20 of my favorite things:
Shayne
my kids
daily talk with Lara
clean house
kids doing chores, without me behind them
being with family
my bike
6am bikerides in the summer
taking pictures and loving the pic!
my home
watching Danny on the trampoline
hearing Hunter and Cole playing "imagination" together
Jackson Hole
going to the gym with my girlfriends
Extra Gum - Berry Pearadise
Marshmallows
Berries
Utah summer evenings
Going to the grocery store without kids
Playing piano or clarinet - either one is a luxury these days.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 5
My Favorite Quote(s):
"It'll all stop hurting, when it all goes away." -my dad
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..." -Eccl. 3:1
Both of these come to mind often - especially being a mother to young children!
"It'll all stop hurting, when it all goes away." -my dad
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..." -Eccl. 3:1
Both of these come to mind often - especially being a mother to young children!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 4
My Favorite Book:
This is tough. I really love to read! My most recent "top picks" are A Thousand Splendid Suns and Roots. I felt very changed after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns - I felt empowered by being a woman. It was a very eye-opening book and I felt like I got a glimmer of what is happening in the Mid-East. I felt like a changed person when I finished that book.
As for Roots, that is what I read last and I thought it was amazing. Not just the story - but the overall message of the book - "Remember who you are, and where you came from." Not only did I find myself thinking about my ancestry (geneology), but I also thought about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truly knowing and understanding who I am and where I am from--it changes my perspective and my actions. I found myself questioning myself, "Do I really remember who I am on a daily basis? Do my actions reflect that knowledge?" Once again, I felt like a changed person when I finished that book, too.
Now for two other books that I HAVE to mention:
The Book of Mormon - I don't read it enough. But when I do, I know I am being spiritually fed. It seems like the "sunday school" answer to this question - but really, what other book has had such a significance in my life? None. Every time I open it, there is something new for me to ponder and learn. I am grateful for it and I can not imagine my life without it.
On Becoming Babywise - (by Gary Ezzo) - random, I know. But, this book saved me after I had Hunter. It became my handbook with each of my children. I know some people are strongly against the advice in this book, but it worked for me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is tough. I really love to read! My most recent "top picks" are A Thousand Splendid Suns and Roots. I felt very changed after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns - I felt empowered by being a woman. It was a very eye-opening book and I felt like I got a glimmer of what is happening in the Mid-East. I felt like a changed person when I finished that book.
As for Roots, that is what I read last and I thought it was amazing. Not just the story - but the overall message of the book - "Remember who you are, and where you came from." Not only did I find myself thinking about my ancestry (geneology), but I also thought about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Truly knowing and understanding who I am and where I am from--it changes my perspective and my actions. I found myself questioning myself, "Do I really remember who I am on a daily basis? Do my actions reflect that knowledge?" Once again, I felt like a changed person when I finished that book, too.
Now for two other books that I HAVE to mention:
The Book of Mormon - I don't read it enough. But when I do, I know I am being spiritually fed. It seems like the "sunday school" answer to this question - but really, what other book has had such a significance in my life? None. Every time I open it, there is something new for me to ponder and learn. I am grateful for it and I can not imagine my life without it.
On Becoming Babywise - (by Gary Ezzo) - random, I know. But, this book saved me after I had Hunter. It became my handbook with each of my children. I know some people are strongly against the advice in this book, but it worked for me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Cole's soccer season starter
Yesterday, Cole had his first soccer game of the fall season. He burst into tears as we were walking out the door when he figured out it wasn't the same team as last spring. Luckily he cheered up when he saw his buddy, Kash, on the team!
The best part of the game was what happened on the sideline. Cole would sort-of run and played pretty good on the field (especially when you consider how much he DID NOT do last spring). But, Hunter was the coach for the evening. Here are a few of the things Hunter said:
- "Cole, you've got to run REALLY, REALLY fast. Like you are running after a THOUSAND dollars - do you know how fast that is?"
- "Cole, I'm downloading super powers, here you go (and then the pass-off to the wrists where all downloads go).""
- Cole, I was wrong about the green lightening, that's the speed of a turtle. You need blue lightening. Be as fast as blue lightening, it's the FASTEST."
- "I think I gave you the wrong powers, here are new and better ones."
- "Cole, do you need batteries? Here are some batteries (imaginary batteries were passed off and Cole plugged them into the back of his neck)."
And even better was watching Hunter prepare his little brother with a few back rubs, even helping him massage his legs... seriously, I wanted to capture those moments in a bottle and keep them forever. What a great big brother! To top it off, Cole got his VERY FIRST goal during the 2nd half - it was just a perfect summation of all his big brother's help.
(ps is summation a word?)
Day 3
My favorite television program:
My absolute favorite show is The Biggest Loser. In a close 2nd - is The Office. I started to watch The Biggest Loser 2 seasons ago and I'm a little obsessed. I know they draw out the drama and obviously, these people are in an unrealistic setting, but it's still fun. I love seeing the change in the people - sizes, confidence, and habits. When I watch them, I feel inspired to go beyond my comfort zone. If they can do it, why can't I? When I decided to do the 100 mile bike ride, I kept reminding myself several of those contestants ran a MARATHON. That blows my mind. I know the contestants are counting calories and watching every morsel of food that enters their mouths... I'm not there yet. I admire that about them. I love food too much to quit eating the junk and the yummy stuff. But, I want to be more like them--eating better and healthier. For now, it's inspiration to change little habits. It's my "feel good" show.
My absolute favorite show is The Biggest Loser. In a close 2nd - is The Office. I started to watch The Biggest Loser 2 seasons ago and I'm a little obsessed. I know they draw out the drama and obviously, these people are in an unrealistic setting, but it's still fun. I love seeing the change in the people - sizes, confidence, and habits. When I watch them, I feel inspired to go beyond my comfort zone. If they can do it, why can't I? When I decided to do the 100 mile bike ride, I kept reminding myself several of those contestants ran a MARATHON. That blows my mind. I know the contestants are counting calories and watching every morsel of food that enters their mouths... I'm not there yet. I admire that about them. I love food too much to quit eating the junk and the yummy stuff. But, I want to be more like them--eating better and healthier. For now, it's inspiration to change little habits. It's my "feel good" show.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day 2
My Favorite Movie:
I have lots of favorites and it's hard to decide on one. Just to name a couple that I wouldn't mind watching again and again...
Anne of Green Gables
I wish I was more like Anne (with an e). I love her personality and the romanticism of this picturesque movie. Sappy, I know.
The Incredibles
I love how it's about a family that is obviously incredible - but still dealing with normal family issues.... I guess I just relate well to this. Except the "super power" part, that's wishful thinking.
I have lots of favorites and it's hard to decide on one. Just to name a couple that I wouldn't mind watching again and again...
Anne of Green Gables
I wish I was more like Anne (with an e). I love her personality and the romanticism of this picturesque movie. Sappy, I know.
The Incredibles
I love how it's about a family that is obviously incredible - but still dealing with normal family issues.... I guess I just relate well to this. Except the "super power" part, that's wishful thinking.
PS I do like action movies, I just couldn't decide on ONE... the only movies I AVOID are scary ones. I'm not a fan of being freaked out.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Welcome Home Grandma and Grandpa!
Just a little over a week ago we welcomed Grandma and Grandpa back to our neck of the woods! They served an 18 month LDS mission in Charlotte, NC - as Employment Service Specialists. (I'm not positive I got that title right!) They were AWESOME missionaries and I know they are sorely missed in NC now - but WE'RE SO GLAD THEY ARE BACK!! We were waiting at their house when they got home and it was lots of hugs and tears. The very next day, we went with them and Shayne's two sisters, to Park City to enjoy a week of family time. We swam, we played games, we ate OH SO GOOD, and we just enjoyed being together again. Here are a few pictures to capture the moments in time:
All the local grandkids made posters. I'll just show the ones my kids made.
By Hunter - with popcicle sticks
by Danny
by Cole (he told me what to write and he colored it. I wish you could see how he signed his name - I love the E with lots and lots of lines, super cute)
Grandpa and Danny (he is SOOO grandpa's boy - and grandma is a bit jealous)
Mom and son
Grandma with Hunter
After all of our hugs, Cherae's family pulled up. I think this picture epitomizes (sp?) Cheryl's afternoon --hugs and tears. It was very joyous.
Grandma and Danny
After they got home, we all went to eat and then back to the house. I love that Grandma was on the floor and playing with those grandkids before she even looked at her house. All the kids had something "to do" and it was a fun afternoon together!
Playing Kings Corner - Hunter's favorite.
Cole and Clayton made "balloon creations" - grandpa helped too.
I don't have very many pictures of our Park City vacation. Like I mentioned, we just hung out and did whatever! We did go to a fun park and I love this picture of Cherae. It was awesome timing on my part.
"MORE pictures?" We did a little hike... well, it was a walk. A very slow walk. And slow because of my kids.
Shayne captured this shot of Danny.
We attended almost all of Connor's soccer tournament games. His team won 1st place in the tournament (U10) and it was really awesome to see him and Uncle Chris (the coach!) in action. They have a HUGE influence on Hunter and his love for soccer.
"MORE pictures?" We did a little hike... well, it was a walk. A very slow walk. And slow because of my kids.
Shayne captured this shot of Danny.
We attended almost all of Connor's soccer tournament games. His team won 1st place in the tournament (U10) and it was really awesome to see him and Uncle Chris (the coach!) in action. They have a HUGE influence on Hunter and his love for soccer.
It was a fabulous week and I can't believe it has come and gone. The amazing part of Grandma and Grandpa being home is that it's almost like they never left.... then again, it was SUCH A LONG TIME! We know it was the right thing to do and we're grateful for their example to serve our Heavenly Father. They truly radiate the spirit in all they do and say. Love you guys!
Day 1
My favorite song:
I think this journal thing is going to fade out really quick. It's forcing me to think when it's late at night and I should be in bed!
Honestly, one of my most favorite songs is "Watermark" from Enya. When I hear it - I can immediately transcend my current chaos and feel transported to a different place. It's calming and reassuring to me. My college roommate, Sabrina, introduced me to Enya. I would beg her to put it on EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to fall asleep (she always had music on at night and she kindly accepted my request). I can still envision the snow on my dorm room window and I'm snuggled into my bed, warm and truly happy. When I keep singing songs over and over in my head and I just can't seem to make the "internal radio" turn off, I sing this song to myself. It is my ultimate calming song.
I think this journal thing is going to fade out really quick. It's forcing me to think when it's late at night and I should be in bed!
Honestly, one of my most favorite songs is "Watermark" from Enya. When I hear it - I can immediately transcend my current chaos and feel transported to a different place. It's calming and reassuring to me. My college roommate, Sabrina, introduced me to Enya. I would beg her to put it on EVERY SINGLE NIGHT to fall asleep (she always had music on at night and she kindly accepted my request). I can still envision the snow on my dorm room window and I'm snuggled into my bed, warm and truly happy. When I keep singing songs over and over in my head and I just can't seem to make the "internal radio" turn off, I sing this song to myself. It is my ultimate calming song.
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