Trials...

We are all faced with trials in our lives, some we bring on ourselves and some we are faced with because we love the person and are trying to help, some we are going through because we are the side effect and get to help pick up the pieces, and sometimes its all those reasons and more. I am faced with one of the toughest trials I have yet to face in my life right now and am finding that I have more strength within me than I thought. I guess the Lord knows what He is doing...that if I turn it over to Him and practice the gospel principles such as faith, patience, compassion, and prayer that He will help you to overcome anything and even help you to see the positive side of this tough spot. I have been given a few quotes that I have really found strength from and wanted to share...
Joseph B Wirthlin-"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result."
Neil L Anderson- "Challenges, difficulties, question, doubts-these are part of mortality. But we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot coexist in out heart at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, "Be not afraid, only believe."
Jeffrey R Holland-" Take heart, be filled with faith and remember the Lord has said He would fight our battles, our children's battles, and the battles of our children's children."
Henry B Eyring-"You need never never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you and you will find it if you exercise faith."
I choose faith instead of fear, trust instead of doubt, love instead of hatred, happiness instead of sadness. And even though I have tough days where its hard to see past the minute I know that we will make it! That we will be stronger, and will at some point in our lives be able to help others because of the battles we have fought!
I am hoping that by writing this down that on those hard days I will have this to look back at and remind myself of what I need to remember and put into practice. Some say that we need to be grateful for our weaknesses and trials, I don't know that I am there yet, but hopefully one day. I am definitely more humble and reliant on the Lord now and hope to continue in that growth.

ScHoOL iS iN!

It is official... school has begun for both Ella (pre-school) and Mason (2nd grade)!!! And I think we are ready... as always I feel a little guilty being excited about my kids getting back to school and having some peace and organization back in the house. Mason is just plain old bored I think, and has now decided teasing his sister is the number one game of choice to play. So, yes school is definitely needed for all involved. But at the same time I still got the lump in my throat as I put Mason on the bus the first day and as Ella jumped out of the car....bitter sweet feelings for the moment. But mostly sweet!
Ella started her first year of preschool at Newcastle. Her teacher is Miss Linda this year and I think she is going to do just great! The first day she had no problem getting out of the car and walking into her classroom with the teachers-aid... all by herself! And hasn't looked back since! She goes Tues and Thurs from 12:15-3:15. I am really excited for her, she is ready to learn new things and start to put her little independent streak to good use and feel like a big girl. I really like the school, Mason went there as well and I am loving their program. Lots of art, music, and field trips to compliment all the academic stuff they learn. On a side note... she is so fun to dress for school!!! Lots (too much) school shopping was done on her behalf! I am sure I am starting something I won't be able to keep up with in later years-YiKes!

Ella on her orientation day


First day of school outfit!

Mason is really in 2nd grade! I hated my 2nd grade year!!! Miss Merell had to have been the meanest lady out there! We would get smacked with rulers and our hair pulled and yelled at all the time. Needless to say... I didn't see her teaching again after that year. So I can only hope that Mas has a much better teacher and year than I did, and I am sure he will! Mrs Nuckles is fresh out of school with this being her first year. She seems really nice and excited to be there. As usual, at the school open house, Mason went and picked the desk in the very front and center of the classroom and turned and said to me, "this is the best spot to see mom!" He did the same thing last year. I could not be happier with his spot! LOL... His only concern thus far was that his room is in a portable and what was he going to do if he needed a drink or has to go to the bathroom, "because I am not waisting my recess time for that kinda stuff..." I told him I am sure it would get figured out! I am really looking forward to seeing him grow this year! He'll do great!


2nD GrAdE heRe wE cOmE!


Neighbor friends waiting for the bus stop
Aliyah, Kate, Braden, Zach, Jane and Mason


See ya later mom!

So I guess this is the official good buy to summer... it was a great one full of lots of fun and playing with my kids! I am sure by next spring I will be ready again for it to come back, but as for now I am embracing school and enjoying this time as well!

WalKiNg!!!

Be careful what you wish for cause it just might come true!!!!! My little Claire Bear is so busy and such a wiggle worm that there have been several times recently that when we have been out somewhere I have wished that she would just walk already so I could put her down. As all moms know... its just gross to put her down on a restaurant floor or store floor or something when the babies are still crawling. But holding this little wiggle worm is just about killing me. Anyways, this weekend she has really taken off and begun to walk. She has been able to take 2-3 steps on her own for a while now but she has graduated from that to 15-20 steps! She is well on her way to solely walking. And she loves it, half the time she is so excited to go she is practically running and looses her balance. But I knew that would be her... no walking just straight to running. Maybe in another few weeks I will be wondering what in the world was I thinking in wishing this girl would hurry up and walk! Here we go...

SEasOns

I feel so blessed to live in the Salt lake Valley for a lot of reasons but the one that has been on my mind lately is that I am so grateful for seasons and the weather changes we have around here! I find my self looking forward to each season as they start to roll around. As well as, I love that, even though the day might be really hot the nights always cool off. Or the day might be full of rain storms but the evenings will calm down.Or even its a mess in the valley but clear in the mountains or visa versa. I just feel like it is a real blessing to have this in our lives. I think what got me thinking about this is my favorite season is coming... FALL!!! We have now had a few "cool" weekends to get us in the mood, school is about to start (whew we made it! :), football is underway (yeah!), caramel apples, jeans and boot shopping is around the corner, kids school shopping has already happened, soups and warm drinks, Halloween, general conference, yards are all grown in, the taste and smells of all kinds of pumpkin treats, fall colored leaves on trees, and bundling up, gardens producing their crop and zucchini bread making.I just love the colors of fall, that is what has really inspired me for the decorating of my house. I just feel cozy when fall is here, between the colors and and what it represents I wanted to bring that in my home all year long. This season definitely does no last long enough... I always hope for a good long one... 6-8 weeks. Lets keep our fingers crossed this year!
Things I love about other seasons...
Spring- Renew and rebirth, yard work, fresh air, kids playing outside, reminds me of a burst of energy, Ryan is back to the work he likes, opening the windows, and spring cleaning!
Summer- kids are out of school, swim lessons and water slides, playing with my kids, BBQ's and salads, tan lines on my cute kids bodies, no morning schedule, hanging out in the backyard, going to the cabin, late nights and playing with friends...reminds me of a ParTy, hot, laying in the hammock listening to the waterfall, gardens growing.
Winter- maybe my least favorite of all but... I love the holidays and can't imagine them without snow, fires in the fire place, cleanliness of the snow, hot chocolate, I am going to be a better skier this year (hopefully that will get me through Jan. and Feb.), sledding with the kids, we seem to do "in home projects this time of year, blankets and snuggling.

Ryan always quotes his Papa this time of year, he says, "Spring is cool with warm breezes and fall is warm with cool breezes." We are so blessed to live in such a gorgeous place with such a variety and abundance of blessings coming our way!
Happy Fall Y'all!

HaPPy BiRtHdaY to ME!! 32-WHOA!

What a fun day ... well week I had celebrating my birthday! There is nothing like a birthday to feel the love from your family and friends. I was able to celebrate all week with friends and family... and on the actual day so many people gave me some shout outs and showed me so much love. It totally boosts my spirits to know that so many people were thinking of me... thanks! 32 not quite too sure how that sounds yet... I am thinking that the 30's shouldn't be too bad but I am still talking myself into that. It really is a great time in life for me; I am raising my 3 beautiful kids, I love being a stay at home mom, really like where I live, am so blessed to live a beautiful home that has friends and family that surround me, Ryan and my kids. We have our health and limitless possibilities out there, I have a hard working husband who adores me and would do anything for us. I am blessed and grateful for my life. I just think I am going to have to get used to say "32" out loud.:) On a more serious note; I am not quite sure I am completely happy with me personally. I don't feel like I am reaching my potential in personal more selfish ways. For example, there are some days that I just think "Wow! You really are that mom who yells too much, eats way too many treats, won't exercise enough but still complains about her weight, needs to be more creative with her kids and get in touch with a more artistic side, watches too much TV, needs to accomplish some more individual goals, and needs to magnify my church callings better." Kind of a heavy birthday thought huh... Well instead of letting that drag me to a place where its hard to get up from I want to try to pick it apart and work on it piece by piece. I need to get in shape and figure out some fun creative things to do with my kids more, lets start with that! I am hoping that when I am looking back next year being shocked that I am 33 I can say that I have grown as a mom, wife, friend, and can be a little more happy with myself! So here's to a great year full of adventure and not focusing on obstacles or making excuses!

On to more fun topics... the actual b-day! I love going to lunch with my parents (we do it every year on my b-day) I love sitting with them and watching their faces as I try to relax and have fun yet keep my kids from tearing the restaurant apart:). This year we went to Rubios and then my mom and I went shopping for some home decor stuff. Lots of fun! That night Ryan spoiled me by taking me to LaCaille that night for dinner! It was my first time there. It was fun getting all dressed up (for something other than church) and going out to a nice dinner and beautiful setting and just focusing on each other. Unfortunately our dinners weren't that great, salads and desserts were awesome. But thesteak and salmon were not. The ambiance was perfect and made up for that though! We walked around the grounds after and really just enjoyed each other. He is my best friend, I feel so lucky to have him with me in my life, I need him, and adore him more than I can express! Thanks for a memorable night Ry! You always know the perfect thing to do! He is great at surprises and overdoing it! For my gift he had a friend of ours make some jewelry that he knew I loved... so thoughtful!

What a great celebration... I feel very lucky and grateful for all of you and you concern and love for me! Happy 32nd to me!

GiRls JuSt WaNNa haVe FuN!

Man, am I crazy blessed! Not growing up with sisters I thought I was always a little jipped...looking back I realize it just opened the door to having some amazing friends in my life which have deeply effected and touched my life and who are my sisters! I just can't say enough about having good girlfriends that surround you and allow you to be you and get silly and serious all in the same conversation! This last weekend Regan, Jamie and I went out to lunch and shopping for Regan's b-day (July 28) and mine (Aug 6). He hit Cheesecake Factory and shopped in the mall for a bit. So much fun!!!! Regan and I chat all the time but Jamie only seems to swing by every once in awhile but when she does we totally pick up where we left off... lots of laughs. We have been friends since we were 15 and have seen each other through a lot...bad boyfriends, marriage, missions, divorce, babies, illness, family probs etc... and as many trials as we have held hands through there are that many and more incredible times. We are just comfortable together. It was really such a great afternoon of girl talk and relaxation, great food and great company.
And then if once at Cheesecake wasn't enough I went again with my neighbor girls last night! (If you can't tell its my favorite place!) Jen, Andrea, Yvett, and I took off for pedicures and a calorie fest; all out on appetizers, awesome dinners and dessert! Followed by long talks, a lot of laughs, and complete relaxation! Girl-friend therapy is the absolute best! I don't know how I lucked out so great but I am surrounded by women and friends who teach me, help me, be-friend me, push me, listen to me, care about me and my kids etc... I landed the best neighbors out there! So so so lucky! I adore these girls and could not have asked for a better birthday celebration! Like I said previously... there is nothing better than some good girl-friend therapy to pick up your spirits and help you get back that smile that you have seem to lost somewhere in the mounds of laundry or taking care of kid business! Thanks so much girls... lets play again soon!
And lets not forget the awesome hubby at home who didn't complain once about me taken off twice in 3 days and who was really excited for me to get out and just relax and play. Thanks Ry! Not possible without ya! I didn't worry about the kids or house once... I really did get an awesome break from the every day stuff! Love you!
PS... once again I forgot my camera... What is my problem. But I do have some other pics in the archives to pull out... so I'll get them up soon of these awesome girls!

A Sunday afternoon

Why are all of them sleeping and I am taking pictures? Sometimes its just nice to have the quiet of the house! Never ever does this happen when they are all at once out! I better hurry and go lie down myself! I LOvE A QuiET SuNdaY AfTeRnOoN!

Woke the poor kid up with the flash! Sorry Mas!


Ry will appreciate that picture! So handsome


What an angel!