Ashby Family

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-15T12:16:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe how quickly time goes. I guess that is just part of life. I suppose I would be unhappy if I had nothing to do. I am so grateful to have children to attend school programs and class parties. It is nice to have neighbors that I want to give a little something to show that I care, and I am very grateful to have family members to give gifts to. I'm happy that I have goals and a passion to find opportunities to do things that I love. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to play the part of Grace in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I realize that I am very lucky to have a husband that loves me enough to let me get busy and give me love and support when I feel like I just cannot keep up with all of it. This December has been a month to remember, and I'm grateful for all that I am learning and the wonderful opportunities I have had. More than anything it makes me truly excited for what is to come this new year 2012. There is a little saying, "Opportunity is knocking." The question is are you going to answer it? And, what if for some reason opportunity is not at your door. Well, track it down it cannot be too hard to find, but once you find I hope you have your running shoes on. My shoes are on, bring on 2012!

Christmas Card 2011

Kids costumes Halloween 2011

2011-11-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hannah, Rock Star

Connor, Zombie

Bonnie, Pretty Princess

Jack-0-lanterns 2011

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-11-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

We had a lot of fun at the Pumpkin patch. I enjoyed having us all together to take pictures. The kids had fun choosing their pumpkin.

Hannah's Pumpkin

Bonnie's pumpkin
Connor's Pumpkin

My Pumpkins!

Taking them home

I'm going to be 31

2011-11-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that I am actually going to be 31. I was ready to turn 30. I knew that my youngest child would start school, and I would be starting a new era in my life. Well, the last year has been great. I told Paul, "I am a little worried that I am going to Die. I've done everything that I wanted to do." I got married, had three beautiful kids, and I have had the opportunity to be in film. Paul told me that I had better make some new goals.

So, I took his advice. I have made some really crazy new goals. I guess you could also call them dreams. I remember dreaming as a teenager. I would picture me kneeling at the alter of the temple. All I could see was hands holding mine. I would wonder who those hands belonged to, but I knew what I wanted. I could see it in my mind, and it happened.

If I take that same learning experience and put it into today's dreams all I have to do is picture it in my mind. With a picture in my head I will naturally begin to do those things that will make that dream become a reality.

It won't happen over night, but what I've learned is that it is truly more about the process. I wanted to do film at age 12 and it took until age 30 to finally be in a position that I could make that happen. It took years of learning and research to make it happen. I guess what I have realized is that the things we really want in life don't just happen without some effort and most of the time a lot of effort on our part.

So, here comes age 31. I think I am ready for this new year in my life, whatever may come my way, and it will are begin on Saturday!

I'm BACK!

2011-09-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

For some reason or another my blog has not allowed me to add a post. Paul looked at it tonight and it seams to be working. I am looking forward to adding a few highlights from the last six months. My Father in law had mentioned that I would have updates on our trip back in June and I was not able to post anything. I missed being able to put down my thoughts and pictures of events.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day is always a fun day at my house. Paul found this year to be easier than ever. I had been saving up for a blend tech blender. I decided that if I asked for this as my Mother's Day gift I would get it much sooner. It has been fun to experiment making smoothies and treats. I think the kids have all enjoyed having milk shakes with whatever kind of candy bar they would like. I made my first loaf of zucchini bread with a recipe from the book that cam with it. It has not only been fun for me, but for the entire family. So, when it came to buying a gift I made things very easy for Paul. Then the kids woke up and got right to work making mother days cards. That just left making breakfast. Paul made me my usual crepes with strawberries and cool whip. I got to add a strawberry grape juice to go along with the breakfast thanks to my new blender. My kids showed me much love and appreciation. I feel lucky to be the mom of such wonderful children,and a great husband!

Hannah and Bonnie were pretty happy about breakfast too.

Camera Practice

2011-04-12T16:12:00.001-07:00

Four kids, Two hours, and Six Stores

2011-04-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

What a day. I needed to get some errands done today. My oldest daughter Hannah had her friend over and asked if she could come along. I told her that I didn't know how much fun it will be, but she can come if she wants to. They each had a few dollars of their own and were itching to buy something with their own money. We only had two hours to get the girls back for activity days. I was not sure that we would get everything done. The trickiest part is getting the kids in and out of the car. However, the kids surprised me. It is wonderful to be able to come to a stop and simply say,"OK, everybody out!" And out they hopped! Are little trip went as follow. Dollar Tree, Target, Big Five, Sally Beauty, Walmart, and Costco. I love having so many stores right at my finger tips. Lucky for us we didn't have a long list of items to get at any of the stores. I think the best part was because we were so short on time we really had to stick to the list. We didn't have time to just walk around and find little things to spend our money on. The kids got the chance to purchase a couple of things that they wanted. As we were leaving Walmart Hannah was skipping to the car and said "This was the best day ever". I guess even kids can enjoy a day out shopping with Mom.

Mario Birthday

2011-03-26T13:27:00.001-07:00

Connor is SEVEN. In school this year he got to be deputy of the week. We worked together to make this fun poster with facts and pictures of Connor. He got to help his teachers all week long. Both the class and Connor had fun the day Connor got to take a book in to read. He chose the book "Silly Faces See Me at the Circus". The teacher said that the kids all really enjoyed this silly book. I let Connor choose his theme for his birthday party this year. He had a difficult time deciding between Michale Jackson and Mario. I suggested that he flip a coin. Connor thought that was a great idea, and Mario won! I would have been happy to come up with either party, but was pleased to put together a Mario party. He has been into Mario for a few years, and I enjoy stretching my imagination.

This was the invitation I came up with. I was pleased that he could tell what I was trying to do.

I decorated using stars. Connor was OK with this. He really wanted boxes with question marks on them. I am sure that would have been really cute, but sometimes their just isn't enough time to do everything.

I was so happy that Connor's friends were able to come. It wouldn't be a party without his friends.

Connor's Cake. I kept this simple this year. I used cupcakes to make the letter M for Mario!

It has become a bit of tradition to serve pizza at the kids parties.

We came up with some fun games using ideas from Mario Party Eight game.

This is how we pulled of the game "cut from the team". You could not tell who's string you were cutting up until the last two strings, so we had to have the last person cutting close their eyes. It turned out to be a lot of fun.

some of the other games we played were.

"Mash pit playroom"

We had three different color balloons. About nine of each color. The kids were divided into three different teams. The goal of the game is to pop all of your teams color balloons first.

"Sugar Rush"

We had a cupcake with simple decorations. I used Frosting, red chocolate star, and red and blue M&M's. The kids had to decorate their cupcake to match.

"Balloon Pump Game"

We used a bike pump and water balloons (NO WATER). The kids were timed to see how quickly they could blow up their balloon and make it pop. I could not remember the name of this game on Mario eight, but this was one of the kids favorite games.

March 26, 2011

On Connor actual birthday we took everyone out to eat and then came home for presents. Connor was happy to get a new bike.

He also got a few other fun toys.

Dad was happy to work with Connor to put together his new Lego.

Happy Birthday Connor

Green Dinner 2011 and more!

2011-03-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day was a lot of fun this year. It started out with Hannah's assignment for school to make a leprechaun trap. The instructions were that they do not obey signs, they love things that are green, sparkly, and shiny. We made this fun little maze together.

Bonnie informed everyone the night before. "You better wear green tomorrow or you will get pinched by a leprechaun or Mom!" She is right. Mom sleeps in her green pajama pants and tells everyone if she sees them with out green they will get a pinch.

We started the day out with green waffles.

I made myself some extra yummy green waffles.

The day was a little busy, but with a bit of planning we still all got to enjoy green dinner together. We had BBQ chicken in the crock pot, with green mash potatoes, and some other green stuff on the side.

It is tradition to have sugar cookies on St. Patrick's Day. It's funny how things workout sometimes. With the day being go go go kind of day I figured that was one thing we were just going to have to go without this year. However, my dear friend Kim stopped by to pick something up from me and dropped of some very yummy sugar cookies. Sometimes our special traditions get to continue simply because of other people.

Hannah requested to have green jello this year. I don't care much for jello, but holidays are a day to make something just because one person wants it. I found this cute little pretzel mold and decided it would be fun to green chocolate covered pretzels. The kids all really liked these.

Pickle face!

It is fun to have a special day just to do things a little different, but most importantly to get to do them together!

KIds Musical Sleeping Beauty

2011-03-17T14:36:00.001-07:00

I was very excited for the opportunity to help out with the Lehi Arts production of Sleeping Beauty. It is always fun to watch these young kids put on a really good show. They each get to do a little audition for a part.

Sometimes you get a role of someone pretty and nice.
Other times you get to to have a little more fun!
Don't let her fool you, Hannah was one evil goon.All the cute fairies

All the scary GOONS!

Well, I can not get my picture to move. I guess you know how it ends!

It was so much fun for both of my girls to have good friends to be in the show with.

The Royal Family

Maleficent

Sneaky Hannah, peeking out behind a tree. The goons discovered the fairies.

The three fairies

Aurora birds singing together.

The DRAGON

The Prince and his true love.

The Cast of Sleeping Beauty 2011

We didn't even make it out of the driveway

2011-03-15T18:28:00.001-07:00

Paul is a great Dad. Hannah asked Paul if he would join her on a bike ride today. He had not been home for very long. Dinner was finished and cleaned up and we had finally just sat down to talk with each other for a bit. Paul commented "I have not had a break all day. Give me just a minute and we will see." The only problem with going out on a bike ride on the very first spring like day is that the bikes have not been looked at for months. Paul changed his shoes and went to work pumping up tires. Bonnie came in crying that she was going to get left behind. I told her to stop crying and hurry to get her shoes on. The only reason they would leave her behind was if she was crying like baby. Everyone was happy and ready go. It had only been a few moments of quite when Paul came back in. "We didn't even make it out of the driveway!" Connor decided to try to go down the last part of the driveway on his bike and fell off. Paul being the wonderful Dad that he is got a band aid. I am sure it took a few hugs and kisses to stop the crying, but they made it.The kids and Dad went of their first bike ride for the year. The only thing that needs to happen now is for Paul to get is own bike so we can all go on a ride together. I guess maybe I am the nice one to let Paul borrow my bike.

Alfonso

2011-03-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

I had a fun opporutunity to try something a little different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5kr1zd9V_E

Bonnie's Pictures

2011-02-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to take my kids annual pictures. I considered using Bonnie's picutre from her party, but the other two kids both had pictures done with thier book bags when they truned five. I figure I only have three kids there are a few traditions I should try to keep. The only problem is that I needed to get Bonnie a backpack for school, and I really didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. I was so excited to see backpacks on sale for $5.00 at Walmart sometime last week. Seeing that there are only two days left of February I decided I had better get Bonnie's pictures done. I like to take each kid out by them self. It gives me a little one on one time with them. Bonnie did so well this year. She smiled and even came up with her own little pose.This was Bonnie's pose.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2011-02-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hannah's school had a Daddy Daughter's dance. Hannah was excited for the chance to go out just with her and her Dad. She mentioned a few days before that some of the girls were wearing poodle skirts, but she didn't care that she didn't have one. I wasn't going to worry about it. I have been very busy making props for the kids play. the day before I decided that I didn't have to make a fancy poodle skirt, but is would be kind of fun for them to get to dress up. I pulled out some fabric and made a very simple skirt. She added a tutu under to give it some poof. When she got all dressed it was very obvious that she was pleased with how she looked. She twirled and danced around. When Paul got home from work I suggested he wear his Letterman's jacket. To my surprise he got right into the spirit and pulled it out. I was told that they danced just about the entire time. Paul said that it wasn't that big of a deal to dance around when you've got 100 other Dads out their dancing around with their girls. Paul has done a lot of dancing this month. I guess that's just one more thing he is willing to do to show how much he love his girls.

making a fake cake

2011-02-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have had fun today working on a fake cake for the children's play Sleeping Beauty. I needed something that will hold up for a few weeks. I considered making it out of rice krispies. It's not like we are going to eat it, but I thought it might be nice to have something not made with any kind of food. I decided that it would be OK to have a rectangular cake rather than round and decided that gifts boxes would work. The one thing I would have done different is to make sure that each box is glued closed very well. The middle section puckered a bit once it was painted. I then used caulk as frosting. I used a cheap plastic tip and a disposable bag. I figured it was better to not use tips that will be used with food. Even with washing things up I don't too comfortable know that chemicals that should not go into my body may still be present on the tips..

I added a ribbon, some flowers, and a little topper to celebrate Aurora's 16 birthday.

My most common phrase when I finish a project is... Well, it's not perfect, but it turned out pretty good.

Valentine treats and gifts

2011-02-17T14:24:00.001-08:00

I got to help plan Connor's class valentine party. I was a bit slow getting my camera out. Connor had fun decorating a cookie at the treat station. I had fun beeing over the craft table. I found this cute little craft off familyfun.com. It took the perfect amount of time. The kids ended up needing a little help, but when the craft was complete it was fun to see them understand the valentine they made.This is my cute little model holding up her finished craft. A little bee mine valentine.
Paul called me during the day and asked me if I would be sad if I didn't get the traditional flowers and chocolates this year. Honestly I love getting flowers, but they don't last very long and it isn't uncommon for other people to eat the chocolate before I get to it. I was SO excited that Paul thought to get me a computer chair. We have been sitting on fold out metal chairs for the last 10 years. I am not complaining it is nice to have a chair to sit at, but it is really nice to have a more comfortable chair to sit at.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T08:38:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy valentines day. I special day set aside to show love to the people that mean the most to you in your life. We don't go crazy, but I love the colors of white, red and pink. You can not think about those colors without thinking about LOVE and hearts. Paul was a good sport to join me at a couple of valentine dances this year. I love to go out and feel like a kid again. It is fun to dance around a be a little crazy. Who doesn't love to be taken in the arms of their sweet heart and dance around. My kids did great today getting up and getting ready quickly so that we could get a few pictures before everyone was off to school. This way I was able to make a little valentine card just for me, and to send to Grandparents. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Fairy Party

2011-02-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

About six months ago Bonnie attended a friends birthday party and they had a fun fairy party. Bonnie decided then that for her next party she wanted to have a fairy party. I made Bonnie this cute little dress and then had her take pictures. I realized as soon as I uploaded the pictures that we did not put the wings on . This mistake became the theme for Bonnie's party. We made up a cute invitation and waited for the day to arrive. Hannah was excited to get a fairy out fit too. I was happy to make her one. I made Bonnie's first and when I was done she honestly could have cared less. I probably spent more than 10 hours sewing this dress and she didn't care! Lucky for me the second one went much faster and once they were both done Hannah was very excited to put her dress on and Bonnie's excitement greatly increased.

The girls love to have a turn making silly faces. I figure it is the least I can do as long as they will continue to let me take pictures.

For the party I made necklaces with activities to get passed off to earn their wings.
The first activity was to get their face painted with a little green vine.
The second activity to was to learn how to dance like a fairy
For the third activity the fairies all got to eat pizza.
And for the final activity they played pin the wing on the fairy. I had an 8x10 of this picture of Bonnie made and then we made paper wings for each girl. Bonnie ended up with wings all over her, but the girls had a fun time playing.
For the cake we went with cupcakes this year. I got these cute little chocolate molds and made these chocolate crowns. The girls ate them up, so they must have been good.

Paul also got to be the the videographer while I took pictures. I can say that I put the party together, but I would not have been able to pull it off without his help.

I got this great idea of familyfun. com. To make These cookie wands. Each girl got to take one home with her at the end of the party. I could not have been more happy that they worked. I was worried that they would be too hard or break off, but they were pretty soft and held up great. We fed the kids pizza for dinner. Paul was a great helper. He got to be the pizza deliver man for the night and also ended up with the clean up job. Hannah and I kept the party going and Paul cleaned up a long the way. ALL OF THE LITTLE FAIRIES WITH THEIR WINGS!

Hannah Singing

2011-02-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hannah came home from church sick today. She spent about 30 minutes in bed and then came out to let me know that she could not sleep and was feeling much better. I had this great idea that if she was feeling good. I should have the chance to try something out. I had her sing for me. So... this is my very first post with a video!

She is FIVE!

2011-02-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how much an individual changes and learns in the first five years of their life. One thing that has not changed for Bonnie is that she has always been beautiful. As a baby she turned heads at stores. As a five year old she continues to get compliments from strangers what a beautiful girl she is. Bonnie was my biggest baby at 8 pounds six ounces. More to hold on to and lots to love. As a baby she came with her little attitude. I wouldn't change one thing about Bonnie. She is has turned into such a fun little girl. She has a wonderful imagination and the ability to play for hours. She loves to sing and dance around the house. Bonnie asked to a fairy party for her fifth birthday. I was happy to make her a little outfit, and she was patient to allow me to take some pictures. This morning Bonnie asked me, "Mom am I really FIVE." I guess it is hard to believe, but yes she is really five.

What do you think?

2011-01-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upde8JiD0t8

I never know for sure if these links will work or not. Hopefully it will. I have had a great time playing the part of Natasha. When I was given the name of my part I was pretty excited. What a fun SEXY name. One of the funnest parts about acting in the chance to play the role of all kinds of people and really try for a moment to be someone else.

Don't get me wrong for the most part I really like my life, but it kind of takes you back to being a kid. Young kids act out all the time. It is fun to get to pretend.

This project is a featured film, but this is just a trailer that has been put together. I would love to hear what you think both good and bad. More than anything the question is after watching the trailer would you watch the movie? Tell me what you think.

Automatic Garage Door

2011-01-05T13:38:00.000-08:00

There are many little things that we have that we really think nothing of, until all of a sudden they are no longer working. A piece of our Garage door opener broke. This little piece called a trolley completely broke in two. The days of pushing a button and the door coming open or shutting no longer existed at our home. We had to get out in the cold and pull the door open and then get back into the car drive into the garage and then walk back over to the garage and pull it down to close it.

Honestly our garage door opener was one thing that I have never loved about this house. I have complained often about how loud it is, but when it stopped working I missed that noise through out the house that told us that Paul had made it home from work safe. I can say that I was a bit happy when we had the Garage Door Man come and look at it, and he mentioned that the part would have to be ordered in and it might be in are better interest to replace it. Paul had looked up what we had on line and learned that it was a pretty cheap system. It was an easy choice to have it replaced.

Yesterday the Garage Door Man came back with in a couple of hours he had are garage opening and closing with a push of a button again! We were delighted to also get a little pad on the outside of the house. Our house in Idaho had this little novelty and we have talked about putting one in since we moved into the house almost 4 years ago. The kids were all thrilled about this fun new way to get into the house.

I think the best part about the garage breaking besides the fact that the system is so much quieter. Is simply having a greater appreciation for the little things around the house that make my life so much more comfortable.

Christmas Card 2010

2011-01-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to use photo shop to create our very own original Christmas card this year. We sent them out to family and friends, but I thought it might be fun to share it with those friends that live closer and didn't get a card from us. Paul read some where that the number of Christmas cards sent out this year were fewer from years past. They talked about how this may be due to face book and blogging. I guess it is nice that people keep in touch more than before simply because it is easy, but I don't think any thing is more fun than going to your mail box and pulling out a letter or card from family or friends. It is fun to have something tangible to hold on to and see and read how a family is doing. I know some people view that letters as brag letters, but I think it is wonderful to sit and think about all the good things that took place over the year. Taking time to show gratitude for they blessings that you have received. Our family had a very nice Christmas and I am very much looking forward to this new year, and what might be in store for our family both good and bad. We are currently dealing with things breaking around the house. Good thing we got a lower interest rate on our house, so that the extra money can go to repairs. I guess that is just the way things go. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bring on the Good and the Bad we are ready for whatever experiences will come our way. In hopes that we can enjoy the good and learn from the bad!

Happy Birthday Paul!

2011-01-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Today is Paul's Birthday. He is now the nice age of 32!

Paul is one of those guys that you would describe as amazing. I remember when we were dating and the thought crossing my mind that I would be crazy to let some other girl have this guy. It has been almost 10 years, and I still feel just as lucky to have him as mine! I have had other people comment that I have trained him well. I can not take any credit for the kind of Man Paul is. He is helpful and caring. He has always tried very hard to see other peoples point of view. I am often letting people know that he IS NOT PERFECT! Simply because at times he comes pretty close. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is a wonderful Dad and GREAT husband. I am very lucky to have him in my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

What a Wonderful Week!

2010-12-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

This week did not go as planed. On Monday I received a phone call to let me know that a film I was a part of was going to be set back because of weather. I am thrilled for each opportunity I am given and I was crushed to find out that this opportunity would be put off. My sister was disappointed that she would no longer be needed to babysit. Paul was a Fabulous husband and aloud me to be a bit sad and did his best to cheer me up. I decided that I would be best off to use this week to get stuff done. Lucky for me the cold snowy outside made it easy to want to just stay home.

I love taking down from Christmas. It is amazing how much bigger and cleaner the living room looks when all the extra stuff is put away. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy having the cute decorations and things that sparkle all around the house for a month. However, I always look forward to putting it all away.

Our family was blessed with the stomach flu. It didn't last long, but it was really nice to have a couple of days just for our family. I believe just about everyone of Hannah's friends called that day, and the best part was when I had to tell them that she was sick and could not play Hannah didn't get upset. The kids spent the whole day just playing together.

This has been such a wonderful winter break. It has been so nice to have a break from homework. I have loved sleeping in. I think I have woken up around 8:50 almost everyday this week. I even took a little break from working out. Although, my body dose feel so much better after getting up and exercising this morning.

I am so grateful that I got to spend the last week of this year getting things more organized around my house. I feel like I have gotten things done and that is a good feeling. The challenge when it comes to organization, house cleaning, and trying to stay fit. None of these things last. They are all things that have to been done over and over again. What I know is that if you do a little at a time; put things away when your are done with them, clean the bathrooms and vacuum weekly, exercise and eat better foods it is so much easier to keep up with everything. It is when life gets too busy and we don't make time to simply keep up with life we no longer get to enjoy it. My Goal for this new year is to keep life simple. I have heard countless talks from leaders of the church trying to remind me that life needs to be simple. It is good to have some down time. The first thing for me to learn is that it is OK if I don't have a long list of things to do each day, but to make sure that I don't idle the time that I have away.

Think and Speak or Speak and Think?

2010-12-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Think and Speak or Speak and Think? I believe one or the other comes more natural to each of us. Paul is the type of person that more often thinks and then speaks. I more often speak and then think. Both have good and bad that comes with them. People that speak before thinking usually say exactly how they feel, but sometimes it does not come out very nice. People that think first probably talk less, and don't share what is on their mind as easily. This is all just my opinion. You can agree or disagree. But I had a moment today that I realized that I should think about what I say just a little bit more.

In a conversation with a friend yesterday I was describing an individual. I used the term "White Trash" to explain them. I have heard and used this term many times and never really thought much about it. If you are wondering if I was talking about you, the answer is NO.

This morning my mind was just wondering as I was getting ready, and the thought came to me, "You should NEVER describe someone as TRASH." I thought for a moment what trash is to me. Things that are waste, something broken, something no good, something I no longer want to keep. People are NOT TRASH. They may be rough, have a hard life, and even look run down, but that does not make them trash.

I realized today that it is important to stop and think about things that we say. Sometimes when we say things just playing around those are the moments we hurt someone. I recall being told often that I am mean or rude. I have the personality that when told something like that my first reaction is to say I will show you have not seen anything yet. If you think I am mean just wait, and honestly I am a NICE pearson. It is easy to rude and selfIt only depends on what you are focusing on when you speak with you. My very favorite saying I learned from a sociology class is, "I am what I think you think that I am". I can not remember what famous sociologist termed this, but it is so true. We influence what others think about them selves. For good or for bad. What we say to our children and are neighbors is equally important. This doesn't stop after you turn a certain age. We continue to make in impact on others our entire life.

Think and then speak or speak and then think. No matter what we do I realized that I need to more often take a little time and think about what I am saying about others. I believe it does make a difference.

Dave Ramsey

2010-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have to put a little shout out there for Dave Ramsey. I myself have never actually met or talked to the man myself, but I am grateful for the time that he takes to educate people about their fiances. I've heard that he doesn't teach anything that your grandparents wouldn't tell you to do. It is just the basics, but some of us didn't grow up learning the basics. It is about three years shy of when we started our Total Money Make Over and every time we make a smart decision that keep us moving forward it makes you feel so good.

Short Film

2010-12-02T12:54:00.001-08:00

This is kind of fun. I hope this link works. I had the opportunity to play the role of Mother in this short film called "Hugs and Kisses". It is really fun to see the finished product.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swcng9z711g

Real Life!

2010-12-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have this idea in my mind of what life should be. As a teenager I imagined my life. I was married to a wonderful man with beautiful kids. I thought I would marry a Mexican, so in my mind my kids had dark brown eyes and tan skin. In real life I did marry a wonderful man, and although my kids are not bronzed they are beautiful.

As an adult I have this idea in my mind that I should have a beautiful clean home with kids that say please and thank you and play nicely with each other all the time. In real life I have a very nice home that has clean toilets for about a minute and clean laundry for maybe five minutes. My children love to tease each other just to see how the other will react, and would choose to go play with a friend over being home playing with their siblings.

As I began to get very frustrated yesterday with my life I began to realize that the problem is not with my life. The problem is with my expectation of my life. My life is just like everyone else. My kids sometimes fight and disobey, but other times they are so fun to watch as they play together and surprise me when they do what I ask the first time I ask them. Yes, my house is not perfectly clean, but we live here and play here, and are learning how to function as a family.

What we imagine our life to be is not always reality, but those ideas that we place in our minds gets us closer to what we desire. I will continue to want children that always obey and a home that is meticulously clean. If I stop hoping for those things I will lose my desire to discipline my kids and continue the every day clean up around the house. However, I realize how important it is to not get so caught up in this idea of what life should be and realize that this is REAL LIFE I am living, and for the most part it is REAL GOOD.

Thanksgiving a time to be Grateful

2010-11-29T07:55:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful time of year. I am very grateful for my life. Growing up in a large family and often having less than others has allowed me the opportunity as an adult to truly see the blessings in my life. I realize that because of my upbringing I am a more frugal individual. I recognize the efforts my parents made to give me opportunities and try to do the same for my children. I am grateful for the chance to learn about myself my shortcomings and also my strengths. A man that was a home teacher for my family growing up was killed in a car accident on Thanksgiving day. His 18 year old daughter was also killed. The mother and son was hurt badly and another daughter had less serious injuries. When I hear about illnesses, injuries, and death I am reminded just how quickly life can change. I can not help but reflect on my life and how difficult it would be to go through something like this. It helps me remember how important it is to tell my husband and children that I love them and more importantly show them that I love them. Our actions speak much louder than our words. I am grateful for this time of year and the chance I have to live and enjoy life. I am grateful for the chance I had to make a cherry pie. It was good, but it could have been better. I learned that I should have cooked it just a little bit longer. I look forward to making another pie and building on what I learned from this experience.

I am grateful for homemade egg noodles. This is one of my favorite Thanksgivings traditions in my family. There are not too many of my siblings that like them, but the tradition will live on through me. It was fun to work with Paul to make them, and I was very happy with how they turned out this year. It is a little tricky to improve on your cooking skills with things that you only make once a year, but they turned out great this year!

The kids loved their Aunt Jenny's jello. I think Connor only had a roll and jello, but I figure it is Thanksgiving a day to eat what makes you happy.

I am so grateful to have people in my life that I can be silly with.

One True Church?

2010-11-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

At church Hannah's class talked but our church being the one true church. Hannah came home and had a very good question. She told me what she had been taught and was very worried about her Grandma Pam and Grandma Lois not going to the true church. I asked her if she knew what church they went to. I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to her. If we only had one building how we would we all fit. Just because our Grandmas do not attend our church building they go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This church is the only church that has the priesthood. We talked about how it might be confusing if we had more than one prophet. It gave me the opportunity to talk about other churches and explain that they all teach good things, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only church run by a living prophet directed by Lord. This was one of those days that I can say, This is why we attend our church meetings each week. My children have the chance to go to class and have discussions. This allows them to begin to question things they are being taught, and I can not say how happy I was to be able to try to explain things to my daughter. What a wonderful opportunity to be a parent.

This was a drawing Connor made at church. It is Christ coming out of the Heavens surrounded by Angles.

What to do with SNOW?

2010-11-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning we all awake to the ground covered with the fluffy white stuff, SNOW! I am not a lover of snow, but I am so happy to have a husband the realizes the joy that playing in the snow brings to kids. Paul got everyone bundled up and out making a snowman. I got the cameras and went to work documenting the fun. Once the snowman was complete Paul stepped back inside, and returned outside with snow cone cups and syrup. I gave him that look "Is this a good idea?" He quickly replied, "We will use clean snow. Everyone should have a snow cone made with real snow." Dad was the BEST today!

I helped out by making hot chocolate. I figured after being out playing in the snow and eating snow cones everyone would need something to warm up with.

BOYS!

2010-11-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

Connor got this silly knife from the dollar store. It did not come like this. It only lasted a few days and then broke. Paul being funny held it up to his head like he had been stabbed through the brain, and without thinking I said "Connor I can try to make it like that if you would like. All we need to get is a headband." The very next day when Connor got home from school he asked me if I had gotten the headband. Well, I had forgotten about the little project just as quickly as I had told him about it. The following day I happen to be at the dollar store again. I purchased a headband and made my boy a new toy out of his old toy. We all now if you spend your money on toys at the dollar store they are NOT going to last for very long, but one thing I can say I will never stop loving that feeling you get when your kids think you did something SO GREAT just for them!

Looking back over the last 10 years

2010-11-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

20 years old. I had the wonderful opportunity to be crowned Miss West ValleyWhile 2o years old I agreed to take on a new name of Ashby

While 21 I took on the name of Mother.

22 years old. I graduated with an associate degree

23 years old. I became a mother to a son.

24 years old. I took my first trip to Disneyland.

25 years old. I had the privilege of having another beautiful girl.

My little potato girl, born while living in Idaho.
26 years old. I had the opportunity to be with family back in Utah. Paul and I learned new skills while moving into our home. After only a short three months of living in our new home I was called to serve as Relief Society President.

27 years old. I got involved in the Lehi Art Center Community Theater. With the production of Oklahoma. I loved that Hannah got to be in the show also.

While 27 I got to with my husband to Hawaii while he attended a conference for work.

28 years old. I began teaching gymnastics.

At 28 I was in Once On This Island with the Lehi Art Center

29 years Old. I got to go with my kids and Paul's parents to Disneyland.

I learned a little bit of tap dancing while being involved in the production of Singing In The Rain.

I have been so excited the last few months as I have had the opportunity to get involved in film.

I can honestly say that I have never been more excited for a new year. As I look back at the last 10 years of my life. One thing that is certain is that I have been very blessed. I am blessed to have a very hard working husband. Who also is very supportive. I have been given three wonderful children. I have been blessed with health. As I looked over pictures it is crazy the many different shapes and sizes my body has been over the last 10 years. It will never be what it was, but thanks to the insanity program my pants are fitting, and that would put a smile on any girls face.

I know if I continue to work hard and most importantly make an effort to follow promptings from the spirit. The next year, five years, or even 10 years will be just as good as the last ten!

October

2010-11-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

October, a month full of Costumes, Candy and FUN FUN FUN! I decided that it is very easy to tell when my life gets a bit too busy. I have no time to post anything on my blog. November has begun and life has slowed down a little. Our family had a very busy October, but I think for the most part we all really enjoyed it. I believe some of the best activities for the kids were dressing up for the school parade and again the next day for Halloween. The kids were also very lucky to be involved in the children's musical "The Jungle Book" at the Lehi Art Center

Hannah was a red Fairy
Connor was a Bakugan Master

Bonnie was a CAT

I was very pleased to be asked to help out with the choreography. It has been so much fun for me to have the chance to have my kids be involved in things that I love. Connor got to play the part of a monkey.

He also got to part of the snake. Connor had so much fun learning the songs for this musical.

Hannah got to be and elephant. I had the opportunity to improve on my sewing skills. I ended up making six of these elephant heads. I can not express how happy I was to have them all done.

Hannah was also very pleased to get the part of Shanti.

Being involved in the play made October a bit more busy, but I know it gave the kids a memory that they will never forget. They will probably not remember what their jack-o-lantern looked like, but they will remember preforming Jungle Book.

Egg Drop

2010-10-01T12:46:00.001-07:00

At our Elementary school they do an egg drop in third grade. The kids can use any method they want to try to protect their egg from cracking being dropped off the roof of the school building. The principle gets to do the honor of dropping each kids carefully protected egg off the roof.

Hannah worked with her Dad to come up with an idea of how to best protect her egg from being cracked. Actually I mentioned the project to Paul, and that I thought this was probably something he would enjoy working with Hannah on. He quickly stated his idea and was off looking around the house to get all the supplies he needed to prove to me that it would work. When he told me the idea I had a bit of doubts that the egg would not hold up.
Hannah's teacher works very hard to make sure that the kids are listening and doing what they are suppose to be doing.

I was very sad that I didn't take a picture when they dropped her egg, but here is Hannah retrieving her well packaged egg. I think she was pleased that it survived the drop.

If you can not tell very well the egg is placed between three balloons, and the balloons are held together by tape. Paul put one together the week prior to the egg drop to show me that it would work. He took it outside and simply tossed it in the air. The kids thought it was to much fun to each take a turn and through it around. It held up really well until Connor through it and it landed in the grass the balloons popped, but the egg still held together. At that point I told Paul, "well, I guess this should work as long as the surface it is landing on is not grass."

I guess the kids were suppose to learn about disappointment, but lets be honest we all know that life is so much nicer when you don't have to be disappointed. I am sure that Hannah will have plenty of opportunities in life to learn about disappointment. I was pleased to see a smile on her face and a proud Dad who helped make that possible.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-10-01T12:23:00.001-07:00

I had really considered doing the square foot gardening this year. I am one of those individuals that really does NOT care much for gardening. I am sure I have mentioned this before. I don't care that much about food. I realize that my body needs to eat, but I have NO problem with slim fast or drinking a whey protein shake. It is fast and NO clean up. I do try to be healthy. I make sure to take vitamins. Simply because I am sure my body is in need of more nutrients that what I probably give it. I would not say that I am an unhealthy eater, but food is NOT a priority in my life. I am pretty lucky to have married someone that likes good food, but again it is not a priority. So, when we decided to put our house up for sale. There was NO way I was going to invest my money and time into a garden. However, I thought it would be fun to try to grow something, so I decided to grow some flowers. I gave them extra attention. To make sure they got the water they needed. My kids were very excited to see little buds finally growing. With the direction of our house. Our flowers come out latter than the flowers on the opposite side of the street. For a lot of the summer. We had a very pretty green flower bed. We were all very happy to finally have flowers. I worried about my flowers during the crazy wind and rain storm, but they survived. I realized that the flowers I started outside seamed to be stronger and grow straighter than the flowers that I started inside and then planted outside. I feel like a learned a little and more than anything I feel like I accomplished something. Best of all. It didn't cost me very much, so it was a good way for me to get started growing something.

Looking at my flowers it often reminds me of my Grandma Bonnie. When she would visit my family she enjoyed driving around Salt Lake looking at all the flowers around people's homes. I can not say that I will ever be some lover of gardening, But I did enjoy having flowers outside our house. Who knows maybe one of these years we just might enjoy a vegetable garden to along with our flowers.

One Crazy BUG!

2010-10-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

The kids are busy learning another play. They are in the Jungle Book. They have been having such a fun time learning the songs and their parts for this production. One day this last week as we came out of play practice we had a big bug on our windshield. We needed to stop at the store, so I told the kids "Hey, lets see if this bug wants a ride." As we started driving it walked up to the top of the car. At this point we all decided that we would look and see if it was still on the top when we arrived at Walmart. This is a short maybe two minute drive going about 40 mph. When we arrived sure enough the bug was still on top of the car. We only had a couple things to pick up, so we were not very long in the store and sure enough the bug was waiting for us. We drove over to Costco. I quickly little drive across the street probably only like 34 mph. When we arrived at Costco he was still their. Our stay at Costco was a bit longer. Paul decided to meet up with us and get pizza for dinner, but when we went back out that crazy little bug was still waiting for us. I wasn't sure if the bug would make it home, but again I talked with the kids. "Let's see if this bug wants a ride to our house. The drive is probably about a 10 minutes drive going around 70 mph. I will be honest I always go over 65, but I try to keep my speed no faster than 75. When we got home that CRAZY bug was still on top of the car. I guess he just needed to do something a little different today.

Stickng with Insanity.

2010-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to have finally made it through four weeks of the insanity program. My knees are hanging in there. I am very sure this is not the best program for anyone with bad knees, but I also must say that I am very happy with the results I am getting. My body is getting tighter and my pants are getting looser. I have been working out for a month and half. It feels good to finally be able to watch a movie and not think man I should really be exercising. It is surprising how many movies they have some scene of someone out jogging. It has been so much easier to avoid sweets, and I am sleeping better. More than anything it is becoming more of a routine. This upcoming week is the recover week. I did the workout this morning and was not too excited. You do the same workout all week long and there is one part that I am all ready so NOT looking forward to. I honestly wasn't sure if my legs were going to work the rest of the day. I have been fine, but usually you really feel it the next day. Just thinking about it I really have not been to sore besides the very first week.

I am pleased that I can finally start to feel a difference it makes it easier to keep it up. During the first couple weeks it is a lot of work and the results are so minimal. I had to keep reminding myself that it took more than two weeks to put on the extra weight it is going to take more than two weeks to take it off. Life is good if the only INSANE thing in your life is your workout!

Just a little different

2010-08-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have survived one week of the workout Insanity. I can honestly say that I don't believe that I have ever been so sweaty after a workout. The eating has gone well. I still plan on eatting like doing "Body for Life" I need to be able to have at least one day a week that I can eat whatever I want. I am a lot more aware of what I am eating even on my off days. One thing I did finally try was to make scrambbled eggs with just the egg whites. They look a little different, but once I got past the look of the eggs they tasted the same. I have been surprised that it has been easier at times to not eat sweets, but the one thing I really want is ice cream. I guess that must be my Muir blood running through my body.

Back to school

2010-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that summer is over and the kids are back to school. I will be honest. I am one of those Mom's that loves to have my kids around, but is very pleased to send them off to school. The house stays cleaner and I don't have to play the role of referee. Bonnie has struggled a little. The first day the kids were gone she told me, "Mom I want to play with my brother or my sister or a friend. I can not play with my Brother or Sister, so I will have to play with a friend. I guess I will be setting up some play dates so one little girl isn't so lonely.

Hannah LOVES school. She would have been happy to go back a few weeks before she had. too. She likes her teacher and is discovering that she knows more of the kids in her class than she thought she did. Hannah's example has rubbed off on Connor. He was really excited to go to school this year. However, I was not surprised that he was done after day one. He thougth is was pretty cool to get to pack a lunch for school and then was excited for a chance to eat schoool lunch. I only let them eat on pizza day because I think they will actually eat the food. The idea of my money being thrown in the trash is very hard for me.
Bonnie has one more year at home with MOM. I hope we can find some fun activities to do together and strengthen our Mother Daughter bond. More than anything I hope we don't drive each other CRAZY!

I love my kids. It is fun to watch them growing up, and I look forward to hearing about their many adventures they have ahead of them this year.

Sometimes Dreams Do Come True

2010-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

There are some things in life that you dream about doing. Ever since I was probably about twelve I have wanted to do some kind of video. That may sound silly to a lot of people, but for some reason it is something I have always wanted to do. As I have gotten older this dream or goal whatever you want to call it has not gone away. A couple of years ago I decided to get brave and go audition for a musical with the Lehi Art Center. I was very lucky to have a couple of friends to join me on this fun little outing. Singing is not one of my strongest talents, so this was very much out of my elemint, but I was more than happy to dance. I felt very lucky to part of the cast for the production of "Oklahoma". I had a lot of fun getting to know more people in the Lehi area and had the opportunity to be involved in a couple of different productions. With each production I hoped that some new experience would open up to me. Just a couple of months ago I had a chance to direct the Cinderella play. I was thrilled to again have been given a new opportunity to develop my talents. I recently auditioned for the play "Arsenic and Old Lace" I did not get the part. However, was very pleased that I had been considered out of three girls. I could not have been more happy to simply know that I did a really good audition.

Last week a friend of mine sent me an email regarding a company that was putting together a video. They needed a lady between the ages of 25-35 with dark hair with a daughter between the ages of 3-5 with dark hair. I was thrilled that my friend took the time to let me know about it. I figured nothing may come of it, but it was worth a try. I got the pictures together that I needed, with the help of my fabulous husband, and sent off my pictures and resume. They had said that they would reply back to everyone that responded and I was delighted that they followed through. They told me that they had received my email and would forward everything onto the director. I was more excited when they called me and said that they were considering me for the part. They came to our home. They also needed someone with a modern looking home that they could do the shoot at. They were pleased with the house and with us and I got the job!

Yesterday they came to do the shoot. I was very nervous. I have had a little experience in front of cameras, but this was a little different. Bonnie did very well. She is a fun little girl with a beautiful smile, but for this film there were some shots that she was supposed to be sad are upset. That was a little more tricky for her. Our family all got to participate in one or another. Paul was good sport. This is really more of my thing, but it means so much to me that he was willing to help out when needed. I was most worried about a scene that I needed to basically have a melt down. In the end it looked good. The crew seamed very pleased with everything, and I am so excited to have hopefully opened the door to more opportunity in the future.

Preschool gymnastics

2010-08-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am starting up gymnastics again for kids 3-5. I have two classes available. Wednesday 10:00 am and Wednesdays 11:00 am. Classes are 45 min long. Classes are $5.00 a class paid monthly. Let me know if you are interested I have very limited space.

Insanity

2010-08-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that summer is really coming to an end. My kids are delighted to be going back to school. It makes it a lot easier on me if they are happy about going. I think we have all been looking forward to getting back to a schedule. Paul was able to take three weeks of work this summer. We did lots of camping, family get together and a couple trips to Lagoon. We did well to schedule in a few days for house cleaning and laundry. I must say it made me a little nervous about Paul ever retiring. I kind of like my time. He told me that he can go golfing whenever I need some time of my own.

The other thing I quickly realized was that eating fun food for three weeks is NOT good for the waist line. After three weeks I was very ready to get back to working out. I have taken a few months off and my pants are just not fitting the same. I started back into Body for life, and decided that I had better get serious about what I am eating and working out if I really want to have the body I see in my head by the time I turn thirty. I have been told for years that getting the wait off only gets more difficult after turning thirty. I had decided a long time ago that I would not be having any more children after thirty and if I worked hard I could look good at thirty. In hopes that this will allow me to more easily stay in shape as I get older. I have been doing well for the last 2 1/2 weeks, and then my little sister told me about Insanity. I am not one who watches much TV, so I had not heard of this new workout program. It sounded difficult. However, I also know that if you want quick results in a short amount of time the program has to be a bit crazy. After much thinking and debate on getting money involved in my efforts of getting in shape I decided that this was something I really wanted to do. Being a money savy individual I was able to get the program off KSL. Allowing me to save money and have the program sooner.

Day 1- The fitness test. I thought I was going to throw up! I pushed myself hard. I feel like I did well, and I did not die. I am off to a good start. I am very happy that I have had these last two and half weeks to get myself into a bit better shape before starting this program. I worry a little about my knee, but I figure as long as I don't push myself too far the results will be worth it.

Day 2- Plyometric Cardio Circuit Honestly I could not keep up with the entire workout. I took A LOT of breaks, but again I survived. My body is very sore. This tells me that my muscles will be getting stronger as long as I can keep it up. I was a bit worried about the length of the workouts 45 to 60 minutes long. I typically do a 20 minute workout. After doing the workout I realize why they are so long. He takes you through a great warm up (Feels like a workout), stretching, workout, stretch. It is so much more like taking a class at the gym than a DVD workout. This is a sixty day program. I don't plan on blogging every day, but I think it will be good for me to be able to look back and see my results.

My goal is Thirty and Fit. Well, you know like a ROCK! A girl can dream.

One Big Fish

2010-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

As our children are getting older we have come to realize how important it is for to do some little family vacations with just us. It is fun to build memories that are special for us to share with one another in year so to come. Last year we took our kids on our very first camping to just with our family. We had a great time, so we decided to back to Yuba Lake. It is a great place to fish if you don't care too much about what kind of fish you catch. We catch and release, so any old fish is good enough for us. We simply enjoy how it feels to bring a fish in. We probably caught close to 30 fish, but we got ONE BIG FISH!

I was so excited to see this fish out of the water. I was a little unsure about holding it, but I figured it may be a long time before I ever get a big fish again.

Hannah had a small barbie fishing pole that she got when we first started fishing when Hannah was four. Well Hannah had caught a couple of fish with her pole on this trip. Paul helped her get everything set up with the pole leaning on a small rock. Hannah was playing close by when all of a sudden there was a tug on her line. Paul told Hannah to hurry to her pole before the fish swam away with it. She reached out to grab the pole and sure enough the pole splashed into the water. Paul was right behind Hannah and ran into the lake in hopes to reach the pole, but the fish was too fast and the water was not very clear. Hannah cried that the fish will forever have to swim around dragging her fishing pole behind. Paul tried to comfort her and explained that lots of times fish are able to wiggle off the hook. Who knows what came of the fish, but Hannah was still not too happy to have lost her fishing pole to a fish at Yuba lake.

Hannah had a wonderful time. One of her favorite parts was putting the fish back in the lake. She would hold on to the fish and slowly loosen her grip until it was a enough that the fish quickly swam away.

Connor did very little fishing, but he sure had a fun time being a little fish. After pulling that big fish out of the water I sure had a difficult time swimming. I am much more comfortable with swimming pools. You can see what is in the water and they check the chemicals every few hours.
The girls had a good time turning themselves into statues.

We really enjoy roasting marshmallows.

We had a beautiful view from our campsite and we had a fabulous time together.

I don't think a mother finds any greater joy than seeing her children smiling and playing together. I am sure that she finds no greater frustration than seeing her kids fight and yell at each other, but such is the balance of life. Opposition in all things allows us to better understand happiness and joy.

The Big house

2010-08-13T08:24:00.001-07:00

Paul's parents decided to try something a little different than camping this year. We rented a house they found on the Internet in Midway. It was kind of funny when they told us about it. Paul and I had actually been there before. A couple of years ago as Relief Society President in my ward I put together a retreat. A lady in my ward's family had a big house in Midway that we could all enjoy. It was fun to go back with our family and have fun together.

Our family got to stay in the blue room. At least that is what we named it.I had to take a little trip to "The Store" What store "The Store" The kids and I had a great time with this fun little game. Hannah and Bonnie were great they went back and forth for a while.

Hannah: I am going to the store.

Bonnie:What store?

Hannah: The store

Bonnie: Oh, Walmart

Hannah: No The Store

Bonnie: Oh, Costco?

Hannah: No! The Store!

Bonnie: Oh! THE STORE! So, we all got a chance to go to THE STORE!Hannah had a wonderful time learning a new craft from her Aunt Jenny.

We had fun out hiking around.

Back at the house we spent some time outside playing in the water. Bonnie LOVED the slip n slide.Connor really enjoyed getting people with the spunges.

Paul had a good time with his water gun.Bonnie was happy to get a turn too.

We spent some time out sitting on the porch talking with each other.And cooking over the fire pit.Connor was happy to still have some time inside playing the Wii.

We went out to see a natural hot spring that is in the area.

It is fun to find out about different activities that it might be fun to take our family back to another time.

Last of all we went and got hamburgers and ice cream Who could pass up a place that was voted the best Burgers in Utah. I don't recall ever voting, but the food was good.

Not every moment was a happy one. Such is life, but we had a really good time spending time together .

Happy Anniversary

2010-08-04T06:48:00.001-07:00

Nine years ago August 4th we were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

We have been blessed with three beautiful kids, a good job, and a comfortable house to live in.

We have learned that marriage takes work and sacrifice, but we have realized the joy of having someone to share your frustrations and successes with is priceless. Each year we purchase a precious moments figurine. This year (2010) we had a wonderful time taking the kids to Disneyland for their very first time. This year I got to direct the kids production of Cinderella. The kids all got a part in the play and Paul had fun watching the show all three nights.

The Title for this figurine is "Your love is a perfect fit"

Over the years it has been made more and more obvious that truly Paul and myself our perfect for each other.

Hannah's dress

2010-07-31T13:15:00.001-07:00

I LOVE to take pictures of my kids. They don't love it nearly as much as I do. I do understand. It takes a lot of time to get your hair all done and then walk around for over an hour saying, "smile, please stop whining," and be told about fifty times "one more picture". I always wonder if it is even worth it, and then I look at the pictures latter and realize that all the complaining was worth while. I hope that one day Hannah will be able to look back at these pictures and be able to remember this very special day.

A Day to Remeber

2010-07-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today is my little sister Lynnett's birthday, but it also will be remembered as the day my Hannah got baptized. I think every LDS mother thinks about this day when their child is born. Hannah's Grandma Lois mentioned that she is as clean today as the day she was born. It has been a lot of work to try to make this day very special for Hannah. More than anything I hoped to make her feel like a little princess. Grandma Pam recognized my efforts as she shared her testimony and talked to Hannah about how today she looks like a princess and her Father in Heaven sees her as a just that, a princess. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to have Hannah as my daughter. She is so smart and beautiful. I was very excited that she was able to be baptized in the dress my mother made for me. It was also very rewarding to be able to make her a beautiful whit dress of her very own. It has been a wonderful day, and I am grateful for my many blessings.

2010-07-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Live so you won't regret the first impressions you leave when meeting new people."

I would hope that more often than not I leave people with a good impression, but I know that there have been times that I have not done a very good job. I have this wonderful friend Kat from Idaho. I did not remember the very first time I met her, but boy did she. Lucky for me I had no idea that she was telling her husband that I was the mean girl she met at church, and I set up a play date with our girls. It was a little strange when she told me that she hated me and when we were both put in Young Women's together her thought was "Shoot know I actually have to get to know her and she is probably nice." Things all worked out for that situation, but I am sure that there are others that maybe have not worked out so nicely.

I hope that the first impression I gave you was a positive one. If not I hope you get that chance to get to know me better.

Cinderella Kids

2010-07-18T14:56:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to have had the opportunity to direct my very first play. My kids all got to be part of it. It was a little crazy at times trying to get 40 kids to listen be quiet and then sing and be loud. At the beginning of the week I was not sure if we would be able to have a show at all, but the kids all did a WONDERFUL job! I had a few more pictures, but I think maybe there is a limit of pictures you can post on one blog. More than anything this opportunity allowed me to use my talents of creating, and gave me something special to do with my kids. This is the pumkin I made, and one set of little mouse ears.

We had a wonderful fairygod mother

and our stepsisters and stepmother were fantastic.

My kids were really fun for me to watch.

I LOVE my littel Bonnie mouse

I could not have been more happy with a fabulous Cinderella

What a great bunch of kids! I could not have done this show without Ashley and Tracie!

What have I learned this Summer

2010-07-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a very busy summer for me. I have been given many opportunities to learn some new skills. Some of my big things I have accomplished.

I got to take bridal pictures for my sister Vannesa.

I got to attend the sealing of my sister and brother-in-law.

and take some pictures of them outside the temple.

This was one of my favorite pictures.

I could not be more grateful to my sister Anngela. She was the wedding planner.

I made my very first wedding cake. I feel like I took a little class on line. I am so grateful to all those people out there that put videos on the internet. It is amazing what you can learn with the help of the Internet.

I made my very first tie. I ended up helping to make about fourteen ties by the end of the wedding. I also enjoy having a reason to make my girls little outfits to match.

Tonight I am finishing up all the props I am over for the Cinderella production that I have been given the opportunity to direct. I made about 30 head bands. I engineered four wheels. Made two pumpkins and a carriage. I have done my best to instruct 40 kids how to sing, act, and stay put with their mouths closed for the past six weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am thrilled to see the show go on, and very excited to see it all together. I am sure like the wedding day it will not be perfect, but it will be a time in my life that I will always remember.

More than anything this last month I have been given a greater appreciation for all the talents and skills I have been able to develop. About 6 1/2 years ago I became a full time stay at home mom. I could not be more grateful for all that I have been able to learn during these years of being home. A few months ago I had a friend come over to teach how to make hair bows. It was funny as she told me that she was so impressed with the many things I have made. She recalled the many times in Young Women's that I would end up in tears over some project we were working on because I did not like how it turned out. I have always had a desire to be able to do projects and I am grateful that in time I have been blessed with the ability to serve others with the talents I have developed.

July 4th celebration

2010-07-11T19:48:00.001-07:00

We had a fun time at the Murray parade.

It would not be the fourth of July without attending a parade.

Steven and Katie got to be part of the parade this year.

The kids made some fun crafts and got these really cool face paintings at the Sandy celebration.

By the middle of the day I think we all felt about like this.For the evening we went to a fun little museum in South Jordan. It had a cute little old house and a few old barns and these fun old truck and tractors. I did not torture the kids and make them take a bunch of pictures in front of all of them, but I would have loved it!

Gifts.

2010-06-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Gifts are a difficult thing for me at times. Paul's Mom and Dad are planning on turning their papers in to go on a mission. Knowing that they will be gone at the end of this year has made purchasing gifts that much more difficult. I decided that it might be fun to put together a picture page for Grandma Lois for Mother's day. We had some fun pictures of a sledding trip we did together. I decided that these pictures would provide a great memory.

This gift for Lois gave me a great idea for Paul's Dad. They had a day planned to get together to build a new deck off the back of the house. It was fun to take pictures of the boys out working together. I am grateful to part of a family they enjoys playing together and working together.

2010

2010-06-20T09:53:00.002-07:00

Happy Father’s Day!

We want to say I love you, but don’t know where to start. So… Lets start at the very beginning.

1. Thanks for joining the diving team, so that we could be friends so many years ago.

Swimming trunks

2. Thanks for bringing home the GREEN. You have always made sure to take care of our family.

Green shirt

3. Thanks for having fun with us. You have always been willing to still be a bit of kid.
Water gun
4. Thanks for taking time to make family memories with us as we have spent summer nights out camping together.

camp forks

5. Thanks for being a righteous example for me and our kids. I also want to thank you for supporting me in all my crazy hobbies and activities.

Tie for Vannesa's wedding

6. Thanks for being the kind of Dad that gives our family the chance to sit and relax with a fishing pole in hand.

Camping chairs

7. Thanks for being our FAVORITE!

Reese's

WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO.

If we have a holiday the gifts I purchase I usually things we need. I wanted to make sure that each gift has meaning behind it. However, I waited to last minute to put everything together, and the printer was completely out of ink. So, this is my card to you on Father's Day 2010.

I LOVE YOU!

CJ

2010-06-12T14:04:00.001-07:00

My oldest sister Jannell had a beautiful little baby named CJ about a month ago. I was lucky enough to have my camera with me when she came over to my Mom's. It is always fun to have a new subject to take some pictures of.

Ward Camp out 2010

2010-06-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

It is always fun to have a reason to work together as a family, and camping gives you that wonderful opportunity to get out there and work together.

Mariah did a wonderful job providing songs and stories to entertain everyone.
A few of us were asked to help out!

Bonnie was excited to see her friend Lindsay at the campsite

I was excited to help the family make s'mores.

Bonnie woke up the next morning to discover that Capri was her little twin.

Connor had a great time hanging out with the boys.

Hannah had a wonderful time hiking and spending time with the girls.

One of the kids pointed out this huge spider web. Lucky for us it wasn't too close to camp.
The kids had a wonderful time! It is nice to have a ward that provides great opportunities for us to spend time with our family and friends.

Summer Fun!

2010-06-12T12:22:00.001-07:00

For Memorial Weekend we decided to enjoy seeing the Timpanogos cave.

It could not have been a more perfect day for the hike.

We all had a fun time in the cave seeing the rock formations. The Heart of the cave.
This was one of my favorite formations. Who doesn't like something that looks like it would taste so good!
It was also fun to see the lizard.
It was a bit of a walk, but everyone did great. The kids had a fun time becoming Jr. Rangers.They each received a hat and a badge.

Something New

2010-06-06T18:56:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy learning new things, and love to have a excuse to spend my time learning something new. My sister is getting married in July and needs a cake. I have wanted to become a better cake decorator for years and this has given me a great reason to try to improve my skills. I have done a few cakes for my kids birthdays, but nothing too fancy. Lucky for me my sister said she was OK with anything. I decided that I had better get learning. I spent this week learning how to pipe roses. My husbands brother baptized his boy this weekend and asked everyone to bring something to share after. I decided this was a great reason to make a cake using the skills I have learned through out the week.
Now to find a reason to make another cake!

2010-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

"People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder. This empowers ourselves to find beauty in places where others have not dared look, including inside ourselves." ~ Salma Haylek

If you need some uplifting quotes check out my friend Bethany's blog Bringing Lady Back. It is Fabulous!

I have this little saying in my living room and I really enjoy being reminded that beauty can be found everywhere, sometimes you might just have to tilt your head a little.

Everything has beauty But not everyone sees it.

I am SO HAPPY

2010-06-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those days that you just feel HAPPY. The last couple of days have been like that for me. I don't know that I can say that I am happy for one reason or another. I think that it is a combination of many things. I had a WONDERFUL weekend with my family. I have been busy! For me busy is good. I took some great pictures to help us remember this weekend, but have not had time to take them off the camera yet. I have worked out everyday this month. Yes, I realize that only makes three days, but I am feeling GOOD! I have been able to easily recognize how blessed my life is. I probably married the best guy out there. That always sounds a little mean. If my husband is the best than your husband must not be. Not comparing to any other husbands Paul is the very best for me. He works hard at work and at home. He plays with the kids. He helps me out with my projects even when I ask for his help at 9:30 at night and he is thinking "this would be fine if it didn't take you a half hour to get ready for bed." And best of all he doesn't tell me that. He dose not complain when I am working on learning how to pipe roses and the kitchen is a mess two days in a row, so he ends up helping to get dinner on the table, and it just so happen that he is getting home late from a long day at work. He understands that I am working hard on things that are important to me, and after Mother's day I was able to see that Paul is OK with all my crazy hobbies.

I have been blessed with three great kids. That at times make me feel like I am going a little cray. They are smart and creative, and my favorite thing about them is when they make me smile.

The thought crossed my mind yesterday. "Maybe I can not have EVERYTHING I WANT, but I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED." My life has been greatly blessed and recognizing this simple fact makes it hard NOT to be HAPPY.

Memorial Day

2010-06-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Paul and myself are not big with going to the cemetery. I know for some this is a tradition. We enjoy the time Memorial Day gives us to spend with the people we love and think of those that are no longer with us. My sister wrote this poem and shared it with my family. I am very grateful for my ancestors and those in the military that have allowed me to have the life that I enjoy.

Ten years ago this May
My grandma past way
I sit here and think how much she’s missed
How much I want to give her a hug and a kiss
Not so long ago, it feels
She helped me over come my fears
She was there to give loving advice
On the days the world seemed cold as ice
And so on this Memorial Day
I take a moment to stop and pray
Pray for the world she has left behind
Pray that the truth, someday I’ll find
Till then I send her all my love
As she watches us from above

by Suzanne Muir

Connor's Kindergarten Graduation

2010-05-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Connor entered Kindergarten and turned into a HAM! He likes to tease and really is just a fun playful spirit. It makes me smile to see him happy. As a parent you learn to really appreciate teachers. The fact that they show up willing to make an effort to teach 30 kids is a big challenge. I always hope that my kid is one of the children that is learning and not being the child that is making it difficult for others to learn.

Connor's Kindergarten Class

Connor had a great time making new friends and playing with friends he all ready had.

It was really nice that his Grandma Lois was able to take the day off work, and come support Connor.

We are so lucky to have such a smart fun little boy!

This picture was a little tricky to get. I asked Connor to jump off the stair, but he would not do a BIG jump. Come to find out I was having him break the rule. His teacher came over and told me that they had been instructed all year to only sit on the stairs (NEVER jump). I guess I can be happy that he learned to follow the rules. I guess in real life we discover that we kind of pick and choose when it is a good time not to follow the rules.

Dance Festival

2010-05-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Lucky for all of us it was a beautiful sunny day.

Hannah got to dance to We're All In This Together from High School musical. She had a really good time learning and practicing this dance.

It was a little difficult to see her at times. When she is with other kids here age we realize a bit more just how small she is.

Connor got to dance t0 Splish Splash I Was Taken a Bath. Maybe it is just called Splish Splash.

He had a great time.

Connor has really grown to love an audience.

This is going to be good. Here he is getting all stretched out and ready to go.

May (Last week of school)

2010-05-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that the last week of school is finally here, but it is even more crazy that when we woke up on Monday morning this is what it looked like outside.

Have a Great day at school.
Maybe next week we will get to enjoy SUMMER!

Mother

2010-05-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

I didn't get a chance to write down my feelings on Mother's, not too long ago. One things that was mentioned on Mother's day was showing love to our Mother's everyday. I had a wonderful opportunity to go and support my Mother yesterday as she taught a lesson in her Relief Society. I was greatful for the chance to learn from her. I know that standing infront of a group of ladies teaching the lesson really takes my Mom out of her element. She is much more comfortable teaching children. No wonder she had sixteen of her own. She has truely dedicated her life to children. Without question this choice brings her many challenges, and these challenges do not go without affecting those children. But I know that her desicion to have so many children was out of love. My Mother is a wonderful example to me. A few things I have learned from my Mom.

I wanted to be a Mom because of my Mother. I learned how to hold and take care of babies as I watched my Mom. My Mom made it look so easy. I only learned after having my first baby that she too had to learn the skills of taking care of a new baby. Beacuse of the things she has learned in her life she has given me someone to go to and ask question. What do I do when... My youngest brother is a little less than a year younger than my oldest child. Because of this my Mother had not forgotten the challenges of raising young children. She could understand my frustartions and concerns as I raised my little ones for she too was still doing the same tasks.

My Mother is a wonderful example of compasion. She will give to others even when she has very little herself. She gives of her time, her money, and her love. She desires to help her children be happy no matter the age. I know it was probalby easier to be able to kiss the owie away when we were small. As her children have gotten older the owies are much more difficult to kiss away, but she does her best to love and teach.

This last year my parents divored. I was told in a family realtions class in school that divorce gives people all the opposite feelings that marrige brings. In marriage you are told "out of all the poeple in the world you are the only one I want to be with." However, in divorce the opposite takes place "out of all the people in the world you are the only person I do not want to be with." It has been difficult to know how to support my parnets. I love them both and appreciate all that they have done and given me. My Mother has done her very best to take care of her children that still live with her. She has stepped up and done everything in her power to provide for them and be able to be there for them.

Life has changed a lot for my siblings. We each have such different personlities and we have each had such different experiences. One thing that we do all have in common is a Mother. A Mother who continues to do her very best to take take care of her children.

T-ball

2010-05-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of fun having Bonnie and Connor participate in T-ball. I have not yet got Connor's page together, so this will give me a chance to focus on Bonnie right now. This has been so good for Bonnie. It has really taken her out of her element. She had a hard time on day one. The sun was in her eyes and she was suppose to smile and be happy for pictures. That was a hard thing, and on top of that she was asked to hold a boy bat for the picture. She did NOT want anything to do with a boy thing. She was lucky to have a good friend that let her use her mitt. Bonnie has had a great time learning a new sport, and having fun with her neighborhood friends.

Connor's kindergarten project

2010-05-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

In kindergarten the kids are give an assignment to research and animal and make a shadow box for that animal. Connor and I took a little trip to our local dollar store to find a animal. I wanted to keep this project as simple as possible. We did not have very much to choose from, but we left with a cute little penguin. Lucky for me a penguin's home is simple. Connor wanted to make a "crack", so we tried to make it look like it was stuck on a piece of ice. We had a good time learning and working together.It was fun to go into Connor class. He did a great job sharing about his animal, and it was fun to see what the other kids had made.

You may have noticed Connor's cute little nose. He got this nice scratch at school. I guess he fell at recess. You never know how your kid will return to you once you send them out into the world! We have almost survived kindergarten!

I NEED something new

2010-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

I thought about buying a new shirt, but then I thought it might be more fun to really change things up. SO... We decided to put our house up for SALE. I don't know that we will be moving any time soon, but who knows!

We FINALLY DID IT!

2010-04-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

CLEAN THOUGHTS LADIES.

WE FINALLY GOT A NEW MATTRESS.

I am sure that we are much like any other couples. When we got married we needed a bed. We spent $200 on a queen mattress and box spring ready to start are life together sleeping side by side. No longer spending those long hours out in the cold saying good by to one another. We could snuggle up together in our new bed. I am not sure how long we have been complaining about our bed. How much our backs hurt as we pull our selves out of bed each morning. Probably half way into our marriage Paul's parents gave us this nice 1 1/2 inch memory pad. I must say it is thanks to them that we have been able to use this mattress for as long as we have. It gave us time to save up money and finally decide that if we are willing to spend money on a week family vacation we should certainly prioritize and be willing to spend money on a mattress. After all we use it every day, besides that week vacationing and a few nights camping.

Only time will tell if having a better mattress makes any difference at all.

Pictures!

2010-04-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun yesterday taking some time to play around on photo shop. I can not get enough of looking at my kids. I love having photos of them, a moment in time frozen for ever. My fun Connor boy finally got his six year old pictures done. He was a good sport. I took him out a week or so ago. We spent an hour out taking pictures to come home and discover that I had not put the memory card into the camera. He was willing to go out and try again. I guess I am lucky to have lots of practice taking pictures of my kids. Maybe one day I'll have the opportunity to torture some other family. I tried a few different things with photo shop. It was lots of fun to get the book out and learn some fun effects. I am a beginner, but I love it.

A GOOD digital camera and photo shop. Does life get any better than that!

Singin' In The Rain Pictures

2010-04-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

So MANY memories. It is so much fun to take a bunch of strangers put them together with a common goal and watch them become Friends. I was so lucky to part of such a wonderful show with a great cast. I can NOT thank my friends and family enough for coming out supporting me. It is so wonderful to see a familiar smile and most of all simply to feel loved. THANK YOU!

We got to meet Don Lockwood!

Kim and I!
Christina and I
All I DO

Beautiful Girl

My night as one of the STARS!
Cast 2010

Easter!

2010-04-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about any holiday is having a reason to take pictures of my family. I love to dress them up and get them in front of the camera. I think the most common words out of my mouth is "Why do I even bother!". It can be very frustrating to get everyone to look at the camera and smile at the same time. Ex specially when we are using the timer, but more often than not we get something that I am happy with.

I was sad to discover that Easter was on General Conference weekend I love to make dresses for my girls, but I do not love to wear a dress if I do not have to. Lucky for me I have a crafty friend that had made these cute sun dresses for her girls and I decided it would be something that I could get done for the Sunday before. Too bad I am not the type of person that really plans ahead. I get an idea and make my self and family a little crazy, but always for a good cause. I tried to be practical this year. I did not make my kids get up and get dressed with their hair curled this year. Like I said I am all about the pictures. The kids had fun finding eggs and getting candy!At Grandma Pam's house we participated in egg decorating

Hannah made a cute little pigConnor made an alligator I was really pleased with how cute Connor's alligator turned out. He had some help!Bonnie had fun dying her eggsI did make the kids take pictures before going off to Grandma's. The sooner you put a smile on your face the sooner we go! The family picture is always a little tricky, but how I love seeing us all together!

Shadow Man Party

2010-03-29T15:37:00.001-07:00

I asked Connor what Theme he wanted for his sixth birthday. His response was NOT what I expected. He wanted to have a Shadow Man party. The Shadow Man happens to be the bad guy in the new movie "The Princess and the Frog". I suggested that it would be fun to have a Spider man party, but he really wanted to have a Shadow Man party. Realizing that this boy is only going to turn six once I did my best to give him a Shadow Man party. I had all ready bought spider man wrapping paper, so for his family party he still got all his presents in Spider man paper.Seeing that the store doesn't have stuff around for a Shadow Man birthday party I had to be creative. I thought face cards were close enough. I decorated with black and we played shadow games. We made shadow animals on the wall, and played a game of tag that I called "Don't step on my Shadow". I think the kids had a good time, and I know Connor was pleased with his Shadow Man Party!

I LOVE THIS!

2010-03-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Be a first-rate version of yourself, not a second-rate version of someone else." ~ Judy Garland

This quote was on a friend's blog and I Just LOVED it. One thing I have always struggled with even back when I was in school was comparing myself to others. I know that I am the happiest when I am doing my very best at just being me!

My life has been crazy busy and there is a part of me that loves a busy life. I don't have time to sit around and be unhappy with anything. I DO NOT have time! Lately I have been so happy! In stake conference a week or so ago the theme was Count your Blessings, and I am so grateful for an endless amount of blessings in my life.

HAPPY Birthday Connor

2010-03-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Connor turned SIX toady.

It is hard to believe that he is getting so big. It is hard to believe that he only has a couple months left of Kindergarten. At school he got to take home the Happy Birthday bag. In the bag was a book by Dr. Seuss "Happy Birthday to You". I had never read this book before. The basic message I got from it was how lucky you are to be you! I am so happy to have Connor as my boy. Before you have your kids it is difficult to imagine how life would be, but once you have them it is impossible to imagine life without them.

Connor is a boy that brings a smile to my face. He gets really into things. He doesn't just like things he LOVES it or HATES it. Things he has always loved are music and movies. Things that he started to love this year Mario and broccoli. I am excited to continue to see Connor learn and grow!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Opening Night

2010-03-26T11:12:00.001-07:00

It is a bit crazy that after three months of hard work the time has finally come. It is so much fun to be on stage singing and dancing. I love my hair cut with the costumes. I love wearing the hats and I have made a couple of really cute headbands that I LOVE!

This is a silly face, but I love how cute these costumes are!

Singin' In The Rain

2010-03-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

So I have to give a little shout out for this Production I have had the wonderful opportunity to be part of. The director has done a wonderful job, and what a great program we have in Lehi. If you have ever wanted to get into theater I would recommend looking into the Lehi art center. They work hard to provide quality shows to our community.

If you need a different idea for a date night or just want to come out and support me. I would LOVE to see you there. Let me know if you make it to a show. They are having a little contest with the cast members. Whoever gets the most people out to the show gets a little prize, so let me know if you can make it! Shows start this Thursday and run through April.

Happy St Patricks Day

2010-03-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

I love the Holidays. My Mother is a lover of Holidays, and has always done fun things to celebrate even the small holidays such as St. Patrick's Day. The most important part of St. Patrick's Day is simple, everyone dressed in green. I was happy that my Mom called to invite us to the traditional green dinner, but sad that we would have to miss it this year. I decided that I had better come up with something that I could make green. After much thinking I came up with green rice.
So this was a St. Patrick's day dinner. Green rice, chicken, broccoli, peas, and pickles. It worked. Maybe next year we can join in the fun with the rest of the family.

After dinner the kids spent the evening making a leprechaun trap. Connor has had mixed feelings about all this leprechaun stuff. The day before he came home from school all excited to tell me that his teacher ate a cookie that had been cursed by a leprechaun and her feet turned green. He DID NOT give her five at the end of the day just in case he would turn green from touching her.

I was surprised when he woke up the next morning and told me that leperchauns are NOT real and his teacher painted her feet green to play a trick. He informed me that his Dad told him. I mentioned that other kids think it is fun to pretend so please do not go to school telling everyone that it is not real.

I have been gone in the evenings so I was not home and was a bit surprised that Paul would tell him that is was all just a trick. Come to find out Connor was crying and very upset that he did not want to go to school the next day. "What if the leprechaun puts a curse on ME!" So, Paul had to break down and tell him that none of it was real. Well, what was the very next question from Hannah, "OK, so what about Santa Clause". Paul responded of corse Santa is real!!!

Well, Connor went to school the next day and came home to tell me. "Mom, Dad is wrong leprechauns are real." The kids then spent the evening making a leprechaun bed with treats next to it. Well, surprise surprise Connor didn't want to sleep in his bed. He DID NOT want to sleep next to a leprechaun.

They had also made a green mixer of some sort for the leprechaun to eat. The next day they were excited that the leprechaun had eaten some and wanted to keep it out, but I informed them that leprechauns ONLY come out on St. Patrick's Day!

What's in a NAME?

2010-03-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at a the Ashby family get together. It was requested that our family do the chipmunk song again to share as a talent. The kids have had a fun time singing and dancing along to the chipmunks, and I have been happy that we have had such great use from our Halloween costumes. We got to hear many other talented family members share their talents. And then for the BEST part the kids got to eat LOTS of cookies!The kids love getting together with their cousins.
Great Grandma Ashby and the kids

Lately of been thinking about names. Hannah was talking to me yesterday about her name and asking why I named her Hannah and why I named Bonnie her name. Most of our names have a story behind them why our parents choice the particular name they did for us. We our born into a family and get a last name, and then being a girl my last name was changed. I have often heard of parents talking with their children about the importantce of honoring their name. I always tried to be a good kid. In hopes that as my siblings went to school and other activities as teachers and leaders met them for the first time they would have a good opinion of who a MUIR child was. Now I feel that responsibility to teach my children the importance of honoring their name. I have the privilege to have the last name belonging to a wonderful family. They are a family with many talents and lots of love to share with others. I am so grateful to Paul's Grandma and my children's Great Grandma. She is a women I admire so much. She has taken time to write a book that has given me insight to who she is, she has made music Cd's, sewn barbie clothes for my girls, and gave Connor a book with wonderful stories she has written. She is a women who worked hard and sacrificed for her family. I feel very lucky to be part of family such a wonderful family.

The Granny Awards

2010-03-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

Hannah had a wonderful time being involved in the Lehi arts center children's theater production of "The Granny Awards". She got to play the part of one of the three little pigs. She did a great job learning the song and dances. I could not have been more happy as I watched her at the rehearsals and saw how well behaved she was. The Three Little Pigs

The three little pigs with the Big Bad Wolf

We were very excited to have so many family members come and support Hannah. It was fun to be able to watch her perform!

Funny Kids

2010-03-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

I love to listen to my kids play. My Bonnie has a wonderful imagination and can play for hours with her little princesses and littlest pet shops. Today she was playing with her little princesses and they were taking turns getting married. I listened to her as she sang for each princess.

"Here comes the bride so fat and wise."

Just what every bride dreams of having sung on their wedding day. I might be smart to teach her what the words really are seeing that I have a sister getting married in July and she might not appreciate that song being sung at her wedding.

Disneyland Trip 2010

2010-03-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

We were very lucky to be able to take our kids on a trip to Disneyland. We are the type of family that has a more difficult time spending a lot of money for a week of fun, but we also realize how important it is for our family to be able to make lasting memories together. We spent one entire week together going on rides, watching shows, and simply having fun!We were very lucky to be able to share the first three days with Grandma Lois and Grandpa Ed. Th kids got to take turns going on different rides sitting next to Grandma or Grandpa. I ended up riding a lot of rides solo. Which I didn't mind so much. I enjoy NOT having to let the kids control going up or down on Dumbo or pushing the pedal on the bumper car. Hey, in Disneyland everyone can be a kid. What would Disneyland be without Micky Mouse? And the girls all love Minnie.I was super excited when Mary Poppins came out from around the corner. I love Main st. in Disneyland. It is so much fun to see what Characters you just might run into.

By the end of the trip we all felt much like this!

As we were getting things all packed up I mentioned to Hannah that we would be back home ready for her to be back at school on Monday, Back to regular life. Her reply back to me was "I LOVE my regular life." It was wonderful to be able to take a trip together, but it is very wonderful that we do LOVE our regular life!

Story Telling Festival

2010-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

In Second grade everyone had to read a story in front of the class for the School story telling festival. Hannah picked the book Pinkalicious. Her and a couple other kids in her class were chosen to read in front of all the second graders. Hannah loves to READ!

and she loves pink, so this was a perfect choice for her. Hannah had the great idea to have pink hair. She had a fun time dressing up, and did a fabulous job!

My valentine kids.

2010-02-13T15:49:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy having valentines during the week, but this year having it on Sunday has made it so that valentine's day last all weekend long and I absolutely love it. I don't know if it the simple fact that all most all the snow is melted from my yard or maybe that the sun is out, but I love February and the chance it gives me to really think about the people that I love.

Hannah and I had a fun time together making her valentine box. I have been making an extra effort to allow Hannah to do her projects. I covered the box and did very little decorating. It is hard for some of us Moms to just let them go. It was fun to have something fun to do together. Hannah's Kissy lips.

I was lucky to have the chance to go into Connor's class and help with his valentine party. It is fun to see how excited he gets when I go to his class. Connor is a good listener and has worked so hard this year. He is becoming such a good reader. It is so much fun to hear that your kids are doing well in school.

Connor was very excited to go through all of his fun valentine notes and treats.

I was so excited to have my very own valentine greet me at the door. I love having my kids ride the bus home. It is so much fun when they return home to me.

It would not be a holiday without Mom torturing the kids with some group pictures. They were a bit of stinkers, but we got a couple of cute ones. I know that they are only going to be getting bigger and I love to have pictures of my kids together. It is so much fun to reflect and remember my kids as they grow.
Even when they are silly!

I LOVE MY KIDS!

Valentine!

2010-02-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I was really sad when I got out my valentine decorations to realize that I only had two things to put out. It motivated me to make a few other things to put my family in that fun loving mood that February brings. The best part was that the projects were made with stuff that I had just sitting around the house.

My sister's friend makes lots of fun decorations with a block of painted wood and some embellishments. This was something I came up with using some of her techniques.

Another fun block of painted wood with embellishments. I kind of hate that you can not see it all at once, but I was really happy with how cute it turned out.

This project I cheated a bit with. I put together the sign in the middle last year. It has been sitting around my craft room waiting for me to decide h0w I wanted to go about displaying it. Well, rod works had these cute wreaths for 40% off, and I felt like it would make my wreath a bit more fun and personal.

I enjoy February and the chance it gives us to show love through simple notes and chocolate!

Bonnie's Ladybug Pary

2010-02-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Bonnie had some of her preschool friends over to celebrate her 4th birthday. I found a fun little idea of having a Ladybug party, and spent the week making things for the party.One of my last minute ideas was to make a pinata. A special thank to my neighbors. I think I talked to four different people trying to find some newspaper. It was fun to get out and chat a bit. Making the pinata was an adventure, but I was NOT going to give up and I was SO happy with the results.Another fun game we decided to make was pin the eye on the ladybug. The ladybug looked much like an alien after everyone had a turn, but it was fun.

We did a ladybug relay. This is me showing the kids what to do. They had to put the body on, add the antennas, put black gloves and black socks on and the crawl to the other end of the room. They got to eat two pieces of candy and crawl back.

Look at all these cute little bugs!

I made a Ladybug cake

And I can not tell you how excited I was to come across this littlest pet shop Ladybug!

OK it was a little sad to see hours of work beat up. It did make me happy that Paul had to beat it pretty hard to get the pinata to break. I guess it was better made than I thought.

The kids had a great time, and most of us survived. As for the pinata, it did it's job. It was a wonderful decoration and it held candy very well.

I appreciate my husband and his help to keep things moving and cleaning things up as we moved from activity to activity. Good thing we had three kids we are finally getting pretty good at these birthday parties. A little direction from family fun.com and a crazy week putting together projects, but I am very lucky to be home to be able to do these fun things for me kids.

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

2010-02-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that my LITTLE ONE is FOUR! So four things that I absolutely love about Bonnie.

1. She is Beautiful... she has a smile that I tell her "melts my heart".

2. She has a great personality. She can be so fun and loving, but she can also be a ball of fire.

3. I love to listen to her play be herself. She has a wonderful imagination. She loves small toys that she can line up on the stairs and make believe. She enjoys playing with other people too, but she is one of those kids that really is good with doing her thing.

4. I love that Bonnie has her things that she loves. She loves to dress up, she likes lipstick and jewelry, and she has gone very few days of her life without a bow in her hair. She loves to wear leotards,bathing suits and sparkly dresses. Bonnie loves swimming and snowing (this is what she calls playing in the snow.)

I am such a lucky Mom to have Bonnie as My Girl!

It's All Becoming Clear!

2010-01-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

Paul was one of those kids that started wearing glasses at age five.At age thirteen he switched to contacts. At age thirty-one he decided it was time to be done. Saying GOOD bye to contacts.

He had three long weeks of glasses. He was reminded of what a pain glasses are as he went out sledding with the family. What a good day January 8,2010 to take off his glasses one last time.

Paul's parents were great to come and help us get our kids off to school.

All checked in and now we wait.

Ready to go...

I got to come a long. He needed someone to give him a ride home.

He was in good hands.

Love the color.

The Doc. said that everything was good to go!

It was neat to watch the procedure on a TV. My kids always pull their eyelids down and say, "You can see my blood." As they pulled Paul's eyes back that was the first thing that came to my mind. I can see you blood. All in all the day has been good. The kids got off to school, and Paul is all ready seeing things more clearly. I am very excited for Paul to have this new year to enjoy without dealing with contacts and glasses.

Well, he traded glasses and contacts in for a couple of plastic covers. I am not sure that this is really a better look, but it's only for a few days. The redness however, may take a few weeks to clear up. It will all be worth it in the end!

Happy Birthday Paul!

2010-01-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday has it's pros and cons for a birthday: you don't have to work, but you can not just go out to eat. I was going to go ahead and make a big breakfast and then my very next thought was "it's fast Sunday". So NO breakfast for Paul. The other sad things is that the one thing that he had told me he really wanted was sold out at three different stores. So, NO new Mario game for the Wii for Paul.

The kids made lots of cards and gave him a few pieces of candy wrapped up with lots of tape.

I hope that he likes the drill that I got him. He may know that this gift is more for me than him. I have been complaining about our crapy drill for the last couple of months.

He doesn't get to open his presents until after church. When we can have a little party. So even though things haven't gone like I would have liked them to. I hope that all the little things we do will at least show Paul how much we love and appreciate him.

Happy Birthday !

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

I love the start of a new year. My brother is getting baptized tomorrow and it has caused me to reflect on my own baptism. I was baptized Jan 1 1989. My birthday is actually in November, but the ward building we were attending at the time was under construction so my baptism had to be post pond. Because I had to wait my Mother thought it would be nice to have my special day on the first of the year.

So here we are again at the start of a new year! The unknown, isn't it a little bit exciting. There are a few things you can anticipate: Holidays, birthdays, maybe a vacation or two, work days, and laundry days. Some of the same old same old, but without question there will be some surprises. Hopefully some surprises will be good inevitably some will not be so good, but this is life.

This last week of December 2009 has been the best! Paul took the week of work. It has been so nice to have my family home. We have played together and worked together. I love the memories we are building with our kids, and I am really excited to have another year to continue building wonderful memories together.

Some of my excitement for the new year is probably due to the fact that for the last two years we have been telling are kids that when Bonnie is Four years old we will all go to Disney Land. It is hard to believe, but my little one turns four this year! I have only been to Disney Land once myself so I am very excited to go back and share the magic with my kids.

2009 a year full of magic and memories!

Life!

2009-12-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, how the weeks fly by. I knew that Christmas would come faster than I wanted it to. My favorite part of holidays is the preparation. I enjoy the decorations, the cooking, and the fun activities. At times I pack too much into one week or sometimes into one day, but I love it when the day is over and you can think about all the things you were able to get done in one day. I find that when life is busy I am able to accomplish so much more simply because I have to use every minute to get things done. I was delighted yesterday when I added the last bow to the last Christmas present. I will be a little more delighted when my house is clean. This month has been very busy.

I singed Hannah and Bonnie up for swim lessons. I really didn't think about how busy that would make our evenings but it was worth it. I loved siting down for 30 minutes and watch my girls turn into little fish. They both are becoming such great swimmers. After seeing the classes Connor decided that it is something he wants to try so he will have a turn soon too.

I love this time of year and the chance it gives me to really think about how blessed I am. At times I do the opposite and realize how unfair life is. Being raised in a large family one thing my mother always did her very best was to make life as fair as possible. As I have grown up I still expect life to be fair, but that simply isn't how things work. Sometimes life is hard, sometimes people that you love get hurt, and sometimes things simply don't go your way. But this is life, and as we go through life the hard things are usually the things that teach us the most.

Blessing in MY life...
Parents who love and want the best for me
Great in-laws
A WONDERFUL husband with rock solid pecks!
Three beautiful healthy children
A warm home
Clean clothes
Food to fill our bellies
Great neighbors (We have received so many fun and tasty treats this year.)
A sister who is my very best friend
Cars to get around with
Great jobs
My rainbow vacuum
A three foot Santa that puts a smile on my face every time I see him
The Gospel
A NEW day to learn something new.

Christmas will be here in just a few days. The presents will opened and decorations put away. I want to hold on to these few days before Christmas. I love the days of anticipation as we look forward to seeing our children with twinkles in their eyes as they open their gifts. I look forward to seeing family, and eating good food. As I try to enjoy the present I look forward to the future. Another year full of wonder,mystery and surely challenges. What a blessing it is to have this time of year simply to reflect and look forward to another year of learning and opportunity.

I am Still Not OLD yet!

2009-11-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to ME! Today I turned 29! I am really excited for my last year being in my 20's. I have had a WONDERFUL DAY! Lots of phone calls. I found out this week that not one but two of my sister's boyfriend share a birthday with me. My first reaction was to be annoyed. I all ready share my birthday with my Mother in Law, who I love dearly, but I am a very selfish individual and can NOT understand how it is possible that I can not have ONE day of my very own. Then as my sisters called to wish me a Happy Birthday I realized this may be to my advantage. Having boyfriends that look like they may turn into husbands that have the same birthday will help them remember my birthday too. So, I get to share a special day with lots of other special people, and I am very spoiled to have a family that does so much for me to make my day special.

My day started with getting woken up by the phone ringing. My Mom called to be the first to wish me a happy birthday. Seeing that my life started because of my Mother that was a great beginning for today.

I received a email from my Dad. It's nice to know that you are loved. Even if you have to remind them.

Paul, took the day off work! He made a crepes for breakfast. We took Hannah out to school early so that we could all go to lunch at Olive Garden and the spend a couple hours swimming at the Legacy Center. We had dinner at McDonald (Not my favorite restaurant, but the kids love the toys and it was nice to be able to sit and talk with Paul while they played.) My kids have wished me happy birthday about a dozen times during the day, and they are super excited to give me presents. Bonnie is in the other room making something and every time I walk by she yells out "Don't LOOK!"

I love my kids, husband and family, Thanks for such a WONDERFUL day!

October

2009-11-03T11:31:00.001-08:00

We had lots of fun together doing family things!We went to a pumpkin patch to find pumpkins, Mom went to get some pictures!

Paul helped the kids find the nice BIG pumpkins.

No matter how fun the activity may be Bonnie finds a way to pull off a great pouty face.

One perfect pumpkin

Two perfect pumpkins

Three perfect pumpkins

My Halloween costume for the gymnastics Halloween party. I only had one kids in tears.

Carving Pumpkins, A yucky job!

The finished Product!

For Halloween this year we had three adorable Chipmunks

Alvin, Simon, and Theodor

And Two scary Vampires!

How do you KILL a black widow?

2009-10-15T11:19:00.001-07:00

So, I am just throwing this out there. How do YOU kill a black widow? I was not thrilled when one of my smart little gymnast pointed out that I had two black widows in my window well. Lucky for me there were "outside" but way to close to my house to get to stay alive. The only problem is that I don't like to kill little spiders the size of a pin head and these spiders were about the size of a quarter and black widows. I told Paul that I had two spiders that I really needed him to kill for me when he got home from work.

Well, he got home checked the bug spray that we had and it said that it did NOT work on black widows. So, the spiders lived another day, and I had a very hard time getting to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes all I could see was this spider and I believe in my head they were getting bigger.

Come the next day I finally came up with a solution. We could suck the spider up with my rainbow vacuum. This way we would be able to drown them in the water and once they were caught we could dump the water making sure they were dead.

It worked not only did we get the two spiders, but also a few white sacks that appeared to be holding lots baby black widows. I am sure there is probably a more common way to get rid of black widows, but for now at least our home safe from a couple of bad spider bites!

Hannah's picutres

2009-09-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

It only took me three months, but I finally got around to getting Hannah's seven year ole pictures done. She had a fun time, and it is so much fun to see how beautiful my little girl is as she is growing up!

Here we go AGAIN!

2009-09-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have heard of a lot of people that have been burning calories at Gold gym. As I have been busy:staying up late, sleeping in, and enjoying good treats. I have had the side affects of tight pants. When my husband commented on my tight buns I mentioned that was because I had to squeeze my buns into my pants. So, here we go again. Paul and I are lovers of the program Body for Life. I guess the only problem is that we tend to use the program more like body for three months. I guess it is still for life after all we always fall back on it.

I thought it might be good for me to keep an update on how things are going. For this last week we successfully worked out six day and ate very healthy. I think we are both looking forward to our free day. I froze some cookies so that I can enjoy hot chocolate chip cookies. I think the free day is the reason I love this program so much. One day a week that I can whatever I want and however much I want!

The biggest difference I have noticed this week. Not that my pants are any looser, but that I have a lot more energy. I am getting up earlier, but I am not as tired through out the day. I kept wondering if I was pregnant, which I am NOT. (For me that is a good thing. I realize for others that is not as reliving.) Too think all I needed to do was start working out and stop being so lazy!

I survived!!!

2009-09-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

I actually made it three weeks with out my husband. I can honestly say that I had some very very bad days, but there were some good days too. It is crazy to think that when Paul left Connor had only gone to school for two days, and now it is almost a routine.

I am so grateful to have a husband to share responsibilities with. I did end up going three weeks with out mowing the lawn, lucky for me it really isn't growing too fast right now. I did manage to put the trash out all three weeks, but I must say that I did forget to get the mail many days.

I put rice on to cook and remembered to actually turn it to cook, and because strawberries were only a $1.00 I bought the stuff to have strawberry short cake. A favorite of mine this summer!

My kids have been counting down the days until Dad comes home. If there is one thing to be said is that when Dad is gone he is greatly missed! It makes me appreciate that he was only gone for three weeks!

More scrapbook pages

2009-09-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

So, I will eventually have something else to share, but this is new and fun and most importantly I have to show my husband what I did all day! Look at all my hard work. I also taught two classes of gymnastics, mopped the kitchen floor, cleaned three bathrooms, vacuumed the living room and stairs, and shampooed a spot in the living room. I did all this plus helped the kids with homework actually got my reading done. Now I am ready to go to bed.