The joys of motherhood at Christmas time (an email I was sent)

My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas program.
My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepards and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine.
My five year old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."
My four year old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes', silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama, mama."
Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived.
My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.
"I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes.
"For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."
"My children and my pride, my joy, my greatest blessing." I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

Today I am thankful for:
1) My children- the things that they do that make me laugh and get me through another day.
2) Christmas season- all the traditions, the stories, the movies, the happiness.
3) My Savior- for his life, his example and his sacrifice for me.

Birthday Bliss

I know my birthday was a week ago, but I just had to write about my fabulous day!

It started off by taking Kaylee to get her hair cut- a bob, so cute, but have yet to take a picture of it! While I was there I got a free eyebrow wax- thanks Amanda!

Then Kaylee and I went to Krispy Kreme to get my free dozen glazed donuts- yum!!! Then we went to lunch with the Kaylee's cousins and my mother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws. Chick-fil-A, not my top pick, but Kaylee had been so good for me all morning so I had to reward her somehow. I took Kaylee home, since Micah had gotten some rest from his previous all night shift. Then he planned out the rest of the day for me!

Stop #1... One hour massage! Literally heaven on earth!!!

Stop #2

Pedicure and Manicure... look at the cute Christmas design! I love it and Amber is so jealous!!

Stop #3 Date night with my hubby. He arranged the babysitter then took me to dinner at

Then shopping at

We went there specifically to get a bookshelf, but they were out of stock!! But of course you can't go in there without getting something! So I just got a few little things.

Then when we got home, these were sitting on the counter.

When Micah had gotten Amber from school, he dropped off the carpool kids and then took the girls to the store to let them pick these out and a card. Amber had to tell him that my favorite flower was a daisy- she even pointed out to him which one the daisy was!!!

So, it ended up being a very wet and cold day weather wise, but a great relaxing day for me. Thank you to all who helped make it possible!

Things that I am thankful for:

1. A husband who loves me

2. Fresh flowers

3. The smell of Arizona rain- ain't nothin better!!

I have a confession...

While in the car Amber is wanting to hear familiar songs on the radio and the most likely place for her is Radio Disney (AM 1580). I know the AM part stinks, but I am loving this station! It has clean songs on it, and no vulgar words or sexual references, plus they are up beat songs that BOTH my kids enjoy! So I've added some of our favorite songs on my playlist and hope you enjoy listening!

Today I am thankful for:
1) Ice Cream
2) My Vacuum
3) Friends that help out by watching my girls- I couldn't make it through this trial with out them! Love you all!

Finally.... Halloween Pictures!

I know I'm a slacker, but here are the kiddos in costume! Enjoy!

Giving Thanks

It maybe the season, but I have just been feeling so thankful for things in my life, especially recently. I am greatful that Micah and I are communicating a little better. Some weeks I don't notice as much, but this week I have- it feels good. My kids are such good kids, again, there are down times, but I am doing my best to accentuate the positive. We are all in good health physically, and are trying harder and harder everyday to be in better spiritual health. I am greatful for my family. My parents have given so much to me all these years and I only hope I can spend more time with them as they are getting older. I am sad cause as of this coming Monday they will be out of their house in Tucson and into my grandparent's old house in St. Johns. I am a little sad that they won't be closer, but am excited that once they get settled, can enjoy the slower pace up there. The good part of that is that my brother and sister-in-law are moving into my parents old house in Tucson- I'm so excited for them! I am greatful to my brother and sisters who have given me such love and support throughout the years. Without them I don't know what I'd do. I am greatful for my many friends who continue to serve me day in and day out. For my in-laws for their example and for raising such a wonderful son who is hard working and such a great husband, father and provider for us. I am most thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ for His sacrifice for me on the cross. I have been able to really internalize the atonement this year. I don't know how I could survive without the gospel in my life, it is my foundation, of which if I stand firm on, I will not be broken down. I hope that you all can find something to be thankful for this time of year, and everyday for that matter.

Here are some little things I am thankful for:
1) chocolate
2) yard care- I just found one that'll do my front and backyard for $25/mo. Less for me to worry about!
3) jewlery- I know it seems insignificant, but even the cheap Wal-Mart/ Target stuff, just makes me feel prettier when I have it on.

To blog or not to blog... that is the question

I haven't been feeling like blogging lately... is that bad? I have been focusing on other things lately, like my family and getting things done around the house. Well mostly family, the house is just a goal at this point! I do like to read what you all have posted and it always seems so fun and interesting (yet I rarely leave comments- sorry), but am having a hard time trying to think of what to post! So I guess I'll just post some recent pictures for you all to enjoy.


On Sept. 19 Amber was invited to an Ice Skating Party for a friend, at first she was nervous, but by the end she LOVED it! Here are a few pics of her in action!

For the month of September the Phx Zoo had a free admission Wednesdays when you show your Fry's card. So a friend of mine, my mother in law, sister in law, and I took advantage. I had my stroller, but the in laws didn't, so they rented one of the zoo's. As you can tell from the pictures Kaylee was a little jealous that she couldn't ride with the boys in the cool stroller, so she just plopped herself in the middle! Hello boys!

Our daily routine to go pick up Amber from school. Kaylee had just wet her pants before we left and I told her to go change... well she wanted to wear her Cinderella dress up skirt. As soon as we got in the car, I handed her her water bottle and she crossed her legs! Just like a little lady! It was too cute not to get in picture!

That same day I convinced her to try on Amber's old Halloween Cinderella Costume! Taa Daa it fit! Now I have her taken care of, just gotta find a Hannah Montana costume for Amber!

Well that's about all for now. I may have a lapse in time again cause Micah and I are switching computers so I have to get a flash drive to be able to transfer everything over- plus buy more memory for this desktop... it's sooo much slower than the laptop! That amungst my mile long to do list while the weather is cool! So long!

Things I am thankful for:

1) Naps, even the little 20 minute ones

2) Cooler weather, I LOVE being able to open my front door (iron door locked of course) and the back sliding door and let the fresh air flow through the house!

3) Talented friends who provide service to me and my family and/or offer their expertise advise!

Letting it all out

I just need to get things off my chest.

1) Amber lost her first tooth on the top! FINALLY! And she had to take it to school, JUST to get a little treasure box to put it in!

Well she woke up this morning almost in tears because the tooth fairy forgot to give her money!! The nerve of that tooth fairy! So, my first reaction was, I'm sorry, but she forgot me once too! Then I investigated the situation more.. she had left the tooth under her pillow, but not in the treasure box, not in a bag.... nothing!!! So I then proceeded to tell her that she probably came, but since it wasn't in anything... she couldn't feel it! Crossing our fingers for a safe delivery of the mula tonight! Maybe she should even give a little extra for missing last night! Hmmm...

2) I used my crock pot for dinner yesterday, but forgot to start it till noon-ish, therefore I put it on high so it would be done for dinner. Well not an hour after I started it I heard this load pop noise. Well, it's happened before, but I've only used this crock pot 3 times! Yep, I've got a crack in my crock pot- how does that happen? I mean it's not broken in half or anything, but a little bit of the liquid seeps through and burns the bottom. So still useable, but.... has this ever happened to you?


3) I'm feeling a little stressed because our Stake is having a Broadway Show night tomorrow night and our Ward is doing the Phantom of the Opera... Masquarade to be exact. Well I have my mask, my skirt, my shirt, but no decorations! The dress rehersal is at 6:30 tonight and I have nothing but plain. I am watching kids today and once they leave I'll have to go to Hobby Lobby or something and at least buy some stuff for it!! Of course dragging my kids along, so who knows if I'll even get anything done!! PLUS Micah has to work all weekend, so it's either take the kids or pay for a sitter (luckily I have a young woman coming over tonight to watch them, then during the performance my kids will be sitting with another friend of mine- thank goodness for friends!). PLUS I have 3 baby showers this weekend!!!!

I'm sorry to be writing all this, but I just need to get it all out in hopes that I'll feel better and move on! I hope for a boost of energy to get me motivated to clean my house (like deep clean) and organize my garage cause I feel like I have severly slacked in those departments in the past few months! Well to end this horrible post...



Things I am thankful for today:

1) DLTK's website- easy crafts for kids!! LOVE IT

2) Linking up with old friends, either through blogs or facebook

3) For a zit free face, most of the time. Cause right now I have a huge one that is deep down and hurts like the dickens! (Not like you needed to know that, it's just what's on my mind)

BONUS:

4) For the great country we live in! I'm proud to be an American!