Happy Birthday Taylie!

Yesterday was Taylie's 4th birthday! I can't believe what big girl she is. She can spell and write her name and sound out simple words. She is learning so much every day and tries to be so much like her big sister. She has such a cute little personality and our family would be incomplete without her. She's our curly haired cutie. She's our tiny and petite one. Mike always tells her that good things come in small packages, and he's right. I love you so much, Pancake! I am glad you had a happy birthday!
We had a little party for her on Saturday with some friends, and then yesterday our friends, the Hinkles, came over and had birthday dinner and cake with us and watched Tay open her presents. She had a fun weekend. Her party on Saturday was a "Paper Bag Princess" party. We read the book "Paper Bag Princess" (why can't I underline?), and then the girls all colored on their paper bags and got to be paper bag princesses. Here's a picture of my girls in their paper bags.

Taylie only wanted to color with the orange crayon, so it's hard to see, but they had fun. I love my little princesses!

Halloween

Didn't Mike do a great job on the jack-o-lantern?
We trick-or-treated in our little neighborhood this year. Mike was an AMA Twin Class Rider (Motorcycle racing), I was a witch, Amy was a very pink butterfly, Taylie was a "Wabbit", Macey was a black and orange cat, an Jack was a puppy dog. We had about 150 trick-or-treaters come to our house this year (less than last year), but we still ran out of candy. We went out early (about 6), and then came back and ate popcorn and watched a movie while Mike and I switched off on handing out candy. I didn't get a good picture of Mike, but here's some of the kids.

I couldn't get Jack to hold still for a picture, so this is the best I got. Hope you all had a happy Halloween!

A man after my own heart...

As I watch Election Day draw nearer and nearer, and as I become more disheartened by the two main parties Presidential candidates, I begin to wonder, "Is there anyone out there that I actually WANT to vote for?" There are things I like about some of the Presidential and VP candidates, but there are a lot of things I don't like. I wouldn't vote 100% in agreement with any of the Republicans or Democrats. I felt as if I was just succumbing to the inevitable, and that I would have to lower my standards just to be able to vote for someone...until tonight. Does anyone know the name Chuck Baldwin? Does anyone know anything about the Constitutional Party? I do, and I can tell you with pride and certainty, that this year, I am voting for Chuck Baldwin! I will have to do a write-in, because he isn't even on the ballot in Texas, but I feel that for my conscience, that I can not vote any other way. Who I vote for may not make a difference as to the outcome of the election, but at least I'll know that my vote was in harmony with what I believe. Check it out for yourself and see what you think. www.baldwin08.com

President Packer

President Boyd K. Packer spoke at the Forest Bend Ward on Oct. 12, and there is an email circulating about what he said. Please refer to this link for clarification.

My big boy

Today my baby turned one year old. Where did that year go?! I am cherishing all the baby things and I'm so glad that he's not walking yet (makes him seem like a baby longer). He had a fun day. Today was also our Primary program (I'm in the Presidency and I'm also the chorister), so it was a busy morning for us. Oh, btw, we had a grand total of 8 primary kids for the program. Four more showed up for Primary, but for the program we only had 8. Like our President said, "What we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality". Anyhow, back to my birthday boy. He had one of his favorites for dinner, lasagna! Then this great chocolate pudding cake with homemade mousse-like chocolate frosting-he loved it! Our friends, the Callahans and the Hinkles came to celebrate the special day with us. A few milestones for Jack: He said his first word other than "Mamma" yesterday-"Fish"! So cute! He has 4 teeth, and he gets weighed and measured tomorrow. I'm guessing 20 pounds 3 ounces, and...29 1/2 inches tall. I'll update after we find out. Enjoy some pics that we took today. Happy birthday Jack! I love you more than words can say. You'll always be my sweet baby boy!

Pet Peeve

I was reading the local neighborhood mailer that comes out every week (which shall remain nameless), and it was giving a recipe. Three times in the article it referred to bread dough as "doe". Correction: a doe is a female deer, NOT something you knead, that would be dough.

Happy Birthday Mike!

Happy birthday Mike! I know it's almost the end of the day, but I didn't want the day to end without everyone knowing that today marks one of the greatest days in history! I love you!

In honor of my hubby's bday, I made him his favorites: Stuffed crust pizza and Pecan pie. The girls made this great sign (I'll post a pic of it later) that we hung on the front door for him to see when he got home. It was so cute!

Thank you Joe and Phyllis for raising such a wonderful son. Phyllis, I want to thank you for all you went through to bring him into the world. My life will be eternally blessed because of it.

Happy 29th birthday babe!

Bailout

I got an email yesterday that I thought was so profound, that I sent it to Sen. McCain (which I normally wouldn't do). Here is the copy of my letter and the forwarded email. If any of you want to use my letter to send to your Congress members, feel free.
Dear Sen. McCain,
I received the following email yesterday. It has been forwarded several times, so I do not know the original author. It was meant as a light-hearted look at the economy, but I urge you to please look at it seriously. It does not fit the mold for what Washington usually does, but I believe we are at a point with our economy that we can not simply stay the course of normality. It is time we break the mold. Drastic measures must be taken, and perhaps, this is the way. It makes sense. Where does America need the money? In the pockets of the people. Who determines how well businesses thrive? The people. We, the people, will continue to be in the same place financially, even after the proposed bailout. This, however, would change everything.

Hi Pals,

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We-Deserve-It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about
301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So, 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We-Deserve-It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam, but it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife would have $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers
and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we're going to redistribute wealth, let's really do it instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( 'vote buy' )
economic incentive that is being proposed.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it. . .
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can 'never work', but can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion We-Deserve-It Dividend more than
I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in
taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

PS: Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it's either good for a laugh or a tear or a very sobering thought
on how to best use $85 Billion!!

So, please feel free to share this, maybe Washington will decide to do something that might actually work!

Forever Strong

There's a new movie opening this weekend called "Forever Strong". It's based on a true story. The coach was a seminary teacher and the movie looks incredible. It hasn't gotten a lot of publicity. It was done by Crane Movie Company, and some big budget films from Hollywood have threatened to pull the movie nationally if it doesn't have a big opening weekend. So take your family, tell your friends, and head to the theater this weekend to see "Forever Strong"!

Friendship

Here's a little poem that was emailed to me and I wanted to share it with all of you. I couldn't have put it better.

When you are sad-- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.

When you are blue-- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

When you smile--I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

When you are scared--I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

When you are worried-- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

When you are confused--I will use little words.

When you are sick--Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever the heck you have!

When you fall--I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.

This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; because I'm your friend.
Friendship is like peeing your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.
Now share this with 10 of your closest friends and then get depressed because you can only think of 4...

No truer words of friendship have ever been written!

Creative kids

Every now and then, Amy and Taylie like to take a piece of paper and cut it into a million little strips and glue them all together. One on top of the other in some random pattern. Amy made one for me once and said it was a boat. Sure, why not?! Then she made one for Mike that looked oddly like mine, and told him it was a Transformer (a proud moment for Daddy). Well, the other day I got them their little safety scissors, crayons, paper and of course, their glue sticks. I folded some laundry and was doing the dishes when I thought that I should check on them and make sure their little paper pieces weren't all over the floor yet. To my amazement, they had ACTUALLY made something. This is an Ant Eater. And it actually looks like one. I was so proud of their creativity that I had to post this. Kids are amazing.

Pictures..finally!

Here are some updated pics. I'm not sure why my blog is acting like this. New posts are out of order and it's a day late on the time. Who knows, but hey at least it's here!

Pictures

Where were you?

It was September 11, 2001 and I was driving in my car on my way to work, listening to the radio, and thinking, "There joking. This is some sick joke." Then, with horror, I realized it was the truth. I got to work and we turned on the television. I was watching the news and watched as the second plane flew into the second of the Twin Towers. I saw the images that they won't air anymore. The people jumping from the falling and burning buildings. The images are emblazoned in my memory. The feelings, every moment of that morning lives on in my memory. I will never forget. I will never forget what we're fighting for, or why. May God bless the USA!

Brilliant!

We've all gotten those emails that talk about how we can get gas cheap again, like, "Don't buy gas at stations, "X", "Y", & "Z", or the whole not buying gas on a certain day of the month (none of which actually work), well I got another email (that I almost deleted before reading) that said something like, "Fw:How to make gas cheap again!. Well, I'm glad I listened to that little voice and read it, because I was hit with something new! Finally something that made sense to me and something that I had pondered for years. Like lightening through the night sky, it was a burst of brilliance!
For those of you who have not hear of Pickens Plan, let me introduce you (be sure to check out the website). A man by the name of T. Boone Pickens has started the ball rolling on getting our planet healthy again, and on getting our energy source from our own country, and making it affordable. Here is a quote from the website, "America is blessed with the world's greatest wind power corridor and abundant reserves of clean natural gas. The Pickens Plan will utilize these tremendous resources to build a bridge to the future — a blueprint to reduce foreign oil dependence by harnessing domestic energy alternatives and buying time for us to develop even greater new technologies." Go on and read it. Get informed and then get on the bandwagon. There is hope and I believe that this WILL work! There is power in numbers, spread the word!

The Result of my Quest

It is POURING outside right now. That doesn't really have anything to do with my post, but I thought I'd share. Wow, I can barely hear the keys on the keyboard over the rain. WHOA! It just made our motion detector turn on. I REALLY hope our house doesn't flood! Okay, onto topic. I posted a while back about my quest to find the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe for my family, and by a small twist of fate, I did! I've tried all the recipes friends have given me, and even a few I've found in random places, but it wasn't until Mike was in charge of desert one night that I found it. He couldn't decide what to get for desert, so he bought an assortment of brownie mixes and a bag of chocolate chip cookie mix. Well, a month later, I finally used the cookie mix, and viola! Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip cookie mix is it! I honestly felt guilty at first, like I was cheating, but I've gotten over it as I've eaten the cookies, and SAVED money by making them this way. So there you have it. My quest is over and I invite everyone to try "my" chocolate chip cookies!

Hardest Post

In a way, this hardest post has two meanings. For those of you who have ever built a fence, you'll understand my analogy. Sometimes you encounter a post that for some reason, is just harder to set than the others. Perhaps it's because the ground is harder there, or sometimes it's the post-the piece of fence itself. Well, that's what I am. I am the hardest post. The Lord has tried to put me where I needed to be, but because of my stubbornness, He had to work harder to get me where I needed to be. When building a fence, you can always get that hardest post in the ground, it just takes a little more effort, a little more sweat, a little more work. The hardest post is me, but it is also how I feel about this post. This is the hardest post I've ever made. It has taken me several days to finally sit down and type it. Not because I question the decision, but because I know how it affects everyone else. While it may be hard for me (though I've made it harder than it had to be), I know it can be and is harder for others.
In order to fully understand the outcome, I'm going to share some personal things with all of you. I'm doing this more for myself than for anyone else though. It reminds me of what I already know, and it helps me to heal. You all already know how I feel about St. George. Being away is hard. I miss my friends and family there so much it is painful at times, but the Lord has blessed me as I've turned to Him for comfort. It is my desire to be in St. George. For quite a long time now, that has been my strongest desire-which was wrong. My strongest desire is now, and must always be to do the will of the Father. If I had not been so stubborn, perhaps I would have realized my folly before it became so painful. But, as with most things, I had to reach the absolute bottom of the pit before I realized I had fallen so far. I was in a free fall, spiraling out of control. I was depressed, angry, and resentful. I had let Satan wrap his fingers around me and pull me down. The worst part is that I knew it and I wasn't even fighting. I just gave into it. I was so consumed with moving back to St. George, that I wasn't being the kind of wife and mother that I want to be, that I MUST be. I was absolutely miserable, because I was HERE instead of there. Then something started to happen. A little bit of light started to break through the blackness with which I had encompassed myself in. I started to get little pin-pricks of realization. That I was the one responsible for being happy-that it wasn't the fault of where I was. I read some friends blogs that talked about how the only thing we can really ever give the Lord is our will, and about how important it is that we do that. Then another about confusing hope with faith, and that "faith is taking that first step into the darkness, and hoping the light will follow." So I was thinking about that, and then a friend came over and saw me in all my "glory" (I'm sure it was pitiful) and she told me that I needed to snap out of it and be happy. She understands completely how I feel, because she too was there not long ago. So I accepted her advice, and for the first time in a while, I let go of some of the darkness and let in the truth that was being pushed at me, and I cried. I cry a lot, but when I was allowing the feelings of anger to stay with me, I didn't feel the range of emotions that I normally do, and for about a month, I hadn't cried. So the emotional flood gates opened, and I purged (cried-a lot). It was very cleansing, freeing myself from Satan's grasp. Then I was finally in a place where I was humble enough to truly turn my will over to God (not an easy thing to do), and then the most amazing thing happened. I felt peace. For the first time in SUCH a long time, I felt peace. The burdens that I had been carrying around (because I was too stubborn to let them go) were gone. What a difference it has made in our home, in our family, in me.
I realized that this is where the Lord wants me right now, or else I wouldn't be here, and that this is where I need to be happy at. Mike's boss has talked to him about making him a manager here, and it would be good for us. We're going to stay here for a little while. His company is opening another D.C. in the northwest in 2010, and Mike would like to transfer as the DP manager there and open that D.C. He has a really good shot at that if we stay here until then. So that's what we're going to do. And I'm going to be happy here. I still get sad sometimes, because I get lonely for my family and friends, and it still hurts sometimes, but I can bear it now. The Lord has eased the burdens which are upon my shoulders even that I cannot feel them. (Mosiah) I know that this is the best decision for my family, and I know that the Lord will bless us as we do HIS will.

SIS

My incredible and awesome friend, Kourtney, has joined up with her sis Kris, and together they have created Saying It Simply (SIS). Check out their blog and see all the cute stuff they make and what they give away. If I had my wish, I'd buy one of everything!

Going HOME

I've lived in many places through out my life, but only two make me say "home". One is the place of my birth, Port Angeles, WA. It still claims a piece of my heart. The way the waves roll into the shore. Sitting on a driftwood log and losing yourself to roll of the ocean. The way the salt air breeze feels against your cheeks. The cool rough sand under your feet. The trees that make you feel like you're being protected by stoic giants as you walk through the forest. The beauty of the mountains reaching toward the sky, purely majestic. I can go on..and on...and on. How could I not love that place that brings so many warm memories to my soul on those long nights, and days. Then, there is my "home", my St. George. I moved there with my mom after my parents divorce and went to college there for a while. It was then that I first realized that it had captured my soul somehow, and it was, for me, home. I was blessed enough to return to live there with my hubby and our children, and now as we are away for a while, it is the memories of the peace and belonging my soul feels when I am there, that keeps me looking forward, forward to the day when we can go "home" again. The red hills that hold beauty and mystery, the lush green in the desert, the beautiful temple on a hill in a valley, the crisp air that breathes life into you. I can't even put into words the way I feel when I'm there, other than to say, "I've gone home". The peace is almost palpable, it surrounds me and fills me. It is where I belong. There, with my family, that is home.
Here are some pictures I took while the kids and I were in St. George for two months this summer. The kids and I missed Mike horribly (he came for the 4th of July and we went to his HS reunion in AZ, then he came again the end of July and drove us home), but it was so wonderful to be in St. George, that it still tore at our hearts, especially mine, to leave.







It's not just the place I love so much though. It's our family and friends that really make it what it is. Here are some photos of the girls with their friends and our family and "family". We had a great time and can't wait to do it again...hopefully we'll be there for good this next time!

Back

We're back. We ended up staying in St. George longer than what we had planned. Mike flew up for the 4th of July and we went to his HS reunion in Arizona. Then, instead of driving home, he flew and the kids and I stayed for another. He flew up the last of July and then we headed out. So we got home Monday. I'll add pics and more later. I didn't have internet access while I was there, so sorry I didn't call Julie and Laura! I know, I'm lame, but time flies. We're hoping to be moved back there by the end of the year and I solemnly promise to see those that I missed while I was there! It was wonderful and I can't wait to move back "home"!

WOOHOOO!!!

Well, I didn't post this before I left because we wanted to surprise people, but the kids and I are in UT until the 3rd of July. I am SOOO happy to be here! So I promise I'll update when we get back. Ciao for now!

Our days

Lately it seems as though the above comic strip summarizes my days perfectly! I'm trying to keep the house "show ready", but am constantly diffusing potentially life threatening (in someones mind) situations. So today, I'm trying to "catch up" from the episodes of last week. I think I have 10 loads of laundry to do on top of the vacuuming, tidying, dishes, sweeping, scrubbing, and disaster patrol that has become my daily life. You know those tornado warnings I posted about, well, I don't think that my house would look any worse if one actually hit! I just have to laugh! It really is quite, well, comical. I should post a warning sign on my front door to people coming to look at the house, "WARNING: small objects may be strewn about in an unorganized fashion. Watch your step!" I know all of my faithful readers understand 100% what I'm talking about, so here's to you, the women who know (and admit) that their kids aren't perfect angels and that sometimes they do burn the dinner, and that some days their house does look like a national disaster area. You help me see the joy in the journey and help me enjoy the ride. Ladies, life is a roller coaster, so just throw up your arms and scream!

My quest

I am in search of the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have some that I really like, and I've tried many, but I have yet to find that "perfect" recipe for our family. I LOVE my Aunt Chris's chocolate chip cookies, but mine never turn out as good as hers. So I'm in search of my own perfect cookie for our family. If you have a chocolate chip cookie recipe that you love, please do share. Wish my luck on my quest!

My hard workin' man

This is a shout out to my great, wonderful, awesome, sweet, and totally hot husband! I love being able to work side by side with such a hard working man. He's always ready to get to work at home after he gets home from work. He takes such good care of us and he is always trying to make our yard look better (even in the dark)! I love how he helps around the house with whatever I ask him and he never complains...well, almost never. ;o) He is a wonderful father and improves every day. He is my best friend and I would be lost without him. I love you Mike!

The Visitor
This is the green, scaley, visitor we had hanging out on our front door last week. Macey thought he was great!







6 Months Old!
He's TRYING to sit up! He lasts for a few seconds and then is on his tummy playing and army crawling again. He is such a happy, good natured baby. He has started crawling to the playroom and into his sisters bedroom to be with them. Macey will get toys and bring them to wherever he is to play with him if he's not already with them. It's so cute. I love my kids!

Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow

Today...
We have had a HUGE storm just come through. We have been decreased from a tornado warning to a tornado watch until late this afternoon. At one point there was a tornado headed straight for our town at 40 mph. Holy cow. I was scared. Mike was at work and they had them move into the warehouse and Walmart had everyone move to the center of the store. The kids and I prayed REALLY hard. I'm really not enjoying this!
Yesterday...
Yesterday was May Day, and with it came a lot of memories. I used to take my Grammie and my Grandma flowers when I was little, so I called them and wished them both a happy May Day. My mom is the one who helped make this day special for me. She's the best mom ever. With all the memories of May Day, I started thinking of my friends. I've lived in many places in my life and I have made friends (and am still friends) with people from every place, but I think the friends that have influenced my life the most are the friends I made at PVTH. Every one has made me a better person. Brittany who helped me believe in myself, Kourtney is the kind of mom I want to be, I want to keep the Spirit in my home like Nicole, Gaylene who is like another mother to me, Kacie who helped me have fun and feel like I fit in when we first moved in, Michele always made me feel good, and Dana's friendship means more than I can put into words. Lora, Danielle, Leanne, LeAnn, Amanda, Anita, Tabitha, I could go on and on. Then there's the ladies in C. C. I don't think there's enough room in one post to name you all. You are all women who have helped me to see myself more clearly as a daughter of God and who have enriched my life beyond measure. I am so richly blessed to have you all for my friends. So thank you to all of you who have given me so much. I want to be like you when I grow up!
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow is a new day and I pray that I will be better tomorrow than I am today. We will strive continually to do the Lord's will and look forward to the day that we can be back with all of you! We are selling our house and I know that the Lord will provide the way for us to be back where we belong.

Trauma, Trauma, and more trauma

Trauma # 1.
Last week, we were all out playing in the back yard, and Macey walked behind Amy while Amy was swinging in one of those two-seater plastic swings, and Macey got hit in the mouth. It broke half of her front tooth off. Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any permanent damage, and it only slowed her down for about 5 minutes.

Trauma # 2.
Our neighbor didn't want his 55 gallon fish tank any more, so he gave it to us. You can only imagine how excited Mike and the girls were. I'm happy to have fish again too (especially since I get all the enjoyment and don't have to clean the tank!). Well we got three fish. A male Marigold swordtail, and two female Pineapple something-or-others. Now I know what you're thinking, and no, there has not been a traumatic death or problem with the fish. Trauma is what Taylie named the largest female-who, by the way, we just discovered is pregnant and will be having babies any day now. No eggs, she'll have live young...hopefully she won't eat them. So we're not sure where Taylie came up with the name Trauma, but it was her choice, so we have Todd, Trauma, and Sally as the newest members of the family.

Trauma # 3.
This one is horrible-for me at least. Jack started Army-crawling the day before General Conference. It was an exciting milestone for him, and a wonderful General Conference for us (Elder Ballard's was one of my favorites). Well, today I put him on my bed for about a minute, no longer, and I hear this horrible thump, and screaming. Every mother who has ever had this happen knows the feeling. He had crawled off my bed and fell on the floor. A few minutes later he was fine, but I still feel traumatized. My poor baby! What kind of a mother am I?!

So there you have it, our traumas! Many more good things than bad have happened this month, these ones were just more interesting to post!

New slide show

Leave of absence...

So I apologize for my almost month-long leave of absence! I'm just trying to find a balance in life (still working on that), and I feel I'm headed in the right direction. I just want to update and let everyone know how much I appreciate your friendship and love. We can't wait to get back "home" and see our friends and family again! Your love is felt across the miles. It lifts me up and keeps me going when the days seem so long. I know that without the Savior and the atonement, I would be lost for sure. I will try and get some photos posted this week. Love to all!

My color

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Orange

You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful color that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature. Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanor. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better. Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolizes attraction. Orange is an extraordinary color — for an extraordinary person.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Happenings

For those of you that have ever given your child nurse maid's elbow, you know the emotional pain that goes along with it. I fully believe that the parent suffers much longer than the child. On Thursday, I picked Taylie up (she didn't want me to) and she started crying. At first I thought that she was crying because I was making her move when she didn't want to, but a few minutes later, when she was still crying, I noticed her holding her arm. "Oh no," I thought. I've been riddled with guilt ever since. 5 minutes after the Doctor popped her elbow back into place, Taylie was fine. I however, days later, am still upset that I caused my child pain. I suppose it is something to learn from, as all things are. As for me, I'm just glad that Taylie is back to her old self and that she never blamed me for a second!
P.S.
Thanks for the cutestblogontheblock.blogspot.com link, Michele! It's fun to be able to add some personality to our blog.

Help

Okay, so I know that I'm probably one of the ONLY bloggers that has yet to figure this out, but will someone PLEASE tell me how you get the cute scrapbooking look to your pages?!? I'm bored with mine and want to add some...sizzle, so please do share!
P.S.
Be sure to check out the sites I like to visit.

The quote

I found this in a news article.

"Listening to Barrack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton discuss their national security credentials, Romney said, is akin to "listening to two Chihuahuas argue about which is the biggest dog.""

I laughed.

The tag

Okay, so here's how this one works. I have one word in which to describe the following. Only one word, and the first word that comes to mind. No explaining. Let's see how this goes...

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? brown
3. Work? hard
4. Your father? Dwight
5. Your favorite thing? icecream
6. Your dream last night? fuzzy
7. Your favorite drink? orange
8. Your dream car? Mini
9. The room you're in? Messy
10. Your fears? failure
11. What do you want to be in 10 years? free
12. Who did you hang out with last night? kids
13. What you're not good at? Procrastination
14. Muffin? Chocolate
15. One of your wish list items? money
16. Where you grew up? relaxed
17. Last thing you did? wrote
18. What are you wearing? jeans
19. What aren't you wearing? earings
20. Your pet? Trixie
21. Your computer? Mike's
22. Your life? deep
23. Your mood? faith
24. Missing? St. George
25. What are you thinking about right now? book
26. Your car/truck? black
27. Your summer? home
28. Your relationship status? love
29. Your favorite color? yellow
30. When is the last time you really laughed with meaning? week
31. Last time you cried? Today
32. School? smart
33. Least favorite weather? humid
34. Soup? clam
35. Movie? Mike

Reflections of a mother

As I sit and look at my children, I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone, and how big they are getting. Amy will be starting kindergarten this fall, and just made her first "big" independent decision. She asked to get her hair cut. I know it isn't a huge thing, but it was her way of expressing who she is and her independence (Mommy had a hard time) and letting us know that she is growing up. I loved her long locks, but I must admit, that this cute short bob is adorable on her and reflects her personality-bouncy. It does make her look older though. I close my eyes and I see her as a baby, rocking her to sleep, and feeling such a profound sense of love. That was just last week (or so it feels). Then I look at Taylie, who is asking more questions and I see her mind developing along with her personality. She is trying to find her way to independence, and I can see that she'll be making correct independent decisions soon. Again I close my eyes and see her as a one-week old baby. I'm trying to adjust to having two children, and I realize that it is possible to love another child differently, but just as much as her sister. That was five days ago (it seems). Macey keeps us so busy, but when I slow down, and try to recapture the past, it isn't so hard. I see her personality shining through even as an infant. I see her smile and hear her laugh as we all play together on the floor. That was only a few days ago (you get where I'm going). Then there's Jack, he's 4 months old, nearly 17 pounds and almost 27 inches. Every day he is changing and doing something new. He adores his sisters and loves it when we (Mommy and Daddy) play with him. I remember so clearly my ultrasound with him. The emotion I felt when she said, "It's a boy." I cried. I love my girls dearly and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I always knew I would have a son. I can't put into words the completeness and joy I felt in knowing that I was going to have a SON. Not a boy, but a son. The emotion I felt was so strong, enveloping almost. I still cry when I think of it. That was yesterday. So as our days get busy with every day life, and sometimes it seems as if there's too much to do in a day, remember, that today, will soon be yesterday, and tomorrow will be today, so we must make our memories, because today, will soon be years away, but with the memories we make, it will seem like only yesterday.

A few of my favorite things...

These are a few of my favorite things...

I love at night when Mike gets home
and the girls all pile on him
and I get to watch them play with their Daddy.


I love cuddling my baby
and holding him while he sleeps.

I love to hear and see my children laughing.


I love the temple.

Grateful

I've decided to make a list of all the things I'm grateful for. I think that too often we take for granted the little things in life that make life what it is, a blessing and a miracle. By making this list, I hope to remind myself of all that I really have been blessed with, and maybe you can take a moment to count your blessings too.
I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings of eternity.
I'm grateful for the sunshine and longer days.
I'm grateful for my four wonderful children and my amazing husband.
I'm grateful for our increased health (we're so very blessed in this area).
I'm grateful for my Savior and the atonement He made for me.
I'm grateful for my good friends that tell me it's okay to cry, and that lift me up (even when they don't know they're doing it).
I'm grateful that the Lord blessed to be born into such awesome families.
I'm grateful for my mother and for the strength she is to me. She's the best.
I'm grateful for my freedom and the men and women that have fought for it and continue to.
I'm grateful for this amazing body that has helped to bring 4 children into the world.
I'm grateful for my mind that I can continually learn, grow, and stretch myself to become better.
I'm grateful for my eyes that I can see my children's beautiful faces, for my ears that I can hear their laughter, for my nose that I can smell the sweet scent of my baby, for my hands that I can hold theirs, and for my mouth that I can tell them every day how much I love them.

I've been tagged...again!

Well Kourtney tagged me this time, and I figured that it would be fun to share this with those of you who don't know. So here ya go!
1.What is his name? David Michael Crockett, he goes by Mike.
How long have you been together? We've been married 5 1/2 years.
How long did you date? Ummm, before he proposed about 3 weeks. Until we were married, about 7.
Who eats more? When I'm pregnant, I totally do. Now, he usually does. But if it's desert, I can still out-eat him!
Who said I love you first? He did. Took me a couple of days to work up the courage, then I told him.
Who is taller? Mike
Who is smarter? Depends on who you ask.
Who does the laundry? We both do. I have one of those great hubbies who realizes that as hard as I try, I just can't seem to do 20 things at once, so he helps out with the laundry when I need him to. (I usually don't even have to ask! I've trained him well. ;o) )
Who does the dishes? I usually do, unless I'm doing them and Jack has a poopy diaper that needs to be changed, then he'll offer to take over for me!
Who sleeps on the right? In the bed, I do. Looking at it Mike does.
Who pays the bills? Mike does, but we try to budget together. Usually he'll just do it up and we'll go over it together after. I quite like this situation.
Who mows the lawn? Mike does. He enjoys the yard work, and here in Texas, I don't. St. George, I do.
Who cooks dinner? 90 % of the time, I do. Every now and again, he'll do dinner. And he always does a great job.
Who drives when you are together? Mike does. I like to enjoy the scenery.
Who is more stubborn? I think I am.
Who kissed who first? Mike asked me if he could kiss me. You know what my answer was... ;o)
Who asked who out first? Well, I kind of did. We were at a swim party, and I wanted to hang out and watch movies, and everyone had things to do so they couldn't, and I asked Mike, and he said he wasn't able to. Then about 3 minutes later, he came up to me and asked if I still wanted to. A few days later he asked me out on a "real" date.
Who proposed? Mike.
Who has more siblings? Mike does, but I'm closer to mine.
Who wears the pants? The kids do. Just kidding! We have a pretty evenly matched marriage. I like to think that we both try very hard to have each other as a "help-meet", so that we are equals in all that we do.

Okay, there it is! Dana, and Michele, you're next!

Jack

Our handsome little man








He likes his thumb,
for which I am grateful,
since he doesn't
care for the binky.

This is our happy boy! Jack brings so much life an joy to our house. He is such an easy-going baby and his sisters adore him. Especially Macey. She comes up to him and kisses his head all the time. Every time she sees him she says, "Cuuuuute!" I'd have to say dido, for all my kids!

Twisters

On a daily average, I have three twisters hit my home, Amy, Taylie, and Macey. Well yesterday, we almost had a fourth. We lived (thankfully) through our first tornado warning Tuesday night. It was an unusual experience. One that I hope I never have to experience again! When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a storm chaser. I have NO IDEA what I was thinking! Let me describe a little of what I saw. The sky was a greenish-gray color, and the clouds were moving in two different directions. The wind, rain, hail and lightning were all very...ominous. I was so very thankful for the blue sky this morning! Get me back to St. George please! I can handle the weather there.

I've been tagged!

Nicole tagged me, and so being the obedient friend that I am, I'm going to try to tell you 7 interesting things about myself.

1: I cry way more than the average person. Not because I'm sad, but because when I get emotional, my eyes have a tendency to leak. So when our children were born, friends got married, or I suddenly realized how great something was, my eyes leaked. It can be embarrassing.

2: I didn't grow up in St. George, but it is now home. I want to move back and never leave. I've become addicted to the sun and the feeling that is there. One day I'm going to move back, build a house with a huge porch and enormous back yard, and have my Pinion Street family come and play!

3: I LOVE to be outside! I also love to read, so if I can read outside, it's like heaven to me. Especially if I can hear my kids laughing and playing outside too. It's not very pleasant outside here in TX very often, so I don't go out, and I think it's slowly making my go insane. One day you may see me do something drastic, like bleach my hair!

4: I love the idea of makeup and looking nice, but I never really actually do it (except sometimes on Sun.). Right now, my wardrobe basically consists of sweats, because I just don't care.

5: I have a secret. Only a select few people know this, so it's like baring my soul a little here, but I'm writing a novel. There, I've said it. So one day, when I'm brave enough, I just might send it to a publishing company.

6: I love to sing and dance and get crazy with my kids. It helps me to de-stress and makes me feel good. I just hope no one ever sees me through the window!

7: I dream big. Sometimes people may not think my dreams are realistic, but I figure that so long as I have a dream, I have a reason to keep going, to keep moving forward, so whether I reach my dream or not, I'm still better off.

Check out my Slide Show!

Our trip to Utah in November