Full of emotion today!!!

Today started out great. We got up early and hit the road to take the kids to Grandma and Grandpas. We met them half way which was about 5 hours. The kids were so good and so excited to see their grandma and grandpa.

Troy and I were excited because he had 2 interviews for a job this week that he was very qualified for. We were really hoping he would get it. We prayed all week and felt a lot of peace. Today was the big day the decision would be announced and the winner of the job would start Monday. Yes this Monday... We had so much hope as we started our day. It would take so much worry away... No worries about how we were going to pay this bill or that bill. It was going to be perfect timing...

So we met my mom and dad and had lunch at Subway then we kissed our children goodbye and headed our seperate ways back home. At 3:19 we got the call that Troy didn't get the job. I felt like someone slugged me in the chest and I started crying... Now all the worries came back full force. I felt so much emotion and frustration and sadness and disappointment all rolled up into one. I felt like it was going to swallow me whole.... How much more can we take... How much more will we be expected to take???? When will this stupid unemployment end...

To make matters worse when I walked in the door I felt an overwhelming sadness for my children. I miss them so much already I am crying while I type this. I wish I could hold them on my lap and love on them and hear their cute little voices. I guess I will just have to make the phone call and wait 11 days to love on them in person.

I will be happy for this day to end... Tomorrow has to be better right????

Troy's 40th Birthday Present!!!

I wanted to do something special for Troy for his 40th birthday. He's had a tough year and I wanted to make it special. So our families went in on this for him.

He got a one hour helicopter lesson and a one hour air lesson.

I sent him and the instructor with the camera so they could take pictures and they didn't even get one of Troy. Oh well at least he got the helicopter so use your imagination and you'll see him standing there in the picture.

WE MOVED!!!!

I haven't posted because we have been busy moving for the last week. Let me tell you it has been a big job. We have lived in our house for 7 years. 7 years of collecting stuff...

I'll tell the whole story (when I'm not at work) and even post some pictures of our new house.

Needless to say it was sad leaving our old house, but we are so excited about our new house. It is a better fit for our family. We have a lot more space, the kids are happy we now have stairs and we have a beautiful pool complete with a waterfall. I love floating in the pool with the sound of the water trickling. That is true relaxation....

Lauren and Reagan are so easy to put to bed at night too, because it wears them out swimming.

Please come visit.

Adventures of a job interview:

Troy has a job interview today. We are so excited for him. We have been praying really hard.

But...

Last night at 3:00 a.m. Reagan got up in the night. Troy had him in his arms to bring him to bed with us to get him back to sleep when....

Troy tripped over the dog....

This all happened in slow motion as I watched him fly through the air! He almost recovered when...

The above said dog stood up...

Therefore hindering any progress in Troy's recovery and he continued to fly through the air. All he could think about was protecting his son from getting hurt in the fall.

So... he didn't break his own fall and fell face first into the side of the mattress. His nose started bleeding like a running river and then....

It started to swell...

Now let me remind you what he had first thing this morning...

A JOB INTERVIEW...

I asked him if he thought he would get hired with a big nose because man his was starting to become HUGE....

So he sat in the rocking chair in the middle of the night with a frozen bag of green beans on his nose!!!

And it looked much better this morning. Whewww...

Cookies anyone???

We made cookies today and they are so yummy! The kids looked snazzy in their aprons that Grandma gave them for Christmas.

Lauren said: It was cool to make lots and lots of cookies and we like them. I love so many things but mostly cookies.

Reagan: I like making cookies. They are so fun to make. I really like to eat them. Especially this kind. I like chocolate chip cookies.

The bugs last day of Basketball Camp. She loved it.

She was even fashion forward and wore a skirt for her last day of camp. That's our girls style. She likes to be different and do her own thing. She is definetly a free thinker in that area.

There were many years that I would fight with her to wear what I thought would look good and all it led to was frustration for both of us. One day she was late to school because she had put together this really crazy outfit that did not match... not even close.... Oh boy..... I spent a good 30 minutes trying to talk her out of it. Lots of crying....

We got to school and her Kindergarten teacher told me not to worry because this is when kids are trying to learn who they are and express themselves. So from that time on I settled down and let her pick her own creations. Some days I have just shaken my head when she went out the door but she was happy!!!

Isn't that what is important for our children.... to be happy in life..... and to feel good about themselves????

We set up the tent in the living room because the kids love to sleep in it. It's too darn hot here to sleep outside so we compromise.

We spent the afternoon making funny faces...

... playing card games like Go Fish and War and Reagan played a little Wii inside the tent while peeking out. It was a fun afternoon.

Our daddy spent the afternoon looking for jobs. Please pray he finds one soon.

This is what happens to little girls who play Pretty Princess Board Game.....

And this is what happens to Dad's who play Pretty Princess Board Games with their little girls...

And this is what Reagan decided to play sitting right next to them... Hot Wheels...

My awesome husband bought me a kitchen sprouter from Honeyville Farms for my birthday this year. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. I have had so much fun sprouting different yummy things. I was going to wait and share this on my food storage blog but I don't have it put together enough to share it yet.

I am starting something new. Troy and I have really no food storage (well I should say we didn't). We had a couple months set aside but that was a year ago (and he has been out of work since last June) so that went pretty fast.

So I am going to track how we are getting our basic food storage while unemployed. It takes some sacrifice, but we feel our Heavenly Father is on board and he is blessing us with the ability to slowly build it up.

I'll share more soon.

Things I have sprouted and had success with:

Wheat
Peas
Alfalfa Sprouts

Things that didn't sprout so well:

Pinto Beans (they went moldy before they sprouted)

THE THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THROUGH SPROUTING: If in times of need - you are having to live without fresh veggies you can sprout wheat and peas for example and they are considered live, fresh food. So COOL...

I want to request prayers for a sweet family we met during our adoption journey in Guatemala. Their son Vincent lost his battle with Rhadbomysarcoma on Wednesday. He was only 7 years old. He fought a brave fight for over a year and has gone to be with our Heavenly Father. He is now with his sister Annabella who went to Heaven at 6 months of age.

They have set up a charity to help other families who are dealing with pediatric cancers and mitrochondrial disorders. Go here to learn more.....

http://www.vincentandannabellasgarden.org

Please pray for peace and happiness for this sweet family.

We were a little restless tonight after Family Home Evening so we went and got ice cream cones at our favorite place. Then we went for a little drive, which Reagan informed us was boring. Afterwards we came home and sat out front while the kids played and rode their bikes and scooters. Now on to bath time. Troy just walked by and said "help". So that's my que.....

Oh for all your ICarly fans out there we had "Spaghetti Tacos for dinner with meatballs. I tried to take some pictures but my cameras battery was out of juice. Next time....

May 31st post (Monday)

Happy Memorial Day!

Z is for... I'm at work and can't remember what the question is that went with Z. So I'm just going to say Zhank Zu Zulie for extending this challenge. I have posted something for each day and am so glad you got me excited about blogging again.

Now it's a habit I am going to continue!!!!

X is for... Xtra fun hobby...

I love to scrapbook but don't get to do it very much since I started working at the hospital. Also, since we are going to be moving soon I packed up all my supplies. When we get settled at our new place I will get it all back out and hopefully get going on it again. I am so behind. But I have my whole life to catch up right????

Also, I love to read. It is so nice to get caught up in a really good book. My favorite series is Twilight.

I love photography too!

I'm sure I have more that I am not thinking of right now but I'm ready for bed. Good night.

W is for... WINGER, Weight Loss, Wonderful, WINGS, Whacky, Worms, Wiggly... Need I add more????
WINGER: Troy helped me come up with part of that list. That is his contribution to the month of me. Plus his last name is WINGER. What do you know...

WEIGHT LOSS: I mentioned yesterday that I joined a challenge and set a goal to lose 15 pounds in 10 weeks. And I'm really going to do it this time. Really I am. Today is Day 2 and I did well at eating healthy today. Bring on Day 3...

WONDERFUL: Life is wonderful. I have been reading my scriptures and praying a lot more lately and I feel so much excitment for life and peace. It is wonderful.

WINGS: Birds have WINGS.

WHACKY: Working in the ER I have come to realize that there are a lot of WHACKY people in this valley. Some really nice ones too but oh baby it's WHACKY out there...

WORMS: I hate worms. They are slimy and gross. I do like to fish but I don't bait my own hook. Oh wait I used to love to fish when I was a little girl but now I just feel so bad for them. I worry that they are hurting with a big ol' hook in their mouth. What a way to go... and then to get eaten to boot.

WIGGLY: I am a wiggly person. I can't sit still for very long. I am so thankful my kids have grown out of The Wiggles show. They have moved on to less annoying TV. That is WONDERFUL. They like to wiggle too. Troy does too. He wiggles his feet to go to sleep at night. It drives me crazy, but I love him. So we can all be WIGGLY together forever...

Did I mention that life is WONDERFUL!!!

P.S. If you are still reading this you must still be interested in getting to know me better. So I'm going to dish a little on myself here to reward you for still reading to the bottom of this whacky post. The above picture is a strange angle I know. Straight up the nose. It was done on purpose. We were out and about and I didn't have a mirror and I had forgot to do a booger check. So I took this picture to make sure I was clean. Now you're probably thinking ooohhh gross, but don't tell me that you haven't done a booger check!!!! It's a must in my life because the alternative can be quite embarrassing.

V is for... Veggies I love...

I am trying to be more positive so instead of veggies I hate, I'm going to change it to veggies I love.

I love spaghetti squash - thanks Heather and Rich. Your squash was so yummy we have almost eaten them all. Love it with a little butter and salt. Yummy.

I love sprouted peas and fresh peas.

I love corn on the cobb dripping with butter.

That's all for now. Today is the 2nd day on my weight loss challenge. I have a goal to lose 15 pounds in 10 weeks. I did really well yesterday so wish me luck today.

Friday, May 28th Post

Working again. Sun just came up. I'm actually pretty awake.

U is for... Unique Talent

I can touch my nose with my tongue!! Not just the center but the holes too. But I don't because that is just gross. Ask me sometime and I may show you. It just may make you laugh.

T is for... How many traffic tickets I have received:

I would have to say I've received 2 or 3 that I can remember :) I tend to drive a little fast because I always feel like I'm in a hurry. I really need to slow down in life and enjoy the scenery.

S is for... Scripture I love...

My favorites change depending on what touches me. This one touched me today.

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; fo if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)

Tuesday Post

R is for.... Recipe I love right now. I just mixed up a batch so we can have breakfast on the run tomorrow for the last day of school.

Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 egg

1/2 cup white sugar or substitute

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ripe bananas, mashed with a fork

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease or line 12 muffin cups.

2. Place the egg, sugar, milk, canola oil, vanilla and mashed bananas into a mixing bowl or stand mixer. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until smooth. Add the mashed bananas and mix for another 1-2 minutes.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl or stand mixer. Mix until batter is smooth, about 3 minutes. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer or set aside the hand mixer. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

4. Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full with the batter.

5. Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove muffins from the muffin tin. Let cool another 5-10 minutes, then serve.

A couple photos from my birthday!

Lauren and her awesome teacher!

Lauren and her awesome teachers aide

A few friends from her class
My amazing little girl got a paper plate award for the

"Big Princess Teacher award"

Her teacher explained that on her star student poster she filled out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She put a Big Princess. Her teacher asked her why she wanted to be a big princess and she explained that now she is a little princess and when she gets big she will be a big princess. Makes sense. She also likes to teach others things. Her teacher said that when she was finished with her own work she would go around the class helping others. She is a really great little teacher. She would also read to the class quite often.

Good job sweetheart. We are so proud of you.

I'm going to throw an extra post in here because I started on May 2nd. Then I will have posted something for each day in May.

Q is for... Quote I love:

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got"

Also my favorite scripture is in 1st Nephi - And I was lead by the spirit not knowing beforehand the things which I should do, nevertheless I went forth.

I hope that I can always put my trust in my Heavenly Father and go forth even when it's not easy. The blessings will follow.

P is for Phobia...

I usually don't admit this to anyone but I have of phobia of knives and spiders.

Back to the alphabet for tonight. Then tomorrow I am going to post pictures of Lauren at her school play and after school party.

But I am at work and don't have access to my pictures.

O - is for...Opportunity

I am taking the opportunity to think more positive in my life. It is helping me to feel happier even though things are stressful right now. I am listening to the CD's "The power of positive thinking". They are amazing.

Also the Temple Dedication rocked today. So glad I got to go.

May 22, 2010

I am sprouting wheat, peas and pinto beans. It is so exciting to see the little sprouts starting to grow. I am not good with growing plants and flowers and things, but sprouting I can do. I am so proud of myself. (Is that prideful)

We read at the food storage store that if you have wheat in times of emergency that you can sprout and it is considered a fresh veggie. So we are getting wheat, peas, beans etc and will be able to sprout them for fresh, live food. That is pretty cool if you think about it.

May 21, 2010

Today is my 35th birthday. I now qualify for the 29 and holding rule. Lucky me. It was a great day. I have to work tonight so Troy got Little Caesars pizza on last night and some cake and ice cream. I got to open my presents early.

I got a book on CD "The power of positive thinking" and a kitchen sprouter. So exciting.

Reagan graduated from his first year of Preschool today!

We are so proud!!

We love you little man...

Reagan and his teacher Mrs. Brittaney

May 19th post

Funny things Reagan said to make me smile:

* During family home evening he gave the opening prayer. He blessed that Bear would not chew toys anymore and that he wouldn't be so itchy.

* Also during FHE he was sitting on my lap during the lesson when he announced "Mom I just farted on your leg!!! The joy of children.

I am turning a little more domestic lately. I have been trying to cook what I can from scratch to avoid getting so many preservatives in my kids. Before we were eating at Sonic, McDonalds and Little Caesars quite regularly. So this is big for me because when I work nights the last thing I have wanted to do was to be in the kitchen all afternoon before a 12 hour shift. But I have realized it's not so bad. I kind of enjoy it. Who would've thought. I just plan the more time intensive receipes for the nights I don't work. I even made Chicken Tetrazzini that you have one ready now and you freeze one for those nights that I don't want to cook.

Hard Day but moving forward (and a little random)...

Yesterday was the day I fell apart. Last summer when our trial with unemployment started I tried to hold it together. Week after week went by with no luck in this crazy market. I got frustrated with Heavenly Father so I quit praying and reading my scriptures. That didn't work so well. So I turned to him again.

Then when I had my surgery back in February and had many complications I felt him by my side, giving me strength. He gave Troy a contract job so we had money coming in while I was so sick. That was a relief and a huge blessing. Now we are faced with unemployement again because the contract ended.

This time I decided I am going to keep my faith strong. Yesterday I still had faith but I let fear creep in and panic took hold. It didn't feel good. Things just felt so overwhelming.

During the panic I found a house to go look at. The owners name was Elvis. That should have been my first clue that I wasn't going to like the house. I didn't... and neither did Troy or the kids.

TODAY was a new day. I didn't wake up this morning because I never went to bed. I was at work then had a staff meeting. But the day started better. I decided that I wanted to feel peace... so I prayed for that... and it came.... I slept really good today for the first time in awhile because I can't sleep during the day.

We took the kids to the park and had some family time. It felt so good. There was a nice breeze blowing. As we were walking and I was taking turns carrying Lauren and Reagan on my back I thought of the pioneer women walking the plains with their familes. They had different trials than we do today but did they feel discouraged... yes I'm sure they did.... Did they feel like their journey was never going to end... I'm sure they did. That's when I realized though our trials are different (and I know theirs were much harder than mine - I have running hot water and toilets just to name a couple) they probably felt the same feelings I have felt. It made me feel closer to them today. I am thankful they are strong and they can be my example to keep moving forward one step at a time until we reach our destination.

May 17th Post

N is for... NICKNAME...

Winger is the nickname that has stuck. My friend Jennifer H. started calling me that and now one of my bosses at work call me that too. It's funny and makes me laugh.

M is for mission:

I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I went to Connecticut. I had never planned to go on a mission until I started getting those feelings... you know the ones... so I went out and bought a car. I actually had the thought - good now I can't go on a mission because I have a car payment. Did I really think that would stop the feelings?????

So what happened was I went on a mission and my poor dad ended up making my car payments for 18 months. He was supposed to sale it, but decided to keep it for me and surprise me when I got home. What a great surprise! Thanks mom and dad...

Once I got on my mission I was so happy I went. I have found that once we face our fears those things we fear become less scary and actually some turn out to be great blessings and pearls of wisdom.

May 15th post

L - last movie I watched: P.S. I Love You. I watched that when I was in the hospital and when I got home from the hospital with my mom and then again with Troy. Can you tell I really liked that movie. I don't know why either because it was so depressing and made me face my worst fear of my husband dying and having to go through life without him.

(I guess it must have been the cute Irish guy in it.) Who knows...

I guess it's good to face your fears every now and then. It seems like I am doing that on a daily basis lately.

K is for... Kids and Spouse!

I'm sure you all know that I am married to Troy Winger. He is the best husband a girl could ask for. He even cleans the house, does dishes and keeps up the laundry for me since he has been off work. It's nice... He has also been putting together a food storage plan for our family. We are reading a book called "Preparedness Principles" by Barbara Salsbury. It is a fabulous book and has really helped us to simplify our attempt at getting food storage.

I have the 2 best kids in the world. I am so thankful that we have them.

Lauren is 6 and is just finishing up Kindergarten. She is an excellent reader and is on her 3rd Junie B Jones book that she has read all by herself. She reads everything she can get her hands on. She was also Star Student this week at school. So each day she got to share something special about things she likes with her classmates. She was on cloud 9 all week.

Reagan is 4 and he is in Preschool. This kid can dance!!!!! It is so cute to see him shake his booty and sing his Reese's puffs song. He loves his Nintendo DS and also hanging out with his daddy. If Troy is home he doesn't leave his side. He loves to play card games and board games and is always asking to play some type of game.

Tonight Troy put the tent up in the living room so they can sleep in it. They are so happy and so am I.

Some things we've been up to!

Troy's brother Cortney got married and Lauren was a flower

girl and Reagan walked his cousin Cami down the aisle throwing rose petals.

All the grown up boys wore red converse tennis shoes with their suits.


Preschool Field Trip
He was so brave to touch everything.

Trip to the Wild Life World Zoo with Reagan's primary teacher Aubrey.

Easter Egg Hunt

Bear thinks he's a lap dog. We just let him climb up for a picture.

He is not allowed on the furniture.

Am I boring y'all yet?

May 12th, 2010

I - I love ice cream! Mint chocolate chip is my favorite since I was a kid. Except when I go to Cold Stone and then it's cotton candy. Yum...

Back at work and very tired. Still searching for houses. We are going out tomorrow with Bishop to look at houses. Hopefully we can get in to the ones we love the most and hopefully they are still available. Everything we have called on so far has been taken right before we call. Wish us luck...

Will post pictures tomorrow when I finally have a day off :)

May 11th post -

H - Home... We are now searching for a house to move in to. It's not easy and it has acutally stressed me out quite a bit. Troy and I have different tastes, but we are working together to find something we will both love.

May 10th post

G - is for... hmmm... Giraffe... Pretty random I know.

I am at a loss today. I am at work again and it has been so busy. Troy and Reagan hung out today, Lauren went to school and I slept. The end for now. I will post some pics tomorrow.

May 9th - Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day... Woke up to Troy making French toast with fresh fruit. It was yummy. Thank you dear. Lauren had also made a nice card for me this morning with Reagan's help I am sure. After church we took some pictures and played Operation together as a family and then I had to go back to bed so I can work all night again.

Made another fruit and spinach smoothie today. Changed it up a bit and this one was much better. Tomorrow I am going to add some yogurt and a banana. I think that will help make it taste even yummier.

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thank you for being a great mother all of my life. I love you.

Thank you Troy, Lauren and Reagan for being wonderful. I sure love you guys. You made my Mother's Day special.

F- is for how much I love my family. I will post pictures in a couple days because I am working tonight and for the next 3 nights. My family has been so sweet for Mother's Day. I have been getting lots of hugs and kisses. It sure makes me feel special.

On a side note: I made fruit smoothies with spinach today. I was so proud of myself until I tasted it. I put way too much spinach in for my liking and couldn't get it down. Reagan and Lauren drank theirs and Troy did too. He said he actually liked it. Their taste buds must be off or maybe mine are :) But at least they got something green down them without complaint!!!! We are making progress. The kids love their new vitamins and omega - 3 gummies. They ask for them each morning now.

E - is for eating healthier and feeding my family healthier too. Have you ever noticed when you are trying be be more healthy that you make better choices for your family? I have - that's why I want to be better so my family will be more healthy too.

Today Rhonda and I went to Stephanie U's and she taught us some things on the subject of being more healthy. She is a wealth of knowledge and I am thankful to know her. Now if I can just put it to action... That's my problem. I get excited about something and start but then fall back into my old habits because that is what I know and that is what is comforatble and that is what is easy. Thus my problem. I'm just going to take it choice by choice and by changing small choices all the small things will become big together.

D - is for Dentist! Troy and I went to the dentist today and the kids go next month. So glad that's over for awhile.

Found a house I want to move into so bad. I hope it is still available when we are ready for it. I wish the guy would call me back.

Troy has a job meeting tomorrow. Prayers are appreciated.

Lauren and Reagan are playing with Matthew and Cody. They are having a hard time playing peacefully today. They all want to play different things. Some days are just like that.

Life is so good even with only 2 hours sleep. We are so blessed!!!!

I thought it would be slow at work so I saved my post until I got here. But it has been so busy!!! So I'm slipping in right before the day ends.

C- Chore I dislike: Probably the bathrooms are my least favorite. Are any of our chores really that fun? :)

Had a great day. Went to the doctor with Troy. He got his ingrown toenail cut out today. Fun for him. Then we ran some errands while he was numb. I got to go to the Cinco de Mayo lunch we had at the church. I wouldn't have remembered without Julie and Britnaey reminding me at the last minute. So glad they did because it was fun and the food was great. Also got to volunteer in Lauren's kindergarten class and then off to bed so I could sleep for a couple hours before work.

Most of that information was for my own journaling purposes so I hope I didn't bore anyone to sleep. Good night for those who get to go to sleep.

Book I enjoy: My favorite book series is still Twilight. I just love it.

Wanted to post early today because we are heading out to the new temple open house today with the kids. So excited. It's a two hour drive so I am taking my pillow :)

I liked Jolene's ABC's idea so I'm going to steal it too. Hope you don't mind...

A - I am 34 years old for 18 more days! Yes I'm holding on to 34 as long as I can. Next year I decided I am going to start counting my age backwards. Sounds like a brilliant idea to me...

Today I played 4 games of UNO with Reagan. I didn't win once. What is up with that??? I really do try too, because when he loses he cries loudly. So I try to win so we can overcome that behavior. He wins a lot at Go Fish and Old Maid too.

I am at work and it is a slow night in the ER, which makes for a long night. Good thing I got a nap today and have a Diet Coke and a list of my friends blogs to catch up on. Come on everyone get to updating so I have something to read... Please....

The Month of Me!

My friend Julie has issued a challenge to get us to start blogging again. Each day in the month of May I have to post something about myself.

I am a wife to a wonderful man! I am a mom to 2 beautiful children! Since I was small I always wanted to be a mom. Then I grew up and got married and couldn't get pregnant! But I wanted to be a mom so bad! So we kept trying surgery after surgery. Finally our Laurenbug came. What a blessing she is to our family. Then our sweet Reagan came and what a blessing he is too! I am so lucky.

Even though life gets hard - we are blessed. Even though I am back to being the sole supporter for my family - we are blessed. Because we are together as a FAMILY no matter what. Employment for my sweet husband will come and I can go back to being a full time MOM, but for now we are BLESSED!!!!