OH, my sweet little baby girl turned 8 and I can hardly believe it. I remember like it was yesterday going into the hospital to have my first child. I remember being so terrified, not really of the deliver, well that just a little. But actually my fear of the after hospital responsibilities kind of bypassed the fact that I had to birth this child. I was so afraid of accidentally hurting her...you know a poke to the eye while putting her shirt on or her getting a diaper rash (heaven forbid) or her not eating right at her 2 hour mark like the nurses told me to do, or leaving her socks on too long and having them dry her feet out or being to cold. I mean the list could go on and on, and it did. I remember the night before the delivery...being so mean and ornery. I knew I wanted this little child in my arms and I knew I loved her beyond measure, but I wanted to be locked in a house, after the hospital, and not let anyone in or out for fear of "something" happening. I had so much fear. It overtook me for a few weeks until I poked her in the eye while changing her shirt and I will never forget the look she gave me. It was the most forgiving face and it was like she understood that we were learning together. From then on out..I poked her in the eye every time I changed her shirt.....kidding! I tried to be more careful and had to surrendered to the fact that I was a beginner mother and I didn't know everything. I learned that I had to take it one day at a time. It's amazing how much a little human can teach you in just a few months. Now...EIGHT years later and she is still teaching me important things.
Just the other day she congratulated me on not yelling at her brother when he threw one the towels we had to dry off with into the pool. She said "good job mom, on not getting mad at him, you didn't even yell". I thanked her and smiled at the thought of that exchange in communication.

What a sweet child she is! She is amazingly beautiful, inside and out. She is a wonderful big sister and takes the role very seriously. I can't believe how time has flown by! The past 8 years have been such an adventure having her in our lives. I love her so much. I am so grateful to of been so blessed and loved by my Heavenly Father to have her in our family. Happy Birthday, lil Birdie!

Streamers was a Screamers!

Last Thursday I had one of the hairiest conversations in my life. I really can't get into the just of it here in my post...but let me just say WOW! Although I can't get in to it...I can say I had a wonderful time last Thursday meeting up with some of my friends for a farewell dinner for me and my other friend Ang. We, Angie and I, were both right in the middle of moving out of town..but had to come to a stop to have this final meeting.

For those that missed it, Addie, Ashley, Becky, Lupita and whom ever else I missed....you were missed. I really will miss seeing all of you at church. I have SO enjoyed that Summerfield ward. You ladies are amazing and I have learned so much about ME because of you. Thank you! I know that those last 2 sentences were full of cheese..but, it's totally true. So call me Sister Queso if you want.

For those that came to dinner, Heidi, Ang, Harmonious, Chels, Gina, Schwimmer and the Prego Stacey....THANK YOU! I really needed that. I am so glad you were able to get out with all that could of kept you home, LIKE....(smells, barf, poo, hairiness, kids, mothers and so many other things I am missing). It was really nice to get to know you better. HECK, I even found my long lost hair twin.

A simple message to all of you: Skookies Rock the Shabizzie, Never pay $2.00 for half an Avocado and Mucho Gusto!

Say IT!

I have been pondering ME, lately! You know the type of things?
What can I do different to make myself better, or what can I do better do make myself different.
I have a few people in my life that I really look up to and the things that they have accomplished. Actually, I have so many people that I look up to and marvel on the things that they can do.

I see different peoples creativity in their scrapbooks, crafts, writings, paintings and different ideas and I think... why can't I do that? OR Why didn't I think of that? There have been numerous occasions where I am caught up in the awesomeness of whatever I am looking at. Quite often when this happens, I tend to not say anything..I just think! Well, I have found that is not so bueno and I will tell you why.

I started thinking about different relationships in my life and how they have changed through out the years. Some are good and then go sour...some are sour at first then go great. I wondered why this is and what do I do or don't do that might make a difference. I started thinking about a conversation I had with someone a week or so ago. It was something that she said that made me realize what it is about ME that makes a difference in some relationships in my life.
This lady, (lets just call her AJ) and I were having a conversation about another nice lady(lets call this one...um, June). I asked AJ what she thought of June and what June was like, because I had never met June before. AJ proceeded to tell me that she really liked June because June always said what was on her mind. AJ also told me that June would pay AJ compliments about things in her home or about her as a person, and it made her feel good.

I thought to myself...I don't do that enough. I think of compliments ALL the time...but don't say it! Maybe I am afraid of how they might respond to a compliment...but who the heck doesn't want to hear something good about themselves? I don't know many people who wouldn't.

I have had a number of people tell me things like:
*I didn't know if liked me, until I had been around you quite sometime.
*I never know if your happy or sad, because you don't say.
*When I call your home, I am not sure if I am bugging you or not.
*You can been unapproachable.

WHAT????

THis is not even the way I am inside. I realized I need to SAY things more, rather than just think it.
I have been experimenting with a few relationships in my life and I have to say...it's amazing! When you say what you are thinking (of course, only nice thoughts) it turns people around. These relationships that I am talking about feel closer to me, and it's cool!
After the death of my brother-in-law, I feel like I can't pass on not saying what I need to, anymore!
(is that sentence a double negative or what?)

Try it...you might like it!

SCENTSY

This is from my SIL blog - if anyone is interested. Thought I would post just to get the word out....

Hi everybody! I'm doing a Scentsy basket party right now if anyone is interested. A basket party means I'm not doing a formal thing at my house. Just an open ended thing for this week - if you would like something let me know. My party will close this weekend. There is a web address below if you would like to look at their products online. The nice thing about buying from a "party" is you don't have to pay shipping! (Hence, why I'm doing this instead of buying them online.)

With that said, here's my quick little shpeal! I really do love this stuff. I have been a die hard Salt City Candle girl for years, but I have found a new winner! You spend a little more up front because you have to buy the warmer ($25), but it's worth it! For the price of 2 large Salt City Candles you could get the warmer along with 6 bars. You can buy 6 bars for $25! Each bar lasts as long as 1 large Salt City Candle & 1/4 of the price. The warmer has a low wattage bulb & the wax is never hot. If it gets knocked over on accident & pours on your skin it will never burn you. Another good thing for kids. Plus, there's no wick to trim & no black soot everywhere. So, truly, it is a great product.

Ok, enough of that. I will not be a pest because I totally will not be offended if you're not interested. I just wanted to let you know in case you are! Just email me or call me if you would like something. Also, I do have samples that you can smell if you'd like. Hope everyone has a good week!

SCENTSY

Day of Success

April 12th was a day of celebration. Luke and I have struggled on getting our little Shelby to ride her bike without training wheels. She wants to go with us for bike rides and does pretty good and keeping up on her scooter, but after awhile her leg is so tired. We have been bugging her to get on that bike and let's just give it a try. But, the answer is the same "NO, it's to scary."

Then out of the blue, last Saturday, she asks me to help her balance on her little brothers bike. IT's without training wheels as well, but it's much smaller. I thought I had better seize the chance of her asking for help. So, she jumped on started pedaling and I held on for about 10 seconds. She got a little nervous when she tipped a little and couldn't figure out the brakes. But back on she went and I held on once more for about 10 more seconds and that was the last time I had to. She was OFF and cruizin!

That night we went for a ride that was about 2 miles...once in a while she would crash and burn and I would get nervous that she had had enough. Not the Shelbert, she jumped right back up and took off again. I asked her a few times if she needed my help just to get started. She was so put out that I would even ask. "NO...I don't need any help" she would say with a snarl. It was like watching a professional baseball player standing in front of me at the home plate, ready to bat, and I have the nerve to tell him he is standing to close to the plate and his grip is to high on the bat. You can imagine that look that I might of got...well, that was the same from Shelby.

I am so proud of her and am proud that she is proud of herself. I know that sounds like a crazy sentence. But, she did tell me "I am proud of myself for being brave and riding my bike."

What a doll FAce!

What's with that?

What is with Politicians always giving the "THumbs Up" sign at the end of a speech and shaking their heads like "Yes, this thumb gets me from here to there" or "Yes, this thumb is the size of my brain and we can do great things, Vote for ME" or "uh HUH, this is the finger I use to pick my nose"?

Does putting your thumb up in the air mean something new? I must of I missed out on getting the definition. Last I knew, that sign was used with Tom Thumb pulled a plum out of his pie. OR this sign is used when vagabonds are trying to get a ride in a strangers car.

If you have any "What's with that" thoughts....lets hear it!

GJ Remembered

Grandpa Julian, my Mother-in-laws father, passed on to the other side last week. For the past week I have been staring into my computer working on a slide show for his funeral. I have had such and enjoyable time looking at pictures from when he was like 2 till his 87th birthday. He was AMAZING. He was a pilot and Commander in WWII for the Navy. While he served his country he was able to travel all over. I was able to see pictures of him in NYC, DC, London, Greece and Hawaii. Not only was he a military man but more importantly...he was a Spiritual Giant. He served his Church as a Bishop, in the Atlanta Temple Presidency, as the New Zealand Visitor Center Director and a Temple Sealer. Oh, and I am sure I am missing a few more. I am not sure of the number of people he had the privilege of sealing, but Luke and I were lucky enough to be one of MANY. I believe he sealed just about everyone of his Grand kids that were married during his time as a Temple Sealer. I love the look of my Marriage License. It has my father and father in law as witnesses and Grandpa Julian as the Sealer. Pretty cool.

Anyhow..with his funeral coming up, I wanted to post a few of my favorite photos I came across.

This one here with his legs and arms crossed was one I liked. I just wish so badly I could of been a fly on that camera lens. To see this 6"2 young man sitting on the ground trying to do criss cross applesauce. What was going on right before this picture and what did he do an hour after? If only I knew!

Well, he will be greatly missed. I loved being around him, because he was with out fail making me feel LOVED! With a hug or a sweet comment about how wonderful I am. Or my favorite was when he would tell me how lucky his family was to have me in it. What a sweet man!

(sniffle)

And of course the last time me and my children saw him. Just about a month before he passed I was in Utah and my MIL suggested a visit! I am so glad she did and that I was able to take a minute and get in a visit!

Nearly Killed by "The Camel's Back"

I have read many posts from my SIL's blog about how she wakes early in the morn and hikes Camelback up in Scottsdale. I have to admit, I have been quite jealous of the whole idea of having some time to myself and doing something that I love to do...HIke. I wasn't sure about this hike, though. I had heard that it was quite difficult and I am not in the best shape of my life. Infact...minus the times I was pregnant...it's fair to say I am in the just about the worse shape of my 32 years of life. But, when the invitation came, you better believe I was jumping on it. Saturday morning came early...5am early and I was quite excited but also quite nervous. I wanted badly to make it to the top...but was scared..."what if I just can't get this old, soft body up that hill?" Allison and I made it to the bottom of the mtn by about 6am and we were off. I was awe struck on the homes that are being built at the base of the mtn. I mean you can NOT imagine these homes..well, maybe you can if you've watched "Cribs" on mtv or some superhero mansion show on tv. Some were beautiful and some were just ridiculous!
To cut out all my huffing and puffing parts and stops up the hill out of this story, I will cut to the point.
I MADE IT!
The view was amazing, unbelievable, crazy huge and breath taking (literally). The wind was blowing and it was kind of chilly. Allison pointed a few landmarks out for me and allowed me to rest my weary legs and lungs. Can I just say something about this "Allison lady" she is a machine! I was so glad to of gone with her my first time..she was honestly my anchor up the hill. I just needed to stay in a place or a pace where I could see her...which was not that often. I am sure I slowed her down quite a bit..but dang it! It was fun. I read on her blog that this last Saturday was like her 30th time up the mtn. That's what I mean...Machine!
Once I took a few pics and allowed my legs a rest...Allison starts running down the hill. Well, the parts that you're not on your bum sliding down the steep slope. She was jumping off rocks and running down the trail. Well, we finally made it back to the car in one piece and I was loving life. IT was such a cool feeling to of accomplished something like that and had it done before 730 am. I am so glad I had that chance and hopefully, knowing how much fun it was, can get my butt up there again. If you get a chance...go enjoy what the camel has to offer.
Thanks Allison for making my day tired and happy!

April's monthly Motto

I had a situation happen to me the other day that made me think a few things.

1. I had forgotten how Hard it is to tell the truth, when the consequences might cost lots of money.

2. My monthly motto is Integrity!

3. What would my mom do?

My SIL and I were checking out one of these new stores "Fresh and Easy" that are popping up everywhere. We had about 30 minutes till it was time to pick up the girls from Preschool. So off we went. I walked in and noticed there weren't many people in there and so I think I remember just about every customer. I know what they were looking at and what aisle I was on when I just about ran over them with my cart. Or where they were when Carter just about got ran over by their cart. Anyhow, we noticed the time and decided we had better be off. We check out...which by the way....they only have "self-checkout". We get to the car and while I am putting my groceries in the back of my car I hear Carter say "Oh no, mom, help". I look and both of the boys are sitting in the cart and the cart is moving slowly towards another vehicle. I yell "Oh, crap" and run to the cart just in the nick of time....NOT! The dang cart hit a truck, set the alarm off and left a small fingernail size dent in the door. Instantly my mind went a zillion miles an hour.

*Hurry and get the kids in the car and take off, nobody will know.

*Leave a note and a number and take off.

*Hurry and get out of here!

*Wait for the person to come out and tell them what you did.

*Why am I still sitting here in the parking lot....get OUT NOW!

*Maybe it will be a person like me that will say "oh, it was an accident, don't worry about it."

*The person is going to sue you and take all your children...LEAVE!

*Run into the store and tell the person what happened.

I sat there with my heart pounding out of my chest. We had just made a claim on our insurance and the payments went up. I was sick with the thought that again...something was going to cost me money...because of a slope in the parking lot and an accident.

I started looking over the truck noticing that there weren't any dents anywhere, except the back bumper. I also noticed that the truck was amazingly clean and that this person would probably not just say "no big deal". I started thinking about all the people in the store and who might this truck belong to. I instantly knew! I remember seeing this big, musclebound guy, about 35 yrs old, in the store and I knew that he was the driver. Again my heart was about to burst. what should I do. I was disgusted with myself that I was having such a hard in choosing the right. So...I stepped outside my door and ran into the store. I knew that if I walked..I would turn around. So running was the best option for me.

When I walked in...there he was checking out. I walked up to him and asked if that truck belonged to him. As I imagined...it did. I informed him of the situation and all he could say was "oooh, nooo". I told him that I would wait till he checked out and we could see what needs to happen.

So, off to the car I went with my heart in my throat, waiting for the "decision". He finally came out and walked up to the side of the truck. He again said "oooh noo". I wasn't feeling very confident but knew I needed to make a connection to have my punishment somewhat less. When I told him the story again he said "thanks for being honest". I said in return "I have 4 children, it has to start somewhere". I didn't tell him how hard it was...but thought about my 4 children and how hard it is for them to tell me the truth. Anyhow, in the mist of our conversation I hear from his mouth...

"Do you have Cox?"

"say what?" came out of mine.

He repeated it again, "do you have Cox services".

I didn't' know where this all came from...but I thought I better answer it honestly. "no, i have qwest".

I asked him if that's what he does and if he had a business card. At that point, I was thinking that we were in a good spot with our communication....confusion or diversion!

My story is getting really long. To sum it all up...the conversation ended with us exchanging numbers.

Mine for the dent and his for TV/phone services!

I am glad that it all ended the way it did, but I tell you....that was hard. I am disappointed in myself that it was! I really don't have a problem with telling the truth, but for some reason...this situation was hard for me. I just remember thinking that if I had drove off...my conscious would of been far worse!

OH Baby!

Of All the people in my life that i love..here is a pic of the one that I love the most. This has to be one of my favorite photo's of my Hunky Husband. Man, did I marry up, or what!

I have been working on my Blurp book and realized I write the least about the LOVE of my life. So, there should be a few mushy, lovey, sweet posts coming up. A Warning has been given!

I got your back!

For Christmas last year I was trying to collect some photo's for Luke's parents to make a video. I am sure you have seen this type of video before. A collection of photo's or video's put on a DVD and then some tear jerking music playing in the background. Well, as I was going through some pictures that my Mom-in-law sent me, I came across this one. I was instantly taken by this photo. I thought of these two brothers showing off their muscles and then unknown to them...their papa is in the back, showing off his. I thought this picture was an ideal "Daddy's got your back" picture.

I love this picture!

I think about how Luke feel towards our children and how I know he wishes he could follow them around and protect them from whatever lies ahead. Maybe all it would take is a little swimsuit and some tough muscles. Where is that blue suit when I need it?