tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9349305511029047192024-03-14T08:11:11.209-07:00Sher's Sweet SomethingsPeek into my Life, Family & PassionsSherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-53648880416101423202012-08-31T09:39:00.000-07:002012-10-12T15:36:00.990-07:00Our Lil' Buck Is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Everett Michael</span></b></div>
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<img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/O-7-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="O"/>
ur sweet Everett Michael Murphy joined our family July 25th at 2:05 PM, weighing 10 lbs. 13oz! (via c-sec of course!), with a full head of lush hair! We are so smitten with him and grateful to the Lord. And I'm also so grateful he decided to come early! :)</div>
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The last two months of pregnancy were super tough. I was getting huge, it was hard to drive, back out of parking lots, hard to sleep, hard to shave. Even my sweet daughter had to help me put my pants on! The whole month of July I was so uncomfortable. I carried way out front, very different than with Keira. Seriously, I looked like I was carrying twins! ha ha! We knew he'd big a biggie like his sis. Since big babies run on my hubby's side. I wasn't even gonna try for a VBAC...No Way! I didn't want to risk the baby getting stuck and it turning into an emergency C-Sec. </div>
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So okay, let's try to do a long story short, so it's not boring. I was scheduled for my c-section on July 31st. And almost two weeks before that, my doctor tells me she's going to be gone during that week! My heart sunk, I wanted her to cut me open, since she's done it before! Plus, I really love my doctor, she's so awesome. Anyhow, I had been going weekly to have the baby's heart rate, movements and measurements. She told me I could stay with the plan for the 31st and I would have another great doc deliver me. Or I could wait until August 5th (two days before the actual due date). I knew I wouldn't make it until then, at least doubted it. So I had an ultrasound 2 weeks before to be measured and he was estimated already at 8 pounds 8 oz. And I had tons of amniotic fluid in me!!! No wonder I felt I could hardly breath when I would lay down. I had to start sleeping with my head slightly elevated. So the Monday before I was born I had to go to the hospital so they could monitor his heartbeat and movements. I was having some contractions, but I couldn't even feel them. I was very uncomfortable and had some pain. My doc happened to be at the hospital and stopped by and said my amniotic went down a little which is good. I then said to her, if I wait until she's back he's going to be huge! And she said we'll talk about it at your appointment, which was scheduled for that Thursday. She saw how miserable I was. The hospital will only do a c-section at 39 weeks for the earliest. Unless other high risk reasons. The next day I was in so much pain, and he'd already felt like he dropped, but that night it felt like he pushed down into my pelvis. I told my husband that I wanted to to go to the hospital, because I felt like I was having contractions. But he said let's wait a little. I slept terribly that night.</div>
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In the morning Taylor's mom, Janna, came over and he went to work. I had told him I wanted to see my OB and so I had called and first said to the receptionist how upset I was that every time I wanted to speak to a nurse I was put on hold forever and never helped. I told her I was in pain and wanted to come in, she hurried and put a nurse on the phone. And they had me go in that morning, the NP monitored me and saw that I was having lots of contractions and said I should go to the hospital. So Janna drove me to the hospital. Along with my little crazy Keira. The nurse monitored me and said that I was definitely having close contractions. She went to consult with my doctor, who was luckily there! And then told me I was going to deliver in two hours! I was sooo excited and nervous. The nurse was very nice and I told her I liked her attitude it helped me not be nervous. Then we called my husband and he was leaving work to come. Janna left with Keira, I asked Keira to kiss my hand. I told her I love her and would miss her. And of course I started crying as I saw her giddily go off with Janna. </div>
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I was then moved to my room and hooked up to my IV. When my husband arrived we said a prayer for it all to go well and that I wouldn't be nervous. I ended up having to wait an extra hour, since they were still with another patient. It felt like the longest hour! I had a male nurse who was nice and quite funny. It helps to have people lighten the tense mood. Also the anesthesiologist told me all the details of what he'd be doing when he'd give me the spinal epidural. He was a nice silly older man, and helped me feel at ease about it. So I went to the surgery room and I had the spinal epidural. It was very uncomfortable, and I could still feel some pain, and had to tell him where, so he could give me more. I have a crazy high tolerance, they had to give me extra with Keira too. The great blessing this time was not having to put under general anesthesia, like I had to with Keira. I was awake this time!!! And this time my husband was there next to me holding my hand! Once I could tell they pulled our son out, I heard the doc and other assistants gasp at his size! Ha ha! Which I wasn't surprised! I heard my son's first cry and I started balling. I never dwelled on not getting to hear Keira's first cry. I was just so grateful we were both healthy and alive. And I kept asking outloud, "How big is he?!" over and over. And soon one of the assistants brought him over and held him by my head and said he was 10 pounds 13 ounces. Yikes! Ha ha ha! I started balling even more when I saw his precious face. And my, look at his head of hair. He looks just like I did when I was born, I had tons of hair too! </div>
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My huge goal this time was getting to try to breastfeed him right away. I didn't get to with Keira since I was under anesthesia, they already gave her a bottle and she refused to latch and work for the milk from me! So the for the first month, my milk came in pretty well, but by week four I had to start taking the More Milk Plus supplement, that has herbs to help make mre milk. And so now, I've been breastfeeding and supplementing. He's such a big babe that it's hard to keep up with him. But I am grateful that I've been able to still do it. He latches great and is good at switching from me to the bottle back and forth. </div>
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This recovery has been so much harder. I'm having extreme lower back pain. From the healing of the incision it's straining my lower lumbar. It's unlike any back pain I've ever had. And the Motrin 800mg my doc gave me doesn't do a thing. I'm constantly using a heating pad. I can't stand or walk for very long. I worry about about how long this back pain will go on. I read that other women had it for months! But I know that my body is still healing, so I don't want to worry so bad. I'm so very blessed, it was worth all the pains I've endured to have my two beautiful children. They're such a gift and I'm so honored to be their mother.</div>
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31 Weeks!</div>
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37 Weeks! ~ a week and a day before I popped. </div>
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2 weeks before he was born!</div>
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1 week before he was born</div>
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Since my hubby is an avid hunter, I had to find something perfect with a deer for his coming home outfit. And I did, this onsie with a stitched Lil' Buck. Perfect for our Lil' Buck! Looks adorable in his Camo car seat cover.</div>
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Almost a week old here in these pictures.</div>
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</div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-77202459209279791612012-05-22T09:57:00.002-07:002012-05-22T10:41:55.104-07:00AND THERE HE IS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/O-3-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="O"/> ur boy is on his way! We found out back in March! I know it's been forever since I've posted, I know! I've just been busy with the daily grind and with back pain and some sciatica pains. My husband thought it was going to be another girl. But I had no assumptions and was excited for either of course! And so when the tech told us it's a boy, I looked over at Taylor beaming, "There's your son!" Taylor is such a manly man, he's all about sports, hunting, ATV's and all that stuff. So it'll be fun to see him teach not just our daughter now, but our son all about that stuff! And I'm enjoying learning it too.</div>
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So the big problem-o is...the name.... We had a name picked out a long time ago if we ever had a boy. But Taylor's close friend took his idea for their son. Grrrrrrrr! I've been begging Taylor to still use it, but he doesn't want to, even though they don't care if we used it. Besides it was our name. And even his mom tried to convince him! But now we just can't find a name that we both love, like we did that one. I've cried about it, hoping Taylor would change his mind....but nope. I will not let the baby be born and have him unnamed for days.</div>
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Anyhow, I've been very blessed with a good pregnancy. But I have had for the last month and half, off and on back pain, it gets so bad that I cry at times. And now recently I've had the sciatica pain that shoots down one side, and sometimes both sides. I've just tried to do lots of stretching and yoga with helps a lot. I rarely take acetaminophen, only if I'm in extreme pain. </div>
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Our boy moves so cute and I can see him move! I think he's got some ninja skills! :D I was able to get Keira to feel him move, and she said she felt it. I tell her that it's her baby brother moving in there. It's cute to hear her say "baby brother". </div>
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So for the nursery, I wanted to do a beach theme. Since he's a summer baby. But of course Taylor vetoed that. He's a major mountain dude, and shot my idea down fast. So we've been planning to do a hunting/nature theme for awhile. I'm still bummed, I hate the cutest ideas for a beach nursery. And seriously, why does the boy crib bedding selection stink so bad? I've scoured the web high and low for unique modern bedding that would look neat with hunting accents. But only found a couple that could work. Taylor found some camouflage crib bedding. But it was ATROCIOUS! And it was too pricey! Plus, I want to do a modern look. </div>
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Well, my one hour glucose test was elevated, so I had to do the three hour test yesterday. I prayed I wouldn't faint from fasting. I almost did in my last pregnancy for one of the tests. My results were fine last time, so I'm praying they are this time. I eat extremely healthy. I rarely eat out, I don't eat sweets and am not a soda drinker. I just eat tons of fruit and veggies! And I drink lots of water! So I'm praying the test is all good again. </div>
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Next week I'll get my official due date. In the beginning it was August 11th, but then my last visit she said looking at the last ultrasound, my due date calculates to be August 6th. But regardless, my doc is planning to do it one week before my due date. Or who knows my water may break again!</div>
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I'm so glad I'm not swollen yet, but I'm scared it's coming. Since I was with Keira. This heat here is exhausting and dreadful. I haven't even wanted to swim, since I hate the heat so bad. As normal every summer my wedding rings fits a little tighter, so I haven't been able to wear it. </div>
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Well, I'm not having success with Keira getting potty trained, we tried a couple times last year, she just wasn't ready. And we've tried a few times this year, and she gets excited and wants to try, but then gets sick of it fast and stops. The sticker chart and rewards don't work. But I'm not going to stress myself out and I'm not gonna push her. I'll just let her do it when she's ready. That's what I hear is best to do. Besides I've heard she may revert back to diapers when the baby is born, so why stress myself now? We just continue to try every week, but I give her the control. She loves the potty books and videos, she knows she can do it, it's just now up to her to do it. </div>
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Again, I must digress how much I hate living here when it's hot. We have this nasty heat to deal with for six months! And sadly I still haven't gotten to escape to anywhere, for at least a day trip. But I'm determined to make it happen. Before baby comes and I'm home bound and unable to do anything until I'm fully healed.<br />
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My beautiful Keira turned 3 in April!!! We just a had nice little celebration, just us and her. We got a cake, balloons and presents. I didn't have the energy to plan and have a party, and we really felt we should save the money too. My pics are on my husbands phone, I didn't realize our camera memory card was full. There's my preggo forgetful brain again. It's been pretty bad...haha!<br />
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Well, I'm excited to get started on the nursery, I'm cleaning and organizing stuff, but I just need to get the bedding, so we can decide the paint color and accents. I just want to have it all ready and I'm excited to make some art projects in mind.</div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-53359495613784588972012-02-26T19:21:00.026-08:002012-03-10T10:30:36.211-08:00Don't mind me if I'm sniffing or sobbing...<div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbw7xU69Y8U1E5tzRHb8pqfB9gJSmkqBXN8roTO6O21Vs2jsNQrtxQ6FWK4BSRzNn6NmgNvnumWqX31zZnyGHhNpNelKKGX5YVe8RQUz_BSHnxMD335NvgmofXLRJ08ZopUmj9p75RbLX/s1600/Punjab.jpeg"><span><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbw7xU69Y8U1E5tzRHb8pqfB9gJSmkqBXN8roTO6O21Vs2jsNQrtxQ6FWK4BSRzNn6NmgNvnumWqX31zZnyGHhNpNelKKGX5YVe8RQUz_BSHnxMD335NvgmofXLRJ08ZopUmj9p75RbLX/s200/Punjab.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713701068540421746" /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div></a><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 100%; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; "><img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/S-11-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="S" style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">o a couple weeks ago while flipping channels, I found one of my dearest childhood movies on..."Annie," it was the end of the movie when poonjab is rescuing Annie. And then when it got to the part when Annie is dancing with daddy Warbucks singing, "Together at last..." I just started balling. Lately anything that is nostalgic to my childhood will make me break down in tears quite instantly. I dunno if it's the pregnancy hormones, or just plain ol' me, being a woman with the normal tender feelings </span><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left; ">that evolve once you're a parent, or just the fact of getting older. </span><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left; ">Luckily my husband isn't around most of the time to laugh at me.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Anyhow, now that I'm in the 2nd trimester, I feel so normal that I get paranoid if I'm okay, ha ha! My off & on nausea is completely gone ~yay~. And I forgot to mention in my last post about how I feel like a dog at times! My sense of smel<span style="font-size: 100%; ">l has been so intense, constantly sniffing around with my nose in the air as I walk around every area to find the source causing whatever odor. Whether it's food, kid/cat poop or smelly feet. I must figure out what I'm smelling and where it's coming from. My husband laughs at me because I won't stop sniffing until I find the culprit. I swear I feel like I could be used like a drug-smelling pooch! Ha ha! But...I think my smeller is reverting back to fairly normal now...</span><i style="font-size: 100%; ">I think</i><span style="font-size: 100%; ">. I can still wear my regular jeans, but I do feel more comfortable in maternity pants. I'm finally showing a </span><i style="font-size: 100%; ">little</i><span style="font-size: 100%; "> bit. I assumed I would show sooner s</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">ince it's my second one, but I'm still just barely showing. Believe me, I'm in </span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; "><i>noooo</i> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">rush! Big babies run on my hubbies side, so I'm fine with my wittle belly ;) I've got plenty of fun hot swollen big bump days ahead. I really didn't show until I was around 6 months or so with my first. And even when I was almost due, it did NOT look like a ten pounder was in there!!!!! Ha ha ha!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Last Thursday I got to hear the baby's heart beat for the first time! I've been blessed to have a good pregnancy again. But I try really hard not to dwell on having another c-section. After Keira was born I did not want to talk about the details of my delivery, I was still very emotional and hormonal about the experience, as far as just the pain of it all and nothing I'd experienced before. But I was able to bear through the pain afterward, since I was entranced with my sweet baby girl being in my arms and loving motherhood. Now that years have past, I'm fine talking about the first birth experience.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzcWcXYmOoammXxgWvVU0UUsiG_VvcnYU5vsQuXPu7TcVtNI9ymPuOtcRRoAk9A2cVwMa5KnEmh3A6XXOD114nV7LVwMDQimidErbwUWXyqqQvKUdRMpe6iBWV48KxUmEOCzWPVmS_NGt/s320/SDC10084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716479704674917522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><div style="font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br />So onto my darling Keira! She is just plain adorable, as usual. I think I've taught her well on being polite, because she's always saying please and thank you. She'll still randomly ask for chocolate or a cookie, but now she says, "Can I have a cookie/chocolate, please?" and a couple days ago she asked, "Can I go to the playground, please?" I pretty much can't say no when she asks so sweet and politely. A few times lately she has randomly kissed my arm! ~chuckle~ And she's now replying after I tell her I love her, she'll say, "I wove you mommy!" Which I've been waiting so anxiously to hear! :) It melts me. A week ago while putting on my makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly said, "I'm really small mommy, I'm really small!" and then said,"You're really big mommy! you're really big!" I just busted out laughing, it was just so random and cute. She's observing that I'm this big person (which I still don't feel like I am) and she's this little person. She<span style="font-size: 100%; "> still refers herself as the baby sometimes. But I'm always telling how she's such a big girl now and we look at her baby pictures together. (Everytime I look at her adorable baby pics, I think to myself, my...how few are the days that babies are babies.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br />It's really just a blink of an eye and there they are walking, talking and everything! I love watching her every milestone. Seeing how she's comprehending things more and figuring out how things work around her. I truly wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm very grateful to be home everyday with her, observing her, teaching her and adoring her cuteness, as her beautiful personality blooms. It's the greatest. Though it's been tough the last few months, she wants me to play with her all. day. long. So I play with her off and on throughout the day while breaking away to get as much chores and errands done. It's been nice to have more energy back in this trimester, but I still get tired out from all the playing and cleaning. I cherish giving her my time and attention. But I'm also teaching her that I can't always play and she has to play on her own, I give her fun activities she can do independently. I also will put on music and dance with her while cleaning, take breaks to chase her around and have fun being silly with her. I just love when we're making each other giggle. There's just </span>nothing better than seeing my girl's beautiful smile. <i>Nothing.</i><br /></div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-65356380557264854042012-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:34:52.301-08:00Keira wants to share her BiG secret!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_SJdBXPMXuqjmF6gDKNmL2beHgRQJV4bz7eins7utynFJ_D3iHNSGvqjljunfTWOjfWY8ArwRP-yS5eKFDi9Q_9CZx1R_wmNl-6gyUFYijKXncnN_B8gpUm_bg4-ZbYSmg2GyntuvcK8/s1600/SDC10068a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_SJdBXPMXuqjmF6gDKNmL2beHgRQJV4bz7eins7utynFJ_D3iHNSGvqjljunfTWOjfWY8ArwRP-yS5eKFDi9Q_9CZx1R_wmNl-6gyUFYijKXncnN_B8gpUm_bg4-ZbYSmg2GyntuvcK8/s400/SDC10068a.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702491145642780146" /></a><img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/Y-4-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="Y"/>ep, this lil' cutie pie is going to be a big sister this August!!!!! I know Keira is going to be such a good big sister. The last few months I've watched her be intrigued with babies and I think she's going to be a great little helper. We're so very grateful for our second angel on the way. <div><br /></div><div>I'm due sometime in the first week of August, so it could possibly end up on my birthday! Aug. 3rd! Regardless of what day baby comes, it'll be such a blessing and the sweetest gift indeed. It's going to be a <i>long</i> hot summer... (but hopefully it will be like last Spring and the nice weather will stay well through June.) And knowing how badly I swelled up last time, I'm expecting my feet to look like humongous sausages and have my 'cankles' again. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>So far in this first trimester, I didn't get a lot of fatigue in the first half, but now it's catching up. I've had on and off nausea (not throwing up thankfully!) just feeling queasy and I had little tummy aches for awhile. Unlike my last pregnancy, I don't detest beef completely, but I do have to be in the mood and still don't like to look at raw meat, but I've been able to bear cooking it most of the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was no wonder that I was pregnant, because just the week before I was downing jars of pickles like crazy, haha! But didn't think anything of it, because I like pickles, and hadn't eaten them in awhile, so I thought I was just enjoying them. So anyhow, whenever I got really nauseated I'd drink Ginger herbal tea (I like the Yogi brand, in the health food section.) And when ginger wasn't enough, lemon juice and yogurt helped,<b><i> and</i></b> ~strangely~ I found that sucking on a couple Sour Patch Kids helped lessen my nausea! ha ha! </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm glad I haven't been as picky with foods like my last pregnancy, but I still have to decide what appeals to me. I crave spicy foods a lot. And again like last time, I looove buffalo wing sauce, I asked for an extra side of it at Chili's so I could dip my veggies in it at home! (I enjoy doing that even when not pregnant!). Lately I must have navel oranges and buttermilk stocked in my fridge at all times. Thankfully I'm at the end of my first trimester so, my nausea is going away. I've been driving my husband crazy with my random worries. But I'm more relaxed now that I just had my recent check up. </div><div><br /></div><div>So my favorite websites to read info and track my progress the most are: www.TheBump.com, www.Fitpregnancy.com, www.Pregnology.com, www.pregnancy-information-guide.com and www.babycenter.com. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow~ I'll bore ya with more baby buddha belly mumbo jumbo again soon. ~Yawn~ </div><div><br /></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-79053530860499762052012-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:21:21.309-08:00My lil' Chef<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mhtTasR08NcrwFmP1-H2yOfaS2ZVhEzFqCUrv67X3V3W3PmopS9ZXpCn8CQoqbkVKKF4rJI5CDniljg2DSfiMbI-FJdWydeo2e2kPOkzuI_McMoZG0DCvimDldK58kAJ-XX3FhfeEqbV/s400/SDC10008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697284274120345410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A6oXXW_kjS_OaK3V6TMd-fjRsG0dlrVeTdgQAP4BsfnnoGiZ_yClyh9iMF89MbGOcRK9EoqGV-AT8J9O3cziVxyIH-2QlOt3j6nsrJWGHxPvmLOPVghiJszaHWNuZJDmDv2drOjEKXdC/s400/SDC10008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698639991727138882" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmel5QF1d3WSiAM_dVmctgBZlZKxVZfIKE_BMBeqq077D-bX5bzaUMsRRx5yNKRIwgKIgXvysyWXGwm9mDSdWVTBaqgq6vbRi5fO_8kj3wF6b-F22sO8IgYdmPlKS1b7PjL3Y6wp1wSRr/s400/SDC10050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697285065581012274" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left; "> <img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/W-9-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="W"/>e had a splendid Christmas. Taylor's parent stayed with us for a week. And it was fun to see Keira really enjoy spending time with them. Grandma (Janna) took her on couple walks with her, while I did some errands. And we went to the Children's Museum and Keira loved it. She loved the pretend grocery and cooking areas. But Janna and I were thoroughly pooped after two hours </span><span style="text-align: left; ">of chasing her around from area to area for two hours. And </span><span style="text-align: left; ">Keira was finally tired once we left.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEk277lOOsSXmGSPwudWq1JCK2XMgMBYsWuvwYU9uwAHEuaGd3OySVKGDklxF1X8hTx7R9i_5rV9cHmGTPEJmI8IPrWiqykYoN1FtyZnEH_v5-LkHXH2crDqDCPrQMBJsz98XXDWITnLa/s400/SDC10044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697285061363889522" /><div style="text-align: center;">She loved the kitchen at the museum.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIqcvxLJKAMcCKjsgDdQP3jyG5sMB1K_bmb3tvYPU2X5mm-fBpSJ2SSqQk9mQBvdnOGBwm6yMVKUJbR9F8G_hmxYFxXaEpJae9sUCQpzzdi5X1b-Zgej7ktpkZ2KnIgnqEAnxAGXCCjvP/s400/SDC10057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697284832843161714" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Keira loved this cute circular reading nook. I'd love to have one in the house for her. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY65aV3416n-w4J_Ee4EHQwia2WShFYGXpZ_VRYYpvxTNxjeBU4g2ipPFmtlQuRBtgrQzCQndl29Gl0vsNWDSEXfXSOb1V34nR0qdyqnKd6n10Q5UI9X-OtdnmnFozxiOsS1w3UbAfoic/s400/SDC12064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697285974174667058" /><img style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVT5APaPTpMmPRn3Odc-x8KKqQ3Gj829xd200xipq925ge5qe2bGr7W7wCMQGyHodnRfWC8rQfM2ASPN0LRkx9RyCCBcf5Ac9jPjgr_8yJ868ydMWQF9YkbxzQwbK7RVkUs-cZE0jejJS/s400/lilchef.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698639987381660562" /></div><div>We gave Keira a play kitchen for Christmas and lots of fun play food etc. to go with it. And Grandma even got her a cute mixer that really works! I recorded Keira coming out of her room to capture her reaction. And...~sigh~ I'm such a mom... I started to choke up and tried not to whimper out loud, I don't know why I got emotional and teary-eyed from just watching her play with the kitchen. Having a child truly makes Christmas so much fun again. I don't even care what I get. I just wanna see that cute lil' face light up. Anyhow our lil' chef is loving her kitchen and always wants me to cook with her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got my first new sewing machine that I wanted! (well, nicer than the one I wanted! xo ) I am sooo excited to learn and make all the things I've always wanted to make! (<i>hopefully!</i>) I posted on FB: <b><span><span>"<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">I'm sooo excited to use my new sewing machine!!! I'll always kick myself for not wanting to learn when I was younger. And now I don't </span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">have my amazing seamstress mother living close anymore to help me get the hang of it easier. :P oh, well, let's see how far my guts and faith will get me! ;)"</span></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>On a side note, Keira is CRAZY about chocolate. She had a fair amount for the holidays. But I saved the rest for future rewards and for when we start potty training. Almost everyday on her own she'll ask randomly, "Some chocolate?" and start looking for some. And a few times I've asked her what she wants for breakfast or lunch and she replies of course, "Chocolate?!" ~ha ha! I have to make sure she can't see anything that looks like chocolate or else she freaks out. Eeks! </div></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>We had simple night on New Years and stayed home. And on January 7th, Taylor and I had our 6th wedding anniversary. We still need to actually celebrate it. But we'll probably just do something fun for Valentine's Day and celebrate it then. Even though my hubby isn't on Facebook <span>(<i>and never will be</i>) </span>I still posted something for him and told him what I put. But made sure is wasn't cheesy just for him. </div><div><span><b>"<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">Today marks 6 years being married to my sweet husband Taylor! ~Thanks for your patience, putting up with me and toughing me up all these years. ♥ Happy Anniversary! ♥" </span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Taylor is an amazing husband and father. I admire him so much for how hard he works to support our family and I am grateful for all that I've learned from him. I'm profoundly & madly in love with him. And that love has grown deeper from all that we went through in those first tough years when he had to be away often working for long periods of time. Though it was hard, I know that he was doing all that he could so that he could take care us and make me happy. And all I want is to make him happy when he comes home everyday and always make him feel appreciated.</div><div><br /></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-90517155092008984892011-12-07T09:35:00.001-08:002011-12-07T10:27:54.050-08:00Toddler TalesLast night as I took my two and half year old daughter to bed, she immediately said, "Say prayer?" twice! and it made me smile and feel so grateful that she is learning and wanting to pray. I strive to make sure she is learning to see when we need to pray and that we can pray for everything. She's heard me pray to find my keys when they're missing. We pray for daddy and his safety. I even make sure she hears me pray that I will be more patient and be the best mom I can be for her. I think once you become a parent you really start to put yourself in check mode. Because anything I'm not doing that I should be doing, she won't be learning. So I'm grateful that I have to push myself even more to make sure she see's and learns what is important to our family. Which in turn she strengthens and teaches her father and I. The most important thing to me is teaching her to know her Heavenly Father and to gain a strong testimony. To always trust and stay close to the Lord. <div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, I was tired and moody. And I overreacted and yelled at Keira for tipping a cup purposely upside down and getting water everywhere. I immediately hugged her and looked at her and said I was sorry for yelling at her and then I asked her if she forgives me. She responded, "That's okay mommy," twice. I was astounded when she had that response. It's just so evident that children really do learn fast and do soak up <b><i>everything</i></b>! I am grateful for that experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of her lines she says all the time is, "Oops, that's okay, it happens!" :) it's so cute and makes me laugh everytime. She also says often, "I love ____" and she says the item or thing that she's doing or looking at. It's just darling. And boy does she love chocolate. If you even just say the word, she starts looking everywhere for it saying, "Chocolate?" hee, hee, hee. She's so good at washing her hands and saying, "thanks" and "you're welcome!" She's also been singing, "Twinkle, twinkle, whittle star," and "Row, Row, Row da boat!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Keira has been getting more interested in sitting on the toilet a lot the last couple weeks. I got the Prince Lionheart Weepod toilet insert seat months ago, and she did not want to sit on it. But finally she wants to very often. So this past Sunday we tried to see if she would really try to use it. We got her go in her small potty once (but she had her undies still on, haha!) and then she did use real toilet one once. I gave her couple mini M&M's as her potty prize. It seemed to work well, but... the rest of this week, she hasn't wanted to try or even sit on either potty. Soo.....ugh. I'm trying to decide what to do, because I don't want to force her, since I've heard from many that it'll just make them not want to do it and make them hate it. Which will make it take longer for them to finally do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, yesterday morning I was on my way to get an eye exam. And as we almost got there, she barfed in the car. So I had to cancel it and go home to clean her up. She had eaten some yogurt and raspberries for breakfast. It's been a long time since she has barfed in the car. Since the two times in the summer (which were both from the string cheese she'd eaten.) So, again it was after she ate something that was dairy. It's just odd. Dairy and driving, just don't mix for her. She gets car sick or something. Sigh...poor thing. And seriously, why must they make the car seat so dang hard to take apart just to get off the dang cushion so you can wash it?!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow, it's tough keeping up to clean up all her little messes and random things tossed all around the place. But thanks to nursery, she's does help me clean up way more, while singing the 'clean-up' song. And on top of that, I'm begging my husband to clean his side of the room too. I told him for Christmas I want my room entirely clean and pretty. Haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been loving this cold weather! We're hoping to go up to Flagstaff soon to see Keira play in the snow for the first time. We <i>reeeally</i> need a little family outing. Keira and I are in desperate need of getting out the house and doing something fun as a fam. </div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-26243601615202115592011-12-03T20:08:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:37:42.645-08:00Tube-ular ;)The last show I was hooked to was the "Glenn Beck Program" (well actually...pretty much Fox News in general). I had it on everyday. Practically all day. Which you can imagine what it did to me. I became a tea party lover, anti-Soros supporter, eager to learn history, concerned about my country, the world and the future for my family. But don't worry, I've calmed the Fox News and Beck obsession dramatically. I just watch here and there now! :) <div><br /></div><div>Anyhow before that, I don't think I've been really hooked to any television series since I was a teen. I was obsessed with 'Felicity'. I could not miss an episode. I had to make sure to set it up to record on the VHS, hehe! I was smitten for Scott Foley. I loved the show mostly because, I was a <i>hopeless </i>romantic.<div><br /></div><div>The last few years, besides watching stuff on HGTV and other random shows of interests and whatever my hubby was watching. I didn't care that I didn't have a show to be hooked on. I tried to watch a couple popular shows I heard were good, but found most of them distasteful or not my cup of tea. So, I was fine with watching, "Are you being served?" and "Seinfeld" reruns. I love those.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this past fall, I decided to DVR some new shows that looked fun and just give'm a go. So my hubby and I have been watching, "New Girl", "Up All Night" and "Whitney". We really like them so far. There's a couple thangs here n' there, that are not favorable. But all-in-all, they're not too distasteful that I feel evil for watching (haha!). It's been kinda fun to have something that my husband and I get to look forward to enjoy and laugh at together. {While cuddled up on the couch holding hands..} </div><div><br /></div><div>The other show I'm truly hooked to is, "Parenthood". It's not "trying too hard," if ya know what I mean. There's interesting plots throughout it. And the way they film and direct it, I find tasteful. It makes me laugh outloud. It makes me bawl. I even posted about it on Facebook confessing that "now it's my mom's turn to spy and laugh at me if I'm crying at any given moment about anything. It's the automatic default once becoming a mom. And deeply embracing life's moments." I'm fine with turning into my mom, in other areas that I swore I wouldn't. Because those things she did that I laughed at, are normal, when your a woman and a mom. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I also like, "Ringer" with good ol' Sarah Michelle Gellar. It's just a fun soap-opera like plot, but it's just fun and can't help but be hooked it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I have shows that I enjoy. I can't let them prioritize over things I should be doing. Believe me there's always times when I'm reeeally sick of the tube being on and just want it off for a long while and enjoy music or silence. And indeed when sports takes over...haha! (my man deserves to watch his sports of course, I just hate when it takes up so much time and then I get needy and want quality time together. I'm a typical needy wifey, I know.) But I know I'm married to a man...and to his love for sports. They go hand-in-hand. And I accepted that, haha! </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to my point, I never want to get too sucked into the tube and let it consume too much of my time. Especially the time I should be reading my scriptures. But I don't feel guilty finally having some shows that help me unwind, give me some good laughter in at the end of the day. Hopefully the shows will remain good. Otherwise, I will turn off the tube. And wait another decade and try again. Haha.</div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-91076400996126873212011-11-29T13:56:00.000-08:002011-11-29T15:25:23.689-08:00Forget the turkey mom, I want pumpkin pie!<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKjbxvC4PxEt3ED2JCy6QX7T8LfwZEBcakpOBwV0DFe3EeQgliB09KY0Kgvfg0f_w6izBZ2G90WxDgIlg_xj2hGeMZbJFKE5izkQjcD24chJFxD_VG88nByw_ul-qvUv16d8r2TSC4oMC/s320/SDC12034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680548960213943634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tZ-6ivWuLAReprnZWIKUlxMcWb-K7-LPHu3QsCID5eFX7nVU8qFBBsEJyFzYKANIxQu-pRXy8W2u3nxGu1vGufujAdkHRzhIR-IazjLm9yD5RtwcvbApKeJXAfJqBapCDH72j_Rhu1ak/s400/SDC12007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680549421816630274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJo1iC8N8wPsk4Apw9dKRvDitTKmByx0yWV-4A0RXY8BSoIbjD_xO1FjrOTjNtRIVEJ-HZnTHsbXy5yak6oqG6lYLsJJS9qjdz4ioGB2o0aLe69Eqv5Hx7SY22bd9aq0TDJPR8CAKQjvL/s320/SDC12014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680549587920812722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXePjo54nIb_xH39dVjx4aWUoA3LPvqaqijw5-NLfLkV6O_dxP71-q_uSNEHNFaTW-oY5ia3NmVRxWbYZGJjSEk3K00p7ADU8hvdcJVcu2UU1Qhr_JC7eC_B0ygAAE3wQrT2p6t6c0h0w/s320/SDC12010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680549585303009442" /><div style="text-align: center;">She was dancing like a cute lil' 'Peanuts' character, it was so cute!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCODejWthMk2HmNoJeHlMqHyUncBuLv4gtlS5smpt_91n-SAQQJTgVCGGv_R2uNM1tMkKxb5yQoZQ42LEjEVv4UVzzw1EzpCUvqCi57xgOuz-Yy4SQ4Ta6Ao9U7jVl3T4PeZZYNQH3EtrQ/s400/SDC12030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680549425160965282" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/W-10-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="W" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">e had a nice quiet Thanksgiving as a family at home. Taylor helped me do a small turkey breast and I found a yummy marinade recipe for it, and it turned out so moist and delish! I admit I cheated and used instant organic mashed potatoes and stuffing, which they both tasted amazing! But I made my own sweet yams, deviled eggs and Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pie recipe and used Martha Stewart's Pate Brisee pie dough (Taylor loved the pie!) We ate in the early afternoon and Keira only ate a roll and some pumpkin pie, then she went out for a nap. So it was just Taylor and I enjoying our feast. I thought for sure she'd go crazy over the yams. Oh well, she's in a picky faze though. Taylor had his football game on...of course! And after Keira's nap we played some of our own toss football outside and I gave her a piggy back ride. She looooves piggy back rides! It was a perfect cool and cloudy day! :) Then I made Keira a turkey feather hat. She made the cutest lil' turkey eVer!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; ">I decided the last week before Thanksgiving I'd post some things I'm grateful for on Facebook. Here's what I posted:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"I'm grateful for the amazing things I learned at church today. I love feeling the spirit." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"I'm grateful for my daughter. Her smile, laughter, silly personality and when she gives me running hugs. It's the greatest gift and bliss ever."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"I'm so grateful for my amazing husband. He's one of the hardest workers I've ever known. Always proving me that you can do anything you put your heart & mind into. And his crazy innate ability to truly have me figured out and knows how to always make me laugh, especially when I need to. There's not one day I don't feel lucky to be his wife. ♥ " </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"I'm grateful for the many appliances that make life easier. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I forever praise the women that did e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g before they existed. I'm reminded especially when one breaks...I'll never take them for granted! :D "</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"So thankful for the Lord and all He's given me. Happy thanksgiving!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9jDTrgc5YMWiEgNxRpfOFZKOqICvDKUucqrC62Dm4n1OkfKpEd1S8FRID8FtXQTsbfQLu9Bn13YzmNdbw0ESM3OnaTzWDmCWDsBS3Y5yuD-2ap0JfTrSb_yX2-TTesIM7Unpm2AjqD1O/s400/SDC12057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680551945425220258" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">We got our Christmas tree and house lights done over the weekend. And I pretty much got all my gift shopping done, even before black friday! Hah! :D </span></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-76015431624200903432011-11-01T08:52:00.000-07:002011-11-03T08:18:16.097-07:00Keira & The Sugar Lollies!<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPS0Y2sMIA7KMfBtIf2kCdbEPOQ8DbtBb1GaSq0jWk7-HZEmqzQb8uXUX2jBtYakEo5H3oBAC52XK72UzW2bsHqeQVvaZqlhHkYf2xGYMEyQ_zS3qoQlUuv-nEH3pNAJpW1wUwxsRbtqP/s400/SDC11921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073692162955394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrj6f213FlP-94HJNCDTss-LwWM5IY2fAihvVwz7ZnnM3FCjy329R0pgMQoCDw4EeGV9vw_AebbvNj5XDgEe6QVMgH1mzm2CTMiXcH35QPY51fCZJniwt_NZEY7bvSM6DI-4GmQMaLSmq/s400/SDC11923.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073818024333106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGu7o5cd9HKF13dJGsbC57Nt0wQYFEQteqzK0Q10mKz0u2sy8i5gYGclxa0NNwpnSVBMc6XnpvkhQ07SxBkykJBijTnApZlGH9K06DPbQwz1diMKFkQ2V8-_U61MmaVlFPhToSbaujh5w/s400/SDC11926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670074467025375346" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Keira gettin' ready to do a rock star jump off the ledge...not really of course, but someday! ;)</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsnW83LiHYv3A4GH3LytDJlbTmQzE3c3f8IFWJyprHoHBgpnkBrkTETbAYItwIv4qrPTim1_T9-6lNf1p2XK7Tz7xY8qcmJohuZwogkbbsFKpWUzPRpDjxTH9FsA-oucetFMGL9nn7Ap8/s400/SDC11922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073699865333538" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">~Don't even think of taking her lollipop!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYlVaCNv5CyFq30aKkLoHwZ7XYvK7qLdnQE4r-uX4vsVZpQmYNoLrH7GanV1UPL63ZOAcQlssvY3a7Y9ZyAJU96F008v5om5U9mrDXlxPnJO8JQk75TlcEk7KEAGgaWJrtCxqbNqrNzbX/s400/SDC11925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670073822787514610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AiB-UfYt76QtgpkISfiziR6NQ2NhmV8owwBWnUOEfK0Mt0v3MCB3q0EpcN6Ys83xdC3K5ZLOv0Lm3E_nCQHKmHj0KcyV1bLRLp1EqksBvjAPzSvhm_VIsHOt22R2Oz15rYy8GwdTMWBj/s400/SDC11960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670083708113716450" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY30ca-9dMlCbJy7XHfRqV_dk_fGvB3sTiZYo-cZZ9XPDAaBdwK1R-XKB8YiejB0ChjDN508OFfRbawtTVQl5PE7rtezykjco4u17lfqmp50V1gVEFWutpUwOtuTqvlJdyS5BT4prEMdE7/s400/SDC11962.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670083699074466162" /><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/K-7-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="K" /><br />eira LOVED being a Rock Star for Halloween. Like I said before, she just loves saying,"I Rock!" at random moments. Just a few days ago she yelled it out loud in the grocery store, it was so cute and funny! She gets so excited to put her costume on! And she still has a boot fetish, she loooves her boots!</div><img style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY21TQ9-I1ulHBb1kpvVnNVmdNpFaYG-g_3EiXsrsLhogwqtTRC7iKa-6wxEgX6IcKSRo_AfJUwyy-FkFlg-aOFk1rQGNvYAAE70jpvo6tOLr2s2zGQuvbPBUJ1KaoOIKPxV2LttjMIhL/s400/SDC11932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670088179841899314" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXwfQYUETdWi6bQGLf_edSrDUHozFtL2NL75qMGcoEa6NRuCWlboe0eMQ2y1h4-CrDlB08pEGzHo07pfIAU2GTz4ly-4ikJGU-SeR-oOMOTrVuSieRQezB-NNYiZsxn0hTG_p_6fsapnj/s400/SDC11956.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670076756122847218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Rock Star is ready to pass out even before even trick-or-treating! not for long...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQmjyIGzZ_330_uoxJf68KbLCtVaH6FfltsHRBQ-ZROxU04zT4hQUwNGsVmhVqs0f5xPwx0oYrucoFFChJ7zFkbiEtPspEd1Tn6ocnKaapO8ARtlxQrn3YPZ6iJEMgPN2tM07D0DmfpRW/s400/SDC11957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670127894305025538" /><div style="text-align: center;">Rock Star is alive & kickin' after her sugar rush now! she<b> loves </b>lollies & chocolate!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDX30Du1U6zey8jLNzMPv0lsomMAuFud7ss-KbbgrbFYSXe16QcE1BbBIOebbH6lhCQrhjJ1a7Kdihr443fpV3_OLIEJFbZmBDVLQ96YdG4rkkU1NJMnPX2tWBDDZ-IQNpssi2Xjm37BM/s400/SDC11936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670074188300897378" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><br /></div>I'm so thrilled with how her costume came out, it's exactly how I imagined it. For months I searched for the pieces I imagined for it. So I found the darling skirt and tights on Etsy, the skirt was exactly what I wanted, gray/black houndstooth with chains! They're both slightly big on her, but at least she'll now just get to wear it longer! :) Which makes it more worth the money too! You always think making your own costume will be cheaper...but nope, not for me this time...hahaha! I had fun designing her shirt myself! I hand-cut and embroidered the guitar, used an iron-on star and hearts for the tuners, and I used fabric silver glue and free-handed the words. And I made the bracelets.</div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrnSRhYHgqCOfJbgYcZ5IGoguEMCl-MMLAWomW8nm6gRgu1Dt63t8ooKRHC9W3b1nxf39d0qCNC5bIaktw3yxNx2BWeKhYNS3myxJkNkDuQRpaSfv1etTZ119cVYpWefR_kflpi0FLgHh/s400/SDC11968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670089630468244866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div>I've been obsessed with sugar skull/day of the dead makeup. So I had to try doing my own! When Keira saw me she said,"Tiger! Rawr!" Hahaha! it was so funny! (I want to try doing some more versions...a scary one especially). And ya'll know I gotta have my fake lashes! I love these ones with rhinestones on each end! And I busted out my gothic wig again, it just went with the look so well ;)<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBY3x0aTfKuMho7VdIk9gMxu6D_0sf_-4L4TmbSHHa0E6bfqEFjrmyJRsGooQpKwDrlysU3EDMuNvkmOYNPO587FqoyMzs0-LpTng3bUlAD7WrAvPJj8lfh0zESN3SBk6VOKFJNbxDjHc/s400/SDC11943.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670074472255246098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimnAVfAT9S0Q3htWYeeaa3zRK5TOSfKTTIJ0x4oHsyxRoL5gAahQNVJ_tOV-fzPNcOZ9sHcLCsmxPG1athNa2w1f2MVFATJq2ffNmR9Qv18ciyj9ECPFGdoWBLU4Zldq0o-bSSFlOE_bE/s400/SDC11946.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670077054122398786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Kitty perched right next to my pumpkins just as I clicked the picture of them ~ <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Purrr-fect timing!</span></i></b> Haha! I carved a Jack Skellington design in the big pumpkin, and then did a cute lil' pumpkin face on Keira's pumpkin. </div></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div>It took awhile for Keira to finally say, "Trick or Treat," while gettin' candy, and when she did, she yelled it loud and drawn out and made us and the neighbors all laugh! And then after that she would only say it <i>cute and quietly</i>!...haha! such a funny girl. <b>I love her <i>to pieces!</i></b> Anyhow, hope your Halloween was <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">spooktacular!</span></i></b></div></div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-28148469437229536212011-10-21T12:38:00.000-07:002011-10-22T16:18:27.830-07:00There's no such thing as fall in Arizona, in case ya didn't know.<img src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/L-10-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="L"/><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">ast weekend Taylor and I went to the Evanescence concert, they have a new album out and I'm soo digging it. I begged Taylor to let me go as my early Christmas gift, plus we hadn't been on date in eons...and we love going to rock concerts and it'd been forever since we went to one. So he gave in! :) The opening bands playing were The Rival Sons, and the dude can sing! Definitely a nice & fun 70's rock feel...</div>And the other band was, The Pretty Reckless...Be ready to blown away by a natural born rock goddess...I couldn't wait to hear her live and indeed, she was AWESOME! Nice band choices Amy picked to tour with her! <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vw5MYv-5xZE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />Taylor Momsen's bluesy rock voice is sultry, sincere and enrapturing. She was in the TV series "Gossip Girls," (which I never watched) and now she's doing what she's always wanted to do, which is to sing. As we all know not many actors/actresses can pull off the singing thang...but Holy Mother of Rock-N-Roll...SHE CAN! She's only eighteen, which makes her talent even more incredible. So eat your hearts out Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, and all the rest of the annoying wanna-be gal actor/singers...haha! I can't wait to see her music evolve and hopefully keep real rock alive and burning. I wouldn't, of course, ever want my daughter, if she were older, to idolize her clothing style and raw melancholy lyrics, but I just <b>can't</b> resist rocking & working out to her! (And my husband too!)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wVWazHTunSI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div>"What you Want" ~the new single from Evanescence~</div><div>Amy Lee looked so thrilled to be back on stage and she sounded fantastic. I loved when she sang with just the piano. And her new band players sounded so good. I can't wait to listen to the new album! I didn't try to bring my camera into the concert, but I should've...Grrrrrrr! It was such an awesome concert.<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx07y1JBjT2PVmDhkG-URIbzIrXwSqDBw0rM2OqMwUkhFnTpHhSRPUV9bGB0j02XBdhEVFWG50bUjgr2-q18dzvMmFTo6L4CSOVidUMYRLsOyHg_aWMeLyM3i-4GWE15lD3enBe9ztpuH9/s400/SDC11859.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666056935308147890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHRQe-jHYBdR3wfDwZRVMT_rweFxiTkwPkZilc5-kT5kbj0VP2YpIsA2xqJb1G99jpJV6KgIkIN-b7-e3-5SvJdsZPOZPwLWHl7OC5koWpidlSucUreBHCO7xWrR_olvmtk1ap1BSD3UE/s400/SDC11873.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666056935260607762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-pKB3K2MPLipY1-4oEClbu-oJ72HdMZksIbNXT6dYlymcuHVcmrm_SVitH-MsADjKDwHjjSjrC4nIESzz9Ue3HcejZhESlC9OnNdwQZZGux_qnzlpALylKzK82KLLdgB0fT5jvKUFW8u/s400/SDC11866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666056654897170610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPefOIkoor0CHRNcPREXC9f3n0qnbYIzFZ849rPDfmREeXFnAAcQ_CQwPj2Z9GPRhjv975_9m3vvax8B27Ac1bYrp81I8GCZ1m1H0AEJCQRbkr4jCbFeLnoT9LVDklO7fFiWoTuP8296g/s400/SDC11857.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666056648786154210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zsN4GupBy1ow5eIuiOtOs0lgBPatXWCBDN9Yb9mdjZjdglrMUDowq0o34zL-UUhzK245bipWJXlWSw1V1yr0w9EYY1Hi6j6_pS9wQjgcEgayn7II7dHO64MSrdzzKZ4WGZ4XqulTwyQD/s400/SDC11851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666055387637479522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wH2KXXPc38te8Acacs5GlZeeXM-752-IUHdpgt88owZqTgNMtvzZbjzjRO26a2jvkAbh8TEBhzPbecAMPT7PffiBOZ2wTnBdOXvxs-_L36bEc9oe-AFqc6m1kaIWaZbil7arrg_dDqwV/s400/SDC11850.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666055384210139618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anyhow we also got to finally take Keira to a Pumpkin Patch for the first time. We went in the late afternoon and it was still in the high 90's!!!...how lame and unharvesty is that?! But Keira still had fun, she liked playing in the "Three Little Pig" houses they had. she was so cute dancing in them. And then we went through the small corn maze, which was actually fun and tricky (it'd definitely be fun at night). Keira didn't have any interest in the animals. And we saved the pumpkin patch for last, we had only been there an hour, and we were all hot and tired ,and Keira was very pink and awnry, hahaha...I knew I should've taken Keira's pictures by the pumpkins first...but luckily I gave her some food and she then was happy again and played around the pumpkins, so I managed to get a few pictures...none of which she looked at the camera, of course...<br /><br />I was SOOO exhausted all day from staying up late after the concert, but I just had to take Keira to the pumpkin patch this year. I just get super pumped after concerts...but sheesh, I can tell I'm getting old...oh well, I'll always be a concert junkie.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, my cute new fall weather boots and sweaters still sit stagnant in my closet....until this wretched hot weather goes away...~Sigh~<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-23063855100176155472011-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:002011-09-06T19:35:02.481-07:00She Totally Rocks...<div><div><div><div><div><div><img title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" alt="A" align="left" src="http://dailydropcap.com/images/A-10-cap.png" />lright...how sad is it that the entire month of August I was having fun brainstorming costume ideas for my lil' cutie pie, instead of swimming or doing something fun & summery? Seriously, I hate that I can't love summer ALL because it's too hot where I live! I tried to make the most of it with my girl, but ugh, summer here is just too darn hot! Instead, I was just giddily counting down when I could get ready to bust out fall decor. I think I could deal with this brutal nasty heat better if it'd at least cool down at night. I won't ever get used to the hot weather, staying well into sometimes even October...it really just seems like a crime in nature, even though it's the norm here. Anyhow, enough digressing! While having fun debating what to dress up my girl as for Halloween. I had decided on one, when suddenly I had to change it. Keira just loves watching the cartoon "Bubble Guppies," especially the episode about rock music! After watching her dance to it all summer and shouting daily, "I rock" into her pretend microphone, I realized...Hell-ooo! She has<b> </b>to be a <span >ROCK STAR</span><span> for Halloween!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span><br /><span><span > Keira Totally RoCkS!!! </span></span><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyaJDolycndZMPdmaP-o15qceClDxKVeawxCneDLa-2dNrl1gGhYmTrJK4e1AS-dM35HGYVt9z6O1bRtTiW_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvxg3VRudfR6d-_so5osivNQ-NeHgXcTJWX4ZjqDkD6E8ruxaF3EavHuFYklAS36-ZWCQMj7rSnR0Rf_n6Ag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><br />Isn't she adorable!!!!<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZItaeUGWLV4?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br />(I had to upload the last video on youtube, since blogger wouldn't for some reason) </div></div></div></div></div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-40343264565151226272011-08-26T00:26:00.001-07:002011-08-26T01:01:08.826-07:00WARNING!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp3JR1x09k-faJPUoAgIhy9QRJOVx9jvb8ehWx1s33ZrXc1R0DkxcVV8V3EA2-yzbLw6itvqQPP8U7DHQVFPCZjyt6hSdA3tg8iw9xRpWoGM9xM_fkX3pqcFZ2FjLupw_ZLhF5Ln5vkPG/s1600/pinterestwarning3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp3JR1x09k-faJPUoAgIhy9QRJOVx9jvb8ehWx1s33ZrXc1R0DkxcVV8V3EA2-yzbLw6itvqQPP8U7DHQVFPCZjyt6hSdA3tg8iw9xRpWoGM9xM_fkX3pqcFZ2FjLupw_ZLhF5Ln5vkPG/s400/pinterestwarning3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645071555558868082" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">My Pinterest followers know I'm just a wee bit addicted, so I had to create my own theory and warning, haha! Pinning is therapeutic, really. It helps you wind down & relax, whether it's pictures, quotes, decorating or stuff to get creative juices flowing. I've been sick of Facebook for quite a long while, it honestly, {<b>gulp</b>, don't hate me for saying it}, just feels like high school all over again sometimes. But of course I still log on and like to see what my far away friends are up to and post random things that no one cares about, haha! Pinterest is just more fun than Facebook. Because you can truly just be yourself, just by pinning & inserting captions on whatever the heck defines you and not care what anyone thinks! :) Speaking of, it's past midnight and I must get off Pinterest and get to bed! ~Zzzzzz~</div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-64452204886950608072011-08-24T12:36:00.000-07:002011-08-24T13:06:51.768-07:00Profound Reflections On Our Divine Creator<object id="flashObj" width="480" height="270" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1091110561001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Flds.org%2Fpages%2Fwe-lived-with-god%3Flang%3Deng&playerID=680215106001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAnipXZ6E~,M1TCnNhLxEKd5ft3d6_opUyOzxpih9Jg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1091110561001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Flds.org%2Fpages%2Fwe-lived-with-god%3Flang%3Deng&playerID=680215106001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAnipXZ6E~,M1TCnNhLxEKd5ft3d6_opUyOzxpih9Jg&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>
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<br />I just loved this video the church posted on the Ensign page on Facebook. Excellent points made and neat quotes. It's very reflective. I love the quote he said from Astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington, "The more we learn abou the universe, the less it looks like a great machine, and the more it looks like a great thought." And I love how he said that science and religion represents two independent witnesses of creation, and when put together, it's like the vision seen with two eyes...the combination gives you a 3-dimensional perception. </div><div> </div><div>"I Am God; I made the world and men before they were in the flesh." Moses 6:51</div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-92201029197234370012011-08-10T20:35:00.000-07:002011-08-13T13:46:31.199-07:00Nothing To Fear! Mommy Is HERE!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDERnzFCeTaPobrcGaJd5d2r-GEsRvvEv64XgDBid4maw-C9cG59YSXX-V6bPQch26S82A1zSJLk-7VZ6P9a53NoPI9MnUj6PUF-WS0M_ze_n7HiBi_qMva8HRFDeud-pF2IYxOIJ0XQ09/s1600/supers.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDERnzFCeTaPobrcGaJd5d2r-GEsRvvEv64XgDBid4maw-C9cG59YSXX-V6bPQch26S82A1zSJLk-7VZ6P9a53NoPI9MnUj6PUF-WS0M_ze_n7HiBi_qMva8HRFDeud-pF2IYxOIJ0XQ09/s200/supers.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640203181498295698" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">o, I've concluded that becoming a mother enables, well...more so forces you, to conquer a lot of fears. For example when your husband isn't around to be the hero for killing the scary spiders. YOU become the hero. But you make it more bearable by using the Swiffer as a spider squasher, that way you don't have to get as close to it, but still squealing while you do it. Then afterwards you're paranoid there's another one somewhere just ready to make another fun surprise.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's night time, whether it's before or during the faze of when your child gets scared of the dark...<strong>you</strong> <strong>can't BE</strong>. You gotta be the tough one showing that there's nothing to be scared of. But after you've calmed them and gotten them to sleep, as you make your way to bed, you triple check every lock in the house, grab a flashlight and as you take a deep breath, you turn the light out and make a mad dash into bed as if there IS a monster behind your back, then you throw the sheets over your head while singing happy songs and praying to calm your jittery nerves! (...<i>I may never completely conquer the fear of the dark thang</i>.)</div><div><div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But my recent fear buster has been....<i>you guessed it</i>....<b><span class="Apple-style-span">dun-dun-dunnn</span></b>... <b><span class="Apple-style-span">Barf</span></b>. Last Saturday after an <i>exciting</i> family outing at good ol' Costco, we were driving home and I had been glancing back at my usual happy little Keira, taking pictures of her with my cell phone. And then one of the times I glanced back at her, she looked at me with this concerned "uh-oh" look on her face. I said, "Awe, Keira are you okay? don't be sad..." Then I told Taylor about the 'look' that I had never seen before on her face. Then as my husband and I were chatting, we suddenly heard her making a choking sound. I had given her a cheese stick and some cookie Goldfish while were shopping. And we both looked back and saw her....toss the cookies....<b>all over herself</b>. Yay, the first car barf! <i>~woo-hoo!~</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Poor Taylor doesn't have a very good gag reflex when he smells or sees vomit. I myself can't stand the sound, smell or look of it. Even if it's someone imitating it on a movie, I make Taylor skip it or mute it, because I hate the look or sound of it. But luckily to my surprise, I've been quite good at tolerating and maintaining a great gag reflex when facing it, <i>at least</i> with my child. We rolled down the windows and I kept consoling Keira and keeping her happy until we got home. Then we had to clean her and the whole car seat, etc. etc. Then I stayed home from church since we weren't sure if she was sick or not. She seemed back her to normal self. But then a few days later, tonight, I gave her another cheese stick an hour or so before heading out to meet up with my brother and his wife for dinner. And as I had just barely parked my car, before even turning off the engine....<b>dun-dun-dunnnnn</b>.....she tossed the cookies ~again! :P Anyhow, I'm trying to figure out if she's car sick or if it's the cheese. Because I gave her one yesterday and she was fine. But both times she tossed the cookies after eating that cheese and while driving in the car. So for now, I'm definitely NOT giving her those 'Frigo' cheese sticks!</div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a mom, you <b>must</b> to the do stuff you've never done or or want to deal with. And before having your own kid, if someone else's kid barfs or has some other nasty accident, it was just un-bear-able... and you would find an easy excuse to escape the scene so you didn't have to deal with it. But once you're a mom, you become immune to it all. You don't have a choice, an excuse or a way of escape. Everything that was once terribly gross and unbearable to deal with, becomes no biggie and just becomes as normal and natural like everything else, eventually. Well, I <i>can't wait</i> for more future fear busters.... Ugh... Ha Ha!</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB_SFqOa_-_Z6vvB5wTJEa8IQCuXNjx-VoSDC52apswiPKs54FwGcchIRTFe9UAGbNFOQ1MO3gX9lgOnLXDkCi99GZsX59oLV2-jeeB_H3S92pOnYtEqlm8hct9DGnxZS3yBB0u-trTzQ/s200/bootiful.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640175863108680114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Anyhow,</span> </span>onto a more fun subject...My husband was home for my birthday for the first time <span class="Apple-style-span"><b>EVER</b>!!! </span>The en<span class="Apple-style-span">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span">ire</span> time I've known my husband these last 6 1/2 years (even while dating), has had to work out of town or state on my birthday. So I didn't get my hopes up for this year. But <b>finally</b> this time he was actually home! He surprised me with a sweet card and these fabulous pair of boots! ( I <b><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>love</i></span></b> seeing what kinda stuff he'd pick out for me, he really does an awesome job! :) I wouldn't have cared about him getting me a gift, since I was thrilled he was finally home.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNZzczTI0WNaVNyC-HTlOu2eXknypL9_UIKqn3GOTjauOxtR9JAac850FokqUV50FbNlBLg9QG3rIkYy9XuXQfggByVK3pzlfdt_S7SNiMeczKRv6gxsoETxNV8ZFtLM_N-v-hdxcWJQ9/s320/IMG_1939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639472974174290658" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">My sweet sister Shantil surprised me with a cake and balloons, in which she was bummed that the bakery misspelled my name (of course, haha!). And she forgot candles so we just used Keira's candle from her birthday, haha!!! we just let it represent my last year in my 20's....(eeks! that's <b>cra-zzzy</b>!) She also gave me an original vintage 70's book copy of "What's Up Doc?" which is one of my favorite movies ever.</div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div></div><div>I love how in the picture above, my sister and I were both holding back our kiddo's from grabbing the cake, and we were totally oblivious to her son almost getting it, and that look on his face just starring at the frosting on his hand, as Keira looks like she's ready to do the same, is so hilarious! Hahaha!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJy5vGn0tvGO-kxgTbMobnLsu6vjk77B0jVPoOSYFMK8ZD-toJl6ieUmBsm4_UCIRpHnKnrsyTh-az9O6LdyPyX_uI_HA7fXp-grqg78vUmdGKbmDgmSgCr0_H3CxhoS5JBhQDOcRjZ8g/s320/SDC11649.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639472970480538370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div style="text-align: left;">I was also happy that my mom could be here for my birthday, she came down to finish up things to get her house ready to rent. My mom is my best friend, we always have a blast together. I'll miss her so much, but I'm so grateful that my dad was blessed with a good job. I can't wait to visit them and go to Tahoe, since they're so close to it! </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyhow, I had my mom and Keira join Taylor and I for dinner, and we all went out to one of my favorite Italian restaurants Babbos! And I had the most amazing Three Cheese Macaroni, with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Smokey Chipotle Cream Sauce blended with Cheddar, Mozzarella and Gorgonzola cheese, Bacon and Sausage on Penne Pasta</span>, (I described it perfectly cause I just copied & pasted it from the site, haha!) It was SO delicious!!! And of course we all thoroughly enjoyed my free FATTENING dessert Zappoli (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Fried Dough Balls topped with Honey, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Topping) <i><b>~Droooooool~</b></i></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDb8Tbgsw3ZRGHYDeMm7xVuToss90vqOLRf-SXmXfe4y6RmqyfE-uZKVyXJEmD3gw-JJVQdq_qsYDlX145x_Sd-2IULDjiehG8w7JWO6EnrII5B4FZOvJyvWk-H-3ENcGm5axQ7BWdx95/s320/SDC11735.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640187209822717634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">And the perfect end to my birthday...RAIN! I was so thrilled when it started to rain after we left the restaurant. I savor every time it rains here in the desert, since we hardly get it! Keira and I had fun in the rain while it lasted. I had a lovely birthday, I appreciate all the sweet gifts from my friends and family. And I'm just so happy my husband was actually home. Being with him and my family was the best gift ever. For years I've been dying to go to the beach for my birthday, but it just never gets to happen. But this year I didn't even think about it once. All that mattered was being with my family. Who needs the beach?!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">
<br /></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz2WnUszAQQgWgQSg3kaHx623vhROUhgnE-v76VhIQrAP7caRxi7UDuZA3py3xMKYKyXQA1K8yUYYufxafV1wVlqf_FfGerlSyBzsmMs33587gwKSSKjKWb_UaOpLYrHbzD7CYTCoUUw-/s320/SDC11741.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640187209111933666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " />Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-11834739675463237482011-07-15T14:10:00.000-07:002011-07-21T14:03:15.569-07:00More than a Cyber Summer Fling...<div><br /><p><!--?xml:namespace prefix = font-size /--><font-size:18><img title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" alt="Y" align="left" src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/Y-1-cap.png" /><b><span class="Apple-style-span">ou know you're having a lame-O summer when:</span></b></font-size:18></p><p><em><span></span></em> </p><p><em><span></span></em><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 217px; height: 281px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629696181424474050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00fjT8DLBWq4IdfNYGHrZzSVq5hUXpUuqdtfVdbaUbRoGuAlNS-Ylhjow1NqXl0tJ0kOmOCqahQZ483wFdEA-gJfOwhEUoOtOilvcUMXRiPCsDPMC3v29bzmXxu_xr7G_6H7-YoffPwdU/s320/SDC11611.JPG" /></p><ul><li>You're having more fun with your childs play dough than they are.</li><li>You're purposely taking cold showers with your swimsuit on while imagining your standing under a waterfall. </li><li>You're justifying your shopping spree to your husband because you were sick of having cabin fever and just wanted to get out of the house. </li><li>You're giddy about having more tan lines appear than your usual farmer's tan. </li><li>Your thrill for the day is re-living your teen years by listening to your favorite 90's grunge rock while reading your old journals while laughing at how naive & pathetic you were. </li><li>You're ridiculously excited to go to the dentist.</li><li>You're getting over-dressed to go grocery shopping since it's your "Me" time to finally get a break from your crazy kiddo. </li><li>And lastly, like those good ol' days of having a summer fling, you've made one, but not a human one, a cyber one, one with a seriously addiciting website called Pinterest, which makes you literally want to try, make and eat everything you see, but yet you have to force yourself to peel your eyes off the dang website and scurry to close the internet, if you ever want to try to attempt to make those vonderful ideas & things actually happen. And then ya kinda hafta remember to devote and cherish your quiet time with you and your man, instead of this compulsive cyber-fling. Because even though he doesn't show it, you know he's getting jealous of the relationship you've formed with it. Let alone, he isn't aware that you've made a new cyber-soulmate girlfriend from it, who shares the same interest in darn nearly <strong><em>every</em></strong> {<em><strong>little} thing</strong></em>. And he has no idea how dangerous it'll be if the two of you ever get the chance to go shopping together (..hopefully more than wishful thinking..). Anyhow, Pinterest may need to put a permanent warning banner, or better yet a web timer that will automatically log you off for a long duration, so it forces you to resume to your list of duties, as you know you should not procrastinate doing!!! :)<br /><br /><strong>But!</strong> ....my dear Pinterest, I must tell you... you are truly my cyber-soulmate.<br /><em>And well</em>......i love you.<br />You are more than just a cyber-fling,<br />you're my cyber-dream! ♥ ♥ ♥<br /></li></ul><center><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/i%20love" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="i love you Pictures, Images and Photos" src="http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff483/TheBeautifulVirus/Anime-Love-picture.jpg" /></a></center><center></center></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-914568534847945462011-06-30T10:55:00.000-07:002011-07-19T14:06:59.428-07:00Keeping up with Miss Busy Bee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeg03KZivXDsAwiZARDmmKXRuIg5Ld7w_zrzMu1WCeoOxtfZx_WTbCXF0yfJvZEWJ_zJyEc4ENbAYRzBCs2tHIpu3D9t-xsv_gGbRvQ_xNbYyPDGNouG7UUJuo8GSayCJhG6vVbS9YPoO/s1600/SDC11503.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624075957378234930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeg03KZivXDsAwiZARDmmKXRuIg5Ld7w_zrzMu1WCeoOxtfZx_WTbCXF0yfJvZEWJ_zJyEc4ENbAYRzBCs2tHIpu3D9t-xsv_gGbRvQ_xNbYyPDGNouG7UUJuo8GSayCJhG6vVbS9YPoO/s320/SDC11503.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySgOqT6IRcsMJybVLrHLsUBdNK6czV3yWauHlXMUsKyIhsA0WEql50s09b-iOvnPzEvi5JRjtkGltnPZvUYfzJeL39uw6US5YfFkzk1Nnm4LRs7569yttkX4zYtcks7ud30F_ljqyO5mG/s1600/SDC11504.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624076036858744978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySgOqT6IRcsMJybVLrHLsUBdNK6czV3yWauHlXMUsKyIhsA0WEql50s09b-iOvnPzEvi5JRjtkGltnPZvUYfzJeL39uw6US5YfFkzk1Nnm4LRs7569yttkX4zYtcks7ud30F_ljqyO5mG/s320/SDC11504.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>For Father's Day I had to make this cute card idea that I found. You just trace your child's hand and then cut it out with paper doubled. Then just cut a long strip of paper and fold it over and under until it can fold in and out accordian style. Then you write "I love you" or "We love you" on the hand and inside write "this much" it's a darling way to have a cute memory of their little hand. He loved it! </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqahYny_oQRubJaFDYfO3sF4AQVCvmXlcUnpG95ymoUcW03CRGvgCKtaaNgUgB_HeQoVH8KhyXhmoUf79pN9SJjs4pRfQ_MX3T0u-Lg4cwj5z8UmgyWwNXONaxZB5QIj0UI_iUDLxwbJg/s320/SDC11544.JPG" style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624132457256846130" border="0" alt="" /></p><p>And since he didn't get home till late on Father's Day since he had to work. I made him a yummy breakfast the next morning. Taylor is such a wonderful husband and father. I love watching Keira run to him when he gets home from work. He picks her up and she's so happy to see him. The first thing she does is take off his hat and put it on herself, or she'll take off his sunglasses and put them on. Then she loves to inspect what may be hiding in his shirt pocket. I keep telling him that he should hide something in there once in awhile just for her to find. She'd love that. Another cute thing Keira likes to do is when Taylor is sitting, she'll climb up to his shoulders and then slide down his stomach and say, "Wheee!" like she's going down a slide. It's so funny and cute! Anyhow, luckily I managed to finally get my husband to let me get a picture of him with our girl. (He's usually in his work clothes all dirty when I want to take pictures of him with Keira.) And I love this picture of them earlier this year at church.</p><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624103585530786882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCW28AOk8QZMOZhjIu0RRrVfF9bQXVsPm9Ivb3-cyMuzZx2B-BOUnAUqlRjUyHKiDAs5vKibnSFcn3lxBoq-llTVAC9-3CAJRZfUGVCZ15yqYkSdDctJbeiw3Z2-t-2YQXq2JW-eb9RM5K/s320/0102011154.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oNisgL6ryDnSsFrmBFDy_5KFRmakbUfS26DnFTCZG2JFIR6McD4swThD6y9nyRX4Rh-7XgHSXStO-FTP06HlniTHi__6q_KbRhyphenhyphenNPG-lQy9miko9uYbE31tsHmyAeVl91EDXHBFsESMK/s1600/SDC11540.JPG"></a>Anyhow during Spring, I was fretting about what the heck I was going to do to entertain my toddler indoors all summer. Just a reminder, our Summer is our Winter here in Arizona, this is when we hibernate. You get burnt, parched and fatigued after just one hour outside. Let me tell you, it was <em>soooooo,</em> <em>soooooo,</em><em> soooooo, soooooo (hopefully you got the picture) </em>nice to have a cooler May and June, the coolest in <strong>years, </strong>I savored every moment I could outside. </div><br /><div>Anyhow, so far this is what I've done to keep the busy bee "busy". I got her play dough, (which by the way, I still <em>love</em> the smell of!) We use cookie cutters and shape toys to cut out the dough with. I like to make animals for her too (the one below is a pink dog). I got her a princess tent a couple months ago. Which will be fun for her to play in for a long time. I've taken her to the splash park and the swimming pool often. And she loves playing in the sprinklers. Back in May we were at the park and the huge sprinklers came on and she immediately left the playground to go play in them. I, of course, couldn't resist and joined her! heehee! I got her a fun water table. That way she can play under the patio cover so I don't have to worry about too much sun and she can still play with water, when we can't swim. (The only down side was that the heat caused the legs to reshapen and now it stands funny! :P)<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEh1szUrpdW7IoG6y9MHHuzp627udLpUNrgK3eEL7Y2hNELVUJb1v-9OQH9DWrzEBopO-_6uC5ldiQAyVqJljZJH0-VGpLGA6Px9-CV9HH6v4aTu1h4LNeo_xN4KHfpj6uXwUPfUBYiFj/s1600/SDC11501.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624075969132840258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEh1szUrpdW7IoG6y9MHHuzp627udLpUNrgK3eEL7Y2hNELVUJb1v-9OQH9DWrzEBopO-_6uC5ldiQAyVqJljZJH0-VGpLGA6Px9-CV9HH6v4aTu1h4LNeo_xN4KHfpj6uXwUPfUBYiFj/s320/SDC11501.JPG" /></a></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624105684709317858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYgWAb8_OxlqCXznaNBMkIKj0ujsr89m_gbVFALbMO2_RHiFC7BezQvxFquiv4Sm-lt8Pjn_Xh1-YTnlRDLrfopPLlWdvfrnQXcWhasqjZ21LE3eVbdRR15vmwkjMPvMmbs22XEtT1A96/s320/SDC11269.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtnd63vgpsJmggDtwDC4v-tw0Y7a0i50XT9PnovkFLF8QA0UTaiUySYfXfoH7YpKwYu_aS3Lgmblr_mSSqBlRpmOjTbCggOGaEeVHa3as8UpvFXKp6BfDlC6mxYJR9Jkh5kxmea4eiE6r/s1600/SDC11470.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624075680555479250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtnd63vgpsJmggDtwDC4v-tw0Y7a0i50XT9PnovkFLF8QA0UTaiUySYfXfoH7YpKwYu_aS3Lgmblr_mSSqBlRpmOjTbCggOGaEeVHa3as8UpvFXKp6BfDlC6mxYJR9Jkh5kxmea4eiE6r/s320/SDC11470.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtSD4vgTK-l8na_6LgfqXR70LZjjKgtiOEUJ4h9zPrSFN7pswNtedNGybvmMEOoR79P8tluy7YAhuPVFi_QDtnuWh5UOwPFMyMpdwP9KMnweuEyUmv86XIKJ8Sq76PhCNjibdA6HhY7f8/s1600/SDC11080.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624075221627608242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtSD4vgTK-l8na_6LgfqXR70LZjjKgtiOEUJ4h9zPrSFN7pswNtedNGybvmMEOoR79P8tluy7YAhuPVFi_QDtnuWh5UOwPFMyMpdwP9KMnweuEyUmv86XIKJ8Sq76PhCNjibdA6HhY7f8/s320/SDC11080.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She had to climb inside to try to swim in it! hahaha! And whenever she gets bored or has lost interest in almost everything, all I have to do is open my closet and she'll just start putting on my heels and walk around, change shoes, and play with my necklaces. She loves being in mom and dad's room (what kid doesn't?) She rocks at walking in high heels...Haha! She's always loved shoes, any shoes, ever since she could walk. She's also crazy about her boots from last fall. She loves to wear them. She still managed to get them on when I thought they woudn't fit (being barefoot helped) But yesterday, she put them on and her feet were squeezed in so tight, I just had to sneak them away and store them in the garage. I let her play in them as long as I could. Sad day. I'll miss her in those boots. But I'll get her a new pair this fall and hopefully she'll be just as crazy for them. The latest milestones for Keira has been being able to count to ten for awhile now. She's drank from sippy's for a long time now, but would only drink milk from her bottle, but I got her to stop almost two weeks ago, yay! Next thing to tackle. The binky. I try to give it to her when she sleeps, because she literally will not sleep without it. Even when I hide it during the day, she goes around and looks around for it saying, "binky?" ~sigh~ As for foods she's still a cheese freak like her mom. She loves PB&J sandwiches. <strong>And she hate's pickles.</strong> Keira also just did her first painting a few days ago. for weeks she's always grabbing my paint brushes and pretending to paint. So I let her try it and of course she <em>loved</em> it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvRbPJCJSAUPu-VsnZTHiFbVoYMRDenwWq4fx0YIKngyLyUdcyTzMPaIcsw7edENl-Vm7XGubN2vMZj4X2fg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>{Keira hates pickles, she got that from dad, which makes him happy!}<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhu2WhIatHIo9zlE7GLhqwHgGdZOyCknVZgIoE1YWjM4tv_t-feIjixWuk1_dkCckaXDQfFLXjrb9gOUgRtyEKpNOu8sWe7iMxCAAvHpqyEWhEiKCEwrcMxMx3ZT-JweDUV1sFQjLyPNb/s1600/SDC11541.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624106654865957586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhu2WhIatHIo9zlE7GLhqwHgGdZOyCknVZgIoE1YWjM4tv_t-feIjixWuk1_dkCckaXDQfFLXjrb9gOUgRtyEKpNOu8sWe7iMxCAAvHpqyEWhEiKCEwrcMxMx3ZT-JweDUV1sFQjLyPNb/s320/SDC11541.JPG" /></a>So we went to Chuck E. Cheese on Tuesday. And <strong>holy crapola!</strong> We ordered the pizza first and sat down to wait for it. Meanwhile Keira was freaking out in the high chair, <em>dying</em> to run around and explore. So since the pizza took forever, I took her out and followed her around and let her go on some rides. Then when the pizza finally came. She fought me while putting her back in her chair. And she just whined loudly and kept pushing away any food or drink we tried to give her. She even pushed away her favorite snack...'Annie's' fruit snacks! (they are so yummy, if I must say so myself!) So finally she realized her squawking wasn't getting her anywhere, she finally grabbed some pizza and took a chill pill. ~Whew-Wee!~ Crazy girl I tell ya. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-SGLzlcdI471KdBeAM8qqIGex7lF1q8NmH-dEZzfXVq4zD5_zDzMjk5cBZLcggIeSI6sQEksrZ2avAkzeqOOv1zi_haE-2Bt4nTY0nBKp0mSQK1U283JKHLSjql34DIe5Y0MOATLAqK0/s1600/SDC11536.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624132086886579666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-SGLzlcdI471KdBeAM8qqIGex7lF1q8NmH-dEZzfXVq4zD5_zDzMjk5cBZLcggIeSI6sQEksrZ2avAkzeqOOv1zi_haE-2Bt4nTY0nBKp0mSQK1U283JKHLSjql34DIe5Y0MOATLAqK0/s320/SDC11536.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Taylor and I chased her around a little more, she didn't care about the rides anymore, she was just running about everywhere. She is so fast and hard to hold on to, whether at home or anywhere else. Some toddlers her age are a bit more hyper than others I've noticed. And mine is one of them. Luckily she's not a real trouble maker. But I just pray this will be her crazy peak and then she'll mellow out a bit by age three. Mainly, I just want her to stay close to me when we go places. Because she's quite the busy bee, I always keep my eyes on her when we're out somewhere, but she is <strong>seriously</strong> fast. Buzzing from one thing to another. Like I said, she'a great work out. But if three is worse than two like some moms have experienced. Then Heaven help me! :D ~<em>hahaha</em>!~</div></div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-36697448761978589362011-06-15T17:01:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:59:46.391-07:00The Best Pizza is Made At Home<img src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/T-3-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" align="left" alt="T"/>he last few months I've been mastering the wonderful pizza dough recipes my mom always made. Which was a huge family favorite. It also won the hearts of every guest she served it to as well. I'll never forget when the missionaries ate at least 5 whole pizza's each. It's obvious they ate as much as they could before reverting back to their normal Ramen noodle and Mac & Cheese diet. Anyhow, after posting on Facebook how thrilled I am that I can actually make the pizza just as good as my mom's. I had some requests for the recipe. So I posted it here since this glorious pizza cookbook is becoming rare and getting harder to find. I'm still stoked my mom found and gave me my very own copy as a Christmas gift. It's called "The Best Pizza is Made at Home" (revised version) by Donna Rathmell German. Here are a couple of my favorites. <br /><br />Lemon Pepper Thin Crust<br /><br />1 tsp. active dry yeast<br />2 cups bread flour (you can do half white and half wheat if you want or whole wheat pastry flour)<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1/2 to 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper <br />1 tbs. olive oil<br />1/2 cup lukewarm water<br />2 tbs. lemon juice<br /><br />Garlic Herb Thin Crust <br /><br />1 tsp. active dry yeast <br />2 cups bread flour<br />1/4 tsp. salt <br />1 tsp. dried oregano<br />1 tsp. dried basil<br />2 cloves minced or pressed garlic<br />1 tbs. olive oil<br />2/3 cup lukewarm water<br /><br />Choose one of the recipes above or do one of each. In seperate bowls of course. And follow the directions below. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees and bake each pizza and bake 8-10 minutes. Check on it around 6 minutes so it doesn't overbake. If you're feeding more than 3 people, double the recipe. (One recipe makes two medium sized pizza's.)<br /> <br />Place 1/4 to 1/3 of the warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar and the active dry yeast into water. Stir until dissolved and let sit in a warm, draft-free location for 5 minutes. Add remaining water and olive oil and stir well. Add all remaining ingredients and stir together until you can no longer work the dough with a spoon. Remove the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Pat the dough into a ball and flatten it slightly. Using the heels of your hands, push the dough away from you with a rolling motion. Rotate the dough one quarter each time you repeat this process. Copntinue kneading for 5-10 minutes. Place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free location (such as an oven/microwave) and let it rise for 30-40 min. <br /><br />Roll dough on floured surface. Spray the pizza pan with olive oil or dusting it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.(Baking stones work phenomenol for this dough!) Transfer flattened dough to baking stone. Add sauce, cheese and any toppings. I love adding artichokes, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, cilatro, spinach, fresh chopped basil and pretty much any vegetable. And my motto of course, there's never too much cheese. I even make BBQ Chicken Pizzas! Have fun creating your own gourmet pizza! <br /><br />Allow to cool 2-3 minutes before slicing. <br /><br />I love making my own breads and doughs from scratch. Especially because I know what's going into it. I always love to cook healthy for my family, just like my mom did for me. I'll be posting my bread recipe soon when I a chance. By the way, making this pizza dough is really fast and easy. Just remember most of the prep time is rising the dough. And you can even make it ahead and refrigerate it up to one week wrapped loosely in a plastic bag. (Easiest to roll out when cold.) <br /><br />So what are your favorite toppings for pizza? I'd love to know!<br /><br />Whole Wheat Bread recipe will be posted as soon as I get a chance! :)Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-71359605314691889822011-06-02T14:52:00.000-07:002011-06-04T11:00:13.450-07:00Rally Around the American FlagI believe this was the first time Taylor was home for Memorial Day. All weekend I made new yummy recipes. On Saturday I made this deee-licious <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup-recipe2/index.html">Baked French Toast Casserole</a>, just for the man of the house <em>cause he deserved it</em>! It was amazing....and of course, unhealthy. But I will definitely make it again. And want to try to make a healthier version. Taylor always tells me, you don't enjoy sweets to be healthy! Yeah, it's kinda true, but if it can be more guilt-free, it's worth a shot to me. Since now of course I'm working out like crazy to burn all dat butta off! :P hahaha!<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613743990914119970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpmOhKt1tUUXgaIDHIo2G0cCm19wBbfMt5Pp7zs8nweo47TiSwWbmUO4GTvkUL69OoDr6-j-4159SJknZ0HY8q9aTsZM3UKZynV8rkSa0qsQFts08YraAWhEGCEJcQp78FahNiwmmobDe/s320/SDC11357.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613744177541341490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR16v1bG9cQQQ7MdUzPJCr-t11Fyt-Kv2F4URyklLaoHxfyH8krsPzLz4vr4qImvwztPVsQkMQGjrdMpCw0LrZoh6NXuPHfAg2oiVai-fXzd462ybilsMrsrpBU75RlyBMdiU6w00NQo8h/s320/SDC11371.JPG" /> On Sunday I made these <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/southwest-quesadilla-with-cilantro-lime-sour-cream-recipe/index.html">Southwest Quesadilla's</a> with sour cream that has cilantro and fresh lime, your taste buds will not be bored with this dish! <em>Mm-mm</em>! a new family favorite! I also added some chopped up seared ribeye steak seasoned with cumin, salt and pepper (since my man has to have his meat.) And on Memorial day we had ribeye steaks with hickory seasonings and red potatoes. I seared the steaks in this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frying-Ozeri-Ceramic-Non-Stick-Coating/dp/B004AMUELO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1307132212&sr=8-2">Green Earth frying pan </a>I just bought. And let me tell you it cooks <strong><em>amazing</em></strong>! I wanted it because I wanted to replace my current skillet with a skillet that's 100% non-toxic, since I've been concerned about the coatings in most cookware that can leach bad toxins into your food. Read more about the dangers of non-stick cookware <a href="http://www.mercola.com/Downloads/bonus/dangers-of-nonstick-cookware/report.aspx">here</a>. The safest cookware is ceramic and is pretty costly. So I was thrilled to find this one on Amazon for such a phenomenal price. Words cannot describe how much I love this pan!<br />The ceramic cooks and cleans off so well. You'll just have to cook with it yourself to believe! ;)<br /><br /><p>On Memorial Day I prayed and reflected a lot on the past and current wars. And I'm so very grateful for our military and also the border patrol agents that live to protect our lives and freedoms. I know that I can't fathom the experiences they've endured and witnessed. I've also had my thoughts and prayers constant for those affected by the tornadoes. The stories I've read are so heartbreaking. I wish so badly that I could go there to help and just give them love and comfort. But I know the Lord is there for us always and will not leave us comfortless.<br /><br /><b>"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;<br />Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, either knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.<br />I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."<br />~John 14:16-18<br /></b><br /><br />May those that are grieving be comforted that you will see your lost loved ones <a href="http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/the-savior-enables-families-to-be-eternal?lang=eng&query=eternal+families">again</a>.<br /><br />I will always love my country and the great history of it. I strive to never lose hope in our country and that we will always remain free and will become stronger through all the conflicts and uncertainty that exists. I know that if we teach our children the real history of our country and the belief in divine providence we can and will have a strong empowered future generation and honorable leaders that will have faith in God and embrace integrity.<br /><p>I found this awesome picture and poem below from this <a href="http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1864/october/american-flag.htm">site</a> (<a href="http://www.sonofthesouth.net/">http://www.sonofthesouth.net/</a>). Which quotes:"You are viewing a stunning illustration of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War soldiers and sailors rallying around the flag. This illustration is from the October 1, 1864 edition of Harper's Weekly. At this time, the country was growing weary after 4 long years of bloodshed, and the democratic presidential candidate, George McClellan, was running on a platform of "Compromise with the South". The democrats planned to end the Civil War by appeasing the South, and allowing slavery to continue, and once again Flourish. Lincoln held firm in his position that despite the great cost of life, so causes were worth so great a sacrifice, and the end of slavery was one such cause. This illustration helped stir the nation, and join Lincoln in "Rallying around the American Flag". The illustration was accompanied by this poem: </p></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 411px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 489px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614099476974276930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMhaxbvqTK709vNKGREEwAag2uOL5eaOm95B9hyto0mxrlLqdBkgj2Nzb1HM5awgYFhNDWg-zKEHReShVB_50eeQNRCbfdDOV5pgyjhZMrvk3_HA357KqU54nS9Ctgpm27dLgYlshN08A/s320/rallyroundflag" /><br />Rally round the Flag, Boys!<br />Rally one again;<br />There are traitors in the camp, boys,<br />And pirates on the Main:<br />There are rebels in the front, boys,<br />And foes across the sea,<br />Who hate the proud republican<br />And scoff at you and me.<br /><br />Rally round the Flag, Boys!<br />Rally in your might;<br />Let the nations see how freemen<br />Can battle for the right;<br />Make the throbbing mountains echo<br />With the thunder of your tread;<br />With music sweet of martial feet<br />Salute our gallant dead.<br /><br />Rally round the Flag, boys;<br />Rally with a cheer;<br />For all you love and cherish most,<br />For all that you hold dear,<br />Defend the brave old banner,<br />Unsullied from the earth<br />Within its folds enshrined it holds<br />All that this life is worth.<br /><br />Then rally round the Flag, Boys;<br />Rally, rally still!<br />Rally from the valley,<br />And rally from the hill;<br />Rally from the ship, boys,<br />And rally from the plow;<br />Now or never is the word --<br />Never! failing now. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-67616026593582908012011-06-02T14:49:00.000-07:002011-06-02T14:52:25.659-07:00Love these moves! ;)I love constantly mixing up my workout. I really like this workout and I also added doing 25 minutes of jump rope with different feet techniques.<br /><br /><br /><object id="flashObj" width="486" height="412" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=950548675001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.self.com%2Fvideo%3FvideoID%3D950548675001&playerID=8803981001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAF14d_s~,8iSyKl_c-chFoCRrZrbOELSE2ize55tb&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=950548675001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.self.com%2Fvideo%3FvideoID%3D950548675001&playerID=8803981001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAF14d_s~,8iSyKl_c-chFoCRrZrbOELSE2ize55tb&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-35175082891188073922011-05-23T09:58:00.000-07:002011-05-23T14:57:58.772-07:00Happy with a dash of sad.My dad has been unemployed for two years. And meanwhile my mom has been working her bum off while trying to keep her head up high and not lose hope. I'd been praying and praying for the Lord to bless them not to lose their home. They've worked so hard all their lives to take care of us kids, and it has been hard to watch them struggle with the bad economy. My dad is a computer programmer and has actually not been in his field of work for almost 10 years, because all his type of work was sent over seas for cheaper labor. (Sooo not fair to Americans!) Anyhow, my dad had reconnected to a former co-worker he worked with in Carson City, Nevada long ago (when I was a little kiddo) and sent him his resume. The company did a phone interview with him a few months ago. But then he never heard back. And he figured it was because of his age or something. So he continued to look again for work. Then as my dad's unemployment benefits were about to end and my parents began to lose hope. The same company called him and wanted to do another phone interview with him. Miraculously my dad was able to spruce up and remember all his knowledge and skills. They must've been impressed because they offered him the job last Friday! Even though they don't even know what he looks like!<br /><br />I had faith and knew the Lord would help them. I'm so grateful that He heard and answered our prayers. I'm so happy my parents won't lose their home. They plan to rent out their home, while renting a home there while he works. And my mom will be able to just work part-time. My dad also hopes to play his violin again with a symphony there that he used to be in.<br /><br />I've never lived far from my parents, and we're all a little sad we won't live close anymore. But we are all just so happy for this blessing. My parents deserve it, they've given and sacrificed so much for me and my siblings. I will miss my mom terribly. We have so much fun shopping and browsing in stores together, laughing at things together, watching sappy movies together, cooking and finding fun healthy recipes and desserts to try. And occasionally abolishing our healthy eating habits for a not so healthy dreamy dessert. (carbs and sweets are the devil for women. But so much fun to enjoy with each other! haha!)<br /><br />They both hoped he could've gotten a job here, so my mom could spend more time with her nine grand-kids. But this job will hopefully afford them to visit often. And we will enjoy going to visit them. Especially for holidays. Besides they'll only be a couple hours from my hometown Sacramento, and so hopefully I'll have the chance to visit there too, since I've been buggin' my husband ever since we got married to take me back there so I can show him where I lived and go to my favorite spots in Old Sac. (I hope it hasn't changed much from this bad economy :( sigh, I miss that place.)<br /><br />Anyhow, my parents had their 35th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday! So getting the job offer was the greatest blessing and gift ever. They were able to be stress-free for the first time in years. They invited my girl and I to go up to Sedona with them. We had fun walking around Cottonwood and Sedona, browsed around at shops. Found a fun park for Keira to let out all her energy at. Enjoyed fufu sandwiches for lunch at Red Rooster Cafe. And dinner at Picazzo Pizza. (Quatro Formagio with anjou pear! ~droool~ you have to request it, since it's not on the menu anymore. But it's to die for! Fufu pizza's will rock your taste buds!<em> ...except for my hubby's...haha! and he says I have a boring palette, oh well, more for me </em>!)<br /><br />Well, on a random side note, I was ever so thrilled to try my new Okabashi (USA-made) flip flops, which I had basked about in one of my posts. But to my dismay they were not that great in quality or comfort! So I returned them. I've been trying to restock and revamp my flip flop gallery, since all my pairs just had to be tossed. Because A)they were thrashed and B) they were never really that supportive. (But that doesn't mean I won't give into the cute ones still, haha! I still need to get me some fun gladiator sandals!)<br /><br />Anyhow I've ALWAYS wanted to get me a pair of Fit Flops. Which are highly supportive and supposedly are like a super workout when you walk in them. But I've never gotten myself (or the hubster) to cough up the money, they're like $60 bucks. Anyhow I was giddy to try the Skechers Tone-ups instead. Similarly designed to strengthen calf, thigh and booty muscles, while also supportive. And they cost a little bit less. When I got them I did the ultimate test and walked around in them while in Sedona. And let me say, I'm quite impressed so far. They are so comfy and very supportive. These are awesome for everyday wear and while shopping. After walking all day in them I didn't have any foot or back pain. So these are definitely winners. All flip-flop lovers must have these! ;) Oh, and a nifty tip on cleaning them is to use a Scotch-Brite Easy Eraser (or Mr. Clean Eraser should work too!)<br /><br />Welp, this week I'm looking forward to some quality time with my sexy beast. We're way over due for a date night. Haven't been on one since our anniversary. Lame-o!Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-56447538075709927302011-05-18T21:26:00.000-07:002011-05-19T22:35:23.566-07:00Good N' some Bad Stuff...but mostly Good :)Let's get rid of the <em>kinda-good and some bad</em> <em><strong>stuff</strong></em> first.<br /><br />May is just flying by isn't it? it's insane. First, of course to start the month off, our amazing <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110517/ap_on_re_us/us_bin_laden_raid">SEALS raided the hideout of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Usama</span> Bin Laden</a> and were able to kill him. My husband was watching sports and they announced it, the crowds cheered. And I looked at my husband and we both were stunned. I prayed later with gratitude for our military and for those that lost their lives in this long war in Iraq. But sadly, as we know ultimately, it is not the end to terrorism. Our country isn't secure and is growing unstable in so many areas. Actually, the entire world is. And I feel so sad for those affected by the recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tornados</span> in the Eastern states. They've lost their homes, possessions, or loved ones. It's hard to carry on in life while others have their world upside down. There are so many things we need to pray for right now.<br /><br />I admit that I have the hardest time not reading or watching news everyday. But I really try not to let it ever consume me, or distract me from what I need to be to be doing. Which is to focus on being the happy delightful mommy and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">wifey</span> that I should be. I just don't like to be in la-la-land. I didn't care about politics really ever. But it's kinda hard not to care, considering the moral destruction and unsettling <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">instability</span> happening in our country.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608293742609148578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6ZynAC3LEgbVCSWbFYBeWlk2KziAcMn0raYFagnZ5k4lC-SDMd7c_DeHsw6QpJg9d1RIPcmnCgyMoBoHTHzJmVbBiF7A1mRSp8dbF_MZUr762mDpdejeQsheoE6yufWGV7HnhzZq3gos/s320/irmavep2" /><br /><br />Okay, now to the <em><strong>good stuff</strong></em>. For Mother's Day I took my wonderful mom and sister-in-law Kate to a play called, "<a href="http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/events/the-mystery-of-irma-vep-1873832/">The Mystery of Irma <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vep</span></a>" it was so much fun! It's been a long time since I've been out on the town and seen a play. It was a fun witty comedy with two actors that play eight roles and do constant costume changes throughout it. It was quite amusing! (<em>thanks again to another snazzy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Groupon</span> deal!</em>)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608293736767865762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gSQBct6BW-SsOCq8JaqGeQYw6J_3Rfl43MJs_z9uM9bPcfVEeVRy3Qcf9Mmx3B4QRd6RnjPZ2QoGwIVb6eXHjy3jK6byfexxuYgn-DsSXpM2Jwzbo7sNygldYiN4vfOfaQkB0iy8zmFo/s320/irmavep" /><br />Well, I didn't get to sit in Sacrament meeting on Mother's Day. I was taking turns with Taylor chasing my crazy girl in the halls. Oh well, that's part of the joys of motherhood! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">hehe</span>! Taylor gave me an MP3 player, that he knew I wanted. He's been enjoying using it too!<br /><br />I am grateful for my sweet mother and all that she has taught me in life. Her amazing strength and faith, never ceases to amaze me. She will always be my hero, my best friend, and my role model. I'm grateful for my mother-in-law Janna, who has been so kind and generous in all that she's done for me and my family. I admire her amazing strength and faith as well, for all that she's done to raise such great honorable sons. I'm grateful for the women that embrace the role of motherhood with all it's various stress factors and the chaos that it brings, but yet strive to conquer it without losing yourself or your identity. And I pray for those that have had to endure the pains of losing a child or trying to have a child. May the Lord bless you always.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for the things I have learned as a Mother. Everyday brings new perspective of how I want to be as a mother. At the end of the day I think about what I can do differently and what I want to do to be the best mom I can be. I honestly have never once missed working my old jobs, I know that some moms hate being home and miss the job force. But I only miss the social aspect of meeting new people constantly, but I've met and made some new great mommy friends and I've also gotten to finally get to know some great women in my church too. But I absolutely love being a stay-home-mom. Enjoying the time I have to teach and build a relationship with my child is the most important thing to me. I strive to not let any petty thing get the best of me. I think every mom's goal is to sustain patience and stay in control. Which I think I've done well. Probably because <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keira</span> hasn't tried my patience yet, <em>she's still quite the little angel!</em> (And I know you moms are saying, wait til' ya have more than one! yeah, I'm a teeny bit scared...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>! I've seen my sisters go mad!) Awhile ago I read the highly acclaimed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Logic-Magic-Early-Childhood/dp/1930429002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305869073&sr=8-1">Love and Logic Magic</a> (Practical Parenting from birth to six years) book, because I really wanted to know as much as I could before <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keira</span> turned two. I want to love disciplining and guiding her in the most positive way. (Every parent should read it, it's awesome!) Now I need make my hubby read the book with me to ensure it works! (<em>wish me luck! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>!</em>) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608279346322270386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7g3R3xBAiDSXPKRkf6_CxMrrzvnmLJsv1T2T2Zzeyh5U75yv5skZYAEMx8aG9gXrbb6JCqV-LaFKZdsgzcUVS_LSfFRwcyithXmssCMqENIf0lPcS6S_vnpfAp3LYWei0_sI41QX-Daq/s320/SDC11295.JPG" />Okay, lastly, the <em>really <strong>good stuff</strong></em>....<br /><br />My brother became a father a week ago!!! Congratulations <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gerrit</span> & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shawntae</span> on your new baby boy Brett! I can't believe you're a dad now! I'm so happy for you both!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_q0ubk4aBlpb_WAIBCzWiwhIbEZSnRq_IiCuZDBy1DoS6yyeg0Dwk5qLRlf3k-3CvZ__MRYA1GLGPwHgu3oJyDjydCfa8bHvHUwyY6qMEmw8RWpr9UaBoxXZyYxlAYgGgzjGZwgKOdRy/s1600/SDC11285.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608279350330487730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_q0ubk4aBlpb_WAIBCzWiwhIbEZSnRq_IiCuZDBy1DoS6yyeg0Dwk5qLRlf3k-3CvZ__MRYA1GLGPwHgu3oJyDjydCfa8bHvHUwyY6qMEmw8RWpr9UaBoxXZyYxlAYgGgzjGZwgKOdRy/s320/SDC11285.JPG" /></a>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-29202459671677205332011-04-24T14:08:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:59:40.006-07:00How To Catch A Butterfly: Part II<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599370701428354658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7eKbjUIDF0qK3dKIZTe3n4abWpw_uQ5XrXjyLT5HR9-QRfuMP7uljkj6qyY14XxadsLHGAJki8EkjkG1DReYhMSWl76apchKegdteNBTlqG1CxDsgqSHo2CzWlB1NY0bvlSv5dgBo4yc/s320/SDC11180.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SRXPuNiMbLCQaDQ9KPX5FbufZ9zObbaCTk-Q53dPvhnEiUA_Bi9fcT7CoHt-te6Pwn7tIp0nLD0K33gDRf8Ao1iY4D-2pA7B_nTYO3jsYepLLlXPIV40soMHrtSnWHQnU-PK5YKaiZ4K/s1600/SDC11187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599375304618264322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SRXPuNiMbLCQaDQ9KPX5FbufZ9zObbaCTk-Q53dPvhnEiUA_Bi9fcT7CoHt-te6Pwn7tIp0nLD0K33gDRf8Ao1iY4D-2pA7B_nTYO3jsYepLLlXPIV40soMHrtSnWHQnU-PK5YKaiZ4K/s320/SDC11187.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv95KF_De-05TYA8BGrTro8KKgsSyaAa_FvNse_N39AGEgRsAUokc5S3rtwYQQR4R4iYmuWXYE3ljd7wxec4YxrE1gmPTI5-X3vk4whdYO0cKXs018L4yYJbLLjKpaw4VI0EcPUOFVYy3G/s1600/SDC11188.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599375302810386130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv95KF_De-05TYA8BGrTro8KKgsSyaAa_FvNse_N39AGEgRsAUokc5S3rtwYQQR4R4iYmuWXYE3ljd7wxec4YxrE1gmPTI5-X3vk4whdYO0cKXs018L4yYJbLLjKpaw4VI0EcPUOFVYy3G/s320/SDC11188.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#ff6600;">{such a happy butterfly!}</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLl2xux59YmJ2UwVUZ-8aVq9cg5uhSsPYC7D8JELoMdPd_wNbdnLV_Lee5BdxxVNHlac3_ddvhOsxpGVnWmfDmwvoZIoxoY1pw1H3dwMO9QrO6S30lG8lrbcs8-RS6H5M3YOFc8dmWrCC/s1600/SDC11186.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599371103908433074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLl2xux59YmJ2UwVUZ-8aVq9cg5uhSsPYC7D8JELoMdPd_wNbdnLV_Lee5BdxxVNHlac3_ddvhOsxpGVnWmfDmwvoZIoxoY1pw1H3dwMO9QrO6S30lG8lrbcs8-RS6H5M3YOFc8dmWrCC/s320/SDC11186.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;"> {Keira was still fluttering all over the place after her party. I love my girl.}<br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUKsnncpa0-FIpCDI1PDRVR_zqGMx6XEClcMeVAqomZZBT32AZff2oEBDVhcR_lat8dNvikGsoztkioV1JNrxxtPvjBgZ2eSQTUGhj5_oIYRTRfRaPpp6tt39sLcEN43dRHXZJ7xIDqjl/s1600/SDC11179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599371102962485810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUKsnncpa0-FIpCDI1PDRVR_zqGMx6XEClcMeVAqomZZBT32AZff2oEBDVhcR_lat8dNvikGsoztkioV1JNrxxtPvjBgZ2eSQTUGhj5_oIYRTRfRaPpp6tt39sLcEN43dRHXZJ7xIDqjl/s320/SDC11179.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599370690780201378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1R9AOddDZQZzxSWrmRxxUzIiPINFAa0ZucIVhIxRNboSkKfpR5Hg-_MyPU0GZKawFxUgswO9OiDBvO5L1mLzNeWpcCOtCV6GPvEMrdAXOd9Bq9Nk-5MLewhgM6LylvtXirMAmSmLP6ztR/s320/SDC11182.JPG" /> <span style="color:#ff6600;">{I love my Sunshine ♥} </span><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599266248335462450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8EYsmnMua_ET-Xa-XvYLvcSHo9tdoQAdENWLny52hX_vAXflSGLYWKf0gN6Ond-E_UDWjbLP0ruFswYsVFRPlhQ0K5q3aniOWS_1A9ddvvI2ExnGpY5uSlxmUoASTXYTZdbfjzT6cfLJ/s320/SDC11120.JPG" /></div></center><br /><br /><div align="left">So Keira's Birthday theme was butterflies (<em>obviously</em>). My cake actually turned out better than I thought it would. I don't eat or make cakes often, but I just had to attempt making this for her party. I had found some cute butterfly cupcakes, but I did those for her party last year. So I decided this would be a fun challenge and good practice. I used yellow confetti cake. Then I used the Wilton Buttercream icing (the cake pan is also Wilton brand). My mom and I thought it was lame because the picture shows the frosting a lot more stiff, so the texture from the star shape tip gives a more defined look. But it didn't look the same at all, quite opposite, it was more light and airy, not like the picture at all. But the frosting was delicious, it tasted like whip cream. And it's not that nasty kind of sweet like most frosting. Anyhow, it was the first time I ever did a texture type frosting on a cake. I wish the colors were more vibrant, but I think it turned out quite well.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599368249441697842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOH8GChMbs7RFdn2XWCo0DixbrPEAaVuRZvkQ-NiTV2XVuQ9J9SO-XIiY9SYxjFUFyn2y7hkmuO0wpj8RY54oFsNaAU1_II95iEHtJiZl1RmR5Hvr_Gt8LGix1Lrpt7ephfJ2bqvbNA4n/s320/SDC11124.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599369534265416962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0rus8NlcksuuCje_pqc5nqYeii7p98mvDaveedoEzQMFlHYDNPDvX81NfjEWLu2PyR7xddVei6SPuBXV4Z4Os7siksIUf7dEVtEWKRK8UxEI3Xcm5jdvCIAezU8SMicFSfXJ_ThgAnm1/s320/SDC11171.JPG" /></div>{These were the birthday favors. A ring pop, bubbles, party blower, a funny straw (since Keira's crazy about straws lately) and starbursts.} <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599368977752982722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPC-IV2z-Z32OrIuLCIsDCcbJ0dDkiyoAVQuiioa9K9gyBOprtJ-fiTfWXjiuswg_JmXB-rhlQwepsU77GkfEk042VEwBU_W7Oh1zYyQGYK00r9QRKPbtoiazNFm0QUirKS-oAm21KQgV/s320/SDC11140.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599368977062800514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplIqN9O11hdnhLkBO41nGH0ta3proOJeYXb49-YQSKvUA_W01XJgiGa2pBaJb1nQEWNWCpyqHvPDsRNcdi0qOYVWABEC8SxSx3g-JISoS0_7ekmoM_wMKmrSsQM9vGbMH2C5CGZw5qm_F/s320/SDC11153.JPG" />I decided that a 2 year old could care less about games! she just wants to run around and explore. So that's what we did, we celebrated at a park. My family and a couple of Keira's little friends her age came, Carson and Chloe. (Ugh, I didn't have a chance to get pictures of them together, they were all over the place, haha.) Anyhow sadly, it was very, <strong><em>very </em></strong>windy. And we had to put everything away after we had the cake. But I forgot to put the balloons in the car. And the cute buttefly balloon flew off and got stuck in a tree!<em> ~Fiddlesticks!~ </em><em>at least I got a picture of it...haha!</em> {I had wanted to get her a butterfly shaped balloon, <em>which they were supposed to have had one ordered for me in time</em>, but they didn't! oh well, I guess I'll just go back and get her that one sometime for fun.}<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599267839989228018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsePEWxAhH-Mx9m_oj5XmeugUzBWVpCU26CnAKhyAOT_MaT5y2qFxB8cPhQzYrai2LJS7wrATZWMdeWzHQze4839ZHskc8tQhh1LxL17TiG3ONnglrzGp6C96wW2jJsTpXRdVmWG619ZN/s320/SDC11122.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599267832919323922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8m1Hms1F10AtTUMBtK57UPMQjPfztBDBJN4JIR-_rOSKLwC-zIlfRZro1JZk0reE6DaEx0c5mV3WO3qfAJJ78yQZqH1l52MgBgpD3VT8JBKKHBYuGoL3nJTlqDIn7PJPgNIm6xHXLnM/s320/SDC11125.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599268336195258034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvtVJ_pMqL0wKWgEG1HGaTrvi_JMe5L2CGokm5knHjoqw9fIr5RJdqWypmwkS1NwotrMCgtV__MDS2m6roB9dRs7Q3dhhm6Nb01GKcJTGQJvSQQj0S88_enPhREXtgBlnPlAwh3eicrcM/s320/SDC11141.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599369541535174482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherRgQayKsefXGzwa7sgYuNJRrdCNkGSRCRIvnDRHBywdpwZJXMLpo6R0LWhKvlzRVXqzdTRyC2PODqbpA1j97s9KlhwIoZgfokg9AfvE0rG7V7biX3kJKf7RnH5Zqa2jgoL4Zc2AdXV6Z/s320/SDC11168.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599368253586002594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3QqRksoWV1gTqaMUQMWghxOybD0jE2bueNuuLoe2vHPGoyKZ48vEzJjGD2wzG-W6WINZ3bG_dHBxueeQefyLdTWkmtWLzMmiCM8qgCYgU-41TU1-_LkXeFEOFh6QFBGzqplhoxTi4aa-/s320/SDC11157.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Keira had a fun filled day, she did her first Easter Egghunt in the morning and then later had her party. Unfortunately Taylor had to work, but he got an adorable pink camou outfit for her from his favorite place of course, <em>Cabella's</em>. I love to see what kind of stuff he picks out. She got a purse, book, a sprinkler and water shoes from Grandma Murphy and a Leap Frop alphabet learning toy from her other Grammy. A giftcard and some adorable dresses from her little friends. From her aunts/cousins she got a ball and an apron that we'll get to decorate. And I gave her some books, a Special Agent Oso toy and the cutest peek-a-boo baby doll. Even though I didn't have to entertain or do games for the party, I was so pooped at the end of the day. But it was lots of fun. I love my girl more than anything. She brings so much joy and beauty into our lives. I'm so grateful for her smiles, her giggles, her hugs and simply, for just who she is. My one and only Keira Brooklyn. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">{mommy and daddy love you so much! <em>xoxo</em>}</div></div>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-77298223202526474672011-04-21T14:22:00.000-07:002011-04-21T17:59:00.269-07:00How To Catch A Butterfly<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-7JyYf0SFt2MXirq6J3bv41a8KQL0bVLhFFzwykEmOKjj4MrM9Pl23MeIUlAGdnFbnjpb9Y29rU99guklWA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Two years have fluttered by since my sweet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keira</span> emerged from her cocoon. Ever since she was a babe, I've kept begging her over and over<em>,"Please don't grow, I want you to stay just like this!" </em>and <em>"Just stay little!"</em> I think every mom dreads, yet anticipates their baby to grow. But also we can't wait to see them reach every milestone. I've wanted to write a poem about wanting her to stay little. Then I stumbled onto this children's book coincidentally that summed it up <strong>SO</strong> perfectly called, "If I Could Keep You Little," in which the perfect truth lies in this excerpt: "If I could keep you little, I'd hold you close to me. But then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be."<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598121781907392674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5tw__I2mTreubKteH0bNlR95PBKKgGvHDSpVT6DSh-wuQE56zwBYIALkAUrBxLADE079dCRzXOs1cHM8pMyQVWQpkoCbtaq9iR7zRNUSM56mqXTdqqIdoSR197s4RydQfn17buEqkqeq/s320/050+copy.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597812696564562242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hn8gmVnXO8GoNrwl-rMnrpx2rBayME-e3D4gEX0XCVUXyFIZJrn0haER24g_JDd0b6ShR2NQHJFJ7wWl2BvOeuxlGo1E-AL20NO1zqPEs53PsmT2afcu10ZRfCoGf9DQbZ1yssm5nuQE/s320/208.JPG" />It's a beautiful thing to watch her personality bloom. Her calm independent spirit, eye color, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pouty</span> big lips and tall genes are all from her daddy! (y<em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ep</span>, I may end up being the shorty in the family,</em> <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span></em>!) Her wavy locks, almond eyes, button nose and relentless energy are from <em>moi!</em> And she's indeed a social butterfly! She's always waving hi to people at the store or at the park. Currently <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keira</span> is still crazy about rocks, water, balls, and as always trying on every pair of shoes in the house (oh, I can't forget necklaces, glasses and bracelets!) <em></em>She loves nursery at church and doesn't even care when I leave! Thankfully, her sleeping pattern is changing again and she's finally made it through the full 3 hour block recently! 11 o'clock church has been super tough! She doesn't sit through Sacrament meeting very long still, but we'll get there! She's a typical toddler! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598122846532915474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfntwFh1Ik4IvvHbr07tU68ealwvH2q3AXtWUbhTovLhs_LmYDVD9VUV9E0oJAa3QgwWDU415gppvoxLAw2meb8Ag9xsu-S7qvKxf1aUCGvMeRiH1snFyeexpHGxl9J3B92yFBZz6EuWO/s320/SDC11028.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598123098438640322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03w5DLN_orjQvu6aVzv2DtU8XJPo_cJ1z_8uwny5hGqFhe3vKiDN2HaQA9Y9jvITSsKrq9CpV6F_t2ygGkdoXLYCogtwYYEomM-ns8sm_yOF57d6fEiyZThNkqCd1fgkDpa2UMt3qu_SS/s320/0317011317.jpg" /> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Keira</span> is like a butterfly...she is hard to catch! But just like a butterfly, once you catch her or when she sits still, ya can't help but marvel at her vibrant spirit and beauty. Then smother her with kisses! (her cheeks are so fun to kiss!) Children are like butterflies, they are unique, special and beautiful in their own way. Being a mom let's me be the child at heart that I am more often and have the excuse to be the professional dork that I am! I love it. Well, a couple weeks ago, I saw some sneak peeks of what could be some 'Terrible Two' qualities. Uh-oh. When I have to take away something she can't play with or she gets frustrated, she runs away while making a funny choppy whine with each little stomp and then she plops down facing away and pouts. It's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">soo</span> cute and funny, (I hope I can get it on camera!) But then she easily perks up when I distract her with something else fun or interesting. Luckily she hasn't gotten into any mischief (so far), unlike I did at her age! (It helps that I've hidden any possible trouble making items!) She still gets bored or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">awnry</span> when we go shopping. But luckily she's not screaming and causing a scene!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597128511967750866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTvRRdL6Adu_OU-1HPM5g2PVxg_Kh0DyV42JUqCC_IT1UHoA18rypEHjdR9afpk7hXozJeRzMUXZNKLTVEef0cjkWd6IcIJV3DITLJMkbLDhFJa0cNfvNY7zKYuwU8j80bGKAcnaV3sLH/s320/0113011058.jpg" />Anyhow, even though she's not a 'baby' anymore, I can't stop calling her that, she'll always be <em>my</em> baby. We love our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krazy</span> girl!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">Happy 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> Birthday Sweets</span>! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597127470315227346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbu5dmfyfTNyHvqL7g5wGnSbnHQdHUzcS11hW7XepazYgARJ3NiT3MqO3IrOUHz1g9djifO99MVhENB_GWlcyMPlBqJnkfzIP0AM7kacKofKsv_50zu0vu1KvGZHLMSV1VoYHRVwelKzf/s320/0112011707.jpg" />Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-5447608002188607902011-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:002011-04-25T22:06:29.446-07:00Break your fav eyeshadow or compact?<strong>No Problemo!</strong><br /><br />I heard this nifty trick a few months ago and forgot to post this great trick! It's music to every makeup artists lil' ears!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lulus.com/blog/beauty/how-to-fix-a-broken-compact.html"><span style="color:#ff6600;">How To: Fix a Broken Eye Shadow/ Compact </span></a>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-934930551102904719.post-30442059843149509902011-04-06T12:57:00.000-07:002011-04-15T15:41:48.198-07:00A light that is endless...Is it just me, or do you feel helpless or hopeless as the world seems to be falling apart around us? Ever since the earthquake in Haiti, New Zealand and now the earthquake tsunami in Japan, I have felt so much heartache for those that are grieving and have lost loved ones. I can't even contemplate what it would be like to suddenly have everything you call home, just gone in seconds. Your home, your possessions, your family, and perhaps your very own life. <br /><p>I have been pondering many scriptures in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. And as I studied Mosiah, when King Benjamin is preaching and counseling his people. I imagined I was sitting there with my family listening and believing every word as if I were there. His words still ring with great heed and haste to change ourselves and be born of God, to become His people. To sacrifice all the things that may keep us from staying on the right course that will lead us back to our Heavenly Father. <br /><p>While I read my scriptures, many times I will pause and just stare at the thick ancient book. I caress the pages and I am always humbled, to have the blessing of holding these sacred journals in my hands and to read from those that did give heed to the Lord. They did as the Lord commanded and fervently kept the records of their people, knowing that it would stir us up always in remembrance of who we are and that we must continually prepare to meet God. I was so excited to listen to the Prophet and the Apostles speak for General Conference this past weekend. Their knowledge and great testimonies enlightened and astounded my testimony. Again reconfirming that I know without a shadow of doubt that <a href="http://mormon.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what saves us continually and gets us through the trials of life. It brings hope, light and perspective to everything. I think about those that have recently suffered or whose lives have been taken because of natural disasters and wars. I am grateful for the knowledge that Jesus Christ not only atoned for every sin, but that He conquered and broke the bands of death. The gift of the resurrection is given to everyone. It is hard to grasp the idea that it will happen, but it is amazing and real. <br /><p>I just want to share what I last read from the scriptures, I just love it. These scriptures are a beautiful knowledge to know and have faith in. Especially for those that have suffered lately. <br /><p>"And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption. And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." ~Mosiah 16:6-9 (In the Book Of Mormon) <br /><p>It's hard to carry on a normal life when there are those around us and far away that are suffering. But we can pray and fast for them. We can be comforted by the light and grace of Christ and live for Him. There will always be sad things occurring in the world, but there are always beautiful things happening at the same time. And the Lord will always cast out any darkness and fear that threatens to destroy hope. Because He loves us and has experienced every type of pain we can experience in mortality. And those pains are taken away through faith in Him and obedience to Him. </p>Sherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581909509633958900noreply@blogger.com1