My Week in Numbers

8 trips to the junior high

2 junior high concerts



















1 preschool graduation


















7 trips to the elementary school

6 Shakespeare performances

1 late-night school project

1 trip to the park

1 birthday

1 hot date

2 fieldtrips to the dinosaur museum

3 doctor's appointments

4 cups of shaved ice

14 loads of laundry folded

Livin' in the Suburbs

Let me take you back to 1996......I had a new baby and Randy wasn't quite done with school at BYU. After being on the married student housing waiting list for just over a year, our name came up. It was a miracle, really. The waiting list at the time was much longer than that. There is no doubt in my mind that was where we were supposed to be.

Living there was everything I had hoped, and more. I had fond memories, visiting my three older siblings who lived there at various times throughout my childhood. Living there, you have a built in support group. Most of us had small kids (under 3) and all were in school (or at least our husbands were.) At any given time, you could walk out your door and into the 'quad' where other moms sat, playing with their kids on the playground. Instant friends that we could laugh with, cry to, or glean advice from.

After graduation, Randy secured a job and we knew it was time to find a permanent place to live. Somewhere to plant roots and raise our kids. We hoped for and envisioned somewhere that we could make fast friends that would last a lifetime. People much like our good friends in the quad (many of whom I still keep in contact with.) When we found the lot that our current home was built on, we had visions of neighborhood parties, backyard BBQs and long talks on the lawn.

I am happy to say that our neighborhood is that, and more. I love my neighbors and their kids. The friendships I have made here will last my lifetime, and my children's. My kids have a plethora of peers at their fingertips. I love that our yard become a gathering spot for many little ones. My kids have the childhood I always wanted for them.

What we didn't envision when we built our home here was a neighbor who needed reason to hate and be rude. Someone who would find one right off the bat, and continue to find reasons for 10 years.

Luckily, my many great friends in our neighborhood outweigh the one. My great friend, Natalie, sent my other great friend, Mindy, this link.......the song "Summer in the Suburbs" sums it all up.

Here's to many more fun memories.....

A Tribute to Mothers

I have been thinking about and writing and rewriting this post all week (in all my spare time!) I have so many things in my head right now that I still don't feel like this accurately portrays my thoughts and feelings. But I needed to write this post for me; to remind me of some things I have learned lately. But also for all of you mothers- to remind you that you are doing a good thing. That being a mom is important. Sometimes we feel lost or overwhelmed, like we can't possibly do it all. Being a mom is a sacred responsibility, and that precious time we spend with our children is more important than anything else we do. Is there a better way to learn who we are than through serving and loving our children?

I was lucky enough to go to Women's Conference last week with my mom, my sister, sister-in-law, and niece. I was uplifted and learned so much that I've got a renewed dedication. I really enjoyed listening to the different speakers, but one of my favorite parts was the concert. Hilary Weeks performed, and as always, uplifted and brightened my attitude. She sang a song entitled "If I Only had Today".

All the gifts that Heaven has given

Every blessing that's come my way

Wouldn't mean anything without you

So if I only had today

I'd hold you and listen

I'd memorize every detail of your face

I'd tell you I love you over and over

I wouldn't let excuses get in the way

Then I'd remind you of forever

And how our love would never change

If I only had today

Isn't that all any of us have- today? Make the most of today. Don't dwell on all the things undone. Most of us measure ourselves (myself included) by the things we 'got done' in a day. The dishes, the mopping, the laundry, balancing the checkbook, a gourmet dinner, the shopping or the dusting. They will still be there tomorrow. Let it go. Don't beat yourself up for not being or doing EVERYTHING. Nobody can do it all (even if it appears they can.) But the little things we do each day make all the difference.

One speaker at Women's conference related motherhood to fruit. She told of her somewhat dislike of bananas, and how she will eat one, but thinks they are just 'OK'. But she said that a peach is her absolute favorite fruit. She said she loves everything about it....the texture, the flavor, the smell..... and when she eats one, she savors every bite.

Shouldn't motherhood be like our favorite fruit? Savored and not just tolerated. Really...when we have something we love, don't we want to enjoy it? I know sometimes I forget that motherhood is one of those things I should enjoy. Amidst the never-ending laundry and tantrums, there are amazing things we are doing.

As we were singing "As Sisters in Zion" in the closing session of Women's Conference. The Spirit spoke to me and the words hit me like never before:

As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together;
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek.
We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.

How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

Oh, our purpose is great! Who else gets the privilege of caring for Heavenly Father's spirits?! He has such faith and confidence in us, that He entrusted us with some of His 'beloved' children. And He has not left us to do it on our own; He is there every step of the way. Our Savior has felt of our pain as mothers, and our feelings of inadequacy. He has felt the pain of those who wish with all their hearts that they could be mothers. And He knows.

Whether or not you are called 'mommy', know that you are loved. That you are a mother. Sheri Dew said, "Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women."

As a woman, a sister in Zion, you are special. Thanks for your great examples, and your inspiration. Each of you make me want to be a better person.

Happy Mother's Day!

Tyler the Turtle Guy

Hmmmm....maybe I should be more careful what I say....

....those kids...they don't miss a thing!

The Turtle Guy

By: Tyler

Love Notes

Hannah is at one of my favorite stages. She writes letters and cards to everyone, for any occasion. This time, the card accompanied a homemade potholder. The lucky recipient: her well-deserving teacher.

The Innocence Part III

Blogging is now definitely on the list of things you can't do with a two year old in the house (thus the reason for this 3 AM post!)

I sat down last night to blog for the first time two weeks. The boys were out camping and it was just us girls. Hannah had chosen a movie I knew I couldn't stay awake through, so I took that opportunity to catch up a little. That was a mistake.

As I blogged, Hailey sat painting her toenails. Emma and Hannah were glued to the TV, and I was in the kitchen, typing away. Their movie ended, and I finished one last, quick post. During that few minutes, Emma found the pedicure supplies and helped herself. I though it was ironic that she sat painting her toes, just after I had posted about her doing that. So I grabbed my camera and snapped this little beauty:

Notice anything besides the purple toe that DOES NOT belong there?

How about now?:

Does this give you a clue?:

Uh yeah...now I'm 6 for 6. At least it's not the total whack job Hailey (courtesy of Casey) and Hannah (twice!) had. I hope she learned her lesson never to do this again. I have tried so hard for Emma to not become the victim/perpetrator of this heinous act. I have gone so far as to never 'trim' her hair with her knowing what's going on. The scissors are always kept out of view, and it's never been referred to as a hair 'cut'. Alas, it was not meant to be. The scissors left in the box of grooming supplies proved too tempting for this innocent one.

She looks good in a mullet, no?

I'm Lovin' It!

I'm lovin' the spring weather and my bike! A few weeks back, we loaded up the bikes (all 7 of them!) and ventured to a nature trail. Hannah got tired a few miles in, so I turned back with her and the rest continued on. When Nathan got tired, I loaded up my and Hannah's bikes and picked them up. I can't wait for the next ride. Until then, the neighborhood will have to do!

Emma loves her seat up front with me (so do I...much better than the bike trailer or a seat on the back!)

And don't comment about how none of us are wearing helmets. I know that. I also know that I hate wearing one, so how can I make my kids?....when I was a kid, nobody had helmets....I know it's not a good excuse....but just leave me alone! ;)

Beauty Queen

I love that my children enjoy taking pictures. I have six budding photographers.....

Nathan caught Emma red-handed, painting her toenails. What you don't see in these pictures, is the orange polish on his own toes!

Neato Frito

I've learned that if my kids want chips in their lunches, I'm better off buying the pre-packaged ones. If I buy a big bag, the kids can't rest until the opened bag is empty. The only problem with the grab bags is you don't have much of a choice on flavors. And nobody likes the Fritos.....except Oreo. Weird Cat.