Surgery!

Hubby had to have surgery on his shoulder :( He had a broken clavicle that never healed right, some bone spurs, and a torn rotator cuff. This is on the ceiling in the pre-op room. Funny huh...I guess they are trying to make you relax.

He is putting on all the appropriate clothing.

See that tube? It is this awesome thing that hooks in to his hospital gown and blows warm air in between the layers of material to keep you warm. It was pretty nice, kind of want one for myself :)

Got to mark his shoulder so they don't cut up the wrong one.

He is all ready to rock and roll.

One last picture before they wheel him off.

This is how he looks today...well drugged up, a huge ice pack, and cute sling. Glad the surgery was a success. Love him tonzzzzz!

What is that?

That is what you use to fix the toilet handle when it brakes on a late Sunday night. It is "sinew". I told hubby he should just go to the store and buy a new handle. He said "why would I do that when I can just fix it for one night".

Can we all say "RED NECK TOILET" together?

You got to love a man that can fix anything :)

For Narnia!!

I went and saw Narnia #3 last night and LOVED it! There were so many great lines in the movie that I actually got out paper and wrote some of them down while still watching the movie ( I am such a nerd). So here are some of my favorites:
1. I've spent too long wanting what was taken from me and not wanting what was given to me.
2. A noble warrior does not run from fear.
3. Don't run from who you are.
4. Extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people.
5. To defeat the dark out there, you must first defeat the dark within yourself.

There were some even better ones, but I didn't get out my pen fast enough...guess I just need to go and see it again :)

Thanksgiving part 2

 We went to Boise for the REAL Thanksgiving day to see the in-laws. We stayed in a hotel for 3 nights and had to go swimming 3 times. The kids loved it. The top picture is of Miss. P and Miss. S enjoying the water

 This is me and the same sweet girls!

 Mr. A and Miss. K posing for pictures.

 And the picture of the night...Mr. A showing off his muscles and then kissing them :) What a boy. And the last picture is Miss. K and hubby hanging out at the pool just relaxing. It was a fun trip, the roads were horrible getting there but it was worth it.

Jazz game!!!

 We had really good seats, and the best part is....the tickets were free!

A good time for a family picture :)

 This would be a picture of the crazy lady that was sitting by us. She had on a wizards hat...but we were playing the San Antonio Spurs...she was a little drunk to add to the fun.

This is how Miss.K dealt with the loud fans. The Jazz lost but we still had a good time.

Thanksgiving part 1 (do not read if you are squeemish or an animal rights activist)

 Thanksgiving at my moms house was great. The food was wonderful, the conversation was stimulating, the singing around the piano was perfect...and then there was the killing of the chickens!!!

See Grandpa has chickens and 4 of then have stopped laying eggs. So the obvious next step is get rid of them. The big boys decided they would take care of it for Grandpa.

 To be honest I think they had a little too much fun.

I even heard the suggestion that this should be a family tradition-eat dinner-play games-kill a few chickens. Oh what a day! (no real chickens were hurt in the making of this blog--except for 4 real ones-that is all-I promise)

Oh so pretty :)

 Last night or rather this morning at 3:00 a.m. 3 branches broke off of our tree. They hit the house and scared me to death. No damage, just lost some sleep!

 My sweet husband shoveled a nice trail for me--now that is true love!

He couldn't resist measuring how much snow we received.

It is already melting.

Day 30: a dream for the future

I have only 1 main dream for the future and that is.....to meet my Father in Heaven and hear him say "Well Done". Everything I do, everything I am, and everything I should be will hopefully lead to that dream in the future (about 60 years away :)

Day 29: hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

I am pretty happy with the way things are right now...so my hopes and dreams for next year aren't too dramatic.  I hope we survive another year of hubby being a grad student.  I dream of all my kids in school, at least 1/2 day. I plan on a daughter entering the Yong Women's program and loving it. That is about all.

Day 28: what's in my handbag/purse

I don't think I have anything in my purse that would surprise you, but here is my list

Wallet-cash, insurance cards, stuff like that
Address book
Hand sanitizer
Gum
Chap stick
Band aids
Lotion
Cell phone
Keys

Yep...pretty boring.

Day 27: my worst habit

So many things to choose from ...... I will go with this:


I am a very hard worker and give 100%, I can't stand when people don't do the same. Slackers, lazy people, people with no goals or direction, are all pet peeves of mine. I should be less judgemental, I am working on it :)

Day 26: your week, in great detail

I feel like "Great detail" is too overwheling for me....so I will give you the hightlights of this coming week instead.
Monday: Weight Watchers meeting, Help out in the 1st grade class,Family Home Evening, Mr. A gets a haircut
Tuesday: Relief Society Craft night, Hubby has school til 10:30
Wednesday: nothing too exciting, Hubby has Church stuff till 10:30
Thursday: Babysit 2 kids from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Dance Class for the girls from 5:30- 6:30, Hubby has school till 9:00 p.m.
Friday: Kids have half day at school and then off to the Jazz game (we have lower bowel tickets yawhooooo!!)
Saturday: Early Thanksgiving at my moms house!
Sunday: Church, hopefully a little visiting teaching.

Day 25: your day, in great detail

Today was not a typical day at our house but I will give you "great detail" anyways.

My kids were out of school because it was the end of term. We woke up and got the laundry started. I worked out and then showered. Got the kids all ready and waited for the little girl I babysit to show up. Then we left for Logan and drove 1 hour and 45 minutes up there (my younger sister lives there and she has been really sick so we decided to go and help her out). We had to stop part of the way up there because everyone needed a potty brake. Got to my sisters house and the kids played outside and walked the dog. I cleaned the front room, then the kitchen, and then picked her son up from Kindergarten. Then I became brave and took 6 kids all to McDonald's for an hour (yep all by myself--got a few funny looks). Then went back to my sisters house and folded laundry and cleaned the family room. Then off to the bedroom to clean and put laundry away. While doing that the girls decided to put on a fashion show for my sister with all of her cute shoes and hats. It kept her entertained while she lay sickly in bed. I cleaned the bathroom and figured out what they were going to eat for dinner and then we drove home. I got stuck in rush hour traffic and wanted to yell at several rude drivers but chose not to (I had the little girl I babysit in the car with us, what would she say to her mother if she heard me yelling at strangers!!!) Got home and my friend picked her daughter up while I made dinner for my family. We ate and then just relaxed for about 30 minutes before it was time to get the kids ready for bed....oh man nothing got done at my house...the laundry was still not done, the dishes didn't get done, I do believe the beds got made, but can't really remember. It was a long day, but I was so happy I could go and help my sister out. I love her so much and know she will only be sick for awhile. I actually enjoy doing that kind of service. Just wish she lived a little closer :)

Day 24: where I live

I live in a place that has the sound of children's voices-most of the day. I live in a fairly clean home, one that is not too small and not too big. I live in a neighborhood with fabulous neighbors and a great ward. I live in a peaceful and love filled home. I am usually surrounded with music, from the radio or the kids playing the piano. I live in a country that gives me freedom. I live in a country where millions chose to fight for that freedom, they are not MADE to do it they chose to. I live in a country that lets me chose what religion I want to practice. I live in a city that (usually) supports my standards and the standards I want my children to learn. I live in a GREAT place.

Day 23: a youtube video

I have no personal videos on youtube...but this one is amazing!!!! ENJOY!

Day 22: a website

So many choices............and the winner is........................LDS.org
I use this site all of the time to prepare my lessons for church. The church is an extension of who I really am.

Day 21: a recipe

This one is for Michelle---I brought this to your house for the movie marathon!!! (I doubled it and used a 9x13)

HOT FUDGE CAKE (note this is NOT weight watchers friendly)

1 cup all-porpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons baking coca, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup packed brown sugar
1-3/4 cups hot water
whipped cream or ice cream , optional (I think this is a MUST HAVE not optional :)

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt.  Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth.  Spread in an ungreased 9-in square baking pan.  Combine brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle over batter.  Pour hot water over all; do not stir.  Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.  Serve warm.  Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

Day 20: a hobby of yours

Now here I can post a lot of things:
-I love to play the piano, put love to hear others play it more :)
-I love to do crafts, although I am a better COPIER than doing original stuff
-Friends are fun, is that a hobby-hanging out with your friends?
-Couponing, yep I enjoy a good deal
-I love to try new things
-Reading is a great hobby
-Doing my nails, Wednesday nights Hubby is doing Church stuff and that just always seems to be the day I do my finger and toe nails
-Blogging is a good hobby too
-PTA I always get sucked into this one, but do enjoy it a little :)

So that is my list of Hobbies-I am sure there are more but just can't seem to think of them today.

Day 19- a talent of yours

Another hard one---I can do many things moderately well but not well enough that I would consider myself talented in that area. So after much thought I have come up with this---I am a dedicated person. I am not sure that can be categorized as a talent, but I am voting yes. When I give my word that I will do something I will do everything in my power to make sure it gets done, if not by me by someone else. It goes along well with the traits of hard work, discipline, commitment, honesty, and loyalty (well now I just sound like a boy scout!) I will say that I acquired this talent of being dedicated from watching my parents wonderful example, so the credit really goes to them:)

Day 18: my wedding

Once again--no pictures because back in the day you didn't have digital (that makes me seem really old). So I will give you some wonderful details about the day I got married.

We were married May 9, 1996, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. We were married at 11:00 a.m. and the weather was perfect. After we took pictures with family we went on a carriage ride around Salt Lake (it really made me feel like a princess). We had an open house at my in-laws house and then a reception up in Idaho the next day. We were such poor collage students that we went to Lagoon for our Honeymoon. We had strawberries dipped in chocolate, small little puff things with chicken salad in them for our reception. I love that food and if I had to do it all over again I would still pick the same stuff.

I have been married for 14 1/2 years and I am still loving it :) I have a fabulous hubby that continually shows me how much he loves me. He is an amazing man, works full time, is a student at BYU (getting his masters degree) and is in the Bishopric. He is a great father and a wonderful friend. I am so blessed to have married him!

Day 17: an art piece

This is a fun project that I just finished not long ago. Silhouettes are all the rage now (or so say they on Studio 5) and I have seen a few Blogs posting about them. There is a lady who will do a Silhouette of your child for $25...now come on! You all know that there is no way I would pay $25 for that....so.... I made the kids sit on the piano bench while I got out a piece of black paper and just cut out their profile. It only took about 10 minutes and was pretty painless for them (those are stickers with their age on them). The problem is any true artist will tell you that a project is never truly "finished" but mearly abandoned for the next project. I must be a true artist because I have taken this off the wall and re-cut parts of it at least 3 times. I finally had to tape the back closed so I wouldn't be tempted to mess with it again. Yet there are days when I look at it and want to rip it off the wall and fix it AGAIN.

Mark Schultz - He's My Son

Day 16-a song that makes you cry (or nearly)   I love this song so much and I really do almost cry everytime I hear it. I am not so sure I LOVE this video, there are some parts I could do without.  But it was the best way to show this song. Hope you enjoy! p.s. I am more then half way done with my 30 day blog journal hope you aren't too bored yet:)

Day 15: your dream house

This is a hard one for me. I try really hard not to think about a "Dream House" because it just makes me not appreciate what I have. I don't even go to the Parade of Homes because after wards I tend to dwell on all the things I WANT and don't NEED. So for todays entry you get this: In my Dream House I would like to be somewhere that I feel safe, my family is close by, and maybe a bigger bathtub!

Day 14: a non-fictional book

These last two days I kind of feel are a repeat of day 4: your favorite book.

So here is another one of my favorite books, it is more of a Self-Help book rather than a non-fictional but this is my blog and I can do what ever I want to, right! 

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I love to read the stories about all the people and how they have changed their lives. I would love to make a  living by helping people do their budgets and getting them out of debit. It is amazing to see the burden lifted off of their shoulders when they realize how much better their lives are with out debt. We have been living the Dave Ramsey method for years and years....go read it :)

Day 13: a fictional book

Toes are to Tickle by Shen Roddle: One of my kids favorite story books.

Day 12: something(s) you are OCD about

I have a few. For those who know me well, none of these will come as a surprise to you!

1. Weight Watchers-I have been a member for 2 years and a life timer for 18 months and I still journal every bite I put into my mouth :)
2. Money-I have to balance my bank statement the day I get it, I love a good budget :)
3. I need a list-it makes me feel like I have accomplished something.

Day 11: a photo of you recently

 Miss. K took this photo of me 5 minutes ago. Not too bad for a 4 year old!

This Wednesday we had the ward Halloween party. I was trying to blow a bubble. I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, Miss. P is an 80's Rock Star and this is our friends little girl just hanging out with us.

So there you have it, a recent photo (or 2).

Day 10: a photo taken over 10 years ago of you

So here is the thing...I have no pictures of me over 10 years ago on my computer. I don't have a scanner and they are all in scrapbooks. So for todays journal entry I will give you a detailed description of what was going on in my life 10 years ago.

I was living in Magna,Utah. I had an 18 month old little girl and was puking my guts out with my 2nd pregnancy.  My husband had been laid off from his job about 9 months ago and was working at a very low-paying job that he hated and had nothing to do with all the schooling he had received but it was paying the bills, barely. During October of 2000 he was offered a new job that paid 3 times what he was currently making but he was required to travel a ton, he took the job and worked there for 5 years.  I got called to be the Young Women's president and my husband got called to be the Young Men's president all in the same month.

Our lives always seem to have a little bit of chaos in them, but that is what keeps it interesting.

Day 9: a photo you took

We took a trip to the "Gateway Mall" this spring. The weather was still kind of cold but the kids really wanted to just "touch" the water. It was a pretty fun day!

Day 8: a photo that makes you angry/sad

This photo doesn't necessarily make me angry but maybe a little sad. Mr. A and Hubby went on the Father and Sons campout. While there they fished for crawdads and two of the young men decided to see how tough they were and attach the crawdads to themselves. Don't they look like they are in pain, but yet it makes me laugh just a little.

Day 7: A photo that makes you happy

This was taken in Moab this summer. It reminds me of Indiana Jones!!

Day 6: 20 of my favorite things

1. I love fresh sheets on my bed
2. I love vacuum lines on the carpet
3. I love the smell of new carpet
4. I love to wear slippers
5. I love chapstick or lipgloss
6. I love to do the Numbrix # challenge in the paper every Sunday
7. I love when my kids come home from school happy
8. I love teaching Relief Society
9. I love chatting with old and new friends
10. I love that I grew up in a small town in Idaho
11. I love spray Whip Cream in a can
12. I love to eat shrimp
13. I love when I don't have to pay full price for stuff
14. I love the feeling you get after a good hard workout
15. I love the smell of grass just after it is mowed
16. I love the smell of BBQ (I like to eat it too)
17. I love reading my Fathers journals
18. I love when my sisters give me their clothes they no longer like
19. I love my hardworking HUBBY!!!!!
20. I love BLOGGER!!! ( I like to look at others blogs even if I don't know the people)

Day 5: Favorite quote

I have two for this one (obviously I have a hard time sticking to the rules because I can't seem to say just one thing :)

1. Do or Do Not, there is no TRY! (this is from a Star Wars movie...said by Yoda)
2. Nephi said "I will go and do not sit and stew" (this was given by John Bytheway at a fireside)

Day 4: Favorite Book

This is from a movie:
"Name the three greatest books ever written."
"Well I would have to pick, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Yep I would have to pick those."

Do you know what movie that is from???

Although those are fabulous books they are not my pick for today. Here is my list (I love to read...you can't really expect me to just pick just 1 book :)

In no particular order:
1. The Harry Potter series
2. Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley
3. The Twilight series
4. The Sisters Grimm series
5. Fable Haven series
6. Fire of the Covenant
7. Pretty much anything by Anita Stansfield
8. The Work and the Glory series
9. No Doubt about it
10. I like Nicholas Sparks books (pretty much all of them, but I hate most of his endings.  He really likes to kill people off and I am not a huge fan of that). Although I am not a big fan of the movies they have made from his books (they can be rather graphic).

Well that is my list. If you haven't read any of these books get off the computer and go to the library and get them :)

Jane, Lisbon final scene - "Just kidding"

Day 3: Favorite TV show...I love the Mentalist. The director is Bruno Heller (a very unique name if you ask me) and we have a joke around our house, you don't ask if  "The Mentalist" is on, you say is "Bruno Heller" on. I know...we are a bunch of dorks!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trailer Official HD

Day 2: Favorite Movie....What more needs to be said other then "HARRY POTTER". I LOVE them all :)

Allred "With or Without You" 4/2/08

Day 1: favorite song. "Allred" does a cover of "With or Without You"=my favorite song! Love the way he sings into the guitar. If you ever have the chance to see "Allred" do a concert you should really go. Totally worth the money.

I saw this cute 30 day Blog Journal on a friends site. I thought it might be fun to do...so I will have a post every day that follows along with the list. Wish me luck. It starts tomorrow :)

Day 1 - your favorite song
Day 2 - your favorite movie
Day 3 - your favorite television program
Day 4 - your favorite book
Day 5 - your favorite quote
Day 6 - 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 - a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 - a photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 9 - a photo you took
Day 10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 - a photo of you recently
Day 12 - something you are OCD about
Day 13 - a fictional book
Day 14 - a non-fictional book
Day 15 - your dream house
Day 16 - a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 - my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 - a talent of yours
Day 20 - a hobby of yours
Day 21 - a recipe
Day 22 - a website
Day 23 - a youtube video
Day 24 - where I live
Day 25 - your day, in great detail
Day 26 - your week, in great detail
Day 27 - my worst habit
Day 28 – what’s in my handbag/purse
Day 29 - hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 - a dream for the future

a BETTER me.

My friend Jen at http://magnamom.blogspot.com/ did a post about what helps her to be a better mom (getting your oxygen first). So I thought I might follow suit and do one also.

Here is my list of things that help me get my oxygen first.

1. I need my spiritual cup filled (daily)
2. I need exercise (I get pretty cranky if I miss more than 3 days, I also break out if I don't workout)
3. I need a list (when it is the end of the day I need to feel that I accomplished something even if my house doesn't show it)
4. I need family ( I talk to my sisters or my mother at least once a day)
5. I need a good book (not sure why I need this one, but I do)
6. I need good music (it makes me feel young!)
7. I need things to look forward to (weather it is a date night with the hubby, or fun movie night with the kids, or even a cupcake, it helps me to make it through the dull moments of dishes and laundry)


So this is my list....I would love to hear what helps you survive!

HEAVEN!!!

Nothing more needs to be said except....they are in Logan!

BYU Grad students perks!

We got to go to a Graduate Students opening social down in Provo. The kids had a great time. Free food, free live music, and they got their picture taken with Cosmo the Cougar.

Mr. A

This kid is amazing! Not only can he climb walls...but he has a heart of gold. The other day he said he wanted to stay in his church clothes all day because "it reminds him that someday he will get baptized". Then last night he asked if he could have a play date with another kid that is 2 years younger then him. I asked him why he wanted a play date with him, he said "I don't think he has very many friends and we all need friends". What an awesome kid!!!!

Narnia

I just finished book #5 of the Narnia series last night. Now on to #6 "The Silver Chair". Just thought you would like to know :)

Forever!

This is my younger sister and her family. Her and her Husband were sealed in the Logan Temple this last weekend. It was so wonderful. And yes I cried like a baby!!!!
This is my family with our spouses. What a good looking bunch!

The cabbage.

The last week of school all the 3rd graders were given a plant to grow over the summer. Miss. S got a cabbage. They were to track its growth and take pictures along the way. When they were all done growing their plant they turn in the project and are eligible for a $1000 scholarship!!! Miss. S did a great job taking care of her cabbage.

School.

No, Kambree has not started school yet. But in 2 more weeks she will, preschool that is. (she is blowing me a kiss!)

Austin was just excited to eat lunch at school. We even practiced opening the milk carton!

Shawntell loves her new teacher. She was so excited to go back.

Paige is in her last year of Elementary School. Yes she is the big lady on campass and loves every minute of it.

The last of my birthday money.

I got some money back in May for my birthday and I finally decided where to spend it...a concert!! I love live music. Growing up in Idaho I didn't have the opportunity to go to many concerts. Because of where we live now I have the opportunity to see not only big named bands but lots of local talent. I am loving the local artists a lot, plus the tickets were only $10, can't beat that.

This concert was at the Avalon. We had never been there before. It is rather old, but way fun.
This is a picture of me with one of the opening acts. Their band name is JWRIDE. The main guy (on the right) plays the piano and sings, the other guy played the drums (never found the base player for a picture with him, oh well). They were so much fun to watch. I would love to see them in concert again.

Here is me with Benton Paul. He was the reason we went in the first place. He was AmaZinG! This last year he toured with David Archuleta ( you know, the American Idol kid). I have a wonderful husband that goes to the concerts with me and takes my pictures with everyone. He never gets his pictures with people because he thinks that would make him a "groupie"!




It was a fun night out with my sweet heart. And $10 well spent!

2 for the price of 1.

Just went to the Dr.s again and found out that I broke 2 toes not just one. Good to know!

I must be loved!

Have you heard the saying "the Lord tests those he loves"? Well I must really be loved!! I am going on "Trek" (where the youth in our church re-inact the pulling of the handcarts that the pioneers did) next week. It is 24 miles in 3 days. I was getting something out of the closet for "Trek" and the box with the iron in it fell off the shelf and smashed my middle toe.
The tip of the 3rd toe is fractured. Cool colors huh! I have to wear that pretty shoe for 1 week and then buddy tape it for 3 weeks. But I still get to go on "Trek". This is just a test to see if I really wanted to go.

Washington

Shawns Grandmother passed away this last week and so we had the opportunity to go to the funeral. They live on a farm in Quincy, WA. This is one of the funnest things to do on the farm. The kids loved it.

This is a picture of Great Grandpa, Shawn's parents, and 4 of his siblings. I think 14 people were not able to attend from hubbies immediate family. So if they were all there this picture would have twice as many people.

And of course we needed a picture of us all dressed up. Nothing better then a funeral to get a family all together...OK maybe there are better ways.