thursday night and we're feeling alright

Thursday night is Aaron's night to do whatever he wants. This usually means that he stays at work late and then plays volleyball until the wee hours of the morning. For some reason, even though Aaron doesn't come home, it always seems LESS chaotic. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my husband and can't wait to see him walk through the door.. but the anticipation before he gets home drives me crazy. It's the uncertainty that kills me.. getting dinner on the table (but not too soon, or it will be cold).. getting the house clean for him.. and hoping that he doesn't recognize that I am in a bad mood. When I plan on him being home at a certain time and he's 20 minutes late, it's seriously the end of the world!! But when I know he's not coming home... it's a party. Am I totally crazy or do you agree with me? I honestly think laws school was easier for me because I didn't count on him to do anything, but I have totally turned into the nagging wife since he's started working and he's not sure what to do with me. I don't get it.

Anyway, tonight (since we were on "vacation") we invited some of our favorite homeschooling friends over to play. These kids are not only the cutest kids on the block, but they are the nicest and the smartest! We really love having them over. We played on the trampoline, made a hut AND got tattooed- Peter Pan style.

How do you like them apples?

tag, schmag

1. Jobs I have had:
○ The Sconecutter - started at 14.. and loved it. It’s still my fave place to eat in Utah.
○ Geppedo’s Porcelain Dolls - My parents managed two stores downtown SLC during my HS years and my friends and I worked there.. boy, we can tell you some stories!
○ Seagull Book and Tape – loved this job. It was very uplifting and fun for my teenage years.
○ Waitress – It was HARD work but I loved interacting with people all day. I did this in Atlanta for a summer and had a blast. My largest tip was $130… from a table of funny guys who had a little too much alcohol. Yeah for margaritas!
○ United Way of Utah County – this was a great job for me during our early married years. I started out public speaking for their campaign fund and I loved it.. It was a very professional job and it was for a good cause. After about 6 months of campaigning, I ran their Sub-for-Santa program for 2 years and it was incredible [and so much work!] Good memories, but completely insane for me to do while having little babies and trying to finish school.. I would NEVER want to go back!

*I have never had a job that I didn’t like. But my favorite job [by a LONG shot] is being a Mommy. And it’s the toughest job [by a LONG shot!]

2. ALL the places I have lived.
○ West Jordan, UT
○ Atlanta, GA (for a summer)
○ Rexburg, ID
○ Provo, UT
○ Gilbert, AZ
○ Spokane, WA
○ Las Vegas, NV

3. Four movies that I love.
○ It’s a Wonderful Life
○ Pride and Prejudice
○ Count of Monte Cristo
○ Anne of Green Gables

4. Four favorite foods.
○ A big salad with lots of toppings (and lots of dressing)
○ Anything Mexican
○ String cheese.. this is a must have at my house.. not so much because my kids want it but because I do!
○ Eggs – scrambled, fried, hard boiled, but NOT runny!
○ this list could go on and on.. but we’ll stop at four

5. Four weird things about me.
(these aren’t really WEIRD, but maybe something you don’t know..)
○ I can tell you all the presidents of the United States in order in about a minute.
○ I was involved in V.I.C.A. during high school.. and if you think it was nerdy, you are so wrong. I participated on the Opening and Closing Ceremony team with 6 other hot girls and it was basically public speaking with style (wearing red blazers and short skirts) We had so much fun together and took second place in our state competition. Aaron makes fun of me all the time and tells me that I am using my “VICA voice.” I believe it helped me with my public speaking skills.. and probably got me the job at United Way.
○ I cannot go to sleep w/o brushing my teeth and that’s the first thing I do when I wake up.. I hate bad breath—mine or anyone else’s!
○ We have been trying to get pregnant for almost a year... without success!

6. Four favorite TV shows.
○ Supernanny
○ The Office
○ American Idol
○ Oprah

7. Four places I would love to go.
○ Europe… Spain, Italy, France, Greece..
○ Nauvoo
○ New York City
○ Caribbean Islands

8. People I tag...
○ All the ladies living in Vegas. You heard me--now get to work!

game nite

last night was a blessed event for a few wild ladies in this part of town. We had a PAR-TAY and I don't know if I will ever recover! Here is a minute clip of the insanity (sorry it's sideways.) Kate, I will love you til the day I die.

I came home (at around 2 am, mind you) and as I laid in bed, I laughed out several times just thinking about the madness. We played mofia, bunko, talked about things our husbands would KILL us if they knew we were sharing with the rest of the ward, and LAUGHED our guts out.

Isn't it incredible how you can find kindred spirits wherever you go?

These girls are SO my style-- instant best friends. and now I am already feeling anxiety about moving. We will just have to buy a house in this ward because if we move, I will live too far away from them! It is just healthy for my soul to have nights like these.. but it's not so good for my body! I am SO tired.. and it didn't help that I finally fell asleep around 3 am, only to wake up at 5 am to a talking toddler asking to watch "clues clues." Excuse me, Zack... I am trying to get some sleep here! After much pleading on his part (and mine), I got up and put on a movie in his room hoping he would leave me alone... when about 2 minutes later, Luke is tapping me on the shoulder telling me he is going to throw up! My response, "STOP tapping me on the shoulder and RUN to the bathroom!!!!" Luckily he made it, and spent the next 30 minutes with his face in the toilet.. so glad I cleaned them yesterday.. Yeah for motherhood! My bed is totally calling my name-- I must sleep!

I've Never..

"so much to do.. so little time"
Today's Tuesday Tell All topic is to finish this sentence "I've Never..."

Here's the short list--

I've NEVER.......

eaten lobster
seen the northern lights *
swam with dolphins *
water-skied
been to NYC, Washington DC or Europe *
broken a bone
had a daughter *
served a mission *
played Scrabble
run a marathon *
had my own garden *
sung a solo (and I never will.. in public, that is)
been in a hot air balloon *
smoked a cigarette or tasted alcohol (or coffee for that matter)
been to an opera *
sworn in front of my kids
taken a helicopter ride *
had a pedicure * (seriously- I never have!)
gone skydiving *
learned to play an instrument
been on a cruise *
seen a single episode of LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives or Sex in the City.
been divorced :)

* things I hope to do before I die!

sledding

Aaron was in Salt Lake for one day. He flew in late Friday night and we drove home early Sunday morning.. so Saturday was it. The plan was to leave the boys with my parents so the two of us could hit the ski slopes.. however his midnight flight was delayed and he didn't get in until around 3 am. Yeah for snow storms! He was tired from the late flight and I was exhausted from my child-infested week... so we decided to skip the ski trip and take Ben and Luke sledding. We went to a hill close to my parents so that little Z could nap... but the hill wasn't exactly full of snow like the rest of the city. It was still a good time. Ben and Luke giggled their way down and Aaron tried snowboarding.. I am still bummed about not skiing but we will have to take another trip up before the snow melts. And with all the crazy storms hitting Utah, I am sure they'll have snow until April or May. Until then, I am enjoying the sunshine and blue skies of Sin City. It's good to be home!

our Utah adventures

We had a great time with Karlin's kids and there were SO many pictures to chose from. Highlights for my boys were playing with Avaree and Weston, their dog Laney and watching movies in their theater room (seriously.. it is beautiful!) We played hide and go seek (flashlight style) every night and stayed inside everyday because there was just too much snow (and I wasn't about to lug around 5 kids ages 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) The best part for me was having two helpful, sweet teenagers!! Baylee and Griffin are the BEST kids alive and I seriously looked forward to 3:15 everyday... because I knew they were coming home from school! Not only did they releave me of some of the child care chaos, but they cleaned the entire house from top to bottom. Karlin does a LOT for her siblings, but they are such blessings-- I know she would be lost without them. I am sure their mom is smiling down on them and is so proud of how close they are and how much they serve each other.

Zack followed Laney around everywhere and was happy all day. She is such a sweet dog and was so good with the kids, even when they were poking her eyes out. I really loved her too because she protected us at night and cleaned up under the high chair after every meal. I am almost considering getting rid of my vacuum and getting a dog.... almost.

It was so much fun to have Aaron come for the weekend. I know it was a sacrifice for him to fly in, but it really meant a lot to me. He is such a BIG support and I grateful for all he does for me. Saturday night, we were able to hot tub in the Kessler's fancy jacuzzi (after the babies went to sleep.) Ben and Luke didn't want to get out (and either did we! It was SO cold outside) but her view of Utah county is breathtaking!

I know Karlin is going to kill me for posting these (because she is so humble and would NEVER brag about her gorgeous home) but I don't have a problem doing it for her. She has a total party house and my boys LOVED it... they were downstairs playing pool, fuzeball and darts (when they weren't watching a movie in their theater.) I took these pics on our way out to the hot tub and let me just say that her basement (fully equipped with a second kitchen) is nicer than any place I have ever lived! She has a great talent for making her home seem comfortable and very classy at the same time. It was fun to "play house" in her place... however it's not easy keeping two busy boys out of their 8 bathrooms! I have never cleaned up so much wet toilet paper in my life!!

they were comin' up the mountain...

It was SO nice to have visitors come and hang out with me while I was in the valley. I honestly think it kept me sane and made the week go by quickly! I wish I had remembered to take pictures with everyone... but I only have a few.. Those who came but aren't pictured: Mom (who came twice), Dad, Debbie (twice!), Lori, Annette, Amy, Katie, Rachel.. plus the cousins who came to visit the boys: Carson, Addy, Lilly, Anna, Sara, and newborn Paisley! We constantly had a full house and it was a lot of fun! It was fun to see have all my sisters (except for Cindy who is a busy senior) and ALL my sisters-in-law! My brothers have such awesome wives!

Val and RaeLynn (high school friends-- two of the funniest girls ever!)
my sis Kristy (on her second visit)
this picture was taken around 1 am..

Auntie Jade (Aaron's little sister)

Avaree and her gal pal, Aspen (one of Fran's little girls)

My beautiful and wonderful friend Francine came up for a whole day and it was the highlight of my trip!! She has two darling little girls and they blended in perfectly with the chaos! Fran is super sick right now and is currently unable to walk. She has been through a lot these past few months and is SUCH a ray of sunshine! I don't think there are many people who could go through what she has had to cope with and have such a great attitude about life. But Francine really knows what is important and she is so uplifting to talk to and be around. I was also happy to see her loving husband, Adam, who is perfect for her in every way! You are such a trooper, Fran and I am so lucky to have your friendship and example in my life! I am keeping you in my thoughts and am praying for a full recovery! Love you, Cini!

we're home

we arrived back home safe and sound, but already miss the kessler krew!

I still have lots of pictures to post..
but that will have to happen after a good night's rest (or two)

snow day

this morning I thought we should get a little fresh air outside... so we got bundled up and tried to enjoy the powder. it was fun for almost 5 whole minutes. I am not sure if Weston will ever forgive me for putting snow clothes on him and although it looks like Zack was enjoying himself, he wasn't. I know I am smiling in the picture, but it's fake..


reason #152 why we live in Vegas: SNOW (I mean, the lack of it)

Happy Birthday Val!

My one and only room-roommate is celebrating her 28th today and she deserves a shout out!

Val and I went to high school together, but we didn't really know each other until we became roommates at Ricks College.
Little did I know that she was the funniest girl to ever hit Rexburg, ID.

We have so many memories together and we'll always be close.
She is creative, energetic, artistic, quick-witted, a great listener and completely hilarious.

(Annie and Val...matchy-matchy green green)
Val, Matt and Annie just made the emotional move from Logan to Salt Lake...
(and after talking with Val, you would think they moved across the country!)
But I am glad she's closer to her family (and mine) so I can see her and her adorable little girl more often.
She was able to come up to Karlin's for a quick visit and this is my favorite picture from that afternoon.
It doesn't matter how long it's been since we've last seen each other.. we just pick up where we left off.
I guess that happens after you share a bed for two years.
That's right... we scooted our twin beds together the whole time we were roommates-
even though it was against the rules. We were such rebels!

Happy 28th, Malerie!

there's too many kids in this tub

There's too many kids in this tub.
There's too many elbows to scrub.
I just washed a behind
That I'm sure wasn't mine,
There's too many kids in this tub.

-Shel Silverstein

I lied..

about not having time to blog when I am watching 7 kids. Let me just say that Karlin is blessed to have teenage siblings that are so wonderful and HELPFUL! They are the best kids ever and I am ready to take them home to Vegas with me! The house is clean, dishes done and ALL of the kids are asleep... and it's barely 8:30 pm. What am I going to do with myself? I guess I will document my first day on the job. It was rather exciting...

The boys and I left Vegas at 5 o'clock this morning... and it was a less than perfect drive. Zack is NOT the best traveler. He's not exactly bad, he just doesn't SLEEP in the car. That's right. We were up at 5 am and he didn't even think about closing his eyes the entire drive. What child doesn't sleep on a road trip? Mine, apparently. Ben and Luke are excellent travelers except for the fact that Ben has a small bladder and Luke gets car sick. These aren't exactly problems when you have the proper materials. Yes.. Ben pees in a cup and Luke throws up in one-- but NOT the same one, okay? What kind of mother do you think I am, anyway? We took the kids out of their beds and put them right into the van, so by the time we hit Mesquite, Ben was begging for a bathroom. He filled a water bottle 3/4 of the way and had to wake up Luke to show him how much he peed.. I found it funny that Luke was impressed. Boys are so weird! and I am weird to be grateful they CAN pee in a cup. What are we going to do if/when a girl comes along?

We arrived at Karlin's at noon. We only stopped ONCE for gas and a package of powdered donuts.. because I knew we were headed to a Clawson get-to-gether (where good food is always included.) We picked up the Kessler kids and headed out for a busy afternoon. My family was throwing a President's day celebration. The best place for a Clawson party is at a CHURCH. Seriously.. with 50+ people, it's about the only place that can handle us. The kids run wild playing basketball and freeze tag in the gym and the adults can actually have a real conversation over DELICIOUS food. Today we had a Chinese meal and it was so very yummy. The picture doesn't do the homemade egg rolls justice. And even though this group pic doesn't look like we are having fun... let me assure you, we were! Kristy (one of my sisters) typed up a list of funny things said in our family over the years and we had to guess who said what... all while eating chocolate birthday cake.. (Dave's birthday was today.. my dad's on Vday and a few grandkids in between.) I am telling you, it is always time for a party in this family!

The highlight of the day was meeting the newest member of the Clawson Clan...

Paisley Anne

was born 8 days ago to Lori and Philip and she is the most beautiful, petite, scrumptious, dark haired little 7 pounder on the planet. What do you think of the name Paisley? I had never heard of it before... Lori now has three boys and three girls.. yes, 6 children ages 9 and under!!!!!! (that deserves 6 exclamation points.)


After the shin-dig at the church, we headed back to Karlin's to make dinner and get the kiddos to sleep. Avaree helped me make homemade bread sticks and I LOVED having a helper in the kitchen. My boys are not so interested OR so animated when rolling out dough. She was singing a beautiful song and even said the breadsticks were "pretty and CUTE-i-ful.." (her made-up word for something that is both cute AND beautiful!) I am really going to get a long with this girl!

And I just had to snap a picture of Karlin's luxurious bathroom... because it's bigger than my entire bedroom. I am going to have to wake up before ALL the kids if I really want to enjoy it. My only problem is that I can't decide between a nice hot jacuzzi bubble bath or a steam shower... decisions, decisions. No, I am not on vacation here, but maybe I will pretend for a bit!

It feels nice to be back in ZION. I'm not sure if we will ever move back, but it will always be home to me. There are SO many people that I love here... Vegas isn't too far away, but it's not around the corner, either. I do already miss my husband and can't wait for him to join us this weekend!

adding FOUR more to the mix

This week, I will be in Utah at Karlin's place watching her kiddos! She has a busy household with two teenagers (her siblings) and two little toddlers. She and her husband are on a MUCH needed vacation in Acapulco, Mexico! I am so glad they are able to go to get some R&R while we have a good time in her beautiful mansion of a house! I will be out of the blogging world for a while... I highly doubt I will have any extra time while caring for 7 kids!

p.s. If you are living in Salt Lake, then come and visit me! I will be back in Vegas on the 25th.....

holy guacamole!!!

my dear friend Jane sent me home with a chunky guacamole recipe and ALL of the ingredients. Is she a keeper or WHAT?? Let me just say that it was beyond delicious! I will spread the love by posting the recipe, but you will all have to go and buy the ingredients yourself... (I am not as nice as Jane!)

1 large garlic clove
1 medium jalapeño (partly seeded and minced)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 T finely chopped white onion
1/4 t black pepper
1 T fresh lemon or lime juice
2 large avocados
3 or 4 plum tomatoes, diced

Mix the avocados with all the spices, then add tomatoes!

My mouth is watering just thinking about how good it was!!

our "experience" with Roseola

Zack is over the rough week and he's finally starting to act like himself again. I am so relieved (and at the same time, slightly annoyed that he's back into making messes and bouncing off the walls.) No, I was really worried about him for a few days and I am completely worn out (emotionally and physically!) His fever was about 102-103 for three days straight and he was SO lethargic. The worst time was on day five, Wednesday night. I did a little research and read that 10-15% of children who have Roseola suffer from seizures... and sure enough, Zack was lucky enough to be in the minority. When his fever climaxed, his whole body would shake for 3-4 seconds, then he would calm down, breathe heavy and start all over about ten minutes later. It was scary, but I just held him and prayed our way through. After about 2 hours of mini seizures, he seemed to have kicked it!! FINALLY!! These pictures were taken Wed at dinner-- right after his fever broke. We could immediately tell that he was feeling better... not only was he sitting up, but he was trying to make us all laugh.. that's the Zack we are used to.

The saddest part of it was that he COULD NOT open his eyes for anything. I am not kidding when I say these pictures were taken when he was feeling better and looking good. We were so happy to see him smile!! and he was trying his best to pull silly faces (even though he could barely see what was going on. ) This short clip shows his inability to open his eyes! He really went through a lot, and it makes me so grateful for my sweet Zack!

I am so behind on housework and laundry, but VERY grateful to have him healthy again. I cannot imagine what parents go through when their little ones are in the hospital... I would be a wreck! It truly humbles you and makes you feel so helpless and dependent on Heavenly Father! I need these experiences to make me realize ALL that I have and how grateful I am for my blessings... but I'm not asking for any more :) I learned my lesson, I promise!

our Valentine's Day

Aaron has so many qualities that I love... one of those qualities is that he's PERFECT! He was my prince charming yesterday and the ONLY reason why I still have my sanity is because HE is my husband. He took the entire day off work!! It was so sweet of him. Zack was still recovering from his sickness. I had SO many errands to run but couldn't bring him with me and didn't want to drop him off at a sitter in fear of spreading the deadly germs! but I had SO many things I needed to do... Aaron came to my rescue and was available for whatever! He is an absolute lifesaver! He also made me a thoughtful coupon book (I wish I could blog about it, but he told me I couldn't...) AND he got me a gorgeous bouquet of red roses! He is seriously the best. I know that I am all over the place, but that is my life lately! I don't make sense and I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off... but Aaron still loves me, and I am so glad he does!

Our Valentine's party was a hit! Seriously, I went to bed last night and my face hurt from smiling so much! It was hilarious and very romantic! We had the best time with our friends here-- ten couples. Out of all the parties I have thrown, this was the easiest. Everyone was SO helpful and so understanding after my crazy week and scatterbrained-ness. but it turned out great! The highlights of the party were Nate's blank date picture... Elliot's electric guitar jamming (I love that we all joined in for the chorus.. I am still singing "I'm the one who wants to be with you..") and the FOOD! Delish.. But most of all, it's so much fun to see other couples in LOVE! Thanks for a great time everyone!

The LADIES--- aren't we beauty-full?

jane, janet, denett, emilee, jen, alison and sara

karissa, ashlee, alison

LOVE BIRDS----

Denett and Russ......................................................................Kate and Zach

Alison and Dennis (who's song was awesome!)

Mike and Jen
just thinking about his "poem" makes me laugh. what a funny guy!

thanks for the pix, D!

Valentine boxes!!

Yesterday was a CRAZY day-- to say the least. After a week in the house with a sick toddler, I was more than ready to get out and get things done!!! I had put EVERYTHING off until Thursday, so it was completely insane... we had car repairs, grocery shopping, doc appointments, and 2 parties to get ready for! The boys had a homeschooling one in the afternoon and we had one with adults in the evening. It was a GREAT holiday and I am so glad it's over!! Here are a few pictures of the boys at their party. (Zack had to stay home because he was sick.. I will have to report on that later.)

To be honest, I was SO excited about the boys making Valentine boxes. Homeschooling is FANTASTIC, but sometimes I feel guilty that they can't do all the things that I loved about school.... making Valentine boxes is on that list. So, we were thrilled when we were invited to a party with our homeschooling friends. Of course, the boys wanted to make Transformer Valentines and boxes. Luke made "the cube" and Ben did a mailbox that never actually made it on the pole. It was fun!! I love having kids that are excited as I am about celebrating!

Happy LOVE day, Dad!

You might be wondering why I am choosing today to write a tribute to my father.. and that's because his birthday happens to fall on Valentine's day every year! I'm not sure if he likes sharing his special day with the rest of the world (because he has to buy his wife a present on his own birthday!) but it is an easy day to remember for the rest of us. His mother, my grandma Roma, used to tell me how she would send him to school on his birthday with pink Valentine heart cookies to share with his class-- how the times have changed since then! You must be getting old, Dad!

I really LOVE my dad and feel so grateful that he's mine. Growing up with so many brothers and sisters, people would always ask HOW my parents did it. Now, with three of my own, I ask myself the same question! Somehow they did it-- and they raised some pretty excellent kids, if I say so myself. I remember being a little girl and understanding how Heavenly Father could love ALL of his children so individually and personally.. it just made perfect sense to me because I grew up seeing my own dad, watching him with his 10 children. He knows us all on a personal level. He treats us as individuals, punished us differently and loves us like we are only children. He is the best dad anyone could ask for and I am a lucky girl to have been raised by such a great man! Here is my tribute.. sixty reasons why I love my dad. That's right.. he is the big 60 today!!

♥ he's smart ♥ he's a great grandpa ♥ he's kind ♥ he's humble ♥ he taught us by example, not by preaching ♥ he knows how to play a killer game of Rook-- you have reason to celebrate when you beat him! ♥ he's a terrific chef ♥ he has a green thumb and a beautiful garden ♥ he built his own greenhouse so he could garden all year round ♥ he grew lilies for my wedding ♥ he's got a great sense of humor ♥ he's loving ♥ he doesn't give advice unless we beg for it ♥ he doesn't care what the world thinks ♥ he studies the scriptures faithfully ♥ he felt so bad about missing my daddy daughter date when I was ten.. we went out for hamburgers and shakes later that night- just the two of us ♥ he loves newborn babies ♥ he taught us that things aren't important ♥ he's witty ♥ he doesn't take credit for anything ♥ he's giving of his time and money ♥ he's frugal ♥ he served in the army (even missed the birth of his first son) ♥ he trusts his children to make the right decision ♥ he NEVER passes judgment on anyone ♥ he loves serving in the local care center ♥ his testimony is firm ♥ he doesn't sweat the small stuff ♥ he took us to Lagoon every year, even though one of us would usually end up getting lost ♥ he's never driven a fancy car ♥ he would take us to Holiday for fountain drinks ♥ he likes to camp ♥ he's our #1 supporter.. never missed a big event in our lives and went to EVERY game my brothers ever play in! ♥ he always let us play city sports.. even when money was tight ♥ he took me and my sisters on a business trip to San Bernardino ♥ he has a great laugh ♥ he works hard ♥ he knows a good mexican restaurant when he's found it ♥ he doesn't beat around the bush.. he calls it like he sees it ♥ he always worries about us when we are on road trips! ♥ he's honest ♥ he would take me to referee basketball games with him every Saturday.. ♥ he's close with his siblings ♥ he served a mission in Mexico ♥ he loves sports ♥ he always paid tithing, no matter what ♥ he knows how to save money ♥ he is a worthy priesthood holder and gave us blessings every year before school started ♥ he's taken the time to visit me when we live far away ♥ he lets us remodel his house when he goes out of the country! ♥ he's wise ♥ he follows the prophet ♥ he told me to get a scholarship for college.. I didn't know student loans existed ♥ he likes his whiskers pulled from his face ♥ he has a massive food storage ♥ he's giving ♥ he's selfless ♥ he loves my mom ♥

Happy Birthday, Dad!
I love you and hope you have a great day!

ps ** when I say he has a massive food storage, I mean MASSIVE. They have a mini grocery store in their basement. If you don't have a dad breathing down your neck about food storage, let me pay tribute to him by saying this: "Get prepared. We have been warned over and over and NOW is the time to do it! If we are not prepared, we will not be able to care for our families. Can you imagine anything worse than watching your children suffer? Do not be scared. Be faithful and get ready for what is to come..." If you have any questions, I will give you my dad's cell number.. he knows everything :)

my LOVE list

tis the season to LOVE.
Aaron thinks I use that word too casually, but I really DO love a lot of things (and people!)
Here are a few of my favorite things...... my top 10 countdown.

TEN - the world's best water bottle

I am not kidding you when I say I don't want to live without this. I can almost promise you that you will drink more water when you own one. It's spill proof, dishwasher safe, kid friendly, easy to drink from, allows you to throw in full size ice cubes, fits in any cup holder and is just plain wonderful. It's Rubbermaid brand and I believe it's $4 at your local supercenter..

NINE - American Idol

That's right, I said it. I love American Idol. Categorize me with all the teenagers if you want, but I will never be ashamed. I've watched it since the beginning (remember our Wyview parties and our celebration when Kelly won?!) I look forward to it every Tues/Wed, but I don't consider myself obsessed.. I do, however, love Ryan Seacrest and secretly think we're friends.




EIGHT - triple greens

This stuff is SO good and I am grateful to my in-laws for keeping my shelves stalked with it. In comes in a powder form and you mix a spoonful with 8 oz of cold water. Drink one glass and you have your veggie count for the day. Of course, I actually love to eat veggies (my husband thinks I am a rabbit) so this is just an added bonus. My kids like it -but they don't love it- but it's also very easy to mix (hide) in with recipes. I usually have it while working out.. and last week a guy tapped me on the shoulder while I was on the treadmill and said, "I HAVE to ask what you're drinking!" I think I convinced him to buy a bottle.



SEVEN - my ipod

I wasn't sure about jumping on the ipod band wagon, but I am so happy I did! It's fabulous. Especially when you are doing the dishes and don't want to hear your kids fighting (or transforming!) It's also great for exercising or taking a bath (obviously I have different mixes for each occasion.)






SIX - the Ensign

What a blessing it is to have modern day revelation and to receive it in the mail every month. I love this magazine and usually find that the articles I don't think would apply to my life seem to help me the most. It's easier for me to stay awake reading the Ensign than the scriptures, so it's my bedtime read.





FIVE - Homeschooling

I am SO grateful for the chance to homeschool. It's truly incredible (and completely exhausting at the same time!) I am grateful that I have a husband who provides for our family so I have the opportunity to stay home with my children. They teach me so much everyday and even though some days I wish I had more time to myself, I know that I am doing the best thing for our family.




FOUR - Ziggy

This face is always dirty and almost always smiling. I love his energy, charisma, enthusiasm, desire to learn new things, ability to make us laugh, and gorgeous baby blue eyes. He has totally changed the dynamics of our family. Zack has been such a challenge for me and has made my heart so much bigger!

ps. he is still very sick.. I believe he has the 3 day fever (Roseola) and we're on day 5. He didn't move yesterday and was awake for about 10 minutes total! He's going to get better, but keep him in your prayers!


THREE - Lukey-Luke

I don't know how this boy grew up so fast! I hope he doesn't feel like a middle child who gets lost in the mix of things because we all love him to pieces. He's silly, smart, sassy, sensitive and oh-so sweet! He has become quite the little helper and has given himself the title of "best listener in the family." Sometimes they keep score of who listens the fastest-- and being a mom is always easier when they play THAT game. Can't wait to see where life will take this little guy!



TWO - Benny boy

I don't think I could handle my life without Benjamin. He is seriously my right arm. He takes care of all of us and sets such a great example for his brothers. Ben includes everyone and is always laughing. He is also doing everything on his own and he is constantly creating new inventions. This is his signature double-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich.




ONE- my handsome husband

What I wouldn't give to be back in Hawaii with this guy. Aaron is by FAR my #1. I am thankful everyday that he is in my life and that he is MY man! Marriage isn't hard when you are married to your best friend and I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. Aaron is loving, funny, good-looking, attentive, hard working, easy to talk to and my favorite person to be around. And even though I LOVE so many things and so many people-- he is always at the top of my list. (except for in this case.. he's at the bottom.. but that's because I was counting down.... :)

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow!