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*Press Pause on Playlist*
I saw this on another blog today and it embodied so much of what I have been feeling lately. I really wanted to pass it along and share it with you.

Kyra's Under the Sea School Program

*Push Pause on the playlist before playing the videos!* Kyra and her class had their "Under the Sea" program today at school! They did such a fabulous job! She has absolutely loved singing the songs and has even taught them to Kaeson! Thank you so much Mrs. Tapia for putting all of the time and effort into making their first grade year fabulous! You are awesome!

Draper Temple

Each of my children has chosen a temple to be "their" temple. They did this on their own about a year ago. Kyra chose the Salt Lake temple (of course, it is mom's favorite) Kaeson chose the Jordan River temple (since we can practically see it from our home and pass it atleast twice a day,) and Kelton got randomly assinged the Oquirrh Mountain temple (his siblings decided this for him as we were passing it on our way to hobby lobby one day.)

We have tried to talk as openly to our children about the temples as we could. They have always been fascinated with them. Often when we pass by a temple, I let them get out of the car and let them run up and touch the temple. They love that they can say how many temples they have touched.

Today, we took them to the Draper Temple open house. For them, this was a great experience to finally get inside and see what it is like on the inside. I spent most of the day explaining to them how they needed to behave. My sister came along with us and she was a joy! I love having her around and the extra pair of hands really comes in handy.

As a shout out to my dad, he filmed the movie that you watch before touring the actual temple. Kaeson was so proud and told everyone around us that his grandpa was the movie maker. The tour of the temple was very nice. All of the kiddos were very well behaved. Kaeson held my hand the entire time and whispered. I about fell over I was in so much shock. Kyra was a little angel and kept asking question after question. Toad, well Toad was tired and so he tried!

It was a wonderful experience to take my children there and have the chance to talk to them about what a special place the temple is. I remember going through the Jordan River temple when I was about Kyra's age and it was an awe inspiring moment. I hope that it was for my children. As we left, Kyra said to me, "Mom, I am always going to remember that you brought me to the temple." It made my day.

My Conspiracy Theory

I am wholly and completely convinced that the fashion industry has it out to deceive the American public. This conclusion of mine has been drawn by my now desperate search of a new bathing suit. I think that it is all one big conspiracy! You have to tell me that you agree.

Once, many years ago, did find the perfect bathing suit. It was the ideal fit, color, style, everything. I love it! In fact, I still have it and wear it. However, it is probably time to retire that one and start looking for a new one.

It isn't that I haven't bought others, I just don't like them once I get them home. So, I have the question to ask. What is up with all of these suits? Why is it that they only make suits to fit the ultra teeny boppers with the bagel sized waists and DD tops(neither of which describes me?) Where are the ones for us that are tap dancing our way into our mid thirties and now raising toddlers? Do they not realize that we want a cute suit too?

Why can't they get that perfect suit that holds you in, lifts you up, shapes the backside, hides all of those little things that we never want to talk about and makes it look effortless. I mean, come on. You would think with all of the practice that they have had over the past 50 years, that they could get it right. Don't you?

Make Up Your Mind To Be Happy

I saw this on a friend's blog and really liked it. I know that a lot of times in life we play the "When Then" game. We get caught in "when I have (you fill in the blank...a new car, no mortgage payment, the perfect haircut, etc) I will be happy." In actuality, we can find happiness all around us!

Make up your mind to be happy-even when you don’t have money, even when you don’t have a clear complexion, even when you don’t have the Nobel Prize. Some of the happiest people I know have none of these things the world insists are necessary for satisfaction and joy. Why are they happy? I suppose it is because they don’t listen very well. Or they listen too well-to the things their hearts tell them. They glory in the beauty of the earth. They glory in the rivers and the canyons and the call of the meadowlark. They glory in the love of their families, the stumbling steps of a toddler, the wise and tender smile of the elderly. They glory in honest labor. They glory in the scriptures. They glory in the presence of the Holy Ghost. One thing I know for certain: the time we have here goes by far too quickly. Don’t waste any more time sitting on the bench watching life pass you by.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life.” Ensign, May 2001, 35.

Caving In

I started hearing about the "Twilight" books a couple of years ago from my good friend Sherrie. She talked about this LDS author that wrote of a lovestory between a vampire and a human. The whole thing sounded very hokey. I had absolutely no interest in reading it.

Over the past few years, I have seen that rage that has started surrounding this series. It had women going nuts. Whenever I mentionted to people that I hadn't read them, they would look at me as though I had just climbed out of a swamp. I did however, have reasons for not reading the books.
1. I had heard that the first book was great but they all went downhill from there. I don't like to start a series on a downward spiral. That just isn't right.
2. The whole idea of vampire and human love just sounded cheesy and stupid.
3. I tend to go anti-trend. If it is what "everyone else is doing" I tend to avoid it. That is of course, unless my gal pals convince me of it.

So, the other night, my friend Nikki, came over to help me figure out Shutterfly and invited me to go to the "Twilight" movie with her. I confessed that I still had not read the book. She about flipped. Immediately, she clicked out of shutterfly and onto the Stephenie Meyer website and proceeded to show me all of the trailers, the sneak peaks, the playlists, the "Edward" version, EVERYTHING! She was so utterly enthusiastic about it that it actually started to peak my interest a bit. I asked Harvey to get my copy of the first book out of my car (yes, I did have one and it had been in a storage compartment in my car for over a year.) Of course, it wasn't there. Who knows what happened to it. But now, I was at the point where I wanted to read the book and was frustrated that I didn't have one.

Nikki to the rescue! She came over the next day and lent me her copy. I started reading it a little less than enthusiastic, but curious. Now, I am about 2/3 way through the book and I do have to say, not bad. I will say this, for being a completely clean book, I can certainly see where it was getting its hype from. I think that in my next life, I may just need to find myself a vampire!

Cheep Cheep!

One day, when my youngest siblings were just tiny, my dad was at the grocery store and came up with a grand idea. Twenty minutes and a package of gummy worms later, the Cheap Cheap tradition was born. My dad, the eternal kid at heart, dangled these little gummy worms in front of my little siblings and asked them who wanted one. Of course, they all jumped up and down chanting that they wanted a treat.

So, instead of just handing over a worm, dad had to make it interesting. He explained that baby birds liked to eat worms but they had to cheep for them and the mother (or father bird in this case) would drop the worm into their mouths. So, in order for them to get their worm, they had to lay down and say "Cheap Cheap" and he would then drop a worm into their mouths. Obediently, all of the little ones immediately lay down on the floor and began to cheep. My dad got the biggest kick out of it.

Now, in order to get a gummy worm from my dad, you have to lay down and cheap for one and he will drop it into your mouth. I know....we are a kookie bunch. I have never denied that. I have never had a taste for gummy worms and therefore never really had the desire to have to lay on the floor and cheep for one. However, things change when you have kids.

Dad came over the other night. Like always, the kids knew that he was going to pull candy from their ears. This time just happened to be gummy worms. Instead of just handing them over, my kids immediately lay down and started cheeping (talk about well trained)for the treat. After a few worms, my dad said, "Get your mommy to do it now." After refusing for over 10 minutes, I finally conceded to having a worm pulled from my ear and then cheeping for it. When did I get to be such a push over? The pictures are not flattering but, I got a kick out of it!

My Bucket List

I have always loved to keep a wishlist. I love just being able to have a goal to work toward. It makes me work harder to get achieve goals and makes rewards so much sweeter. I have my life wish list or my "bucket list" if you will and I love reading over it and adding to it.

Now, I know that I probably won't be able to accomplish a good portion of these, but I am not telling myself yet. If I have it written down, I will get there. What is life if you don't have a dream? I live for the dream. So, here is *part* of my bucket list. What is on yours?

*Send a message in a bottle * Visit the French Riviera * Tour the White House * See a real Monet * Hike a volcano * Stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower * Ride a horse down the beach * Host a wedding in my backyard (I need a new backyard) * Drive down the California coast in a convertible * Spend the night in Cinderella's Castle * Return and visit the Dominican Republic * Own water front property * Swim with dolphins * Live outside Utah * Live outside the Country * Have a front porch with a swing * Tour the Greek Isles * Go on a gondola ride in Venice * Publish a book * Own my own clothing label * Scuba dive in Maui * Have a flat stomach again * Visit the castles in Ireland * Ride on a zip line * Grow orchids * See a show on Broadway * Dye my hair a crazy color * Leave last minute on a vacation with only my toothbrush * Watch a glassblower at work * Learn to surf * Visit the Vatican * Ride the subway * Grow a real garden * Name a star * Para sail * Go to Neverland * Ride the Orient Express (if there really is one) * Become fluent in French and Italian * Ride on a private jet * Learn to dance Samba * Go to Mardi Gras * Design a piece of jewelry *

Addicted To Lists

I am a list person. I don't know how many of you are out there that can relate to my addiction to pen and paper. I love to write thing down and lists seem to be the thing that end up on the inside of my notebooks. However, it is very soothing for me.

I have to do lists for the week, the month, the year. I have my new year's resolutions, my goals that I want to accomplish before my next birthday and my ever famous vision board list. I have recently been adding one list to my collection: my "bucket" list. The list of all the great and glorious things that I want to accomplish before I high tail it out of this life. Unfortunately, most of things will probably remain undone but, atleast I have a dream. It is kind of like Christmas. For me most of the fun at Christmas is the anticipation of something great.

The three that I am working most feverishly on right now (which really means that I have great intentions on doing it) are my bucket list, my house "wish list," my vision board and plan to complete organization.

Just had to vent this one. I have writers block and thought that this might resolve some issues. What is your view on lists?

To help the kiddos celebrate Valentines Day, my cute parents took them on an adventure. Lowes has these darling classes where they help kids make a project. My dad has been eyeing these classes for some time now and has been discussing them with Kaeson. My parents decided to take both Kyra and Kaeson to the Valentines class where they each made a valentines box. The followed it up with lunch at Artic Circle. What a treat for my rambunctious duo! That was by far the highlight of the month!

Valentines Day!

My kids love Valentines Day! I think that it is mostly for the candy but, they have been doing the Valentines Day countdown for several weeks. Since Kyra is off track, her class celebrated Valentines Day on the last day of on track time. She was completely devestated when she had to miss school due to a strep throat. In her mind however, ammends would be made with our "family party."

We had pink pancakes with pink whipped cream and strawberries and of course strawberry milk! Every year we get the kiddos something small and this year they loved it. Toad got a helium balloon that said "Toadally Awesome," which of course popped after 30 minutes but hey, he had fun.

Then, for Harvey's valentine, I gave the best of all man presents. I sent him to Best Buy to pick out what he wanted. I know, lame. Usually, I am more creative but, I am still pretty much a homebody for now. He loved it though and came home with Mario Cart for the WII. So, now I don't know if I will ever see him emerge from the Man Cave downstairs.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Friday the 13th

I know that Friday the 13th is supposed to be a very unlucky day. However, I have chosen to see it differently. Friday the 13th doesn't come around very often so, when it does we make it a wish day. So, using this train of thought, do the following:
1. Close your eyes
2. Think about your wish
3. Believe (and know) that it will come true.

Have a very Happy Friday the 13th and may all of your wishes come true!

It Worked!

I found a great way to finally get my kids to help me clean up today. They are going stir crazy from being in the house during the winter time. We are two weeks into our three week off track time and I think that they are ready to have a mutiny and I am ready to surrender.

So, I made them a deal. If they cleaned up with me for 1/2 hour, I would give them free reign with my old camera for 1/2 hour. It worked! I will have to use this trick again. Most of the pictures were pretty scary angles but, I thought that I would share a bit!

Pay It Forward for Valentines

I hopped on over to a good friend's blog today. Not only is she one of the most hilarious people in the world but she is also one of the kindest people I have ever known. She goes out of her way to make others feel special and loved. I feel it a privelege to call her my friend. She has designed a new tag and I am going to particpate. This is Pay It Forward!

To show the love this week and celebrate Valentine’s Day, here is what you do…The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me (if more people comment, you just might get one too;)). What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you’re going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember, only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

Don't Get Enough TV

Here is a fun link that I thought that I would post. There is a web site that offers movies and TV for internet viewing for FREE! Here at my house, I am trying to cut down the chaos by turning off the TV a bit more but, I found this on another blog and thought that you all might get a kick of it. Enjoy

http://www.hulu.com/tv

Toad's First Haircut

I have a good friend who's 7 month old has already had 5 haircuts. I think that my kids don't get to their fifth haircut until they are about 4! Today, however, Toad got his first haircut. He needed it. The hair around his ears looked like wings. I was beginning to think that he would take flight at any moment.


We ran into several obstacles on our journey to handsomedom. My short scissors ended up being too dull (someone has been using them to cut paper- UGH!) So, I had to use a pair of my fabric scissors. That made it akward. Then, Toad refused to sit still and wiggled the entire time. We finally got him settled down with a banana, a cup of white chocolate chips and a bottle.



After about 5 mintues, he was done....with sitting there. So, we will leave the back for another day...and maybe a professional. But he looks better doesn't he?

Sucker For Romance

I have been looking over my Net Flix line up and my playlist and noticed that I have been coming up with a common theme. I love romance. I love every sappy sweet little moment of it. I love the ooey gooey moments that really only happen in movies. There is a song for every single feeling of romance that you could possible conjure. Then, my favorite, when I can curl up with a good novel and just soak in every last word while the pictures play in my head.

To start, "Anne of Green Gables," is the movie that got me through college. As someone pointed out, this movie was most likely the springboard of my obsession with bridges. The end of that eight hour saga of Anne and Gilbert, when they finally kiss on that misty bridge, I stand up and cheer. Then, rewind and cheer again.

How genius was Jane Austin? Every word that that brilliant woman ever penned is comfort food to my heart. My favorite of all will be "Pride and Predjudice." The book, the movie, the whole shebang! The ending of the recent version still sends a shiver through me.



The Notebook is a recent favorite. A love that starts in adolescence and transcends through to adulthood regardless of perils and obstacles is just what the heart needs. It shows that love can be true and forever. Oh, and just so you know, I really want that house someday!!!

When Harry Met Sally. Don't you just love the fact that it takes nearly a decade for this pair of complete opposites to realize that they are absolutely perfect for each other.

The Cutting Edge is a classic. When you finally let your guard down and open up your heart a little tiny bit, it is amazing how quickly you will find yourself in a much different place than where you had started. Knowing how to ice skate and being in the Olympics doesn't hurt either.

Love Actually (the edited version) is the only movie that gets me into that warm and fuzzy holiday spirit. I had to watch this movie several times before I liked it. However, I LOVE it. It is true that love actually is everywhere and that it is different for every person. For some, huge barries must be crossed. Others deal with broken hearts. Fantasies are attainable and sometimes sometimes that perfect soulmate of yours is just barely out of reach.


An Affair To Remember. The love between Debra Kerr and Cary Grant is unmatchable. The classic line to met at the top of the Empire States Building at a prespecified date has been the gateway for so many other romatic ventures in movies and real life. I love that he has been seeking after her for so long and she wanted to be perfect for him.

Ever After, for me, keeps the fairy tale in my heart. I love stepping out of my reality for just a minute and pretend to live in that wonderful fantasy of being Cinderella. I love to watch that one with Kyra and we decide what we would do if we were "in her shoes."

Now, I know that I am going to get comments on not mentioning the movie Twilight. That is because I am still avoiding reading it. I have heard that the first book is the best and it just goes downhill from there. I have a hard time starting a series on a downward spiral.

After reading this, I am thinking that I really should get a life. On second thought however, maybe I will just get a movie and vicariously live through someone else....just for a little while!