Today's Happy Moments

We have coughs and colds again.
So we had some tired/cranky/not so happy moments.
But we definitely had some fabulous ones too:

The boys and I returned some items to the store. I LOVE when I realize I don't need something. It's such a great feeling to make that choice. Now I have to start doing it before I take the item home!

While we were out and about we found a Christmas present. The Christmas present for a little niece. Oh I can't wait to see her scream with excitement when she opens it. It's that good. Check. Another one off the list. I absolutely LOVE Christmas shopping!!

Weston lost his Spiderman a few months ago. A really cool, not so cheap Spiderman. We (meaning I) have searched high and low and it is not to be found. He has been pretty good about it and has been saying for the past month that he will ask Santa for it again. So today, while out and about, I found a great deal on an awesome Spiderman. Hmm....Weston was with me. I tried to hide it, but anyone who has ever shopped with a 3 year old knows that they see all... and I mean ALL!!!
But I couldn't pass up on this deal. It was TJMaxx...which, when you find one you aren't finding it again. So I had to get it. And despite me hiding it under the niece's gift, he did indeed see. And he got excited and thrilled and kept saying how he wanted to save it for Christmas.
So he knows and i hate that. But I love that he's excited and okay with saving it and that I got a great deal.

Jeff's class was cancelled. Always a happy moment when that happens. Daddy was home early. LOVE that.

At the end of the day we danced.
We each picked up a kiddo and twirled and swayed and waltzed ourselves into a fantastic family moment.
I wish we had the camera out to capture Tave's delighted squeals and Weston's belly laugh.
It was the highlight of my day.

After our dancing, as we were tucking each sweet little boy into their beds we heard a knock on the door.
Our home teacher brought us cupcakes. Of the Cupcake Chic variety.
Mmmm...my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
A few minutes later another knock on the door came from a wonderful friend dropping off some tasty halloween treats.
Wow. We are spoiled.
You can bet we'll be spreading some love around soon...it's definitely our turn to give!

SYTYCD

We've been watching auditions but, for me, the real show begins now!

I love when they have it narrowed down to the top 20 and we get to really see the dancers learn and grow and perform!

Tonights show got me so excited for the Season 5 Tour...we are going in a week and half and I can't wait!!!!

Snow

It snowed today.

The boys stared out the window and watched as the flakes got bigger and bigger.
Seeing their wonder and awe turned a gray, snowy, freezing cold day into something magical.
I love how my children help remind me of my childhood.
Of the beauty in small and simple things.
Of the joy in eating snowflakes and stomping on leaves.

It was a beautiful day.

Just because

I received a special little something in the mail today.
It was a 'just because' gift that made me smile and made my day.
Living far away from people you love can be hard.
It can be hard to see all the things they do together that you wish you were there for.
And sometimes- a little something in the mail can make all the difference.
Thank you. It means so much.

Dirty dishes

Our dishwasher is broken.
I have really really enjoyed having one.
But tonight as I stood at the sink- washing, rinsing, and loading the dishes onto the drying racks (the broken dishwasher)- I couldn't help but smile.
I remembered the countless days of washing dishes with my siblings.
Even if we had started the chore fighting, by the end of it we were singing and laughing.
We would rotate partners each week.
I remember Shawn belting out songs at the top of his lungs. Chatting with Chelsea and how she was always the 'rinser'. And Shar and I choosing sheet music ahead of time so we could sing together.
A lot of good memories come from doing the dishes.

And tonight was no exception.

I was able to watch Jeff and the boys chase each other, play, wrestle, and laugh. There is something so special about seeing a dad with his boys. I love those few moments when I take a backseat to the goings-on in our home. When I get to observe and appreciate the amazing people that live here with me.

That is worth all the dirty dishes in the world.

Sing & Dance

I will never, ever get tired of hearing my boys singing.
They both love music and love to dance.
I am so glad because it is something I have to do every single day.
We're going to start having a regular time for dance parties.
That way I remember to do them and it gets us all in a good mood for the evening!
So lets hear it...what are some of your favorite songs to dance to? I need some suggestions!

Missing

My cute cousin called me today. She had good news she wanted to tell me. And then of course, we just had to chat away. I love that girl. Very much.

I hung up with her feeling a bit sad that I live so far from many of the people I love. Sad that my kiddos won't really know some of the people who mean the most to me.

But I am ever so grateful that these wonderful people are a part of my life. That they have helped me become the person that I am.

And no matter how far away we are, I can still call them up and pick up right where we left off.

Just missing you.

Sleep Tight

Tave hasn't made a peep since we laid him down.
I hope my sweet boy sleeps through the night because
last night was tough. On all of us.
Sleep tight, my little man, sleep tight.

I caved

The past month or so Tave has had a horrible time sleeping.
He wakes up screaming at night. Screaming so loud you think he's hurt or terrified or something awful is happening.
He's always been a really really loud crier..so we don't know if this is just him being mad or if he really is scared.
But since he's been teething and sick for so long, we've been going in and soothing him, singing a song, giving him a drink and then putting him back to bed.
This little routine lasts about 1 minute, maybe 2...but it happens about 4 times a night. Which is really hard to go back to when both kiddos have been sleeping through the night for months.
I like my sleep.

So tonight was the night. We decided we were just going to have to let him cry it out.
It has worked with West and even with Tave. We usually have to do it after they are sick and have gotten used to us being there a LOT.
I just absolutely 100% H.A.T.E. doing it. It takes about 2, maybe 3 nights and they are back on schedule, but it is the hardest 3 nights of my life.

But I couldn't do it. I was strong through the crying. Strong through the screaming. I was even mostly strong through him yelling 'momomomomom'. I had to go in at that.
And truly, honestly, I was just going in to lay him back down, not to pick him up and snuggle him and sing to him.

But those little arms reached through the crib to grab me and climb out. His sweet voice kept saying 'up, up, up, mom' and his sobs broke my heart.
So I picked him up, held him close, and he stopped crying in an instant.
His fingers found my face, and he touched my lips as I sang. He snuggled into my arms with his two fingers in his mouth and sighed as he said 'blanket'. (which is always the last thing he says as we leave his room)
And I felt my heart melting as I calmed my little boy.

I am sure I will cave again before the night is through.

Our fun Friday...

Jeff had the day off.
Those days are always a bit of Heaven in our home.
(especially since we were all healthy enough to enjoy it!)

We had so much fun looking at fish, touching stingrays, and smiling at sharks!
It was fabulous.

I love my kids and I love my hubby.

Some Sun

It was a beautiful, sun-shiny day.
We went to the park and took our jackets off!
We ran and played, swung, and climbed.
We fed the ducks, talked with friends,
and walked.
I felt the tender mercies of a Heavenly Father who knew that after all of this rain and sickness and being inside, we just needed some sun.
It came from the sky and from our friends.
What a wonderful day.

Conversation

Jeff and I were hanging out tonight just working on all of the stuff we both have to get done. Crocheting, invoices, necklaces, business cards, homework, studying, etc, etc. (notice cleaning isn't on this list...my house is horrid right now!)

We had been talking back and forth every so often, just casual chit chat.

I realized Jeff had said something and my brain hadn't really processed it so here's the result:

N: What did you say, Babe?

J: (about a minute or two later) hmmm...what, what did I say when?

N: You know, just now, I think I said something back to you but I dont' know what you said. (as I'm still working on stuff)

J: Well, what did you say to make me say what I said? (continuing to read his lesson)

N: I dont' know, what did you say?

J: I think you said something, what was that? Then I might remember what I said.

N: Well, I don't know what I said or what you said. I think this is pointless.

J: Laughs.

So there you go. Our thought provoking conversation of the night.

We both realized we are waaay too tired. But we sure got a good laugh out of it. :)

Pretty cool...

I had kind of put my little etsy shop on the back burner.
Life was busy. I had already put a lot of time into it and just hadn't taken the time (and money) to promote, advertise, and build.
I was okay with that. It was my little hobby. My creative outlet.

Then I decided I really really wanted to try doing a boutique. I have grown up going to craft boutiques with my mom. I LOVE going and have always wished I could be on the other side- the making side. They just look like so much fun. Plus it's fall- the perfect time to showcase my hats, and Christmas is coming. Add to that that I get to share a booth with one of my favorite friends, Trista of Cupcake Chic and it was just too perfect to pass up!!

Fast-forward a few weeks. I'm crocheting like crazy, have put tons of money into something I am hoping will sell and am having a blast. But busy busy busy. Every single spare minute I am crocheting.
Then my friend, Stephanie mentions that the store where she works (Pebbles in my Pocket) has a little shop where select items are sold and they are looking for someone to sell jewelry, would I be interested.
Of course! I love my button necklaces. They are cute, unique, and most of all- fun for me to create.
So I send in pics of my necklaces and guess what? The lady loved them. She wants them in all 3 of their stores. 3?! Whoa. How cool. How fun. How crazy can I be?! Now I have to get THREE displays ready!!!
Busy just got busier.
But guess what, I am still having fun and so excited to see where this may take my little etsy shop.
So, deep breath. Here I go.

Looking on the bright side...

We've been sick at our house.
Yup, the dreaded swine flu hit us hard.
I am the lucky one who never actually had a fever/cough, (two of the tell-tale signs you have H1N1 virus) just the rest of the yuckiness.
We're still coughing and head-aching and basically trying to get completely better.
But this weekend turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We have been so caught up and crazy with life, school, work, and so many other things that we haven't had a chance to slow down and catch our breath.
(Hmmm..probably why we got sick in the first place!)
Since Thursday we couldn't go anywhere, couldn't see anyone, and absolutely had to slow down, get better, hang out as a family, and throw some fun in there when we had the energy. In this case, fun was a walk to the mailbox or playing a game with the boys.
It turned out to be pretty good.
And while we're still on the mend, our little forced break was a bit of fresh air.
Isn't it awesome how He knows what we need.

Love

This is it.

No really, it is.
This picture makes me laugh and shows me that my husband loves me.
It reminds me that no matter what I look like,
how unsatisfied I may be with my post-babies body,
he thinks I am attractive, sexy, and still squeezes my tush.
That, to me, is love.
And I love him all the more for it!

Content

–adjective
1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
TG: filled with peace

I have a quite a few blogs that I read of people I don't know. They all have something to do with parenting, being creative with your kiddos, etc. Every time I go to take one off my reader I just can't do it. Because even though I skim most of the posts, every so often one pops up that has a must-do art project with West, or a great idea of a place to visit with the kids, or something perfect that was meant just for me that day.

Like today.

The Artful Parent has some awesome ideas on fun art projects with kids. Because of her, an art studio in my future house is a must. It can even be a little closet, but it will be somewhere the kiddos can go to paint, get messy, spill, smear, and have fun.

So today she talked about being thankful for the stage of life you are in. She just had a darling little girl* and is having to put creativity, sewing, cleaning, and such on the back burner while she savors these precious newborn moments.

I was reminded of my own sweet boys at that age. Of how precious each stage really is and how quickly it passes. How Weston & Tave's desire for me to be their playmate/action hero/puzzle doer/art projecter/musical mommy and basically the center of their days will someday come to an end. And I will be left with more time than I want, to do all of those things that seem so important right now.
But truly, those things pale in comparison.

I was reminded of one of my favorite scriptures- Phillipians 4:11: ...I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I know there are days I want to do me things. Days I'm tired of the cars everywhere, the messes, the piles of laundry, the bathroom that never gets cleaned.
But there will be time for cleaning later.
Right now I get to be one of the stars of the show.
And I am content.


*named Daphne, oh isn't it the cutest name ever?! I would use it but I am praying that my friend's get their next little girl someday and she's had dibs on that name waaaay before me. ;)

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?

Dear Stephanie,

Tonight I curled up on the couch with my crocheting in one hand and a tissue in the other. My sweet husband sat beside me as I excitedly pulled up the recording of today's Oprah. After hearing me talk about you for the past year, my husband thought it would be worth it to watch.
The minute you walked onto the stage I gasped- not for the reason you would think, but because you looked gorgeous and stunning. You were calm, confident, and had a peace that comes from facing your trial with determination and acceptance. You hadn't even started talking and I was already crying.

I know I am one of thousands of women who are inspired by you. By your example as a woman, wife, and mother. These are not simply roles you fulfill, they are the roles that define you. It is a privelidge and honor to be these. How often I take that for granted.
I had not read your blog prior to your accident. But I have loved it since. Your simple way of describing your life, your love, and you is beautiful.
Over the past year, as I have read your story and followed your family, you have made a difference not just in my life, but my family's. You have inspired me to change. To make the everyday moments magical. Maybe one day when I have the courage to print this and send it to you, and after the thousands of other letters you have read, you will come to this. And you will know that there is another little family out there who thanks you. For showing their mom that that is the best thing for her to be.

I thank you.


Stephanie on Oprah.
NieNieDialogues

Early Continued...

Don't you love when you spend $100 on new glasses and when you're whining to your mom about it she reminds you that she told you to go to a glasses repair shop becuase they were very inexpensive but at the time you just wanted your glasses now and just weren't thinking right?
Yeah, me too.

Don't you love when your dishwasher breaks so you have to hand wash all your dishes? Which might not have been a big deal when it was just you and your hubby, but now that 2 kiddos are in the mix it's a lot more dishes?
Yeah, me too.

Don't you love when you run all of your errands thinking you looked somewhat presentable only to get home and find snot smeared all over your black shirt?
Yeah, me too.

Don't you love when your 1 year (1 year old, this is not supposed to happen until he's 2!) throws a major major tantrum and you try everything you can think of to help him be happy and he still screams. (But wait, it gets better)
Then when you're out shopping with the still screaming child, you finally finally calm him down only to have the store clerk say to this child "Oh are you having a bad day" which starts another hour of screaming all over again.
Yup, me too.


Don't you love when your hubby walks in the door with a big smile on his face, ready and willing with a hug and a kiss to make everything better?
And then your little boy snuggles up close, squeezes your cheeks to give you a kiss and says 'I love you.'
And your little tantrum thrower wraps his arms around your neck, lays his head on your shoulder and just cuddles into you for a long long time.
Me too.

Early

Jeff's class was cancelled tonight.
That means instead of getting home at 730 he arrived home at 430.

This of all days when I have had
2 sick little kiddos
waaaay less than normal nap time by these little kiddos
a 1 1/2 hour tantrum from one of them(it was so sad, and so hard on both of us)
And 1 very tired momma.
It was an answer to prayer.
I love how wonderful of a daddy my husband is.

Conference

"What we love determines what we seek

what we seek determines what we think and do

what we think & do determines who we are."

~President Uchtdorf

I love Conference weekend.
I love being taught and uplifted and edified.

I love knowing that when I act on the impressions I received I can become better.

And I am.

Really?

As I was leaving a store today, my arms full of bags and two busy kiddos, a man held the door open for me.

(which deserves a huge huge Thank You ...that doesn't happen often)

I said "thank you" and then he smiled and told me I looked like Jennifer Garner.

Well, that's a compliment I'd gladly take any day!

A double Thank You, sir, for making my day!!

To market to market

I'm so excited to be a vendor at the Bijou Market in November!!
I've already started crocheting like mad to get a wide variety of inventory there and I can't wait!!
My first boutique. We'll see how it goes...

Here's the latest, what do you think?