Wordless Wednesday: Happy New Year!

Art Give Away

My pal over here is hosting this great give away simply because she loves David Bowman's art so much! You must enter this drawing by Thurs. Jan. 1st 2009 and 6 winners will be posted on Fri. Jan. 2nd 2009. You can and should also enter to win!

My favorite image of his is 'Security'. Insert deep sigh here.

On the B Side: Safe. I love safe. I want safe. Free from fear. Trust. Engulfing warmth. The contrast is particularly significant in my mind looking at this. There is so much peace, comfort and assurance. Those are things that I love, need and want and more than that they are things that I want to give.

Manic Monday: Tradition

While the word tradition leaves much to be interpretted, I tire of it in the sense that I believe traditions should happen quite naturally rather than be thought, created, re-thought, analyzed, announced, planned, prepared for, executed and immortalized for all eternity. There is something in that process that takes the beauty out of it for me. I love the idea of things happening... just happening...just because....because people enjoy them. I don't like strict agenda's and I do not enjoy the hustle and bustle that takes away from the things that matter most.

Christmas Eve was a perfect example of this beautiful simplicity. The way things shook out we spent a quiet evening at my Mother's. We enjoyed one another without an agenda or time frame. There were no expectations or constrictions. We ate a nice meal with no pomp or circumstance. We watched the Hallmark channel together while I wrapped presents and my Mom knitted. The boys all went to bed early and the kids were asleep. It was perfect and I hope to spend many more Christmas Eve's like this in the quiet glow of love and warmth!

All are welcome to join Mo's Manic Monday hoopla! Click here for details and get yourself dialed in!

On the B Side: Quiet moments that aren't big grandiose plans seem to bring the most reflection, and enjoyment for me. I love my family so much more than any words could possibly accurately express. For this reason I experience and feel great love and also for this reason my heart quietly aches in the wake of those passed and particularly in the distance that time, space and geography bring. Why does PA have to be so far from UT??? xoxo

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

Friday's Fab 5
1. Christmas was WHITE
2. Kidlets were appreciative
3. Baby felt good
4. Christmas Eve was relaxing
5. Dayton really did see Santa

Someone (but I can't remember who) posted a really cute series of questions that they asked one of their children....who was it?! I read way too many blogs to keep up (and my memory totally bites). We ran through a bunch of questions with the kids last night and it was hilarious!

On the B Side: The baby is sleeping. The kids are playing well together and are home is on it's way to being clean as I wade through the mess that Christmas threw up all over!!!

Wordless Wednesday

(thanks pretty!)

ThingsThat Must Go

The Radio From Hell show does this list regularly. I've never submitted anything and while it seems quite inappropriate for the time and season, I am posting my own list anyway. Sigh.

Things That Must Go;
1. People who make turns while driving and change lanes in the process. It's as if you feel entitled to pick whatever lane you so choose simply because you are turning? No. No. No. Not only is it rude but it's dangerous. While you may think it's fine to jeopardize your own safety, DO NOT jeopardize mine. Yeah, thanks.

2. People who steal other people's parking spots. Let's forget that I was patiently waiting with my turn signal on. I remained civil. I did not honk my horn at you, flip you the bird or offer any choice words. I do think that that is inconsiderate and p.s. the fact that your wife uses a cane is not an excuse to be rude. Keep your ignorance to yourself.

3. People who use the Express Checkout Lane who obviously do not qualify. No, it is not necessary for anyone to count the items in your basket. It's apparent to all that you do not belong in this lane given the crazy amount of stuff you are purchasing. While I patiently waited I did not grimace (even though I wanted to), particularly given that you literally butted in front of me and about 3 other people.

4. People who suddenly take an interest in something because you have touched it, picked it up or examined it more closely. Really? There are like a bazillion other things in the store. Have some consideration and if nothing else, don't make it so obvious. It's just annoying and the fact that you are practically falling on me in your self inflicted process just sucks. Ugh.

5. Moms and their big, ol' honking strollers! Look, I understand. Really, I do. I have 4 kids. I get it. However, I refuse to join your aisle clogging, space dominating ranks. Do you have any idea how frustrating it is for the rest of us to squish and squirm around you and your all encompassing awkwardness? It's so not worth it. Believe me.

6. Walmart. Enough said.

On the B Side: I fully realize this is not a nice post. I just feel *meh* today and this is what is on my mind in the crazy hustle and bustle that characterizes this time of year. Surely I am grateful for people who do not partake in these thoughtless behaviors.

5 Months and Counting!

Years ago I was told that I would not be able to bear children. Dayton was a miracle and the doctors all scratched their heads. Ellianne was yet another spectacular surprise that followed a short 14 later. They both attested to the fact that medical science is grand but that there certainly is a higher power and that there is a plan for each of us.

Mark wanted a little one of our own. This would make our little blended family mine, yours and ours; a modern day Brady Bunch with a twist. I was told my brain tumor was active again and quietly held little hope when BAM! the blessing came. Not one. Not two but THREE count them 1,2,3 miracle babies.

Adalie is a delight. She is 5 months old today and makes us all smile and politely fight for her attention. The kids can't wait to see her each morning and love kissing her good night. We take turns holding her during family prayer and everyone gathers when it is time to bathe her so we can all watch her splash and kick her legs around.

The pictures are endless and we have had to run some crowd control at times. Her sweet smile and soft giggles are a pleasant reminder of just how blessed we really are. Her little petite features are darling and her eyes always seem to light up when she sees someone she loves. Her arms flap around when she is excited and she is slowly mastering the use of her pretty hands (which aside from her darling nose are my favorite part of her!).

She lays in her crib and pulls her legs up and throws them down for fun and the only time she really complains is when she is hungry. I often wonder where her feet will take her and what she will do with her beautiful hands. She is porcelain like a doll and we do get that often! She is patient and tolerant and she really does complete us!

On the B Side: Life is never what *you* plan and it's a good thing as I would have messed it all up a long time ago!! I love our little family and wouldn't change one thing, not one. xoxo

Friday's Fab Five

Yes, it's that time again! Here's this week's highlights dedicated to the ones I love;

1. Adi can roll from her tummy to her back! Yeah, that's right. Cause' that's how my girl rolls...

2. Dayton has been keeping his hands to himself at school and has had 3 great days in a row! It's tough when you're 6. I love seeing that kid put his mind to something and work towards it!

3. Kayla started with her tutor and loves it! This is really going to help her and also help us help her. Nothing feels as satisfying as progress and accomplishment. She's on her way!

4. Ellie's super attentive, independent, secure and passionate side has been ignited by her ballet/tap class. I love to see that girl flourish! The smiles are endless and she just beams.

5. Mark is a kinder, gentler man. No idea what has caused the softening but I did love seeing his tears well up at Glenn Beck's presentation of the Christmas Sweater. Sigh.

On the B Side: A huge storm is blowing in again today. It's Friday with the weekend on it's way in as well. I'm home in my jams with the babe working away. We're snuggled up in warm blankets with German pancakes in the oven with Christmas around the corner. Survey says: Perfection! (spoken with a French accent!)

Swap Time!

I'm converted! I participated in my first two blog swaps this holiday season! Buddy the Elf sums it up best, "I'm in love. I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!"

The first was a stocking swap. If I didn't tear open the box like a kid in a candy store, I could've shared it's crazy cool contents! The inside of my car looked like a sparkle fest! Glitter girl, right here.

The second swap I did was Snow Kisses and Sparkles AND the fun just didn't end. I got an extremely festive and very creative box full of all kinds of delish goodies and glorious decor! This put the magic back into my Christmas! Plus I made two new pals! Seriously? Seriously.

I found yet another swap for the up and coming holiday of the heart. Yes. It's not even Christmas and I'm talking VALENTINE'S DAY (don't hate me because I'm beautiful). All I can say is SIGN UP NOW! I freaking had a blast putting my own packages together to send out for the swap and the real fun came when my packages arrived! As Nike once said, JUST DO IT!

Do not delay. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Instead, go here. SIGN UP NOW!

1. Leave a comment on the post.
2. Complete the questionnaire
3. Send it to Heidi (so she can pair you up with someone of similar tastes. I so did not want little wooden Santa's or ceramic Snowman and I didn't so this step is important!).

On the B Side: You don't have to be a cover girl to be easy, breezy, beautiful and you don't have to pay a lot for that muffler (or your own Valentine package)! I'm just sayin' xoxo

Friday's Fab Five

1. The unassumption; thank you for making it.
2. Christmas lights; I love your twinkle.
3. Honesty; you are my friend..
4. The cinniminy goodness that fills the air via the pincones in every store.
5. Agency; I love you. I hate you. You lift me up, you tear me down.

On the B Side: Any idea how excited I am for the weekend?! I had a blast with my girls last night but those zuccs killed me! Tomorrow I enter into the wide world of knitting! Granny cakes of the world, hang on to your needles!

Wordless Wednesday

Bonus Time, My Grown Up Christmas List and Angel and a Pest

I filled my tank (and I do mean tank i.e. ozone delepleting beast that fits all of the kids) for $31.00 yesterday! BONUS!

Our new ward is amazing and there is a French Family who just moved in recently. La Famille Gentils and for those of you frenchies, is that not the sweetest name ever?! We finally also scheduled Adi's blessing...TRIPLE BONUS!

My Mom is still at home in bed but feeling better. I scored her a killer appointment with Potty yesterday who hooked her up. It pays to have friends who are ofice staff. BONUS!

Here is my grown up Christmas list; Abba Shampoo & Conditioner, Pot Holders for the Kitchen, a mini tramp for indoor aerobic activity and 'Broken Things to Mend' written by big Jeffy! Simple right?

Last night was Family Home Evening. After dinner we read, 'A Light Unto the World' and the kids were super attentive and had tons of questions. We hate sugar cookies as a treat and made gingerbread house #3 for an activity. The roof stayed on this time!!!!

This evening the big kids will be gone so I'm meeting up to claim my Mary Kay gifty and then I'm headed to the parenting class hosted by Jordan School District to sharpen my skills.

This week's angel is the homeless gentleman off of exit #11. He stood in the wet snow with a small sign, bless his heart. I gave him the last $6 in my wallet. He was patient, polite and offered gratitude. It was one of those small lessons and it felt good to help in some small way.

This week's pest is the nearby neighbor who talks loudly and with a very poor mouth. She has a child with her and speaks like a pirate on crack from Jersey. It breaks my heart that not only does she impose such garbage on my children but she also exposes her own little moonbeam to such rubbish. Ignorance is not bliss nor is it an excuse.

On the B Side: My car heats up super fast! I had forgotten how cold Utah winter mornings can be!!! xxox

Manic Monday: Light

All are welcome to join Mo's fun! Click here for details and get yourself connected!

I love light! Not just light but THE light! Light represents goodness and purity. Light is warm, inviting, clean and it radiates. It feels soft and comforting. It has a drawing force. It is alluring. It illuminates, making things clear.

We make choices every day. Every day we can choose to walk in the light or move toward darkness. I love the light and goodness that abounds. I choose light, THE light...His light.

On the B Side: My sacred responsibility, my sincerest desire and my greatest hope is to teach my children to love the light. xxoxo

Sunday Night Giggles

I kifed this from my pal Shellie's blog and had to repost it simply because I was laughing so hard!

On the B Side: I LOVE laughing! It is so good for the soul so bust it out and work those abs!

Tagged

Here is a tag that I missed some time ago. I have much that I want to say but for the sake of time I'm throwing this out there! The catch is that if you are reading this and have a blog considered yourself tagged! Should you chose to post please leave a comment and let me know!

10 years ago:
1. I was serving a mission for the LDS church in Belgium/France
2. I was pretty sick and had no idea why (brain tumor was diagnosed shortly there after)
3. I was worried sick that my Mommom would pass away while I was gone (was blessed to have a few precious weeks with her after I returned)
4. I was surrounded by inredible people and having the time of my life!
5. I was learning so much about myself, others, the world and my God

5 Things on Today’s ToDo List:
1. Go to Church
2. Get my moonbeams back (all 3 will be home later!)
3. Enjoy dinner with my family (crock pot is already in full force!)
4. Take a nap
5. Say my prayers

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Pez
2. Fondue
3. Bread with oil/vinegar
4. Fresh fruit
5. Steamed veggies

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Help individuals anonymously
2. Buy small, significant and personal little gifts for no special reason for those that I love
3. Put my kids in private schools
4. Travel (home to PA and then the world)
4. Get a trainer and schedule with Dr. Warnock

5 Places I have lived:
1. Riverside, PA (home sweet home)
2. State College, PA (PSU)
3. Logan, UT
4. Liege, Belgium
5. Lille, France

5 jobs I have had:
1. Car hop on skates at a 50's diner
2. CNA in a Nursing home
3. IT Nerd of some variety at St. Mark's hospital
4. Solution Release Manager for Oracle
5. Wife and Mom (my absolute favs!)

On the B Side: If there was anything that I wish there was more of it is TIME! I have had so many amazing epiphanies lately and feel humbled, grateful and just plain happy on the inside!

Friday's Fab Five

1. My bff from many moons ago and I reconnected this week. Reunited and it feels so good!

2. Christmas shopping is just about complete. BOO YA!

3. Not only did I get to chat with my Cynthia but I had some serious face time. AW YEAH!

4. DD Cakes is doing really, really well at school. Sigh.

5. Ellie got to take 'Sumi' home from school this weekend. It really is the simple things in life.

On the B Side: I am so excited for the weekend. I've done a ton of thinking lately about life and such and I'm feeling really good and ever so thankful. xxox

Santa Baby

Okay, okay. I got busted for not making mention of my brother in the last post. I'm pretty sure Auntie Mic was ready to call Sigfried and Jensen on me!!! So in honor of my one and only sibling (the one who cut the heck out of our couch and phone cord at our Grandparents and DENIED) here is the latest (and certainly one of the GREATEST) photos of the one, the only JAZZY PANTS!

He's saved my life more than once (and I ain't talking about Santa!). He is just about the coolest Uncle EVER and he does seem to be carrying a little high in this pic!

He is playing Santa for their Ward Christmas party at church (special gratitude to his wife on getting him fudged into that lucky role!!). I showed my kids and they recognized him immediately...I told a tiny fib and told them it was his Halloween costume! They bought it...hook, line and sinker!!! BooYa!

On the B Side: Jazzy is easily one of my best friends (I won't say THE BEST and risk Mic's wrath again!). He's got a heart the size of China and always goes out of his way to help others. He's responsible, strategic and thoughtful. He's hilarious AND handsome...too bad I got all of the brains!! BWAHAHAHAAHAAA! Okay, okay. I jest. Wait, what did I get? Am I like Danny Devito in 'Twins'?! xxox

Forget Wordless Wednesday

Yeah, homie don't play that...at least not today as I have waaaay too much to say. Quiet is not in my diet! There is much to share and a few questions to pose. Let's start there...

I need a new skin care regimen. Suggestions? I'm over Clinique. Don't wanna pay for Estee. Not an Oil of Olay kind of gal and thinking I'll pass on Mary Kay. Considering Origins again. Help a sister out...

Next question...

What's better than finding money in the wash? Finding a totaly fab shirt that you bought and forgot about! It was a happy day in my home yesterday for this simple reason.

I heart MAC and the latest and greatest grabs I got. Thanks to my favorite Red Vixen!!! Now Submarine and Pen n' Pink can retire but they will be mine for-EV-er!!!!

I realize that my blogroll is gone. It was intentional...simply because I'm laaaaazy. I'll fix it after the holidays when I'm ready to roll with a new layout! I'm actually trashing the blogroll page element, sticking with an HTML element and iGoogle (I'm in love, I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!).

Yesterday Betty Beans had my phone to call her Popcicle. When I asked her what she was up to she told me, "Mom, I have it under control". Um, yeah. She's 5 and she kiiiiiills me (and so does her new alter ego, Mr. Elliot with the throaty-wanna-be-British-accent!!!)

Mic's fresh blood has never been so good and no, that is not yet another Twilight reference (but Carlisle can be my doc anytime!)! She and Grandpa Mikey pulled off a flawless Thanksgiving dinner. The best part? We get to keep her (Mic, not the turkey!)!!! Is it sick that I'm still dreaming of her cheese ball and to-die-for rolls???

DD Cakes starts up Jr. Jazz again and it will be so good to keep that little monkey busy! He's reading like a rock star which translated means that I can no longer spell things out in his presence, DANG IT. He also gets up in the middle of the night to go potty and is working the CPAP like it ain't nobodies business. Aw yeah, baby.

Two Scoops had one heck of a sleeping streak last night. BAM. How you like me now? She is seriously the cutest little bug, pretty much EVER. No confirmation needed but thanks.

Have I mentioned how reakin' tall K Mo has gotten?! The girl is taller (and blonder) than anyone else in her class AND she looks killer in her Christmas garb!!! You go, girl.

My Dad is seriously DA BOMB and one of these days (when he stops saving the world and neglecting poor lil' ol' me in the process!!!) he will make a guest appearance on my blog at which point in time Mr. Wonderful will make his debut appearance in the blogosphere! BAD DAD!!!

We're ramping up to ski season and I'm pretty sure my Momma-cita and DD Cakes are counting down until the moment they can steal away...it's so tempting for me even at my ripe old age! However, I will take the warm lodge and yummy hot coco over the bone aching chill that thrashes my joints.

Does anyone have any idea how delish the K-Sa-Dilla's are at Shell's? If you don't know then you are severely disadvantaged!!! Sorry to hear 'bout that.

I'm all torn up inside about the new job and need some serious direction. Seeking such tonight and it will be time well spent on my knees (no nasty jokes here, Rory and yes I still hate you for your Rockefeller locale!!!)

Suddenly the world of Sarah seems so much clearer. Aw, the strangeness has all but vanished and wow, does it feel good?! Would someone please insert the Milli Vanilli dance here? No pulling hamstrings, please.

Is anyone really funnier than Lorevis?! I mean, the note from God about Bruno's eye pretty much takes the cake. I hope Adi never cries at her again!!!! You so need to post that Aunt Looori.

What are the chances that I would pull up RIGHT NEXT TO THE COOLEST HANSON EVER? Pretty slim but yes, it happened in the middle of our metropolis that is the greater SLC area. Does that make me the stalker pal? No worries, Carrie. I never dug 'Single White Female'.

One of these days Laura and Kristin will remember to grant me access to their blogs. Let this stand as yet another feeble attempt to remind you lovely ladies. Until then I will love you from afar!

Clancy Pants, my darling. You do so have the BEST cookie recipe in the history of the world. It makes me miss you even more! Oh, and I heard YOUR song again on the radio. BONUS! Mmm Mmm good across the board!!!!

Kaci, where have you gone, my favorite work emailing friend?! Perhaps you are drowning yourself in something yummy from Starbucks or maybe you are knee high in tofu. Either way I MISS YOU and I still can't bring myself to reconcile with Boca!

Lisa, you are my new favorite friend! Your post 'To Tell or Not to Tell' is killing me! Seriously? Seriously. She is my latest follower. Chech her blogginess out, fo shizzle!

Ivana, I hate you for making me crave pumpkin rolls. Surely your recipe is free of fat, sugar and calories, right? I heard that everything this season is but I wanted to make sure...

Kougie, you'll always be my hand maid. Where art thou? Oh wait, it's my turn to come up there. I so owe you one! Whoa, and I am way stoked about your GREAT news! Jesus really does love you!

Lizzo, legos are not your friend. The sooner you learn this kind of thing, the better. Church is no longer for listening. Someone should write a book about all of this. Let me know how that works out for you. I heard you were perfect for the job (and it has nothing to do with the black thing you wore that one time!)

So have I mentioned what a great helper Marky Mark is on the home front. Um yeah. Dishes, garbage, kiddos (yes, all 4 of them) AND he minimizes all of the crap stacks around this joint. Remember that one time he stood in line to pay my ticket for me this week?! It's like those crazy Mormons say, CARRY ON! Which reminds me, the kids were absolutely fabulous at Church on Sunday AND we were early. It's like that movie (except completely different), 'LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL'!!!!

I have dinner in the crock pot, a date with ginger bread house #2 tonight, dinner with a bunch of Stott's tomorrow night, face time with Laura and Lori Saturday and time slotted with THE Krystal and Amanda the Toad. Could I bet any luckier?! The only thing that would make my world complete is a BIG FAT NAP! Oh and no nightmares, please.

(ps - I'm too busy to hyperlink, maybe later, sorry!)

On the B Side: There is tons of great stuff going on and I have the pics to prove it! Voila!!!

Captain Underpants! Tra Laa Laaaaa!

Moony B's busted Grandpa Mikey sleeping! Auntie Mic and our Squishy Bug pucker up!
You know your infant is tired when....
Kayla pretending to sleep! Busted!
Uncle Jazzy and Auntie Mic pose with our pumpkin heads! DD Cakes gives The Grateful Ed some lovin'

Take that Joe Gay!
Bunch of cheesers on TG day!
Zerbert!

Mr. Elliot's first appearance!

Boo Boo reads to Adalie and Ba Fark
4 Little Indians

It's the most wonderful time of year! Love to all!! XXOX

Wordless Wednesday: Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Manic Monday: Harvest

All are welcome to join Mo's fun! Click here for details and get yourself connected!

I found this image entitled, 'Preserving Posterity' by Lori Nicholas. I love the simple joy expressed in this picture as they reap the bounty of a plentiful harvest! The title itself speaks volumes about this image.

While I have never done any canning I did quite a few fun and very memorable activities with my Grandmother. Mommom always let me help her make toll house cookies and she kept a small craft drawer in the kitchen for me.

She had way to much spunk and was far too frank to be a typical Grandma. There were plenty of times she flat out told me how things were. I loved her none the less and am stronger because of her ability to be direct and honest. It was not uncommon to hear words such as 'nonsense', 'simpleton' and 'foolish' coming out of her mouth and she use to tell me that if my head wasn't attached I would forget that too!

I laughed last week when Vanna White appeared on rachel Ray's show. Apparently, The Wheel of Fortune is still going strong after all of these years! That show along with Jeopardy, The Price is Right, and People's Court were our shows! She kept Touched by an Angel and Walker Texas Ranger for herself as I had no interest and preferred the craft drawer!

On the B Side: While I have been absentee from the blogosphere for some time now I have been enjoying my own harvest of blessings!

Friday Fab 5

1. My right and left hands saved my well intentioned day! Remember that time I thought I could pull of hosting a baby shower at the office?! I would never survive without so much support (oh and that yummy salad, the to-die-for treats and built in baby sitters!!!)

2. I filled up my tank for under 45 bucks yesterday. AW YEAH!

3. Marky stepped up to the plate. Swinger, batter, batter, batter, batter, swiiiiing! Thank you, Ba Fark for all of your help.

4. I busted through some serious knowledge objects publication at the office despite the fact that MOS is a POS!

5. The Christmas shopping has begun and I'm sooooo excited!

On the B Side: Life is good!

Manic Monday: Bounty

There is nothing that I can say that will give due diligence to the word Bounty as one of my favorite people did. Please check out her post as she is talented beyond the limited words that I can express!

This friend has been mine for almost 15 years and she continues to amaze me as I stand in admiration at her beauty and goodness, inside and out! Here's a small (and silly) tribute to part of my greatest bounty!

Brought together by a silly lie
Atop my baby jeep she did fly
Juniper Take Out kept her busy
Racing on her knees & boxing never left her dizzy
William, Jeremy nor Cache could keep her
Only the swing dancing Idaho boy could but lure
the beautiful, oh so smart and talented Clancy
from then until now and now until the end
my fabulous friend will continue to enhance me!
Hide and seek in the dark, Risk and the wondering jew
Breaking the rules, Chubby sticks and me always loving you!

On the B Side: It's apparent to all that I am not the one with the words; however, I do so love, adore and appreciate my Clancy Pants! I am surrounded by goodness and continue to be blessed by amazing people!

Friday's Fab 5...in Pictures!

DD Cakes, K Mo, Me, Betty Beans and Two Scoops on Halloween at my office.
DD is our little joker!

Auntie Mic, Two Scoops and Boo Boo sporting smiles!

Bright eyes but no bushy tail!

Ellie posing before her Princess Birthday party!

On the B Side: It was painful to pick only 5 fun pictures!