Tuesday Tell All is Saturday Catch up

Tuesday Tell All has been slightly delayed till today....Saturday! This weeks topic is about sight. They (the TTA blog people) say we can add photos or memories or whatever we want related to sight. So I went through a few of my pictures from the past month and then a few from years ago...so that you might see some of the things I love to see. The following are my top 10 reasons I enjoy my sight:

1. Sights like this remind me that I have an extremely handsome, funny, kind husband.

2. Sights like this remind me of when we were young, wrinkle less, just fresh into love, giddy about being married and excited about our new life.

10 years later we have a few more wrinkles, we are older, but we are still giddy and excited about being together.

3. Sight like this tell me that my children love and enjoy Mother Earth.

4. Sights like these remind me that I married a Worthy Man. (I dun good)

5. Sights like this remind me that i have an artist in the midst and I need to write a thank you card to Crayola for the washable watercolors they created.
6. Sights like this remind me that if you pack and organize accordingly ....you can pack all that belongs to you and your family in a storage unit. There was hardly an inch to spare.

7. Sights like this remind me that we will never go Hungry.
8. Sights like this remind me that I shouldn't...but I did (Thanks Dad)
9. sights like this remind me that I need to laugh more in my life, it feels so good.
Love you Buggy....you crack me up.
10. Sights like this remind me that there is still a little kindness in the world. My little Shelba helping her cousin, Abi, get some much needed refreshment.
I am so Grateful for my sight...with out it...I could not SEE!

A life lesson gone SO wrong!

You know when you come across a situation that can be a wonderful learning tool for your children and it's just something that can't be reenacted?

Well, that happened to me and my babes TODAY, however it had a slight twist at the end that I didn't expect.

Me and the kids were heading back to AZ from Utah after a little vacation with the family. We did as we always do, on our journeys to UTah, and stopped in Flagstaff for gas and food. We decided to eat first and then do the petro deal afterwards. So, we eat and off we go the the gas station, eating our little ice cream cones and feeling pretty good about the 24 piece set. While we are filling the up on gas, I take a seat inside the car due to major windy weather. While sitting there I see this lady approaching the car. I wasn't sure if she was walking around the car or walking to the car. Well, sure enough she comes to the driver side window and motions to me to roll the winder down. I some how knew what she wanted and what she was going to say before I got that window down. I think that we have heard this story many times.

"My car is broken down, I am trying to get to Phoenix, I have no money, no gas, I am hungry, do you have a dollar or two to spare"

I could tell by the blood shot eyes, slurred speech and glazed over look that she might of been trying to get to buzzville rather than PHX. I shouldn't be judgemental on those three things, but I have to admit, these were my thoughts.

I told her "I don't have any cash, but I will buy you a hamburger."

She instantly said "Where?"

Me: "Wendys"

Her: "Where?"

Me: Right behind you

Her: "I need two, there are two of us"

Me: "Well let me finish getting gas and I will buy you one".

Her: "I will be sitting over there on that table"

Then she gave me this really long stare, like our conversation just left her mind. So I kindly told her again.

Me: "Let me finish with what I am doing and I will get you two burgers".

Her: "I will be sitting over there on that table". she reminds me again

Me: "okay, by the way, where is your car broken down?"

I am not sure why I asked that. Maybe to see what the answer might be or to see if what I think isn't quite right...turn out to be right.

Her: "um um it's over there, broken down, about 10 miles away" (pointing north and then swinging her arm and pointing finger around in a circle, finally deciding on the south)

Me: "man, that's an awfully long walk, well I will be right there."

I noticed that one of the gas attendants was in front of my car trying to run this lady off. Which she did...because I turned around and poof, she was gone.

I rolled the window up confident that I would be answering questions from the backseat.

"What did she want?" "What did she say" "Are you going to get her a burger? Where is her car? What are we going to do?"

I said to the jeering section:

"I am not sure if she is being honest or not, what do you think we should do? She is asking for food or money what would you do?"

Of course the answer was "get food".

So, we go and get 2 burgers and start over to the secret drop off area. As I approach what was the patio of Del Taco, or the "table she was sitting at". I notice her and her husband sitting there chomping up tacos. I pulled up and said "you want some hamburgers?" She ran over to me quick like and put her hand out for the bag. I looked up at this "broke, hungry, stranded" woman and there she had a glob of salsa or ketchup on the corner of her mouth. I kind of had to laugh at this whole deal. I felt bad for her and then there was this slightly funny picture. I wasn't by any means laughing at her, but just this situation.

As we drove off I was ready to tell the girls that I thought they chose well. But before I could Shelby beat me with this "she lied, she didn't need food, she was eating tacos".

So, I have to explain and try to have my children feel some sympathy rather than scandalous. I tell them that maybe this was the first food she had eaten in 2 days.

I just kept thinking how that could of been a good lesson for them about not being the judge and just being kind.

Well as I am writing this, I suppose it was all about that, even more than I realized at the time.

2 WORTHY Plugs!!

Here are two things I feel like you should all check out...well those that are in AZ!

My SIL has a dance studio Dance Defined! and is looking for students for the summer. This studio takes pride in teaching dances/routines to the girls that are age appropriate, if you catch my drift. So many times I will see little girls recitals and the dances and moves they are doing....YIKES!

click here to Check it out...They also have classes for Mothers/Adults!

Next for you to check out is my friends BOOT CAMP! (click on flyer for larger image)

This thing is awesome and so worth it!

I enjoyed this class very much. You need to check this out. I loved it because it wasn't a place I felt out of place next to a hottie, hair nicely fixed, toe nails finger nails manicured and beautifully tanned woman. Don't get me wrong, Heidi will kick your tail into shape...but it's very much for the woman that wants to get in shape and go home. Rather than making it a social hour! Honestly, it's so much fun!

The boot camp and dance classes are in the same building. I don't know what the schedules are like..but wouldn't it be cool to drop off your daughter at dance and hook yourself up with a little feel good exercise?

Have Fun and hope these can work for you....You wouldn't regret it!

Little Big Man Creed

Happy 2nd Birthday little boy!
Yes, that's right...my baby of all the babies turned 2 today.
I am in shock at how fast the past 2 years has zipped by. I look at him next to my nephew and it freaks me out a little. Creed is my little baby...but he is a tank and next to a 8 month old, it's just wrong. I don't picture him to be as big as he is or as old as he is. I hold him next to me most of the time or am kissing his hand when it hurts or am changing stinky diapers on the boy. So, to me, he is still my little baby that I just brought home from the hospital. I know that sounds strange...but dang it, it's the way I feel.
He has been such a joy to have in our family. He just cracks me up just about every time I look at him. He loves to smile for the camera..but it's a smile like you have never seen before. He usually closes both eyes really tight and closes his mouth. He is so funny!

I remember my wonderful Dr. out in Georgia, handing this beautiful baby to me and thinking to myself, "could a baby get any more perfect?". I still don't know if it's possible. He has always been entertaining, kind, loving, independent and just plain fun. He couldn't of come at a better time. Creed and Carter are the best of friends and it's amazing to see them together. In fact, Carter has taught Creed some fun things. For example, his big deal lately is to call anyone in ears shot or anything that is in the area a "poo poo head". He will be in his car seat talking to nobody and he is repeating in over and over. It's become a ordeal at our home. Luke doesn't hear it as often as I do...so Luke ends up laughing, which makes Creed think it's a joke. I have to admit, it's pretty funny because he puts a little extra something on the "OO". But the laughs have to stop when he calls a grandma or someone at church that. He doesn't know what he is saying...he just knows he gets a big deal of attention after it's said.

Today being his birthday...we ended up singing happy birthday numerous times because he had NO idea what this day means and it was funny to watch his reaction.

We love our little Creeds, Cleeds, Credence, Tank, Blondie, Loushee Bomb and Creams!

What a cutie!

TTA

I found this website a few months ago and forgot about it, till I read my SIL's blog. I thought it was a good time to start doing this.

This blog gives you ideas to post about...they present a question and you answer it how you want.

They post a new question every Tuesday, thus the name "Tuesday Tell All". So the question on Tuesday was.

Answer the following with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? ............table

2. Your significant other?...........Hubbahubbadingdong (I know it's not really 1 word)

3. Your hair?.....................Boring

4. Your mother? ..............amazing

5. Your father?.................kind

6. Your favorite thing?............life

7. Your dream last night?..........scary

8. Your favorite drink.................h2o

9. Your dream/goal?...................Eternal Life

10. The room you're in?.............office/bdrm

11. Your children?...............beautifulandwonderfulandfunny

12. Your fear?...................................pain4mykids

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...........anywherewithmylover

14. Where were you last night?...................righthere

15. What you're not?.............................rested

16. Muffins......................................lemonpoppyseed

17. One of your wish list items?.................sweetcamera

18. Where you grew up?...........................Utah
19. What you read last........................BofM

20. What are you wearing?........................clothes

21. Your TV?.....................................storageunit

22. Your pets?...................................birdie & cricket

23. Your computer? ..............................full

24. Your life?...................................schweet

25. Your mood?...................................content

26. Missing someone?.............................Lukeyboy

27. Your car?....................................filthy

28. Something you're not wearing?................shoes

29. Favorite Store?..............................barnes & Noble

30. Your summer?.................................blast

31. Like someone?................................my mommy

32. Your favorite color?.........................yellow-red-orange-green

33. Last time you laughed........................today

34. Last time you cried?.........................yesterday

Alma 32; 16

Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.

My Sweet Little girl was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 17th of May. I am so proud and excited for her. She has been anxiously awaiting this day for a year or longer. When she turned 7...it just wasn't close enough to 8 for her.

She isn't one for attention. She gets really nervous and afraid when people are looking at her to perform or do something, just like her father (NOT). So, having everyone looking at HER while getting baptized, it made me so scared for her. That morning up until she came out of the water...I found myself shaking with nervousness. I had almost made myself sick from being so shaky. However, she was a champ! She wasn't afraid, nervous or shy about it. She was ready to be baptized. And I love that she is such a wonderful example.

What a sweet little Spirit she has!

A quick and heartfelt THAnK You to those who were able to come and support Birdie on this day. And for those that couldn't make it...we love you and know you would of if you could of!

Those who stood in the Confirmation Circle
Grandpa Goulding, Grandpa Smith, Uncle Kim, Daddy Luke, Grandpa Hallows, Uncle Egrig and Uncle Jacket. (NOt pictured Uncle STeele)

What a Loon

Tonight I was running through my days events in my head and I had to chuckle to myself. I know chuckle is a funny word...but I was sitting in a slouched over position while thinking and when you do that..sometimes the belly (my belly) does a little chuckle. I was thinking about a particular situation that happened today that must of been a sight. It reminded me of something I witnessed a month ago or so.

A month or so ago I was playing v-ball at a local church and I noticed one of the mothers riding her bike up to the church with a little stroller/trailer/cart behind, with her daughter in it. From the looks of it, it seemed like the mom had ridin a bike before. I mean, she was very comfortable on it and did certain things with her position, while on it, that made me know...it wasn't just a thing she did to get her kids around. She probably like to ride by herself when she gets a minute. Well, it came time for her to go and so she took off down the sidewalk. While she was riding off I caught a glimpse of her taking her bike and the trailer off the sidewalk. She didn't do it on accident...she did it and it was a big bump for her child...but it worked and they were probably use to it. I giggles to myself of the thought or picture of that little girl going off the sidewalk and getting sloshed back and forth in the stroller. That was another reason I knew the mom was probably a rider, she didn't use the wheelchair ramp area. Oh NO...off the hard curb she went.

So back to my days events.

I was thinking what I must of looked like today as I went for my daily bike ride with my stroller/trailer/cart behind my bike and girls on their bikes, to the side of me. We found this steep dirt hill that goes into a greenbelt area between some houses. I rode down first with the boys in tow behind me and then the girls followed. It was so much fun we had to do it again. So I lined myself up with the hill so we might have every possibility of making it to the top. I got a running start about 40 yards in front of the little hill and told the boys to hold on. I pedaled really hard and really fast, only to make it up about 3/4 the way. I had to jump off my bike fast so that me, the bike and the 2 boys don't go flying down backwards.

I yelled "Lainie, help me".

She hurried and jumped off her bike and helped by pushing from the back to help us to the top. We were both pushing with all our might. Our shoes were slipping on dusty soft dirt and our feet were sliding to the back of our shoes causing a lot of room in the toe of the shoe.

We must of looked like little elves. I told Lainie to walk up the hill like a duck and it would make it easier. This only adds dimension to this image...but it's all after the fact. Finally we get to the top only to prepare ourselves for the quick descent. I told the boys "put your arms up and enjoy the ride, because we can't do that again".

After our little ride, we choose to rest in the shade and watched the girls go up and down and up and down.

I was thinking: what must that looked like?

Some crazy mom that needs the thrill of riding down a dirt hill on her bike...BUT her 2 boys have to tag along in fear and terror?

I'm kidding...they really loved it, and it was fun.

But seriously...Can you imagine what that might of been like if you were a innocent person out for your daily walk and came across ME!

I would of got a good chuckled!

The cactus is NOT your friend

While we were visiting the Ranch last week (for more details about this, check out next post) my little Creed had a run in with some local trouble.

The first thing we did when we got to the ranch was put all the kids shoes on and let them out of the car to stretch their bones. It happened to be dusk and the sun was just touching the mountains when we decided to check out the horses.

Rewind if you will for a minute. Unfortunately, about 30 minutes before our final destination I had changed Creeds diaper. I was in a hurry to get him back in his seat and keep trucking down the road, so I only replaced the diaper and not his shorts.

Back on the ranch we are getting out and poor little creed has on a t-shirt, white diaper, bare little legs, socks and his running shoes. I mean this is asking for trouble, right? We are all heading right into the sun and I notice that little buddy can't really see too well, with the sun directly in his face. I put on my glasses and at the same time say "Creed, watch where you re going". At that exact moment, my little Creed runs smack into a miniature cactus. When I say miniature, I am not talking about the ones you watch grown in your kitchen window seal. I am talking miniature compared to the 4 growing next to it. It happened to be just about his size which then caused him to run into it and then fall forward onto the top of it. DANG!

I ran over grabbed him, pulled all the cacti out of his hands and then saw the carnage on his bare legs. Little guy got worked by the cactus. We cleaned him up, kissed on him for awhile and he was off again. This time very careful on where his path took him. Every time he walked past that dang cactus he would point and say "OU......CH". Shelby made sure to tell him "Credance, those are NOT your friend".

Just a word to the wise!

We are up to here in horse poo

I wanted get this all written before I forgot and it goes to the wayside. Last week Luke took us (the kids and myself) down to the Ranch that he has been working for. Currently we are in the middle of helping open a boarding school. This type of work is something that we have been involved with for just about 9 years, but took a break from it for nearly 2 years. We had a group of smart men approach Luke and ask if he would help in the process and he, well WE, accepted the challenge. Luke has been going down to this Ranch in Southern Arizona for about the past 7 months or so. The family has been able to go down on different occasions for the day, but with no place to rest all of our weary heads, we've driven back to our home.

So, last week the Ranch home was available and all the Ranchers were gone...Luke seized the chance at having us down for 5 or so day. At first I was a little nervous on entertainment for the kids. It being new to me and us not having any of their bikes or books or their things. But once we got there and I saw how they loved just watching the horses, I felt so much better.

There are about 20+ horses on this ranch and many cattle. The Cattle are for the birds as far as the kids were concerned. In fact for CArter and Creed the horses were not as interesting as the big tractor that Luke introduced to them.

Carter was in Heaven!

Actually so was LUKE!

He was itching to get the tire fixed so he could get up there in the seat and clean out some areas around the barns or sheds or whatever. It was fun to have such a quiet environment. We would either be watching horses, throwing rocks at big bushes, taking walks around the area to see what we could see or just kicking back watching some old school Nick Jr. games on the TV. THey were hilarious to see the old "British Knights" commercials or the ad for the Reebok shoes that were white high tops with the Velcro strap at the top. Or simply the styles of the early 90's. Luke and I got a kick out of the gifts that were given for just being on the show. They would win a bottle of Nesquick chocolate milk mix or a small backpack with "GUTS" embroidered on it. Neon colors were the thing then and the hair cuts....to funny!

Anyhow we did have so much fun getting to know the little town. We found the "dollar store" the "quarter store" the Library, the community co-op (which is the quarter store). It's going to be fun to have this new adventure with such a change of environment. Here are a few pictures of the area so you can see what we are getting ourselves into.

Ma Ma

Today is Mothers Day. It's one of those days that I love and one of those days that brings me to tears. I love it, because I get to celebrate one of most important people in my life and I want to cry because I feel like I can NEVER express or show how much I love her.

MY MOTHER is the most amazing woman that you would have the privilege in meeting. She is a major GIVER. She has given her whole life and has never asked for anything in return.

Well, that's not totally true. I know that she asks every night, on her knees, to keep her children and their spouses and grandchildren safe. I know that she asks every night to keep us from heartache and pain. I know that she asks that if we do come across pain in our lives, that we might find a way to heal quickly. I am positive she asks her Heavenly Father to help us stay True to the Faith. I know that my mom asks every morning to keep her strong so that she might be a good example to others.

I love that my mom is so Prayerful and that she is a God fearing woman.

I love that my mom has only good intentions in her. She is never out to hurt anyone...only to do what she can to help.

I love that my mom is always trying to be better. I don't mean better than others. I mean, she is always striving to be a better daughter of God. When I am around my mom...there is calmness! There is a lot to say about that feeling you have when you're around someone like her.

When I am away from my mom (which is often) and I think about her (which is daily)....my heart swells and I get a knot in my throat. There is no way I can tell her how much I love and appreciate her. It's like there hasn't been a word created or invented that could express that specific emotion. LOVE...just doesn't cut it! I MEAN, it's a good try and valiant effort, but it's more than that. I try to think about what or how I could let her know. The only thing I can think is to be a good Daughter of God, Choose the Right, Return to our Heavenly Father with Honor. That's my lifetime Mothers Day gift. I am so homesick for my Mom!

There is another mother in my life that I have the privilege of knowing and loving. My mother in law is a wonderful, creative, generous and beautiful woman. I have been given an amazing gift to of been blessed with such an example in this part of my life. I have been raised and taught by my mother and now I am being rounded and shined by her and my Mother in law. I love that she is never pessimistic. Everything is

“the best”, everyone is “the nicest” and every place is “the most beautiful”. I feel like I have learned so much as an adult from watching her. One thing I especially love about her is that she is devoted to her family. With all of her children grown and off dealing with their own lives…I think all of us have needed her for an emergency with moving, housing, child care, a sounding board, or just some good communication. With out fail, she is there. She is an amazing mother and let me not forget…Grandmother. She loves and adores her little grandkids, and they her.
Once again…I am blessed!

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!