School's in Session...

I know I say this every year but I can't believe how fast the summer goes. The kids started school today. I was quite proud of myself..only a few tears shed as I drove Zach to his first day of High School. I didn't even get choked up as I waited outside Connor's school and watched him line up with his new class. I am usually a mess. I don't know what happened today. Maybe I am more ready for them to go back than I thought. I started the morning off early..a 6am power walk with a few girls from the neighborhood. It was DARK outside. UGH! The ONLY thing I hate about the season changing. Getting up in the dark to exercise is grueling. Each of the kids were happy about their first day. That was a relief! They all had friends in their classes and aside from the $186 worth of checks I had to write out for "school fees", it was a good day for all.

I'm Back

Well, thanks to my niece Mariah, I now have a new look to my blog. I have been encouraged by my family to start blogging again. With Tara and her family moving out of the country, it will be a good way for us to communicate. Last night I had 6 stinky 7 year olds over to celebrate Connor's Birthday. It was so fun to watch them run around playing "Ghost in the Graveyard", lighting marshmallows on fire, throwing pop rocks in the firepit and watching them all fart with their armpits. Talk about an easy party.
This morning I went for a great bike ride w/my friend. I am so lucky to live in a place where I can be so close to the mountains within about 15 minutes on my bike. It's easy for me to take for granted how beautiful Utah is. I look out my kitchen window all day every day and rarely notice the amazing mountain view I have. I guess this is true with life. We get so busy in our own lives that rarely do we take time to notice the beautiful blessings right in front of us. I guess this is my thought for today...take time to notice the view...whatever that may be.

I give up!!!!

Okay, I am not going to change my template again!! The last few times I have tried..this is what happens. The sides are one template and the middle is another. I could NOT figure it out and had to get some technical support from a blog designer. She fixed it but I am not sure what she did. I was nervous to change it but did anyway and this is what happened! HELP! Maybe I should just quite blogging altogether!

How on Earth can I do Both?

So, I know everyone is going through withdrawals to read my blog again. What is my problem? Well my problem is this blasted thing called facebook! I have finally started using it after setting up an account almost a year ago. And you know what? I like it! This is a problem because I have become a time-waster as of late and it's mainly due to the computer. If I calculated the hours a week I spend at the computer..facebooking, blogging, searching recipes, emails, primary stuff, etc...I am sure I would have my entire house cleaned with a Q-tip. Well, okay that is a slight exaggeration. I guess I know that answer to my question. It is found in the scriptures under Balance, Temperance, Moderation and oh yes...Self Mastery! Maybe this should be a New Year's resolution. I'll think about it after I blog and facebook!

What's up with this???

All I can say is it's a good thing I went to check on her before I hit the hay the other night!

Where Does the Time Go?

My attempt at a "pink" cake

She truly is our Princess!

I know I sound like an old person. But seriously, can you believe how time flies? Abby turned 3 today and I found myself being a little sad all day. Suddenly she has grown into a fire-ball of a girl. Her personality has truly emerged and like my other kids, she doesn't have a laid back bone in her body. I have truly enjoyed her and find great satisfaction in knowing that she prefers her "mama" to anyone else. (Okay, sometimes it's annoying but for the most part I love when she calls me "mama"!) She has learned words like "gorgeous" and "dorable" and "yer da best, mom".

She gets excited even a new pair of socks not to mention an entire outfit. She crawls around on her hands and knees pretending she is the kitty and I am the "mama cat". She climbs on my lap and meows and will only come when I call (in a nice voice) "Here kitty kitty...". She recognizes if I have a "mean" look on my face and often tells me. (I guess I look mean and I don't realize it..anyway it's a good way for me to work on my countenance.) She clunks around in dress-up shoes and spends hours in her room playing My Little Ponies. Her only down-side? She doesn't want anything to do with the toilet and she cries like crazy when I do her hair.

The Hunt, The Shoot, The Kill...

Come on Al..look a little more excited! Seriously, you just shot yerself a Buck!
There we go..that's more like it! This time it's a Bull. (notice I've got the correct terminology)
Notice the head he's packing around..
and yes, I believe that's a leg!

So, while I have been home cleaning the house, doing yardwork, making trips to Costco and grocery store, taking the boys clothes shopping (complete torture), balancing the checkbook, shopping at D.I. for halloween apparel, PTA meetings, doctor appts, and did I mention cleaning the house? My darling husband has been out doing THIS!!! and you know what? I couldn't be happier. He is so good to let me do what ever I want without complaint. He is never resentful of me having "my time". He works hard going to work every day from 6am to 6pm (pretty much) and although I can't figure out why on earth this would be appealing to anyone..I mean spending nearly a full day cutting up the animal that you just inhumanely shot and killed, into small enough parts that you can pack it off the mountain-with several trips I might add. But thank goodness it is appealing to him because he comes home happier and healthier and with a little more enthusiasm in his step! I love you Big Al and welcome home!