Emery & Lindsey - friend mini album

Emery and Lindsey have known each other since Emery was just over a year old and Lindsey was just turning one. They are the cutest little girls on the planet! One day while Lindsey was over here playing, we took some pictures of them - and because I had some products to promote at the store, I jumped on it. We've got these little scalloped chipboard albums and again - acrylic {I LOVE that stuff!} - that I cut into the same shape. Tags are pre-made by October Afternoon - and unfortunately sold out before I even got this sample in the store. 

I made two - one for Eme (which is on display at the store) and one for Lindsey. Of course, I should just say that they are for me and Jenni (Lindsey's mom) and that would be just as accurate, right? Gosh I love those little girls!

Martin's Cove

So my parents are missionaries - something I didn't expect would happen so soon and so abruptly. It was a real quick journey from deciding to go on a mission to being in the middle of nowhere Wyoming living in a little trailer among other Senior Citizens, volunteers dedicated to a tender piece of Mormon history. 

I am so proud of them. They left their home in sunny St. George (to be taken care of by my brother) and left their comfort zone, their business, their friends, their pool, their family, all to be missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

It was so much fun to talk to them while they were in the Missionary Training Center . . . 4 of us 6 kids also served missions so it was fun to think of them there . . . and I must say, a bit odd to be speaking with them by phone . . . since for the younger single missionaries, one of the big rules is to not have phone contact with anyone. 

Take a look at their blog - they will be sharing some of their amazing experiences while there. They get to visit with families and youth who go on the simulated pioneer handcart treks. Mom has a mandolin and plays in a little band. Dad gets to learn how to call square dancing. They get to learn about and then teach stories of those brave pioneers who lived the hardships of life back in the day. They've seen where the real marks from handcart wheels cut into the land and remained etched there as a reminder of their journey. Their primary responsibility (among a huge list of other unexpected responsibilities) is to capture memories with video and still photography as a part of public relations. I'm so excited to keep hearing about their experiences, their growth and their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mom & Dad - we love you!!!

For the love of Vitamin D !!! Give me some summer!

I can't tell you how many mornings I've awakened to an overcast sky. This is NOT going to be considered one of Alaska's best summers! I just need some rays, people!!! We've just come off what I consider the worst winter we've had since living here . . . and I was hoping for a nice summer to make it all worth it! Not yet. 

I'm here wishing for summer . . . but I know that once I hit the heat in Utah and Idaho . . . I'm going to wish I had the cool Alaska air. Where's the happy medium?

You have to admit, though . . . the clouds here ARE beautiful . . . just like everything else here . . . beautiful! Problem is . . . in Alaska . . . beauty can darn near kill ya'! Did you ever see Discovery Chanel's "The Alaska Experiment?"

{Photo June 27, 2008}

Time's a-tickin! Vote today!

------------------------------------------------------VOTE--------------------------->>>

We've gotta get some more opinions people! I have yet to even come CLOSE to deciding what to do! 

Help me with the ring dilema!

I've Got a Thing For Bald Men

 

Here he is - the hottest man on the planet!!!

 

Not quite so hot - but oh so desireable!

So I'm sure you've heard of these Mr. Clean Magic Erasers - I mean, between the amazing magic of these little sponges and the news stories of children receiving chemical burns from them, you're sure to be familiar with the secret weapon of the most muscular man-maid!

 

I'm telling you - these things truly ARE magic . . . and since I've never used them to remove permanent marker on my kids' arms, AND never demanded child labor at the hands of my kids - I've only used them as intended, and I'm a HUGE fan. Here are a few miracles this magic eraser has performed:

*Permanent Marker on a White board . . . yes . . . when I worked for Weight  Watchers, my boss used a PERMANENT marker on the white board during a staff meeting. I was managing the center at the time and ran home after just to find the muscular man-maid . . . and the permanent marker came off like a charm.

*Gunk, markers, hand prints, crayon, scuff marks, spaghetti sauce - you name it - I've gotten it off the walls. Amazing though - it doesn't take off the paint that's supposed to be there. You gotta allot for plenty of time though if you want to get some marks off the wall - cuz once you start . . . you wanna keep going until you hit a corner - cuz if you don't - the miracle will shine bright among a dingy wall.

*Scuffs off of white patent-leather shoes - easy shmeazy!

*Soap scum in the tub - comes off great, but I noticed the sponge deteriorates at a quicker rate doing this chore.

*Dingy, dirty white plastic garbage cans . . . you know what I'm talking about - no matter how often you scrub your garbage can, inside and out, there's a dirty residue that just won't come off - until now - comes off with the magic of Mr. Clean!

*Linoleum floors - Dirt, grime, scuffs . . . it all comes off so easily. But like the walls, if you start with one spot - give yourself plenty of time to do the whole floor. (Oh, and I passed a display at the store the other day with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Mops! Had to run or I would have stopped to admire and probably purchase one!)

*Tile floors and laminate floors - same as above.

*Smeared candle ash off of my white counters. If any ash gets on the counter - you try and wipe it up, but it smears all over and won't come clean - with little effort - the marks disappear!

*Shower glass - you know how there's a residue from the dried streaks of water - well, this eraser gets rid of them in a snap!

So I'm sure there are a hundred and one more uses - most of which I've successfully tried myself, but you get the idea. 

Just remember not to use it to take off marks on skin . . . don't know why you would . . . but as it turns out . . . it happens . . . just remember - there's a reason this little innocent looking sponge cleans things up so effortlessly . . . there's gotta be something in it NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN WASHING. 

So leave the body washing to Bath & Body Works, but grab yourself a bucket-size package of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers at Sam's (if you haven't already!) cuz you're going to LOVE them!

What would YOU do???

Here's the thing . . . I'm a silver girl. Every ring, bracelet, necklace, set of earrings - all silver. The only gold piece of jewelry I own is my wedding ring. I love my wedding ring. Dan designed it and had it made just for me. I've always loved it because he put thought into it - he really pondered about the ring he wanted to give his wife. I love the design. I've never scratched myself, never scratched my kids. Never worried about that beautiful diamond prying out of it's prongs. I've thought it was classic yet different enough - it's so me. Except for the fact that it's gold.

So if you've been keeping up with me & my blog {and for the life of me I can't figure out why not if you haven't!} you know that for our 10th anniversary {celebrated on June 12} we decided to finally get the same ring made in white gold. We're heading to Idaho/Utah on vacation soon - and plan to take it to the jeweler that made the original, melt the gold down, get a new ring made, set the diamond and have it back on my finger before coming home.

The only problem is - as the time gets closer, I'm getting sentimental. It won't be the same ring he put on my finger for the first time. It won't be the same ring that's been with me for 10 years. What's wrong with me? Don't I want it to match everything else I have? But that's another issue - it won't match Dan's wedding band. He's got yellow gold, too.

So . . . if you were me . . . what would you do? Take part in my Ring Dilema Poll and help me out with this decision!!! And if you have a new idea altogether - I'd also love to hear it.

A "manly" injury

Inevitable, right? Every boy just has to have their first baseball hit to the face. Harrison's happened last night. Poor kiddo - he was out playing around with his dad and got popped in the kisser. When he came in crying to tell me what had happened - for some reason I didn't get all "motherly" about it. It wasn't a shock. I didn't regret it happening - I just took it for what it is - one step into manhood. And we treated it like that - his triumphant man injury. After a couple tylenol and some high fives - he was over the pain and I think he was pretty proud of himself.

{Photo and injury June 23, 2008}

Mentos + Diet Coke Experiment

So we've got a little scientist. Harrison's always telling us amazing facts about each species of dinosaur, explaining mating habits of lady bugs, showing us how cyclones work etc etc etc . . . so he's wanted to do the mentos & diet coke explosion experiment for some time. So for family home evening a couple weeks ago - we did it. Amazing how the soda instantaneously fizzes out of the bottle once the mento is dropped in. We don't know how people have gotten the lids on in order for them to explode off - the soda was fizzing too much too quickly. But the kids were more than satisfied with our experiment - and happy to see that green apple mentos work just as well as any other flavor. Dan took a drink after the fizzing stopped and I worried that his stomach would explode. Not to fear - he saw a Mythbusters that gave him all confidence in his safety. The other great thing that came out of this was that Dan loved the taste of the green apple in the coke - we may have a pitch for the coca cola company!!!

(I didn't have the guts to taste it!)

{Photo and experiment June 9, 2008}

Resemblance

So here's an album I've been working on for the store. We have these sliding doors board books from Piggy Tales and no one has bought one. Mostly because they probably think what I did, "What the heck would I do with that?" But after a lot of contemplation - I came up with something I really like. It's got a photo of both of our families on the cover - so you can slide the top one to see the one underneath. Then on the inside I have all of us at the same stages to compare the resemblance. You've got Dan and I on the left side of each page then our 4 kids at the same age on the right. I absolutely love it. It's fun to see who looks like who at each age. I do have to add Aidan when he turns 1 and 2 - then it will be complete. Gosh we have cute kids!!!

Technology's a Tradeoff

       

So I've been thinking lately - about all the things technology has changed in our society. We're definitely a more individual-centric culture. In a crowd of people - it's not odd to have little-to-no personal interaction. Everyone is either consumed by their iPod, texting their friends, or checking their email. 

{side note - the word "texting" is flagged by spell check - I wonder how long that will be the case?}

I'm realizing how I have changed with age - and it's not just in getting older - it's also got a lot to do with modern technology. 

*I  am much better at returning emails than phone calls. I don't know what it is about the written word, but I'm much better at it than verbal communication. I'm just not a phone person - anymore. I think I used to be - but I really don't remember. I'd much rather have a quick question come at me through cyberspace so I can answer quickly and on my own time. Even if it's at 2 a.m.

* I LOVE internet shopping. Forget that colors may vary or sizes may not fit - I LOVE buying online - right when I think about my need for something - even if it's at 2 a.m. And I LOVE receiving packages - I have a folder in my email program with purchases - and if I have a couple outstanding purchases to be delivered, I really enjoy checking that folder to see what I have coming. Granted - I don't get the personal attention of customer service . . . but honestly, does that even exist anymore???

* I have really gotten into this blogging thing - not only in doing my own, but I have a handful of blogs I visit on a very regular basis. I love hearing about people's real lives, their simple and/or complex lives. When blogging first came to my attention - I didn't get it. I thought it was strange to have a "journal" for the world to access . . . didn't make sense to me. But now I love doing it - not just to check my statcounter for an idea on how many people read my insignificant posts - but to keep a better journal than I have through my entire life.

The tradeoff I guess comes when I keep tabs on friends thousands of miles away and don't know what my friends within a mile are up to in the past few weeks. Technology can't replace the human, face to face relationships. And it's something I need to keep in mind - and make sure doesn't tip the scales to drop those relationships. 

Bargain vs. Brand: Baby Edition

So here are some brands and bargains that we've found while raising our {four} children -

Let's get this one out of the way before I blush . . . Honestly, the best nursing pads out there. Well - I'm not entirely sure if that's true because once I found these, I never needed to try anything else. I don't like people knowing that I'm wearing them - and that can happen depending on shape and absorption. So these are truly great - 'nuff said.

Between Emery and Jackson there are over 4 years. We knew eventually we'd have more kids but we didn't save everything because we knew it wouldn't be immediate. One thing we DID save was our Graco Pack N Play/Bassinet. (And since it's so old, I didn't want to search for a photo of our model - this newer one will do!) It's been a gem. We've used it while on vacation as a bed. We've used it outside to contain crawling babies. I've used it while working to keep my kids close but again - contained. All 4 kids have used the same one. It's still in great shape and I have no intention of letting it go anytime soon.

I've tried all the name brands - and honestly, none of them performs any better than the HUGE gigantor size boxes of diapers available at Costco. There's a bargain I can back! Love 'em.

Ditto on the wipes . . . except I'm even MORE adamantly in love with these wipes. I cannot stand any other brands - they are TOO thick . . . yep, you heard me . . . TOO THICK! They're just not agile enough for me to maneuver a dirty bottom. These wipes, however, are so fabulously agile, yet thick enough for the rough jobs. They also don't have that horrid fake powdery/perfume-y smell to them. I enjoy them so much that long after my children are self-sufficient in the bathroom, I'll have stock on hand for all the many things I use them for. 

Now - here's one that is worth paying for - none of the knock-off brands will do. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell of this stuff. I don't know if the claim of helping children fall asleep better has any truth to it - but it's the smell that gets me. A smell that doesn't change with skin contact like the knock-offs do . . . a smell that doesn't fade in moments either. I love bathing the boys with this as bubble bath - and when they're babies - I lotion them up good - even their fuzzy little heads. I could smell that cute little head all night long!!!

It's seriously all about the Costco deals with baby needs. Jackson was a formula baby - not for lack of trying - which is a HUGE understatement . . . but that's for another day . . . I was NOT about to pay for the name brands that probably are packaged from the same line at the same plant - this formula is great - and VERY reasonably priced. And now that we are supplementing with Aidan - we're relying on it once again. 

OK - so because Harrison and Emery are 18 months {and a day} apart, we had a double stroller with them and I couldn't have lived without it. But because we didn't have a glimpse into the future, we didn't know we'd need one again - and when Aidan came along - with just 2 years between he and Jack - we DID need one again. Fortunately my girlfriends threw me another shower and just pitched in money toward something I really needed - and I got the (get this serious name - ) Quattro Tour Duo Tandem Stroller and Travel System. The infant seat matches and fits in the back seat of the stroller. I ADORED this pattern so I ordered it from California and have been absolutely in love with it. I'm torn now because Aidan's almost ready to get into a new car seat and Jack's getting big enough to not need the stroller - so I'm going to have to Craig's List the thing - and it will be a sad day to say goodbye! That thing turns so well!

This is not a photo of the actual bag I purchased, but at Mud Puddle Bags you can see what an amazing selection of handmade bags there are. I got a REALLY big one - and it even went perfectly with my stroller and car seat - got lots of comments on that. I loved that it was large enough for everything I needed when Aidan - and Jack - were younger. Granted, I don't need a bag so large anymore - you can read a previous post on that, but I was endeared to my Mud Puddle Bag - well made, absolutely adorable fabrics, and very functional. I'm sure I'll be pulling it out ever once in a while when I need a bag of that size!

So - as we're transitioning Aidan to formula, I've again realized the importance of this little baby! You have a container with sections for formula powder. You turn the lid, pour the formula into a bottle with pre-measured water and shake it up. Keeps me from bringing a big 'ole can of formula with me to the zoo. This one is the style I like best - I have a couple with different designs, but they don't dump the powder out entirely - too ergonomic-al, I guess. The simpler the better on this product.

Dr. Brown's bottles - they claim to keep your baby from having colic or other tummy issues with some patented venting system. I don't think they were at all better for Jack, but it seems like Aidan is benefiting from them. I like them much better than any other venting-type bottle.

So there you have it - now that we are done having children, I'm passing on my wisdom and experience to anyone out there with babies . . . enjoy!

{LATE} Breaking News

So I guess this is what "news" looks like to an 8 year old boy!

And despite the context, if you're a sibling -

you should feel lucky to make big brother's news.

Happy Father's Day

{circa 1974}

{2006}

Top 10 Moments and/or Events with my dad:

10. The Dump - I know - "The Dump?" I hear you say . . . well, it wasn't just a trip to the dump - it was an event every time. We would go to the dump every summer growing up in Utah. We'd pass some memorable & strange metal sculptures, we'd go empty a borrowed truck filled with junk and then we'd go to Pace's Dairy Ann for an ice cream or popsicle on the way home. I don't know how he made the dump a great memory - but he sure did!

9. Daddy/Daughter Date - When I was little, one of my favorite daddy/daughter dates was a 50's theme. We dressed up and learned how to do the gitterbug - I just remember having so much fun and really enjoying the time with my dad.

8. Giovanni - After my Senior Year in High School, my dad and I went on a "date" to a Giovanni concert in Las Vegas. We dressed up, went to a restaurant at the casino, then enjoyed the musical talents of Gionvanni. (Google him sometime - he's quite the talent!) Very memorable night.

7. Summer Job - I can't remember what summer it was - but sometime in High School or College I spent the summer commuting back and forth from St. George, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada with my dad to work with him. He was the controller of a construction company and had me doing some filing and stuff like that. We spent A LOT of time in the car - in the mornings I was mostly asleep but in the afternoons we talked a lot and I felt like I got closer to my dad during that time than any other.

6. Potato Logs - Once we moved from Bountiful, Utah to St. George, Utah - we did a lot of road trips. We still had all of our extended family in northern Utah so we'd go back and forth often. In Fillmore, there's this gas station that makes potato logs like no other! They are so tasty and every time we'd take the trip, we'd stop for the potato logs and dipping ranch. I can't go through Fillmore and get Potato logs without thinking of my dad . . . he loves them as much as I do.
5. Swedish Pancakes - Ever since I can remember - we've enjoyed Swedish pancakes on special occasions. I think I mentioned Swedish Pancakes in a previous post, but those things are so dang good. My dad has always enjoyed preparing the fabulous meal complete with the pancakes, fruit and whip cream. Every time I make them I think of all the years of tradition.
4. Zions & Bryce National Parks - For more than one vacation we have enjoyed the beautiful grandeur of 2 of Utah's beautiful national parks. My dad loved taking us to both Zion's and Bryce. Memories include hiking, horse-back riding, picnics, car rides through the tunnels and Chuckwagon dinners. The most crazy experience at Bryce was when we planned a fabulous hike from the top of the canyon all the way down. Our strategy was well laid out. We left a couple of cars at the bottom and took a couple trips in the RV to get everyone to the top. So as we get to the bottom, after a LONG day's journey - my oldest sister realizes that she left the keys to one of the cars in the RV at the top. So we smashed 12 people in a Ford Tempo to get to our cabin. Don't think Teresa will ever live that one down!
3. East Canyon - I can't think of East Canyon without thinking of my dad. Ever since I can remember, we've been vacationing at East Canyon - a resort on the other side of the mountain from SLC and Bountiful. We've gone camping in the wilderness areas, we've fished at the reservoir, we've gone on horseback riding trips, we've stayed at the condos and we've had big family reunions there. We've seen moose and bears. We've been in both summer and winter. When I think of my dad and my family, East Canyon is always a part of those thoughts.
2. Days of 47 parade - Utah celebrates Pioneer day on July 24 - it's the day in 1847 that the pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. There's a huge parade and a couple years my dad parked a big truck and we were able to have a fabulous view of the parade. I remember thinking how grateful I was for my dad's extra care in getting the truck to the spot and making it such an exciting memory.
1. East Canyon . . . I know, I know . . . I already have that one - but this marks two SPECIFIC situations when my dad was there for me. First - when Dan graduated from Vermont Law School, we made a stop in Utah before moving to Alaska. Dan only stopped for a day or so - and my stop was for 2 months. After saying goodbye to my husband - so he could go work full time and study for the bar - I felt such a huge void. I met my family up at East Canyon and honestly wept in my dad's arms. I don't know if he ever knew how much it meant for me that he was there. I needed him to hold his little girl - and he instinctively did. Second - I was at East Canyon with my parents and my kids when I had my miscarriage - or at least had the physical signs of my unknown miscarriage. I had passed out a couple of times and my dad called 911 right away after the first time. I ended up getting life-flighted to the UofU hospital to receive quite an array of medical care. I will never forget his emotions as he talked about seeing his daughter go through that. I was so grateful to have him (and my mom) there during that difficult time.

I love my dad so much and am so very grateful for his love, his lessons and his example.

I hope you have a wonderful father's day, dad . . . and that you are able to feel the love of your 6 children and 13 grandchildren - even though we are all far away. We're so happy with your decision to go on a mission and know you are having some wonderful experiences there. We can't wait to see you when you get back!!! Lots of love!

And to my children's father - you are the greatest partner in the world. Our kids adore you - happy father's day to you, too!

Breakfast in bed -

This morning we brought daddy gifts and breakfast in bed

{Fresh homemade cinnamon rolls, fruit & juice}

Of course they "helped" dad open the gifts.

And "helped" dad eat his blueberries & strawberries.

Anniversary Fun

So this year I planned our anniversary events. It was all a surprise to Dan. We drove down to Girdwood and ate dinner at the Double Musky - it was really good food!!! They had the most amazing mashed sweet potatoes. They must have had some pumpkin pie spice in them because it tasted very cinnamon-y and pumpkin-y. I could have eaten those alone. 

After dinner we drove back toward Anchorage but stopped along the way to eat Dan's favorite dessert I'd stashed away {peanut butter pie from Glacier Brewhouse} and watch a movie in the car. I also gave Dan a book I had made on Shutterfly.

It's a little 8x8 hard bound book with photos of our first 10 years. I spent a week and a half on this little baby! While Dan was gone for an entire week prior to our anniversary week, I started collecting the photos - and scanning negatives really took it's toll on my time. But I got it all done without him knowing - and we both love it. Great little coffee table book - now all we need is the coffee table!

So it was a fabulous anniversary. Now - don't all start asking what he got me for the occasion! The book wasn't Dan's "real" gift - we had decided a while back that on this, the tenth anniversary, we'd get my wedding ring changed from yellow to white gold - so while we're in Utah we're going to get that taken care of. And Dan got a season golfing pass that he's been enjoying already - you gotta use it ALL summer! So those are our "official" gifts - but I did the book just as much for me as for him. It's fun to see all the changes over our marriage . . . we've half seriously said we're going to Paris for our 15th - so we'll keep you updated!

Another Purpose ~ Another Perfect Bag

So I have found yet another perfect bag to use for a very different reason than its original intent. I have been stubbornly using an old, ugly fabric USU tote bag to go to the temple. {For those who aren't LDS - we dress in all white at the temple and the clothing necessitates a bag, but not just an old plastic shopping bag - } I never wanted to buy a bag until I found just the right one. Well, not too long ago, I'm walking through Burlington Coat Factory and happened upon the diaper bag section. (*NOTE: this is in no way shape or form some kind of announcement - conscious or subconscious!!) I saw the cute fabric and thought - oh well, I don't know anyone having a girl anytime soon. But then it dawned on me {after JUST walking through the luggage department looking for the perfect temple bag} that I could stretch the horizons and just see if it would work! So as I open the bag, I notice the second smaller bag tucked inside, along with a changing pad, portable wipes container and other accessories. And as I'm pulling stuff out, I realize that taking out all the bells and whistles makes it a perfect bag for what I need. I love it! Yes - I did remove the Graco brand label after bringing it home. No need for everyone to know I'm using a diaper bag to hold my white dress. (Just everyone who reads my blog, I guess!) I still haven't decided what to do with the smaller bag since I already have the perfect diaper bag (see my earlier post about that!) But the changing pad and other accessories can be put to good use.

Ten Years Today

Sometimes I really can't believe it's been a decade! And at the risk of sounding cliche, there's no one I'd rather have spent these last ten years with than this man. He is amazing and I am more in love with him now than ever! {Another cliche!!! Sorry}

So when we were taking our engagement photos I was so opposed to this shot. I thought it was ridiculous and juvenile for me to be up in a tree. I was all about tradition and proper announcements. But they talked me into it with the logic that we only needed one photo for the announcements - and that taking some fun shots was OK. Well - when we got them back, there really were quite a few great photos - but we both just loved how this one turned out. It's more us - and I have always loved our choice. I know people who laugh at their announcements or who are embarrassed by them. Not me - I love them just as much today as the day we saw the finished product! Not only do I smile at the photo - but our choice of words makes me laugh too. 

"Tonya and Daniel

are ecstatic about

getting married

in the Logan LDS temple

on 12 June 1998

to the relief

of their parents

Robert and Meryl Lynn Forsberg

and

Steven Kent and Dorothy Kent

We invite you to celebrate with us"

Yep - it's been a fun 10 years - and I am thankful for Dan and his humor and love for life that balances me out. I need him. So - here's to the next 10 years - can't wait to see where it all takes us!

There's a frog in my froat!

{Video June 5, 2008}

Change of intentions:

I absolutely love when I find something that is intended for one thing and in fact - it is PERFECT for something else. This is an adorable knitting bag from Michael's by Knitpickers. {15" x 6" x 9"} A couple of my scrapping friends both have it to carry back & forth supplies for cropping. And when I saw it - I knew I HAD to have it! I'm forever on the hunt for the perfect bag for the perfect purpose.

So what I LOVE most about this bag is that it is now my purse and/or diaper bag. You get to a point when your diaper bag is just too big - all those things you "needed" when the baby was new just aren't necessities anymore - all I need is a clean diaper and wipes (and maybe a couple of those nuclear waste bags!). So the two pockets on the front fit the two different size diapers I need. On the inside there is a zipper pocket - perfect for those nuclear waste bags - but for me, there's just little powder scented bags. There are also two big pockets on the inside. One of them holds my portable wipes container perfectly and the other holds my wallet and phone. Hmmmmmm then there's the entire bag for space - my thin calendar/planner looks kinda lonely in there. I sometimes don't know what else to put in it. On Sundays it's my church bag and holds everything I need for entertaining kids through Sacrament meeting as well as whatever I need for my primary lessons. Plus it's just so stinkin' cute! The colors are kinda washed out in this picture - but it's a dark apple green and chocolate. There's a brand tag on the back side that I simply took off with my thread picker.

So if you're in the market for a new bag - don't limit yourself to the purse section at the department store - you never know where you'll find the perfect bag!!!

Good 'Ole Fashioned Fun

If I hear, "I'm Bored!" one more time - I might just eat my young . . . hey - the house finch, sand goby, burying beetle and wolf spider all do it . . . think about that poor mama spider . . . Exhausted from just building her own {temporary} home that will be ransacked by some passerby and catching her own lunch, which I'm sure will be eaten by her young ones, she lays dozens of eggs - and once they hatch, she doesn't get any R&R . . . at least I had 4 hours before I had to come home to my other children - so they all hatch and I'm certain she hears (not in unison, that would be too orderly) "I'm Bored!" No wonder she devours the little critters!!! I can see the logic in it.

Oh no, I did it again. I distracted myself.

Anyway - this week I was cleaning out my office closet and found the 4 formula cans I've had for 2 years that I promised the kids I'd make walking stilts with. And because I need the space, I was motivated to make them. Harrison was indeed surprised and in fact mentioned that it only took me 2 years. So we pulled out the Big Bite Crop-A-dile {not really, it's on my craft table within reach due to it's constant use!) - for those of you who are not familiar with this most amazing tool - it's the greatest chick tool of all time! It's a craft punch and eyelet setter - but not just ANY punch and setter - it punches through tin, acrylic, clipboards, leather belts - you name it - and it goes through like butter! Honestly - if I hadn't waited this long, I would have pulled out my husband's drill and taken 3 times the effort to make the holes! So, making holes in the cans was easy shmeezy! Plus, that thing has a long arm reach so we got the holes up closer to the top. We then threaded a thin rope through - and using some clear tubing I had for a different 2-year old project {that one I DID finish} we made comfortable handles.
An easy project for all of us to make in 15 minutes or less - and it bought me at least an hour of "I'm bored"-free time. Lucky for my kids I haven't devoured them YET.

{Photos and Project June 5, 2008}

Where's Aidan?

So the other day Jackson dumps an entire box of Cheerios on the family room floor - now, Aidan's been eating Cheerios for a while - but I fear an entire box would not be healthy for him - so I start vacuuming up the piles. I set Aidan down on a clean part of the floor and continue vacuuming. It doesn't take long, but when I turn around. The little man is gone. There's one step up from the family room to the kitchen area which he's climbed numerous times - so I go in the kitchen - directly to the pantry, cuz Aidan likes to play in the cupboards - no Aidan. I go in my office since he also likes to play in all my Scrapping stuff - no Aidan. I go frantic around the downstairs until I know he's nowhere to be found - then mommy panic hits - it's one of those "Without A Trace" episodes where in one split second, when no one could have predicted, something horrible has happened. But with just enough faith that things are O.K. I run upstairs to ask the kids if they know where he is. As I reach the top stair (without the gate set up) I turn and see the little 10 month old in the hall playing with some toys. I call out for Emery and ask if she brought Aidan up - confused since she would have forgotten the gate if she had indeed brought him up. She pokes her head out of the playroom and says, "no" and we both stand shocked as can be as we watch this little oblivious man play as if nothing could be more natural, even mundane. So we realize for the first time, he climbed the entire flight of stairs - and what amazed us even more is that he didn't fall down them!!! I guess without anyone distracting him at the bottom, he had no reason to turn around, which would have resulted in quite the tumble. So we took him to the bottom to see it for ourselves. And sure enough - he climbed like a pro. We had never really given him the opportunity to practice - guess he didn't need it. So now we're bringing the gate up and down depending on where we want him to stay - I know he did it perfect the first time - but I don't want to hear the little guy take the inevitable distracted tumble. No matter how much we try to keep them from growing up - they do it anyway! It's just in their nature.

{Photo and Incident June 4, 2008}

Budgeting bought us freedom

Have I said lately how much I LOVE my house??? I still get butterflies when I turn into our culdesac and see our home getting closer and closer. I feel giddy and excited and very very blessed to be coming home to such a beautiful, roomy house. I often reflect on the last 7 years since Dan has been out of law school and had a "real" job. Just a year ago I wouldn't have believed it were possible to live here - and still take care of all our financial obligations. We have worked extremely hard to take control of our finances - and it has definitely paid off!!! So I would like to offer up the secrets that have gotten us to where we are.

Tithing and Fast Offerings: Both Dan and I have never questioned the importance of paying tithing. It's never been debated, we just pay it - and pay it before any other financial decisions are made. Also, we have gradually increased our fast offerings (For those who aren't LDS - we are asked to fast once a month for our own spiritual welfare, but in the process, we are asked to donate the $ not used for food during that fast. It's used for the LDS welfare programs.) A couple years ago a friend of ours told us that if we would increase the amount we were giving - even if it seemed we couldn't spare more, we'd be totally blessed. We've now seen the truth to that.

Savings: It took us a couple years to understand the vital importance of saving, even if just a little, each month. We thought the best thing to do would be to get out of debt as fast as possible. So in putting any extra $ we had toward debt payment, we found that when our car broke down or the furnace quit in record-breaking cold February . . . we had to use the credit card again bringing the balance back up to where we started. So in establishing our savings, we avoided that. Now our goal is to build up the savings enough to a 3-month's salary . . . and consider that our "0" balance. Anything else we need to save up for goes above and beyond that.

Credit Cards: Don't get sucked in!!! The day we were completely 100% free from credit card debt was one of the most freeing days of our lives. Currently, we have certain credit cards that we use on a very regular basis, but we pay the balance off EVERY month, NO EXCEPTION! We use them to earn airline miles - now that we have to purchase 5 tickets to get the whole family somewhere . . . those miles come in handy!

Budget: It's amazing what a budget will do for a sense of freedom! We have our finances broken down into VERY specific categories. Our checking account holds the $$ for set monthly expenses, each is documented with the due date and how it's paid (check, electronic with-drawl, credit card, etc.) I go through that list once or twice a month, making sure each gets checked off for the month when it's paid. Next, our first savings account gets an automatic deposit amount each month. This $$ is broken down into categories that aren't monthly expenses like Auto maintenance, computer ink & maintenance, subscriptions, medical, and even Christmas. Those categories accumulate $$ in the savings account so it's also gaining interest - and not so easily tempting. Then, we have our cash budget. We withdraw the same amount of cash each month and stash it in category envelopes - these include things like groceries, household items, entertainment, stamps, beauty products, gifts, emergency preparedness, etc. (These categories are VERY specific.) It's amazing how much better we are when we are working with cash - it's easier to be disciplined when you SEE the money come in and go out. Finally, we have a second savings account for our bulk savings.

Allowance: A budget is SO MUCH EASIER to stick to when you have your own money - to spend however you want - no questions asked. Once we worked an allowance for both Dan and I into our budget, it's amazing how I didn't go over our grocery budget or spend too much in our household budget. We are able to pursue our interests or save for something big - having our own $$ is vital to making the budget work.

Now that we are in our dream home, I can see how all the discipline has paid off. I think we have made a complete turnaround in the past 2-3 years. It really doesn't take that long to regain the control over finances. It just takes goals, a plan and a bit of discipline.

'Nuff Said!

{Photo Taken June 2, 2008}

Perception is a strange thing

So I was walking past some store windows today and thought - hmmm - not too bad, I guess. It's funny how body image is ALWAYS and forever skewed. When I was at my highest weight, I didn't believe it . . . now that I'm at my current weight, I don't believe it. At least we don't believe what we look like. We have such a strange sense of body image. We are never truly honest with ourselves, and I don't think we can be.

But it's all about our own perspective, right? 7 years ago I would have died for my current lbs on the scale . . . but right now, I'm just dying for what I had when I was in my size "2" pants. (Or what I didn't have that is!)

So we have gone and purchased tickets to Hawaii. Thanks to our good friends the Barbachanos, out of nowhere, we decided to take a grown-up vacation without the kids. We're so excited to go with them and enjoy the sun, warmth, friendship, rest, relaxation . . . oh, and the public venues dressed in bathing suits!

Now, we have until November . . . but am I really going to put down the "Grasshopper" cookies and Peanutbutter M&M's enough to take me back down to that size "2" pant? Probably not. I'm just not as motivated right now. I'm am within the weight range set by WW right now, so I can't complain, but . . . but . . . but . . . I probably will. Isn't that what having a distorted body image is all about???

"Don't Worry, I'm a Professional"

Not to be out-done by her zany brothers . . . Emery was jumping down off the top bunk to get a couple more things (books, blankets, stuffed animals) before settling in bed for the night. Aidan was close by as well as Jack . . . and Emery is a bit clumsy - so as she's jumping down, I instinctively warn, "Be careful." To which she replies, "Don't worry, I'm a professional." Could my children BE more cute? Doubt it.

{Photo & Incident June 2, 2008}

Bargain vs. Brand: Beauty Edition

So I got to thinking the other day about why I use certain products . . . trial and error, I suppose . . . but as I got thinking deeper, I went back to childhood and remember not using anything expensive in the beauty department. My mom wasn't ever into skin care and makeup much or an extensive hair regimen, so naturally we had the least expensive products. I remember some "Agree" shampoo and "Dial" soap in there . . . and as my world expanded and I had control over what I bought, the first thing that went from bargain to brand was my hair-care products - but seeing how I do have a bit of my mom in me . . . I don't buy things just for the brand, I'm a bit reserved in how I spend my hard earned $$ - {or should I say "my husband's hard earned $$"!}

So here's what I use and why:

HAIR CARE: Yes - I purchase my hair care products at the salon. Everything from shampoo & conditioner to gel, spray and thermal protectant. (It's to protect your hair from heat!) I have tried various drug-store products and have had bad to horrific results every time. That's not to say that they are bad for everyone, I've just never found anything to make my hair do what I for $3.95. So I have a handful of brands that I rely on . . . and when I'm even close to almost out of something I immediately get more because I've run out of hair spray and had to go late Saturday night to Walmart in order to try and look normal for Sunday - and I just end up having a horrible, rotten, awful hair day on Sunday. Can't ever let that happen again!

Shower gel: I switched from Dove bars (not the chocolate variety!) to shower gel while expecting Jackson. I have this horrible scent aversion when I'm pregnant and any soapy smelling product made me sick. So while in Utah, I braved a Bath & Bodyworks store (those places are a nightmare when your sense of smell is so intensified!!!) and found a couple things that didn't make me wanna run to the nearest bathroom. Ever since, I've been sold - and very sad there isn't a Bath  & Bodyworks store in Anchorage - they say there's one on base, but I'm not about to enlist just for the right body gel!!! Thank heaven for their on-line store and regular sales!

Lotion: Although I LOVE the smell of the lotions that coordinate with the Bath & Bodyworks shower gels, they do nothing for my dry skin . . . so good old basic lotions are what I go for. And you can get a 2-pk of the jumbo bottles at Costco. Now that's a silky smooth skin bargain!

Facial Moisturizer: OK, so I don't have an acne problem . . . however, when I'm pregnant, those darn hormones make anyone believe that I do - and I found this great moisturizer while pregnant with Jackson - my entire chin cleared up where otherwise I looked like rosacea meets the alps! I've been using it ever since - and never had acne sneak up on me since - even through Aidan's pregnancy. And it's sold at Walmart & Fred Meyer. Talk about a great bargain!

Foundation: A couple years ago my sister Teresa started selling Mary Kay. She got me hooked on a few things . . . and I've been using them ever since, but this little sweetheart is new. I've wanted to try some of the trendy "mineral" foundations but never wanted to shell out 6 installments of $19.99 for a sketchy infomercial. But in my last order - I saw Mary Kay had one and thought I'd try it. Totally loved it from the first application! I don't use any liquid foundation anymore and I really like the coverage on my freckled, splotchy skin.

Eyebrow Pencil: So I used to get the Mary Kay eyebrow pencil, but in my search to find something quick I found this little gem. I really like it - it's self-sharpening, meaning you twist it up - and it's a VERY thin pencil - none of this 1/2" thick eyebrows. Dark Blonde is my color and I appreciate that I can find it at Walmart.

Eye Shadow: Cover Girl, L'oreal, Maybelline, it's all the same to me - I'm not picky about my shadow brand - mostly because I can get more variety for the price . . . and it's not like the expensive shadows do anything spectacular - they just color your eyelids like the cheap stuff, so drug store bargain shadows for me.

Mascara: I found this little gem through a young women's beauty night. We had a beautician {is that even what they're called anymore?} come talk to the girls about makeup and hair - and she told us the best drug-store mascara was Cover Girl's Remarkable mascara - it's "washable waterproof" and I absolutely love it. I've never found anything I like better. She also told us that unless you have black hair, you shouldn't wear black mascara - so I've bought brown-black ever since. I have very few "bad eye-lash days."

Lipliner & Lipstick: These are my long-time friends. I've been using Mary Kay liner and lipstick for a LONG time now. They last forever on my lips. And they don't dry my lips out.

Hand Soap: Yet again, I turn to Bath & Bodyworks online to find my hand soaps. For years I've used SoftSoap and never complained until that pregnancy with Jackson. I've never been able to go back - anytime I'm at a store or public restroom, I flinch when they have it because I have to talk myself into believing the smell of the soap is better than not washing my hands at all. I know - horrible, isn't it? But I just can't stand that smell, and even if they are "scented" something extraordinary like lavender or lilac/berry . . . they all have that same base smell. ICK! So I enjoy having an antibacterial, moisturizing soap that gives off a pleasant aroma at the same time!

And last but not least, Eye Makeup Remover: Mary Kay again. I've tried a few of the drugstore brands and been content enough, but there's something about this makeup remover . . . it seems to moisturize and nourish my eyelashes . . . no - don't laugh at me! It's true. I have fuller, longer, better lashes when I'm cleaning them off with this brand - so doubt me all you want, but when I flutter my long lashes in your face, don't complain to me!

So there you have it - my take on bargains versus brands in the beauty category . . . stay tuned for household bargains vs. brands and possibly food as well.