Come One Come All!

Come ONE come ALL over to the new blog I am hosting for HELP ME GROW! I am looking ESPECIALLY for moms in the Utah County area. We will be having a KiCk OfF EveNt complete with a pancake breakfast, balloons, games, and a free t-shirt! All of the

activities will be educational and a TON of fun!

Click on the Help Me Grow tab at the top of my site for more information and to register!

If you have any questions feel free to ask and if you know any mommy blogger in the Utah County area please ask them to add this link to their blog as well!

THANKS!


Fabulous Finds: Whitney and kinley's dress (Forever 21)
Brighton's dress (Justice)sales rack

Soccer Mama

Brighton tried out dance, she wanted to like it..she did. She did because all of her sisters dance. But dancing wasn't for Brighton. She loves to run, kick, and roll around in the grass. It was so refreshing to watch Brighton do what she loved. To give high fives and say the word "coach" a million times. Brighton was in heaven at her first soccer game. Ella wasn't overly interested in soccer until she heard the word "SNACK" at half time!

Before you look at this next set of photos, know that Halle was also in heaven!

It is normal to see her

JUMP

FLIP and land on her HEAD every day!

It's just that this time I actually caught it on my camera!

Not to worry, she always picks herself up with a smile and runs to do it again! I didn't even flinch when she did this because I am so used to it. Whitney was the same way at her age. This is the reason why I put her in gymnastics. They are both built the same

(short and tiny) and act like human licorice!

"Look mom, I'm invincible!"

Jon was kicking the ball back and forth with Ella and Halle during the game. It was so cute to watch the girls. They were all in heaven and I think Jon was too!

Looks like I have just become an official "Soccer Mom"!

Grandma Great

Last week I had the chance to surprise my Grandma Gourley with KFC for lunch,

her absolute favorite!

My Dad, Dave, Scott, Amy and Carter met up with me there. Carter looks a bit scared for some reason...probably because Dave was setting the camera timer and running to

take his place in the picture before it flashed. (He did look a little odd)

Whatever the cause, this picture cracks me up!

My Grandma is an amazing woman. I love her to death! She is the calm, strong, supportive type. She has always stood by my Grandpa's side. My Grandpa passed away 13 years ago and it seems like yesterday. He was one of my Hero's and I miss him terribly. I am sure my Grandma does also, but she just keeps plugging along with a limp and a positive attitude. She has had arthritis since she was in her twenties! She never complains. When we went to visit her, I had to see the bruise on her leg from falling the week before. Sure enough, it was all the way up her leg adorned with massive black and blue patches. What a trooper.

She LOVES putting together puzzles, doing genealogy, going to the movies, staying up until at least 1:00 a.m. every night, playing the wii, and visiting with family.

She and my Grandpa are the glue that holds the family together. I will be eternally grateful for the lessons of love they taught me. I am determined to pass on this legacy to my children.

There is nothing more important than family.

If I were Martha

If I were Martha, I would make these:

Nesting Baby-Bluebird Cupcakes

And these:

Lollipop-Flower Cupcakes

And lots of These:

Butterfly Cupcakes

Some Tasty These:

Bug Cupcakes

And some crawly these:

Chrysanthemum Cupcakes

Oh, and I wouldn't forget these:

Cupcake Pops

There's only ONE problem.  I'm not Martha.
 So enjoy the links to Martha's site because it would be a miracle if I actually figured out how to make *these* with my kids! 

I don't hold anything against Martha, other than the fact that she makes the rest of the civilized mothers in the world look bad.  Not to mention, she takes the credit for a huge staff of people that create.  (Kind of like Oprah teaching parenting without having any offspring of her own). I'll get over it... and so will my family.  That is, if they don't know what they re missing.  

It reminds me of one time when I took my kids out to eat on the way to our cabin.  Brighton ordered a Corn Dog.  She complained and wouldn't eat it because 

"It was golden brown and crispy".

 TRANSLATION: It was actually made how it should be with a process that

didn't involve a microwave.  

I have never wanted my kids to be set up for 

perfection you see, so I keep it real simple at home!

Epidurals and microwaves were meant to make our lives easier right?!

*Happy Easter*

Lost A Friend

I am a friend who lost a friend
I wonder if she's near.
I hear the cries of my mind
I see an ocean in red, I want it replaced with blue
I am a friend who lost a friend.


I pretend I laugh with her like in the past,
I feel her next to me.
I worry that her family feels lost
I cry at the thought of them living alone.
I am a friend who lost a friend.


I understand she is somewhere happy and safe,
I dream I'll see her someday.
I try and remember there's life after death
I know this to be true.
I am a friend who lost a friend.

There aren't many words to share other than these.

What do you say when someone you love dies?

My neighbor once was just someone that lived next door, until, she became more. Leslie had a light in her eyes and something always witty and a little off colored to say. I became close with her over the past six years in our passing in and out. Our words were usually quick because we were both going about our busy lives, but sometimes it was much more than that.

Sometimes we really talked and connected. Sometimes, turned out to be too little.

Before I left on my cruise a few weeks ago, I kept having promptings to write to her. You see, she started having pains in her legs about 5 months ago. It all happened so fast. At first the doctors didn't know what was wrong, and the next thing we knew she was being treated against the horrible battle of Cancer.

She had such a good attitude, she even teased and mocked her wig as she lost her hair. Gave it a name and everything. Always a funny story to share. Her husband and son were are just like her and because part of our neighborhood family. Until one day, I could tell things were getting too hard behind their green, closed, front door. I sent messages in with

her husband and son of love and prayer. Most of the time they couldn't even respond,

and I didn't blame them. There were trying to cope, to breathe.

I was blessed to see her one last time right before Thanksgiving. She welcomed me in, adorned with a beautiful, yet foreboding scarf on her head. We sat down as she explained the

"Great news!" of the chemo working. She said she had prepared herself to hear the worst when she went in for the test results that day. She explained how she felt so blessed to have been able to raise her children and marry the love of her life. "What else was there anyway?" She shed tears and she expressed her feelings. I cried with her. 
 Cried for her bravery and optimism.

The next thing I knew, it wasn't going so well. Time flew too fast and so had I. I am sad that I missed the chance to send one more note and hug her one more time. I know life will move on as it always does, just without one of my friends, one mom, one grandma, and one wife.

I am a friend that lost a friend.
Yet this, like any other challenge in life is a rock.  
 A rock waiting to be broken apart into stepping stones.

CRAZY?

I was tagged twice to play this little game on the same day! Once by Robin, and once by Captain. I guess more than one person is interested in diving more into my crazy personality.

I can understand why after watching the video of me being hypnotised!

The rules are simple. Answer the following questions but, write them down.

Snap a pic and post it!

1. Name/ Blog Name

2. Right handed, left handed or both

3. Favorite letters to write

4. Least favorite letters to write

5. Write: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

6. Write in caps: CRAB, HUMOR, KALEIDOSCOPE, PAJAMAS, GAZILLION

7. Favorite song lyrics

8. Tag people

9. Any special note or drawing

I tag:

Shell

Angie

Barbara Jo

Annika

Kathryn

After reading about handwriting the first thing I noticed about mine over all is that I change it up all the time. I always slant to the right and use pressure indicating energy and responding strongly to emotional situations. (Right slants are "caring, warm, outgoing - their heart rules their mind.) I slant in my cursive as well as my print.

I write with a level baseline. This indicates a healthy balance between optimism and pessimism.

I write with usually an average size, but sometimes I write bigger indicating the tendency to get side tracked and not focus on details. This *may* be one of my problems..haha.

I found it interesting that I focus my letters pretty evenly as far as interests. Upper is imagination, middle range is my day to day, and lower are physical drives. Lower loop letters ( y g p f) indicate desires in different areas. The "y" represents sex drive and money. The "g" (gregarious), socializing and sexual fantasy. The "p" (physical), a fat "p" loop points to someone who does not mind hard work. I found it interesting that my favorite letters to write use big loops at the top or bottom. I think I focus most of my time in the day to day but love it when I get to leave reality in my imagination or "physical".

I have an average spacing between words that shows "feeling comfortable contact with others."

(Those who write The "m," "n," and "r" with a round top are slower methodical thinkers. These people can retain just as much knowledge as quick thinkers, but they tend to "think things over" before making decisions. They are not as likely to "jump to conclusions," and tend to be more creative. Someone with a "quick" mind will write these letters with sharp pointed tops. These writers are quick to comprehend and retain ideas. They are usually considered "smart.") I am ALWAYS changing it up when it comes to rounded or pointed tops on letters. There is notconsistency meaning I switch how I look at things a lot. This is very true. I love looking at life from all angles.

(Fast writers can be spontaneous, impatient, ambitious, aggressive, negligent, quick thinkers, accident prone, etc. In a full evaluation of writing speed, many other traits must be examined to determine the correct meaning.) Sometimes I write slower and beautiful to be creative and enjoy how it looks, but most of the time I write fast because I am in a hurry and have a lot to do.

Overall I think this information was very on the spot. I have to laugh looking back through my written journal or letters because my writing changes all the time depending on my mood. I have always noticed this and thought there was something to it. Maybe more than I previously thought! Below are the links to the Handwriting site and another personality test that I love!

Handwriting Site

Kiersy Temperment Sorter

I took the the Kiersy test a while ago and thought it was very interesting.

PG-13

My brother sent this to me today in an email and I died laughing

before I ever watched it, because I knew exactly what it was.

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS

They are a New Zealand comedy duo composed of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clemen. Billing themselves as "Formerly New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo" The duo's comedy and music became the basis of a BBC radio series and then an American television series, which premiered in 2007,

also called Flight of the Conchords.

BEWARE: Some of you may not find it funny...

I guess it's my kind of humor, and that my friends, isn't everyones!

Enough talk, the song speaks for itself!

Not A Creature

Twas the night of our return, when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The backpacks were thrown on the floor without care,
You see, Mom and Dad hadn't been there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the "Simpson boys" danced in their heads.
And daddy in his Bermudas and I in my heels
Returned from a cruise, with too many meals.

I gazed at my home, looking forward to bed,
I sprung from my car to see what lay ahead.
Away to the house I flew like a flash,
Tore open the door and hid my cash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
was opposite to the nineties we'd enjoyed, you know.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a fat Phylis, the fish, and 6 tiny girls near.

With a little Halle, so sound asleep,

I knew in a moment, we must not make a peep.

More rapid the snores the sounds they came,

And I whispered and beckoned, and called Jon by name!

"Now Kinley! Now, Whitney! Now, Brighton and Ella!
On, Halle! On, Sydney! On Phylis and Fisha!
Sprawled out on their beds, liable to fall
Now snore away! Snore away! Snore away all!"

As they lay dreaming, of learning to fly
I leaned down to kiss them, I planned to say Hi.
I'd missed them while gone, yes it is true,
Enough to tuck them in, and hug them too.

And then, in a twinkling, I started snapping pics

The flashing and clicking, was this a trick?

I couldn't help but walk around,

and say a silent prayer, for blessings abound.

They were all dressed in P.J.'s, from his blonde to foot,
And their clothes were all tarnished with peanut butter and soot.
A bundle of Toys were strewn 'cross the floor,
Cd's, dollies, and lipstick galore!

Their eyes-how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry!

Their cheeks were like roses, and nose's like cherries.

Their hair lay on their pillow, wild, to and fro

And the love that exuded, you will never know.

I've raised them all while gritting my teeth,

Life can be filled with trial and grief.

I pray to be filled with patience and love,

sustained by powers that come from above.

Sometimes I lack faith inside myself,

But I'm renewed again, in spite of myself.

I try to listen to the words in my head

For Heavenly Father doesn't want tears to be shed.

He wants me to be happy, and to work,

on trying to love myself, cause I'm no jerk.

It's a good thing he has a sense of humor you see,

I know that because he created ME!

I promised once again to give it my all

Pray BEFORE all there is left to do, is bawl.

Sometimes I am stubborn and put up a fight,

For mothers are nurturers of all that's right!

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

Melinda and I were pampered this week.  I enjoyed the multiple times to the spa but always felt some guilt.  It is hard for me to totally relax because I feel like after they are done massaging me, it should be my turn to massage them!  


Jon made sure that Melinda and I had manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. The girl working on my neck kept asking if I had been in an accident because all of my tension is in my neck.  I think it is just 13 year old knots that have never been worked out from carrying car seats and babies!  Jon also had a couples massage with me.  His legs hurt a lot, and I think we were in heaven.  We met some really great gals there at the spa that were working hard to send money home to their families.  I loved hearing their accents and getting to know them.  There were girls there from South Africa and Jamaica that we talked to the most.  Hearing the difference in the value of money in their contries was pretty interesting.  

On the last day of the cruise it was too windy to stop at Princess Kays, their private island.  We ended up shopping for jewelry.  Melinda and I need jewelry like a hole in the head, but we still managed to justify another purchase or two.  We both matching bracelets that were a reproduction of one Jackie Kennedy wore.  It is darling and makes me smile when I look at it.  We also bought a fake diamond ring for when we are traveling and don't want our real one to get lost.  I love jewelry, especially the antique kind, but Melinda's eyes light up like she just won a million dollars every time she puts a new piece on!

I love my Melindy..We had SO much fun together and I was re-reminded why she is one of my best friends.  We laughed together and loved just relaxing together. 

She is a friend that will last forever. 

 It's nice having husbands that also like each other!  

That doesn't happen all the time, and makes it so much easier.  Jon and Spencer are a lot alike. They both work really hard and love talking business.  Spencer's dad started Sysco foods and Spencer is an investor of several things.  He is great at real estate among other things.  He buys several homes a day for investments and that keeps him pretty busy.

  That is why he moved to Arizona, for the great housing market.  

Somehow I will get them to move back!  I haven't figured out how yet.

This ring we are wearing is comical to me, but Melinda's real ring isn't too much smaller!

2012

We started off our adventure to Cozumel on separate boats that took us into the mainland. It was a Rockin' and a Rollin' to say the least! I was a bit concerned I might loose my lunch HUGE buffet breakfast! I am pretty used to how a boat feels because we go boating all the time on lakes, but rocking side to side feels a bit different. It helped looking out the side of the boat to keep my bearings. I looked like a dog perched on the passenger side of his masters car. The boat held 500 people! It was crazy and I had to laugh at all the people running out onto the decks. I thought I would be prepared (because I am a boy scout) and got the bag ready that they passed out to all the weak stomached passengers.

There was a mirrored ceiling, so I had to snap a pick. Look closely for Jon's "Where's Waldo" surprise... I didn't catch this until I was posting pictures. I guess he had enough

of my happy clicking picture finger!

LAND, AT LAST!

I can only imagine how Christopher Columbus felt sailing through all of these beautiful islands and finally landing on the white sanding beaches!

When we arrived it was a bit sprinkle-y, so Jon paid way too much for a rain jacket to keep myself and my camera dry and happy. Spencer continually laughed at Jon's too loose wallet over the duration of the trip.

It was really quite funny watching Jon's skill of a giving combined with Spencer's talent of budgeting and negotiating. It makes for a hilarious combination. Spencer would work hard to get us the best deal with the locals, speaking in Spanish and negotiating while Jon was slipping twenties when Spence wasn't looking (or pretending not to). Jon just wants to help the people out because they are working hard, but we definitely spent more on the trip!

Melinda opted for her cruise ship towel to keep her warm and dry.

Welcome to paradise!

The Myan ruins were out of this world! It was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I LOVE learning about different civilizations and cultures. If I could finish college I would consider diving into this area. The guide of our tour assured us that the Myan calender only ends on December 22, 2012 and starts over again. It isn't the end of the world. This was calming after seeing the movie 2012 and reading in depth afterward on Wikipedia on the subject...followed by several nightmares!

Yes, we are POSER DORKS with TOO much time and digital camera's on our hands!

I love this picture of Spence and Melinda! It is my favorite of the whole trip.

Spencer was teaching us about the history of the Book of Mormon and how there is speculation that these ruins are where the Nephites and Lamanites lived after traveling through the wilderness. It makes sense with all of the description in the scriptures and I loved replaying the stories in my mind as I walked around and felt of the past. I love seeing things for myself after I read about them. It brings it alive. After studying the Book of Mormon my whole life, it was very interesting and amazing to me.

The Myans were a brilliant people. They built all of their homes perfectly so you could tell time on each of the buildings. There were holes cut out in the stone so that every morning and night the sun and moon would shine through and tell the time of day, month, year and so on. It was miraculous how they figured it all out with the stars to make their calender. Honestly I can't explain how their calender works, it only makes sense to me as I read about it and heard our guide Ernie talk about it. It is very interesting and I would recommend anyone to study about it. Fascinating is all I can say.

They had a stick on top of one of their buildings right on the cliff. When the wind would blow in a circular pattern, it was signaling to them of a hurricane because it went sideways through the hole. It would blow and the people would go for cover. The whole city was surrounded by a huge rock wall, that is also talked about in the scriptures. I would love to study more about it and go back someday!

There were many homes that have never been excavated and still lay underground. There are artifacts and people buried there, but they leave it untouched. I am sure someday there will be more to visit and see. Great excuse to go back!

After we were done, we walked back and I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the most perfect blanket that was woven on a loom by the Myan people. It is bright with yellows, reds, blues, purples, and many more colors. It is a treasure that I took home with me that will always remind me of that special day.

We didn't want to be late to the bus, because I was the one that held it up at the store (smacking everyone's head with my bags as I ran back ont) but we had to stop and grab some authentic Mexican food. It was to die for!! I have had all kinds of Mexican food, but this topped it all. We picked up my necklace that we had made there on the way out. It is silver with 2 hanging charms. One spells Jon in Myan, and one spells Janae. It's our little BFF's necklace that I wear around my neck to remind me of the trip and the
 truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

I had to add some pictures of the blanket in my room for Melinda because I CAN'T believe how well it matched.  I didn't even realize it at the time, but I guess they are the colors I am drawn to...so it all fits somehow.  My home is very eclectic, like my personality I guess. 
 I love surrounding myself with colors, sounds (music), pictures, smells (candles..I'm not a great cook), sayings, and doo dads that remind me of happy things! 


Oh, and the snowflakes above my bed, my kids made those for us and taped them on the ceiling.  I love them!  I love to watch them blow in the breeze from 
our skylights and their little inscribed names.  They have been there for about
 a month and I can't bring myself to take them down!

This is the necklace that Jon bought me.  The kis in the village made them for the tourists
that wanted them...That's the story they told us anyway so we would buy it!! (haha)