Yeah!

Sleepless nights are over: I have finally figured out how I'm gonna decorate the girls' new room. That's right-I have actually lost sleep over it. Not intentionally...but its the way my OCD brain works. And today, it occured to me. I am so very excited to get to work on that room. I've taken some pics of the progress, but I'm WAY to lazy to go get my camera right now so I'll post them later. My ugly ghetto toy room is being transformed. Just wait! Oh...and I know what I'm doing in the baby's room. I am so excited to paint! Who wants to help? My plans are a bit ambitious! Tomorrow: phase 3 begins! Sheetrock!!!

Just my tender mercy...

This is something that probably the rest of the world already knows...I was thinking about things yesterday morning as we got ready for church. And, it was surprisingly peaceful here...everyone was showered and dressed 2 hours early, so I had plenty of time to get dinner going and tidy the house...anyways, it was not the usual 'hurry up' mode of Sunday. In my quiet thoughts, it occurred to me that blessings and trials both come with incredible frequency in our lives. Most often simultaneously. It simply becomes an issue of emphasis. Now I realize that some trials are life altering...and consuming. But that is where my tender mercy spoke to me...I need to improve myself alot in this area. I need to really emphasize and focus on the simple aspects of my life that bring real joy: my husband, my sweet children, and the gospel. I am again so thankful for a patient Father who prompts me through my tough spots. And thankful for the blessings of today!

Oh for the love....

I realize that sometimes I do stupid things. Repeatedly. So, today, I re-cut my hair....I know. Especially since yesterday after the first cut I called my dad crying. Lets say he was very sympathetic. I believe he laughed...alot...then told me I could always have my mom fix it. So today I thought I'd use my straightener to make it look decent for girls night and holy cow...I thought it was bad before...it was wretched after it was straightened. So, I did what anyone would do, and pulled out the scissors again. The problem is I can't see or reach the middle back. So I think I'm sporting a shnazzy mullet...with a fantastic tail. At least today there are no tears. I'm giggling at my repeated stupidity. The funniest thing is that Nate still hasn't noticed. The front is a good two inches shorter, so its hardly inconspicuous...but, he's not very astute sometimes. Or maybe its like the time he just didn't comment until I pushed for it and he said he'd noticed, 'but liked it better before.' Guess I just won't ask this time!
The kids are adjusting to school, and dance has started. I believe Kolbe's football kicks off next week...and we're back in the swing of things. Eli is switching preschools, which I'm happy about. The new one requires my 'parent participation' which is not my favorite aspect...but it looks like a great place...and after my first bill at his daycare/preschool....I seriously considered just buying duct tape and strapping him down/quiet at my office. Yikes! This will save me 120 bucks a month, which is not exactly a tough choice. So Tuesday we're officially transfering.
Nate got home from his business trip and I'm so glad he's back. I truly miss him...its lonely when he isn't around to tease and talk to. So glad he's mine...

Dinner Help!

So, I hate cooking....big time! But I am hugely feeling the need to up my abilities! My family is sick to death of my limited menu! So, please please please post your family favorites. Remember, baby steps: Something that requires limited ingredients/ limited time! We're talking like 30 min prep MAX! PLEASE HELP!!!

Just digging out...

I realize what it must feel like to be buried alive. Because I've feel like I'm just digging my way out. But my outlook is good. I told my good friend tonight that this week I finally feel like I'm on the surface again. This has been a really hard pregnancy for me so far, emotionally and physically! And I've been a gigantic boob about it! I've neglected family, friends and just about everyone/everything except my need to be miserable! So I'm hugely sorry to everyone! But I realized Sunday as I sat in Sacrament meeting that I felt 'good' again. I was instantly thankful. Thankful to realize that we all experience our little funks, where we are buried over our heads grasping for air. I immediately reflected about other times in my life where I've felt this way, and how that particular challenge seemed so small to me now, but that I was so incredibly aware and appreciative for the lessons learned. Thank you to my Father, who patiently pushes my buttons and waits for me to grow up! May my husband be as patient while he waits....

'AMEN'...already!

Tonight when I tucked Eli in he was super snuggly and extra tired. I said, 'okay bud, lets say our prayers.' He informed me he didn't need to pray tonight. Of course I explained that we pray every night so we thank Heavenly Father for all he gives us...So, mid-speech he starts in with his kind of annoyed little voice, "Heavenly Father....amen." So I tried to prompt him along a little...'I'm thankful for...' to which he said "AMEN!" I'm thankful for my family..."AMEN" I'm thankful for the gospel..."AMEN"...........please bless us to be safe...AMEN. Finally I opened my eyes trying not to giggle and he raised his eyebrows and smiled and said, "AMEN, okay mom?"

Yep...he's stinking hilarious! More kisses, and I conceded!

Ah-ha-ha-HALELULAH!!!!

So, I totally forgot the before and after....well, not the after! But you can't appreciate it unless you remember my old table and nasty chairs...

the material feels and looks like suede, but its PLASTIC-sort of...so it will stay cleaner!

Thank heavens: project one is done! Now I confess, the worst of this project was entirely my mom's! She slaved for me...and I'm eternally grateful. This table turned out 100x better than I ever dreamed...I love it way more today than the day we bought it! And the best part...its still my reminder of grandma. Nate wanted to replace the table...I couldn't bare the thought...so mom went to work...and work and work! But, about 6 weeks later, its done...I finished the chairs today and I think it turned out so good. Its not perfect, but lets face it, who cares??? Its awesome...so here's to my mom, the best mom ever!(Did I mention she also rug shampooed my basement and on her hands and knees sniffed out Eli's potty-traps and enzymed them for me last week?)Yep, she's my favorite...and I'm super super super in love with my new table. I might actually be pleasant tonight!