Happily Ever After

Learning to Cope

2010-07-01T11:03:00.001-07:00

This summer has been great so far, with my thyroid issues and everything. I have great friends and family that are helping me cope. In my own personal study, I came across this thought by James E Faust:

"Why is adversity often such a good schoolmaster? Is it because it teaches so many things? Through difficult circumstances we are often forced to learn discipline and how to work. In often unpleasant circumstances we may also be subjected to a buffeting, a honing and a polishing that can come no other way".

Thoughts like these from people like him are tremendously helpful in my learning to cope with sickness journey. Guess what? The journey has kind of been a blast.

Other things helping me cope? Those cute kids pictured above, and their Daddy(not pictured).

Ooofff

2010-05-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of the million essays that Harrison has written this school year. In one of them, he explains how on a field trip, he fell and skinned his knee and subsequently said, "Ooofff", cause it hurt. But he got back up and kept on truckin'.

Well, recently, I have fallen and down and did not say, "Ooofff"....it was probably more like, "@%$#*". Really, I need a swear jar. Anyway. Moving on from my weakness, let's discuss what has happened lately that has made me snarl, "Ooofff".

1. LOST is over. Seriously. Ooofff. I am so very sad. Like, way too sad to be logical. I cried as I watched my beloved "friends" vanish from my screen forever. This show is so beautiful, and character driven that I loved the way it wrapped up, even if other die hard fans didn't. Again, I am not joking, I have said to Todd multiple times since Sunday, "Jack is dead. I can't believe it." His response? Looking at me like I have lost my ever loving mind. Whatever, he is a LOST fan too.

2. School's out. Ooofff. Well, for Alyssa, tomorrow Harrison. I cannot tell you how much I love their teachers. Here is a way to show you, I love them more than LOST. I am going to miss dropping my kids off into their capable hands every day. Harrison will get a new teacher next year, and I am sure to fall in love with that teacher too, but still...Mrs. Workman is the best. I wanted to go to class with Harrison and have her teach me too. Alyssa will go back to preschool next year to her great teachers. The only downfall is how teary I will be when it is time to move on to Kinder. Alyssa will have been in her class for almost three years by then. I am not sad about spending days on end with them this summer, I will just miss their great teachers.

3. Well, now my biggest reason for an Ooofff. I have recently been told I have a chronic health issue. Remember a few posts back about not exercising and losing weight? Guess what causes that? Hyperthyroidism. Now, before this, I would often hear of a person with this and think wow, I wish I had that too. Well, be careful for what you wish for.

Although not a serious disease if treated, it is still very scary to me. I have been given some drugs from my family doctor - these drugs may in fact cure the hyperthyroidism, but you never know. What I do know is that these drugs make me extremely fatigued and all I really can do is rest. I can get up and clean the house in intervals. I have pulled my phone off the hook so that I can nap! I am that tired! Maybe I should start watching LOST all over again since I am ordered to take it easy. Maybe this isn't such bad news after all! Wait, no it is.

I have heard that in a few weeks I will feel better with the anti-thyroid drugs - the side effects will lessen. I can even start to slowly work out again at this time. I am so upset because I was planning on training for another marathon next fall and now my goals are not attainable in the near future. I do have an appointment with a specialist in August. August? Yeah, apparently thyroid issues are rampant. The specialist will be able to see if the anti-thyroid drugs did enough to help me, or will decide if I need RAI - radio active iodine, or surgery. I am really hoping these drugs will work!

I can count my blessings though knowing that I have insurance and can get into a doctor at all. Also, I love my family doctor. What doctor nowadays says to call him at home if I have any questions whatsoever? It is very thoughtful and makes me want to cry. I feel like I am being well taken care of. But still, Ooofff, this one hurts.

So, will I be like Harrison and get back up and keep on truckin'? I certainly plan to, even when I want to cry instead. I have an excellent example. How awesome is it that I can look up to my 7 year old?

The Help

2010-05-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

"The Help", by KathrynStockett merits a 10 out 10 rating, according to me. Based in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s, Stockett makes you feel like you are right there with dear Skeeter, ferocious Minny, and lovable Aibileen as they conduct their secret project in this dangerous town. If you like the Ya Yas, or Fried Green Tomatoes, you'll love this book too. In fact, you may enjoy this book even better.

This book resonates with me because of my family history. Most people wouldn't know, but I have deep roots in the South. My Mama was born in Taledagea, Alabama in the late 1950s, her family moved years later to Charleston, South Carolina. As a young girl I heard stories about Mama's life "back home". My Grandma, a white women origanally from Chicago, was very anti-establishment. She was in her mid-40s, it was the 1950's, in racially divided Alabama when she adopted not one, but two Japanese children, one of them being my mother. It doesn't get more anti-establishment than that.

Growing up, Grandma did have Black "help". There was Estelle. She came to my Grandma's three days a week. She scrubbed the floors, bathtub, and walls. She cleaned the house top to bottom. She had been doing this work for years by the time my family employed her. There was, however, one major difference between those other employers and my Grandma. Grandma was right there beside Estelle scrubbing, cleaning, shopping, everything. My Mama has memories of them scrubbing the kitchen floor, on their knees, side by side. Scrub, scrub, scrub. That is how it always was. Grandma did her job, with her "help". Estelle wasn't cheap labor, she was family. Estelle once told my Grandma, "No other white women has ever treated me this way, ever."

Mama started dance lessons at a young age. One day as Grandma and Estelle walked the city's street to take Mama to her studio, a civil rights march passed right by them. Estelle noticed that her teenage son was participating, and pushing past the crowd, she grabbed him and dragged him away from the other protesters. She forbade him from participating. She didn't do this because she was against civil rights, she did it to protect her precious son. What a very dangerous time my mother lived in, and despite her childhood innocence, she noticed the tension that seized the region.

My Grandfather, after retiring from a distinguished military position, started a small landscaping business. He employed a young Black man to help him. Mama remembers the two eating lunch together at their kitchen table regularly. So, when she noticed things around town, like separate water fountains, she was confused. Her parents explained that not everybody recognized how wrong it was to treat others like that. They instructed her to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of race. She has always followed their advice and example and instilled it in me.

I know my grandparents are not the only ones who treated their employees well. I do think they might be in the minority though. Most people treated their help and other people of their race terribly because that was just the way it was back then. Or even worse, they despised people just because of the color of their skin. Like I said, my grandmother was anti-establishment, she took no joy in following inane social views. Both Grandma and Grandpa followed their own moral code - we each have one too, are we going to live by it? And not just when it is easy? "The Help" has urged me to be more courageous and stand up for the right things. Oh, and it is an incredible story, that is wonderfully written.

Connissier

2010-05-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Some people are really enlightened about the finer things in life, like fine art, fine food, and fine wine. I really am not. I have my reading (see previous post), I have my running/exercise, and then, I have my television. Yes, that's right, the "boob tube". I know all things TV. I should be embarrassed about this fact, but really, I enjoy it far too much to care what others might think. Television is cheap, readily available, at times educational, entertaining, and it helps keep me in the pop culture loop. The television is good company when I can't sleep and everyone else in my house can. I can also iron, cook, and clean while simultaneously enjoying TV. I do have standards though. I don't just watch anything, I am particularly snobby about what my flat screen displays. And we all should be a little discerning with what we allow into our homes. Which is why I am sharing my expertise with you all today, whether you like it or not :)...Here are some shows that have the Jenny Smith stamp of approval:

1. Friday Night Lights

Maybe it is the high school teacher in me, or it may just be Tim Riggin's smile, but "Friday Night Lights" is my favorite show, and in my opinion the best show on TV. FNL is more than football, or I wouldn't have ever watched it in the first place. I read "Friday Night Lights" last year, and while the book is non-fiction and an interesting read, the show is not, but is not at all far-fetched. Set in a Texan small town where football is "the only thing (they) got", FNL portrays characters you can relate to, struggling to ultimately do the right thing. I love the dialogue, the camera angles, and the stories that pull on my heart strings. FNL is one of those shows that my entire family loves to watch.

FNL is currently on NBC on Fridays at 7/8pm. Set your DVR, you won't be sorry.

2. LOST

Despite the fact that I detest science fiction, I am completely in love with LOST. It all started when the hunky Matthew Fox opened his eye, back in 2004, and I was hooked. LOST is equal parts mystery, science fiction, character development, and good looking people. There are also many moments of humor, horror, and heart. Basically, it has something for everyone. I think we all know that LOST is coming to a close later this month (SOB), but if you haven't already watched it, rent the DVDs. I will come and watch it with you and will be sure to bring plenty of popcorn and Kleenex.

LOST is currently on ABC on Tuesdays at 8/9pm.

3. 24

I started watching 24 last summer and found that I couldn't get enough of Jack Bauer...or Tony Almeada. Now caught up to the current season, I can confidently say that 24 is good TV. If you like action and rooting for the good guy, you will like 24. My only complaint about the show is how Jack is always, ALWAYS, the tragic hero. Can't the poor guy get a break? 24 is also ending this month, but I heard there will be a movie coming soon. The world isn't ready to say goodbye to Bauer just yet, and neither am I.

24 is currently on FOX on Mondays at 8/9 pm.

4. America the story of US

This show is the history of America from the first settlers to present day. It is more interesting than any history book I have ever read, and is clever enough to entertain and educate both Todd and I and Harrison too. It is especially great if you have HD, the cinematography is very beautiful. So, if you are interested in learning more about our great country while also being entertained, tune in.

America the story of US in on The History Channel on Sunday evenings.

Well, all y'all, there you have it. My very favorite TV shows. I encourage you to check them out when you ever have a moment to sit down, relax, and watch some TV. Enjoy! From my couch to yours.

My love affair of 2009

2010-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

It is no secret 2009 was a tough year for me. Luckily I made it to 2010, with a little help from a friend. You see, I had a great love affair last year. It started at the dawn of 2009, when I didn't know the year was going to be so hard. It must have been more than coincidental that our relationship bloomed when it did, because when I really needed a repreave, I alreaday had one in place. This love was great in that it was always there when I wanted it and when I didn't want my love, it never came around. We traipesed along, two by two, almost everywhere. We lounged together near the pool, on the living room's couch, even in between the sheets in my bed. This love was rekindled last year, it's first kindle sparked in kindergarten and has burned ever since, some years it was ablaze, while others it simmered. Last year it was fired up! What is this love, you might wonder. It is not as scandalous as it might seem, it is actually really innocent. My love is reading.

I've always loved reading, I read my first chapter book, "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder, in kindergarten. "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis in first grade. I would be late for the school bus in third grade because I was engorssed in Judy Blume and didn't want to put her down. This fascination stayed with me through college where I took every literature class I could. When I taught school, it is no surprise I taught reading and language arts. I wanted the students to fall in love with reading as much as I was.

Reading isn't just about words and stories. It is so very much more. It is knowledge, experience, and travel. It is insight. It is empowering. It is escape from reality, which I needed last year. As a wife and mother, it is easy to lose yourself and your passions when you are supporting everyone else's. So, it was with great delight that I challenged myself to read 100 books last year. It was solace last summer when our reality was very bleak.

I read just about anything and everything, from chick-lit, to biograhies, to mystery, and everything else in between. It was so interesting to read non-fiction as I could see my life in parallel to great figures in history. It was also eye opening to read of other's struggles and see how they progressed from awful oppresion, like Jeanette Walls. It was enjoable to read Agatha Christie, even many years after publication. I fell in love with our founding fathers. I was shocked with Arthur Miller's, "The Crucible". I saw what the hoopla was all about with "Revoltionary Road", and "The Reader". This challenge expanded my world view, as some of my personal opinions have even shifted as a result from this exercise.

It was exhausting to read so much in so little time and so when 2010 rang in, I decided to stop reading so much. I pretty much stopped. But as time marches on, I get this itch to return to my beloved with the same ferocity as last year. So, even though there are only 7months left this year, I have decided to again read 100 books. But maybe, I will push it to 101 to top myself from last year. Since I only have 7 under my belt thus far, I need to get started!

Eight years ago today...

2010-03-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today, my life changed forever.
Eight years ago today, my naviete was squashed.
Eight years ago today, I learned that life really isn't fair.
Eight years ago today, I started to rely on my Heavenly Father more than ever.
Eight years ago today, I cried more tears than I ever have before or since.
Eight years ago today, I hugged my husband as he sobbed.
Eight years ago today, I started to rely on the Lord more than ever before.

Eight years ago today, we found out that the child I carried had the congenital defect known as gastroschisis. Back then, the future seemed so uncertain. The life that I had been planning on seemed to have slipped through my fingers. I was so used to prediciting, and then plotting my life until I got what I desired...college, career, marriage, getting pregnant. Everything went pretty much according to plan, without me putting my trust in the Lord, but through putting my trust in me. And then, the gastroschisis happened.

Those few precious months between finding out about Harrion's condition and his birth were as hard as they were wonderful. I had my moments of fear and anquish. Believe me. But, I decided to really start developing a relationship with my Maker. As I did all that this required, and started to see a counselor, I felt better. I realized that we are not in charge, as much as I wish we were. I felt better about the situation. Now, that is not to say that this was easy. I was fragile the entire time, but at the same time, I was gaining strength.

It is hard to believe that the Harrison today is the Harrison of eight years ago. He is so smart. He is healthy. His front two teeth are finally growing in. I give him random hugs because when I look at him I still see him in his NICU bassinet too. Admittedly I worry about him and Alyssa also and want to wrap them up in bubblewrap and lock them in the house to keep them safe. But that just shows me I forgot my own experience eight years ago. I am grateful that when this day rolls around I am reminded to be a better person, a more faithful person.

I don't know why Harrison did so well when some other babies with this condition have not. I ache for their families. I never take for granted that Harrison is here. I am grateful for the trial, and admittedly that everything worked out so well too. I will never be the same the girl that I was eight years ago yesterday. And I am better off for it.

Confession

2010-03-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

This is hard to say. Well, not just hard, embarrasing too. I suppose you could also say worrisome. Well, worriesome to me. But I always worry, just ask Todd. If worrying were a profession, I would be the CEO. Back to the topic at hand, I have to confess, I am out of shape....she writes with her head hung in shame.

I have not really exercised in months. MONTHS. I have lost weight too. You know what this means, I have lost mainly muscle- not good. I went to the gym today. It was not pretty. I was huffing and puffing on the tredmill and going at a considerly low speed. AHHH! Not too long ago, I was jogging 13 miles at a time. And I loved it! Today at the gym I cursed the idea of even moving.

I am so devastated. And scared. And mad, at myself. Well, what to do? I guess I just got to get back on the wagon - err I mean treadmill, elliptical, or bike. I hope it doesn't take MONTHS to get back to running the way I used to.

Now, and this is the sick part, like I said I have lost weight. I am wearing smaller sizes. I like weighing less and am slighty afraid that working out will make me gain weight. I know it would be good weight, but that is how screwed my thinking is reagarding weight. There is another thought somewhere in the back of my mind that doesn't even care if I gain 20 pounds while working out again. Because I will physically feel much better if I work out. I hope this thought takes over.

So, here I go. I guess I will see how what happens with this body of mine. Wish me luck.

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

This spring break was wonderful and jam packed with a lot of fun. This is the rundown:

Friday 12th - half day, had lunch with friends, hiked "A" Mountain with Brennan
Saturday 13th - brunch with the kids
Sunday 14th - dinner with Nana and Papa
Monday 15th - Casa Grande Ruins in Coolidge
Tuesday 16th - rode bikes
Wednesday 17th - traditional St. Patrick's lunch in Fountain Hills
Thursday 18th - Phoenix Zoo, girls night for Mom
Friday 19th - Lunch with friends
Saturday 20th - Cousin Skye's Birthday Party, Date night for Mom and Dad
Sunday 21st - Dinner with Grammy and Pappy, got souvenirs from their European trip

Whew, no wonder I am exhausted! We are so lucky that there are so many fun things to do here. The kids and I made a list of everywhere we want to go, see, and explore in our area. This week we barley scrathced the surface. So, I guess I am looking forward to Summer so we can continue to enjoy Arizona!

Only my kids....

2010-03-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

Build the Whitehouse, instead of a sand castle in the sand box...

Would rather go to New York City, instead of the Happiest Place on Earth...

Beg their mother to go to the Four Corners...

Spend all of the contents in their treasure box to buy books...

Create a cellphone out of an 8 X 11 piece of copy paper, it's Verizon by the way...

Like to roll their eyes in the back of their head and try to scare me...

Are afraid to go upstairs alone, they have to have the other with them and the lights on...

Cut their own bangs, ok I think every kid has done that one before :)...

Cut out the mesh parts of the Pack N'Play so that their cousin, who spends most days with us, can get out of bed from his naps earlier...It actually does work

My kids may drive me up the wall sometimes, at least once a day, but they always put a smile on my face. I feel so lucky! All mothers are. So, what are some of things only your children do?

New Calling

2010-03-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

As much as I am dreading the Pinewood Derby, I am going to love wearing this to our weekly den meetings:

Suns vs Jazz

2010-03-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Last night we had the pleasure to watch the Suns game with Todd's firm. We had great seats - in the nicest suite I have ever seen at the US Airway Center. We've been in a suite before, but this one was even better! It was huge! We had awesome food too. However, the very best thing about the suite is that you have your own bathroom, which all women know equals zero wait time. Sweet suite.

Too bad the Jazz won. Last time we watched the game in a suite it was the Suns vs Jazz too. The Jazz won then also. Grrr. Todd and I decided we are bad luck and if we get the opportunity to see another Suns/Jazz game in person, we will have to decline! JK

Oh and I have a new celebrity crush, Steve Nash. Go Nashy.

Enough

2010-03-04T12:22:00.001-08:00

I am 31 years old. And througout the years I have learned that to truly be happy, I need to surround myself with great people. And I have. By luck, my kids are amazing..beautiful, smart, funny, and kind. By luck, my parents and brothers are some of my greatest friends. Now, Todd, I scouted him out. It was not by luck that I ended up with him. I knew what I wanted in a husband and would not settle for anything less. He is great and makes me happy. It is the same with my friends. I am somewhat picky in that area. I will not spend my precious time with fake, insincere people. That may be why I have only a handful of friends. But quantity does not equal quality. My friends are the best. I can go to them with anything and they will love and support me, not judge me or ridicule me.

So why is it that when I am intentionally hurt by insincere people, people in my life that I unfortunately can't avoid, my feelings are hurt?

I am trying hard to not let these "mean girls" affect me, but it is hard. Sometimes, my 31 year old self feels 13 instead!

Count your many blessings....

2009-11-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Like most of you, this week I am counting a lot of my blessings. Not surprisingly, just like one of my favorite hymns suggested, after counting my blessings, I was surprised with what the Lord has blessed me with. Growing up, I thought blessings were pretty simple to comprehend - they were the good things in our life. In my advanced age I have discovered that, while blessings are good things in our life, they sometimes might stem from something bad.

This year a lot of wonderful things happened to our family. At the same time, this year has been one of my most difficult. When compared to real tragedies, our struggles might seem trivial, but let me tell you - they were pretty hard to deal with. However, after every challenge, something better arose. For instance, Alyssa lost my engagement ring. Todd spent his very last dime on that ring ten years ago when he proposed to me. I was sick when I couldn't find it. Luckily, Todd didn't have to spend his last dime when he bought me another set of rings , which are beautiful. The ring thing was the least of our problems though.

The terrible economy directly affected Todd. This summer was hard. We had to endure situations I naively thought we would never have to. Yet still, there still were good times to be had. We protected our children from the situation as best we could. My family was a source of refuge. With their support we survived. We even had a lot of fun. Todd and I became better friends than ever before. When the summer was over, things were looking up for Todd. In fact, we are probably in a better situation than before.

My Mom likes to remind me that we have to take the good with the bad, that without the bad, we will never know the good. As hard as it is to swallow this, it is true. That is hard for me to understand sometimes. I get panicky if things are good because I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. This year has taught me to stop that silly thinking and just enjoy the happy moments when I can. This will always be a struggle for me, but this year has taught me.

I am grateful for this past year and it's lessons. I am also grateful for my wonderful family. When I would get down, I would look at their faces and think, "How can I be sad when I have them in my life"? My wonderful friends are a huge source of gratitude for me. I have been blessed with wise and truly good people for friends, just being in their presence brings me peace. I am grateful for the gospel, it's principles have kept me safe. I am also grateful for the challenges I face, they are shaping me into a better person, whether I like it or not!

A to Z

2009-04-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

My Favorite ABCs...

A - Alyssa
B - Brennan aka Boonga, Boongs, Boongalisicious
C - chocolate
D - Diet Coke
E - Easy Hair Styles
F - Favorite Family and Friends
G - Gavin
H - Harrison
I - Ice, crushed or cubed
J - Jam, homemade
K - Karly
L - LOST
M - Mom
N- Nordstrom (Rack)
O - Olive Garden - anyone up for a ladies lunch?
P - Pappy
Q - Quirks, mine and Todd's
R- Record button, for the DVR
S- Salsa, homemade
T - Todd
U- under arm deodorant
V- Visiting Teaching
W- water
X- the "X" on Harrison's treasure maps
Y- youthful innocence
Z- Zoo

SPING BREAK, thus far.....

2009-03-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

has been an adventure. After returning home from a Californian wedding, we wanted a "stay-cation" this week. Phoenix has lots to offer in that department. So far we.....

hiked "A" mountain
went to Gavin and Karly's reception
had a BBQ at Grammy and Pappy's, poolside
had rootbeer floats with Grandma and Grandpa
checked out 139,023 books, DVDs, and CDs at the library
went to Fountain Park and saw the fountain turn green with Robin and her kids
went to "Mickey Dee's" with Robin and her kids
Mom had a girl's night

There are a lot more adventures planned this week. I love when my kids are out of school!

A Good Day

2009-02-21T21:25:00.001-08:00

Today was a good day. It was the first Saturday in months where I didn't have to think about mileage or fueling....I ran the half -marathon last week and am quite pleased with myself and the outcome. I have found I am an addicted to running though! Which is good, I guess. But back to today, today was good. I did go for a short run and then hurried back to get our new abode ready for a bridal shower.

See, my younger brother is getting married! I have been waiting for this for a long time. Selfishly, I want a new sister. She is a jewel. I am thrilled for my brother, Gavin. He is happier than I have ever seen him. As soon as he proposed, I mentally started planning the shower. Again, selfishly, I wanted to host it at my new house and invite all of our extended family and long-time family friends. I wanted my new four walls filled to the brim with laughter and smiles and love from generations of women I love. I wanted Karly to feel the love we have for Gavin and for her as well.

To accomplish this feat, I decided to have simply sweet decor and delicious food served in my Nana's crystal. I did not document the spread with photos, but it did look sweet and simple. I left some decorations up and will take a picture when I get a chance. I made a salad simply entitled The Good Salad and boy is it ever good! My mother brought cut up fresh fruit and my father made his famous chocolate chip cookies. Everyone loved the food and yummy food lends itself to a fantastic party atmosphere.

Games were not a part of this shower. Our family does not need silly games for entertainment. We are quite fun just as we are. The funnest part of all is that all of my Dad's living aunts came from far and away to meet Karly for the first time. Both of my Dad's sisters came. My cousins came. Nana came. Second-cousins came. Family friends came. Gavin and Karly, you are so loved. After great conversations with these amazing women and the opening of gifts, an improtue advice session from the married ladies began. Karly got some great advice ranging from sweet to scandalous:

Say prayers with each other every day.

Don't go to bed mad, stay up and fight all night.

Double think before you speak.

Make sure he knows you're in charge.

Love him.

Keep his belly full and his privates empty! (That was from my Aunt Kimmy, not me)

As the shower drew to a close, Todd came back home with the groom and our kiddos. Some other male cousins showed up to pick up their wives. I love how the male presence affected this shower. I yelled, "Here's the entertainment" when one of the male cousins walked in and he started showing us his moves. Gavin took his place, right at Karly's side, with a huge grin on his face. Todd snacthed Mandy's new born baby girl out of her arms and held her and cooed and baby talked for a long time. He is a natural with babies, I tell ya. I took all of this in and smiled to myself. This was the shower that I had envisioned. At that moment, and for the two hours that preceded it, our humble home was filled to the brim, bursting at the seams with love.

I pray that the love at this shower will follow Gavin and Karly into their marriage. I also hope that a little of it stays here too. I want to keep this feeling in our home, after all, it was a really good day.

I'm Back!

2009-01-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long break from blogging, I am back. I have realized that this really is the only tool that I can succesfully use to journal family happenings. I need to dust off my camera and start documenting our lives. If anyone else wants to take a peek too, you are more than welcome.

The past few months have been jammed packed:

Alyssa started school

Christmas! Harrison's big gift - bike, Alyssa's - scooter

Grandma and Grandpa back from their mission in Hong Kong

Grandma and Grandpa announce that they were called as mission presidents and will leave in July and be gone for the next 3 years

Gavin and Karly get engaged

Brennan comes back from his mission

Mom gets strep throat, another nasty infection, and yet another nasty infection and has had to scale back the marathon training and will now run a half with her Dad - so that's good too

Thanks to school, Alyssa is talking better and better!

Well, that is it for now, but I will be back with a vengeance, soon.

LUCK

2008-12-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck.

My Grandpa Oden passed away when I was only 6 years old. I have but 3 really good memories of being with him, since he passed when I was so young and he lived thousands of miles away from me. As a child South Carolina might as well have been a world away from Provo, Ut.

As a teenager, snooping through my mother's hope chest, I happened to find an envelop addressed to me. It had my old Provo address on it, we now lived in Gilbert, AZ, but that is not what interested me about the envelope. The name in the upper left hand corner said, "Grandpa Oden". My throat tightened and my heart beat fast, and I tore into that envelope with fast, greedy little fingers. The envelope was already opened and I am sure that I read it many years before, but still, I had no memory of it at all.

This, as Grandpa Oden called it, was my "first love letter". It was a simple, sweet, script. I read it over and over again. I still have that letter and consider it one of my most precious possessions. One thought he shared in the love letter was that if I ever missed him, I could look out at the moon at night. That moon I saw in Provo was the same moon he saw in South Carolina and he would look at it too and then, I would know that my Grandpa in good, old South Carolina loved me and I wouldn't miss him so much. I can't tell you how many times I have looked at the moon over the years and thought of my grandpa.

Grandpa Oden was born on February 12th, President Lincoln's birthday. When his parents couldn't decide on a middle name for their new son, they settled on Lincoln, in honor of that great President. He never went by Lincoln, to my knowledge, though he loved his middle name. He once told my Mom that if she ever happened upon a penny head's up - you know with Abe Lincoln's head up - that meant he was there.

Since his death, we have stumbled upon pennies with their head's up during special times. My aunt, Mom, and Dad went to the Temple to seal my grandparents by proxy a few years after my grandma died. After the sealing, my Dad was in his locker room and found a penny, heads up, in the corner. My Dad didn't notice it before the sealing. My brother has found one while he was in the midst of a trial. Today, I found one, and my heart swelled with joy.

I was coming home from a run. I was discouraged because I was slow and I have been troubled by my children's behavior before school. Lately, I have been thinking that this marathon training was too much of a strain for my family. I have been thinking that I should only run a half. I have been so distraught! I prayed very hard before I ever made the decisionto run the marathon and I knew that Heavenly Father thought this was good for me. So why was it such a trial now? Also, I felt foolish because running this marathon isn't something I have to do here on Earth, why should I even pray to the Lord for help with it? That's when I glanced down and saw the penny.

Usually when I spot a penny, it is head's down. So today I almost ran past the penny but something told me to stop and look at it. It was head's up. Peace overwhelmed my body and I ran home strong, having a conversation with Grandpa Oden all the way.

I also put some things together in my head. When I first started training, I thought this marathon would be a cinch, I would run so fast, I would break records, well not really, but almost. As training progressed and it was hard and I was slower than I wanted to be, I was mad. A few thoughts came to my mind during this time. Maybe this marathon was to teach me things I wouldn't have learned otherwise, not to be some speed demon. I have already learned some wonderful life lessons. I have also learned that I love to run, it is addicting, and it (mostly) makes me feel good. I decided that it did not matter what my time was when I finished, it only mattered that I did.

When I found the penny today, my thoughts had been confirmed. My Grandpa's presence was tangible. I had ran over that sidewalk three times earlier during my run and never saw a penny there before. As loony as it may sound, I believe my Grandpa is responsible for that penny being there.

My marathon is on the Sunday before President's Day, I don't think it is a coincidence. I am going to take that penny with me, every step of the way.

2008-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Strange, but funny.

-Todd

(I now have the power to hijack this blog! Hwa ha ha!)

Politics

2008-10-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Harrison, my 6 year old, has a new idol, Senator John McCain. {Boy, I hope that sentence doesn't cause his Grandpa Smith to suffer a heart attack!}

I started noticing that Harrison had this special interest in Mr. McCain last week.

"Mom, can I play on the computer?"

"Yes, why?"

"I need to get on nick.com and pick the President." Apparently Nickelodeon is having kids vote for the President on their website.

"OK, who are you going to vote for?"

"John McCain!"

"Why do you want to vote for him?"

"Because he's from Arizona!"

So we went on nick.com and voted for McCain-Palin. I wonder how many other kids are voting for that ticket.

So yesterday we had our weekly family dinner at my Mom and Dad's. Out of nowhere, Harrison exclaims,

"John McCain, John McCain!"

Everyone looks at him as he tells my brother Gavin's new friend that's a girl he hopes McCain wins, as I hold my breath and pray that doesn't offend her.

She asks Harrison why and he says, "Cause my Mom likes him, that's why!"

I didn't know that kid understood the Conservative Talk Radio that I listen to! I am continually amazed at how bright Harrison is.

Todd worries that Harrison is going to be sorely disappointed November 5th. Me too.

So we had a talk with him. We explained that John McCain may not win and someone named Barack Obama would be the President. We further explained that {hopefully} it would be OK and we would support him.

I hope, for Harrison's sake at least, that McCain does win.

Randomness

2008-10-15T21:09:00.000-07:00

This week is Fall Break! I am a little depressed because I had envisioned this week going a little differently than it's reality. Although, it hasn't been so bad. We have gone to the outdoor mall and played on the playground, spent more time than usual with Todd, and we went to the library by our new house and checked out books and DVDs. I made rolls twice and the kids were huge fans. I am a novice baker, but the rolls turned out pretty well. Tonight we went to Chilies because I hadn't cooked dinner. I checked out a book at the library and couldn't put it down. Before I knew it, it was 5:30pm. Tomorrow someone is suppossed to come to check out the garage door opener. It was acting funny earlier and now it is not. I feel dumb having someone come look at it now, but three days ago, when the appointment was made, the door was not working. Oh well. I think that I will try and organize Harrison's closet while we wait for the garage person. Afterwards maybe we can go do something fun. Friday we are going with Janette and Janalee to a Pumpkin Patch.

My running is continuing. Today I slept in and Todd had an early morning meeting with a client. I was a little mad at myself for sleeping late and thought that I had lost my chance for a run. Instead, Todd saved my day when he came home after the meeting and I got to get a run in! I am doing the run/walk method and my time has actually DECREASED!! I ran 3.5 miles in less than 40 minutes. A few months ago I ran 3 miles in 38 minutes. I know, I know, I am slow - but I am only "racing" myself. I am very happy with any improvment, no matter how small.

Today a very exciting thing happened. I surpassed my goal weight! June 1st Todd and I started to keep track of our weight-fat percentages and body measurments. I wanted to lose 15 pounds. Since June 1st I have lost 16 pounds! I can't believe it!! I have to say I am very happy with myself. The weight loss has to be attributed to the running, because my diet has not changed that much at all, I am ashamed to admit.

Todd asked what my new goal was going to be. I told him it was to run the marathon. However, I am going to add better nutrition to that list too. I am positive that better nutrition will help me run stronger.

Marathon Memoirs #2

2008-10-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Seven Miler Today....

I was nervous/excited to run today.

Upon walking out the front door, I gave a silent prayer of gratitude for the cooler weather. The crisp air breezing across my skin was the perfect way to start a longer run. I've decided that running at the gym is a thing of the past. I believe the treadmill was easier for me to run on and was giving me a false sense of running level. I ran on a mixture of asphalt and dirt today, it is the ground that I will be running the marathon on, so it is great for training. Also, there was some wind, and that is good to train in. The treadmill has a sleek surface and there is no wind inside a gym! Another upside to running outdoors is the scenery. My brother-in-law often remarks how ugly Arizona is, he is from Utah, but I strongly disagree. I love Arizona's great, big, blue sky, it is breathtaking. I also love the desert with it's small mountains and unique foliage. The desert is a pretty place to run in. Another perk of Arizonan living is the close vicinity to ranches. I ran past many farm animals today. It was rather fun seeing the cows and horses staring at me. Much more interesting than the TV at the gym!

While I was running, I spotted Todd and the kids at the park. So I ran over to them and took a little break - this was about four miles in. It was nice to spend some time with them. I am so glad it is finally cool enough to take the kids to the park.

The last three miles were a little rough. I felt dehydrated and a little tired. Next time I need to take water and some energy gel packets. I think that would help a lot. I walked a little - maybe 1/2 mile during this time. I felt like my walking break energized me an didn't take away from my speed. I am considering run/walk training now.

Today we celebrated Alyssa's birthday! She is 3. I made Yellow rice, rolls, salad, and cupcakes. My Mom, Dad, and brother came over. Mom and Dad spoiled her and so did Gavin. After dinner I manipulated my parents into decorating the family room and kitchen. They really have a talent for home decorating. Their home is beautiful. Our place looks like a "home" now with pictures on the wall!

Feelings of gratitude crept into my mind today as I ran and prepared for Alyssa's dinner. I am so grateful for my husband, kids, and other family members. I am so grateful for a body that can run. I am so grateful to live in this beautiful country. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son to save us from death and from the heartache that accompany this life too.

It was a good day.

Marthon Memoirs #1

2008-10-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

So, this Monday I started my training program for the Desert Classic Marathon, which takes place at the end of January. This entire summer I have been gradually adding mileage to my runs. A month ago I was going 7 1/2 miles in 70 minutes. I felt strong. A month later, after a missionary homecoming, excessive fat and sugar intake, closing on a house, moving, and cleaning an old house, plus executing everyday Mom duties have taken a toll.

This Monday, according to my training program, I was supposed to jog 40 minutes. Monday's experience was like pulling teeth with no anesthetic. P. A. I. N. F. U. L. L. I wanted to cry, scream, throw a fit. "How can I run 26 miles in 4 months if I can't run 40 minutes now" I thought to myself. I was pretty devastated the rest of the day.

Tuesday's workout consisted of 30 minutes of cross training. I decided to take a walk in my new neighborhood. One of the perks of living in this community is the many walking trails it offers. I had a great walk! Those doubts about my running are still lingering in my head though.

Wednesday's workout assignment was Six Quarter mile runs at a 2:05 min - 2:15 min pace. So, it is basically running 1/4 mile fast and then resting a bit, an then repeat 5 more times. I did this at a different gym than I usually do. I was going the Mountainside at Greenfield and Brown but now I am going to the one in Gilbert. Their treadmills are older and are harder for me to run on. This workout was difficult, even though it shouldn't have been. Thankfully I managed to push through.

Something remarkable happened to me on Wednesday. I was really starting to feel sorry for myself. Until I reminded myself why I had decided to run this marathon in the first place. It wasn't to lose weight or be the fastest runner. It was to help myself grow and to allow myself to do something that makes me happy. I imagined how amazing I will feel at the end of that race. Then I realized that everyday while I train I will have the opportunity to feel amazing. It is not just the marathon itself, it is the entire marathon process that will make me grow.

Running - or in my case very slow jogging :) - enables me to come home from each run feeling like I accomplished something great for myself. It energizes me and makes me a more confident person and mother. Every morning run is like this great big self- esteem booster.

After realizing this, I was so excited for my thirty minute jog this morning. I had trouble sleeping even. Finally it was time and out the door I went. I started off pretty strong, but by the mile and a half marker I felt tired. Knowing I still had half of my run in front of me, I was a little disheartened. However, Miss Diana Ross, The Supremes, and my pretty pink ipod helped me out.

I don't know why, but "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" gives me a rush. It certainly put more energy in my step. Gratefully, this song was followed by Queen's, "Another One Bites the Dust" and "The Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky IV soundtrack. {I have a pretty eclectic song list}. These great songs pushed me to the end. Even though I didn't run as well as I would have liked, I drew on my run all day for emotional strength.

Running, cheaper than therapy!

I think every person should have their version of running; maybe sewing, baking, reading, whatever...this endeavor has really helped me.

Tomorrow I have 20-30 minutes of cross training and Saturday is a 7 mile run!

**I am following the training advice from the book, "Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon" by .

Can I just say?

2008-09-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

How excited I am about John McCain's "veep" choice, Sarah Palin?

Kids....

2008-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night the kids and I played hopscotch on the front driveway. We also drew pictures with the sidewalk chalk.

When we came inside to get ready for bed, Harrison exclaimed, "That was the best time of my life!"

Should I be happy he is so easy to please, or feel like the WORST. MOM. EVER?

My son, the next Al Roker?

2008-08-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

The following conversation happened Monday morning on the {VERY LONG} drive to Harrison's school:

Me: What a pretty day we are going to have!

Harrison: It is going to rain.

Me: No, I don't think so. Those clouds are pretty, happy clouds, not rain clouds - unfortunately. {I love rain!}

Harrison: Those clouds are rain clouds. It is going to rain.

Me: We'll see.

Soon after I dropped him off at school and went on my way. I stayed indoors the entire day. We had friends over for a birthday party and then my visiting teacher stopped by. Then it was time to pick Harrison up.

As soon as I got on the road, I noticed something. A giant, black wall of clouds due south of me. Harrison's school is due south of us, many, many miles away. Then it started to rain. The further south I got, the rain drops grew in size. It felt like hail was pelting the car. I couldn't see in front of me for a while. I admit it, I was scared.

Thankfully I arrived to the school unscathed. It was pouring and windy. My dad, the principal, and his teachers kept the kids inside the front hall. My dad and his teachers would run out to the parents' cars, ask which kids belonged to each cars, ran back inside and got the appropriate kids - covered with an umbrella - to the appropriate cars. By the time I got there, my poor dad was soaked. It was quite a site.

After Harrison was heralded into the car he immediately said, "I told you it was going to rain."

Yes, Harrison, yes you did.

Back to School

2008-08-16T13:28:00.001-07:00

Harrison started school last week. First grade! He has is going to Quartz Hill Elementary School and Mrs. Morris is his teacher. His principal is Mr. Hallock, but Harrison calls him Pappy! That's right, Harrison is going to my Dad's school.

I really wanted Harrison to go to this school, for many reasons, not just because of my Dad. For one thing, the hours are better - 8:53am - 3:40pm. It is also brand new with brand new technology, equipment, etc. All of the teachers are superb. At Harrison's previous school it was hit and miss. I would talk to parents and they would say: "Whatever you do, don't get Ms. fill in the blank for this grade or Mrs. fill in the blank for this one and on and on". Also the student pick-up/drop-off was a mess. I could go on forever. Bottom line, it wasn't a good fit for me as a parent and more importantly, it wasn't a good fit for Harrison as a student. Admitedly the best part is that my Dad is there to keep an eye on him. It is nice to see him every day when I drop off/pick up Harrison. Plus he plays kickball with the kids every lunch recess, so Harrison can play with his Pappy everyday if he wants to!

There is a downside, it is a 30 minute drive. That means I am in the car 2 hours a day.

But not for long.

Our tentative move-in-date is September 29. After September 29 it will take 4 minutes to get to school. That's 16 minutes in the car a day for me. I can't wait!

I am excited to be moving back to Gilbert. We are still not too far from our family and friends in Mesa - about 20-25 minutes - so I am not too sad about leaving the area.

Happy Birthday Harrison!

2008-07-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

{Please forgive this post, I am writing this for posterity's sake!! Read if you wish!}

I can not believe that my boy is 6 today! How did this happen? Where did the time go? It is true what they say, they grow up so fast. Six years ago today I was laying all alone in a hospital bed as Harrison went into surgery a few floors above me. Todd was right by his side, until he was forced to leave and they whisked Harrison into the OR. Thanks to my labor lasting all night long, our family, who were at the hospital for the duration, were all exhausted and I sent them home to sleep. So I layed there just praying that everything would work out the way we had been praying for it to the previous four months.

Harrison had gastroschisis - his intestines protruded through a small hole in his abdomen wall. The surgeons had to put them back in - if they weren't too damaged by the amniotic fluid. I can't remember what would have happened if they had been too damaged. I think that they would have had to cut the damaged part off and try to reattach the intestines. Luckily, they were not in too bad of shape. Luckily, Harrison was big enough that his intestines fit into his body the first try. Luckily, he recovered very well. Luckily, we took him home 12 days later- this almost never happens. I really don't know if luck had anything to do with it at all, I give all credit to the Lord.

One of the things I will never forget was that Todd and my brother, Gavin, were able to give Harrison a blessing right before surgery. Gavin had just returned from his Spanish speaking mission three days prior. He couldn't remember the words to the blessing in English, so he did it in Spanish! I also remember how respectful the hospital staff was to our religion. I had him at St. Joseph's and they offered to have a Priest come by and give Harrison a blessing. They were quite surprised when I told them that my husband has the Priesthood and was going to give our baby a blessing himself. I then had to explain a little bit about our religion because that made them pretty curious. Harrison had me doing missionary work the minute he was born!

This past year Harrison has experienced a lot! He went to kindergarten, learned to read, learned to tie his shoes, improved his swimming abilities, and basically grew up the way a 5 year old should! I am excited for another year! Harrison, you are pretty terrific.

Going Private...again!

2008-07-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

OK - so I will be going private by the end of next week. Please leave me a comment or an email to let me know if you would like to be invited to see the blog:

jenny_sundevil{at}hotmail{dot}com

Thanks!

God Bless America

2008-07-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

Have a great Fourth of July!

I'm Back

2008-06-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stay away when I realized that my Mom's favorite sister - Hi, Aunt Joyce - frequents the blog. Joyce lives all the way in South Carolina and I haven't seen her since I got married, over 8 years ago. It makes me sad that we don't see my Mom's family often and since blogging is a way of communicating and connecting, then I am going to keep blogging! I just need to be disciplined and not stay on the computer for hours just browsing after I post on my blog!!!!!

Here is a sampling of what I have been up to lately. Enjoy!

This picture of the "Smith boys" was taken right before Tyson left on his mission. It was a blistering hot August day, and standing outside taking pictures in the afternoon was sheer torture, but I am glad we endured! This quote is particularly pertinent for two of these brothers. Trevor, Todd does love you! We hope you love him!

Harrison was the master mind of this picture! He told me exactly what to add and where to put it. He has loved trains since forever and he has recently become obsessed with the American Flag - we have a patriot in our midst! This was taken last year, on the Heber Valley Railroad, in Heber City, Utah.

What can I say about this? Alyssa is sassy!! The tongue sticking out was purely her, it was so not coaxed.

Goodbye!

2008-06-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I would let my readers {all four of you :)} know that I am taking a blog posting break for the time being. Don't worry we are all OK, I just don't have the time to publish posts that I consider worthwhile right now.

If anything "news worthy" happens in our little family, I will for sure get my blog on!

SnAP Back to Reality!

2008-05-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

We got back from Utah a few days ago and are slowly getting into a summer routine. Harrison missed the last few days of school and now we are in the midst of summer! I had to keep reminding myself, when we were up there, that it was May, and not January. We were freezing! I understand that it was cold here too, and I am a little bummed that we missed it.

GG's funeral service was beautiful. I think that she approves of it. One blessing that came through all of this, is that we got to see Todd's parents. They flew to Salt Lake from Hong Kong for the funeral. My kids were thrilled to spend some time with their missionary grandparents. Another blessing is that we got to spend time with Todd's extended family. We stayed with his aunt and uncle, who live in a dream house. Their son and daughter-in-law invited us over to "play" - our boys are the same age - and their house is also a dream. It was like candy to my eyes and has given me a lot of decorating ideas for our new house. Todd's has another cousin - from the other side of the family - whose perfect skin has convinced me to go back to using Mary Kay! So, yeah, basically we just played with Todd's cousins and siblings the whole week!

We got home Sunday evening, right in time for dinner at my parent's home. They invited us over for a BBQ on Memorial Day. Of course we went, and even though the weather was a little too cool {I can't believe it either} for me to comfortably swim, everyone else did.

Poor Harrison, shivering cold!

The loves of my life!! If you're thinking Lyssa looks

a little thick, it is because her swimsuit has built in

inflatable thingies.
My brother, Gavin, being a good sport. I made him

flex. He is single ladies, give me a call if you're interested.

GG

2008-05-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Marian James Smith
(July 23, 1926 - May 18, 2008)

Marian James Smith passed peacefully from this mortal existence on May 18, 2008.

Marian having been born of goodly parents, was the second child of David Wilmer and Irva James. She was born July 23, 1926. She was raised in the farming community of Paradise, Utah. Hers was a happy and joyful childhood surrounded by her beloved family.

She met and married her eternal companion Sherrod Smith on April 1, 1949 in the Logan, Utah temple.

Her life exemplified her love of the Savior through her service to Him, her family, and friends.

After many years of church service which included music and leadership, in 1989 she and her companion fulfilled a mission in the West Indies, Trinidad Mission. She listed this experience as one of the highlights of her life.

She leaves behind many who loved her. She is survived by her children Michael (Janis) Smith, Ruth Anne (Jerry) Erickson, Paulette (Randy) McMillan, Jayna (Allen) Lofgran, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, with a great granddaughter on the way. One grandson is serving a mission in Argentina and her son and daughter-in-law are serving a mission in Hong Kong. She is also survived by her loving siblings - 2 sisters and one brother, Irene Maughan, Carol Bowen and Gordon James. Preceded in death by her sweetheart Sherrod, parents, son-in-law and a brother.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Heritage Stake Center, 7350 South 3200 West. Viewing on Wednesday May 21st from 6-8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy. (10600 S.) and from 11-11:45 on Thursday at the church. Interment Redwood Memorial Estates.

Dear GG

2008-05-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Dear "GG",

We love you and are so happy that you are with Grandpa Sherrod now. We are going to miss you so much. We are going to miss all of those stories that you used to share; all of your story telling habits too - "I'll never forget" you would say holding up your index finger and shaking it, ever so slightly. We will never forget, don't worry.

We will never forget that you always let us come and stay with you, even on a whim. We will never forget the sloppy joes you made us every time we visited. We will never forget that you let Harrison watch his PBS kids, when we know how you loved your "Price is Right". We will never forget that you held our babies and kissed them and loved them. We will never forget that you remembered our birthdays, always. We will never forget our last visit, perhaps our favorite, when we got to take you to your favorite restaurant. We will never forget what a treat that was to us. No, we won't forget.

We will never forget that you served a faithful mission. We will never forget that you strived for and attained 100% visiting teaching every month. We will never forget your stalwart Temple attendance. We will never forget your love of family history. We will never forget that you have a strong, steadfast, belief in the Gospel of Christ. We won't forget any of that.

We will never forget you, GG.

Love,

Todd and Jennifer

Sad news...

2008-05-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

West Jordan, Utah April 2006

me, Todd, Alyssa, Grandma Smith, Todd's Dad, Harrison

We received some sad news this evening. Todd's Grandma Smith passed away today. She just recently went to the hospital with pneumonia, so I am very glad that she did not suffer long. I am thrilled for her, she is reunited with her husband and other loved ones who have already passed. She is a wonderful woman and tomorrow, when I am better rested and thoughtful, I will record some of my favorite memories of her here. I just wanted to write down my immediate thoughts and feelings while in the moment. I am so thankful that I got to know her and that my kids got to know her too. Todd loves his Grandma very much and has been lucky enough to have a great relationship with her his whole life.

China!

2008-05-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

For FHE, we learned about China. This is important to us because Grandma and Grandpa Smith are in Hong Kong serving a mission. So, we checked out this very kid friendly and informative book, and read it together. We asked Harrison to share the three favorite things he learned about China. They are:

Astronauts can see the Great Wall from outer space (Todd doesn't believe that though)
They don't start school until they are 7 years old.
The majority of people only have one child. His eyes lit up when he realized that one. He said, "It would just be me!" I know he loves his sister though and is very glad that we live here, where we can have many children, if we so choose....or so I hope he feels that way!

CONGRATULATIONS TREVOR JAMES!!!

2008-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Todd's brother, Trevor, is graduating from University of Utah on Friday. We are so excited for you and proud of you too Trevor! We know that you will be successful. By the way, he already found success with his sweet wife, Whitney. He couldn't have been any luckier in the wife department. I feel lucky too. She is a great "sister". I am always in a good mood when we are together.

Have a great weekend you guys!! We'll be thinking of you.

(The above picture is them as newlyweds with an almost 2 year old Harrison)

Turn Off TV Week

2008-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

We are not completely following the no TV thing this week, but are significantly cutting back. So what's a Mom to do? After all, TV is so tempting as it can be a great babysitter, entertainer, and so forth. I decided to come up with some ideas and thought that I could share them here, if anyone is interested...

Read a book
memorize an Article of Faith, scripture, or poem
teach the kids to bake
draw pictures
write the missionaries
go for a walk
go to the park, splash pad, etc
go to the zoo
go to the library
go to a museum
sidewalk chalk
blow bubbles
run in the sprinklers
ride bikes and scooters
go to Sonic for Happy Hour
go swimming
have a puppet show
organize the house
write a story
wash the cars
visit the Temple's visitor's center
take a nap!

I am excited about this week now! I hope my kids will do well.

Recent Happenings....

2008-04-19T23:09:00.001-07:00

We have been keeping pretty busy around here. I love it! I thought that I would take just a few moments to record what we have been up to.

We finally made it over to San Tan Village, which is adorable. Becca, Stephanie, and I took our kids to the splash pad. Alyssa decided the sprinklers were not for her. Luckily there was a darling Puppy Store across the way and we got to admire the cute puppies instead. Becca and I also enjoyed some good lunch and adult conversation!

Stephanie told us about the Fun in the Sun Festival, put on by Mesa Public Schools Early Education program. I am so thrilled that we went. Although, Alyssa decided (at first) that the festival wasn't for her either. I was feeling frustrated because there were so many fun things for her to do and she didn't want to leave her stroller! So, I pretty much forced her out of her shell. We made fruit loop necklaces, she liked the idea of making a necklace. Then we went to checkout a fire truck. She would not go in it, so I carried her and we both went in it. Firetrucks are pretty cool. Finally she started to realize that this was fun and we got to enjoy the rest of our time there. They had so many wonderful ideas of what to do with your toddler to preschool age children. My favorite ones are:

getting a large container and putting flour (or rice or cornmeal) in it with some small spoons and cups and let them play with it - like sand
bubbles - they just used water and dish soap
fruit loop necklaces

   Lyssa playing with stamps
   Who doesn't like these parachutes?
   Bubbles!!
  After all of the neat ideas, I felt as though I really needed to be more educational at home. So after school, instead of "Sponge Bob", Harrison and Lyssa made paper sack puppets and had puppet shows. They loved it.
I decided to get bangs and get (very subtle) red-brown highlights. The Young Women kept saying, "You look pretty, what did you do?"
I have been crafting a little. This is my cheap alternative to vinyl, I heard about this technique on Tip Junkie. I loved Elder Ballard's talk and wanted a quote from that talk on my walls ASAP. Now, while it isn't the most eloquent plaque, I smile whenever I see it.
   Some canvases for Lyssa's room.....
   I wanted some Italian in her room too....
This is Harrison's old bulletin board. All I did was paint it red, used a cowboy boot stamp and stamped it on top of the red, stapled the fabric on top of the cork, and then Velcroed the wood pieces on it. I still have to make some pillows with the rest of that fabric.
We finally saw "Juno" and "I Am Legend". Well I think I saw 30% of "Legend" the rest of the time my hands were in front of my face. It was scary!

We are still busy with T-Ball.

I cooked every night this week, wowsers!

The "Cleaning Fairy" has been stopping by the house and leaving treats for Harrison sporadically. This has made him extremely happy to clean his room. Ya, I just made up the Cleaning Fairy and he ate it up. I love it. It is fun. I usually just write a little note that says keep up the good work and leave a small toy or candy on his bed while he is at school. This week the Fairy was feeling generous and left him a huge bucket of sidewalk chalk!

We got our Summer Movie Fun Tickets!

My Mom had Friday off and we spent the day at Tempe Marketplace. Fun!

My Mom has been dragging me to her Zumba classes. She is a Zumba junkie. So last week Stephanie came too. Let me tell you guys, Stephanie is a good dancer! Zumba is way fun too.

Well I could go on. But, it is late and I am sure that no one is interested in reading any more about my life right now. I will have to update my blog as I do things in the future! Oh and I have a rodent story to share, so don't let me forget!!

Creme Brulee French Toast

2008-04-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

I am so not a breakfast eater. Quite regularly I have leftovers or a cheese quesadilla for breakfast - breakfast of champions, eh? Anyways, this dish has convinced me that not all "sweet" breakfast meals are gross. Furthermore, this is one breakfast that I would eat everyday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I got this recipe from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook". In case you don't have a copy of this book, here is the recipe:

1/2 Cup Butter

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 loaf Texas Toast bread, cut thick slices

5 eggs

1 1/2 Cups half and half

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 recipe Syrup Butter*

In a small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat stirring occasionally. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread to cover the entire dish. Places slices of bread on top. Mix together eggs, half and half, salt, and vanilla. Pour on top of bread. Cover and place in refrigerator over night. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Serve Syrup Butter on top.

*Syrup Butter:

1 1/2 cups butter

3 cups maple syrup

I didn't make the syrup butter and the French Toast was amazing, who knows how delicious it would have been with the syrup?? Oh and by the way, I didn't say this was good for you, it just plain tastes good!

This is so decadent I think I will add it to my traditional Christmas morning breakfast menu! This would also really impress overnight guests. AND it is so easy too, way easier than pancakes or waffles or regular French Toast....can you tell I think this stuff is great??

PLAYTOPIA

2008-04-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Chandler's Tumbleweed Park has, quite possibly, the world's cutest playground. They call it Playtopia. Playtopia has three distinct areas for the kids to play. All of the areas are near one another and they have ramadas interspersed, so you can have a nice little picnic if you want. They have "City Land" which has a little city street for the kids to ride their bikes on and pretend they are in cars. They have "Critter land" which is a nice sized sand lot, covered by a sun shade. They have fake Woolly Mammoth bones sticking out of the sand box and the kids can pretend they are digging for fossils. Then they have "Farm Land" which is a gigantic playground that is totally farm themed. It is so adorable. The best part is that is completely covered by a huge tin roof, it looks like we are under a barn roof. This is so important to me because Alyssa is so fair, and it is so hot here. The shade provided by this structure is way better than what a typical playground shade thingy provides. We had a blast and I can't wait to go there again. It is on Germann Road, just west of McQueen, if you are interested in going.

   My cute little farmer...
   Farm Land...

   Critter Land...Katherine was ready to go home,

we had been there for almost three hours and didn't realize it!

I Have an Announcement!

2008-04-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

And no, I am not pregnant!

I have been reading and re-reading Elder Ballard's talk from General Conference. I was really touched by it, particularly when he encouraged us to find one or two things to learn and do to "fill our well". I have been thinking about this a lot, even before Conference, and this is most likely why his talk hit so close to home. So, with a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided that one of the things I am going to do is start running again. Last spring I trained for two races and having a goal in sight brought a lot of fun and challenge to my running. So, my announcement is....I am going to run the PF Chang's Marathon in 2009. I figure if I announce this so publicly I will more apt to follow through, of course that didn't work with my Diet Coke habit, but I really like running! So, I think I will be ok.

I have also started to do a lot more to fill that well of mine and be a better wife and mother. If I can get a spare moment - and when I am not dog tired- I will actually post some pictures of these things.

So, what do you do to fill your well and be the great mothers and wives that you all are?

Autism Family Day

2008-04-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, while the "boys" were at Priesthood session, my Mom and I took the kids to Mesquite High School's 2nd Annual Autism Family Day. We went because it is a fundraiser for Autism Awareness and my Mom is a counselor for Mesquite High School (and was working one of the booths!). This was so much fun. They had all of these inflatable toys for the kids: a bounce house, a huge slide, a maze, and one where you are tied to a bungee cord and you run and then get snapped back. They also had booths where the kids could fingerpaint, play hoola hoops, do a dunk tank, get "tattoos" etc. A good time was had by all. The weather was perfect too. An added bonus for me was adult conversation with my Mom and some of her co-workers. After that we met up with all the "boys" and my parents treated us to dinner at Tia Rosa's. A night like this was just what I needed.

Conference was wonderful too. Didn't you all just love Elder Ballard's talk? I can't wait until Thursday, when lds.org puts the talks up on their site, to print it out and read it over and over again!

Hong Kong Night Night

2008-04-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Todd's parents sent these darling silk pajamas to our kids, from their mission in Hong Kong. It is pretty much a "Mission Impossible" to get a decent picture of both kids together!

"Freckleface Strawberry"

2008-04-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

My parents gave Lyssa the cutest book for Valentine's Day, "Freckleface Strawberry" by the lovely and beautiful Julianne Moore. I think the book is semi-autobiographical as it chronicles the life of a 7 year old girl, referred to as Freckleface Strawberry, who has, yep you guessed it, red hair and freckles! Alyssa, and the whole family for that matter, love this book. We read it to her all the time.

I think Lyssa knows that little Freckleface Strawberry looks a lot like her, minus the freckles (although I am sure she will get them sometime). In fact, we now catch ourselves calling little Lyssa "Freckleface Strawberry"!!

One day this week, after reading the book for about the millionth time, Harrison asked me if I had any freckles. I said, "Yes! Everywhere...on my face, arms, legs...You know you could call me Freckleface...(I thought for a moment) Blackberry. You know, because I have black hair instead of red hair." Harrison looked at me for a moment and then said, "Or Freckleface Greyberry".

WHAT??? I think I have found like 2 or 3 greys over the years. Thanks a lot Harrison. With him for a child I should have an entire head of greys in no time.

I have an appointment for a cut and color next week....I am thinking of going red. It would be nice to look more like my own little Freckleface Strawberry.

T-Ball!

2008-04-02T12:18:00.001-07:00

Harrison's first T-Ball game of the season was last night. It is surreal to me that we have a kid old enough to be doing things like T-Ball, school, and so forth. Anyways, the game was a lot of fun. I love that there is no score and it is all about the kids learning and having a good time. I really love that the game was only two innings long! I think if we let them go a whole 9 innings we would still be there!

Harrison's Team aka The Cardinals

Harrison, #11, and his teammates waiting to bat!

Harrison up to bat.

Harrison was the "pitcher" for one inning. That is Todd in the yellow, helping in the outfield.

Alyssa did pretty well. She only ran out into the field once! I think she wanted to play with her brother.

Our little All Star!

"All American Girl"

2008-03-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

"Since the day they got married

He'd been praying for a little baby boy

Someone he could take fishin'

Throw the football And be his pride and joy

He could already see him

Holding that trophy taking his team to State

But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket

All those big dreams changed...and

Now he's wrapped around her finger

She's the center of his whole world

And his heart belongs to that sweet little

Beautiful Wonderful Perfect

All American Girl"

from Carrie Underwood's "All American Girl"

We love listening to music over here and whenever this song comes on, we dance, sing along, and laugh. This perfectly describes Todd's feelings towards little Lyssa George!

I Don't Wanna!!

2008-03-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

But I have to clean!!

Instead here I am on the Internet looking at all my favorite blogs and checking my email. I need to do some laundry, do the dishes, and my floor would probably appreciate a mopping. Plus I have presidency meeting here in about an hour. Then Harrison (who did some major damage to his room yesterday - he decided his room needed painting!!!) will be getting out of school at 11:55. It is early day. So I need to get my booty moving, but I don't wanna!!

OK - enough whining, I gotta get going.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

"People died so that you could have this right"

2008-03-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

was Todd's response to my whining about not wanting to leave the house to vote today.

Well, how do you argue with that? So I voted. Actually, Todd left work, voted, and came home so that I could go and vote without Alyssa at my side.

I am very grateful that my husband is so on top of things like this. I have a feeling that if it were not for his civic mindedness, I wouldn't vote at all. Not to mention even think about our founding fathers or the civil rights activists that made it possible so that I have the blessing of voting for what and who I want.

So, did you vote today?

How Often?

2008-03-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

do you go shopping?

At the end of a long day last week, Todd and I were talking about what the other did that day. After I filled him in on my day he asked, "Is it a goal of yours to shop everyday?" You have to know Todd to understand that he wasn't being mean when he said this. Perhaps a little concerned about finances, but not mean. I am a pretty frugal girl too. My shopping excursions don't total to very much. (Except at Target, every time I go there I spend at least $70 - I have to stay away from their bulls eye) I think Todd really was curious to know why shopping is always on my "to do" list.

So, I am wondering, am I alone here? Do you make daily trips to the store? Or are you a really good planner and do all of your shopping - food, gas, clothes, etc, on one day? I aim for this. However, I always seem to forget something, or something doesn't get put on the list in the first place. At any rate, I am making it a goal to not spend money or shop for at least three days this week! I bet this will please my husband, and my daughter. She hates shopping with me!

Harrison's Field Trip!

2008-03-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

On Friday Harrison's class got to go on a field trip and, lucky me, I got to go too! We went out to Superstition Farm, a working dairy farm, in south Mesa. It was way fun. You just had to get used to the smell ;)! We went on a hayride and learned all about cows. There was a hay maze to play around in. The kids also got to feed goats and horses, and pet and hold bunnies and chickens. I hate birds, they really freak me out. So I felt hypocritical making Harrison hold a chicken, so I could take a picture!These birds though were really quite tame and are used to being held, I imagine. There were some really beautiful chickens too with feathers that covered their talons and a mane that resembles a lion's. Some of Harrison's girl classmates held on to those creatures like they were cuddling a puppy or a kitten - gross. (I really hate birds!)

All in all, a fun day. The farm is open to the public too, on Fridays and Saturdays, if you are interested in taking your kiddos on your own.

Harrison feeding a horse:

Brave Harrison holding a chicken - he looks thrilled, huh?

His whole cute class:

What the heck????

2008-03-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

So my big project on Monday was going through every single toy that my (spoiled :))kids have. I sorted, cleaned, and purged. I boxed up some toys to store, this way we have fewer toys out. Then when my kids get bored of the toys currently out, I can pull out the stored toys and bingo - new toys!!

I then organized everything. Some special toys got to go in the kid's rooms. All of the other "community" toys were placed in the toy room.

My house was clean, fresh, organized!

Then, hours later this is what the toy room looked like:

Did I have the whole neighborhood over? Heavens no. This is the work of one little angel:

The good thing was, since everything was organized before, it took less than 5 minutes to getting this room back in order.

By the way, this girl has the shortest attention span. This is part of the reason the room got so messy. She plays beanbags, blocks, peek-a-boo, books, dolls - in about 5 minutes. Then she repeats herself. I can not keep up.

Happily Ever After...

2008-02-26T18:37:00.001-08:00

My blog has been on my mind, and I started thinking about the title of this little thing, "Happily Ever After". I realized that I really am experiencing happily ever after, every day - good or bad. I am so grateful to all of you who help make my days a little better, a little happier.

Today I "happily" crafted:

I still need to paint this frame and then it will be, oh so Irish!

My grandparents came over with TONS of hand - me - downs from my Dad's cousin's little girl (does that make her my second-cousin) - these clothes are in terrific shape and adorable, some of them haven't even been worn and still have the tags on!! This makes me very happy!!

We headed over to the park, for the second time this week, to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with our friends. There was happiness shared by all!

Alyssa in her "new" clothes!

Looking into Harrison's beautiful face always melts my heart.

Right now Todd is doing the dishes, I am blogging on his order to relax, yes this makes me happy too! Have a wonderful day, full of happiness.

Sushi!!

2008-02-26T18:26:00.001-08:00

Like Bethany, who very eloquently blogged about her passion of Fresh & Easy, I too love this place. This Saturday I headed over there to get some California Rolls, since Todd likes Sushi and California Rolls are about as Sushi as I will get! We asked the kids if they wanted some of our "adult" food.

Lyssa loved it!! She is a really good eater and is never picky, so no huge surprise.

Harrison thought we were all crazy to eat something that looked like it had "sea weed" in it!!

For the Grandparents....

2008-02-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Dang, I am some issues with uploading my pictures, that is why they are such different sizes, I don't favor Harrison over Alyssa, or her over him, for that matter. Oh well - here are some pictures you missionaries!!! We love you.

Back to the blogworld

2008-02-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, as many friends have pointed out, I have been MIA from blogger. Why? Nothing too exciting, just life. I was going to take pictures of some of the projects I have been working on latley to share, but my camera needs new batteries and I am too lazy to put new ones in right now. I will share later. Anyways, I have been up to -

hosting a Superbowl Party
crafting, crafting, crafting
Young Women stuff - there is so much going on in our YW program right now!
Enrichment stuff - I was on the dinner committee last week. I am seriously crazy to volunteer to do more stuff for church right now! At least it was fun. We went to the visitor's center after dinner and the new Temple President, President Clark, spoke to us. It was lovely. Then we watched the film that the Easter Pagent people put on describing the making of the pictures of Christ's life. And then saw the pictures. You should go to it! Stephanie Pratt's husband, Aaron, is in one of the pictures. The pictures are amazing. My favorite two are the Baptism ones. John the Baptist and Jesus - well the people portraying them - looked so happy in it!
Art Masterpiece
playing with my kids
reading some fantastic books - Nicholas Sparks, Dr. Laura, and John Grisham are the best!!
shopping garage sales
taking care of sick kids - AGAIN
disinfecting the entire house - which also means tackling mountains of laundry too
taking sick kids to the doctor's and the pharmacy
getting Valentines - for Harrison's teacher and teacher's aide I bought some bubble bath and attached a note that said, "May your Valentine's Day Bubble over with fun!"
watching season 3 of LOST on DVD and now season 4 on TV
fantasizing about Matthew Fox and Josh Holloway - really, I had a dream about Matthew Fox, I LOVE when that happens!!!!
practising the piano - didn't know I can play? Well, I haven't for YEARS. My cousin Stephanie asked me to accompany her on a solo at her neice's Baptism. After much bullying - just kidding - I decided I would do it. So, I have been practicing so much my arms and hands ache, but I think I can pull it off. The Baptism is this Saturday, so I will let you know how it goes.

I think this just about covers it all. I will post some pictures of the crafts soon if you want. Hope you don't think I am crazy and all because of my celebraty (sp) crushes -

do any of you have celebraty crushes?

Do any of you love LOST?

Do any of you do something fun for your kid's teachers or friends or honeys for Valentine's Day?

Do any of you play piano? And would love to come play at a Baptism this weekend? PLEASE?

And in case I forget:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

In loving memory...

2008-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

of our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, 1910-2008.

This man has meant so much to me. Every conference since I can remember, he has been there with something enlightening and inspiring to share. I am so grateful for his service. I already miss him, but am happy to know that he is now with his sweet wife. I feel calm about this and am ready to sustain and support President Monson. I will miss President Hinckley greatly, he was a huge influence in my life.

Positive Outlook

2008-01-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

I am totally upset because I hate being sick, especially when Todd is sick too. We are pretty pathetic right now. I was feeling so sorry for myself, but then I decided feeling that way wasn't going to do any good. Then I remembered my Great Grandma Hallock. We all adored her and her wonderful, positive outlook on life. So, in honor of Grandma Hallock, here are some positive thoughts on my current situation:

Tylenol 3 makes me feel warm and tingly. I told ya we had awesome doctors.
We are blessed to have all of the means to even go to a doctor and get prescriptions.
SoapNet plays back to back episodes of Beverly Hills 90210. Right now they are showing the last season. I have become reacquainted with the gang and have a learned a few things.

*Steve got married and has a baby and they all live in the Walsh home. Interestingly no Walshes are on the show the last season. Funny, because I thought the whole premise of the show was about the Minnesota family trying to make it in Beverly Hills. Even on Tylenol 3 I couldn't make sense of that.

*Dylan's dad didn't die in that car explosion. Instead he went into the witness protection program.

*David and Donna still love each other.

*Even though I have never found Luke Perry particularly attractive, there is something about Dylan's rebellious nature that makes him pretty, dare I say sexy?

*Despite what I thought as a ninth grader, 90210 is not the best show ever.

4. Now onto to serious stuff, yet still positive. My Dad and brother were able to come by and give us blessings. How awesome is that?

5. My parents came and brought dinner over again.

6. My Dad did the dishes and threw away the trash.

7. I realized, while resting these past few days, all of the many blessings that I have: from living in the United States, to my membership in the Gospel, to having a husband and family who support me in all of my goals and ambitions.

Thinking positively has really helped me feel better physically. I can't wait to be well and I pray that my kids won't get it, but even if they do, I know that we can take care of them. I think that it was positive thinking that helped Grandma Hallock live such a long life. I am so grateful that she was a part of my life for so long. She passed away when I was 23. How many people get to be with their great-grandparents for that long? This one's for you Grandma!

NO WONDER....

2008-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have been hit by a mack truck!!!

I have strep throat. Oh wait, it gets better - Todd has it too. Luckily our kids seem healthy. They are quite happy running a muck around the house while the two of us lay on the couch watching soaps and cable movies. THANKFULLY my Mom lives a block a way and she is going to make sure that we get a good dinner. There is nothing better than having your Mama take care of you when you feel sick. This is one of the silver linings in this situation.

The other one, which I have to share with ya'll, is our wonderful doctor's office. Skyline Family Medicine is run by the nicest, most caring people. There is Dr. Green, who lives in my parent's ward - yes we live a block away from Mom and Dad, BUT we are not in the same ward. Anyway - Dr. Green is a great man. Then there is Sabrina, aka PA Anderson, she just totally rocks. I love her. I usually see her because she takes care of "womenly exams". She is so wonderful. I really feel like she cares. She loves my kids and takes care of them too, along with Dr. Green.

Get this, they have urgent care hours between 7 and 7:25 am for prior patients. Being a prior patient, I went there first thing and was taken care of in about 20 minutes. Now Todd has never been there, but when I told him I have strep, he decided he should go get checked out. So, he called and they got him in an hour and half later. Most times that I call when I think either myself or one of the kids are sick, they get us right in. What's better than that? I went to the #1 pediatrition while living in Las Vegas and the average wait was a little over an hour. Guys - Skyline Family Med even does well check up visits, flu shots, and they have a Sonora Lab place in their front office! Now, and we won't need this anytime soon, but just about the only thing they don't do is OB stuff. So, these people are our family's medicinal wonders.

So, if you are looking for a new doctor, don't hesitate to call them. 924-4422

I also have to thank you for all of your comments on my last post. You know, I always make a menu for the week, I just have issues actually getting those dinners onto the table. Hopefully, when I am well again, I will get the hang of it. In fact, www.executivehomemaker.com has some excellent ideas that I may try.

Well, "Posieden" is over, I think I will steal the remote from Todd now and watch some good old General Hospital!

The Witching Hour

2008-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

Am I the only Mom who HATES the hours between 4 and 7 pm? I call this the witching hour at our house. The kids are cranky and needy. I am tired. I need to get dinner on the table. The kids are hungry. I just realized that I don't have the ingredients to make ANYTHING - even though I spent a fortune at the grocery store the weekend before. I could go on and on but this has gotten to be somewhat of a nightmare for me and the family.

What to do? Do any of you have any advice?

I have thought of a few ideas...

Get a new toy box of some sort and fill it with activities, movies, and toys that the kids can only play with during the "witching" hour. I can start playing with them and then after they are engrossed, go make dinner.

Don't make dinner at all. It will become my new diet! Nah - maybe just do Crockpot dinners and make a salad earlier in the day to go with it.

Have Todd get takeout on Wednesdays - that's Mutual Night for me.

Do a REALLY detailed shopping list and menu - and stick to it.

I really need some input here. I don't want my kids memory of dinner time to be of a weeping, mad Mom. Oh and what in the world am I going to do when they are older and may be starting ball and dance and so forth? Sometimes I just don't see how people with older/more kids than I do it....and with a smile on their faces.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-01-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love my family. What's more is I love spending quality, fun time with them. We went on a hike this weekend and all of us a had a blast. Everyone did a good job hiking too - even Lyssa! Arizona is so beautiful, so I enjoy the cool weather because we can stay outside longer to enjoy it more!
My family, my life...

I am so happy that my kids love each other!!
Hey a picture where I don't look half bad!

So, funny thing, on the way home, we all totally relaxed and chatting about how great our day was and how we want to go back and hike more because it is so nice to be outdoors. Then Todd sees flashing lights in the rearview mirror and it is a Sheriff! Crap!! So, Todd was pulled over because he was driving too SLOW!! Ha, maybe we were too relaxed? At least we didn't get a ticket.

So another favorite thing is Todd's new found obsession with making pies. He watched the kids for me while I went to a parent teacher conference and when I came home, he was making a coconut creme pie. What the?? He was quite happy about it and it tasted so good. So this weekend I had him make some more. The funny thing about this is Todd doesn't really cook, he makes the best pasta dinners, but that's it. So it is a new thing, but a favorite thing. I hope he keeps it up.

My last favorite thing to blog about right now is the Bountiful Baskets food co-op. Check it out, www.bountifulbaskets.org We have been eating a lot more produce because of this and it is all so yummy too! And cheap!! You can't beat the price. This really helps me with my goal of being more frugal too. And, I am keeping up with both of my goals for 2008 too.

Fresh year, fresh start

2008-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Is anyone making resolutions for 2008, or have made them and have already failed, like I usually do? hehe... This year my resolutions, or goals rather, are pretty simply. In fact, maybe my mantra for 2008 should be - Simplified in 2008!

I only have two goals -

1. Become more organized. Now, I would love to have a house as organized as Bree Van de Camp Hodge on "Desperate Housewives", but that ain't happening! I want to actually enjoy myself and keeping my house like that would not be too enjoyable. So instead, I am going to be tossing a lot of my stuff to keep it SIMPLE. Also, I am going to have more of a daily schedule so that my day is organized. As fun as it is to be spontaneous, it reeks havoc after a while. So, be more organized, this I can do.

2. Be more frugal. I love this one. It makes me feel good to save, or better yet, go without something others might think are a necessity - like Tivo. (Even though I would really, really love Tivo - but do I need it? no I guess not). My challenge is to make dinner more often and to make at least one dinner be under $5 total for the whole family. I could go way overboard with being frugal, but again I am going to be SIMPLE. I have been all over the web reading about frugality. Through this I have learned that there is more to being frugal than making your own sanitary products - Yes you can make them - go google it(ewww) and No I will not do that - rather being frugal is really being more thoughtful and resourceful about what you spend your hard earned money on.

I am hoping that as I incorporate these two goals into my life, my life will become more balanced. A lot of the time my mind is spinning with about a billion things I could do - projects, books to read, places to go, etc, etc.....As I become more organized I hope that I will actually schedule these things into my life and because of my frugality I will be able to afford to go all out on a particular project or trip.

If anyone reading this is organized and/or frugal and would like to give me tips, please comment. OK, enough rambling. Even when I feel like the most disorganized, spendy person - there is always someone to make me feel a little bit better about myself.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Ms. Britney Spears:

This morning, as I watched the Today show, I was bombarded with even more news about Britney's tumultuous life. It seems that she locked herself and one of her sons in a room in her house instead of handing him over to KFed's bodyguard. It turns out that something physically was wrong with her, aside from her obvious mental condition, she hadn't eaten for days and may have been on drugs. So, she was put on an ambulance and apparently was laughing hysterically the whole time. Wow. That's all I know right now, I am sure there will more news to come.

I remember when Britney first came out - she was so cute. I loved her first CD, I still do actually. I am so sad that her life is falling apart. I am afraid she is going to wind up like Anna Nicole Smith.

I know there are more important things going on in the world. Last night was also very eventful for the Presidential Election. By the way, Mitt Romney came in second. Go Romney! Anyway - this craziness surrounding Britney Spears just draws me in. I think it is a sickness - which I am sure is cured with organizing and frugality!!

Christmas 2007

2007-12-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was wonderful. We started celebrating on Sunday. After an excellent day at church, we got to go to my sister-in-laws to call Todd's brother Tyson, who is on a mission in Argentina. It was so good to hear his voice and know that he is doing well. I can't believe he has been gone as long as he has, he only has about 9 months left!

That evening my parents made us a yummy dinner of tostadas. Then we met up with Shane and Robin Bevell and their family at the Temple. It was so good to see our good friends from Las Vegas. Robin is doing very well. (you may remember me blogging earlier about her lenghty hospital stay) After looking at the lights, all of us came back to our house to visit. We ate lots of junk food, the kids played, we got to talk, and I got to hold and feed their little baby, Logan. He is so sweet, it makes me almost want to start thinking about maybe having another baby - in the distant future!!

Christmas Eve had the annual Hallock festivities at Nana and Papa's house. It is so fun to be so close to family. I love to spend time with all of my Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Todd's parents called us on our cell during the party. It was really interesting to hear what Christmas is like in Hong Kong. It is always great to talk to them too.

Christmas morning was so exciting. Harrison was so ready to run into the living room but I stopped him. I ran in front of him and said that I wanted to see the kids faces as they walked into the room to see what Santa brought them. So, I ran into the living room first and got a big surprise...Santa brought me a bike! I started screaming and in the midst of my excitement, kind've forgot to look and see the kids' first look at their stuff! We had a lot of gifts, it almost seems too much. Alyssa was so cute, she would squeal at every single present she got - even a toothbrush! Harrison got his drum set that he wanted....ahhhh! Anyways, we then went to my parents to open more gifts. Then we had breakfast and waited for Brennan to call from Spain. Finally he called and we talked as long as we could with him. He sounds great. He is doing really well on his mission. Later that day we went to my sister-in-laws for Christmas dinner. Mike and Janis surprised us by calling again, on skype, so my kids got to see them. They look so happy. Lyssa loved looking at her grandparents on the computer!

We had such a wonderful Christmas. I hope all of you did too.

Lyssa's boo boo

2007-12-19T20:41:00.001-08:00

I, Jennifer Smith, vow to never, ever, no matter how desperate the situation, got to the store with both children, alone, while they are pretty much young and helpless, for as long as I live.

BECAUSE - look what happens! I am so devastated. Lyssa and Harrison were running around and she tripped and fell. I picked her up and tried to keep my cool when I saw her beautiful face bleeding. I quickly left my cart, full of stuff, walked out of the store, drove to Stephanie's, used her phone to call our doctor, drove to the doctor, (who we adore) and she got fixed up. Wow - can you say run on sentence? Anyways, I hate seeing my kids hurt, I so wish it were me with the cut, instead of her. The doctor said she probably have a little scar. I know that I shouldn't be upset, but I am. At least she can wear eye shadow some day. Thank you Stephanie for reminding me of that and helping me, even though you can't stand the sight of blood. You are the best.

Putting her hand in her mouth is her latest thing. She is a late teether and I guess it helps her teeth. By the way, that orange stuff by the tape is iodine. You know, even with the Rocky Balboa look she is sporting, she is still the most beautiful little thing.

Smith Family Home Evening

2007-12-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

This year my sister-in-law and I decided to start a new family tradition, FHE the first Sunday of the month for the extended family. This month, being December, was the Christmas lesson. The kids dressed up and acted out Luke II. Harrison got to be Joseph. His cousin, Janalee, was Mary. Alyssa was the angel. The other kids were all shephards and wise men. The youngest was a sheep! They all looked so sweet.

Before the reenactment, my SIL asked all of the kids to draw a picture of their favorite part of Christmas. Can I tell you how happy I was when Harrison drew, according to him, "snow on top of grass"? He told me that it would be so fun to play with us and his friends in the snow during Christmas Break. So, maybe it is a little strange since this kid has never really experienced snow, BUT he didn't draw Santa or presents. He knows that the best part of Christmas is being with your family and friends and feeling the spirit of Christ. I am such a lucky mother to have two of the greatest kids ever.

Harrison as Joseph
Janalee and Harrison - best "cousins"
Look at this little angel
I have never seen a more beautiful angel

"The Book Thief"

2007-12-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

I have just finished reading a fabulous book, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Knowing that it is set in Nazi Germany, I took my time before I opened this gem of a book. You see, I didn't want to get bogged down in the sadness this genre usually renders during this, the happiest time of the year. Happily, for me, I couldn't resist the beckoning of the book and dove right in.

Yes, it deals with death, war, and sadness. Yes, it made me scared, anxious, and sorrowful. However, after reading it, I was left feeling hopeful. Plus, I think that it had a happier ending than one would expect from a Holocaust book.

This book is rich in voice, characters, and feeling. It is full of beautiful words and images. To me, it was full of questions for myself - mainly being "what would I do if I were in this situation?"

So, if you like a good read, and cry, pick up a copy of "The Book Thief".

That's so Random

2007-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

So Lauren tagged me to list 6 random facts about myself. I was tagged for this and did it awhile back, but I thought I would do it again....

1. I have a huge fear of trees. I am mostly afraid of tall pine trees. This phobia was particularly bad because the places we usually went to for vacation when I was little had an abundance of these types of trees - Utah, Pine Top, South Carolina. One time when we went to our family's cabin I would not get out of the car because I was so scared. My Mom had to carry me in. I was about 11 years old at the time! It is a good thing I live in the desert, huh?

By the way, as I have gotten older, the phobia has lessened in it's intensity. In fact, when I ran the marathon in Prescott, I was not afraid at all. And let me tell you, there were many, many tall pine trees on the race trail! I think my physical pain overtook my mental weakness there.

2. Between my two kiddos, I have had two very different pregnancies.

Harrison was diagnosed with gastroschisis while I was 4 months pregnant. Gastroschisis is a congenital birth defect where the intestines protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall. So, needless to say, I was at high risk. My regular OB sent me to a group of perinatologists - high risk OBs. I had to go to the doctors all the time to be monitored and all sorts of other fun stuff. Although the doctors were "cautiously optimistic" that Harrison would be fine, we were told that he would have to have surgery soon after birth, to repair the hole in the abdomen and to put the intestines in the abdominal cavity. Also, we were warned that he would stay in the NICU for up to 6 months. I WAS TERRIFIED! However, after the initial shock, that pregnancy was one of the sweetest times of my life. I really learned to rely on my Savior a whole lot more than I already did. Plus, my faith grew, and I knew Harrison would be fine. And he was. Born five and half weeks early - normal for gastroschisis babies - he was 5 pounds 15 oz and 19 inches long. He had surgery hours after birth and the surgery was a success! In fact, he came home 12 DAYS later. What a miracle.

My pregnancy with Alyssa was way different. Everything was perfectly normal, except for the fact that I was riddled with anxiety that something would go wrong - like with Harrison. One minor thing appeared in our routine ultrasound that made my OB send me to a perinatologist for a more indepth ultrasound. It turns out that she had three cists in or near her brain. The perinatologist said that they weren't a problem and that a lot of us probably have them and don't even know it. So, the rest of the pregnancy was normal, until...my due date came and went! Alyssa was born 5 days late and came ou weighing 9 pounds 2 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. All I have to say about this is AHHHHHH! But, I really think that bigger babies are very attractive - or maybe that is just my little Lyssa. Plus, it was good she was "sturdy" she had a three year old brother that "loved" her a little to hard sometimes!

3. I am a quarter Japanese. Do I look like it? My Mom is half and her biological mother is full, her biological father was Irish (is that where Lyssa's red, curly hair comes from?). My Mom's favorite thing to say is, "Don't my grandkids look just like me?" Wouldn't it be cool, if we have another child, that he or she could look Japanese? I have a very pretty Japanese girl name all picked out!

4. Like I mentioned before, my Mom is adopted. So is my grandma (Dad's mom) and so are two of Todd's cousins. I really like the idea of adoption and Todd and I are interested in exploring some options down the road. We don't know if it is "ok" for people who can get pregnant to adopt though. However, I think that with all the children out there that need a family, it would be ok. I was sickened when I heard that the man who shot the people at the Omaha mall last week was "no longer in the (foster) system anymore" - meaning that he turned 18 and was out on his own. I can't help but wonder what a stable family could have done for him. It might have spared his victims' lives.

5. I want to go back to school and get my Post-Bac degree as a reading specialist. This way I can teach Special Reading and this job offers flexible hours. I have no idea when this is going to happen though!

6. I don't like eating meat. I am compleatly convinced that NOT eating meat is very heathful. Furthermore, I know that when I eat a diet that is free of meat, I feel way better. No, I am not a vegan or vegetarian. Both Todd and I have been vegetarians before, in fact it was about this time last year that we full-time veggies. Why the change? Many reasons:

Laziness. Sometimes it is just easier to make a "traditional" meal than a pure vegetarian one.

Dinner parties. I am not the type of person that will make a host change their menu just for me. It is rude!

Sometimes meat just tastes good.

I could go on and on, but I don't want to be provocative. Let me just add that scientific evidence has shown that people who don't drink and smoke (think Word of Wisdom here) live 10 years longer than those that do. Furthermore, adding lots of fruits and veggies and limiting a lot of meat intake make those 10 extra years healthier and can even add more years to your life. A lot of the prophets and apostles attribute(d) their longevity to the fact that they don't/didn't eat meat.

You know it is Christmas time in Arizona when...

2007-12-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Oranges are absolutely delicious!

I started peeling an orange and that wonderful smell hit me. I love oranges here in the winter! That smell equals Christmas to me. It especially reminds me of the time I visited my parents, when I lived in Vegas, for weeks around this time of year. Every morning, after his run, my Dad would have an orange with his breakfast. While eating, he made me play gin with him. He usually won. That just goes to show you the power of oranges - you can win gin rummy! Love you Dad.

Other things that signify Christmas around here - (to me)

Mesa Temple Lights
Christmas Idea House - it was fabulous this year
Tamales and salsa - yummy
The railroad park's Christmas Lights
It is almost cold enough that your toes get cold in your flip flops
Beautiful winter grass (we decided not to do it this year, sad for me, good for the environment)

This last one doesn't apply to me anymore, and maybe I am sick, but I kinda miss it -
the craziness of finals and then the euphoria of knowing that you are off for a one month break

What are some of the things that mean Christmas to you?

Pics of my haircut

2007-11-30T15:29:00.001-08:00

Before

After

So, not too dramatic, just a little off the ends. This cut makes it loads easier to do.

I seriously hope that the secret Christmas present Todd already got for me was what I asked for - photoshop! These pics need some touch ups!

Rain, Rain, come and STAY

2007-11-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have been loving the rain today! It is just so nice for a little change. This afternoon I was in the front room picking up. The curtains were opened and I could see the beauty of the rain and the dark skies at the same time I saw our Christmas tree. It was a warm and fuzzy moment.

Anyway...it is so sweet of you, Lauren, to notice that I have been MIA. I have been very busy this past week. Thanksgiving was perfect. Everything was beautiful and tasty. The butternut squash was great, and Becky R., I am going to post the recipe at recipe mamas. I am so glad that I had that nice, restful, long weekend, because all of that peace ended Sunday. Not really, I am just being a tad dramatic. However, when you get called to be the Young Women secretary when you are brand new in the ward, it gets a little CRAZY.

This is my third time in the seven years I have been married that I have been in YW. I am excitied, but very intimidated and overwhelmed. Before I was the 2nd counselor and a Mia Maid advisor, and I was always very glad I wasn't the secretary. I guess this is what I get for thinking that! I really don't think that it is going to be too hard, once I get the hang of it. I am also very happy to be serving with the other women called. They are so nice and talented. I have a feeling I am going to be learning a lot from them.

Now onto the hair, Lauren! I will post the pics next post. I was very happy with it, my cousin Steph does an excellent job. I just wish that she, and her husband Chris, could move in with us. You know, so she can do my hair every morning!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T07:41:00.001-08:00

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday, especially Grandma and Grandpa Smith, Uncle Tyson, and Uncle Brennan, who are all on missions! We love you and miss you!

So, for some unknown reason, I volunteered to do Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year. I started panicking about a week ago. This weekend, when my weird lingering illness got really bad, I was really panicking. However, today I am excited and pretty confident. I have handed out assignments, made a list for myself, went shopping, am in the process of defrosting the bird, and have cleaned like a crazy person. Today I am making a few dishes to ease tomorrow's workload. It looks like I am really going to pull this off! Here is the menu:

Turkey
Mashed potatoes
stuffing with sausage
green bean casserole (not what you think, this is a yummy Smith dish)
butternut squash with pecans and blue cheese (this may be too "Martha" for me, but we'll see)
rolls
cranberries
green salad
veggie tray

pies, pies, pies

It looks like a lot, but I have delegated and am not in charge of everything! So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? What are some of your favorite dishes and traditions?

Shout Out to Todd!!!

2007-11-18T21:11:00.001-08:00

OK, this picture was taken three years ago, but it mirrors our life right now. I have been SO sick. I think it should be against the law of nature for a mother to be sick. It seems that once I get over one thing, I get something else - usually from my cute kids. Anyway, Todd has really taken care of me. He has made me stay in bed while he takes care of the kids. He goes about parenting a little differently, and I should probably adapt to his style a little. He isn't all consumed with a strict schedule and cleaning. He is so calm. He is so confident in his abilities. He loves the guitar and so do the kids. He plays it and they sing and dance. The kids have been well taken care of today. Thank you so much Toddy, I love you so much.

Gilbert Days

2007-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was the annual "Gilbert Days" parade. Even though I am not a Gilbert resident, and haven't been to the parade since elementary school, I went yesterday. I came to support my Dad and Mom who were in it, my Dad's school had a float in the parade. After this experience, I now know how my parents must have felt at every recital, concert, and other special thing I performed at...BORED...until your special someone performs that is. So Mom and Dad, consider this a little payback, and thank you for your support as I was growing up!!!

Here are Mom and Dad
Only Lyssa came, Harrison was sick and Todd took care of him.

Here is Gavin, looking festive.

I do want to add that it was awesome to go to the parade and see so many of my extended family there. I sat with my Nana and Papa, Great Aunt and Uncle, second cousins, Aunt and Uncle, and many first cousins. They were all so proud of my parents and cheered so loud as they walked by. What a tribute. I think that says a lot about how my family feels for my Dad and Mom.

I am very proud of them too. I remember when my Dad went back to school to become a teacher, some jerk expressed this lovely sentiment to my Mom, "How is he going to support your family?" Well, he has supported us very well. Both of my parents are such a good example of teamwork to me. Together they worked to provide for our family. Now, he is a principal, and loves his work. He does such a great job. My Mom is a counselor and also does great work. I had the privelege to witness my parents become succesful doing what they love, because of this, I have always felt that I could become whatever it is I wanted in life. I really feel that if it wasn't for their example, and also the example of Todd's parents, we wouldn't have had the courage to go to law school. I am so grateful we did, because now I am doing just what I always wanted to do in this stage of my life - staying at home with my children.

ZAFU

2007-11-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

No, that is not a typo. Have you heard of zafu.com? It is an AWESOME, FREE website that helps you pick out the exact right pair of jeans to wear. You put in some information, such as height, weight, and some other stuff and it gives you a list of jeans that will flater your figure.

It really works. The past few months I have lost weight, which is great, but my pants don't fit anymore. My body is built differently than the majority of women - I am more of an apple shape. So, it is hard to find jeans anyway. BUT - This morning I went to the store and tried on the pair of jeans that Zafu told me too and wow - I have to say I look good. So try it out, if you want - www.zafu.com

Have you ever felt....

2007-11-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

older than dirt? This week I had the privelege of judging some cheerleading tryouts at a local junior high. So through conversation, I realized that some of the other judges went to the same high school that I did. They were shocked that they didn't know me. Then they asked when I graduated. When I said '97, you should have seen the looks on their faces! Complete and utter schock. It was like they thought people who graduated in the 1990s were old and grey by now. To top it off, it was my birthday! One year older and wiser too - I love that as I get older, I really do get wiser. I have learned that age is just a number, in fact I feel better as I age.

A Boo-tiful Halloween

2007-11-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

In case you weren't sick of seeing my kids all dressed up...Oh and I am Bat Girl! Todd stayed behind to pass out treats. We have a really busy Halloween street and were cleaned right out!

Railroad Park

2007-11-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited McCormick Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale? If not, you really should. It has a wonderful train ride and Merry Go Round. It is only $2 for the train and $1 for the Merry Go Round. Plus, their playground is shaded, a real plus for pale people like me and Lyssa. The two of us found ourselves here one morning last week. It was so much fun and good bonding time too. After our visit to the park, we met up with my brother Gavin, who works nearby, for lunch. Everyone at the restaurant made comments about how pretty Lyssa is - even with a fat lip - courtesy of Harrison and a kickball. In fact, almost every time I take this little girl anywhere, I get such comments. I feel so blessed.

Waiting in line for the train...

So excited to be on the train!

Another ride? Too fun!

I had a hard time separating her from this slide!

Here are some pics of the kids

2007-11-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

This is for my in-laws in China...I want them to

see little Lyssa in her dress and see how handsome Harrison is.

Hallock Halloween Party

2007-11-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past week was filled with so many parties and other fun things. On Saturday we had our ward trunk or treat, which was a blast. Then on Sunday my parents hosted a Halloween party for the extended family. My grandparents, aunt and uncle, and a lot of my cousins came. We played a lot and had some yummy chili and cake. Then we had the kids do a model walk down the stairs one at a time where my Dad announced them. After they came down the stairs the kids went trick or treating to us adults - good candy too. I think it may be against the law to have so much fun!!

Lyssa the China Doll - dress courtsey of
Grandma and Grandpa Smith from
Hong Kong

Harrison the Pirate - doesn't he look scary?

Harrison, Papa, Summer, Nana, and Lyssa

The kids loved the parachute!!

Bobbing for apples..... we don't know

how to take turns in my family!!

Here is my Mom, dressing all of the kids up as mummies

Here are Papa and Nana, the only adults who dressed up!

Hopefully this becomes a tradition in our family. I really love my family and don't see my cousins enough!

Robin, Dream Jobs, and ya, I delteted my two previous posts

2007-10-26T12:25:00.001-07:00

So earlier I posted about my friend Robin and her health issues. Well, her health actually got worse. She had to have another major surgery and stayed in the hospital for 21 days. Thankfully, she is at home now and on the mend. She is still really weak and can't really take care of her children- luckilly her mother-in-law lives nearby - but told me today she is "grateful to be alive". Her statement really struck me. Earlier this week a teacher at the school my Mom works at was killed in a car accident on the way to school. My mom noticed he was born on the exact date I was - he would have been 29 next week. These two incidents have really made me take on a different perspective towards life. Life can be short and it can throw you some curve balls, but it is a gift to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Speaking of enjoying life, yesterday I went to a training class to be an Art Masterpiece Teacher for Harrison's class. This class was awesome, I learned so much about art - which I never had an interest in before! I loved it. I also loved the whole experience of going to "school". I loved school, escpecially college. I know I am a nerd, but I love taking notes, thinking, and learning new things. My dream job would have to be being a professional student. So, what is your dream job? I would really love to know.

And finally, I did delete the previous two posts, just because I don't want to dwell on that unhappiness. I appreciate everyone's advice! Also, in case anyone was wondering, we are not doing carpool and everything worked out fine. I used the truth - honesty is the best policy.

Alert the Media!!

2007-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

.....Jenny is going off of the hooch (aka Diet Coke). After a lot of consideration, I have decided that I need to cut this addiction from my life. The next few days are going to be very hard, you all might want to steer clear of me!! Don't worry, I don't have much planned, so I will be a recluse until I am done withdrawing! I know that I will feel much better in a few days. I've quit before, I can do it now. This will be the last time too. It is not worth it to start again.

On to other things, Becky, I commented on the cupcakes below. I took pics, so I will have to post them later. Our cupcakes don't look great, but we had a blast making them. It brought back memories of when Todd, Brennan, and I made and frosted sugar cookies on Christmas Eve a long time ago. They looked just awful, and we put them on my uncle and aunt's doorstep - they lived just across the street from my parent's at the time. We didn't know that my Mom was there when we did this. So when she came home she was all excited to tell us this story about how someone put these nasty cookies on their doorstep and took off. They all thought that either, little kids made them or someone did it to be mean. They were afraid to even eat them! We were dying laughing as she told us this story. It has been a source of laughter ever since. So this Monday, as we were making these cupcakes, I said, "Todd, this reminds of the time..." He stopped me and said, "I know!!" I almost wet my pants I was laughing so hard. Oh well, they sure taste good!!

It's Time to get your Craft On!

2007-10-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

So today was my ward's Enrichment Night, which was a Super Craft Night! I signed up for many more crafts than I could do in one night. So now I have a lot of stuff on my to do list. But, I am so excited! These crafts are going to make wonderful holiday gifts. Oh and they also had a class on frosting and decorating cupcakes. It was so fun and it gave me a ton of ideas. Watch out Harrison, Alyssa, and Todd...we are going to have a cupcake-a-thon!

Saturday!

2007-10-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

We had a great day. Sleeping in is always fabulous. Watching General Conference was very uplifting. After conference, I attempted to clean house while Todd went with my Dad and brother to the Priesthood session. As I was mopping, my Mom rang the doorbell and saved me from housework! We went to dinner at Wildflower. Then the "boys" called us and came to meet us there. It was a lot of fun to just hang out with my family. My kids were pretty good, well, they do love their Grammy, Pappy, and Uncle!

Harrison the Reader!!

2007-10-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

I have to do a mommy gush right now...Harrison read an entire book today! It is, "The Foot Book", by Dr. Suess. I love Dr. Suess. Anywway, I am so proud of him. What a smart kid. He is now in his room, supposedly sleeping. I went in there a few minutes ago and he had the closet light on and he was reading. This brings me back to my childhood. I used to do that too. I loved reading and still do. It is so exciting watching him grow up and learn new things. Go Harrison!

Happy Birthday Little Lyssa

2007-10-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Alyssa is two today!! I really can't believe it. The time has gone by so fast, yet so much has changed. Two years ago Todd was in his third year of law school at UNLV and working part time as a lawclerk. We were living in a small, two bedroom apartment. Harrison was so little, he wasn't even in preschool yet. I could keep a clean house - 960 square feet had it's advantages! Lyssa was cute as ever, well some things haven't changed! I feel so blessed that Alyssa is my daughter. I always wanted a little girl and she has exceeded my expectations! Thank you to all of our friends and family for such nice and thoughtful gifts. We love ya!

Also, a Robin update...her husband called and it is good news. She is doing better and may be out of ICU by Thursday. If things keep going well, she may be home this weekend!

Please Pray for Robin

2007-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

My best friend from Las Vegas is very sick. Her husband just called Todd to tell us that she has been in the hospital for four days in critical condition with an infection. She had a baby a few weeks ago by c-section. I remember that she told me she caught a bug from her two year old twins before she had her new baby. She thought that this is why she was sick. She told me that she was ok though. So fast forward to today, and you know the rest. I am so scared. She was my rock while Todd was in law school. I could call her and talk about anything and she made it better. She was the one I called at 2 am when I was in labor with Lyssa, she said bring Harrison now and I will pick up your Mom from the airport for you. She has four kids and a sweet husband. She has gone through so much in her life and has always been an example to me . She has to be ok. Please pray for her to recover.

The picture is us this summer. She has family in Phoenix and came to visit.

Dual Personalities/Appreciated Conference today

2007-09-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, I am not announcing that I have an alter personality! It is just that sometimes I feel so confused about who I am. When I was young, I read a book about a Chinese immigrant coming to America. As she crossed the ocean in her boat, she danced a strange dance. She would be dancing towards America and then contort her body as if China was dragging her back. She kept this up for quite a while. This brilliantly illustrated how torn she was. She was excited for all of the new opportunities that America had to offer, yet she would miss China dearly. I feel like this character a bit. No, I am not torn between countries, I wish it were that easy! It is sad, but I have let these stupid things cloud my life and make it so that I can't see through the haziness...for example: I want a clean house, yet I have children who I want to play with, which is more important? I am not able to do both things at once! These are the types of the not so important things that plague me.

So, today as I watched the Relief Society session of conference, I was so touched. My leaders spoke to me and told me how I should live so that I won't have to do the Chinese immigrant dance anymore!! They told us to pray, study, and serve. Yes, I heard this before, and I will have to hear it over and over again, BUT today and for the near future, I will have this lesson fresh in my mind.

I want to add how much I love the new presidency too! I already loved Sis. Beck, but I am so happy to have heard Sis. Allred and Sis. Thompson (I think that is her name, I am too tired to look it up now, if it is wrong I will edit). Sister Allred spoke beautifully. I couldn't have done that in my native tongue! Sis. Thompson was delightful. I am so happy that we have such a diverse presidency, as I think this represents the women of the church much more accurately.

OK, I am done....I sprained my ankle earlier today and need to rest it!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2007-09-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Not that we did anything fabulous, but I loved this weekend for many reasons:

1. It finally cooled down, well for AZ standards. Sunday morning Harrison was outside and said, "I'm cold Mom". I walked to my Mom and Dad's house for dinner on Sunday and I thought, "Fall is in the air." Todd drove and when I met him at my parent's house I told him how good it felt outside. That's when he told me the car thermostat said it was 93 degrees. Go figure, an Arizona girl thinks 93 is cool!

2. Our talks are over! We had to speak for our new ward and I am so glad I am done with that! I spoke on prayer, Todd spoke on personal revelation.

3. I got to visit with my grandparents.

4. I got to sleep in. There is nothing better for a big sleeper like me.

5. Lyssa gave me three fantastic hugs. In an earlier post, I mentioned that she likes everyone else better, or so it seems. She must be warming up to me! She also preferred me to Todd a lot this weekend. This was the best part of my weekend!!!

Seven things about me!

2007-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Becky tagged me for this....

1. I love to read.

Sorry to copy you Janell, but I do. I can get kinda bad though when I get into a book: I get no sleep, the kids pretty much run amuck, and the whole house is a disaster.

2. I am addicted to Diet Coke.

Everyone probably knows this one though!

3. I love TV and movies.

I love that TV series are on DVD now. Todd and I pop them in and bond while being couch potatoes. Our favorites are "Big Love", "Lost", and "Weeds".

4. I also love to exercise.

I like running. I even ran a half marathon last May and a ten miler with Marsha in June. I also love to walk too.

5. I enjoy planning activities to do with my kids.

My kids are pretty sick of it I'm sure, but I research all of the fun, cheap, kid things to do and then we do it. Our favorites are the sprinkler park, Cabella's, story time, and play dates.

6. Going out to eat is a favorite of mine.

I can't think of anything better that eating something yummy and not having to clean up afterwards!

7. Viva Las Vegas!

I loved living in Vegas while Todd was in Law School. Don't get any crazy ideas, I never gambled or anything. There was just tons of fun things to do. We loved the parks, and Ethel M's the best. It was a little cooler than it is here, I froze in the winter! Plus, some of the greatest people I have ever met live there. It is funny, but I get a little homesick for it once in a while.

Twilight, I give it 2 stars

2007-09-18T15:13:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finally read "Twilight". Everyone raves about it, so I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. I'm probably going to be the first one to say this but......it was just alright to me. Not my favorite by far. I thought, since it was about vampires, it would be a little darker, edgier. Also, the story was a little too predictable for my taste.
Maybe I didn't love it because I heard all of the hype and built it up bigger in my head. Maybe its because I have an aversion to liking things everyone else does: I can't stand Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. Or maybe its because I am just weird.

The things I did like about "Twilight" are:

1. Some of it takes place in Phoenix. It is fun to know exactly how to picture the scene in your head.

2. The "vampire" family. I liked hearing about their history.

**Note: I am sorry if you love any of the books I listed above and it offended you. My intent is not to hurt feelings, it is simply my honest opinion.

Reverse on the 3/11 rule

2007-09-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard of the 3/11 rule? That is where you tell 3 people if you had a good experience somewhere and 11 people if you had a horrible experience. So, if there are even 11 people who read this, I want to do a reverse of this rule. I am such a rule breaker! ha, ha

So earlier this week, when I had my bad day, I went to Fry's Pharmacy. They had to do a simple refill and somehow, even with three people behind the counter, could not complete this task in under 2 hours. I called it in. Waited the amount of time I should. Went to the store in the heat with two cranky kids. When I got to the pharmacy, my script had not been filled yet. They asked if I could wait a few minutes. Sure, how long could it be. Well, after too much of my time had been spent waiting with two screaming kids, I stormed out of there, with no meds because, the three of them couldn't fill it in a half an hour. (not to mention I called it in way, way, earlier).

Fast forward to today. I have another prescription to be filled (If you haven't noticed, my face broke out like a teenager's and I finally went to the dermi and now I have even more meds to take). So I dropped it off at the Neighborhood WalMart. What a night and day difference!!! There was an issue with a discount card the doc gave me, so it took them a while to figure it out. They were so friendly and helpful. They explained to me what I should do with my meds. They even gave me samples because of the wait. Plus, there were only two of them there. Additionally, when Harrison was sick last week, I sent Todd to that same WalMart to get some Children's Ibuprofen. When he got there he was a little overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Plus, I had asked him to get me canker sore medication (yes, I am a druggie). So, Todd had no clue what to look for. (Even though he is a brilliant attorney, he can't find his way around a drug store, go figure) So, he asks the pharmacist. This is a different guy than who helped me. This guy gets out of the pharmacy thing, and helps Todd find the exact right medicine, with a smile on his face! I am so thrilled with the quality of service we received at this store.

So, if you need a prescription filled, head on over there! Plus, it has a drive through!!

Me and Todd

2007-09-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our engagement picture...

I was tagged so here it goes...

1. How did you and your husband meet?

Well, that is a long story. My MIL and Mom worked in the same department at Gilbert High School. My Mom was new and the entire first week of school my MIL was gone, which is a big no no. So when my MIL came back, my Mom jokingly asked, "Who do you think you are being gone the first week"? Turns out, she was picking up Todd with my FIL from his mission in Italy. After that first meeting our moms got to be friends. Well we all know friends talk. During one of these talks, their kids came up. They thought that Todd and I would be perfect for each other. So they bugged us to meet and we both refused, for months! Finally, to get his mom off his back, he went to "check me out". I was working in the jewelry department at Mervyns. Funny thing, I saw him walking around before he approached me and thought he looked like such a good guy. So he came up to me with his broken watch and asked for help. Mervyns doesn't fix watches, so I sent him on his way. Discouraged, he finally said, "Does your Mom teach at Gilbert High"? We have been together ever since!

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?

Hmmm...maybe, can I help you?

3. Where was your first date?

I know you will all be jealous. Filaberto's and Skateland. Romantic huh? What happened was, Todd asked a friend what a fun date would be, and this was it. Don't worry, I have forgiven him. Plus, Skateland was really fun!

4. Where was your first kiss?

In his car. After about five dates.

5. How long did you date?

About two months!

6. Did you have a long or short engagement?

It was 6 months. To my LDS friends it was long and to my other friends it was short.

7. Where did you get engaged?

In his backyard. We were playing around and all of a sudden he hugged me and said, "Marry me." A week later, after he asked my Dad for permission and bought a ring he took me to the Temple grounds (sound familiar?) and kneeled down. He goes, "I have a very important question to ask you...what is your favorite color?" He has been teasing me ever since.

8. Where were you married?

Mesa, Az Temple on June 8, 2000

9. How did the reception go?

Great. It was beautiful. We had it at Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse. We danced to "Here Comes The Sun", by the Beatles. We left on a boat! We had a friend who lived on the water in Val Vista Lakes and decorated her boat beautifully so we could sail away on it. That was so fun.

10. How was the honeymoon?

Pretty good. We stayed in a nice hotel for the wedding night. The next day we drove to Sedona. It was so relaxing. I think Todd and I need to take another trip just the two of us!

As I said on Janell's blog, you are my only blog friends so far so I tag however hasn't done it yet!!

GAVIN

2007-09-13T11:56:00.001-07:00

Since I have mentioned every other member of my immediate family on this blog, except my other brother Gavin, I thought I would dedicate today's entry to him. Gavin is such a great brother. He is always there to lend a helping hand. Everytime we move, there he is with his truck ready and willing to help. Our kids love him. Harrison loves to wrestle with him. Lyssa runs up to him every time we see him to get a huge hug. Todd loves the fact that Gavin will watch, talk, and play sports with him. I know that I get on Gavin's nerves every once in a while, but I hope he knows I love him. According to Harrison, this is what Gavin stands for:

G - great uncle

A- always helping

V-vivacious (I helped with this one)

I- incredible

N- nice

We love ya Gavin!

Make my day

2007-09-12T17:27:00.001-07:00

Unfortuanley, today has not been great. My Dad called me in the midst of chaos that has been following me today and I burst into tears. Even though I have 2 kids of my own, I guess I still need my parents. I felt like I was a little girl again when I told him all of my woes. Then, because he is the greatest dad, he knew just what to say to make me feel better.

After we hung up, I thought that the best thing to do to keep my spirits up was to look at cute pictures of the kids. Then I stumbled upon the one with Harrison and almost lost it again! It is Harrison and my brother Brennan. Brennan is serving a mission in Barcelona and I miss him so much! He is my best friend. Looking at this did make me happy though. I know he is doing the right thing by serving a mission. Plus, this pic was taken on a happy day. Brennan adores Harrison and bought this slip and slide just for him. They played on it for hours!

The one of Alyssa I love just because it makes me laugh.... The other one is of my Mom and Dad with Brennan. I aspire to be the kind of parent they are.

September 11th

2007-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today is the sixth anniversary of September 11th, I really can't believe it happened. It is like a movie, a bad dream, an even worse joke. Why did this happen? Why? It is so very senseless. I can't fathom how the grieving family members feel. I understand that in other places of the world terriosim happens more often than here. A lot more often actually. It is a scary world.

However, when I look at this picture, I feel better. I love what it represents: triumph, overcoming evil, a sense of hope, and love of community. This world might be scary, but we can make it a better place.

I hope to never forget these horrific events. I am so grateful that I am an American and that I have the right to use my vote in a productive manner. I often pray for President Bush to make wise decisions concerning this country. I also pray for all of the world's leaders. I pray for peace and safety. Today I will pray for the grieving family members of September 11th.

Good intentions....

2007-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself in such a predicament! Here is a little back story...Todd loves to go to Gospel Principles for Sunday School. He likes that it is a small class size and he also likes meeting investigators. So last week in class I mentioned that it would great if we had snacks in class. I even volunteered to bring treats the first week. Sounds great, right? Well, fast forward to this Sunday.

Todd and Harrison not feeling well. Alyssa is screaming. I don't want to go to church all by myself with a screaming toddler. I announce that I will not be going to church. Todd looks up from the couch with his pale, sick face and asks, "What about Sunday School?"

GREAT! How "member missionary" would that be to no show when I promised a treat? Plus, I really want to be a woman of my word. So here I am baking stuff this morning. I am so not a baker. I hate it. I mean I love the end product, but I detest the mixing, the mess, and the extra padding that I get after I partake. Plus, my baked goods are not really all that good.

Alas, I make it. I drive to church before Sunday School. I can't find a parking space and end up illegally parking so I can quickly run inside to bring baked goods to my fellow classmates. As I stroll down the hall everyone is oohing and awing at my treats, the baked ones that is. I finally find the teacher, give him the goods, and hightail it outta there. I blame all of this on the fact that last week was Fast Sunday and I was a little lightheaded when I opened my mouth to volunteer snacks. Anyway, I hope they liked them!

Harrison

2007-09-08T15:02:00.001-07:00

Harrison is a joy. He is smart, friendly, and loving. He is obsessed with trains. This picture is of him with Grandpa Smith this summer on the Heber Valley Railroad (aka The Heber Creeper). Even though he is great, he has his moments like every other 5 year old. Here are some of our most recent conversations:

Me: It is time to do your homework (why kindergarteners have homework is beyond me)

Harrison: I don't want to do it!

Me: Too bad.

Harrison: Too GOOD!

Here is another one:

Me: I don't like it when you talk back.

Harrison: I'm not talking back, I'm talking FRONT!

Even though I am a little upset when we are having these conversations, I have to stifle a giggle. It is too funny!

Here is the latest Harrisonism from this morning:

(He had a fever and red eyes last night)

Me: Good morning, how do you feel?

Harrison: I feel better, my eyes are brown now!

And what handsome brown eyes they are.

Alyssa

2007-09-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

Alyssa, my sweet redhead girl, is something special. She is very particular, bossy, and stubborn, but at the same time is so very sweet! Obviously this toddler keeps us on our toes.
Some of Alyssa's favorite things are:
*getting into my makeup
*getting into markers and drawing on her body
*her blanket and baby
*her "baba" (I know, I know, she is too old for a bottle, but I have got to pick my battles!)
*her Daddy and her brother.
Me? I am chopped liver. Unless I can provide her with makeup, markers, her blanket, her baby, her baba, her Daddy, or her brother!! Todd says that every time I leave to go somewhere with out her she is inconsolable. I am grasping to this and hoping that it means she loves me and can't live without me!

Here we go!

2007-09-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

I am entering the world of blogs. I just hope that I can be techno-savy enough to keep up with this.