My Birthday

Jake gave me the best prestent for my birthday. A 5 day trip to see my sister in Kentucky. We had so much fun!! I took Lily with me and Jake took the days off work to spend with the boys. I have to make a plug here for my wonderful husband. As if all of that wasn't enough...I came home to a perfectly spotless house, all the laundry done, yard done etc. SO amazing!!

Heather and I had such a fantastic time. We shopped and ate and talked and shopped and talked..well you get the idea :) It was so relaxing. I have missed her so much since I have moved back west and don't get to see her more than once a year now. Thanks again Heather, Reed and kids for everything.

My Birthday

My birthday was wonderful as usual this year. Jake always spoils me, but mostly it is just nice being with my sweet family. Luke and Ty were so cute, they kept singing to me ALL day and night. Then they would make me blow out a pretend candle on Ty's finger. SO ADORABLE! Jake took the boys shopping and had them pick out presents for me. I am always so amazed at how astute they are. Luke got me a headband and hair clips-very useful, and they were cute too! Ty picked lime green nail polish (green is his favorite color I think). Love it! Jake did a few thoughtful things. He picked out an awesome purse all by himself. Then he had my pearl earrings fixed so I can wear them again. He also found a pair of gold earrings to replace the ones I was so bumbed when I lost. So sweet! We went out to dinner at Boston's--which is so wonderful. What a great day!

It was pretty funny. We gave Lily her first taste of ice cream. OH MY GOODNESS! She loved it and SCREAMED/SQUEALED between bites. Too funny!

Bargain Shopping Addict

I have been continuing to do my coupon program through the website grocerysmarts.com. Sometimes the savings is only 40-50%. Better than nothing but not wowing. I have had a few other big time savings trips since I started in June. I had another today and had to share.

From Left to Right:

2 boxes Instant Oatmeal

4 boxes Life cereal

10 boxes granola bars

5 lb bag russet potatoes

3 boxes Duncan Heines Brownie mix

4 boxes popcorn

1 Glad cling wrap

1 Glad freezer bags

5 bags Goldfish crackers

6 boxes Healthy Harvest pasta

1 5lb. bag sugar

2 Welches Juices

6 syrups (4 Aunt Jemima, 2 Log Cabin)

12 Yoplait yogurts

Total: $43.71

Savings: $120

pretty cool huh?

10 and 5

Alright, I have been putting this off. I have been tagged twice with this one. Here it goes.
10 Years Ago- It was the summer before my junior year of high school. I had just turned 16. I was beginning the awkward dating years-and boy, was I awkward! I spent part of the summer just outside of Bryce Canyon working at my friend's Uncle's hotel (still with me?) in Tropic, Utah.
5 Years Ago- I was married for over a year. We were just getting ready to go to Hawaii with my family. We had just bought our first home, a condo in Salt Lake City. Ah, memories.
5 Months Ago-February...hmm...I was enjoying my sweet 5 month old and 2 1/2 year old. I was celebrating my 6 year anniversary and Valentines Day. I LOVE February. I am such a hopeless romantic.
My List of 5 Things to do Tomorrow-
1. Clean.
2.Get ready for my Close To My Heart home gathering.
3. Play with my kids.
4. Make Thank You cards.
5. Ironing
5 Bad Habits-
1. Nagging my husband.
2. Picking at my fingernails/cuticles.
3.I don't know? I am sure there are more, but my mind is blank. I am sure Jake could help me figure some out, (privately). I hate this question...it's like that interview question "what are your weaknesses?" Like anyone wants to be honest about that. Come ON!
5 Places I've lived
1. Atlanta, GA
2. Shawnee, KS
3. Sandy, UT
4. West Jordan, UT
5. Decatur, IL
5 Things People Don't Know About Me
1. My life is an open book, but here it goes...I get embarrassed really easily! Seriously, and I feel other people's embarrassment too. I find it painful to watch others sometimes. You know, when you can't bare to even look because you are so embarrassed for them?
2. I was almost named Hilary. Wow! So glad I dodged that bullet.
3. I did drama and singing lessons in high school. I know, it doesn't really go along with the embarrassed thing. I gave it up my Junior year.
4. My first job was in a day care center.
5. I have a 28in. inseam. Scary huh? Try finding pants that fit. Yikes, I HATE pants shopping. I also hate bra shopping. I just get frustrated and leave with nothing.

I tag anyone who wants to participate.

Home Improvements

For my birthday I used my gift certificates and money people sent to update some things around the house. (thanks everyone!) Most of the improvements are in the living room. I redid my mantle and got this beautiful new artwork (which I love) and I got a really great throw for the couch in there in a nice serene sea blue. I painted the fireplace area a darker chocolate brown to accent the light taupe that was already on the walls in the living room. I am pleased with the updates and I think that it gives a more finished look.
We have also been working a lot outside. Planting flowers and bushes, ripping out old dying parts of the existing landscape and trimming and weeding....etc. etc. We have both spent many hours outside trying to improve the yard. You should have seen us trying to rip up this stubborn old bush--wow. That was a workout! There is no way we got ALL the roots. But hopefully it doesn't sprout while we are still here. What a beast! All in all the yard is really coming along nicely. However I am waiting to post a picture of my flowers until they really take off. Come on Miracle Grow! I have never had a garden/yard before and I really enjoy the payoff of a nice looking yard. I am no where near the fanatic that my Dad is, but I still like a well kept yard. I did manage to kill the impatiens I planted in this adorable copper planter I got for the front porch . I watered them too much-they rotted. I didn't think about the fact that they didn't drain in that type of planter-oops. I am nursing them along-a few might make it, but they are in severe condition...it is touch and go.

Mommy Tag

1- Typically, what time do you wake up?Whoever wakes up first. Usually around 7.
2- On a good night, what time are your kids in bed?Ty:8, Luke 8:30
3- How long have you been a mommy?About 3 years
4- How old were you when you became a mom?23
5- What is your favorite kids TV show?Anything educational. Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Ni-hao Kai-lan.
6- What is your least favorite kids TV show?Anything not educational like Sponge Bob. Or the Doodlebops-what the heck is up with that? Super annoying.
7- What is your favorite chore?Vacuuming or making beds. Anything simple that makes the house look pulled together.
8- What is your favorite meal to cook?I love trying new things. My new favorite are these Caribbean Pork Chops...YUM!
9- What meal do you cook most often?Crock pot Chicken-super easy and good.
10- What is your kids favorite meal?Chicken Nuggets and strawberries for Luke. Peas and Ravioli for Ty.
11- What's your favorite thing your husband does with your kids?Wrestle and making ANYTHING a game-he is the master at that. They both think he is SO funny!
12- What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom?*Hugs and Kisses*When Luke says "I love you SO much!*Making them laugh*Watching them learn new things-Luke's newest-answering the phone. Ty's newest-pulling himself up on furniture *Seeing them love each other...nothing better.
13-If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be?Disneyworld! Two more years and we are going!
14- When was the last time you went out without your kids?Thursday. Saw Indiana Jones.
15- What is your favorite activity to do with your kids?Read or make them laugh.
16- Name one thing you said you'd never say as a mother. I don't know. I can't think of a phrase, but I said that I would never spank.
17- Name something you do that your own mom did.Cuddle my kids and dote so much when they are sick, even if that means getting throw up on me.
18- What is your favorite quality your mom has?good at reading books.
19- What is your favorite kids book?The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Also, Sandra Boynton books.
20- What is your favorite advice for new moms?Do what YOU think is best. Trust your instincts. God gave his precious spirits to YOU! Believe in yourself, it will come naturally.
21- What is your most heartbreaking moment as a mom?When they're hurt, physically or emotionally. Luke's broken nose was awful. But the worst is when I did spank him...his face. Horrible. See spanking is awful. I wish I could say I was 100% in my quest. I am not, but close.
22- What is your most joyful moment as a mom?When they've realized success in themselves. The days they were born. Looking at their sweet faces, you know you will never be the same again.
23- When is the last time you told one of your kids you loved them?This morning
24- When was the last time you were told, "I love you" by your kids?This morning
I tag all moms!

Loving Wii fit!

Love it! That's right! Say bye-bye to baby pounds...or so I hope. Day three and I have been really impressed. It totally makes you sweat and the next day I am sore from the yoga and strength exercises. Jake really likes it too. It is really fun and Luke can even do some of it. He tries to do the yoga poses next to me. So cute! Sometimes though, honestly a little distracting, you know bumping into me or trying to get on the balance board himself. But nuff said...Love it!

My New Read

My sister gave me a copy of this book and I have to say that she must have been inspired to do that because the last few days/week Luke has been really difficult. I have been so frustrated with his temper tantrums, disobedience and unkindness towards others. I know it sounds like I am raising a hellion. He really is a sweet boy, but I found myself loosing it with him too many times and feel really overwhelmed. Jake and I have spent a lot of time talking about it, our family home evening lesson this week was on being kind to others as Jesus would have us be. I have spent a lot of time praying for inspiration and lastly, I have been reading this book. One of the great points it made, much to my discomfort, was that his behavior was not his fault. It was OURS. We are not teaching him effectively. We need to re-evaluate and try a new tactic. What we are doing is obviously NOT changing his behavior. It talks a lot about the predictability of human behavior and the great role that environment plays on that. So our goal is to be kinder, softer, calmer more loving ourselves (the idea is to lead by example.) Give more positive affirmations-before the behavior is inappropriate. My patience is being stretched to its limit, but I am determined to succeed. Nothing is more important to me than my children and raising them to be self-confident, loving, generous, faithful to the gospel, bright, healthy kids. I want them to have fond memories of their childhood, and mostly I want to have a strong bond with them-always. I believe that that will be forged with mutual love and respect. I feel I have some bad habits to resolve, and I feel that some things we are doing well, we just need to do them more. I am so grateful for Jake and his wisdom. He really is an excellent Dad and he has great creative ideas for parenting. I know that we are really just embarking on this journey. But I am hoping that if I can curb my bad habits now maybe my kids will come out a little less worse for the wear. Thanks again to my sister for her endorsement of this book. Thanks to so many of you who are good examples of parenting. I pray for continued inspiration and patience... I need it.

Happy Birthday to...ME!

Since I usually find the time to post about other people's birthday (sorry Sarah, I missed yours when we were out of town) but nonetheless, today is MY birthday. I LOVE birthdays. I don't think that I will ever get tired of them. I love the attention, the gifts-you name it, I like it! I guess that is my inner child coming out, but hey, it is just me. I told my sister that I love it when my birthday and Mother's Day are back to back...a whole weekend devoted to me. ha ha. At least I am honest!

Here is a picture of Luke helping me unwrap my presents...making a HUGE mess of the packing peanuts.

Many Blessings

Yesterday I was thinking of all of my blessings and I felt very much that the scale had been tipped far to far in my direction. First, I have a wonderful husband. He was so sweet yesterday. He took care of the kids almost all day, letting me sleep in and take a nap. He made dinner, cleaned up etc. He got me a thoughtful gift..money for landscaping the yard! Whoohoo-I can't wait. And even better, he is going to help me do all the digging and cleaning up and pulling out that needs to be done. He was extra sweet and loving and kind to me. I am such a sap sometimes, but I love that he knows and loves that about me and tries to ensure that my emotional needs are met. As if this alone isn't enough, I have two beautiful, healthy little boys. We have the necessities of life and Jake has a good stable job. We have lots of family and friends who love and support us. Most importantly I have my testimony of the gospel. I am so very blessed.

Mother's Day

For many years Mother's Day was a tender day in my heart and I guess still is. As we struggled to bring our precious sons into the world amidst a seemingly myriad of obstacles, my heart ached for my deepest, most basic and strongest desire...to be a mother. I had thought about being a mother my entire life. I never wanted anything else. As a small child when they asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, my response was instinctively ...mother. I had interest in other professions along the way, but always with the thought in mind that they would be my stepping stone until I could live my dream. Now, I am eternally grateful that my Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me the two greatest blessings. my sons, Luke and Ty. The days that they joined our eternal family are two of my greatest moments topped only by the day that I married Jake for time and all eternity. I am so grateful for the women who have touched me and shaped me into who I am today and the mother that I am striving to be. To my mother who gave me my first education in mothering. To Jake's mother and grandmother who have taught me important lessons. To my beautiful grandmother who I count as one of the finest women I have ever known. To my sisters both by blood and law, to each of you... thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have each taught me something special. I appreciate so much the frank conversations about your own personal struggles and yes, weaknesses. They give me strength and teach me more than you know. To my dear friends who I love like family, you mean so much to me. Happy Mother's Day! I love you all!
"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world."
"The noblest calling in the world is motherhood. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all the arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece, or who can write a book that will influence millions, deserves the admiration and plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose immortal souls will exert influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God."
" Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing. Though is carries her to the brink of death, motherhood also leads her into the very realm of the fountain of life, and makes her co-partner with the creator in bestowing upon eternal spirits mortal life"
President David O. McKay.

Oh, How I love Jane Austin

You are Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are impulsive, romantic, impatient, and perhaps a bit too brutally honest. You enjoy romantic poetry and novels. You feel deeply, and love passionately.
Take the Quiz here!

By the way, if anyone hasn't seen "Becoming Jane", I recommend it. But grab a box of tissues first.

Inspiration

Sunday night was our Young Women's New Beginnings. As a presidency we prayed and planned for this for quite a while. I was given the assignment to attain a speaker. I asked this awesome lady in our ward. Their family recently moved here and in the short time that I have gotten to know her I have been blessed by her example. I don't know exactly how to describe her other than inspiring. Within a few moments of her talk I was truly touched by the spirit. I felt overwhelmed that we had made the right decision in choosing her for our speaker. Our theme was "Make and Keep Sacred Covenants". My deepest desire and that of our presidency, was that she would be able to truly touch our girls hearts, especially those of less-active or part member families. We want their goal to be Temple Marriage-no matter what. As I sat and listened to her inspired words I gained insight for my own life.
She began explaining to the girls how as a young woman herself she was insecure and lacked the confidence she so obviously exhibits today. She went on to say that she was never shy, but nonetheless devoid of a strong self-esteem. I utterly identified with this description. For many reasons that are too personal to share here and probably inappropriate to express in this venue, I was an awkward adolescent with a blurry picture of my divine potential and my earthly gifts and talents. I still find myself often feeling the need to prove myself to those around me and I, more often than I care to admit, compare myself with others-and rarely measure up.
However, don't feel to bad for me I am getting there and I have come a long way. Thanks in most part to a strong, supportive and unconditionally loving husband. He is the first person I truly believe, to ever REALLY know me-all the good with all the bad. Even from the very beginning I found myself drawn to him, but in a way so different from other people. I was for the first time uninhibited. I could completely be myself around him, and to my astonishment-he actually liked ME and later loved me. He has helped me on my road to self-confidence and continues to do so. I am so blessed to have him. I think that it may have been really easy for me to end up with someone controlling and emotionally neglectful . I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for him. As I listened to her speak about the importance of Temple Marriage I was so grateful that I married the right man in the right place.
So back to my insight. She explained that when things changed for her was during and upon her return from her mission. She said that she knew that she hadn't changed at all. She wasn't any prettier, smarter or more talented. Intrinsically her talents had remained unchanged. The KEY, the difference, was she finally gained the vision of who she was, who she really was, a daughter of the Almighty God! There is such power in that. How did she do this? By strengthening her testimony of her Heavenly Father and developing her relationship with him and more importantly with our Savior Jesus Christ. Simply the formula is elementary, meaningful scripture study and prayer..stressing of course MEANINGFUL. So I have decided to redouble my efforts to gain a new level and dimension to my relationship with my Savior and by extension my testimony. I will always remember the way that I felt that night.

ABC's of me

I saw this on my cousins blog and I liked it. So tag- your it.
A- Attached or single: Wonderfully attached
B- Best Friend: I think that it is the neatest thing to be able to say that my sisters are my best friends. I can tell them anything-they may tease or even disagree, but I know they still love me. And of course Sarah. Natalie Walker.
C-Cake or Pie: Pie definately! I am not a big cake fan, I don't like icing.
D- Day of Choice: Any day that Jake is home
E- Essential Item: internet
F- Favorite Color: purple
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: I am not to big on candy.Give me a doughnut-now there is a great treat.
H- Hometown: Salt Lake City, Ut- but I live in Decatur, Il
I- Indulgence(s): doing my nails, scrapbooking, a really long hot shower with no 2 year old banging at the door.
J- January or July: neither, I hate it really cold and really hot- I know that sounds so negative. I say May and October are the best months.
K-Kids: 2
L-Life is incomplete without: family and food!
M- Marriage Date: February 2, 2002-groundhog day
N- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother (deceased)
O- Oranges or Apples: oranges, but they have to be really juicy.
P- Phobias or Fears: Wow-I am so neurotic! I have a lot. Spiders, anything with eyes, candy wrappers, Jake's cereal eating (sorry babe!).
Q- Quote(s): "The decision to have a child is the decision to have your heart walk around independently from your body." and
"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world" President David O. McKay.
R- Reason To Smile: my kids loving each other.
S- Season: Fall. I am a sucker for fall. I love it when the seasons change.
T- Tag Six: Heather, Holly, Sarah
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I don't know, I think that my life is an open book. Everyone pretty much knows everything.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Lame question. Bring on the meat-especially when I am pregnant.
W- Worst Habit: biting my fingernails, cuticles-sometimes I still do it without thinking and catch myself. Always when I am really stressed.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: huh? ultrasounds i guess....like to see my babies
Y- Your Favorite Food: Heavy starchy carbs. Ya, I know it is bad, but hey, its what I like.
Z: Zodiac: I have no idea. I think that stuff is lame.