Young Women SLC Trip

Our Young Women had the great opportunity of going to SLC and meeting Sister Elaine Dalton, the General Young Women President. They also went to the General Young Women Broadcast held at the Conference Center. Carlee and I were able to go on Friday with them and meet Sister Dalton.
It was such a unique and special experience, one I hope these girls won't forget. Sister Dalton is wonderful, witty, happy, caring, amazing... my list could go on and on. She spoke to all of us and I could really feel her love for each Young Woman.  The picture on the right is the view from her office on Temple Square. Isn't that view unbelievable. We were told each morning when she gets to her office she says "Good Morning Moroni!" She is so refreshing. She has asked each girl to commit to 4 things.

1. Pray every morning and every night.
2. Read in the Book of Mormon at least five minutes every day.
   
3. Smile!
   
4. Obey and live the standards in For the Strength of Youth. Become familiar with these standards. Share them with others. And be an example of the believers.
   

As our Young Women work on these goals so am I. Sometimes it isn't easy, but I am trying. I know if I do these daily it will help me be a better mom to my children and leader to these beautiful girls. They teach me so much.

Balance

As I sit and type this at my computer I realize that January is close to over and it was just today that I finally decided on my word/goal for the new year.  Last year it was Focus. I am not sure how well I did with focusing. I have a hard time focusing all the way through to completion... I am kind of like a butterfly, I fly from one project to the next, never really getting anything done.  I know I did focus on having another baby and I did accomplished that! Whew, glad I completed one goal!

So now that you know I am a butterfly... you can kind of see why I had a hard time picking a new word for 2011. I started with gratitude, then thought about faith, or maybe juggle (I seem to be doing that a lot lately.) Then it hit me, as I was juggling 3 bags of trash walking to my garbage can this morning. Balance is what I need for 2011, I need a little more balance, and my family could use some balance too.

Life is busy, there is no way around it. How I spend my time is very important.  At my house there is piano, FHE, basketball, cub scouts, baseball, nightly reading, football, church assignments, family parties, birthdays, dance, blogging, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, spelling tests, digital scrapbooking, supply making, hopefully exercising, NFL/NBA games,  facebook, doctor/dentist appointments, oh and don't forget nursing, this list could go on and on! This is my friends is why I must find balance.

Balance in my Spiritual, Emotional and Physical well being along with balance in my families Spiritual, Emotional and Physical well being.  Balance in what I have to do verses what I want to do each day.  Balance in play time and work time for the kids. Balance in good wholesome activities, maybe just maybe the kids don't have to participate in all of the good activities. ;o) Balance in my sugar (mostly pop) intake. Balance in my scripture study, I tend to read read read and then quit quit quit. Daily scripture study is my goal. I know if I have that, then my whole life is a lot more balanced. I yell less and love more, I stay calm and so does my family. I want to create more digital supplies this year and I know to do that I have to find a balanced daily routine. Now that Carlee is 4 months I am getting that balanced routine and am starting to loving it.

So there you have it. Balance is my goal for 2011. I can already tell it is going to be a great year!!

Witches Night Out

Who knew that dressing up like a witch could be so much fun?! I was so excited when Gretchen decided to have a Witches Night Out for Bunko in October. It was so nice to get out of the house and see friends. I have the hardest time staying home with a newborn. It is great for about the first two weeks and then it seems like the walls are caving in on me! This night was perfect. I got to dress up (thanks mom for your help) get out for a bit, have fun, and eat lots of yummy food! My kids thought I looked pretty funny when I was leaving the house. Addie loved my eyelashes and Preston thought my stripped tights were dang funny! I decided it was good for my kids to see that even mom's have fun dressing up once in awhile! 

Thanks Gretch for a spooktacular night!

Thinking.

I woke up at 4:00 am this morning thinking. I couldn't stop thinking either. I started thinking about Wednesday. How my life will change forever and how my family will change forever. I started thinking about not sleeping, nursing, changing diapers, nursing, not sleeping and changing diapers... I also thought about the how the other three kids are going to handle it. Preston this morning in his prayer said, "Thank you we can be a family with four." I think he is going to be fine or at least I hope. I know Landon has been through this a lot, but I worry I am putting to much responsibility on him. I worry about the oldest child syndrome. Then there is Addie. She is so excited, helping me wash the clothes, get out the car seat, sitting in the car seat, rocking the car seat, etc. She already loves this baby, I just worry she won't love it quite so much after I leave her for a day or two and then come home with someone new. Then the one I am thinking about the most, this one in my belly, I hope she knows how much I love her. Even though she doesn't have a name yet, she is so important to me. I hope the delivery goes well and she comes out healthy and happy, with ten little fingers and ten little toes. I hope her lungs are strong and she has enough cute little baby fat to stay nice and warm. Thinking, thinking, thinking...

Being a mom, means there is a lot to think about or cry about or laugh about. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I feel so lucky to be a mom that stays at home, and that I have a husband who supports and appreciates what I do.

Wish me luck! Wednesday is the big day! Hopefully I can get my posts caught up before then, we had a great weekend and I want to blog about it before I head to the hospital. But, right now there is a pedicure calling my name. I told Gavin, cute toes are important in the delivery room! ;)

Just What the Doctor Ordered!

I got back a week ago from a great girls weekend! It was just what Dr. Gloom ordered...less stress and more rest! (It did work too, because this week when I went to my doctor appointment, the baby was doing a lot better! Maybe every weekend should be a girls weekend! :)) Anywhoo, back to the weekend.

Day 1 started off by hitting the road and heading to Viva Las Vegas! We checked in to the Worldmark (Thank you Bradi!) and the headed to the Strip for yummy dinner at PF Changs. After dinner we went back to the hotel and played Charades. Oh My, is all I have to say. There were a few that won't be forgotten like, Yellow Submarine, Band of Brothers, and Sesame Street and last but not least Hump Moon, better known as Honeymoon! Ha..ha :) 

Day 2 was full of shopping! I was lucky enough to get a makeover from a transvestite named Vanessa. (Only in Vegas!) She/he was really nice and I ended up buying a lot of makeup all of which I love. It was a fun day and the yellow purse I bought made it even better! 

We then headed to Phantom. Wow is the best way I can describe it. I had seen it a long long time ago and couldn't hardly remember anything, but the music. We had amazing seats right below the chandelier, and when it started to fall, I said a few choice words. Sorry Jess! The whole play was incredible, the 90 minutes went by in a flash and I left wanting more. It was the highlight of the trip for sure. 

Day 3 was R&R by the pool. I can't tell you how long it has been since I sat by the pool for 6 hours and didn't have to worry about someone drowning or burning. I probably should have worried a little more about someone burning, and that someone was ME! My shoulders are still peeling. Floating along in the lazy river was perfect, because it was definitely a lazy day.

We finished our trip/day with a stop at the Vegas sign, and dinner at Cheesecake. Miso Salmon was the perfect way to end the perfect weekend. I had a great time, I loved all the laughing, and relaxing. Thanks girls it was a weekend not to be forgotten. Can't wait to go again! 

Good Times, Good Times! 

It Is Official..

It is Official... I am OLD. 

On April 22 I turned 30. 

Ever since then things have been falling apart. Let me just name a few: 

1. I have age spots on my hands. 

2. With this pregnancy I have gained A LOT more weight and I am only 5 months along. 

3. I have gray hair, there are wrinkles around my eyes and the list goes on... 

But, with turning 30 came some good things too.

I better start from the beginning.

 Gavin sent me flowers that morning, I love flowers so that was fun! Then I called him to go to lunch with me, but he had a lot to do for work, so I ate lunch by myself at home. (I kind of had a pity party about it.) Then at 5:00 we went to dinner just the two of us. Preston had a baseball game at 7:00, Mom came over to watch the kids and we headed to Texas Roadhouse. It was raining and Preston's game ended up being canceled. Gavin had told me that we were going to just have our parents come over and have cake after the game, because it would be to late for a real party. After the game was canceled Gavin said,  "Dang we should have called all the family now that there isn't going to be a game."

But he never called anyone. (I again kind of had a pity party, in my mind.) After dinner he said, "Hey lets go shopping since we don't have to hurry home."
Sweet! I thought. Then he drove to Walmart and we bought a mat for the car. Nice. After that we stopped at Big 5 and Rebel Sports and bought GAVIN some new shoes. (Okay my idea of shopping was a lot different. I wanted some new clothes, maybe?! Nope, Gavin got shoes.)

As we were driving home he told me he got a text from his dad that said he had left my present at his house and wanted to know if we would stop and get it. As we pulled up to the house, Gavin motioned for me to get out and go get it. I LOST it!

 I said "Let me think about this day for just a second. First I ate lunch alone, then we went shopping and bought YOU new shoes and a floor mat.  Your mom completely forgot my birthday for the second year in a row and now you want ME to get out and go GET my OWN present!"
I then jumped out of the car, slammed the door and ran up to Dennis front door. I flung it open only to hear,

"SURPRISE!"

All of our family was there with a big sign to wish me Happy Birthday! Oh man did I feel dumb! I had a big pity party for no reason. 

All in all it turned out to be a fun day. The surprise was great and I was happy to  spend my birthday with my family and friends. They are really all that matter anyway. 

I was sent to Time Out.

At the first of November my mom sent me to Time Out! I don't think that has happened since I was a kid, and boy was it nice! We spent the weekend at a conference put together by Deseret Book called Time Out for Women. We listened to great music, exceptional speakers and just enjoyed each others company without the interruptions that come with a 7, 5 and 1 year old. I am grateful I had a chance to renew and think about my many blessings. Thanks mom, I love you.

Swiss Days 5K

I did it! I ran my 1st timed 5K, in 28:24.8 to be exact! Not bad for a newbie! I was kind of nervous at the starting line, but then I found Gretchen and we found Nancy and I felt a lot better! The three of us started the race together, we were all in pink it almost looked like we planned it! Thanks Gretch for helping me to start running, you are the best partner a girl could ask for. I would have never done it, if it wasn't for you! I love ya!

When I went by my house all the kids and Gavin were out at the street cheering! I am so lucky to have each one of them in my life. They all came to support me at the finish line too. Mom and Dad drove down and cheered for me also, you would have thought I was running the marathon! (Not in this lifetime, that is for Steph and Tara! Good Luck this weekend girls!) Thanks everyone for your support, it was so much fun. Next year I will be beating Jake and Kallan. I hear Paul will be beating me...we will see about that! I can't wait!

15 Seconds of Fame

This year was the 75th Annual Dixie Roundup Rodeo. In honor of 75 years they had all past Roundup Queen's ride in the Grand Entry on Thursday night. It was fun to ride in the wagon with mom and to show off our Queen Wave one last time!

Getaways are Good!

Last week I was able to go to SLC with the girls for an overnighter. Even though it only lasted a little over 24 hours it was just what the Dr. ordered! Bradi and Katie were already going and they invited Aubrey and I to tag along. We ate lots of yummy food, played cards, laughed, solved all the worlds problems and did a little shopping. It was fun to be just a girl again. We could even get out and go in Crispy Cremes because I didn't have to worry about buckling all the kids back in the car when we were done. It was great! All the donuts we ate, well... thats another story!

How hard is it to take one group pic?!

Chelsi's Run

A few months ago I was really ready to start running, but had never got around to it. Every night when I went to bed I would think, ok, tomorrow morning I am getting up early and going for a jog. Well, weeks and months went by and I never got up early, so I never went for that jog. Then Gretchen and I became running partners! It was the best thing that ever happened, now I have to get out of bed! We have been running 3 days a week for month now. I am feeling a lot better about myself, my blood pressure has gone down a bit and I ran the whole way in my first 5k! Landon and Cam rode their bikes and loved collecting all the glow sticks runners would drop along the way. I just loved the finish line, and the feeling of accomplishment I had. Can't wait for the next one! I am also looking forward to the day I can go to the pool and not have to wear shorts, because I have "runner" legs!! That will be sweet!

Lifelong Friends

Lifelong friends are the best. It can be months or even years since you have seen them last, but some how immediately when you sit down for lunch it seems to just pick up right where it left off. It is always a good day, when old friends get together. 

9 Years

On Wednesday Gavin and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary. It was a good day, full of kind words and extra kisses! The day was busy so we went out to lunch and then had dinner at home on the patio. We don't eat outside very often and it turned out fun. I had the love music on out there and the boys kept laughing, they thought Mom and Dad were pretty silly! :) 

In 9 years of marriage many things change but here are 9 that have remained the same.... 

1. I am totally in love with my best friend. 

2. I still miss place the car keys and my phone which drives him NUTS! 

3. He still leaves his sock in the living room almost every night, which drives me NUTS! 

4. From the moment we had Landon he has been an all in Father, that is still true today. 

5. I have always known he loves me, and still do. 

6. On our first date we talked until 2:00 am, we still talk way too late at night. (That is if I don't fall asleep in mid-sentence! Remember, you gotta love me Gav!)

7. We still live in the Santa Clara 1st Ward, and probably will until the day we die!   

8. We both procrastinate! 

9. Best of all... we still have the BEST time when we are together, we aren't apart very often. 

Thanks Gav for a great 9 years, I am looking forward to many more! I love you. 

The 80's are back... need I say more?! Thank's Lacy for an TOTALLY awesome night!! 

29 and Holding!

Wednesday was my 29th birthday. From what I hear it's H**L to get old, but if I could have a day like that again...I would turn 30 tomorrow!! :) Gavin sent me flowers, which was so sweet! He took me to lunch and bought me a... 

IPOD Touch! 

Then my dad and mom watched the kids later that evening so Gavin and I could dinner ALONE! When we arrived at dinner we saw Gretchen, Dave and family were at Texas Roadhouse too. Dave and I share a birthday, so we got to ride the saddle together. (I rode, he stood next to me and laughed! That was fun!) SUPER totally describes my day, thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, gifts and nice notes. It totally made me feel LOVED!    

David Archuleta

Last Tuesday Landon, Grandma Gai and I went to the David Archuleta concert at the Dixie Center. We had a fun time, mostly laughing at all the crazy 12 year old girls screaming at the top of their lungs! One thing is for sure that boy can SING! He is amazing. What I liked the most was that I could take my 6 year old boy to his concert and never feel uncomfortable. If Landon wanted to look to him as an "idol" it would be okay, because I think D.A. tries really hard to keep the values that he knows to be true. 
I forgot my camera, so Gavin took this picture of us when we got home. I love Landon and am happy he is willing to try anything, even if is is a concert with his mom and grandma! 

40 LBS of Chicken!

All of the sudden I have had a very strong impression to get my food storage in order. I am not sure if it is the economy that has finally pushed me over the edge or if I am just finally listening to the Prophets council. 

I have been looking at a wonderful blog everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com and this website theideadoor.com. It really has inspired me, I realized food storage does not have to be as expensive and complicated as I am making it.  Then last week Lin's came out with a one day meat sale where boneless skinless chicken was on sale for $1.29 lbs. It was a total smoking deal, so I knew it was time to bottle chicken!

I borrowed a neighbors pressure canner (I wasn't quite ready to take the complete plunge, I thought I better do it once before going out and buying a $200 canner!) and planned on going to Lin's first thing the next morning to buy my chicken. Well, here is where my plan changed, Addie got croup (Satan working against my food storage plan) she was up all night with that awful seal like cough. I didn't end up making it to Lin's in time for the chicken, it was gone pretty quick. Then Gavin swooped in and saved me, (thank you Sysco!) he ordered me chicken tenders (40 LBS of it) that were more money, but totally worth it. When I started bottling all I had to do was slip those tenders in the bottles, add a little salt and then pressure can it. It took me two days of cooking, but I now have 28 bottles of chicken! I will totally do it again, it really was not hard at all. 

The picture above (Hawaiian Haystack's) was the first meal that I made with the chicken. From start to finish this meal took me a total of 20 minutes and that was just because I had to cook the rice. Having bottled chicken in my pantry is now a MUST! 

Watching the News

Ever since President Obama was sworn into office, I have been very intrigued with the news. I am not sure what it is, but I seem to be listening to it in the car and watching it in the evenings a lot more than usual. I know that this President didn't get my vote, but I will Pledge My Allegiance 100%. I just pray that he can make the correct choices to steer this country in the right direction in these trying times.  Good Luck Mr. President. 

Blog Book On Its Way!

2008 is complete! My blog book is on its way. I am so excited that I have finished this little project, and I just had to share. It really wasn't that hard, I slurped everything into the free program I downloaded from the internet, repositioned the pictures the way I wanted and fixed some of the typos, other than that most of it was all ready done for me.  I have so much more journaling in this book, compared to my scrapbooks, so that is a big plus. The only downfall is it's not as cute. Oh well, our 2008 family scrapbook is done, and that is a lot more than I can say for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007! 

gIrLS NiGhT oUT!!

On Thursday, the girls got together, and it was a much needed break from our daily lives! Allie was in town so we decided to hang out. It was SO fun. I almost felt like I was 16 again.. just for a few hours! We had Cafe Rio, yummy dessert and played the game Quelf. Oh my HECK, the game is hilarious! I have played it 4 or 5 times and have laughed so hard I have cried every time.  

The greatest thing about the night was, we made some new memories together! Instead of just remembering the past, we have fun new memories that I won't ever forget! You girls are awesome, Thanks for a fun night, I love you all!! 

gOOd TImES!!