What's on your list?

My Christmas list this year is quite long... I have alot of family and friends that I want to give gifts to. The problem... $$$$... always... so I had to get creative. I am sorry if I am ruining the surprise for a few of you, but I thought it might be nice to give people ideas for inexpensive gifts that are pretty cool... in my opinion at least. =)

Chantel and I spent all day walking around downtown St. George finding "letters" She is 5 and therefore is very aware of the alphabet. I think we came up with some pretty cool abstract letters to make name pictures out of. This particular gift set me back $2.99 for each print.

I happen to LOVE nativity sets. I think they are simply adorable. When we were at the Dicken's festival last week I saw an adorable snowman nativity... I had to have it! $45... I think not. I went to the store and bought about $6 worth of polymer clay... add a lazy afternoon of playing with said clay, a few beads, and a few scraps of fabric, and voila... a $6 snowman nativity. (characters are about 2" tall)

This next one is actually a stolen idea. My friend Shay gave me a very similar "car kit" last year. I loved the idea and found it very useful, so I decided to make my own. The one she gave me was made from a pot holder, and it was so cute! I was unsuccessful in finding pot holders that were cute and cheap, so I decided to make my own... I cut 2 pieces of fabric (about the same size as a pot holder) and sewed around the edge. I frayed it a little and called it good. I used 8 ziplock bags. I lined them up, 4 going each direction, with the zipper edge lined up with the outside of the fabric. I pinned it (it is really slippery to sew, so pin it like you mean it!) and did a simple zigzag stitch down the middle. I cut off the excess bag from the bottom and voila... it is ready to fill full of whatever you want. I put in disposable toothbrushes, gum, flossers, a sewing kit, tissue, nail clippers, a nail file, lotion, bandaids, a lighter, and a $5 bill. These cost about $11 each to make.


so cute when it is all closed up! and it fits perfectly in your glove box.

This last one is actually a baby shower gift, and not a Christmas gift, but the idea is still applicable. It is an applique towel. This picture is really hard to see it properly, but I used my Cricut machine to cut the baby's name out of wonder under. (wonder under is a FABULOUS invention... it is basically an iron on fabric bonder... it is so cheap... and my new best friend.) I then ironed the letters onto fabric. Cut the letters out of the fabric and ironed them onto the towel. I stitched around them just to make sure it would last through all the washing I am sure it is going to endure, but the wonder under is supposed to be pretty durable all by itself. I think it turned out adorable! it looks very professional if I don't say so myself... ;) This is a hooded towel, and it only cost $8 to make. I got the basket at DI for $1... seriously one of my favorite finds EVER! Throw in a teddy bear and a sweet little bow... and well, I think it is super cute~!

I hope this helps give some of you ideas for people on your Christmas list! What are you planning on giving family and friends this year?

lets get this over with!

The simple fact that I thought I could blog every day for 30 days is laughable... so we are going to get this over with... it will be long, and I don't know if it will be worth reading, but I always finish what I start.... so here it goes... =)

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
I must say this is my children. There are simple no words to describe the bond that happens between a mom and her kids. I wake up in the middle of the night worrying about them, I go lay by them when I can't sleep, I think of them 24 hours a day. My life certainly revolves around my kids.

Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Oh there are plenty of people who have tried. But ya know what, I DIDN"T LET THEM! my life is MY life and I believe the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt... "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." There have been plenty of people who didn't treat me nicely, but I figure it is their loss.

Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Thanks to facebook I get to keep up with alot of friends that would have fit into this category. I guess if I had to name someone it would be my ex- boyfriend. Not that I still want to be his best friend, it would just be nice to know how he was doing.

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

I tend to have very few actual friends. I am a super busy person and my husband and kids are more important to me than friends, so what little time I do have to spend with people is usually spent with them. I really don't have anyone in my life that fits into this category.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I am not sure if it is necessarily a compliment, but people say I'm funny. I think that is a compliment, because I enjoy laughing and having a good time. =)
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.

My rock hard abs and my nice tight butt... I don't understand it...! lol ;)
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

I must say that Creed... especially the song "arms wide open" hits me like a bullet every single time. I have NEVER listened to that song without crying. That and the primary song "families can be together forever"... mostly because I believe it with all my heart and it puts my soul at ease to know that there is more than this cruel world waiting for me.
Day 14: A hero that has let you down.
Hero is a very bold word, I have never been let down by my hero, because Christ is my hero, and well, I am pretty sure he will never let me down.

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

I could not live without sugar. I know it is horrible for me. I feel like poo every time I eat it, but try as I might, I simple cannot kick the habit!! if anyone knows of a patch, or a ten step program or something I would be very interested in hearing about it~!
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.

I could live without cups full of chunky milk, the phrase "mom, I wet my bed", the smell of pig poo, dandruff, thieves, and child molesters, flat tires, dead batteries, *sigh* the list goes on and on and on...
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Schindlers List. I couldn't believe the horrors that those people endured. It made me want to be more kind to every single person, nomatter their race, or religion... humans are all children of god. And that is all that matters.

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Here's the thing folks, I am not in any position to judge another person. Here is what I know. I know several people who are openly gay. I love these people. I want nothing but joy and happiness for them. I also believe in the bible. "Marriage is between a man and a woman"... a touchy subject certainly... I believe that God the all knowing and almighty will work everything out in the end. Whether the law allows gay people to marry or not is possibly irrelevant... Some people say that allowing gays to marry is going to break down society as we know it. I say... take a look around people... it is crumbling anyway... all we can do is follow our hearts and our instincts. Love one another, and god will take care of the rest.

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

whew... some deep holes I'm probably digging... I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know it to be true. I respect ALL other religions, or lack of for that matter. I simply want to be left to worship as I please. and I think that every other person on the planet deserves the same right. If I am wrong, well, I guess I will burn in hell, but I feel like if a person is trying their best to do what they believe to be true and right and good, God will be merciful. There are alot of convincing arguments out there when it comes to religion, all I know is that I follow my heart. Politics are a load of poo anymore. I don't think there is such a thing as an "honest" politician... they all have an agenda. amen.
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

I tell my kids every single day... "DRUGS ARE BAD" honestly... have you checked your local arrest section lately? At least 80% of the charges are drug, or alcohol related. So my motto is... don't do drugs or alcohol... you will have alot more money and your life will be much happier.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
race to the hospital immediately... (she probably has head injuries and won't remember the fight anyway)

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Get pregnant and then get married... in that order... it would have made alot more sense the other way around. =)
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

Well I wish I would have finished my associate degree... I was only 12 credits away when I dropped out. I still plan on finishing... it is simply a matter of when.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

lol... I stink at this type of thing... I don't remember names of songs... much less who sings them... so I am gonna pass... =)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Because God doesn't want me back yet. I have unfinished business.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

HELL NO~ suicide is for quitters~ That and I have an annoyingly upbeat personality... it takes alot to get me down.
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Well... I Have a husband who loves me, Smart, healthy kids, a house to live in, a truck to drive, food in the cupboards... I think I have ALOT going for me~!

28: What if you were pregnant, or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Weeellllll....considering I am currently 36 weeks pregnant I can honestly say... I would give the baby up for adoption. lol... joking... babies are wonderful things. I love my kids so much. I think that even though this particular baby was VERY unplanned... we will love her just the same.
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
My procrastinating... seriously somethings gotta give. I have WAY too much to do to be putting things off. I must change... again, if anyone has a patch, or a 10 step program... I am all ears. ;}

Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

whew really... well I love that I was blessed with a sense of humor. I love that I am crafty. I am very much a people person. I have alot of ability. I have a good sense of right and wrong. I have an amazing family. I have long hair... which is like a miracle... I am nice... most of the time.

Have a happy day ! I hope I didn't bore you to death~

Nettie

Day 5 & 6

Day 5:

Something you hope to do in your life.

I want to take my family on a vacation. I know it sounds lame, but Mitch and I have been married for 8 years and we have yet to go on a real vacation. I think I should really make that a priority. I don't even care if it is just a road trip or something, just to get away would be awesome!

Day 6:

Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to experience serious illness in my family. I cannot stand to see people I love suffer. It is so hard to imagine having to see my husband or my children deteriorate before my eyes. I think the death of a child or my husband would be very difficult, but I have enough faith to know that they really would be in a better place, and it is not up to me to decide how long we get to spend together. I just want every moment of our time to be filled with joy and happiness.

30 days of truth... day 3 & 4

Day 3:

Something you had to forgive yourself for.

This one is going to seem silly to some people, but it ate away at me for a long, long time.

It was December 23rd... fresh snow blanketed Frost Lane. My friends and I went sledding all day. The road was like a sheet of ice by nightfall. This just so happened to be the night my dad had a massive heart attack. The ambulance came down the road to get my dad... it took 3 hours to get the ambulance back up the road because of all the ice. MY ICE. I remember staring out the kitchen window at the flashing lights. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard in my entire life. I just kept crying and saying how sorry I was that I had gone sledding. My dad died that night, and for many years I blamed myself. I have since forgiven myself, and realize that it was GOD who took my dad, not my silly ice...

Day 4:

Something you had to forgive someone for.

My high school principal. He is dead now, so I will try to be kind... but man that guy was a JERK!! I decided to graduate a year early from high school, mostly because I had all of my credits in half way through my junior year, but the fact that I lived in a very small town might have contributed a tiny bit. I didn't want to stay there and be bored, I am an overachiever... and I was ready to go to college and be done with the high school small town drama. The principal made it HELL for me to graduate. I finally had to go straight to the superintendent in order to graduate... and to top it all off he conveniently "FORGOT" to order enough honor roll cords, so even though I was a straight A student, I didn't get to wear my honor roll cords. It was LAME! I walked through the line and shook every one's hand... except his. I totally left him hanging... and made it clear that I would rather die than shake his hand. I still don't know why he was so mean to me, or why he would do everything in his power to NOT help me graduate... but I will let God work it out. I'm just happy that everything worked out... It made me a stronger person... so all is forgiven. =)

30 days of truth: days 1 & 2

30 days of truth:

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14: A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself: tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Day 1~

Something you hate about yourself:

I hate that I am a procrastinator. It often results in me scurrying around at the last minute to try to pull off whatever it is that I have procrastinated... I am sure that my friends and people I work with in various areas probably really hate this about me too. I have tried and tried to change this little annoying habit, but it never seems to last long.

Day 2~

Something you love about yourself:

I love that I am exactly who you think I am. This used to be different, I used to try to be who everyone else wanted me to be, and I would change my personality depending on who I was around. Not anymore. I have learned that in my heart of hearts, I simply cannot please everyone, and if I am not true to who I really am, then I am simply lying. I am sure that I have made people upset by being who I really am, but God made me this way, so if you don't like it... take it up with him. =)

halloween

I am well aware that Halloween is in fact an ancient pagan holiday honoring the dead. However at my house it is considered "dress up day" I think Halloween is a lot of fun. I don't allow my kids to be scary gory gross things, I think it is more about having fun.

I rocked the "bun in the oven" costume, While Mitch humored me with one picture of him in his "baker" costume. I literally made the hats in about 10 minutes. Mitch said the hat looked "girly" so he refused to wear it. Whatever dude! it was funny I thought.

My beautiful britter bug was a fairy. Basically all she wanted was to wear the tu tu... silly girl... I think she looked adorable though.



not to toot my own horn here, but I say this picture wins the funniest of the year... I seriously laugh my butt off every time I look at it. The face, the curled fingers... oh my! I love this boy... he is such a good sport! Originally he wanted to be a mummy. I procrastinated a little, and then I started not feeling well, and then it was 2 days before the school Halloween party and there was no mummy costume. I broke my own rule and took Drayden to K-mart to pick out a costume. (I promised myself I would not be one of those crazies that spends 20 dollars or more on a costume that is only going to be worn once... if I can't make it, you can't be it...) anyway K-mart had costumes at 50% off, so I caved... I just didn't have it in me to make a mummy costume... it sounds like a simple one... just wrap the kid up right? no... not so much... you have to wrap in a way that allows for going to the bathroom ect... so long story short, we went to K-mart. I looked at the costumes and my heart sank...they were crappy... like, super duper crappy... then Drayden comes running around the corner with a huge smile on his face... holding... a hot dog costume. "mommy!! check it out!! how cool is this one???!!"... "uuummm... are you kidding?" "no way! this is AWESOME! I totally want to be a hot dog mom!" "how much is it?" "twenty bucks"... "half off twenty bucks... *pondering*... o.k. dude... you can be a hot dog." "SAWWEEET! my friends are going to laugh so hard! I'm a wiener!" "o.k. dude, so help me, if I get a single call from the school about inappropriate behavior in the hot dog costume, you are going to be in big trouble!" *his little face wilts* "o.k. I'll be good, I promise." What a funny boy!

and last but not least... Chantel the butterfly. She is such a pretty little thing, I am sure she could wear a burlap sack and look adorable... Halloween has been a lot of fun this year... and I can't wait to steal all the tootsie rolls and Reeses Peanut butter cups from my kids bags!!!

modeling the way

Dear Chantel,

Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for loving things that nobody else seems to love. Thank you for being generous. Thank you for being a good example.

the top ten things you do that make me smile:
10~ give me every tootsie roll
9~ cry over dead lizards and frogs
8~ clean your room without being asked
7~ the "aawww" reaction every time we get something new for the baby.
6~ the way you give massages
5~ how smart you are
4~ the way you boss drayden around
3~ when you ask me to play with you
2~ your smile
1~ when you say, "mom, can we have a photoshoot?"



I love peeking in on you when you are playing with your babies, and you change their diapers... and nurse them... lol... you are going to be the best mommy ever someday!


Thanks for being so gorgeous... I am so proud of you! Thanks the very most for loving to have your picture taken... heaven knows mommy needs the practice~~

men are from mars

critters

ewww, eww, gross! I H*A*T*E hate snakes. My husband on the other hand thinks they are the coolest thing ever.

Brittany also thinks that they are the coolest thing ever. I will never learn to like, or even tolerate snakes. I have tried, I just think they are super gross.

I prefer frogs... while they are also a little but on the icky side, they are alot more fun to play with, and they can't bite or strangle me...


Poor frog... lol... Chantel had a blast playing with the little dude... (is it me or does she look super grown up lately?)

Even though I have an icky 4 foot snake living in my house... and a slightly less icky frog... I can still laugh... and Laughter...well, it really is the best medicine isn't it?

goodbye summer...

The temperatures are starting to cool... thank heaven... but that means that we must say goodbye.

Goodbye to shorts and bare feet...

Goodbye to lazy days in the park, climbing trees...



Goodbye to the summer of lost teeth, and growing up...

Goodbye to the sense of adventure that only a tree and a 7 year old boy will ever really understand.

Goodbye to childhood... for some... and cheers to growing up and embracing whatever the next season will bring.

Goodbye to picnics, and spur of the moment unplanned adventures..

Goodbye to the summer of 2010...

I know it is silly, but the marking off of seasons makes me sad. I can't help but think that my babies will never again be what they are at the moments that are now frozen in time. I feel life slipping by, and even though I do my very best to enjoy every moment, I can't help but look back at the moments I could have done better. That time Drayden asked me to play star wars and I told him I needed to scrub the toilet instead... someday my baby boy will stop asking me to play star wars... he will have better things to do, and more important people to "hang out" with. Embrace the small moments... because I promise, whether you clean it today or not... your toilet will still be covered in pee tomorrow.

"The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,

but children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow,

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my babies, and babies don't keep."

~Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

first day of kindergarten

I know, I know, it is October... but better late than never... lol...

I cannot believe that my baby girl is going to kindergarten. It seriously seems like just yesterday that she was born. I am so proud of her. She is so smart... too smart sometimes.


She was so excited she literally bounced all the way from the car to her classroom...


Chantel is so sweet and funny... there was a time that I worried that she was actually a little bit evil... seriously those terrible 2's were really quite terrible, but thankfully she is growing out of the evil stage... and is becoming quite a beautiful sweet young lady. She is still a spitfire, but I don't really think of that as a bad thing.

I love that she wanted to wear her "Daddy's Girl" shirt for her first day. She really is daddy's little angel. I think it is awesome. I was always very close to my dad, it makes me happy to see such a great bond between them. There really is nothing like a daddy's love.

"Getting old is mandatory, growing up is optional."

Nettie

work that BABY!

Oh yeah BABY!! This mamma is getting ROUND... =)

I keep thinking I am o.k. with having a baby... and then I see babies and I freak out just a little. They are so tiny... and breakable! Mitch pointed out yesterday that in 15 weeks or less we are going to have another baby!!!! yikers! I really freaked out when he said that... we are so far from ready it isn't even funny. But I am sure that everything will work out.

We did find out that it is a GIRL. Poor Mitch, he is pretty broken up about not having another boy. I really couldn't care less... other than girl stuff is cuter, and there is lots more of it... so I guess I am excited about the shopping... =) So baby Jelly Bean is now Annie May... however Chantel called her jelly bean for so long that I am thinking that is going to stick as a nickname... lol.

dual purpose

Water baloons are no longer just for soaking your friends...

now they double as "aLiEn MoNsTeR" fingers and toes.

Seriously, Where do kids come up with this stuff? lol...

summer splash

This is the main street splash pad. It is right in the center of town, and the kids have so much fun here! I am a slacker mom, so we usually only make it there a few times each summer, but boy oh boy do they have a splashin' good time!

There are waterfalls to stick your face in...

I loved this, Chantel is trying to "SHOWER" lol... good times...

My little fairy dancers... lol... ;)

The river section is probably their favorite... they just lay there for hours... if I was smart I would put one in my front yard! My favorite part of the main street splash pad is that there is lots and lots of shade, and it is only about a block away from 25 main... which means I get to eat yummy cupcakes every time we go! You just can't beat it~ oh and it is FREE!!! =)

Brink family reunion

We got spoiled rotten this year at the Brink reunion. Our friends have this beautiful cabin in Duck Creek, which just so happens to be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Brinkerhoff camp site. It was seriously soooo nice... after an evening around the campfire, instead of crawling all dirty into a sleeping bag in a tent, I got to go soak in a jetted tub, and sleep on a nice cushie bed. it was the best camping trip ever!

I love these boys so much!! It is the only time of year we really get to go 4-wheeling and play in the dirt.

Chantel got a little owie and she had to show her uncle Sean. He kissed it and made it all better.


See... All better... =)

There is usually alot of B.S. flying around at the reunion... it is by far one of my favorite aspects...

Three generations cooking on the dutch ovens... Breakfast for me, o.k. not JUST for me...

When these three march off like this you know there is something fishy going on...

hhhmmmm... I wonder what happened to that tent... I am sure that these boys had absolutely NOTHING to do with this wake up call... lol

They had such a fun storytime this year. They took a few of the poems that Grandma Tink had written and did little games to go along with them. I was not really paying close attention, but this little activity had something to do with going to the "Wart doctor". Which I am sure would have made alot more sense if I had the poem to go along with it. But the kids had a blast with it!

Do NOT let the innocent little faces decieve you... these two are trouble...! They really are too cute together though. They both have a personality that is... well.... a bit controling? We can only handle them in small doses together, but they sure do love each other!

Mitch's Mommy and Daddy... they are seriously the cutest! I know they sometimes drive each other nutty, but they are so cute and loving towards each other. It makes my heart smile.

I LOVED this picture... Brittany discovered that he piggy pillow oinks when you squeeze it. What a cute little woman she is!

And this is the woman who started it all. I love her to pieces. She is so hilarious! I love her spunky personality. She says things so unexpectedly. She is so fun to talk to. I am forever grateful to her and grandpa Tink for creating such a wonderful legacy.

This is a classic example of the "Carey" smile. Seriously, try to look at that face and not smile... I bet you don't last long. And then there is SpongeBob grumpy pants... lol

And Last but most certainly not least, THE COTTON CANDY!!! Aunt Neener Weener always brings her cotton candy machine. She is so sweet to make and re-make lots and lots of cotton candy for the everyone. I look forward to it every year, and by the looks of Drayden's face it is one of his favorite parts too!