reminder to self

A few months ago while trying to get the kids out the door and do the last minute stuff we should have done the night before, I lost it with one of my girls. So much so that I was mortified with myself and so disgusted I had lost my patience. When it happened all I had time to do was apologize and wish her a happy day at school despite my outburst before sending them on their way. So there I was alone in my thoughts, sending my child out in the world probably wondering if her mother loved her. I felt, as I should, horrible, sick, and all I wanted was for her to have a good day.

As the day went on I had thoughts for nothing else. I cried, I prayed, I wondered how in the world I was entrusted with three beautiful children. The thoughts went on and on. Then at lunch I went and got the mail and among the junk was a letter with my name on it. It was from a woman in my neighborhood who I don't get to see as often as I would like.

Dear Amy,

About a month ago, I attended your Sacrament meeting. I believe I was sitting in front of you (or at least I saw what I'm about to relate from the front of the chapel). Adam wasn't with you because his back had been giving him some problems. I looked at you with your three daughters and it was the sweetest moment for me. I recognize that it was an unusual moment because your daughters were all quiet and satisfied. You were listening to the speakers. Your youngest was in your lap and Bella and Tess were on either side of you...leaning against you in their own, individual way. Again, at that movement everyone was content, and happy and secure. I felt as though I was watching a beautiful, peaceful Madonna with her three little ones. I truly hope that I can remember that beautiful scene. I was beautiful!

I am so grateful to know you and love you and to have been taught by you in so many ways. Please know that I miss you, but every day as I drive by your house I think of you...happily.

With all my love.....

God truly does know us, does He not? I knew the moment I saw the card, even before I opened it up that it was my answer. I was so grateful to this woman for taking time out of her busy life to send me a note that didn't necessarily need to be sent. She was my angel that day and reminded me I am a good mother....I do have something special with my girls.

As I went about the rest of my day feeling loved and forgiven I keep thinking about President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words from the 2008 Relief Society conference session.

In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.

Being the recipient of such kindness made me greater appreciate his words and helped me to understand them on a whole knew way. If answering someone's prayer makes them feel as I felt at that moment I can't afford not to do what is asked of me. On a gray day an angel is all we need and we can be that angel to anyone.

I'm not sure how I feel about Monday holidays

I use to really enjoy them, having Adam home and doing something different than the normal Monday routine, but now I find myself knee deep with stuff to do because it's already half way through the week. I really can't complain I mean instead of doing what I need to do I'm busy doing stuff I've been wanting to for a long time now. It's my own fault for being so behind.

Another thing I feel so behind in is blogging. So much to tell and so little time it seems.

I still want to share with you a little about Tess and her birthday and how much fun memorial day was.


One of the things I made time for yesterday and probably shouldn't was this art display project for my girls that I've wanted to do for a year and a half now. A little late in the year I know, seeing how school is just getting out, but I'm sure we'll do a lot of summer art. I saw the idea in a magazine and then actually in person on Crystalyn's wall. I'm happy with it though not so sure about the bow. I did it to hide the ugly long screws.

I also received some very thoughtful mail from Kim last week. The "A" and the book are so beautiful, but it was the words in her card that really got to me. It's amazing to me that we can make such connections over the internet. What a blessing it has been.

Oh and I have some changes to share with you...still to come.

mail randomness

Can I tell you how long I've been waiting for this...a little over ten years. To be honest I never thought this day would come. An IKEA in my city virtually unbelievable. Well it's happening and it's all I can do to keep myself from going to the grand opening. I know it will be crazy so I'll wait just a bit before I take the plunge.


Some thoughtful mail to report. Natash thanks for the darling mother's day gift. Totally made week last week. Tasha thanks for thinking of me and sending me the book "Twelve Sisters". Looking forward to reading it. Crystalyn thank you for sending me a decorated "a" to go with my collection of a's and a sm frame of the photos I had taken. Love the reminder.

Also thank you to Melanie for the awesome mother's day quote. I loved it. It's such a great reminder to me I have it in my kitchen so I can see it often.

Ladies thank you so much. I know that just doesn't seem like enough for the joy it brought into my life the last few days, but what a difference it makes to know someone has thought about you.

thoughtfulness to report

On a crazy day like today I thought it would be fitting to celebrate the good mail I've received the last week or so.


I got a very sweet thank you note from Crystalyn, just love that girl, and grateful she is finally home with her family. I also got a sweet belated birthday card from Claudia. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Loved hearing from you.

I got fairy spring good mail from Amanda. I love getting these just because greeting and certainly appreciated the quote on the back.

Kelly I'm sorry I'm just getting to this now, but I just found your card under a bunch of catalogs still in it's envelope today amongst other mail. It must have been when Adam brought in the mail and got shuffled under stuff. Thank you so much for thinking of me this season. Loved your thoughts.

Katie send me a very thoughtful thank you card. I certainly hope you are doing fabulously with you new little one.

I guess it's been a good mail day, among other things that I've had to work on I was able to get some sent out. Always feels good to do that. :)

changes in our house

It was our spring break last weekend. No, we didn't do anything special like go out of town, but I must say it has been nice sleeping in for a few days not having to get up to take kids to school, too bad that all ends tomorrow. It hasn't just been good for me, I know the kids have had fun just being able to play with no obligations. I think with Bella gone all day and then homework and violin to practice they don't get to play as much as they would like. I often hear them late at night getting together and playing. It's too sweet to stop.

So here is my recap.

After asking for about a week non stop we finally decorate eggs Thursday night. It's something we always look forward to and surprisingly it's never as big a mess as I anticipate, even with Megan. This year the girls decided they wanted to put their initials on the eggs to ensure they wouldn't get mixed up (they're so big into what is theirs these days). I wish they would have mentioned it earlier and we could have put there names on with white crayons and made a very cool effect. Oh well, maybe next year.

We went to the zoo on Friday. I must admit I didn't want to go, but I sort of felt like I had to do something fun with them. So we got up early and made sure to be there when the zoo opened. This actually ended up being the best thing we could have done because when we walked out 2 hours later (yes, you read that right, I got off easy) the lines were huge and no parking was to be found. I felt extremely lucky we were on our way out and that it was such nice weather. One more thing. Does this freak anyone else out? As I was watching this cheetah walk back and forth staring at us I just kept thinking the only thing separating him from us was the glass.

Saturday was a bit tough, even though I had anticipated this event for the last several weeks, I didn't realize how hard it would be to buy Megan a big girl bed and finally after 7 year put down the crib. It is the weirdest feeling to see Megan growing up, no more diapers (she has been doing great except she doesn't want to go in public places), and moving into a big bed. I had a friend once ask me if I was ready to be done with the babies. You know I feel that I am, but when it happens I sort of have this bittersweet feeling going on. It feels wonderful to be here and yet I am sad at the same time. My family is growing up. I just don't know where the time went. With all the mixed emotions I know it means good times ahead. I look forward to what the 5 of us will experience together.

Needless to say Megan is thrilled with her new bed. I wasn't worried at all about the transition or that I would need to worry about her falling out until 1am last night when we heard a huge crashing sound followed by wailing coming from her room. I felt horrible, but grateful Adam was out of bed before I could figure out what had happened and that she was fine just scared.

I guess that brings me to Sunday. Before walking out the door to go to church I took our traditional Easter dress photo. I struggle to take photos like this, as it's rare that everyone cooperates, plus we are bound to have other friends involved (kitty and duck with Megan), but I still enjoy looking through them each year and remembering.

It was nice today when I went to my mail box and actually had mail let alone four pieces of good mail. I say that because my mail didn't come two days last week (Thursday and Saturday). This has happened before and I'm getting pretty upset by it. Anyway, Thank you to Robyn & Hannah for the nice thank you note, Lelly for the thoughtful "just because" note, and Kristi for the, once again, awesome holiday mail. Loved it. Thanks ladies for helping make my afternoon.

I hope your Monday is off to a great start. I love Mondays.

this week

This week has been, to say the least, a crazy week. Dealing with potty training and trying to stay as positive as possible with Megan amongst the bumps in the road. As much as I think I'm mentally and physically prepared for this I have obviously forgotten the stress that comes with potty training. She is doing great, though has had her moments. I am hoping that she is truly getting it.

Besides the potty training I have obviously had a lot of my mind. Stuff that I just need to sort out and I apologize if I was too vague about it all yesterday, but there are still certain things that I need to keep just for me. I guess one would say, "then why bring it up at all". Well, I thought a lot about this today and what I came up with is this blog is a refection of the person I am...happy, sad, crazy, whatever it represents me. When I choose to post on SPT I didn't consider what I would write until I was writing it, so what came out of me was how I was feeling. I suppose I could hide it or fake my thoughts so as not to subject you all to my craziness, but then I feel like I'm cheating myself from an amazing experience and cheating all of you, my friends, from getting to know who I truly am. Emotional or not I hope my being real is what draws you to my blog as I am always truly inspired and grateful for the real I get to participate in everyday by reading your blogs.

With that said, I appreciate all your sweet words from yesterday. It's amazing what that does to lift a person up and how grateful I feel to have such an awesome support system. Today I feel good, just extremely exhausted due to potty training, seriously how could I forget how draining this is. I also want to thank Mindy for the yummy cadbury chocolate eggs (my easter fav)...what does it say about me that they are already gone? Carlo for the yummy Godiva dark chocolate bar...also gone and very delicious, and Amanda for the very cute homemade cards (post photo soon). Thank you ladies, they came at such a perfect time.

Oh and I couldn't end this post without leaving just one photo that makes me smile.

weekly projects & good mail

Thank you all for sharing with me what makes you happy. I periodically checked your comments last night and it certainly put a huge smile on my face. It was exactly what I needed. Now to think of how I can make it up to them...I have a few ideas.

I didn't share my project for last week since it was a gift for someone, but will have it later in my smugmug gallery in the next few weeks. My project for this week was also another gift so I can't share it at the moment, but will soon. I loved working on these projects and only hope they are received with as much enthusiasm as when I made them.

So since I don't have anything to visually share I will share a layout with you I started last November and just got around to finishing yesterday.


Megan is very fond of this one.

Of course I don't want to forget to share the good mail I received this past week. From left to right...A very nice thank you from Natasha, darling and yet another fabulous holiday greeting idea from Kristy, and 2 more thoughtful thank yous from Diana and Crystalyn. Thank you all so much. What a delight it is to receive such thoughtfulness.

Sunday inspiration & good mail

I know I have said this before, but I'm always so amazed and utterly grateful when someones thoughtfulness lands on my door. On Saturday I got a belated bday package from Michelle containing this very thoughtful beautiful book (left). It has tabs on the inside with my girls names on it where I can write things they do and say that I don't want to forget. It's something I've always wanted. Thank you so much Michelle your creativity always amazes me. I also got an equally beautiful creative shadow box frame from Jill last Friday for my birthday. I love how perfectly it goes with my room and the quote is awesome and something I'm glad I can remind myself of daily, "The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." -Joseph Campbell. Thank you so much Jill everything you touch ends up beautiful.

I would like to leave you with one thought that really hit me today...

"I have learned that it is by serving that we learn how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves. In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus, that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves. (See Matt. 10:39.)

Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others—indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!"

Quote by President Kimball.

I love the last paragraph and had never thought before how doing things for others gives us more substance and consequently easier to find ourselves. We need each other to be all that we can become and the more we let us go, the more us we get back. Beautiful.

journal, project 8, & good mail

I heard Bella crying and could ignore it no longer. It was all because she couldn't figure out the computer. Usually there is a link to her favorite sites in the link bar, but this time she was trying to enter it in the address bar. Her problem was she didn't push enter and couldn't figure out why nothing was happening. I so wish she would think it out longer before resulting into tears, but to her defense she had asked me for help and I told her I would be there shortly. It had been about 5 minutes. I quickly helped her with the problem and when i walked out I saw this (except there was not X across it.)


It cracked me up and I thought to myself I must scan this and keep it. She will love seeing this one day. Not long after I came down looking for something and noticed the page had been changed to this...

When I went back to look for the first entry I noticed it had been crossed out. The whole thing just made me laugh. I don't know why i didn't think about it before, but I need to get her an official journal. She loves to write and am just now understanding that she wants a place to put her feelings. So healthy for a girl. I hope it will continue and that one day she will be an amazing writer. I love it when she chooses to express herself this way.


Here is my project this week. I found this vase at target for $3 on clearance. I didn't know what I was going to use it for, but certainly couldn't pass up that deal. The more I got looking at it I just kept seeing it in my studio holding beautiful flowers. So I used rub-ons on the outside to make me smile even more. Very easy and quick, but what a difference it makes.


Here is the good mail that I mentioned earlier this week, but didn't have a photo to show. Darling cards from Michelle, Jill, and Amie. Tons of Ribbon from Kristi (can't believe how much) and an amazing homemade book from Amy h. Thank you again for thinking of me.

Also some more birthday good mail I received throughout the week. Birthday wishes from Emily and Kristen, and a delightful making memories kit from Amy S. Thank you! You've all help make my birthday wonderful.

viewer discretion advised

It sounds like the beginning of a 24 episode and very well should because what I'm about to share with you can and probably will happen. Sadly our Jack Bauer will not be around to saves us. How I wish it were only a TV show.

I have a report to give you about the fireside I went to on Sunday. Yes, I did in fact subject myself to this type of torture on my birthday...I guess you could say I felt very strongly about going. I won't pretend, it was a rough meeting, at times inspiring, at times teary. My little mind is not prepared to deal with such tragedies, but I must somehow get my mind around this for the sake of my family.

I thought the meeting would be more about how to prepared, but it was more to tell us what we are preparing for to better understand what we need. It was given by Elder Morrison an Emeritus of the seventy who is working with the church on these issues. He first started out by telling us the events that could possibly reach us in the area which I live...in no particular order.

1. Earthquake
2. Severe winter or summer storm (few weeks with no power)
3. Terrorism
4. Chemical spill
5. Natural disease....Avian Flu
6. Disruption to major energy grid (a major power problem in CA could affect us.)
7. Major Financial meltdown anywhere in the world

So consider where you are in the country/world and add or subtract from the list. If you're on the coast you should add tsunami, hurricane. etc. If you want to know more about the specific risks in your area go here.

These are the things to consider if one of these 7 tragedies were to happen.

-No communication what so ever. No cell phones or landlines. GPS. Everything will be person to person.
-No Power
-No water
-No sewer
-Prepare for family to be separated...dad at work, kids at school. This was one I hadn't consider that really hit me hard
-Dealing with anxiety of being separated
-Children could be evacuated to another location other than school...where is that?
-Normal route blocked for fathers/mothers to get home...they will have to walk
-Consider weather (winter cold/snow or summer heat)
-Clothing/shelter, is your house in one piece?
-No Gasoline, if you have generators that use gas you won't be able to get more.
-No food to buy
-No Meds available
-Dealing with injuries
-Remember entire neighborhoods will be in the same situation...no one to help you.
-Looters, my need to protect family (this was another one I hadn't thought of either.)

He then talked specifically about the effects of an earthquake that was 7.0 and higher in my region, but could obviously be applied to all of us.

-The highest risk according to FEMA would be if the earthquake hit at 2pm. Due to the number of school buildings that are not structurally ready for an earthquake many children would die. (At this point I almost started crying. Something I hadn't considered was my children being away from me and wonder if they were alive.) Also a lot of the casualties would come from workers in the buildings downtown or ones on the road coming home.
-I15 would be non-usable. Every overpass would be destroyed.
-Individuals in the canyon would be trapped due to major landslides.
-If reservoir/dams break the valley would be flooded
-Gas line breaks will start fires
-Parking structures, buildings will either collapse or be compromised
-Hospitals will be in bad shape and will only be able to help a few if any at all.

Yeah, lots to think about. The good news is if it's isolated to your state then of course the government and all other states can step in, but it may not be for 2-3 weeks. We need to consider being on our own until then.

Now moving on to the Avian flu. Honestly I wasn't sure how to take all the information he was giving us because it just sounded like dire straits. If in fact the virus does learn how to jump from bird to human in an easy way we are toast. There really is nothing we can do.

-1.5 million + Americans would die.
-Financially America would shut down. Small Business will not survive.
-Boarder closures
-Healthcare would be so overwhelmed it could only help people for a few days. It would pretty much be non-existent. If sick you will most likely be dealing with it on your own.
-Communities would experience psychological breakdowns.

He said the only way to protect yourself from the flu is to quarantine your family. No one comes in no one goes out. He did not give a time line, which I would have liked to know, but didn't think about until later. After doing a little research online it would be months before the risk of getting the flu would pass.

When I left this is what I took from the fireside:

Bottom line - YOU have to help yourself. There will be no government to help. The church will not help you because it can't. Your best response is at the family and neighborhood level.

Do what the brothern have said, get your food storage including water the most important. Get all the essentials your family needs for several months, like medications etc. Learn how to be self sufficient. He joked about teaching ourselves to learn how to dig a hole in the backyard as the bathroom when the sewage is not working. Be able to protect yourself and family...this was a big one for me and something I had not considered. In these types of situations it brings out bad people and they take advantage. He wouldn't come out and say buy a gun, but when it was asked how to protect ourselves he said, "I don't want to talk about it. It's not a comfortable thing. It's one thing for someone to come looking for food. It's another if they have come to kidnap, rape, or murder." I almost lost it. Just one more thing to think about amidst all the other stresses.

I did leave feeling overwhelmed, but also inspired. I thought, it will not be easy, but if I can face a tragedy knowing I did everything I could, then I would be able to better handle the situation. And that is why I want to share it with you. Not to frighten you, but so you will not regret not doing everything you possibly could to help your family if something does happen. Don't get me wrong I am freaked out beyond what I expected, but I am also feeling calm. Honestly there is nothing you or I can do about one of these things happening so we just need to be prepared. I am doing everything in my power to take the energy I'm using to stress me out and use it for good...for preparedness.

If you have any questions ask. I am of course no expert, but it my trigger something from the fireside I have forgotten.

And so I don't leave off on such a downer. I received good mail birthday packages from Kristy and Amy S., and birthday wishes from Michelle and Jill yesterday. (Will add photo when I get a chance to take it.) Thank you so much ladies!

I've ruined massages

flowers from Robyn and Family

You may not know this about me, but I'm a massage therapist. Yep surprising, but true. Let me clarify. I've gone to school, I own a table, but I'm not actually practicing. In fact, it wasn't until February 14th of this year that I finally gave an official massage...it had been 3 years. But I am a certified MT.

Having this kind of knowledge allows me to have certain information that civilians don't have. Or I should say gives me more experience than the next person. So when I went to get a massage this morning I kept telling myself to relax and not think about what she's doing, what would most likely be next, or what I wish she would do. Trust me once you've done it and have your own routine it's hard not to have expectations.

One of the things I love and learned about massages was the connection between the giver and receiver. You may not realize when you're getting a massage that there are certain things the MT will do at the beginning, during, and end to connect your chi or energy. Well, this MT did nothing even close and it was actually quite disturbing. Don't get me wrong any kind of massage is delightful, but knowing what I know it's hard not to notice these subtle difference that really make a massage beautiful. It was slightly disappointing, but still loved the luxury it was to me this morning.

I'm really glad I can give them and sincerly want to do them more. After giving a massage to Adam I actually missed it. When your minds in the right place and especially when you know the person the experience is awesome for both. It's hard to explain.

Speaking of giving. After being out shopping and enjoying my day kid free I came home to this.

Completely unexpected. I was overwhelmed and tears came to my eyes as I once again felt completely loved. You didn't have to, but you certainly made my day that much more special. Love you guys.

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

I don't know what I was thinking having my annual doctors appointment on Valentines and so early in the morning. I wasn't thrilled about it, but the weird person in me likes to go and make sure everything is ok. I am happy to report all is well and I was there for a totally of 30 minutes. Nice!

Getting out the door early, to say the least, made for a very crazy morning and sadly I wasn't able to do a fun valentine breakfast. I am hoping I can make up for it with some green pancakes on St. Patrick's Day. Of course my kids had a very busy fun day ahead of them so I wasn't too concerned they would notice the no heart pancakes. They were able to get yummy treats from their grandma this morning (she watched the kids for me...Thanks mom!) & their Nana is coming over later to decorate cookies. They don't know this and will be so surprised to come home from school and find her here. It's good we're going to do something traditional today. Decorating heart cookies is always a favorite.



Despite this morning it has been a great Valentines. I have received several valentine wishes the last couple of days. Kristi sent a very cute valentine and heart. I don't understand how she has the time to make these cute things. I love it, thank you. Hannah sent me a very cute verse on love. It was so thoughtful of you and so beautifully made. Thank you so much. Michelle sent me the most beautiful valentines card. She always has the most unique wonderful creations. It is one of a kind. Thank you. I loved it. Jenn sent me a package of Valentine goodness. First of all I love the letter "A". I am collecting A's so it's perfect, but on the bottom it has my 2007 word DO on it. It's such a beautiful reminder. Then she sent yummy goodies. Did you make them? They were so good. Not to forget amcraft ribbon, pencils, a sweet note, and other fun valentine stuff. Thank you so much Jenn. Thank you to everyone who sent me a Valentine. It has been such a treat to go to open my mailbox as see the goodness.

Tonight Adam and I are going to dinner. Something I always look forward to. Our dinner plans fell through so I think we will be winging it tonight which is never a good sign. The last time that happened we waited 2 1/2 hours to eat. Valentine's Day + restaurants = insanity.

To me the holiday is just another excuse to let someone know you love them. Whether it be friends, family, kids, boyfriend, husband, etc...


Today that is what has been on my mind...the numerous individuals in my life that I love. That have touched me and showed me what love is. How blessed I am to have them in my life. The photo above just happens to be 3 of them.

I hope you all have a fabulous day full of love and goodness.

good mail to report

This last couple of days it has been a delight going to my mail box. I received thank yous from Jordan, Tasha, Robyn, Dani, and Amanda. Thanks for the great cards ladies. It's so delightful opening a mail box full or darling cards. I also got a great Valentine CD from Jordan. Thank you so much. I started listening to it right away when I was running my errands this afternoon. It's awesome. I also got a package a week ago from Victoria who sent me a pear blossom bath set. Thank you so much. It was so sweet of you to send. Hope you're liking your banner.

Right now I home alone waiting to go to dinner with some friends while Adam is out with the kids. It's so luxurious to be home alone. I find it much better than being alone and away. Why is that?

another random post

Sorry to hit this with you again, but I don't want to forget.

1. I've been sick for the past few days. Not really bad just congested with a minor sore throat. I do feel achy though and am having a hard time sleeping. So much for my workout plans. I haven't done it since last Thursday. Friday was out since I stayed up way too late the night before. I don't exercise on Saturday or Sunday and now I'm sick. This is always what happens right before I have a 3 month hiatus. I need to encourage myself to start it up once I feel better.

2. Yesterday I got my hair darkened to it's natural dark brown color. I love it, although it does make my face look a bit paler. I don't really care so much about that, but enjoy the shine it has and how healthy it feels.

3. Satruday Adam spent hours trying to switch around light switches. It's a long story, but every light switch in our house has a dimmer or mood lighting. Unfortunately the switch you adjust for the stair lights is in the basement. It has always been very annoying to us so Adam decided to change them. It is something he has done many times before, but for some reason something was wrong. He couldn't figure it out and was forced to call one of his work friends to come help. Thank goodness for connections. The guy came yesterday and ended up spending an hour and a half fixing the problem. I never really understood what happened, but it turns out it wasn't anything Adam did. The pro had a hard time figuring it out.

4. Yesterday after dinner (i'm getting my hair done) Adam and the girls started to play hide and seek. The girls are never really good at staying in their hiding place so before he started he talked it over with them so they would in fact stay hidden. As he was counting his electrician friend (above problem) came to the door. He welcome him in and started telling him about the problem. He had completely forgot about playing hide and seek until he heard Tess call from the basement, "Are you coming yet?" He started laughing and looked at his friend and said, "I'm suppose to be playing hide and seek." It had been at least 15 minutes. I couldn't believe the girls would actually stay in their hiding spot. I was impressed. He said he couldn't find Bella and that she only came out because she had to go to the bathroom.


5. Bella drew this picture in Primary on Sunday. It just made me smile to see her view on the subject. She's not the strongest artist, but she loves to do it and that's all that counts. In fact we were filling out a form a few weeks ago and it asked what subjects Bella was strong in. When I asked her she said, "Art". I'm glad she is confident in her ability. (Sorry for the background noise. She drew another picture on the back and it came through when I scanned it.)


6. Yesterday Tess and Megan discovered a new game. They went from room to room jumping on the beds to see which one they liked best. I think it was mine, but Tess' was a close second. Apparently Bella's and Megan's are just too small for jumping, but good for sleeping.

7. My girls got some good mail over the weekend from annalisa. She sent an assortment of nail polish and chocolate kisses. I don't have a picture of it because Tess was so excited she took it to school as show and tell. So funny.

We also received mail from Melanie yesterday. A darling card and nail polish. It looks like I am set for playing manicure and pedicure with my girls. Thank you so much for thinking of us.

on my mind

1. Last night I went to bed at 3am and am not feeling it as much as I had anticipated. What was I doing? I was hanging out at Crystalyn's house with my other friends Tami and Tiffanie (hopefully they will soon start blogs) having the best conversations. Our other friends had gone home earlier and we were headed out as well, but couldn't stop talking so we moved back to the couch and got comfortable. I had the best time. So good in fact I was unaware of the time that had gone by. When we got up to leave I couldn't believe we had sat there talking for 5 hours. It is exactly what I crave...rich meaningful conversations that bond friendships together. I only wish the other girls could have stayed.

2. Do to last night and my visiting teachers coming to visit me today I again realize how important it is to truly act on our promptings. I always hesitate and I know I shouldn't and am doing everything I can to try and recognize these thoughts and act on them. All apart of my word for 2007 "DO". I don't think it was a coincidence that it was discussed last night, that I talked about with my VT ladies this month, and then was reminded of it once again today when my VT came over. I really need to be better about writing how often a subject comes up in my life so I don't forget someone is try to teach me something.

3. Lately I've had a wicked craving for chips. This is strange for me as I usually only crave chocolate. Sadly we don't have anything good in the house or should I say luckily. That could be very dangerous indeed.



4. I can share my project for the week now that we've had the shower for my friend Dani (the reason for our gathering last night). I made her these cute little onesies for her babe. I thought they turned out so well it actually gave me a lot of ideas for other projects. I get so excited just thinking about it.

5. I just found out I don't have to teach on Sunday. I love teaching, but since I do it every week it's nice to have a break. Plus it lets me sleep in on Sunday morning.










6. I always read about good mail and am amazed and comforted by the generosity of others, but when it comes to my door, literally unexpected, it just blows me away. I can't help, but smile and it really does brighten my whole mood. Thank you to Crystalyn for the thank you card it means so much to me especially after last night. Thanks to Jenny for the great package of note cards, pencils, and the inspire plaque. What a perfect way to start the weekend.

7. I love my husband. I know that may sound cheesy to some, but right now I am so grateful for what we have and his willingness to work with me to get our marriage what we dream about. He actually said to me last week, "I don't think we have anything to talk about." This is actually a good comment referring to the fact that we've talked it all out and now it just boils down to doing what we know.

8. Bella is going to be with her Nana this weekend, Tess is going to spend the day with her Dad, and Megan and I will be hanging out on Saturday. Sunday my mom has invited us for dinner to watch the super bowl. She didn't think we'd want to go because Adam's not big into sports, but spending time with family is something he loves so we're going after all. Lucky for me I got a new magazine in the mail today I can save and read while they are watching. I am really looking forward to the way this weekend is shaping up.

Any big plans??

"good mail"

I didn't even know I had a package until 6pm and we were walking out the door. Adam told me it was from Jill and I was eager to open it, but waited so I could enjoy the moment.

What an awesome thank you. I really wasn't expecting anything since I already received the wind chime, which I enjoy so much. Not only did it come in the cutest pink box ever, it held such a delightful stash. A very thoughtful card, double circle stamp (love circles), packet of pink cards, and a book that looks like an interesting read. Jill thank you for your thank you. It was so very thoughtful and I loved it. It made my evening. I hope you know I am always willing to help and so appreciate your willingness to help me as well.

Most of you know Jill or at least know of her from her blog. She is an amazing woman. She's one of the most thoughtful generous people I have ever known. She's so very talented behind the lens. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways...scrapbooking, photography, generosity, organization....just to name a few. Jill, thank you for everything. I'm lucky to have you as a sister-in-law.

Happy Birthday Jill!