No, not a Christmas song...but it should be.

This post will speak for itself. One of my all time favorite hymns...not Christmas-ish but even better. It gives me chills everytime. Enjoy!

"Oh, if only I could spend one day there..."

So you know in my last post I mentioned how I wish I could spend a day in my seven year old's brain? Well...I am serious. Some of the things she comes up with...let's just say she is creative for sure. And then you add her partner in crime...her older sister that might as well be her twin...and you can just guess the mischief these two come up with.

I was reminded this weekend of something these two did last school year and I just had to share.

So last Spring I get a call from the elementary school...I needed to bring a clean pair of pants down to the school for Gracie. At this point I am thinking, great...she peed her pants. I asked the secretary at the school if she had had an accident and she says no while trying not to laugh...Gracie just needed a clean pair.

So I head down to the school with pants in tow. I walk into the nurses office and there Gracie sits...giving me this little "look". I can't explain it...you'd just have to see it.

We go into the bathroom and I am asking her what happened as I help her change out of her pants. She says an egg broke in her pocket. I am thinking...an egg? Huh?

My mind immediately flashed back to earlier that morning...and to the image of Emma and Gracie in the kitchen by the fridge. They looked REALLY guilty and secretive but we were running late and really...what could they possibly be doing in the kitchen that time of the day that could be that bad? Little did I know...

Me: What in the world are you doing with an egg?!?!

Gracie: It's my pet egg.

Me: Your pet egg?!?!

Gracie(laughs kind of evil like): Emma has its twin...

I told you I would like to visit...now you see why. :)

Gratitude

(photo credit: unknown)

I was reading a friend's blog the other day...she was complaining how Christmas music is already playing on the radio and Thanksgiving is still a while away.
This really got me thinking a great deal. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to Christmas just as much as the next person...it is by far my favorite holiday. But it seems like more and more these days Thanksgiving is pretty much being by passed by as just a day to enjoy turkey and pie...at least commercially it seems that way.

I think we are selling ourselves short. We aren't allowing ourselves to focus on the meaning of Thanksgiving. The meaning that is too often over looked...gratitude. It is a simple word that we hear all the time...but the meaning to me is not simple. Gratitude. Something not expressed nearly enough.

Well, here are a just a few things I am grateful for...

I love how the sky looks the morning after a storm has cleared the air and the sun is shining. Everything is so in focus and sharp...almost hyper-focused. I am grateful for that.

I love driving down Freedom Blvd by the high school on a Friday night during football season...the Y is usually lit up...the high school band is beating their drums...the hum is the air is Awesome! I am grateful for that.

I am grateful for drive-up pharmacies...enough said.
I am grateful for my garage, especially in the winter when I don't have to scrape snow and ice off the car.
I am grateful for the internet...for so many reasons, but one being the ability to reconnect with old friends.
I am grateful for music and books...two of the best things in this life.
I am grateful for the view of the mountains off my back deck.
I am grateful for Dr.Pepper...yes, I am serious...it always puts a smile on my face.
I am grateful for the ability to capture the little moments in life on film...I need to spend more time on my own kids before its too late.

I am grateful for my eight year old and the one liners she blurts out in her pseudo southern accent...priceless.
I am grateful for my seven year old's little brain...oh if I could spend a day there...just one. :)
I am grateful for my almost twelve year old's creative spirit. Her imagination amazes and inspires me.
I am grateful for a son with a firm knowledge and foundation in the gospel. He teaches me many things.
I am grateful for my oldest child. She is a bright light in a sometimes very dark world.
I am grateful for a husband that loves his children and shows them through his actions not just words.

I am grateful for family and good friends.

I don't express emotions verbally too well...I think my emotions run too close to the surface and so many times I just don't say anything at all so I don't end up a blubbering idiot. I want to tell them...and they all know who they are...how much I love and appreciate them. Their love and support is a beacon to me. Their unwavering kindness means more than I can ever express...they are all an example to me of true Christlike love. We are truly blessed to have these people in our lives. The words thank you will never be sufficient.

I am grateful to know there is a purpose in this life and for the direction and focus that gives me.

And finally, I am most grateful for my Savior and the perfect gift He has given to me. I am grateful for the knowledge that through His Atonement we can all be clean and whole again. I can only hope to learn and appreciate more of what He did for all of us and never never take it for granted.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

Kids. Volleyball. Football.

What more can I ask for? Another one of my favorite things is fall. One of the main reasons is it ushers in two of my favorite sport seasons as well. And what better way to enjoy them, then to watch my own kids playing.

Love it. Love it. LOVE IT!!

Pigs must be flying!!

They have to be...because I spied my six year old doing the unthinkable earlier this morning. She was cleaning the toilet...AND NO ONE EVEN ASKED HER TO!!

If you knew this baby in the family you would completely understand my sentiment.

Ah...there is hope after all...:)

I am The Flag of The United States of America

My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop some of the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am secure.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am honored, I am saluted.
I am loved, I am revered.
I am respected, I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was in the trenches of France and in the Argonne Forest.
I was there on the beaches of Normandy, Guam and Okinawa.
Korea and Vietnam know me.
I was there.
I led my troops.
I was dirty, battle worn, and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
When I was torn into strips
and used as bandages
for my wounded on the battlefield,
I was proud.
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their faller son or daughter,
I am proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped to set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled upon
in the streets of MY OWN country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle, it hurts.
But I shall overcome, for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN
LONG MAY I WAVE.

Author Unknown

A Small Slice of Heaven

This my friends...is exactly that. It is built literally on a mountain top on rocks and stilts. The views go on and on and on. It is truly a special place.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending our family's Ladies' Retreat on Palomar Mountain down in the San Diego area. There were no kids, no TVs, no radio, and for some of us, no cell phones...no interruptions. Pure bliss, I tell you!



I neglected to take my camera on this trip...didn't want to feel like I was working...and now I regret it immensely.I wish there were words to sum up how I felt about the cabin and the whole retreat in general. It was a much needed break from real life and I want to thank a certain favorite sister-in-law for making this possible. Can't wait for next year!! :)

(photo credits go to Jerliyn)

Happy #15 Anna!!!

I bet you think I forgot to blog this, eh? Well, I didn't. :)
I have been thinking all day long about what to say about my sweet little girl that isn't quite so little anymore.

You were my first. I remember like yesterday the day you were born. To this day I wonder sometimes what our Heavenly Father was thinking entrusting me with you, to be your mom.

Anna, you need to know a few things...
First, I am more proud everyday of the beautiful young woman you are becoming. I admire your strength and determination. I admire your outlook on life and that you know you have a voice in this world and I admire your ability to use it. I admire your testimony and am greatful for the influence you have in our home. You are a choice spirit that your Heavenly Father saved for this time and place for a reason. He knew the world you would be coming into and He knew you could handle it. You are special. I can't wait to see what kind of a mother you turn out to be...a pretty darn good one if right now is any indicator.
I am proud to know you and call you daughter.
Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you more than you will ever know.
-Mom


p.s. Sorry about the not so updated photo...I knew you would just love that I put it on here. You know what I always say...its like the shoemaker's kids going without shoes. :)

Now what do we do?

Well...its Tuesday today. "Yeah, so what", you say.

To some Tuesday is just that...Tuesday. To most there is nothing special about it...just the day after Monday...and the day before Wednesday. But not around here.

Tuesday around here is TUESDAY!!!!!

What's so special about Tuesday? Um...Hello!!!! AMERICAN IDOL!!!!

Oh, that's right...the AI finale was LAST week. (sigh)
And now the let down begins...

Yes, I know...we are junkies. Complete, bonified, certified junkies...of AI that is. I even get to call it AI...no long drawn out name here...I get to use its nickname... cuz we're tight like that. We fell in love half way through the first season and by the time the big showdown between Ruben and Clay took place, it was hook, line, and sinker all the way, baby! (Clay was totally robbed!)

Many may think we're a little nutty...and in all truth...we are. And its true, the show is a tad bit corny sometimes. But it is the one show our whole family can watch and enjoy together.
And believe me...we enjoy it!

Anyway...I guess this is good bye till next season.

Hurry up already, would ya?!

Disclaimer: If you are afraid of heights this isn't gonna help any!!

I have to say...I am always up for a good adventure...and a scaredy-cat I am not...but this...well, watch for yourselves! :) (keep watching...the first minute or so is tame)

I can tell you what we WON'T be doing on Memorial Day weekend

I pulled into the driveway today (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately) and the kids come tearing around the corner from the back yard saying "Mom you gotta come look at this!!"
So I follow them around back and up the deck to check out what they are so excited about...I open the BBQ and find this...


It seems incredible that this little production has been taking place right on our own back deck with the rest of us none the wiser. Of course I warned pain of death into the kids that they can't touch the eggs or the nest...I hope we haven't done too much damage already by opening the BBQ.
The small feeling of excitement I felt made me feel like one of the kids. I have to say...I think Someone upstairs knew I needed a special pick me up this week. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

It is so overrated!!!!

What is overrated, you ask?

The answer to that question is.........DRIVING!!!

Remember the days when we were young and impressionable? The couple of years prior to our sixteenth birthdays...the years spent being jealous of the juniors and seniors' (and the occasional older sophmores) cars parked in the school parking lot? We dreamed of the big day when we were old enough to get behind the wheel ourselves. We daydreamed of the make, model, and color our car would be...imagining our parents might actually give in and buy us that car on that magical day. Of course for most of us, that dream was quickly shattered and reality was flashed in our faces.

Reality for me was an old 1978 Ford LTD. The words Big Red and Tuna Boat readily come to mind. It was an aquired taste for sure, but eventually I loved that car...it was uglier than sin and HUGE...but I kicked you-know-what in impromtu races everywhere I went. The eight miles to the gallon pretty much sucked, but at 16 and 17 and even 18, who was worried about gas...there weren't any other bills to pay, so worry free it was!

Well, as much as I still appreciate cars and all their handy conveniences...I am so sick to death of driving I could throw up right this minute!
I have spent the better part of the last three weeks in...you guessed it...MY CAR!!!!

Gone are the days of getting excited to drive to the store for just a gallon of milk...being more than happy about picking up my younger brother from wherever...they are Gone...Caput...History...Finito!!

I knew what I signed up for when I chose to have five kids (not really, just saying that 'cause it sounds good)...but now I know what people are talking about when they say...just wait till you have older kids that can drive.

One year, eighteen days and counting! :) (I will live to regret that statement...but for now it sums it all up nicely)

I knew there was a reason I liked my job.

I think with every job comes ups and downs. For the last six months or so I have been feeling more downs than ups. It seems I have been in a funk and just haven't been loving my craft. I have even questioned whether I should continue at what I am doing. Well, this week changed that. I took one of my favorite shots to date and now remember why I started all this in the first place. Just thought I'd share. :)
(the image low res so it would'nt take too long to load...sorry)

Kacy tagged me...ok, fine...I'll do it.

10 YEARS AGO
Ok, ten years ago. Am I really supposed to remember ten years ago? I can't remember yesterday as it is. I'll give it a try...
10 years ago I was here in good ole Provo...missing Cali like crazy...still not adjusted to the cold weather(yes, I had already lived here for like five years or so, but you know the saying...you can take the girl away from the beach but you can't take the beach out of the girl)...whatever...really bad phrasing.
Anyway, here in Provo with 3 kids and a husband, working part time a Nu Skin. Man, do I miss the freebies from working there.

5 THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST
1.Finish painting the baseboards.(you don't really want to know how long they've been taped off just waiting.)
2.Finish cutting in the paint in my room. (this one is even worse...I won't give you a time frame, cuz then I'd really look lazy.)
3.Pluck my eyebrows. Did I tell you this was the story of my life already?
4.Lose weight...so what else is new?
5.Take new photos of the kids. It's quite sad really...the ones up now are already a couple of years old...you know the saying...the shoemaker's kids go without shoes.

5 SNACKS I ENJOY
1.Well, apparently Spaghettios. I really thought they'd be gross after not having any for years. Kacy was right...not so bad.
2.Funyuns. My kids have re-introduced me to a lost love from the past...thanks guys...cuz I needed yet another "healthy" snack added to the mix. (ya, know...onions are vegetables.)
3.Colby Jack cheese. Enough said.
4.Bananas. But don't try and feed me anything "banana" flavored...blech!
5.And saving the best for last...Dr. Pepper! Enough said with this one too.

5 FOODS I LOVE
1.Funeral potatoes...hands down the best dish ever served at any church functions.
2.Mom's roast
3.Mom's lasagna
4.Mom's soup
5.Pretty much anything my mom or anyone else besides me cooks. :)

WHAT WOULD I DO IF I WERE SUDDENLY A BILLIONAIRE
Pay my tithing and make a huge fast offering donation. With the rest...make sure everyone I am close with is debt free. Oh...and I would buy a Mini Cooper.

5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1.American Fork, Ut
2.Richardson, Tx.
3.Torrance, Ca.
4.Oceanside, Ca.
5.Rexburg, Id.
6.Springville, Ut.
7.Provo, Ut.
Yes, I know that's more than five...but that is all the places I have lived.

FAVORITE QUOTE
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." - Robert Frost

I now tag Gerb, Tricia, Krysta, Jenna, "Yolanda", and Carrie! :)
(If you've been tagged with this one recently, you have my permission to ignore me!)

Preaching To The Masses

What image does this phrase bring to mind? The Savior teaching multitudes of gentiles? Missionaries going door to door? Well, for me its brings to mind cows. Yes...you heard me correctly...cows!

Let me explain...

So about a year or so ago our then 10 yr old, Rebecca, was saying family prayer. She said the typical things...please bless the leaders of the church...please bless us in school tomorrow...please bless us that we'll sleep well tonight, etc. Then she says...please bless the missionaries out in the "fields". Yes, field with an S. I had to stop myself from chuckling out loud...the image of two elders preaching to a herd of cows in the middle of a field immediately popped into my head. When the prayer was over I explained to her that it wasn't fields but field and why. Well, I think I corrected her maybe one other time after that. I have given up trying to correct her...mostly for selfish reasons.

I now look forward to Wednesdays...Rebecca's day to say the prayer. When it is her turn and she inevitably says "fields", it is not uncommon to find an eye ball or two propped open looking to see who else is trying not to laugh. I am pretty sure our Heavenly Father is doing the same.

Speed test

Unfortunately I do more back spacing to correct spelling mistakes than I do typing most of the time! :)

62 words

Speed test

Ahh...those were the days.

My older two kids are going to hell (gasp)...and apparently, I am driving the bus.

Some may say I am a defacer...a vandalizer...a disrespector of shrubs and bushes...call me what you will...I take no offense. I was, once upon a time, the queen of toilet papering (with a few other "queens" in tow). And it appears that the time has come to pass along the torch.

Now understand, I feel no shame in this...I quite relish the official-ness of it all. I take great pride in passing along my tricks of the trade, so to speak. I will even go so far as to drive the get away car if necessary...that is, as long as I am home, tucked into bed by 9:30...otherwise they're on their own. :)

No, I am not just trying to be the "cool mom"...although that does have a nice ring to it. Nor am I just trying to live vicariously through my kids (that one is probably a lie). I am just trying to teach my kids that there is more fun to be had than sitting in front of the boob tube or doing whatever else it is that kids are doing these days. And if you think about it...it is an art form, really...so I guess one could say I am encouraging them to use their creative minds and at the same time exposing them to all things cultural.

The nostalgia of it all warms my heart. This is a memory every kid should carry with them. (Even us big kids)

It is harmless fun after all...isn't it mom? :)

"I saw God today..."

Yet another favorite song of mine. The title says it all.

Have I seen God today? Yes, I have.

I saw Him in my youngest child's eyes in the pre-dawn hours, she was blazing with fever and just wanted the comfort of her mommy's arms.
I saw Him this morning as I watched my older children happily heading off to church, their hair sopping wet from the snow pouring down...plenty of smiles to go around.
I saw Him today when my next to youngest asked, once again, if she could say the blessing on the food...I heard Him as well...as she said the prayer, earnestly trying to pronounce the words right.
I saw Him in the surprise Spring snowfall we woke up to this morning.

I'm pretty sure I will see Him many more times today...and I am willing to bet several times tomorrow...and if I am looking...the day after that.

I don't think seeing God is just about viewing the beautiful world that surrounds us...I think it is about the perspective that we choose to view it from.

Happy Birthday Emma!!

This ones for you baby...Happy Big 8 yrs old!
You make us just want to squish the stuffing out of you! We are so proud of you and how grown up you are becoming. Your kind and gentle spirit brings a warmth into our home that we wouldn't ever want to be without. Mommy and Daddy love you sweet girl!

You gotta love the older generation...they tell it like is!

This is one of the funniest emails I've gotten in a long time...had to share it. Besides, it reminds me of something my dear Grandma Murl might say.

When Grandma Goes To Court

Lawyers should never ask a Mississippi grandma a question if they aren't prepared for the answer.

In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know me?' She responded, 'Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.'

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?'

She again replied, 'Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a
youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.'

The defense attorney nearly died.

The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said,

'If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair.'

Not sure where these two came from...

'Cuz it sure wasn't from me!! I'm pretty sure this came straight down the line from their dad (myself...I am willing to waste 10 minutes looking for an up front parking space at Wal Mart...of course we can all clearly see how well that's worked out for me...but that's beside the point...back to the story...)

Jacob and Anna left our house two Saturdays ago at about 6:45 in the morning...yes...MORNING... to hike from the lake up the canyon past the falls...a round trip total of approx. 30 miles on the river trail. Jacob is trying to rack up hiking miles for scouts and these two just thought it would be fun. Due to snow up the canyon and one tired sister they ended up quitting about four miles from their goal. I find it kind of cute that these two were up for spending the day together!

Seven Things About Me

I have been tagged (sort of) by Krysta.
So here are seven interesting (or strange) facts about me...

1-I enjoy mowing the lawn...I think its the lines...kinda like vacuuming. :)

2-I have visited 23 states.

3-I was born in the same hospital as my mother and all of my children...the weird thing about that is I didn't grow up here.

4-My dream vacation is a tornado chasing tour...seriously.

5-I won an award for being the tallest girl at my session of EFY when I was 15. (this was out of hundreds of other girls)

6-I LOVE roller coasters...the scarier the better.

7-I am 6'0 tall and HATE basketball (no, I didn't play it when I was in high school...so don't ask!) :)

"It's gonna be okay..."

"What is gonna be okay?", you ask.

Inquiring minds want to know! I was reminded of an "incident" tonight that will forever be seared into my brain. So I figure, why not share it with the rest of the blogging world?

Before I share this story I must first post a disclaimer...

Remember, I started this blog to keep a journal...journals are important...one needs to write things down that are important to be shared with future generations. If you take offense that I put this story in writing...well... I just don't know what to tell ya! :) Moving right along...

All of my children are unique. They all have many different qualities that I find endearing. The subject in this story says many interesting things...let's just say she is a little more "unique" than those around her at times.

One afternoon, I was walking down the hall toward my bedroom. The bathroom of course is right next door to my bedroom. I hear talking coming from the bathroom...not unusual...but this time I stop to listen...and this is what I hear...

{grunt}"It's gonna be okay..." {grunt}..."It's gonna be okay..." {grunt}. Now understand, this went on for a good minute or two. I had to brace myself and literally cover my mouth and bite my tongue to keep from absolutely falling to the floor and howling with laughter. When she was finished, I heard a flush, then washing of the hands(miracle in itself), and then the door opened up and my littlest bug Gracie was staring up at me with the sparkle in her eyes and her happy grin and she says, "Hi Mommy" like all was now well with the world.

She has found her calling in life...look for her in twenty years on an Infomercial near you...she will be a motivational speaker like no other...I'm sure of it!!

It makes a mother proud!

This is Jacob and one of his best friends, B******, last Halloween.
These two young men were a sight to behold in their suits with their father's old name tags. Sharpest looking costumes around that Halloween, for darn sure!
They are a pair of goofballs most definitely, but for being thirteen I am impressed with both of them and the example they are to others. They are fine young men and will make even better fathers and husbands. I look forward to doing a fast forward photo six years from now. :)

"If I could write a letter to me..."

I was driving kids to school this morning and one of my current favorite songs came on the radio..."If I could write a letter to me..." by Brad Paisley. This particular song has gotten me thinking on many occasions..."What advice would I give my seventeen year old self...exactly seventeen years later?"

Well, you can imagine there are probably A LOT of things...most I won't write here because mom is reading this...some things are just better left unsaid. :) (No worries mom...I turned out ok didn't I?)

The very first thing I would say would be PLUCK YOUR EYEBROWS!!! Changing out your hairstyle periodically wouldn't be a bad idea either. I would also say don't go to Olan Mills for your senior pictures. (This one was for you Gerb, cuz I know how much you love this picture. Sorry all for the poor quality...a high dollar scanner I don't have.)

But onto more serious, meaningful things...

I would say... your'e all right...your'e a good person and the things you think and say matter. You have talents you don't even know exist yet and you will turn out to be a good mom and wife. (No ugly kids in your future, so rest easy.)

Your life seems hard right now, feels sometimes like the world is coming to an end. But just know it will only get harder...and you will eventually be grateful for your life experiences...they will help you down the road and you will be a much better person for them.

Read your scriptures. Read your scriptures. Read your scriptures. Yes, I know seminary is waaaayyy too early and you are trying to take advantage of the time to catch up on sleep. They aren't always the easiest to understand...do it anyway. The Lord will bless you and eventually you will learn to love them. You have kids to teach the Gospel to later down the line...read your scriptures already!!

Pray...everyday...many times! Heavenly Father is just waiting to help you with your problems...but you have to approach Him...He's just a smidge busy...save Him the headache and initiate the conversation.

Go to the beach more often...you will miss it like you have no idea later on in life.

Be proud of your height...just think of it this way...you can find your way in a crowd so much easier than short people. And stand up straight, by the way!

Spend more time on your homework. Don't wait until your senior year to realize your'e pretty darn smart.

Slow down!! I know racing with Brother Dan from seminary to school is fun...but for crying out loud...your older self cringes at the thought of the chances you took...well, I guess you made it to now, so what the heck...carry on...it will be one of your favorite memories!!

Listen to your parents...yes, I know...you are already tuning me out on that one. But seriously...you have no idea yet how much wisdom they have...they know a thing or two about life, I promise.

Enjoy yourself...don't take things so seriously. Treat your family like you do your friends...I'm pretty sure they'd appreciate it.

And finally...stay close to your Father in Heaven. He can help you get through anything if you'll let Him.

Frick and Frack

Frick and Frack... Two Peas in a Pod... Chip and Dale... Dumb and Dumber...(yes, mom that one is horrible)

These are commonly what our beautiful Emma and Gracie have been called over the years...please note that the Dumb and Dumber has only been in jest and never said in front of them. :)

They are a pair. They do everything together. They are pretty much attatched at the hip. I don't think one finishes a sentence without including the other's name. They fight just like normal siblings...but they love each other even more.

I have seriously thought many times over the years that Emma came into this life and Gracie followed her so quickly because she couldn't stand to wait her turn...she couldn't bear to be away from her sister any longer. I love watching their relationship develop. I never had any sisters, so seeing this special bond grow is that much more heartwarming for me.

I am anxious to see what the future holds! One things for sure...its bound to be entertaining!

Okay...I give up!!

As if I didn't already have too many things that need to get done!! Laundry and more laundry come to mind! :)
I have to say I thoroughly enjoy reading other blogs. I have thought about creating one myself for quite some time now. I haven't for many reasons...time, for one thing....and of course, time...and oh yeah, time. I could just be using that as an excuse though...apparently I have the time to read other's blogs.

The main problem is that life is passing us by too fast. The kids are growing in leaps and bounds right before my eyes. Soon enough they will be adults and I will be looking back with many regrets that I didn't record more of their lives. However, I am not much of a journal keeper. I have tried scrapbooking as well, but just can't seem to get in the groove of it. There are waaayyyy too many things that I keep telling myself, "I really need to write this down". I keep thinking I will remember the funny things the kids say...but who am I kidding? I can't remember my own age half the time. (Seriously)
So basically I am just going to have to bite the bullet and do it. Thanks to technology I can record some kind of journal, even if its not the typical kind. So here we go...hope you all enjoy my ramblings!

-Trish

P.S. You'll have to forgive me for gushing about our kids...I'm just a smidge biased that way! :)