Listening to my little one laughing while watching Charlie Brown....I love it!

I meant to post this a couple weeks ago when it happened. But better late than never, huh?
A couple weeks ago V. and I were heading into town and V. exclaimed excitedly," Look Mom! They are putting Christmas lights on the Christmas trees!"
As you head into town there are huge pine trees along both sides of the road. And yes, they were putting Christmas lights up on them! They just haven't lit them yet. I can't wait for when they do. It's always so pretty!
And I LOVED V.'s excitement over seeing that!

I forgot to share that back in September our Ward {congregation} had their Primary Program. V. and I were asked to sing at it. We sang 'A Child's Prayer'. V. sang the first verse, I sang the second then when we were singing together the Primary joined in on V.'s part. She was nervous but did such a good job! I was so proud of her! I've always dreamed about singing with my child. They asked us to sing a couple years ago, but V. was too nervous. So it was a wonderful thing to do this together this Fall.  I love my little girl so much! 

There's been a couple times in the last week that Steve will hug me, nestle his face against my neck and breath deeply and with a contented sigh say," You smell like Fall. And pumpkin. And spices."
Thank you Bath and Body Works "Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin" body spray!

A birthday and a baptism

V. was baptized on her birthday! How special! We asked her if she wanted to be baptized on her birthday or Thanksgiving weekend{thinking that might be easier on family, maybe?}. She chose her birthday!
The night before, Steve's parents came over to give V. their birthday gifts to her. Grandma Hammond had made a lovely blue afghan for V. What's funny, is V.'s room used to be pink and we had just painted it blue that week! {Blue and green are her favorite colors}. Grandma Hammond didn't know that, but just felt the need to give V. a blue afghan. We also had asked Ruby at the start of the year if she would give V. a Navajo name when she turned 8. So she had been thinking about it all year and consulted with her Aunt Pearl. She said that she described V. to Aunt Pearl{she's never seen a photo of her that we're aware of}. Then they compared names they had picked. They both had picked names for V. that were very similar. So that's the name Ruby gave her. She explained a little bit about the tradition of girls names. Then she told us the name and what it means. So V.'s Navajo name is ~NIZHONI' YAZHI' BAH . Which means~ Beautiful Little Girl.  It was a very special evening with Grandma and Grandpa Hammond!
V. helped me with the program. We chose to have Grandma's and Aunt's on the program since her Grandpa's and Uncle's would be able to stand in on the Confirmation circle.
She chose the songs herself.
It was a very beautiful day! Steve got a little choked up while baptizing her and confirming her a member of the Church. Later, he asked me if he sounded silly. I said no. He isn't one to show emotion very often, so when he does, you know he is feeling some strong feelings. I told him it was very tender. And he gave her a beautiful blessing. V. was a little nervous before hand, but when it came down to it, she was calm. She had a special baptism towel to use that her Grandma West made for her embroidered with her name and date. Afterwards, we all went to our home for a luncheon. Family helped with food and it was all yummy! We also had birthday cake for V. It was in the shape of the CTR shield. We also had a little cake for Boyd since it was his birthday as well and we sang Happy Birthday to them both! She received some nice gifts from family members.
*Side note here* We bought her a nice, genuine leather bound scripture set, tote for her scriptures and a nice new CTR ring. That all cost a good amount so I thought it was good. The night before her birthday Steve asked if I had anything else for her. I said no. Well, yes, I had a couple other things I had bought for her but was holding off until Christmas. Steve asked me to wrap those up to give her for her birthday instead. He loves to spoil her! So we gave her those gifts first thing in the morning. She seemed happy, but I could tell she was sad she didn't get scriptures for her birthday.*
We waited to give her her scriptures and such until all the family was there. So after she opened gifts from them, we told her we had tricked her and still had a gift for her.  She was excited as she opened her tote and scripture set. The CTR ring was in the pocket of her tote. She was very happy and immediately found the Articles of Faith in her new scriptures and highlighted them.
We had the Elder Missionaries over for dinner the week before and had invited them to come to V.'s baptism. They came to our home after the baptism and explained that they had wanted to come, but had a service project that morning. But they wanted to give V. something. They first shared the story of Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty {found in Alma 46 {Book of Mormon}}.Then they said they had looked around and tried to think what they could give V. They tore one of their white shirts, wrote the Title of Liberty on it, looked around their apartment and found a wire hanger that they straightened out and tied the torn shirt too. They also gave her a card. V. was pretty excited when they gave her these. We thanked them. Then I thanked them again and told them they don't realize that she will never forget the Elders that gave that to her the day she got baptized. They have made a permanent mark on her and are such a good example to her.
It was a wonderful day! I'm so grateful for all the family and friends who love and support V. Since we are a small family, I've always hoped and have been grateful for the love and support she gets from her extended family. She will need it someday when Steve and I are no longer around.

Losing my mind

V. takes piano from a lady in our Ward{Congregation}. The other day in church Sis. Johnson comes up to me and says, " I have to tell you what V. said at lessons the other day. It must be something she hears you say a lot."
I'm thinking, "Oh no! What has V. repeated? I need to be careful what I say around her. What did she say?!"
Sis. Johnson then said that she was looking around for a pencil to write down the assignments for V. in her notebook, and when she couldn't find one she said," Oh, I must be losing my mind!"
She said V. then looked at her with a sympathetic look and said,"That's alright. So is my Mom."
Bwahahahaha!!

Trying to catch up on blogging but admitting that too much has happened so I end up just rambling....

I haven't blogged in a little bit. I had plans to post back-to-school photos, Fall photos etc. But my computer is being dumb and won't upload pictures from my memory cards. Grrr!!!
But I figured I better get back to at least writing on this blog. Hopefully I can figure out how to get some photos on here soon...
2nd Grade started for V. last month. She has  a great teacher! She already knew about half the kids in her class which made her comfortable and excited. After a month of school, she is still loving it and comes home everyday eager to talk about her day! She had a bad fall on the gravel at recess one day and when she got home all she had was a band aid on. When I took it off, I saw there was still gravel and dirt in her cut and skin. Steve cleaned it and she cried because it hurt so bad! We were a little worried it might get infected. After 4 days it was still bleeding and not scabbing over. But we kept washing it and putting fresh band aids on and it did finally scab over. Now it looks like a little scar on her knee. It seems like every Fall when V. is back in school it only takes a couple days before she comes home with band aids all over her legs/knees. She just gets running so fast and having fun! I guess it's a sign of childhood to have band aids on your knees all the time, right?
V. already met her goal in the A.R. testing/reading program they do. I'm not too familiar with this. But she said her goal was a 4. She was at 2. 5. Then she read a Magic Treehouse book {a series she is loving right now!}and she said because it was a chapter book it was worth 3 points. So she took her test on it and got her score/points up to 5.5. So she says that means she gets to eat lunch with her teacher for meeting her goal! { I love that kids love the reward of eating lunch with their teacher!} Anyway, we are out for Harvest break right now, so she will get her reward when school starts back up.
Steve has been hunting this month and he shot a bull elk with his bow 2 weeks ago. He was by himself and it was back in aways, so it took him about 9 hours to cut it up, skin it and pack it out. We decided to get all but the backstrap in ground meat. We picked up the meat from the processor the other day and it feels so good knowing/seeing our freezer full of fresh, lean meat!
Steve's brother, Mike is staying with us this week and Steve has the week off work. The 2 of them have been out hunting trying to get Mike an elk. Tuesday they took V. with them and she was thrilled and had the time of her life! They got into some elk. Steve stayed with V. in the truck where they watched the elk through the spotting scope. Mike was creeping up on the herd when a truck went by and spooked them all. SO he didn't get any, but like I said, V. had the time of her life. She loved that she got to ride in the back of the pick up {with Mike} as well. That's just part of growing up in Idaho!
Yesterday Steve and Mike went out again and found the herd of elk again. They crept up and Mike took a shot but the wind caught his arrow. SO he missed. And the elk were spooked and took off. Oh well, they have a few more days before Mike goes home to try to get him an elk.
Oh, so much more to talk about, but I feel like I'm just rambling on....
Next week is also Harvest Break and we have a fun event that week that I'll post about later! :)

Summertime

Enjoying a much needed Summer rainstorm!

{I LOVE when it rains!!}

 

 

Having cousins over to play in the mud.

{Isn't my nephew the cutest?}

More mud playing.

Watching Steve light off fireworks.

Grandpa Hammond and his 2 grand daughters watching the firework show.

Family barbeque's.

Summer sports!

V.'s first year playing soft ball and she loves it!

Third year playing soccer and still loves it! { Both Steve and V. stick their tongues out when concentrating or focusing on something. You can see her tongue sticking out in this photo!}

Lil' Slugger.

 

Childhood

Here I mentioned that V. had never had a REAL milkshake. Well, a few weeks before that happened, I was imitating Miss Piggy. V. said, " Who are you supposed to be?" I told her Miss Piggy. She looked at me confused. I said," You know, Kermit's girl friend?" I then imitated Kermit. V. just sat there looking at me. Then she said," I have no idea what you're talking about."
I thought, "What?! My child doesn't know Kermit and Miss Piggy?!" Come to find out, she didn't know any of the Muppets. So that weekend we watched the Muppet Movie {the old one} on Netflix and she loved it!
So...Now that I corrected the milkshake thing and the Muppets thing, I'm wondering,"What else does my child need to experience whilst still a child? What did I experience in my childhood that I want her to experience?"
So what do YOU think a child needs to experience while still a child? Please comment! I'd love to hear what you did as a child that you think/want your child to do!
{ One thing I HAVE taught her is to get a spoonful of peanut butter and stick m&m's on it and eat it! Sadly, she wasn't a huge fan of that. Although she does love peanut butter m&m's. }

Confession

I may or may not have started listening to a little bit of Christmas music this weekend.
It happens every Summer!
{ While Steve was gone, V. and I may have watched Mickey's Christmas Carol last night as well. }

Funny things V. says

The other day we were walking around the greenbelt and saw a dead fish in the water. V. started telling me about how penguins eat dead fish and she thinks that's gross. I told her other animal ate dead fish as well. Bears, dolphins, whales, etc. I explained that dead fish {or live fish} is perfectly fine for some animals to eat and it doesn't bother them.
She then says," Well, if I was half penguin and half human, I'd still think it's gross and wouldn't eat them!"

This morning as we were driving to tennis V. was chattering away. She was telling me to make sure I wear protective glasses when I cut wood, to insure that I don't get a splinter in my eye. She said that would hurt so bad! She then said," I think getting a splinter in the eye would be the worst thing! Well, that and not having a birthday."
I love the way this girl thinks!!!

 The other day I came across this quote on the internet. I quickly wrote it down but didn't write down where I found it or who said it. But I like it and thought I'd share~ " Your life story is a book, with good chapters and bad~ and anyone can survive one bad chapter to get to one that isn't."

Milkshakes

Yesterday it was hot and we were out and about in town so we stopped at Artic Circle to get milkshakes. I asked V. what kind of milkshake she wanted. She was quiet a moment then asked," What's a milkshake?" What the????? How can my child not have had a milkshake in the 7 1/2 years she has been on this earth? She's had smoothies, and she's had a Wendy's frosty, but I realized she's never had a REA...L milkshake. After staring at options for over 10 minutes, she settled for plain, old chocolate. Needless to say, she loved it! She exclaimed," This tastes just like ice cream!"
I think this will be the summer of milkshakes. Time to go buy some ice cream and milkshake add ins and we'll make some yummy homemade ones this summer!

Yesterday it was hot and we were out and about in town so we stopped at Artic Circle to get milkshakes. I asked V. what kind of milkshake she wanted. She was quiet a moment then asked," What's a milkshake?" What the????? How can my child not have had a milkshake in the 7 1/2 years she has been on this earth? She's had smoothies, and she's had a Wendy's frosty, but I realized she's never had a REA...L milkshake. After staring at options for over 10 minutes, she settled for plain, old chocolate. Needless to say, she loved it! She exclaimed," This tastes just like ice cream!"
I think this will be the summer of milkshakes. Time to go buy some ice cream and milkshake add ins and we'll make some yummy homemade ones like my Mom used to make this summer!

10 years.

Today is our 10 year anniversary. Wow! A decade of life together in wedded bliss!

You can read here , here and here, and also here, {whew!} to see weddings pics, read all my sappy stories, etc. that I've posted on anniversaries past.
This year, I thought I'd try to show some pictures of us through the years. Unfortunately, when we were dating and the first few years of marriage we didn't have a digital camera. We didn't get one until after V. was born. We also didn't get a computer until after she was born.  So I don't have any of those older photos uploaded to our computer. They are in photo albums on the shelf. And we also weren't very good at taking photos of just US until the last couple of years. So here' s few photos, mostly family, of us over the past 10 years.
{If you want to see our photo albums, you are more than welcome to come over any day and thumb through them!}

2003.Our wedding day! We look so young!


 Then we jump to 3 years later{2006} after we got our digital camera and computer and started storing pics on it! We still look so young and V. was so cute and chubby!{ Steve was going through a grow-his-hair-out phase. He's gone through a couple of those...}

 Then 2007 rolls on in. This was 4th of July at the park and Zoo.{Steve's hair is short again. YAY!!!}

 2008. Nauvoo Temple. Steve was working in St. Louis for a couple of months and V. and I went and stayed 2 weeks with him during Thanksgiving. We took the opportunity to drive up to Nauvoo and see some L.D.S. Church History Sites. It was awesome!

.

 

 2009. Our first professional pictures done as a family. These were taken by our good friend Danica.

 And she took a photo of just us as a couple!

 Wow. 2010. V. took this photo of us on the North Pole Express ride we do every Christmas time. You can tell we are looking tired from the fun-filled day! {I could've swore we had nice family pictures done this year but I can't seem to find them. This was all I could find!}

 2011. Our trip to Jackson Hole. We love going every Autumn and had such fun this year!

 2012. We took these photos ourselves. We did the whole put-the-timer-on-the-camera-then-run-like-crazy-to-jump-in-the-photo! Not too shabby.

 V. actually took this one of us. She has some talent!

 

I don't have any pictures of us from this year uploaded yet. So that's it for now.

As I look back over these 10 years I see downs, mainly ups; trials but countless, countless blessings; heartache but also extreme joy. I feel very blessed for all the memories we've made.  Our love has changed over the last 10 years. Living life together, growing and changing together, experiencing hardships and good times together has made our love stronger and deeper.

Steve is my best friend. My confidant. My "woobie" {extra points if you can name the movie!}

He is my constant. He is my safe place.

I can't wait to see what the years ahead have in store for us. We have achieved many dreams and goals together but still have many more to reach and make happen. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather continue this journey with than with Steve.

Love ya lotsa hotsa!

*******Update******
After reading this to Steve he says I make it sound like we've had a rocky marriage. What I mean when I talk about the downs, the trials, the heartache and such, is life. Not our marriage. I mean the things we go through that's just a part of life. Financial struggles, family struggles, miscarriages, health, so on and so forth. Through it all we've grown stronger together and our love has grown.  Our trials help us grow. I'm just glad I have someone to grow with!

*So...after I had worked at the school the other day {um..week} I was trying to decide if I should apply to be a full time cook. I was weighing all the pros and cons. Talked with Steve about it. Prayed. Then, the following week, V. got sick. She had a bronchial infection. She was home from school for 2 days. That was my answer. If I go back to work, I'd have to worry about finding a sub for me on days that V. was sick. I don't want anything to get in the way of my first job and priority; being a mother.

So there you go. For right now, I'm just going to continue with my little crafting business and cook subbing. And as Steve reminded me, I have plenty of years ahead of me. This isn't permanent. I can always go back to work full~time some other time. Right now, I need to be available 100% for my girl.

And yes, I realize how incredibly blessed I am that I have the freedom and the ability to make this choice. I know a lot of moms who would love to stay at home with their children, but financially can't. I am very grateful that I can stay at home!
*On the last day of school I picked V. up and she was in tears. She was sobbing in the car the whole way home! I asked her what was wrong and she said she was so sad because she is really going to miss her teacher. That's the sign of a great school and a great teacher who really loves her class! V. has loved this school! And her teacher was fantastic! I'm sad she won't be V.'s teacher anymore as well! I hope next year her school is just as good and that she has another great teacher!
~To clarify things, yes V. will be in a new school next year. No, we are not moving. In our school district they have only 1 or 2 grades at each school. Until Junior High and High School. At first I thought this was all confusing and was like "what?" But when V. started Kindergarten it was actually very comforting knowing she was at a school with only Kindergartners and 1st graders. No older kids bullying younger ones. No influence from older kids. No being exposed to things that a child this age is to young to be exposed to. So anyway, we are done now with this school and she will be at a new school for 2nd and 3rd grade and then move on to another school after that!
 

Birthday

I think this has been one of my favorite birthdays!
It started out with me going to the chiropractor. Then home to get Steve and V. Then we all went to the dentist for a cleaning. Steve and I had no cavities. V. has about 4 baby ones. :( No good.
After we got all that done with we went to Olive Garden for lunch. It was tasty, as it always is! Steve asked our waitress if they do anything special for birthdays. She said yes, they could sing to me. She left for a bit then came back and said that unfortunately no one else was available to come help her sing. But if we wanted to, she would sing by herself. Well, Steve and V. joined in and they sang "Happy Birthday" to me.
Then we ran some errands. I needed some wood from Lowes. Then Sports Authority for soccer cleats and a softball mitt for V.
Then home to relax for a bit.
And have some ice cream cake!
Then I sat on the porch and watched Steve and V. play catch.
Then we took a drive to the river and walked along the greenbelt there. Sat on a bench for a bit and watched a beaver, and some birds hoping around. Steve and V. skipped rocks then we walked back to the car and came home.
We then got online and bought the birthday gift Steve told me a couple days ago he wanted to get me. Tickets for all three of us to see Josh Groban in concert in Boise! I'm so excited and can't wait!
So, it has been a very nice birthday. Nothing big happened{ except the excitement of buying the tickets!.} But I've just really enjoyed spending the day with my little family.

You remember here I told you that I'd been hired by the school district as a substitute cook. Well, last week was my first day on the job! I got to work at the 2nd and 3rd grade school and loved it!I couldn't get there until an hour late because I had to take V. to school but it worked out! It's small enough that there was only me and the other cook, Amy. Turns out Amy used to be in Steve's family's ward! So anyway, we got along and I really enjoyed working with her.
When it came time to serve I loved seeing the kids from our ward come through and be all surprised to see me there! There were also a few kids that came through that said," I know you! You're V.'s, Mom!"  I LOVE being known as V.'s Mom!
In talking to Amy I found out that the other cook there is retiring after this school year. So that means there will be an opening for a full-time cook next year. And this is the school V. will be at for the next 2 years. So maybe I could work out bringing her with me at 7:00 and let her hang out in the kitchen until it's time to go to class. I'd get to see her every day at lunch. I got along great with Amy and I know I'd enjoy working with her. It all just kinda seems like more than coincidence.
I came home and was talking to Steve about it. I'd love to be able to make  a little bit of money and contribute a little to our finances and all.
Steve said to do whatever will make me happy.
He then went on to say that it is not my responsibility to provide for the family. That's his responsibility. That if I decide to go back to work to do it because I want to, not because I feel like I need to. We talked some more and talked about that yes, we would love to have more money to play with, to reach our life goals quicker, etc. But at the same time we are both happy and content with how life is right now. I worry if I did go back to work that I'd have less time to help in V.'s classroom and help with PTA stuff and less time to volunteer for things. Which are all things I really enjoying doing.  We also talked about how I really can't handle stress too well. And I stress out real easy. I worry if I did go back to work I'd become stressed out with everything going on on my plate. With wanting to still be active at V's school, my church calling, helping family out, etc. And Steve reminded me that I don't have to make a decision about going back to work right now. There's a lot of years ahead of me where I can work if I want to.
So I don't know. On the one hand I almost want to apply for the cook position and give it a try. But on the other hand, I know that I would miss the free time I have now to exercise, get my church callings done, help with family, help at the school,and do my crafting, and do all the other mommy and housewife things I do.
I'm so grateful that Steve is not pushing me one way or the other. He'll support whatever my decision is. I loved when he told me to do what will make me happy.
Anyway, I have alot to think about and pray about. I keep going back and forth with how I feel  about this.
 

witches, springtime, lawn mowing, ramblings!

*V. lately has been very complimentary towards my cooking. We'll be eating something store bought and she'll say something like,"Your food is way better than this, Mom." Or," I just want your cooking, Mom."
Anyway, it's very sweet of her. And makes me feel good! She also has been eating food she used to not to eat. Well, food she would eat as a baby/toddler then quit eating as a pre-schooler but is now eating again! Yay!
{But she still won't eat potatoes or red meat. She hasn't liked those since she could start eating solid foods.}
*Steve and his brother went to the Super Cross in Salt Lake this last Saturday. They had a lot of fun and had perfect weather! While they were gone V. and I had a fun day! V.'s teacher has been reading her class 'the Twits' by Roald Dahle and she really wanted to buy it. So we went to the bookstore and she used some of her allowance to buy it. Then we went to Winger's for lunch. When the waitress asked if we wanted dessert I was about to say no when V. piped up "yes!" So we had an Asphalt Pie. V. LOVED it! She was like," This is so good  Mom! Why haven't we had this before?" I was like," ummm....Dad and I eat this fairly often. But I guess we've always had it just us." Oops!
Anyway, then V. ran through the sprinkler a little bit. But she got cold within 15 minutes {because come on, it IS Idaho and only April }, so then she got in the tub and had a nice warm bath!
So all in all, a fun day!
*My back has been feeling better so I asked the chiropractor about when he thought I could start running again. He said that honestly he wouldn't recommend running until NEXT summer. What?! I'm pretty upset and disappointed. He said even though my back may feel better and I might feel okay running now, my disks won't be fully healed. And with my vertebrae pounding on each other there would be a good chance of hurting myself again. Possibly even worse than now. So to be safe I need to wait a year to make sure everything is healed fully. Then I can run all I want. Makes sense. But still.... I was contemplating doing a half-marathon this Fall. And I had other goals I wanted to reach this year. And now all those goals are out the window. When I DO start running next year I'll have to start all over with my training. *sigh* And plus, running was such a stress reliever for me. I always felt so much better and happier after a run. Oh well. I guess I need to find other ways to relieve stress and just focus on other goals and staying healthy and getting stronger.
I also asked about mowing the lawn. I usually do that while Steve is at work. I feel bad that Steve and V. have been having to do so much because I can't. Well, Dr. Ellis said sure I can mow the lawn! But I can't start the mower. The whole pull-start thing would not be good for my back. Great! So yes, I can mow the lawn but I still have to wait for Steve to get home to start it for me! Too bad V. isn't big enough to start it for me....
* Today marks my 13th anniversary of being brain tumor free! YAY! You can read more about that here. One of these years maybe I'll talk more about that week and how I felt and all. But not today.
I have MRI's and a doctor check up every 2 years. That is not this year, but next year. Last year though, the doc said everything looked good. So I guess we'll wait and see what he says next year!
* I went to the Temple this morning. I always love going to the Temple. I really love going with Steve, but no where does it say I can't just go by myself once in awhile. I feel uplifted, re-energized, re-focused and peaceful. That's the key word here, peaceful!
* Today is the first of May. And we had snow. It's funny that just a few days ago V. was running through the sprinkler and now we have snow! But what can I say, that's springtime in southeast Idaho for ya!
I also realized today, that being May means school ends this month! When I told V., she got all sad and said she didn't want to school to end because she loves her teacher so much. So cute! You know, I think I would be totally fine with year-round school. And I think V. would be fine as well! Just have 2ish weeks off in the Fall, Christmas, Easter and Summer time. I think it'd be fun!
I also think it'd be cool to go to boarding school! Now, I don't think I could part with V. and send HER to boarding school. But I would LOVE to go to boarding school in England, Switzerland, oh alright I'll say it, " HOGWARTS!" {V. would love to go there as well!}
* Speaking of magic, V. has really been into Harry Potter. However, she watched the 3rd one for the first time the other day and had nightmares and ended up crawling into our bed that night. I warned her it was one of the scarier ones, but she wanted to watch it so I let her.
She has been waving "wands" around and shouting magic spells at everything. Even while we are playing chess{which she is pretty darn good at, I might add} she points her wand at the chess pieces and shouts spells. Interestingly, she likes Ginny more than Hermione. She pretends she is Ginny, wants to be Ginny for Halloween and wants to buy a Ginny Weasly wand. I asked her why she likes her over H. and she said it was because Ginny has brothers. And she wants brothers. Awww!
And I think Ginny is a good role model. {So is Hermione.} So I love that she wants to be like Ginny!
Anyhoo, this has turned into a bunch of rambling. So I'll quit. For today. {this thought jumping around I do has me questioning if they put my brain back in correctly after that surgery 13 years ago...}

I went out with a friend last night and had a very enjoyable time and a much needed break!
Anyhoo, when I got home V. was already asleep so I gave her a kiss then talked with Steve about what they did while I was gone. He said they went fishing then came home and had Mac & Cheese{V. would live off that if she could!}. He said that later in the evening she came into our room and had a downcast face and was humphing. He asked her what was wrong. She said{in a very serious tone}," I just don't understand. Almost all my toys are made in China. Why? Why is everything from China?"
At this point Steve is thinking that she's being all political or something and he was very surprised!
She then continued," All my toys from Santa say 'made in China' on them. I don't understand. Aren't they made in Santa's workshop? Does he HAVE a workshop? Why are they from China?"
Steve said he probably had the deer-in-headlights look at this point. He was like, "Where is this coming from? When did she get old enough to start asking questions like this?"
So he turned to joking and told her that maybe Santa made a stop in China on the way to our house for her toys or something.
 Then the next morning she approached me with the same questions. So I told her something like maybe Santa gets parts from China, or has workshops all over the world and has one in China, or something like that.
Anyway, he said she was very serious and seemed genuinely upset by all this.
It has us wondering if this is the year she stops believing in Santa. It's sad to think about her growing up. I have a friend who says in their house they say ,"If you don't believe you don't receive." She says none of her kids have ever asked about Santa{not even the teens}. If they start, they are just told,"If you don't believe you don't receive."
But I've always told V. that she can ask us anything and we'd always be truthful with her. I was thinking more along the lines of talking about life and such. I didn't think about Santa. So do I break her heart when she asks about Santa by telling her the truth or do I just say that I believe in the magic myself, because if you don't believe you don't receive. Or is that too cryptic for a child?
I guess we need to do some serious thinking about how to answer her when she asks....
p.s.
I have found a few ideas on Pinterest of ways to talk to our child about Santa. I think I might take a couple of those and change them to fit us and they way we talk with V.

Follow up on Relief Society night

Now that I have a few moments to myself I wanted to follow up on last Thursday's post. About Relief Society night.
We have had some crazy, crazy wind lately. But when you live in Idaho, it happens! Anyway, Thursday started out calm but a wind was starting to come up by evening. And we got a weather alert that we were in a strong wind warning until Saturday night. Steve made the comment, " What if it blows so hard that the power goes out tonight? We'll have this fireside by candlelight!" I think he was trying to lighten my stress but all I could think was, " Crap! What if the power goes out?! I'm in charge! Which means everyone will look to ME to solve things!" So I packed some candles and matches. Just to be safe. ;)
We all went to the church house where Steve set up 2 tables for the refreshments. Since I can't set up the tables because of my back. Then he and V. left to take her to my folks for the evening. I put out table clothes, cups and plates and napkins. Lemon water. And flowers. I LOVE fresh flowers! Then I waited.
I went into the Primary room and practiced my song by myself.
Then waited.
Then Sue, who was playing for me came and we ran through the song. I thought I'll be fine if I can just get the nerves out of my voice!.
Then waited.
Steve called to say he might be a little late. I was like," NO!!!" I need you here to calm my nerves!
Then Glen Rawson showed up. We chatted for a bit. I told him how when I first got this calling not quite a year ago I had a ton of ideas for R.S. Night flow out of my mind. I wrote them all down. His name was among the ideas. But I knew he was a busy man and I hated to take him away from his family so I put it off. But then towards the end of last year, his name just kept coming to my mind. Over and over. So I finally gave in to the prompting and talked to the Bishop about having him come. And now here we were doing a fireside with him! So I told him this was definitely the Lord's plan and I was so glad that he took the time to come do this for us. He said that doing firesides was actually therapeutic for him. So he was grateful, for the opportunity.
Anyway, then Steve showed up. Just in time! And he and his mom sat near the front where I could see them!
I got up and welcomed everyone. I think I said something kinda stupid. I hate conducting. We had our opening hymn and prayer and then I got up to introduce Bro. Rawson. I had asked him before hand if he wanted to be introduced a certain way or anything. He said it didn't matter, just short and sweet. Well, short it was! I just basically said what I had said in my post last Thursday. That he was my old Seminary teacher and that I felt like his teachings and enthusiasm for the Gospel really had an impact on me. Or I said something like that! Anyway, then I turned  the time to him and went to sit by Steve.
Glen Rawson's talk was amazing! He talked about Faith. He told some stories from the early saints. He stressed that we need to have more faith to do what the Lord wants us to do. Faith to fulfill our callings. Faith in all we do. He also said something to the effect that our faith is no less then the saints faith. Sometimes we hear their stories and think, " I could never have done that! They had such faith!" He said our Faith is just as strong today. Our trials are every bit as hard as the saints. We need to not put ourselves down. But just have the faith to do what's right. With faith all things are possible.
Then he had me sing, "When Faith Endures". This song has such a great message! Unfortunately there isn't a public recording of this song for me to share with you. And I'm not smart enough to figure out how to share the recording Courtney sent me in an email with you. Sorry! But I sang it well. I messed up one small part, but felt the Spirit with me and this song. And that's all that matters.
Anyway, I'm paraphrasing what all was said. And this is probably more of what I HEARD then what was SAID. But it was good. SO good. The Spirit was strong. I came away feeling uplifted and encouraged to do more. Steve really isn't a fan of listening to stories on the radio. And that's the only way he knew Glen Rawson. So he said hearing him in person was awesome. He loved his sense of humor, he loved his stories, and he loved the way Bro. Rawson told the stories.{Some people are just great story tellers.} Steve loved the stories about Ephraim and the Indians.  Steve said he felt the Spirit more than once during the evening.
Afterwards we all mingled and ate cupcakes and brownies. More than one person came up to me to thank me for this evening and to tell me this was exactly what they needed to hear.  Following the promptings of the Spirit to put this night together was good. People needed it. And to have someone tell me this was what they were needing in their lives right now is what made this evening a success.
I wish you all could have been there!
As Bro. Rawson would always say at the end of class, " The Church is True!"
P.S.
And the power never went out! It didn't get windy enough for that!

37 Reasons I Love Steve

Today is Steve's birthday. He turned 37! So I thought I'd share 37 reasons why I love him!{Even though there are many, many more!}

1} He makes me laugh!
2} He snores. Sometimes it keeps me awake, but usually the sound of his snoring is comforting.
3} He works hard to provide for us.
4} He encourages and supports my desire to be a stay at home mom.
5} I love when he grabs me and starts humming a tango tune and twirls me around and dips me.
6} I love the way his tongue sticks out a little when he is focusing/working on something.
7} He always lets me have the last piece of pie or cake.
8} He spoils our daughter {and me}.
9} I love when he starts tickling matches with V., or I or the both of us!
10} He takes me for rides in the mountains in the Fall because he knows I love Fall so much.
11} He loves me even when I say or do stupid things.
12} He is always the first to be humble and say sorry when we have a disagreement.
13} He sometimes brings a no-bake cookie home from the cafeteria at work for me because he knows I like them.
14} His facial wrinkles. I love knowing that those wrinkles are a sign of living life. Laugh lines,worry lines, lines from hard work, etc. I love that we are going through these life experiences together.
15} I love that he lets me warm my cold feet on his warm ones in bed.
16} He laughs at my jokes.
17} He makes me feel beautiful because he tells me I am.
18} He is a worthy Priesthood holder. And he uses his Priesthood power to heal and bless and lead us.
19} I love when he spends time with V. She adores him and he adores her. 2 peas in a pod they are!
20} He is forgiving. Many times I have said or done things that aren't right and are hurtful to others. He always forgives me.
21} He holds my hand.
22} He takes care of me when I'm sick. Or like now, with the restrictions I have because of my back he does my housework for me.
23} He brings me breakfast in bed every Mother's Day. { Usually donuts and hot cocoa.}
24} He holds his tongue and comments back when I'm being crazy. Like some of my O.C.D. things I do that really are rather silly but I HAVE to do anyway!
25} I love the way he snuggles up to me at night.
26} I love how he plays with V. and encourages her to follow her dreams.
27} He supports me in my hobbies and craft selling business.
28} He has been to almost all of my races and always has flowers or something for me when I finish.
29} I love when he puts his arms around me while I'm in the kitchen. And sometimes a kiss follows! ;)
30} I love that even though it seems like we always have a doctors bill needing to be paid off and it's usually because of me, he never complains about it or makes me feel bad about it.
31} I love how he sometimes will stay up late at night when I have a migrain and rub my head and neck until I fall asleep.
32} He is so patient with me.
33} He knows my favorite flower, color, candy, food, musicians, and most of my favorite movies.
34} I love how sometimes all we have to do is look at each other and immediately know what the other is thinking!
35} He is so easy going.
36} He is my calming agent. Back when I was in the Primary Presidency and it would be my turn to do Sharing Time, he would always stand outside in the hall where I could see him through the open door. I always got so nervous{ even had a panic attack a couple of times }. Being able to see him always comforted and calmed me.
37} He loves me. Just the way I am!

*Last night when Steve got home from work he came into the kitchen where I was preparing dinner and put his arms around me and kissed me and told me I was beautiful. Awww! I love how even though I've gotten fat and older he still compliments me and finds me beautiful! He also said he thought my hair looked real pretty {I hadn't washed it since the day before and had been to the gym so it was sweaty. But I DID curl it!}
The other night he said he loved how my skin smells. I was like, " hmm.....What does my skin smell like?" He said it smelled like I'd just washed with good smelling soap. .....So I guess my skin smells clean. That's good to know.
Anyhoo, I just love how he makes me feel good about myself and lets me know he loves me!

*Last night Steve also told me that if I end up having back surgery he'll be p.o.ed big time. At ME! He said I'll have brought it on myself.
He said all this after finding out I had vacuumed the house that day. As well as carried in groceries the other day. Etc, etc...
I told him how frustrating it is to sit around all day doing nothing and waiting for him and V. to get home and do my job for me. I mean, I'm a stay at home housewife and mother. It's my role, my job to take care of the house and everything. Then to be told that I can't do those things for a few months because of my stupid back is just..... I feel useless. Lazy. Frustrated. Anxious. Everything! I know I need to follow these restrictions so my back can heal. Steve said I need to let him and V. do those things for me. He says not to feel guilty asking for help. They WANT to help me out. I guess I'm just being too prideful...
I've also gained some weight. And all I can do is walk. A little of the elliptical. And I've been trying to eat better. But the weight just keeps going up. I can't wait till I can start jogging again. More frustrations....

*Tonight is Relief Society night . I'm so stressed. I always stress the day of R.S. night. I hate being in charge of things.{Yet I really am loving this calling! } And tonight we've invited the husbands AND the 3rd Ward to come as well. AND I'm singing. Stress, stress, stress. I just hope it all goes well, that people come away feeling uplifted and encouraged, and that I don't mess up this song. I don't have the melody written out. All I have are lyrics and a recording. So I've been listening to the recording over and over trying to get the melody stuck in my head! It's a very simple but lovely song.With a great message. Written by a girl I went to school with. Very talented gal. So anyway, I hope I do it justice!
 Glen Rawson is speaking to us tonight. And everyone's excited! He's like a local celebrity. When people are like," You know him?!"  I'm like, "yeah, he was my seminary teacher. He cool."  ;) No, but really, they say everyone has 1 or 2 leaders/teachers/adults in their young life that helps shape who they become and has an impact on them {aside from family members, of course!}. Bro. Rawson was definitely one of those to me. Through his teachings and stories and example I gained a stronger testimony of the Gospel. When life got hard, I was prepared spiritually to handle it. And my faith and testimony keep growing as I continue living life. {Some other teachers I had that I think had an impact on me was my Achievement day leader~Sis. Starzcky {s/p}, Young Woman leaders Sis. Rammell, Sis. Bitton, and Sis. Sorenson and my choir teacher~ Mrs. Mann.Plus many more! }
Anyway, Steve thought it was pretty cool when I approached our Bishop about having Bro. Rawson come speak to us and he was like,"Can you really get Glen Rawson?!" And I was said," He's an old friend. All I can do is call and see if he can come or not. No promises, as I know he's a busy man. But I'll ask."  But what Steve heard, " oh sure! Glen and I go way back! He's an old friend! I'll call him up!" Anyway, he thought that was cool....
{Bro. Rawson asked me to sing tonight. I didn't put myself in the program. I hope people won't think I'm trying to toot my own horn or something....}
*Sunday is Steve's Birthday. Just thought I'd put that out there...

Last day of Easter Break

Being a Monday, Steve had work. :( V. and I tried to talk him into calling in sick but he was already taking this next Friday off because family will be in town. So he got up early and went to work while V. and I slept in!
When V. woke up she asked if she could play the Wii. Sure, why not? So she did that while I got myself ready for the day and cleaned up a little.
Then we went to my chiropractor for my appointment. My back has been feeling much better. More like an achiness at times and not so much a pain. Good sign! Or so I thought.  Dr. Ellis has this table that I lay face down on, he straps my legs down, then stretches the table out a bit then lowers the table where my legs are. It's supposed to stretch my back. Or something. Anyway, we had gotten to the point that he could lower my legs a good amount without me feeling any pain in my back. But when he did it today he just barely started to lower my legs and I already felt pain! Which isn't good. He asked if I've been lifting heavy things or stuff like that. I told him no. I still have Steve help with the laundry and V. vacuums and all that. So he said maybe we started backing off too soon with treatments? Anyway, I see him again on Friday and we'll see how my back is doing then. I'm kinda bummed. I honestly felt like things were getting better...
After that V. and I went for a walk around Jensen's Grove. It's about a 1.75 mile walk. Then she played on the playground while I laid out in the sun and read. I love how easily kids make friends! We were there not 2 minutes and she already was running around with another girl and playing with her!
After that we got some groceries. I asked V. if we should pick up Subways while in town for lunch. She said," No. I like your cooking. I just want you to make me something. " Well, okay then! You compliment my cooking and I'll make anything for you! So we went home and had homemade mac & cheese.
 Then we did some reading and she did her piano practice. Then I got out my paints and she painted a little wooden bird house we had picked up last week at the store. Then she played outside with a neighbor girl until it was time to go to cheer. After cheer we ran to the library to sign her up for softball then home to dinner, bath and bed. It is a school night after all!
 This has been a very fun Easter break! Beautiful weather and lots of family time!
 

Easter Sunday!

Church doesn't start until 11:00. But I had choir practice at 10:00. Steve's early morning meeting was cancelled. So we had a quiet, relaxing morning.
V. has been singing with me at choir practice lately, but is too shy to actually get up and sing with the choir. Today she almost did, but then changed her mind. Sacrament meeting was beautiful! the Spirit of the Lord was there! The song the choir sang was lovely! A beautiful Easter Sunday service!
We went home after Sacrament meeting as V. said she wasn't feeling well. This has been happening a lot this year since we switched to this time block. Usually we get her home and she eats a little bit and is then fine. So I honestly think her tummy not feeling well is just hunger. She really hasn't ever experienced hunger. The last time we had this time block {11:00~2:00} was maybe 3-4 years ago. She was at an age where we still brought snacks for her. I've tried feeding her a bigger, later breakfast, but where we still have to be at the church for choir practice at 10:00 her breakfast is usually at 9:00~9:30ish. So she still gets hungry. But I guess we'll keep trying to help her adjust...
Since we were missing the last two meetings of church we decided to watch some movies about Christ and his Resurrection. Since that's what Easter is all about! We watched "He is Risen", a cartoon from the Living Scriptures series. Then we went old school and pulled out our VHS "the Lamb of God". One of my favorite shows! I also feel the Spirit so strong while watching that and usually end up crying! { Little side note here~ "the Lamb of God was filmed in Provo when I was young and my family lived down there. My Dad was an extra. Just a bystander. But one day one of the guys playing a guard didn't show up. So they grabbed my Dad. With his dark looks and full beard he looked the part! So you can see him in  a couple of scenes leading Christ to Pilate}.
I made brownies and we went to my folks for dinner and an egg hunt! Some of my brothers and sisters and their kids were there and it was sun! Steve and V. kicked the soccer ball around a little after the egg hunt.
Then we came home and relaxed and went to bed.
 

Easter Break Day 3

Since Steve had fallen asleep at like 5:00 the night before, he woke up around 3:00 am and made himself a sandwich then got into bed with me to watch t.v. I vaguely woke up, then went back to sleep. But then around 4:00ish I woke again. Steve turned the t.v. off and snuggled down into the bedclothes with me. We lay facing each other snuggling. {And no, that is not code for anything!} We just talked and talked until about 6:00. Then Steve got up and dressed and went out to the desert to do some glassing {look for deer and elk}. I didn't fall back asleep so I got up and had a nice, long, bubble bath!
 After V. finally woke up I made her breakfast and we just hung out. Then Steve called and said it was such a nice day did I want to call my Dad and see if he wanted to go shooting? My parents both bought pistols a few months ago and we kept saying we'd take them shooting but either the weather was crappy or our schedules were busy. Dad was excited to go. So after Steve got home we ran to the grocery store then out to pick up Dad. Steve took us out to the desert where there is a shooting range and we spent maybe 2 hours shooting. Dad hasn't shot a gun for quite a few years and I think he enjoyed himself! This was V.'s first time shooting and she did great! There was a glass bottle a couple of us tried to shoot and kept missing. She got it on her second try! Even though Steve has said he would take me shooting we never have gotten around to it. He had shown me how to load and hold his gun. But I have never actually shot it. So this was my first time as well and I loved it! I shot his pistol, .22 and shotgun. {I also got a little sun burnt. But no one else did. I'm just the fairest one in the family!}
After that we took Dad home and came home to have a late lunch. Then Steve and V. went fishing. While they were gone I took a nap, did laundry and went to the gym. Yay me!
They had a lot of fun even though they didn't catch anything. They stopped to help someone who was stuck in the mud, rode the 4 wheeler and V. got stung by a bee. It had crawled up her pants leg and when she went to scratch it stung her. Steve said she cried a little but was pretty brave about it. They came home happy and overflowing with excitement to tell me all about everything they had done!
We had dinner then to bed. V. fell asleep quickly, she was so tuckered out!

Day 2 of Easter Break

Day 2:
Steve had an Union meeting in I.F. this morning. So V. and I went with him. She and I hung out at the Mall where she played on the indoor plaything while he had his meeting. Afterwards we got some errands ran followed by lunch at Applebee's. { Steve's sister had given us a gift card for there for Christmas }.
Then we came home and tinkered around getting stuff done.
Then we had a family bike ride through the neighborhood until a training wheel fell off of V.'s bike. { Yes. She still has training wheels. She's a little afraid of hurting herself and can't seem to let go of them... }
Then Steve fell asleep. V. and I ate sandwiches for dinner followed by a warm bath for V.  I think I might take a bath myself later on....
Steve promised V. he'd take her fishing today or tomorrow. He stayed up late last night preparing hooks and she has been talking about it all day! Unfortunately it was too windy today. So they both are hoping for good weather tomorrow so they can go then! Her motto today {and tomorrow} is 'Keep Calm and Go Fishing!'

*******************************************

 

Spring day

The last 2 days have been sooo nice! V. has enjoyed running around outside while I l have laid on a quilt, soaking up the warmth and sunshine and reading. I'm currently reading "the Language of Bees", a Mary Russell novel. I'm at the part where it's starting to get hard to put the book down. It's starting to get real good!
Today was the first day of V.'s Easter break. She crawled into bed with me this morning and we both slept in. So nice! Then I helped V. dye some eggs. She had fun and made some very pretty eggs!
We then had grilled chicken and green salad for lunch.
Then we spent a couple hours getting groceries followed by enjoying the sun until Steve got home.
Speaking of Steve, his movie came in the mail today! The Hobbit! We just started it and are only 7 minutes in but already are loving it immensely!
So with that, I'll bid you adieu while I snuggle with my love and enjoy this movie!

March 26th

* Today as I was helping in V.'s classroom the school had a fire drill. So I got to walk outside with her class, holding her hand.

* It has been raining this afternoon and I LOVE it!

* V. has had no cheer, ballet or piano this week. Due to Spring breaks. But our Easter break starts on Thursday. So only 3 days of school this week as well. So, so far it's been a nice week and she is excited for the rest of the week! I think we'll dye Easter eggs on Friday. And she bought a little wooden birdhouse that I told her she could paint over the break. Steve wants to take us to lunch or dinner sometime this weekend. Other than that, it will be a slow, nice weekend.

* Speaking of Steve, I am wildly in love with him.....Just had to say that....

* My back has been feeling really good. Yay!! I'm hoping it just continues to get better from here on!

* I pre-ordered the Hobbit. We have been anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. Steve asks everyday if it has arrived. I got it for a good price by pre-ordering it but waiting for it is driving us nuts!Any day now....

* Next week Steve's family will be in town. We can't wait to see them. Especially our new nephew!!

Father/Daughter

I love my two sweeties! They have such an awesome bond. They share the same interests. They share inside jokes. They enjoy plotting together ways to pull practical jokes on me!
We bought a new toilet a few weeks ago. YAY! The box it came in was big and in the living room. Over the next few days V. had colored it and "moved" in. She has a blanket and stuffed toys in there. She loves playing in there! One day I walked into the living room to see only Steve's legs sticking out of the box. He had crawled in as far as he could with her and all I heard was giggling and talking coming from inside the box. Yes, that box has been sitting in our living room for a few weeks now, but I just can't throw it out yet! ;)
Currently those two little hooligans are out fishing. Yes, we had snow today. But most of it has melted now and they really wanted to go fishing so they went. V.was way excited for Steve to get home and take her out!
These two are my life and I'm so grateful to have them in my life! I hope they continue to enjoy hanging out together and talking so when she is a teenager they are still close!
{I tried to upload a cute picture of the two of them hanging out in the box but for some reason it won't upload. grrr!}

First day of Spring!!

I can't think of a better way to welcome the first day of Spring then by having a spring rain today! No snow, but rain! Okay, it started out as rain then went to a rain/snow mix. But then turned back into rain! I had the heat off for a couple of days. But last night it got just a little too chilly so I turned the heat on just a bit. But I'm hoping in the next few days it will warm up enough to turn the heat all the way off again.

Yesterday we had our lawn care guys come and to their de-thatching, Spring clean up, trimming, etc. The yard looks all clean and neat and ready for warmer weather! It looks so nice!

I am just itching for warmer weather!!

 

V. at cheer

Watching V. during her cheer class makes me envision a little scarecrow doing cheer. Or Woody from Toy Story doing cheer. She's got long, thin, straggly looking arms and legs. I can't help but smile while watching her run, jump, kick, and roll around. Her limbs are flapping every which way!

March 15th

*Driving through town today V. said,"When there's litter on the grass you know Spring is coming because there are more people  outside!"
Wow. I was speechless. How sad that my daughter sees litter as a sign of Spring. How sad that the earth has gotten so dirty and people don't even think twice about littering.
* Also while driving in the car V. asked, " Mom? Have you read ' If you give a pig a pancake'? We read it at school and I really liked it and thought it was a good book."
I love that my daughter is talking to me about books!
* My baby sister and her family are moving to our town! I'm so happy and excited for them to live closer! They've been living in a town 2 1/2 hours away. Her husband found a job up here that starts this next week, so we are heading down with our truck tomorrow to help bring some of their stuff up. I'm so excited!
*Steve went to the dentist this morning to get a cavity filled. He loves the happy gas! He said he likes the feeling that his body is flipping, floating, all relaxed etc. I hate the happy gas and actually prefer not to have it. They say they give it to you to help you relax, but it only makes me more anxious. I don't like feeling like I'm losing control, foggy, not altogether there and aware. Maybe it's a girl thing? But anyway, after Steve's appointment we were texting and I could tell he was flying high and in a good mood. He even texted,"  Oh baby! I LOVE happy gas!!!". Silly boy!
*V. went to piano lessons this morning wearing flip flops, jeans, sweater and a witch's hat. She looked so cute and I love seeing her personality and style come out!
* Today is my older sister's birthday. So V. and I took her and her youngest out to lunch to Rupes. We love Rupes and it was fun visiting with her.
* Steve and V. were outside playing ball this evening. I love watching them together!
* We went for a ride on the 4-wheeler as a family. It is such a lovely Spring evening!
* We also went in to Cal-Ranch to see the chicks and rabbits and ducklings. I can't wait until the day we have enough room to get a few of these!

Sweet smelling girl!

One more thing I have to add to my day that I forgot to in my last post.
This morning as V. was getting ready to go to school I thought I would give her a little spritz of my body spray. She's always asking if she can wear some and so I thought that would make her happy. I just finished her hair, and reached out to where it was sitting on the bathroom counter, grabbed it and then gave her a quick spray only to realize at the same time she did what it was I was spraying on her. She opened her mouth in an "Oh no!" look and I immediately starting apologizing to her.
I had grabbed the room spray, NOT the body spray and sprayed it on her!
I quickly grabbed a wet cloth and tried to wipe it off her neck and collar. It smelled pretty strong! I asked her if she wanted to change shirts but she didn't as it's School Pride day and she was wearing her school shirt. So needless to say she went to school smelling like 'Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin'.
It's just been one of those days!!

Today

*  I'll admit it. I cried a little while watching this video. What an amazing experience these 2 young men are going to have. God works in mysterious ways. But always in miraculous ways!

*  In other news, it's Pi Day. So to celebrate I am thinking of making a chocolate pudding pie. That's the only type of pie all three of us like. But I have a Relief Society thing tonight that is a dinner and program. So I'm hoping when I get home there will still be some pie left for me in the fridge!

*  I moved some furniture around on Monday. I know I shouldn't have. But it's just so hard to sit around all day doing nothing waiting for Steve to get home and help me. I feel bad. He works all day and then comes home and has to help me with stuff that needs done here. I also took out the garbage and vacuumed. Other things I'm not supposed to do. And I am paying for it now. My back has increased in pain the last few days. Alright! I learned my lesson! I won't do ANYTHING until my back is healed. It's just so hard though. And Steve doesn't make me feel guilty for having to help me more. He makes me feel guilty for doing it and not waiting for him. {Okay, he really doesn't make me feel guilty. He just says my name in that small reprimanding way," Mary. You need to not be doing that. Wait for me and I'll do it for you."} He doesn't want me to hurt my back anymore than it already is hurt. He's so good. It's just me and my stubbornness and being too proud to admit that I need to depend on him and V. more. I need to humble myself and let them help me.

*  It's going to be another beautiful Spring day today! The heat is off and soon I'll open the doors to let in the fresh sunshine and fresh air!

* Tonight is our Stake Relief Society birthday dinner and program. They want each ward to have a table set up that shows our R.S. history. So the R.S. president and I have been trying to get things ready and I think it will turn out. You never know until you go over there and actually get setting up. We have framed pictures of each of the R.S. presidents our ward has had as well as their testimonies written down. Sis. Ellis has also put together a very pretty Spring bouquet to have on the table. Then I've put together a little collage of photos we've found. This has made me realize I need to take photos of our R.S. nights we do. Most of the photos we do have are older ones! {Did I tell you I'm the Relief Society night coordinator for our ward? I've had the calling for about 10 months and so far am really enjoying it!} Anyway, we also are both bringing anything we have that we've made or done in Relief Society in this ward to display. So I hope it all comes to together and looks good.....I think it will.... I hope it will!

* If you were to come over to my home right now you'd find me in my sweatpants, one of Steve's sweatshirts, hair pulled back in a bun and paint all over my pants and hands. I have been creating today! Creating items to take into the shop to sell and creating items for our R.S. table tonight. I am frantically trying to get it all done! As well as trying to catch up on dishes and laundry and housework!
 

Pleasant day...

*The weather has been so lovely the last few days!!! The sun is shining, birds are singing...it's just so lovely!! {Maybe a little on the windy side, but when you live in Idaho you get used to that!}
Today I turned off all the heat and have the front door open. It's so nice to let the fresh air come into the house! Tonight I will probably need to turn the heat on a little bit, but that's okay. I'll just turn it off again in the morning when it warms up! Spring is right around the corner!!
I have been wearing flips flops only the last couple of days!

*I also got to help in V.'s class room today. That's always fun!

*After that I stopped in to her school's gym to vote on the new school levy. I always feel good, and proud after voting. I'm grateful we live in a country where we have the freedom to vote!

*In a little bit I'll be picking the little one up from school and heading down to ballet class. Then home to make brinner and enjoy the evening as a family.

A very pleasant day today.
{I also washed our bedding today. Which means a nice, clean, good smelling, comfy bed awaits me for bedtime tonight!}

More snow fun!

We have had such a good Winter for snow this year!

During the Holidays Steve pulled V. and her cousin on a sled behind the 4-wheeler. {And maybe I joined in on the fun as well!}

It was so much fun!

 Almost everyday when V. gets home from school she asks to go play in the snow. She has loved it!

There have been a few times where she'll come in and ask for a spoon or a cup. Or both. When I looked outside I found her digging in the snow with the spoon and I'm not sure what she did the cup!
But I love seeing her imagination at work! Such a cutie!

We always follow snow playing with hot cocoa and sometimes a warm bath. I'm so happy we've had good snow to play in this year!

Winter Fun

In February some friends of ours invited us up to their cabin with them for some snow fun! We drove up to Kilgore then from there we had to take snow machines up into the hills to the cabin. Because of my back I couldn't ride a snowmobile. :(

So I rode up in the snow cat with all the supplies.

V. and the other girls all got along great! They always do! We might not see them for a few months but when we get together the girls pick up right where they left off!

 Steve and V. had fun playing in the snow! The snow was so deep it was up past Steve's knees! He buried V. in the snow in this picture.

 Playing around!

 V. and our friends' girls. They had so much fun!

 Steve and V. on the snowmobile.

I was pretty bummed that I couldn't go for a ride. But I sat by the fire and read and still enjoyed myself.
Thanks to Nic and Jenna for inviting us along! It was fun and we hope to do it again next year! {Maybe I'll be able to "play" next time!}

Justin Bieber

V. is playing and starting to get a little crazy and tired. She was saying something like," ...just in time! Justin! Justin Bieber!" I asked her how she knew about Justin Bieber. She replies," It's a beaver. Named Justin. "
I love it!!!

Uneven wrinkles

V., her cousin and I in front of the Mesa Temple

Taken in Arizona, September 2012

As I'm starting to get older, I'm starting to get wrinkles. Which I'm okay with. Wrinkles are a sign of living life. Laugh lines. Worry lines. Memory lines. I am grateful I am blessed to be living to the age to start getting wrinkles!
I am starting to notice however that the wrinkles around my eyes are not the same. I have more/deeper wrinkles around my left eye than I do around my right one. The only explanation I can think as to why this is happening is that it must have something to do with the fact that I still have a small amount of paralysis on the right side of my face. { you can read about why I have paralysis here }.
Yes, I do feel like I can move my eyebrow more, smile bigger etc. But I think there is always going to be some unhealed nerve damage to that side of my face.
It has me curious to see how my face will look as I continue ageing. Will one side of my face be full of deep wrinkles and the other side be not quite as wrinkly? Who knows! I guess we'll see in another 20 years what happens!