Spinning

My friend told me about a spinning class in town.
So crazy me, I told some friends too.
Then they called and asked if I was going and to let them know because they would love to come with me.
Why, oh why, did I spread the word??

Well, here is why:
Because tonight the three of us met up, got out of the house, participated in some serious rear-kicking (at least mine was), chatted, chatted, chatted, and had a blast.
I am tired and sore and scared to go back - because now I know just how hard a spin class really is.
But I feel great.
Thanks, friends, for pushing me to go and be better.
I loved it!

Pink and Brown

I remember my very first pair of 'pumps' when I was a little girl.
They were slip ons, which meant no strap. And that was a very big deal to me.
They were also pale pink and had what I thought was the biggest, best heel ever. Which in reality was about 1/2 an inch.
But I loved those shoes. I felt like a princess as I pranced around in them. I didn't want to take them off all day long. I was so excited to get ready for church and thought up any excuse I could to put them on. I can recall even trying to wear them with jeans. What a silly girl, who would ever wear pumps with a pair of jeans?! (hmm, who knew it would be hugely popular again 20 years later, see I did have some fashion sense when I was 9)

Finding these fabulous brown shoes brought back the wonderful pink toed memories of my childhood.
I slipped them on my feet and for those few moments in the shoe store I felt like a princess again.
They were practically perfect in every way. Well, every way except one.
I don't have a dress to match.
Yet.

Now I am searching, searching, searching for the perfect brown dress to wear with them.
Before you think I am a crazy person for buying a pair of shoes that now must have a dress to match, let me tell you -

I DO actually have a reason: my brother's wedding.
The ladies are supposed to be wearing brown. Hmm, you try finding brown in the spring. and not just brown, but modest as well.
I dare you to look for me. Please. Size medium. Flattering fit. If you have anything that I could borrow, that would work too.
Oh, and I'd love if it could match these shoes.
I did, afterall, buy them for the wedding.

Tonight Shar & I drove up to Salt Lake to throw Chelsea a baby *boy* shower!
As I left Jeff called out "Have fun at your girls' night out"

and I did.

We talked and laughed, ate good food, played silly games, and caught up with our relatives who we seldom see but LOVE oh so much. We smiled and cooed at beautiful, sweet little Aydrien, were given great advice, and just enjoyed each other.

It was fabulous.

When I got home, exhausted, but happy, Jeff met me with a huge hug and asked how my night was. I told him all the fun, exciting details then asked how his night turned out.

He told me about how great the boys were and that they had lots of fun (doing things they don't get to do with mommy).
Then he told me how much he had to get done on his lesson, his paper, and ALL of his other homework.
But did that happen? Nope.
Because while I was out partying and having a blast, my sweet husband was stuck with our busted water heater, tracking down leaks (which required emptying our storage), seeing how far they went and figuring out how to fix it.
Not once, in his explaining of the evening, did I hear a single complaint about the injustice of my 'fun' night versus his difficult and busy one.

Thanks, babe. You are amazing. And I totally owe you one.

Fabric

After talking with Amy about fabric, and in light of my new sewing machine, I was just itching to go to the fabric store today.

But my children hate the fabric store.

I really think they know that when we walk in that store, they will be stuck. Stuck with a non-responsive mom who hmmms and uh-huhs any question they have as I walk slowly down each isle admiring every single bolt.

Today, however, they must have understood how much mommy needed a little break. Because they were perfect.

Weston oooh and ahhhed with me, he pointed out things he liked, he didn't cry when I said we couldn't get an item he found. He played with a size Q crochet hook in its package... have you seen how HUGE those things are? He waved to the people surrounding us and was downright adorable.

Tave sucked on his two fingers and just watched it all with a sweet smile on his face. He laughed when Weston played peek-a-boo with him and not a single cry was uttered.

It was practically perfect in every way.
And, of course, I left with some fabric.

Here I am...

When I walked in to get West from his nap he was crying.
"What's up buddy, how come you're so sad?"
(as a side note, he usually wakes up really happy and ready to play)
"I just want my mama."
"Well, look, here I am!"

He jumped up, ran into my arms, and gave me the biggest, clingy hug.
I loved every second of it.

Isn't it crazy how the teeny-tiniest little thing can totally make your day?

I've been thinking lately about how I can make other people's days.
What can I do to make someone smile, to make their day brighter, and to make their load lighter?
I feel like I have been the recipient of a lot of love lately.
Love from my husband, from my kiddos, from my neighbors, from my sisters & sisters-in-law, from my mom.

I think this is all love from my Heavenly Father.

Through all of these wonderful, amazing people he is telling me
"Well, look, here I am!"
And he's waiting for my hug.

Sew spoiled

I love my husband. And I loved him before this. I really did.

But this time, this time he outdid himself.

He surprised me with a beautiful, brand new electronic sewing machine!!!!!!!
I am thrilled more than I can say. I am ecstatic, jumping for joy, shouting out loud, doing a dance, happy, happy, happy!
I have been using my mom's old machine. Which is a trusty, useful old thing. But it has it's quirks...I mean it's as old as me. Which, for a sewing machine is old. (For me not so much)
But it worked, and it did it's thing and it has sewn many a fine project in its day. Especially if you only need to go in a straight line. It is great at straight lines. :)
But this, this is...well, I'm in sewing heaven. You can bet there will be some awesomeness coming out of this machine quite soon.

Thank you, Babe.
Thank you for surprising me, for catching all of my not-so-subtle hints on what I would love love love to get someday, thank you for getting it for me much sooner than I ever thought you would. Thank you for knowing me and loving me. You are wonderful. And so much more than I deserve.
Thank you for making my day every day of my life!

Sometimes...

In blogland we tend to post about the noteworthy, the positive, the fun, and the exciting, the happy, the good news, the great news, and the even greater news.

But let's face it: sometimes life isn't always like that. I thought I'd let you in on some of my little secrets.

Sometimes I don't get ready for the day.

Sometimes my house is messy. Very messy.

Sometimes my bed doesn't get made, the dishes don't get done, and the kids toys are everywhere.

Sometimes I don't feel like doing anything with my free time except reading or blogging, or just wasting time on the internet.

Sometimes I am not very nice to my husband. I always feel horrible afterwards and I know I don't deserve him. I am surrounded by people who are perfectly lovely and ooey-gooey in love and would never say an unkind thing to their spouse. Someday I will be like that.

Sometimes I am not a very good mom. I don't read stories and sing songs and play with playdoh often enough.

Sometimes the tv is on waaay more than it should be.

Sometimes I am snippier to my children than I ever thought I would be. And I regret it and am so sad and apoligize, because really, how can I let a 2 1/2 year old get me so frustrated?

Sometimes the kiddos get sick 2 weeks after finally kicking the last cruddo-sickness and I just want to pull my hair out and scream because I want to leave the house and go on play dates and have fun outside with my babies.

but sometimes it snows in March.

Sometimes my 10 month decides that he doesn't want to nurse anymore and I am absolutely heartbroken because it was our special time and I had decided to (and was very happy about it) nurse for 1 full year. But he will not nurse anymore, or take a bottle of anything, and I am just so so sad. (not to mention worried about his health)

And sometimes, all of this happens in one day.

But this blog is, afterall, supposed to be happy, too.
So I'll tell ya:
I got the laundry done and dinner made.

Which was pretty huge considering the day.

Poetry

I found a beautiful poem today that touched me.
It warmed my heart and gave me hope.
It reminded me that there is beauty in this world - and it can renew us often if we let it.
I hope you appreciate it as well.

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

- Wendell Berry

the Blooming Button

I am thrilled to be announcing that my etsy shop:

is now officially open for business.

You can click on the banner above, or on the sidebar, or check it our here:
http://www.bloomingbutton.etsy.com/

I hope you like what's in there enough to spread the word!!

Feel free to let me know your very honest opinion and to give any pointers or tips you think I may need.

Thanks so much!!

I will be adding a larger variety of items in the near future, so check back often. :)

**Don't worry that the hats aren't for sale yet!!**
I am crocheting like mad to get them done and they will be ready within the month of March!! (Yikes, only a week and half left!!)

So excited...

Well, it's finally happening!
I am opening my etsy shop tomorrow.

I have had a bunch of things ready but needed to take pictures and do some finishing touches and now
hooray, hooray
I am ready!

For now, the items posted are more for me. I love making them and think they are so fun and cute.

But don't worry, before the end of the month there will be plenty of stuff for the kiddos too! (Namely, hats)

So get excited, I know I am!!

Today's happy moments

Me: Tave is my darling little boy and Weston is my darling little boy
Weston: I not a darling little boy
Me: Oh really, what are you?
Weston: I'm a Super Man!

Kapria and Weston fought over my lap today. I will admit, it feels good to be so loved.

As I was snuggling up to me sweet Tave he leaned towards me and gave me a wet, slobbery kiss! Oh how I love when they voluntarily give kisses.

One entire hour to myself while the 3 kiddos napped. I can't believe they all actually slept close to the same time! I definitely used my time wisely and crocheted... :)

Lovely conversations with my mom and my sister in law. It always makes my day when I get to have an adult conversation and catch up on the latest. I sure love the women in my life.

A much needed walk outside with the boys, my sister, and my niece. The weather was gorgeous and we chatted it up. I love relaxing moments and I love my sister!

My wonderful hubby called to tell me his 7pm class was cancelled. So instead of doing all day, dinner, bedtime, and everything until 10pm by myself, I got to be with him. It was bliss.

The day was topped off with my cute Weston reading his bedtime story to me. He started this yesterday with Jeff and I am so lucky I got to hear it tonight! It was hilarious and fascinating to actually hear the story from a 2 year old perspective. He even turned the book around to show the pictures. I was a very captive audience!

It's interesting to me how a day can seem so full and busy and somewhat crazy, but when I take the time to recognize all of the good that happened, the rest just fades away.

I am left with the wonderful feeling of a day well spent.

To jog or not to jog?

The weather is getting nicer here.
In fact, we saw the beginnings of blossoms on the trees while out on our Sunday walk.
That was very exciting.
It got Jefff and I talking about jogging again. I love jogging outside. Especially when my husband comes with me.

Weston is getting jogging ideas as well. In the past few weeks he has asked me multiple times if we are going jogging. He happens to love our jogs: he gets to ride in style with toys and treats, the wind whipping his hair as he takes in all the sights and sounds. Who wouldn't love it?!

If my two year old is asking to go jogging, well, I gosh-darn better get going.
We'll see how Tave likes it 6 months later... and my body!!

Random

10 Random Things About ME!

*photo courtesy of Weston, my 2 year old*

I saw this tag on a friend's blog and she tagged whoever would like to do it. SO..I thought it would be fun. And enlightening. Let's see what I can come up with...

1. I am an avid reader. I love it. It is so fun to escape into another world and another life. I am horrible at balancing my time, though, when I have a good book. The ONLY thing that gets finished is the book. I ignore pretty much everything else. So I don't check out books very often.

2. I worry. I got it from my mom. Really, I imagine horrible scenarios and my mind jumps to the absolute worst conclusions. Worry worry worry, oh I hate it, but I still do it.

3. I love to sing. Growing up I always wanted to be a singer. But I've only had 3 voice lessons ever in my life and I need more than that. So maybe someday. For now, I am content to sing to my kids and in the car and all around the house.

4. My closet is organized by color. It looks so nice. And that's the extent of my organization.

5. Going along with #4..I love being organized but I don't really know how to do it. So things are in piles and put places but kind of haphazardly. I really need some organization help.

6. Okay, this one is kind of hard to admit- I really don't enjoy cooking. I love the sense of accomplishment, and the end result, but I don't like the process. I hate that all the food gets eaten up in a fraction of the time it took to prepare. But I love how much my husband appreciates the meal and I love feeling like a good mom and wife for cooking. So, I cook.

7. I love shopping. And shoes. And handbags. And the fabulous feeling you get when you put on a new outfit and actually feel cute.

8. I have a million projects started but not finished. I am trying my darndest to finish a few before I move on to the next thing. Right now I have 4 different projects started for my etsy shop, but none of them are ready to go in. But soon. Very soon.

9. I love writing. I want to write a book (or books) someday. But that is another one of my projects that I need to get going.

10. Flip flops are my preferred shoe. See previous post.

I tag anyone who took the time to read this post!!!

I don't know how many people read this blog, but I sure love those of you who do!! Thank you. :)

Barefoot

In which I explain the name of my blog.

Have you ever run around outside with bare feet? Summer time is the best- the feel of hot pavement against your skin as you race to the neighbors lawn.

Sitting in the soft, green grass and talking with your girlfriends as it tickles your toes.

Squirting the pavement with a hose and then splashing around in the warm water. Making footprints down the sidewalk until every last drop is faded away with the heat.

Sitting on the edge of the pool and dipping your feet in while reading the latest best-selling novel.

My favorite is standing at the beach as the waves come in and out. The sand slowly falls from under your feet and you sink lower and lower.

Bare feet aren't just confined to summer, either.

Nothing beats kicking off your shoes at the end of a long day and snuggling up in the lovesack with feet tucked safely under a blanket.

Feeling the cool sheets as you slide your feet into bed at night.

Sipping hot chocolate as you toast your toes by the warmth of a fire.

A much needed massage, when you're 9 months pregnant, from a loving hubby.

And my very favorite - tickling precious little baby feet and kissing each and every teeny,tiny toe.

I feel a lot through my feet.

And I always think best when they're free.

Enrichment

"As Relief Society leaders and all of us as members catch the vision and the excitement of Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting and act out of the resultant enthusiasm, we will grow in testimony and spiritual strength. We will come closer to our Savior and know how to build homes where He can dwell." -Virginia U. Jenson

Tonight we had our quarterly Relief Society Enrichment meeting.
I love getting together with other Sisters and chatting and relaxing, learning and growing together, and just having fun.
After we had cleaned up, there were a few of us in the kitchen talking and catching up with one another. I realized that enrichment is good for me because it gives me time to be a woman and a friend. Time to take a break and have a conversation without little hands tugging at my shirt or battling for my attention, and time to be rejuvinated and renewed.

I love Enrichment meetings.
If you haven't been to enrichment...I encourage you to go. Go and talk to someone you haven't seen in awhile. Go and serve. Go and grow.
You will love it!

A Happy Day

Today was a really good day.
We had music group, which is always a blast. Weston gets so excited when he knows kiddos are coming over to sing.
And then we had visitors.
Yup, visitors make our day. Especially these visitors:

Our sweet little niece Ava and my sister in law Amy.
Not only did they come and hang out for over 2 hours, but they came with a delicious treat, too! I am officially hooked to Kneaders mango smoothies. Mmmm...
I just cannot get enough of this little girl. We only have 6-7ish more weeks of time with these two (and James!) So you can bet they'll be seeing a lot of us!
We love you guys.
Thanks so much for making our day!!

What's cookin tonight.

Tonight Jeff and I got home around the same time. We took a much needed break and sat down by each other to catch up on the day. Both kiddos were *supposed* to be sleeping, so for a moment we just had each other.
I love those moments.
All too soon, though, the kiddos were both awake, dinner needed to be made and things cleaned up.

Since I had forgotten to buy the main ingredient for dinner when I was at the store yesterday , Jeff was going to go for me.
Until I suggested making grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Mmmm.... This is our default dinner: it's quick, easy and ALL 4 of us love it. Perfection.

Jeff walked into the kitchen and started getting things out and then said,
'Hey, I know it's easy, but I'll make dinner tonight.'

My first thought was: 'Yeah, it's easy so I want to make it. You can make dinner on a hard night.'

Then I realized how extremely lame that thought was. I mean, hello, my husband wanted to make dinner for me! It doesn't matter how easy it was: I didn't have to cook! A night off!
So I said thank you and ran up the stairs to take advantage of my cook-free night.

Jeff was happy, I was happy, and dinner was delicious.
Thanks babe!

Did you think to Pray?

(this photo is from 2006, i just found it recently. haven't changed much, have we?!)

As Jeff and I knelt by our bed tonight to say our prayer together Jeff asked me the date. I told him it was the 9th…which meant it was an ‘odd’ date and his turn to pray.
Are you sure?
Yup, you’re turn.
Really, it isn’t the 8th?
Nope, you’re turn.

For some reason we have this conversation all the time. I don’t know why, but we always like the other person to pray. It’s not as if I don’t like praying, in fact, I really really like it. But after hearing myself pray all day long, it’s nice to hear my husband. (am I alone in this?)

Oh. I think we forgot to pray last night, that’s why you think it’s my turn.
We forgot? Hmm…that’s not good, bummer.

But then we came to the conclusion that in 3.5 years of marriage, we can count on one hand the amount of times we have forgotten to pray together.
And that’s pretty darn good.

Thanks, babe for always helping me remember to pray. It is one of the best parts of the day.

Hair

Today was a momentous day. Well, not really. But something happened.
I found my first gray hair.
YIKES.
Honestly, I wasn't thrilled and I quickly pulled it out. Okay, not so quickly. The bugger wouldn't come out. But I got him in the end. Don't you worry.

But in honor of this blog, which is to recognize my blessings and the beauty around me, I realized that I could have had some kind of mid-life hair crisis because I had a gray hair. OR I could just be grateful that I have hair.
Because hair is a wonderful thing, and while many men look great without hair, I am not a man and I wouldn't. So I am glad I have hair. Even if there are some gray spots.
Which, by the way, is why we have dye.... another blessing. See, they are all around us if we look.

I-scream, you-scream

I decided to be honest on this blog.
Because I hope that one day my kiddos will read it and get to know their mom a little bit better.

Since Ice Cream happens to be a major part of my life, I figured it deserved it's own post.
Pathetic, I know.
I love ice cream. I heart ice cream. It is my weakness. The one dessert that I cannot pass by. Hence, the sole reason why I am still a few pounds away from pre-baby weight. (In my defense, I am only 4 lbs away from that goal, but still, those 4 lbs belong to ice cream)

When I was a kid I could pass up ice cream. Or maybe it was just that we didn't have it in the house that much, so I didn't think about it.
But I am an adult now. And the mom. And the grocery shopper. So that means I can buy ice cream whenever I want.
Add to this obsession the fact that my husband loves ice cream almost as much as I do and that's it: my hips never stood a chance.
Jeff doesn't even know that up there on my top 10 list for my husband-to-be was:
He must love ice cream.
Okay, okay, that was a lie. But it sure is a bonus that he does. :)

Here is why I love ice cream:
it is rich. it is creamy.
it tastes good.
it's cold-- which makes the partaker of ice cream snuggle up with a loved one while eating.
All of these things make it just about the most perfect dessert.

Since you all are dying to know
my favorite ice cream flavors are:
Moose tracks
Cookies n Cream
Mint n Chip
and
Plain Chocolate with caramel mixed in. You have to make this yourself. Dreyers used to-- but we cannot find it anywhere. So we make it now. Often.

And this is my ode to ice cream.
If you are hungry for some now, and don't have any, you can come to my house.
Our freezer is always well stocked.

Something funny ~ just for you

Weston says the funniest things.
Seriously, he makes me laugh every day. I don't know what I would do without this kid.

Me: washing dishes while Weston finished eating dinner
Weston: Mommy, let's swing by Target, okay.
Me: You want to swing by Target?
Weston: yeah, let's swing by Target.
Me: (a little baffled because we haven't talked about Target at all today. Much less swinging by.)
Umm...how about another day, okay buddy.
Weston: sure.

And another one of my favorite Westonisms that just makes me smile:
JUST FOR YOU
Yup, that's it. Everything lately is 'just for you.'

'Here mom, this paper is just for you.'
'I made this just for you.'
'I found this leaf, just for you.'
'This toy is just for you.'

It goes on and on and on like this all day. Isn't it so sweet.
No wonder I have such special days with my guys!

It's about Time

I've been working on our 2006 family year book. (Just a few years behind!) The project, however, has gotten me pretty nostalgic. As I have poured over pictures, the memories have come flooding back. My little baby is not a little baby anymore, and I now have a new baby who is growing even faster than the first. It has all got me wondering: where does the time go?
And more importantly, what did I do with that time?

I would like to think I am not alone in my struggle with motherhood:

On the one hand, I absolutely adore my children. They truly are my most valuable treasures. I love being a mom and feel so blessed to be able to be home with these boys every single day. The walks, the art projects, cookie making, coloring, story time, music time, and plethera of activities that fill our days brings joy to them and to me.
On the other hand, how long does it really take to mix up a batch of cookies, color a picture, sing a song, read a story, do an art project, and take a walk. If you could tag along with West & I one day you would see that these things would be completed with half the morning to spare. That leaves the other half of the morning and the rest of the afternoon to fill until dad gets home, if he gets to come home that day. Sometimes all that time is daunting.
And then there are days that just fly by. There is laundry and cooking, cleaning, and projecting, and a million other demands on my time.

So time really is a funny concept for a mom. I want time for myself, time to be a wife, time to be a woman and a friend, time to create, time to express myself, time to be a mom, to play, be silly, laugh, run, walk, and be with my kiddos. I want time to sit still so I can enjoy these ages and stages. Yet I want the day to go quickly so I can see Jeff.
Isn't it a funny thing: all this time.

It's taken me awhile to learn this, but I am realizing that
there is a time for everything.
In the grand scheme of life, raising my children is a brief moment. And these beautiful years with them at home, before school, homework, games, practice and life takes over, will go quickly.
So for now, my time is theirs.

I just need to remind myself every so often.
A quote that I am loving right now:

You will always be your child's favorite toy.
~Vicki Lansky