The Hollingshead Family

School starting

2011-08-25T13:00:00.003-06:00

Sammy starts Kindergarten on Monday and I am really excited for her. We met her teacher and she did her pre-testing. The testing went really well and her teacher told me that she is already reading at a 1st grade level; so that is really neat. Thanks to all the amazing teachers that Sammy has had in her "pre-school" life she is WAY ahead...thanks for all you have done for our little girl! Thanks for challenging her and pushing her to learn! Thanks for just being who you are and for what you do. You know who you are...so thanks. And can I just say...this has nothing to do with Nate or I. :)

We are going school shopping on Saturday and I am so excited. Sammy can't wait to get her sparkly shoes. It is adorable that she already knows what she likes and what she wants. I have always been super picky about clothes and what I want to wear...so she is like me that way. I get that about her. :) I am excited to share this special time with her and get her ready to start school in style.

I do have a dilema...I have a conference call scheduled with about 200 people during the time I am supposed to be dropping Sammy off for her first day. What should I do?!??!? I can't not take her...right!??!?!

A New Job

2011-08-08T04:24:00.003-06:00

I started a new job about 2 weeks ago and I am really enjoying it. It am working at doTERRA as a project manager. The more I am learning about the distributors and the products the more excited I get. I feel blessed to have this amazing opportunity and to work with some incredible people.

A Nostril

2011-07-12T00:42:00.002-06:00

The other night I was reading stories to Sammy and she started making all kinds of silly faces at me. The following conversation ensued:

Mom: Sammy you look like an alien

Sammy: No Mommy, I am a nostral.

Mom: A nostral?

Sammy: Yes mom...a nostril.

Mom: Do you know what a nostril is? It is this part of your nose (pointing to my nose)

Sammy: starts laughing...no...a nostril in space...

Mom: Do you mean an astronaut?

Sammy: Oh...is that what you call it? (laughing) That is what I meant...

Not a Horse...A Cow?

2011-06-25T19:25:00.003-06:00

Image found here

Quinn likes to wrestle...and jump on people...and tickle people...and just act like a silly little boy. Today was a typical Saturday and I was laying on the floor (after working in the yard for hours...and it still looks horrible)...trying to rest a little bit. Here is the conversation...

Quinn crawling up my legs and onto my back, "climbing...climbing...climbing...okay...ready?"

Mom, "Quinn, I am not a horse."

Quinn, "Mommy a cow?"

Yeah...I walked into that one...dang it.

Rubba Dub Dub

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when it is getting close to bedtime Quinn gets really fussy. He is tried and just wants Nate or I to hold him. This can be a challenge when we are cooking dinner or trying to wash the dishes after we are done eating. What do you do?

Monday night was no exception...Quinn was crying and begging to be picked up. Nate had a good solution...he stuck Quinn on his shoulders and requested that he "hang on" while Nate finished up the dishes. I took a quick break from drying the dishes to take this picture...I thought it was hilarious. Nate is such a great dad and a good sport!

Feeding the Ducks

2011-06-23T08:43:00.001-06:00

The other day we all went to the little pond/stream near Sammy & Quinn's daycare to feed the ducks. It was kind of rainy, and windy, but we still had a great time. The kids loved feeding the ducks and running around. Quinn got a little too close to the edge of the water and actually slipped in. Nate and I were right there...so no harm done...he just needs to be a little more careful...he was soaked!

After feeding the ducks we went for a quick ice cream cone. It was such a fun day...we really enjoyed spending time together. I sure love my family.

In Sammy's Words

2011-06-21T07:44:00.002-06:00

On Sunday Sammy's teachers at church asked the kids to answer or finish some questions about their Dad and give them the answers as a Father's Day gift. I thought some of the answers were so sweet, some were hilarious, and some were touching. I wanted to record these answers...enjoy...

1) Dad's are important because...they love their kids.

2) My Dad's favorite thing to do is...play soccer.

3) My Dad likes to eat...pepperoni pizza.

4) I like my Dad...because I love him.

5) My Dad looks like...my dad. my dad doesn't have any hair.

6) My Dad has a good...family.

7) I want to help my Dad by...making dinner.

8) I like when my Dad makes...pasta.

9) I like to play...soccer...with my Dad.

10) I love my Dad because...he is smart.

11) My Dad taught me to...follow the commandments.

12) I want to show love to my Dad by...making his bed.

What a little sweet-heart...and a special gift for Nate...

Things we are Giving up

2011-06-20T11:40:00.004-06:00

Okay...so the money makeover is going pretty well. We are still adjusting to our new life style...but so far we are doing okay. I did slip up this weekend and spent $10 on a pizza...but that is it.

In order to make this makeover work we have had to give up some things:

Weekly allowance: went from $15/person/week to $7.50/person/week- saves $60/month

No longer getting my nails done: saves $70/month

Date Night once a month: went from $100 a month to $30 a month - saves $70/month

Reduce Food Budget: $600/month to $480/month - saves $120/month

No extra eating out/misc. money spent: went from $300/month to $0/month: saves $300/month

Total Monthly Savings: $620

Something else that I found has helped us save money on food is E-Mealz and the Meal Time Makeover. This is a great website that puts together 7 meals a week for under $100 and gives you a comprehensive shopping list and a menu with the recipes attached. Everything is simple, and very tasty. The shopping list is made for where you shop (mine is Walmart) and gives you a price breakdown for each item...no surprises. The cost to access this website is minimal...only $5/month and is sooooo worth the expense. The first week I tried this I saved about $80.

Not only is it saving us money it is taking the guess work out of dinner time...a time that is usually really stressful for me. It is a double win for me. Oh and if you decide to go with E-Mealz enter the promo code: dave and it will discout the price for the first three months!

BTW: thanks for all your suggestions and ideas on how to save money! You guys are awesome!

Down a Pound

2011-06-20T10:40:00.004-06:00

Image found here

I am still trying to lose weight and I am down another pound this week. I did well with my eating until Friday...and I kind of lost it....I went to the store and bought a bunch of candy and ate it all...and with Father's day this weekend we had some treats...uggg.

But I still lost a pound and I am on track again. My breakfast was very good, healthy, and balanced. I have all my fruits and veggies ready for the rest of the day...waiting for me to eat them. The menu is planned for the week...we are set for success.

Also, I started walking with a friend at night and we are determined to go nightly and get our bodies in a better place. It feels good to move my body and be outside in the fresh air. I think it is doing good things for the physical and mental side of me. I might even try to run the corners of the track at the high school...we will see.

Wish me luck this week...and pray that I can keep away from the sweets.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:23:00.004-06:00

Nate - I just want you to know that I love you! I think you are a fabulous Dad and an amazing husband. Thank you for all you do for me and the kids. I huge thanks for going to a job you HATE everyday so that we can be comfortable and taken care of. You are an amazing man and I am so grateful that you are mine.

I know that life isn't easy and things can get you down...but know that you are love...you are appreciated...and you are my hero.

Love you sweetie! Happy Father's Day!

Earning Extra Money

2011-06-15T08:15:00.003-06:00

Image found here

So we are still working hard on our total money makeover...and one thing we need to do is "find" extra money in our budget to put towards eliminating debt. Any ideas on things we can do to tighten our belts...or ways to raise extra cash quickly? We are trying to get our emergency fund back up after paying tuition and my trip to California for my Grandma's funeral. I want to do it fast so we can start tackling debt again and stay motivated.

Thoughts?

Water

2011-06-13T11:31:00.003-06:00

Image found here

I have some good news...I lost 3 pounds last week. With two weddings in the family coming up I want to shed some weight and just feel a little bit better. There are a lot of things that I need to do to succeed in the...and I am focusing on eating at least 6 fruits and/or veggies a day and drinking enough water.

So far so good...this week...I mean it is only 11:33am...LOL. I feel like I am floating away from all the water...and I really haven't had that much. I have had 4, 8 oz. glasses so far. Not only that...I have had to go pee 5 times already...uggg.

Even with the floating and the peeing I am feeling really good. I feel alert and energetic. Not bad...

I am hoping to lose another 2 - 3 pounds again this week...wish me luck...and go drink some water.

Rainbow Snow

2011-06-12T20:25:00.002-06:00

Photo by Jennifer Yang

Summer actually feels like it is here to stay and I am so happy about it. This weekend was absolutely beautiful! The sun was out and the temperature was fabulous. In fact...it was snow cone weather.

I really love summer for a dozen reasons...but one thing I really enjoy is the snow cone shacks that pop up all over the place. In Springville I think we have 6 of them...two within 1 minute of my house. And when you can get a refreshing treat for $1.00...I am sold.

I start to crave them and think about them on my way home from work...I actually drive by 5 of them on my way home...I wonder why I think about them so much.

My kids love them too...on Saturday afternoon we went and grabbed one after dinner and it was so tasty. We sat on the porch surrounded by weeds and slurped and spooned every last bit.

I remember my dad had a mini Hawaiian Ice machine when I was a kid...but we didn't make snow cones much...but I know why he bought it...they are just so good...and when you need one...you need one.

So go out and get a snow cone...you will be happy that you did.

Melancholy

2011-06-10T10:46:00.001-06:00

Image found here

I am feeling very melancholy today. Quinn woke me up again this morning way too early…it was 2am. He does that sometimes and it really messes with my feeling of restfulness…and when I am tired I seem to struggle with my depression a little more. So today I am feeling down and sad. I just want to go sit in the forest…but we don’t really have the kind I like in Utah…or sit by the beach…don’t have those either. I just want to go somewhere peaceful where I can think, pray, and feel.

I remember as a teenager I would go through short periods of melancholy, usually lasting a day or two every quarter or so. I would usually drive my car to a forest somewhere and sit and listen to nature for hours while writing poetry.. It always helped me to process my feelings and allowed me to experience the sadness that I was feeling. It always helped me feel better…I think when we try and push our feeling down or act like everything is okay was aren’t allowing ourselves the opportunity to be fully ourselves. The good, the bad, the happy, and the sad are all part of who we are as humans and we need to give ourselves permission to be fully human and allow all those parts of us to reside in our consciousness.

So today I feel blue and that is okay. I will listen to slow piano music and embrace the sadness.

When they are the ONLY one left out

2011-06-09T10:26:00.003-06:00

Image found here

I picked Sammy and Quinn up from daycare on Monday, as usual. When I asked Sammy's teacher Miss KayKay how she was that day she told me that she was good until after nap time. I asked her if she knew the reason and she told me it was the summer camp field trip.

At daycare the do a summer camp for kids that are 4 years old and for kids that are older than 5 years old. It costs $250 a person and they take many field trips....maybe everyday...not sure...all through the summer. With our commitment to the Dave Ramsey way with money we didn't sign Sammy up this year...we just really could not afford it.

So after Miss KayKay told me she was having issues when the other kids left for the field trip. She said that she was really upset and crying and just having a hard time. That is when I found out that Sammy was the only person in her class that wasn't attending Summer Camp...yeah...seriously. I felt horrible. I had no idea she was the only one being left out of all the fun.

Prior to Summer Camp starting I talked with Sammy and told her that she would not be able to go and why. I explained that we really just didn't have the money for it and told her that we would do fun things as a family this summer instead. And I promised that she could go on the final field trip that was open to all the kids at daycare...going to the Zoo in August. She was sad that she wouldn't get to do everything...and cried...but she said she understood and seemed okay with it.

After I found out that she was the only one who wasn't going I told Nate and he felt horrible too. How could we deprive our kid of the fun that EVERYONE else was having. How could we ask a four-year-old to understand. So we took her aside and talked to her about it again and told her how sorry we were that she couldn't go and told her what fun, free things we would be doing as a family this summer. She was still sad, but seemed to understand.

After Sammy went to bed that night Nate and I talked about it some more. We really can not afford the extra expense...but we just feel bad. After talking it became clear to me... I was reminded that it is sometimes good for people to go without and know that they can't have everything. I think one of the things that is horribly wrong with our society today is that everyone has a sense of entitlement...that they "deserve" this or that because they are alive. I don't want my children to have those same issues...so I guess in a way this is a blessing. Sammy is by no means deprived of fun or many good things in life...so missing out a little from time to time isn't always bad.

Thoughts?

Yard Help

2011-06-07T11:01:00.001-06:00

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with my yard at the moment. There are more weeds than grass in the yard...I have empty flower beds...and it just looks horrible. I don't have much money to spend...Dave Ramsey is still holding on...but I want me yard to look nice. Any suggestions for what to plant in a very shading front yard that will give me something pretty with out spending much money?

Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated!

Funerals are Hard

2011-06-04T20:39:00.002-06:00

I just got back to Springville this evening...and I am so glad to be home. I was just dreading going to my Grandma's funeral. I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way until I was at the viewing on Friday. Seeing my Grandma lying there was so hard...I was happy that she was out of pain and with Grandpa...but I was sad for me and for all those who knew her. We are now missing out on a pretty special lady and I will miss her so much.

I stood by my Grandma's casket with my sister Liz and cousin Hi-D and we all just cried. We talked about how much we loved her and all the sweet things she did. It was almost like I expected her to sit up and take my hand, tuck my hair behind my ear, and tell me how much she loved me. I felt so loved when I was with her...and I loved her dearly.

I was able to sing at her funeral; which is a very special thing for me. I sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing...I just love the words and the meaning that it has for all of us. I love to sing and I was so glad that I could sing for my family and my dear Grandmother.

Again, I am glad to be home and know that my Grandma is laid to rest and at peace.

I love the Piano

2011-05-31T11:39:00.006-06:00

I love the Piano. I played for years as a child and adolescent, but really haven't touches the piano at all since I left home.

I was studying today about the musical intelligences theorized by Howard Gardner and as I did so I was drawn to listen to beautiful music. One piece that I have loved for a long time, but has recently become popular in the general public is Clair de lune by Debussy. You can listen to it below.

Listening to this kind of music makes me yearn for my parent's black piano at home...oh how I miss that instrument.

Yeah Boobos

2011-05-29T19:36:00.002-06:00

So I get random clothing catalogs in the mail all the time and I usually stick them right into the recycling...no use in tempting myself. The other day a Lane Bryant catalog came and both Quinn and Sammy had to have some mail...so I gave the catalog to Quinn...and some other piece of junk mail to Sammy. Whatever makes them happy.

Quinn has hung on to this catalog for a few days and tonight when we were getting ready for bed he was looking at it. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying until I heard, "Yeah Boobos!" That is when it registered what he was saying. He was going page by page, pointing to every ladies breasts and saying, "boobos...boobos...boobos...boobos." Then when he got to the end he said, "Yeah Boobos." I looked at Nate and tried hard not to laugh...he was holding back the laughter too.

Quinn is always talking about peoples boobos (as he calls them) and pointing out ladies with big breasts. He always points to mine and says, "mommy's boobos." Then he will point to his own and say, "Quinn boobos...hehe." I didn't think he really took a ton of notice until now...

So...I guess I will have to cancel all the catalogs that come...especially the Victoria secret. I mean if he is enjoying looking at Lane Bryant...just imagine Victoria Secret! Yikes....Boys are Boys from the very beginning I guess...

Goodbye Grandma Conrad

2011-05-29T16:03:00.003-06:00

I found out on Saturday morning that my Grandma Conrad had passed away late Friday night. I have such mixed emotions about this. She was in sooooo much pain, stage 4 cancer, and her mind had been slowly slipping....but still....I loved her so much...I didn't want to get her go.

After losing my Grandpa this January and now my Grandma this week...I feel a little lost. It feels weird knowing that neither of them are in this world any longer. They were such a big part of my life growing up...and over the last 10 years I had come to know them both as adults...and our relationship blossomed. It is so hard to say goodbye...but I know I have to.

Grandma's funeral is on Friday in Glendale, CA (where Grandpa is buried). I am flying out with my sister Liz for the service. It will be good to be able to say goodbye with my family. Family is what makes everything else matter.

Love you Grandma.

Credit Card Cut Up Party

2011-05-26T07:00:00.001-06:00

Nate and I are really getting on board with our money-makeover...and we have sworn off credit cards...FOREVER. In fact...we have sworn off borrowing money completely. It is going to be a long road to debt free...but we are committed and ready to move forward.

We had a credit card cut up party the other night. Nate and I cut up ALL our credit cards. As we pay off each card we will cancel them...and never have one again.

Debt-free....HERE WE COME!

And yes...it was late at night...that is why Nate and I both look so tired...but happy and excited.

Dorthy....The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

2011-05-25T09:35:00.002-06:00

Sammy and I love to read. I try to read to her every night, just like my mommy did with me. It doesn't always happen...because I got to school at night most evenings...but we still try. I read her The Wonderful Wizard of Oz recently, and I am reading it to her again (she just loved it so much). Since then she talked about the Wizard of Oz a lot...and especially Dorthy (I think she is going to be Dorthy for Halloween...we will see).

Last Sunday I was trying to convince Sammy to let me curl her hair...always a tough sell...and finally we came to a compromise. As long as it looked like Dorthy's hair it was okay. So we did pig tails and then curled them. She had to wear her blue and white checked "Dorthy" dress to match...she was thrilled.

After getting ready for church we decided to take some pictures of this blond Dorthy...

The serious pose...LOL.

Goofy kids...

The cheese smile...it is hard to get Quinn's real smile in pictures.

I love how Sammy just loves her brother.

I tried a new effect on this picture...what do you think?

My two little cuties

Can I ever escape the silly face picture?

The Kids with Daddy.

Another silly face picture.

Rainbow Pop

2011-05-25T09:32:00.002-06:00

For the last month of Preschool, Miss Morgan made sure the kids had fun. One day they had a carnival day...so much fun. Sammy won this huge lolly pop and enjoyed every bit of it. It was bigger than her whole face.

Things that Make us HAPPY

2011-05-23T08:24:00.002-06:00

Nate and Sammy were having a little chat about things that can make us happy when we are sad. I am not completely sure of the detail (this story was relayed to me by Nate), but Nate asked Sammy, "what can make us happy?"

Sammy pondered for a second and said, "Heavenly Father, Jesus, and Primary Colors."

Sometimes kids are so funny...

She Graduated!!!

2011-05-19T11:01:00.007-06:00

No...not me...Sammy. I wish I was the one who had graduated!!!

Last night was Sammy's graduation from Preschool. It was awesome...truly. There was a short program, a procession, a slide show, and a balloon release...and treats (of course). It was so great.

I actually felt like a real mom as I waved to Sammy frantically (so she could see me watching her on stage). She was so excited...and got such a big smile on her face when she saw us (me, Nate, and Quinn)...priceless. I didn't think I would get so much enjoyment out of it...but it was really neat. My little girl is growing up...so exciting for her.

My little Sammy waiting to go into the school for the program.

Quinn wanted to sit with the big kids before the program started.

Sammy just loves her little brother.

Can you see how excited she was! It was so cute!

Sammy and the other graduates sang a song about going into Kindergarten...it was darling.

Sammy receiving her diploma.

She is a little shocked...what now?

Next came the wishing balloon release...can you tell Sammy is excited.

Quinn was just glad to have a balloon.

Everyone getting ready to release the balloons.

Almost time to let go.

Look at all those wishes.

Wishes off to the universe.

My Quinn and My Nate.

My cute little family.

Sammy with Miss Morgan. Thanks for all you have done for Sammy and our family. We will love you and miss you...until it is Quinn's turn. :)

Sammy getting ready to leave.

I miss my Grandpa

2011-05-18T07:48:00.003-06:00

I found this random picture on my jump drive yesterday and it made me smile. I love this picture of my Grandpa...and it made me miss him terribly. This picture was taken when Sammy was just little (like 8 months or something) and we went to Arizona for St. Patrick's Day. My grandpa Conrad wore this hat the whole day to show off his heritage. I miss you Grandpa.

Also, don't you just love how FAT Sammy was...I gets me every time...and she got fatter before she got skinny too...I love FAT babies...they are the best.

Saving...

2011-05-17T08:35:00.002-06:00

Image found here

So Nate and I have been trying to get out of debt and start being more responsible with our money...man is it hard. I started listening to Dave Ramsey randomly on the radio and after about a week I realized that I/we had a lot of work to do.

I have never been good with money...I love to spend and spend and spend. After hearing Dave's matter-of-fact way of telling me that I was being stupid and ruining my future I decided to talk to Nate about what I had been hearing. I am sure that Nate thought that I was joking...I have never wanted to save money...and do all the things a responsible adult ought to do...but I was serious.

So we looked over Dave Ramsey's website and started with the Baby Steps. We are only on step two...get rid of all your debt (using a debt snowball)...but we are making progress. I can't wait to call Dave and say, "WE ARE DEBT FREE." It might take us a long while...but we are going to continue to strive to do it.

What do you do to save or stay out of debt?

Getting Family Pictures

2011-05-13T13:41:00.002-06:00

We are having family pictures taken tomorrow and I am feeling excited and stressed about it. Excited because...well...Quinn is two and we still don't have a family picture with him in it. Stressed because...I don't know what we are going to wear...I feel SUPER fat...I am worried that Quinn will just make weird faces the whole time...and I really want them to turn out. Luckily Tawyna is taking the pictures...so I know they will be beautiful...but I am still stressed out.

Any suggestions on what we should wear? I look good in pink/warm colors...Nate looks good in blue...Sammy looks good in pink/soft colors...and Quinn looks so great in blue too....but is it lame to do pink and blue? Boys and Girls...uggg...I don't know what to do.

HELP!!!!

Be Happy

2011-05-12T14:10:00.000-06:00

I was reading a post on EarlyMama about being happy and really felt that her words were wise and true. There is always a reason to NOT be happy, so we really need to try and find a reason to be happy too.

Michelle included this quote in the post and it really jived with me:

What makes you happy?

Here we go round the Mulberry Bush

2011-05-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

Image found here

I really want one of these trees for my front yard. It is called a Wheeping Mulberry Tree. I just love the way they look and they have a very interesting frame in the winter...very cool looking. I need to find out how much they cost and see if Nate will let me get one. Cross your fingers for me.

What is your favoriate kind of tree?

The Low Way

2011-05-11T07:02:00.002-06:00

Image found here

Sammy loves to have the windows down when we drive in the car. I don't think that the airflow gets back to her well...so she just wants to feel the breeze from the windows. I don't have a problem with this unless we are driving on the Freeway or the Highway...and Sammy knows this. I will tell her...we are about to get on the Freeway so she needs to roll her window up.

The other day we were driving back home from Provo and took the old Highway. When we got on I told her that we were on the Highway and she would have to roll her window up until we were on a smaller road. She did this without fuss.

Once we pulled into Springville and were heading down Main Street Sammy asked me, "So Mom...are we on the low-way yet?"

I was a little confused and asked her what she meant.

She said, "well...I figured we were off the highway...and I want my window open...I just wanted to make sure we were on the low-way so it could be open."

I smiled to myself and told her yes, she could open the window, and that yes, we were on the low-way. It makes sense...right...logically speaking.

Kids...so silly.

Special Day

2011-05-09T09:34:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day. And my hubby did a fabulous job of spoiling me. He let me sleep in WAY too late, made breakfast, lunch, and dinner and gave me the sweetest card filled with coupons for all sorts of goodies...valid after the 13th (when we get paid). I actually laughed out loud when I saw that I could not use any of them until after we got paid...he is so cute.

It was a perfect day. I didn't have to do anything except relax.

Thanks honey for all the love, support, and kindness you show me.

Textbooks...what a rip-off

2011-05-05T13:56:00.007-06:00

Image found here

I am starting Summer classes this Friday and have been trying all week to get all the books I will need. I am renting some through Book Exchange, bought some on half.com, and picked up one at Beat the Bookstore. After all that I still spent like $300 on books....holy crap! It is crazy to me that these books can cost so much. And to make matters worse, if the edition that the university is using changes then you can't sell your used book for anything at the end of the semester...it is basically worth nothing. It is INSANE.

At least the world has opened up with the Internet and we don't HAVE to buy our textbooks at the school bookstore...but still...it is a huge rip off.

Any good tips for finding books at a good price?

Sammy's Spring Preschool Pictures

2011-04-27T07:54:00.002-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Brilliant Beginnings Preschool...well if I haven't....I LOVE it. And I love Miss Morgan...she is just awesome in so many ways. One way is that she insures that I have pictures taken of my daughter at least twice a year...imagine that!!??!? Thank you for everything Morgan...I love ya!

Enjoy...

How cute are these kids...

Some Cards (blurry photos)

2011-04-27T07:41:00.005-06:00

I love to paper craft...I really do. It is my way to unwind and feel creative. Sometimes I come up with my own design and sometimes I copy something complicated and interesting I see in a Stampin'UP! catelog...regardless of how I create my cards I enjoy it. Here are some of the cards I made in the last month...sorry some of the pictures are a little blurry.

Enjoy...

Inspired by: Stampin'UP! summer mini catalog

Inspired by: Stampin'UP! Mini Catalog

Inspired by: Stampin'UP! Spring mini

Diana borrowed this design from Split Coast Stampers...isn't it cute!?!?!

Not sure where Diana got this one...LOVE this idea.

Also from Split Coast...really enjoyed the colors on this card.

Our favorite...Split Coast

Idea from Stampin' Success Magazine

Inspired By: Stampin'UP! Spring Mini

I can't remember where I saw this card...it was a Stampin'UP! publication though.

Easter Fun

2011-04-27T07:30:00.005-06:00

I have to start out and say that Easter is so much fun when you have little kids...they just love every part of it. From egg dying to egg hunting...they love it all. This year we had fun dying eggs, hunting eggs, and eating candy...it was a blast. I forgot to take any pictures of the hunting...sorry....or the eating (too busy stuffing my face)...but I did manage to snap a few the day of Easter and the Saturday before.

Getting Ready to Color the Eggs.

The Dye is ready to go.

I think Sammy was confused about what was going to happen.

And we are off...what fun.

Quinn thought the toothpicks were really cool.

Nate showed Sammy how to dye the egg two colors...Sammy loved that.

Quinn showing us all the pretty eggs.

Easter morning...before church.

I could not get Quinn to smile for the picture...he kept saying cheese and making weird faces.

And then...I have crazy kids that like to make faces for the camera...need I say more.

A New Car

2011-04-21T10:42:00.003-06:00

Image found here

Nate has been driving an old Honda Civic since we were first married...or close to that. I bought it from my Mom and Dad...it was the car they bought for me to drive while in High School. We didn't pay a ton for it...but we paid for it. And we really haven't had a whole lot wrong with it the whole time...it is a great little car. After about 250k miles Honda's usually lose their mufflers...both of our Honda's did...and things just don't "sound" as nice...but they still run like champs.

Safety/Emission time has come and we took the car into the shop...there were a bunch of little things wrong plus we needed all new tires...so it would cost us around $800 to get it all fixed so it could pass the safety side...it already passed emissions. That is we decided that it might be time to get a new vehicle for Nate. If we sold our Civic we could MAYBE get $500 out of it...if we were lucky...so why put almost $800 into it...we could never get that back. And...the car has about 300K miles on it...how much longer could it possibly go?

This time around we are going to get Nate a truck...and I am pushing for CNG one...so we can save on gas. Know anyone who is selling a nice truck...with an extended cab...with under 90K miles...and CNG...for under $8k? We want to buy it.

Shopping Without Kids

2011-04-19T22:20:00.002-06:00

Image Found Here

I went grocery shopping without the kids on my way home from school tonight...It was amazing! Truly...I just strolled through the isles...took my time...didn't have to take a potty break...and enjoyed the experience. I don't think I have ever enjoyed a trip to Wal-Mart so much. It was almost as peaceful as sitting in the woods...almost...until I purchased everything and about had a heart attack...those darn Easter Baskets really add up!!!!

Easter Baskets....a book...a small toy...and a few treats...that is what I like to get my kids for Easter. What are your Easter Basket traditions?

Sunburn

2011-04-18T10:27:00.002-06:00

Nate and I spent the entire day on Saturday outside...getting his new raised beds put together and planting some of our stuff. It was a beautiful day and I truly enjoyed spending the time outside and especially love spending it with Nate. Everything turned out really nice and we were both really tired by the end of the day. Not only was I tired but I sunburned my arms...I look like a lobster. Oh well...I am happy that I got to spend the time in the sun...it is supposed to rain all week....uggg....

Date Night...Ideas?

2011-04-15T08:33:00.002-06:00

So I told Nate that I want to go on a date with him this weekend...but what to do? I don't want to go to a movie...I want to do something better...something that is stimultaing...fun...and will allow for some good conversation during and/or after. Any ideas? Oh...and the cost needs to be low...as usual.

Digging in the Dirt

2011-04-14T10:38:00.002-06:00

Image found here

With the crazy weather we have been having my yard work has been a little hit and miss. The flower beds in the front yard are horrible...full of grass. So I have been digging up all the grass and trying to decide what I am going to do with the yard. I have this weird thing though...I love digging in the dirt. I don't like to wear gloves...I love the feel of the thick, wet dirt in my hands and on my fingers.

I love yard work. When I lived with my parents as a teenager...the year before I moved out I spent most mornings (during the summer) working in my parents yard...and I loved it. I think this is where my great love for gardening bloomed.

Hopefully I will get some more time in the yard again tonight after work...we will see if the nice weather holds out...it did snow a little last night..

My Favorite Thing

2011-04-12T08:22:00.002-06:00

Photo by Jaap Hart

I truly love Spring. I love all the flowers and watching the world wake up. When I start to see the spring flowers poking through the snow it makes me happy. In our new home we haven't planted anything yet or done much work on the yard...but there were some tulip bulbs in the ground still...and I have a whole bunch of red tulips about to bloom. I hope mine will be as pretty as this picture taken by Jaap Hart above.

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Love my Nate

2011-04-11T09:24:00.002-06:00

I sure love my Nate. He and I have been through a lot together and as we near the 10 year anniversary I have been thinking about how much I value him as my best friend, companion, and husband. He is a wonderful man and does so much for me. I love him so much. Yesterday in church he bore his testimony of Christ, eternal families, the prophets of this dispensation, and The Book of Mormon. There was such strength and conviction behind his words. There was no doubt in my mind that he knew that was he was saying was the truth. One of the main reasons that I wanted to marry Nate was because of the testimony that he has. When he is talking about the gospel and testifying he is almost transformed; he has this inner strength and a fire in his eyes. When he stood in front of the congregation yesterday and shared what he knows to be true I was reminded again why I love him so much. Nate is a witness of Christ. He knows that Christ lives. He knows that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church. He knows that because our family is bound by covenants we made in the Lord's temple we will be together forever. I am grateful to have this amazing man as my husband and the father of my children. I hope to be a strong enough woman to stand by his side as an equal and lead our children through life and help them learn that Christ is our Savior and teach them about the joy that can come from knowing Christ and living his gospel.

Pink Eye...for real

2011-04-08T20:35:00.003-06:00

Image from Pink Nothings

Well...it is official...I have pink eye. I know...totally sick. It is so yucky and my eye is killing me. Any suggestions on how to make it go away quickly? I am so done with this already.

Finally Updated

2011-04-07T11:44:00.002-06:00

I finally updated my blog...take a look...lots of posts below.

Miracles do Happen

2011-04-06T14:00:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share an experience that our family had. My little niece Gracie woke up my sister this morning because she was having a seizure...and then she turned purple and stopped breathing. Luckily my sister's husband Ron knew how to do CPR and got her breathing again...but she remained unconscious. Ron and Nikki took little Gracie to the hospital were she continued to have seizures and didn't wake up. I received a text message from my mom letting me know what was going on and asking for prayers. Our family started praying at that moment and didn't stop. I called my mom to see what was going on and she told me that Gracie had a really high temperature and that was what might be causing the seizures...but they still were not sure. Gracie still had not woken up and we were all very scared. I asked my mom if Gracie had received a Priesthood Blessing yet...and my mom said that someone was on the way but that Gracie was being transferred to another hospital. Upon arrival to the hospital Gracie was given a Priesthood Blessing by the LDS missionaries in the area...from what I was told she woke up, the fever was gone, and she stopped having seizures and was able to go home. What a miracle this was...I feel blessed to know that my Heavenly Father hears my prayers and has allowed us to have his power on the earth (to bless his children like Gracie) through the Priesthood.

Conference....

2011-04-06T12:59:00.002-06:00

Conference Weekend was last Saturday and Sunday. We spent the time together as a family at home...it was really nice. As a mother of young children...I didn't get to hear much of what was said...thank goodness for the Internet and video streaming. My kids kept me chasing them...and then it was quiet...this is what I found.

Kids playing nicely.

Nate sleeping soundly.

The Last Leg

2011-04-06T12:55:00.002-06:00

We left Arizona on Saturday night and drove to my parent's house in Cedar City. We arrived very early in the morning and slept in...thanks mom and dad. We spent the day at there house, the kids loved spending time with Grammie and Papa. We had planned to be driving on Sunday, so we didn't bring any church clothes with us...so we didn't go to church.

My mom is such a great cook...she made us some delicious food...I especially loved the stir fry veggies with Halibut...it was amazing.

I forgot to take any pictures...what was I thinking...

We left on Sunday night and drove the rest of the way home. It was so great to be home and everyone in their own beds. We all slept great and were ready to get back to normal life. We sure can't wait for our next vacation but are grateful for the stability and peace of a schedule and a home of our own.

Arizona Trip - Part 3 Continued

2011-04-06T12:44:00.002-06:00

After going to Smeeks we headed over the the outlet mall in Phoenix. We had fun getting killer deals and stocking up on some summer clothes for the kids. After the shopping was done we were all a little tired and very hungry. We went to a really yummy pizza place in Ahwatukee. It was soooooooo delicious...I could have had a whole pizza myself...and I did...a personal pizza. :)

After dinner we came back to Grandma & Grandpa's house. We had planned on spending the night at there house again, but decided we ought to leave that night and try to make it to Cedar City...so we could spend some time with my Mom and Dad too...

I was sad to leave...I sure love my Grandparents...but I know that we will see them again soon...hopefully they will come visit us in our new house this summer.

Thanks for all the yummy food...the fun times...the laughing...the place to stay...and all the love you show me and my family.

I used to pose just like this as a little kid...it cracks me up the Sammy does the same sort of things. Two peas in a pod for sure.

Grandpa Arlen, Sammy, Me, Quinn, Grandma Judy.

Sammy & Grandma Judy

Grandpa Arlen, Grandma Judy, and Quinn

What is it with all the silly faces.

Grandma & Grandpa

Me with my Grandparents.

Arizona Trip - Part 3

2011-04-06T12:24:00.003-06:00

I knew that while we were in Arizona I wanted to check out Smeeks on the recommendation of NieNie. She lived in the the Phoenix area until her plane accident, but says that they always stop by while they are in town. Since I have a killer sweet tooth I knew that this would be one place I would not want to miss. So I too had to stop by...and it was such a neat little, tiny, shop. Full of fun, vintage candy and toys. Before we got there I was put on a strict budget of $5.00...and it was a good thing too...I could have spent WAY more.

My Grandma Judy and Grandpa Arlen were sweet enough to indulge us this visit and come with us. We were staying at there house and had not as yet spent much time together. I thought if we all went together it would be the best of both worlds. I am not sure if they liked it as much as my kids...but I think they had fun too.

Yum is right...Sammy thought this was the best store ever.

Everything looked so yummy and tempting.

I have never had one of these type of lolly-pops...I would never eat one if I bought it...I would be too sorry to ruin it's pretty colors.

Quinn had fun trying out some vintage, wind-up toys.

Sammy thought that the photo booth was pretty cool.

The whole store just spoke of happy, Wonka-esk fun.

Look at all the yummy Smeek treats.

Sammy had fun playing with this windmill.

We ended up getting some pop-rocks, salt-water-taffy, and a cow-tail (Quinn picked that one out). I noticed this cute bingo card display on the checkout counter. Also, they had the old-school Candy-land stuff everywhere in their decor...I LOVED that...it was one of my favorite games as a little kid.

Me and the kids outside of Smeeks.

Arizona Trip - Part 2

2011-04-06T12:05:00.004-06:00

The second day that we were in Arizona we saw my Grandma Jo and Grandpa Gary. We went out to lunch at The Olive Garden...so yummy! After we had finished eating we went to the Train Park in Scottsdale...it was so great. I remember my Grandparents taking me and my siblings there when I was young...so it was fun to do the same with my own kids.

This park is so much fun. It has a building full of model trains...a mini train ride...a train station...a real train to walk through...a playground...and a merry-go-round. We had a blast for sure. The biggest hit was the mini-train ride and the merry-go-round. And the best part...tickets were not much at all...thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa.

It had been years since I had seen my Grandma and Grandpa, so it was a lot of fun to see them. Sammy was still less than a year old the last time I saw them. We had a fantastic time and loved seeing them. Hopefully we can come and visit again soon. Thanks for such a fun afternoon.

Had to get a picture by the train globe.

There were model trains everywhere...it was so cool.

Lots of little trains to play on.

Quinn was in heaven...he LOVES trains.

More model trains.

They even had a locomotive blasting through the wall.

Me, Quinn, Sammy, Nate, Grandma Jo, Grandpa Gary.

Sammy & Quinn sitting on the train station bench.

Waiting for the train ride.

Will the train ever come back?

Getting seated on the mini-train ride.

Getting ready to go.

Quinn waving to Grandma and Grandpa as we started our ride.

Sammy riding the train.

Merry - go - round

Daddy waving to adoring fans.

Quinn & Nate took another ride on the train and Sammy and I took another turn on the Merry-go-round.

Sammy was chasing the train and saving to Quinn & Daddy.

Arizona Trip - Part 1 Continued

2011-04-06T11:36:00.006-06:00

After spending the afternoon with my Great-Grandma Weedon, Grandma Judy, and Grandpa Arlen we went over to visit Grandma Conrad for her birthday. My Auntie Trisha is staying with my Grandma Conrad at the moment so she was there. My AUnt JoAnna and Uncle Greg were also at the dinner. We had a fabulous time talking, laughing, and playing with Lady, my Grandma Conrad's dog. Sammy got a hold of my camera and took a bunch of pictures.

Sammy took this picture of Angry Birds on Nate's itouch.

Sammy took a picture of this picture on the wall at my Grandma's house.

My beautiful Auntie Trisha.

These next few were of Uncle Greg being silly while Sammy took pictures.

Grandma Conrad, Sammy, Quinn, and sweet Lady.

Nate being goofy.

My Auntie Trisha.

Quinn & I

My Grandma Conrad and Lady

Nater

Sammy showing me her grumpy face.

Sammy got mad and was pouting in the corner...Quinn came over and joined her and did his own pouty face...it was hilarious...Sammy couldn't keep a straight face after that because we were all cracking up.

Sammy thought it was awesome that she could carry Quinn around...and that he let her.

Quinn loves playing games on Nate's itouch.

My kids and their dad.

Sammy, Quinn, and Lady

Sammy and Grandma Conrad.

Nate, Quinn, and Sammy getting ready to eat birthday cake...so yummy.

Aunt JoAnna cuts the cake for Grandma Conrad.

Isn't she beautiful....77 years old.

Arizona Trip - Part 1

2011-04-06T11:27:00.002-06:00

For Spring Break we went to Arizona to visit all my grandmas and grandpas. It was a fabulous trip and I was so happy to spend a little time with some of the family I LOVE so much.

We arrived on St. Patrick's Day...which happens to be both my Grandma Conrad and my Great-Grandma Weedon's b-days. We arrived very early...at 1:30am to be exact...so we were little tired...but we still tried to pack a lot of fun into every moment were were in Arizona.

We went out to lunch with my Great-Grandma Weedon, Grandma Judy, Grandpa Arlen, and My Great-Uncle John at a yummy Mexican restaurant...wow do they have good Mexican in Arizona.

I took some pictures of the kids outside the restaurant because the lighting was really good...aren't the so cute!!?!?

Sibling Love

Okay...enough of the girly stuff mom.

Let's make some faces.

Quinn doesn't like to be left out...he loves to copy his sister.

More silly face.

I had to get in the mix.

After lunch we went over to Great-Grandma Weedon's house to visit for bit. The kids thought it was so much fun to climb in and out of the dog-door...luckily Grandma didn't mind much.

Me and my Great-Grandma Weedon...she turned 94 on this day. Love that lady.

Double Date

2011-04-06T11:22:00.002-06:00

Kallie was in town a few weeks ago and I thought it would be fun to set her up on a blind date with a new friend from work. This new friend's name is Nathan...just like my hubby...so that was kind of funny.

We decided to go to dinner at Los Hermanos and then laugh our heads off at Comedy Sportz in Provo...we were not disappointed. We had a fabulous time. We need to schedule another double for sure.

My Nate and I.

Kallie and Nate

The whole crew

Cinderella...the ballet

2011-04-06T11:08:00.003-06:00

I think it is really important to spend one-on-one time with your kids. Nate and I both try to do things with just Sammy or just Quinn as a couple and individually too. We want our kids to know us and know that we love and value them.

Sammy and I really like to go on "dates" together because we both like a lot of the same things. We love Frozen Yogurt, shopping, eating out, music, anything girly, paper crafting. When I learned that BYU was doing the ballet production of Cinderella and that they were going to have a princess party prior to the performance (where all the little girls get to meet the ballerinas) I knew that we just had to go.

And go we did. Sammy was little shy of meeting the ballerinas but was so excited. She warmed up and got her pictures taken with the fairy godmother during the princess party...after she was given the sucker...imagine.

We made it through the whole two hours...with three intermissions. Sammy did get a tiny bit antsy because there are no spoken parts during the ballet, but she really enjoyed watching the dancers and the music was amazing.

Sammy has asked if we can go to another ballet sometime, and I hope that we can. It is never too late to start getting your children interested in the arts...even at 4-years old they can enjoy it.

Sammy waiting to go into the theater.

Sammy and I on our "date"

Sammy slowing me our tickets.

We got to meet The fairy God-mother. She was so beautiful and Sammy just loved her. All during the show she would point out when The Fairy God-Mother was on-stage and dancing.

Was a goofy kid

Like mother like daughter...we love our sugar.

We went up on the second level so we could see all the dancers from above.

Mom and Sammy are ready to go in.

Sammy loved looking at all the pictures of the ballerinas.

Sammy waiting for the show to start.

Mommy being silly.

Sammy doing her classic silly face.

Valentines...oh how I love them

2011-04-06T11:06:00.001-06:00

I made these cute little Valentines for Sammy's preschool classmates this year...I know it is a little late to show them...but I thought that they were cute...and the kids really liked the treats inside.

Domino Anyone?

2011-04-06T11:01:00.001-06:00

I really do have goofy kids...the other day while I was getting ready I came out to find my little kids in the laundry basket licking dominoes....really? Whatever makes them happy I guess.

For the Love of Play

2011-04-06T10:44:00.004-06:00

My kids love to play...don't all kids?!?!? And they really love it when their Daddy, Uncles, or Aunts play with them. We are lucky to have a Daddy that is around a lot to chase them into exhaustion before bed, Uncles who live only 15 minutes away who like to come over for Sunday dinner and then tickle my kids into submission, and our darling Kallie who drives down from Idaho frequently and usually stays at our house...the kids can't get enough of her.

Below are some fun pictures of the kids playing with Kallie and Andrew when Kallie was visiting awhile back.

Mom....take a picture of me...

Oh no...Daddy is going to get me.

Mommy...take another picture of me...

And now one with my scarf...

Sammy loves her Aunt Kallie

Quinners loves his Daddy

Play time with the kids is never complete without a belly rub on Daddy's bald head.

Who knew how much fun balloons could be?

Oh no...not static hair.

Oh no...I am dying...a normal result of playing.

Quinn is still so little that he can be swung around very easily.

Tickle...Tickle

What boys like to wrestle?

Where did Quinn go?

Come on Ride that Train

2011-04-06T10:39:00.002-06:00

Quinn got a train set for Christmas and it is by far his favorite toy. He plays with it every, single day. We usually still have to help him set-up the track, but he is always asking us to play "twains" with him.

He runs the train around the track saying, "chugga...chugga...choo...choo." It is so cute and makes me smile every time.

My cuties

2011-04-06T10:35:00.001-06:00

Sorry some of these pictures are sideways...too lazy to fix them I guess. These are just some random pictures of my kids the other day. I just thought that they were little cuties and wanted to share that with you...Sammy didn't want her picture taken...so it took a little coaxing.

Pray for Gracie

2011-04-06T05:00:00.002-06:00

Please pray for my sweet little niece Gracie. She is my sister Nikki's little girl and she is very sick. She has been having seizures and is unconscious...they are not sure why...please pray for her and ask that she be okay. We love her very much and don't want to see anything happen to her.

Quinn turns 2 - Back in January

2011-04-05T19:32:00.001-06:00

So Quinn turned 2 on January 20th. I never got to posting these pitures from his little family birthday...we had a great time. Sammy and Quinn right before opening presents.

Heavy...Heavy...Hangover...give me my present.

Melissa and Doug's velcro food set...huge hit!

Sammy thought it was funny to pretend to each the watermelon.

Family and Funerals

2011-04-05T19:10:00.015-06:00

I already posted my thoughts on my Grandpa's funeral, but I never posted all the pictures from the time I was in town with my sisters and all my family. Girl's Brunch...the day after the funeral. Grandma Conrad and me at brunch. Nikki and I at brunch. Great-Aunt Juanita and Grandma Conrad Sexy Auntie Trisha and I Auntie Trisha and I Hi-D and Auntie Trisha Me & Nikki

Liz, Me, Nikki, & Lori Liz, Me, Nikki, Lori, and Hi-D Hi-D & Jason Hi-D, Jason, Uncle Martie Jason & Me Dad, Jason, Me Dave, Hi-D, and Ben Dave, Hi-D, Ben Nikki & Reagan April & Liz Ron, Nikki, and Reagan Uncle Pat Aunt Juanita and her friend Lori, Aunt JoAnna, Uncle Greg Hi-D & Dad Dad, Nikki, Reagan, Ron Grandma Conrad Auntie Trisha & Uncle Martie Gracie (my neice) & Ron Nikki & Danielle (Cousin Kevin's cute wife) Liz Riley's cute little boy Aut Sarah and April Gracie Dave & Ben Ben grabbing Dave's butt...trying to make me go away and stop taking pictures....crazy kids. Dave, Dad, Ben Dad & Me Me and Liz Liz and Bryce Aunt JoAnna & Auntie Trisha Dad Uncle Greg...making his shirt pop open...crazy guy April, Kevin, & Kristen Lori, Ben, Dave

April, Bryce, Kevin, Kristen

Dad, Grandma Conrad, Uncle Pat

Ben, Hi-D, and Dave

Ben giving Hi-D a wet-willy...LOL

Poor Hi-D...so sad

Lori giving Ben a wet-willy...LOL

I think Ben was shocked that Lori would give him a wet-willy

Ben & Dave being goofy...as usual.

Dad, Grandma Conrad, Aunt JoAnna, Auntie Trisha, Uncle Pat - Grandma with all her kids.

Nikki & Dad

A Virus...

2011-04-05T08:55:00.003-06:00

It is true...I got a virus...my poor laptop can't do anything because of this virus. Those things are tricky little guys...and well...if you don't know TONS about computers you are totally susceptible. Good thing I work for a software company...everyone i work with is a genius.

Snow...in April...Seriously

2011-04-04T08:44:00.002-06:00

It snowed on Saturday night...eight inches in Springville. I am not kidding. It was so warm and nice last week...I used my A/C in my car everyday. My kids ran around outside without shoes on and I spent hours working in my flower beds...well...now they are covered in snow...and I am not done working on them. I was so bugged when I saw all the white...I wanted to spit. I mean...why can't it just be spring....uggggggggg.

Photo taken from C.Jane, Enjoy It.

At it Again...sweating

2011-04-01T14:03:00.004-06:00

I have not been shy about my struggle with weight loss. I have always felt overweight, even when I wasn't, and so I don't have a good perspective on what I truly look like. When I went back to work about a year and a half ago I really stopped working out the way I ought to. Once I stopped working out I started eating unhealthy foods more...it snowballed...and so did I. I have gained so much weight and I am at the heaviest I have EVER been in my life. I am heavier than I was when I had Quinn...sad...but true.

I have been watching The Biggest Loser again and really I am feeling motivated again. I have started going to the gym again...trying to eat more healthy...and just trying to make better choices. I have been sore all week and I am happy about it. I know that I am doing good things for my body and my health. It feels good.

Bob Harper, one of The Biggest Loser trainers, said, "To have successful weight loss three things need to be right...your mind, your eating, and your exercise...in that order." I am trying to do that and remind myself about the importance of what I am doing for me and my family.

So...I am at it again...sweating

The Mortal Instruments

2011-03-31T14:15:00.002-06:00

Have you read these books yet? They are so much fun to read. The story is so interesting and has so many twists and turns. Okay...I have to tell you...there are vampires...werewolves...and other types of demons...but that isn't what the whole book is about. There is a love story...but there is so much more. If you want an easy read that is packed with action, adventure, and a fantastic story...read these books.

Big News

2011-03-25T12:54:00.002-06:00

Okay...so I haven't updated my blog...I have tons of pictures and tons of stories to share...but I haven't had the time to get everything up. I have lots of good intentions...but you know what they say about those...

So I have some news that is kind of exciting. I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up...yes...at age 28 I have finally decided. I want to be a psychologist and a university professor. I want to have a private practice and lecture part-time at a university. I am not even close to that yet...but that is the plan.

I have changed my major to Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Psychology. I have everything scheduled out...so I should be done with classes by April of 2012...so graduation in Fall of 2012...starting gradschool that same time.

With gradschool right around the corner I have to start studying for the GRE in November and get all my applications ready by January. That is a lot of work...but I am so excited.

Not only do I have to take classes, study for the GRE, and do my applications, but I also have to do some volunteer/internship stuff at the state mental hospital, join some on-campus clubs, assist with faculty research projects, and try to get published before I turn in all those applications.

The weird thing...I am not scared...but excited! So wish me luck...and if it looks like I fell off the face of the earth...I didn't...I am just trying to graduate with my PhD in Clinical Psychology by the year 2017....

Coming Soon

2011-03-07T07:34:00.001-07:00

I will be updating my blog this week. I am so far behind, but I have tons of pictures and stories that I was to share...check back soon.

Jimmy Choo

2011-01-28T12:56:00.003-07:00

Here is the scoop...I am a short girl with cubby legs...it is true...but I want to wear boots like everyone else. Along came these Jimmy Choo boots with a stretchy panel in the back. Genius! I want these boots soooooooo bad. I mean...they are only $865.00...I can afford that?!??! Um no...but I can still dream of sexy black boots that won't make my legs go numb.

What item of clothing would you buy if you had all the money in the world? What is the luxury item that you secretly covet?

Refinishing Furniture

2011-01-28T11:39:00.002-07:00

So my sister loves to refinish furniture and she said that she would help me refinish a dresser. I found a fabulous solid oak dresser with dove-tail drawers for $100...I think that is a steal...and I am excited to refinish it, but I have never done something like this before.

What exactly is required to refinish furniture? Is it hard? Any suggestions?

Thoughts on the Funeral

2011-01-26T07:37:00.003-07:00

I went to my Grandpa's funeral last week and then spent the rest of the weekend with my family. The funeral was funny, spiritual, and sad. I cried a lot and missed my Grandpa so much. I got to sing for him...and I didn't even cry while I sang...prayer answered. I sang This is the Christ....it is a beautiful song. I was glad that I was able to share my testimony through music; I feel most comfortable sharing it that way.

There were a lot of funny stories about my grandpa that were shared...but my favorite is titled Jumpin' Joe Conrad...

When my Grandfather was a freshmen at Purdue University he ran for Freshman Class President. Prior to attending university my Grandfather was a paratrooper with a group called the Black Knights in the army and learned how to jump from airplanes. When he was running for class president his campaign manager thought he ought to use his paratrooper skills to his advantage. During the homecoming football game that year his campaign manager flew a plane over the football field and my Grandfather jumped out and parachuted down. Written on his parachute was "Vote for Jumpin' Joe Conrad". Needless to say he became a legend and did win the office of president for that year.

My grandfather never did things the way other people did and was defined by his entrepreneurial spirit and extreme intelligence.

It was so great to hear other people in my family talk about my grandpa and share their memories of him...it was wonderful to see people from my childhood and spend time with family and friends.

Thanks to everyone who came to the funeral or who helped the family. Also, thanks to my family and friends who spent time with me and helped make a sad weekend as fun as it could be. I sure love my family.

Lots of White Stuff

2011-01-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over the Christmas Season we got a LOT of snow...and we still have it...but the rain is slowly melting it away. One day when I got home from work I realized that I was going to have to shovel...we had like three feet that day...so I set about doing just that...shoveling.

I knew that I couldn't leave the kids alone inside...my new house would be destroyed...so I decked them out in snow gear and set them loose in the snow while I worked.

Poor Quinn had to wear pink gloves, pink boots, and pink snow pants..but he didn't seem to mind. My new neighbors kept calling him a "she" but I don't think any permanent damage was done.

Quinn running in the snow.

Quinn trying to make a snowball.

Sammy laying on the driveway to make a snow angel...she didn't quite get it.

Quinn fell down and didn't know how to get up.

Finally figuring it out.

Quinn wanted to try too...at least he was trying.

Sammy loves to make silly faces for pictures...this one cracks me up.

Cracks me up...what a poser

2011-01-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

I know this picture is kind of random...but it makes me laugh really hard. The other day I wanted to take a picture of my cutie and so I told him to smile. This is what I got...pose and all.

BTW: Today is Quinn's 2nd b-day. I can't believe he is getting so big. Happy birthday buddy.

Dressing up...

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Quinn loves to dress up. When you have a big sister that is a total girl and a complete princess you are bound to get sucked in. He loves high heels and anything fluffy. I took these pictures of an outfit he put together. It just cracked me up.

Sammy, Kallie, and Quinn...having fun early in the morning.

Look at the two beautiful kids.

Aren't they lovely?

Pushing a baby around while dressing up...

Christmas Recap

2011-01-18T09:17:00.004-07:00

We had a fabulous Christmas this year. We spent Christmas Eve with the Jasperson Clan at Konni & Steve Youd's house (Nate's aunt and uncle) and had so much fun with everyone. We are so busy these days we rarely see everyone.

After we came home from the fun with the family we opened pjs and sent the kids to bed. I finished wrapping gifts and Nate put together Sammy's kitchen. We had a blast together.

The next morning the kids got us up early...at like 5:30am...and we opened presents. We were so spoiled by our whole family.

Also, we have adopted a practice in our family of 4 gifts for each kids...I learned about it on Design Mom...were we give the kids...something to play with...something to read...something to wear...and then we added our own...a Christmas Ornament. Hopefully starting small at a young age will help them appreciate what they get each year...and not focus so much on what they get...but the real purpose of Christmas...to celebrate Christ's birth.

Below are some pictures that I took on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...enjoy.

Nate is 31...or is it 32

2011-01-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

Nate turned 31 on the 31st of December. Yes...he is a new year's baby. We had a fun party with friends and ate a lot of food. Nate had to work during the day so we opened presents and had our special breakfast on the 1st. Sammy thought it was pretty cool....and we all enjoyed the tasty breakfast. I have tried to start using our "you are special" red plate...hopefully I can keep remembering and use it on all our birthdays.

On another note...poor Quinn ran into the wall during the party and got a huge goose egg on his forehead and a split in his skin. Poor little guy is a little accident prone.

The Gift of Cards

2011-01-18T09:02:00.002-07:00

I am part of a card exchange...so I get twenty new cards a month...in addition to all the cards that I make. I use a lot of cards...so this is good...but I was asking some of the other girls in the club how they store so many cards. Their answer...we don't...we give them as gifts. What a fabulous idea!

So I decided that I would start doing that. I would make a cute envelop and give away some of my favorite cards. I made this envelope for a very special friend and wanted to share it with you.

Isn't it cute? I need to come up with some more ways of giving the cards...but I am totally using this idea from now on...I love cards...why not give them as gifts too.

Twinkle....Twinkle

2011-01-18T08:50:00.002-07:00

Over the Christmas Season I tried to do some fun activities with the kids. This isn't my forte but I tried. We made sugar cookies and a Christmas Countdown chain. The kids really seemed to enjoy it. I always struggle to let go of the control and just enjoy the time...but it is hard for me...I am a control freak.

I think my favorite part was when we were cutting out the sugar cookies with cookie cutters the kids started singing twinkle, twinkle, little star and held the cookie cutters (shaped like stars) above their heads. It was too cute!

Making a mess with green frosting.

We stamped Christmas images on white paper and made a Christmas countdown chain...they kids thought that was great fun.

My two little helpers.

Sammy enjoying a cookie while she stamped.

Look at my little stamper.

Cutting out stars.

Here they are singing twinkle, twinkle and stealing cookie dough....little stinkers.

Joseph Herman Conrad Sr. - My Grandpa

2011-01-17T08:48:00.003-07:00

My Grandpa died last Thursday. He was ill and wasn't doing well...but it still has been hard on me and I am still a little in shock. I was told that he died due to complications from a lot of things. He was in his 80s and had lived a long and full life.

When I think of my Grandpa I think of my grumpy, silly, smart, tenderhearted, salesman Grandpa Oscar (as I lovingly called him). I started calling him Grandpa Oscar as a little girl because he would always call me "Elmer" instead of Emily...and I didn't like it...so it was my way to tease him. Over the years I grew to love his "pet name" for me and my "pet name" for him.

I grew up a few blocks away from my grandparents and spent most Sunday's at their house...but I never really knew him until I was an adult. They would drive through Utah often...my grandparents were always traveling somewhere...and they would spend the evening with us or a day here and there. They lived in Utah during the Olympics as volunteers. From the year 2001 (when I got married) until they came to live permanently in Utah 2006, I came to know and respect them in a different way than when I was a child. I grew very close to both of them and valued the time we had together.

My grandparents moved to Salt Lake City right before I had Sammy in 2006 and lived here for about 3 years. It wasn't a long time but it was a special time. The cold weather was hard on my grandpa...he had rheumatoid arthritis in his hands and feet. While they lived here we would gather at their apartment in down-town SLC about once a month and just enjoy visiting...eating...and watching the little kids play. It was a very special time and I missed them dearly when the moved to Arizona right before I had Quinn.

I had not seen my grandparents in over a year when I went to my parents house for Thanksgiving this past year, 2010. I was able to see my grandpa for the last time and tell him how much I loved him. He did not look well...but he seemed happy. He asked me to sing at his funeral and I tearfully agreed. I sang him a song before I went back home...Come Thou Font of Every Blessing...and kissed him goodbye.

I almost didn't go to Cedar City for Thanksgiving...because I had moved into my new house only a day before...but I will treasure that time and will be forever grateful that I was given the chance to say goodbye to my Grandfather who did so much for our family by joining the LDS church. He said that when he met the missionaries he was so impressed that he wanted his children and grandchildren to be like them...and that by joining the LDS church he hoped that they would be influenced by the people around them. Not only did he join the church and influenced his children and their children...his family was sealed together...and that sealing has continued. Because of that choice...we are an eternal family.

I love my Grandfather...and I will miss him dearly.

Take A Peak

2011-01-12T11:13:00.004-07:00

I am sorry it has taken me so long to get pictures of the house up...it has been a busy few months with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Nate's b-day. We are still working on getting everything put away...but we are getting close. I LOVE my house and I am thrilled that we were able to move in so quickly and start getting settled. Hopefully we will have blinds in the next few weeks...but until then we will continue to live in our lovely fishbowl.

My Kitchen

The Living Room

Downstairs Bathroom

Master Bedroom (is bigger than it looks...just couldn't get a good picture)

Mud Room / Laundry

Play room

Family Room (storage through the door)

Another shot of the family room from the playroom. I back door opens up onto a covered patio (one of my favorite things about the house)

My Office/Craft room

Another Shot of our office

The Kids' room (they love sharing)

Upstairs bathroom (shower not shown)

You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer

2010-12-22T14:00:00.003-07:00

Sammy and the kids at preschool had a little concert for us and sang some Christmas Carols last week...my favorite was Rudolph the Red-Nosed-Raindeer. It was so cute. I thought is was darling that they all had red noses and they were all so excited to sing for us...they even did some little actions to go along with the songs. I LOVE Miss Morgan...she does so many cute things with the kids...I am so grateful for all she does and the great work she does. I don't know where Sammy would be without her, she has made a huge impact on Sammy and her behavior. LOVE YOU Miss Morgan! PS> thank you for the pictures!

Grateful - Three - My own House

2010-11-24T07:52:00.002-07:00

Sorry I have not been posting what I am grateful for or anything for that matter. Life has been busy, crazy, and just all over the place lately.

One of the things that has been consuming my time is purchasing a home...our first home ever. Nate and I have been married for nine years now and I have wanted my own home from the very beginning...and it is finally a reality!

We signed the papers on our very own home yesterday...so we should get the keys today and move it this evening after work. I am thrilled to say the least. I have been packing in all my spare moments between work, school, and taking care of the kids...and we are almost all ready.

Pictures to come soon....after I get unpacked and decorate for Christmas.

So I am so grateful that I FINALLY have my own home to love and take care of. I feel so blessed that I was given the opportunity to find and buy a home that I know I will love. Thanks HONEY!

Grateful Two - Instant Oatmeal

2010-11-08T08:12:00.003-07:00

I am one of those people who has to eat often...I get really sick...lightheaded...nausious...and grumpy if I go too long without food. So I try and eat breakfast everyday...it helps me get through the morning. And I love all things breakfast...I truly do. My mom used to make us yummy, warm breakfast everyday growing up...so I love it all.

I work full-time now...and even when I didn't...I rarely "cooked" anything for breakfast. I would eat cold cereal...yogurt...toast...anything easy. It isn't a secret that I don't LOVE to spend time in the kitchen...so I get in and get out as fast as I can.

Oh but I do crave the yummy warm breakfasts of my childhood. Then...enters instant oatmeal...oh yes...instant oatmeal. As a child the only time we had instant oatmeal was on camping trips...and I remember my mother hated it...so I never thought to buy it. I felt that I was cheating the breakfast way buy eating these thin...easily cooked oats. I was wrong.

Most mornings at work I have instant oatmeal. The food is warm and comforting...and it stays with me until 11am or so...especially if I have a piece of fruit too...it is wonderful and makes me happy.

So...I am grateful for instant oatmeal.

Can I have a Parrot

2010-11-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

Sammy said something the other day that made me smile. She looked into the fruit basket and said, "hey mom....can I have a parrot?" My initial thoughts were...what the? So I asked her what she had said and she made the exact same request, "can I have a parrot?" I looked in the fruit basket and saw two beautiful red pears and it dawned on me...she mean could she have a pear. Kids are so funny.

Grateful One - My Husband loves the CRAZY me too

2010-11-05T12:35:00.004-06:00

I am thankful that my hubby let's have my crazy moments...and still loves me...and genuinely asks what he can do to make my life easier.

I have had kind of a rough week...not sure why...just hard...and I haven't been doing well. Nate asks me everyday how I am doing and what he can do to help. I knew it was bad when I went to bed last night at 5:30pm and slept through the whole night...

This morning as I was sitting on the floor of the shower...letting the water run down my face...he came in and made me talk to him. He just listened as I ranted...talked...cried...about why I feel so yucky...and then said..."honey...what can I do to make your life easier?" He was completely sincere and truly wants to help me.

Many of you know this isn't an UN-normal thing...I have bad weeks often...more so since I had my son...but I always have...Nate always just loves me and tries to help me feel better.

Thanks honey...for letting me be crazy and still loving me.

Attitude of Gratitude - I'm on the Wagon

2010-11-05T12:34:00.002-06:00

My friend Morgan is doing a post daily for the month of November on gratitude...and I am totally going to do it too...Let's all do it...

Keep checking back...

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T20:28:00.004-06:00

Oh how I LOVE Halloween. When every baby, kid and adult can play dress-up in public. It is wonderful.

This year Nate was the Mad Hatter. I was the Queen of Hearts (or the Red Queen). Sammy was Belle from Beauty and the Beast. And Quinn was a skunk.

I had so much fun putting together our costumes...and Nate really has a knack for it too...I bought him the hat and the wig...and he did the rest.

Enjoy the pictures of us...our skunk was not in the mood for pictures...:)

Quail

2010-10-26T13:08:00.003-06:00

I truly love Quail. I think they one of the most darling creations on earth. I love to watch them run across the street in a line...they are just so cute.

We have a whole bunch of them living behind our house and they come running past my front yard daily...and I get a kick out of it when I am home. It truly brightens my day.

So in honor of the cute quail that run past my window I made this little card...and then I just continued on...

The mama quail is a bit high on this card...but I still like the way it turned out.

I adore all things vintage...loving playing with this crocheted lace and some vintage stamp sets that Stampin'Up! is offering.

I copied this layout almost exactly from the current Stampin'Up! catalog...I don't use a lot of bright colors...so this was a stretch for me...but it actually turned out great...love this card.

I love the emboss resist technique and I have used it a lot lately. I saw a butterfly that had a swirly embossed in clear and then sponged multiple colors in the current Stampin'Up! catalog and used that as my inspiration...elements of the layout were taken from it as well.

Cookie Kids

2010-10-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Brenda bought us dinner the other night...when we still thought that we were moving this coming week...another story for another time, I will just say that we are house-hunting. She brought her famous "naughty" cookies. We devoured them like we had never eaten anything born...so yummy. Thanks Brenda for thinking of us and being so sweet.

Foil Head

2010-10-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am not sure if I shared this picture before...but I stumbled across is and it make me laugh. One Sunday while I was blogging Nate & Quinn were napping. Sammy entertained herself by making a foil hat for her dad...so funny.

Playing with Doh

2010-10-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

The other day I walked in to find my family playing with something really fun...play doh...oh yeah. Nate had all the tools out and the kids were having a blast. He is so good with the kids...he should be the stay-at-home-parent....he is so good at having fun with the kids and taking care of their needs.

This cool "Fun Factory" makes all kind of shapes and other things...Sammy loved the lightning blot.

Quinn loved pushing the play doh through these little sea creatures to give them hair.

Isn't my little Sammy cute. I bought this awesome curling iron that makes curling her hair super easy and fast...and I think it looks darling.

Sammy hard a work making lots of fun shapes.

Quinn also loves to "eat" the play doh...so gross.

MY card club

2010-10-23T08:58:00.002-06:00

I signed up to sell Stampin'Up! a few months ago and I have been trying to set-up a card club that meets monthly...a lot like the one Diana has...and haven't had a ton of success. This month I felt like I had a breakthrough...I had 7 people confirmed to come and make cards. I got all the supplies ready and then called each person to confirm. All but two could not come for this or that reason...so those remaining two opted to bow out...which was fine. I was really bummed...I was looking forward to sharing my projects with my club and having lots of fun.

Everyone said they are still interested in coming and being a part of the club...so hopefully we will have a good turn out next month.

The first three projects where what I had made for my card club. Sorry the pictures aren't that great...but you can get the idea.

This last card is one I made the other day for fun. I just love paisley and Stampin'Up! has this cool set that has a few different images that are patterned with paisley...I could not wait to use it...so I made a harvest card with the leaves...

Family Night

2010-10-23T08:35:00.002-06:00

On Monday that week we made caramel apples...well...we attempted to. I didn't read anything on how to do it...or even buy all the right supplies. And they turned out less than stellar...but we had a great time doing it...and eating the ugly apples.

Happy family...love to eat caramel...

I forgot to buy Popsicle sticks...so I used shishkabob (no clue how to spell that) sticks. And I microwaved the Carmel...in a smallish bowl...not the best idea.

Nate is very good at unwrapping the caramels.

Quinn was in heaven...and it took him like three days to eat his apple. :)

Sammy thought that she was so cool because she got her "own" apple.

Girl's Night

2010-10-17T18:01:00.001-06:00

During General Conference Weekend Sammy and I went out for a girl's night after Nate got home from the Priesthood session. We went to one of my favorite places...Yogurt Bliss in Spanish Fork...and we both got some yummy frozen yogurt. We ate our treat and spent the next half hour chatting on the white, modern sofa.

It was fun to spend time with Sammy like this...I loved it and I know she did too.

Cupcakes

2010-10-17T17:59:00.002-06:00

The other day Sammy went on a "field trip" to the Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery. They were doing the letter "c" for the week and well...cupcake starts with "c"...any excuse for a cupcake.

I thought that the picture were silly...so I thought that I would share.

Silly Faces

2010-10-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

This Sunday the kids and I were messing around taking pictures. We were having such fun making silly faces and laughing. We even got Quinn to participate...he is always trying to make us laugh...so he really is getting to be a pro at making silly faces...especially during prayers. Here are some of my favorite ones.

2S4Y #62

2010-09-29T09:56:00.003-06:00

This is my take on Kazan's sketch at 2S4Y this week. I bought this stamp set recently and have by excited to give it a try. I LOVE Halloween...it is such a silly...fun holiday...I get excited every year for it.

Red it...

2010-09-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

I forgot to post a picture of my awesome Proclamation...I can't keep my eyes off it....I still haven't figure out exactly HOW to read it...but I will get there.

Check out all the other awesome prints tooo...they rock.

CCCB week #23 - Sketch Challenge

2010-09-27T14:52:00.003-06:00

Here is my take on the City Crafter Challenge # 23. I haven't done any challenge cards for a while...I have been so busy with school, but I just needed to craft last night.

This is a fun card that I copied from the Stampin' Up! catalog...lots of fun.