Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
My Nana
I started this post about six months ago, but felt I couldn't do it justice without pictures. My Nana turned 80 in October and as a tribute to her I am writing this post. I was lucky to have grown up only minutes away from Nana. Nana always made my Birthdays feel so specail. On the weekend of my Birthday she would always have me "spin the night" (spend the night), for years I couldn't figure out why we would "spin the night" it completly boggled my simple mind. The next day she would take us shopping for our Birthday present that we got to pick out and lunch of our choice, which was all of 2 choices in Lander Wyoming.
Nana always made the best sandwiches and still does, she always had cookies in her cookie jar. I remember when she was still working at the State Farm office that my Grandpa owned we would occasionaly go there to visit and we'd get chicklets gum. She also had old office equipment, insurance forms, checks and I'd pretend to be the office secretary and write BIG checks. Nana is a good seamstress/knitter/crocheter. She has made darling baby blankets for both of my kids. She has played the piano for her church congregation for years. I love hearing stories of when she was a little girl living in California, and I love to look at all of her pictures. She has done a great job keeping journals and scrapbooks for her posterity. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:
This is nana on the left with her mom and sister
When Nana was a little girl she was approached by a talent agency to be a double for Shirley Temple, but her Father wouldn't let her :(.
I'm not sure when this picture was taken. I'm thinking in the mid 80's. My grandfather passed away suddenly when he was 70.
Nana always made the best sandwiches and still does, she always had cookies in her cookie jar. I remember when she was still working at the State Farm office that my Grandpa owned we would occasionaly go there to visit and we'd get chicklets gum. She also had old office equipment, insurance forms, checks and I'd pretend to be the office secretary and write BIG checks. Nana is a good seamstress/knitter/crocheter. She has made darling baby blankets for both of my kids. She has played the piano for her church congregation for years. I love hearing stories of when she was a little girl living in California, and I love to look at all of her pictures. She has done a great job keeping journals and scrapbooks for her posterity. Here are a few of my favorite pictures:
This is nana on the left with her mom and sister
When Nana was a little girl she was approached by a talent agency to be a double for Shirley Temple, but her Father wouldn't let her :(. 
I'm not sure when this picture was taken. I'm thinking in the mid 80's. My grandfather passed away suddenly when he was 70.Monday, April 6, 2009
Recent Happenings
This is how are kids were behaving at the dinner table on Sunday evening after the last conference session. Needless to say I think that they were tired of being cooped up in the house
Morgan LOVES to take off her clothes
When Jeff and I were first married we watched that stupid/mindless MTV show Bevis and Butthead. Morgan putting her shirt over her head and laughing hysterically at herself reminded me of a few of the episodes containing Beavis running around aimlessly saying "I am cornholio". Ian decided to be silly along with her.
Since Ian has been off track for nearly three weeks we decided that we would start an annual "Day Camp". We made tie die t-shirts, went on a field trip to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, stayed up late and watched movies.
Morgan was content to just watch Ian play in the sand and water
This is a great dinosaur museum even for "big kids", a bit pricey, but pretty amazing
Ian bonked his head right before I took this picture that's why he has that "mean" look on his face.
Tie Dying requires A LOT of rinsing
Final result - I think they turned out pretty darn good :)!
EASTER MORNING
Morgan checking out her loot - we've had to hide all of her candy. She would stuff it in her mouth all at once if we let her
the Easter Bunny left a lot of eggs for the kids to find
I couldn't get Morgan to look at the camera, and when she finally did I got a VERY sassy look - yep, she's almost 2.
Morgan LOVES to take off her clothes
When Jeff and I were first married we watched that stupid/mindless MTV show Bevis and Butthead. Morgan putting her shirt over her head and laughing hysterically at herself reminded me of a few of the episodes containing Beavis running around aimlessly saying "I am cornholio". Ian decided to be silly along with her.
Since Ian has been off track for nearly three weeks we decided that we would start an annual "Day Camp". We made tie die t-shirts, went on a field trip to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point, stayed up late and watched movies.
Morgan was content to just watch Ian play in the sand and water
This is a great dinosaur museum even for "big kids", a bit pricey, but pretty amazing
Ian bonked his head right before I took this picture that's why he has that "mean" look on his face.
Tie Dying requires A LOT of rinsing
Final result - I think they turned out pretty darn good :)!EASTER MORNING
Morgan checking out her loot - we've had to hide all of her candy. She would stuff it in her mouth all at once if we let her
the Easter Bunny left a lot of eggs for the kids to find
I couldn't get Morgan to look at the camera, and when she finally did I got a VERY sassy look - yep, she's almost 2.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Confessions of a neglectful Mom
I've been putting Morgan on my bed with a bunch of toys during my shower time. That seems to keep her occupied and content long enough for me to take a decent shower and do my hair and make-up. This was a new discovery that I was so proud of, before a couple of weeks ago I would hurry and get into the shower and let Morgan play. She would get into EVERYTHING. I found myself piling things high that I didn't want her to get into. She recently had a minor accident and fractured her leg which left her not being able to walk.
When this occurred I put her on my bed and brought her some toys and books for her to play with. Surprisingly she was content. When her leg was healed I continued to do that and it has worked since, however, today after finishing my shower, I sat down at my computer to do some Relief Society stuff and she wanted to get down off the bed. Which I'm surprised she hasn't figured out how to get down, it is a high bed, so I guess the drop scares her. Anyway... so I reluctantly got her off and got her toys off the bed. Forget about toys, there were way too many other things to get into. After a while I noticed it had gotten really quiet and I looked down at my feet and this is what I saw:
She LOVES to draw
And make messes
And loves to go pantless
I think it's time to move my desk to a better "play" area!
When this occurred I put her on my bed and brought her some toys and books for her to play with. Surprisingly she was content. When her leg was healed I continued to do that and it has worked since, however, today after finishing my shower, I sat down at my computer to do some Relief Society stuff and she wanted to get down off the bed. Which I'm surprised she hasn't figured out how to get down, it is a high bed, so I guess the drop scares her. Anyway... so I reluctantly got her off and got her toys off the bed. Forget about toys, there were way too many other things to get into. After a while I noticed it had gotten really quiet and I looked down at my feet and this is what I saw:
She LOVES to draw
And make messes
And loves to go pantless
I think it's time to move my desk to a better "play" area!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
35 Really?
Today marks the anniversary of my birth. WOW...I don't feel 35 I feel 25, but the gray hairs on my head don't say 25. Yes, I do HAVE to color my hair to cover them up, it's really sad. It's just hard to believe that only 5 years from now I'll be 40. How is that really possible? I remember my parents turning 40 and that literally seemed like yesterday. I'm starting to believe that the saying "your only as old as you feel" is becoming more true EVERY day. This is how I felt about my Birthday last year . I felt guilty about posting that after feeling very ungrateful for my life, when there's so many people out there fighting for just one more day. I have realized that I can't take this life for granted, it is a gift. Even though getting older is not the most pleasant thing, I truly am grateful for my life and that I am here to enjoy another year with those friends and family members that I love.
I would love for someone to make a cake that looked like this for my birthday. It's so whimsical.
I would love for someone to make a cake that looked like this for my birthday. It's so whimsical.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
14 Years...
Today Jeff and I have been married for 14 years, which makes me feel OLD. I was a ball of nerves leading up to this day 14 years ago. I would second guess myself over and over wondering if I had made the right decision. The Lord had answered my prayer on more than once while on my knees just making sure that this life altering path I was about to take was the right one.
I had taken some time off of school to go back home (Wyoming) to help with Wedding plans. Jeff was at BYU at the time and I hadn't seen in for 2 months. My family and I drove to Utah on February 16th. I was hoping and praying that when Jeff saw me again for the first time in 2 months that he hadn't changed his mind. The knock on the hotel door at the Inn at Temple Square made my heart skip a few beats. Jeff had come to pick me up so that we could go get our marriage licence. Holding his hand for the first time in 2 months was all that I needed at the time to help my nerves subside. We ran a few errands together and then came back to the hotel to get ready to go to the Bountiful Temple to receive my endowments. I remember being so nervous going to the Temple for the first time. I was grateful for sweet old ladies and my Mom who helped me through that very spiritual process. After attending the Temple we came back to Salt Lake with Jeff's family and ate dinner at JB's, since I had been fasting, anything tasted good at that point. We came back to the Hotel and Jeff and I spent some time together just talking before going to our rooms for the night. I remember sleeping only a wink or two that night, not because of my nerves, but because my Dad was snoring so loud. I was the first one up the next morning to shower and to be sure I had enough time to do my hair and make-up. My oldest sister was living in Salt Lake at the time and came by to help me do my hair and make-up. After getting primped we made the long journey to Manti. That drive was probably the longest ever. My parents only had a Ford explorer and I think we fit all 8 member of my family in there, with my 2 youngest brothers in the back (without seat belts). About 2 1/2 hours later we arrived in Manti and I saw Jeff and his family for the first time that day. We went to the recommend desk and the worker asked us for our marriage licence. Jeff starred at the worker for what seemed like 5 minutes and I nudged him and said "well...give him the licence", he looked and me and said "I forgot it in the hotel room". I was devastated, I had a million thoughts run through my mind, with the number one being, "I'm not going to get married today". The worker calmed both of our nerves and reassured us that the county offices were open and they were just down the street. Luckily it was a Friday and they were open. So we went downtown and filed for another marriage licence. I don't remember being stressed over the time or worrying about being late and making everyone wait around for us. Once the stress about not having a marriage licence was over I was just excited that it was just a small/minor delay. After getting dressed I met Jeff and we walked/climbed to our sealing room. The Manti Temple has a sealing room that in order to get to it, you have to walk a winding staircase of about 120 stairs. Looking back, I feel horribly bad that we made our grandparents walk up all those stairs (there is no elevator). The room was beautiful, it seemed like Jeff and I sat there in the sealing room for quite a while before our friends and family arrived. I don't think we said much to each other, just sat and held hands and felt the peace and holiness of the temple. My nerves had subsided at the point and the calmness and peace overwhelmed me. I was sitting next to my eternal companion I was about to make promises with Jeff and the Lord. The ceremony was short, but beautiful, and emotional. Jeff's great uncle was our sealer. I wish I remember what he had said to us. I remember looking at my mom and dad with tears in there eyes and feeling so much gratitude for them that they had taught me from a young age to love the gospel. The rest of the day was filled with pictures, pictures, pictures. Driving back to the Inn at Temple Square for a dinner, more pictures, and then our honeymoon suite. We didn't take a honeymoon, because, we were too poor and Jeff had to get back to school. Two weeks later we drove to Wyoming for an official reception. I feel so lucky to have married such a wonderful man. I know he loves me unconditionally. He makes me laugh everyday. I love that he doesn't stress over things. I love that he is a good father, a hard worker, and can fix almost anything. I love his brain, he is so smart and intelligent, sometimes it drives me crazy that he knows so much, but I learn from him all the time. We've been through many ups and downs, and I wouldn't change any of them, because through them we've grown closer together. I'm excited for what the next 14 years will bring us!
I had taken some time off of school to go back home (Wyoming) to help with Wedding plans. Jeff was at BYU at the time and I hadn't seen in for 2 months. My family and I drove to Utah on February 16th. I was hoping and praying that when Jeff saw me again for the first time in 2 months that he hadn't changed his mind. The knock on the hotel door at the Inn at Temple Square made my heart skip a few beats. Jeff had come to pick me up so that we could go get our marriage licence. Holding his hand for the first time in 2 months was all that I needed at the time to help my nerves subside. We ran a few errands together and then came back to the hotel to get ready to go to the Bountiful Temple to receive my endowments. I remember being so nervous going to the Temple for the first time. I was grateful for sweet old ladies and my Mom who helped me through that very spiritual process. After attending the Temple we came back to Salt Lake with Jeff's family and ate dinner at JB's, since I had been fasting, anything tasted good at that point. We came back to the Hotel and Jeff and I spent some time together just talking before going to our rooms for the night. I remember sleeping only a wink or two that night, not because of my nerves, but because my Dad was snoring so loud. I was the first one up the next morning to shower and to be sure I had enough time to do my hair and make-up. My oldest sister was living in Salt Lake at the time and came by to help me do my hair and make-up. After getting primped we made the long journey to Manti. That drive was probably the longest ever. My parents only had a Ford explorer and I think we fit all 8 member of my family in there, with my 2 youngest brothers in the back (without seat belts). About 2 1/2 hours later we arrived in Manti and I saw Jeff and his family for the first time that day. We went to the recommend desk and the worker asked us for our marriage licence. Jeff starred at the worker for what seemed like 5 minutes and I nudged him and said "well...give him the licence", he looked and me and said "I forgot it in the hotel room". I was devastated, I had a million thoughts run through my mind, with the number one being, "I'm not going to get married today". The worker calmed both of our nerves and reassured us that the county offices were open and they were just down the street. Luckily it was a Friday and they were open. So we went downtown and filed for another marriage licence. I don't remember being stressed over the time or worrying about being late and making everyone wait around for us. Once the stress about not having a marriage licence was over I was just excited that it was just a small/minor delay. After getting dressed I met Jeff and we walked/climbed to our sealing room. The Manti Temple has a sealing room that in order to get to it, you have to walk a winding staircase of about 120 stairs. Looking back, I feel horribly bad that we made our grandparents walk up all those stairs (there is no elevator). The room was beautiful, it seemed like Jeff and I sat there in the sealing room for quite a while before our friends and family arrived. I don't think we said much to each other, just sat and held hands and felt the peace and holiness of the temple. My nerves had subsided at the point and the calmness and peace overwhelmed me. I was sitting next to my eternal companion I was about to make promises with Jeff and the Lord. The ceremony was short, but beautiful, and emotional. Jeff's great uncle was our sealer. I wish I remember what he had said to us. I remember looking at my mom and dad with tears in there eyes and feeling so much gratitude for them that they had taught me from a young age to love the gospel. The rest of the day was filled with pictures, pictures, pictures. Driving back to the Inn at Temple Square for a dinner, more pictures, and then our honeymoon suite. We didn't take a honeymoon, because, we were too poor and Jeff had to get back to school. Two weeks later we drove to Wyoming for an official reception. I feel so lucky to have married such a wonderful man. I know he loves me unconditionally. He makes me laugh everyday. I love that he doesn't stress over things. I love that he is a good father, a hard worker, and can fix almost anything. I love his brain, he is so smart and intelligent, sometimes it drives me crazy that he knows so much, but I learn from him all the time. We've been through many ups and downs, and I wouldn't change any of them, because through them we've grown closer together. I'm excited for what the next 14 years will bring us!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pay it Forward
I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it would be fun--
Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!
The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!
Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!
The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!
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