Pink Moss

The Blog Snob

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed, that I don't have any advertising on my blog? There is a reason for that. I don't mind looking at advertising when I visit other blogs, in fact, quite often I enjoy them. It's a fun way to hop around and check out other fun sites, or products.

However.

I find that most people want advertising space on blogs for free, or next to rock bottom prices. They want to spend what they would for parking at a public lot. As if, they can pull in for a few hours - park their car, or ad, and pay $10.00

Maybe it's the business side of me, and I over estimate myself as a "mommy blogger", but ten bucks isn't worth turning my site into an advertising agency. I am contacted several times a week, by people wanting to "pay" me for plopping their business here on Pink Moss, or do "a free guest post". As you see, I haven't taken their offer. I spend hours a week putting together posts. I have blogged for three years consistently, building a friendship online - and a trust with you, that random businesses don't have.

To me, that is worth something.

Am I wasting my time, trying to stand up for all the mommy blogger's in blogosphere? ~~Maybe~~ probably, but mommy bloggers are worth more than that. Most settle for a tiny fee, just wanting to bring in any money....and I understand why. They figure, if I'm going to spend so much time, I may as well get SOMETHING out of it, and I don't blame them. I just know what our business pays for a billboard on the freeway, or a tiny add in a random magazine *lots* and I guarantee there are loads of mommy bloggers out there that have a bigger audience than some of the magazines we pay to put our business add in.

Someday, I may have advertisers on my blog - but they will understand the relationship that you and I have built. I will have to like their product, and what they have to say, before I share it with you. And, they will pay me more than the cost of a sandwich and a diet coke, to be here. After all, we as mother's are the ones that control 85% of consumer dollars. Online businesses are just starting to figure this out. What can I say? Women ROCK, (and like to spend money :)

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What do you think is a fair price to put an add on a blog?

Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:15:00 +0000

I love it when I find things like this....

On My Run

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:24:00 +0000

This time of the year ZOOOOMS by.

May came and went, before I ever realized what happened. I went to Connecticut the first week, and took the next week to catch up. I have been taking 2 photography classes *in my spare time..* usually, at about 11:00 pm- 12:30 or so. Just to keep me focused, I have been training for my first half marathon. I ran my first 13 miles last Saturday, and it took me several days to walk right again. Good news though, I was able to run again today. I was a little worried I hurt my knees and wouldn't be able to run the race. Running the kids here and there, for their end of the year parties. Oh, I also spent about 12 hours with Vicki Winterton, a professional organizer, that whipped Pink Moss right into shape!

Here are the top things that stood out to me, as she worked by my side.

She basically diagnosed me with being "Extremely visual, and right brained." Now, I guess we could take that in a few ways. I choose to believe that she was complementing my creative side, and not so scared of my cupboards, she wanted to run away. I think she was thoroughly amused when she asked me to organize my spices, and I put them together according to their lid color, and height - instead of by what the spice actually was.

Or possibly, she came up with that diagnosis when I spent 30 minutes staring at my glass front cupboard, because she was encouraging me to move my pretty, green, depression glass that I have been collecting for a few years, into another place that I just couldn't stare at all the time. I guess I get her theory, that we want to be able to actually use the white dishes inside, and not break things when we pull them out. But really, is it more important to stare at lovely dishes or use them? I say stare...I found the same trend over and over again, as she mentioned how many pots and pans I had, but I never cook...at least it looks as if I cook. The only thing that gets real usage in my kitchen is the crock pot, juicer, a pan, microwave, and the cookie sheet. Add the BBQ from outside, and that is all I ever need. A sandwich doesn't use all that fancy stuff anyway, that's why I love them.

Viki and I are tight friends now. She is functional, I am visual - but we were like two peas in a pod. She was very sweet, and told me that she never had tea parties with her kids on depression glass, to try to make me feel better for storing some of every object, in every room in my house. You see, I try. I organize all the time, but it took someone sitting down with me and plotting out my house, and where we use things the most...and then moving everything to that spot - with a tote and label, of course! You should see my house now, it looks like the organization isle from Target.

Thank you Viki. Seriously, she is amazing. My paperwork, bills, kids homework, laundry room, and kitchen, are impeccable now.

So today on my run, I was a bit distracted. I believe it is because I could hardly move, after the 13 miles I ran on Saturday. So, I did what any other "right brained, extremely visual" runner would do.

I stopped, and took pictures.

and when I finally got home, Handsome and I decided that we needed to clean off the back deck,

so we could start eating outside again for the summer.

We swept, and he watered the weeds.

Today is Brighton's soccer tryouts!

(while the rest of us eat slushies and watch)

Wish her luck!

{really - truly - she is pretty talented. I think she will do well}

Have a beautiful summer day!

Mr. Shy

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:18:00 +0000

Seriously?

What a Nut.

This kid is spending his days lately, running around the house - burping, tripping, laughing, and driving his cars. He is a happy little dude, with less and less temper tantrums.

I couldn't be more proud.

He can (almost) count to 10 without any problems

He remembers most of his colors

He is strong, and very ticklish

He loves to help out, whenever possible

AND

He NEVER stops asking questions

Although, I'm a little worried about him being painfully shy.

*Whitney took these pictures, and I edited them for fun*

It still is SO crazy to me when I look back at THIS post about Handsome, before we ever knew he existed. Kids know more than we give them credit! This would have taken place about six months before he came to live with us.

Just A Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:16:00 +0000

I have decided, I will never speak the words "just a mom" again. Mothers are powerful, beautiful, self sacrificing, and one of the biggest catalyst of good in the world. A paycheck, or fancy title, does not accompany motherhood, but everything that means anything, is nourished by it.

Why is it that I hear myself, and many other mothers excuse their title away, like a bad habit?

Why do we feel the need to explain ourselves, like somehow others presume us to be lazy or settling for something other than the ideal? How must my daughters feel when they hear me do this?

The funny thing is, that I wouldn't rather be doing anything else in the world.

I chose to change lots of diapers, underwear, and sheets.

I knew that it wasn't a life of prestige or glamor.

I chose it anyway, so why not sound like I am proud of this decision?

I am proud of all the late nights I have spent rocking babies in my worn out pink lazy boy recliner.

I never want to forget the first time my girls danced to any beat they heard.

I always love watching the first time my kids really discover themselves in the mirror. I cherish all the naps, with my babies curled up next to me, as I watch their tiny chest rise and fall as they make sucking movements with their little lips. First steps and engrained in my mind, and their little voices tickle my memory.

I wouldn't trade being a mom, for the world.

Castles and Dragons

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:42:00 +0000

This was the play my kids put on last week, at their school.

A Grand

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Today was a grand day.

This post actually marks post ONE THOUSAND! Can you believe that? I can't. I checked, and rechecked that number when it popped up on blogger tonight. My blog has been part of my journey. Writing has developed my thoughts on a lot of things. Who I am, what I believe, and also a lot of mindless chatter comes into play. I am so happy whenever someone tells me they love reading it, because I love writing it.

Another reason today was a grand day was, well....... let's back up a bit.

I woke up at 7:00 a.m., got dressed and went to make eggs for the kids breakfast. It is S.A.T. testing, so mother's like me, make eggs - pretending they always feed their children healthy balanced meals. I am sure my kids were so excited, they pull A's on their tests, just to prove they deserve groceries. Oh..how I hate grocery shopping, and food. I would be overly happy with sandwiches and bbq dinners.

Anyway, I made breakfast, dressed the kids, got them to school, and rushed home to exercise. I put my cute new running outfit on that I bought yesterday with my brothers, Dave and Scott at the Nike outlet. It's a lime green tank top, and purple running skirt, and green shoes YES, very cute :) Halle and Handsome followed me down to the exercise room, ready to watch me run on the treadmill. I always try to distract them with a movie, so I can run in peace, but it didn't work this time. As I ran, I watched them play and shouted out a random "be careful! Don't get hurt". After about 20 minutes, Handsome fell back and bumped his head. Blood started squirting out the back of his hair as I ran over and scooped him up. The cut was tiny, but I guess very well placed on a blood vessel or something. It covered my lime green top, and he was all bloody. This may have scared me, if I hadn't seen this happen before, but it once happened to Kinley at the park when she was two. She fell at the bottom of the slide, and it was a tiny cut - but the blood made it look like a lot more than that.

I rushed upstairs, cleaned him all up, and had Halle hold the ice on his head because she was completely freaked out, and it made her feel better. I ran upstairs and started getting ready for my first board meeting. I love getting into the shower after I exercise really hard *just a side note* I started drying my hair, and noticed that Handsome was trying to wipe in the bathroom next to me. That kid is not good at wiping. So, I had no choice but to help....I hope someday to stop wiping butts.

ok ok, I'm rambling...I'll move on. I'm tired. Long story short, I finally was ready to leave. United Way, asked me to sit on their board of directors this week! I couldn't be more excited and honored to serve with these people. Let me just paint this picture for you though....

Nu Skin building. 9th floor board room. Windows all around the room, overlooking provo. A beautiful catered lunch. The mayor of Orem city in one chair, the heads of United Way, one of the head representatives of BYU, UVU, UCCU, Zions Bank, School districts, Business leaders,
*about 15 of them*

and me

Yes, you can laugh. I was laughing the whole time, silently of course. Do these people know who I am? Do these people know who I am not? I didn't feel as if I fit in with these distinguished people around the table, and yet at the same time I did. I might not have the credentials, or title, but where I lack - I make up for in heart. I can't wait to help out in whatever capacity I can. There were several people that were so kind in welcoming me to their board.

I think I must of looked real serious and smart, but all that was really going through my head was,
"Please Heavenly Father, Please don't let me spill this drink on this beautiful, wood, huge, boardroom table in front of these nice people. I promise to do anything for you, even not shop at Mc Donald's on Sundays".

The meeting was very interesting. United Way is an unbelievable organization. They do such great work in our community. They are really about plugging people in to service, either to help or get help. I couldn't help but think as I sat there, that I know I was supposed to be there today. I was only planning on living in Orem for two years, when I moved here when I was 17, and now it's been 19 years....but there is a reason. I need to bloom where I am planted, and it seems that for now, my roots are here.

What came out of the meeting you ask? I have a greater determination to do good. United Way needs donations from businesses. They economy has hit them hard, just like any business. If you can give in any way, let me know. I am planning on doing a summer work party that plugs people into services that Help me Grow and United Way offer. A lot of people believe that if they serve in their church, they don't have to help in their communities, but I believe it takes a village to raise a children, and the children are our future. Only serving in church, just doesn't make sense to me. We are all affected by the health of our society as a whole, not just people we see at church on Sunday.

Before I left, I was asked to sit on the "Women in Philanthropy" board, (starting today) and also asked to lunch by Cynthia Gambill. She wants us to meet Josh Romney, Mitt Romney's son tomorrow. That should be fun, and interesting discussion. I have a few questions for him. I believe Mit is a great guy, I heard his wife speak - and I saw my Jon, in Mitt, when she spoke of him supporting her through sickness. There are a few things I would ask of him, if his dad were president. I'll let you know how it goes!

So, you see....and grand day, in a thousand ways.
Thanks for making it to the 1000th post!

It Takes a Village

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:07:00 +0000

It Takes a Village

It was once said that “it takes a village to raise a child.” I found out how true this statement was after I gave birth to my daughter, Lily, on August 4, 2005. I learned that I would need that village, and a bit more, to survive what lay ahead of me.  

A few months after my daughter was born, I began to feel very tired. I knew that having my first child and working full-time would be exhausting, but the tiredness I felt was beyond that. I couldn’t breathe. My energy was depleted. I knew something else had to be going on.

Soon after going to the doctor, on November 21, 2005, the culprit of my malaise was found. The doctor diagnosed me with malignant pleural mesothelioma—a cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure. Apparently I had been exposed to asbestos as a child and, 30 years later, it had manifested as mesothelioma cancer.

The prognosis was grim. If I did nothing, my doctor said I would have 15 months to live. While the news of my cancer diagnosis was devastating, I worried about my daughter and her future. I did not want to her to grow up without a mother. I did not want my husband to have to be a single parent. Looking at them, I knew I had to do whatever was necessary to save my life.  

Because mesothelioma is difficult cancer to treat, it was necessary to take drastic measures. I found the best mesothelioma doctor in the country, located in Boston, many miles away from my home. The treatment I received, called extrapleural pneumenectomy, required the removal of my left lung and all of the surrounding tissue, along with 18 days of hospitalization and two months of additional recovery. After recovering, I needed many months of chemotherapy, radiation, and additional monitoring. This long process, along with being a first-time mother, was difficult to manage. Little did I know that I would have a village to support me.  

Prior to receiving treatment, my husband and I decided to leave Lily in the care of my mother. While this was a difficult decision, Lily was showered with love and affection she could not have experienced otherwise. While my parents transitioned from being grandparents to raising Lily, the love and support they received from people in my hometown in South Dakota was incredible. Girls that I babysat as a teenager, who have since grown up into young women with their own families, volunteered to babysit Lily when my parents needed to run errands. People from the church I grew up in lent their help as well. The village was, quite literally, raising my child.  

Meanwhile, in Boston, I was developing a village of my own. I met and developed friendships with people going through the same thing I did. My nurses did their best to support me. This is how my husband and I managed day to day: through the support of others.  

I witnessed my little girl’s major events through pictures. As the nurses went “ooh” and “ahh” over my daughter, I tried not to cry. My daughter was, after all, the reason I was fighting for my life. I had to trust that she was in the best hands possible. And, really, she was. The village raised my child as I fought through my illness and, perhaps, the village was the best situation for her at that time.  

Life is, indeed, funny sometimes. Things happen for reasons unknown. My diagnosis taught me a lot of lessons and, for that, I am thankful.

If you want to read more about Heather Von St James, you can visit her HERE.

Thanks Heather, for sharing your beautiful story!

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If you have an inspirational story that you would love to share, send it my way. I will look it over to see if it is a good fit for my blog, and share it! I ask for a return link from your blog, so we can all share the love, and find more great uplifting things to read.

(Heaven knows there is enough crap out there!)

Thanks Ronald

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:06:00 +0000

"Jump In Kids! We are Late!

Each child found their way the car, some running and others barely awake. Church was over, and it was time to visit Na Na's house for Mother's Day. All I wanted for Mother's Day, was a nap, and I was extremely happy the littles obliged.

Handsome hit the car door with his little body, as he tried to run around it. ~~Sometimes~~ Often, that happens when his mind and excitement are moving faster than his little legs can carry him. He bounced off, unaffected, and rounded the corner on his second attempt. Halle Bug, was seconds behind him, with her unruly hair, and attitude. Soon the car was filled, and we were off, like a backpack after a long day of school.

"Where are we going mom?" Handsome asked, with a head full of curiosity and crackers.
"We are going to Na Na's for Mother's Day!"
"Ooooohhhh good! Will Jackson be there?"
"Yes Jordan."
"Ooooohhhh will Maddy be there?"
"Yes Jordan."
"Oooohhhh will Carter be there?"
"Yes Jordan."
"Oooohhhh and B.J.? Will B.J. be there?"
"His name is D.J., short for David James - not B.J."
"B.J.?"
"D.J."
"Beeeee Jayyy?" Handsome said it slower, to try and get the right sound out of his mouth.
"No honey, Deeeeeee J."
"Ohhhhh Deeeee J. Ok, well, will B.J. be there?"
......
"Yes, Jordan, D.J. will be there."
"Okay! Yea!!!!"

Little man asks me more questions than I know what to do with. Jon was the same way, I am told, in his youth. One of the neighbors actually came over to visit Jon's parents to politely ask them to "keep Jon at the house, because he was asking so many questions", he couldn't get any yard work done. In my {mothering of many} opinion, I believe that the second you ask a child to stop asking questions - you are asking them to stop thinking. Plain and simple, they are just doing it out loud.

So, I let him ask - but sometimes it drives everyone crazy that lives within the walls of Pink Moss.

"MOM, can we listen to music?" Halle Bug yelled from the back of my very long white suburban, with a "SHMONAE" on the license plate.
"Yes."
"Noooooooooooooooo Handsome screamed, I WANT A MOVIE! I WANT ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS!" he wailed from his car seat.
"No Buddy, you have watched the chipmunks sing 'kum ba yah' my lord, one too many times this week. It was funny at first, but now I want to reach inside that movie and grab Theodore by the..."
"MOM I WANNA MOVIE!"

The next 20 miles consisted of Handsome crying, and the other kids yelling at him to shut his trap. Finally, peace and quiet. We were able to hear the music, and the kids were all singing along. All except Handsome that is, he was snoring. I passed our regular exit in North Salt Lake, and veered off on the exit in Woods Cross, where I went to school a few years ago....ok 19 years ago.... oh my, and took a right, heading up the mountain to my favorite place on earth - Bountiful. First though, I had a stop I needed to make.

"MOM, where are you going?"
"Just over here for a minute." I mumbled
"Where?"
"Just to Mc Donalds." I squeaked, tail between my legs (not Jordan's kind of tail) Oh maybe I didn't tell you yet, but the other day when Jordan was going to the bathroom he said, 'mama, I just push my tail down, so no pee gets on the seat!' and I just looked at him with a blank stare, and then bust out laughing. No, I didn't teach him that he was the proud owner of a tail between his legs, he just figured that one for himself. Smart Boy.

"But mom, IT's SUNDAY!!"
"......." I hate it when I have to talk my kids into sinning. So with no response, of course their sentiment was repeated.
"MOM IT'S SUNDAY! WE NEVER BUY THINGS ON SUNDAY. OUR PRIMARY TEACHER TOLD US, AND YOU TOLD US."
"Well, kids - Heavenly Father loves mothers, and this mother needs some Mc Donalds - BAD."

I'm not sure what else they said, because at that point I found it beneficial to tune them out, and sin in peace.

"Can I take your order mam?" the Mc Donalds boy scratchily said from the speaker. I hate it when they call me mam, I mean, I know they are being respectful and all, but wait until you see hearing aids in my ears, until then I'm not a 'mam'.
"Sure, I'll need four grilled chicken, southwest salads."
"Four?"
"Yes, four."
"..... we've never had someone order four!" and I was thinking, this IS Bountiful right? I grew up here, I know they have big families here....it is UTAH after all.
"ok, thanks for your order."

I pulled up to pick up my order, and the girl sticks her head out of her red and yellow greasy prison, and says, "what are you going to do with four salads?" and I thought, "Can't a girl sin in peace?"
and then I let the beans spill.... all over the drive through.

"Well, It's Mother's Day you see - and I'm a mother - and I figure that if I forget, or don't want to make a salad for the family party, that Ronald would be kind enough to help out with that."

The girl just looked at me, and bust out laughing - and gave me a high fiver. I pulled forward, and realized that there was NO WAY I was fitting through that blasted 1970's drive through that was no doubt, built for a station wagon, and not Big White. I heard that guy that was going to give me my food yell, "Hey mam, you might need to pull in your mirrors."

I looked outside and realized the extend a mirrors were still out from when Jon pulled the boat on Saturday for Kinley's dance. I reached out, struggling to keep my foot on the brake and pulled those bad boys in. I inched forward again...."MAM, YOU MIGHT NEED TO PULL THOSE MIRRORS IN."

"they are"

The boys eyes grew huge, and he helped maneuver me through the drive through, barely clearing by an inch on either side. "OK, thanks. Can you pull over there for a bit? We have to remake the salads." And before I could respond, he was gone. Now I am not quite sure what they were doing in there, but I am pretty sure they had to run across the street to Smiths and but some chicken to cook up for my FOUR salads, because by the time he got back, I was almost asleep.

Seven minutes later we were at my parents house. How do I know it was seven? Because I timed it every day coming from school when I was not a "mam". Up through the trees and rolling hills, looking out across the Great Salt Lake, over the creek, and down into my childhood haven. My home. "Get out kids!"

And, once again, I felt like a teenager, trying to sneak out - or sneak in, in this case with my FOUR McDonald's salads, that I bought on a Sunday. It was Mother's Day after all, and MY mother didn't teach me that it was okay to buy something from Ronald on Sunday either.

"What are you going to do mom?" Whitney asked.
"You are going to cover for me, and I'll hurry past to get a bowl. I'll meet you in the dining room."

So, up the stairs we went - gave my mom a hug and a kiss on the way inside, with the blaring bags hung low, and rounded the corner in the log cabin style home, through the kitchen and into the dining room. The trusty bowl was sitting right in the cupboard where I knew it would be, just waiting to make friends. I grabbed it, and popped open each salad and mixed it all around, like a pro chef. I was feeling really culinary, as Whitney sat and giggled. For a minute there, I thought about what I might be teaching her, then my chest swelled as I realized I was teaching her resourcefulness.

We calmly walked back into the kitchen and presented our masterpiece. My mom looked at the salad, and said, "mmmmmm, THAT looks good!" and I felt proud of my ingenuity, but as Whitney shook with internal laughters, I couldn't hold in my big secret any longer.

"well I forgot to go to the store well I didn't forget but I was so busy with soccer and the end of the school year and kids and homework and well I think I didn't mean to forget I remembered over and over but i never went to the store and so we went to the McDonald's and picked up some lettuce and stuff there."

I just couldn't lie anymore. Every bite on Mother's Day would have tasted bad. Well, I guess I didn't lie, but I was thinking about it, and that was enough to know that I couldn't lie to my mother ON Mother's Day.

"Janae, you didn't have to do that."
"I know, but I .... did."

And we continued readying for our feast.... until my dad said, "Well, there is no propane in the grill, so we are going to have to go buy some, or use the George Foreman. They decided on George, and I was once again grateful for Ronald. Eventually, we sat to eat our amazing dinner. The southwest grilled chicken salad was a hit for everyone, even Cringer (yes like He-man) the dog, when Dave put it on the ground and accidentally put one leg of his chair in the salad. - because there wasn't enough room on the table.

I guess that's what you get when you buy salad at Mc Donalds on Mother's Day. You get to, don't get seconds.

Now THAT'S what I call a Grandma!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

I wrote this for my mom on Mother's Day.

What a beautiful lady.

Kinley's First Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:46:00 +0000

Saturday, Kinley went on her first group date dance.
It was the last dance of the year, and being that she is young for her grade, she hasn't gone on any yet. Jon and I decided to let Kinley go on this dance, to encourage her to start meeting friends at her new school. She has been there all year, but it's hard at her age to fit into groups of friends, if you haven't gone to school with them all along.

We were happy to see her make friends, and proud of the friends she chose to hang out with. She had only talked to her date a few times, and didn't really know him - but he was a great guy, and they had fun. Jon took them all boating during the day, while I took Brighton to a soccer game. They all rode on the tube, and ate pizza at the park. Jon said that he had a fun time with them.

After boating, Kinley came home and I curled her hair for the MORP dance (casual girl's ask dance). After I finished, she left to get costa vida, and eat at the park. I slunk down into my bed, and put on my favorite P.J.'s, just long enough to begin to doze off - and then my phone rung.

"Hello?"
"Mom, this is Kinley. We are at the park, and we don't have anyone to take our pictures. Can you come down and take them?"
"Kinley, it's almost dark..."
"I know, but can you just take some quick pictures?"
"Fine, I'll be down in 10 minutes."

So I jumped up, and drove down the street to the park. The following, are the pictures I took in a total of about 15 minutes, no joke. It was fast and furious. The sun was setting, and I knew I didn't have much time. I walked up and I heard someone say, "Kinley, your sister is here..."
and I began.

This top picture is Kinley and her date, Alec.

This was Kinley's facebook status at the end of the day:

First dance= best day of my life! Boating, Costa Vida, tons of new friends, and the best date

(with amazing singing skills)!! Thank you Alec Woolley!!

Thanks for being such a darling girl Kinley!

Dad and I, couldn't be more proud of you.

Love this... Yes, I'm a Nerd

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:49:00 +0000

Another Day

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:46:00 +0000

6:30 Wake Up

6:35 Write on my Blog

7:00 Get Kids Up

7:30 Do Kids Hair, Pack Lunches

8:00 Drive kids to school

8:20 Come home, dress for work out

8:45 Leave for work out

9:00 Blood, Sweat and Tears at Bootcamp

10:00 Finish, Barely Breathing...drive home

10:15 Take a Shower

10:30 Get dressed and put hair in a High ponytail.

10:45 Eat Chicken for lunch

11:00 My new friend, the professional organizer shows up

11:15 My Carpet cleaning company shows up to clean my carpets, Yes, I forgot

11-2:30 Organize my crafts, and learn her tricks to keeping all the paper in the house organized!

3:00 Go get Kids from school play practice

3:15 Drive straight to Brighton's soccer practice, as she changes in the car

3:50 Arrive at the soccer field, and find out that she forgot her soccer gloves

4:00 Drive home - listen to "Alvin and the Chipmunks sing 'kumbaya my Lord'"Couldn't help but laugh at that one.

4:15 Get home, get soccer gloves and an apple to eat

4:30 Get back to soccer field, deliver gloves - return 5 phone calls, try to remember the ones I'm missing

5:00 Leave for home, tell Jon he will have to make dinner because when I get home, I only have 45 minutes to get all the kids ready for the school play.

5:15 Get Home, try and curl Brighton's sweaty soccer Hair and do her makeup (still haven't done mine)

6:00 Eat some chicken

6:15 Load up the kids, and take them to the play, so great to have Maria and two of her kids come to watch.

7:00 Watch the Play, and can't help but laugh at the fact that MY child is the ONLY one not dressed for her part in the play. "What?! Halle is singing?" Find out they would rather have her sing in her 70's looking striped pants, even if everyone else is wearing their uniform. (I know this is an awful, iphone picture...but I'm sure you get the point.) Jon and I were dying laughing.

8:30 Play ends, Jon leans over and says "We sure have cute kids....they are good kids." I grin because he gets it, even though the newly named "parent champion" can't even get her kids ready for a play.

Had to take a picture of my two big eyed beauties. Brighton said all of the boys were staring at her tonight for some reason...I let her know that usually she is a tom boy, and they got to see a preview of her young women beauty that is coming up sooner than I'd like to admit!

8:40 We drive to Red Mango to get Frozen Yogurt - best part of my day. So happy to have Syd and Amy join us for a treat.

9:00 We pull into our driveway, hustle kids to bed. A fast bath for Handsome, who is still having some issues wiping...

9:30 Everyone asleep

9:45 I blog for fun.

10:00 I'll finish my book "The Maze Runner"

11:00 Sleep like the Dead, and get refreshed for Thursday.

The kids (and their parents) are just plum tuckered out!

My Little Man

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:18:00 +0000

Handsome.

I know that I haven't talked about him for a while. I have been pretty busy, and I have so many things I need to catch up on. Our little man, is doing very well. He is happy, helpful, and funny. He gives the girls complements all day long, "Mama, you are SO pretty!" Most of the time I am really grateful for this little detail, but sometimes all I can do it laugh, when he says it at times he is obviously trying to get away with something, or cheer me up. Either way, this little habit will get him far with the ladies.

Mr. Handsome has been officially buzzed for the summer, and he walks around, constantly being pet like a dog. He loves to run around with daddy, as soon as he gets home, and if I'm not careful, he sneaks out of bed to watch TV with him after being tucked in. He sleeps with two cars and a few books every night, and loves wearing PJ's. He speaks so well, that I am constantly stopped by strangers, as they hear him. He is a perfect snuggler, and loves playing games on my ipad. He loves music, and peanut butter and honey. He tries to count to 10, and knows most of his colors - most of the time. As I am getting dressed, he will disappear and return with his suggested pick of shoe and jewelry. But don't worry Dad, he balances out his style with a strong love of tools, swords, and cars.

I can't remember if I shared this here or not, but it's worth repeating if so... A few weeks ago, Handsome said, "I know why you love me mama! Because you prayed for me."

His statement was so simple, but true. I prayed for him, and he was a direct answer to a prayer. How can I ever wonder if my silent words are being listened to, when Jordan is here? Why don't I pray more often? I guess sometimes I feel like, Heavenly Father already knows what is in my heart, so why do I need to share it...

BUT, how would I feel if my kids were positive that I know what's in their heart, so they just don't talk to me. It doesn't make sense. So, I am working on praying more often. Handsome is a walking reminder of faith, prayer and answers.

As the date of our temple sealing gets closer, I am feeling so much gratitude. This past year and a half has been a whirlwind, and Handsome has been part of that. I lost myself for a bit there, through the stress of a newly adopted son - combined with other stresses in life. I have come a long way, but want to record for those reading my journey of adopting a toddler, that it hasn't been easy - not by a long shot...

But it has most definitely been worth it.

Isn't that how most things go, that are worth any effort? I love Handsome. I love all of my children. I have been blessed beyond comprehension. My struggles, and successes have made me who I am. Yesterday a friend of mine at United Way, Karen Hill, mentioned that she wanted to clone me 10 more times. I reassured her that this might throw the world as we know it out of balance. We need the detailed, precise, people to balance out all my dreaming and heart. As I walked to my car, I remembered something my dad has said multiple times before....

"Janae, just look at all those little girls in your house - clones a a beautiful mother..."

And I laughed to myself, thinking that, yes, my daughter's will carry some of my traits, good and bad. They will remember their childhood, and add to it as they grow. Hopefully, they will pick my best and leave the rest. Whitney is already a better cook than myself, Kinley is much more responsible at 15 than I every was, Brighton is more determined and witty than I could ever imagine, Ella is a professional caretaker, and Halle Bug - my HAM is just that, the next Ellen. Together, we make a team of unstoppable women. Pink Moss....my legacy, my love.

Help Me Grow Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:33:00 +0000

After years of relentless searching for my inspired, individual path in life, I've finally turned around and realized, I've always been traveling it.

All those years of changing diapers, cleaning up spills, and breaking up fights - have proven, perfect prerequisite to stand up for parents everywhere.

I don't have a title, or some prestigious letters behind my name, such as doctor, or lawyer...but I do carry a long string of other initials that are even more important. Namely, Shauntyl, Sydney, Kinley, Whitney, Brighton, Ella, Halle, and Jordan.

These kids have been my real life experience.

I never want to hear the swear word "Just A Mom" again, because "justamom's" are the heartbeat of our nation, and of the world. Am I being a little outrageous? Possibly, some would say so, but I don't agree. The home is where everything begins, and what a better place to start changing the world than within our own homes.

The Connecticut Help Me Grow forum, was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. I am quite sure they didn't mean for it to be spiritual, but for me, the messages that were flowing into my mind as I listened, and the discussions I took part in, were nothing less than inspired because I came away knowing that I wanted to help make a difference.

I was THE ONLY parent representing parents, at the conference. This wasn't because of anything special I did, but because Barbara Leavitt (the founder of Help Me Grow Utah) saw the power of parents in the community. Because she gave me the title of "Parent Champion", it continued the effort to consider this as being a very important piece of the system that Dr. Dworkin created.

I have spoke about Help Me Grow here on my blog before, but I think I was making it way to difficult. Dr. Dworkin developed a system to connect parents to already existing community resources. It's that simple. It always shocks me how many free services surround us every day,
but none of the parents know how to get to them.

THAT

is what Help Me Grow is.

It isn't a new non profit, it is connecting the ones that are already there with people that need them, and with each other. There are several states that have implemented the Help Me Grow model so far, and I believe that we are well on our way to taking it into every state. If you live in

Alabama

Alameda County, California

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Fresno County, California

Iowa

Kentucky

Massachusetts

Orange County, California

Oregon

South Carolina

Utah

Washington

Western New York

Some of them don't call it Help Me Grow, but they use the system in their area.
If your state isn't on the list, let me know and we together can try and fix that!

My goal as the first "Parent Champion" is to begin meeting with parents in my area, and passing out information - so they in turn can give it to other parents in their area. At first, it will be small, but I believe it will pay off. After all, parents are the ones that the model is trying to help, why not jump on board and help them spread their message?

During the conference, I literally felt like I was in the presence of angels. The people there that had given of their time and talents, to bring wellness to parents, were amazing. I think it is easy to forget, how many leaders work behind the scenes, with no recognition, to bring our families services.

I wrote notes as each speaker shared their message, but over and over I kept having the feeling to begin. I knew I needed to begin spreading the word from my blog, and in my community. I have lacked some passion for my blog lately, because I feel like if I am going to spend so much time invested into Pink Moss, I want it to mean something and not just my random rambling. Oh believe me, I will still do that... but I have some bigger things in mind as well.

After the conference, I spoke with Dr. Dworkin. He is a brilliant man, and to make it even better, he is humble, polite, encouraging, helpful, honest, and especially visionary. He is well respected in the medical field, and by everyone else that knows him. Let me just share our interaction with you for a minute... in a shortened kind of way.

I was just getting ready to leave Connecticut, and fly home to Salt Lake City, Utah. I saw

Dr. Dworkin on the way out, and he thanked me for representing parents. I told him of my plans to spread the word on my blog, and in my community and he was really excited. I told him that I knew there were some of my readers out there, that would love to jump on board in their areas, and help. He mentioned how awesome it would be if PARENTS were asking for the same support in their areas.

You see, all he wants is for parents to receive services for their kids. If your child has autism, and you need some support. If your child is behind development in any area, you can call 211 (in our area) or another number in yours, and find someone on the other end of the phone call that will be there for you.

I plan on meeting once a month, at the park with other parents. They can pack a lunch, bring their kids, and come get pamphlets to hand out. They can actually take the ASQ (Ages and stages questionnaire) right there, and find out how their child scores, and get information on where to get help.

My first meeting will most likely be August 4th 2012.

I am going to combine the first one with my business work party, where I will be hosting our first family event, that will be held like the Help Me Grow family events. I will be recruiting help until then, and afterward continuing the play dates after. Maybe quarterly or monthly...? I haven't decided.

If you own a business, and want to offer the same to your employees, let me know! If you work in a dentist office, pediatricians office, obgyn's office, hospital, school, or any other area you help families, let me know! If you want to come, let me know! I can send information for you, to be plugged into the system.

AND

if you want to be a parent advocate in your area, let me know!

It doesn't take any previous experience, just a willing heart and a desire to serve.

It does take a village to raise a child.

********************************************

While we were in Connecticut, we decided to visit an old graveyard, because Barbara had some ancestors buried there. I should be practicing my photography, so I tried messing around on manual mode with my lighting. Here are the first pictures I took. I wish I had more time, but we were in a hurry. I would have stayed all day if time allowed - well, until dusk anyway. I am way to superstitious to hang out after dark!

I loved spending time with Robin and Barbara.

In this picture, one of them had slipped and they caught each other.

This was my room mate Deb.
We had a great time together, and enjoyed our instagram photo contest the most!
Also, she is a very talented, beautiful girl, that would love to go out with a great guy! She will kill me for saying this, but let me know if you (or a friend) is interested!
(haha sorry deb, couldn't help it! Payback for winning the instagram contest)

As you can see, I really enjoyed myself. It was so beautiful!
I was proud when I loaded them on my computer, that I didn't have to change the lighting on most of them.

Here are my instagram pictures:
(and a few of Deb's)

(Dr. Dworkin, by Deb)

(I found these while shopping for my trip...wow... I really used to wear these 25 years ago)

Good bye from Handsome

Exercising on the 22nd floor of the Hartford Mariott

That's right, I forgot my exercise socks...and wore these.

I love having jewelry that Jon gave me, to remind me of home.
He got the bracelet for me on one of his business trips.

Love these ladies.
Both Barbara and Robin have devoted their lives to service.

The yum yum yummiest bakery ever!

(picture by Deb, of me in lobby trying to take the best instagram picture)

Thanks for a great trip my friends! There were also a few other lovely ladies that I spent time with "colleen" she spells it different, but not sure how - and Harper, our "pediatric champion"!

Dear Mr. Winder

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Dear Mr. Winder,

It has been 19 years since I attended your Math class at Woods Cross High School, and I can honestly say that in all that time, I have never felt inadequate in my lack of Mathematical capacities. I have openly scoffed with friends, business associates, and children, about your claim that I would need those horrid equations to go anywhere in life.

Over the years, I have resented the fact that the only REAL reason I needed to know those numbers and letters, were to teach my kids to know those numbers and letters, (that they wouldn't need) - and have had to hire others that obviously paid closer attention to people like you, and learned them.

Yesterday, I was preparing to leave town for a non-profit I support called, "Help Me Grow" which originated in Connecticut. I have helped bring it here to Utah, because the whole goal behind it is to bring community resources to children. Resources I could have used as a young mother, with lots of questions. I checked the weather on my phone, and became alarmed to see that I would be trudging around Hartford, in between 9-23 degree temperatures. I began readying for my business trip and called to notify my friend of the extremely frigid forecast, and our apparent need for thick - below freezing coats, knitted hats and gloves, and possibly snow boots.

Barbara, my friend and leader of the group heading East, thanked me for the surprising news and assured me that she would share my words with the rest of the group, people from the state, a physician, and other very talented individuals. I was proud to be needed in such a way, after all,
I have been a stay at home mom now for 15 years - and feel quite inadequate at times on the mental side of things, confident in my theory, that women actually birth part of their brain with each child.
At least, I could lend a hand in the packing department, having much experience in this arena, packing for my six daughters and one adopted son.

Imagine my horror, when I proudly shared my endeavors with my husband last night, who quickly grabbed my "smart phone" and changed the setting back to F (for Fahrenheit)

Mr. Winder, I want to apologize, and take back every negative mathematical comment I ever made behind your back. Who knew a "C" and an "F" could have such diverse meanings? And now, although I have to face a car full of ladies that packed to visit the Antarctica, I can honestly divulge great news, that we will be enjoying beautiful Spring weather in Connecticut, besides, it's a lot easier to take those little hand warmers out of your down coat, than to have none to start with.

Sincerely,
Janae Moss (The one who sat in the back of the class passing notes, and took the boy's basketball stats for you )

P.S. It just occurred to me, that the reason you let me take stats was to freshen up on my addition, while the only thing I was really adding on one hand, were my chances at landing a date.

Flashback

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Boxes strewn across the laundry room floor.
Shredders humming uncontrollably, as I fed their hungry mouths with old memories. Pages of my life, chewed up into tiny bits and pieces - mirroring the state of my recollection. Kids jumped on and around me, ignorant to the destructive thoughts in my head. I held it in tight, like a spring ready to release. Below the surface, my surface, I was boiling. Not with anger, but an old familiar uneasiness I called home for longer than I'd like to admit.

Happy Birthday wishes, old letters, that were actually mailed by the mailman, from my brother Dave on his mission in the Bronx, Kori, my long time college roommate and soul mate, the yearly card from my Grandma Gourley that arrived precisely on the day of each of our families birthday, hand drawn pictures that I couldn't bare to throw away, priceless homework assignments with each of my kids signatures printed neatly on yellowing lined paper, a random movie stub or museum ticket, my airline pass to Manzanillo Mexico to watch my Alzheimers suffering, beautiful Grandma Jane, when I was 18... memoirs lovely and nice, all snuggled up together.

But, there were other papers mixed in with my fairy tale. Hundreds of old receipts, cataloging hardships. Bills from Whitney's broken face from the unsteady television cracking it open, copies of receipts from "Quick Loan" to support Jon's prescription drug addiction, ugly lawyer papers involving split families debates, calenders of Sydney's visitation schedule between two unworkable families, Shauntyl's letters of love to me - during some long years of living with us and working through unmentionable things that even adults shouldn't understand or hear.

But through all of the paper, there was one page I found that shot me back to a place I must have blocked from memory. Something so hard, that I myself didn't even keep somewhere hidden.
The brain is a powerful tool, and in this case, it protected me from a day long gone.

There it was, right in front of me in my own handwriting. My breath quickened, and my eyes stung. Somewhere, in the bottom of this old box, was a note written in desperation, anger, sadness, hurt and surrender. My heart was broken. My trust was nonexistent. I questioned how I made it through this mess. I wondered how I survived this hell.

I glanced at my kids laughing and playing around me, all battling to put the next paper in the hungry shredder's teeth, and I felt a calming peace come over my soul. Somehow, we had done it. Jon and I had overcome a real life monster. Proof of it was all around me. Healthy, happy fun kids, a home full of love and good memories, plentiful food in the cupboards, a warm home and too many clothes. Yes, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have navigated our lives in a way we didn't even understand at the time. We were meant to go through these things, and we are different and stronger because of them. Even when I was so lost, and hurt - there was a reason for it and we were being watched over.

This letter seems like it was written an eternity ago, and yet the extreme emotion of it is burned into my soul forever. It has been ten years now, and we continue to build trust with one another. Jon is stronger than anyone I know. He is able to take a serious look at his flaws, and attack them head on. I have been trying to do the same this past year, and it has been hard. Some of my weakness comes from the challenge of using the atonement to let go of hurt. I refuse to be an old bitter lady, talking about something that happened 50 years ago, with my friends. I don't even feel like I am bitter now, but I do feel the urge to take one more small step toward healing. Maybe part of that is sharing it here, with other women that may be hurting in their marriage for some reason.

It can get better. It is possible to turn pain into a powerful tool for good. We are all going through something, and there are people all around us fighting the same battle. Hang in there, count your blessings, take one day at a time, breathe, and remember that times moves much more quickly than we believe. Your children will thank you for being strong - YOU will thank you for fighting your battle when all seems to be lost.

Heaven knows I do.

I have a confession to Make

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Blogging.
It's a wonderful, interesting, world.

I entered this realm one day, in my laundry room where a lot of things hit me. Most of the time, it's clothes being thrown down the laundry shoot into our trough (literally it's a cows trough), when I'm leaning over to sort it, but sometimes it's profound. On this fateful day, I had a feeling to start writing. Where? I asked myself. Where would I start writing? I have always enjoyed my journal, but learned long ago, that if I were to put anything into writing, whether seemingly private or not, someone (namely my brothers) would eventually read it. I learned to sensor myself, even in high school when writing about my "first love" and many teenage escapades that I didn't deem quite public information. I hid my journal, between my mattress, only to find out several years later that each page was being devoured for sneaky entertainment of some un-named (uh hem...DAVE).

Anyway, I decided to write.
At first it was thoughts on scrap pieces of papers and in my "personal" journals, but one day my sister in law Heather was over at my house, and talked me into writing on a blog. I had no idea what it was, or how to navigate one - but I just started. It was so fun for me to pull random pictures that I loved, to share with family. And then one day, I learned about stats. How fun to try and track how many people were reading my blog? I had never assumed that anyone would read it, other than possibly a few family members that complain that I never answer my phone enough.

The first time I received a comment, I was thrilled! There WERE actually people reading my words for whatever reason, how fun! How social! I wasn't all alone being a mommy of many any more, I had friends, even though I didn't have time to actually see anyone! The world of social media became a drug unto me. I loved it. Soon, people I didn't even know were commenting on my blog posts, and I was kind of confused, but I didn't care....MORE FRIENDS! I was having so much fun. Writing was a way to share all of my random thoughts, because sometimes I feel like I will burst with them, you know?

I watched my numbers gradually climb, and then Handsome came. He was beautiful, and my words about him came from my soul somewhere deep. I love writing about things I am passionate about, because words flow. I love telling stories, because I find emotion in them...life. Happy, sad, angry, funny, impossible; it's what we are all about. It's why we are here. And gradually, I found the power of writing, and sharing hard thoughts and the impact they can have on people, but none more than myself. My words have gradually transformed my thoughts over the years and I have gotten to know ME, and in a way, they have helped me find my path. We are all on a path, and we are here on earth to do something. The beauty is, that we get to pick. We get to decide each day as we wake, what we want to be that day.

Today I am at a place where I have stopped watching the numbers so much. I have been writing less lately, because getting healthy has to be first priority right now. When I have an extra hour, I run instead of write. Part of me is worried that I will lose momentum with my blog, that somehow people will leave because I'm not as consistent, but I can't worry about that. Ultimately, this blog is a record of my journey, not for entertainment...although I love to do that as well.

I am seeing my future more clearly than ever before, now that I have energy and I'm starting to feel much better. I am really excited about my photography classes, and sharing that with you. I ran 6 miles today WITHOUT STOPPING, which is HUGELY ENORMOUS for me. As I run, I think of all the things I want to write about. I think about short phrases, that have power for me (I also think about how funny I must look with big boes headphones on, and ugly spandex on my uncomfortable butt, and potholes, and how I would take a guy out if he attacked me, (with a rock) and nononononono I need to stop!!!) but sometimes I get inspiration.

Today, these were my thoughts.
Glory isn't found only on race day, but in the persistent miles of preparation.

We are all preparing everyday, for something in the future. Or, we are just thinking about what we would like to do in the future, but not persistently preparing. I have done both. The hardest part for me, by far, is getting myself to run those miles when it isn't exciting, but that is where the real power comes from.

I challenge you, and myself, to keep preparing each day. Don't wait for something big to happen (like your 20 year reunion CRAP) to get back into shape, or work for any goal.... do it now, and you will find power in doing something - even if it is really small - because it was more than yesterday. I hope you are having a great weekend! I'll be heading off to Connecticut most of next week, to meet amazing people involved with "Help me Grow" national. I couldn't be more thrilled!

Output Party

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:41:00 +0000

I've often wondered, how much a child hears and understands, before they can speak. It is obvious that little ones watch us, and follow every thing we say and do. This can be both a good thing, and a bad thing, depending on the words we let escape our mouths.

Over the past 15 years, I have come to the conclusion, that my kids brains are like mini computers. All around them is input, and at some point - there will undoubtedly be an output.

Well, yesterday was most definitely Handsome's grand output party.

It had been a long day already, before we loaded up for the dentist after school with ALL the kids. Sometimes, Jon asks me why I split up the kids to do anything, such as shop or run errands, and although I believe that Jon is a rather smart man, I can't help but just stare at him like a deer in headlights, when he asks this question. It kind of baffles me, to be honest. I would attribute his lack of competency in this area to the fact that he hasn't been the one toting them all around on a daily basis to soccer, dance, school activities, doctors and such, it has been me. And yes, it IS quite different doing it on a daily, all day kind of basis, rather than a random outing during the week after work, or a fun activity on Saturday.

The dentist visit went well. Luckily, Dr. Leishman's staff is great with kids, and my kids actually love going. Who wouldn't get their teeth cleaned, in exchange for a fake mustache, and the chance to let you assist with the procedure anyway? We plan six months in advance, just so ALL of us can get in at the same time.

Both Handsome and Halle, giggled as their teeth were cleaned.

And once again, Halle Amanda Moss, proved to us why her initials spell H.A.M.

She was getting such a kick out of the dental hygienist laughing at her unique facial expressions, she was hammin' it up even more.

Because the visit to the dentist turned out to be quite successful, I decided to be brave and visit Wal-mart afterward. We were getting close to dinner time, and I knew this was in my mommy no no handbook, but I went for it. If there is one thing I have learned over the past 15 years, it's to never visit anywhere that the kids have to somewhat behave, right before dinner time.

It started out well, we we began dividing up tasks.

"Kinley, you get the apples. Whitney, you get the cucumbers. Brighton, you get the tomatoes. Ella, you get the Bananas, as Jordan and Halle sat in the bottom of the shopping cart, slowly drowning under a sea of fruit and veggies. They thought it was quite funny, as they hid under the salad and cheese. I deemed myself talented, for coming up with such a fun game.

We moved on through the isles, and then Handsome saw something.

"MAMA I WANT THAT!!!"

I didn't even know what he was talking about, but I wasn't about to reward him with a treat for whining so loudly. "Sorry bud, we have to hurry and I am not turning around."

"BUT MOMMMMMMMM I WAAAAAAAANTTTT THATTTT!!!"

I knew I was in for it, and the shopping trip wasn't even half way over. I hurried back to the shoe section, the originally reason I came to walmart. We weaved in and out until we saw all of the gel arch and heel supports. I started reading all of the packages, trying to dissect the advertisements and find the right fit for my kids feet.

"MOMMMMMM I WANT THOOOOOSSSSEE SHOES!"

Jordan spotted his favorites across the isle, and he was determined to get them. My boy loves him some shoes, and to try and tell him he wouldn't get them, would be suicide.

"Sorry buddy, I don't buy things for crying, whiney kids."

But of course this didn't make him feel any better. He mustered up every ounce of anger, in that little man body of his, and blurted out a long line of three year old obscenities, like Ralphie does on the old movie, "The Christmas Story"

"YOU STUPID, DUMB, MEAN, POOP NUGGET LADY, I HATE YOU!"

And, my friends, there you have it. The culmination of words that I have been asking the kids to stop yelling at each other over the past year and a half Handsome has lived with us. My jaw dropped, I chucked every foot support in my hands, into the cart as I passed it, and headed for the front of the store. It didn't stop there, he kept yelling it over and over again, and I swore I was ready for a wal-mart beating, right then and there. "People of Walmart, take a picture of us now." I thought. The funny part was, as I think back, I didn't much even care or get embarrassed. I remember feeling justified in my craziness. Who wouldn't feel and look crazy, at walmart with six kids at dinner time?

I rounded the corner to the front of the store, as Jordan screamed his newly found vocabulary, at the top of his lungs. And there, at the front of the store, was my neighbor Annette. Her husband is the V.P. of our businesses, and when she realized where all the noise was coming from, her beautiful brown eyes grew large, and she smiled at me.

"POOP NUGGET POOP NUGGET POOP NUGGET"

Jordan was yelling over and over as we checked out. The cashier was sweet, and expressed her love of big families, and her desire to have one some day, and I kindly mentioned that she may want to reconsider.

It is times like this, when I am grateful for the other things Handsome says, like last week.

"Mama, I know why you love me...because you prayed for me."

Yes, I thank my lucky stars that Handsome values poop nuggets, AND prayer.

This Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:04:00 +0000

If you are like me, and I assume you might be...

The doctor's office makes my top 10 stressful places for mothers. Little Johnny is licking the fish tank glass, expecting Nemo to talk back. Darling Suzie is sneezes, as boogers take flight, and just to top it off, the front desk lady asks you to fill out a HUGE packet, asking you to asses the needs of

Mr. Jimmy, who is fast asleep for the first time in 24 hours. OH, and don't forget that copay!

You get the point!

The last thing that is on my mind at a time like this, is the long term needs of my children. I am

using all of that energy to fulfill the immediate needs, and that is a stretch. So, let me present an alternative...

This Saturday, YOU are invited to the 3rd Annual "Help Me Grow" family event! Lots of games involving books, balls and blocks, will be available to Johnny, Suzie, and Jimmy, so YOU can sit back, breathe a sigh of relief knowing they are taken care of (learning and having fun) so you can assess their development. It always feels good at the end of the day, to know that you have done everything in your power to give your children the chance they need in this crazy world, to be healthy, happy, and safe.

Then..?
"Help Me Grow" will take the assessment that you just filled out, and plug you into free resources currently available in your area! I'm all about multi-tasking, and this my friends, is multi-tasking at it's best!

April 28, 2012 9:30am-12:30pm

UVU, Centre Stage

JOIN US IN THE FUN!

I DARE you to check out just how much fun we have!

Up to Date

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:04:00 +0000

There are probably some that are wondering how my juicing is going, so I thought I would give a quick update. I have been putting all of my energy into getting healthy, using my blog as a reward. As you can see, sometimes all the energy and time I had, went elsewhere, but for me that is a good thing right now.

After watching "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" I decided to do a full 30 days of juicing. I made it about a week, and then decided that I needed more protein. I have been trying really hard to listen to my body and what it needs; plain and simple, it needed more to keep up with the exercise schedule I am on. Also, I needed more to keep up with my kids. In addition to my complaint with protein, I didn't like how much of the vegetables and fruit I was wasting. All of the fiber was ground up and spit out. So, I really like juicing the carrots and apples, and then adding the spinach and other veggies afterward in my blender.

I had high hopes to lose my weight as fast as I easily gained it when my hormones were out of whack, but that just hasn't happened. I am going to have to work really hard to get every pound off. I have been running three days a week, and going to bootcamp class 2-3 times. The key is to keep this up, so I am glad that the looming half marathon is keeping me focused.

I am so excited to be planning for it with my brother Dave. He has struggled with his type one diabetes his whole life, and finding an exercise plan that works for him. He has to start out with his blood sugar high, and then start running...only to have no other choice but to supplement with lemonade during his run, to keep his sugar levels from crashing. He has ran 6 days a week, between 5-8 miles, for about 5 months. He has controlled his eating, and counted calories. He didn't lose much for a few months, and he was so frustrated. Then, something happened, I'm not sure what - but he has dropped 20 pounds. He looks GREAT! We are pumped to be running together, both nervous and ready to conquer our limitations. I have no doubt he will do amazing. I have to run/walk still, and he is becoming pretty fluid.

*******************************

Now for the fun news.
I start my photography and photoshop classes on May 1st. I will be out of town, so I will need to somehow catch up at night, or the next week. This will be pretty hard, because each class is a one hour video a day, plus the one hour homework. I will be doing homework roughly 3-4 hours a day. But, I am so excited. I really feel like my writing and photography will come together beautifully, for what, I am not quite sure yet. I plan on doing lots of free photoshoots and taking classes this summer, and then if I am ready, I will start charging in the Fall. Not much as first, but something for my time.

I have been teaching myself wordpress for my photography website/blog. It has driven me crazy, but will be worth it. After hours of trying to use photoshop to design my branding, I realized I didn't need photoshop at all, but illustrator. If you want to watch me put my photoblog together piece by piece, you can check it out HERE. It is likely to change a lot, but that is my starting point. I thought about naming my photography business janae moss photography, and then decided that everyone uses their name, and I have already been branding "Pink Moss" for three years now, as I write here. It is fun name, and has become part of me...just don't plan on me always using pink in my branding designs, I like pink but not in everything I do. I also think it's fun for it to be called pink moss, and NOT have any pink. I'm weird like that. The pictures on the blog, aren't my own yet, but they will be. I will be posting the assignments I do for my classes there.

So there you have it, a boring Monday catch up. I have been jotting down some ideas for books in the future, and getting really excited. My blog has been a great way for me to discover my love of words, and story telling. I have a long way to go, and am a beginner...but I know I am on a path, heading somewhere great!

xo
All the kids are doing great, I am planning a big kid catch up coming soon, so Handsome missers, it's coming, I promise :)

No Chickens Allowed

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Sometimes I'm a chicken.

Some fight, I flight.

I would rather let something go, than swim in the sludge.

Some consider this patient, others call it weak.

I'm sure I've been both.

Yesterday, I learned something that changed my life.

Although simple, it was like a bolt of lightning for me.

Dr. Manning said,

"Most people are already doing the right things to be successful in life,

but they just don't stick with it long enough."

And I realized, that for me, this was the very thing I struggle with.

I work to get into my zone of success, whatever that may be.

And, I do a good job.

I set wonderful goals, and start working toward them, and wonder why I can't

be a pro at whatever I'm working on in a week or two, so I give up,

feeling defeated because I can't run a marathon after a week of running,

and I search for my new hobby or goal,

because obviously, that wasn't my calling.

I think and pray about my destiny and talents and wait for them to jump out at me,

and scream "pick me pick me!" only to start the same cycle again.

All the while, only needing to keep with what I am doing longer.

You see, I set myself up to fail from the very beginning. I didn't set a realistic, achievable goal,

so I feel bad and mentally beat myself up.

The key is bite sized pieces, and stick-to-it-ivness

I have no doubt that this is my answer for many things in my life.

Simple. Quit Quitting.

I wish it was a simple as it sounds.

No chickens allowed.

A few Amazing Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Date #1:

(I wish I knew who took this picture, so I could credit them for their beautiful work...)

We set our date to be sealed to Mr. Handsome on June 15, 2012.

June 15th, is the anniversary of Jon and my temple sealing several years ago.

We were sealed in the Bountiful temple, which I was very excited for, because I was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah. Now, I get to go back with my kids and be sealed to their little brother.

It will be a beautiful day.

Date #2

(I didn't take this picture either. It looks like someone named fastcory.com did :)

I registered for my first half marathon on June 9th, 2012.
I couldn't be more scared, and excited.
I need a date to shoot for. A goal.
I am trying really hard to get my mind focused. I am starting
to realize that my health, is a lot more emotional than I first thought.
After listening to Dr. Manning, our business life coach, I am finding the mental
cycles that I get into, without even realizing it.

Truth is, I have big dreams and plans for the future, and I know
I won't do any of it if I don't get my head straight.
I went to boot camp again today, and it killed me.

killed me.
I couldn't even stand to look in the mirror,
but I went, and I will keep going.

Date #3

Remember these darling ladies that I went to the "Help Me Grow" western conference?

I get to visit Connecticut with them on May 1st through the 4th.

We are going to the national conference, and I am SO happy to report

that "Help me Grow Utah" is most definitely going state wide.

Now we have people calling US to implement our model in their part of the state.

Usually the state itself picks up this model, and pays for it...but Barbara Leavitt and her team

did it opposite. She found it, and we all helped however we could - with no money, and here

we are!! Just shows what one woman with a dream and hard work can do!

Go Barbara!

Have a great week, and if you are running like we talked about before -

LET ME KNOW!

I want to hear, even though I stink at leading everyone, because I feel

so weak myself :)

Spring Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:17:00 +0000

I am trying out a new blogger iPhone app on my new phone. I didn't beg for a new phone, I am just kind of incapable of keeping one alive for too long, just like plants and animals. I once heard that an "otter box" can be dropped out of an airplane with an iPhone in it, and come out unscathed. I guess living with Pink Moss is worse.

We headed up to our cabin a few days ago, and unlike others that are trying to find the sun, we drove toward a wood burning stove, four wheelers, shooting guns, and a good hand of cards.

I have no idea the order that blogger will share these pictures I uploaded from instagram, but share I must. After all, how often do you see an 89 year old woman shooting at (and hitting) a target? Who knew she could even see?! And when she leaned over and farted in our faces, she was not worried at all, because her ear muffs muffed it. (not that she would have mined much anyway).

The kids loved four wheeling, and I loved hearing Whitney giggle as we drove together, through snowy patches that were melting and looking like snicker doodle cookies, and miniature ice shards that looked like Super Man's home.

Kinley and Whitney really started getting the hang of shooting this trip! I loved watching them catch the shooting bug. I love to shoot, at targets anyway. I'm too soft hearted when it comes to killing animals (on purpose anyway). I don't think the rabbits, hamsters, turtle, and frog would agree.

I have shot at things before, only actually killing some ducks, and sage hens, and clay pigeons. I used to want to be a big hunter, because I was born into a hunting family, now I'd rather shoot them with my camera. Speaking of which..! When I was hiking with Tiff on Tuesday, we ran into about ten mountain sheep, with the big rounded horns! They were beautiful, and although 20 feet away, hardly scared at all! (until I hit one with a rock to get it to look at the camera in a decent sort of way) jk jk jk, but I wanted too. They camouflaged so nicely with the rocks, you can't even see them in the pictures!

Anyway, kids are waking up now, and it's time to adventure. Have a great spring break, my Utah friends! And have a great Friday, my blogging friends!

(it is Friday isn't it? Maybe it's Saturday, it's all the same up here in the mountains)

Xoxo

A Trip To the Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Spring has Sprung!

noreply@blogger.com (Shmonae) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Spring has definitely sprung around these parts. Utah has crazy weather this time of year, with snow falling from a sunny sky during one part of the day, to almost eighty degrees another part of the day. You just never know what you are going to get. Everyone gets confused about how to dress, including myself. Some are wearing shorts, while others are wearing knitted hats and Uggs. Then there are the people like me, who are excited about both seasons, so I end up walking out in a scarf, long sleeved shirt, pants, and sandals.

A few days ago, Whitney took some pictures outside of our house with her friend. We decided together that if she practiced, she could start her own little business and take pictures of girls in the neighborhood, for a small charge. Her first model was Abby. We had fun dressing her together in my closet, and Whitney did a beautiful job taking the pictures, doing her makeup, and editing them. Just look at the fun she created!

Way to make your dreams come true Whitney!

Thanks Abby, for being such a fun model to work with!

The kids are home from school this week for spring break. We went to the movie "Titanic" last night. They re-released it for the 100th anniversary of Titanic sinking. It is such a sad story, but I loved the movie. It is even better on a big screen with 3D. I'm not sure what the rest of the week will bring yet, but it is a little crazy around here. Whitney's teeth are looking and feeling much better, thankfully. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Enjoy the Spring weather!

I am going hiking today in the mountains for a few hours with Tiff, and I can't wait!