tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56307614182770946572024-02-06T22:15:46.920-08:005 little monkeysAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-54177582495485519632014-11-05T21:34:00.001-08:002014-11-05T21:37:23.196-08:00Life at the Hansen's. Oh boy!Can life get any crazier?? (Don't worry I just knocked on wood).<br />
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I read a blog post today from a blog I regularly frequent. Stephanie Nielson is my hero! She is a walking miracle and a total rock star! <a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2014/11/mothers-are-not-wimps.html">Her blog post today</a> helped me stand a little taller and remember how blessed I am to be a mother and how I can no longer be a whimp about it. It's tough, but so am I! And I LOVE a good challenge.<br />
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And it helps that my kids are so gosh darn cute! (What? Biased? Me?)<br />
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Malia and Dalin...they love each other 50% of the time so I had to document it.</div>
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Tyler rockin' a skeleton costume we found in the Halloween box. I thought he should have gone with it, but he thought it was a tad small.</div>
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Just lovely. How is she already so beautiful and mature? She is such a good girl and so far (we're only 7 months into teenage hood) she is a pleasure! I am one lucky lady.</div>
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I love this picture because it shows Dalin's serious side. He is always thinking and trying to understand his world. Today, while watching Curious George, he said to me matter-of-factly, "Mom...banana's come from monkeys!" After a couple of minutes of trying to explain that monkeys just like to eat banana's and that banana's grow on trees I gave up, cause he had already figured it out. Banana's come from monkeys. Yup. Let's just hope he figures it out before he shares that with his Kindergarten class...</div>
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Malia posing with a leaf. By the way, this little cutie turns 7 on Friday (((((((gasp)))))) Which leads me to my totally irrational, totally useless and totally weird phobia of odd numbers... And how do you think I feel with Kylee who is 13, Tyler 11 and Baily 9...all ODD. Now Malia will be 7 and I will turn 35 next month! The only sanity I have to hold onto is that Dalin is 4 and James is 36...Phew.) Okay that was random, don't judge. I know you have a weird phobia...hidden in there somewhere.</div>
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Baily (9) throwing out the peace signs. With her fringed shawl and tutu that needed to retire 10 washes ago!</div>
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More of Kylee. She has her own phone but yet, I still find dozens of selfies of her on my phone.<br />
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Tyler holding his first cousin on the Hansen's side. Sweet, sweet baby Emma! She really is the best baby ever- such an angel</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Dalin with his bat pumpkin.</span></div>
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Then there is this handsome man who I don't give enough credit to. He is working so hard right now, tons of overtime so we can make ends meet while we "patiently" wait for our rental home to sell. He is the best. THE best. </div>
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Yup. Life is crazy. 5 kids is a lot of kid. I struggle to juggle housework, kids, my side jobs (passions), my calling as Primary Prez, taking care of pets which I <strike>loathe</strike> love, eating right, exercising, paying bills, staying on budget...blah blah blah...But, you know what, when I leave this earth and meet my maker, He sure as heck isn't going to ask me if I kept my kitchen floor mopped and all the grass stains off my kids pants...He's gonna be making sure I made people feel good about themselves and that I taught my kids how to pray and how to be kind. He's gonna make sure I made my man feel worthy and loved and let him lead our family. He's for sure gonna make sure I tried my best, not that I was perfect, but that I never stopped trying. That's what I will get to stand up tall and answer to.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-42434551052019223512014-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:002014-08-26T13:53:06.402-07:00Celebrating DalinEvery mom says, on their kids birthday, "I can't believe how old they are! Time goes by so fast!" So pardon the cliche, but I truly can't believe that my baby is 4!<br />
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I can't believe I have 5 kids. I can't believe that my oldest is in 8th grade. I can't believe my baby is 4!<br />
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Dalin was laying on the couch this morning, pretending to be a baby, sucking on a pretend pacifier. I had a flash back to when he was a new born. He was so perfect...his bright blue eyes and dark brown hair. He brought so much joy into my life. Joy that our family was complete, joy that he was here safe and joy because I knew that my life would never be the same (<a href="http://www.all6ofus-hansenfam.blogspot.com/p/my-journey-as-mother.html">check out why here</a>).<br />
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D surprised me and came 3 weeks early. I labored all day, not believing that it was real labor. Around 5:00pm James strongly recommended that we go to the hospital. When we got there, it was a full moon AND had been storming. (For those of you in the medical field you know that that is a double whammy for hospitals!)<br />
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My labor at the hospital was hard, mostly because of the horrible epidural, but Dalin was born at 11:36 pm and weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.<br />
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He completed us. His bold, precise energy filled our home with love and made each one of us realize how lucky we were to be alive and to be a family.<br />
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He has taught me so much in his 4 years on this earth and I can say with all seriousness that I am a better and stronger person because of him. Thank you, Dalin! We love you! Happy Birthday!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-3867136400571237252014-07-24T09:13:00.004-07:002014-07-24T09:17:54.343-07:00Why I Love Eeyore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My whole life I have simultaneously felt so sorry for eeyore and related to him. Remember when he would lose his tail? Then one of his friends would find it lying around and pin it back on his rear! Then he would always say, in that low, monotone voice, "No matter. Most likely lose it again."<br />
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Oh Eeyore!<br />
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My friend made an observation of the me the other day and said that I "wear my worries on my skin." I was really troubled by that comment and it took me a minute to process it. I didn't take offense, because she was simply making an observation, but it really got me thinking.<br />
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I am a pessimist by nature. Always have been...sorry my friends but that glass, ya know the one with the water in it...it's half empty. BUT I pride myself on the fact that I fight, each day to be happy, that I am careful of the way I speak and think and the things I fill my time with. I want others to see me as a happy, joyful person who tries hard to be a good mom, wife and friend.<br />
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Lately I have been feeling a bit more like Eeyore than normal..."No matter, I've already lost my mind and will most likely lose it tomorrow, too."<br />
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The single greatest challenge I experience is remembering to be patient with myself! To honor my nature and to see what I use to think where my greatest weaknesses as my greatest God-given strengths. Yup, I probably will lose my mind again tomorrow, but that's okay. I have piglets and tigers and Pooh's in my life to help me reattach it. They see me for who I am and love me despite all that. So I may wear my worries on my skin more than some people, but that is me.<br />
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My sweet Kylee was with me when my friend made this comment and she responded with wisdom beyond her years by saying, "That is who you are mom. You worry. Worry is what makes you you. You worry so much because you care so much, and that is why people are attracted to you and love you." Isn't she a peach!!<br />
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Which Winney the Pooh character are you? There's one for everyone!<br />
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James is Pooh! awwwwww</div>
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Kylee is Owl, of course!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Tyler is Rabbit.</span></div>
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Baily is T-I-double G-ER!</div>
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Malia is Piglet to a "T".</div>
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Dalin is our Roo.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-91545656450177027232014-07-14T20:19:00.000-07:002014-07-14T23:22:23.866-07:00Today I Met an AngelToday I got to meet an angel! A long awaited for little baby was born yesterday, July 13th. The proud and wonderful parents of baby Emma Nicole are my brother-in-law and his wife. Emma was bundled up so tightly in 3 hospital blankets, in the traditional burrito-style roll that you need a degree in baby swaddling to re-do. She had a precious knitted hat on her tiny head.<br />
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I have only seen my husband cry a handful of times, and this was one of them, as he held his first niece (on his side of the fam.) It was magical. I can't wait to watch her grow up! What a wonderful addition to our family.<br />
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They don't want this little princess on the world wide web just yet, so here is a picture of James holing her...He was beaming!<br />
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The rest of my day was pretty uneventful. I <i>finished </i>painting Dalin's room-It only took me three days because everything has to be done in little increments around here. It is "pirate blue", as Dalin calls it. I will put the finishing touches on his pirate themed room this week; black and white stripped curtains, some art work and other fun piratey things!<br />
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Next is Kylee's room. Corral and Aqua with something like this muraled across the wall. <br />
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And then the little girls room...We're still not sure of the colors for that one. This house is getting a makeover! Painting is exhausting.<br />
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Now, time for a date with Netflix =)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-56502125985562004022014-07-09T17:09:00.004-07:002014-07-09T21:08:11.916-07:00Sharing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was out on my morning run today. I love these runs...Even though most of the time I feel like passing out...I do love the way my heart pounds and my muscles scream. I do my best thinking on these runs. I love the way my mind feels open and free.<br />
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I had been pleading with God this last week to help me understand why I have been feeling so heavy-hearted lately...anxious...looking over my shoulder for the next bad thing to happen. I use to live every day like this and so these feelings are very familiar to me, and ones that I fight everyday to stay on top of. I had been asking questions like, "Why am I feeling this way? Was it a warning, an impression of some sort? What was I doing or not doing in my life to be stuck in this negative thought pattern? And I found myself going over these questions again as I <strike>blazed</strike> crawled along.<br />
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I love God. I love how he listens to me and answers me. He waited to answer this particular question until I was in the still of nature, running along the beautiful mountain roads of North Ogden, Utah.<br />
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His answer came to me in my own thoughts, as it almost always does. "Your heart is heavy because you are not sharing. You are not sharing the oils and you are not sharing your story of healing, hope, peace and JOY! You are not sharing the wealth of knowledge I have given you. Remember when I promised to heal you and teach you how to be happy? Remember that you promised me if I would do those things that you would share what you learn with others? Remember?"<br />
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My heart did 2 things almost simultaneously....It rejoiced as it always does when I hear God's instructions to me, and then it sank...He was right. I wasn't sharing. I was too busy...busy with GOOD things, mind you...slathering sunscreen, cooking meals, cleaning fingerprints off walls, etc. etc. But He was right.<br />
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I am happiest when i am sharing.<br />
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Remember when you were little and your mom would say over and over again, "Share your toys! Share your candy! Share share share!" I say that to my kids all the time. Sharing is so IMPORTANT. Why??? Because when we share, we are happier. It's a weird phenomenon how taking something from yourself and giving it away can grow your heart and melt away your cares. But it does, doesn't it?<br />
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It was no coincidence that my wonderful friend came over today with her 2 boys and we let the kids play while she picked at my brain and I SHARED with her the tools I had learned on how to be happy. It was awesome. She left feeling hope and she left me feeling happy. Thank you Father for knowing me so well and reminding me of your promise.<br />
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Isn't God amazing?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-65969337531115312722014-07-07T21:50:00.002-07:002014-07-07T22:03:37.092-07:00Heaven is HereI am listening to the book <i>Heaven is Here</i>, by Stephanie Nielson. It is a heart-wrenching autobiography. Stephanie and her husband were in a plane crash in 2008 and she was burned over 80% of her body. See her story <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ZsvJ8bq2I">here.</a><br />
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In the beginning of the book she talks about how she met her husband, married and started having their family. The tender way she talks about her sweet husband and each of her children is so touching. It has truly inspired me to slow down. To take time to really see my children, each one of them, and my husband who does so much and gives so much. In the chaos of each day I need to remember what is important and what memories I am creating for my family. That is really all that matters.<br />
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Thinking back on today I remember the things that I saw with my eyes, but am now just seeing with my heart...<br />
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Like just now, when Dalin climbed on my lap while I was sitting in bed, writing this post and curled up and fell asleep, enveloped in my lush blanket. He felt completely safe. He completely trusts me. He knows so little of the world, and through his almost 4 year old eyes I am his world, his rock. There is nothing in this world that compares to kissing his warm cheeks when he is asleep.<br />
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Or the time I went downstairs to get some water after I had tucked the kids into their sleeping bags in the living room to watch a movie and found Kylee, face down on top of the counter with her long legs hanging off the edge taking funny pictures of herself and giggling at each one. She has this amazing ability to be happy and to see good.<br />
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I remember this morning when James gathered us for scripture reading and then loaded up all 5 kids to take them to lunch in the park. I did not fully appreciate his service until now. I was just concerned with how much free time I would have, not the sacrifices he was making being gone all morning and then heading straight to work some overtime. He is always so compassionate and loving toward me!<br />
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My eyes saw, and my heart is now basking in the memory of looking out the window this afternoon to see Baily. She had shimmied up the tree and out onto a sturdy branch. She was rigging the sprinkler hose so that it sprayed down on the trampoline like a shower so that her, Malia and Dalin could jump in their swimming suits. She is so bright and determined. I never have to worry if something will get done with Baily, she does anything she puts her mind to and she does it with a smile!<br />
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Malia had been asking me all day to glue her My Little Pony wing that was falling off. She cherishes her pony's and so I told her of course I would, and to put it on the counter so I wouldn't forget. After a couple more reminders I finally grabbed the pony. After discovering we didn't have any glue that would work on plastic I took some purple duct tape and bandaged the wing, good as new. When I handed it to her, she looked over the wing and gasped. I thought for sure she would be upset at my work, but than wrapped her arms around me and thanked me for fixing her pony! My heart melted as her and her pony fluttered away.<br />
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Then there is my Tyler. We were watching a show all together after dinner and I was starting to "zone out" after my busy day. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that the body I felt nestled against mine was my tall, thin boy. He had found a little nook to sneak into and was resting his head against my shoulder with his arm wrapped around my arm. I kissed the top of his head, "Hi Ty!" I said, in my usual greeting to him, smoothing his hair. He looked up at me with his huge smile and those electrifying blue eyes.<br />
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My life is far from perfect. I cringe when people sugar coat everything and make their lives look so glamorous, but what Stephanie Nielson reminded me of in her book, is that life doesn't have to be perfect for us to see all the good! There is so much good!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-13473953976066143822014-06-24T20:28:00.002-07:002014-06-24T20:36:22.907-07:00My Love for Wyoming<div style="text-align: center;">
We took a trip to Wyoming and just got back today.</div>
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What can I say about Wyoming? I drove through it once as a young married woman and all I saw were sage brush and I remember a ton of wind. Meh...wasn't my thing. That was, until my brother and sister-in-law (sister from another mister) decided to up and move to Pinedale, WY after we had finally convinced them to move to Utah a couple of years before (rude, right?).</div>
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That is when my eyes were opened to the beauty that is Wyoming. The first thing I noticed about Wyoming was the clouds. I have a bit of a fascination with clouds, especially Cumulus clouds! Ya know, the ones that are so heavenly puffy and white and have a flat bottom!!! Like these!</div>
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They get my heart racing and speak to my soul. So, there's the clouds...and no air pollution! (((((breath)))))))) These fill the skies almost everyday.</div>
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Then there are the Lakes...so many lakes! And the forests around Pinedale are covered in Aspen (my fav tree) and pine trees. It's paradise.</div>
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Then there are the people! So nice and friendly. People actually make eye contact with you and don't flip you off if you sneeze wrong or cut them off. Time slows down when you are there. It really does feel like you are in a different world.</div>
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In Pinedale we went horseback riding, kayaked, camped, hiked, had great food and spent time with Troy and his rock star family.</div>
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Let's talk for a minute about Jackson Hole! It is a huge tourist town, so if that isn't your thing, you've been warned...but it is A-Mazing! The city itself is quaint and adorable, with lots of shopping and fun things to to. It is just another reason why Wyoming is so great. </div>
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In Jackon Hole we played with lots of cousins, Aunts, Uncles and family, ate amazing food, hiked Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons (5 mile hike which seemed like 100 miles with all the kids), did a couple runs of the Alpine Slides (you take a ski lift to the top of a mountain and then slide down a water-slide-looking-thing on a little sled with a brake. It is totally radical. (yeah, I am bringing back radical), then we hopped over to Yellowstone where we saw Old Faithful do her thing. It was lovely.</div>
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Now...enjoy some photos =) and then get online and book a trip!</div>
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My siblings, Tami, Troy, Tara and me</div>
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Malia and her other half...Zachary</div>
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Me...just posing with a statue of a scared hunter...ya...I know it does't make sense to me either.</div>
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Kylee and Dalin getting eaten by a bear</div>
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Kylee doing her thang with a great view of Jenny Lake and the Tetons.</div>
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Kylee, me and my mommy. Three generations right there.</div>
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Some cute cousins</div>
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My dad, the mountain man and Dalin</div>
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The water fall that feeds into Jenny Lake and the 2 of the best hikers you ever did see!</div>
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Tyler and his other half-Troy Jr.</div>
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James and I. Awwwwww</div>
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Waiting to go down a second time on the Alpine slide.</div>
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YELLOWSTONE!!!</div>
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Old Faithful</div>
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James and I enjoying our anniversary and some time alone (Thanks Troy and Rae for keeping the kids)</div>
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Getting our horse back riding on! Boy-were we sore after our 2 hour ride!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLPelJdKiHRd4JRc0Y0oKdnsKe688obTpmd93SsFmKkQiyzSH960eTABOHdM_hMxTLy7gNU_U-vyLtpo-WpbnjvjAn8bNqlSpJzgonoRdYIFuiJ9nrXB8FzsfWmNbCThb6sUnrzoiLbY/s1600/IMG_6796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLPelJdKiHRd4JRc0Y0oKdnsKe688obTpmd93SsFmKkQiyzSH960eTABOHdM_hMxTLy7gNU_U-vyLtpo-WpbnjvjAn8bNqlSpJzgonoRdYIFuiJ9nrXB8FzsfWmNbCThb6sUnrzoiLbY/s1600/IMG_6796.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The adorable little cabin we stayed in on our last night alone. Cute as a button!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-10865503049623257862014-06-06T09:36:00.003-07:002014-06-06T09:36:55.407-07:00You Are Looking in the Wrong PlaceI just finished the most amazing book! <i>The Traveler's Gift, </i>by Andy Andrews.<br />
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I really don't read books, unless I have to, I listen to them. I have this great little app called <a href="http://audible.com/">Audible</a> on my phone and I listen to books while I am doing house/yard work, exercising or driving. It's great. The subtitle to this book is: <i>Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success.</i> The book, written as a novel, is powerful, entertaining and thought-provoking.<br />
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I took many things from this book but the one sentence that keeps playing over and over in my mind is this, <span style="font-size: large;">"Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to your potential."</span><br />
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This really hit me. I have been on a journey the last 6 months to really understand and feel for myself what my potential is. My Father in Heaven has given me some intense and painful growing experiences in these last 6 months and I know, with 100% surety, that he is allowing me to see my potential and what he expects me to accomplish in this life.<br />
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Most of the time all I can see is how far I am from it and how much work I need to do to get there, but the more I stop comparing myself to others and keep comparing myself to my potential, the easier I think it will be to daily act on the things I need to do as a mother, wife, friend, business owner and all the other hats I wear.<br />
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There is a chapter in the book where the main character gets to go back in time and meet Christopher Columbus. He is on the ship with them, 60 or so days into their voyage. The crew is at their breaking point and sick of hearing Christopher say every morning, "I see Land! I see it, look? Just there at the horizon!" when, day after day, all they wake up to is ocean and sky.<br />
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When the main character questions Christopher, because clearly, there is no land, Christopher says something like, "You are looking in wrong place, don't look out at the ocean, look here, in my eyes. I see land!"<br />
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Christopher knew he would find land, and he held that belief for everyone else who doubted. That is what our Father, our God, our Creator does for us. He holds that space for us, that crystal clear bottle brimming with brilliance and beauty and goodness and love and he asks us to look to <span style="font-size: large;">Him</span>, not others for the surety that we are great and that we can do great things. <span style="font-size: large;">He </span>created us, <span style="font-size: large;">He</span> knows our potential and <span style="font-size: large;">He</span> believes in us, even, and most especially when we don't believe in ourselves.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-37747337202988389262014-05-25T21:12:00.003-07:002014-05-25T21:25:34.135-07:00Was Life Always This Good?I took a nap today (it felt amazing! I love naps) and upon waking I had this thought pop into my head, "Was life always this good?"<br />
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I came downstairs to my sweet children and my poor sick husband and started to make dinner. I usually HATE (notice the all caps) making dinner, but found my self enjoying it (don't tell anyone). All the windows were open and the fresh air smelt so good! It got me reflecting.<br />
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When I first started on my journey of finding answers and learning different ways to deal with and get support for my depression and anxiety I noticed that there was a certain stigma. It's like most people suffered in some way or another with depression, anxiety, bipolar or just bad days, but no one wanted to talk about it. No one wanted to support each other or admit that they weren't perfect.<br />
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I determined early on in my healing that I would talk about it as much as I could. The more whole I became, the more I wanted share. I try to take every opportunity I can to share my story. I write about it, talk about it when I am teaching classes about essential oils (oils are one of MANY methods I attribute to my healing), I ask every new mom I know if they are struggling with "baby blues". In my own small way, I am determined to tear down the walls of that stigma.<br />
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Depression robs you of JOY, it literally changes your brain chemistry and the vibration of your body, making your sluggish, foggy and "down". You are void, in most ways, of seeing the bright side and identifying problems and fixing them. Most of the things in life that should have made me happy where my burdens, and even if I didn't see it as a burden I didn't have the mental capacity to even hold the JOY, because I was so full of negativity and hopelessness.<br />
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So...back to my post nap thought. Was life always this good, and I just wasn't aware of it? Yes! It was this good. It was amazing. My kids are amazing. My husband is amazing. My jobs are amazing. Now, please don't confuse this with <span style="font-size: large;">perfect. </span>James and I have our share of problems and our kids fight and say naughty words just like every one else. I have really hard days and feel alone, resentful and overwhelmed a lot. But despite all of those normal emotions and things that fill our life, I feel a peace that is indescribable. My head is clear and my heart is full. It is what makes nights like tonight so blissful: sitting in the back yard, eating taco's, making silly videos, laughing and teasing each other.<br />
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It was always this good. I am so glad I know it now.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-43589259580726493812014-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:002014-05-18T07:21:33.339-07:00Snow Cones and Fire PitsOur favorite little shaved ice place opened up yesterday for the summer! Northern Ice serves the 2nd best shaved ice snow cones (the first best is in St. George-soooooo delicious) If you have never had a shaved ice snow cone...well, I am sorry for you =( They are so good!<br />
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Last night at their opening they had a luau with all sorts of yummy food, unlimited shaved ice and a photo booth. So we enjoyed our snow cones, got sufficiently sticky and then headed over to the photo booth.</div>
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Then we came home and enjoyed James' early birthday present, a new fire pit. We had so much fun and I found myself on several occasions overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude for these awesome people I get to call my family. They make me better. They make me laugh. They make me happy.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-9681555881829715282014-05-11T07:38:00.001-07:002014-05-11T07:39:53.049-07:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have not always been a fan of mothers day. When I started having kids I had very extravagant expectations for how this day was suppose to go. I couldn't figure out why I was always going to bed upset on this special day. What was wrong with everyone? Was it really too much to ask that<span style="font-size: large;"> ONE </span>day of the year no one fought, the house stayed clean, I didn't have to change a single diaper and I got exactly what I wanted. I mean, come on! Geesh.<br />
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So, yeah, I wasn't a fan. The weeks leading up to each Mother's Day I always prepared myself for disappointment, instead of a "wonderful day" like you see all those mothers post on FB (gag!).<br />
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As this Mother's day approached I found myself slipping into the same patterns of expecting the worse. I exchanged the same dialogue with a few people here and there...Mothers Day this and Mothers day that...blah blah blah.<br />
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But for some reason I could feel something different about the way I was thinking. I was feeling a little uncomfortable with what I was saying and thinking about this special day. The words didn't feel right in my mouth anymore, I knew that what I was speaking and thinking were wrong. They weren't facts, they were my own "truths" that were in fact, lies. <br />
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Whenever this sort of thing happens, were I can feel my paradime shifting, it is always followed up with experiences that help me see the truth. I want to tell you about 2 of those:<br />
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#1- I read this post from my dear friend of 24 years:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"Don't expect a gift or a meal or a love letter to make you happy. You've gotta be happy already. You are in charge of your own happiness. All those gifts are a bonus! To be truly happy is the best gift I've ever given myself. And being happy, I can actually enjoy Mother's Day--- but not because of gifts I may receive. From mama to mama... Happy Mother's Day!"</span></div>
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Kari Rangel serves many purposes in my life, but the first is to ground me. If I were to send a pity party invitation to her, she would crumple it up, show up on my door step, kick my butt, tell me to stop my whining and then she'd buy me a snow cone and we'd go shopping (too bad we don't live closer).<br />
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Her post hit me and gently began to lead my heart in the right direction. The uncomfortable thoughts and feelings were still there, kind of like a soft, warm, familiar blanket you don't want to let go of, but I could feel something new brewing.<br />
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#2- A package arrived, from my mother in law, Robin. I was shocked because I wasn't expecting anything. Inside the package was the most beautiful note and this bracelet. I sat on the porch and tears poured down my face as I put the delicate bracelet around my wrist and touched each stone, representing each of my angels.<br />
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The way she reminded me of the importance of this day and how much she loved me was the final stone I needed in my bridge to see this day for what it really is.<br />
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I saw, for the first time, how my selfish expectations for this day were poising it for me, and how each and every Mother's Day, despite what my husband and children did, I was getting exactly what I expected.<br />
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This bridge was allowing me to remember what an honor and blessing it is to be a mother. I don't need anything, or anyone to remind me how much I love being a mother. I have devoted my life to 5 little people and I am so grateful for them. I was waiting all these years for them to honor me and to show me how important my role was and how much they appreciated what I did.<br />
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But that wasn't their responsibility. Like Kari said, "You gotta be happy already!"<br />
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Mother's Day will now be a day I will honor my children, as their mother. I will take this day to truly see them for how lovely and perfect they really are. I will take a moment longer to look into their eyes and remember the love and respect that they deserve. I will see my husband as the amazing partner he is to me and how he so effortlessly glides through life with me, as their Father...<br />
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...Then, all the hand drawn cards, home made presents and walmart flowers will be so sweet and so precious...<span style="font-size: large;">The icing!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-52708436179347310932014-05-08T11:59:00.000-07:002014-05-08T12:02:00.286-07:00You're Not a Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I came across a great talk in my studies today that really spoke to me. I have been in a funk the last few weeks and have thrown several pity parties (sorry I didn't get the invites sent out in time...). Reading this talk, by D<b>avid A. Bednar</b> of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles for <i>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints</i> infused me with a new strength to pull myself up by the boot straps and get going! In his bold and awesome way he says:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who "ACT" rather than objects to be "ACTED UPON."</span></div>
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You can read the whole article <a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=251">here</a>.<br />
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I identified one thing (I have LOTS, but just chose one for now so I can actually do it) that I can change and not be a victim to anymore. Good reminder, eh?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-47721541930595736762014-05-06T21:58:00.001-07:002014-05-06T22:04:08.950-07:00What Joyce Taught Me<br />
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Death has an interesting way of brining things into perspective, doesn't it? I have not lost very many people close to me. I am fortunate enough to have both my parents, all my sibling and 3 of my 4 grandparents alive still. I realize that that could all change in a heart beat, but as of this day I am grateful.<br />
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A dear friend of ours lost her battle with cancer today. Joyce was the mother of Kylee's best friend. I had only known her for about a year, when our girls met and started to hang out more. In just that year she went from walking, to a wheelchair, to bed ridden and finally to a hospice nurse. This brave, kind, amazing mother of 9 kids touched my life in ways she may never know. What I learned from Joyce and what I hope to implement into my life from today on are:<br />
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1. Life ends. It is unavoidable. But it does not end the joy and the happiness.<br />
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2. Give. Even if you don't have much, or don't know what to give...give. I had only known Joyce for a couple months when I received a card from her with a $20 gift certificate in it. Out of no where! Who was I to deserve this gift and this beautiful card, written in her shaky cursive handwriting. I was shocked that she had thought of me and given so freely to me.<br />
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3. Love. She loved her kids. I could see it her eyes, and the way she spoke about them. She loved her husband, she loved her life, she loved her catholic religion. You know those kind of people that you meet and they just love you from day one, even thought they hardly know you yet? She did that. That is an amazing gift.<br />
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4. Let go. Letting go is hard and it's scary and it's unfair. Joyce lived a month longer than she should have. She held on, but then let go when it was time. I was not there when she passed from this life, but I can only imagine her faith and courage as she said goodbye to her family and let go. There is so much in life that we need to let go of...to take our grasp away from and move on. In forgiving and moving on we create a tremendous amount of space for growth and goodness.<br />
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Thank you for teaching me these things and for being such a beautiful glimmer of true beauty and grace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-87253817839851476752014-05-03T13:10:00.000-07:002014-05-03T13:10:23.505-07:00My JamesWent to the <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples?lang=eng">temple</a> this morning at dark o'clock. James and I have been doing this the last couple of months. We get up early and head to the temple while the kids are still asleep. Then Kylee wakes up with everyone until we get home. It's a great plan, and I love it!<br />
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I wanted to post some pics of me and the hubs because, well, he's pretty awesome and I forget too often to tell him that. It's pretty sweet that he still likes me after all the stuff I've put him through. He is so kind, hard working, unintentionally hilarious, quiet, gentle, super smart and super duper hot!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is the face he makes when he thinks I am being a weirdo ^^. I call it his "dad's face" because he looks just like his dad when he makes it.</span></div>
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As wonderful as James is he is a little photo challenged. 98% of the photos I have of him are with his eyes closed. Even our engagement photos- eye's closed.<br />
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Here's us at the temple this morning. He's trying to figure out his phone and I was bored...</div>
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I am grateful for James and all that he does to keep me and the littles afloat!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-27540392752769277462014-05-02T21:22:00.000-07:002014-05-02T21:57:58.935-07:00Who I Am, Not What I DoWe, as human beings (and especially woman) put so much pressure on ourselves. We judge ourselves relentlessly. We would never say the things we say to ourselves to our friends, or family. But yet, we do it to ourselves.<br />
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I have a running to do list on my phone and it is overflowing with things to do. I have each item listed into a category "Home" "My doTERRA business" "My Mentoring Business" "Primary President". Sometimes I crawl into bed at night and look over my list and find myself gaging my day on how many things I checked off. If all the boxes are checked then I am one hot mama, if there are still some left, I grudgingly move their to-do date to the next day and chalk it up to I am just not good enough.<br />
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I am beginning to realize that while I mistakenly wait for perfection from each day I am missing the little nuggets of cuteness and happiness. The older I get (did you hear that hair just turn grey??) the more I realize that happiness in life should never be judged by what we DO, but what we ARE and what we are fighting each day to become. The more I let life play out how it will and take the lessons I am suppose to learn from it, the happier I am. The more joy I am able to experience and the more memories I will create to draw upon when my children are grown and gone (Kylee only has 5 years left before she could move out (((gasp)))))))!!<br />
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Sometimes I forget that I chose each one of these jobs I do (well, I thought about saying no to the Primary President thing but my Mama taught me better than that). I choose each one, to have a family, to work at something I am passionate about because I know it is right. I know that if I can be connected to things that are bigger than me that I can find JOY and purpose. I need to be better at filtering through the stuff I have to DO and look deeper at the person that I AM, and the people my children are becoming. Each day is riddled with imperfection...but that is why it is so amazing.<br />
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Wanna know some of my nuggets of JOY????<br />
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This picture will bring a smile to my face every time, first of all because how happy my Tyler looks and how fancy free the dogs look as the cool, spring air blows through their hair. The imperfections that you can't see is that the dogs have needed hair cuts for a month now and I am too cheap to pay for it, but keep forgetting to do it.<br />
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I think the reason why Charlie (Gandolf the Grey) loved his head out the window was because the wind blew his overgrown hair out of his eyes and he could see the world. AND Dalin was right behind me in his car seat with a full bag of licorice, chowing down. He had taken a late nap and was sooooo grumpy and screaming at me the whole way to pick Tyler up from a party. He stopped crying as soon as I <strike>threw</strike> gently placed the bag of licorice in his lap. And that was licorice I wasn't even suppose to have cause I was trying to not eat sugar Mon-Friday's. But all of that melted away when I opened this picture up when we got home.<br />
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This little nugget was priceless. I was trying to give the house a quick clean before I went for a jog this morning but Dalin begged me to take pictures of him, so we sat down on the stairs together and took silly pictures and videos.<br />
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If I had brushed this little curtain-climber off for the sake of a clean house (clean for 5 minutes before he destroyed it again) I would have forgotten that he will be 4 in August and in a few short months I will never have a 3 year old in my house again. He will start pronouncing words correctly and my ears will never get the pleasure of hearing words like "cycle bus" for motorcycle and "wick-wiss" for licorice (which, by the way he ate half the bag...oi).<br />
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Where do I begin with this<strike> atrocity </strike>beautiful little nugget of a photo? (don't ask what I am doing here, I don't know.) Sometimes the pressure and heavy load of being a mother paralyzes me with fear. This is becoming more and more of a reality as my Kylee outgrows me (her shoe size is already bigger than mine). How am I suppose to help this beauty grow into a virtuous, responsible young woman? She reminds me all the time how hard it is to be the "guinea pig" of the family, as the oldest and to be the one that we make all the mistakes on. But 75% of the pictures on my phone are like this, us being goofy together. She tells me about her day and what the boy she liked said to her. She tells me when she is in a fight with her BFF or when she got a bad grade. She knows I get her, that I respect her and trust her. The paralysis easily melts away when she grabs my shoulder to take another goofy pic. She likes me! I wouldn't go as far as saying she thinks I am cool, cause when I drop awesome, modern phrases on her like "I am totes jelly!" (google it if that looks like a foreign language) I get some <i>pretty</i> good eye rolls! There is a line you just can't cross.<br />
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And then there is this one! My girls are always trying to pull new funny faces, and then begging me, while they have their fingers stuffed up their noses to take a picture.<br />
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I was sitting on the couch the other day, trying to catch my breath between dinner clean up and night time jobs. I was tired and counting down the minutes to bed time when I looked up to these monsters...How do you not laugh at this? It immediately pulled me out of my bad mood and I of course had to pull the face myself...I have a picture to prove it, but you will never, ever see that picture because it would give you nightmares.<br />
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Oh- and the highlight of my day today was when my hubby let me go see a movie (Divergent)- BY MYSELF! Yes, I am the weirdo you see in the theatre sitting alone and you wonder if their date is just out getting popcorn or if they really are that pathetic. If you have never gone to a movie alone, I highly recommend it- it's fabulous...and you don't have to share you popcorn =)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-88422983584499788082013-06-10T18:08:00.001-07:002013-06-10T18:08:59.603-07:00SUMMER!I love summer! I live for summer break! The only thing that gets me through each school day is knowing that summer is coming.<br />
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Yes-it gets loud and crazy here, and it seems like at any given time there are at least 4 extra kids...But the good FAR outweigh the bad!<br />
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I love SLEEPING in, and not having to rush off to be anywhere. I love the we can sit out on a blanket in the shade of out big maple tree and read books or have picnics. I love that we can pick up and go at anytime to Pineview Reservoir or the local swimming pool. I love early morning hikes and refreshing slurpees! I love the late sunsets and lots of movies in the yard.<br />
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It's just all so wonderful and in someway I feel like this is what heaven will be like; warm, peaceful, ample time to enjoy each other's company, melty ice cream cones and drippy popcycles...flip flops and the refreshing feeling of freedom!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-8738242643232139052013-05-21T15:34:00.001-07:002013-05-21T15:34:53.902-07:00Yellow Balloons<div style="text-align: center;">
"When I grow up, I want to be a mother, </div>
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And have a family! One little, two little, three little babies of my own. </div>
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And I will love them all day long! </div>
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And give them cookies and milk and yellow balloons! </div>
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And cuddle them when things go wrong! </div>
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And read them stories and sing them pretty tunes!</div>
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Of all the jobs, for me, there is no other. </div>
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I'll have a family.</div>
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Four little, five little, six little babies I can love."</div>
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I learned this song as a young girl and used to listen to it all the time and dream, wish and hope about being a mother.<br />
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It was about 3 years ago that I thought, while listening to this same song with my children, "What a bunch of lies! Lies, I tell you!"<br />
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Having a family is HARD! Is this really the PLAN?<br />
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I have been so blessed since then to have been and continue to be taught, mentored and guided by wonderful woman who were not any smarter or braver than I was, but had more KNOWLEDGE than I did at the time. More knowledge about finding JOY in motherhood.<br />
<br />
I have learned that a typical day will include, but not be limited to at least 5-10 spills, 1 toilet overflow, 2-4 living room vacuums, 1-2 scrapped knee, lots of dirty laundry, preparing of 3 meals (some, not so balanced) fits, fights, name calling, teasing, lying, tattling, tangled hair, over flowing trash cans, broken toys, overgrown grass, weed-filled gardens, hurt feelings, bad days at school...<br />
<br />
...the list goes on and on....and on...<br />
<br />
A dear friend reminded my today that we must be diligent and very careful to remember the little tender mercies- or little nuggets that are hidden in each day. Some days they are more hidden than others =)<br />
<br />
I am so relieved and comforted with the knowledge now that it doesn't have to be one or the other! Isn't that exciting!! It doesn't have to be all good or all bad.<br />
<br />
The cookies may be slightly burnt and the milk might end up being water because you couldn't make it out of your PJ's that day, let alone to the store. The cuddling might be with a sleep deprived mommy and the tunes slightly off key, but they must happen! There has to be balloons-especially yellow ones!<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter if you have ONE little or SIX little children of your own..Just remember that your day WILL NOT go smoothly and your laundry pile will never be empty. We can not let those things blind us from seeing the nuggets, the JOY!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-89967110241881454452013-05-15T20:22:00.001-07:002013-05-15T20:28:34.223-07:00Horrifically AwesomeAcrostic Poem. By Tyler (10 years old). In honor of Mother's Day<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span>alks a lot<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span>wesome<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>U</b></span> R Cool<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>S</b></span>wawesome<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b></span>orrific<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span>lways Fun<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here was the conversation after the poem was read;<br />
<br />
"Thanks Ty! That was sweet of you. So...you think I talk a lot?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah. But that's a good thing."<br />
<br />
"Oh, good. So...You think I'm horrific?"<br />
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"Yep!" Grinning from ear to ear.<br />
<br />
Apparently he believes that horrific is a synonym for awesome...<br />
<br />
My son thinks I am horrifically awesome. I'll take it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #212121; display: inline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 5px;">hor·ri·fic</span> </h3>
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/hôˈrifik/<br />
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<span class="speaker-icon-listen-off" data-s="horrific.mp3" id="speaker_icon" jsaction="dict.l" style="background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/dictionary/static/images/icons/1/pronunciation.png); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid transparent; display: inline-block; float: none; height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 6px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: bottom; width: 16px;"></span></div>
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<table class="vk_txt ts" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small !important; margin-top: 20px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><div class="vk_gy vk_sh" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Adjective</div>
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<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">Causing horror<span style="color: #cc0000;"> at the thought of how awesome your mom is.</span></td></tr>
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Synonyms</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">horrible <span style="color: #cc0000;">at being a bad mom</span> - dreadful<span style="color: #cc0000;">ly gorgeous</span> - frightful<span style="color: #cc0000;">y talented</span> - terrible <span style="color: #cc0000;">at ignoring her kids</span> - grisly <span style="color: #cc0000;">when she wakes up in the morning (this one is true)</span></td></tr>
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*********************************<br />
<br />
Today was a bad day...nothing happened, really, just a hard day. I had NO motivation to do anything. I would start to clean and then have to stop because it was painfully boring and my heart just wasn't in it. I would sit down to get some work done and my mind would be blank and mushy. I felt tired, grumpy and my muscles felt like jello. Please tell me you know what I am talking about!<br />
<br />
But-the thing I love most about today is that I know that it is just a bad day...not a bad life. I am just having a 24 hour period of low...and that the sun will rise again tomorrow and I will be okay.<br />
<br />
This may seem simple but I am so happy about this because a couple of years ago I would have been beating myself up over it. I would wonder what was wrong with me and say things to myself like, "Why are you so lazy? You can't sit and read a book-the house will fall apart around you." I love how I have learned to be patient and kind to myself and allow my mind and body to rest and be at ease for a day.<br />
<br />
How are you patient and kind to yourself?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-6637885514419379102013-05-03T14:56:00.002-07:002013-05-03T14:57:29.581-07:00Muddy HandsI was out early one morning before anyone was awake. Riding my bike, which is my favorite form of exercise!<br />
<br />
As I cruised down my favorite hill a particular question that had been overwhelming me the last day or so ran through my mind again, "Will I ever be good enough? Will I ever get it right?"<br />
<br />
A particular quote came to my mind that I learned from my mentor, <i>It's not about PERFECTION, it's about PROGRESSION! </i><br />
<br />
And then I heard the still, quiet voice of the spirit, who so eloquently speaks to us on behalf of a loving Heavenly Father say,<br />
<br />
"Are you progressing?" <br />
<br />
I thought for a moment and then said "Yes..."<br />
<br />
"Then don't worry. My child, I need you to be as patient with yourself as I am with you."<br />
<br />
Those profound words warmed my heart and I knew that I would be okay, that I was good enough and I was <i>getting</i> it right.<br />
<br />
As I am typing this my sweet Dalin came inside looking like this:<br />
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"Wash it Mommy!" He pleaded! The playing in the mud was really fun, but the mess it created was not as fun.<br />
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I again felt the overwhelming love my Father in Heaven has for me. When we come to him with muddied hands, he doesn't send us away and tell us to figure it out for ourselves...He scoops us up in his arms and carries us to the sink. He washes our hands with soap and warm water, making sure to get any extra mud on our arms and elbows. Then he kisses us on the forehead and sends us off to play again, knowing full well that we will probably get in the mud again.<br />
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Thank you, Dalin for teaching me such a timely lesson. It is not about perfection, if it is for you, you will always fail. It is about progression...getting muddy and then knowing where to go to be cleansed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-61273718894726865212013-05-01T22:48:00.004-07:002013-05-01T23:11:48.085-07:00Gotta Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
So...have you ever received a strong prompting to do something and even though you knew it was a good thing to do, you couldn't see how it could possibly fit into your busy life??<br />
<br />
This happened to me today. I received a very strong kick in the pants that I needed to start blogging again! It's not that I don't like blogging, I actually love it-but I have so much going on right now that it seems like one more chore.<br />
<br />
This prompting was also a puzzle piece to some pretty crazy feedback that I have received in the last week. I have 2 friends that have both told me the exact same thing about what my "body language" is saying. Both of these ladies are trained in how to read body language and in how to tell what someone is thinking or feeling by their body language. Sound nuts??<br />
<br />
Well, I was told by these ladies, on 2 separate occasions (they don't even know each other-so there was no conspiring) that my body language (especially when I cross my arms over my stomach...which I thought I was doing to hide my belly fat...hehe) was communicating that I am trying to keep my light in! I am afraid to show people what is really inside of me.<br />
<br />
If I was really honest I would tell you that if I was to show you all that I have learned over the last 2.5 years, all that I have healed from and all that I have done to grow and change...If I was to let that light shine and reveal all of the JOY, HAPPINESS and PEACE that I feel on a daily basis now, you would probably be blinded! But this isn't true! Because I don't have any dumb family or friends and I know that if you are reading this you long for JOY, HAPPINESS and PEACE as much as the next guy. right??<br />
<br />
Ever since I can remember, I have always known that I was suppose to PLAY BIG in this life. I have been through some dark, sad times in my life (go to <b>My Journey As a Mother</b> page on this blog to learn more about that) and I have also always known that I went through those times so that I could help other people heal and come out on top. My nature (got to <b>What Type Are You?</b> page to learn more) is soft, and subtle and I move through life with a gentle flow and so I have also struggled with how to show all that is in me without seeming pushy, or too bold.<br />
<br />
But a loving Heavenly Father, who has guided me every step of my life, has made it known to me that it is time to take that light I have been trying to hide and let it out! You ready??<br />
<br />
I have almost deleted this post about 10 times because I am still scared to let it shine...but here I go!<br />
<br />
**Don't forget to check out the last post for a good laugh =)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-62378639110499286282013-05-01T20:52:00.003-07:002013-05-01T20:52:52.245-07:00"Get Your Sword Out of the Fridge!" And Other Crazy Things You'll hear me say<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I opened the fridge the other day and there was Dalin's foam sword, conversing with the milk.<br />
<br />
Dalin is constantly at my side and so I said to him, "Hey D! Get your sword out of the fridge."<br />
<br />
"Okay." He said as he grabbed it, and ran off to hit the dog with it.<br />
<br />
There are many times where I have to remind myself to laugh, so that I don't cry.<br />
<br />
Like today. When I was putting clothes away upstairs, I heard a lot of giggling, then the sliding glass door opening and then the rushing and splashing of water. I fought my instinct to ignore it...sometimes that seems easier than facing it...but I ran downstairs to find the kitchen floor covered in an inch of water. Kylee (my eye witness) quickly informed me that Malia (5) had been spraying the hose, turned on full blast, at the sliding glass door and that Dalin had his face pressed against the glass, giggling. In his little 2 1/2 year old mind he then wondered what would happen if the glass wasn't there anymore, so he slid the door open. Need I go on??<br />
<br />
I am a fairly quiet, low energy lady, by nature, and often times yearn for some peace and quiet...But like any good grandmother will tell you, you must enjoy those little water flinging, sword waving munchkins while you can, before they are grown and gone. (((sigh)))<br />
<br />
So instead of crying, we laughed about it and I made sure I documented the experience in my journal so I can tell them about it when they are grown and gone!<br />
<br />
***Stay tuned for the story of the night my 7 and 5 year old girls decided to paper mache a balloon in their bedroom at 10 o'clock at night using a homemade concoction of water and flour. Then, when they realized it wasn't working so well decided to have a paper mache flinging party instead. Ever try to clean a mixture of water and flour out of your carpet??? I actually did cry that night.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-2257626064186795982012-06-15T14:56:00.001-07:002012-06-15T14:59:20.391-07:00The Window to the SoulEyes. On any given day I am astonished at my children's eyes. Not just because I think they are so beautiful, but because in their eyes I see so much. Eyes tell us so much about a person, have you noticed? Look into the eyes of your children, your spouse, your friends. What do you see?<br />
<br />
Here is what I see in my children's eyes:<br />
<br />
Kylee is the only one in the family with brown eyes! I have always loved her brown eyes! In these eyes I see a love for life, like I have never seen before. I see an affection and allegiance to all of God's creatures, big or small. I see structure and fairness. I see acceptance and FUN! I see a girl who will give all of herself to anyone, but will carefully keep enough for herself. Kylee's eyes help me stay focused and give me the ability to handle and accept life.<br />
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<br />
Tyler's eyes are one of the first things I fell in love with when he joined our family. His eyes erupt with wisdom and knowledge. When I first looked into his eyes I knew that I was holding in my arms someone great, with endless potential. In his deep blue eyes I see curiosity and accomplishment. I see brightness and sensitivity. Just looking into Tyler's eyes will assure you that the world if full of things to be constantly explored. In his eyes I see wonder, action and love.<br />
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Baily's green eyes are full of sunshine and brilliance. It doesn't matter if Baily is sick or sad, her eyes always have a sparkle and a light. In her eyes I see possibilities, new ideas and hope. Her eyes remind me that life is to be enjoyed. In her eyes is love and a love for life. Baily's eyes hold a place for forgiveness, ability and a acceptance.</div>
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Malia...of all of my kids, Malia reminds me the most of myself. When I look into her green eyes I often feel like I am looking in a mirror. It is really fun to look into her sensitive eyes and imagine that I am looking at myself. Malia's eyes are still, and peaceful. Her eyes are illuminated with a sense of simple, pure balance. When I look into her eyes I see a gentle nature, but an intense ability to discern what is good, fair and right. I see comfort and the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.</div>
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My little Dalin. It only took me about 21,000 tries to get this picture of his eyes!!! His eyes scream Wiggle worm!!! Dalin has taught me more about life in his 22 months than I could have learned in a lifetime. His pale blue eyes are soft and gentle. His eyes show his need for comfort and peace. In his eyes I see an unyielding sense of awareness, confidence and affection. Dalin has the ability to take in all that he sees and thoroughly assess if it is safe! fun! and worth-while! His eyes are what keeps me going, keeps me strong and patient.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-1090335466104224252012-03-27T21:46:00.002-07:002012-03-27T22:15:43.441-07:00My New Bowl of Ice Cream<div>Meet my new bowl of ice cream. It is a lot less creamy and does not have near enough sugary goodness as I am use to, but I am pretty excited about it.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOj-3Ruz6HhHN4fcT-kn-aQ7cSWZbj4FPNfTxUhN46R_djQZuLOmiZzuH6yN1B5l7z88SknYI-EA_l-gEeUcTJ0yFeD6Hw9OkouEcZGdO66HSQ_Ugy28yDQNGdIaXDRAUsruem2pGQIA/s1600/2012+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOj-3Ruz6HhHN4fcT-kn-aQ7cSWZbj4FPNfTxUhN46R_djQZuLOmiZzuH6yN1B5l7z88SknYI-EA_l-gEeUcTJ0yFeD6Hw9OkouEcZGdO66HSQ_Ugy28yDQNGdIaXDRAUsruem2pGQIA/s400/2012+004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724805084051924738" /></a>For the past 2 nights, instead of putting the kids to bed and sitting down to a big ol' bowl of vanilla with chocolate syrup goodness, I have laced up my running shoes, dusted off the treadmill and ran like crazy. Well, let's be honest, it is more like a slow jog...but I am getting there.<div><br /></div><div> AND, while I am burning some calories I am catching up on some re-runs of Lost. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">Now, instead of my nightly dose of sugar and cream, I am</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> getting my nightly dose of Jack Shephard!</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div>I learned something pretty fantastic about setting goals the other day. I have always been really good at setting goals, but really, really bad at keeping them. I realized that in my need for perfection I usually set my goals too high. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a quick and easy method for setting goals. It is called the M.T.O method. So, for instance, I want to get back in shape. I have been exercising on average 1-2 days a week. So instead of saying, <span style="font-size: 100%; "> (in a Wonder Woman voice)</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">"I will exercise 6 days a week and I will never eat ice cream again!" I set a MINIMUM goal. I want to at least work out 3 days a week. Then I set my TARGET goal. Ideally, I would like to exercise 4 days a week. And my OUTRAGEOUS goal (now remember, outrageous does not mean impossible), would be to exercise 5 days a week. Make sense? This way I am never setting myself up to fail.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>If I only get 3 workouts in one week, I am still within my goal range, and I won't give up because it seems impossible to achieve my goal. Yes??</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I am going to go <a href="http://www.doterraoil.com/deepbluerub.pdf">Deep Blue</a> my legs, cause they are killing me!!! </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-19885906292285609212012-03-26T22:36:00.005-07:002012-03-26T23:31:24.023-07:00Flip flops and tank tops<div style="text-align: center; "><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I have been </span>assaulted<span style="font-size: 100%;"> by summer clothes!!!</span></span></div><span><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZbngV6o0iApf8qOng5zpX-3RlVzzWuhK80WIY8ybOeCNzS2hqvA4HH-6-FjVn03Wotrs6t43ZLrfCamQWBicURGe1Jb_ReFTmHJIVjNdkpKSNv3j2NB2TVCBVx_m3yXf2v-nRVa7qoM/s400/2012+001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724449379709728274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; ">I have been putting off getting the summer clothes from the attic for weeks now. All of my kids, especially my 6 year old, have been badgering me daily to "pleeeeeeaaaaassssseeeee get the summer clothes down!!!" So, today was the day.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; ">5 kids, 8-10 bins and bags of clothes...sorting through the ones that fit, the ones that don't have holes or stains...then sorting through drawers and closets for clothes that don't fit to put away...</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; ">I lose a year of my life every time the seasons change!</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; ">It was a hot dog's-for-dinner kind of a night. I tell you what, I am exhausted. At least we are good for another 6 months.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNenkkNnvM0SZiebSvD2IMu5qsMo_ut6ZEVBtgmFd36prrct4Rps8eMZ5uvK1qH7fpofwp5js8_dV_KyzEAGZ-3BEIAJ4L8UCtRDk4b_BE00A147Ea-0XrU26woncxAe6cBXGlIDrE0JE/s1600/2012+004.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNenkkNnvM0SZiebSvD2IMu5qsMo_ut6ZEVBtgmFd36prrct4Rps8eMZ5uvK1qH7fpofwp5js8_dV_KyzEAGZ-3BEIAJ4L8UCtRDk4b_BE00A147Ea-0XrU26woncxAe6cBXGlIDrE0JE/s400/2012+004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724449392456852818" /></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><span>I don't know how the vacuum ended up in this picture...I sooo did not vacuum today...</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jzJU0HUEPAvza8PiRDjFf65D7A1w0C-ykKV5U4QiSr-Ob0u7phPthzswTNjIvXpN5DUJeKnjV5d6IxFrUNSqakbhspE-K9vr0az-2UYHBZeyTL2VlykcL5WLtM_pB3d7fpxTPKpQ4cI/s1600/2012+003.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jzJU0HUEPAvza8PiRDjFf65D7A1w0C-ykKV5U4QiSr-Ob0u7phPthzswTNjIvXpN5DUJeKnjV5d6IxFrUNSqakbhspE-K9vr0az-2UYHBZeyTL2VlykcL5WLtM_pB3d7fpxTPKpQ4cI/s400/2012+003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724449387179534946" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5630761418277094657.post-66748487028111199092012-03-25T13:36:00.003-07:002012-03-25T13:46:53.651-07:00mr grumpy pants<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqnZodgajNndhtyu0EeZN6jLEJllrsBEnj9fL_8y5GEhMmeeLWdHd7EemTtIa14tfQcxWorkEVfFFdasNJHq17H-BrcziXFah9qotd1DlBD1Gv6IKBpveI4GaIHoVaCRunf0M9Q_AqZ4/s400/2012+132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723938666902921570" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><div><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span>Dalin woke up from his nap grumpy today. He actually does this every day. I am really bothered by this. It takes 10-20 minutes for him to "happy-up". Today was no different.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span>I was sitting on the couch with him today after his nap and it hit me...I am the exact same way. I hate waking up. If I was a 1 year old I would cry too. I feel like crying every time the morning comes, but I am a big girl, and can't throw the fit that I feel inside.</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span>So, Dalin, I am okay with you waking up grumpy. I know how you feel...</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXLcBt4WDqS0sZN-1WK8vTe13TUew9mcm5TAnoHwhycaKI-jZoqA_y-p-5uUModr_qIPQvTBrJxLtwz5mGop-cyhjHRe2z3WVHAP6Aqlv9VFJnVJX9SkSRiZa_sR4Aak1nx1cYUqTVos/s1600/2012+131.JPG" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXLcBt4WDqS0sZN-1WK8vTe13TUew9mcm5TAnoHwhycaKI-jZoqA_y-p-5uUModr_qIPQvTBrJxLtwz5mGop-cyhjHRe2z3WVHAP6Aqlv9VFJnVJX9SkSRiZa_sR4Aak1nx1cYUqTVos/s400/2012+131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723938674365783298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126804983412937156noreply@blogger.com2