our own creation

Saying Grace in a Restaurant - Priceless!

2011-11-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we forget the really important things in life.

Last week, I took my grand-children to a restaurant. My six-year-old grand-son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Nana gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my grand-son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my grand-son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my grand-son asked. "Cross my heart," the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my grand-children ice cream at the end of the meal. My grand-son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

School Pictures

2011-10-11T17:57:00.003-06:00

Rion - 7th Grade - so serious!

Hailey - 3rd Grade - Miss Smarty Pants!

Chase - Kindergarten - The year can only get better from here!

School Tears

2011-09-13T09:49:00.001-06:00

Found out yesterday that Chase spends the first 1/2 hour to hour at school crying that he wants to go home. Poor little guy! Today we sent him off to school with a teddy bear in his back pack and a picture of Mom & Dad in his pocket. Hopefully that does the trick!

2011-09-10T14:26:00.001-06:00

Avery's bday present from great grandma!

Comic Relief

2011-08-15T19:43:00.004-06:00

If my life could be summed up by a comic, this one would TOTALLY be the one.

Can anyone guess which one is Chase?

Piano Practice

2011-08-10T10:29:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I just used this phrase while Hailey was playing the piano..."Hailey, practice what you are supposed to practice and NOT the He-Man theme song!"

2011-08-09T16:09:00.001-06:00

Christien, Brandon and Rion chillin' in the shade on a hot day!

2011-08-05T12:08:00.001-06:00

Growing garden and our poor peach laden tree. Time to prune it after harvest!

Pioneer Day Celebration

2011-07-23T22:33:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful time at the Pioneer Day Celebration at the Stake Center this year. Unfortunately, I didn't get too many pictures. I did get this one of the Youth Choir...

...one of Miss Avery snoozing away....

...and a few of Rion square dancing. That was the best!

...complete with video!

So grateful to all of the Pioneers for what they sacrificed. We are all blessed because of what they went through.

First Tooth!

2011-07-21T20:19:00.000-06:00

Avery cut her first tooth today! Woo hoo!

2011-07-09T20:04:00.001-06:00

2011-07-08T13:59:00.001-06:00

Progress

2011-07-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

Avery pulled herself standing today!...even with her splinted leg. Nothing can stop her!

2011-06-22T08:53:00.001-06:00

Someone is getting into my ribbon!

2011-06-15T21:52:00.001-06:00

Miss Avery in good spirits, even with a broken leg.

2011-06-13T07:44:00.001-06:00

Sisters forever

2011-06-08T18:00:00.001-06:00

Happy 9 months to Avery!

2011-06-04T08:28:00.001-06:00

Avery's new toy. Cost me a whopping $.25.

Quote of the Day

2011-05-18T12:48:00.000-06:00

Chase: "Jesus is invisible in the dark, huh mama, and in the day he's white...but only on our planet."

2011-05-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

Someone sure loves his little sister!

Piano Recital

2011-05-03T21:48:00.001-06:00

Hailey had her first piano recital tonight. She was nervous, but did SO well. I love this first video because she realized that she was in the wrong position, changed where her hands were, then started over. Calm, cool, collected. Great job Hailey!

Salon Time!

2011-05-02T21:27:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when Chase goes with me to get my hair done.

2011-04-30T13:37:00.000-06:00

Check out this hooded towel I made last night!

2011-04-19T14:43:00.001-06:00

Love it when they tucker themselves out while playing!

Bath Time

2011-04-19T08:28:00.003-06:00

Chase: Mom, I found something in the bath.

Me: Oh yeah?

Chase: Yeah, it's a booger. I'm trying to catch it.

Me: Uh...Ok, let me know when you get it.

Chase: I can't it just splitted up.

Me: It split up?

Chase: Yes. I can't find the big one.

Me: Ok, then just finish up and get out.

Chase: And let it go down the drain? Won't the water come back up?

Me: No, Chase. It will just go down.

Chase: So only toilets it does that?

Me: Uh, yes Chase.

Chase: Ok. Can you come drain the water for me?

Me: (Ewww!) Uh, no, you can pull the plug.

2011-04-08T13:42:00.001-06:00

7 months old today!

Respect

2011-04-04T17:21:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it takes someone else to make me realize how special my own kids are, and how well behaved they are. (most of the time) I was at the orthodontist with Rion listening to a conversation next to us. The daughter was very rude to her mother, saying how she didn't want to wear her rubber bands to help her braces do what they needed to do. When the mother replied, "But if you don't wear them, then you'll have to have the wire," the daughter did a high pitched, "I don't WANT to wear the wire." I looked at Rion and his easy going nature and just smiled. I really do have good kids who are mostly agreeable. I'm so grateful for that and for the respect that they have for us as parents.

2011-03-29T11:24:00.001-06:00

2011-03-17T20:55:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Valentine's Day Dinner

2011-02-14T21:42:00.001-07:00

Nothing like a big steak and lobster for Valentine's Day Dinner!

Complete with a yummy smoothie. MMMmmmm.

Happy Birthday Hailey!

2011-01-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th Birthday Miss Hailey!

Hailey's Birthday Present

2011-01-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

With Hailey turning 8 this year, we decided it was time to get her ears pierced. She was so excited to do it the day before her birthday (as a surprise) during Family Home Evening.

Such a happy girl! I love the look of relief after the first earring was put in! Enjoy the earrings Miss Hailey!

Resin Board Tutorial

2010-12-12T19:50:00.004-07:00

I've had a lot of questions lately about these boards, so I decided to do a little tutorial. Here is a list of things you will need:

1. picture (this one was from the 2010 calendar)
2. routered board (this 8X10 was purchased at the Hobby Center for less than $1)
3. liquid hardener AND liquid resin. These can be expensive, so split the cost with someone if you can.
4. disposable cups (4-5 to hold up the board depending on the size, 1 to mix the liquids)
5. tongue depressors
6. Glue stick
7. Cutting board
8. garbage bag
9. drinking straw

Step 1: Trim picture to the desired size to fit on your board. If you have a board that is larger than your picture, paint the board your desired color, then let dry completely.

Step 2: Cut picture and glue to board.

Step 3: mix equal amounts of resin and hardener in disposable cup. The amounts just depends on the size of your picture, but needs to be enough total to spread over the entire board. Stir thoroughly for about a minute until nice and bubbly.

Step 4: Cover workspace with garbage bag, making sure table top is level. Place board on cups, then pour mixture over board.

Step 5: Using a tongue depressor, spread mixture over entire board, making sure to fill routered areas. Let drip over sides. Run depressor over sides so that the side's color changes. (don't worry about drips underneath yet.)

Step 6: Can you see all of the tiny bubbles? Using the straw, very gently blow air over the whole picture. This will pop the bubbles. Be careful not to let spit fall through the straw onto the picture.

Step 7: Wait 30-45 minutes, then take another depressor and "dig out" the routered areas. You may have to go over them a few times to make sure they are clear. Once again, blow out any bubbles that may have formed, then drag the depressor along the board underneath to get rid of any drips. The mixture will level out as it sits.

Step 8: Let dry for 24 hours, then frame or prop on a stand an enjoy!

MTC

2010-11-15T12:24:00.006-07:00

My parents entered the MTC at 10:00 this morning. I'm so proud of them! I'm sure last night was one of the longest nights of their lives. I'm sure they will enjoy their time in the MTC. They will be there today through next Wednesday, so that at least they'll be able to have Thanksgiving with family in Utah before they drive to Baltimore. Much better than eating at Denny's somewhere in the midwest.

May the Lord bless you during your Mission Mom and Dad!

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Helaman 5:12

2 months!

2010-11-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Avery is 2 months already!

Missionary Parents

2010-10-21T20:45:00.001-06:00

So exciting! My parents received thier mission call today, and they are going to the Maryland, Baltimore mission! I think they were hoping for somewhere with consistent weather patterns, like Hawaii or the Caribbean, but the Lord had other plans in mind for them. They will be performing assignments according to what the Mission President needs, so at this point they aren't sure what they will be doing. The Mission President is from Meridian, so at least they will have something in common. They report to the MTC on Monday, November 15th. Very fast! My mom was hyperventilating a little, but she'll be fine. So proud of you Mom and Dad!

Announcing Baby Avery!

2010-09-10T14:37:00.005-06:00

To back up just a little bit, this picture is from Sunday, September 5th. Eric and I had gone into Labor and Delivery after 12 hours of contractions, only to find out that there had been absolutely no progress from the Monday before, and that they were sending us home. Very sad for me, but at least we got to have an ultrasound to make sure that Avery was still head down. We had also realized that she still had her fists up by her head, which was keeping her from engaging. After that, we just planned on the scheduled c-section for Wed, Sept 8th, as the day she would join our family. (even though the painful contractions did not fully go away)

Avery had other plans, though.

Tuesday night, September 7th, I had decided to start taking Colace at 7:00 pm. If you don't know what it is, look it up. I wanted to be ready for the c-section and the fun of recovering. Silly me, though. I had accidentally taken the "Colace with stimulant". In other words, a laxative. Now, while I didn't have the typical affects of the laxative, I did begin what I "thought" were cramps from it beginning at 9:00 pm. By 9:45, I was in tears when Eric got home from the temple because they were so painful and I was just done having pain. Eric gave me a blessing at that point, and then we starting timing in the event they were regular and turned out to be contractions after all.

By midnight, after a long, hot bath, and a lot of pain later, we realized that these were not regular at all. Because they didn't feel like normal contractions, we chalked it up to being a side affect of the Colace. At 1:00 am, I told Eric to go to bed and get some sleep since I would need him rested for the c-section later that morning. At this point, I just walked around and tried to work through the cramping, and at 1:30 I decided it was time for another hot bath.

Then....BAM! A really painful one came at 1:45ish. I couldn't take it any longer and I just began to really cry in the bath. I kept thinking it was going to be the worst night ever and that I would have to suffer another nearly 6 hours until I could go into the hospital for the c-section. Thankfully, Eric jumped out of bed when he heard me crying and said we were going to go in and get some relief for the cramps. He called our neighbor Shannon, and she came right over. We were in the car by 2:00 am headed for the hospital. I cried the whole time in the car, while Eric timed them once again...and this time, they were every 1 1/2 minutes.

We had a lot of road construction on the freeway, and once the construction ended, the fun began. My water broke after 15 minutes in the car...or rather, it exploded. Thank goodness for leather seats! At that point, I realized that it was NOT cramps, and I was indeed in labor. We were driving right behind 2 big rigs at that point, and once my water broke, the big rigs parted (one went to the slow lane, the other to the fast lane) and Eric was able to step on the gas and drive right between them. The next contraction came, at which point the cries changed to screams of, "I have to PUSH!" Avery was indeed coming, and she wasn't waiting! Eric's reply..."On no you don't!"

After 2 pushing contractions, and knowing we were still 15 minutes away from the downtown hospital that we were supposed to go to, it was decided we weren't going to make it and we needed to get to the closer "sister" hospital. Eric was going 100 mph when I looked at the speedometer, in between screams and pushes. It was just a couple more minutes when we pulled up to the emergency room, with Eric blaring on the horn. The security guard and an ER nurse came out to see what was going on, and after Eric yelling, "Her water broke and she has to push!" the nurse ran for a wheel chair. There was no way I was walking. She wheeled me right up to Labor and Delivery while Eric hastily parked the car and followed, me screaming the whole way up. I did not want to deliver the baby without meds, and I was worried her fists were still near her face.

Several L&D nurses joined us in the hallway as went, reassuring me that it was too late for a c-section. We made it into the delivery room, with Eric right behind. He and the nurses helped me up on the table, the nurse made sure that Avery's hands were all clear, then away we went. Two pushes later, she was out....and then the doctor walked in. Great timing! At that point, the nurse informed us that she estimated us arriving at 2:18, and Avery was born at 2:20. I still even had on my sweatshirt! Thank goodness we didn't try to go downtown. She would have been born in the car!

And now the stats:

Avery Janae Warren was born at 2:20 am on Wednesday, September 8th. She was 7 lbs 2.8 oz, 19 inches long, with a perfectly round head.

We had been joking that we had her "eviction" date scheduled for the 8th, but I guess she wanted to leave on her own rather than being forced.

And later that day, she was able to meet her siblings, and they just adore her!

Welcome to the family, baby Avery!

Lawn Mowing Skills

2010-09-04T20:01:00.002-06:00

In honor of the up and coming BSU vs VT game on Labor Day, Rion decided to show his favoritism using his lawn mowing abilities. Can you guess who he is supporting?

How about now?

GOOD LUCK BSU!

Typical Idaho Weather

2010-08-26T14:13:00.001-06:00

Personally, I'm liking how the weekend is looking!

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-25T19:11:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's that time! School started today. YAY! All of the kids were so excited to go back. They've been ready now for about a month. So glad it's here!

Rion - 6th (middle school)

Hailey - 2nd Grade

Chase - preschool (Chase was sad because he had to wait another 3 hours to go to preschool)

When I told Chase he had to wait to go to school, he said to me (in between sad sobs), "But that will take forever!" Poor thing. He probably cried off and on for another 2 hours.

Chase at preschool! So much happier!

Here's to a GREAT 2010-2011!

More Cute Sayings...

2010-07-25T19:56:00.000-06:00

During dinner today, we were teasing Chase about being so cute with things he says. While the babysitter was here on Friday, he kept saying, "Hey baby" or "Hey ladies", then winking while pointing his finger at the babysitter. Too cute. So we were telling Eric about it. Chase got all embarassed, pulled his shirt up over his face, and said, "I am not here." Wow, that was hilarious!

32 Weeks

2010-07-22T20:00:00.002-06:00

32 weeks pregnant, 7 to go until her scheduled eviction date! Probably one of the only pics I have of me. :-)

...you live in Idaho.

2010-07-12T22:11:00.000-06:00

FORGET REDNECKS; THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAD TO SAY ABOUT IDAHOANS !

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Idaho .

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Idaho .

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Idaho .

If "vacation" means going anywhere north of Salt Lake City for the weekend, you live in Idaho.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Idaho .

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Idaho .

If you have switched from "heat" to "A/C" and back again in the same day, you live in Idaho .

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked, you live in Idaho .

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Idaho .

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Idaho .

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80, and everyone is still passing you, you live in Idaho .

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Idaho .

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Idaho .

If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly" you live in Idaho .

If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your IDAHO friends, you live in Idaho.

Funny Prayers

2010-06-07T22:32:00.002-06:00

Tonight was Hailey's turn to say the night-time prayer. As she did so, she asked Heavenly Father to "bless the people who are sick that they will get over it." I've never heard it quite phrased that way, but it was pretty funny.

Potty Time

2010-05-31T00:34:00.000-06:00

Chase was using the bathroom this morning. When I went in to check on him, I found him on the toilet with only his socks on. When I asked him why he was naked, he very seriously replied, "I not nakee, I have on socks!"

Bored?

2010-04-27T21:17:00.003-06:00

The other day, Rion and I were talking about the baby. (of course) He asked the cutest thing, and it totally makes sense with Rion's age. He asked, "Isn't the baby bored in there?" I told him that no, the baby doesn't know any better, and she is just growing right now. He replied, "Can't you just swallow a game system for her or something?" Too cute. Yeah, cause she'll know exactly what to do with that, huh?

It's a Girl!

2010-04-26T22:06:00.005-06:00

Yes, baby #4 is a GIRL! We are all so excited...except for Chase, but he'll get over it when he sees how cute she is. As of right now, her name will be Avery Janae. Hailey's middle name is Janae as well. Eric's sisters have the same middle name (Joy), so we thought we'd carry on the tradition.

Here are some fun pics of our precious girl!

If you look carefully, you can see that she has her feet crossed. What looks like a hand above the leg is actually the bottom of her other foot!

Face picture. These are always kind of creepy. :-)

This one is one of the favorites! Thumbs up to you too!

Now bring on the next 20 weeks!

Mama's Little Helper

2010-04-17T22:33:00.000-06:00

Especially when it comes to power tools!

Missionary Activity

2010-04-17T22:04:00.000-06:00

The Primary Presidency really outdid themselves on this one! They had everyone gather in the chapel (the "MTC) for their instructions, then they split up into their respective countries, borded their planes after going through the metal detector, had an in-flight movie and peanuts, and then off to their country. Eric walked around and visited all of the different countries that were taught by those that serverd their missions there. I stayed with Chase as he experienced Hong Kong. It was so fun to see souveniers and photos Brother Barclay had, and he even made fried rice! Yum! Eric had many different foods since he was walking around. I can't wait to get the rest of the pictures from the presidency. I'll post them once I receive them.

All in all, it was such a powerful experience. I hope the kids remember it always and remember the sweet spirit that was with us. What a wonderful day to remember!

Accessorize!

2010-04-16T22:11:00.000-06:00

Hailey color-coordinates well, doesn't she? Hee hee hee

Family Pictures 2010

2010-04-15T22:20:00.005-06:00

While we were in Fresno for Gerrit's baptism, we took the opportunity to get some family pictures taken with Angie and Tamara. I am still waiting for the full disk to arrive, but these are some of our family that Angie was able to email me. I can't wait to see the rest!

This one of Chase was the last photo that Stephanie took...and is probably the best one of Chase she was able to get. I'm so glad!

Friends

2010-04-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

Savanna and Wesley are two of Chase's best friends.

This whole group of friends finds some way of playing as often as possible! It's so fun to have friends that live so close.

Easter Weekend

2010-04-04T22:24:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. With General Conference this weekend too, it really made celebrating the Resurrection our Lord and Savior a special one. The conference addresses were very powerful, and I think I lost count how many times I actually started crying. I can't wait for the Ensign to come out!

On Saturday, we had lunch at the Bradshaw's inbetween conference sessions. The kids had an Easter egg hunt out in the backyard. Chase and Wesley kept watch to see where the best places to go were. So cute.

Today, we watched conference and had Easter lunch at my parent's house. Larry's family, Richard, Lori's family, and our cousin Jeni and her family joined us. I haven't seen Jeni since before Eric and I got married. It's been a while. It sure was nice to catch up. After we ate, we had an Easter egg hunt in the house (in case it started raining), and then had these strawberries for dessert. Mmmmm. I'll take these over Easter candy any day!

All in all, it was a wonderful Easter. I hope everyone felt the Spirit as strongly as we did. I am truly grateful for the Atonement in my life, and for a Savior that has prepared the way for me and my family to return home to our Father in Heaven.

My Favorites

2010-03-31T21:51:00.001-06:00

Chase LOVES the camera and taking pictures. These are some of my favorites that he has taken recently. Maybe we should get him a camera for his birthday.

Last snow of the season?

2010-03-30T22:19:00.001-06:00

....I sure hope so! I think I spoke too soon about those peach blossoms!

Peach Trees

2010-03-29T22:21:00.000-06:00

Yay! My peach trees are still alive! Let's hope for continued warm weather so the blossoms get pollinated and we get peaches this year!

Braces

2010-03-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

New braces for Rion! Complete with purple and black bands. Here's to the fun it will be for the next year!

It Must be the Water

2010-03-08T21:43:00.004-07:00

Yes, we are adding to bazillion women already expecting out there! I did make the official announcement on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, but thought I'd better finally put it on the blog. We are expecting child #4 on September 14, 2010. Hopefully sooner. :-) We are excited, expecially the kids. Now, let's hope it's a girl!

Peek-a-Boo!

2010-02-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

What?...doesn't EVERYONE take a bath with their hat on?

A Mermaid or a Whale?

2010-01-30T16:09:00.004-07:00

Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym.
It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern,
Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans).
They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp.
They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human?
They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them...where is IT? Therefore, they don't have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me:
I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends. With time, we gain weight
because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy,
we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today,
when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, ¨Good grief, look how smart I am!¨

New Quotes

2010-01-13T18:40:00.002-07:00

Yesterday:

Chase: "I hungwy! I want a fwoot snack! Pweety Pweese? Pweety Pweese? Pweety Pweese? I want too!"

Today:

Hailey: "I'm not very good at drawing diamonds."

Me: "No, but I bet you'll be good at wearing them."

Hailey: "Got that right!"

Riddle

2009-12-21T23:09:00.001-07:00

Question: How do you know when your 3 year old is using the camera?

Answer: You get photos like these....

...and videos like this.

Christmas Festivities

2009-12-12T23:49:00.002-07:00

We had our Annual Christmas Party tonight. What a ball! This year's Festivities brought about 42 people. Not too bad at all! We ate, laughed, sang, and exchanged presents. Can't wait until next year!

The Happy Hosts

Winners of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

The funniest presents. We combined them for comic relief.

The fabulous guests!

...and the renowned singing. What fun we had!

Difference

2009-12-12T22:51:00.001-07:00

I've heard that the Auto feature on digital cameras is not the best way to take a photo, and using the flash can make the image loose some quality as well. I thought I'd test it out on the tree. It's really hard to capture the beauty of an object with lights, so here is the experiment...

with the flash...

without the flash...

What a difference! I'm going to have to learn more about this!

Bed Time!

2009-12-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hailey isn't too happy about that fact.

Christmas Concert #1

2009-12-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

This is Rion's last Christmas Concert in Elementary school. Depending on what he decides to do in Middle and High School, this could very well be his last concert! Only time will tell. The kids did a great job, and the ones that did the swing dancing were great! Good job Rion!

Hailey's Praises

2009-12-01T07:43:00.003-07:00

This is a prase of Mary and Josus and Jesus.
Mary Mary hush see the child
Josuf Josuf look see how mild
This is Jesus This is are King
This is are Savyour his prases We sing
By: Hailey Warren

Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer

2009-11-26T12:43:00.003-07:00

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpolations of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by confidently being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

First Snowfall

2009-11-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

And it's not even Thanksgiving yet! I wonder what this winter has in store for us?

Toothless Wonder

2009-11-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

At this rate, she's going to have to ask Santa for a whole new set of teeth!

Christmas Tradition Idea

2009-11-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

I came across this idea this morning as I was looking for Christmas decorating ideas. I LOVE IT! I found the idea here. (I love reading 320 * Sycamore blog!)

And the idea is...

Wrap up 25 Christmas books and place them under your tree. If you like to do a 24 day advent calendar, then use 24 books. Have the scriptures be the 24th book. Unwrap and read one book each night, and finish off with the birth of the Savior either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day, depending on if you do 24 or 25.

I'm actually excited about this one! Now I need to go through all of our books and pull out the Christmas ones. I think I'll go to thrift stores and see what I can find as well. Check out the blog for some great book suggestions! Happy Reading!

Organization Please!

2009-11-19T09:13:00.002-07:00

This is the current state of my linen closet. I just know you all want to help me get it organized!

Conversation

2009-11-17T15:47:00.002-07:00

Hailey: "Mom, when can I get my ears pierced?"

Me: "When you're 12."

Hailey: "Will I be out of the house by then?"

Me: "No, honey, you'll still be living here."

A Place to Rest

2009-11-10T23:03:00.001-07:00

Chase came wandering in tonight just a little bit ago. We layed this bed on the floor a couple weeks ago. I was so tired of sharing my bed with a wiggly toddler. So tonight, he woke up, wandered in, layed down, and fell right back to sleep. Sweet! Now I just have to get him to stay in his own bed.

All I want for Christmas...

2009-11-08T22:40:00.001-07:00

...is my two front teeth!

When the Cat's Away....

2009-11-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I leave for Relief Society Meetings.

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-31T22:17:00.000-06:00

It has been a VERY busy day! Not only have I had to get ready for trick or treating, the trunk or treat, and cleaning the house for the football game, I've also had to work! Wow. I made it, though!

I found these really cool sweatshirts at Old Navy yesterday for $2 each! I bought 3, one for each child. They LOVE them, and it's a good thing because Chase decided he didn't want to dress up today. Oh well. At least he was somewhat festive.

The trunk or treat was a lot of fun, with good food! I was hoping more people would decorate their cars, but alas. Maybe next year. This was my creation.

SPOOOOOKYYYY!

Rion won the child's contest for best costume. He was Kip from Napolean Dynamite and Hailey was a glitter witch.

After trunk or treating, we came home and passed out candy. Hailey and Rion went around the subdivision with friends and got even more candy. Go figure. It was a fun night! On to the next holiday!

Is that a....?

2009-10-24T22:36:00.000-06:00

...mouse in her hand?

Before and After

2009-10-24T18:59:00.002-06:00

Yay, yay! I got a new lamp today! We were at Savers looking for a jean jacket for Rion for Halloween, and we came across this ugly thing for $6. It did, at least, have potential.

After a little bit of work, and lots of time to dry, here is how it looks now. This was the first time I have ever covered a lamp shade. I'm hoping it gets easier since I still have Eric's to do. I used an oil rubbed bronze spray paint for the base. WAY better! I sure love that stuff!

Virtual Room Design Giveaway

2009-10-24T18:40:00.005-06:00

I came across this blog a couple of weeks ago called Addicted 2 Decorating that is FABULOUS! I love the designs that Kristi uses, and especially the fabric choices that she uses in her creations.

Well, she is holding a virtual room design giveaway here! Oh heck yes!! We have lived in this house nearly 3 years and I'm still having design issues in our master bedroom. It's HUGE (23.5 feet long by 15.5 feet wide) and so it seems like a very daunting task. So I figured I might as well enter the giveaway and see what happens. Here goes!

View from hallway. I JUST did that lamp on the left today! So excited about that, and I'll post that next.

From hallway slightly to the left with the window.

And a little further left...

Left side of the room, facing the bathroom door. Yes, the elliptical is gathering dust. Time to get moving again!

Far right side of the room. Eric and I have two separate work stations. Mine is on the left in the armoire so I can close it off when I don't want to think about work.

Here is the view facing the door to the hallway. There are a few unfinished projects against the wall, of course.

And there you have it! One of these days I'll finally get it all looking wonderful! Wish me luck on the giveaway!

Halloween Dance

2009-10-23T23:09:00.000-06:00

Date night! I love date night. I would love to say that we never get one, so when we do it's extra special, but that's not the case. Since we go to the temple every week, we know we have date night regularly. However, tonight's date night was the Stake Halloween Dance. I sent this picture to Eric to see if he wanted me to have the pretend mole for my costume. Let's just say, he liked it. (I do believe his exact words were, "Mmmmm, Seeexxxxyyy!" hee hee hee)

We borrowed some awesome biker gear from Gail, a lady Eric carpools with. I think we looked the part, even if I do say so myself! We went with Melissa and Boyd Ricks to Sizzler first, which was WAY packed because of their 2 steak dinners for $10.98 deal. Worth it, though. Their steak was GOOD! Then off to the dance! We had such a blast! Hopefully I'll have more pictures to add once I can get them off Eric's iPhone and from friends.

More Halloween Dance

2009-10-23T23:08:00.000-06:00

I'm still waiting for more, but will add them here when I get them. I wish I had more of just Eric! He was awesome!

Silly Costume

2009-10-23T22:33:00.000-06:00

Enough Said.

Human

2009-10-22T11:42:00.003-06:00

Chase just ran through the house yelling, "I'm human now!" Gee, I wonder what he was before?

Red Ribbon Week

2009-10-22T07:06:00.001-06:00

This week is Red Ribbon Week at school, and today is "Crazy Red Day". Here is what we came up with. Sorry for the blurry photos. These were taken at 7:00 this morning with my camera phone.

Fall Decorations

2009-10-19T20:33:00.000-06:00

It's Fall, y'all!

New Tag

2009-10-01T19:24:00.003-06:00

Chase sure loves his blankie! He loves it so much that he's rubbed the corner raw where the tag is!

And the poor tag isn't looking to well either!

So today, Chase brought in the tag blanket that Tori made for him and told me to cut off the old tag and put this new tag on. (Yes, I know, it's Hello Kitty.) So that's what I did.

Unfortunately, once I started cutting off the old tag, he started crying, "No, not my tag!!" I seriously doubt he'll even pay attention to the new tag.

More on hair...

2009-08-06T21:01:00.003-06:00

Ok, I LOVE the way this picture looks. It's not posed at all, but is way cute and is a somewhat good example of my new hair cut. As soon as I get the rest of the photos from Angie, I can post more. :-) Loving it!

By the way, this was taking at the Santa Cruz Diner in Santa Cruz, CA. FUN day!

Hair cut

2009-07-25T21:37:00.001-06:00

Eric and I both got hair cuts today. Since it was done at Walmart, they didn't really style mine before we left. Afterward, we went to Applebees for dinner. On our way in, Rion turns to me and says, "Will your hair look better after you comb it?" Wow! I guess I should go somewhere that they style after a cut!

Jammed Garbage Disposal

2009-07-22T21:31:00.000-06:00

Pretty sink...but something got stuck in the garbage disposal!

After using this for 20 minutes...

...as well as these...

...I finally got THIS out there!

Peach Thinning

2009-07-21T21:29:00.000-06:00

It's peach thinning time at the orchard! We always love to go help, and Chase loves to climb the ladder! If I knew where the other two were running off to, I could get their pictures too!

Ouch!

2009-07-16T22:25:00.000-06:00

Tonight was the Elder's Quorum Ice Cream Social. It was tons of fun, especially since they brought out the parasail for the kids to ride in. The men certainly got their workout!

Right before we left, a bunch of kids were running across the field. Hailey's and Christen's feet got all tangled up in the mass of bodies, and poor Hailey got her tooth knocked back. Lucky for us, our dentist was not far and was totally willing to meet us and pull the tooth. Another lucky for us...it was a baby tooth that was about ready to come out anyway. Hailey was freaking out a bit before it was pulled, but was so talkative on the way home!

So Sleepy

2009-07-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, even in the car cart at Home Depot!

Self Portrait

2009-07-10T11:29:00.002-06:00

This picture CRACKS ME UP!! Hailey has been into taking pictures with my camera lately, many of which are of her. This is the funniest one by far!

New Project!

2009-07-08T10:25:00.003-06:00

I found this cool sofa table on craigslist yesterday for only $15! I've been looking for one for a very long time. I do have plans to repaint it, and I'd love to fill in the bottom to make it a shelf, but I'm still deciding if I want to replace the glass with wood, then fill it and paint that too. Any thoughts? The glass isn't clear, it's the smokey glass.

Now, I just need to figure out if I want to spray paint this or paint by hand. Big dilemma, I know.

(FYI, this is not in my house. I just didn't want to confuse anyone.)

Chase's Birthday

2009-07-07T22:19:00.003-06:00

Chase is 3! Shannon was so sweet to take the kids to Settler's Park to play in the water and have fun for his birthday. It was a full day, complete with friends, water, and cupcakes! For dinner, we even went to McDonalds and played on the play structure. Turning 3 sure is fun!

4th of July

2009-07-04T23:12:00.000-06:00

Today was a BUSY day! We started off with breakfast in the morning at the Stollworthy's, complete with Rion getting stung by wasps outside near the swing set, then off to the Lake for some swimming and sun, then finished off at the Kunz's for a BBQ, bike parade, and fireworks. We are all worn out, but it was such a fun day!

Cows & Goats

2009-07-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

Yes, Chase is even afriad of goats!

Built-Ins

2009-06-29T21:04:00.000-06:00

This is EXACTLY what I want in my loft.

Child Photographer

2009-06-25T20:59:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when Hailey gets ahold of my camera.