Sink or Swim

I'm the baby...

2012-02-02T12:42:00.003-07:00

Remember that show "Dinosaurs" a long time ago? He always said "I'm the baby, gotta love me"!

Had to share.

Another "Micah" Conversation..

2012-01-16T21:56:00.002-07:00

Micah is real funny but serious, maybe thats why it is so funny to me. Presley had just finished her bottle and wanted more milk when Micah stood up, raised his hands, and stated that he is getting the bottle by himself because he is 5 now. So I layed back on the couch to see how this would work out. Micah is also compulsive and things need to be just right or it bugs him.

He grabs the bottle said he needed to wash it and asked where the powder was (formula). I told him we use milk not formula now so after about 10 minutes he finally filled the bottle. I asked him "Micah, are you gonna have kids someday"? He said "Ya, probably". I said "How many"? Micah replied "one". I had to keep going because I have this problem with bothering my serious 5 year old because it makes me laugh, so I asked "why only one Micah"? He said in a Napoleon Dynomite tone of voice, "Seriously mom? I still call myself a monkey". Then he stormed out of the room and gave the bottle to Presley.

On another note, this morning I was sitting at the table with Ally teaching Micah so that "he can be the smartest kindergarden kid when he goes". She would hold up letters and make up rhymes until he said which letter it was. Micah looked at her and looked at me then put his hands on his forhead and said "I am dead here". The kid can't catch a break from us girls in the house!

I seriously LOVE this kid and his awesomely unique personality!

Christmas Pics

2012-01-02T15:55:00.007-07:00

Goodbye 2011...I am not so sad to see you go, hello 2012...please be nice. I like having a time that feels like an opportunity for new beginnings!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T12:19:00.003-07:00

This picture is so special. Every member of the family made it to my Grandma's this year. Presley and Payson will be photoshopped in at a later date because they were sleeping ;) The bond a family has cannot be replaced and this Christmas was extra special. The loving relationships we form are the best gifts. We sure miss Grandpa but he lives on in each one of us, every person in the family has been changed for the better and has been given a piece of his wisdom. I always said that my Grandpa didn't talk much but when he did it was either really funny or really wise. Christmas day 2010 and this year, 2011 elk walked to the hill in my Grandma's back yard, it was beautiful and she loves to see them, I don't believe in coincidence, they were meant to be there for her. Thank you Jesus for the gift of life and the sacrifice you made for all. Merry Christmas.

P.S. More Christmas pics to follow!

Creating

2011-12-23T12:35:00.003-07:00

I LOVE her cookbook! I can't wait til the new one comes out in 2012! Her show is awesome too, on Foodnetwork. I plan on making these for Christmas Eve dinner:

What are you making for dinner? More importantly are you ready? I have decided that the older I get the faster time goes by!!

These kiddos are creative. They made Christmas costumes out of paper, Ally is Santa and Micah is her reindeer. Like the horns on his head? I think my favorite is the hooves.

The Elf's Magic

2011-12-22T14:41:00.002-07:00

The Elf on the Shelf loses his magic when touched, making him not be able to move around the house very much. Thester hadn't moved in awhile and I went to get him when I found this note...

The note translated:

Im sorry for touching you. From Ally to Thester. Ally Loves, Thester.

Ally has a huge heart and I didn't know she was feeling bad because she thought he hadn't moved because she had touched him and his magic was now gone. So Thester wrote her back...

When she found this in the morning she screamed so excited that he got her letter and he can write!

Confessions of a Multitasking Mom

2011-12-17T13:31:00.002-07:00

My kids run wild at times while I attempt to catch up my homework or business paperwork...I wish I could always pay full attention and not be 5 people in one. I realized I have taken on too much when my grandma walked in and mentioned my multitasking had gone to a whole new level. I was on the phone with our stores, working on the computer, and bathing my baby at the same time in the bathroom. So, I paused last night and captured what happens when I become involved in work...see below!

On another note, I enjoy teasing Micah. He is really funny and kinda serious though, like a little old man. One day while plucking my eyebrows he asked why and what I was doing. I told him to come over to me so I can take off some of his eyebrows, he screamed and ran. Last night he came up to me and said, "mom, since you said we don't really need eyebrows I took a shaver and started taking mine off". I was kidding!!! I guess I should watch what I joke about, he took it seriously!! See the evidence below...

Brrrrr!

2011-12-13T13:24:00.002-07:00

Snow days. The kiddos had a new friend come stay for a couple of days, we sure do love Logan! We spent the weekend with great friends, playing board games and eating lots of food, all my favorite things!! Last weekend was Brandon's 32nd birthday! We had an early Christmas with his family and traveled back home to the freezing tundra. I just might be over these winters for a little while, can spring come quick???

The good news is that I have found Pinterest. It is my inspiration and hope to get me through the winter season ;) I have tried making the coconut chicken recipe and it was a success! Some chicken dipped in condensed sweetened milk, panko bread crumbs mixed with coconut, then fried. I put it over mashed potatoes with orange marmalade sauce, delicious!

We got to see cousin Madi over Thanksgiving!! I love when the cousins are together and Presley and Madi are gonna be fun to watch grow up, hopefully they don't get into too much trouble!! I am finding more and more how stubborn Presley is, she is happy and loving but don't cross her!! I am so happy to have this baby girl in our lives!!

Holidays and Kiddos

2011-11-17T13:46:00.003-07:00

Is it too early to decorate for Christmas? I don't think so...I like to put it all up early so by the time the holiday is over, I am ready to take it down and I don't feel like I just put it up!

Our elf on the shelf who the kids named "Thester" has been wild around here. This tradition is the best...I am not sure who likes it more, me or the kids. We found Thester fishing from the toilet, sleeping in the towels, hanging from the pantry, and I bet he plans on painting the kids noses red like Rudolph in the night!

Micah and Ally say that their favorite part of Christmas is the stockings and the little surprises inside. Micah is hoping and wishing for tiny flashlights that fit around his finger. Ally decided to stop him mid sentence by saying "umm..we need to talk about something. You really might not be getting anything at all because of the grouchy mood you have been in lately." Nice. These two are constantly at eachother but I have also heard Ally say "Micah, sometimes I really don't want to play with you or be around you but I still love you." Their conversations make me laugh.

Presley is starting to stand and take steps!! The problem is, she is into EVERYTHING!! More so than the other two, she loves to climb onto things, throw breakable items, eat anything in her path, and throw things in the toilet! She teases and seems to love to push the limits, even at the age of one.

I am so thankful for these kiddos and the joy they bring me!! Time to start the decorating!!

Style

2011-11-05T16:48:00.006-07:00

I want to finetune my style. I LOVE this outfit and found this inspiration on pinterest.com, my new favorite website. This was on the blog homestoriesatoz.com, which I am now following. I hope to start building up a unique wardrobe that makes me feel good. I have changed a lot after having three kiddos and I want to still have an identity outside of "mom" (although "mom" will always be first and most important)! Sometimes as moms and wives we can lose ourselves, we don't have extra time left over after all the needs of our family is met to spend fixing ourselves up. If we do still realize we are important too, we may find ourselves more excited for the days of caring for our loved ones and best of all we become inspired with our own passions and hobbies, that we may have lost along the way.

I have found that homemade creations is a blast!!! As gifts, homemade goods are more personable and I realize how proud I am when finished that I can create something wonderful and useful out of things around the house. My new favorite gift is wine cork coasters and a bottle of wine! The old wine corks are glued together then wrapped in decorative ribbon. I also have small pumpkins I have turned into candle holders for the dinner table!!

Update!

2011-10-10T17:40:00.006-07:00

Well...my last post said hello to summer...I am just now getting back to blogging after 3 months...

We had a great summer, camping, working, and more working....but I am grateful for that opportunity given this economy!! Pictures to follow of our camp trip. Micah has gotten to be really funny. When camping Ally said she had to go to the bathroom, Micah tells her to go on a tree cause thats what he does, she said "girls don't do that Micah", then he rolls his eyes and says that he "..loves a girl that will pee on a tree"...high standards my son has.

Ally is in Kindergarten and loving every minute of it. As soon as she gets home her homework for the week is done, she is amazing and such an easy child!! She is learning to read and the teacher has started to send math papers home with her to challenge her more, she breezes right through!! I am so proud of her.

Presley is crawling around, sometimes standing, and trying to scare everyone she sees. She gets a real kick out of trying to scare people! She says "getyou, getyou, getyou" all blurred together and mimicks people on cell phones by holding her hand up to her ear and saying "hi" in a real high pitched tone. I am loving her personality!

Hello Summer, Hello Blog

2011-07-06T13:20:00.003-07:00

Brandon

2011-05-09T11:46:00.002-07:00

I love this guy. I don't tell him enough. Often times in marriage I realize we just assume they will be there and we don't show the respect and outward displays of care we used to, or we try to please a friend more than our own spouse. We have worked through so much together and communication is so very important to us. Even our fights have bettered us as people and as a couple. We purposely may push buttons to make each other mad...but at the end of the day we will have each other's back.

He works hard for our family and is my rock. He is funny, honest, spiritual, fair, understanding, strong, very smart, and the best friend, husband, and dad to our kids that a girl could ask for. I am lucky.

He knows me. He writes the best cards. On Mother's Day he bought big round lights and strung them across the roof of the back porch. He did this because he knows that I look up at the ceiling in Olive Garden at their big round lights strung across the porch or ceiling and I love them. Now I can eat out on my back porch under the lights with him.

Kids Say The Funniest Things

2011-04-18T14:32:00.004-07:00

Ally: "Micah, if I was a mom I would definately punish you". Micah: "Ally, if you were a mom I would be a dad because moms can't punish dads". [So he thinks ;)]

I am marinading chicken breasts to cook for dinner and Micah says "Ally you won't believe this, mom is gonna make us eat chicken and I am not talking about dinosaur chicken, I am talking about chicken that slimes".

Micah is yelling at Ally and telling her he isn't mad when Ally says "Micah just look at your face".

Brandon turns off Ally's show, My Little Pony, and she comes to me with tears and dramatically says "I trusted him" as if she had been devistatingly let down.

In Wal-Mart Ally sees an Easter basket she loves and when we are walking out of the store she says "I am leaving all of my love behind".

I am scolding Ally and she won't respond to me when I ask her a question and I start getting really mad when she says "What? You want there to be such thing as talking catepillars, because I am a catepillar".

Thoughts...

2011-04-12T21:54:00.004-07:00

I overhear the news (which I try to avoid because watching it requires heavy doses of depression and/or anxiety medication) and they say "stay tuned for the shooting that left someone dead and how to cut the fat without cutting the favorite food". Huh?? When did someone dying become as casual of a topic as dieting? I am concerned for us. I am always so scared that my kids are going to grow up in a world that will expose them to a harsh reality even earlier than when I was a child. Brandon always knows how to calm me and tells me that we have to bring good people in this world and raise them with values otherwise there will only be lost souls roaming and hurting others. True, I just hope I can be tough and give them the room to navigate this world as they become their own people, which unfortunately requires me to not shelter them. If it was up to me I would move to Disneyland and raise them as if that is how life is everyday, a small happy little world.

Outside Adventures

2011-04-04T20:44:00.003-07:00

My restless kids were bouncing off the walls after being drug around town by me, so I told them to get dressed and head outside and I would grab Presley and join them. I didn't know I would be joining spider man and a musketeer. We soaked in the sun, ran around, and discovered fuzzy leaves. I could get used to Mondays like this.

Ally

2011-03-29T21:04:00.005-07:00

Micah has a spiderman chair outside and Ally has decided she wants to start laying out and getting some sun (she is my little drama queen/actress). For example, I asked her to pick up her toys and she dramatically said "what do you want from me? I am a single mother of 3 children!" Anyways, back to topic...Micah is screaming and yelling for her to get out of his chair, so I say that I am taking the chair until they can learn to share and work it out. What is Ally's solution? Yes, she has to get the last word in. She says "mom I am happy in this chair and if you take it away you will have two people mad instead of one". She makes great sense and so many times she leaves me speachless!

She has been really wanting to know how God made us. I read her the creation part of her childrens bible and explained when God made man. She then said He didn't make her until much later and asked why did He make bad people? Oh my. I tell her God made man and some make bad choices. God gives us free will and choice. She then asks "why didn't they learn how to be nice?" Some people don't have the guidance that others have and they may learn someday and it is never too late, so we never give up on anyone. After all if we didn't have bad in this world how would we learn to see and appreciate good?

Ally is incredibly smart, dramatic, creative, energetic, inquisitive, happy, and beautiful inside and out. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. She has taught me so much in her first 5 years.

Happy Sunday

2011-03-27T16:48:00.001-07:00

What are you thankful for?

Sister Wives Revisited

2011-03-26T16:04:00.003-07:00

I appreciate the feedback on my previous post regarding the show "Sister Wives". I feel I may need to clarify my standpoint.

According to His written word, in the eyes of God it’s wrong. I am aware that it is against the law as well and actions have consequences. I was approaching the topic because it is alarming to me that people want to cast people out of society that believe differently and further that people are uncomfortable to talk and associate with others that believe differently or even wrong, in their eyes. According to the bible there is none who is without sin, not one. My point is that whether someone does something I agree with or not, this doesn’t change how I will treat them. Will I choose to live their lifestyle? No, it is against my belief system, but I will not purposely leave them out of my life or refrain from showing them the same love I would another person attending my church. How can anyone see a different way if they feel they are under attack or on the defense? Telling someone “you are wrong, I am right” does not usually get results or create change, rather living one’s own life to the best of one’s ability and with spiritual guidance leads to an example of a happy healthy life…the example may entice another into adopting a new way, if they choose.

I feel that choices that are deemed “bad” do not make a person “bad”. In the example of “Sister Wives” they all joined into this arrangement willingly. I don’t feel that these people should be singled out, condemned by other humans, and shut out because of a sin, we all sin. If we are only supposed to love those that we feel are good people, who does that leave? When did we start deciding who is worthy of our love and acceptance? Does this not lead to self righteousness?

Discernment between right and wrong is to be applied to ourselves and our choices. We can influence those around us but the minute someone feels judged they withdraw and walls of defense come up, influencing then becomes very hard. True change comes through love not condemnation. Turning our heads and shaking our finger at those that we feel are making bad choices does not inspire change or a desire to seek out His word…rather feeling loved, supported, and accepted allows for our walls of defense to come down and we may peek outside of ourselves and our own beliefs, questioning and searching for His inner voice to guide us. That ultimately has to be up to the individual to do though.

Even if I disagree with another way of life or belief system, I am not anyone’s judge; I can respect what gives their life meaning and purpose and continue to love them, while holding tight to my own belief. I am not arguing right from wrong, I am arguing my place to condemn someone else. According to the bible every one of us is in direct violation of God’s law. We are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

How to train your...kids?

2011-03-16T22:31:00.003-07:00

I love being mom. It is the most rewarding, exciting, challenging job there is. I struggle with the thought that they are growing up way too fast. I must learn to live in the moment and realize that no matter what is going on around me, the one thing that will always stay consistent is that I have three children that need me and I need them.

Lately I have been trying all sorts of parenting tactics to attempt to get them to listen better...then I sit at night when the house is all quiet and realize maybe I am not seeing the world from their eyes. I expect them to come up to my standards yet I must know that they see situations differently than I do. They are innocent, not jaded, curious, and excited about each and every day...and they only know how to look at the current day, not tomorrow and not yesterday, today. So maybe I am the one that needs more training. I miss being a kid and I don't want to lose that part of me just because I aged.

Sunset

2011-03-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

See what God made? Beautiful.

Sister Wives

2011-03-14T23:19:00.004-07:00

So...I am gonna get deep here...let me start by saying I watch the show "Sister Wives". I am curious to see what others think about it...please let me know for my own curious reasons. I for one started watching the show thinking how can they do this? Isn't this wrong? Are they pretending that they like it, cause I would be sad that my husband was with someone else also? Well, I have changed my mind. I like to expose myself to all things, especially things I don't know anything about or that make me uncomfortable. I do this because it helps me to grow. I realized why do I have such an opinion on how they live their life? What works for one person or family may or may not work for another but who am I to decide that? It seems like they are genuinely happy living this way. They seem like great people.

Great people come from all walks of life, all religions, and all colors, shapes, and sizes. I don't understand why we have to seperate ourselves from others that believe differently than us, is it because we are uncomfortable with what we don't know? I think that is my case. I want to be uncomfortable. I want to learn about others ways of living, but more so I want to understand how they feel. Once we realize that we all have the same feelings, whether we express them or not, we can see that it is ok to be different and to believe different. It is ok to open up and be close to another human while respecting their way of living and their belief system.

This show has made me realize that they have all the real emotions any of us would have. Perhaps that is what made me be more open to hear what they are saying, they are telling the truth. These wives are jealous and hurt at times but they have so much love in their hearts for each other, all the children, and the husband. It was so refreshing to hear how they feel, out loud, as controversial as it is, whether I agree with it or not. I am not their judge so I don't have to hold onto feelings of discontent. I myself could never and wouldn't live this lifestyle, but I could be friends with them. It is refreshing to finally see people setting themselves free from secrets. It is easier to be around others and to accept and to be open to differences if people stand with confidence in their beliefs and love other people, no matter which way they choose to live this life. The religion and/or spirituality that we choose is sacred and special to each one of us, it gives us a purpose, a meaning, and serves as a compass to direct our lives. It is unique to us yet doesn't have to seperate us. I can respect someone else's life choices, and even be fascinated by them, wanting to learn from them, while at the same time holding tight to my beliefs.

I am happy this show came on, I could let go of guessing and genuinely listen to their side of the story. People should be aloud to ask questions, to seek, and to learn. We can either be changed by what we hear and adopt new ways that fulfill our souls or we can agree to disagree, which only strengthens our current belief system...but I don't want to ever stop exposing myself to life. This show has changed my original thoughts, I just had to be open to listening.

Faces

2011-03-09T11:53:00.002-07:00

Micah's Lecture

2011-02-27T22:17:00.004-07:00

Me: "Micah turn your movie down, it is time for bed".

Micah: "Mom you turned it to that volume so you need to turn it down. When someone does something bad or wrong they have to make it right. That is the way the world works and that is what God says."

Well then, I didn't expect that deep of a lecture from my four year old over volume...point taken...I turned the volume down myself.

Funny Baby

2011-02-24T11:02:00.002-07:00

Calm Before The Storm...

2011-02-22T23:15:00.004-07:00

...My life was so calm once upon a time. Then, the storm. Life has a way with not letting us get too comfortable where we are at for too long. I have had one of the hardest winters of my short life. Can someone please pass the Zoloft? Not even kidding. Life has knocked me on my butt. I can say though, that I learn more from falling then I do from being fine. Our highs in life can only be as high as our lows, right? Time to stand up now, dust myself off, and face the world again. I am who I am, what you see is what you're going to get. I must say, the important things in life have become so much clearer. The smile on my baby's face, sitting my kids down to play a game, teaching my kids to fold their hands in prayer, eating at a dinner table together, teaching my kids how to lose and win gracefully, vacuuming a floor that is ours, feeling the heat that warms our home, feeling the down comforter swallow me up and comfort me from the outside world, and so much more. These are the little things that are so much bigger.

Independent

2011-02-10T13:19:00.002-07:00

Yes...I do feed my children. They however, insist that they can do everything on their own, including cook food they want to eat. So, I let them...sometimes. The meal usually consists of dry cereal, marshmellows, peanut butter on crackers (and everwhere else), and last but not least, milk with chips floating in it.

Life is taking so many twists and turns, I have no idea what is next. I know God has a plan and he never fails, all things work for good, let His will be done. Brandon leaves to sheriffs academy this weekend. He will be there for 16 weeks but be home on the weekends. I am prioritizing my life, I can no longer do all the things I do without ending up in a straight jacket.

Micah broke his arm :( He decided to jump down stairs instead of walk down them. I took him to the doctor and he sat there, not crying and told them calmly that his arm hurt. He is amazingly tough. They asked him if his mom and dad taught him to be tough and he replied, "no, I just am all on my own". The kids don't lack confidence either. He is excited, tomorrow he gets a dinosaur cast. His first area of business was to let me know that he can't clean his room anymore. I let him have one day off, but then I made him get back to doing things with one arm. I don't want him to ever be stopped in life, not even by a broken limb.

Six Year Anniversary

2011-02-06T10:25:00.003-07:00

6 years and 3 kids is what Brandon and I celebrated yesterday. We have been through a whole lot in 6 years. We started a business, a family, a house, been through surgeries and cancer, losses and gains. Our life so far has taught us many lessons and has brought us only closer. We have learned that being on the same team is much more productive than going at it alone or against each other. Nothing is constant and we embrace change with the help of God.

My mom took our kiddos for the whole weekend and we didn't quite know what to do! We tried to think of things that are hard to do with 3 kids. So we went on a quad ride back into the forest in the freezing cold. Then we went to dinner and a movie. We saw "The King's Speech"...and almost fell asleep. Below are pictures of our little adventure and a sneak peak at what I wear on a 6 year anniversary night!

Beautiful view from atop a mountain.

Brandon walking out on the ice to see if it will hold and me trying to capture a picture in case he falls in!

Oh, yes. This is my 6 year anniversary outfit. Snuggie and all.

Pictures

2011-02-01T10:29:00.002-07:00

Presley got to spend quality time napping with her cousin Madi.

Ally wears sunglasses inside...as you can see Micah is about to make her mad by running over her girls with his truck.

Micah is into exercise...here he is doing his pushups.

Presley is such a happy baby!

Wisdom

2011-01-19T16:03:00.002-07:00

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
— Maya Angelou

This woman is strong, faithful, and understands the power of words. To her, words are things that have power and that stay within all the fibers of your home and being once they are released. I hope to gain as much wisdom as her someday. Growing in age is beautiful, the lessons of life become so much clearer and words become so much more profound.

Presley Ann

2011-01-13T15:31:00.003-07:00

Oh how we love this baby girl!! She has been such an amazing addition to our family and I can't get enough of her! Micah and Ally are excited that she is starting to interact with us more!

P.S. In real need of summer weather up here to cheer me up! I am no longer a fan of winter...blah!

Success

2011-01-07T13:34:00.004-07:00

I suppose I never thought I would define success as getting toys out from behind my very heavy bed by sticking duck tape to a broom and fishing one toy up and out at a time. I have struggled with the very definition of success lately. In my own head I believed that it was financially and work load based. So, being at home with my kids has been great but I was feeling anxious and lazy because I was not working outside the home chasing that success point that is unreachable. Much like materialism, I would eventually believe what I was doing was not enough and once again add more to my plate thinking that would make me feel fulfilled if I just did this one other thing...but that is not so.

Finding the definition of success is up to each individuals interpretation. It seems harder to define in this rat race our society has created. True success lies within, and that is why I have had so much trouble finding it and trouble feeling like I had achieved it! I have to look within and around me at the people in my life...the relationships that go unappreciated. I have three beautiful kids that need a mom to be at the house making it a home and need to be taught how to maneuver in this life. I have a hardworking loving husband that needs a good meal and a comfortable home to recharge at. The little tasks of laundry, dishes, toy clean up, dusting, vacuuming, cooking, etc. may be the ones I was dreading, yet they are the ones that are most fulfilling to me. Once I do them I feel better, and so do all the people around me that live here. So to me success can finally be found, I just have to get to achieving it via a different route. I suppose I can begin looking within by fulfilling myself spiritually as I search for the me I want to be, I must be content inside of my own self and inside my home for what it is today, right now. I must understand that I cannot measure myself up against Martha Stewart (Who drives me crazy by the way), and I will be proud to be a mom and a housewife...even if I am redefining what it means to wear that title. ;)

"...There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way. Happiness does not come from seeking new landscapes, but from having new eyes on the same life you've always been living" -Unknown

1-1-11

2011-01-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The 5 of us are ready for any changes we may encounter and for all the possibilities that a brand new year can bring!

Suicide...

2010-12-30T12:46:00.004-07:00

...A permanent solution to a temporary problem. This decision is being made by many ages all around us, we must reach out to others, we are all in this together. Perhaps the pain has been building up for some, or someone is being bullied and teased, or financial and worldly stress is piling up, or in the heat of a moment a person doesn't have the chance to think about the action and its consequences. Whatever the reason, we have to open ourselves up and become vulnerable...as society progresses and lives speed up, saying hi to someone or smiling at them even if you don't know them becomes awkward. I myself rounded the corner in the grocery store the other night and smiled and said hi to someone I almost bumped into, they looked at me very strangely the rest of that grocery shopping trip like I was wierd. But, we never know how one smile can affect someone. Listening is so powerful, we must all take the time to listen. We are not here to judge others or to tell someone what they should do, we just need to love and listen for someone to work out their concerns.

My heart aches for those family members left behind that may always question themselves as to what they should have or could have done, it isn't their fault. My heart also aches for the person or people that take themselves out of this world because their inner emotional pain became too much to bear. This world piles worries upon us more and more each day and God may be the only one that can bear the burden of our pain, and he will if we just ask. We cannot judge others and their situations, we have never walked in anyone elses shoes but our own. I feel that awareness is essential right now and every path we take in this life guides us down roads where we encounter people that we may change or that may change us in order to reach our final destination with our learned lessons in hand. There is a bigger plan for us and we may never know why we go through the things we do in this life, but it will all work for good. We have a purpose that is bigger than ourselves. Each and every one of us has a purpose and meaning in this life, the bible says "But even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows".

The world may make us feel so alone at times...we are not alone and we must reach out to each other in order to make this message much more known. Like the song by Ryan Starr says, "Just breathe, take the world off your shoulders and put it on me. Breathe."

A New Year

2010-12-29T18:06:00.002-07:00

Hello out there. Christmas was wonderfully crazy. As usual I am running around last minute trying to finish even though I promised myself I would do everything earlier...but we made it and we got to see lots of family both in Mesa and up here in Show Low. So, I am not too fond of 2010 and am looking forward to 2011.

I have really grown to appreciate the New Year as a holiday. I am given a chance to shift my perception of things going on in life and wipe last years built up stress away. A new year represents positive change and personal growth. Priorities have been evaluated and goals have been set. I want to learn new things such as guitar, golf, and sewing. I want to continue to get better at photography, self-discipline/motivation, attending church, and praying. I want to force myself out of my comfort zone and have already planned on attending Warrior Dash with lots of friends (yes, I am insane but this is something I would never normally do). Most of all, I want to always remember that the best things in life are not things and the simpler life is the better. I can so easily get lost in this world and I feel like it sneaks up on me and before I know it I am feeling down and unfulfilled, yet I can't figure out why. The simple parts of life such as prayer and my spiritual relationship with God, family card games, the smell of the outdoors on a beautiful day, capturing the perfect moment on film, watching a great movie, eating homemade meals, and witnessing excitement and hope in your kids eyes...these parts of life are what fulfill the soul.

Here is to a new year and another opportunity to learn from the past and always move forward.

3 Year Old Winter Moment...

2010-11-29T12:55:00.004-07:00

I wake up to Micah yelling...

Micah: MOM! SNOW STORM IS COMING! SNOW STORM IS COMING!

Me: That's cool Micah.

Micah: NO, ACTUALLY THAT IS NOT COOL! PENGUINS CAN START WALKING INTO OUR HOUSE NOW!!

The things kids worry about, I wish I could be a kid again...

November 11, 2010

2010-11-15T08:48:00.003-07:00

At 2:27 a.m. on Veteran's day, Presley Ann was born weighing 7 lb 3 oz!! We are so excited and everyone is happy and healthy! Micah is very protective of her and always wants to hold her and kiss her, while Ally will say hi once in awhile :) Ally is very busy constantly making crafts and signs for her "cupcake business". She is always thinking of things to design and sell, even has a design book of future products to make (fairies for a toy store, cupcakes for a bakery, dresses, etc.)!! We can't wait to get to know Presley. More info and pics to follow!

October!

2010-10-21T14:46:00.007-07:00

October is a month filled with fun events such as Ally's 5th birthday, cousins visiting, pumpkin patch outings, hay rides, and hopefully....Presley will be joining us! As of the last doctors appointment I was 75% effaced and 2 cm dilated. I am trying to make it to saturday the 23rd before I walk around, then I will be 36 weeks and ready to have her! October just may be my favorite month of the year!

Hello Fall...

2010-08-31T10:19:00.003-07:00

...and hello blog. I have been ignoring my blog and camera for some time now. I am now 28 weeks and 3 days pregnant! Presley will be here soon! Ally started soccer and hip-hop, she is loving both! Here are some pictures recapping summer that were special and one that makes me excited, Fall! I have started decorating, I love holidays and looking forward...

Book Recommendation

2010-07-13T11:26:00.003-07:00

Just started and finished this book this morning...a very worthwhile read and just what I needed. I recommend this uplifting book to all.

Meet Max

2010-07-07T08:33:00.002-07:00

Max is our newest family member...I figure he will be lower maintenance than Rocco (our lab that my brother now owns). Max doesn't mind being alone and loves us when we are with him. Don't worry, Micah didn't choke him in this picture although it does look like it...Max is very patient with the toddlers around here :)

We went up to Woodland Lake...it is so beautiful. The paved trail around the lake lets us ride bikes or we can put a blanket out under the trees and feed ducks! The animals are friendly there, even the squirrel that let us feed him!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-05T12:11:00.005-07:00

We are still alive and well...been very busy with t-ball, weddings, 4th of July float and activities for the business, and dance recitals! I am 20 weeks pregnant now and really feeling the fatigue! Time is flying and I can hardly keep up...

Micah has a teasing personality and is the biggest flirt with little girls older than him! He says he loves them! Ally was brushing her hair in the mirror and Micah, trying to annoy her got on a stool and yelled that he was now bigger than her...she calmly replied "that's ok because queens are supposed to be small". She talks endlessly on her fake cell phone and leads a busy social life haha. I love these kiddos!!

Ally dressed as a sailor dancing to The Good Ship Lollipop!

Our cloud float representing this years theme The American Dream!

Digital Dan, our mascot and Ally...

Ally stole Digital Dan's shoes!

Cousin Ashley dressed up as our statue of liberty with Ronald Mcdonald...She is going to kill me!

Uncle Kevin and Micah fishing for ducks...such concentration!

Ally busting out dance moves at Travis and Savannah's wedding!

Wild dancers!

Our little baseball player!

Run Micah Run!

Ally made it on base!

It's A....

2010-05-26T11:09:00.002-07:00

GIRL!!!! We had an ultrasound and saw her kicking like crazy! He said he is sure it is a little girl...we couldn't be more excited! Her name will be Presley Ann Rumzis.

As for life, it is crazy. I am still going to school for my counseling masters and Brandon is busy as ever with the new part of our business, computer repair. Ally is in tap and is switching to hip hop and soccer while Micah is in t-ball and loving it. He doesn't let me hug him or show affection at practice, he says I might mess him up and he talks in a deep voice when he gets there! I am feeling a ton better and back up and running finally.

Fearless

2010-05-11T21:32:00.003-07:00

I am loving my depression forced break from reading psychological books to reading inspirational wise ones in between. This has helped me to break out of my rut and change my perception of my surroundings. It is not the things in our lives that trouble us, it is our perception of them. So, now I am reading Fearless by Max Lucado.

I want to share on poem out of the book that made me smile and this is one of many ways this book tries to show us how hard we make life on ourselves to be at the top in order to matter. Here is this poem:

Fear of Not Mattering

Perhaps you don't know,

then, maybe you do,

about Stiltsville, the village,

(so strange but so true)

where people like we,

some tiny, some tall,

with jobs and kids

and clocks on the wall

keep an eye on the time.

For each evening at six,

they meet in the square

for the purpose of sticks,

tall stilts upon which

Stiltsvillians can strut

and be lifted above

those down in the rut:

the less and the least,

the Tribe of Too Smalls,

the not cools and have-nots

who want to be tall

but can't, because

in the giving of sticks,

their name was not called.

They didn't get picked.

Yet still they come

when villagers gather;

to see if they matter

to the clique of the cool,

the court of high clout,

that decides who is special

and declares with a shout,

"You're classy!" "You're pretty!"

"You're clever" or "Funny!"

And bequeath a prize,

not of medals or money,

not a freshly baked pie

or a house someone built,

but the oddest of gifts--

a gift of some stilts.

Moving up is their mission,

going higher their aim.

"Elevate your position"

is the name of their game.

The higher-ups of Stiltsville

(you know if you've been there)

make the biggest to-do

of the sweetsess of thin air.

They relish the chance

on their high apparatus

to strut on their stilts,

the ultimate status.

For isn't life best when viewed from the top?

Unless you stumble

and suddenly are not

so sure of your footing.

You tilt and then sway.

"Look out bel-o-o-o-w!"

and you fall straightaway

into the Too Smalls,

You land on your pride--

oh boy, how it hurts

when the chic police,

in the jilt of all jilts,

don'toffer to help

but instead take your stilts.

"Who made you king?"

you start to complain

but then notice the hour

and forget your refrain.

It's almost six!

No time for chatter.

It's back to the crowd

to see if you matter.

Stiltsvillians still cluster,

and crowds still clamor,

but more stay away.

They seem less enamored

since the Carpenter came

and refused to be stilted.

He chose low over high,

left the system tip-tilted.

"You matter already,"

he explained to the town.

"Trust me on this one.

Keep you feet on the ground."

Checking In

2010-04-07T13:15:00.003-07:00

These days my kids dress themselves while I crawl around in agony from pregnancy nausea. I take dramamine and b6 for little relief. I have now replaced my prenatal vitamins that feel like poison to my stomach with gentler Flinstone vitamins. Hopefully this passes quickly so I can get back to being excited for another baby...this has got to be the last one though. Love love love them but I am not very good at being pregnant.

Easter was relaxing. We watched my brother's soccer games and went to my grandmas house for another egg hunt and dinner. Hope everyones Easter was great!

We Are Back...

2010-03-31T11:25:00.002-07:00

We are back from Mexico and I am back to blogging. I now have my due date for baby #3...November 2! Earlier than I expected which is a good thing. For those who know me, I am not the best at being pregnant. I whine, I complain, I get sick, I am moody, I am tired, but I will be so happy for the end result!! Speaking of lazy, Brandon came home from work and looked around the house before asking very calmly what I did today. I replied that I did one load of laundry and painted my toenails. He has learned to fear the pregnancy hormones so he just stated that he had hoped I got that done today (rolling his eyes).

Mexico was a great trip...a bunch of family on the beach. Towards the end my nausea from the pregnancy came on full force and now I cannot see seafood without losing it, due to the smell of those markets. We ate at this great restaurant high over the ocean recommended by Savanna and Travis, a great experience. The mariachis sang to us on the deck while we ate. Micah didn't understand why there was another language so he asked very loudly why the man didn't know the words. At the market another man started speaking spanish and Micah asked him to speak English...embarrassing. My kids need cultural exposure.

Here are some of the photos from the Mexico vacation :)

Drumroll Please...

2010-03-08T21:38:00.002-07:00

My Eggo is Preggo! Baby number 3 will be joining us in November!!!!

Cupcakes and Cowboys

2010-03-06T11:47:00.003-07:00

TONS of mini cupcakes + 2 kiddos + tubs of frosting + sprinklers (as they call them) = delicious fun.

Micah says that when he puts this cowboy belt on he transforms into a "real cowboy". Here is his pose with his favorite shoes to tie the outfit all together...

For Now...

2010-02-27T11:08:00.002-07:00

So...the snow remains...for now. Life is crazy busy with Brandon always at work and doing his new computer repair business on top of the Verizon stores. We love it though and are grateful for the opportunity. I am still doing school...working on counseling classes covering suicide assessments, addiction, and compulive behaviors. On a lighter note, this spring marks the beginning of new experiences for Ally, she will be old enough for t-ball and soccer! I asked her if she was ready for t-ball and she put her hands up and said "mom, one thing at a time ok? I am doing soccer first". Even my four year old is telling me to slow down! Below are some pictures of us passing the time...waiting for any sign of warmth...

Introducing...

2010-02-22T13:13:00.002-07:00

...Mr. Cool and Miss Harvey Heart...or so they say.

No More Snow!

2010-02-21T13:22:00.002-07:00

Happy warmer days are sure to come...

I am over this winter and looking forward to inspiring yard projects, shorts, flip-flops, and sprinklers...

It's Time...

2010-02-17T09:08:00.003-07:00

Its time to get back to basics, to simplicity, to loving every second of my kids lives...time to get organized, to cook and eat meals together at a dinner table, to have family game night...

...time to add color to my life with little touches that make me happy and make me feel pretty.

...time to take down the Christmas lights (maybe leave the trees all lit up though). This is long overdue.

...time to remember the excitement and imagination of a kid crossing homemade chair bridges into magical forests and crystal kingdoms.

...time to rekindle a love that began years ago with kind words and tender moments that have merged into "its your turn" or "roll over, your crowding me" or "I am going to lose my mind!"

...time to spend time with a good book.

Food Inc.

2010-02-16T09:03:00.005-07:00

Has anyone seen the movie Food Inc.? Tragically I watched it right after I ate a chicken...not a good idea. I cannot believe what they do to our food just to make more money! I am not eating any more meat unless I know the animals were treated humanely and that the meat has no antibiotics and amonia in it, hard to come by these days. In other words, I need to find a farmer who raised them how they are naturally supposed to be...or cut meat out of my diet all together. To be honest, before this movie I would roll my eyes at the thought of being a vegetarian or a vegan and now I realize how much healthier it may be.

As the movie asks, are you hungry for change? I am.

SnOw DaYs!

2010-01-22T15:29:00.003-07:00

We have sooo much snow up here!! Brandon went out back and built a sledding hill in our back yard that went down and around until they ended up in the bottom of our yard, where they then hit a jump...the pics are not that clear but they had a lot of fun! (Don't ask me why Brandon is wearing shorts...)

Happiness Tag

2010-01-07T15:11:00.007-07:00

Better late than never right :) I have been tagged by Aly and am just now getting back on the blog! There are so many things that make me happy and I think it is a great idea to list these daily to keep our thoughts and energy positive and thankful. My top ten:

1. Faith in Jesus. He hears our prayers, forgives us, unconditionally loves us, holds us accountable, and saved us. May his will be done.

2. My FAMILY!!! I love love love my husband Brandon, my family and my friends. The more the merrier. They understand you and are there in good times and bad.

***My grandma and grandpa. I love them so so much and am thankful to be able to be close. I havn't posted pics with my grandpa in them because I am just now getting to where I can look at a picture without losing it completely (my heart still aches badly as I try to write this). I will never get over losing him but I know he in heaven and he made our whole family and anyone around him happy. He will be forever in my heart and my heart will forever be scarred from this tremendous loss. He would want us to be happy so we must embrace the circle of life and live how he has taught us to by being honest, open minded, strong, loving, and supportive to all others. An AMAZING man with a HUGE heart.

3. Clean bathed kids, clean house, and dinner at the table all together. This is rare but hopefully will start coming together more often :) I also love hearing Ally saying her prayers and thanking God for the people in her life by name one by one...this sometimes takes a LONG time!

4. Capturing an amazing photo of a moment.

5. A great smelling candle (Gold Canyon) bringing scents so great it makes my mood improve dramatically and it provides the comfort that flickering candlelight can give.

6. When I get in my car and a favorite song comes on...I turn it up real loud and lose myself in the moment.

7. Being able to cross out items on my "to do" list and at the end of the day by some miracle they may all get crossed out!

8. A good thunderstorm.

9. Clean, wrinkle free sheets on the all made up beds with tons of pillows.

10. Holidays! I love nothing more than to start decorating for the next holiday no matter which one it is! It makes me happy and I enjoy looking forward and being excited for things!

Elf On the Shelf

2009-12-01T22:08:00.002-07:00

We were going about our day when we heard a little noise coming from the fire place! What could it be? There, underneath the stockings was a little red elf sitting on a book titled "Elf on the Shelf". Santa (aka Aunt Shelly) had sent him to our house! Ally couldn't understand why he didn't talk so we sat on her bed with the book to read what it said...

This elf was here to live with us during the Christmas season and every night when he hears Santa's bell he would go back to the North Pole to report if we have been naughty or nice! During the day when we aren't looking he moves! We have to search for him all day long as he skips from ledge to ledge in the house, we even found him in a cup! We signed our book and Ally gave him his name...Thester.

He can't talk so he doesn't tell us the secret surprises Santa is making, but he can see and hear everything, even our wishes! Ally started whispering in his ear some of her wishes...

Micah came from his room in search of Thester...

He pointed his gun at him and Ally rescued Thester and told Micah that it is now too late for him, he is already on the naughty list!

Thester, our little elf narrowly escaped Micah and went to the North Pole for the night, but in the morning we must search our house for his new spot...who knows where he will be watching us from!

Fireproof

2009-11-23T11:57:00.002-07:00

"Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it". This is regarding marriage. I LOVE this movie Fireproof and was really moved by the message it gives to married couples. No matter the stage of marriage everyone is at there will be "fire" at some point and we have to be able to work through it. God is the answer and the one that can help each of us through ANYTHING. The power of prayer is amazing and I myself needed to be reminded of how I can go astray from my own values and priorities if I give into the worldly matters and forget to pray. As the country song says, the secret to a long happy life is to "never let your praying knees get lazy" and to "love like crazy". God loves us no matter if we deserve it or not; I will strive to love others and it is not my place to decide who does or does not deserve it, it is a gift I have been given and a gift I will give back.

When Brandon and I got married we vowed before God, for better or for worse. Sometimes I think we say this but are thinking we mean just for better! This movie has opened my eyes to a bigger meaning to our marriage and I know that I will "never leave my partner behind, especially in a fire". I am thankful for my marriage and for Brandon (I don't say this often enough) and how far we have come together. We have learned to listen to the needs of one another (they are very different!) and try to fulfill them.

This brings me to my favorite part of the movie, the comparison of a marriage to salt and pepper. They are very different, but they are always seen together. The man then superglues the salt and pepper shaker together and states that now no one can pull them apart because if you did it would break one or both of them forever.

In order to love I have to fully understand what love is. Love is given from my heart without expecting to receive something in return. Love is powerful and I so often think to myself what I am not going to do for Brandon because of what he isn't giving me (I am embarrassed to say) but I now know that it is my responsibility to not follow my heart but to lead it and to give love in its purest sense as I have been given from God, to my husband and to everyone else on this journey..we are all not as different as we think sometimes.

Brandon and I bought the book "The Love Dare" based off of this movie and we are going to partake on this 40 day journey to strengthen our marriage with God. We have to take this seriously and complete the task each day for this to work, even though there will be days we don't want to! I encourage every other couple or person that wants to be married someday to do this as well. I am so excited about the message and ispiration this movie and book can bring in a world full of temptation.

Elf Yourself!

2009-11-12T14:55:00.003-07:00

Happy Holidays from the Rumzis family! You can elf yourself at elfyourself.com...haha!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T18:25:00.003-07:00

What a fun Halloween! Our kiddos really got a kick out of trick-or-treating this year (Even though it was freezing! :p) Below are some of our pics...Hope everyone had a great night!

Trick-or-treat bags we made.

Ally and Micah all ready to go.

Micah hunting monsters with his dragon and sword :)

Princess Ally.

Gold Canyon Candles and A New Idea!

2009-10-30T16:51:00.005-07:00

I am selling Gold Canyon Candles!! I love it, they absolutely sell themselves and I am having sooo much fun with it! I just wanna let everyone know that I now have a website! It is www.mygc.com/krcandlegifts. I really appreciate the orders through my site and make sure to register to receive future discounts and promos! I also am taking bookings for hosts to have a party at their house! Good friends, good food, and great candles make for a fun girls night! The new holiday collection is sooo fun!!

At the candle parties I am also selling bow holders and flower clips!! Anyone that wants to book a party at their home or mine is welcome to sell their handmade goodies their too! Girls shopping night here we come!!

So, I have a Gold Canyon website and am selling flower clips...as mentioned. Anyone looking to sell their homemade goodies here in the white mountains? We need to team up and share our bookings! If someone books with me, you are included and vise versa! A traveling in home store! Plus, our network gets a whole lot bigger if we work together to sell our creations! We find willing hosts and offer great incentives while having a great time!

Kids Craft...A New Horse!

2009-09-20T15:10:00.002-07:00

We made horses for Ally and Micah to ride on! We had old mismatched wool socks and with some stuffing, a pole, felt, yarn, and an needle and thread we made "princess" (Ally's) and "boy" (Micah's). They love them!!!

Unexpected Questions

2009-09-18T13:59:00.002-07:00

Ally: How do babies get out of the mom's tummy?

Me: (Not wanting to have this conversation just yet) How do you think they get out?

Ally: They crawl out...Oh ya, they crawl out of mom's mouths! (With an accomplished grin)

Me: Ok, we will go with that for now :)

2009-09-17T17:04:00.002-07:00

My babies had to get shots today :( It was so sad, Micah came out of the room ready to go to the dr. with a boy doll and said he needed to hold him cause the doll was scared of shots too and he was gonna cover his eyes for him. They were so brave though and screamed a lot less than I thought so we went to pizza! I didn't know this but Pizza Hut lets kids 3 and under eat off the buffet free, I love free! Here are some more things I love...

Micah reading with Tag reader...such a big boy.

Fall air coming in and Halloween decorations being put up!

My herbs growing! I am not so good at keeping things alive but it is working this time!

Beautiful sunsets.

How nurturing Micah is.

The peacefulness of the woods and the amazing animals that live there.

My precious Ally getting herself ready...

Family, friends, and kids: priceless.

This and That

2009-08-25T14:27:00.002-07:00

I have been slacking majorly on my blog! So this post will be full of pics and updates on what we have been doing. We went on vacation to Disneyland and Legoland. Life has been crazy lately and we are trying to adjust to the Fall schedule of preschool, dance, work, my school, and family. I love this season though. The holidays, birthdays, cooler weather, and crafts. I have made a holder for Ally's flower clips and am making them in all colors! Well here is to catching up... :p

My flower clip holder.

My grandma buried by the kids and tucked into Ally's bed!

Ally going to preschool!

Micah had so much fun he fell asleep standing up!

We went to Disneyland and Ally LOVED Handy Manny!

Jessie came out of the crowd to hug Ally, so sweet!

Micah at Legoland.

Me and Allykins

K, this is gross but funny. At Joe's crab shack we got calamari and Micah was starving for his chicken so as a joke we set this huge ocopus looking piece of food in front of him and told him he could eat that til his chicken came...we were sure he would throw it and say how gross but instead he crammed it into his mouth tentacles and all! Funniest moment, cause my kids are such picky eaters.

Daddy and Ally in the ocean.

Camping and Kid's Day

2009-07-15T17:52:00.005-07:00

So, last weekend we went up to Drift Fence Lake. I love that place. We camped right on the lake for four days! My dad has been going there since he was a kid and has taken us since we were little. It is the most relaxing place in the world. We played volleyball, fished, and played cribbage tournaments! Best weekend...

On a side note I am trying to potty train Micah...not so easy. I don't think he is ready yet. He hates the idea of "big boy" underwear and has no desire to go in the toilet. I sat him down on it for awhile and he said "ok, all done". I said, "Micah, you didn't go yet, wanna try again?" He responded by holding his hands out and saying "momma, why you freaking out on me?" The kid is hilarious and I guess I will keep trying to win this battle!

Wednesdays are play days with the kiddos! Artie and Mara get to come play with Ally and Micah so I got treasure boxes for them to paint! I love love love kids! There are a lot of pics in this post!

Plastic covered the living room...

Kids leaping from furniture...

Our fish

The beautiful treasure boxes that will hold lots of secret goodies!

Here are the photos from the camp trip:

Old house in the meadow.

Huge nest! An Osprey brang fish from the lake up there!

Beautiful Drift Fence Lake...

Our whole family on this little boat! We won't be doing that again!

My little fisherman :)

I love my kiddos!

Yummy Recipe!

2009-07-07T09:16:00.002-07:00

For breakfast we decided to try something new...this recipe turned out to be a winner with the kids and Brandon! We mixed up pancake batter and poured it into mini muffin tins. Micah chopped bananas and put a piece in each muffin then we put it in the oven and hoped for the best. :) When they came out we buttered them and sprinkled cinnamon/sugar over the top and in the syrup. They were all gone in 5 minutes! You could probably use any fruit and they are delicious and the kids can cook 'em too!

After they ate they told me very seriously that they had to work...haha

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-06T12:58:00.003-07:00

Happy 4th of July!! This year we had a bunch of cousins up visiting and we built a float for our business, Digital Solutions! The theme was play'n in the USA so we put a pool on our float and threw out frisbees, beach balls, candy and popsicles! We had a great 4th of July and hope everyone else had a great weekend too! Here are some pics from our float...

Ally and Jaycee lounging while we built our float!

Getting ready for the parade!

Digital Dan, our mascot all dressed up!

Bunches of cousins on the float!

Ally swam in the pool during the whole parade!

Havasupai Falls

2009-06-29T12:55:00.004-07:00

So we just got back from Havasupai Falls! We hiked 28 miles over the last few days and are sore and tired! It was so beautiful and we had a great time. We tent camped at the bottom near a creek. We started our hike in and out around 4am to try to beat the heat, which worked out well. The water was incredible and so fun to swim in. There were wild dogs and starving horses roaming around which was kinda disturbing. A great trip but probably will only do it once!! If I go again I want to be helicoptered in and out!

The guys

The girls

Our group hiking.

Swimmin under the falls.

Moony Falls

Falls

Rock cliff to you have to climb up and down to get to Moony Falls! It was scary!

Brandon jumping off cliff into waterfall!

Brandon and I before the hike.

New family member!

2009-06-22T16:46:00.004-07:00

I almost forgot...we have a new puppy! His name is Rocco, courtesy of the kids.

They aren't terrified of him...I promise. :)

Update...

2009-06-22T14:12:00.008-07:00

Well, I have been slacking on my blog for awhile now so I will try to get caught up! First, my dad has his vision fully back!! We are so excited for him and we got him a new nikon camera for father's day to get back into photography! We are getting ready to hike Havasupai Falls and I am sooo nervous for this! Hopefully I make it out!! Also, Ally had her first ballet recital this last weekend, it was hilarious and adorable! She was the last to sprint off the stage with a dramatic wave for the audience. She is signed up to do jazz and ballet next year, she is loving dance! Below are some recent pictures.

Ally and Artie taking a walk and having a serious conversation...so funny. Don't you love the outfit? She insists on dressing herself lately.

Another pic of a wild horse.

My grandma. She loves the woods and camping. She is such a strong woman, I am so lucky to be so close to her.

Mom and Micah on a quad ride, he loves it! She is the best mom and grandma!!

Grandma and papa (my parents) gave Ally little treasures after her recital. What a lucky little girl I have! I love my family.

These were fun treats the kids and I made for Ally's preschool class. They maybe weren't as delicious as they looked, but really fun to make!

So now for the big question that I can't decide on...do we have more kids or stop where we are at? HELP, I can't decide and need opinions!!!

Life Standing Still...

2009-05-11T18:28:00.005-07:00

Saturday Brandon, uncle bubba, me and the kiddos drove far into the woods and hiked around looking for animals. Let me tell ya, that is the most relaxing and fun trip! Life is so simple and peaceful out there. We found a deer, turkey, and bear track! I snuck up on some wild horses and realized how intense, confident, and beautiul they are. The kids were so happy to go on this adventure!

More importantly, please pray for my dad. He has lost his vision and they diagnosed him with a pseudo tumor cerebri (a false brain tumor that creates extra spinal fluid) and are now looking into other possible causes. We are praying for his vision to return and for his health to improve. It breaks my heart to see such a strong man that never sits still be fallen to this horrible illness. He still is a strong spiritual man whose faith and courage is uncompromising...we won't stop praying. Thank you to all who are doing so with us.

Lone flower

turkey

deer

bear

wild horses

Things to Look Forward to.

2009-04-22T09:39:00.003-07:00

So, babycenter.com has this tool that allows you to put in some information and it will tell you how tall they think your kids will be by the time they are eighteen. It was kinda fun to do. It says Ally will be 5'5 and Micah will be 6'4! That is how tall my brother is, so maybe!

My tulips are peeking up above the ground...I didn't think they were going to make it! I am excited that it is working cause I don't know much about planting things but want to learn.

Today Ally is a mermaid...yesterday she was superwoman. She has a box of various costumes and her imagination is great these days! Micah is really beginning to talk clearly and forming his own strong opinion on things. This includes what he is going to wear. I try to let them choose (within reason) so they can be themselves and learn they do have choices.

I am getting excited and nervous for the Havasupai Falls hike in June. I have to get in shape! I have never done a hike like this before so it should be fun! I really need to find good hiking boots also. Well that is all I have for now...

Stress

2009-04-21T15:14:00.002-07:00

I am back from a relaxing weekend in phoenix! I had the most stressful week last week so saturday I drove to phoenix by myself and didn't come back til Monday night! Brandon was really good about it and watched the kids for me. I am much better now and ready to tackle more weeks.

Ally was superwoman today. She wore the costume all day and if I called her Ally she would correct me and say that I needed to call her superhero and only feed her superhero food. I guess superheros only eat froot loops.

She then proceeded to tell me that she lost my wedding ring! So, the rest of my day was spent on my hands and knees searching the house for them...in the mean time Brandon came home from work and took the toilet apart to see if it was in there. After hours of searching I finally found it in the corner of my room under a chair. But, Brandon accidentally shattered the toilet tank already and we had to then replace half the toilet. Toddlers are stressful!!!! (I thought my ring was safe but toddlers apparently use chairs to climb on top of bathroom counters).

Now it is night and I have homework and p90x to accomplish still. I will probably be on vacation again very soon...

Easter

2009-04-16T12:12:00.003-07:00

All dressed up for Easter Sunday.

Ally, Micah, and Brandons basket! Brandon got me a facial at spa estique!!

The egg hunt led to these scooters from grandma and papa!!!

Easter Sunday was a relaxing day at my grandmas. We went to sunrise service at 5:30 am and froze but it started the day great. I hope everyone had a great Easter!

This picture below was what Ally came out dressed like for school...

Easter Fun and Other Funny Stuff...

2009-04-05T17:28:00.006-07:00

The Easter cake we baked!!

Show Low park had their annual Easter egg hunt this last weekend so we got to hunt eggs early! The kids ate way to much candy and it was freezing cold, but we still had fun! After that we went and ate Chinese food and Ally looks at the waitress and says Meehow (I have no idea how to spell this, it sounded like this)! I had no idea what was just said but the waitress started talking back in Chinese!? I asked what was being said and she told me Ally had just said hi, how are you to the waitress. When did she start speaking chinese? Ally just looked at me and said, "that is how you speak chinese momma" with this tone that she just couldn't believe I didn't know this. I have been asking her to help out with picking up her room lately and at times I will tell her to do something and she just looks at me and says "interesting, but no"! My patience is being tested with these kiddos but they are a lot of fun. Anywho, thats all for now!

Uncle Bubba (Ryan) and Micah

Micah and Ally in the jumping castle!

Ally posing in between gathering eggs.

Micah and Ally with their friends Dillan and Myla!

Photos

2009-03-30T13:35:00.003-07:00

This look of Ally's is classic when I tell her to do something. She is really pushing the line and likes to be in charge. The kids are getting so big I can't even believe it! I took them to the aquatic center for the first time last week...they absolutely love to go swimming! Micah is still a little timid but we had a lot of fun. I have my new camera now, a nikon. I am having so much fun with it...I still have a lot to learn. Photography has always been fascinating to me though. You can really capture the life of things, even really small things that would normally go missed. Here is my beginning photos and I will keep practicing til they improve!

Random week...

2009-03-20T10:27:00.006-07:00

I have been slacking already on my blog! Yesterday was Ally's "busy" day where she has school and dance. I was getting her ready for dance and noticed she was stomping around angrily. I asked her what was wrong and she said "you don't love me"! I asked why she thought that and she said because I told her it was time to get ready for dance and she didn't feel like it! We had a little talk about how love never goes away and how to better express her feelings towards things and off to dance she went... She has been such a funny kid lately and has a huge attitude! I put on her St. Patrick's day party for her preschool class and it was sooo fun and cute. We made rainbows with all our frinds handprints, ate lucky charms, and made leprechaun floats (green sherbert and 7up)! I love being a part of every activity my kids are in! On a different note, Brandon and I are starting the p90x workout! Yikes!! I am so out of shape and am not looking forward to this brutal workout, but looking forward to the results! My brother Brandon has been coming to visit since he can fly here real easily, being a pilot and all, so that has been fun. Here are a few random pics from the last few weeks.

Cousin Jacob, Ally, and Micah going to story time!

My parent and brothers!

Ally posing.

Ruts

2009-03-10T19:42:00.003-07:00

So I have been feeling very blah lately. I don't get much accomplished in my days and feel it can all get very routine. I started my homework tonight after I just put the kids to bed, in hopes of discovering the reason for my mood could be the art of procrastination. Sometimes we tend to feel better when we are doing the things we are supposed to rather than trying to avoid them. I need a break from the routine to spice things up though. Maybe I will take a little trip or maybe that is too extreme :p...does anyone have any good ideas? Hopefully I am not the only one that gets in these little ruts. I have so very much to be thankful for but am needing a little push on getting my days started. I am wanting to get into a hobby that i have always found passion in, and that is photography. I don't know where to start with that but I am gonna look into cameras that could capture the moment. Well, I am excited to watch American Idol now! Goodnight all.

Funny Kids

2009-03-09T19:49:00.002-07:00

So, Ally and Micah have been saying and doing the funniest things lately! They are either playing together great and climbing "dragon mountain" (my laundry pile) or having a violent fight. Micah antagonizes so bad and recently he went into her room, took off his diaper and went to the bathroom on her floor! So sick, I know, but before I could get there Ally took matters into her own hands and bent him over the bed and spanked his butt and told him how gross he is! She now refers to Micah as Sir oddly enough and wonders around the house singing "the itsy bitsy spider crawled up a giant meatball"?! They have the craziest imaginations. Micah could use some more time around daddy though cause he is asking to use a "big girl cup" and wears my high heels! There is never a dull moment with them, that is for sure.

I am a new found blogger!

2009-03-09T14:30:00.006-07:00

I am new at this but am excited to start blogging! I will post a few current pics of my kiddos for now and hopefully be back on later!