Christmas Gifts

Well we got a lot this year. I got a new fluffy robe! I love it, its so warm and soft. Brian got a gift certificate for window tinting...I think he loved it. Its actually very hard to tell with him. :) Breana got a remote control car, a robe and pillow pet. Bethanie got a barbie house, a robe and a pillow pet and Juliet got an easy bake oven (which I may say is NOT so easy), a robe and a pillow pet (oh and a two foot porcelain doll....but that's another story)....course they got tons more stuff but I"m naming the main things they liked the most.

We went to my parents house for Christmas dinner...it was fantastic. I made truffles and pie and we opened some more gifts. I got some water glasses. YES and Brian got a little knife set from my little brother.....it was great.

But I have to say one of the greatest gift we got was last night. We attended the dedication to the brand new LDS building that was built in Sun Valley. It is literally down the street from us...I mean walking distance down the street and it is the nicest building in Sun Valley. It is beautiful!!! The talks were great, the music lovely and the dedication prayer wonderful. The building smelt new and you could feel the spirit walking the halls. We start going to that building starting next week.

President Johnson told the story of how they originally thought there should be a new church built in Spanish Springs because that is where people were moving but that is not what the Lord had in mind. So with a failing economy, barely a branch let a lone a whole ward to accommodate a church and land issues to be over come....a miracle was had and we have a brand new church to fill up.

Best quote from last nights talks. "if you build it they will come"! don't you love it!?! Its true...the building is soooo pretty its already attracting people to come in and see what we are all about.

Christmas fun

We made stockings for Family Home evening last week. It was nice and fun to see how the girls decorated their stockings...they have such different personalities.

Consintrating so hard!

Finished Products.......So great!

We also decorated our tree. We've added some more since this ( I found some pink ornaments and of course had have those!) hehe.

All three working together

Bethanie asking if she could put an ornament on a certain spot. She asked almost every single time. haha.

Just like with the stocking, Breana concentrates on all the tasks she does.

Juliet being taller then the twins, can reach farther up the tree so she did most of the top ones.

Even Daddy helped out. I made him take like five pictures until I was convinced he looked like he was having fun. :D

Love having Family Christmas things to do. The girls are off for Winter Break for the next few weeks. We are going to try to take them Ice skating....we'll see how well that works out.

IMPORTANT POST

Some knew about the red light on cars, but not the 112.

It was about 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her
and put his lights on. Lauren's parents have always told her never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road,
but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.

Lauren had actually listened to her parents advice, and promptly called 112 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to
tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and there weren't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes.

I never knew about the 112 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place. *Speaking to a service representative at Bell Mobility confirmed that 112 was a direct link to State trooper info. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about 112.

You may want to Send this to every woman (and man) you know; it may save a life. This applies to ALL 50 states

1. snopes.com: Cellphone 112 Emergency ��
Will dialing 112 connect you with an emergency call center when your cell phone has no signal?
...Claim: Even when your cell phone signal is blocked, dialing 112 will connect you with an emergency call center. Example: [Collected on the Internet,...
...your mobile phone has no signal (so even if you were in a tunnel) if you dial 112 it diverts to a satellite signal and puts you through to the 999 call...
...The global mobile emergency number, 112, is "special" in the sense that (unlike other local emergency numbers, such as 999) it will use any tower your...
Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:18:08 GMT http://www.snopes.com/science/mobile.asp

sorry so late

So I've been super busy...I'll give you a quick timeline and some short stories of what happened.

We started out at about 11pm and drove up to the Legends mall. I was hoping to win the years worth of shoes from Off Broadway shoes...sadly I lost. Mom was hoping to win the years worth of Mortgage...sadly she lost. The first lady whose name was pulled, was not there. So then they called the second name which was some guy who was like great, whatever. I'm hoping he was just so cold he couldn't give a reaction and not that it went to someone who was entering to enter. that would be so unfortunate. After that we tried to tell each other where we were going. ...Mom and Susanne went to wal-mart and Rina and I went to target, but our lips were literally freezing so we couldn't talk...that was kinda comical. Course it was 3 am and bitterly cold.

Target was a bust. We were like 150th person in line and by the time we got in the store all the good stuff was gone. I was hoping to get a TV....sadly I did not.

Mom and Susanne were much more successful at Wal-Mart, snagging two TV's. However, someone stole one right out of moms basket....can you believe that? Mom confronted her but she denied it completely so mom did the best next thing. Followed her around the store all the way the check out line and gave her the stink eye! You go mom!

After the disaster of Target, we went to Staples and I was the third in line..so I got my laptop! YES!!!!

We went to breakfast and then finished off most of our shopping back at Target.

By the end of the day, we got some pretty good deals, had some pretty good laughs and made yet another year of BF memories! I love that holiday!

BLACK FRIDAY....

well it came and we prevailed....well mostly! I'm going to post more details of the stories of this years drama's but I had to tell everyone what a fun time I had with my mom, sister and my moms friend!

We started out at about 11pm and ended about 10 am.....when I got home I took a four hour nap and woke up to kids fed and playing and dishes done. So not only did my hunny let me shop for ten hours, he let me nap it up and cleaned the kitchen and took care of the kids. Isn't he wonderful?!

Then mom and I went to see Sinbad, who was in town this weekend. He was hilarious. I'm glad I got to go and spend some time with my momma.


Stories to follow...nothing to terribly exciting but you're ganna get them anyway!

Only 5 days left

Yes my friends only 5 days until one of the best times of the year....BLACK FRIDAY.

I looooooove Black Friday! one of my favorite family traditions. We even go when we don't have tons of money cause usually places are giving away stuff and its fun to watch the chaos. This year I actually have a decent budget and am looking to get a few big ticket items. :D

Ya...I'm excited about turkey day but I'm ecstatic about Black Friday! Bring it on people!

I"m like who?

Yesterday when I picked the girls up from the Boys and Girls club, Bethanie was chewing on something. So I say:

"What are you chewing on"

"Gum"

"Where did you get gum, cause you know you shouldn't have any"

"Breana"

Breana: "NO YOU DIDN'T"

Me: "Did you give gum to Bethanie"

"No"

"Did you give gum to Bethanie?"

"No"

- insert mommy look -

Juliet: "Yes you did you took it out of your mouth and gave it to Bethanie"

- insert me gagging-

Me: "Breana, both of your sisters are telling me you gave Bethanie gum...I will ask you one more time....did. you. give. gum. to. bethanie?!"

"yes"

At this point we all walk to the car. Bethanie and Juliet are ahead of us and I hang back just a tad with Breana.

"When we get home you are to fold not only your clothes but all the clothes, including Juliets and Bethanies"

"ok mommy"

We get in the car and I try not to allow the other girls to hear when one is getting in trouble but sometimes it just can't be helped. Its quiet in the car on the ride home cuase they all know one is in trouble. Then Juliet pipes up

"Its just like Cinderella"

Me: "what?"

"Its just like Cinderella and your like the evil step mom"

Of course then I had to talk to her about not getting into other people business and how I'm NOT like the evil step mom and what not (course for all I know, they probably think I am!) but goodness...isn't that just a peach. I'm officially the evil step mom cause I made one of my kids fold clothes! the horror of it all! I should be locked away and lashed with a wet noodle.

Half of me thought it very comical, the other was a tad bit stung by it. But they are children and they still tell me they love me so.....I can't be that horrid right? It will be a funny story to them one day.

Joke, oh so funny

This morning Breana and Juliet were in the back seat whispering and whatnot and then they started laughing.

I ask them what so funny

Juliet says "listen to my joke"

" I wish we had six fingers on each hand, cause then we would have two fumbs (she says the 'th' on all the other 'th' words, except for thumbs)"

she pauses for a second and you can see all three girls poised to laugh at the very second I understood the joke....which I was not

so Juliet continues "Get it?..... two fumbs!!! HAHAHAA"

All three girls bust up laughing, after they calm down they look at me in the mirror and I say "i'm sorry I just don't get it"

Juliet rolls her eyes and says "oh mom" and looks at her sisters like I'll never understand them.

I guess I'm just to old.... :)

they're coming

I have pictures of our trip to Idaho. I actually need to steal some from my sister and the others need to be loaded from our camera....but they are coming.

We had soooo much fun. As usual our visit was way to short, but well worth it. I love hanging out with my fam they are the greatest!!!

Perks

I get up early in the morning to do my work out, for a couple of reasons. One: the house is completely mine, I can work out and then walk to the shower red, sweaty and exhausted; Two: I get the bathroom all to myself for a full 40 minutes...no children and no husband coming and going while I try to beautify myself and Three once its done its out of the way and I have the rest of my day already set in a healthy mindset.

I've decided that I would keep this routine even on Saturday...so yes I got myself out of bed at 5:30 in the am! worked out and decided to hit up wal-mart before the rest of the world remembered it was Saturday after a payday and out of food.

Here, my friends, is one of the perks to getting up this early:

I think sometimes He gives us this view as a reward for getting up early and doing what you need to do...or he could just love us a whole bunch and wants us to remember how perfect this world can be. I love it.

Its gotta a what on its head?

The following conversation happened the other morning while I was in the bathroom curling my hair and the girls had a few moments to play before school.

Bethanie: Its a horse

Juliet: no its a unicorn

Breana: nooooo its a horse!

Bethanie: YA!

Juliet: no, you know hows I can tell....its gotta a corn on its head

silence

Breana and Bethanie: ....oh.

I just about died laughing. They sounded so serious in there mythical creature debate and really...I can see where they would think unicorns would have corns to differ them from horses. I got me some smart cookies. :D

Tagged

1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

Oh goodness...Everywhere! I would love to travel to every country! But my absolute top of my list place would be Venice Italy! I'm going there someday and I can't wait!

2. If you could travel in time to any place or to meet any person, where would you go or who would you meet?

Such a hard question...President JFK, Dr. King, President Lincoln are all that I wouldn't mind meeting, but I would have to go with Shakespeare. He's always been an inspiration of mine.

3. What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Holidays in General, but I love, love love Thanksgiving and Christmas! Usually when our family gets together and its just so much fun. I, like my darling sister, also enjoy Independence day and I tear up as well every time the national anthem is sung or played

....and of course BLACK FRIDAY!!!! WAHOO

4. What is your favorite food?

Well if you don't know all ready...I just love food. I love my moms cooking (especially her tamales!) but my favorite type of food PASTA, Tai food and cake! :D

5. If you had $5,000 to spend on anything you want (for fun), what would you do with it?

Take my family (including parents and siblings) on the Disney cruise for a week. How fun would that be?!?!

or

Lasik eye surgery!

6. What was the most treasured gift that you've ever received?

Besides my children. My husband...I can't imagine loving someone this much and the knowledge that he loves me just as much is just so overwhelming to me. It truly is one of the greatest gift to me.

Also the Gospel. Where would I be if it where not allowed to be here, if Joseph Smith had not been allowed or able to restore it for us? I would not be in a good place and I would most definitely be sad and lost.

7. Who is one of your greatest heroes? Why?

I think this one is a hard one. So many people I would consider in the hero realm....my parents for the incredible hearts they have, my sister D for the incredible inspiration and rock she has been for me....my family in general for the amazing people they are. My husband for rescuing me from thinking I would never be truly loved, my children for making me want to be a better person and Heavenly Father and Jesus for not only allowing me to come and live this life but having the faith in me that I can do it and do it well.


8. Which animal is your favorite? Why?

you know I really don't have a favorite animal. I enjoy cats and dogs and such but I just don't have a absolute favorite.....I think if anything probably a lion. So majestic, powerful and an attitude to boot. :D

I'm suppose to tag other people. so here is who I tag:

Lexi, Ruth and Aprill. have fun

What? That's not an effective way to communicate?

If you know me, and most of you do, you'll know that I come with quiet an attitude. I've always had an attitude and it has helped and hindered me tremendously at various times in my life. Times when said attitude comes into play, when I feel threatened or if I feel my family is threatened, if I'm being talked down too, if someone challenges my parenting skills...things like that. Even if they are not, if I even perceive this to be true I will immediately jump into my attitude.

The other day Brian and I got in a little tiff. He said the girls learned a certain behavior from me, I clearly disagreed and had points to prove this. But instead of calmly asking him to listen to what I had to say, I automatically jumped into my defensive attitude. He completely shut down, would not answer me, would not talk to me. So I say "why is it you can say what you want to say but I don't get to say what I want to say?" his response: "because I don't say it with attitude"

Ok true point. I do...and although I don't think it fair he shut me off completely, I do think it was fair of him to call me out and not continue it until I checked it. (which is suuuper hard for me).

Don't get me wrong...I will continue to stand up for myself, but I will try very hard not to include the automatic defensive attitude. We will see if I can do this.

Luckily for me...he loves me anyway. ;~)

Snacks

I was talking to one of my beautiful sisters today (as I often do) and we were talking about snacking. How often we remember to make our kids healthy snacks and then turn around and eat unhealthy snacks ourselves. I think this is a hard habbit to break...well it is for me anyway. I love yummy foods and lets face it, not all yummy foods are fantastic for you right?!

We are coming up on the holidays where much yumminess will be for the partaking. My goal: to make sure I partake in moderation and eat healthy whenever possible. Not just for main meals but for snacks as well, Drink more water and watch my portion sizes!

I want to lose another 10 pounds by Christmas. Thats five pounds a month. I can do this!!!! And now that I have written it out in a public setting...please feel free to ask for updates and see how I"m doing. It might just keep me in gear. :D

Frumpy days

I've always had a low opinion of myself. I've struggled with my weight for years and it is still an ongoing battle, I've never really been book smart or overly excel at something super fantastic. I have my talents here and there...but for the most part, I'm average.

Sometimes I think I am simply fantastic, or I will catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and say 'dang, I'm pretty today'. But for the most part it is a daily struggle not to focus on the things I don't have going for me!

I know I have this problem of not thinking I'm good looking or thin enough, of not thinking I"m good enough or worth a whole heck of a lot. When I do start thinking like that I try really hard to tell myself something I do well or point out that I have lost over fifty pounds in the last year and the last 20-30 are the hardest to get off. I do, but sometimes the mean me just simply will not go away and she wins. Not often but she does.

The other day I was having such a day. Nothing I did seemed to be good enough or appreciated. the children complained about dinner and homework, I just didn't have the energy to work out (even though I knew darn well it would make me feel better), I was trying very hard to be a good mother, wife and caretaker and frankly I was feeling ugly and fat!!

Brian and I sat down on the couch after the girls went to bed. He asked if I wanted to watch a few shows with him. 'Sure why not...whatever' was the attitude I had.

He sat down, made me turn towards him, touched my cheek, looked over my face and then said:

"My goodness you are beautiful". Then softly kissed me.

It was exactly what I needed, craved and frankly wanted. It made me feel like everything I do was totally worth it and appreciated and that I am not just worth something to someone...I am worth everything to him.

I will definitely have more frumpy days, that is a given....but I know my worth.

Old......

The following conversation happened on the way to school between my three daughters:

Breana: today is my teachers birthday

Bethanie: oh ya well today is my teachers birthday

Juliet: well mine too!!!

Breana: My teacher is going to be 30!!!

silence

Bethanie and Juliet in unison: That is soooo old!

Oh goodness. Do you remember thinking 30 is old? now I'm desperately trying to convince myself that 30 is the new 20! Gotta love it.

What kind of mother do you want to be?....

When I was younger and thought of having children, never did it enter my mind to foster and/or adopt. Not that I thought there was anything wrong with it....just didn't make a conscious effort to think about it. Our family (since my younger years) has become well acquainted with adoption. My sister and brother-in-law are adoptive parents and several of my siblings are adopted children. So my children know about it, how it works and that adoptive children are loved just as much as biological children!

The following conversation happened yesterday:

Bethanie: what do you want to be when you grow up?

Breana: a mommy

Juliet: when you are a mom you have to have a baby in your tummy and the doctor has to give you a shot to get it out

Me: does that make you not want to be a mommy Juliet?

Juliet: nope I just want to be a mommy for babies that other people grow and don't want....like Eric and baby S.

I thought it very cool that one of my daughters considers adoption a first line of child rearing. What an impact our family has had on her views. Either way she decides to be a mother I am perfectly ok with. :)

To my dad

My daddy's birthday is today. My dad is one of the most wonderful men you will ever have the pleasure to meet.

My dad is not rich and famous, not a household name known around the world... an average man by most of the worlds standards. But to many who have the awesome privilege to know him, he's a hero. Let me tell you why my dad is my hero!

- My dad works super hard at his job. He's always putting in a 110% and very underpaid for it. But doesn't complain. Showing us that hard work is a key point of success.

- My dad works super hard at his calling. Not only as a first counselor but as a priesthood holder in his family. He's kind and gentle, always has a nice word, a smile or a firm handshake to people of his or other wards, letting them know he is there. He's always there for his family when blessings are needed/wanted or with advice to life's unending questions. Showing us how important doing the Lords work is.

- My dad is super creative. He's always come up with fun things to try out. Rocket shooting, star gazing, writing, camping, fun week, cd mobiles, wall/ceiling paintings, making fountains, landscaping, Lord of the Ring sword fights. Basically anything that my dad thinks can be fun, he researches it and does it! Showing us you are never to old to keep young and fun!

- My dad is super persistent. He's always working towards a goal. Keeping up his education and re-certifying certificates. Showing us education and continual learning is vital.

- My dad works on being healthy. He works out all the time and eats healthy. He shares this knowledge with his family and encourages us to do it at well. Showing us being healthy will make it possible to keep your mind going and fun times rolling.

- My dad is a very very loving and caring man. He (along with my beautiful wonderful mother) have nine children. Three of them adopted with FAS/FAE. He is patient and loving to all his children. Willing to give his time, attention and energy to listen, give advice or help in anyway. He works so hard and has so little time, but he will never turn you away when you ask him for a minute of his time or call or email with a dramatic (usually not that dramatic but at that point in our life it is) problem and he will stop what he is doing and help the best way he can. Showing us that we are the most important things in his life, aside from the Lord and above his work.

Basically my dad is everything every child wants and I am supremely blessed to have the awesome privilege of being his daughter.

I love you daddy! Happy birthday.

So Happy!

Really what else can I really say? I am so incredibly happy. I love my handsome loving husband. I love my beautiful children. I love my wonderful family. All of them are the light of my life and I am sooo grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to have them in my life. Each one of them makes me a better person just by knowing them!


I am in Heaven on earth!

Its almost here

FOUR DAYS!!!!!

I am so excited to have all my siblings here, I'm so excited for girls night on Friday (me and my sista's) I'm so excited to see his face when I walk down the isle and I can't wait to go on the honeymoon.


I just can't wait to be able to tell the world that he is my husband!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!

COUNT DOWN

9 DAYS!!!!

we are in single digit days here people!!!! SINGLE DIGET DAYS!!!!!

11 Days

Only 11 days left people!!!

I'm sooo excited!


I love and adore him so much its sometimes hard to breath. I can't wait to be with him for the rest of my life. I can't wait to be able to tell the world that we are married, that he is mine and only mine!

I can't wait to be Mrs. Snyder forever

Thats pretty dang cool

I go on Failblog a lot. Mostly is funny/stupid people doing funny/stupid stuff but sometimes they will put a WIN on there...of someone doing something awesome. This is one of those people.

http://failblog.org/2010/08/19/epic-fail-video-street-performer-win/

check it out. I think this guy is pretty awesome.

Awesome!

The kitchen and sink in particular faces the road. So you can look out and see people walking or cars roaming.

Yesterday, while doing dishes, Brian and I saw something Awesome. A dad jogging....with his obviously struggling, too young to be in this kind of condition, over-weight little girl. She had to be around 9-10 and she was easily 90-100 pounds. She was red faces, panting and hating her father from the looks of it.

I just thought it was great! how many of our youth are horribly over weight and how many parents not only ignore the issue but contribute to it by allowing poor eating habits and inactivity to keep up, thinking 'the schools will fix it' or 'I don't have the time or money to fix a healthy meal' or 'they are happy...why push it if they are fine'

-Schools should not take the place of parent...they are a tool not a solution.

-It takes about 30 minutes to sit in line at a fast food restaurant get home, unpack the food and eat it. Takes about 40 minutes to bake chicken, green beans and rice and beleive it or not...probably cost less then a night at McDonalds

-They are not happy...they don't' know the difference and it will just keep getting worse.

Breaks my heart to see an elementary school kid breathing heavy just getting to the play ground let alone running around with the rest of the kids. So kudos to this dad...who is doing something about it in his daughters life! I applaud you!

1st day of school

So Monday the 2nd of August my girls started school. Five years ago I knew this day would come. I knew I was going to be a blubber face watching my child take one more step away from me and into the world....little did I know it was going to be timsed by three. Three little cuties I walked to the door and let go of their tiny hands. Three angels I gave a hug and kiss goodbye and three little voices said "I love you mommy" as they happily took on the challenge of starting a new thing. I won't lie....as soon as I got in the car I cried for a solid five minutes before I even turned on the engine. I'm getting emotional just writing this. Its really quiet silly actually but there it is.

Juliet, Bethanie and Breana. They really do love each other when they want too! :D

Picture with daddy before he left for work. *side note: can I just say he is just so stinking handsome!!! I can't even stand it. ....ok back to the girls.

Me with my girls. Don't know if you can tell....my eyes are already red. But look at those faces! they are soo excited!

SISTERS! really? is there anything better?!

Breana :)

Bethanie

Juliet...she insisted on posing...such a goof.

I just love this picture. Bethanie, Breana and Juliet.....My three big girls.

wahhoooo

One month and five days till I marry the absolute love of my life!!!!
Three days till school starts for the girls and we don't have to pay day care anymore.
About seven months till I'm done with consumer credit.

That will be an extra $1200 a month I will be saving...yes people you read that right, close to Twelve Hundred dollars I am spending currently on day care and consumer credit. I have no idea how I've survived....the Lord that's for dang sure!

I can't wait to start being able to save instead of living paycheck to paycheck. I can't wait to be with my love for the rest of always....to buy a house with him, to have babie(s) with him, to raise our family the best way we know how!

I'm so very glad I have such wonderful parents to use as an example. They are simply fantastic!

I'm just all around in a great place. :)

Why Juliet will never have to eat frogs leg's.

background: in our house, you have to at least try whatever is put in front of you before you say you don't like it. Its a rule I will always enforce (side note: I will never make my children eat anything I wouldn't consider putting in my own mouth)

I like to egg my kids on.....ask them why a billion times when they are trying to explain something and what not...Its fun and I'm the mom so I get to do that. Most of the time they will just get frustrated with my game and just laugh or say 'Mooooommmyyyy' in that 'please stop talking' whine. But occasionally they will come up with a perfect answer and stump even them best of them...aka me! ;~)

The following conversation took place last week while driving home:

Mom: Aunt Rina is coming over to watch you. And she is getting pizza
Juliet: YAY
Mom: oh but the pizza isn't for you, you get to have frogs legs
Juliet: seriously mom? that's gross
Mom: Yes and how do you know they are gross?
Juliet: cause my mouth told me so
Mom: have you ever tried them?
Juliet: umm..NOOOO
Mom: then how do you know you wouldn't like them if you haven't' even tried them

(dramatic pause)

Juliet: Because that is how Jesus made me.


Well you can't really argue with that now can you! And that my friends is why Juliet will never have to eat frogs leg's...at least not at my table. To bad she didn't save that awesome answer for spinach or green beans. :D

Best thing about sisters...

Sleep overs! :D even if it just in each others room.

Beach Day.

The Musgroves (family friends) invited us to go the lake on Sat. They went up early and got an awesome spot. We came up later after my class and the girls got right into the water!

We stayed up there for six hours! It was super nice. Sun was hot, water was cold, food was yum and company was wonderful. I hope we do it again soon!


Juliet, Bethanie and Breana....cute aren't they?

Juliet... who is usually terrified of the water went up all the way to her neck and even paddled out on a little raft all by herself (not to far, but far enough to get a nice dunk if she were to have fallen off - hence the constant presence of arm floaties!)

Breana. :) her little arms are almost none existent with those arm floaties. I kept having flash backs to The Christmas Story and how Ralphy's brother couldn't put his arms down.

I didn't get an individual picture of Bethanie. She seemed to want to be difficult in regards to taking a picture for me. O well...maybe next time.

Having a bit of a snack. Gotta stay fuelled for all the beach fun! I love Breana's face (in the middle)...pay no attention to the whale at the bottom of the screen.

This has to be one of my favorite pictures.

Me and my hunny. I just love this man!


When we got home we grilled up some hot dogs, washed off sand residue, watched a movie and then we all had a really good nights sleep!

Love summer. :D

Mommy eyes

Juliet is not one of those kids who dances around what she wants to say. She rarely is embarrassed and strait out tells you what she is doing or thinking if asked and sometimes when you don't ask.

Yesterday I was drawing a bath ....ha that sounded so early 1900's....anyway I digress, I was drawing a bath for the girls when I walked in the bathroom to check the water for the girls and Juliet is on the potty...of course commanding her sisters to do something (even from the potty with her naked hiney she is bossy!). I tell the twins to go find jammies for after the bath and ask Juliet what she is doing (meaning why is she bossing her sisters around)

"Poopin" is her answer. At this I do notice a nasty little oder and say "hecks ya you are thats stiiiiinky!" So then she tells me to "turn on the gross air sucker upper" (meaning the fan). I hear giggles behind me and with out turning tell the twins to go find their jammies.

They are amazed by my skill to know exactly what they are doing (love those mommy skills) when I hear "how did she know that?"

I walk out, flip on the fan, tell Juliet to hurry up. I'm halfway down the hall when I hear "cause she's got back of the head mommy eyes under her hair...now go find jammies" in that little bossy voice coming from atop the toilet.

1: Juliet comes up with the funniest things to say.
2: how on earth do children not have more nightmares when we are telling them we have eyes in the back of our heads....The vision that comes to my mind when she said that was terrifying. I wonder how I didn't' go running from my moms head every time she turned around. Crazziness.

Ask and ye shal recieve...

My previous post was me freaking out about child care! well yesterday I got a call back from the school letting me know that they have a special program through the boys and girls club. They can be registered there at 5 if they are registered at Sun Vally Elementary. Awesome... then I get a text from my sister who says she's got a friend who can do it as well. Nice.

so I have a main plan and a back up plan. Yes!

Then I start chatting up the school lady...and she tells me that they have uniforms this year! hallelujah! I am all for uniforms. I think all schools should be in uniforms. Yes children should be able to express themselves but if we take away the ability to express through hoochie shorts and baggy pants then maybe these kids would start expressing through art, music or writing. I fully believe on putting everyone on a level playing field, make everyone equal and then go from there. It will be far easier for everyone to come in and know they are wearing the same things and not be judged on clothes, name brands and style.

So all in all....I'm a happy mom so far. We will see what the school year has in store for me. Last year I was preparing one child to go to kindergarten. Now I'm getting ready to see three start their little lives off as big girls. I won't lie....its going to kill me! I'm going to be a wreck!

Before/After School Care

I'm sure this is yet another reason I should be a stay at home mom....but just can't be that way.


Why is it sooooo dang hard to find before/after school programs. Especially for Kindergartners. They are typically 5. 5 is old enough to start school....but apparently not old enough to be able to be watched in before/after school programs. All the ones I've looked up are 6. And I love my girls dearly but they are all the same age so anywhere I do find that might take them at 5 will cost us an arm and a leg. We are talking about four hours here people! It shouldn't be where parents have to get two jobs just to afford care!!!!!

I am going to talk to a member of our ward who is currently watching Juliet and see if she will be gracious enough to watch them for us. I'm not sure if it will work or if I'm going to have to miraculously change my works schedule to meet this outrageous need.

The Lord will provide if I keep the faith......doesn't mean I can't get a bit frustrated along the way.

Juliets Eye

Last night I came home from my book club and Juliet kept saying her eye hurt. So I took her in the bathroom and tried to look at her eye. She had it shut so tight I thought I would need the jaws of life to pry it open. I finally have to tell her to hug my waist tight so she'll leave her hands away from her face and pull her eye open.

Ok so I'm thinking maybe an eyelash or something....no a huge clump of stuff animal stuffing. I won't lie at first I thought some worm or something had got stuck in her eye. I had an internal battle with the little girl me who wanted to slap at it, scream and run away and the the mother in me who desperately wanted to save my child's eye and whatever other evil might come from this nastiness. Luckily for Juliets face and my ego...mother me won, calmed down and realized it was stuffing and not worms.

I pull out piece by piece...some come out easily some don't. I wanted to pull all of it out at once but one she kept clamping her eye-lid down (I dont' blame her I would too) and two I didn't know if it had started to wrap around anything and didn't want to inadvertently pull her eyeball out (cause then scardy cat little girl in me would have won...hands down!).

I pull the last piece out and then run her open eye under water. It was red and swollen and she said it only hurt when she closed her eye. I explained that it was probably scratched. Then I asked her how the heck she got stuffing in her eye. She still has no clue. Ya that's my kid!

This morning I ask her how her eye is and she says good, that it no longer hurt. I pulled her to me and started looking for myself. I pull her eye lid open and examine it like a mother should.

"Are you sure it doesn't hurt" I ask

"Well if you dont' squish it!" she replies in a heeeeelllllooooo voice.

Brian and I both started busting up. Ya...she's def my daughter.

June 18th, 2010

Today is a Friday. Nothing unusual about this Friday. It was sunny, warm and all around pleasant. I worked all day. Had lunch with my handsome husband to be and laughed a lot with co-workers

I feel the need to say its a very important day. Could be important to different people for different reasons. If its not important to you...make it. :)


That's pretty much all I have to say about that.

Engagement Pictures.

While my sister was in town, she took some engagement pictures of Brian and I. Here are a few of my favorites. We only picked three for the invites so I'm posting the rest that I really liked.

Hope you like them. :D

This is one that I picked for the invites. I love it.

This is the main picture for our invites. :D

I just think this one is darling.

I absolutely love this one. We have so much fun together!

Kissie face! this one also shows of my bling. haha

I like this one cause Brian was making fun of me and totally over-exaggerating his face. Probably cause I kept saying "be happy, be happy....be happy hunny"

This is the one we ended up using on our invites.....or one very similar to it.

Another one were we are laughing with/at each other. Aren't we cute?! haha.

This is just a cute one I think.

I love Brian's "Ya, I got it" look and the way my hair is flying around.

Almost used this one for the invites....but didn't. Absolutely love it. Totally shows off my eye color. :D and isn't he handsome!!!???!!!!!!

Well there you are. Me and my handsome soon to be husband. I can't wait to start my life with him!!!!!

Thanks Didder (Deborah) for capturing those wonderful moments for us.

Getting closer.....

The wedding is getting closer (as you can see from my awesome countdown at the top of the screen. hehe).

Things that I've gotten done so far.

Booked Church
Booked Bishop
Booked Photog
Printed up invites
Done engagement pics
Bought Dress
Brides maids have picked out their dresses
Figured out Flowers
Figured out Dinner
Figured out favors
Figured out Center pieces

Things that still need to be done.
Final cake/cupcake decisions.
Start buying dinner/centerpieces stuff
Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Have bridal shower/bachlorette party
Buy Brian's ring
Get tux
Get dresses for girls
put together music for reception

and I'm sure there are smaller details I still need to figure out and handle. Luckily for me I have some fantastic family who can help me do all this and know that I'm going to get all stressed out and still love me! :D

I'm sooooo excited to be getting married to Brian. He is everything I've ever wanted and needed. I love him sooo much!!!

A story by Juliet Duke

The following is a story Juliet told to Deborah and I. She simply cracks me up!

There were two birds. The girl bird has stinky feet. The boy bird told the girl bird she had stinky feet. The girl bird said "I don't' have stinky feet...its my shoes". "No" said the boy bird. "Put them on your feet and your feet will stink too" said the girl bird. So the boy bird put on the shoes and they figured out that the shoes made the birds feet smell. So then they became girlfriend and boyfriend because they both had 'snanky feet'.

no joke...she actually said - stanky- and she held the 'a' for a second or two to put a little umph in it. It was HILARIOUS!

Love her stories.

Good and Bad of Reno

I moved to Reno a bit ago and I absolutely love it here. I love my job, I love the city, I love being in the thick of it. Course its not as big as I would like it to be...but it will do.

I've always been a big city girl at heart...when I was little I dreamed of moving to New York. I would still love to but that just not feasible in our life plans.

the down side of living in Reno...besides the traffic in the evening ;) is missing out on my family. They live in Carson. My sister recently surprised everyone and came into town. I'm used to seeing her all the time when she is here and this time it has been different. I live 45 minutes away so its not like I can just pop on over and then be back in time to get children ready for bed and be in at a decent hour. Cause lets face it, when I get with my mom and sisters....we talk! :D

I love them very much and I do miss them tons! but I love it here. Its where I'm suppose to be!

I just hope my family knows that I still love and adore them and I do miss being able to drive around the corner to have a chat or spend lots of time there when some of them come to visit!

Dunked

Brian...the absolute love of my life became a member of the LDS church on Saturday May 15th. He has been coming to church with me since a few weeks after we started dating. He took the lessons on his own and decided to get baptized.

I won't lie, it made me super super happy! I think he has the potential to do great things in our church and uphold the priesthood to its fullest. He says he would like to take me to the temple one day. I hope that is a goal we can achieve someday...because there is nothing more I would love then to be sealed to him and our children forever!

I love the Gospel and the blessings we receive if we do what we are asked to. The joys far out weigh the sorrows and I am so very grateful that Heavenly Father saw me worthy enough to gain an eternal partner such as Brian. I am truly blessed!

My girls.

So with this new marriage of mine coming up...I will not only be gaining a wonderful partner in life but also two new daughters.


Bethanie, Juliet and Breana.....my beautiful girls. Aren't they cute?! And all 5 by the way.

Breana, Bethanie and Juliet....they love Tata (my grandpa). Apparently they thought he was cold or something. hehe.

I'm excited for this new adventure in my life. I'm happy to have met my love and to have gained two sweet girls. There will be some tough times (all three of them starting driving lessons and dating around the same time...not looking forward to that so much. hehe) but I think the wonderful times will far out weigh!