warm weather we've been having the pumpkins haven't lasted long so I'm hoping they will make it to tomorrow night. I can't believe Halloween is already upon us.

4. I have been thinking a lot about Christmas. I really would like to make gifts for everyone on my list, but in order to do that and enjoy December, I need to start thinking about it now. I have a couple in progress, but I'm still searching for ideas. Are any of you planning on making gifts this year?

5.


Speaking of projects. I finally picked a non discreet door frame and measured my girls. I've been wanting to have a growth chart for years and have just never gotten around to it. When I was growing up my aunt&uncle used the entrance to their kitchen as their growth chart so I figured if they can do it on the wall so could I. It doesn't have to be anything special it just needs exist. I'm not sure how often I will do it, but I am hoping to fill it up as the years go buy. I even want to include my nieces and nephews. My siblings and I are still on my aunts wall and I love it. I made sure to do it on the door frame so if we ever move I can take it off the wall.

spt - 100 list #28

#28 I have a good life.

If I remember right, I put this on my list to always remind me of the wonderful life I have. It's easy for me to loose sight of it when I'm having a bad day, but I truly do know I have a good life.

Of course where I am now did not come easy and did not come over night. I have certainly come a long way as a person (p.s. I still have a long long way to go) and how grateful I am today that change is possible. I simply couldn't have done it without Adam by my side. He has the ability to make me see joy when I cannot find it myself or calm me down when I'm upset about something. He keeps me laughing, keeps me believing that anything is possible, and reminds me of how good life is.



Some people have questioned me on my marriage...has it always been this good? The answer is no. No it hasn't. It's been years of work and sacrifice to get to the point where we're at now, we've had some really hard times. It took uncomfortable conversations and commitments to one another. It took faith, hope, and trust in each other. But ultimately, neither of us were willing to settle for anything less than our dream, so we made changes. We focus on each other, we do, and we give. Is it perfect? No. Marriage is a constant progress, we have our ups and downs like anyone, but we are continually focused on our dream.



My girls...they are the other puzzle piece to my life. I have never thought I was that great of a mother or that I really do motherhood well, but when your little one (Megan) calls from across the dinner table and yells, "mommy, your the bestest ever mommy" (she said this last night) you got to think, even though you may not be the best, to someone you are.

I know I could share more, but these are the two most important parts and I know if this was all I had I would need nothing more. They are my life. They are the ones that make my life good. And the best part is, I get them for eternity. I couldn't ask for anything more. How grateful I am.

everyday

i did one of these post a few years ago and thought it would be cool to do it again to see what things have changed and what things have stayed the same.

I get up early and exercise.
I try to do at least one load of laundry (somedays more).
My girls usually get their own breakfast.
I shower and get reading in the morning.
The girls and I say prayers & read scriptures in the morning before they leave for school.



I walk my kids out the door on the way to their carpool, give them big hugs/kisses, & tell them to have a good day and remember who they are.
I vacuum something (usually the kitchen).
I find random toys scattered throughout the house (it drives me a bit crazy, but it always does make me smile.)
I practice the violin with Megan.
I listen to Bella practice the violin.
I listen to Megan's stories/chatter.
I dislike figuring out what to eat for lunch.
I have a piece of chocolate.



I get my mail.
I try to think of something nice i can do for someone else.
I look forward to hearing my cell phone ding with a text from Adam.



Adam makes me want to be my best self.
I do something creative.
I either post or think about posting on my blog.
I take photographs.
I read.
I check my email.
I take Megan to school.
I think about cutting my hair.
I iron an outfit for Adam (his choosing) to wear the next day.
I have three hours to myself (12:15-3:15 the girls are in school).



I pick up Megan & then Bella and Tess from school .
I love hearing the garage door open and seeing Adam walk up the stairs.
I dance with my girls.
My afternoon from 3-5:30 is packed with kid stuff (dance/violin/homework/etc.).



I make dinner and we eat as a family (i love this time).
All 3 girls help clean up the dinner dishes.
Adam and I get a bit of time to chat as the girls get their playing in .
We say prayers as a family before bed.
My girls go to bed at 7:30pm.



I go from room to room and say goodnight to each one of my girls. (Bella is always busy reading and gives me a big kiss, Tess and I read together, and Megan wants me to lay with her for a bit then tells me to turn out her light and shut her door all the way.)
I get in bed around 9:30pm next to Adam, exhausted, and am grateful I have him.
I thank God for my blessings....for my life.

a dream fulfilled

We went to Gardner Village (a quaint specialty retail shopping area that is located in restored cabins, houses and buildings) Monday night and apparently made dreams come true. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true.



We went to walk around and enjoy the fall air, but had no idea what we were in for. Because it was a Monday night it was jammed packed. Not so packed that you couldn't walk around, but packed enough that going into a shop was not recommended...which was fine because honestly that's not what we where there for.



One thing that ended up being a big hit with the girls were all the witches that were on display. Each one was different. Each one unique. If my kids were going to vote they would have voted for this witch (below).



Bella requested that I take this picture with her nose plugged insistent that it would be stinky with "Witchy Poo' (see the sign...left side). It was, I have to admit, one of the better ones.

So in comes the dream part. As we were walking out to leave (the fallness was so enjoyable I think we could have stayed all night) Bella and Tess noticed there were animals and not only that, but there were kids riding on horses. At that point Bella, in her not so sly way proclaims it's always been a dream of hers to ride on a horse. It was definitely the first I had heard of it, but she's so fond of animals I wasn't surprised.




Adam, who would jump at the chance to make anyone's dream come true, especially for such a minimal cost, made all the girls explode into cheers as we headed toward the barn. It was a great moment for the both of us to watch them wait their turn to saddle up and go for a ride. I'm surprised Megan actually stayed on it with all the bucking she nearly fell off. Tess seemed to be enjoying herself immensely and was taking more after Megan by goofing off, but it was Bella who caught my eye. It was Bella who rode around with this big smile on her face like she was the happiest girl in the world. I think, perhaps, it was a dream come true for her. And if that's the case then I need to take this girl on a real horseback ride.

I have no business blogging

Really.

I should be finishing Megan's costume alterations, it was way too big and I'm finding myself resewing the entire thing. Drat! I know I still have an entire week, but she has a party tonight so I'm trying to get it done for that. Plus I'm adding sequins to jazz it up a bit...her suggestion.

I need to get a jump on my laundry so Monday doesn't come again and overwhelm me like last week.

I should be working on my lesson for Sunday so it doesn't get left till the last minute.

I still need to clean up the kitchen from lunch.



My studio desk is a mess as Megan pointed out, "Whoa mom, your desk is a mess" and I should really spend some time organizing so I can finish the project I've been working on. (sorry can't tell yet, it's for Christmas).

Once again I need to go through my kids paper trail. I can't believe the amount of papers they come home with. Although I'm good about weeding the important stuff out right away, I still end up with papers & art projects everywhere.


[I love this photo because while she was carrying her 5 year old her 8 year old ran by and she was smiling at him. Such a sweet fleeting moment.]

I have photos to proof from a photoshoot I did last night of a dear friend from high school. She has a darling family of all boys so it was fun to be with some boys for once.


Apparently it's time to stop writing and get busy.
Ciao!

she reads

Megan has, for the last few weeks or so, been wanting to read. She is a lot like Bella where she's the one pushing to want to do it. Each time she comes up with an idea like this on her own I think, how could i have been so blind. I guess to me she is still just a little girl who couldn't possibly be old enough to read. At some point I'm going to have to realize she's growing up. My baby isn't a baby any more.

So last week we went to the library and got her a bunch of books recommended by Tess' reading teacher. They are the perfect beginner books and wish I had bought them years ago for Bella and Tess to enjoy. She is actually doing a fabulous job. Much better than I initially thought she would. I hope this will be the first of many hours with her nose in a book.

spt - 100 list #21

#21 I have a hard time spending money on clothes.

Yes it's true, I have a hard time spending money on clothes. I've never been a big shopper, but there are times, like when I go in my closet and can't find anything to wear or am going on vacation and just want something new, that I'll venture to the mall, but for the most part it's not something I do.



If I do find myself shopping, this is where my spt comes in, I loath spending top dollar for clothing. I don't own designer jeans, though it would probably be smart since I wear jeans all the time, because I just can't seemed to get passed the price tag. I try not to go into stores like Nordstrom unless I'm looking for something specific. Logic would tell me if I spend money on clothes they will last me a long time, true for jeans, but clothes go out of style so quickly that I'm better off spending $15/$20 on a trendy shirt, wearing if for one season, and feeling ok about the fact that it's falling apart.

Of course there are those times when I find a piece of clothing I love so much the price tag doesn't even matter or find an item considered as a wardrobe staple (ie..black pants or a white tailored shirt), and yes, for those types of situations I will usually splurge, but normally I look for bargains.

Finding a bargain on a shirt and still feeling cute...well how can you beat that? Ok you can, but you know what I mean.

the ever elusive sleep

I finally got up. I mean really, how long am I suppose to lay there dreaming of sleep before I just realize it's never going to come? Two hours? Two and half hours? Well, I gave it that and no luck so here I am.

This happens to me quite a bit...struggling to stay asleep for the entire night. I'm beginning to think the culprit is my bladder, it being the reason I'm getting out of bed mid sleep. I remember when I was pregnant this happened to me all the time. I'd wake up to go to the bathroom and could never find rest again. Of course then I had such a good excuse. I was completely uncomfortable due to my ever growing mass and I was actively getting kicked. Although, I'm glad to not have that excuse today, I can't quite understand why sleep eludes me so. First things first, I must find a way to stop waking up at 1ish. Note to self: cut off water supply by at least 7:30pm. I don't know, do you think that's soon enough?


[I was resting and Adam brought me a sleepy Megan to get me up. She tried her best to get as close to me as possible, at one point actually laying on me, but as evidence to the photo Adam took, she really didn't do her job. ]

Sleep is so delicious that it pains me to be in this situation. You have to admit though, there is something sweet about being up in the quiet to get stuff done. I think really well in the middle of the night or I should say, I usually have my best ideas. Not to say my ideas are actually great when I wake up, but when I'm in bed and I've got nothing else to do they seem brilliant. Of course I would give it all up if sleeping through the night were an option. Why isn't it an option? I want it, I really do. Tomorrow, excuse me, today is going to be brutal as I attempt to get stuff done on one of my busiest mornings of the week and try to avoid crawling back in bed. Aargh! I only have two hours before I'm suppose to get up and run. Wish me luck. I'm off to attempt sleep again.

what do you do if you can't sleep?

fall break

The girls were lucky enough to have a weekend sleepover extravaganza during their fall break. First at their Nana's and a visit to the scarecrow festival,


[photo taken from robyn's blog]

then to our house,


[ I made a mistake by taking this picture. The light woke Megan up which in turn woke up the rest. It was an early morning. The big girls slept in Bella's room.]


[The pillow was whitney's attempt to not be in the photo. I try to be so sly, but it doesn't always work.]

and finally, Bella and Tess at Whitney's for her birthday party and Megan at Olivia's.


[photo taken from Jill's blog]

It was a busy weekend.
A full weekend.
One of those weekends you feel lucky and grateful to have.
Grateful the cousins live close enough to have these sleepovers.
Grateful to Nana, Jill, and Robyn who love my kids enough to invite them over (I know they can be a handful).
Grateful for time to spend with Adam alone.
Grateful to know I was giving someone else a break.
Grateful to spend time with my nieces to get to know them even better.
Grateful for time to rejuvenate and miss my three.
Grateful to be apart of such a loving giving family.

It was a great weekend.

a free day & design your life class layouts

Unfortunately I woke up with a strange sinus headache this morning, but nothing Tylenol couldn't take care of. It's a good thing because I have a day ahead of me without kids (my mother-in-law had them sleep over last night and has them until 2pm because it's fall break) to just play in my studio. Luckily a new assignment was put up today for CathyZ design your life class so I'm looking forward to working on her assignments. I did however, make a huge mistake. I have a book on Cd waiting for me at the Library and failed to pick it up yesterday so I'm without a book to listen to. I guess music will have to do.

I just have to say this class has been fabulous. Like I said previously, I understand a lot about design, but I don't think I truly understand the "why's". This class is certainly providing the answers.

Each week, with the lesson, Cathy provides a sketch to use for the assignments as a blueprint. So far there have been 3 assignments per week. I feel like I'm rushing to get them done (I still have two to go), but I am determined to do them. If she continues to do 3 a week I'll have 36 layouts done by the end of class. :) That would definitely be a record for me. Hopefully it will be what I need to keep me going.

Lesson one: Symmetrical balance







Lesson Two: Asymmetrical balance

note to self

"to the world you are person,
but to one person you are the world."

-unknown

I found this quote yesterday while flipping through one of my notebooks and it seemed to be the thing I needed to remember as I fought feelings of worthlessness. It's a hard place to be. A hard placed to come back from, but this quote really did give me perspective and reminded me that yes, I am loved. I am needed.

We all are.

Why is it so easy to be blinded by what's missing in our life to see all the good?

date night in St. George

[iphone]

A night on the town with James Bond in St. George having a kid-free weekend. Can it get any better?

Too bad the movie wasn't as good as the first.

spt - 100 list #14

#14 I always crave french fries



Thank you Lelly for giving me an excuse to go and get french fries today because a) like my 100 list says I always crave them. Always. Especially at night right before bed. Excluding chocolate, I much prefer salt to sweet any day of the week. And because b) today has been a hard day and yes, as sad as it sounds, french fries helped. For a moment anyway.

more layouts from CZ design class

a 8x8 mini book

Wasn't it 80 degrees last week?

This was yesterday. Lightly falling snow, but nothing sticking.



However, this morning when I woke up I was greeted by a blanket of snow. The girls were so excited to wake up to their world covered in white and couldn't wait to go out and play, but I thought differently.









I'm sure by mid week the snow will all be gone and Fall will be enjoyed yet again, but it has reminded me of how NOT ready I am for winter. I'm not ready for cold.

I found her like this

collapsed on the floor in tears all because of school picture day.

And so it begins.

i...

i am.... blessed
i think... your thoughts create your world
i know... i am loved
i want... my family to be happy
i have... everything i've always wanted
i dislike... feeling misunderstood
i miss... my entire family (all 6 of us) being together
i fear... i'll never get where I want to be
i feel... grateful
i hear.... the wind rustling through the leaves
i smell... freshly baked mint brownies
i crave.... deep meaningful friendships
i cry... when I see/hear/read someone's inspiring story of strength and courage
i usually... forget at least one thing when i leave the house
i enjoy... taking a shower at night and getting cozy in bed after a long day
i search... for balance in my life
i wonder.... what more i can do
i regret... the time i've wasted on things i have no control over
i love... the marriage Adam and i have created
i worry... what the future will hold for my children
i am not... as selfless as i want to be
i remember... what matters
i believe... in Jesus Christ
i dance... all the time
i don't... write as well as i'd like to
i write... so my children will know who i am
i win... as much as i lose
i lose... my chapstick within a day of buying a new one
i am trying... to always stay positive
i never... want to eat strange foods like Andrew Zimmerman
i wish... i didn't have to teach my children about protecting themselves against bad people
i listen... to books on my ipod when i clean
i don't understand... why my house can't stay clean for more than 12 hours
i can usually be found... in the car going from school to preschool and back again
i am scared... for the outcome of this election
i need to lose... my fear
i forget... to water our plants
i am happy... i am me

a special happy birthday to my sister Jeni. Love you.

spt - 100 list

7. I enjoy when I get up and going in the morning, but I'm not really good at it these days.



The best part about looking back at #7 is it's something that I've been working on for the past two months. Every since school started (excluding weekends) I can only count a few days where I haven't gotten up early (6am) and started my day off with exercise, scripture reading, showering, or doing something else just for me before the girls wake up. My days just always go better when it's starts off right. I guess you could say I end up getting a lot more accomplished throughout the day by the way my morning starts.

So thank you Lelly for the challenge. It was fun to go back to my 100 list and even better to see that I'm currently working on and accomplishing a goal I've wanted to since January 2007.

instant relief

one....two......


three


We went to the dentist last Thursday and she didn't want him to touch her tooth, but come Sunday she couldn't wait to get rid of it. Can you believe she let her dad pull it out with floss? As far as I'm concerned it took as much strength to do it as it did to get it done, I basically took the picture with my eyes closed. She took it like a champ and couldn't wait to eat using her whole mouth. Poor girl has had that tooth loose for months.


[love how you can see the smile and relief in her eyes]