ShaBoogie

Schools In!

2011-09-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

So where I add post to my blog disappeared and I have not been able to figure it out forever but I did today. Yeah! It was the first day of school. I think we were all excited to get back to a schedule. I try so hard during the summer to stick to a schedule but that lasts all of a week. The kids love school and are so excited to get back to their friends. I will miss them, but it is for the betterment of us all.

Chunky Monkey

2011-03-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

For Real??

2011-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Can it be that my baby is 8 months already (in 5 days). Why does it go by so fast? I really meant to do 6 month pictures but I guess 8 will have to do. I just snapped a few today cause she looked so sweet. She has been sick the last 3 weeks and her smile just wasn't the same . It's back now though and we are loving it. She loves hearing her own voice really loud, so that makes church real exciting. She is trying to crawl, but she just cant get the back and forth leg thing, I hold her up and she moves her arms but hops both her back feet like a bunny. Kinda cute! She love to see her brother and sister when the walk into the room her face lights up. She can't get enough of Vincent's craziness, he pretty much makes us crazy though. She is very content and doesn't really complain to much to us at all. I love her, and just want to squeeze her and eat her chunky legs.

How Do I Love Thee?

2011-02-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

With us just having Valentines Day this is a great message to remember about our relationships with others.

She likes herself some good music

2011-02-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

The girl likes to dance. She makes us laugh and smile all the time. Vincent drives us crazy with loud obnoxious noises but she thinks he is the funnest and she is always looking for him when he leaves the room.

Skiing

2011-02-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

The kids went skiing for the first time with Valencias school. They both picked it up so quick I could not believe it. I wish it was something we could do more often with them. I didn't get a very good video of Valencia, because just a little later she was flying down the hill without turning. It was totally freaking me out, because if she crashed she was going to get hurt. She said she was in control, so I believed her. She always has a surprise for me. She was able to go up the next week and stayed out all day from 9 to 9 and only came in for a couple short breaks. Yes she is a crazy one. Vincent was a mad man out on the slopes too, they defiantly did not get this from me.

For Nana and Papau

2010-12-24T23:40:00.001-08:00

Winter Recital 2010

2010-12-24T23:20:00.001-08:00

Way to stinkin' cute!

2010-12-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

This little girl just stole my heart! How cute is she!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

At the Mommy and Me Class

Our scary neighbor lady at the trunk or treat

Creepy!!

Baby Bee Jayla

Remember to take you Vitamins

2010-10-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Vincent had a fever last night of 103.5. He was so sweet, with a look of concern on his face and trying not to cry he says to me "It's because I forgot to take my Vitamins." How cute is that!

Vaya's new wigjam POW!

2010-09-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Jayla

2010-09-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just love when I get so many great shots in one shoot.

That just doesn't happen all the time.

This is just a few of the shots of Jayla (aka Pizazz)

One featuring Vaya in their cute little outfits.

I found a cute skirt at Kohls and made two outfits.

Jayla you are tooo sweet.

A Little Fun

2010-09-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

The lame things I do in the little free time I have, but they do bring me so much joy. These are my new desk top icons that are great! I love when they pop up. They make me smile.

Back to School

2010-09-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great first day of school. Valencia is excited to apply for her job at school. She wants aquarium first, cafe second or greenhouse third. Vincent loves his teacher. I am excited for them to be back in school. It will be quiet around here. Vaya will keep me company though.

New Life

2010-09-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have been to the same hospital two times since I have had Vaya, to welcome new little spirits to the world. The newest being Vaya's new bff.

Jayla Van Dahlke

9-02-10( yes, like the show) at 8:15 pm.

She is 8lb 11oz, 21" long

Congrats, cute family!

The many goings on at our home

2010-08-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

Our table got this huge scratch on it in one of our many moves. I wasn't to worried about it because I had this great idea. The table had been in storage for the last 4 years since we have lived in other peoples homes (I am so glad to be in our own home) so I had not seen it in a long time. I was excited to get it all fixed up. I finally was able to just yesterday. I still need to go through more pictures but I am way excited. If you want to be on the table of fame send me a picture so the kids can get to know your faces, especially if you are a relative in any way. I am excited to play I SPY with the kids.

Before

After

Valencia and Amia are always doing some sort of craft. Here is a work in progress. It is a house plus a tree house! They will sit for hours and do stuff like this. I will put up a picture when they have finally finished.

We went to the farmers market the other day. The kids really enjoyed it. I saw the bouquets of flowers and thought that would look great on the little front table we have, it needs something. I love the bright colors.

The kids asked me to play this flour game. I was glad I asked them to do it outside after I found these pictures on the camera.

Here is Vaya all ready for her big introduction to Clint's coworkers. They had a baby shower for her and for another lady that is due in Oct with a boy. I was fun to see some of them I hadn't seen in a while and to meet the others. They had it in the lobby of the Fox Theater. It's kid of a cool place to have a baby shower. I love that place it is gorgeous. I let the kids loose with the camera and this is what they came up with.

Family Picture

2010-08-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

We just moved into a new ward at church and we were asked to provide a family picture for the ward newsletter. We haven't taken a family picture in about three years. So I guess this gave me the kick I needed to get one done. So after church Becca came over and got a great picture of us. I do love our broken falling down fence for this reason, it is great for pictures.

Vaya at 1 month

2010-08-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hockey

2010-07-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

OK so Clint has been playing hockey for almost a year now and I had never seen him play. His games were at 10 at night, which made it hard to go see. Then he would do drop-in during the week so I wouldn't see him then either. So the other day I took the kids up to watch their dad. I really wasn't sure if I believed that he really went to play hockey. I thought why in the world would you want to play hockey. So I went to see and he really does. He plays goalie and loves it. I would die going up and down up and down. I think that is why he has such nice legs. So here he is whoopin' it up on the ice.

This one shows it really is him in all that gear!

Our True Identity

2010-07-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

I know I am always putting p these messages, but they always are so good and I want all of you to be able to see them. They lift me up . They come when I need them. I love my Savior.

Sleepy Baby!

2010-07-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

She loves to sleep all day and keep us up all night. She is getting a little better, so I can at least function during the day. I set her down on the couch the other day and Clint said "You have got to get some pictures." This is what I got. I tried today to have her photo shoot but she was wide awake and would get so bummed if I tried to squish her up in those cute poses. I will try again tomorrow and the next if I need to.

Hospital Pictures

2010-07-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

Had the wrong password posted previously - it's better now.

Here are the pictures they took in the hospital. Go Here and click on hospital photo shoot and enter this code 0707vayaburgess

announcing...

2010-07-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

vaya anne burgess

7 pounds 12 ounces, 20 inches long

july 7, 2010 at 11:25 pm

mom and baby both doing great

love and thanks to all for the

visits and congratulations

The 80's

2010-05-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Who remembers all the great fads of the 80's

Leg warmers

Big hair

Converse

Banana Clips

Bright tights with flats

Neon

Pegging your pants
Parachute Pants
Sunglasses
The Madonna Look
Acid Washed Jeans
Members Only Jackets
Layered Socks

Oversized Shirts
Swatch Watches
Jelly Shoes (Jellies)
Reebok Hightops
Paint Splatter
Stirrup Pants

The kids had 80's day at school today.

Valencia will be singing tonight with the school choir "The Pinetones" they are signing all 80's songs. It will be great!

It was fun to think about all the funky things we wore back then.

What can you remember?

Mothers Day Reminder

2010-05-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

A reminder of why we are here as mother. A reminder of our divine nature. I needed this today.

Cute baby stuff

2010-04-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, not my picture but I found this as I was searching around. Way too cute! Vaya is going to have to have one. Found it here.

Popcorn Popping!

2010-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

At church the kids sing a fun song about popcorn popping on the apricot tree, here is our realtors version for us.

You could go and give Clint moral support and sing “Popcorn popping on the Burgess’s floor”

I looked in the window and what did I see? Popcorn popping up to poor Clint’s knees. Spring has brought me such a nice surprise, popcorn falling right before my eyes. I can take a truckful to the dump, a big truckful that would be so sweet. It was really so, much to Clint’s distress, our new home was- really a mess!

Bonus in these pics: Baby bump Pictures for Aimee and Tristin. I know you have been waiting for these.

Vaya

2010-03-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Vaya from Kristin Burgess on Vimeo.

It's Ours!!!

2010-03-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

They just called to let us know it it ours. It is going to take a lot of work to get it to where we can move in but it will be so worth it. The pictures make it look much nicer than it is. We won't have to live in someone else's house. Yippee!! I keep myself up all night decorating, that is going to be the fun part.

Living room

unfinished basement

Dining room

Kitchen

Back Yard

Be Strong

2010-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

It a Brand New Year!

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9)

This is the Youth's theme for this year.

I love being in the Young Women organization and being able to help these girls reach their full potential as daughters of God. I love this site and all the information it has for our youth. I am so thankful to have leaders that care so much for the youth of the church and want to help them.

For the Strength of Youth

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

I always love a good Christmas message.
You can also go here and get some ideas on how to bring Christ into your Christmas.
http://www.lds.org/topic/christmas/

Savoir of the World

2009-12-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Valenica was in our Stake play this year and Clint helped with lighting. She came out of her shell so much while doing this. I am so glad she tried something new so she could grow. They had to put in a lot of time and have some late nights but still had such a great experience. So the first clip she is a beggar and in the second she is the dancing girl 3rd from the right. The third one is 6 of the youth camp leader girls I worked with this summer for girls camp and they sang so beautifully to Mary it made me cry. They were wonderful! The fourth is the Last song. It was a beautiful play and I am so grateful for the talents that were shared with us all.

The kind of Woman I want to be.

2009-11-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a blog I follow, Modern Molly Mormon and thought yep that is the kind of woman I want to be. Hope you do too!

2009-10-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just trying out some different backgrounds. Thought this was kind of cute!

Serve Others

2009-10-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

"There is a danger in the word someday, when what it means is not today...

Choose to serve the Lord this day"

-Henry B. Eyring

The Dirt on Celebrities

2009-09-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yes sometimes with Clint's work he get to do the fun stuff. I just got off the phone with him and he was doing Bryan Adams laundry. Oh that's the life. He said he didn't even ruin it. I am so proud of him.

Clint's day off

2009-09-17T14:42:00.002-07:00

Clint has been working on a program book for the Symphony, so we have not seen him much lately. He finished yesterday and we are glad he is home for the day and can take some time to himself. You work hard to provide for our family and we think you rock!

Score!

2009-09-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

I always love a great deal! I stopped at a garage sale the other day and they had great prices. I hate when you go to one and everything is way over priced. So I found this great set of books for the kids for $20, online used it sells for $195 about. Yeah I am freaking out. Then I go to the sale across the street and find this camera tripod and ask how much it is, she says $5, I say sold. I know that these are at least $100. So I check it out yep $115 online. So I get in my van to go home and it wont start, try again won't start. My brother-in-law (thanks Steve!) had to come tow me home. We brought it in to get it checked out and the fuel pump is out. Sorry little wonderful van I can't put that much money into fixing you. So much for saving money.

Finding Peace

2009-09-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

I started a Yoga class last week at the Lutheran church down the street. I love the classes! It is a yoga flow so it is a little quicker pace that gets your heart rate up. Last week I could barely move for two days afterward, will see how it goes tomorrow. At the end of every class there is time for meditation and the teacher shares a spiritual thought to think on. The thought today was pertaining to
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

So many times I am frantically trying to keep up with the things in my day and trying to dodge the things of this world. It is hard to find that peace that is in me, though my Savior, amid all of these things. I am going to try to step back and find that peace when the world is telling me otherwise. We need to take the time everyday to be still and reconnect with that spirit. How do you all reconnect?

First Day of School

2009-09-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

So I tried to do a video but our video camera is not working to well (I had to hit it a couple times to get it to work) and I am trying out the imovie on my mac. Vincent put pennies in our DVD burner so there was no point in me making a movie I couldn't burn so I haven't made a video in years and it was hard to get used to the new imovie format, but I did it. I have a lot to learn. I will have to make more to get better. I will have to call you Steve to get some pointers. So here it is and I know it is a little long but it is mostly for me to look back at and listen to their cute little voices.

First Day of School from Kristin Burgess on Vimeo.

Camping

2009-09-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Yes lots and lots of pictures. We had a great time camping. Here is a list of the "we did while camping"

arrive late like always and set up in the dark
cold nights
crawdad hunting
building dams
playing fetch
canasta
sleeping in
family time
hikes
rain storms
flying tents
haunted house
trying to keep dry
calming crying kids
rope swing
parade
candy
flying flags
smiles
Fun
Packing up
robot out of box
Rainbow
cows in road
sleeping while Clint drives home
reality depression
buck up

Camping!!

2009-08-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

So I have done more camping than I have done in many years past. First of all I was able to be a part of Girls Camp for church. What a wonderful experience. I was in charge of the YCLs (Youth Camp Leaders). What a wonderful bunch of girls that put aside so much of their time to run camp. Oh what a way to build your testimony. The theme for camp was B.O.O.T. Camp Building our own Testimonies. I had the best time at camp. There were times of homesickness and sadness but the spirit at camp made up for those moments. I love my Youth Camp Leaders (YCLs) they could not have done a better job. I saw as they worked with their girls and helped them and loved them. I learned about compassion and love and selflessness and being yourself and having a great time. They made their girls shine. I had confirmation that they had been placed where they needed to be. I watched as the first year YCLs taught the cheer to their girls and it filled me with emotion. I could see the love they felt. Thursday night was life changing for me. My testimony of my Heavenly Fathers hand in my life was strengthened. During our wonderful water Olympics, which I did synchronized swimming with some other leaders (so cute!) on Thursday it started to rain. We were able to get everything ready for the rain. After dinner it got worse. I prayed that everything with the rain would work out. The fourth year YCLs had worked so hard on a great spiritual fireside that they had planned and I wanted so badly for it to work out for them. We still had fireside under the pavilion, which was a blessing to have all the girls so close. The 4th level started their presentation where they had chosen 7 women from the scriptures, history and just common women that were inspiring to them. There was Mary the mother of Jesus, pioneer women, Joan of Arc, and last the honored our Stake Young Womens President. It was wonderful to hear how she had touched all of these young women's lives. She is also very inspiring to me. But before they started the rain was very loud and they were having to yell so they decided to sing some songs. One of the YCLs said "We don't want to have to yell you spiritualness. She is so funny. So we began to sing. We sang I am a Child of God and Choose the Right and it was still raining. The Stake Presidency said to sing one more so we sang, I'm trying to be like Jesus and as we sang the rain slowly stopped. I knew Heavenly Father wanted us to hear what was going to be said. The spirit was so strong. They were able to share this great moment. After that they did role call, where each level does their cheer. There was excitement and fun. They all just got way into it and brought a great spirit of unity and love. The leaders had briefly practiced a little song and dance to Thriller. So it was our turn to perform. The mood was set by turning off all the lights and the campers turning on their flash lights. Mind you the rain had calmed and it was quiet. The music started and as soon as you heard DU-NUH DU-NUH-NUH there was a huge lightning and thunder and it began to pour as we started our dance. The girls were screaming and we could barely hear the music over the the screams. The girls were loving it or terrified I could not tell, but we all played it up and had a blast. I think Heavenly Father knew we needed something to make up for our dancing abilities. I couldn't have been better. After the fireside we split up into levels for testimony meetings. I was not sure where to to go because I was not with a level, but I did need some time to myself so I went down to the waterfront to take in all I had just experienced. When I got back I joined the second years where Garianne was a leader. It was so wonderful to hear the testimonies of these young girls. I hope and pray that they will be able to keep that experience close to their hearts and be able to draw from it in hard moments. After testimonies they had all the girls with a candle light make their way down to the waterfront where they were greeted by leaders with lights lining the beach. They formed circles by level. We waited for they third level for a while and then Garianne turned to me and said " Here they come they just didn't hear." This statement as I watched them join us with their lights was something I needed to hear. I thought of those in my family that are inactive, of those friends that I have that have fallen away. I thought of myself at times. I thought of me welcoming them as they hear the truth and follow the light. I watched as they journeyed toward the light with theirs now lit. I know I will experience this same feeling one day with each of these people I pray for. It will be so much more intense and wonderful I can't wait for those days. I am so grateful that I could go to camp and feel of the wonderful spirit there away from all the cares of the world. I hope I can have that strong spirit in my home more often and I will try my best to to this. I am excited for next year and hope it will work out so I can go again. I am so blessed. I have much to be grateful for.
So here are some pictures from girls camp. I did daily gifts for each of my YCLs and I had 31 of them so it was a chore but I just lined up my kids and their friends and had them help. They loved it. Also below that are some pictures from Camping with Becca and Steve. Clint had to work so I was my first experience camping with just the kids for 4 days, I just hadn't had enough camping from the week before so I went again. Then when I got home I had a breakdown and just wanted to go back away from all the responsibilities and realities. I'm better now.

What a Great Summer! Very Memorable!

You all make me Smile!

2009-07-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

You all are too wonderful! I think I know all of the best people in the world. I have more support and love than I ever even knew. I have learned so much from this experience and even though it is hard I feel my Saviors love for me even more. It has helped me to grow closer to him. Hugs to everyone. You all make me smile!

Trials only make us stronger!

2009-07-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

I know I should have put this up a long time ago but we have been out of town with no internet at all. I thought we would be able to get it at some point during our long trip but we were never able to.
I want to thank all for the wonderful congrats on our little one but I also need to tell you on June 23rd I was having some complications and went in for another ultrasound and we found that there was no heartbeat. I should have been between ten and eleven weeks but was only still at six weeks and one day just like in the first ultrasound. So my pregnancy had not been progressing since then. I am thankful to have been able to see the little heartbeat and I am so privileged to have been so close to this little spirit even if for only a short while. I am excited to one day meet this sweet spirit that was so needed on the other side. I send my love out to those who have helped and talked me through this and those who have been through it themselves. It was harder than I thought it would be. The hardest part was to tell the kids. We took them out to ice cream and told them. Valencia surprised me, she said "Mom Heavenly Father has a plan and we will have another baby when he is ready. " Vincent was very sad and still asks me if there is a baby in my tummy yet almost daily, he tells me how he really wants a baby brother or sister. Sometimes it makes me laugh because of his innocence and other times it hits me and I really want one too. I am so thankful for the strong faith of my children and the strength they give me when mine is down. We have to be thankful for our trials, they make us stronger.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

The start of your adventure as a father with little Valencia. I still remember the look on your face when she came into this world and you said" It's a girl!" with such excitement. You were so excited and ever since then she has been daddy's little girl.

Changing your first diaper. You have always been such a help to me. There are dad's that don't think this or many other things are part of their job as a father but you have always been willing to help out with what ever I needed.

I love that you took the time to include your kids in things you enjoy.

Even if you may look silly you do it for your kids to make them happy.

Your not the dad sitting over in a chair you are out playing with your kids.

Our second little angel loved just as much as the first.

Thank you for helping get the kids to sleep it is always such a big help even now.

You give Vincent everything he needs. Love, time and even your good looks.

"Anchor" a game that came out of one nights laziness and now provides hours of enjoyment for the kids. Even if you are tired you make time for them.

You teach them hard work. You are a great example of it and so many other things.

and I know you will continue to be a great father to our next little one!
I love you more than you know!

Piano Recital

2009-06-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Valencia had her piano recital yesterday. She had been given a very challenging song and had to work and practice very hard. She told me after she had played that she had only made 3 mistakes. I was glad to see that she could make a mistake in front of all those people and it was ok. She always likes to do everything perfect and I am glad that she realized that even if you work really hard at something you may still make a mistake and life goes on. We are not perfect people. She did a great job and I am thankful to her teacher Jenna for challenging her and making her work hard. She played Polynesian Breeze by Martha Mier and I had the video camera out ready to record it and it would not work. I will have to see if I can get it working in the next couple days and record her.

Valencia with Jenna

Amia also did a wonderful job. I was trying to remember the name of her song but could not I can't. It was an Indian song and very fun to listen to. Great job Amia.

Amia with Jenna

Maternity!

2009-06-16T13:54:00.001-07:00

Just the other day I was able to take some maternity photos for some friends. I have taken some maternity photos one time a very long time ago. So I am glad I had the opportunity to do these. I really had a great time. So here are some of the pictures from the shoot of Brandi, Adam and Adalynn. You can't see Adalynn yet but she will be here soon and I can't wait to meet her.

What a great card!

2009-06-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

It says "Happy Mother's Day from me and my sister."

Every time I look at this card I got from the kids this year it makes me laugh.

For those of you who know Vincent this is the perfect card. We do call him Mr. Monkey Pants.

How can I be?

2009-06-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Found this song and love it! I need to learn to play the ukulele.
Here are the Lyrics

How can I be like my brother Nephi?
My father Lehi of old?
How can I be like Captain Moroni
In the wars that were told?

How can I see forever
Like the promise to the three Nephites?
I wanna be Samuel the Lamanite
I wanna be Benjamin the Wise
I wanna be like Abinidi
Oh tell me how can I be like them?

How can I be like Alma the Younger,
Strong servant of the Lord?
How can I be like Mighty Ammon,
Whose heart was his sword?

How can I be a stripling warrior,
And learn to fight by faith?
I wanna be Samuel the Lamanite
I wanna be Benjamin the Wise
I wanna be like Abinidi
I wanna be like Jesus Christ
Oh tell me how can I be like them?
Oh tell me how can I be like them?

Sweet Baby!

2009-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Lakai it was so nice to meet you!

I am a great Aunty to this little one and was fortunate to be able to get some pictures of him.

Congrats Tristin and Ryan!

Family Night!

2009-03-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Every monday night we have Family Home Evening, which usually consists of a song, scripture, lesson and activity. Sometimes we do a game night and this is what we did last night. I had heard of this game called "Skittles" but we used M&Ms. You have a person rolling dice to get doubles and a person with a straw trying to get the skittles from the big bowl to the little bowl as quick as you can( no laughing, because it is really hard to suck and laugh at the same time) as soon as doubles are rolled it is the dice rollers turn to do the skittles and the dice go to the next player. Very fun and your lungs get a great workout. Valencia' friends Sam joined us for the night!

We always like to end the night with treat, so chocolate dipped

strawberries and bananas were so yummy!

Valencia's Birhday Fun!

2009-03-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

So yes it is very late putting this up, but I am finally getting to it. We went to the Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experiance and brought Amia and had a blast. We got these sweet 3D glasses!

In the theater there was about six other people, so after a little while I let the girls get up and dance. They were doing cart wheels and dancing like maniacs, like at a real concert! The 3D part was kind of cool, but you had to wear the glasses or the movie was totally fuzzy. So afterward we had to go get out concert t-shirts. We went to Sears.

I never did get a picture of the shirts they got because we got sidetracked by trying on a bunch of great outfits.

Then we went to Wendy's for frosties and brain freezes. I was a great memorable night and way easier to put together than a friend birthday, I think more enjoyable for everyone too. Will have to do something like this again.

Happy Birthday a month late Valencia!

The Giggles

2009-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today I was in the car with Vincent after I had picked him up from school. His water bottle fell out of the cup holder then a little way down the street it happened again. He said "Now that is ridicleous, oh I can't say that ridicleous. " It totally made me laugh so hard. I encouraged him that he can say ridiculous. He told me "thanks". He is way to cute and I love how kids can just make your day by a few words they say. One of Gods little tender mercies.

Jump Rope!

2009-03-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Valencia is doing the Jump Rope for Heart. This is the only fundraiser that we do during the year so if you would like to donate you can do it online by going here! Thank you so much!

My Hope!

2009-03-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

I guess there is a show on HBO called "Big Love" about non-Mormon polygamists and they are going to unknowingly portray what goes on in the mormon temple. I guess throughout the show more and more Mormon themes are being woven in. This is something sacred to me and I hope that people will not get the wrong idea about who we are from the wrong source. The media tends to do this with all different religions and it is something that separates us not brings us together.I hope if we have questions about someones religion we will go to the source, not the media or other who do not know. That is how we come together. Here are some things the church has put out to show why we build temples.

SALT LAKE CITY 9 March 2009 Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. Sometimes depictions of the Church and its people are quite accurate. Sometimes the images are false or play to stereotypes. Occasionally, they are in appallingly bad taste.

As Catholics, Jews and Muslims have known for centuries, such attention is inevitable once an institution or faith group reaches a size or prominence sufficient to attract notice. Yet Latter-day Saints – sometimes known as Mormons - still wonder whether and how they should respond when news or entertainment media insensitively trivialize or misrepresent sacred beliefs or practices.

Church members are about to face that question again. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series. As Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert D. Hales of the Council of the Twelve Apostles have both said recently, when expressing themselves in the public arena, Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness.

Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.

Examples:

* During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.
* When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.
* When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.
* In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.

Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints.

If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Let me have Courage

2009-03-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

I saw this little poem on this blog and just loved it! I spend more time searching around on the internet then I do blogging, so I guess I can share little bits of happy that I find.

Let Me Have Courage

Let me have courage to believe in myself
not only on the days when I'm doing great
and nothing seems impossible,
but on the days when the world looks lousy and
I'm losing, and the road ahead seems to hard:
when I wonder if I'm brave enough,
smart enough, strong enough,
and I must be crazy to try.
Don't let me quit - let me have courage in myself.
No matter how many people
discourage me, doubt me, laugh at me,
warn me, think me a fool,
don't let me listen.
Let me hear another voice saying,
You can do it, and you will.
If no one else in the world cares or believes in me,
let me have the courage to believe in myself!!

Author unknown

Sweet Song!

2009-03-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

I just heard this song and hope that my kids will have memories with me like this! Too sweet!

Sometimes it's best to have privacy!

2009-03-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

I have been chatting with some other bloggers and I am thinking that it is best that I make my blog private in the next week. If you would still like to keep up on what we are up to then send me an email or contact me on facebook so I can send you an invite. Cherrio!

Dr. Suess Day / CV days at the Mall

2009-03-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Vincent was able to go sing at the mall today with his preschool class. They sang Bear hunt, Slippery Fish, Wheels on the Bus and Coconut soap. Oh they are so cute! I love being able to go on field trips. This one went smoothly, which is not always the case. They made their own shirts for the performance, so colorful!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. Last night Valencia set out all her clothes for today. Her class theme for the day is Wacky Wednesday. This is what she came up with. She let me have creative freedom on her hair, maybe she will think about that a little more next time. She actually loved it! I love that she doesn't care if she looks like a fool when she goes out in public. When at least most of the time, she didn't have matching shoes for her dress yesterday so she choose to stay home. Maybe I should not keep my kids up till 11:30 it sure makes for a hectic day.

A Good Story!

2009-02-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Becca was tired of seeing Clint on the roof so here is something to lift you up.

Snow update

2008-12-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Clint cleaned off the roof and I went up to help for awhile. Jumping off was quite fun.

Thank you Ben for your kindness. Your always helping. Thank you dad for letting him borrow your snow blower.

And we got all this in two days. I haven't noticed it stop for a moment yet. If you plan on traveling to Spokane (Steve and Jana) you may need to make new plans, actually I suggest it. I also have not seen one person go around our corner without getting stuck. This is the craziest snow day I have ever seen. I can hear another person stuck out there right now. Silly people stay at home with your family in your cozy house.

Snow Day!

2008-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is what we woke up to today. This will be the 4th time shoveling in a 24 hour period. In Spokane we have had record snowfall in a 24 hour period ever , which is over 25" of it. All the school disricts are closed. We will have to do some fun snow play today. That's our excitement today. Everyone be safe!

Happy Tree

2008-12-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

I was at the store the other day and saw this cute little pink tree. It looked like a happy tree. It sat there amongst all the other plain green trees and tinsel trees and it just looked so happy. I restrainted myself from taking the happy little thing home with me, even though I knew every time I looked at it it would make me smile. I did it I restrained. Then I come home the other day and found that my mom could not restrain herself from the happy this cute little thing made her feel. So tonight we have a little bit of happy in the corner of the room. Your so fun little tree. Thank you for bringing some sparkle to my day. Also sorry this picture does not do you any justice. Also, flocked trees are insanely messy.

That Time of Year

2008-12-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

The time to try to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas.

Last night we went to go look at Holiday lights and ended up at the best Christmas house, the Temple. You had to get out to see the Nativity, which was beautiful, but we could not linger long because it was 5 degrees out. Way too cold!

Trying to start new traditions.

Becca wanted to start the tradition of making Gingerbread Houses. So we made the dough, houses, and icing. Bought a bunch of candy that we don't need and tried it out. It went ok and we had a great time, but it is a lot of work. We will see if we are up to it next year.

Homemade Gifts

Actually this these are from a swap I did. I love Swaps. This swap I actually got an apron from the same person I had sent mine to which has not been the case before. In every swap I have either sent or received an apron from someone who is LDS, small world. The top one is the apron I sent out and the bottom one is the one I got, I love it! I was able to wear my gingerbread man apron while making our gingerbread houses.

SNOW!

The picture of the Nativity was last night and this is today. I just shoveled two times in a row and it now needs to be done again. Snow is absolutely beautiful I love it, I just wish it wasn't cold. This is the view out the car window this morning.

Time with Friends and Family

We went to Christmas Tree Elegance at the Davenport with the Skidmores. For all your information you may think it is something your kids would enjoy, but they get bored real quick, and it all comes apart. Maybe better for a couple night out.

These are some of the reasons why I love this time of year. There many more.

Why do you love this time of year?

What I Believe, Who I am

2008-12-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we visited our old ward (church building) to be there for the blessing of Charles Skidmore. What a blessing it was to see so many friends and feel so welcome, like we were at home. We love our ward now don't get me wrong, but we are still getting to know people and that takes a little time. I needed to be there and hear what was said, it gives me strength and hope when ever I am at church. I know my Heavenly Father is watching over me, because when I am struggling he answers my prayers mostly through others, he comforts me. In Relief Society ( the women's organization in the church) we read the Declaration of the Relief Society and it helped me to focus and prioritize what is of most importance. Sometimes in this crazy world I forget or get overwhelmed and get off track a little. I am thankful for these reminders of who I am and what my objective is, exaltation! For all of us women who get overwhelmed and frustrated, here is something to read and lift our spirits. What wonderful counsel.

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.

Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.

Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.

Delight in service and good works.

Love life and learning.

Stand for truth and righteousness.

Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.

Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.

“The Relief Society Declaration,” The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part A, xi

Remember who you are!

Where I have been...

2008-12-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

One of those tag ya things. Don't usually, but why not?

Everything that applies to me is blue!

1. STARTED YOUR OWN BLOG
2. SLEPT UNDER THE STARS
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. WATCHED A METEOR SHOWER ( With Becca and Valencia very fun!)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch ( I am always up for learning something new)
15. Adopted a child
16. HAD FOOD POISONING
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. SLEPT ON A OVERNIGHT TRAIN
21. HAD A PILLOW FIGHT
22. HITCH HIKED
23. TAKEN A SICK DAY WHEN YOUR NOT ILL
24. BUILT A SNOW FORT
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping ( Oh those teen rebel days)
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. WATCHED A SUNRISE OR SUNSET
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. HAD ENOUGH MONEY TO TRULY BE SATISFIED
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. GONE ROCK CLIMBING
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. SUNG KARIOKI
42. SEEN OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER ERUPT
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain (Very romantic!)
53. PLAYED IN THE MUD (don't you love the feel?)
54. GONE TO A DRIVE-IN THEATER (oh I miss doing this, I want my kids to experience this I will have to find one that is close enough, they have closed all the one we went to when I was a kid))
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. TAKEN A MARTIAL ARTS CLASS
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. SOLD GIRL SCOUT COOKIES (most ended up in my parents downstairs freezer)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason (thank you honey)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (never again)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. SAVED A FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TOY
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. EATEN CAVIAR
72. PIECED A QUILT
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. BEEN ON A SPEEDING MOTORCYCLE
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. HAD CHICKENPOX (during Christmas break I didn't even get to miss school)
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. MET SOMEONE FAMOUS- RHCP I love flea! I have picture I will try to find it is so funny.
92. Joined a book club
93. LOST A LOVED ONE
94. HAD A BABY (two really cute ones)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. OWNED A CELL PHONE (not anymore I'm free! I am sorry some of you have to leave me a message so I can get back to you, I know ruff life)
99. BEEN STUNG BY A BEE
100. SEEN MT. RUSHMORE IN PERSON
101. Learned to play an instrument (cello in the 5th, 6th, 7th grade)

Names

2008-11-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

I was reading a friends blog today that named all the things she is as a

stay at home mom and what a blessing it is. It made me think of this song.

Heavenly Father can help us in all things.

Lets help out

2008-11-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Caps to Cap- Haitien Project

MamatoMama.org

I really do find joy in service, just like it has been said we will. I saw this yesterday and then had a friend email me about it. It is a simple act of service and I think it is very doable. So if you want to join me I am inviting you to do so. The pattern and instruction are on the website.

Mr. Rob the Plummer...

2008-10-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you for taking the time to make my sons day. When I told him to stay out in the hall and you said "oh no I have a bucket right here and you are my apprentice today" you made his day. When you took the time to let him hold all the little pieces for you, he love to be like you.
Rob the Plummer: What are all these little pieces?
Vincent: I don't know.
Rob the Plummer: Good thing I do.
Thank you for taking the time to make him feel important, not many will do that. If you can get them to talk to you that is amazing. You lived up to you promise of the friendly plummer.

Thank you!

Fall Festivities

2008-10-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

Green bluff= Pony rides, Hay maze, Tractor tour, Pumpkins, Wiggle worm

Pumpkin carving

Valencia loved it. This was the only time Vincent would touch the guts.

Pumpkin Cookies

I ate a whole plate myself. Soo tasty.

I love the Holidays.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Twilight

2008-10-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Went to Bella's 18th birthday the other night.
Full of fun.
Watched Thriller and it just made me want to dance.
Played some games.
Had some great food and cake.
It was a nice girls night out.

Christy went all out. She had taken all of her pictures out of her picture frames and put in pictures of Bella's Family. Candles everywhere and great games. Girls dressed up and we all had a great time.
Thank you for going with me Amanda.

Our Next Project to do....

2008-10-27T13:07:00.001-07:00

ROBOTS

Vincent loves them
Directions here
made from Halloween candy boxes

Fun for Autumn

2008-10-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins
We made these out of
lunch sack
watercolors
stick
paper from a paper shredder or newspaper

Directions here.
She has so many fun projects on her site.

FALL SCARY TREES
for all ages
very fun
Direction here

Valencia Age 8

Kristin Age 32

Vincent Age 5

Benton Age 6

The Phantom

2008-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Clint and I had a great time at the show. I have never been to a show like this, it was wonderful. The costumes and sets were incredible. They would change from one set to the next in seconds. My favorite scene was with Raoul and Christine on the roof of the Opera House. So Romantic. I had seen the movie but the Phantom's voice in the movie is like nails on a chalk board for me. They all sang very well in this, I do think I prefer Christine in the movies voice, but they are both wonderful.
Valencia was so sad she could not go, she loves the movie, and was very disappointed. Clint said he would make up for it by bringing her to High School Musical 3 on a daddy daughter date. She soon forgot about the Phantom.

After we went to Dennys. We were both starving. This menu cracked me up.
Denney's Rockstar menu
New Menu Items
Created by Rock's Biggest Stars
(since I rarely listen to the radio I only heard of a couple of them, but they must be big)

Taking Back Sundays-never heard of
The All- American Rejects-heard their name
EoMD- never heard of
Plain White T's-heard of maybe hve even heard a song from them
Funny!

To make my day....

2008-10-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning, to my surprise, there was a little note waiting for me. Clint was playing on my love for the National Treasure movies and sent me on a hunt. Valencia thought it would be funny if I had to steal the Deceleration of Independence, me not so much. It did not get quite that intense, but it sure made for a great day of anticipation and fun. This is quite the surprise from Clint. I am always complaining he is not romantic but he makes up for it in big ways like this.

My first clue lead me here to the public library.

After a little research I found the book I needed to.

Vincent did a great job on this picture.

I found my next clue inside.

After I ordered my blueberry thrill I received my next clue.

A stone like a queen.

Vincent was a great helper. He loves a good treasure hunt.

What a cool little old box to find. It looked like it had been waiting for me for years.

To use at our date tonight.

You may need these to see what awaits

the drama, the intrigue, the character's fates

tonight's not a dream, just a chance to get out -

we'll hear the music and the players will shout -

the phantom awaits!

Thank you honey!

I have been giddy all day and feel like today is a great day. I can't believe how much a little thing can make you feel so loved and change how you have been feeling for a while.

This was very thought out and I think those are the best surprises.

Guys here is a challenge to do something for your wife that makes her feel special.

We love that!

Momix

2008-10-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Went to see Momix dance with Becca last night, the perks of having a husband that works for the Fox. It was like modern experimental dance. Very fun! Some of it was a little out there. I call this one seduction on skis. I think it was my favorite. The tear drop big metal contraption was great. You could get really hurt by this thing. Clint said it was really heavy. It would roll over them and miss them by inches. These are the girls in the Hanes comercial with the exerise balls. It is amazing what they can do with them. All of them had amazing bodies. Maybe I need to get myself some skis so I can get some exercise. If any of you have some I could borrow, I would be happy to put a workout video together for you.

Like this one a bunch of guys rolling around with their head by each others bums. Weird! This picture is of when it got mild.

This sillouette one is way cooler than the one they did for us. Also the black light one you have to wait a little while for it to get cool. They did a great job on the lighting it made it all so much better.

A Reminder....

2008-10-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father does answer our prayers.

Faith in God
includes
Faith in His timing.

Finally I got shots of my Aprons.

2008-10-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

This one I got from Amy. She did a great job and it's very flirty. It was for the Flirty Apron Swap.

Thank you Amy!

Reversible Apron from Kristina for the Sassy Apron Swap. Oh so cute! Thank you so much.

Bad!

2008-10-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures from Becca and Steve's BBQ Dinner/ Paintball Extraordinaire.

I had such a fun time. Don't we look Bad.

Becca you Rock. I didn't realize I was this much shorter than you.

Clint got shot right in the chest. I had one skim my bum but never got hit, thank goodness, because Clint had some good welts.

He's Five!

2008-10-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ok yes I am a little late on this. Vinny turned 5 on Saturday. How quick they grow. Yes he wore these to soccer. I had to draw the line at the superhero mask. it's just not safe.

You always are great entertainment and fun. Love you Bud!

Four Things

2008-10-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me this email and I will reply here. So if you see this do it on your blog so I can get to know you better.

Four Things

Four places I go over and over

Vincent's School

Fabric store

Albertsons

Bathroom

Four of my favorite places to eat

Olive Garden

Mustard Seed

Outback

Home

Four places I would rather be right now

Somewhere warm

A date with my hubby

sewing

girls night

Four TV shows

(don't watch to much, but when I do these are them)

Life

House Hunters

What Not to Wear

Baby Story

What are your four!

Funny Faces

2008-10-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning up today after a long week and found these that Vincent and I had made the other week. We found different body parts and put them all together. I love when I am able to sit down and do something even silly like this with him. It makes my day.

One of lifes little throws that I had to catch this week.

2008-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

So my Appendix burst on Monday and I had to have it removed. Not what I had planned on for this week, especially with yearbook photos due this Friday and three photo shoots scheduled.

These are my Spa legs as I liked to call them. They kept the circulation going in my legs but I loved them. It was like a little massage. When I got back to my room from the surgery the guy asked how I was doing. I told him it was like being at the spa. I just loved those leg things. I obviously was still just a little loopy.

Chatting with Kaela on the phone. Thank you to all who called or came by to visit. It is always nice to have people see you in the wonderful little cover they give you. No it is nice to keep your mind off the pain and just have people around. Time moves a little quicker.

Wonderfully thoughtful gifts I received . Flowers from Clint's work, Flowers from Lucy and Ben, and Costco pumpkin Spice muffins from The Stephens. You all rock! Oh and my cute little card from Benton. Thank you buddy!

I am doing better. Still slower and not as spunky, but better. I am sure glad it is a one time thing. I can do babies naturally but an appendix no way. At least when you have baby pains you get to come home with a cute little one. With this nothing!

General Relief Society Meeting

2008-09-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

How blessed I feel to be a part of such a wonderful women's organization. I love these meetings and the guidance that I get from them. Most of the time there is at least one of the speakers that are there to talk directly to be( at least I feel that way). Tonight it was Pres. Uchtdorf who spoke to me. I always get that little lift that I need to get me through. I definitely feel inadequate, overwhelmed and crazy at many times. I am thankful for the insight he gave this evening.
You can listen to it here.

General Relief Society Meeting

We are not alone. Our father is there with answers, many times through others.

Happy Anniversary Dad and Terry!

2008-09-25T13:53:00.001-07:00

I know 13 years is kind of exciting!

Dad and Terry asked us if we wanted to go to ride the Hiawatha trail and stay at the Silver Mt. Resort with them to celebrate.

Amia was the first to try the continuous wave. It was so funny to watch people on it. I think I was so freaked out to try it because everyone was watching. I had not a clue how to stay on that board. Valencia did not want to go on the tunnel slides but wanted to go on this I think her fear receptor are a little backwards because I was scared to go on this one. Amia did great she stayed on so long that they told her she had to flip herself, then it would shoot you up over the top.

Our room. Becca and Steve came along with us. The rooms were extremely nice. The kids played in this bathtub forever. If we didn't know what they were doing they were here. And if you know where to find one of these leaf bowls I would love to know. I would love it for baby photos.

And for the Finale the Hiawatha Trail. Which was the Hidowanabehereanymore trail after awhile. The day before was beautiful for a bike ride but we got there to late to get done by the time the shuttle would be leaving. So this is us the next day, so under prepared for what we were about to take on. The first tunnel is 1.7 miles long and quite a fun adventure. The rain did not let up for the whole 4 hours we were riding. Ok some times it was at a sprinkle but still we were all soaked through. Thank goodness for the garbage bags they sold us because they were out of ponchos. Steve had a buch of hand warmers which I am sure were the answer to my prayers. I was so worried about the little ones the whole time. At one point I was in front of the group by myself and saying prayers that the kids would not be as cold as I was. I don't remember many times in my life where I have been that cold. The kids were troopers. I kept saying we would go to the water park at the hotel afterward to go in the hot tub, just think of the hot tub. I am writing this so we did make it down. We got to the shuttle about 3:20 and it would not leave until 4:15 but they had to do a sweep down the hill to make sure there was nobody on the Mountain still. We could her them on the radio and there were three more people on there way down they only had 3 more miles left but they were taking there own sweet time. We were all complaining about being on this freezing cold bus, sopping wet for two hours by the time they got down it was 5:20. They wouldn't even turn the bus on so we could warm up. We had all had it. Clint said to me when he saw the people " they have a tandem bike". So we all realized that one of the three people we had been waiting for was blind. All our mouths were quiet for a while. Humility sets in sometimes very quickly. So we had promised the kids the hot tub so we got back to the resort and got all ready and went in and found out that they closed a hour earlier than we though. So no hot tub! Lesson: Be Prepared!
Next time Dad and Terry let us know before hand that it is your Thirteenth Anniversary!
I can't say I had a bad time, it just ended up a little different then I thought. We all had lots of fun.

Hey you guys remember that one time when we rode the Hiawatha Trail and froze our butts off!

Our Big Trip

2008-09-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Clint does not get much time off so when he did we were very excited. So we hit the road to my sister Aimee's to visit her family in Vancouver, WA. We were so excited to spend time with her family. We kept very busy and went to the portland zoo to see the new baby elephant, who was sleeping. They had a dinosaur exhibit that Vincent loved and Valencia hated. She is not a fan of loud noises. The next day we hit OMSI a science museum, which we could have spent a couple days at. We learned about electricity, dinosaurs, reptiles. I think the kids loved the reptile petting zoo. I always thought a bearded dragon was really pokey but they are soft. Learn something new every day. We then headed to Seattle to visit Steve and Jana. I have no pictures with them. What is with that? We hit IKEA and the gum wall. The Space Needle was out of the question. There was some big concert going on so we skipped it.
The Photos:

The baby elephant

Signing the baby book

Scary Dinos!

Mark had a blast with this! The table had a circle in the middle that would spin and you would try to keep the different weighted item in one spot.

Electricity!

When some one cranked the handle on this, the pie tins would fly out of your hand. Very fun! I couldn't convince the kids to try.

One of the only family pictures we have in the last long while

Aimee helping the kids with stencils

Mind Teasers

Big Snake! The kids just love being able to touch all these reptiles. There was about 10 all together.

When we got out it was pouring down rain. We got this wet in a very short run.

Aimee and I
Thank you again for a great time with you and your family.

The gum wall

Totally disgusting

Yes you two are so Buck!

I found some pictures that I had taken on our little camera of our trip.

These are when we stopped in the Dalles. Great little downtown area. Vinny looks like he is the 5th Beatle. Th eone on the bottom Valencia looks pretty sweet in.

Aimee made the kids teddy bear pancakes. You are so fun! She even made me a dinosaur!

I did have some with the Hellers. Oh they are so cute. We hit the Vespa kiosk at the mall. Lily and Valencia had a great time together.

First day of School

2008-09-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Yes I know it has been a while since the first day of school but I am always playing catch up. It is just the way I live. So here we go.

The first day of school they both had a great time. I am not one of those mom's that cries when they go off to school. I know, I know, but I see it in a different light. I get the time I need to get my things done so I can in return be a better mom and have more time to spend with them. I sure get things done quicker when they are not here, thus more time. When they are here it can draw out something that would take me 10 min into a half hour, thus less time.

Swaps

2008-09-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

These are the aprons I have sent out for my last two swaps. I love that I get to really use my imagination and create. I am finding that I love, love, love to sew. These swaps make me take the time to sew more often. I will post the one I received when I get some time to take a shot of it. It is so cute. I used while canning all my fruit this week, which is another new found love of mine. I just wish it wasn't during senior picture time so I could really enjoy it. I told my mom I think I am finding out who I really am and what I want to be when I grow up. I am a little more domestic then I thought. Although I still can't find a love of cooking, maybe some day?

Teaching importance!

2008-09-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight Vincent asked "Mom when it is house buying day can we get a huge one?" I then had to explain we will get one sufficient for our needs, but if he does want to get a huge one he will have to get a job. He was willing to do so, we chatted about what is involved in getting a job for a little while and he decided he should wait "till I'm big as daddy."

Valencia had her second day of school and now thinks she needs a shirt that has the vest attached.
So I think we need to have a fashion talk.

Valencia: Everyone else has one.
Me: Do you really need one just because everyone else has one?
Valencia: "Yes"
Me: Do you think you would look good in it?
Valencia: Well I kind of look like Hailey and she looks good.

I think she may need to get a job too if this is the way her fashion needs are going to be.

If I had unlimited resources this is what I would get some of you!

2008-08-23T17:53:00.001-07:00

If I had a lot of money this what I would get some of you!, originally uploaded by colors_fade.

#1 Dad I checked these out but the cost was so steep so when I learn to weld I will be making you one.
#2 Vinny I know you love Robots and you want to be one when you grow up.
#3 Terry I think you would love this.
#4 Jana Oh you would look so cute in this.
#5 Clint just because it is so cool.
#6 Valencia you already know it would be after you move out!
#7 For Me but Christmas maybe a little soon. Someday!
#8Garianne You need it!
#9 Mom I know you love quilts.
#10 Margaret I know you want this.
#11 Little chucks for the new little Chuck Skidmore. I love these!
#12 Ok Clint Maybe someday if you look this cool!

Is Virtual Really Reality?

2008-08-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

So I was just sitting here blog surfing...and I realized that some blogs I read make me feel really intimidated... Some people seem to have so many cool experiences, or incredible vacations, or money for everything, or just seem to have it all together and do so many fun things with their kids... and then I looked at my own blog and it really hit me that blogs can make us seem way cooler than we actually are, maybe that's why we like them so much....a lot can get filtered out of the big picture of reality if we so choose.

At the end of the day, when all is finally done and the kids are sleeping soundly like angels in their beds I hit that stage where I just relish in the peace and quiet and enjoy those few moments (and they are few) of "me" time. In those moments it is so much easier to think of the good or funny things that happened in the day, even though they usually only lasted a few moments, and the rest of the day was full of pure entropy....
My blog doesn't reveal the constant noise that my head struggles to drown out throughout the day, or the sinking feeling that pulls behind my eyes during those moments where I'm SO tired but my 3 year old cracks the whip again and I must keep pushing forward... nor does it reveal the snotty fights I am all too capable of starting with my mostly Saintly husband, or the mean looks I give my kids every time they do something "kidly" like jump on the furniture or mess up their beds, and it doesn't even portray our financial situation well, because who wants to read about that?
So anyway, I was just thinking that I'm glad to know that deep down every cool blogger out there, really is human too... how can they not be?

This was posted by one of my friends on her blog. It is great wisdom.
Don't ever compare yourself to others, It will only cause you heartache.
Our best is good enough! I just got through reading "Believing Christ". What a wonderful book! If you haven't read it do so and If you have do so again. I learned so much from it and many of the answers I have been looking for were answered.

Enjoy the rain with friends.

2008-08-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Amia came over so the kids got more puddle play and the puddles were much bigger and better. Also jumping with friends is so much better.

Enjoy the rain.

2008-08-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Let them go, Let them have fun, Let them get muddy, Let them enjoy the rain.

The neighbor even wanted to get in on the fun, so ad that he wore is sisters pink shoes.

Ice Blocking!

2008-08-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

If you haven't done it this summer you have to go. We had a blast. Buy an ice block. Put a towel on it. Slide down the hill. The first few trips are slow going but after the ice melts a little you get going. Wear clothes you don't mind getting grass stains on. We brought the cousins and some of us got more adventurous than others.
Oh and Parents be prepared to get a workout. You will be bring blocks back up the hill for the little ones most of the night.

Cheap Pirate outfits

2008-08-20T15:46:00.001-07:00

Otherwise there is no way I would have bought these. My kids love them. Great investment.

Our Family

2008-08-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

Here is our family! Make your own at www.faceyourmanga.com/homepage.php?lang=eng

For some reason we look like we are from Willy Wonka's Factory when I upload it here.
It is on my flickr too. Looks good there.

About me!

2008-08-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is what to do if you would like to create your own mosaic:

* Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

* Using only the first page, pick an image.

* Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.fd's mosaic maker: http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php

1. What is your first name? 2. What is your favorite food? 3. What high school did you go to? 4. What is your favorite color? 5. Who is someone you think has talent? 6. Favorite drink? 7. Dream vacation? 8. Favorite dessert? 9. What you want to be when you grow up? 10. What do you love most in life? 11. One Word to describe you. 12. Your flickr name.

1. Kristin, 2. Amore per la pasta!, 3. University High, 4. Let's Get Green! Please take a moment to read..., 5. Jonas Brothers at Star94 Jingle Jam, 6. pink lemonade, 7. Tulum ruins in Mexico, 8. O-R-E-O, 9. Edinburgh A-Z (2) : A is for Astronaut, Explorer & Dinosaur., 10. The Calvo Family - Holidays, 11. "Creative Hands" - Mindy, 12. IMG_0853

Big Screen movie night!

2008-07-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

Popcorn, root beer floats, and a big screen movie make for a great night! Ben and Lucy came over with the kids and we waited and waited and waited for it to get dark enough. About 9:30 It was dark enough. We want to do this again soon. So if you want to join us next time let me know.

Celebrate the Pioneers!

2008-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

We love pioneer day! As a little girl it was one of my great memories. I was a little disappointed this year when the parade was little there were three games and just not like I remember as a little girl. I am grateful for those who traveled across the plains, made many sacrifices for what they believed in. I know I don't (so far) have to leave everything I have a travel across the plains to a new place. I do have to deal with different challenges of worldly things that threaten me an my children. I have learned that some very hard things may come my way but I just need to pick up my hand cart and travel on.
Clint and I were challenged to a potato sack race. We rocked! It was so fun having Amia with us. Here and Valencia would do " Bonnet talk" (as they call it) and tell their little secrets. Vincent had a hard time getting into the whole dressing up thing but he soon had a fun time. The food was wonderful. I probably should have stopped at one cinnimon roll!