For Grandma Jo...

My mom bought Bryn and Carly some matching dresses for christmas and they wore them last week to church. Two peas in a pod.

Miss Tornado...

Carly is EVERYWHERE! She loves drawers. Bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, plastic drawers. She pulls out everything she can get her hands on. I find it cute but today since I am trying to get the house cleaned for the baby shower I am throwing tomorrow, not so cute. She on the other hand is ALWAYS CUTE!


This is what I came upon this morning in her bedroom. She had pulled all of the diaper wipes out of the container!

Just a Thought...

Last night before bed, I looked at my sweet husband and told him "I couldn't imagine my life without you." And as I said these words the realization of death came into my heart and mind. That is the one thing we all have in common, we all will die. But when- No one knows. Death can seem like such a deep, scary thing. I guess because it is an unknown to us. I dont know anyone who has died and came back to tell us all about it. Sure, there have been people that claim this but did it really happen? I guess it made me think about what my life would be like without those that I love so much. I haven't lost someone close to me suddenly. My great grandmother was too young to have passed away 20 years ago, but I was very young when she did and so I cannot relate that with this. I am very blessed to have all of my grandparents alive and no one in our family has even passed away recently that I have been devastated by. To which I am very glad for!
I have to be the first to admit that I am scared of death. Not really me dying per say, but of losing those closest to me. I have been so touched to hear the story from Australia, about the 13 year old boy who gave his life so his brother could be saved out of the floods instead of him and his mother. They were swept away before they could be rescued. What a brave soul he was. He gave his life for his little brother. I can help but think of the little brother- ia his life going to be better that he was saved? He lost two people closest to him. He lost his mother. How could be saved have been a better option for him? What I think we need to look at isnt these numbing questions but the fact that his sweet brother gave his life, so his brother could have one. I hope that this little boy knows what a sacrifice his brother gave him. Because we only get ONE life and we must choose to make the most of it. No matter what our life circumstances may be and whatever life may throw our way.
I think what makes it all too surreal, is that we all know we can pass from this life and our life be over in the blink of an eye. I know that there is a God and a heaven. I believe in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, so should I still be afraid? I think being afraid, allows us to live our lives more fuller, more aware of the fact that I am grateful to be alive. To live and to be able to experience all that life has to offer.

Sore...

My body. I am feeling it right now. My poor knees are killing me and my behind hurts so bad. Every time I go to sit on the toilet, it hurts. I know you were just dying to know that:) But its true. Sitting, standing, laying down, it all aches. My chest and arms hurt and I swear even after I shower I smell like sweat. But its all good because I was finally was able to go back to the gym, since Carly turned 10 months old. (I think it so weird that kids have to be 10 months to be able to go to the nursery there.) Anywhoo, So its been a week of spinning, weights, treadmills and ellipticals and so far to date...5 pounds gone. In one week. Go me. I have been on a very strict diet but I havent been very hungry. Lots of lean proteins and veggies. Yum. Let me just say that I will be so happy to get out of this phase and have my oatmeal for breakfast again. A person can only eat so much eggs each morning before they make you want to puke. I have 9 more days to go. Each phase is 17 days long and there are four phases. In each phase you get to add more food to your diet. So on the next phase I get to have my grains back. Oh happy day. I have to say I feel so GOOD right now. At this very moment, I am still sitting in my sweaty clothes and I am a complete mess on the outside but on the inside I feel happy. I feel rejuvenated. Even after a grueling hour and half at the gym, I feel so at peace. I know I will hate it come tomorrow when more of the soreness will set in. But I dont care. Its worth it to feel the way I do about myself and how much more happier and healthier I feel. Its a trade off and I am CHOOSING this kind of lifestyle. No one is making me. Its all me, well except my trainer who doesnt let me say "I can't". I tried to say it today and she told me "Oh, but you can and you will" I love her. Jackie means so much to me. When I train with her, she brings out something that is deep down inside of me, something that I never knew exsisted in me. Its crazy- I know but she inspires me more than anyone ever has. Let me tell you about this gal. She was married for 16 years,had four kids when her husband was killed in a car accident. She raised her children by herself and has never remarried. She has lost two sisters and her mother to cancer. I look at this brave woman and cant help but admire her strength. Both physically and spiritually. She has changed my life in so many ways. Over the past few years she has become more than just my trainer but a dear friend.She is who has gotten me so into nutrition and exercise. Her stories and the drive she has make me realize that a person can do anything. As long as you have the drive and will to do it. You can. And I will.

Shakin Booty...

Brynley Boo...

Oh how I love you! You have been such a special daughter in our family. I love how fun you are, your laugh, your smile with your cute front teeth showing through it, your mischievous ways keep life interesting, your blonde hair and blue eyes make me melt, you have been the best cuddler, the most clever, patience testing child we have had.But it makes you, you and I love that. I love you more than words could say and I am so HAPPY you were born not only in this world but to us. Happy 4th Birthday my Boo!





I asked her to do her favorite pose...

Papa Terry and Nana get the kids balloons every single year for every single birthday. Its their thing ans my kids LOVE it!

Bryn's Day...

With her birthday falling so close after christmas and with New Year's Day in the mix, I find it hard to focus on getting a birthday party going for Brynley. Poor Bryn. So I didnt plan far in enough advance to get a major party going for her at the skating rink like sh had wanted. Maybe next year. So we took her with each kid inviting a friend for an afternoon at the rink. It was fun for us all. Carly danced all cute to the music playing and Aunt Becky came and gave me some company while all the kids skated away.

New Year...

1-1-11. {Sorry I dont have any pictures. I just had to post on this date. How cool is that...1-1-11. So you can just listen to me blab for awhile, I have a special day to post about tomorrow, so there will be pics then.} I love the start of the New Year! There is just something awesome about being able to start fresh and have a new perspective on what the year might bring. 2010 was good to us. Much better than 2009. I am excited for what 2011 holds for our family. Brynley will turn 4. Carly will turn 1. Aubrie and Caleb will both finish off another year of school. Another season of baseball and soccer to look forward to. Dance recital in June for both Aubrie and Brynley. Bryn also said she wanted to start gymnastics. I will turn the BIG 3-0 in July. Caleb will turn 12 and receive the Aaronic priesthood and will finally be able to go to Young Men's. And a month later Aubrie will turn 8 and be baptized:) Lots to look forward to. I feel blessed. When I am able to sit down like this and write about the exciting things we have in our family, I also see what tremendous blessings we have been given. So much, not enough time or typing room to even put down all the blessings we have. Lucky. Blessed. Either way, I know who to Thank.
I am not much on making resolutions. I believe its just setting a person up for failure. Though its fun to think about...What do I want to accomplish in 2011.
First and foremost, finally losing this baby weight. I start back with my trainer on monday and I feel focused and revitalized. Exciting for me. My goal, 30 pounds for my 30th bday present. Yay for me.
Second, I need to update my blog more often. There is just so much that goes on, I find it really hard to make the time to do this. But I will try harder to post more.
Third, I want to learn to sew more. I got a sewing machine for christmas from my mom and Phil and I have my Great Grandmather's sewing table, so there is no excuse for me to not get better at this hobby.
So there are a few of mine.
What are your goals for the New Year?
Happy New Year to all of you out there! May it be a blessed one for you all.