Sherries Visit

Sherrie stopped by to be creative. With all that she already has on her plate she has volunteered to make hats for her young women's camp group.

Along with her ideas and fabric she brought along Emma and her niece which was a great treat for my kiddos. It was raining, a holiday so we were all home and Harvey was upstairs fixing a leak in our roof so the unexpected playgroup was euphoria for the whole group. The busy household went as follows: Harvey was upstairs, alternating between Kyra's room and the attic trying desperately to fix the leak that had somehow gone from the edge of the roof to the middle of Kyra's room (ironically the only room upstairs with the wood floors.) Sherrie and I were on the main floor trying to figure out how to make an engineer cap from scratch seeing has how that was seemingly the only hat pattern in existance that I didn't already have drafted. The kiddos were downstairs in the toy room playing dress up and putting on the Crazy Day Fashion Show.

Now, I am a great fan of Project Runway and love to see the height of fashion. I look longing at these designs and wish that I had even a pinky full of fashion talent. The fashions coming out of Franco Basement I must say could very well rival those of Bryant Park in New York. We loved them.

Now, I am also very proud to tell all four of you that read this blog, that we got the hat pattern drafted...... from scratch. It was a proud moment. I had spent all day long making prototypes of different hats for some clients that had custom requests but, the one that Sherrie and I came up with was my favorite of the day. Better yet, it only took about a half an hour to draft the pattern and sew the hat. I only wish that we had made it out of a more fun fabric so that I could have something a bit flashier to show off.

So Sick of Being Sick

I deserve a break. I just got back from the doctors with Kelty. Third double ear infection in 3 months. We are headed back up to Primary's for another set of tubes for yet another kiddo. Goodness. Ear infections, flu, sinus infections, GI problems, RSV, and who can forget our lovely week long visit to Primary Childrens. I am so tired of having sick kids. At what point of motherhood do they give you a get out if sickness free card. Someone lend me one.

I do have to say thank you though to all of my good friends, you know who you are. You are the bomb. I don't know how I would do it without you. Thanks for your calls, drop ins, treats and just being the best friends that I could ever ask for. I count myself blessed for you and for our friendship. Thanks for all that you do... especially when you don't even realize that have done something.

Hard Working Moms

Take a look at this. I found this on You Tube and loved it. Tell me if you like it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkc9-SvqfDM

This one just melted my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR1zgNHUusE

Hooray For Boobies!!!

Hooray For Boobies!!!

Today was a day that I have looked forward to for a year. It was the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K in Salt Lake. My peeps and I started running this last year in celebration of our good friend Laurie and her triumph over breast cancer.

The day started off as a race against the clock to get everyone picked up and shuttled off the Gateway to start this race. Arriving withing minutes of the starting time, we were amazed to find a parking place. We have to rethink the timing situation next year and leave a few minutes earlier.

Shortly after arriving, we met up with our friend Laurie and got ready to start our "Race for the Cure." What an amazing site. Thousands of people of every possible age, color, size and shape were there to race in celebration or memory of a friend or loved one. Hundreds of women donned pink survivor t-shirts. It was amazing to see how many women are affected and how young some of these women are. It is truly one of the most amazing sites to stand at the top of the hill and see the floods of supporters fighting for the cure. It is a very humbling experience.

Laurie is the mom of three young children and was diagnosed shortly after her son, now nearly 3 was born. She fought hard and strong against the cancer and is now in remission. She now has added to her family a beautfiul baby gir. I have to tell you, in this world of glitz and glamor, Laurie is one of my heros. She is one of the strongest and toughest people I know and has an amazing attitude toward life. She is a great example of faith, courage and determination to all of us.

Mecca To Momma

It is no secret that all of our kiddos have been Momma's boys and girl. Although at times it is tough when no one else will do to kiss that stubbed toe or scraped knee but I love every minute of it.

As part of this adoration for mom came the late night room migration that somehow came to be known as the Mecca to Mommy. Never being good nightime sleepers, the kids started waking up at night and not seeing mom or dad near, they would trek on up to our room and climb into bed with us.

Being the sound sleepers that we are we would often not notice them until morning. The other night I awoke to Kaeson crying that he couldn't find a spot. After getting my wits about me I realized that Kyra had already claimed a spot in the middle of the bed.

Anyway, last night, after watching a movie downstairs, we came upon a tender little sight. Kaeson had started his mecca but was overcome by exhaustion and made it to just barely beyond his bedroom. He laid so peacefully sound asleep at the top of the staircase and I almost didn't want to move him.

After reluctantly placing him in his own bed, we finished up the stairs to our own room where what to our unexpecting eyes do we find: Kyra snuggled up in a ball in our bed. She had successfully made her mecca for the night.

Expensively Cheap

So, I am one of those people that can't stand to spend a lot of money on something that I could someday, in theory make for myself at a discount. However, I am also a person that will spend a significant amount to learn how to do the skill.

Kyra has been begging to have some new cute hair accessories. She has using the same ones for the past 4 years that have occasionally (and unfortunately) found their way into the washing machine, the back yard for weeks at a time and into the destructive hands of Kaeson. Needless to say that they are a little lack luster.

Having heard about this cute kiosk at the mall that sold these trendy new bows I ventured off with the kiddos to pick out a couple. The only thing that I ended up picking that day was myself off the floor as I saw the prices of these bows. $8 for one bow. What am I, middle class???? What are they thinking? I figured that there had to be a better way.

Hence, I returned home and set to work with the buckets of ribbons stored in my sewing room. The only thing that I managed to make was a pretty decent looking mess. Discouraged at my defeat I hit Ebay to find a cheaper bow. What then, what did I find, but a listing to buy instructions on how to make these "boutique bows" as they are called now days. What a bargain at only $30. I quickly and impulsively bought the instructions and have managed to make my first bow.

Yes, I am too cheap to buy that $8 bow at the mall but I now present to you my $30 bow.

Say When

What do you get a well meaning, over indulgent grandmother and an over-eager, taste craving baby? Well in short, you get a moment of entertainment followed by an evening of intestinal distress.



The family came by on Sunday for dessert and to watch America's Funniest Home Videos. Desperate to come up with a dessert that I didn't have to run to the store for, we made cookies and had our own "Spiderman Juice." Now as unappetizing as this looks, this concoction of frozen fruit, OJ and spinach, is really quite delectible as far as smoothies go. That is for people over the age of 2.



Mom made the mistake putting a small amount on Kelty's binky. He went nuts for it. She let him sip from the cup and he would fuss anytime she took it. Before too long, I look over and mom has let him finish her entire tumblerful of Spiderman juice. Moments after the glass was empty, she turns to me and with a look of panic on her face exclaims, "Oh my, that probably wasn't the best thing for him was it." Oh mom. Dear, sweet, well intending mom.



Poor Kelty. For a kid that is already suffering from tummy troubles, the night was a long one. Al

The Look

There are certain moments in our lives that evoke true joy. I love looking for those glimpses in the eyes of those around me. Although they do not happen often, when they do they are priceless. There was the look my dad's face as he danced with on my wedding day and said "I am so proud of you." Then Harvey's look of amazement and exhilaration as he saw his son being born. The look on my little girls face every time that she tells me that she loves me. I saw that look of utter bliss on Kaesey's face yesterday as he looked into the mirror and saw that his face had been painted to look just like Spiderman. Those eyes sparkled like they had just seen Santa Clause coming down the chimney. The rest of the evening was spent looking into mirrors, windows, cell phone screens and all other reflective objects. My heart melted as he explained his bliss. "Mom, I always knew that I was a super hero and I will always be your little super hero." How true little guy. You always will be my little super hero.

Kyra also had her turn at face painting. After a horrifying experience at last year's art festival where a very ambitious yet less talented 13 year old painted her face in what was supposed to look like a butterfly (much more resembling a dying bat,) she vowed to never have her face painted again. That was until today.

Kyra was amazed and put into utter shock and awe as a little girl walked past her with the most intricately designed butterfly painted on her face. It was beyond her conception that a painted face could be so divine. She immediately hopped into the chair and timidly asked the painter for a fairy on her face.

After seeing this magnificent display of fairydom on her cheek, she was even more convinced that she was destined to become a fairy. The rest of the evening was spend trying to find ways to conserve the fairy dust that they had sprinkled on her face, come up with ways to make T-shirts adaptable to the wings that she would soon be sprouting and mapping out the best way to fly to neverland to visit Tinkerbell and the rest of the Never Fairies.

Oh, time go by slowly. Let me enjoy this moment. And please, little ones, never grow up!

The Penny

If you were to ask a hundred people what would be the best day that they could think of, what responses would be heard. For me, it would be coming home to a perfectly clean home, a bubble bath and a Diet Coke on ice. For others it may include winning lottery ticket, a shiny new sports car or the man of their dreams showing up for lunch.

However, life is so simple for the little ones around us. Tonight, as I tucked my little Kaesey Bear in, he quietly whispered that today had been his best day. Now, I took a moment to think back on the day. It had been fun. A play group and lunch at Carls Jr. followed by a nap and movie with Grandpa, Grandma and the Uncles.

“You know why it was my best day Mommy” came the cute, sleepy little voice, “Because Grandpa gave me a penny.” From underneath his pillow, he produced a small wooden box and inside was a large silver coin that Grandpa had given him at the movies. Now, the coin was a Tongan coin and had no monetary value to any of us. But, to a small guy of three, having been given a penny by Grandpa, that was the most valuable treasure in the world. Thank you Grandpa for the penny.

Kyra's First Date

We always joked that Kyra, being the petite little thing that she is, would be going on her first date seated in a carseat. Well, as it turns out, it wasn't a joke but a prediction.

Yesterday, Kyra went on her first date....with her Uncle Dustin. They had planned for an afternoon get away for more than a week. Seeing as they were leaving right after school, Kyra was very particular about the outfit that she was going to wear and how her hair was going to look. She has this new hairstyle called the umbrella that she is quite fond of.

Before school, we had to run some errands and she told everyone along the way that she was going on a date. She told the receptionist at the doctor, the nurse, the doctor, the bank teller (through the car window no less), the girl at the McDonald's drive through, the pharmacist, the supermarket checkout girl, and three people in line behind us at the post office. She even screamed it to her teacher as she hopped out of the car ready for Kindergarten.

Dustin came over and we waited for Kyra's arrival from school. She is picked up by a friend and is usually home by 3:30 at the latest. At 3:40, the phone rang and it was the school. My friend asked me if I had planned to pick up Kyra. My heart sank and I thought, she's not at the school...she's missing. I said no. My friends reply came swiftly, "Then could you please tell her to get in the car. Miss Van Den Akker (her Kindergarten teacher) and I have been trying to get her in the car but she is insistant that she is going on a date and is being picked up at the school."

HOW CUTE IS THAT!!! My sweet princess wanted to be picked up in style, at the school with her carseat like any other date would be.

The cuteness didn't end there. When she came home, she grabbed my brother's hand and said let's go. Moments after they left the door, they came back in, Kyra was obviously upset, and there were Doritos all over the front porch. She had saved her recess snack from her backpack, not eaten them at school, and was planning on sharing them on her date.

Armed with two new bags of Doritos, one for each of them, Kyra and Dustin were hapily on their date once again.

Kicking Into Gear

Alright, now that Kelty has hit the 6 month mark, I have decided that it is time to get this body back into shape. I am planning on running the "Race for a Cure" Breast Cancer race in May and I sooooooo far from being ready. As I was reorganizing my DVD collection, I found this gem of a workout video and decided to give it a go.

This ladies, is the best, bar none, get your waistline back pilates video. This is the one that I used after I had Kyra and got back into my size 2 jeans. Needless to say, I will never be a size 2 again, but I would like to atleast have my waistline back. It looks really mellow but, it kicks you where you need it.

Harvey was making fun of me for not doing real exercizes so, I challenged him to a 20 minute workout. He was huffing, puffing and complaining within the first 5 minutes. He says that today he can hardly move. The best part about this DVD is that it is made up of 10 different workout parts. You can pick and choose the areas you want to work on and the DVD will play them in the order that you choose them. So, you can work out for 10 mintues or 2 hours. Your pick.

This is an awesome video and I highly recommend it to all those who are into pilates. So, I can now get off my soapbox and expect my promotional check from Denise Austin.

Spoken to my Heart

Have you ever had one of those moments where a phrase is spoken directly to your heart and you know that it was meant just for you. I had this experience this past Sunday while watching General Conference. Elder Ballards talk to mothers was one that pierced my very soul. I have found myself discouraged lately with all the things on my plate. I look at all that must be done: keeping a clean home, preparing nutritious food that my kids will actually eat, being a good and loving wife, making sure that my kiddos grow up to be healthy, strong, intellegent and capable individuals, all the while making their childhood an incredible memory. I find it so hard to do all of that at once.

My highest goal in life is to be a good mother. It was amazing the amount of peace that came from Elder Ballard's talk. Not that we need it, but it was nice to receive "permission," for lack of a better term, to take a break. To enjoy the everyday joy that comes with life. To take time away from the everyday world and develop talents and interest.

I want to take to heart that talk and live more in the moment. I want to enjoy my children and their little lives. I want to remember the feeling of wanting to grow up to be a princess or fly like Batman. I want to hold my baby for as long as he will let me. Time flies by so quickly and I dont' want to miss a mintue of it. I want to be able to look back at this small time in life and know that I did the best that I could.

Here is a link to the audio clip in case you missed this GREAT talk.

http://broadcast.lds.org/genconf/2008/04/50/GC_2008_04_58_BallardMR__09487_eng_.mp3

Kelton Hits 6 Months Old!!!!

Can you believe that our little cutie pie Kelty, or as we affectionately call him, Toad, turns 6 months old tomorrow. Time is flying by so quickly. At birth, he was 6 lbs 14 oz. Today he weighs 13 lbs 3 oz. At birth he was 20 1/2 inches. He is now 25 inches. His favorites things are his binky, his ducky toy, his momma, pureed pears, being held, lime tasting anything, front pack, and stroller rides. His least favorite things are his carseat, being put down, and rice cereal. We are so grateful for our little Kelty. His is a miracle to us in so many different ways. How blessed we are to have him in our familiy.