Mark & Carrie Miller Family

Bucket List for Mommy Time 2012

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

I was spending some time on Pinterest and I found this list of things to do with kids. I decided this will be my bucket list for the yer with 2012. Some of these things I have already done with them. Kuddos to me. Many more to do, bring it. As I do the activity with them I will let you know.

Color
Blow Bubbles
Play Hide-and-Seek
Peek-a-Boo
Play Chase
Do Finger-plays
Sing a song
Collect rocks in a basket
Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture
Make a fort out of cushions and sheets
Go for a Walk
Make a Car out of a Box
Read a book
Go to the park
Finger-paint
Play with Play-Dough
Toss Bean bags into a Bucket
Play the shell and pea game
Dance to music
Download games for toddlers from the Internet
Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags
Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch
Roll a ball back and forth on the floor
Scoop dirt or sand into a child's bucket (or use a serving spoon and bowl)
Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other (only with adult supervision)
Put on a puppet show
Go fishing with a yard stick and yarn
Make a Horseshoe game
Make a Shape Puzzle
Play paper basketball
Run through a Sprinkler
Play with a bucket of water and a sponge (PLEASE WATCH CHILD AT ALL TIMES!)
Make a Drum out of an oatmeal box
Play with a kazoo
Wash windows together
Bang on Pots and Pans with a spoon
Brush each other's teeth
Play dress-up with stuffed animals and your child's clothes
Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other
Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other
Make a playhouse out of a large box
Let child play with a sticker sheet (make sure your child doesn't eat them!)
Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets
Play a musical instrument together- i.e.recorder, piano, etc.
Go on a Smelling Hunt
Frost Cookies
Plant a flower or vegetable plant together
Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket
Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers
Play hide and seek together- trying to find a stuffed animal or other object
Have a splash party together in the bathtub
Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house
Record each other on a tape recorder (great for scrapbooks or journals!)
Make and try on paper hats
Give a piggy-back ride
Play "Horsey"
Talk into an electric fan (it distorts your voice)
Play tug-of-war with a blanket
Collect flowers (felt, artificial, real...)
Make a camera and go on a Safari
Play games with frozen juice lids
Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives
Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives- let your child talk too
String large beads onto or along a shoelace
Squirt each other with squirt bottles
Glue shapes onto paper
Make sock puppets
Make paper puppets
Fill an old purse with toys
Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone
Make binoculars and go "Bird Watching" or "Stuffed Animal Watching"
Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
Act out a story from a book
Walk on a balance beam- use a 2x4 placed on the ground
Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk
Paint child's palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card for loved ones!
Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror
Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it
Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
Make a toilet paper barricade for child to go under, over, or through
Do the Hokey Pokey
Make a super-hero costume out of household items
Do Knee-Bouncing Rhymes
Play "Red Light, Green Light" saying "Go" and "Stop"
Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
Make a pillow pile to jump on (keep it clear from any hard surfaces, including walls!)
Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro
Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells
Learn numbers from a deck of cards
Play the matching game with a deck of cards
Make a domino chain
Have a picnic in the park, backyard, or living room!
Play dress up in Mommy or Daddy's clothes
Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other in it
Make a nature collage
Mirror each other
Make a "Mummy Mommy" with toilet paper
Make a tape recording of short music selections and instructions to move in different ways
Make and walk along a toilet paper trail
TAKE A NAP!

It Is Upon Us

2011-12-07T10:47:00.001-08:00

Christmas is upon us our favortie time of year.
Have a Happy Holiday and peace throughout the year.

Those are the lyrics to a song I used to sing in elementary school. And the words ring true. The weather has turned bitter cold and the snow is glowing white. I love the change of attitude that this time of year holds. Yes, life is so busy. Cooking, baking, decorating, caroling, partying, birthdays, it all makes life hectic.

And I love it.

I love that we spend the extra time to remember those whom we love most. I love that everyone goes out of their way to give to those who have nothing. I love sitting in the soft glow of the lights of the Christmas tree, in perfect silence of the snow falling, just to ponder the birth of our Savior. I love it all.

So, even though I am stressed and don't get to everything on my list, deep down inside I am truly happy. I love this time of year. It is magical.

I love all of the traditions. For Thanksgiving we had lunch with the Millers in Cedar. Then we made the trek to Salt Lake to have dinner with my family. Both meals were delicious. Friday morning my mom and I went out Black Friday shopping. We got some great deals, not much traffic or choas while shopping so we had a lot of fun. Saturday we go to the cemetary and decorate the tree near my brother's and great grandmother's sites. Then we all went out for lunch at Hires. Yummy!

So, you might be asking why birthdays made my list of business of the holidays. Well, lets start the beginning of November. Mason, Matthew, Ben, Nate, Matt, Papa, Merica, Grandma Mary, Logan, Dave, Kailey, Alean. Throw in the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Boxing Day [there is a Canadian in my family so this holiday DOES count], and New Years Eve) and we have more party days than not.

Well, that starts the catch-up of blog writing. Maybe when I have a moment I will dump pictures onto the computer and show you all a few. Until then, remember...
the magic of Christmas is upon us.

Thankful Moment Day 21

2011-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I am sure all of you have had those moments when you are laughing about something so stupid, that is really isn't funny but you laugh anyway. I have a lot of those moments with my little sister. She cracks me up! So does my big sister sometimes. I remember when she was in high school (so I was in junior high) we were home and she called us all into the kitchen. She was going off about how we needed to get the house cleaned up before our mom got home. And I quote:

"If we each work for like 5 minutes then it will be so clean. It will be so fun!"

Yeah, right. Cleaning fun? Then it wasn't funny but now we laugh about it all the time. It has become an inside joke for all of us. I am glad to have such wonderful sisters around me.

Thankful Moment Day 20

2011-11-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

I used to be a morning person. But now I sleep in until 7:30 as much as possible. I love that most mornings the kids jump in bed with us and we all just sit and snuggle, giggle and have fun. We have been doing this since Spencer was just a few months old. This is one of my favorite traditions. I hope it is one that we keep up until we are old and grey. I want to hear about dates when they are older, school friends, hopes, dreams, etc.

Thankful Moment Day 19

2011-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to live in a day where there are so many things that make life easier. Microwave, tv, computer, cell phones. I love to call my parents and let Spencer talk to them. He loves to talk to Nanny and Papa, telling them what he has been up to, to ask them if he can come to their house, etc. He always tells them "I love you." then kisses the phone the acts like he is getting a hug back from them. It is the cutest look. Yep. I love my cell phone and how close it makes Nanny and Papa.

Thankful Moment Day 18

2011-11-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

I loved serving in Young Womens for so long. The girls taught me so much. One of my favorite activities throughout my four years was when we took the girls and young men to the temple open house at the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. While sitting in the Celestial Room I had two girls promise that they would do whatever it takes to get married in the temple. I was so proud of their choice and determination to make such a worthwhile goal. I love my girls!

Thankful Moments Day 17

2011-11-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

The other night Mark came home late. The kids and I were playing when he walked in. Katherine immediately squealed "DAD!" and got to him as fast as she could. I am so thankful that my children love their dad so much. Katherine is such a daddy's girl. She will sleep through the night more often when he puts her down at night, she loves to have dad feed her, she loves to have dad tickle her. I love that my kids have such a great relationship with their father.

Thankful Moment Day 16

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to be an American. I have traveled to at least a dozen different countries. Some of them have great food, beautiful scenery, etc but none of them compare to The United States of America. I remember one trip I was on when a girl came up to me and asked me if I knew how lucky I was to be an American. That really made me want to learn more about my country.
When 9/11 happened I was in high school. I remember the feeling at school that day. My seminary teacher taught about how the USA was taught by ancient prophets in the scriptures. But what really changed me was the next morning in my US History class. My teacher taught us about when she worked in Washington DC, what we needed to do as the "next generation" and how what had happened would forever change our lives. Then and there was when I decided I would be involved in my country. Whether supporting my president, troops, local leaders; voting; going to political meetings; etc. I would be involved.
Well, all of that has and is taking place. I am more involved in politics than I ever dreamed. I know that I can make a difference. I also know that it is important to respect others and their political views because that is what this country is about. I am thankful to my family and friends who are willing to stand up for what they believe in about this country. I am thankful to live in a land where I can worship freely. I am thankful to my ancestors who had the courage to come to a strange new land to make their family life better. I am proud to be of such a heritage.

My Holiday List

2011-11-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

My friend made a Fall List of things she wanted to do during the fall. I thought it was such a great idea that I have to copy her (Thanks Michelle!) My list is going to be a Holiday List so I have until the New Year to do these things.

1. Make sugar cookies. My mom always does Christmas sugar cookies so I am thinking about doing Thanksgiving ones at my house.

2. Give neighbors Christmas gifts. (Maybe some sugar cookies?)

3. Drive around to look at Christmas lights.

4. Take Spencer caroling.

5. Make a handmade gift for Spencer.

6. Make a handmade gift for Katherine. (Yes, each gift counts as a seperate to do.)

7. Catch up Katherine's scrapbook by Christmas. I had Spencer's caught up by his birthday. Since their birthdays are 2 weeks apart I get scrapped out (plus we finished our house then too). So, Christmas it will be.

8. Take the kids to see Santa.

9. Make a snowman. As Spencer would say "With a carrot nose."

10. Work on my recipe box.

11. Do an angel tree gift.

12. Get into an exercise groove.

13. Throw the best 70th birthday party )for my mother in law) ever. Ideas?

14. Sit and listen to Chirstmas music by the fire with drinking cocoa.

15. Go to temple square.

Thankful Moment Day 15

2011-11-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

I couldn't do a thankful moments list without mentioning my job. I do enjoy my job. Mark and I are self employed; we own a lighting store. I get to spend the day with my husband and kids (when they aren't in school or playing at Grandma Mary's). I also love that I get to meet new people on a daily basis and help them create their homes. I work hard but get lots of things back from my job that do not have a monetary value. Don't get me wrong, there are days where work stinks and I don't want to get out of bed just to go to work. But overall my job is a fulfilling part of my life.

Thankful Moment Day 14

2011-11-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

I love to go camping. I remember going fishing 1 night. I got tired on the boat so my dad told me to lay down and go to sleep. I remember waking up and not knowing where I was. But i knew I was ok because my dad was there. I always feel peaceful when I go camping.

Thankful Moment Day 13

2011-11-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to watch my neice be baptized. It made me thankful for the choice I made to do the same. I am also thankful that I get to renew and remember my covenants every Sunday when I take the sacrament.

Thankful Moment Day 12

2011-11-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my talents. I don't get to use all ofy talents all the time. But I have learned for everything there is a season. When i was younger I had the opportunity to travel with my dance group Clog America. So many great memories are from my dancing/traveling days. But one I am particularly thankful for is when i got to talk with one of our tour guides about the gospel. She and i have kept in contact over the years. She has become a close friend and i hope that someday she will accept the gospel.

Thankful Moment Day 11

2011-11-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for seminary. I remember one day in particular when I gained my testimony about the atomement. We were learning about christ's visit to the Americas after the resurrection. After the lesson we had a testimony meeting, but no one was getting up. Then my teacher, brother Taylor called on me to share mine. As I stood the spirit literally warmed my soul. I knew then that the atonement weasel real.
That was such an awesome experience for me and i think about it all the time.

Thankful Moment Day 10

2011-11-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

I think it is time to be thankful for my sweet girl. The morning Katherine was born went fast. From the time my water broke (actually it burst across the room) till she was in my arms was NINE minutes. I am so thankful she came so fast. We have loved her every minute since then. I love that she sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by herself. I love that she gives me hugs and kisses. I love my baby girl!
Sorry no pictures. I am doing this from my phone since my internet at work is down. When it gets fixed I will put a picture up.

Thankful Moment Day 9

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mark loves being a daddy. And he is a great dad. He is so willing to help me with the kids. From putting them down at night to playing with them he is so involved in their lives. Katherine loves her daddy (and vocalizes that daily). Spencer constantly tells me when he grows up he wants to be like dad. I am so thankful to have such a partner in life. I love you babe!

Thankful Moment Day 8

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Another moment of my mom, but this time it isn't about me, really. I remember when my brother was serving his mission in the Philippines my mom would write to him every week. I remember waking up at like 4:30 (I had cheer leading before school at 6) and finding my mom at the kitchen counter with several hand written pages for Elder Adams many times. Her dedication helped me learn that raising a son who is willing to serve a mission does not end once he has left. It means continually supporting him while he is gone.

My mom is a tireless example of selfless service. As shown in this picture of her and my sister Steph. She was so helpful for all of us girls with our dresses on our wedding days. She does so much for others. I bet all of you who read this have been blessed by her service. If you have leave a comment so you can have a thankful moment too.

Thankful Moment Day 7

2011-11-07T12:37:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of all the boys of the family on Spencer's blessing day. My Dad has always been there for me. With advice, jokes, a hug, a priesthood blessing, whatever I needed. One thing that has always stuck out about my dad is how caring he is. I remember one Sunday I was emotional (teenage years seem to do that to you). I mean crying for no reason, emotional. My dad looked at me, reached in his pocket, and handed me a handkerchief. That was all it took to know that my dad loved me. Thanks Dad for always being at the ready for any of our emotional moments at church and more! I love you!

Thankful Moment Day 6

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was always told growing up that I have the best parents. I always agreed. My mom and dad are the best. But they are even better grandparents. My kids love their Nanny and Papa. And so do I. I can't really chose one moment to be thankful for because there are so many. I am just thankful that we get to make so many moments.

Thankful Moments Day 5

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Before I was a mommy my sisters would let me hold their little ones. This was Easter 2007 and Carter bud and Matt were both so cute and chubby back then. Who knew that a skinny Spencer boy could be any cuter than those two?

Thankful Moment Day 4

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

My first concert. New Kids On The Block. So much fun and the first girls night out that I can remember. I am sure we all have a first fun concert night, mine was with my mom and older sister. Thanks girls!

Thankful Moment Day 3

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Every year on Christmas Eve we all go to my Grandma Adams house for dinner and family presents. The traditions have slightly changed as we have added to the troops. From fighting if you are still young enough to sit at the kid table, fun crafts, exchange of "secret" gifts, white elephant gifts, to special gifts of 40 year old shirts. Some of my favorite memories are with my GGW! This is a picture of Mark's first Christmas Eve at Grandma's house.

Thankful Moment Day 2

2011-11-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture from one week before Spencer was born. We put the backyard in that day. Roughly 7,000 square feet of sod. I remember thinking I was tired and proud of what we accomplished that day. We couldn't have done it without all of the help from our family though.
You may be asking why I am thankful for that moment. We absolutly love the backyard! We look at it everyday and dream about finishing the front yard, garden, etc.

A Month of Moments

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, last year I did Thankful Thursdays where I told of things I was thankful for. It really helped me get into the spirit of Thanksgiving and made it much more meaningful. This year I wanted to do something again. So, I am going to do a memory a day that makes me laugh, cry or just remember the good things that I have been a part of.

Day one of course has to be about Spencer. Because, lets face it, he has given us some funny moments. This is when he was about a year old. It seemed everytime I turned around he would make his way to the bathroom at work and start pulling off toliet paper or scrubbing the toilet.
Notice he is wearing different clothes so these are two seperate occassions. It was not so fun dealing with his fascination at the time but now I look back and do enjoy.

A Tribute

2011-10-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

My life is a tribute to families. I am a living testiment that families are what make us. This week I have reflected so much on what makes me so thankful for my family and why I have such a great family. Last weekend I went on a Girls Weekend with my mom and three sisters. We had such a blast and get along so well. Thanks girls! But, that would not have been possible without the guys taking care of the children. Thanks guys!
But this guy is the reason we all turned out so well. This is my brother Matt. He left this world 21 years ago this week. It is hard to believe it has been that long because I remember that day. We all do. And we all remember different things about Matt. We all grieve his death in different ways too. But, through it all, we all know that because of his death we pulled together as a family.

We know that families can be together forever.

We knew that we had to work to make our family great. So, we looked out for each other a little more. We did things for each other because we knew it was the little moments that make the difference. We were kinder to one another. All of the love and support I had growing up and continue to have are so generously given because that is what Matt taught us.
But my family is more than just watching out for each other. New traditions have started. This picture shows one of my favorites. Every year the Saturday after Thanksgiving we get together and decorate the tree by Matt's grave. When we started 21 years ago my Dad was taller than the tree. But, as you can see from this picture in 2008, the tree has grown. We all have grown. As has our family. 3 brother in laws, 1 sister in law, 5 boys, 2 girls and a girl on the way (Congartulations Tim and Shannon). How thankful I am that I have a family. That they love me.
More importantly, that I get to love them.

My Kids Are My Life

2011-10-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would be such a cliche mom. Okay, maybe I did a little but my children are my life. I would stay in bed all day if I didn't have them depending on me. They are the biggest reasons why I laugh, cry, get frustrated and thank my Heavenly Father for my blessings.
Spencer is starting to be independent on just about everything, except bedtime. He loves to help dad work on the new house. He also loves to say "I won't do it ANY more." He loves to eat yogurt lately. I can't keep it in stock at our house it seems. He always wants his "friends" (his cousins, Mason or Merica) to come over or to go to their homes to play. He also has this thing for knowing what day it is and knowing where everyone is or what they are doing on that day. Some of the fun things he has said lately include:
"Mom, you can just drop me and Kafferine off at Grandma's. Okay?" He likes to say her name that way and half the time I find myself quoting him.

"My shoes are getting too big because I am growing up." He really meant small.

"I don't need a bath. Daddy took a shower this morning."

Two mornings ago Spencer woke up before Mark or I. He went straight out to the new house looking for us. I woke up to the sound of him crying on the back patio. We brought him in our room. He said "You are supposed to be in the shed house mom and dad. I went there to find you and you weren't there." I asked him "Did you look in my room first?" "No cuz you are always in the shed when I go to sleep so you should still be there." I think Mark and I are working too much.

Another funny story about Spencer. I went and picked the kids up from Grandma's. Spencer was telling me that he watched movies about Mater. I asked Mater the truck? He said "Mom, Mater isn't a truck he is a car." I said but he tows other cars so he is a tow truck. Spencer "No. Mom. Mater is a car. He is a tow car. Actually he is a tow Mater." I just about drove off the road laughing so hard.

Spencer has been so good with Katherine lately. He even asks if she can play with him in his room. He likes to help push her in her swing on the swingset. Whenever they are in the house and she starts crying he runs to come and tell me "Mom, Kafferine needs you."

Katherine seems to have blossomed from baby to toddler. This picture was on her birthday in her cute jean skirt. We finally got her to take a bottle just on Saturday. I decided 13 months was old enough to quit treating her like a baby and just make her figure out a bottle. She loves it because she doesn't have to wait for 20 minutes to eat all the milk she wants. She downs an 8 oz bottle in about 4 minutes or less. Mark is loving being able to hold her while she drinks her milk. He even admitted to missing helping feed the baby. "She is all yours babe. I did full time feeding for 13 months. You turn."

Another reason she seems so big to me: she is wearing the same size diaper that Spencer was wearing one year ago when he potty trained. I can't believe it. Either he is a squirt or she is a chunk. I tried having her sit on the potty and she just screamed. She will not be easy to potty train like Spencer was. Katherine's vocabulary is growing too. She can say or sign: Dad, mom, Spencer, milk, socks, dog, sleep, food, more, all done, Grandma, hi, and thank you. She also loves to wav bye bye and blow kisses.

Katherine loves the swing set. LOVES IT. She will sit in there for a couple of hours while we work in the house. As long as I give her a push every ten minutes or so. She has even fallen asleep in the swing for a quick nap a few times. She likes anyone who will give her a push or a twist in her swing.

Yesterday she woke up with a fever and cuddled literally all day. I was up to the task because it was freezing here and she kept me warm. She slept through most of the night, woke up early and cried for Mark and I to hold her. So we obliged her sobs for about an hour this morning. She still isn't feeling well but I think she just needs to sleep/cuddle this bug off.

Well, that is enough bragging, for now. I hope everyone has a good weekend. We are putting finishing touches on the shed. Literally finish trim, touch up paint, grout in our tile. I will take some good pictures and post them on Monday or Tuesday. Until then.

We Are Moving... Again

2011-10-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Mark finally convinced me that we should move into the shed. Okay. So we decided a few weeks ago that we would actually move. My sister teased me that we can't build a home or apartment without testing to make sure it is liveable. Seriously. This will be our fifth (that is 5 people!) in less than two years. Do the math! Spencer has not had one Christmas in the same house once.

But, as bad as I make that sound, I am excited. Smaller quarters means less cleaning and more time being a mommy and wife. It means cozy nights snuggled by the fire, more home cooked meals (they are sparse these days), more reading (with kids and for myself) and it means I get to decorate my new house. So, let me brag a little about my new house.

This barn style 3 bedroom 2 bath is totally custom. I mean, it literally was built to look like a barn on the outside. But inside, it is a beautiful home. We designed the plan ourselves, with a little help and insight from Ben, my brother in law (Thanks Ben!). The main floor is the living room and kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and 2 bedrooms for the kids. Upstairs is a loft which will be my craft haven, a book nook for Spencer (but I think all of us will use it), and the master bedroom and bathroom. It isn't quite 1300 square feet.

Mark has helped or done every bit of work. From preparing the plans, moving dirt, pouring concrete, building walls, hand stacking the roof, rough plumbing and electrical, drywall (we hired out the drywall but we were short 2 sheets so Mark hung those), baseboard, casing, doors, painting (we have lots of colors because we used leftovers from all of our various projects), flooring (I think this is my favorite part), cabinets, finish plumbing and electrical, running power, water and sewer to and from the shed, and putting in a fireplace. I have been helping a lot as well. Holding down the lighting store has been my biggest contribution. But after work I help clean hand tools to Mark, put in door handles or cabinet hardware, figure out what furniture is going where, help wire, etc. We are about 2 weeks from being totally finished with the house. We have been putting in long hours and a lot of late nights.

The biggest blessing is that we found a family to rent our house. We found them in less than two days! Two Days!! Makes me wonder if I should have listed it for more? No, they are just an answer to many prayers. They have 3 children and are such nice people. They will be moving in November 1. I have a ton of moving and cleaning to do by then. But, I know that we are being blessed because we are moving forward with faith.

Speaking of faith, I loved General Conference! I was so inspired and uplifted by the messages of our leaders. I truly am thankful to God for a living prophet to guide me through these days. So, here is my shout out to all of the time and preperation that went into the beautiful messages and music. THANK YOU!!!

And, with the coming change comes a change in weather. What is it about fall that we all seem to love and hate at the same time? I love the beautiful colors and cooler temperatures. I love the smell of rain and how it seems to give the whole earth a bath. But, I hate that it means freezing temperatures are coming and darkness gets more daytime than it should. At least my kids are enjoying their swing set. Katherine will sit in her airplane seat for at least 2 hours as long as you give her a push once in a while.

Okay. Enough of me blabbing. What changes are you excited for that are coming up in your lives? Let me know. Love to all my friends and family who read this.

So Emotional

2011-09-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is a post that I have wanted to write but I am not sure how. Every time I have thought about writing it I start getting emotional. So, please be patient. And if you don't want to read my babblings that is okay too.
When Mark and I moved into our house 4 years ago he immediately got called to serve in young mens in our ward. My calling came 3 months later to serve in the young womens. I was so excited and scared. I wasn't much older than the girls I would be teaching, the laurels (16-18 year olds). I was 22 at the time. My young women leaders had shaped me into the woman I am and I knew I could do the same. How quickly I realized that they would be teaching me. I have been to 4 girls camps, temple trips, 5 youth conference trips, firesides, everything.
Well, almost 4 years later, 5 presidencies later, and 2 of my own children later I have been released from serving in Young Womens.

I cry every time I say that.

They truly have become such a big part of my life that I feel like part of me is missing. Part of my heart aches to be with them. Even though I was ready to be released and I had been inspired by the Holy Ghost that it was time it is still so hard for me. I have not had a day go by that I don't think about my girls. Some of them I consider to be such good friends. I know that they will be strong women in this world. They are capable of doing so much good. They have made me a better person.
Every once in a while I still shed a tear. Spencer has caught me on several occasions and keeps asking "Are you sure your ok mommy?" I keep telling him I will be. At least I get hugs without asking from my sweet boy. Maybe I should cry more often ;) I hope that as I move forward to my next calling, whenever and whatever comes, that I will be up to the challenge. For now, I will try to sit in Relief Society and soak in being spiritually fed from new people. Three weeks before I got released this quote was in the lesson I gave.

"I believe in revelation—and so do you—and I believe that the Lord is getting acquainted with you right now. You missionaries that are preparing to go on your mission, do not let one day go by on your mission when you do not demonstrate to the Lord that you are reliable, that you are trustworthy, that you are dedicated, that you are committed, that you are on his side, for he is getting acquainted with the young men and the young women of this Church today. … Every day of your life he gets acquainted. Then, after he has watched you and after you have demonstrated your faithfulness by your service and by your ability to keep your priorities straight in your life, along comes a need for a high councilor, a Primary president, a Relief Society president, a bishop, or a stake president; and the Lord makes it known to the responsible priesthood leader that you are ready because you have lived up to the commitments and promises that you made before you were ever born."
~M. Russell Ballard

That quote hit my heart strings. I knew things were going to change soon. I knew that I had some things to work on and that quote said exactly what I needed. I know that the Lord expects me to be preparing. To demonstrate my faith. To keep my priorities straight. So, this is me resolving to be better. To do better.

I'm Alive

2011-09-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

The founder of the scrapbooking company I work for answered the following question:

"I love to scrapbook and preserve my family's memories, but it seems like I am always behind. Seriously, I take way too many pictures and still have 5+ years of events to scrap. I don't scrap every picture or every event, but still there are so many events and fun memories I want to capture. How do I do it? Are your scrapbooks up to date and current? If so, what is your secret?"

This is the last paragraph of her answer:

"Mostly, rather than feeling overwhelmed by lots of unscrapbooked photos, I feel happy knowing I have them: beautiful pictures, beautiful memories, all waiting for me to relive during the creative process. Having many photos to scrapbook doesn't mean I'm behind, it means I'm ALIVE."

Amen Jeanette! Thank you for having the right words that describe my life. And to prove I am alive...

How thankful I am to have such a beautiful family. I am truly blessed.

On a side note: we will be painting our shed this weekend. Pictures to come.

Mark is Not Allowed

2011-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a BLAST! We went up to my parents in Salt Lake for our annual Staycation Vacation. It was relaxed but full of fun. Of course I left all packing until Friday morning because last Thursday was all about Spencer turning THREE! More on that when I upload my pictures. Thursday night at 10:30 I started running 3 loads of laundry (I get up with Katherine anyways three times a night). Friday morning I woke up at 6:30 and started folding. (Side note: why is laundry such a necessary evil? I need to invent something that cleans your clothes while they hang in your closet) Mark got up 10 minutes before he had to leave for school (men.) and said his classes were getting out early so he would come home and put everything in the car and finish packing if I would get him a list. So I did just that and he was the hero.

When I got to work I emailed him a detailed list. Said list included things like: Katherine's diapers, swim diapers, swimsuit, socks, my glasses, Spencer's hat, so on and so forth. (I hadn't hardly packed for Katherine because she was still sleeping when I left for work). Details. I am so detailed when it comes to my lists of what I need for a weekend away from home (even though going to my parents is like a second home.). Mark got out of class, went home, packed and came to work to pick me up.

I thought to ask "did you remember Katherine's swimsuit?"
Mark "No. I don't know where you keep them."
Me "Couldn't you call to ask me?"
Mark "She doesn't need a swimsuit."
Me "what about her socks?"
Mark "she will be ok."

After several more rounds of did you get this and NO responses I rushed out the door extremely upset. If I put something on the list, I want it with us. Four days of play with cousins, one family picture session (the first since Spencer was 1), swim party, birthday party, etc all needed supplies from our house. We probably don't need everything I take but you never know. It is a really good thing I went home too because when I opened the door the first thing I saw (besides piles of laundry that got folded and not put away) was the bag I packed with his clothes and my clothes. He would have been in the dog house all weekend if I hadn't had my clothes, shower items, make-up, shoes, cell phone charger and everything else that was in that bag.

So, Mark is not allowed to pack for trips. Period. Never again. He has never packed well. For our wedding, he forgot church shoes. For our honeymoon he didn't pack any clothes (shopping spree for him). His first campout with Spencer, no clothes for himself; only clothes for Spencer because I packed Spencer's bag. Nope. Mark is Not Allowed to pack.

Side note: he also is not allowed for the girls weekend I am planning with my sisters and mom in October. Neither are my kids. Either one. I am super excited! First girls weekend ever!

I Finished... Finally

2011-08-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been working with the Young Women (ages 12 to 18) in my ward (church) for almost four years. These girls are MY girls in every sense of the word. They come to me with problems, for help with homework when their parents aren't around, we laugh, cry, and dream together.

In Young Womens there is a program called Personal Progress where we have to complete 6 experiences and 1 project for each of the 8 Young Women values. The projects have to take at least 10 hours to complete and the experiences can take anywhere from an hour to three weeks of working on a goal. Some of the goals include help plan and prepare meals for your family for two weeks, develop a habit of scripture study for 3 weeks, notice acts of service and give thanks for 3 weeks, read articles on the divine nature of women, etc. When you complete the program you get a Young Womanhood Medallion. As a young woman I earned my medallion.As a leader we have the opportunity to earn the award just like the young women. It takes a lot longer as an adult to accomplish these goals. I think it took my this long because I am just too stinking busy. But, last night I had my interview with the Bishop and I earned my medallion. In a couple of weeks I will recieve it. It was such a blessing to redo this program. I have learned so much about who I am and who I can become. I have a deeper and stronger testimony that Heavenly Father loves me and watches over me. How thankful I am for my girls encouragement to complete Personal Progress, again.

Dreams for the Kids

2011-08-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

I just found this idea and I am in LOVE! How fun would it be to have a book nook for the kids?! The blog where I found this the lady turned an unused closet into the nook (seriously. An unused closet. Where can I find one of those too?) I remember as a girl wanting to find a place just for reading, all by myself in peace and quiet. They would love to escape from the real world and go be inspired. I am really wanting to create such a space. Just have to find the perfect spot, money, and time to do so.

Fireplace

2011-08-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

In the shed there is no forced heating and air. We are going to have a wall air unit for cooling. We found a wood burning stove in Salt Lake for the heating. I have a stove in my basement (used it to heat up our home all winter) and they work well! But I have a few ideas to use the space better.I want to have the stove about 3 feet off the ground. That way you can have storage underneath for firewood without it being in the way of everything.This outdoor stove really captures my vision of storage below (but our stove will be in a corner so only one cubby for wood).I love the cozy feeling this mantle brings to the room. The shed has a small living room (12 x14) and that is the only family space so it has to be inviting and feel big. A mantle would give the room some much needed "wall space" for decor (2 walls are full of windows and doors, one is the stairwell and the other has the opening to the kitchen). Again the storage underneath makes it so functional.

Kitchen Ideas

2011-08-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

I have been obsessed with trying to figure out how to make this shed a really livable space. The kitchen is where my focus is now. The space is small. About 10 feet wide by 11 feet long. There is a beam going through the one side that supports the loft above. Mark and I found some used cabinets in Salt Lake for $300. The guy gave us all the cabinets for a full kitchen, the counter-tops, the sink, and faucet. What a steal! The cabinets are going to get a face lift so I have been design blog hopping for ideas. Here is what I found.White cabinets are IN! Especially in small kitchens (Check) and country style homes (another Check). I am not so sure about white (little kids+ sticky fingers= handprints constantly!) but I have also seen some light blues and grays on cabinets that catch my eye. I really need to decide a wall color too. This first picture shows some blue cabinets but my favorite part are the open shelves. One wall has a window and we don't have any cabinets for it. If we do shelves like this we will get lots of storage space while being cute, fancy, and country all at the same time.
I like these white cabinets that are antiqued. My first idea for the cabinets was a cream color with antiqued glaze. I am thinking eventually we will add things like bead-board to help it have character. I also love the butcher block counters. I also love the industrial meets country with the stainless steel shelves. Ikea has a good selection of these kind of shelves for pretty inexpensive. Future ideas.
I WANT A PANTRY! Mostly for food storage. I had designed one to be build in like a closet. But with the cabinets we bought the pantry was lost. This picture solves the problem. I have about 15" that we could build a cabinet that pulls out for a pantry. Hallelujah chorus if you please!
I also have been looking at curtains vs. blinds. Right now, curtains are winning.

The Blogger I Want To Be

2011-08-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am not the blogger I want to be. I love reading all of my friends blogs. I love looking at designer blogs. I love letting people catch up on what my little family is doing. I hate finding the time to do all of these things. Usually reading blogs happens more than writing my own. But not today...
This is a picture from Girls Camp. Katherine and I went the last two days of camp. We did a trust fall where a girl would climb up the ladder, turn and fall into everyone's arms. It was quite the experience. I really loved this picture. It helps me remember how much my girls are there for me. Yes. I did fall as did our bishop and fist counselor in the bishopric.
In a previous post I mentioned we are building a shed. The shed is actually a barn. Well, it looks like a barn. Yes, it is red. RED. Not my choice but it is growing on me a little. I am hoping the shingles (gray like our house) tone down the red. Luckily there are no windows in the house that face the red barn. The views from the loft of the barn are AMAZING though. We are making the barn into another living space (because we don't have enough of those). Three bedrooms, two baths. Mark is working on convincing me to live there. I will admit the 1280 square feet sounds much more appealing to clean than my current 3,000 sqaure feet. However, there is not a craft room so I am not 100% convinced.

My little guy is going to turn 3 next week! How does that happen? It seems like a few days ago he was kicking me in the ribs and now he is 3? He is hitting a terrible three stage. Mark and I are learning what works and what doesn't when it comes to teaching him lovingly. At least he always hugs me after his timeout and tells me he loves me. I love that part.
And in three weeks my baby is going to be ONE! She is crawling, scooting, pulling herself up on furniture, and getting into anything she can (usually my bag. I have to start remembering to put it somewhere other than the floor). Her hair is getting so long (this picture is right after a bath when her hair is easiest to do). This past weekend she and I have had a head cold. I think we are getting better.?. She is starting to sign to us. "Sleep" "Dad" "More" "Milk" and "Socks."

These last two pictures are from the Salt Lake County Jail B-B-Q for families. We went with my mom and dad for hot dogs, games, and fun. They had a helicopter there that Spencer loved watching take off. It was really warm and humid but still a fun time out of the house.
In other happenings: I have started exercising. So far I am losing about 2 pounds a week. Hopefully I don't stop because of this dang cold. Mark started school yesterday. One year left is what I keep saying to myself.

Summer Time Fun

2011-07-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

June and July always seem jam packed with family reunions, holidays, birthdays, and other fun activities. I never seem to get enough of the hot summer days because there is so much to do and I hate picking what things I will have to miss. Here are some of the things that made the cut this year.

Our annual fourth of July trip to my parents and North Ogden (where Mark grew up). We loved seeing so many of his friends and neighbors from growing up. We also went to the parade in North Ogden which was great. It was an hour long (perfect length) and some great candy (banana popsicles. need I say more)! Then the b-b-q chicken and ribs at my parents for Grandma K and Nanny. AWESOME!!! With a light rain shower and then the kidde pool I think we all got cooled down.

Mark and Spencer went to a family reunion in Mt. Pleasant two weekends ago. Katherine and I stayed home for some R & R. Spencer had a blast and took a good long nap from staying up too late. Mark loved seeing his extended family.

We held a spaghetti lunch and clearance sale at our store last week. Usually we do this in the spring but we postponed it because Mark was in school. We did sell a few things and saw some old friends and customers which was great. Thanks Mary for helping cook and for watching Spencer while we prepped for the big event. Side note: if you need new lights we still have a ton we are clearance selling. Tell your firends!

Last Saturday we had the annual Elders Quorum Breakfast in our backyard. Potato pancakes, eggs, pancakes, bisquits and gravy, and orange juice. Yummy! Thanks to all who helped and came! What a way for Mark to go out with a BANG! He was released from Elders Quorum President Sunday. It is a bitter sweet ending. He is hoping for nursery or primary song leader.

I was able to go to the Relief Society Retreat last Wednesday (Yes. Last week was CRAZY!) It was up at a cabin at Brian Head which was wonderful. The potatoes and chicken from the dutch ovens was wonderful (no wonder I can't get in shape. All I do is go here and there and eat food). I learned a lot from the get to know you game (so thankful I have not been in a car accident like some of those ladies) and the games were funny.

I think that covers the big events. Coming up the next couple of weeks? Girls Camp tomorrow and Friday. Pioneer Day at home doing house work and yard work. Family reunion in Idaho next weekend. Miamaid B-B-Q for reaching our class goals. Family coming for visits. Mark goes back to school. Seriously, summer days are few and far between.

Lots To Do

2011-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

(A view from where I spend most of my day, Mountain Lighting desk.) We have been keeping so busy with, well, anythig and everything. For example, today Mark is building our shed today. I would insert a picture here but all there is right now is 24' by 30' of concrete. While he does that, I played tetris with two houses of lights, camping gear, car seats, and food to take up to Salt Lake. My brother is a builder and lets us do the lights for his homes (THANKS TIM! WE APPRECIATE THE BUSINESS!!!) Then, we are sleeping over at Nanny and Papa's house tonight. Then tomorrow we are going to Strawberry Resevoir for a quick camping trip. Coming home late Saturday or early Sunday. Mark is staying home to build the shed and work Friday. Hopfully he gets some of the stuff done at work that I have been avoding all week.
(I love Spencer's smile in this picture and Katherine's expression is classic. He loves his sister.)Mark and I got new phones yesterday! In the words of Spencer "They. Are. Awesome." We got the brand new, not out to the public, HTC EVO 3D phones. I already loaded the scriptures to my phone. Now I can find a spare moment to read my scriptures and actually have them. This week was a small break for me in that I didn't have Young Womens. Youth Conference is this weekend and because I would have had to take Katherine with me they gave me a freebie this year (good thing too because last year I went with less than 30 days to go while prego with Katherine). So, instead of heading to the church Tuesday night we went to Dave and Joy's for dinner. Yummy! hamburgers and hot dogs with lots of family. I have been working on both kids' scrapbooks for their birthdays. I am doing most of it digitally on Studio J. The company I sell scrapbooking products for has THE BEST digital scrapbook program around. You don't pay for the software. That is free to use. You only pay if you want to buy the JPG file or scrapbook layouts. Saves time, mess, money and I can work on it at work. Basically, life is crazy. But, we like it that way.

Catch Up

2011-06-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to play catch up again on my blog. I will not say sorry because I am actually living my life instead of goofing off on the computer.

For Mothers Day Mark didn't have an early meeting for Church. Best gift ever to have help getting the kids ready for 9am church. While getting ready Spencer came in my room said "Happy Mothers Day." and handed me a watch and new perfume.It smells delicious. At church we got a bath time "sundae." They were super cute. Imagine a 1950's diner shake and you get the idea. A Dairy Queen clear cup, filled with pink bath salts, a loofa to imitate whipping cream, all topped off with a cherry looking red bath smell good thing. Yep, I got to baths out of that one (in my big jetted tub which made it even better).

May 11 was my birthday. Mark took me out to dinner and a movie. The best present-no big birthday party in Cedar. Yep. I didn't have to clean the house to have people come over, feed them cake and ice cream and then clean after they all left. I did have a party with my family in Salt Lake a few days later. It was a combined party for Mother's Day and my birthday. It was at my parents house so I didn't have to do the cleaning and baking and organizing. Perfect kind of party.

Mark did Maymester at school. I think it was harder on me than it was on him. He was at school Monday thru Friday 9-3. I did a lot at work on my own, and he worked hard at work after school. We did go have lunch with him on campus a few times which was fun for Spencer, Katherine and me. He doesn't have any more classes until August and we are thrilled for the break.

Because Mark was at school all the time Spencer kept asking me if he could go to school. It broke my heart to say no so I have started teaching him mini-lessons at home almost every night. He loves to draw on the white board and do his homework (a page out of a workbook). His favorite lesson: rectangles (I think because I taught him how to draw a robot using just rectangles). He is learning so much so fast. He also loves to read at night with Mark. Every night as part of bedtime routine Mark reads Spencer a story and a poem. Spencer's vocabulary is growing leaps and bounds because of this.
Our annual Adams Family Camping trip was this past weekend. We went to Yuba Lake with my family. It was a great getaway! The kids loved going on the boat with Papa, the company was perfect, and the food was yummy. The only downside: Katherine was teething. So, the second night she got up 8 times. Rough on me but she was feeling better the next day. Now she is back to normal but the tooth went back into her gum instead of popping out. My mom packed her little pool for the grandkids and that was a huge success! Lots of fun and it was so good to see all of my family again.Both of these pictures are with Papa. My kids do miss Nanny and Papa so when they are around we take full advantage of them.

Not much but the normal life is happening. We are staying busy with work, church, and family. We are enjoying the good weather of spring/summer. Spencer's tan is better than mine. Mark planted a small garden this year but because of the crazy weather we are sure how well it will do. Our next big event coming up is a trip to Salt Lake for the 4th of July. Hopefully we keep on top of this blog. Until then...

Giveaways

2011-05-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all.
I was just doing some blog hopping and noticed a few giveaways. One is for Kiki Fashions, the other is for Deann's Gifts.
Go check it out:
www.babybrainstorm.blogspot.com

Thanks!

New Family Picture

2011-05-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

We got this picture done the Saturday before Easter. Thanks Steph for snapping the photo. Thanks mom and dad for having a nice backyard. Thanks Spencer and Katherine for being so good for pictures.

Improvement

2011-04-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'all (which is Dad, the occasional friend and sister)!
Are you impressed that I am already updating this and it has only been one week? If not you should be because I am.

Last night we had FHE with Mark's brother Dave and his family (Side note: Thanks for cooking dinner Dave. It was yummy and so much better than the leftovers we were going to have last night. Now we get to have leftovers tonight; which is not so fun, so, no thank you to that). For the lesson we talked about favorite stories and talked from General Conference. It was interesting to hear how different things stick out to each of us even though we all heard the same talks. It made me think of how I need to keep the enthusiasm for improvement every day. So, I started thinking about what improvements I have made since Sunday.

~Monday morning I read my scriptures. Didn't really study but I did read and ponder throughout the day.
~Monday at work I kept busy in the warehouse for two hours (thanks Carter for helping me palletize).
~We had an actual lesson for FHE (again, thank you Dave).
~Tuesday morning when I wanted a snack I grabbed an orange instead of the candy (this should count for two improvements because I actually remembered to bring the orange to work).
~I read Spencer 6 books in one sitting. Usually I only make time for one book.
~I am updating my blog after only one week.

So, there you have it. My improvements. Leave a comment with one thing you want to improve today. Let's all help each other.

ON THE RIGHT OF THIS BLOG IS A NEW SPOT FOR THE THINGS SPENCER SAYS. RIGHTFULLY CALLED "SPENCER SAYS..." I WILL TRY TO UPDATE THAT FREQUENTLY TOO.

2011-04-05T14:10:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy! Not really with work (although we have bid a lot in the last week or so) but with life! I will not try to bore you with all the stuff we have been doing but here is a rundown.

March 4 one of Mark's best friends, Brigham, got married! It was a beautiful day and we spent a lot of time as a small family enjoiyng and remembering the true meaning of family. Congrats Brig! and welcome Ashley to the family!

For Spring Break we worked all week until Friday, March 18. We drove to Las Vegas and walked the Strip with the kiddos. The highlight of the evening was the water fountains at Bellagio. Spencer absolutely loved them! Saturday I was scrapbooking with my team and Mark and Spencer went to Bass Pro Shop and watched the BYU game. It was a great little trip.My dad came in town the next week. We didn't get to do much with him but it was still fun having Papa in town. Spencer loved going to Steph's house for shooting with the Wii. Of course Carter had to show us all up.

On the 25 (Saturday) we moved the family that was living in our house out. We spent the rest of the day cleaning and showing the basement apartment.
Sunday we went to church. Then we went upstairs to continue cleaning. However, God had different plans. A lady in our ward needed an apartment, called us, and wanted to move in Monday morning. Luckily Mark's brothers both live in our neighborhood so we literally moved in 16 hours (including getting a few hours of sleep). That is right WE ARE BACK IN OUR HOUSE!!! Not in a corner of the basement, not above our lighting store, but in our house; our home!!!
Monday we helped Ann move into the basement. The rest of the week was unpacking, arranging, and recouperating from moving three families in three days.

General Conference was awesome. Katherine slept during the morning sessions and Spencer slept during the afternoon sessions so that made it easier to listen. We have a renewed sense of purpose for life as a whole.

We have done lots of stuff with our church callings. I am helping prepare our Girls Camp fundraiser that is coming up at the end of the month. Mark had an Elders Quorum activity on March 25 that was a lot of fun. Katherine has a tooth! She has had her bottom tooth for almost two months.She has started eating rice cereal and loves it. Last Wednesday she rolled from her tummy to her back. It is hard to believe she is almost 7 months old already.

Goals

2011-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Most people set goals at the beginning of the year. They keep them for a few days and then nothing. Well, I was taught (thank you Dad) that if there is something in my life I want to change I shouldn't wait for the new year, but start that day. So, I thought I would share a few goals I have going now and a few new ones I want to start.
*Journals. Say the plural word because I write mine, Spencer, and Katherine's journals. I also keep this blog and a blog for my scrapbooking business. Well, I can't do all of this daily but I have set a goal to write in someone's journal every Sunday and update my blogs once a week. Since I made this goal I am doing rather well. I am amazed at how much detail I am able to remember for my children's journals. I hope the journals become a treasure for them.

*Family Home Evening. We have always struggled to sit down and hold FHE. We are usually together doing something but we haven't always sat down to have a lesson. So, the past couple of weeks I have really tried to encourage us to sit down for a lesson. They are usually short and followed by a game of hide and seek for Spencer's sake but we are doing better. I found a really fun idea online for Valentines Day (No, we aren't doing anything special. Today is just another day with all of us under the weather a bit). I think Spencer will enjoy this one because we are making treats to give away and enjoy.

*Flannel Board Stories. This is a project I want to make for the kids. Different stories from the scriptures, dolls with different clothes, animals, etc that we can take to church or play wth at home. The first step will be making a travel size board and maybe a bigger board for home.

Why I love my life...

2011-02-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Instead of being mushy for Valentines about my valentine I thought I would share a few things of why I love my life.

1. Katherine's giggle. I have to work to make her really laugh but the work is so worth it.

2. Spencer's wisdom. He says some very intelligent things for a two year old.

3. Helping hands. Mark is always so willing to help out with whatever I need. Dishes, diapers, story time, puzzle time, and everything inbetween.

4. Scriptures. I love to read my scriptures. I wish I had time to devour them but I am glad I have a few minutes each day to read them.

5. Answers to my problems. For example, lately I have been struggling with finding time for all I should be doing and prioritizing what comes first. Our bishop got up yesterday and gave a beautiful testimony of how young mothers are often so overwhelmed but how they do so much just by spending time with their children. It was just the answer and comfort I needed.

New Year, Same Me

2011-01-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
It is already 2011! I am not going to feel sad for being so slow at updating the blog because we have been super busy. I will try to catch up on everything we have been up to but I am not making any promises. Also, to accomplish this I won't do pictures today.

Thanksgiving was yummy! I got to sit at the little kid table and I was so proud when all of my nephews, neice and Spencer ate all of their food! We helped my parents decorate for Christmas, did some shopping (I helped my mom spend her money), decorated my brother's grave and hadlots of fun.

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas were full of Christmas projects, birthdays (8 to be exact), work (nothing new there) and church activities. We loved getting Christmas cards and letters learning what our friends and family are up to.

Christmas was amazing like always. We were super spoiled by friends and family and each other. The kids and I spent a full week at my parents. It was nice to get away and nice to come home too. Spencer loved opening presents (he even helped Katherine). Our big present was concrete to park on at our house :)

Mark has started another semester of school. That means back to normal work hours for me. I enjoyed my time off but did not get any of my big projects done. It also means Spencer spends a lot of time at Grandma's. I sure do miss spending all day with him.

Work is still slow and steady. A good note is that Mark entered a best business idea competion. He placed and will be awarded $1300 to start the business. He is planning to build a website with the money. His idea is to make LDS hymns and college fight song music boxes.

I absolutely love 9am church! Spencer sends me to class before I even drop him off to nursery. Mark's meetings are before the block so by 12:30 we are home for truly "A DAY OF REST!"

The freezing cold weather has subsided (for now) so we have spent a few days in the sun. Last Monday we even took Spencer and Katherine to the park for some swinging, sliding, and races. I love that Spencer says "On mark, get set, go!"

Not Like Tiger

2010-11-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Spencer loves to watch the Winnie the Pooh movie. One part Tiger gets everyone to start bouncing.

Me: "Spencer, why don't you bounce like Tiger."
Spencer: "I Can't Mom."
Me: "Why not?"
Spencer: "Cuz, I don't have a tail."

Katherine is so cute. She loves watching Spencer play and run around. This picture is actually a family tradition. See, at my Grandma Adams there are several Cabbage Patch Dolls. Whenever anyone playes with them they get their picture taken. I have many of these pictures from when I was a little girl. I am so glad that I now have a picture of my kids doing the same thing.

Thankful Thursday Part 3

2010-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Since I won't be home this Thursday I figured I would do this early rather than late. I have to start with a story. In January I lost my wedding ring. One Sunday morning while in the shower I remember seeing my wedding ring and making a note to check I had it when I got out (I don't wear my ring in the shower). I had it on when I got out but took it off to put some lotion on. That is the last time I remember seeing it. I thought Spencer grabbed it, put it in the toilet and flushed. We tour the house apart (including the plumbing in the bathroom) but never found it. When we moved out of the apartment above the shop we didn't find it. I have been heartbroken since.

Well, on Sunday I decided to get out the Christmas decorations. I started pulling the tree out of the box and between the branches was my ring! Spencer must have slipped it through the whole in the top of the box because I had already taken the tree down the day I lost it but had not put the box back in storage. I am so lucky though. The bottom of the box was not sealed tight so the ring could have easily fallen out and really been lost forever. I was so excited! I was smiling like a little school girl who just got a kiss on the cheek from her long time crush. Yep. I was giddy to say the least.

So, I am thankful to have my ring back. But in all honesty, I am truly thankful for the man who asked me to marry him. I am thankful for marrying in the temple and the promised blessing that if we live worthily we can be together forever. There is nothing that makes me happier than the thought of being with my family forever.

Thankful Thursday Part 2

2010-11-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

This Thursday I would like to say how thankful I am for the Church in my life. I am so glad for the knowledge that families can be eternal, of a loving Heavenly Father, an eternal friend and savior in Jesus Christ, and of values that make me stand out from the world. This is a picture of the Jordon River Temple; where my parents were married and the temple I went to growing up.

I am thankful for my calling. Just this past Sunday I was released from Young Womens and resustained into my same calling but with new presidency members. I love being in Young Womens. It is time consuming but the things I learn and the girls I work with are incredible. I feel honored to be a part of their growing up years. I know my leaders from when I was a young woman hold a special place in my heart.This is at Girls Camp this past July. Proof: my belly (Katherine's first Girls Camp:)

I am thankful for the Spirit and the atmosphere it creates in my home. My little boy is constantly singing hymns that melt my heart. I am thankful for the little teaching moments that I have daily with my children to teach them how to be good and find the good around them.

Thankful Thursday

2010-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

During the month of November I would like to write what I am thankful for on Thursday (thus the name of my post). So, here we go.

Today I am so thankful to have a job where I get to spend all day with my husband and children. Well, almost all day as Mark goes to school and Spencer visits Grandma. I am so thankful to be able to say my husband and I get along so well that we can be together all day. I am glad that I get to support him in his opportunity to go back to school.

I will admit some days are hard,

most days are chaotic,

but all days are full of joy.

I enjoy my job and what I do. That is what I am thankful for this Thursday. What are you thankful for?

My Favorite Thing

2010-11-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

So, Close To My Heart is doing a giveaway. All you have to do is blog about your favorite product. Easy. My favorite is the Orignals Card Confidence Program. I am constantly being asked to make cards for friends and family and Jeanette's layouts make it easy and fool proof to make beautiful cards. The book cost $21.95 and I think I made that back the first time I made 50 cards for my mom (Relief Society Birthday Cards).

I am Thankful

2010-11-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we sat down and were settling in. The opening song was Families Can Be Together Forever and while I was pulling Katherine out of her car seat Spencer stood up on the bench and began singing the song with all of the gusto of his heart. It was so wonderful to listen to him sing a song that is such a big part of my testimony. I am so thankful to know that my family can be together for all of eternity.

Picture Time

2010-10-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

We took Katherine and Spencer to get their pictures done yesterday. They both did great! This is just one of my favorites that I thought I would share. I can hardly believe that she is already six weeks old! And don't you worry, she did spit up all over her dress on our way to get pictures done (luckily the dress is machine washable).

Spencer Cracks Me Up

2010-10-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some more funny things Spencer has said:

"My bum popped." Translation: I farted.

Me"What is wrong?"
Spencer "I don't feel good."
Me "Should we go to the doctor?"
Spencer "Yep."
Me "What will he tell us to do?"
Spencer "Use bandaids."

Katherine is Here!

2010-09-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Introducing Katherine Elizabeth Miller
Born September 14, 2010
at 6:19am weighing 7 lbs 6 oz 19.75 inches long

She is wonderful! Lots of hair and cute smiles. Everything went perfectly and we are doing well.

Spencer's Funny Sayings

2010-09-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

We went to Red Robin for Spencer's birthday. When they brought him a sundae he said
"Oh, Wow!" and then when they asked him how old he was he said
"I'm two old." Say it out loud and you should giggle.

This morning Spencer looked up at dad and said "Good morning Dad." Then he looked at me and said "Good morning Mom." Made my heart melt.

Spencer got a rug with roads on it to play on. Last week he asked "Mom, Spencer sleep carpet?" Yep, he slept all night on his carpet.

Parade of Homes

2010-08-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things to participate in is the Iron County Parade of Homes. It gives us an opportunity to get our business name out into the community to perspective customers. There are 9 homes this year and Mountain Lighting provided lights for 6 of them. Pretty cool huh? So, if you need something to do come see these beautiful homes and some great lighting. We don't have a booth this year (just in case baby Katherine decides to come this weekened or next) but we are still excited for the show. See you there!

Melissa and Doug Giveaway

2010-08-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
So, I was looking online to find some puzzles for Spencer's Birthday and I found this giveaway from Melissa and Doug. They have the best puzzles and toys around. Enter before September 3! Hopefully I win and not you (he, he, he).

Here is a link:
www.melissaanddoug.com

Spencer and FHE

2010-08-24T10:26:00.001-07:00

So, last night was crazy! Spencer and I got home for the night at 7:45 and Mark got home at 8:25. By 8:35 I had Family Home Evening ready. We were going to learn how to be a sunbeam for Jesus. We were going to color suns after the lesson. Well, Spencer didn't want to wait for me to read the story before coloring. So, after a few minutes of whining he decided to boycott FHE. He stormed out of the living room and went to his bedroom screaming. Mark and I couldn't do anything but laugh at him. Needless to say I let him start coloring while I finished the story. It was fun!

A Few Goals

2010-08-23T11:37:00.001-07:00

Lately I have really been wanting to be better about some things in my life. So, I am writing down my goals/expectations so I can be more accountable for them.

1. Read my scriptures for 20 minutes a day. To do this I know I will have to get up earlier than Spencer.

2. Do one chore around the house each day. I have made a simple chore chart to help with this one.

Monday- Dust
Tuesday- Bathroom
Wednesday- Kitchen
Thursday- Sweep/Mop
Friday- Laundry
Saturday- Bedrooms

3. Work on something creative once a week. I always have fun ideas (christmas cards, scrapbooks, home decor, etc) but never do them so now I will. This week I want to finish Katherine's blanket and start making announcement cards.

4. Organize my living room. This means getting my budget/desk/library/craft corner unpacked (since I have been living there for 3 months I think it is time).

5. Send out birthday cards on time to my family. Yep, I am only like 4 months behind on this one (or more for those I don't have an address for). My siblings are so good about remembering my family's birthdays and I have been horrible this year.

6. Start exercising. Ok, probably not going to really start this one until after Katherine gets here but it is my goal nonetheless. I am thinking of walking to the mailbox and back. I think it is 3/4 mile roundtrip. Start there and see how it goes.

Awesome One Week Sale!

2010-08-03T12:46:00.001-07:00

Close To My Heart is making room for all of their new paper packs. To do so they are having a one week sale on select:
*Level One Paper Packs $4
*Level Two Paper Packs $6
*and Stickease Assortments $2
They are all color cordinated which makes it so easy. These would be great Christmas gifts for really cheap. The sale starts Wednesday, August 4 and goes until the 11. Available while supplies last. Happy Shopping and Scrapbooking!

Picture Catch Up

2010-07-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from activities we have done this past month. Note: Pictures are not in order that they happened.
Over the 4th we stayed at my parents for some much needed R&R. This was one night right before bed. Spencer wanted a snack so he and Nanny sat on the kitchen floor eating fruit.
These two beautiful women are my mother and her mother (my Grams). Grams birthday is on the 3, Mom's birthday is on the 5 and so we have 3 days of celebration. How I love these two women and the wonderful examples they are to me.
Spencer loves playing with his cousins, Ashlynn, Matt and Carter in Nanny and Papa's backyard. This is a new pool my mom found for $4 on clearance last year (great find mom). P.S. I don't know why all of us mothers are holding our faces in the backround but I think it is funny.
On the 4th we went to North Ogden for Cherry Days and the Parade. We got to go with Tom and Melissa and Heidi and the kids came to the parade. It was a blast! This is Tom, Logan, Mark and Spencer at Grandpa Miller's grave in North Ogden. Spencer was basically asleep when we took the picture but I still love the three generations picture.
Here we are at the parade: Tom, Logan, Me, Ashlynn, Carter and Spencer. The kids were so good to stay back from the parade so they wouldn't get hurt. I think my favorite part was the parachuters at the beginning.
I had the chance to go to Girls Camp for the entire camp this year. It was so fun being with the girls. Our theme was "Righteous Ranch" and this is the horse I rode up and down the awful hill! I am shocked I didn't go into labor climbing that hill 10 times a day.
These are my beautiful girls at the horseshoe pit. Bet you can't find me (just kidding, I stick out, or rather Baby Girl sticks out, like a sore thumb)!
The weekend before Girls Camp Mark, Spencer and I took the camper out for a test run. Spencer loved picking all of the dandelions for me. I just loved this picture.
This is our family that same trip waiting for the fire to die down to roast marshmellows. Don't worry, we all got nice and sticky.

Our Family Vacation Next Year

2010-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

So, I have been really bummed the last two weeks because I had to miss Close To My Heart Convention 2010 in Washington DC. They announced that next year Convention will be at Disneyland and we are SO GOING!!! I am so excited I have already started looking at hotels, cheap park tickets, etc. I hope I can sell enough product between now and then to pay for most of the trip :) I am coming up with some fun ideas on what to sell, but I need some help with where. Anyone want to have a party? Let me know. I will travel anywhere in Utah to do a party and I can do parties online. Hope to hear from you soon! This will be the Millers one year from now!

Goodie Box

2010-06-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Today on my online website for Close To My Heart get over $200 for only $80 plus a great rate on shipping. This offer is good until tomorrow morning at 9a.m.!!! This is a great way to jump start your creativity by getting new products to scrapbook with!

Daily Thoughts

2010-06-16T08:40:00.001-07:00

I love that my third job is showing others how to scrapbook! I love showing them how easy and fun it can be. I also love to share good deals that I can offer and today is one of those days. On my website today only you can get $250 of product for $100!!! Plus you get an awesome deal on shipping! Each Goodie Box will have a few different products in them so it is really fun to compare with others what you get. Just click on the link to the right that says Carrie's Scrapbooking.

Second, today is my five year anniversary. It is amazing to see how much has happened in the last five years. I love Mark so much and can't believe how happy he makes me.

Here is a Small Scoop

2010-05-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
Here is a small scoop of what we have been up to. During April we were extrememly busy fixing our apartment, packing, packing, working, doing church callings, packing, playing in the sun/snow/whatever else happened outside, and got ready for a trip to Mark's mission. We really didn't have a house to live in for a week before we left for our trip but luckily Mark's mom let us stay with her. Thanks again Grandma! We also found out that our new little one will be a girl! We are so excited and no, we don't have a name picked out yet. She is getting bigger by the day it feels like. September 15 is coming faster than I thought it would.
We loved our trip to Germany! We were there for just over two weeks. Spencer loved the food, did great on the flights, and loved his Oma! It rained almost everyday we were there but it made everything such a great green! Not the dark green of Utah. A bright minty green.

When we got home we moved back out to our house only this time we are in the basement. We are still working on getting everything exactly where we want it but the pile of boxes is gone so I finally feel at home. Spencer loves being close to so many family and friends there. I have enjoyed having a yard again. Mark is enjoying working on landscaping/gardening. Our fruit trees are doing really good so we are excited about that.
Our church callings are still keeping us super duper busy. In April I had the chance to go to the temple with the Young Women. It was wonderful! Girls Camp is at the end of the month so I am frantically getting ready for that. Elder's Quorum is having an activity this Saturday so Mark is preparing for that and trying to keep all of the elder callings full.
Work has been slow and crazy at the same time. I sold my biggest order ever last week! Mark is working on another big cabin this week so we feel like we are so blessed to still have good jobs coming in.
Spencer is growing up so fast! A couple of weeks ago he came to me and counted to 10 all by himself! I hadn't even really worked on numbers with him so I was shocked! His favorite movie right now is Dumbo and he loves marching band music. He has gone to nursery twice without any problems so we are hoping this trend continues.
Well, that is a small scoop. I promise more pictures and to be better about posting.

I LOVE Spring!

2010-03-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't spring the best? Well, not the crazy it snows one day and then is warm enough to go to the park the next. But everything else. The fresh air, the new growth, the sunshine. I love it!

Last week Mark and I decided to plant some fruit trees. We got ten trees: 2 apple, 2 peach, 2 apricot, 2 cherry and 2 plum. We also planted some grapes, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. I am excited to see how well we do with these trees and bushes. They aren't supposed to produce fruit for a year or two so hopefully we will be eased into having great produce. The best part was all of the help we got from these little guys.

Moving Again

2010-03-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we just can't seem to sit still around here. We found out the renters in our basement are moving for work and school around May 1. We are sad that they are leaving because they are such good friends. We will miss them dearly. Because they are moving out we have decided to move into our basement out at our house. I have mixed emotions about moving back. Here are a list of some of the emotions:

1. I am excited to be back in my home.

2. I am sad because it has been so convenient to live in town and at work.

3. I HATE packing! To quote my friend Josh "If anyone has potion to make your stuff pack itself and unpack it where it should go in your new place let me know and I will buy it."

4. I really want to garden and there is no space where we work, but there is plenty of space at our house. In fact, we just planted 10 fruit trees and are going to plant berry bushes this weekend.

5. Moving at 5 months pregant. Enough said.

6. The extra rent money for the apartment in town will be greatly appreciated! (If anyone is looking for a 2 Bedroom 1 Bath apartment in Cedar let me know).

7. To pack less stuff back to the house we are trying to eat as much food storage that we have as possible. We are eating a lot of beans, rice, spaghetti, hamburger helper, and more beans! This means not complaining about the same food to frequently. Mind you I am pregnant. Enough said again.

In other news, Spencer just got his passport! I can't believe our trip to Germany is in 5 weeks. Lots to do before then so the vacation will be much needed. Hope everyone who reads this has a great weekend!

Mary's New House

2010-03-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

So, I said I would fill you in on Mary's new house. So, here we go.

Back in November 2008 Mark's mom, Mary moved into the house next to ours. It has been wonderful having her so close! In January we found a nice place in town for her to live in. So, we helped her close on the house, and move in. It is still a bit of a mess but she is slowly making progress through all the boxes. We are so happy for her and once again, she is living so close to us (since we moved into the lighting store). One of my favorite parts of this house is that it has a covered carport so she doesn't have to walk through ice and snow (big relief for me). We are hoping to do a few things to spruce up the place for her (build a pantry, new flooring) but she loves having her own space. She is centerally located between her grandkids in Cedar so that is nice for her too.

Time Out

2010-02-22T08:43:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we went up to my parents for fun. Spencer likes to play in my parent's blinds so we had to sit in time out a couple of times. Mark was out running errands with our brother in law so Spencer really wanted dad. One time when I was talking to him about what he did and why he was in time out this is what happened.

Me: "Spencer, do you know why you are in time out?"

Spencer: "Dad."

Me: "No, dad didn't get you in trouble. You got in trouble for playing with the blinds. Can you say sorry to Nanny?"

Spencer: "No, No, No. Dad."

What do you do for a little boy who loves his dad and wants to blame dad for all of his problems? Me, I just love that little guy!

2010-02-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

So, I am one of those people who loves to look at my friends blogs. Some of you are great about updating (Thanks Michelle for all of the great stories) other are not so good (I am not going to point fingers because you know who you are). I was looking at all of my favorite blogs and realized I hadn't updated my own in a long time. In the words of Spencer, Oattt OWHHH! So, here is my catch up post with hopefully more frequent posts to follow.

Christmas was wonderful! We were spoiled way too much, ate way too much and had a nice break from work. Spencer loved unwrapping and playing with the paper more than his presents. We were so thankful to have time to celebrate with family and friends the birth of our Savior and just to have fun. New Years was also fun. Spencer and I went back up north to play with my family and get together with my mom's side of the family (which we don't do often enough). This picture is of all the presents for my parents, siblings, neices, nephews etc. (enough for 16 people). They are not all Spencers!!!

Other things we have been up to: work. Lots of work. We were really worried that work would be as slow as it was last year but we have stayed busy. I count my blessings each day at work when a customer comes into the store. Spencer is still a good helper at work but now that we live upstairs he also loves to go watch ELMO! He is obsessed with Elmo. After a couple of weeks of teething (by the way, we are now up to 14 teeth) and not sleeping good Mark bought this stuffed Elmo for Spencer to sleep with and he has been doing much better. Mark and I are still busy with our callings in church but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Spencer has discovered "Snee" as he likes to call it. Mark took him sledding (I stayed at work) and they both loved it! Spencer has also been spoiled seeing so much family the last few weeks. Nanny and Papa have come down a couple times. Spencer loves them! He also has seen his cousins a lot with all the birthdays, Superbowl and moving Mark's mom into a new house that we have done (Mary's house will have to be a post in and of itself).

Well, if you are still reading up to this point, you must really love us or something of that nature. So, I will reveal our big news now for those that endure to the end. I am pregnant! Wahoo! Yep, I am due September 15. We went to the doctor yesterday and everything looked great! I have been super sick but we are so excited to have another little one. Our two will be almost exactly two years apart which I think is perfect. This means that I will have to quit working at the store but I will probably start pushing our internet sales and stuff like that from home.

So, that is the update. Thanks for tuning in and I will try to be better (no promises from the sick one though).

2010-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

So, I said I would put this up the next day and I am finally getting around to doing it. It is cute right? So, go to my other blog and leave a comment so you can win! Each square is 9" by 9" so you can get an idea of what size it is.

Scrapbooking Giveaway

2010-01-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

I am really starting to push my scrapbooking company online. To start my big push I am giving away a free gift. Ckeck out my blog to enter. I will post a picture of the giveaway by tomorrow. The link is just to the right "Fast Simple Easy Stamping." Thanks everyone! I promise to do a big update on life for the Millers very soon.

I Need It

2009-12-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Mark and I are blessed with the opportunity to sit with Mark's brother Ben and his family (Toni, Mason, and McKay) as well as Mark's mom (Mary) at church each week as they are in our ward. It is great to think that I am part of a family that takes up a whole big pew at church.
This morning Mason said something that really was so cute. He always says "I need" whatever he is wanting at that point in time. So, today in sacrament this is how it went.
The bread was getting past the pew in front of us.
Mason: "I need that bread."
Mark: "No, Mason. You don't need that."
Me: "Actually Mark he does need it as we all do."

Isn't it amazing how a child's excitment for "snack time" in sacrament really does have a deeper meaning? During Christmas time I always try to find deeper meaning in our Savior's ministry and this morning was what I was looking for. Jesus Christ was born in such a special way. But what he did for each of us is the true and ultimate gift. How thankful I am to know that Jesus and Heavenly Father love me so that I could have a way to be forgiven for all the stupid things I do. I hope we each can have a peaceful Christmas full of love, true peace and happiness.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Well, I have been a total slacker the past couple of months on my blog for a couple of reasons.
1. We renovated our lighting store. We added some more wall space and sections to showcase families of lights (chandeliers that match bathroom lights that match entry lights, etc). We also took out a wall and combined our back and front office space.

2. We added an apartment to our lighting store. While we were at it we converted our office space upstairs to an apartment. We added a full kitchen and bathroom.

3. We moved into the apartment at the lighting store. We did this to simplify our life a little bit. Cleaning my house never got done because there was too much to do. Now I can clean my apartment in a couple of hours.

4. We are renting out our house. Thus, I had lots of cleaning, organizing, storing and moving to do. We did most of it the week of Thanksgiving. The family renting from us is super nice and I trust them completely.

5. Spencer has been sick as have I. We both got the flu after our trip to Portland (I think we got it from traveling). Since then both of us have not recovered completely.

6. Young Womens has been crazy!!! With the end of the year comes big parties, events, and activities that I have helped with. I should really learn to say no sometimes but I can't help myself. I love the girls in my ward.

So, there is my excuse list. Of course there are a lot of things I have left out for the sake of not boring anybody. Below are some pictures of some of the things mentioned above.

This is a picture of Spencer's bedroom/Laundry room. He doesn't need closet space so the closet is the laundry closet. It works well except no running laundry while he sleeps. Spencer has adjusted well to the move. The only problem is that now, while at work he wants to be upstairs watching ELMO. He loves that little red furry friend.

This is a picture of the kitchen. Mark and I had never done plumbing before. We haven't had any problems though so we are both proud of the work we did (ok, the work Mark did while I stood in the background with Spencer and watched).

This is my room. I am still looking for curtains for the closet but other than that I love it.

This is Spencer being cuddled by dad while he was sick. He didn't want anything except loving from Mama and Det (as Spencer calls him).

Some of the new walls we built.

Our Trip to Portland

2009-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

For our Miller Family Vacation 2009 Mark took Spencer and I to Portland, Oregon. It was beautiful! We spent three and a half days there, all three days it rained though. Our first day we drove up the Gorge and saw about 20 waterfalls. These pictures are of our favorite. I loved the fall leaves with the beautiful and lush green. It was so pretty. We also took Spencer downtown and did some window shopping, and some playing in a great toy store. Of course Spencer made out with some awesome toys!
We also took a drive to the Portland Temple. Seeing this temple makes seven temples Spencer has gotten his picture taken at in a year! I love being able to teach Spencer about being a child of God and how he can visit Heavenly Father when he goes to the temple. The last two days Mark and Spencer toured without me while I was at a scrapbooking convention. They went to the zoo, the beach, Tilamok cheese factory, and lots of other fun things. I think they had a lot of fun without mommy but it was great when they came to visit me.
I had such a blast at the Close to my Heart Regional Celebration that I went to. We took master classes on a variety of subjects from blogging to games to play at gatherings. I got to create lots of cards and 2- 2 page layouts for our family scrapbook (pictures coming). I made some great friends who would go early to save our special seats (Thanks sweetheart!). The most rewarding part was meeting Jeanette Lynton, the founder of Close to my Heart. She is so sweet and inspirational! I am sure that I came away from the weekend a stronger more focused individual and I am so excited to be a part of it all.

Swine Flu

2009-11-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Well, Spencer and I both had the flu last week. The doctor didn't check to see if it was the swine flu because he didn't want to swab out Spencer's nose, but he had all the symptoms so I am sure that is what it was. About four days of a fever, aching, headache and coughing. We stayed at home and did just about nothing. Nothing except watch Baby Signing Time 300 times and Elmo about 600 times! That is all Spencer wanted so, I let him have it. Mark was a great nurse taking care of both of us when he wasn't at work. It wasn't nice to be home because I should have been cleaning, or packing, or organizing, or working, but all I did was sleep, watch Elmo, try to eat/drink, and sleep some more. I am back at work (as of Monday morning) and I am feeling much better. So, the flu hit our house and hopefully we are done being sick for the holidays =)

Lesson Learned

2009-10-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Spencer has learned two things this week and taught me one big lesson.

What Spencer learned:

1. How to turn the tv off and on.

2. How to fold his arms and bow his head for prayer.

What Spencer taught me:

This morning when I was doing the dishes Spencer turned the tv off. He then said "Ut Oh." He then quickly folded his arms and bowed his head. I laughed at him and said jokingly "So, you think praying will get you out of trouble?"

The more I thought about it, the more I want him to learn that when he does make big mistakes he can turn to Heavenly Father for help to overcome anything.

Thanks Spencer for helping mommy learn something about teaching moments.

!!! Fire Power !!!!

2009-10-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

So, when we got back home from Salt Lake on Sunday I called my sister who lives in Cedar to let her know we were back in safety. She said she had been at our lighting store and it smelled like something was burning. She looked around and didn't see anything unusual so she said not to worry.

When we got home the power was out. Apparently, it went out at 12:55, we got home at 7 or so. We sat in candlelight/by the fireplace (the only way we could heat our house at the time) for two more hours. Go figure!

Monday morning we came to work. We looked out the window to the back of our property and low and behold, a fire went down the weed alley along the whole back side of our building! Not only our building but most of the buildings on this two block street! No worries though, none of our property was damaged. I will take pictures and post them soon.

All I can say is thank you Heavenly Father for protecting us and our stuff! I know we were blessed for listening and watching all of General Conference, but these extra blessings that I usually take for granted everyday really were things I needed!

Cards

2009-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show y'all some of the fun cards that Close To My Heart has come out with. I would love to teach anyone how to make them. Each one costs less than 60 cents to make! These images are from CTMH website (although the ones I have made like these are just as cute). I just love the bright colors of this first one because even though fall has lots of deep colors they are always vibrant. Hope you all enjoy!

Card Kit Giveaway!

2009-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
Close To My Heart is giving away card kits for anyone who spends $60 in stamp sets. Also, anyone who places an order gets put in a drawing for a card making kit. The kit is worth $40! This sale is happening until September 30th! Check out my website for more information. Thanks!

September Pictures

2009-09-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

Spencer's Birthday was on the 1. He got to have two parties because of the family in different ends of Utah thing. This picture is of his cake at my Mom and Dad's. It was so nice to be able to have the party outside. The weather was perfect. Spencer got lots of fun toys like Tickle Me Elmo and Tigger, and some new clothes. Thanks family!
This picture is from his party in Cedar. Mark and I got Spencer some blocks and a soccer ball for his birthday. He is eating the sucker Dave and Joy and the kids gave him for his birthday. It was a big sucker but my little guy ate the whole thing in two days! He loved playing with all his new toys with all of his cousins there.
For the party in Cedar I made cupcakes and a regular cake. Spencer had the beginnings of a cold start the day before his party so by the time at was time to have fun he didn't feel good at all. He really didn't get into the whole "make a mess with your cake" idea in Cedar. He did enjoy the frosting though.
Spencer had help opening his presents and then playing with them. I loved this action shot.
As you can see, Spencer really enjoyed making a mess with his cake at Nanny and Papa's! We were all worried that the frosting would stain his face but it washed right off with the garden hose.
For Labor Day my family went to the petting farm at Thanksgiving Point. I was really impressed with how well priced it was. For $3.50 you got two tickets to either ride a horse or go on a wagon ride plus pet as many animals as you wish. The kids loved it. This picture is of half of the gang that went for a horse drawn wagon ride.
Spencer loved the horse ride! He was a little scared at first but quickly warmed uo to the idea.
This is Ashlynn, Carter and Spencer getting to pet a baby cow. Spencer kept calling everything "Daw, Daw" meaning Dog, Dog.
This is Issac and his dad Tony. Issac is my sister Heidi's third son. I think this is a wonderful picture of them.
This is my brother Tim with his adorable boy Jackson. Jackson is the youngest of all my parents grandchildren (6) but he is the same size as Spencer. All well. We have had a lot of fun with family this month.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

2009-09-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it but Spencer has turned one today. We are going to have a party tonight with some friends and family. Pictures will be posted hopefully tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Spencer! We are so proud of you. We love you!

Summer Is Over

2009-08-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that summer is over? I can't. This summer has been so jam packed with so many things that I am not quite sure what all I have accomplished. So, I am relying on photos to prove that I actually did things this summer. Plus, I promised pictures from my last entry. Please note that these pictures are in no particular order. Also note this is just a few pictures of what we have done this summer.

Spencer has discovered that he loves dirt and mud. With all the work we have done outside this summer he has learned to love being outside. I am a little worried about what we will do when winter comes.

This is at Family Night at Scout Camp. Mark enjoyed every minute of camp, but he was so excited to see Spencer after three days. The scouts did a flag retiring ceremony that was just beautiful. I love the young men in our ward and the good that they do.

This is a picture of me (in the brown shirt) at Girls Camp. They had a game to see who could stand on a cinderblock the longest. I must say that I am not as strong as I used to be, but I did win against the other leaders. I loved Camp. I enjoyed the girls, singing to them at bedtime, and singing to them to wake them up, cooking, goofing off, dancing and everything else that we did.

My little sister, Stephanie got married! Now, you all may be thinking that is cool but how does that involve you Carrie? Well, I helped with: their engagement pictures, order invitations, tried on wedding dresses with Steph (she couldn't decide which one), cut fruit, created a wedding video, helped with the wedding pictures, did lots of running around with my mom and Steph, made their wedding book, etc. etc. That is how I helped. It was a beautiful sealing and I am so happy for Steph and Carter. I love you guys and hope that your marriage is even better than you dreamed it would be.

Mark and I have done so much with the youth of our ward this summer. We went: swimming, to the Oquirah Mountain Temple Open House, Youth Conference, Girls Camp, Scout Camp, and so much more. This is a picture of Spencer and I swimming when we went with the youth. Spencer loves all of his friends at church and really does love going to Young Womens and Young Mens.

This is a picture of Spencer giving his Papa a "bump." It is when you touch foreheads. It is a game my family has played since I was a little girl. Spencer has gotten to spend so much time with his Nanny and Papa. He loves them dearly, as do I. Thanks Mom and Dad for all you do for us!

A Real Quick Update

2009-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

We have been so crazy busy that I haven't had the time or ambition to update our blog. I still don't have the time so this is the quick and dirty version of what has been going on. Pictures will come in roughly 10 days (please read #13-15 for information on this)

1. 24 of July we spent at my parents.

2. 25 of July Mark went to a family reunion. Too far of a drive for me and Spencer so we stayed at my parents.

3. July 29 thru 31 I went to Girls Camp. It was a blast but I missed my Spencer.

4. Mark survived Girls Camp week without me!

5. August 1 my brother's father in law passed away. We have all been deeply saddened by Dan's sudden death. We love you Dan and miss you!

6. August 1 attended two bridal showers (Valerie Harris and my sister Steph). Lots of fun!

7. August 2 Mark was sustained as the Elders Quorum President. He is going to do great.

8. August 3 thru 5 Mark went to Scout Camp as his last Hoorah! with the young men. He loved it!

9. I survived Scout Camp week without Mark!

10. August 6 went to Fillmore for a fundraiser for Steph and Carter so they can buy a conversion van. It went great!

11. August 7 going to Dan's viewing.

12. August 8 going to the temple with my little sister, Steph. Super excited.

13. August 9 thru 15 WEDDING WEEK! Mark is going to Cedar to work while Spencer and I stay in SLC to help with wedding stuff. I know we can survive one more week, can't we?

14. August 14, reception in Salt Lake.

15. August 15, wedding in Manti Temple, reception in Fillmore.

16. August 16 thru 21 I am hoping to finish my front yard and get my house clean since I have hardly lived there for a month and lots of people are coming over for a reception!

17. August 22, reception at my house.

And there you have it. A real quick and dirty update.

65 Questions

2009-07-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked. Or I Answered Just because I had some time.

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Bright Yellow, from CEU

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
My Baby Spencer, of course. Hopefully it will have less slobber.

4. Do you plan outfits
Are you kidding? Heck No

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
About normal. I might be coming down with allergies

6. What's the closest thing to you that's red?
cell phone

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
I yelled at my laurels for not staying for all of class

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
Nope, all repeat customers

9. What are you craving right now?
bajio

10. Do you floss?
Yes, but my gums bleed every time

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Clog America Tour to Hungary/Romania

12. Are you emotional?
Daily

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes, usually when walking long distances I count my steps

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Usually bite it

15. Do you like your hair?
If I ever do my hair, then when I have a good hair day I do!

16. Do you like yourself?
Most days

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Sure, especially if he pays.

18. What are you listening to right now?
the air conditioner running

19. Are your parents strict?
my parents were but they weren'y strict to the point that it felt like they were

20. Would you go sky diving?
No!

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Nope, but I do buy it for Mark when it's on sale

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes

23. Do you rent movies?
Yes

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
Crystal Chandeliers, I'm at work, what do you expect

25. How many countries have you visited?
11, I think

26. Have you made a prank call?
Not in a very long time.

27. Ever been on a train?
Yes, loved it

28. Brown or white eggs?
White

30. Do you use chapstick?
Not enough, my lips are always chapped

31. Do you own a gun?
No, unless my dad bought a gun in honor of me

32. Can you use chop sticks?
Yes, but it takes twice as long

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Mark and Spencer

34. Are you too forgiving?
No, I probably don't forgive enough

35. Ever been in love?
Still am

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Mark- going to Young Mens, Steph- probably working, Spencer- growing up

37. Ever have cream puffs?
Yes. But prefer eclairs

38. Last time you cried?
Last Night

39. What was the last question you asked?
If Spencer wanted more fruit? of course he said "moa"

40. Favorite time of the year?
Spring

41. Do you have any tattoos?
No

42. Are you sarcastic?
Usually

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
No

44. Have you ever walked into a wall?
Yes

45. Favourite color?
purple

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes, usually sarcastically

47. Is your hair curly?
No

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Lullabys for Spencer, last September

49. Do looks matter?
No

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I think I could

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
Not usually

52. Do you like your life right now?
Yes

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Nope

54. Can you handle the truth?
Better than a lie.

55. Do you have good vision?
Yes

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Hate- No Dislike- Depends on the day (today None)

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Several times per day

59. What are you wearing?
jeans and a t-shirt

60. What is your favorite animal?
the kind I don't have to take care of

61. Where was your default picture taken?
at the hospital the day spencer was born

62. Can you hula hoop?
yep

63. Do you have a job?
Yep, Mountain Lighting and Close to My Heart Consultant

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
stuff to make pasta salad

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
yes, when the door was locked but the window was open

Summer Fun

2009-07-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of what we have been up to lately. Mark and I both have stayed busy doing things with our callings in Young Mens and Young Womens. Mark has gone on several camping trips. Scout Camp or Girls Camp or on the agenda in two to three weeks. This last Tuesday night for Young Mens and Young Womens we took the youth swimming at the City Pool.

It was a blast! Spencer got to swim for the first time and he loved it. Here are a couple of pictures of our swimming adventure. All of the youth love Spencer, and he loves them too. He lights up when he gets to see "all of his girlfriends." Mutual night is one of the highlights of the week for Mark and I.

For the Fourth of July we went up to Cherry Days in North Ogden. Mark loved seeing all of his friends in his old stomping ground. I don't have any pictures from up there so just imagine us having fun with friends and you got the picture.
We left North Ogden and we did a b-b-q at my mom and dad's for the 4th, my mom's birthday on the 5th, and my Grandma Kersey's birthday on the 3rd. This has always been one of the best times to celebrate with my family because of all the holidays. This is a picture of the older grandkids (yes, that includes Spencer) posing in front of the kiddie pool that they had been playing in.
After playing outside we all went in for presents and wrestling with future Uncle Carter. All the kids love Carter (and so do Mark and I)! That night we went to the Bees Game. After several extra innings (Carter jinxed the game) we got to sit on the grass of the outfield to watch the fireworks. The fireworks were awesome. Again, no picture so imagine some awesome fireworks. My mom and dad watched Spencer for us which was really nice. Thanks again!
Not much is changing at home except Spencer. He seems to keep growing up despite my efforts to have him remain my baby boy. Mark and I bought Spencer a potty. The first time we sat him on it he actually went pee. It was awesome! but totally a fluke. He has gone a couple more times. Hopefully we can have him out of diapers before the age of 2. We hope to keep having tons of summer fun!

10 Months Old

2009-07-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Spencer is now TEN months old! I can hardly believe it. He is not a baby anymore. He is my boy. When we bark like dogs he says "Dag." He is getting faster everyday. We love him.

Also, my first party for scrapbooking and card making will be next Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 at my house. If any of you want to come call me and I will give you directions. For those who want to come and can't, shop on my website. There is a link on the left. I am so excited.

Something New For Me

2009-06-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to finally have something truly new in my life to share with you all. I am going to be a consultant for a scrapbooking/stamp company called Close To My Heart.
It is a company based here in Utah. I have been looking into working with them for a few months now and I finally decided to just do something that I wanted just because I wanted to. I know it kind of sounds selfish but I am so excited to be able to share a love of scrapbooking with those around me with such a great product. It will give me a good excuse to leave the boys for a few hours a couple times a month. I am so excited! I will let you all know when I have my first product party.

On another great note: Spencer has slept two nights in a row!
That means I got to sleep two nights in a row!!! I am like a whole new person. I can't believe how nice it is to actually have a good nights rest. I hope that this trend can continue for at least a couple more days.

I hope that you all have a great weekend!

Shelf Reliance Give Away!

2009-06-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Go to their website and you can win one of their 72" shelving units. All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog. Good luck to all, but I think I will win.

http://www.shelfreliance.com

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, I know I go on and on about how lucky I am. Sunday just gave me another day to brag about my boys. Mark is a wonderful father. Spencer loves his "dada dada" so much.

Four Wonderful Years!

2009-06-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday was our Four Year Anniversary!
It is amazing to think we have been married that long. It has been the best four years of my life. We have done so much together. Here are a few pictures of some of our travels together and here are the four top reasons I love Mark!

1. He cuddles me at night so I can sleep better. Any of you who know me know that I love to cuddle and have lots of pillows and stuff so this is a big deal to me.
Yosemite National Park 2007

2. He puts up with my annoying habits and bad attitudes. He is always trying to please me and do what he can to help me out. He is kind and generous to me and always puts our families needs before his own.
Frankfurt Germany Temple 2006

3. He always makes me laugh. Everyday Mark gets me to smile. He does the same thing for Spencer too which also gets me to smile.
Logan Temple 2009

4. I love Mark because he is a good, righteous man who loves me with all his heart. He has given me the world.
Jordan River Temple 2008(Yes I am pregnant in this picture. Three weeks before Spencer joined us)

I love you Sweetheart! Happy Anniversary Again!

All I do lately...

2009-06-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have gone by so quickly. I swear the older I get the slower I become. Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to. Sorry so many but they are all just so cute.
This first one is of my Grandma Adams and Spencer. Memorial Day weekend we went to visit my families graves. This has always been a tradition with Grams and I was excited to take Mark and Spencer with us.

Next is a picture of Spencer playing in the grass at the cemetary.

That afternoon we had a family b-b-q. It was tons of fun but with 6 grandkids it can get a little crazy so I offered to take 4 of them all for a walk. I ended up taking 4 grandkids, my mom, brother, Grams, sister and her boyfriend. This is us heading out on our journey. I am sure we looked like quite the crew walking around the neighborhood.

This is my cute neice Ashlynn. I love her so much! She looks so much like her mom.

This is the three boys that have been born in the last nine months. Oldest on the left, youngest on the right. Spencer at 9 months; Issac almost 3 months; and Jackson about 6 weeks.

Next is all of the grandkids. From left to right: Matt, Ashlynn, Jackson, Carter, Issac, and Spencer. What a handsome crew.

Spencer is becoming a pro at pulling himself up on furniture. The fireplace mantle at my parents is the perfect height for practicing. (Don't you love the star on Spencer's bum)

On Memorial Day Mark and I took Spencer for a walk and this is how he was when we got home.

Spencer loves his bathtime. Of course, he is always a pretty happy little guy. He loves to splash around chase his toys in the bathtub.

This is a picture of Spencer on his 9 month birthday. I just love the smile.

And a story that doesn't revolve around me. My little sister Steph has been dating a wonderful guy down here in good old Cedar City. That means she came down twice last month. And the two weekends that she didn't come down, we went up north. It has been fun to see my family so much. Anywho, last Saturday Steph got engaged to Carter!!! It is way exciting. Congratulations you two! They are getting married August 14. So, the next couple of months are going to be a lot of planning, as well as many trips up north.

That is about all I have been doing lately...
Have a good weekend!

2009-05-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to show some pictures of things we have done the last two weeks. This is a picture taken on my birthday. We had the Millers over for cake and ice cream and we flew a kite. My nephew Mason was so excited about the kite. It was a pretty nice birthday. Thanks everyone for the great celebrations! This is a picture of Spencer giving his Aunt Steph a bump! It is always fun to go and see the family. It was nice to hang out with my family. This is Spencer on the backyard last night. He refused to have his legs on the grass. He loved watching Mark go around and around cutting the grass. This one is at the Logan Temple. We were up there picking up some chandeliers for work and thought we should stop and see the temple. The tulips were so beautiful that we just had to take some pictures.
This is Spencer and Mark at my parents house during my birthday party/Mother's Day Party/Nephew Carter's birthday party/ Brother-in law Tony's birthday party/ SHINDIG! Let's just say we were Party People!
That same weekend one of my good friends got married in the Bountiful Temple. It was a beautiful day and Mark took some great pictures of Spencer outside. It was wonderful to be back at the temple Mark and I were married in. Congratulations Amy and Adam!

Fun Times

2009-05-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

The more time I spend with my boys the more fun times I have. Here are a few highlights from the last couple of weeks. Note: the pictures are in no particular order.

This first one is Spencer with his cousins Mason (18 Months) and McKay (3 Weeks Old!)!

Spencer doing his hair

Time to Read!

My first bike ride! Hopefully the next one will be with Papa!

Family Picture

Good Morning Mama!

All Smiles!

Spencer's...

2009-04-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

A quick update on Spencer:

He is now scooting and crawling. He is not afriad to go on the tile and has found joy in playing with the door stops.

Spencer's second tooth has cut through as of Tuesday, April 21. He is handling it like a champion. He continues to sleep well and hasn't had a fever.

He went in for his shots and did very well. Each shot he screamed a little louder. Then, after the initial pain he smiled and even laughed at the nurse yet again. He also got weighed and measured. He weighed 16 lbs. 9 oz. and was 25 3/8 inches. He is still in the 5-10% for weight and height but is in the 30-50% for head size.

We love Spencer and can hardly believe he is already almost 8 months old!

Also, a note on Mark. He started a spring softball league last night. They won their game! Mark made some great plays and had lots of fun. Go team Harris Cabinets!

Who Needs Sleep?

2009-04-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Obviously not me. We went up to Salt Lake this weekend. Spencer slept the four hours it took to get there and then got up five times Friday night. Saturday night he decided to keep up the momentum and get up four or five times (I honestly cannot remember the count). Sunday he slept through the first session of conference, and then two hours of the drive home; thus Sunday night he got up at 11:30, 1:15, 3, and up for the day at 4:10. Last night he slept great! He went to sleep at 8:45,only got up once at 12:30 and slept until 6:20 this morning.
That however does not mean I did the same! Mark and I ate at a friend's house last night and we both didn't feel good afterwards. Mark took some medicine and got over it. I went to bed thinking sleep would be the cure. After feeding Spencer and going back to bed at 12:50 I tossed and turned with a tummy ache because Mark had used the last of our medicine. By 5 my body couldn't do it anymore. I ran to the bathroom but did not make it to the toilet before I started to puke. So, after finishing I had a big mess to clean up. At least I felt better, and finally I got an hour of uninterrupted sleep!

Moral of the story: make sure you get sleep and whoever has gotten the least amount of sleep should get the last of the medicine!!!!!

Pictures As Promised!

2009-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Before I talk about the pictures I have to tell you all to check our store out online. There is a link on the right side called Mountain Lighting. It is still a work in progress but we are getting there.

Finally I have got pictures on the computer to share. This picture is from this morning. If you click on the picture you can see a bigger picture to see his new tooth.
This is a picture of Spencer peeking through the back on my bar stool at work. He loves to play looking through the holes and he always tries to lick my face or hand through the holes also.
We have put Spencer to work in the warehouse as forklift operator. Just Kidding! But he does love to sit up on the seat and play with the wheel.

Spencer's First Tooth!

2009-03-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

Spencer cut his first tooth through this morning! He is a little fussy but handling the change well. Not much else is happening but I thought I should blog such an accomplishment. Pictures to come soon!

We Are Going To Do It!

2009-03-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Get out of debt that is. We are going to get out of DEBT! We hate debt!!! We truly believe that debt enslaves you. The leaders of the Church have been telling us this for years. Mark and I have been attending a financial class the past four weeks and we are now on a path that will get us out of debt. Many of you might say, good luck and giggle behind our backs and we don't care. We are going to do this, even if it means eating top ramen for the next ten years. Because when all is said and done in July or August of 2017, less than 10 years of signing the mortgage papers on our house, we will be able to say:

WE ARE DEBT FREE!!!

That means at the ages of 32 and 35 we will live in a house that is totally paid off! We have a long road ahead and still a few bugs to iron out but we will do this. Why? Because we want to. So, this is me totally committing myself to something that will make my life better.

Here are some thoughts that I like about debt

"The number of marriages that have been shattered over money issues is staggering. The amount of heartbreak is great. The stress that comes from worry over money has burdened families, caused sickness, depression, and even premature death... Remember this: debt is a form of bondage. It is a financial termite. When we make purchases on credit, they give us only an illusion of prosperity. We think we own things, but the reality is, our things own us."
~Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

"Material blessings are a part of the gospel if they are achieved in the proper way and for the right purpose... Paying tithing is discharging a debt to the Lord."
~N. Eldon Tanner

Thank Heaven!

2009-03-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

To start off I just have to say, THANK HEAVENS FEBRUARY IS OVER!!! This past month has been very hard on me personally and on my family, both immediate and extended. For starters, February is always our slowest month at work. And since the economy is so rough it was even slower than normal. We have a lot of stuff coming up in the next couple of months as the weather gets better, so we are totally ready for spring.

Second, Spencer is adorable! We all know it is true so let us all just succome to the facts. However, he is at that stage where he wants to be exploring but can't do it on his own. He hasn't mastered the rolling over yet which I have mixed feelings about. I want him to continue progressing but I don't think I am ready for him to terrorize everything. So, I have been holding him a lot lately. I don't think I am spoiling him but you never know. Because he needs/wants more floor time I have been staying home a little bit more to give him that time. But then when I am at home I see all of the cleaning and other projects that I need/want to get done. I try to tell myself that they can wait another day and Spencer is only going to be little once but I find myself letting him cry so I can put that stack of folded towels away (or something like that) more often that I probably should. So then I make myself feel guilty one way or another.

Last, I have been really stressed out about my family. Everyone is healthy and fine, but I am a worrier (I know, big shock to the world). My sister Heidi was put on bedrest for a couple of weeks and I felt bad that I couldn't go up to her house and help her out (By the Way: this past weekend we went up to see her very handsome baby boy, Issac. He is so tiny but he is almost the same size Spencer was when he was born. They grow up too fast). My brother Tim has had a rough time at work and had a few days of not feeling well so I worried about him. The only family I hadn't worried too much about was Steph, well, until I heard she crashed on her brand new motorcycle. Then I started worrying that she might get hurt and maybe she shouldn't ride because I can't stand the thought of her getting hurt seriously, etc. (Steph, when you read this do not get mad at me. I love you and your bike is beautiful I just am me.)

So, now that I have gotten all of my worries and complaints off my chest (well, I could complain about a lot of other things but we won't go there) I will also say, I am so very blessed. Mark and I have really gained a new perspective on life in the last three months or so. We truly are thankful to have the Gospel in our lives. I am thankful I get to spend most of the day with my entire family and that Mark is willing to take Spencer for five minutes when I just need to breathe. I am thankful for a listening Heavenly Father who cares about me. I am glad that on those Sunday mornings when I don't want to go to church but I go anyways (you know you have had one of those so don't act like you don't know what I am talking about) that those are the Sundays each lesson and talk are for me directly. I am glad to have friends who help me remember how strong I am and help me change my thinking to: "Why not me. I am strong and this trial will only make me stronger. So, why not me?"

I am ready now to face the month of March! Thank you to all who put up with my ranting and raving.