Landing On All Fours

It's What's for Dinner

2011-11-01T17:43:00.002-06:00

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Judi on Pinterest

BUBBLE UP ENCHILADAS
found recipe on: Recipe Diaries
Nutrition Info: Calories 390 | Fat 11.5g | Carbohydrate 36g | Fiber 2g | Protein 33g
Serves 6
Weight Watcher Recipes 6 points (old points)

1 pound ground turkey
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 can reduced fat refrigerator biscuits
1 ¼ cups shredded low fat Mexican Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 F
Brown Turkey and drain juices if needed.
Pour and mix enchilada and tomato sauce over browned turkey.
Cut refrigerated biscuits into fourths and stir into meat mixture.
Dump into a greased 9X13 casserole pan and bake for 25 minutes.
Take out of oven and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Let stand for 5 minutes.

**I actually changed this up a bit and made it Italian style. I used spaghetti sauce in place of the enchilada and tomato sauces. I also added Italian seasonings to my meat and threw in a little grated Parmesan and baked!

Marching Band

2011-09-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

My oldest child is participating in Marching Band. He switched from Trumpet to Tuba and has enjoyed every second of it. He did great during Parade season and now they are entering Competition season. They had their first competition on Saturday and came in Second Place in our division!

Way to go Lehi Marching Band!

The Best of....

2011-09-02T12:58:00.000-06:00

PINTEREST. If you know what this is then you know how utterly awesome it is. If you don't know what it is, (to quote a certain commercial) "what, do you live under a rock or something?).
If you don't know, DO ~~NOT~~ go there! You will hate me and love me all at the same time!
If you think Facebook and Twitter are time suckers, do not enter the Pinterest craze!
While letting my life pass me by and I scroll, click and pin I have come across some of the best things life has to offer, like this:

Source: loyalkng.com via Judi on Pinterest

You are very welcome!!!

The Beginning of the End

2011-08-30T11:57:00.000-06:00

The end has begun. The end of the School Years that is. Caleb started Kindergarten today!

How has it been five years already? Is my baby ready for this new existence as a school-going child?

Um, that would be a big YES! Without any hesitation or even looking back, he is off. Off to begin his journey of learning what he can become! Good luck Caleb! I love you baby of mine!

Gone

2011-08-05T11:31:00.001-06:00

On Monday my middle child, who I call Medium on this blog, left for a week long summer camp.
I was so excited for him to have this adventure. It is run by our School District and I remember going there when I was his age!
Not only was I excited for him, I was excited because him being gone meant PEACE in the home for a bit.
You see, Medium and Small fight all the time. I get so tired of telling them to be nice to each other and stop fighting and leave each other alone and please just share. I am tried of reminding M that he is older and should know better then to argue with a 5 year old.

I will admit it has been peaceful. It got even more peaceful Thursday when I handed Large (my oldest) over to some very capable and trusted adults that are taking a dozen or so teenagers river rafting! It got even BETTER when I was able to hand Small over to Grandpa and Grandma for a sleepover for a few nights.

That being done, I have been totally without children for nearly 28 hours. It was great at first, but now I am so anxious for them to come home, especially M, I pick him up at 3pm today and it can't come soon enough.
And much to his embarrassment, being the over emotional person that I am, I will shed tears of joy when I see him get off that bus! unless I get them all out this morning crying as I go about cleaning up the house because I really do miss my kids, fighting and all!

UPDATE:When I picked him up, he told me*cue tears* that he'd felt like I was following behind him the whole time and that it made him feel good and that it was really cool!

Book Club

2011-08-02T14:54:00.000-06:00

For the past 8 or nine years I have been in a Book Club, the same book club! This same group has been meeting since 1997! Of course people have come and gone, but the core group is still together!

This month we are meeting at my house to discuss this book

If you get a chance read it. It is part historical and part biography. All very interesting and intriguing.
I am excited to hear what everyone thought about it.

For dessert, my friend us making us Boston Creme Pie. She's a chef! It will be so yummy.

Almost Wordless Wednsday

2011-07-27T14:28:00.001-06:00

He did his own hair!

Measuring Up

2011-06-29T10:19:00.000-06:00

We have a tall board that every few months we take out and measure everyone in the family to see how much they have grown.
We got that out the other day. It has been 2 years since the last recorded measurements.

Here's the run down: Conner age 14-grew 7 1/2 inches
                                  Dylan age 11-grew 7 1/2 inches
                                  Caleb age 5-grew 6 1/2 inches
                                   Dad-stayed the same
                                  Mom-SHRUNK 1 inch
What? How the heck do they get to GAIN height and I shrink? and while we talk about shrinking, hello, why not my waistline, not my skyline?

Not fair, so not fair!

Happy Anniversary

2011-06-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

It is my wedding anniversary tomorrow. 18 years, holy crap how did that happen?

I am posting today because I going out of town in the morning on a trip.
This trip is NOT with my husband!
You see, for my anniversary I am going River Rafting with 5 other women.
I am TERRIFIED of doing this, but I am doing it for my best friend who planned her own birthday party.!
She is turning 40 on the 14th. Happy Birthday Jenn! I love you, and to show my love for you I am spending my anniversary with you doing something that takes me so far out of my comfort zone I should have on a space suit.

And just so you know, this is my kind, loving husbands fault because I was going to chicken out until he wrote out the check and paid her so I couldn't! Thanks dear. I love you and hope you have a great anniversary by yourself.

I will tell you all about the trip when I come home, that is IF I come home. I will be the one in a million who drowns while rafting!! and not to worry, because if I do drown, I have already told Jenn she has to take over raising the boys in my place!

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-14T11:31:00.000-06:00

I am thankful that my10 year old sons humble little prayer was answered!

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for struggling through trials and gaining an understanding of them so I can have empathy for my friend and help her through similar trials!

Almost Wordless Wednsday

2011-03-31T07:50:00.000-06:00

Me & My Boys

I don't often post pics w/me in them.

I found this one from my sisters wedding in September.

2011-03-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

I went to the gym today.

I don't like going and usually talk myself out of going!

But something happened there today that may change my mind.
I was trudging around the track(I had no tunes today which sucked).
A lady pushing a stroller came next to me and said something about how this is a great place to walk.
I agreed, but then as she was pulling away, she said over her shoulder,"I like your energy, I bet you're a lot of fun to be around".

How did she know......................that I REALLY needed to hear that today?
Thank you nice lady, you made my heart smile.

To The Rescue

2011-03-21T16:58:00.000-06:00

Sometime during the night on Saturday it rained.

Ryan came in and told me that Caleb(5) was 'out rescuing worms'. As it had started to dry up he felt they must be rescued. A few minutes later,Caleb came back in and asked for mittens.
Mittens on, rescuing commenced, but not for long. 'Mom, I's can't pick up da worms'. We find a pair of gloves, rescuing commences again, with success!

After a bit he comes in and tells relates the logistics of the rescue mission. "Mom, I rescued all the Mom worms and the Dad worms, but not any of the kids ones"! "Oh and I sqwashded one, he didn't wanna hold still".

Mixed

2011-02-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what to feel right now.

I just did something that never really entered into my mind until today when I was actually in the process of doing it.

I registered my last son for KINDERGARTEN!
How can he be old enough for this venture so quickly? Wasn't it just a few months ago that I brought him home from the hospital to become an official member of this crazy family?

When I was young and carefree, I was always told by the little gray-haired ladies who came in every Saturday to get their hair done, that the older you get the faster time goes. I didn't believe that, until now.

How can these children of mine be at the ages that I remember being?
How come I don't feel any older (other than my aches and pains) than they spunky 24 year old that got married almost 18 years ago?
Why didn't anybody warn me that my babies would grow up to be older than the 3 years old that I expected them to stay forever?

This is starting a new chapter in my life and while it is a bit overwhelming to think about too long, I am looking forward to the things to come and seeing what this bright-eyed, quizzical, and FUNNY little boy brings to my life.

But I still want to bury my head in the sand and pretend it isn't happening (at least for today)!

Vampires and Werewolves, Oh My!

2011-01-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am a 'Twilight ' fan......more so the books than the movies, but I still enjoy watching them and can't wait for the finales!

In the 'Twilight' society, there is Team Jacob or Team Edward. I have always leaned towards Edward, but not the movie Edward, the book Edward, where he is the perfect compilation from my brain!
Anyway, this post is not about them at all, except to say farewell to my infatuation with them.

There is a new Vampire and a new Werewolf taking up residence in my heart! They are cute. They are quirky. They are mysterious. But the best part is that they are friends and ROOMATES! oh yeah, and they have a third roomie......who is a ghost!

If you are over Edward and Jacob.....I highly recommend you check these guys out.....if only for the much better acting!

Here's a link to the main page. Tell me what you think!

BEING HUMAN

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't noticed to many of these TT's around BlogTown lately, they may be last years fashion, but that's ok, 'cuz so is most of my closet!

Friends: New ones and ones I talk to several time a day and ones I don't talk to very often, but still love and ones that I can go to lunch with and end up chatting with for 2 hours and ones who push me out of my comfort zone.

Sunshine: There is actually sunshine today, at least I think that is what it is. It has been SO foggy and ucky here lately that I hardly remember what it looks and feels like!

but one ~~thing~~ person that I am very thankful for right now is a little 5 year old boy who makes me laugh, even though this same child can bring me to tears nearly in the same breath!

"Mom, guess what? me: What? him: SMURF". How can you not just chuckle?

He is into stuffed animals. He has named most of them.
His 5 foot long alligator is named "MEOW".

His 5 inch stuffed elephant is "Pizza".

His 'Pillow Pet' that he got for Christmas (which is a dog) is named "Pup", I think, because it can change on an hourly basis!

The stick horse is "Bob". I have yet to figure out if that is a slam or a compliment to Uncle Bob!

He makes me smile and laugh! How can I NOT be thankful for that every second of every day?!

HURTS

2010-12-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

I REALLY ~~like~~ love music. I am very eclectic in my taste of music. I am always on the prowl for new stuff too.

The other day I stumbled upon this duo--HURTS--I think they will be among one of my faves for the next while.

Take a listen and look and tell me what you think.

I am in love with this video as much as the song. I don't quiet know how to explain what it is about it that has captivated me, but I love the scenery, the lighting, the people, the way the girls move.....there is just SOMETHING that clicks with me. Maybe I am just weird.

To One and All

2010-12-24T14:03:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas!

print by Greg Olsen

My New Favorite Christmas Medley!!!

2010-12-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

What SHE said.........

2010-11-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

While perusing the WWW the other day I came across this wonderful article. It sums up what I am feel right about now almost to a 'T', with a few differences here and there, like the hair thing, Conner would be SO happy if I would just shave his head.

Thank you Jackie Papandrew .

My son recently turned 13, and the last traces of that sweet little boy who thought I hung the moon seem to have vanished. In his place is a strange, slouching creature with a pencil-thin mustache and adolescent angst oozing from every pore.

This extraterrestrial I once called flesh and blood, whose mood swings dwarf the Grand Canyon, seems intent on bungee jumping from that rickety bridge connecting a child with adulthood. And I think he plans on dragging his rapidly aging mother along for the ride.

A drastic language change was the first indication of alien infestation in my once-cherished offspring. The rosy-cheeked cherub who used to run to me, eyes shining with adoration and shouting "Mommy!" began to address me (and everyone else) as "Dude."

At 13 months, he was a sponge, joyfully soaking up new words, becoming more communicative every day. At 13 years, the hormones surging through his body have cut a swath through the speech center in his brain; his mouth, when it speaks at all, produces mere shrunken shreds of complete sentences apparently understood only by other members of his species.
"S'up" is a perfectly acceptable, all-purpose phrase in an adolescent's world.

"Mom, I love you," on the other hand, would burn his monosyllabic lips like acid and permanently corrupt his coolness.

Communication with this high-tech yet illiterate generation is fraught with frustration. My son, who can't seem to utter two intelligible sentences to me, airs his gripes through text messaging. Just the other day, a message flashed on my cell phone in fractured syntax designed to torture my English-major soul.

"i no u h8 me. i try so hard 2 b good. y r u mad @ me?"

Cave men scribbling on walls were more eloquent.

Then there's the alteration in appearance. While I'm desperately trying to avoid bags and sags, this long-haired Neanderthal living in my house embraces them as fashion. Wearing gravity-defying pants slung low across his scrawny backside, he looks just like a baby with an overly full diaper. When I helpfully pointed this out, I got another overwrought electronic missive that ended with the text message equivalent of a scream. This modern means of communication does keep the house quiet.

Adolescent males seem to lose all capacity for living like civilized human beings. This means that my boy constantly raids the refrigerator but can't manage to close a door, that he can take 30-minute showers but never hang up a wet towel, that he stuffs freshly laundered clothes back into his hamper rather than putting them away. I find sticky cereal bowls in his closet because he was too lazy to return them to the kitchen, and the lunchbox he claimed he lost growing whole colonies of bacteria under his bed. I now understand why some animals eat their young.

The child who begged me to read to him daily now rolls his eyes in disgust when I suggest we turn off the video games and pick up a book. The angel who proudly showed me off to his kindergarten classmates now pretends not to know the deranged woman waving to him in the middle school hallway.

My fall from grace, seemingly overnight, has left me depressed, bewildered and prone to emotional excess.

"You could cut the apron strings without slicing through my heart, you know," I whimper in one of my calmer moments.

"Mom," he mumbles in that teenage tone of voice, "why can't you just act normal?"

Normal is, of course, a relative term. In about 10 years, I will magically return to normalcy as my pubescent boy turns into an adult. At least I hope I do. In the meantime, I'm going to hang on to those severed apron strings. I may need them to strangle him.

Date Night

2010-11-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Since being introduced to Rock Band a few years ago, my boys have begun a love affair with Bon Jovi!

Their exposure has been very limited, basically because I am not sure where Ryan put all of the CD's after he transferred them all onto the computer, and then crashed the computer with said CD's so we can't re-do the music collection! Anyway, they love them.

Being the kind of mom that wants to be deemed as "COOL", I told them that the next time Bon Jovi came to Utah in concert I would take them. Little did I know that they are coming in March of 2011! and have you SEEN the price of concert tickets? Crap......so imagine my surprise when I heard about this nifty little event!

Bon Jovi made a MOVIE of their 4 night concert event celebrating the new Giants football stadium!

I jumped all over that one let me tell you! I got tickets and my eldest and I were able to take in a great little concert and have a really good 'date'. (unfortunately, the middle child ended up being GROUNDED not not getting to go with us)

We had so much fun that (don't tell my kids) that I told my brother, who we happened to run into at the movie, to get me a ticket for the March concert so I can go to 'the real thing'!

So if you are BonJovi fan, even just the tiniest bit, GO SEE THEM LIVE. They put on one heck of a show (at least from my seeing the faux live version!)

and remember to always "HAVE A NICE DAY"

Art Lover

2010-11-07T00:59:00.001-06:00

I am an art lover.
One of the most memorable things I did in D.C. was go the Museum. In fact, Ryan let me go in by myself and I spent a good couple hours, and it was not NEARLY enough time. I think I could spend an entire week and it still would not be enough.

I feel that I am not doing enough to pass this love of art onto my children, so when I saw the opportunity to take them to an incredible exhibit I jumped at the chance!

We will be going to an exhibit called "The Master's Hand". It is at the BYU Museum of Art.

It is mostly his pictures of Christ that are found in some of the most royal and regal churches and casltes in Europe.
Some of the paintings are familiar because they can be found in the Bible!

I really can't wait and I hope my boys enjoy it as much as I want them too!

P.S. It is a FREE exhibit...just click the link and order tickets!!!

Shot in the face

2010-11-04T11:49:00.001-06:00

I am going to the dermatologist today!
I am SO excited. I am going to get some injections in my face.

Ones that will make my skin smooth and beautiful.

By my count, I will most likely endure about 7 of them. I say endure because they hurt. Have you ever had injections in your face? But the end result is SO worth it.

Yes, I admit, I have had this procedure done before.
The first time I was actually in my 20's believe it or not!

Alas, if you think I am talking about something along the lines of Botox, I am not.
I have the pleasure of enduring shots in my face for none other than ACNE.
At 41 years old, I should NOT have to steal zit cream from my 13 year-old.
I get what is called Cystic-Acne. Great big bumps that never come to a head and pop, just hurt alot and look very ugly. (TMI-sorry)

Anyway, that is how I am spending my afternoon! and for the record, a small part of me WISHES it was Botox!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T13:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!!

School Pics

2010-10-28T11:09:00.000-06:00

We finally got everyone's school pictures back!

Caleb-PreK

Dylan-5th grade

Conner-8th grade

5 already?

2010-10-19T00:46:00.000-06:00

Hello---My Name is Caleb! Today, October 19 is my birthday!

Of course this picture is now 5 years old!

This is me when I was 3 months old...I had a small case of the dreaded RSV.

But I was lucky and only had to stay overnight here at the hospital.

My mom was really glad!

This is me on Christmas Morning 2006. I don't really know what is going on, but I sure got alot of new toys!

My, my, my ain't I a cute one?!
No wonder my Mommy loves me so much.

Even when I do things like THIS----->
more than once...or even twice!

Now that I have grown up a little....I am about 3 here...I have LOVED swimming in our pool!

My Mom says the day she brought me home from the hospital was the day her life became complete.

Look at me now!

I am all grown up!

It has taken me 5 whole years to get this big.

Happy 5th Birthday Caleb!

Almost Wordless Wednsday

2010-10-06T10:45:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Jeanette and Steve!

Sept.18, 2010

(my sister!)

An Important Thing I Learned During General Conference Weekend

2010-10-04T09:14:00.001-06:00

This little knob was my best friend until Sunday Morning!

With this knob, my life could be changed instantly.

That little knob has magical powers to transport me anywhere I want to go.

It usually takes me to a warm, tropical paradise where tall dark handsome Cabana Boys

bring me an endless supply of yummy fruity drinks with those cute little umbrellas in them!

Yes, I LOVE me a good long bath.

But today, that beautiful knob failed me.

Instead of that warm tropical paradise, it sent me here.

or at least it tried to.

You see, that little knob has a side relationship going on.

and actually, I'm OK with that because without that relationship, I could not get what I want!

This thing they have going on is usually kept hidden away in a deep dark closet.

That is until there is a problem between the two.

And let me tell you, today there is a BIG problem.

They BROKE up.

They no longer have a working relationship.

They have stopped communicating with each other.

They have severed all ties that bind them together!

This once lovely, brilliant object had let the years

get the best of it.

The fire with-in it was gone.
Nothing could ever bring it back.

So my beautiful knob is in the market for a new partner.

Hopefully we can find it one that is bigger and better,

and that it's internal flame of love will stay burning on a LONG LONG LONG

LONG time!

yes, that is actually MY water heater!

Hello October

2010-10-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

photo

Labor Day 2010

2010-09-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

For the holiday weekend, we spent most of our time split between the Trafalga in Orem and the Trafalga in Lehi. We got a great deal on season passes to both places from here.

Since the one in Lehi is just up the street from us, we decided to ride our bikes to it! It was alot of fun, and it was really an easy ride.

The boys were very disappointed when they found out the wait time for Laser Tag was 5 hours.

They had a good time anyway, especially on the Bumper Boats getting their Dad soaking wet!

All in all it was a great weekend and we look forward to spending a lot of time at Trafalga this winter.We also get to go to the Utah Flash Basketball games and then in the Spring all of the Orem Owls Baseball games. But what we really can't wait for is next Summer when we get to spend all of our time playing at Seven Peaks .

MIA

2010-08-02T15:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that my B-day was the last time I posted! Now here it is August already...

I first need to wish my Mommy a Happy Birthday, which was yesterday! 73 years young!!!

We have been busy this summer, but I can't really tell you anything specific that we have done, it just seems like we have been running like crazy! So here is a short run down of our meanderings so far this summer:

~Caleb is in the middle of swimming lessons and is loving it!
~Conner spent a week at Scout Camp and survived!! He came home with only one small scratch!( I have to admit that the whole time he was gone my heart flip-flopped every time the phone rang, thinking that it was someone telling me that he was hurt!!)
~Dylan had his birthday in June and started Webelos! He has had a blast....we have SUPER AWESOME scout leaders!
~Ryan is working nights all summer and it STINKS! It is so hard on him and us....but I am grateful he has a good stable job!
~As for me, I am just chasing all these boys and trying to stay sane while doing so! I am actually doing pretty good (the Kracken has retreated for the time being!)

So that is us is a nutshell for now!

We shall see what waits in store for us now.............

Happy Birthday to ME!!

2010-07-22T09:14:00.000-06:00

Dear Sparkly-Eyed Girl

2010-07-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Dear Sparkly-Eyed Girl,

Did you know that you smiled at someone this week who had not been smiled at ALL DAY? You made a huge difference to them -- what a wonderful thing you did!

The kind and selfless little things you do might seem to go unnoticed, but they make such a big difference. The biggest difference is how they make YOU feel -- so keep smiling at unhappy people, keep letting people go ahead of you in traffic, keep complimenting others on their efforts, keep arranging the food perfectly on the plate.

Keep being you. Don't let the stress of every-day pressures keep you from making such a big difference in the lives of others.

Thanks for bringing a bit more happiness everywhere you go. You are such a gift to the world.

xoxo

Brave Girls Club
image from flickr

Thankful Thursday

2010-07-15T09:34:00.000-06:00

This week I am thankful that my husband knows me well enough to know what I need and is also brave enough to make me do things I don't necessarily want to do.

He made me go with him and 2 of the boys on a ride. He got the trailer hitched up and everyone and everything loaded and we headed out. Not too far, just down the road to a local trail.

I must admit that once I got on and started down the trail, I realized how much I missed riding Mabel. The trail is by a river, so there is a lot of wildlife to see and hear. It was nice to be out in nature.

Well, except for the dead critter that we could smell (but never saw, thank goodness!) and the cows that we came across that did not appreciate my sense of humor when I 'baa-ed' at them. And the fact that Caleb (age 4) looked at me like I was totally nuts for trying to convince him that they were sheep, not cows...

It ended up being a nice little ride, and just what I needed that day and I am thankful that Ryan made me get out and do something that I really do enjoy a lot.

Riding Mabel.

Now before you go and start thinking that I am special and all to have something along the Equestrian line to ride, let me introduce you to Mabel.

MEET MABEL

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? Her lean, strong frame, fine lines and gorgeous coloring? She is only about 2 years old, but I don't believe she will get any bigger than she is now. (HE-HE)

Riding Mabel makes me very happy. There is some sort of euphoria that overcomes me when I am on her. I feel as if the world shifts back into place when we go a ride! (Even if she is not a living,breathing creature!) She makes my heart smile!

I hope you have a great week and find many things to be thankful for!

Word of the Day

2010-07-14T10:38:00.000-06:00

Redneck word of the day, PICKACHU.

woman calls her neighbor "Someone is outside trying to take a pickachu undressing through your window."

Where Ever You Are

2010-07-12T09:42:00.001-06:00

I have always loved this song and it's meaning. This past week while I have been struggling with the "Kracken", I picked up my I-Pod to tune out the world and this is one of the first songs that came on. I really needed this reminder! Especially the line about being perfect because God makes no mistakes. I may not feel comfortable right now, but there is something for me to learn from this situation and I can do it, but I don't have to do it alone. Even if I don't feel perfect or that I can do this, God believes in me and knows that I can.
So remember, even if it's not where YOU want to be, it is 'right where you NEED to be' either for yourself or for some else!

Remember that you're perfect, God makes no mistakes.

"Welcome To Wherever You Are"

Maybe we're all different, but we're still the same
We all got the blood of Eden, running through our veins
I know sometimes it's hard for you to see
You come between just who you are and who you wanna be.

If you feel alone, and lost and need a friend,
Remember every new beginning, is some beginning's end.

[Chorus]
Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you gotta believe

That right here right now, you're exactly where you're supposed to be

Welcome, to wherever you are.

When everybody's in, and you're left out
And you feel your drowning, in a shadow of a doubt

Everyone's a miracle in their own way

Just listen to yourself, not what other people say.

When it seems you're lost, alone and feeling down
Remember everybody's different
Just take a look around.

Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you gotta believe

That right here right now, you're exactly where you're supposed to be

Welcome, to wherever you are.

Be who you want to, be who you are
Everyone's a hero, everyone's a star.

When you wanna give up, and your hearts about to break
Remember that you're perfect, God makes no mistakes.

Welcome to wherever you are
This is your life, you made it this far
Welcome, you gotta believe

That right here right now, you're exactly where you're supposed to be

Welcome, to wherever you are.

P.S. watching a Bon Jovi video should brighten anyone's day!!

video from youtube

Lyrics from azlyrics.com

Broken

2010-07-10T13:43:00.000-06:00

My computer has been broken for most of the week!

We actually have 3 computer in the house and all of them have been down for one reason or the other.

Stupid viruses, I liked them better when only humans could get them!

But not only has the computer been broken, I am feeling broken myself.

I am yet again battling the "Kracken" (what I am now calling my depression).

I have named it this because that is what it feels like for me.

It is this giant monster with tentacles that no matter which way I turn,

grab on and try to pull me down into the awful abyss of darkness.

And just like a Sea Monster, it can be thwarted off for a time,

but it is ALWAYS lurking underneath to rise again from the depths of Hell to ravage my ship (me).

So there ya have it!

The bright side is that at least ONE computer is working (sort of)!

I can't believe how lost I felt without it this week!(can you say ADDICTED!)

Here's to a better week!

~Happy 4th of July Weekend~

2010-07-02T11:25:00.000-06:00

Trival Tuesday

2010-06-29T11:09:00.000-06:00

The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache on a standard playing card.

you know you what to go check!

On being 'BRAVE'

2010-06-27T12:17:00.008-06:00

     A while back I subscribed to a site that sends out an email everyday encouraging you to be a "BRAVE GIRL". This idea was created by an awsome and inspiring gal by the name of Melody Ross. If you know anything about the scrapbooking world, you probably know about her. If you don't know about her and her incredible journey through life, you should visit her blog and discover why she developed this huge phenomena of being "BRAVE GIRLS".

     Anyway, I have be inspired by the daily messages that are sent to me and I have decided to share them here each week.

                                                       Here is to the Brave Girl in all of us!

Dear Overwhelmed Girl,

Do you have the completely irrational belief that so many of us have that you can be everything  to every one........especially to those that you love? Do you believe it’s your job to keep them all happy, to help them with everything that they are struggling with and to then go out and save the world in your free time?

Do you over commit and then beat yourself up when you under-deliver?

Are there a million things on your list that were really really important that you didn’t even get to because you got caught up in doing things that weren’t nearly AS important?

Ok now.....take a deep breath. Now...take another one. One more.

Remember that you are wonderful. You are loved.....and, phenomenal friend...amazing woman.........you are a human being. You DO have limitations and it is totally ok for you to say no sometimes....lots of times. In fact, it is essential.

When you don’t stop to rest....to think....to recharge....to remember....to restore.....you end up grouchy, tired, uncreative, angry and numb to lots of life. You are a sparkling, beautiful girl and we need that sparkle.....so STOP today and make a list....prioritize it...be realistic. Say no to at least 3 things today..........practice.

Say yes to yourself....to joy...to rest....to being 100% present to the things that matter most to you..instead of a tired and diluted version who has too much to do to ever do her best at ANYTHING. Don’t lose yourself while you are trying to be everything to everyone....

If at all possible....only have enough on your plate that you can do your best at everything you have to do.......your life will take on new meaning and happiness.

Just practice...this is a hard one, but so worth it. Hang in there......you are loved!

Xoxo

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

~I am thankful to have gotten an EARLY birthday present.

the good news is that it is something I wanted really bad.

the bad news is that I have to WAIT 3 months to use them!

~I am thankful that some certain people that live near me will be moving at the end of the month.

I did SO not just type that ;o)

~I am thankful that I have picked 3 bowls of Strawberries from my plants in the past 3 weeks!

thank you chicken wire!

~I am thankful that my sister is getting married!

for the 4th time!

~I am thankful there is a bag of my favorite popsicles in the freezer.

and I used bodily harm as a threat if they are touched by anyone else!

~I will be thankful when the Lehi Round-Up Parade is over.

STUPID float!

10 Years Old

2010-06-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

Dylan turned 10 yesterday June 21, 2010.

We had family over for cake & ice cream.

He got totally spoiled with 5 different Lego sets!

He also got a brand new Mountain Bike!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!!
We Love You!

2010-06-11T14:43:00.001-06:00

-I have yet to watch the final episode of'24' because I don't really want it to end!

-I seperate my Skittles by colors and then eat them in a certain order, starting with yellow and ending in either purple or red.

-I have yet to decide if getting Netflix is worth it~the boys want to watch it non-stop!

-Yesterday I was complaining that the AC must be broken because it was too warm in the house.

Today I am almost too cold!

-For the first time in nearly 20 years, my husband had to PAY for a hair cut!

-I spend WAY too much time on this computer!

-I want to be better at this Blogging thing.

But I feel my life is so ~nothing~.

-I don't have "texting' with my current cell phone provider.

I feel like I am in the Dark Ages for it.

-I need to find more things for my kids to do when the weather is crappy, so they don't wake their Dad up because he sleeps during the day because he works nights.

-My kids HATE it when I make them use hamburger buns for sandwiches!

June 10, 1993

2010-06-10T09:01:00.000-06:00

I love you more than ever, more than time and more than love,

I love you more than money and more than the stars above,
Love you more than madness, more than dreams upon the sea,
Love you more than life itself, you mean that much to me.

Ever since you walked right in, the circle's been complete,
I've said goodbye to haunted rooms and faces in the street,
To the courtyard of the jester which is hidden from the sun,
I love you more than ever and I haven't yet begun.

You breathed on me and made my life a richer one to live,

When I was deep in poverty you taught me how to give,

Dried the tears up from my dreams and pulled me from the hole,

I love you more than ever and it binds me to the soul

You gave me babies one, two, three, what is more, you saved my life,

Eye for eye and tooth for tooth, your love cuts like a knife,

My thoughts of you don't ever rest, they'd kill me if I lie,

I'd sacrifice the world for you and watch my senses die.

The tune that is yours and mine to play upon this earth,

We'll play it out the best we know, whatever it is worth,

What's lost is lost, we can't regain what went down in the flood,
But happiness to me is you and I love you more than blood.

It's never been my duty to remake the world at large,

Nor is it my intention to sound a battle charge,

'Cause I love you more than all of that with a love that doesn't bend,
And if there is eternity I'd love you there again.

Oh, can't you see that you were born to stand by my side

And I was born to be with you, you were born to be my bride,

You're the other half of what I am, you're the missing piece

And I love you more than ever with that love that doesn't cease.

You turn the tide on me each day and teach my eyes to see,

Just bein' next to you is a natural thing for me

And I could never let you go, no matter what goes on,

'Cause I love you more than ever now that the past is gone.

Bob Dylan

thanks google for the pics
thanks flikr for the poem

Almost Wordless Wednsday

2010-06-09T04:30:00.001-06:00

Since Conner just got his cast off on Friday, he decided to split his head open to keep the attention going!

Nothing one little ole' staple couldn't fix though!!

Why I Love Montana!

2010-06-07T09:56:00.000-06:00

Fairfield Students Ride Horses To School

Published: Thursday, June 3, 2010 12:06 PM CDT
Five Fairfield students rode their horses to school last Friday. Sun Times photo by Cindy Dauwalder

I Don't Even Know What to Say

2010-06-06T13:16:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the most amazing opportunity of helping at the Casual Blogger Conference.
I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I meet so many wonderful people and had so much fun just visiting with them. I was able to rub shoulders with the big wigs of the event (mainly because MotherBoard and I are related!) Here are some of the great people I met:
Caroline- aka-The MomBabe, what more can I say than she reigns supreme!
Tenille-I ♥ her alot!
Julie- of LeeLou Blogs fame! She is wonderful!!!!
Karen-we sat at the registration table together!
Libby-we were also at the registration table and she was kind and loving enough to let me crash in her hotel room Friday night!
Melissa-is stinkin' HILARIOUS!
Shelle-so, so much fun and she takes AWESOME photos!
Sharla-is fun and amazing!
I know there are many many more that I met and got to know a little that I am forgetting, my apologies!

I was able to attend the Discussion Panel about Depression and was blown away by the amazing women that are so open and frank about this disease (yes, I think of it as a disease just like any other). They have inspired me to be stronger in my journey through it and to remember that I am not alone in it and that I must trust enough to reach out to people. Here are some of those amazing ladies!
Jamie, Heather, Casey, Jenny.

I was also able to go around and visit with some of the great vendors that were there! Among them were:
Oh Sweet Sadie!-I can't wait to get to know them better!
CraziBeautiful-who also does Sweet Life in the Valley-she has got some FUN things cooking!
Green Jello with Carrots-fun fun fun!

If there was only one thing that I learned at this Blog Conference, it is that women are wonderful. There really are women in the world who are loving, caring, and most importantly GENUINE.

I have had people in my life shake my beilef of there being genuine people, are real and caring and nice! No ulterior motive, no talking bad behind my back, none of the high schoolish crap! I feel like I have connected with some genuine people who I would really like to get to know. So if you see me stalking your blogs, it is because you made an impression in my little life!
Thank You to those I met and Thank You to those I listened to and heard about and watched!

I also need to give a special shout out to two special ladies, Jenny of Like Swimming -thanks for meeting up with me and keeping ME from hiding in the bathroom!

The other is Shanna of Just So, thanks for coming over to say "Hi, where do I know you from"!

Thank you ALL for making my life better and brighter!

'Fraidy Cat

2010-05-27T07:54:00.001-06:00

I have a bit of a problem. I get extremely nervous and scared and anxiety ridden when I am put in any type of situation that is out of my comfort zone. Also known as anxiety disorder or panic attacks or whatever. I have worked hard over the past year or so to get it under control, but it still rears its ugly head once in awhile....like this week. Why, you may ask? because I am going here -- Don't get me wrong, I am VERY excited to be going, but seriously scared to death. I hate being put in new situations, let alone doing them BY MYSELF! It really is a feat of God that I am even going. It all starts on tonight with an awesome GNO (girl's night out) . Now I must make a small confession here because I really should NOT be scared for this event because I am lucky enough to know Teresa personally and know that she is one of the kindest and most genuine people you will ever meet! I am very lucky to get to be an Aunt to her 3 girls! My sister is the girls step-mom!! So I know that I will not be totally alone there tonight, but it really isn't helping my anxiety too much, but I am going to persever and have a grand old time!

And now for the rest of the confession!

I can't wait to see this gal! Steph of TheDailyDigi.

You see, she is my cousin! But I think we may have been like 5 the last time we saw each other (ok, maybe not THAT little, but a LONG time ago).

And you know what else? That would mean that this gal is also my cousin (seeing as they are SISTERS) Elisa of Mormon Mommy Blogs.

So with all of these people that I know, you'd think I would not be so freaked out, but I am. But this is an exercise in breaking down walls that I have built and stretching new found wings, so much so that I even asked to room with total STRANGERS!

I really am looking forward to all of this and know that all will be ok and I will have super time and make lots of new friends and reconnect with my cousins! So, wish me luck and if worse comes to worse, come pull me out of the bathroom that I am hiding in because my fear has gotten the worst of me!

Almost Wordless Wednsday

2010-05-26T07:14:00.002-06:00

sometimes I need a reminder to......

and to.....

(all images via google)

Oh the NERVE!

2010-05-18T18:27:00.001-06:00

This past month has been a living hell for me. Living in constant pain is something born of the Devil AND it can make you act like said Devil while you must endure (at least it does me). About 2 months ago I started with some gnarly back pain. I went into my Dr. and he decided that my lowest lumbar disc in trashed, rubbing bone on bone. See that jelly in that picture down there, you are supposed to have a lot of that in between the discs in your spine....I have none in the lowest disc. So we figured out a treatment plan and I was on my way. Then I fell. Not very hard mind you, but enough to do major damage, in a different way. I herniated the disc above the afore mentioned disc! So, like the picture, that jelly stuff in the disc above is getting squished out the sides and onto my nerve root, not just one little nerve, but the whole dang cluster. That cluster is what controls most of the nerves to my left leg, from hip to toes. Let me just put on record that when that tiny nerve root is being squished by some innocent looking jelly, it hurts, BAD. Besides feeling like my leg is on fire and it feels like the worst charlie horse you can imagine with out it ever letting up.

I had to go for an MRI and it hurt so bad to lay there I thought I was going to pass out or vomit or both, in the MRI tube! I was trying so hard to calm myself down and not squeeze the panic button because I knew that if I did, I would have to endure this all again. So I suffered and cried and hurt, but I didn't do a very good job calming down because he had to re-do a set of films because there was too much movement from me. Which must have been from trying to calm my breathing so I wouldn't pass out or vomit! Running an MRI session from start to finish without trouble takes about 30-40 minutes. So when he had to re-do a section, that meant 10-15 more minutes. Anyway, the MRI got done!

It showed the herniation, so my Dr. set me up at the Hospital for a fun little procedure under guided X-ray.

Doesn't that look like fun?! It hurt, but not nearly as bad as getting the MRI believe it or not!

What this is supposed to do is reduce to swelling and help ease the pain.

See all those red areas marked above on her legs? Those are used for diagnostic purposes to help Dr's. pinpoint which nerve is being pinched. One red ares represents one or two nerves. My symptoms cover ALL the red ares! Fun huh?!?

While the shots have helped, at least I am able to walk now, I am still in major pain and can't do much, which is hard when you need to run a household. Luckily I have such a stellar hubs who just steps up and does what needs doing and my boys have really done an outstanding job of pitching in too.

I go back to the Dr. tomorrow to see what the next step is since I still am in pain. Most likely it will be the "Torture Table"!

I think I jinxed us all in this house when I declared war at the beginning of the year!! Don't bad things happen in 3's? Does this mean we are done? I sure hope so! (all images via GOOGLE)

Lucky '13'

2010-05-03T12:48:00.001-06:00

Yesterday (May 2, 2010) Ryan took all 3 boys over by Cedar Hills so they could ride their scooters on the trail. He sent Conner and Dylan off ahead so he could help Caleb out some. Dylan radioed him on the Walkie-Talkie that Conner was hurt. So he gets there and Conner is screaming in pain. He gets everyone loaded and takes the other two boys to Grandma & Grandpa Talbots, which luckily was just a few blocks away. He then starts to the ER, which, again luckily, was just down the road a couple of miles. My back was hurting so I had stayed home on meds to get it under control! Ryan called and told me Conner had broken his arm, but not to worry and not to come to the hospital! I yelled at him that "I WOULD MEET HIM AT THE HOSPITAL!" I did have enough sense to call Jenn and have her drive, (only because my purse was in the van so I had no license, not because I had just taken pain killers!) I get there and I hear him before I see him, he had that poor reception nurse very flustered with his commotion! So we get him back and settled in and then they do x-ray's.

This is NOT his x-ray (thanks Google), but it is almost identical to his. He had a dislocated wrist and 2 small fractures in both wrist bones.

I told Conner that we had made it 13 years before we had a broken bone in the family!

Let's hope it is another 13 or better yet, never, for the next one!

We go for his cast in a few days. He is doing good!

Declaring War

2010-02-06T13:00:00.007-07:00

I am declaring war on injuries and illness in my home! No more. I am done with them, no more allowed. It all began the last day of school before Christmas Break way back in December. I got a call from Dylan telling me he had slipped and fallen on ice while waiting for the bell to ring before school started (9:05). His head hurt and could I come get him.

I went and got him and came home. I gave him some Ibuprofen and told him to lay down and rest. By about 10:00 he was crying pretty hard. I woke Ryan up who had just got home from working nights and asked what he thought, we decided to just ride it out. Well, by 10:30 he had thrown up 3 or 4 times, so I called the Dr. and told them I was bringing him in. I went and woke poor Ryan up again to let him know I was taking Dylan to the Dr. As I am driving (less than 1 mile) to the office, I talk to him and ask questions to try and keep him awake. It gets harder and harder to the point I am yelling at him to stay awake. His head would drop back and eyes roll up. We get to the office and they take us right back, as we wait for the Dr. to come in Dylan becomes combative and will not sit still. I am trying to talk to him and get him to respond,but all he can do is moan and say he is not going to survive. The Dr. comes in and tells me he will call ahead to the ER and tell them to expect us! It took 3 of us pushing him in a wheelchair to get him to the van! I call my friend absolutely in hysterics, (to the point she can't understand me) I tell her what is going on and she needs to go to the house and go wake Ryan up because all the ringers are off so he can sleep! As I am driving Dylan is 100% unresponsive. Now mind you, I like to watch the shows like "Trauma in the ER" and stuff, so you can only imagine what is going through my mind at this point....brain damage or worse! As soon as I pull up to the ER door, he lifts his head and asks me where we are! (HUGE sigh of relief). We go in and check in and he can at least answer a few questions, but is very dazed and out of it, can't sit still etc. oh, and still throwing up! They take him back and prep him for a Cat-Scan. Ryan, at this point is awake, and on his way. Dylan goes back for his scan and I am sitting there alone....in the ER....with a child with head trauma....HOLY CRAP. I hear them down the hall wheeling him back from the scan and just as they get to our room I hear in this adorable little boy voice "oh, Hi Dad". Ryan had made it! With Dylan being so alert and happy and 'up', I wanted to call the DR.'s office and have them tell Ryan just how bad he had been, I could tell he was thinking "my overly hysterical wife" while rolling his eyes! The Scan came back clean, meaning there were no skull fractures or brain bleeds. Diagnosis, moderately severe concussion. Treatment, time! Time heals all wounds! So we took him home! And it took him nearly 10 days to fully recover. I didn't mean to go into so much, but I feel the need to get this on the record so they say! That was Friday Dec. 18th, the beginning of Christmas Break.

Sunday night, I woke up to a little tiny 4 year old voice telling me he had just thrown up! So begins the journey of the stomach flu! We made it through Christmas without anyone being to ill and then made our way towards New Years! A day or two before New Years, Conner had a sleep over with a friend, just after the friend left that morning, guess who starts puking, all over the family room floor! Now, I was not home at the time and by the time I got home it was sort of cleaned up, by Ryan, who CAN NOT tolerate the sight, smell or sound of throw-up! He literally will start puking himself! So kudos to him for trying to get as much cleaned as he could stand! The biggest problem was that Conner's retainer had come out during his episode and he did not notice, until AFTER Ryan had thrown his sleeping bag in the garbage! So guess what I got to do? Dumpster-dive for a retainer in a can full of vomit! NICE...but I did find the retainer, which would have been $250 to replace! Conner recovered very quickly(less than 24 hours) so we felt confident in participating in New Years Festivities with neighbors. We all walked over and were enjoying ourselves, the kids went upstairs to play and I mingled withe the big people! We had only been there maybe a half an hour when Caleb said he wanted to go home and throw-up! Here we go again.....I took him home and with-in 10 minutes he was asleep, without any vomiting (yeah). The older boys stayed so they could watch the Ball drop, so at least someone in our family rang the New Year in festively. That Saturday I heard that the Dad of the house where we were at was ill....Sorry Mark!! We are now into January. New Year, New start right?!?! Things went well for a couple of weeks until I got one of these,

If I catch them soon enough, over-the-counter Migraine meds will knock them out. Well, they did, but then it would come back in day or so. This went on for nearly 2 weeks. Finally last week, Ryan got home from work to find me with my head in Caleb's (the 4 year old) lap and he was just rubbing my back! He packed me up and away to Insta-Care we went! Morphine shots are very nice! Hurt going in, but welcoming relief! I slept for nearly 2 days and have thankfully been headache free since. But, (isn't there always a but?!) After I woke up, Guess what made another appearance in the Pearson Household? Poor Ryan was SO sick for a couple of days. And just to make matters worse, it was accompanied by this, and all of us have had alot of this going on too! then came this: Dylan has a bad ear infection AND bad sinus infection, from above mentioned cold and cough! Therefore as of TODAY I will not tolerate germs in my house! I have Pine-Soled, Lysoled and/or Bleached every possible surface in this house! Washed all of every ones bedding, sprayed Lysol on all the mattresses and pillows. I have opened the windows a bit to let in some fresh air. This house is de-germed, until they kids go to school again next week anyway!

Silent Sunday

2010-01-31T14:37:00.001-07:00

pic by Greg Olsen via Facebook

LOVE/HATE Relationships

2010-01-25T16:59:00.004-07:00

Here are some things that I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with!

LOVE that Ryan will help with laundry.

HATE that he never puts fabric softner in.

LOVE sending my son on camp outs.

HATE having to wash the clothes twice to get the smoke smell out.

LOVE bird feeders hanging in my trees.

HATE that the birds ate all my strawberries.

LOVE getting a tax refund back.

HATE waiting for it.

LOVE Valentines Day Sugar cookies

HATE the whole process of making them.

LOVE Blogging and Facebook

HATE that it makes me feel inadequate sometimes.

LOVE fresh snow.

HATE long winters.

LOVE how good I feel after exercising.

HATE exercising!

How about you? Any LOVE/HATE stuff going on?

Redneck Monday

2010-01-24T18:32:00.003-07:00

Redneck Word of the Week

WATER

My Mom gets mad and I don't even know water problem is!

Silent Sunday

2010-01-23T12:55:00.004-07:00

This is another "theme" that I am going to try. Each Sunday I will post a picture, and maybe a word or two about it.

That's all, just something to hopeful cause a little bit of reflection and joy in your day!

Here is my first:

SILENT SUNDAY

photo credit

Burrrrrr

2010-01-23T10:33:00.003-07:00

I just don't understand the enjoyment that boys in this group (Boy Scouts),receive from doing this (camping in the snow).

I can only hope that I packed enough of these (warm clothes)

so my son does not come home looking like this!!

2010-01-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

There is an awesome giveaway for scrappy people over here. But don't win cuz' the loot is MINE ;o)

It's ELEMENTARY My Dear......

2010-01-13T10:28:00.008-07:00

Our Elementary school is putting on a play of this:

actually it is a muscial.....

They had so many kids try out they had to split it into two seperate casts! Over 170 kids wanted to sing and dance.

Dylan tried out with the hopes of being this guy,

But he ended up being cast as one of these goofy guys!

A part that he will be REALLY good at.

But just for the record, these are my favorite characters in the show!

Red Neck Word of the Week

2010-01-11T08:44:00.002-07:00

Kenya ~~~Used in a sentence- Kenya get that for me??

Thankful Thursday

2010-01-07T10:24:00.003-07:00

I am thankful for a New Year full of new adventures and hopes!

For new challenges.

For wonderful children.

For wonderful friends.

For learning new things!(like how to make my own TT header!!)

For just being me, as hard as it is sometimes!

New Year, New Me

2010-01-04T09:34:00.002-07:00

I vow to be a better blogger this year. Last year was really rough, and it has taken me nearly the full year to recover. But this is a new year and I have plans running around in my head of things I want to do on this little ole' blog and I am excited to get started....the first, I now dubb Mondays as being (insert drumroll here)

REDNECK WORD OF THE WEEK

CHAIR: I was about to eat a bag of candy, when my mom said............You better CHAIR that with your sister!

2009-12-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

Chirstmas Eve in the DOG house!

2009-12-29T10:26:00.002-07:00

It is a tradition in my family that we have Clam Chowder on Christmas Eve. The past few years we have branched out and started to include more types of soups thanks to my sister-in-law! We happened to be gathering at her house this year and I LOVE LOVE LOVE to go to their house! It is always so much fun to be with my brother and his crazy kids! There is one kid that is not human, even though he THINKS he is....ROCKY, the choclate lab! Rocky really is part of the family, Mike even calls him his 'kid'. So it was really funny when I saw Mikes post on Facebook on Christmas Eve day about how Lisa had cooked some chicken for the soup that night and left it to cool out on the counter.....and then left to run errands....and forgot the dog was in the house! She came home to 5 less chicken breasts than she started the day with. So Rocky got put in 'Time Out' for the day. I just couldn't help but tease Mike & Lisa about it when we got there that night! We all had a good laugh and many 'Bad Dog' scolds to Rocky! My assignment for the dinner was to bring dessert. I decided to make a cake that I really like. I slaved over it all morning because it was one of those multi-step affairs. I had to make 2 cakes to feed everyone, so there was not room in my fridge to keep 2 cakes cold to set the frosting! So being smart like I am, I put them on cookie sheets and set them outside on the deck in the snow! It worked GREAT. Better than the fridge! We make the trek to Mike's for dinner and when I got there I told him the cakes needed to stay cold because the frosting was only Cool-Whip and the cakes would slide off if they didn't stay cold, so we did what I had done at home and put them out on the deck...which was SAFE because the DOG was still in 'Time Out'. Dinner was wonderful and we all had great time visiting. After finishing our meal, we gathered downstairs for a Christmas Message. When it was over, it was dessert time!!! So I went up to help Mike serve...he noticed something out on the deck.....moving.....then he went out very quickly and I hear "Rocky, NO". He had forgotten the cakes were outside and paroled the dog! Rocky had licked all the frosting off the top layer of BOTH cakes! He also tried to steal my chocolate covered pretzel sticks, OUT OF MY HAND as we were leaving....Rocky, BAD DOG, NO ONE gets MY chocolate!

My Mom the Author!

2009-12-04T10:45:00.002-07:00

My Mom just received her book yesterday...and I received the very first copy! I will have to scan the cover and post about the story later, but I just had to give my Mommy a big shout out because she worked SO hard on this endeavor and to see it in actual PRINT was fabulous!! She now has her very own ISBN number recorded into the Library of Congress...HOW COOL IS THAT? Way to go Mom...I am very proud of you and so glad you are my Mommy AND my friend♥

Man defines Woman

2009-11-08T20:33:00.003-07:00

My brother posted these on FaceBook and I just had to steal them! This first one is my favorite!

This is my second favorite!

We aren't REALLY that bad are we?!

Snow?!

2009-10-28T11:15:00.003-06:00

I am LOVING that there is SNOW on the ground !!!! (yes you read that right!!) But I am not so hot on this horrible wind we have going on right now. It reminds me alot of the winters in Montana. Lots of cold wind like this. But then once in awhile we would be treated to a Chinook (warm winds from the north). It would be so cold one minute and then the wind would kick up and you would realize that it was warm wind and within a matter of time, all of the snow would be gone! It was always a nice treat after a few days of below zero cold! My kids even went out and played in it yesterday! I now I will regret saying that I am loving it about the middle of January, but for now...♥♥♥♥

My Baby turned 4

2009-10-22T09:32:00.005-06:00

I can't believe that my youngest child just turned 4. It has gone by so fast and I just want it to stop and go back to him being my BABY, not this budding little individual with indepent ways and thinking!

He is the light of our family...after we had Dylan, our second child, we knew we wanted one more, but decided that if I had not had a baby or was not pregnant by the time Dylan went into Kindergarten, we were done and would make sure we were done. So when the time came to register Dylan for school, I came to terms that we would not be having another baby and was preparing mentally to shut the baby making system off.

On a whim one day I had the thought to take a pregnacy test. Ryan laughed at me really hard because technically I wasn't even 'late'! So when I brought that cute little stick out to show him those tell-tale little lines, who had the last laugh then huh?

His response was "ok then".

We were all very excited and happy!

I have C-sections, so I got to pick when his birthday was going to be! But he had other ideas I guess because I ended up having him about a week before that date due to health issues on my side. So Caleb came into our family on the night of October 19, 2005.

It is so fun to see his little personality blossom. Sometimes I wonder about it though! He sure has his brothers beat in a burping contest! And he is 1000% boy! Trucks, trains, dirt, bikes, bugs, you name it that kid is into it, but his favorite thing to do is 'work' with Daddy! Most of Ryan tools have gone missing from the garage due to Caleb 'needing' to fix something!

Caleb goes to preschool now and is growing by leaps and bounds everyday!

I am excited to see what the future brings and to see what kind of man my little boy grows to be!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB!!

Wordless Wednsday

2009-09-30T06:47:00.002-06:00

Barbie does Utah

2009-09-24T07:58:00.002-06:00

I found this wonderful little gem on this blog,

( I don't know where she got it from)

Disclaimer: I did not make this up, so if you are offended...SORRY!!!

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Utah market:

'Park City Barbie'

She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a million dollar home. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.

'Draper Barbie'

The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Wind star Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

'Ogden Barbie'

This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) unless you are a cop; then we don't know what you are talking about. 'Sandy Barbie'

This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them. 'Spanish Fork Barbie'

This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR t-shirt and Tweety Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick Mullet-Haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free. 'Scipio Barbie'

This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer-Gutted Ken out of Spanish Fork Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.

'Moab Barbie'

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Moab Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

'West Valley Barbie' This Barbie now comes with a stroller and 2 infant dolls. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. White boy Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

'Provo / BYU Barbie' She's perfect in every way, mainly due to the high levels of antidepressants in her system. We don't know where Ken is because he's always at church meetings.

Great Escape Meme

2009-09-19T17:01:00.003-06:00

This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site! Great Escape Meme 1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be? I would spend a month or so touring around Europe. 2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car? I have really been into a song called the Crow & the Butteryfly by Shine down . 3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do? Check into the fanciest hotel around and order roomservice all night! 4. What is your guilty pleasure? reading a book straight through in one sitting! 5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home? Mexico 6. Last book that you couldn't put down? love walked in by Marisa DeLos Santos 7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch? Somewhere in Time 8. What is your favorite local escape? a drive up the canyon 9. How do you escape on a budget? drop the kids off at Grandpa & Grandmas then go back home to a quiet house! 10.Best food you've ever had while on vacation. A true Philly Beefsteak while in Philly.

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-17T09:59:00.005-06:00

Things that I am thankful for this week:

the hint of FALL in the air,

that my boys are all LOVING school,

(I even had to add an extra day to Small's preschool schedule!)

a quick recovery from a minor surgery,

that I have great neighbors and friends that kept my family fed during said recovery!

that book club was at my house this month and it was really fun,

that I discovered how 'to die for' Kneaders cakes are,

that I get to host Bunco at my house this month too!

what about you? what are your thankfuls this week?

p.s. I am so NOT thankful that XL starts his 4 month working nights rotation this week

(but am thankful for his job!)

:o(

It's a Start

2009-08-25T10:13:00.002-06:00

In trying to explain my absence from BlogLand a while ago....these pictures are the best I can do right now.

I am starting to emerge from feeling like this most days to feeling like this most days! It is all still a work in progress, like finding the right combo's of RX's needed, and talking with a really cool therapist, but I am working really hard toward conquering this evil thing called DEPRESSION. It will not take over my life again...I am not saying it won't rear it's ugly head now and then, but I WILL NOT let it control my life any more... I will be in control of it!

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-20T08:13:00.003-06:00

I am thankful that school starts today!

I am thankful to get back to some sort of schedule.

I am thankful that our Pearson Family Reunion went AWESOME !

I am thankful (I think) that my baby will start preschool next week.

I am thankful for new cute pink panther pj's that make me smile alot while wearing them!

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-13T08:46:00.005-06:00

I am beyond thankful that the kids go

back to school next week.

(if not, one of us may not be alive by then)

and speaking of being THANKFUL have you seen this?

(almost) Wordless Wednsday

2009-08-12T09:08:00.002-06:00

waking at 2 am--unpleasant. waking 12 year old at 2 am---even more unpleasant. watching a rare meteorite shower together ---PRICELESS

2009-07-16T04:16:00.002-06:00

things I am thankful for this week:

pretending to be on a mini vacay while house sitting

for a littlest boy that needs to 'nuggle' with Mom every night before going to bed

for a 12 year old away at Scout Camp all week

for that same 12 year old to come home

for sno-cone night!

July the 4th

2009-07-03T09:55:00.003-06:00

Hope you all have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

(almost)Wordless Wednsday

2009-07-01T08:04:00.005-06:00

This is some of what we did this past weekend!

Photo Phriday

2009-06-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

This beautiful little scene is what I would see every time I stepped out my back door when we lived in Montana! Now do you see why I miss it so much?

I pulled the image off of google though! I 'd have to dig to hard to find any of my photos!

Thankful Thursday

2009-06-25T10:02:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for whoever I stole this adorable header from! I ♥ paisely~

I am thankful that I am having more good days than bad days now~

I am thankful for a husband that has put up with me for 16 years now~

I am thankful for kids who help~

I am thankful for the sushine finally~

I am thankful ......

HOLDING PATTERN

2009-05-14T12:06:00.002-06:00

I have decided to enter into a holding pattern and get ready to come in for landing.

I hope I am not kept in this for very long!

I will see you all when I "land safely on all fours"!!

Did you hear?

2009-03-23T08:58:00.002-06:00

Did you hear that scientists have found bones on the moon?

They figure the cow never made it!!!

Off the Radar

2009-02-27T08:50:00.002-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control at this time....I am going off the radar.....going underground....hunkering down or whatever else you may call it. I have been trying for a long time to hold things together, but they just keep unraveling faster than I can wind them back up. I love my blog and the blog world, but have found that it is more of a stressor for me right now than it is enjoyment, so I am going off screen . I may pop back on once in awhile, but it will only be blips here and there. Wish me luck in this flight to infinity and beyond :o)

Wordless Wednsday

2009-02-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

via google

Trival Tuesday

2009-02-24T07:54:00.006-07:00

Tuesday's are going to very random here from now on, just so you know!!

My brother sent me this video....I want to know if this guy teaches obedience classes for children and/or spouses!

2009-02-23T08:40:00.002-07:00

Ok people....the gals over here have a GREAT giveaway going. So click your way over there and try your luck!

Judi needs...

2009-02-21T11:56:00.003-07:00

votes. a divorce from awful wives. reassurance. to buy a dictionary. a photo to post. to know that no one is self-sufficient all the time. an Oscar. to wear her glasses. exciting music. to attend a luncheon somewhere. thanks Google for telling me my needs **edited type your name and the word NEEDS into Google! take the first 10 things that make sense! or make you laugh the hardest!!

Friday Flair

2009-02-20T17:05:00.005-07:00

I know this is rather late in the day, but I had to run to get a root canal done first thing this morning and then ended up chauffeuring Jenn down to her Dr. appointment, and good thing I did, he had her go in for a NST (non-stress-test) and NO momma-to-be should be made to do those alone!! All is well with her and baby thankfully.

So here are some fun ones and check out the SUPER FLAIR!! Shapes, cool huh?

Have a great weekend♥♥

What do you do?

2009-02-14T04:35:00.002-07:00

What do you do... at 3 o'clock in the morning... when you can't sleep? Me, I decide it would be a great time for a pedi & manicure!! So now I have to stay up even longer waiting for my polish to dry :0)

Friday Flair~Valentine style

2009-02-13T18:28:00.008-07:00

My mom has actually been reading my blog lately and when I talked with her she mentioned that I had not posted my Thankful Thursday or Friday Flair this week...I wasn't going to post at all, it has been a long hard week for this household, but I decided in honor of V.D. day tomorrow I would throw up some flair. So enjoy. . . and I hope you have great Valentine's Day ♥♥♥♥

Friday's Flair

2009-02-06T09:27:00.006-07:00

since I am addicted to this stupid thing over on Facebook called FLAIR... I thought I might try to have a little bit of fun and start FRIDAY'S FLAIR here on my little ole' blog. So each Friday I will post one or two Flair pieces that just made me giggle! Hope they at least make you smile!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-05T08:04:00.005-07:00

I don't know how it gets to be Thursday so fast?! Do you?

Anyway, this weeks thankful list includes:

1. Sunshine~I know it was top of last weeks list, but man I am glad it has been hanging around! Even though it is still North Pole cold, I can deal with it when the sun is out!!

2. Tax Refund~should be in the bank by next week!!!

3. Day Trips~took the boys out to Antelope Island on Monday, what a fun place, even in the midst of winter!

4. Life~the TV show, is just love this show and am glad it is back on...

5. Book Fairs~I get to help out at the school book fairs when they have them....you'd be amazed at how much joy a 45 cent eraser can bring a kid!!

6. Birds Chirping~I always love to hear the birds in the trees!

How about you? What are you thankful for this week?!

thanks for the cute new valentine header TIb!!

2009-01-29T08:49:00.008-07:00

Seeing as it is Thursday already, here is my thankful list:

1. Sunshine~it hasn't been around much lately.

2. My dear XL and his willingness to help out MY friends.

3. Doctors that learn new proceedures to better our lives.

That's all for today....

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-28T07:46:00.001-07:00

Last week we took all three boys to the Open House of one of the new temples in our area.
It was fun to have the boys asking questions and being excited to just be inside this amazing building. They always hear that you can go there when you go on a mission or get married, so they were happy to see inside now. Conner was excited that he can come back when he is 12 and do baptisms.

Celestial Room

aren't these window just amazing?

this is the Bride's dressing room...

I was glad to see that they raised the chandaliers up in this temple,

seeing as when I got married, (in a differnent temple) I raised my arms up to put my dress on and hit the chandalier.

It was not quiet either!!

marriage family waiting room

I was amazed at how vibrant the colors were throughout.

Much more colorful than the pale hues I am used to in other temples.

If you haven't gone yet, go to lds.org to get reservations , it is worth it!!

Oh and all pictures came from lds church temples since no photos are allowed inside.

I Spy With My Little Eye.....things that start with

2009-01-27T08:50:00.087-07:00

This fun little game is going around and I recieved my

letter from da bergs.

L things that I like are:

1. Lilacs~I just wish they lasted all summer long.

2. Lavendar~the color and the smell.

3. little Fairy Doors~check them out here and here.

4. Laughter~especially coming from my kids.

5. Lotions~doesn't every girl enjoy smelling good?

6. literature~give me a good book and I will be happy until I'm done reading it!

7. Las Vegas~one of my favorite places to visit.

8. Limes, not lemons in my water.

9. licorice~Red Vines please.

10. Lunch Dates~never enough of these♥

So these are a few of my favorite things brought to you by the letter
L

Now if you want to play along, just let me know and I will give you a letter! Check out some of the other letters too,Tanja, Tammy, Tiburon, da Bergs, Amy

Spreading Sunshine

2009-01-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tigger is spreading sunshine everywhere!

Go on over there and leave a comment to enter

to win a basket full of Sunshine!

Couldn't we all use a little bit of shine about now?!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-22T09:37:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for Puffs Kleenexs....they are so very soft on a very sore nose.

I am thankful for Tylenol Cold & Flu~Daytime use, so I can at least hear the door open if Small tries to escape.

I am thankful Vick's Vapor rub that makes me smell SO good to others while I am trying to get my nose to unclog enough to smell!

I am thankful for throat lozenges that I can suck on all day to ease the pain.

I am thankful that there are cartoons available 24 hrs a day to entertain a 3 year old while his mom is comatose on the couch.

I will be even more thankful for alot more things in a few days when all of the above are no longer needed!

♥Hope you are have no need to be thankful for these things this week♥

Happy?

2009-01-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

This morning amidst getting the household ready for church and getting everyones tummys full, I was playing with Small...we were laughing and tickling and goofing off when Large says " Wow Mom, you must have got a good nights sleep" I looked at XL with a puzzled look and asked Large why he would say that and he says
'Because you are in a really good mood'!
maybe my word of the year needs to be happy?!

Landing On All Fours

It's What's for Dinner

Marching Band

The Best of....

The Beginning of the End

Gone

Book Club

Almost Wordless Wednsday

Measuring Up

Happy Anniversary

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

Almost Wordless Wednsday

To The Rescue

Mixed

Vampires and Werewolves, Oh My!

Thankful Thursday

HURTS

To One and All

My New Favorite Christmas Medley!!!

What SHE said.........

Date Night

Art Lover

Shot in the face

Happy Halloween!

School Pics

5 already?

Almost Wordless Wednsday

An Important Thing I Learned During General Conference Weekend

Hello October

photo

Labor Day 2010

MIA

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Dear Sparkly-Eyed Girl

Thankful Thursday

Word of the Day

Redneck word of the day, PICKACHU.

*woman calls her neighbor* "Someone is outside trying to take a pickachu undressing through your window."

Where Ever You Are

Broken

~Happy 4th of July Weekend~

Trival Tuesday

On being 'BRAVE'

Thankful Thursday

10 Years Old

June 10, 1993

Almost Wordless Wednsday

Why I Love Montana!

I Don't Even Know What to Say

'Fraidy Cat

Almost Wordless Wednsday

Oh the NERVE!

Lucky '13'

Declaring War

Silent Sunday

LOVE/HATE Relationships

Redneck Monday

Silent Sunday

Burrrrrr

It's ELEMENTARY My Dear......

Red Neck Word of the Week

Thankful Thursday

New Year, New Me

Chirstmas Eve in the DOG house!

My Mom the Author!

Man defines Woman

Snow?!

My Baby turned 4

Wordless Wednsday

Barbie does Utah

Great Escape Meme

Thankful Thursday

It's a Start

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

(almost) Wordless Wednsday

July the 4th

(almost)Wordless Wednsday

Photo Phriday

woman calls her neighbor "Someone is outside trying to take a pickachu undressing through your window."