Life, Love & Everything In Between

This is my something special :-)

2011-09-22T12:22:00.001-07:00

There are certain things in life that make me giggle. One of those things is a hot chocolate from starbucks. But it has to have extra whipping cream with an extra shot of chocolate and vanilla. Now I know what your thinking, hot chocolate in the summer time in ARIZONA?! But, if you know me well, then you know that hot chocolate is something so special to me. I L-O-V-E it :-) It doesn't matter what the weather is like or what I have had to eat, it always makes me feel happy inside. And sometimes you just need to have those thingsthat make you giggle and grin from ear to ear, because that's the best. So find something to smile about it'll be a game changer.

LOVE,
Leila

This Morning

2011-09-22T09:47:00.001-07:00

How did your morning go? ... Good? Oh, that's great. How did my morning go? Well...
Let's recap how this morning went... My alarm went off at 5:30 so that I could go pick up Utah peaches and raspberries. I quickly turned off my alarm and went back to sleep. I finally got out of bed at 5:50, brushed my teeth, got dressed, grabbed my sleeping baby out of his bed and strapped him in and off I went. Right now your wondering why I took my 8 month old sleeping baby out of his bed instead of letting him sleep while I just went...Well, the odds are that he would of woken up while Phil was getting the 3 kids ready for school and himself ready for work and I wanted to help him as much as I could by taking that obstacle out of his morning. So I drove the 25 minutes to get my delicious fruit (which is still in the car) and held my baby in his infant carrier while I stood in a very long line waiting for my turn to pay. My baby isn't one of those petite little things, He ways about 20 lbs. So you can imagine how ripped my arms are now. So I finally got my fruit and was driving home when I noticed that I missed a call from home. So I call home and Raya answers the phone. She proceeds to tell me that she has made Kylie's lunch. My first initial thought was, That is so sweet. My second thought was, where is Phil... So then as it always goes when I call my house, every child needs to talk to me. Once that is finished, I hang up the phone. Then in a about a minute, my phone rings again, its Landon, asking if he can have a capri sun. I might sound stingy, but I said "No, those are for Kylie's lunch." He gets mad and hangs up on me. So I call back and Raya proceeds to tell me that Landon has thrown her backpack over the back fence... WHAT?! Hold on a second...Who is running the show over there, and where on earth is PHIL! I told Raya to get Dad on the phone NOW! By this time it's 7:19am. She tells me he's in the shower. Now I'm thinking to myself, this is SO not good. When I do finally talk to him on the phone he sounds like he can tell what I'm thinking...yeah he knows that Momma is not happy. By the time I get home, Raya has already gone around the to the street behind us, and knocked on our neighbor's door (at 7:20am) and asked for her backpack back. Landon is finishing getting dressed and Kylie is getting her shoes on.
Now maybe I am unrealistic, but I didn't plan on things going quite like that. In my head, I planned on my hubs getting ready and getting the kids up @ 6:30 and getting them ready. I figured that by the time I walked in the door they would be finishing eating breakfast and we could have a peaceful family prayer and even possibly read scriptures. I did not imagine a cranky 3 year old, and fighting children with a pile of nesquick powder on the floor.
So, How did my morning go? It went. Now on to the rest of my day (with my fingers crossed).

Life Lessons

2011-09-17T17:12:00.002-07:00

D&C 10:4 Do not run ^afaster or labor more than you have ^bstrength and means provided

I am the person that doesn't question why something needs to be. When I feel prompted to do something, I do it. It doesn't matter how it will effect me, my husband or my children. I have always looked at it as blind faith and obedience and have always been proud of myself for that.
Now 10 years into marriage with 5 wonderful kids, I have been blessed to understand a little more of my Heavenly Father's desires for my life and my feelings.
The verse up top speaks volumes. I am starting to learn that life is not just about go and do, no matter the consequence. My Father in Heaven wants me to be happy. He wants me to explore what makes me, ME. He wants me to embrace my husband and our family with happiness and excitement for what is and what comes next, instead of girding up my loins and muscling through what needs to get done. I am suppose to find what I am passionate about and invest in that. Not just as a fleeting thing, but as something that lasts, that will bring accomplishment, fulfillment and will be an avenue of growth.

SO, now for the SCARY part...well for me anyway. How do I have fun? I am usually to scared to start a project because it takes so much time to go through the trial and error and the ins and outs. Even though I know that brings the pride and satisfaction in a job well done. It's still scary and gives me anxiety. But I really truly want to dive in and do it! So how and where do I begin...?

I wish I may, I wish I might, Have this wish I wish...RIGHT NOW!

2011-09-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was just talking to my sister Millie, who happens to be a great photographer, and I was telling her how badly I want a new camera. She suggested a Canon. But sadly I will be dreaming for quite some time! or...maybe I can tell my hubby I want one for our 10 Year Anniversary gift :)
Blogging is fun and rewarding, but when I don't have good pictures to work with, it's kinda frustrating! Some day over the rainbow I will have myself a nice Canon camera...someday...hmm..Anybody need their pants hemmed or curtains sewn? Maybe that's how I'll earn money for a new camera!

Cross your fingers & Wish me LUCK!

Leila

I Love/ Want This

2011-08-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

So from time to time I just have to share what my cousin Shelley is up to over at House of Smiths. Now is one of those times! I LOVE/WANT This! Shelley has put together such an amazing Gallery wall. The way that Shelley decorates her house, that I love, is everything looks clean and fresh. It makes for a happy start to every day. I have just started to take the steps into making this type of transformation in my own home. Now with 5 kids this is going to be a serious stretch. But a clean and beautiful home is a place where my family can be happy together and play and create together and grow together with peace and love.

I am going to share some other photos in the transformation process as soon as I have a few things taken care of. But just remember that everyone grows at their own pace and that each persons life, situation, mentality and abilities to cope are completely and totally different. So love me and I will love you and we can all be friends. Okay?!...Okay.

'via Blog this'

Life is good when your kids can read the scriptures to you :- D!!!

2011-03-29T18:47:00.002-07:00

2010-11-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

So this morning, my two little ones might be classified as driving me crazy : ) The have almost literally been on top of me all morning long & if they haven't been on top of me, they have busted open the yogurt container on to the kitchen floor or getting the block of cheese out of the fridge skewering it with a shishkabob(sp?) stick & taking bites out of it. But just a second ago, Aubry went to the bathroom & washed her hands & then came up to me with a questioning look on her face. I asked what she needed & she said..."Can I dry my hands on your pants?"
Even just typing that makes me laugh out loud! Ahh, those hilarious moments as a mother! They make each day laughable & fun, regardless of my childrens distructive hands.
Leila

2010-11-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

I think I might actually be ready for the Christmas Season to start soon. My friend Ashley & I went boutique hopping last weekend just for the fun of it. I actually mean, just for the fun of it. I didn't even take any money with me. When I was done, I felt so excited for the holidays. I went home & baked cinnamon rolls...lol So needless to say, I have felt "inspired", for lack of a better word, to start a project. I was looking at a fabulous home decor store's website & saw a picture of some amazingly CUTE Snow Man Hats. So I went to the store & looked @ the price tag & almost stopped breathing. They wanted $79.00 for ONE of them! Well, rich or poor, there is no way I am paying $79.00 for one christmas decor. Unless it's a tree! So I went home & made 3 of them :)
Leila

2010-11-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

This is my fabulous cousin Shelley :) She has the most amazing vinyl business and home decor blogs. Check it out houseofsmiths.blogspot.com She really is amazing!!!
Leila

2010-09-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

I LOVE sisters! There is nothing sweeter then when two sisters are best friends. Aubry was giving Kylie a kiss all beter so Kylie could be happy.

2010-08-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

This is Kylie hiding from her doom...SHOTS!
Leila

2010-08-18T10:57:00.001-07:00

We are at the Dr's office getting ready to get shots. Oh what fun this will be...NOT! Aubry is completely restless & touching everything. While Kylie is hiding under the counter. All in all, the Dr says they are doing great. Aubry is above 97% for height & weight & Kylie is 95% for height & 50-75% for her weight.
Leila

2010-08-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

We are on our way to Colorado for Phil's sister's wedding. Right now we are in northern New Mexico & it is so beautiful! It is all green prairies. We have been driving for a while & we decided to stop & take the kids potty. So I decided that I would give him a lesson on how to efficiently take girls potty outdoors. First was Aubry & that went without a hitch. Next came Kylie...& apparently she had to go potty REALLY bad. Before I had time to pick up her legs completely, she started to pee. She got pee all over her clothes, legs & my hands! So of course I took her bottoms off & rinsed her off with water. But I don't have a towel or paper towels & I didn't want to use toilet paper & have it fall apart all over her legs. So I had her run around in circles. I have to admit it was a very funny & cute sight.

2010-07-26T15:25:00.002-07:00

I am at Sam's Club with my Mom. I have to say, it makes me think about when I was a little girl and would go to the grocery store & look at all the produce and ask..."Mom, what's that?"

I always forget to rotate the pic.

I am the smartest woman

2010-07-22T10:43:00.002-07:00

I am the smartest woman in the world...I have figured out how to post to my blog from my phone. YAY!!

Oh Today Will be a Day...

2010-07-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today is my sweet darling Kylie's birthday party. Oh what fun it will be! I am excited for her to celebrate with her friends. She is the middle child of our family & even though I always swore that I would never allow her to experience the side effects of it, she has. She rarely gets new things of her own, which I have to admit that it breaks my heart. I am the middle child of 7 & it was the same way for me & I did not like it at all. So that is why we are having a birthday party for her regardless of me being pregnant & contracting on & off @ only 11 weeks. Things have been very crazy around here with this pregnancy & I have definitely had some high stress levels because of it. But I am hoping that things are beginning to calm down & life can start having a little bit of a more normal rhythm to it. So on we go with this birthday party with all it's slip & slide glory & blow up pool fun!

Later today I will take my kids to get their hair cut, except Landon because his head is buzzed, by my sister Genessa, She is in hair school right now & I have to admit that she is AMAZING & she isn't even out of school yet. 

Then tonight I am celebrating my sister Amelia's birthday with my sisters & cousin with dinner & creme brulle, made by yours truly. If I don't have any contractions today it will be a miracle.

Hello

2010-03-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hello World, I thought I should write and let you know that I haven't forgotten about you.
I had surgery February 22 on some icky girl stuff. So, I have been trying to heal & keep up with life. I have spent most of my time laying in bed or slumped on the couch. Hence the no blogging action.
But now I am going to be sewing & making some fabulous things for a boutique that I am going to host. So I will be very, very busy with that. This is me asking for forgiveness in advance for not posting more. But I am going to try and document my journey in getting ready for this boutique & all the sewing. Maybe that way I will know if I want to get myself into this again.
But one last thing...I started potty training Aubry today! Yep, March 2, 2010, I took her little pullup off & had her sit on the toilet to go potty. She is doing really well for not being 2 yet. Mind you that she will turn 2 in 5 weeks. If any of you have any ideas or tricks, let me know. This might be my 4th kid, but it's always worth trying something new when it comes to potty training; well, for me any how. Enjoy your week & I will be back sooner then later. Loves!
P.S.- If you feel so inclined as to give me a little boost of confidence & a show of love, please click on the option to become a follower of my blog. It is on the top right of my blog. I love the ones I have & hope for more :)

Aubry's "Broken Arm"

2010-02-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I went to my doctors office, because my tonsils are the size of golf balls. While I was in the room waiting for the results of my strep test, Kylie and Aubry were playing with the stool with wheels that spins. You know, the one that the Doctor always says " Oh, don't play on that sweet heart, we don't want you to get hurt." We'll I usually watch pretty closely when the kids want to play with it. But it all happened so fast, Aubry was on the stool, then Kylie spins the stool, next Aubry falls off onto her arms.
Well, the next thing I know, I am calling her pediatrician, taking her in to be seen, then going to an urgent care to get x-rays and a splint. Next they check her ears and they are infected...oh and she seems to have just started a cough, so they check her lungs and she is wheezing!!!! So not only was her arm jacked up, her ears were killing her and she was having a hard time breathing. So they also gave her a shot of antibiotic and a breathing treatment. Oh wow. oh WOW.
So we came home and I was exhausted, because lets remember that this all started because I am sick. My neighbor, Jen brought us delicious pizza for dinner and my dad called and asked if he could borrow my truck to move some furniture. Most of you know this, but some may not, my Dad is a Chiropractic Neurologist . So I told him what happened and I took her splint off so that he could feel her arm. I know, I know, I sound crazy right? My daughter has a broken arm and I am going to let him wack it? Well, when the doctor looked at the x-ray, she couldn't find anything definitive. So, I figured, what the heck, it's worth a try. So, my Dad checked her out & told me that her radius bone in her forearm was out one way & the other bone in her forearm was out the opposite direction. He did 2 very quick adjustments (one of which had a very loud POP) and then iced it. Within 30 minutes she was showing signs off improvement. When I had her at her doctors office and urgent care, both doctors looked at her elbow and tried to see if it was dislocated and tested to see if they could put it back in place. But nothing would happen. I showed my dad what the doctors did, and he told me that that adjustment was actually pushing the bones farther out of place.
So now, she still doesn't use the arm much, but the theory is that her elbow is sprained pretty badly. I figure if she doesn't show signs of using her arm by tomorrow, I will take her to the hospital for further x-rays and evaluation. But thank goodness the bones are back in place. Now all we have to deal with are the breathing treatments and both of our antibiotics.
Oh and I failed to mention that Phil is out of town, in Spokane, Washington and the kids had a half day, so they got our of school early. So a big shout out say THANK YOU to Shalice for taking care of my kids for 3 hours.
So that was my Wednesday, how was yours?

The "Things" List

2010-02-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

No matter how hard any of us try, those never ending things find a way to rear their ugly heads & demand attention. So yes, today is going to be a day of cleaning for me. I want to be cautious & not go hog wild crazy. But I still would like to accomplish some things. So here is what I am going to do. I am making a list of everything that needs to get done & then I will proceed to evaluate and see what is most important. Because if I try to do to much, it will cause contention between me & my kids. They come first.

So on with the list... But one last thing. This is really putting myself out there, so please don't judge.  

1. Dishes 1

2. Desk 7

3. Master Bedroom 2

4. Girls Room 8-I really want to do this, but my girls should, not me. 

5. Laundry 3

6. Vacuum 9

7. Dust 15

8. Master Bathroom 4

9. Hall Bathroom 5

10. Craft Room 6

11. Mop 11

12. Papers 10
13. Patching Clothes 14
14. Embroidery 13
15. Hem Pants 12
Now I am going to go back & number them in order of importance.

Now that I have prioritized my list I am going to try really, REALLY hard to focus on 1 thing at a time. 

Now it's time to walk the kids to school & then come home, read my scriptures & get started on my "things" list.

Wish me luck!

The Results of a Determined Woman to Have a Good Friday

2010-02-01T14:39:00.001-07:00

Beware...Seriously LONG post.
So, here is how my Friday played out. I picked the kids up from school @ 12. Went to Phil's office to say hello and then took the kids hiking. I took them to San Tan Mountain & drove around looking for some trails. Well I couldn't exactly find any trails, so I finally parked the truck on the side of the road in a neighborhood and told the kids to get out. I then proceeded to put my children under a barbwire fence and off we went.

We went through washes and brush and up rocks and boulders. At one point we were on top of a boulder pile & could see all the way to the Salt River...and that is when I noticed a trail. I thought to myself, I wonder if that goes to the San Tan Mine? So, off we went to find that trail & see where it goes. The kids were great and were excited for a good adventure. It wasn't till we were almost to the top, that they started to get tired. Mind you that by then we had hiked probably 2-2.5 miles. But alas, we made it to the top & the kids were so excited. The mine entrance has been blasted, so you can't get in anymore, but the kids were still excited & climbed all over the big rocks.

While we were at the top, Raya collected an armful of rocks that she thought were special crystal rocks. She hiked those babies all the way down the mountain and then a mile through the neighborhood back to our truck without complaining once! I was seriously impressed.
Kylie was my little warrior. She was the first one to the top & even though she would start to whine, she kept going and always wanted to lead the way. By the time we got back to the truck though, Kylie was so tired that she was crying, and she now tells me that she doesn't like to go to the tops of mountains because it makes her legs tired & hurt. Which I have to say, when she told me that, I thought to myself, this is one of those priceless kid speeches/mother moments.
The whole time we were hiking, Landon kept wanting to go off & explore all different kinds of areas. Which I thought was so completely authentic boy & I loved it and totally wanted to go with him. BUT, then I started thinking about snakes, cactus, spiders, gila monsters...etc, and I told him that he had to get his little booty back by me or else! He loved every second of the hike! I think he could have gone on for at least another hour. He kept telling me that he was going to go this way & that way. Up the sides of the mountain & climb the cliffs, and I just kept thinking about the snakes, spiders, scorpions...etc, and kept telling him he had to stick to the trail.
Then there was Aubry, I think she might have only touched the ground 5 times. One of which was when I was shoving her under a barb wire fence...LOL. Don't worry, the bottom wire was spike free. I literally held that little 30lb chunk of love 99.9% of the way and amazingly enough I was totally fine doing it too. Don't get me wrong I had to switch arms. But, I never felt like my arms were going to fall off. I have to attribute that to my workout partner Jen & P90X. Aubry LOVED every second of the hike and it was one of my most favorite experiences of being a mom yet. I hope my kids can put up with me doing this a lot more often!
So then after the hike, I took the kids to Basha's and let them go in the Cub House, while Aubry and I grocery shopped. Can you guess what I bought?....DOUGHNUTS!!! A whole dozen & a half! Why so many you ask? Because on Fridays, if you buy a dozen Basha's doughnuts, you get half a dozen free. We then went home & I popped in some pizzas for the kids, hurried changed into my work out clothes, did my P90X Legs & Back workout for 30 minutes. Which by the way, I thought I was going to DIE! It hurt SO bad, and my kids kept telling me that it was easy and they could do that with no problem. All while they & their Father sat at the table eating pizza, watching me obliterate my leg muscles. I just have to say that my butt muscles were so sore that it literally felt like I had bruised my butt when I touched it.

Then I hurried and hoped in the shower for a quick rinse and we were out the door for dinner & a movie with our friends Jeff & Robin Raso. We ate at Streets of New York Pizza which is really good & then went to the AMC Theater (holy nice theater) and saw
When in Rome. I was really excited to see the movie, but I have to tell you it is a serious Red Box rental only. Don't get me wrong, Josh Duhamel is HOT and I did get warm fuzzies. But the movie could have been SO much better. Plus, Phil was asleep before the previews were over until almost the end of the movie.
Few...well that was Friday...long day but almost every bit of it was enjoyable.

Over Coming It

2010-01-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today was THE day.

My dad had called me a week & a half ago & told me he had been thinking of me & felt like I needed a break from the stresses of life. So he set up a time that my kids could go over & have a sleepover at Grandma & Grandpa Gifford's. I was so blown away & super excited. We all worked together as a family & got the house nice & clean so I would be able to relax once I dropped the kids off at my parents house.
I had every minute planned out. I was going to pick the kids up from school at 12 (half day today) & take them to my parents house. Then straight to the temple to do a session. I figured that was the best way to start the relaxation process. After the temple, I was going to pick Phil up from work a little early. Come home, do my workout & then do some crafty stuff together. Take some time to read & maybe go for a little hike. Then in the evening, Phil & I were going to go out with some friends to dinner & a movie. I would probably thrown in to the mix a little grocery shopping & buy doughnuts from Bashas (Friday is doughnut day at Bashas, buy a dozen, get a half dozen for free). Then Saturday, wake up & do my work out, eat one to many doughnuts. Then go pick up the girls from my parents & go out to Glendale to model for a studio photo shoot.

But alas, it WAS all to perfect. My Dad called me this morning and broke the news to me that their son Hayden has come down with the chicken pocks... I was absolutely devastated! Words cannot describe my feeling at that moment :(

So after a some overwhelming moments & trying REALLY hard to get over the HUGE pity party that I was throwing for myself. I have come to the conclusion that I will try to make this fun regardless of the lost perfection I almost had. I am going to take my kids on a little hike & then still go buy the doughnuts. Next I am going to still try & do my craft stuff & find a babysitter for tonight. Here's for hoping I don't let the feeling of frustration filter into me & ruin my day.

Wish me luck!

Things

2010-01-29T10:12:00.004-07:00

There are far to many things in life...period.

Things that distract you, things that confuse you, discourage, stop & frustrate you.

There are also those things that Inspire you. Things that challenge you & lift you up. Things that teach you how to have that magical "thing"...that certain quality you see in other people.

But with all of those things before, there are also those things that you love. Your husband, your children, giving birth to your new baby, your talents & dreams. Laughter & sunny days. Surprises, and good books.

All of these "things" are a part of our lives. Without them, our lives would be incomplete. But yet with them, things are often times overwhelming.

Now to the point of my thoughts. sometimes the things we fuss over the most end up making us run in a circle. Why? Because they never end. They are here today and will be here tomorrow.
But then there are those things that we forget will only be here today. We can't get them back. Yet, those things are almost always put off so we can finish just one more "thing"...
Riding bikes with our kids, stopping what were doing to go & watch a new trick. Listening to their day, helping with puzzles & reading their favorite books. Beautifying our homes & creating something new.

I want to make a goal for myself...
I want to commit to let go of the feeling of failure if I don't have everything perfect before I go & spend time with my kids. Because in the long run, what is going to be remembered: Mom always had a clean kitchen or Mom was so much fun, we use to go hiking & ride skateboards together, bake cookies & cakes, color & make fun crafts together?

2010-01-27T12:14:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about tonight! I am going to go & see this movie tonight with my cousin Alison. We lived around the corner from each other almost our entire lives & we are only 5 days apart. It will be so much fun to just hang!

I also have to accredit my happy & energetic attitude to a few other things. 1- Prayer & Scriptures. 2- Working Out.
Oh yes...I started doing P90X. It hurts SO bad & I totally rely on my work out partner, Jen, to be my personal cheerleader. But, I love it! I also walked my kids to school this morning. Which was so fun. I feel like I am becoming the best me. Now if only I can keep this up!

2010-01-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

The other night my girlfriends & I were celebrating. We were talking about our husbands and a friend of mine made the comment that she loves how dedicated Phil is to me. I was shocked at first & then realized how incredibly true that is. I love my husband & am so incredibly grateful that he makes me feel like I am the only one he sees.

2009-05-15T14:39:00.002-07:00

Hello to all, So I know that not to many of you will actually see this, because so many of you have given up on me, well as far as blogging goes. But I am here and still breathing. I was thinking about life and how it can seem so overwhelming, and suffocating. But then I went to the one place that helps me look at reality, and be grateful for my Savior, and all of the amazingly wonderful blessings he has blessed me with, NieNie! I don't mean to sound like a "Debbie Downer," but, there are definitely times in life when my chest feels so tight, and I can't breath. Times when all of a sudden there are so many emotions to deal with at the same time, it feels like a waterfall is coming down on top of me. Then somehow I find myself sitting down and reading what she has so sweetly and lovingly shared with the world. She is such an amazing example of letting her light so shine. Her honest and uplifting attitude is magnificent. To be able to go through such experiences with such unyeilding faith, and charity, is indescribably amazing! So here is to Stephanie Aurora Clark Neilson! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have not only inspired me to be a better mother but helped me to laugh at those times when I just want to hide under my covers until my children stop screaming! Thank you for showing me how to love and flirt with my sweet husband. We have four kids of our own, and I dream of our lives being filled with as much love and appreciation as your family shows for one another.

2009-04-16T09:47:00.005-07:00

Hello Ladies, Believe it or not, the rumors are true!! It's time for Craft Night! It will be Tuesday, April 21st @ 7:30pm. Candee & I have created some pretty amazing stuff, if I do say so myself, and we are looking forward to this months Craft Night. It's going to be held at Candee's house. If you can't make it to the craft night, you are always more then welcome to order the craft, and do it at home. So check out the pictures and let us know what you would like to order. As always, we would appreciate everyone spreading the word.

The Breakdown of items goes like this:

~Kiss Me For Good Luck- $12 -8.25''h x 15.25''w

~Frame- $40- Frame opening is 15''x15'', the frame is 5.5'' wide. If you want to use a paint color underneath the black, that would match your house, please bring it.

~Home is where your story begins- $25- 12''h x 24''w Rhinestones not included

~Monogram Sign- $20 14''h x 15.5'' w. Each one is personalized with the Initial of the Last Name and then the Last Name.

~Spring Sign- $10- 2''x 6''x 18'' Rhinestones not included

~Think Spring- $13- Think & Spring-2''x4''x6'', Flower- 2''x6''x8'' Accessories not included such as- flowers, ribbon & rhinestones. INCLUDED is wood, paper & vinyl.

My Sister is Amazing!!

2009-03-24T13:06:00.002-07:00

So my sister Amelia and her husband Devin, did an amazingly HUGE favor for Phil & I!!!
They agreed to watch all four of our kids, for 3 days!!! to watch one kid is a breeze, two kids isn't to bad, three is HARD, and four is ABSOLUTELY PSYCHOTIC!!! Not to mention that they have their own sweet little baby girl who is only 8 months old.

Millie & Devin did an amazing job!!! My kids were happy and my house was beautiful. I highly recommend their services!! LOL! But to top it all off my sister went the extra mile and took advantage of a little photo opp. I just love these pictures of Aubry, they are like looking at her in a dream!!

Seriously my sister is an extremely talented photographer!! I highly suggest checking out her blog rylinphotography.blogspot.com
Phil and I went to Cali for a few days. It was so nice to just chill. We went to Santa Monica Beach, and it was so beautiful there. It was only 60 degree's but the beach itself was awesome. We did a little shopping at the outdoor mall, which rocked. Then we walked a street over and went down the cliff to the beach and flew our 10' foil kite. After that we skipped some rocks that I collected, and then build sand towers to protect our pebbles from the attack of the waves. LOL!!! It was seriously cute!! By then my feet were completely numb, so we walk up to the pier and got hot chocolate, and watched people on the carousel. When it started to get dark we walked back to the car and turned the heater on, so as to defrost my feet. It only took 30 MINUTES for me to regain full feeling in my big toe!!! But after that, we changed our clothes and I dolled my hair up, and we went to this really neat restaurant called BOA. It was REALLY yummy food, and the waitress even put our napkins in our laps, LOL!!! Seriously, that is a first for me. She acted like it was run of the mill, so it wasn't awkward for me. But you could tell it was awkward for Phil, even though he knew it was coming.
The next day we got to go to Disneyland, California Adventure & Club 33! My Aunt & Uncle are members of Club 33, its a really exclusive club inside Disneyland. So they offered to get us in to the Parks for free and then have lunch with them at Club 33, which is a 5 star restaurant. Let me just say that is one fancy pants club. We got to see Justin & Renae Alexander with their kids. They even had us cut in line, and go on a ride with them, which then happen to have technical difficulties, and we had to sit in the sun and wait for about 20-30 min. But we still had tons of fun with them. All together it was an amazingly awesome day!! Thanks Uncle Bob & Aunt Nikki!!!!

2009-03-04T18:29:00.003-07:00

Hello All
So I found this super cute blog that I think I might be in love with!! It’s called
The Benner Daily- http://shealynnbenner.blogspot.com/
They are having a contest to win some fabric, and if you know me, then you know that I am seriously, and dangerously obsessed with FABRIC!!! I love to sew, and I love to embroider. The fabric comes from a shop on Etsy called LanieJane . If your anything like me I get seriously tired of the same old, same old, at JoAnns. So here’s for hoping I win!!! Selfish…I KNOW!!!

I'm SORRY, Okay?

2009-02-02T16:42:00.002-07:00

Hello to all of my friends and family. I first and foremost want to apologize for not posting anything really personal for eons of time! I can't promise to continue this but, I can at least say that I would like to.

Now, with that said. I would like to focus on a topic that I feel needs to be seriously addressed...! LUNCH TIME. What the junk? Why is it that somehow in the middle of the day all my energy magically gets transported from my body, into my children's bodies? Lunch time is when, I no longer have any brains and find myself wandering aimlessly through my kitchen in circles.

While my child follow me around saying..."Mom?..Mom?..Mom?..MOm?..MOm?MOM?MOM!!?" (I finally respond) "WHAT?...(this time calmer)..what?" (kids, almost in unison) "I'm hungry, can I have toast?" Mom,"no" Kids, "But why not?...well then can I have wheat thins?" Mom-"no." Kids-"But MOM, I'm hungry" Mom-"Well then, lets eat real food, like a sandwich." I then proceed to wander my kitchen aimlessly for about 10 more minutes trying to figure out how to make my brain start to work.

Seriously what is up with that? I'm sure some of you are thinking...well if you started your day with working out. Or even... If you ate more of this or that for breakfast... I know, I know, and those are very valid points. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, some day I will be able to conquer the world, AND lunch time!! LOL!

2009-02-01T22:16:00.001-07:00

2008-12-11T16:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, So I know that I haven’t blogged anything personal in a really long time. But, I promise that sometime soon, I will sit my little booty down and take some real time to try and convey the things going on in my life. Because to be quite honest, it has been psycho crazy!!! But I will dive into that another day.

So for now, I want to tell you about an awesome shopping party coming up!! It is Tuesday Dec 16^th @ 7-9. All the info is in the invite above! It is going to be a totally fun girls night out! So come and let’s eat and laugh! See you Tuesday! Any questions, call me!!

November Craft Night

2008-11-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

2008-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

2008-10-09T14:39:00.004-07:00

Hello to all, I wanted to let you know that I am doing a craft night again. It will be on October 21, @ 7 p.m. This month we have some SUPER cute stuff that is really inexpensive, and awesome for your own home or as a Christmas gift. I don't know about you, but I would love to only spend $12 or less for a Christmas present. If you are interested in ordering, or if you have already ordered, I need your money by October 18. I have changed my policy and am now collecting money before the actual craft night. If you have any questions please leave me a comment, I am so excited about this upcoming Craft Night, we are going to have a blast!!

What?!!!!

2008-10-07T23:16:00.002-07:00

Okay so I am sitting in my office (obviously) at 11:20 pm, knowing that I need to be asleep. But Phil's not home and I actually stopped to look at some friends blogs, only to find out that one of my friends kids broke their arm, and then to find a link to my other friends blog (that I didn't know she had) to then become completely uplifted, and brought to tears.

Nancy, I hope Audry's arm gets better soon! What can I do to help?!!!
&
Melissa, you are amazing and I am in awe!!!

Oh I love the amazing people I am surrounded by. Everywhere I turn, their is someone with a smile, and someone quietly serving someone else. It is so awesome!

It makes me want to have a party, and invite all of the women I want to get to know better...I know completely random comment, but I can't explain my feeling, and I don't know to many people who can explain their own, let alone mine. LOL : D

2008-09-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Desires

2008-08-31T22:06:00.002-07:00

Within us is a a complex world of desires, thoughts, passions, dreams, wishes and hopes, and all of those things each try to find a way into our lives. Making us who we are, and who we are going to become. Everyday, we weave through these things, trying to make sense of them all. Trying to find a place for each of them to be brought to life. Not wanting anything to be forgotten or left unopened.
Everyday I wake up with ideals. With these desires and hopes. And everyday, I find myself having to choose one thing over another. In an ideal world, Every day would be a new opportunity to explore every last particle of what makes me, me. I could create and push the boundaries and limits of life. I could bring to life my inner most secret desires, and feel as though I have conquered everything that tried to tell me no.
But yet, life often times has its own ideas, its own ways of testing me. Its own way of trying and challenging me. Slowly molding me into a person that I could have never become without all of those challenges and trials. And yet, the whole time I have been finding my way through, it has been my desires and passions, my hopes and dreams that have given me my strength and direction. The desires to stand for what is true, and to become some one that I could have only dreamed of becoming.
Its the times in life when things are the hardest, that we search to find the truth, and when we find that truth, that pure light in the midst of haze, that we have the tools to help us become who we have always wanted to be.
We find ourselves strengthened and empowered. With even greater desires, thoughts, passions, dreams, wishes and hopes.

"...Memories Pressed Between the Pages"

2008-08-20T18:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I got this from one of my sweetest friends...; )

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

And remember I'll respond if you do!

Life

2008-08-20T16:10:00.012-07:00

Okay, so today I am faced with the decision. I can either drown in my life and become a victim of it, or I can FIGHT! Today I choose to fight! We all face trials in our life's that make us feel as if our existence is being smashed away by every little thing that continues to be added, but it is our choices that decide the results. So in an effort to engage in life, instead of drown in it, I am writing this post. It always amazes me how when I feel as if my life has bitten off more then it can chew, my Heavenly Father blesses me, and steps in and increases my abilities. Wow, it is so amazing to see how much my Heavenly Father loves me, and how much he does for ME! Yes even me, little ol' me!
Do you ever face a situation in life where you feel like your failing, but not just with a simple black F, but with a flaming F- , then you finally realize, after a week , okay maybe even a month, that you haven't even knelt down to pray since who knows when? So you kneel down feeling so guilty for being so prideful, because you tried to take on the world, with only the power of your measly self, And You Pray. You simply pray to your Father in Heaven. Remembering that all this time, He has been waiting for you, and wishing that you would let him in to help, and that he has sent his son to carry you, and all you have to do is say "help",
and our Savior Jesus Christ will pick you up, and give you the strength to continue to breath, and to continue to love! He will show you how to take control, and will even work miracles on your behalf.
I, am not exempt from this, and I decided to share this experience, and my thoughts and feelings, so that all those around me who might be experiencing the same thing, will know that they are not alone, and they are as normal and imperfect as the rest of us.
I hope you all have a great night, and take some time to enjoy life.

Yea Millie & Devin

2008-07-23T12:09:00.001-07:00

Today is a very special day! This is my sister Amelia, and her awesome husband Devin. This morning at 7am Millie and Devin went to the hospital, because Millie was in labor. They broke her water at 9 am. Today they are going to have a beautiful baby girl McKemy Rilyn Southworth (I am not sure on the spelling of the middle name, so you will have to forgive me!) I hope everything goes well and I hope that it is a wonderful experience!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!! CONGRATULATIONS!

Raya Girl

2008-07-15T17:33:00.005-07:00

My sweet baby Raya is growing up. She is going into all day Kindergarten. I can't believe it! Am I actually old enough to have a child in school? Some might say no, (since after all I am only 25 1/2) but believe it or not, or should I say ready or not, here she goes, off to school. What will I do with only 3 kids at home. Can we say take a nap...OH YEAH LOVE IT!!!
So here she is officially presenting Raya the Kindergartener.

On to bigger and better things

2008-07-15T16:27:00.005-07:00

I guess you could say that Aubry is now on to bigger and better things. Oh yeah! I just pulled out the excer-saucer, and Aubry Loves It!!! Does this mean that my life can now take the next step... more freedom? UM....PROBABLY NOT, but here's for hoping, right?
Well, I didn't think that this post would be complete if I didn't include a picture of me and how happy this whole new entertainment thing makes me. I LOVE IT!! WAHOO! I hope all of you are having a great day! Bye ; )

Landon & his leg

2008-07-09T16:40:00.001-07:00

So, even though this didn't happen yesterday, It did happen and it was only a month ago. Landon broke his leg while he was jumping on our friends trampoline. It was a proximal tibial fracture...aka he broke the tibia just below his left knee, where the growth plate curves over onto the tibia. YEA for us!! Well today he got it off, and he did such a good job! When they took it off, it looked like a mole had grown on the inside of his knee, but it was actually a huge clump of dead skin. GROSS!!!! He started trying to walk on it as soon as we got to our friends where Raya and Kylie were, and we went swimming, and he just kicked and kicked and kicked, the whole time. He could even swim with a noodle by himself. I was so proud of him. He didn't whine or complain, he is such a big strong man. Good Job Buddy!

My Possy

2008-06-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I love all of my girlfriends, and I just want to give a shout out to them! I Love you all and am so grateful that I have you girls. THANK YOU for everything that you have all done for me. I truly appreciate all of your friendships. I couldn't ask for better friends!!!
YOU GIRLS ROCK!!

LOVE IT!!!

2008-06-25T15:54:00.002-07:00

Ok, so Phil & I go with our friends to California every year, this year we didn't get to go. But, I love these pictures of Phil and me at, I think, Huntington Beach. I was the only girl that got into the water. Oh yeah, and Phil and I boogie boarded, and I totally loved it.
You just have to admit that when you do something fun with your husband like boogie boarding, it makes you feel like your cute and dating all over again. I wish I could live like this every day, and play and laugh with my husband like this all the stinkin time!!! LOVE IT!!
Aren't Phil and I just totally so cute!!

Ahh, Summer Fun

2008-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wahoo, its summer time and we are lovin life!! Nothing is more perfect then when you've got water and over a sheet of plastic and some nice warm sun. Its time to connect some bum to the plastic ; )

And The Winner Is...

2008-05-16T14:44:00.002-07:00

Oh yeah, you so know that David Archuletta is so going to win. If he doesn't then I don't know what America is thinking. He is a prodigy, and so lovable. I almost want him for a son, and I am only 8 1/2 years older then he is. When David Cook can sing a song that gives me chills and makes me want to cry because it is just so amazing. Then I will vote for him, but until then, its Archuletta all the way!

Do You?

2008-05-15T18:33:00.002-07:00

So real quick...Kylie has a ear infection and the doctor put her on an antibiotic. Well I just gave it to her for the second time, and I had to go under the table and trap her. Then I had to plug her nose until she swallowed it. I love it, she makes me laugh. Does anyone else have to do coniving things to get their children to swallow medicine? Hope everyone is having a good day.

2008-05-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

As I sit on the couch, holding Aubry, and Phil in the kitchen slaving away (Right where I want him, LOL), My children decide to play dress up. I have to say that those are some seriously funny times. I love when they act like silly goofs ; )

2008-05-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

So here we are at home, almost 3 weeks later. Phil's cousin Kristin, gave Aubry some super cute outfits, and I just love this onsie! It says "Treat Me like you would treat the Queen!" it was the perfect onsie for the moment, because she wasbeing fussy. LOL

Presenting Aubry Corinne Hurst

2008-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

TA DA!!! I know it took a while but here are the pictures from the hospital (and no I don't know why my text is underlined, oh well). She weighed 8lbs 5oz, and was 21" long. We named her Aubry Corinne Hurst. She is my second biggest baby. I pushed for less then 3 min. She was strong and perfectly healthy. I on the other hand had a few complications. If I had to rate this labor on a pain scale of 1-10 compared to my other births, I would rate this one at a 15, and that's with an epidural! After the baby was out, my placenta wasn't detaching, and I hemorrhaged. But I'm fine now. It is amazing how when that baby gets put on your stomach and you get to hold them for the first time, it is such an overwhelming INSTA-LOVE! There are few experiences in life that compare to that moment of birth. It is just such an emotionally intense moment in life. LOVE IT!! Even when the pain level was horrific, those feelings won over everything else.

It's Amazing

2008-04-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Date April 4, 2008. In case some of you don't, know that was my due date, and since I'm the one taking all of the pictures, I was obviously not wanting to be doing something else then taking pictures. BUT, if ya can't go in to labor on your due date (and you've been having contractions for almost 2 months) then the next best thing would be to get to see your kids learn how to ride their bikes without training wheels for the first time. In my opinion, the one makes up for the lack of the other.
Okay so this is how it went down. Raya wanted to learn to ride without training wheels, so Phil took them off. She told Dad "Don't look", so he went into the garage to fix Landon's training wheel that broke. Ten seconds later he looks out at the street, and there is Raya, speeding down the street on two wheel's. So then Landon takes his bike out to the street and says he want to learn how. With in 10 minutes Landon is doing the same thing. Raya is 5, and Landon is 3 1/2. We just couldn't believe it. It was a great day to be a parent.

Is It On Straight?

2008-04-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Oh Yeah HOT MAMMA!!! little girl doesn't search out Mom's lipstick to then go and turn themselves into what they think is the next top model. But I must say, if you can get over the fact that you pay quit a bit for Mac lipstick, it is a fun and eventful time in life.

2008-04-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Mmmm...I love simple dinners. You know, the kind that takes about 4 1/2 minutes to put together and then there is only 1 pan dirty at the end of it. LOVE IT!! Not to mention the fact that all of the kids were happy and liked what they were eating. I guess I should supply a "Honey Baked Ham" all the time. NOT!! I could only imagine the increase in my grocery bill every month. Does any one want to share tried and true, kid loved, really, REALLY, fast dinners? Those are things that I seriously lack.

2008-04-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

So, a little more insight into me... four years ago, I cut out these letters to make Raya's name. Well, last week, I finally decorated them and now they are ready to hang on the wall. I am SO EXCITED!!! I love them. My sister Elisia helped me place the embelishments. Lets just say she is amazing at whatever she touches. Now I am totally set on doing my other kids names. I can't wait!

My Little Flower

2008-02-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so when you look at Kylie, do you just want to start singing..."You are my sunshine me only sunshine..."? Because I DO! Oh I don't know how I am going to have another baby girl. It just seems impossible. Even when I have seen Kylie up next to an 8 day old baby, I still see my newborn Kylie. " I am in BIG TROUBLE, uuhhuu...BIG BIG TROUBLE!!" : ]

I Finally Did It !!!

2008-02-10T17:50:00.001-07:00

WOW! WATCH OUT I'M CRAFTING
I happen to have a very awsome craft room that my husband put together for me. But do to the fact that I have 3 small children, I have to keep the door locked at all times. Which then in consequence, makes it so that I don't go in there and do as many things as I would like to do. Its the whole "Out of sight out of mind" kind of thing. But I finally made the choice to not let anything else matter, and I made the blanket. I have had this pattern invisioned in my head for probably a year. Now, mind you, that my dear friend Sonya was there to help, because the blanket was for her baby that she ended up having Feb 9 @ 4:30 am. But I have had the plans to make this style of blanket for Raya & Kylie's twin bunk beds. So now I feel like me again.
WA HOOOOO!

YOU GO GIRL!!!

2008-01-20T22:14:00.001-07:00

This is our hip hoppin little girl Raya! Hopefully the song playing right now as you read this is Chicken Noodle Soup. That is one of the songs that she danced too. Her hair was dyed pink and everything. It was so awsome and cute. Raya took hip hop with tons of her other friends. The Gunnel triplets were in her class and so was her friend Kia. She did such a good job, she didn't have any hesitation, she just jumped out there and showed everyone what she was made of.
GO RAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Think I'd Learned by NOW!

2008-01-20T21:31:00.001-07:00

Seriously, I leave the whipping cream on the counter for 5 seconds and I come back to 2 adorably varmints making a blasted mess. Oh, the cute and sweet things in life.
Beleive it or not Kylie started the whole thing!
Who in their right mind can get mad over something as cute as these two pigging out on the goodness of life. I LOVE it! Just don't tell them that. I don't want to have to keep cleaning up whipping cream every time they feel like being cute.

I'm Finally 5!!!

2008-01-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday RAYA!!
Here is a little "BIG"girl who has been waiting endlessly to turn 5. Raya's B-day is December 24. So all of her friends turned 5 long before her. She use to tell me that she couldn't play with some of her friends anymore because they were 5 and she wasn't. It took some convincing, but she got over it

Ahh, Daddy and daughter pigging out, along with the rest of the family. We got to give Raya a friend party and a family party this year. The friend party was awsome, and absolutley freezing cold. Thanks to all of you that came and put up with the oh so unbelievably cold and supper windy day. I really appreciate your help! The family party was a lot of fun also! I know that Raya really appreciated everyone that celebrated her BIG 5 birthday!

A mother

2007-11-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday
Why is it that when you become a Wife and Mother, birthdays are just not what they use to be? Oh, I know its because, the mother of the house that does thet present shopping and makes the birthday cake, and birthday breakfast and dinner is...YOU !!!
But, in return, you do get sweet, sweet children that make you birthday cards, and do chores for you like make your bed and fold laundry. That alone, made me feel like it was a great day. So thank goodness for the sweet baby's in my life. Now of course this includes my #1 Baby...Phil!! Oh how I love him!

WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!!

2007-11-12T15:16:00.001-07:00

This is my most recent ultrasound. It was done on November 9. They are both side profiles of the baby. The bottom picture is a little harder to pick out details, but the the top of her head is almost in the center of the picture. Then to the left, the first bump is her nose, and the second bump are her lips. She is puckering her lips in that picture. Now the hardest part is picking out a name. Phil says that I get to pick the name, since the baby is a girl and all. My first thought, and I still think it's really cute, is Lulu . My second thought is Capri Augusta. I heard this song by Colbie Caillat called Capri. It gives me chills every time I listen to it. Listen to the song while you look at the ultra sound pictures, and let me know what you think.

Family Circus

2007-10-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

My family got to go to Colorado, earlier this year for Phil's sister's wedding. We had so much fun, there was tons to do and never enough time to do it all. The morning of the wedding we had family pictures taken, and that was just so much blasted fun. I love this picture of Phil & Me! Oh my husband is so HOT! Wow girl, back up OFF this, he is so all mine!

So the day before the wedding, our family turned the Church Cultural Hall into... THIS

It might help to know that his sister that was getting married, is half way through school to become an Interior Designer. So, of course, she had this amazing design, and the skills to make it happen. Her and her Fiance had detailed plans drawn up. It was absolutely amazing!

This is the baby of the family, Amber and her new husband Michael Huntington. Her dress was so amazing. Their Sealing was so wonderful, and heart warming. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. They are two extremely blessed people.

Raya got to be the flower girl. She had so much fun dressing up & getting her picture taken. She almost stole the show, but not quite

So while Raya was working hard, the rest of us were just kind of hanging around.

2007-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Could I be on cloud nine any more? LOVE IT!! Phil and I took off to Cali, and lets just say, we had SO MUCH FUN! We spent time on the beach, and got an amazing 10 ft. foil kite at a kite store off of the boardwalk, and just played and laughed. I love vacation!! SERIOUSLY, if I could only go once a month, life would phenomenal. This picture was taken right before we left to come home. We had just gotten done eating at Ruby's, on the roof, looking out over the ocean. Before that we walked parts of Balboa Penisulla, and can I just say, there are some amazing house's there..."Hi, I'd like to order one mansion on a nice peaceful beach, Please!"

2007-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00