Sunday Morning Smiles

I just got a new camera on Saturday from Costco (my old one had tape holding the battery in -- it was time!) :-) It is always so fun to get a new toy . . . just in time for our trip to Spokane, Alaska, and all sorts of summer fun! :-) Everyone in Alaska better get ready to say, "cheese!" I am a picture-taking fool! Thought I would share a few of my practice shots. (This is a normal camera -- not the deluxe.) :-)
A lovely Sunday morning.

Yup, they look the same.

William is about to pull on Sammi's braid. :-) He looks happy about it.

CHEESE!

You can see Bun-Bun's cage in the background. She is lounging out of the sun, with an umbrella. I freeze water bottles and put them in her cage with her, so she does not die! Too hot for a bunny!

Best Buddies. :-)

Sweet Sammi

Yes, he is getting a hair-cut, soon, very soon. :-)

Today is going to be 96 degrees! We spent the morning outside -- it was a glorious morning. We have our swamp cooler up and running! It is a record high day. . . it should normally be about 75. William enjoyed his apple and animal crackers, while basking in the beauty of the early morning. :-)

Pictures

I have been taking pictures now and then. I thought I would just post some on the blog. Very random . . .

It was crazy hair day today at school. Daniel wanted Anakin Skywalker hair...

Though I thought he looked more like him . . .

But in Daniel's mind he was him . . .

Which made me think how much William looks like him ...

and then there was Sammi . . . ?????

She just wanted to look crazy :-) Her hair was pretty wild!

The other day Sammi brought this note home that she wrote for me during school . . . :-)

I make a special note for Sammi's lunch everyday. I did not know that Sammi had been keeping them in her backpack (not all of them, but a lot). It was sweet that she kept them. :-) Next year, Daniel will get notes too! :-)
Our grass is really growing now. It is turning a really nice bright green color. We are so excited!

Charles got me some lovely roses for Mom's day. White symbolizes purity, and his "pure love" for me. :-)
We had some pretty good thunder storms a few weeks ago. One Sunday Sammi was home sick from church (with me) and we were curled up reading in my bed, then we heard some thunder. We decided to go sit in the backyard, and watch and listen -- then the hail started pouring on us. It was a pretty exciting storm. I adore a good storm. All the kids huddled together after church to check out some lightning action. Always fun!


Here is a picture of the Stars Wars book from my mom and dad. The kids are both in love with Star Wars (Willy likes light-sabers) and so anything that has to do with it is a treasure! :-) This book was SO awesome! I have not seen anything like it! The light-sabers even light up!
That is all for now . . . I am off to have more random fun! :-)

Momma

"Now I shout it from the highest hill, even told the golden daffodil ... you are the most amazing mom EVER!!" :-) (She played Calamity Jane in her high school musical.)

My most favorite memory of her was when she sang Secret Love at the top of her lungs -- while driving an old motor home to Ninilchik. :-) I will NEVER forget it! It was loud!

When a lot of my friends would complain about their mothers, I never did. My mom was super-great. I would have felt like a traitor had I tarnished her mother name! I always felt devoted to my family, over friends, any day. My loyalty was to my crew -- my family. I feel the same way now, and I am trying to teach the same thing to my children. :-)

I love you momma! You are the very best of women. I am so grateful God decided to send me to you! :-) Thank you for teaching me how to love. Thank you for teaching me how to make a house a heavenly home. Thank you for teaching me how to hug. Thank you for teaching so many things, just by being you. As I look back now as a mother, I appreciate you a million times more! I am grateful for your example to me, and draw from it whenever I need to. :-)

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Early to Bed and Early to Rise . . .

(Most pictures found on google search)

Cock-a-Doodle-Do!

Healthy? Wealthy? Wise? Well, hopefully! This past week Charles and I decided to change our normal routine. We have begun going to bed early (before 10:00) and waking up early (5:15). We have a new plan. Charles wakes up and goes to the gym at 5:30 and then he is home by 6:30 -- at which time I am standing at the front door ready to burst out for a run. I give him a kiss, and I go on my way. This new plan came to me last Saturday, as I was out running in the afternoon by myself. I felt such freedom, and so much stronger. I wanted that feeling, daily. So, I thought with a new routine -- I could have it! I have been stroller-running since I had Sammi (almost 8 years ago). I have been able to do it, and make some good progress -- but it was not really "me" time. Do NOT get me wrong, I have loved the days of the stroller. They have saved me, really. But, there is something about being out there, alone. (Don't worry Dad -- I take a cell phone and my high-alert karate skills.) It is just so invigorating and empowering! It is so great to be out there in the morning -- strollerless! I have really enjoyed the time alone, without having to strap the kids in, suit them up, or worry about their comfort. (I know, so selfish!) I go out before they are even awake, and Charles gets ready while I am gone.

Look Ma ... no hands! :-)

When I return I have energy and endophins to face the morning with the kids -- rather than dragging myself around pink-robed, with my eyes half-closed. I would get really ansy in the morning, while getting everyone ready for school. I was anxious to get things moving so I could get out for my run -- after they went to school. Dragging, lots of dragging. It is so different greeting them with open and alert eyes, in my running clothes, and a bit of energy. :-) It has really been so great.
I truly enjoy the morning time. I have to convince myself to wake-up, but once up -- I feel great! The morning sky is amazing. It is light when I go out, and I get to see the sun come up behind the hills. The smells are unbelievable. Especially right now, with all the Spring flowers. It is a real treat to run through the fallen petals. If you are a mama, I highly recommend finding some time -- just for you. Sometimes you have to wake up early (which is not natural for me!) But it is SO worth it! Fresh air is so important to your well-being. A better you means a better mom. Treat yourself right! When all the kids are grown and gone -- you will be left with YOU!! :-) You might as well like yourself, and then those around you will like you too! :-) Don't say, "Ill be happy when...." Say, "I am happy now!" :-) President Benson said (way back in 1986) . . .

The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things. In general, the more food we eat in its natural state—without additives—and the less it is refined, the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression. A good physical examination periodically is a safeguard and may spot problems that can be remedied. Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion and is a necessary change of pace; even its anticipation can lift the spirit.

My FAVORITE thing he said was about wholesome recreation as part of our religion. How great is that!? It is always so nice to plan fun things to do as a family. Otherwise, you can just sit in the living room and stare at the ceiling -- that is not a life! :-) Go plan some FUN!!! Enjoy life! (I could write a whole blog entry on family recreation . . . maybe another day!)

I loved what he had to say about health. There are so many "gimmicks" out there; numerous amounts of diets and products to use to lose weight, even if you don't really need to! We are constantly flashed images of bodies unattainable (without close companionship with the toliet.) It is really very silly. What power the adversary has if he can trap people into their own self-doubt and pity. If one is always worried about themsleves -- then service to others will certainly fly out the window. I think, actually, I KNOW -- the perfect "diet" is found in the scriptures. It is the Word of Wisdom. Moderation is key, and even simple -- not stressful. We really do not need to torment ourselves with programs and products. A life of moderation, and daily exercise is the BEST way to health and happiness.

Grapefruit Diet Anyone??

Boyd K Packer said:

"The Word of Wisdom is “adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints” (D&C 89:3). It is buttressed by other scriptures. They teach that the good things of the earth “are made for the benefit and the use of man, … Yea,” the Lord said, “for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul, … to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion” (D&C 59:18–20).

Young people, learn to use moderation and common sense in matters of health and nutrition, and particularly in medication.

Avoid being extreme or fanatical or becoming a faddist.

For example, the Word of Wisdom counsels us to eat meat sparingly (see D&C 89:12). Lest someone become extreme, we are told in another revelation that “whoso forbiddeth to [eat meat] is not ordained of God” (D&C 49:18). "
I promise never to not eat meat. :-) Chickens are friends -- and food! :-)
Meat . . . yummy! All those lovely animals placed on earth -- they are for our use -- not just decoration. "Sparingly" is key, but I think even that can be taken to extremes. In my Business 101 class in college, all I learned was ... location, location, location! Well, when it comes to diet and food ... moderation, moderation, MODERATION!! :-) I will admit that if I have a weakness (and I do) it is moderation. My plate likes lots of pasta on it, and my cookies come in pairs (or more). The only downside from running is EXTREME hunger. I am working on balance. Maybe I should make a big poster on my fridge that says: MODERATION GIRL!

I feel better already. Waking up early is inspired. My day is way more productive. For example: my laundry bin is almost empty! (It is normally over-flowing!) I now do it constantly, rather than pile it up for a week. I just keep it going, and now that it is almost Friday (laundry day) I do not have a huge pile to do! YES! AND the laundry room does not stink!! That is "wealth" to me!

So, go get out there, and get some fresh air! There is nothing like it!

Plus, the Prophet told you to! :-) God will not judge you on the size of your hips, but on the size of your heart!

Love somebody today.

Beauty is as Beauty does!

Hairy Mari

I went and had my hair done today. It had been about a year -- it was time!! My hair was getting so heavy -- it was in need of some professional help! It is always SO nice to go in and have my hair thinned out. I actually get headaches from the heaviness of my hair. What a relief when the lady started stripping away at the fatness of my hair! What a huge wad on the floor! I am pretty pleased with the work that she did. All the ladies at the salon were in awe of the mass of hair on my head. I needed double the foil, and hair color. I told them it is a blessing, and a curse!! I can get some serious neck pain!! Before I went in to have my hair done, I had many people tell me I should go short -- but I have come to like the femininity of long hair. :-) It makes me feel like a woman. ;-) wink!

Before


After



It is SO much lighter!!! Hooray!

Charles and I went on a fun date night last night. We went to see the new Wolverine movie. We met up with one of Charles's friend's from work (and his wife). It was nice to finally meet the man that Charles talks so much about. :-) We had a good time, it was nice to get out! The movie was alright, I prefer the other X-Men movies. There was just a lot of fighting and blowing things up. There was a pretty icky bad guy at the end too -- with a similar icky face as the bad guy in Harry Potter (the one who shall not be named). I just do NOT like it when they take bad guys to that weird, gross level. Ick. Anyhow, it is always nice to watch Hugh Jackman. He is quite good-looking (if I may say so) and I can, because Charles thinks so -- more than I do! He was so inspired by Wolverine's rippling muscles -- he went to the gym first thing this morning! ;-) wink! Hooray for date night!

Baby Time Lapse

Make sure and pause the music at the bottom of the page, before viewing video! :-)


I thought this video was pretty funny. :-) I have often wondered what would happen if I just let William do whatever he wanted during the day -- what kind of mess would I be left with?? This is a much smaller baby than William, and he did a pretty good job!

William is all about the kitchen lately. He likes to move a chair to the counter and see what he can find. He has entered the "Curious George" stage -- always finding something "creative" to do. For example: While I have been typing, William dumped his milk ALL over the living room floor! (Luckily, we have wood floor!) The other day, I went to his crib, and he was throwing poop on the floor -- my favorite! There is nothing better than poop, everywhere! Some days I think a maid would be nice! :-) How nice would it be to have someone to do all the nasty, dirty work?? I could really have my house in order . . . if I only had a maid! :-)

My Lovely Laurel's

Jessica, Melissa, Shandra, and Jenny

Last night we had an activity at my house for our Laurels. We had a lesson on Sunday about the Priesthood, so we thought we should say "thank you" to some of the Priesthood leaders in the ward (we chose the Bishopric). We all had so much fun together. They are such good and lovely girls -- I have never seen better! (or sillier!) :-) We were all laughing SO hard -- my cheeks hurt!

This is the card we gave with the cookies . . . :-) (computers and digital cameras are SO great!)

The girls just kept telling all sorts of funny stories -- I had forgotten how giggly girls are! We kept trying to get a good picture of all of us, and Jessica was smart enough to discover that I had a timer on my camera (duh to me!) No one wanted to be in the front though -- because it made our heads look huge! (He, he, Shandra! :-) )

Shandra is going for more sugar . . . :-) Yum, yum!

The finished product -- chocolate marshmallow cookies and smiles! :-) Who wouldn't want this group to show up at their door??
We had Jenny's dad take a picture of all of us at the front door. Pretty cute!
Armed with cookies, and ready to go make people smile!

It was so fun! I sure love my Laurel's! They are ALL such sweet, fun girls! :-) There is hope for the future!