HE'S GOT MY WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Yup it is Monday

2012-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Despite not having a Calendar, I know that today is Monday, pretty proud of myself.

I ran a ton of errands today, getting yummy supplies for dinner tomorrow, and supplies for various projects I got coming up getting ready to move in downstairs.

Jones and I spent the weekend cleaning up the house and it already is on the verge of being a mess again.

After a long day of shopping though I just want to treat myself to a nap and easy dinner.

Since that isn't going to happen I better start thinking of something to make...I think broccoli and rice maybe.

My kids entertain me with their conversations with each other

C and Toby while watching Curious George

T- "wats that noise tcha?"

C-" he was playing in the closet and something fell"

T-"oh! ee was playing in the closet! and omin fell, (nodding, and forced laugh) yeah thats funny tcha"

Ok maybe this isn't amusing to you but I see how much their interactions are growing each day. Tober is still mostly a mimic. She loves to repeat what her big brother says, with fervor of course, but occasionally she has something to add the conversation.

Today my sister brought over the quilt my grandmother made for me. It was with my Mom in CA and she brought it up here for me. I like having it again. It is kind of girly to be our bed spread but I am gonna keep it around for snuggling and what nots.

I think that is all, not a bad Monday.

Love, Literally.

2012-02-11T13:32:00.001-08:00

I have been so behind, when it comes to holidays and birthdays right now, but I was determined not to completely let Love day go by without a little attention. So since I had a pizza box and a copy of a crummy romance novel, I made us some decor for our bed.

I used hot pink cause I know how much jones wishes we had it in our room ( I say only kind of joking, mostly not ) taking a black marker I covered up all the words except a few sweet phrases.

Who knew such little effort would make me so happy. This might stick around for a while :)

The Sacredness of life

2012-02-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot today about the sacredness of life. I had the pleasure last week of watching my baby sister's Ultrasound of her new baby girl in her belly. They were even able to capture a yawn. It is the sweetest thing. Then yesterday I got the heartbreaking new that my sister in law Al, who was 20 weeks along went in for a routine appointment and found no heart beat. She delivered her baby this morning. I cried. I that about that her and what she had to do. And cried. And thought about all my pregnant sisters right now and I cried.

Now I know this is a sensitive topic, but I just know right now as much as ever that I am Pro Life.

I am praying for Mothers that experience losing their children.

And especially for my Brother and his wife and their baby boy who didn't get to come home.

I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of our Savior and his plan for us and hope that he is able to comfort them in that way that none of us can.
*Love you guys*

Birthday Recap

2012-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

I have been a pretty lousy blogger of late. Mostly cause we have been busy but also cause we have been sick.

So I am going to be recapping the last week or so.
On Sunday it was my Birthday :) yay
We celebrated on Friday and my mom and sister were awesome enough to watch the kids for us all day.
We started out at Guru's for brunch.

Most amazing french toast ever, haven't stopped craving it since my last bite.

And Huevos Rancheros

Then we headed up to Salt Lake and had some fun doing some window shopping.

It wasn't all window shopping though, Jones got me a beautiful red dress.

Then on Sunday my family met up at my Mom's house for awesome food, cake, and the Superbowl? no! the premiere of The Voice. It was really fun, the only down side being that my kids and I got sick and I spent the night of my birthday as well as last night up almost every hour with them.

But enough about me.

The week before we celebrated C's birthday!!!

That's right C is 5.

He is old enough to count down the days til his birthday,

make his own list of party guests and

ask very specifically for a Mach 5 birthday cake.

Now I know my mom is talented when it comes to cake decorating but this one takes the cake. :)

Seriously though I was blown away. I could've spent a small fortune and not had a cake half this cool. Thanks mom.

C is a Lego maniac.

I love you C sorry it took me so long to post this :) You were so excited to turn 5, because according to you this means that you can go to school, lose your teeth{which you keep being disappointed/confused this hasn't happened yet}be bigger and stronger, and get a real bike.

Your Dad and I are so proud of you and the amazing big brother you are. Anyone who meets you has no doubt that you love Tober and Alfred. And we have no doubt that you love us since you tell us so freely.

There is never any doubt about your thought process either, you always explain everything. You have always been a very literal kid, who likes to know the reason for things, but you are learning how to tease and play pretend and I love it.

I remember specific memories of when I was five, which kind of terrifies me, realizing you are old enough to possibly remember all our mistakes as first time parents of a 5 yr old. Just stick with us kid, we'll get better at this.

Happy Birthday.

Now that all the birthdays are over back to business. We are moving downstairs and trying to rent our apartment. This means cleaning, packing and moving things around. It is kind of crazy but we are hoping to be settled in there by the end of the month.

Today that can wait though. Today I am just going to be sick with kids, drink orange juice, watch movies and sleep.

Today I feel determined

2012-01-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

I want to DO today.

Do what? I don't know but I am determined to do it.

Plagues

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend has been full of excitement, on Friday our car lost a piece and we couldn't fix it til Monday, so we were car-less until then which wasn't a big deal,

Then on Sunday Jones and I picked up a stomach bug, that is still lingering.

Today we woke up to find out that a recurring plumbing issue is back in full swing.

{ by issue I mean our basement sometimes floods when we flush the toilet, take baths/showers, do Laundry or wash the dishes, no biggie though :)}

****
Since I was feeling better I decided I would go play volleyball last night, which was super fun, and I performed really well, however this morning I woke up with severe muscle cramps in my leg. I guess I am dehydrated. They started in my leg and are spreading to my shoulder. What fun :)
C's birthday bash is tomorrow, hopefully nothing else will happen to me between now and then.

Echo

2012-01-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

Good Morning.

It is a {dark} and early 6:30 and I am preparing to take Tober to get an Echo at the hospital here. Nothing big just a check up since she had Kawasaki's in April last year. Can it really have been that long ago? where did the time go?

We spent the day yesterday going to Ikea with my mom, just for looking, and then came back to her house to spend the night. It is so nice having her close and being able to do this. It feels like a mini vacation.

Plus now the boys can stay with her while we take Toby to the hospital.

Jones has had a lot of time off at work, which is a blessing and a curse. I love the family time, but hate the constant fear in my mind that we wont be able to make bills this month because of it. He feels it too and woke up yesterday and cleaned the kitchen and made indian food to "make up for it" The poor guy works so hard and misses us so much and then when he does get to spend time with us gets the joy of guilt and stress. Damned if you do, Damned if you don't, I guess.

Well it is about time to go, wish us luck.

***

Everything went great,

the nurses and doctors were fantastic and we walked away with a drowsy little girl with a clean bill of health.

She won't need another check up for 3-5 years, and as long as she lives a heart healthy life, she will be just fine.

I think we could all use a heart healthy life.

Love you girly.

Take me to the moon

2012-01-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

Just a quick trip to mars and then right on back to the moon.

Just after Christmas we packed up the kids and took them to Salt Lake to go to a real shopping complex so Jones could get me my annual gift from Anthropologie. We didn't have a lot of money we had been Secret Santa'd some cash and he insisted that that was what it was for. I was excited, aside from being able to buy something there I was just thrilled go. We can't afford the gas so I have to plan and wait for trips to the "big city"{you can scoff and poke fun at me calling it that} I knew I wanted to take the kids on the trax since that was our only way of getting around when we lived there exactly six years ago. I was excited to go back to the first Anthropologie I had ever been too, then there were the lights at Temple Square and the planetarium/ All of which were free except my purchase at Anthro. I love days like the one we spent as a family in Salt lake, exploring the world together. It is the best.

This what I bought, and I love it :)

Poor Jones was sick and although he grunted and groaned at his wife's ambitious plans to haul 3 kids around a busy city all day he did it. That pretty much sums up Jones for ya :)
We were at temple square right when the lights came on, it was kind of magical.

what have I done..

2012-01-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today, without much thought I grabbed some scissors and cut off Alfy's long dark baby hair. I would say I am not sure why I did it but that is not true. His long hair, although adorable when parted to the side was more often stuck to his forehead with bogies and food. It was time, yet I was still sad to see it go. He is still a handsome kid though :) one down, two more overgrown crazies to go!

{you can't tell as much from the pics but he is actually quite the blondie now, how did that happen?! remember this?}

Growing Up

2012-01-07T20:48:00.001-08:00

My little brother, The Bob, just left my house. He is all grown up and living in his own apartment now, he even has his own job and everything.

Naturally he came by to get a free hair cut and I sent him on his way with some herbal teas and banana bread.

Sure is fun to have him here.

Since he is the youngest in our family it makes me feel all grown up.

Love ya kid, see ya around.

Yeah he pretty much still sleeps like this. :)

House Hunting

2012-01-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well here we are a whole year later and right back where we were January 2011, House hunting.

With 3 kids and over 16 moves in our marriage Jones and I are about at our limit with renting{understatement} and ready to start putting some roots down. We have been dealing with the stress of qualifying over the Christmas season and now we have found our true price point and are ready to find OUR home.

Wish us luck.

Happy Happy New Year

2012-01-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

And Happy Birthday Jones.

We had a very French New Years.

And spent the night with the best part about coming to Utah {besides family}

These Chumlies

And Kirbs and JC

Kirbs was a pretty serious Frenchmen

The lovely Eves, Alfy's wife to be. They make googly eyes at each other all day long.

Awesome people, delicious food great way to start the new year.

And Jones { I love you forever and always} you are looking better and better every year. I have a feeling this one is going to be great.

Whimsy

2011-12-29T21:49:00.000-08:00

One of my main purposes of keeping a blog is for self learning. Being able to look back and read my thoughts from the not so distant past I realize how much life is taking it's toll on me. I am ready to reclaim myself and get back some of my whimsy.

I have always had a playful mind. I like imagining and "looking at the world through rose colored glasses" as my Grandma use to say.

But lately the stress of this last big move, a growing family and shrinking income, possibly buying a house and an uncertain relationship between my parents, has made me heavy {as Marty Mcfly would say}

Looking to get a little lightness back in my life.

ASAP

The Real Up house

.image.

2011-12-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

I spent last night up with a wide awake 7 month old. He was adorable and sweet but not asleep. As I struggled to stay awake myself I thought about Mary and imagined her taking care of a 7 month old baby Jesus. It made me think of the man he might grow up to be and the limited amount of Christmases I have left with little children.

What a beautiful Christmas holiday we had.

I used my Dad's camera to take these pictures, therefore they turned out a little wonky, but the glow caught in most the pictures is pretty accurate of the feeling we had around us.

This years Christmas was filled with lots of last minute gifts and decorating but it all came together for a fun and festive holiday.

We had amazing food

and amazing people

I made mostly desserts, including jello, bread pudding and {fake}cofee cheesecake.

Alfred was the cutest of us all.

But he had some stiff competition

All the kids wildest dreams came true and they will be going home with tons of princess and super hero toys.

Tober was adorable while opening her gifts with perfects gasps and awes at the right time. I especially loved seeing her go around doing her uncle's hair after she got a princess {fake}blow dryer and curling iron set, complete with lipstick and perfume.

C hasn't stopped being Captain America all day.

Jones got me a necklace from one of my favorite shops in Olympia, WA.

I haven't stopped stuffing my face all day. :)

Just taking in the joy of my family close by and the joy of knowing there is always hope, and enough love to go around.

Just a little more time

2011-12-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here and despite the slow start I had I am starting to feel giddy and excited for tomorrow. We have been so blessed and looked after this year it just makes my heart swell.

Hopefully I will be able to get some good memories, and pictures to go with, to hold onto.

As I put the kids to bed tonight I couldn't help but linger a little longer and send up a few thank yous to my Heavenly Father for giving me these 3 beautiful healthy children.

All my talk of exhaustion and craziness can't take away how much I love these guys.

I hope they know that and forgive me for my moments of insanity.

The season came on to suddenly, I think the tree and snow balls might stick around at our house a while longer.

We could use a little more Christmas in our house.

Handmade

2011-12-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last night a friend from church invited me to come over to her house after the kids went to bed and work on Christmas gifts together

It was so fun, she, and two other ladies and myself sat around a table gluing, painting and knitting various gifts.

I still have a lot to make but it was nice just to be with others sharing ideas and encouragement.

Jones gets home tonight and I am so excited.

His work sending him to WA for a week was such a blessing but I am ready to have him back.

Not only did he get to be with family but I got a free way of sending some gifts.

Now if I can only figure out how to get gifts to Michigan and Arizona...:)

Wrappings

2011-12-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Do you have a traditional style for wrapping your presents each year, or does it change often?

I LOVE metallic for Christmas.

It gets cold and suddenly silver, golds and bronze pops up all over my house.

This year I was fortunate enough to have left over wrapping paper from last year, otherwise I probably would have grabbed free newspapers from grocery stores painted them and wrapped the gifts in that.
I also saved all my cereal and oatmeal boxes so I could have gift boxes.

I added yarn and washi tape for a splash of color.

Wrapping gifts is almost as fun as giving them :)

"please have snow and mistletoe..."

2011-12-15T09:47:00.001-08:00

"and presents on the tree."

On Tuesday my neighbor came knocking on the door. She said that a friend of hers was giving away a bunch of toys and wanted to know if I wanted to go with her to check it out. I wanted to but I was watching these two little boys {hoping the money I was making might be saved for gifts, if it wasn't needed for bills} She left and came back 2 hours later with bags of toys for each of my 3 kids. She was very thoughtful in her picking of the toys and it was so sweet of her!

I was so excited and relieved to know I didn't have to worry about the kids this Christmas, so I could focus on Jones. I have struggled to think of a gift I can give him made from what we already have.

Then one day when coming home from a very busy day of errands I found a secret santa had left a lovely note and a way for me to give my sweet husband a gift.

The only concern I had left were diapers,

And when I stopped by my cousin's house they told me there youngest was growing out her diapers and sent me home with a full package.

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, this year ours have come wrapped in the arms of those who love us and follow the example of Christ.

Whoever you are

2011-12-13T22:36:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I feel conflicted when it comes to being open and honest about our hard times. I'll think to myself 'what good will it do?' or I'll think I am such a drag. Then I open up and I am immediately amazed by the amount of love and support we receive.
So I just wanted to say thank you, for myself and for my kids who are to young to realize that this Christmas was made possible by you. Thank you for the toys, diapers, and the spirit that you have brought into our home.

Crying at the Grocery store

2011-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Last night I went grocery shopping.

I should have know right there that things were going to be awful.

The kids were fussy and fighting with each other my cart was heavy and hard to navigate through the aisles.

By the time we got to check out I was so ready to go home.

Little did I know that I wouldn't leave for another hour!

Slowest cashier ever! {poor guy}

About half way through, After the 3rd person to try and wait behind us left I just started to cry, my head hurt, my

babies needed me, so I just told him to leave the rest and let me go.

We got home at 9, 3 hours after we had left and I fed the kids and put them to bed.

Jones is away in WA for training with work {lucky}

So I just went to bed too. It felt good to get to bed so early.

When I woke up at 8 the kids were still sleeping and it is snowing outside.

I have another crazy day ahead of me but it was a really peaceful way to wake up.

I am feeling happier and happier everyday, uplifted by the season and the goodness of people around me. I won't let one stressful shopping experience bring me down :)

Christmas video {Shout out!}

2011-12-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

My Sister-in-law, who inspires me in many ways, and whom I admire greatly {especially right now} for her ability to mother Her four children and be one of the most fabulous people ever, makes really fun Christmas videos with her Hubby in lieu of Christmas Cards.

Her husband is extremely talented and her kids are uber super cute. You should check it out.

At Her blog.

Or at Ohdeedoh

Day 2 of changing my mood

2011-12-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

I woke up Monday determined to shake this funk, so I made a plan.

Step one: wake up and go for a jog/walk before the kids wake up everyday.

Step two: make simple goals ex: put a load in the wash, feed kids actual meals.

Step three acknowledge my accomplishment of these goals even if there are still things left undone.

So far things are going well. I have accomplished everything I have set out to do {lucky me I didn't set out to do the dishes cause they aren't done :) } I also have set rules about how long I can be on the computer and not being allowed to watch me shows while the kids are awake.

Hopefully I can keep this up.

I feel a little embarrassed by how simple this sounds, if it is this simple why am I acting like it is so hard, but I can't think like that cause it adds fuel to the fire of self loathing.

I made some Christmas gifts today, which was really fun. I can't wait to be finished with something that can be wrapped so that I can put it under the tree. I love the look of wrapped things :)

Gift station, gifts in progress.

This isn't flying, it's falling {not so much with style}

2011-12-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

After my last post despite words of encouragement (thank you) I spent the weekend sinking into self despair. The kind of sad that makes you feel like you just want to fall asleep to have a reprieve from it. The worst part about being sad like that is the inability or lack of motivation to be able to be/feel different. I made attempt yesterday, jones' cousin let us use their Christmas tree.

We brought it home and pulled our decorations, which C then got to put on the tree. Then he and I made snow with cotton balls and strung lights in the dining room.

I could feel the spirit tugging at my heart strings and yet a darkness still lingered. The happiest I felt was making egg salad sandwiches with celery sticks. It may seem like a small thing but the movements of cutting and stirring, (licking the peanut butter off my fingers) helped a lot. Little things stil bring it back. Like changing Alfred's diapers and seeing how skinny he is despite nursing him ALL the time. Wasted efforts, and not being good enough, followed by hating myself for not being a happy mom.

Then this morning we woke up and got ready for church. We had decided to walk since our gas tank was on empty, it is freezing outside and we had to bundle the kids up really good, but I was grateful we went despite being really late. The overwhelming feeling of comfort and love I felt while there was amazing (as Tober would say)

As we walked home and the snow fell on us I thought about our savior and the atonement. I thought about his "grace" and the thought of " by the grace of God ye shall be made whole" which is something I have both heard and been told before. I felt like the sisters and church today were "the grace of God"

I want my gift to my husband and children this year to be the spirit in our home, and for them to know how much I love them, so I am going to keep fighting that sinking feeling, I won't let it swallow me.

I made this painting of my favorite scripture as a gift. It's funny that although made for someone else it means so much for me right now.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Mad at myself

2011-12-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

I think that I have lightly mentioned that I don't feel like myself since having had third baby.

Today I wish to put it in stronger words.

I feel like a nut case.

I try to suppress the feeling but life keeps throwing it back in my face,

that my brain isn't functioning at full capacity.

Since Alf, our bank account has been overdrawn about 10 times and not always because we didn't have the money but because of timing or me just spacing out and paying the wrong bills at the wrong time.

We have probably paid $300 in overdraft fees, $300 we don't have!!

Maybe this wouldn't bother me so much if the dishes were done, or I slept more than 3 hours at a time last night, but that isn't the case.

I can't seem to be on top of anything, anything for longer than a day or two.

It feels like "prego" brain didn't leave after I had the baby.

It frustrating to feel like I work so hard to save our family money, and especially with Christmas coming up and all the work of homemade presents in front of me it makes me mad to know that we might not get a tree because of me.

That we can't have people over because the house is never clean.

That C had to wear Church clothes to preschool because the rest were dirty.

Alfred is almost 7 months old, I would like my sanity back now please!

Ok enough, back to suppressing the feeling.

Amazing

2011-11-30T09:53:00.001-08:00

Tober Jane says the funniest things. " wow that's amazing... That's really cool... It's really tasty." amazing is her favorite word. I call her to the dinner table and she says " mom it's amazing" ( to the Mac n cheese, really boosts the self esteem ) Right now she is wearing a dress, 2 skirts and Thomas pajama pants with 2 different shoes on. She loves to put clothes on especially dresses and skirts. She still sucks on her tongue and carries around her blanky. Tober is very affectionate and whenever she likes something she puts her head up to it and sighs ( like the human version of a cat purring) Sometimes when I put her down for a nap she asks me to say a prayer. When she hugs you she does it with every inch of her body, even her toes, and sometimes she gently plays with my hair the same way I play with hers. I admire her enthusiasm she puts into everything she does. I know that when she decides to believe in something it will be with her whole heart. I love my amazing little girl.

Christmas presents

2011-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

I should be comforted by the fact that Christmas is still a month away, but these days that time goes by really quick. As of right now I have exactly zero gifts made/purchased. In fact all I have are ideas, and some chump change. I want to make Tober clothes for her Rapunzel Barbie, and a purse, maybe some play jewelry. She has turned into a very girly girl over night, so anything pink, purple, sparkly, or pretty, and She will be as happy as can be.
For C I couldn't quite figure out what I wanted to do. He is really into super heroes right now, so when I saw
this on my sister-in-laws blog (Found here.)I thought maybe I will just go all out super hero theme.

costumes/masks? flash cards?
puzzles like Dana made only super heroes of course.

Alfred is pretty much getting food.

Gift baskets for extended family, I like the idea of Christmas from around the world, gathering treats from everywhere and wrapping them up.

I love the idea of making cute bean bags/ poufs.

It would take me forever and cost a small fortune to make these but they are super cute.

you can send them empty, with a gift card for a local grocery store to buy the rice/beans to fill them with.

I would love to make some laundry bags to send gifts in as well like these ones at urbanoutfitters

Penny art has been tugging at my brain as well.

or mixing pennies and nickles to make some beautiful letters.

It is time to stop thinking about what I want to do and actually doing something.

My wish list

iPod cases

Washi Tape

wooden spools and unique trims

Lovin Sunday

2011-11-27T11:43:00.001-08:00

Today is a takin it slow kinda day. The kids joined me in bed this morning. C and I played scrabble (on my new iPod touch) Tober just laid on top of me while alfred sucked his fingers. Then I folded clothes while listening to Christmas music and the smell of chili cooking made my tummy grumble. Jones is reading inheritance right next to me and even though we are doing different thing it feels like time together

White Christmas

2011-11-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went to go see BYU's production of White Christmas for our anniversary, one of my all time favorite holiday films.

It was really cute. To make things even better it had snowed the night before and we had spent the morning as a family out on a walk in the cold.

After the show we went to Roll up Crepes, super yum, and such a warm and cute atmosphere. If you live in provo you should go!!

It was a really fun day and a great lead into thanksgiving.

My big Brother and his family are going to be here all week and I am so excited.

Hooray for the library

2011-11-20T17:03:00.000-08:00

Having no money has it's ups. For example there are certain places that wouldn't be as special if we were just rollin' in the dough. We love to spend time going out and doing something as a family, and with no budget this can become difficult. The Library is a place we had yet to explore as a family with kids. Jones and I use to go there all the time when we lived by the beach. We were broke then too. A couple weeks ago we set out, got our passports to imagination{library cards} and came home with a stack of books for the kids. I pretty much let them walk with me down the aisles and any book they grabbed we got. Jones continues to win my love by coming home with Norwegian murder mysteries, wood working, and upholstery books. Tober has only ever grabbed 2 books so far. Both because they were pink and purple and had a princess on the cover. Speaking of Tober, that little girl is the best. She actually picks the broccoli and mushrooms out of her dinner to eat first cause they are her favorite. When she gives you a hug it is with every part of her body, even her toes. Ok back on track, I love the Library. I am really just grateful for the opportunity we have to experience things as a family. To explore and grow together and not let our financial situation split us apart but allow us to grow closer.

Murder

2011-11-20T16:53:00.000-08:00

On Friday Night we attended a Murder Mystery Birthday party for my good friend.

Jones and I were part of the WereClan {I was a wolf in sheeps clothing...get it, ok that is the last time I will tell that joke I swear.}. More specifically I was the ruler and he was my man(were) slave, that secretly was trying to over throw me all along.

My name was Bastet {let's see you make a joke out of that Colt}

:) we won best costumes.

Even though we had some stiff competition

Scotty as Arthur the bumbling idiot.

Cuban as Prince Allendro...

Who ended up killing me twice.

It was confusing and fun at the same time. Definitely worth getting a babysitter to get dressed up and play with some friends.

November 15th is a good day

2011-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Jones.

6 down, a bajillion more to go. ;)

The leaves are falling & the great salt lake guitar company

2011-11-13T14:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday night a friend invited us to come down to The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co. to hang out and enjoy the company of some fabulous guitar players. Jones brought his Git fiddle {guitar} and a song we had prepared only the hour before.

We had a blast.

Everyone was so talented and it was the first time Jones and I have ever done anything like that together.

For some reason I have always been hesitant to sing for Jones, thinking I wasn't cool enough or something, and so these are talents we haven't really enjoyed together in the 6 {yes that is right, coming up on another anniversary} years we have been married.

It was really wonderful to be able to express that side of ourselves again.

To make things better at the end of the night it was decided that this is something we will be doing every 2nd Friday of the month.

!!!

Newest Normal

2011-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

My newest normal means the house is pretty much always messy except when we are cleaning, as soon as we stop cleaning it gets messy again, sometimes even while we are cleaning other areas get messier.

We buy a lot of food. I can't believe it actually. It has taken me this long to buy the appropriate amount of fruit and yogurt so that we don't run out the day after I go shopping.

My Jones works a lot and yet somehow still manages to come home and take care of us.

He makes sure I am not getting overwhelmed by any aspect of my life.

My home is not baby proof at all.

Sometimes I find pins on the floor, screws in the corners under the table, bits of choke-able plastic that almost made it in the trash but have now wandered into the living room.

Alfy is almost to the age when suddenly he will be everywhere and getting into everything and I am not ready.

My dear Tober hasn't changed at all.

I was watching videos of her at 1 yr old. Still crazy, squealing, moving so forcefully and with purpose.

Only thing that is different is now she can talk.

She loves to take baths and if she hears bath water at all she is immediately found by the tub naked.

She has a handful of toys that she almost always has with her, and is very protective of.

C is as smart as ever. Always wanting to color, hear stories play on my computer, "Type" which is a new word he is very proud to know. He also is a whiner pants, they all are.

Sometimes I just want to banish them when they whine.

I love my house, although it is tiny. I don't even know that is is tiny but rather that we are a lot of people.

Life feels like we came her for a purpose and now we are just trying to figure out what to do here, other than survive.

I miss Washington. I realize that I just enjoyed being there.

Utah has nice bits but I don't find myself filled with the same joy for the place like I did WA, yet.

I have no clean clothes so I am off to do Laundry.

My little ones have the snifflies

2011-11-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

...so we decided to stay home from church.

Using our extra hour as a blessing sleeping in late and eating a big breakfast together.

{yes I am wearing footie pajamas}

We went out in the {melting} snow for a little bit, but not too long cause I don't want us to get sick{er}

Trying to make today a Reverent day so I am going to make a Thanksgiving tree.

Want to make one with me?

I went outside and gathered some branches, which I am going to paint but you don't have to.

I am going hot glue them together wrap them in twine and put them in a vase.

Later, together as a family we are going to cut out leaves from card stock and write down the things we are grateful for and hang them on the branches.

As the month goes by I am going to think about those things, write a few more, and make an effort to appreciate them and keep them in my Heart.

Hooray for another Jones and TheSpanishLady family tradition.

Almost finished product

Camping is intents :)

2011-11-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today Jones only worked a half day and He doesn't work tomorrow, which means it will be the first Saturday {or any day other than Sunday} that he hasn't worked since he started.

We celebrated by building a tent in the living room.

When I say we I mean Jones cause I was busy making the world's most boring dinner.

Honestly, the pepper was probably the most interesting part.

Of course the tent blew my mind and after we were done eating all 5 of us piled in for story time.

Last Sunday at church I had made a personal goal of every night along with the family prayer we already do, try to incorporate some type of scripture reference. Whether it is teaching C to recite one or reading a passage, as long as it has something to do with the scriptures.

Tonight it seemed only fitting to tells a couple stories from the scriptures. Nephi is C's favorite because of the Primary song Nephi's courage which I sang to him before he went to primary and instantly loved it once he sang it there. So I started with the story of Nephi going to get the plates {from the wicked Laban inside the city gates...:)}

C is really into super heroes right now and that is basically what Nephi is.

After that Jones told the story about some crazy radiation chicken heart.

Then C told a story about Alfy flying to outer space in a parachute and him saving him in his rocket ship {I was surprised and delighted by the details.}

Then another scripture story about The 2000 stripling warriors

and another rocket ship story by C and the kids were off to bed. Prayers said and kisses given, Jones and I headed back to the tent to watch some TV and eat more of our kids Halloween candy.

As I lay here in bed I feel so grateful for my family and also so grateful for the scriptures, for the knowledge that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. That He guides his people today with Prophets{heroes} just as he did in those amazing stories I got to tell my 4 year old tonight. I am glad I set this goal and I hope we keep working at it because I know it will strengthen our home and Family.

Curious about who Nephi was or about the Scriptures I was referring to go here.

P.S. Jones keeps peeking out the window to see if it is snowing. It is like a kid looking for Santa. :)

A few new items

2011-11-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have had a few new items for my shop for awhile I have just been slow to post them.

Today I am finally getting around to it.

I had been waiting to get pics of the clothes on a little girl because I always think clothing is more appealing on a person than off, but been to busy to get good pictures.

Also finishing up a maternity dress, so hopefully that will be up soon :)

My Shop

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have ourselves Speed Racer

A devious pixie

...and Turd Ferguson :)

Happy Halloween.

Sunday Family day

2011-10-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day.

Today Jones woke me up with a kiss and told me he was taking off for church. by the time I came to it was about 5 til church began. I shot up and got the kids dressed in about 10 minutes and we were only 20 mins late to church.

At this very moment Every dish (but one) is clean,

most the trash is taken out, there are only 2 loads of laundry {not 5!!}

Right now we are carving pumpkins and I am thinkin of baking something yummy after all we did buy cinnamon and peanut butter chips the other day.

My kids costumes aren't finished so that will probably consume my night, but after the funk I have been in I am happy with were I am.

excited for tomorrow.
Check out my sister and her cute family

Here is a cute video of biscuit wearing her statue of liberty costume made by me.

***
The results

My awesome husband spent his only day off carving pumpkins for his kids, He's pretty much the best dad ever.
C actually did a really good job carving, I will have to take pics and post them. For a four year old I was pretty impressed. Once he got past the gross stuff he was able to get into it. Tober ( the opposite as usual) just liked digging out the insides, then she was done. :)

I always had a thing for redheads...

2011-10-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

Guess who...

not me:( too bad cause check out my lil' sister's new hair. Super cute.

This is just the first step in her going blonde for halloween and I have to admit I am a fan. (and a little jealous)

I don't think she likes it all that much, so I guess I will just have to like it for the both of us.

some inexpensive crafts

2011-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Money being tight is not really a new thing for me.

It is so nice when inexpensive solutions can make me happy,

first solution a place to display C's Art. C LOVES to color. He draws at least 10 pictures a day.

This leaves me with piles of drawings all around the house until the mess out weighs the guilt of throwing them away.

I have never been a huge fan of too many things stuck to my fridge but since that is the traditional place to display your child's masterpiece we have a few there as well.

So I went to the Dollar store and bought 5 black frames.

I took the glass and cardboard out of them and hung them on the wall in our hallway.

Then I had C help me paint some clothes pins .

..That we hot glued to the frames... and voila a new place for pictures. We can easily trade them out and toss the old ones. Cost about $6

Trying to be festive I bought some black felt at .20 cents a sheet, I spent $1 and cut them in triangles, glued them to some yarn and voila a Halloween banner.

I had a long table top from ikea that was pretty dinged up. I tried to spruce it up with some spray paint but it was not working. So I found some contact paper with a pattern I like and voila :) a new desk for $2.

One night when the kids and I were playing in the front yard I decided we needed a fall wreath. These can cost a pretty penny so I took a dollar store wreath and had my kids collect leaves for me. We they hot glued them to the wreath and sprayed it gold.

It has a soft a pretty effect.

None of these solutions are mind blowing but give me Satisfaction and keep what money we do have in our pockets. Mission accomplished.

P.S. Jones sometimes brings me home nuts. Chesnuts, acorns...etc. So cute. Expecially when he and C went outside and played Conkers with them. :)

2011-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. I had a pretty lazy week.

Just didn't feel like doing anything.

At the start of last week I had decided to get the winter clothes out, somehow this sent my house into a disastrous mess and I could never get on top of it in one day.

On saturday I finally broke through my funk and got the kids room looking like a room again and not just piles of clothes.

Today I am kind of hoping to do the same with the rest of the house. I feel tired, and like I want to just put in a movie and stay in bed but I am going to fight the urge.

Despite my laziness we have been in a good mood, enjoying family time together, loving our neighborhood, feeling secure about our future, excited about holidays {even if I have come to the conclusion that I just might not be all that on top of it this year, when it comes to having 3 kids I have decided dialing my expectations back is the best policy, For right now anyway :) }

Alfred still wakes up at least one time a night, usually 3am. It has felt so normal that I was beginning to forget that some day I will sleep through the night again.

Alright time to get off the computer and face my day.

P.s. somehow I managed to hurt my wrist, my right wrist and I am right handed.
I feel like I can't do anything. Jones thinks it is tendinitis. BOO.

Textured wallpaper for the Kitchen

2011-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

I want this wallpaper for an empty wall in my kitchen. Except I want it to paint it in Jade.

Yup

my sweet boy

2011-10-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

So I decided I would ask C about the shoes. I showed him the yellow ones, and he asked if there were red ones. Then he saw the teal and wanted to look at those too. Then he liked it when I showed him the stripes inside and played with the computer a little. He told me that he liked the red ones, But also the yellow. I asked him if we could make a deal and get the yellow shoes and a red sweater. He thought about it and said "I don't know about that... how about a green sweater, and a blue one for Tober."

Then we looked at sweaters online. After a while it seemed he liked playing on the computer more than he cared about which shoes he got. Then this morning as we were getting ready for church he asked me "where are my yellow shoes!?" He told me they were his favorite, probably because of the fun we had looking.

I think we will get the yellow shoes, and then maybe take him out shopping for a sweater, whatever one he wants, if he cares at all. My boys are so good at indulging my want to dress them up. :)

Thanks.

2011-10-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the thoughts and advice, and just for fun here is an image of the shoesies I was talking about.

I love Tom's. And also some for me?

Mom Questions

2011-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Alfy has separation anxiety.

This is where he hangs out whenever I cook.

It makes him pretty happy and honestly sometimes I forget He is there.

*editor's note: this is one of the rare moments homeboy isn't wailing at the top of his lungs because his mom isn't holding him. It was probably taken two seconds after he was put down. He doesn't last much longer than that. - Jones

Anyways, I had some mom questions and thought I would address them here.

1: Halloween costumes. I had been planning on having our family go as the gang from Speed Racer for Halloween, but, sometimes, when I let myself think about it, I wonder if I should let O. pick something that she would like, like a princess, or a butterfly. Also, I know she is only two, and she probably will not care if she is Speed Racer's monkey, but, eh. Just makes me wonder.

2: On a similar note, once I have enough monies, I want to buy C. some yellow corduroy shoes from Tom's. I have thought about it more than once, and realized he would probably like the red ones, since red is his favorite color. He tells me this pretty much every day, but I want him to have the yellow ones. I'm shallow like that :)

Both of these things don't really matter - they're small things in the long run. But, they are also parts of my children's personalities that I appreciate. What are your thoughts?

Great day Wednesday

2011-10-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day.

We went out to a pumpkin patch, smelled smelly animals, bounced in bouncy houses and went in a corn maze until we found the special beans that we could exchange for candy. My cousin and his family joined us and the weather was perfect.

Then after we filled our bellies with pumpkin pie blizzards

we headed to the mountains and rode the Sundance ski lift full moon ride.

It was freezing and gorgeous and I was just happy to have spent the day surrounded by my favorite people.

C couldn't stop talking. He loved it, and keeps asking when we can do it again. The answer, next year and every year cause it was wonderful ( a little scary at first but then wonderful)

Sway with me Collection/Working on my shop

2011-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have been working on getting my shop all set up and taking pictures of my Sway with me collection.

It has been really fun seeing my hard work come together. I can actually say I am proud of what I have done and am only the tiniest bit awkward about showing my stuff to the public.

Anyways check it out. :)

Cougar in the making

2011-10-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

We live very close to BYU. Often when we go anywhere, driving or walking we pass the school, or more specifically the football stadium. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to me then when C decided he really wanted to go to a game. This week he reminded me almost everyday. When it snowed he looked out the window and said wow, and then looked directly at me and said "I still want to go to the football game."
Unfortunately for us tickets are quite out of our price range, fortunately my sister is awesome and gave us 4 tickets for tonight's game, so Jones, C and I all went with my other sister, Kid Curry, and had a blast! it was cold and late but the Cougars were awesome and played well for us. We sang the fight song as loud as we could. I love watching C as he experiences all of these things. I like hearing him say he is going to go to BYU when he is older...after his mission to New York of course. He packed a suitcase once and told me he was all ready for us to go on a mission together. That kid makes me smile.

30 degrees

2011-10-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday the weather has officially dropped 30 degrees.

It went from a pretty consistent 80 to about 50.

Also now it has been raining, and overcast. As soon as the clouds cleared I looked out my window and this is what I saw.

I kinda love it.

probably going to Ikea, even though I still feel like death.

Hope it is fun, maybe meatballs will be the cure I needed.

Sick.Conference.Mess.Murder

2011-10-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

We are sick again. Caught it just before the weekend started.

Good thing we got to stay in for conference.

My house looks a little like this.

{from the movie Labrynth}

And we have spent a great deal of time watching Midsomer Murders and Top Shot.

Good news is tomorrow I plan on being better, and maybe I will even get around to photographing some of my Sway with me baby girl clothes. ;)

Yellow Chevron Diaper purse Tutorial

2011-09-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

With the fall colors coming in I have been in the mood for burnt yellows, and toasty orange accessories.

So I decided to make a diaper purse.

I bought this fantastic Travel bag at World Market at the beginning of the year.

I knew it's size would be perfect for a mother of three. And I was right.

It fits toys, books clothing, snacks and more.

I call it my Mary Poppins bag because it can see bottomless.

So there is the only problem, always finding what I am looking for.

Fortunately it is even big enough to fit another purse inside of it {or a child!}

SO that is where the idea to make a small diaper purse came from.

No more searching just grab and go.

Now when I need to leave our church meetings for diaper emergencies I can take the diapers while looking cute and still leave Jones with the goods for our other children.

First things first. I started with the bow.

I cut 2 pieces of vinyl 1 3/4"x 6 1/12" and straight stitch them together right sides can face out.

then I cut a small strip to wrap around the center of the bow {sorry I didn't measure}

Then I straight stitched the long edges.

Then I pinched the vinyl together in what is called an accordion pleat

And with a needle and thread hand stitched the middle band tightly in place.

Next I cut my Fabric.

I used 2 different fabrics one for a liner, and the other as the outer fabric.

Every piece was cut in both fabrics. *except the pocket

You need:

1- 12"x 2 1/2 strip for the strap {I made mine 3" and it feels a little too wide}

3- 10 1/2 x 6" pieces

2- 6 x 6

1- 10 1/2 x 10 1/2

1- 7 x 4 1/2 pocket

You will take the pocket and fold the edges down on 3 sides and straight stitch the edges.

Then take one of the Liner pieces that measures 10 1/2 x 6 and center the pocket on the bottom

Wrong side of pocket on right side of liner

Straight stitch only the 4in. sides

Then put the liner back together with the matching outer piece right sides together.

At this point all of the pieces should be pinned with their matching liner and outer piece right sides together

{right sides meaning the pretty side of the fabric}

Now you will want to straight stitch a 1/4" seam along 3 side of each piece, leaving one side open so that you can turn it right side out. As often as possible I left the bottom side open. * except for the 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 piece

Then clip the corners before turning them right side out.

After your pieces are right side out press all the seams and pin them together.

Outer fabric together.

I started with the bottom first

And then did the sides.

Now you can take the 10 1/2" x 10 1/2 " fold it in half and cut a curved edge on one side. Now straight stitch all along the sides and the curved edge. Not the bottom.

Clip the curved edges

*also forgot to mention that you may want to zig zag stitch the edges left open, if you did not do this before putting it together now would be the time to try.

Take the sides {6 x 6} and pinch them in half, while purse is inside out.

Pin and straight stitch the tops

Then add the top { curved piece} By first folding over the bottom edge outer side on outer side and zig zag stitch.

The while purse is still inside out place folded and zig zag stitched side to the pocket lined piece and straight stitch it on.

With the strap I straight stitched every edge an only left a 2 in space open to flip it right side out. I flipped int and then I folded an pinned the gap shut and did a straight stitch around the entire thing

Then I folded about 3/4" onto the under side of the top piece closest to the opening of the purse making sure the other side of the strap was lined up on the other side and stitched it on.

Then I pinched strap together and straight stitched it together at the bottom

Almost done!

Now all that is left it to add the bow and buttons. Center the bow at the bottom of the flap and straight stitch the ends on.

then I hand stitched the two buttons at either end.

Cut a 2" piece of elastic

put the ends together and cram it in the side seam of the purse and pinch the seam around it from the inside. Pin it securely in there, turn the purse inside out and stitch it in place.

And you are done!!

Add some diapers and wipes and you are good to go!

I added the pocket for keys or binkies, whatever you need!

Sure makes being a mom look cute.

In fact it is so darn cute I think I am going to make 2 more so Biscuit and Tober can carry around their girly toys.

Crying for Cha-face

2011-09-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today when we dropped C off at preschool, Tober was not happy about it.

She screamed the whole way home, "Cha-face!! Cha-FAcE"

When we arrived at home she was just whimpering and said "Mommy, I want cha face"

It was the sweetest thing.

I put her down for a nap, because she obviously needed one.

I feel a little like I need one too.

***
When I picked him up from school I told him about her melt down this is what he said.
" Doesn't she know I was going to come back. When she wakes up from her nap I will give her a hug and a kiss and tell her about what I did in school and she will feel better."

And he did just that. Awesome day for me as a Mom.

Tiny toe nails

2011-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

I painted Tober's toe nails this morning.

It was extremely satisfying :) and adorable.

Sway with me

2011-09-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by my new niece to be to make a baby girl clothing collection.

Her Mommy is one stylish lady and her brothers always wear black, white and grey to church, so Naturally she will need a variety of dresses and skirts to match. :)

I am still working on a few pieces. So hopefully soon I can show you what I have made.

We went for a drive.

2011-09-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

For me, one of the perks of living in Utah Valley is being able to drive the aspen loop n the fall.

So today that is what we did.

After church, we grabbed some bread and peanut butter, plus the apple pie I made the night before and headed up the mountain.

We looked for rocks and ran around a bit.

Smooched a little

C had fun, Tober was a grump though. You could tell we skipped her nap time.

My boys. :)

I somehow managed to capture Jones smiling at the camera. It only took me 5 years but I finally did it!!

I get pretty car sick but somehow sticking my feet out the window helped, a little bit.

I can't wait to watch the mountain change colors and then become covered in brilliantly white snow.

Good times ahead that is for sure.

So it begins..

2011-09-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was very busy about the house today. Doing dishes, scrubbing floors. As I walked past the bathroom I heard Tober in there and thought, great what new mess do I have to clean up!!

This is what I found.

I asked her what she was doing and she said she was going potty. She had taken her diaper off herself. I asked if she was done and she said no and just sat there singing to herself. Then she said all done {and she actually was, no pretending, hopped off wiped and flushed and then asked me to put her diaper back on. Then she insisted she wear underwear, which were really her diaper cover. It was really cute, she was so proud of herself.
Here's hoping potty training continues being this easy ;)

Let the fun begin, I sure love my kids.

I have one learning to eat his own feet.

One learning to use the potty

and one off to preschool.

And C tells me every so often that Alfy wants us to have another baby girl soon.

More to love right :)

Tah Face {C} starts Pre school

2011-09-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

C, or Tah Face, which is what Tober calls him started pre-school today.

It was so fun. He had asked me to make him a speed racer back pack so this morning he and I finished putting it together, packed him a lunch and headed out. He was so excited.

Whether or not to put him in preschool had been a big debate for me. Somehow I felt like a failure if I sent him away. I had questions and doubts, but in the end I knew I was doing it for the right reasons and knew he would love it while it lasts.

Of course we all miss him when he is gone. I was surprised how much I noticed something missing. C really brings a positive spirit to our home. He loves us all and tells us constantly. He makes us all an important part of his world.

I feel so blessed that he came to our family and that He was my first kid.

I have learned so much about mothering from him.

It is fun to see him grow up, and be so happy and full of life.

Love ya Tah face.

book art

2011-09-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

yesterday was Jones'day off, so we took advantage of our time together as a family and walked to the BYU art museum. It was fun, by far my favorite piece was the large sculpture made of books, It was so beautiful, in so many dimensions. It wasn't the most kid friendly place though so after a bit we made our way to the bookstore and got some bagels and cookies and cream milk {yummy but crazy sweet} and walked to the museum of paleontology. C was probably the most excited. He kept asking questions and listened very intently as I read the plaques to him. The only part he didn't love was when I pretend the giant crocoldile {with a 6 ft long head} was biting my arm. He gave me a semi smile and then looked at me like "ok now stop" When we left he told me He wanted to be a paleontologist when he grows up. I think Jones looked at him with both pride and a little envy. Envy because Jones secretly wishes be an astronaut and/or paleontologist just like he did when he was a kid.
It was great a great day.

Fabric Cars and parenting.

2011-09-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent a good part of the day making these fabric letters with my kids for their room. They love them and loved helping me make them. After Breakfast this morning I was laying down with Alfy when C walked up to me with a pencil and told me "don't worry I put the numbers on the race cars."

oh no.

all day he had told me they needed numbers and I had told him we would make them another day. I should have known he would take matters into his own hands.

The picture doesn't show it very well but all the cars are covered in scribbled headlights, windows, lines on the wheels.

So now my question was what do I do about it.

I was bummed that our cool cars {my cool cars} looked sloppy and dirty, and he definitely got in trouble for drawing on something without permission, but should I attempt to erase them as part of his punishment, or should I just accept it and the fact that they are in his room.

Plus I am kind of worried that erasing them will ruin them.

Am I being too much of a perfectionist in wanting them to not have pencil scratching on them!?

morning pics

2011-09-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

The dress I worked on yesterday, I still need to finish the sleeves and the hem.

it use to be a vest and Capri's.

{still can't find my memory card, so excuse my web cam pics.}

Morning hair :) C and I have the same morning hair.

Confidence

2011-09-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days when I wake up and have no confidence in myself or my ability to ever successfully have a shop of my own. Sometimes it seems too far away and impossible.

I don't have the time or the skills { or the money } to get it started.

Days like this I am glad I married the man I did.

He never lets me doubt myself.

Today He got home from work and took all three kids out for a few hours so that I could complete a dress I wanted to make.

It was wonderful, and now seeing it on the dress form I feel a little more faith in myself.

It is the first of many that I need to complete before opening shop, but at least it is there.

Grandma's funeral and being home.

2011-09-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Some how I have misplaced my memory card for my camera. I think little fingers took it from the computer...

Anyways, we are now home from our quick trip to CA, where we said our goodbye's to Grandma Cathryn and her desert home. We got to stay over night there and I thought it was really nice to be there one last time while it was still her home.

I got to bring some of her things home with me.

When I woke up the morning after we got back I loved looking around and seeing how natural her things looked in my home. Somehow they give the place a depth it lacked before.

It makes me smile.

Now that I am home and seeing the place with new I eyes, I find that I really like it!!

It is perfect for us { maybe not so much for others, because of the size, but it is for us!}

I have been so busy doing projects around the home and I am kind of sad that I haven't been documenting before and afters as well as I would like.

Oh well, as soon as I find my SD card I will show off some of my ideas around my home and the items I inherited from my Grandma.

Also a hAha shout out.

Check out hAha's blog every friday for amazing fotography to stimulate your mind.

*loves for niece number 5, soon to join the familia, I knew it was you ;) *

And happy birthday CARL!! congrats on being old.

The River

2011-09-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

We went to the River yesterday with the Pixie Schtick and her family. It was fun the kids played in the shallow rocky freezing water.

Unfortunately I didn't get any pics.

I did however get a pic of JV, my 3 yr old nephew and his interesting napping place.

The Schtick came upstairs and asked if he was up here, he wasn't, moments later Piper came up and said to come down stairs with my camera and try to find him.

This is what I found

{super blurry pics}

He was under the ottoman sound asleep. :)

What my house looks like right now...

2011-08-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a cleaning day. We are trying to get the house cleaned up so we can go to CA for Grandma's funeral and come back to a place that feels like home.

Pipsta asked for some pics of our new place so I thought perfect, I will clean up and wait for the perfect lighting and take pictures. When the perfect lighting came however my house wasn't quite ready. I decided I didn't care. These pics will make for a good before and after experience :)

So here is our Tree House

{Kids Room}

{Dining Room}

{Bathroom and Hall}

{Kitchen}

{View from Kitchen to living room}

{living Room}

Which also happens to be our bedroom.

See these white walls? they all use to be brown, a brown cave. In the process of painting 2 more walls and wall to wall bookcases!! Before the paint

My favorite moment: photo by hAha in awesome frame.

{and the view from my bed}

SBug said it reminded him of a European apartment, which was exactly what I thought, plus I love that because it is upstairs and all you can see is tree tops out the window, it feels like we are in a tree house.

More awesome moments to come and so many projects to complete, for now I just gotta make it through another road trip and more suit cases. Wish me luck, heck send me your prayers, I could use them.

New hair

2011-08-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

my sister and I went and got cheap hair cuts today, it was a wonderful relaxing outing, life has been kind of crazy lately and this was a much needed fun thing.

We will meet again

2011-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

My Grandma died last night.

I feel only the faintest bit of sadness, probably because I know she is with Grandpa, wrapped in his arms, which is pretty much where she has wanted to be since he left.

I feel a sadness for my Mom though, it will be a while before she sees her mother again and I know that would make me sad.

Grandma was always soft, quiet, a behind the scenes kind of person, so I am used to feeling rather than seeing her presence in my life. It is a happy sunny glow that I will keep with me even though she is gone.

When I feel hot wind blow past me I will think of her, and her home in the desert, and all the time I spent there warm and safe.

Every time I dip my graham crackers in milk or eat fruit leather, I will think of you Grandma. I love you and am so thankful for the gift of your unconditional love. You have set a high standard for me and I hope that I can live up to it. You will be missed.

Say Hi to Grandpa and give him a big kiss for me.

Tober's Party

2011-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Tober's birthday yesterday.

It was fun, colorful, with tons of cousins and running around.

Yummy food {tiny table}

Uncle Scooter made Tober a Rapunzel cake, He went all out, and I was so impressed.

So was J.V. in fact he couldn't stop looking.

Once the kids took to the bikes and cars there was no stopping them.

They all rode around like crazy people.

It was very casual and simple

We did balloons and bubbles and bikes for a while

Tober always gets the dandelion in her mouth when she blows them.

There were some crashes and a few run over body parts.

Then it was on to the pinata.

and then presents and cake.

Tober tried blowing out the candles on her own, and then she got some help.

Pretty much nothing else mattered once she got her Rapunzel doll. She just calls her Princess.

As then sun went down we said our goodbyes and put kids to bed, stuffed, sugared out and happy. :)

My husband, the arteest

2011-08-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

{Yoshime and the pink Robot by Jones}
Jones is an artist whether or not he thinks so check out some of his recent drawings on his bloggums.

Rock Climbing

2011-08-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today We did something that I have dreamed about doing since I first met Jones.

We went Rock Climbing as a family.

First we stopped in at the Rocky mountain drive in for some grilled cheese sammies and some scones with honey butter {so yummy}

When we got finished stuffing our faces we went up the mountain a little...

Very slowly.

Partially because of the stroller, not made for rough terrain, the 2 year old stopping to pick up every rock {and there were a lot, it s called rock canyon!} and mostly because I am exhausted by this move and wore the worst jeans ever {for hiking, otherwise great pants!} and flip flops! not so genius.

But at last we made it.

Alfy slept through most of it {sucking on his fingers in delightful slumber}

C loved the idea, and was a little freaked out but overall was a champ and made a great effort. I was really proud of him.

I loved that he kept say he was like spiderman since he has been watching the '67 series on netflix

Tober followed and mostly swung around on the rope.

For taking 3 kids under 4 it was actual really fun and a great start to a family tradition.

When Alfy finally joined us awake he was all smiles and really much more cooperative than I had imagined.

I love our family, it is so fun to have our kids getting older and broadening the activities we can do together. C is so much fun, and makes a great sidekick as we go on these adventures. He took the pics of Jones climbing and the last 2 of me and Toby because my hands were busy! It was also fun to hear the dialogue between him and his sister

"be careful Tah face" she would squeal at him like only a Tober can.

And of course he would reply in his older brother voice "ok I will, Thanks for reminding me, Don't worry I am four"

Good day.

Tomorrow I am busy getting ready for the pixie shtick and her family to visit, and also Toblerone's birthday party is this Sat! my girl is turning 2 :)

All that glitters is gold

2011-08-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

Lately when the kids play outside Tober comes back in with some sort of gash on her feet or toes. Her flip flops just don't live up to her use of her feet.

It was time for some real shoes to save the day.

Real gold shoes.

"wow! SHoes!"

After snapping some shots of the kids C wanted a turn.

I made this face and he told me, "no Mom that wasn't good, just smile"

So I did. :)

Love the light from my big window, Pictures of our Tree house are coming soon-ish.

Cars 2

2011-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the movies, we went to go see Cars 2 as a family. It was a lot of fun. The kids were great, Alfy was awesome. C laughed out loud like crazy when Mater drove backwards on the race track. Now off to bed because I am exhausted, {so what if it is only 9:30}

Thank goodness for much needed family time!

Too short a visit..

2011-08-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

I can wrap my arms all the way around my tiny hAha. I wish we could have visited longer I would have told her more about working out and all my muscles, my attempts at photography, and much more

I would have liked more proud of us looks from Moms and Pops. More watching my kids getting tickled. More seeing Finn a bun exploring my casa.

Just More. Love you guys. Safe trip.

Kate's Regency themed surprise party

2011-08-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I finally moved into our apartment. It has been awesome and exhausting and I will tell more about that later. This weekend I also spent making a couple pride and prejudice type dresses for a friends surprise birthday party. 3 dresses in 3 days! it was crazy but fun and I am glad we did it.

As we got there the clouds rolled in and rain came pouring down harder than I had ever seen before. It was beautiful.

Later today Mom and pops H and hAha's family are driving through Utah and staying with us! We are so excited to see them, I better go unpack some more before they get there.

A girl can dream

2011-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

This just seems like the perfect place to be on our warm summer nights. It's crave-able.

{apartmenttherapy}

Photography

2011-08-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

If you live in Utah valley and are interested in getting some Family Pictures taken TheSpanishLady

{thats me!} is now taking pictures as a way of making money to start my shop.

Anything from weddings to birthdays, or just cause.

I love to capture those sweet moments.

If you are interested leave your email and I can send you my rates.

I am excited to spread the way I see the world... through rose colored glasses.

I heart Jones

2011-08-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am starting to work on my shop a little, my dream, super fun.

It is crazy cool getting to collaborate with my best friend and love and for him to support me in everything I do. It is also wonderful to have my sister around to be the brains of the operation.

Hopefully in the next couple of months my etsy shop re-open with some new items as well as some old.

Right now I am working on setting up the blog for it and loving every minute of it.

Jones made me a Header today and it was just fun to see something that I have been wanting to happen for a while happen.

Thanks Piper and Jones for your encouragement, support and Talent!!

{sneak peak}

Picnic in our Yard

2011-08-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today is a beautiful Saturday. It is sunny with just the slightest breeze. Since right now we are just waiting for time to pass, it was nice to take the kids outside with a blanket and a bucket of water, Alfy and I laid on the blanket while C and Toby "washed" the car.

{how do you like the binkie clip I crocheted}

Jones joined us with some Salted Vinegar Cucumber chips, Peanut butter and honey, and some mozzarella cheese.

It was so nice, I could have fallen asleep.

Not a bad way to pass the time.

More scratches

2011-08-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Jones dropped C on his head. {whoops} The carpet must have bit him, it left the strangest mark.

Today is a better day than yesterday. Today I am reminded that I am not alone and there are people willing to help us when we need it.

Also Scooter is going to a wedding reception and this is His gift to the Bride and Groom {this one is the Groom's} How can I not smile. :)

Boys

2011-08-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

C totally fell while running around outside last night.

His nose broke his fall :)

I love the way Alfy smiles at his big brother. My boys are the best.

As of today Alfred is finally wearing cloth diapers. Just another step towards being us again.

feeling kind of low right now because despite my exhausting effort to keep up with finances and food, we are still hurting and will be for a couple weeks. Guess it is a good thing I got a gym membership, now I can go "punch dance my rage" hopefully it will help.

Or I can just keep pretending it is the onions Jones is cutting that are making my eyes water.

Trying to find my routine

2011-08-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with a strong desire to form some kind of routine. I wanted to be us today, so I woke up and got the kids dressed, put on some lipstick and went on a walk with the kids. The weather is dark and cloudy and I kind of liked it.

Today was Jones first official day of work! It was fun to wake up and tell the kids he was at work and here C tell Tober Cake "it's ok He will come back later.."

I thought about checking another piece of furniture off the long list of items I need to spray paint.

But the weather isn't cooperating.

Oh well 2 chairs down, lots of other things to go.

Instead I think I may take a drive and check out a store here called down east outfitters, have myself a bit of adventure today.

So so so tired

2011-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

We are sick. Again.

It feels we are sick about every other week.

This time it isn't just the kids I have it too, and the worst part is my body is already so tired from moving that I feel like I am falling apart.

We are 2 weeks away from finally being settled in to our own separate apartment.

I can't wait. I really miss us.

I HATE being sick.

And the Thunder rolled

2011-07-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

I love thunder storms

To me the best part of being in Utah in the summer is the way it can be Sticky icky and hot one moment and the next the wind comes rolling in and you can hear the low grumble of the thunder.

Today's storm was particularly awesome. It poured like no other.

This morning while unpacking some boxes I came across a VHS Jones had from his mission of Melancholy and J's honeymoon in Europe. Of course I had to watch it. It was fun to see them 11 years ago!

plus it made me remember our own honeymoon in London. Those were some good times.

Alfy is almost 3 months old, He is getting so big. Yet he is still my little man.

C is pretty sick with a high fever, poor kid. Hope he feels better tomorrow.

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

We are officially{kind of} moved in!

I will try to explain our crazy situation.

We are renting this home with my little sister {chels}from now on known as Piper on this bloggum, it is a two apartment home, one main floor and upstairs floor. We moved our stuff out of storage and into the vacant main floor, even though we are going to be living in the top floor because there is still another tenant there until Aug 6th.

Piper and Scooter will move out of there current apartment and into this main floor with us this week. {squished!}

then after the other tenants move out we will move upstairs and everything will be the way it is going to be, At last!!

It is going to be an exhausting, interesting week, but right now I am enjoying the new place, sitting on the front porch, loving the view. :)

Things are happening...

2011-07-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

We start moving into our new place tomorrow! It will be a process and take a while before we are settled but thats ok.

In the mean time I have been in the mood for hanging things, soft light summery things. So I turned to Martha, and found these two tutorial to keep me busy and satisfied while things are crazy.

Tissue paper pom poms

Tissue paper lanterns

These will make for fun decorations for Tober's 2nd birthday bash, and then they take their permanent place in our home.

Oh hello blog

2011-07-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am in CA right now, my little sis came down for her roomates wedding and offered to take me and the kids with her. It is nice to be back down here and say hi to the fam.

On the way down Toblerone threw up in the car. Not fun. Today C threw up in the car. Nothing like a sick vacation.

It is just gonna be one of those months when lots of things are crazy, lots of things go wrong but at the end of it we were blessed to be with family, and soon we will have a home again, which we will appreciate all the more.

Anyways I don't know what kind of access I will have to a computer or the internet so blogging might be a little spotty.

I feel happy though and like the Lord is taking care of us, and when I feel exhausted like I do right now I know I can put the important stuff in his hands and it is all going to be alright.

Happy 2 months.

2011-07-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

{cell phone pic}

It has been two months since you joined our little family and we sure do love having you.

You are pretty mellow. You smile when I pay attention to you.

We have just obtained a baby bjorn carrier from your auntie and you love it. So do I. {mostly, my shoulders disagree}

Your brother and sister love to smooch ya.

You are growing to fast. Soon you will be moving and cooing like no other I am sure.

Today I am just gonna cherish your tiny-ness and your inability to escape me :)

Hot Hot Hot

2011-07-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well we have been here almost a week and it has been crazy busy. My parents are visiting as well as Chels' in laws for Biscuits birthday bash this morning. It was a fun, HOT, morning at the park.

We got to eat tons of yummy food.

Play at the park

My poor kids got so flushed in the heat.

My favorite part was throwing water balloons, and getting soaking wet.

It is fun to be here for this milestone.

Biscuit and Gramma

Happy Birthday baby girl, and congrats Scott and Chels, you have such a cute family.

We made it!

2011-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Washington, we miss you.

Before we left we had a nice farewell BBQ with the family. It was nice to get to be all together.

C and Tober loved staying at Bopa and Nana's. I guess Alfred did too since he got to be held and loved so much.

We took off on time, which I thought was pretty awesome with 3 kids, but the truck we rented from Budget {horrible experience by the way} needed oil, like really needed, so that set us back about an hour and a half. We ended up stopping in Oregon a little earlier than planned. I couldn't drive any longer and checked into a hotel.

The kids seemed to mostly enjoy the experience, and I was really excited to take the kids to the pool.

Then it was back on the road again, another long day, but finally at about 10 pm we got to Provo.

I am such a mixed bag of emotions.

I am so thankful for the opportunity I had over the last 2 years to be close to The H family. I was blessed with the best sisters in law, hAha and Pipsta have been there for me through all the ups and downs of the last 6 years. You have made me feel loved and appreciated, and your support and encouragement has meant the world to me.

Plus you guys are just fun, and easy to be around. :)

Moms and Pops, We can't say enough how much we love you guys, and all the help you give our small family. You give everything you have for your children and are the perfect example of unconditional love and sacrifice. There is nothing more fun than seeing you love my children, and they sure love ya back.

And the nephews T pants, Cus cus, and Finner, I am so sad I won't be around to see you guys grow and give you sloppy aunt kisses. I look forward to the summer trips and reunions that we will for sure make happen, so you guys will grow up knowing your cousins.

much love, and goodbye, for now.

no good at saying goodbye...

2011-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

As if I weren't emotional already I get on the computer and see hAha and Pip's goodbyes on their blogs.

We just got into the hotel halfway between home and, well new home I guess.

more to come, along with my goodbye to WA, and all the people I love and left there.

Moving

2011-06-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

Moving with three kids believe it or not is kinda hard.

Yesterday afternoon the kids were starting to pick on each other and the sound of crying and whining was turning my brain to mush. It didn't help that it was about 80 degrees inside the house. Alfred was sleeping finally and I needed to pack so I remembered something Jones had said the night before about taking the kids out in the backyard and letting them play with some bowls and water.

So I decided to fold laundry and pack clothes in the laundry room so the kids could play outside.

Suddenly the world went from chaos to calm and productive.

When I finished with the clothes I grabbed some popsicles and side walk chalk and sat outside with the kids.

Jones arrived just in time to join us.

It was nice.

Today is another hot crazy day.

Dinner with the H crew tonight, looking forward to it. :)

Did I mention Tober is teething? yeah not fun.
Whenever we do her hair like this she reminds us of Boo from Monsters Inc.

Last 2 pics thanks to C :)

Big thank you to everyone who is helping me, with food and babysitting. I literally could not do it with out you!

Doodle # 2

2011-06-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mama R since you loved the first one so much this is for you. :)

Cartoon C

2011-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

The awesome adventures of my favorite 4 year old!

Last night Jones sat down with Bug and doodled this picture of him. I love the way He captured all of his nuances, like the way his hair sticks up in the back, and the way he holds his arms.

I think it was really fun for C to see his Daddy do something he loves to do everyday, color!