bloom

addies birthday. the family party.

2011-09-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

im finally getting around to posting the rest of addies birthday bash. its been a little crazy round these parts.
so here we go.....

she was so excited!

she requested noodles for her birthday dinner. this girl is a carb lover. so i made pasta and homemade cheesy bread just for her.

this girl holds a special place in my heart. i will love her for all my days.

every day we all wait for her to come home. we all want her around.

addie with a birthday balloon in her mouth with momma before church.

ADDIES birthday photo booth picture.

AGE 6

happy birthday boo! we love you!

xoxo

.hello 70 degrees.

2011-08-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

we ran away from this blazing arizona heat and headed north.

my friend julie had a baby shower for her upcoming little girl, so it made for a good excuse to say adios to the heat.

we enjoyed our short little trip this weekend,

a lot!

1. mimis flower garden
2. addie on an evening walk
3. roasting mallows in the backyard.
4. walker bathing in the sink.
5. me.
6. walker all gussied up for church.
7. breathing fresh air and enjoying every second of it.
8. pretties in the yard.
9. washing hair.
10. getting eaten alive by mosquito's but not even caring. we were just so excited to be outside.
11.watering.
12. callie
13. heave ho!
14. my besties (julie) baby bump at her fun shower.

addie turns 6!

2011-08-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Addie turned 6.
6!
it was an even year for her so that meant she got a friend party. she wanted a glam/makeover/spa party.
so like her. she is so girly. so i had some friends over to help me glam up the girls. they did the make up and hair and i did some glitter toes. they played wii dance and colored some hello kitty pages. then we opened presents and had a light picnic lunch in the living room with dessert. so sad i didnt get a picture of the dessert, but she chose to have tiny ice cream sundaes. it was really fun and low key. the girls were so well behaved and we all had a good time.

there were different kinds of sandwiches to choose from and strawberries.
addies portrait by beth allen.

goodie bags.

all of the guests... minus one.
it was sooo hard for her to choose the guests. she has so many friends. i had to cut her off at 10 people.

sarah, callie, taya, addie, vallery, cat, haylee, laycee, maria, and missing karsyn.

we love this gal a lot. we had a fun weekend celebrating her.
to be continued.

.the sound of silence.

2011-08-16T09:31:00.002-07:00

im having mixed emotions about the girls being in school.

what i like:
: having a schedule.
: no fighting! with addie in school most of the day, there is hardly any fighting! pure bliss!
: i can get a lot done!
: the excitement and happiness in my children's eyes when they get to go to school and when they accomplish and learn something new.
: did i mention no fighting and that it is quiet! huge.

what i dont like:
: being pressed for time in the morning.
: i miss my girls.
: i hate that saturday and sunday are the only days i really have with my kids.
: that my children are under everyone elses influence and i have no clue whats being said or done and cant do anything about it.

callie at the playplace

addie playing pretend in a box this change of schedules has stirred up our groove around here. but im sure we will get back to normal and all will be well. today im not really sure what to do with myself. i have a lot i could and should do...cleaning, exercising, planning addies party, paint my scary looking nails, work on boutique products and so on.but i really just want to sit, be still, breathe, read, and play.

.tippity tap.

2011-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

tap dancing in the kitchen with your jammies on.
nothing better.

.callies turn.

2011-08-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

callie started preschool! so i have 2 school going girls. insane i tell you!

she was sooo excited.

she wants to do everything like her big sister, so going to school topped everything off!

callie and her amazing teacher, mrs. brianne.

mrs. brianne is one awesome lady! i seriously look up to this gal.

im SO glad callie can be in her class. she is special.

we love you little miss!

stay little, ok!? no more growing up, promise?

and always give your mama kisses.

i love you!

1st day of 1st grade!

2011-08-08T09:50:00.001-07:00

this pretty little lady started 1st grade today!

she was all excitement and no nerves. we made her lunch, and a yummy filling breakfast, got dressed with time to spare. i was more at ease than i thought i would be, mainly because i know she is SO excited and will do so well. when we got into the car she buckled up and said, "lets do this"!
she is ready!

she will be on my mind all day today.
i cant wait to hear all about it when i pick her up.

Happy Sunday!

2011-08-07T21:55:00.003-07:00

.iPhone photos.

2011-08-02T08:32:00.001-07:00

Date night @ cheesecake factory.

Bubs got his hairs trimmed.

Kitten on a stack of fabric.

Girls at art class.

Recycled tiny jelly jars into salt and pepper shakers.

New fabirc silhouettes.

Callie fell asleep on the couch.

Did you know it's good luck to get the indian on your tootsie pop wrapper!? It is!

.a day away.

2011-07-30T12:13:00.002-07:00

i was talking to my mom one night and randomly asked her if she wanted to meet up in payson the next day for a fun short day trip.

we are getting pretty antsy during these summer days. its so hot and we haven't gone outside much. we stay at home, watch netflix and chill inside our cozy air conditioned home.

but we are getting cabin fever. i needed this day SO bad.

my husband has been working a lot of overtime and i needed a little relief.

this is what we saw when we rolled into the cooler weather of payson...rain clouds. i was in heaven!

my grandma and grandpa live in payson. we met up and hit up a few shops and had lunch and then went to their home to relax and enjoy each others company.

i put walker down for a nap and we sat on the porch for a good 2 hours just breathing in the cool air and feeling the mists of rain. it was fabulous!

+ grandma and grandpa smith +

i loved this trip. i will carry memories of this day with me for awhile i think.

.the story of our kitty.

2011-07-25T07:54:00.001-07:00

we got a kitten! her name is katy.
the girls named her after callies stuffed build a bear cat. i have always disliked cats. i hated the way their bony bodies rub up against my leg and after watching marks mom be attacked by their cat Salem (go figure), i have been terrified of them.
we now own one, and here is the story.....

this saturday i dropped the girls off at a birthday party and on the way home saw a sign for a yard sale. i thought i would stop, it looked like they had some little girls clothes. i walked up and saw a sign that said free kittens. so i asked to see them and before i knew it i was holding this adorable part siamese kitten and falling in love. all of my fears had left me and i was already attached to this small creature.
mark has been getting on me that our kids need a pet and for now, a dog is out of the question. but a cute little cat that the girls can snuggle with and hold and that purrs in the corner... i can maybe do that. so they put her in a box and i drove away thinking i had lost my mind! i have a cat in my car!
i went inside the house and had mark guess what was in the box. he guess dog. i said no. he guessed cat. i said ye and he didnt believe me until i opened the lid and showed her to him. he was in shock.
we surprised the girls when i picked them up from the party and they were SOOO excited! callies excitement has worn off because of her sharp nails, but i think that will change once we get them clipped. walker just want to hold her all. the. time. he thinks he is so big and awesome.
as for me, i adore her. she hasn't peed or pooed anywhere but in her little box and hasn't cried at night.
i think we found our family pet.

welcome to our home katy. you make it a little more cozy around here.

.happy sunday to you.

2011-07-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

:: walker talking to me on the phone wearing his pioneer(pilgrim) hat he colored in nursery at church ::

.i want.

2011-07-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

i am reminiscing and wanting so badly to be back in the mountains this weekend. its the 24th of july weekend, which means all the pioneer celebrations, corn festival, and rodeo are going on. its a great time, wish we could be there.
here are some mountain moments i can dwell on......

dinner table.

found a friend.

parade waiting.

tree climbing.

beautifying.

getting to know.

swingin through the trees.

running to the car through huge rain downpour.

mimi and papas new playground in their own backyard.

driving through storm.

Photo booth. Callie 4 years.

2011-07-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

last but not least, callies 4 year old photo booth pictures. it is a tradition in our family that we get photo booth pictures taken on every birthday. i love it!

and for fun, here is her last year turning 3.

.the people at the party.

2011-07-20T06:53:00.002-07:00

the birthday girl, CALLIE!

taya, addie, maria & peyton.

valarie & emily.

walker, gage & garrett.

callie & chloe.

WE LOVE GOOD FRIENDS!

callies rainbow birthday party!

2011-07-19T10:04:00.002-07:00

we hopped on the rainbow bandwagon. i just couldn't help myself with all of the fab rainbow ideas out there for parties. callie helped me pick things out, shop and make things. she was in love with it all! she just stood at the table and starred at all the rainbow goodness before the guests arrived.

bowls of gumballs, runts, bazooka gum, and skittles to scoop and put into the little bags that callie decorated.

chocolate covered mallows dipped in sprinkles.

rainbow slush. this was one of my favorite things about the party, close to the cupcakes. it was really fun!

i am a lover of rainbows now, do you blame me?!!!

i had so much fun with this party.

RAINBOWS ROCK!

callie turns 4!

2011-07-16T07:02:00.003-07:00

callie turned 4 yesterday!

i can hardly believe it!
this girl is special to our family. it just wouldnt be the same without her. i adore her ( and all of my children ). i think she is the cutest callie i know. she lights up my world.
some things about callie:
first, she loves books! you all knew that i think. she cant get enough.
she loves the color blue right now.
she loves to paint.
she has sensitive soul and doesnt like getting in trouble.
she loves her sister and they giggle and fight alot.
she likes to dress herself.
she gets bloody noses often.
she doesnt like vegetables but loves green smoothies and strawberries are her fav fruit.
she is a wiggle worm!
i call her my little dove because she is so fair with such blonde hair.
she is in our family. ( addie typed this out)

we love you little dove!
happy birthday to you!
xo

.grandma walkers cold pops.

2011-07-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

i remember 3 distinct treats my grandma would have ready for us when we visited, cold pops, cinnamon

gum and tootsie rolls. well, my grandma always had treats of all different kinds, but these stand out to me.

we made cold pops while in the great mountains and the kids thought they were the BEST! addie announced to me that we have GOT to get the recipe! i quickly informed her that we indeed DO have the recipe and it is hanging on our wall in the kitchen at home, framed, and in my grandmas handwriting, along with a few of her other famous desserts.

you can make different variations of this cold treat. one of the classics are orange and cherry. just follow the directions above and use orange or cherry jello and koolaid. you can play around with it and make up your own. i made raspberry lemonade with raspberry jello and lemonade koolaid. you could also try grape or watermelon.

yum!

pour the liquid mixture into a dixie cup and freeze.

another thing....... we ALWAYS eat ours with a melon baller. its a must. no spoon aloud. thats just the way we always ate them.

you really ought to try them... your kids will be screamin for more!

.jam.

2011-07-13T11:59:00.002-07:00

My brothers love music. Like a lot! They bring put their guitars and jam it out while the kids have a dance contest. It's great entertainment!

Kyle brings out his harmonicas and the kids join in on the music making.

.the 4th of July parade, 2011.

2011-07-12T17:04:00.001-07:00

we had a smashing july 4th! mark wasnt able to celebrate with us which was a bummer but we had fun nonetheless. we parked our chairs next to some fun people, my bestie julie and her family. it was warm but the kids had a ball gathering candy and waving to all the floaties. i love this holiday!

walker, cousin ellery, callie, addie

walker and cousin ayla

my daddio and grandpa.

walker and gramps walker.

my brother kevins m c hammer float. hes the dude with the orange hat.

me and julz

my brother kyle with addie

LET FREEDOM RING!

.Away from home.

2011-07-07T08:30:00.002-07:00

We have been breathing mountain air for 6 days now and I'm no where ready to head home to the suffocating heat. We have been practically living outside until the monsoon rains hit every afternoon. Then we slowly head inside and inhale the wonderful smell of water on earth.
Toodaloo.

.Cooking Class.Frozen chocolate covered bananas.

2011-06-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

We had Cori, Garrett and Berkley over for another cooking class. We made frozen chocolate covered bananas dipped in peanuts and sprinkles. They were seriously good. We are making them again his week! It has been smokin hot and this sweet cool treat hit the spot. We did the usual kids swimming in the back yard thing. It was a relaxing afternoon. I need these kind of days more often in my life.

.the little guy in my life.

2011-06-22T14:05:00.001-07:00

i forgot about these pictures of me and my little boy.
gosh he makes me happy.
i cant help but smother him in kisses every time he comes near.
i hope he always lets me smother him in kisses and hugs.
years from now, i hope he will not be embarrassed to love his mom.
someday he will find a girl of his very own and they will be wed.
i know i wont always be the one to lift his spirits or share in his joy.
but i hope i will still have a special place in his heart then.
i love you my bug.
you bring me so much happiness.

dads day

2011-06-21T12:40:00.001-07:00

We love the daddy of our home. He gives, gives and gives some more. He is selfless, and always thinking of us before himself. He is patient, an amazing teacher to our children, and the kids think he's the best wrestler/horse player around. I love this man. I can't imagine my life without him. I'm so grateful we were brought together by what would seem coincidence, but I know better. I know we were meant to be together and that he was supposed to be the father of our children.

I'm also so grateful for my dad. He is a wonderful example to me of serving, enduring, being faithful, and being good and wholesome. I miss seeing my dad but I love the phone conversations we have.

I'm blessed to have good father figures in my life.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

.iphone photos.

2011-06-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

fact:

dry:

gathering:

doing hard things:

delightful:

cursive:

john denver:

cartoons:

i will be away from this happy place until monday. me and my love are going on an adventure of sorts. we were asked to go on our stake pioneer trek as a ma & pa. we dress up in pioneer outfits, pull handcarts all day, adopt 8 teenage kids for 4 days, cook our own food and have hoe downs. so basically we will look like a huge warren jeffs convention. :) its going to be fun.... dont you think?! : /
wish us luck!

On the menu

2011-06-09T16:10:00.006-07:00

I love summer produce. I seriously look forward to going to the farmers market every week and filling my fridge with bright & yummy veggies and fruits.

I have been more serious about feeding my kids, myself, and my spouse healthier meals. We don't drink soda anymore. We dropped that bad habit a long time ago and we feel wonderful. We exercise. We rarely eat out, maybe once a week. I don't buy sweets. If I did I know I would scarf them. Sweets are my weakness. We just don't buy them so they aren't in the pantry calling my name and tempting me. Don't get the wrong idea that I'm so strict I never eat sugar. I like to take things in moderation and I indulge sometimes. I will make cookies with the kids or go out for ice cream or frozen yogurt. I'm nicer to myself and others if I let myself enjoy some good stuff once in awhile.
I love to cook, but nights do occur when I make something, & it doesn't turn out, so we have to think of something fast to eat because the kids are beastly hungry. It happens. I'm still learning. But I get really frustrated when a meal doesn't turn out like I wanted it to.When things don't work out it usually goes something like this: It gets really hot in my kitchen, my feet hurt, the kids are crying that they are "starving!" and they keep sneaking into the pantry for food and dumping it all over the floor, I just wasted all of the ingredients and...... I have to start all over and make another meal.
Enough mumbling, here are some favorite meals that have turned out to be delish and that my family devours.

+ hamburger on a whole wheat bun. grilled corn fresh fruit with fruit dip. cherry tomatoes from my garden with garden basil and balsamic sprinkled with parm:

chicken taquitos. not so healthy, but yum! :

lime cilantro and pineapple brown rice. baked parm zucchini. BBQ salmon. my kids devoured this meal and asked for 3rds!

alfredo (my own recipe, no measurements, just whip up a cream sauce flavored with chicken stock, garlic and parm) grilled garlic artichokes, sauteed mushrooms and peas:

roasted asparagus, strawberries, chicken and vegetable peanut curry. it doesnt look the greatest, but it was GOOD! i just added whatever veggies i had on hand.

mango pico de gallo. we chowed this. i bought more mangos this week to make it again.

apple tart with homemade crust:

another fav that ive talked about before, green smoothies:

my friend chelsea makes them pretty much the same as i do, and she shows you how here.i like to add oj concentrate to mine, just a few spoon fulls. i also add some ground flax to mine. i agree with her that a vitamix is very helpful with green smoothies. they are smooth, not chunky, which makes a big difference. i like to throw in a carrot or two to the green smoothie. it whips that sucker up and you would never know it was there.
zucchini bread muffins. i pulled a huge zucchini from my garden and i knew i wanted to make this. it has a hint of orange that gives it a punch. i also subbed whole wheat flour for the white flour. the picky neighbor girls ate them all in one afternoon!

fire update:
the fire has reached up to 389,000 acres. there is some good news, amidst all the bad, the quaint town of greer is still standing. what a relief.

wallow fire

2011-06-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

there is a fire burning some of the most beautiful forest in arizona as we speak.

the wallow fire has burned 311,000 acres as of today. it has left homes ablaze and wildlife fleeing. the pictures tie my stomach in knots. this prime land is very close to my stomping grounds as a child. we camped and took day trips to that forest many times. it is a beautiful place. now it, along with many homes, is burning, because of careless people not being responsible with their campfire.

the pictures and stories bring back my memories of being evacuated back in 2002 from the Rodeo-Chediski fire. memories of packing our belongings and leaving the town. seeing the red and orange glow of smoke completely covering the sky overhead. watching my parents help at the shelter. seeing all the people sleeping on cots with their families who are possibly homeless. coming home and not knowing what to find. the feelings of helplessness. not being able to do anything.

a prayer is in my heart constantly that the fires will stop and that homes will be spared.

.when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie.

2011-06-07T13:20:00.005-07:00

we had some good friends over for a pizza party for lunch. cori made yummy whole wheat dough and the kids went to town loading up their pizzas. this picture was taken before the pizzas looked like delish cheese mountains.

callie . garrett . addie . walker

little miss B. aka berkley

mine and coris pizzas

the kids played outside and inside and all over. we talked about being mothers and decor and heath issues and being healthy and fashion. i always love talking to cori, she is a gem of a gal. im sad i didnt snap a photo of us :(. we were too busy stuffing our faces.

another good summer day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

.iphone photos.

2011-06-06T15:44:00.032-07:00

.pool side.

.stripes.

.chillin.. walker came out of the womb with his feet crossed. i will catch him like this all the time when he is sleeping or sitting in his car seat. precious i tell you.

.for a friend.

.cleaning shells.

.the natural me.

.no make up. wavy air dried hair. and bags under the eyes.

.callie found mommies make up.

wow!

.thai food in mesa.

.date.

. painting.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

. the sabbath day .

2011-06-05T13:43:00.003-07:00

Today I am filled with gratitude.

I am overwhelmed with love for the temple and the blessings and promises that only the temple can provide.

I am amazed at the feelings I experience when I hear my children sing songs of worship.

It is Sunday.

. a summer welcome .

2011-06-02T14:53:00.001-07:00

yesterday i picked up addie ( and some other kiddies in our neighborhood ) from school. i was excited school was out! probably more than the kids themselves! we waved goodbye to the teachers and they told me all about their end of the year parties. we got home, threw addies back pack in the garage and i felt a sigh of relief. i had my little one home.

they had some neighborhood girls over that afternoon and we filled up the pool. they had a great end of the year bash. addie actually lost her voice!

today the kids got up and played some pbskids.org while i layed in bed. no rush to get addie ready and out the door. i eventually rolled out of bed and made them some pancakes. i went on a short run and then we got dressed and ready for the day. to the library it was. we checked out SO many books! it was awesome! we can check off starting the library reading program off our summer to-do list. the kids read for over and hour today on their own. we even read 2 chapters of their newly checked out Judy Moody book. im so happy that they love to read!

we then got out our activity books that i got them from costco. they will hopefully keep addies handwriting and reading in check. callie also needs to get used to having sit down, work on #s, letters, & strategies time for preschool, which i will admit, i have not done that with her enough.

they are now on the wii dance while walker is napping and i can have some alone time. im looking up pippi longstocking chapter books to read with them before bed. :)

im feeling good about this summer. im feeling like it wont be as bad as i had imagined. im just going to stick with doing fun things that will keep their minds sharp so we dont all get in a rut.

we welcome you summer.

.summer check off list.

2011-06-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

this list is being posted on my fridge for a constant reminder of fun things to do this summer.
no excuses to be bored, for the children or me!

what is on your summer to do list?

.iPhone photos.

2011-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

swimming fully clothed.

cheap fruit.

blue eyes.

go fish.

car pool.

reupholstered.

going out.

*o, and today was addies last day of school! it is officially summer folks!

..today..

2011-05-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

i
worshiped.
was renewed.
felt loved.
have a headache.
want to make lemon bars.
held my sleeping baby.
sang.
prayed.
learned.
and was inspired.

it is sunday.

.sister talk.

2011-05-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

these girls are 2 years apart. sometimes i wonder if they even like each other. ive been having a really difficult time with them as of late. they argue, fight, hit, argue, tattle on each other, fight, whine, cry, fight, argue, argue & fight.
fewwwww.... get the picture?
it makes me so sad ( and frustrated ) when they are constantly at battle with one another. i grew up with 2 brothers. i wanted a sister SOOO bad! all of my close friends friends growing up had sisters. every one of them. i was envious of them. i still get sad sometimes that i dont have a sister. i have really close girl friends, but nothing can match the love that sisters have for one another. i wanted that so bad growing up, and i want that for my girls.

when i see my darlings fighting all the time i tell them, " mommy didnt have sisters when she was little. she had to play with boys. she didnt have someone that wanted to play house, dolls, dress up, pretend, or fairies. so be glad that you have a sister! love each other! be bestest friends!"

but deep down, i know i cant force them. i know they love each other and that they will not always agree. i just want them to like each other. i want them to get along.... you know. i just want them to be happy and to be friends all their lives.

mexico....quatro....& the end.

2011-05-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

red chlorine eyes.

diving for poker chips.

.making a pinata.

birds eating your food.

funny towel creations by the maids.

spa day, just me & my mom! facials and massages. it was the best 3 hours!

the boys played some golf.

trips into town.

buying mexican tortillas and lollipops.

thrifty ice cream.

street tacos and more street tacos! yum! if you haven't tried a good street taco you have no reason to gag. find a good, clean, indoor taco shop and you are sure to be pleasantly surprised. :)

seeing all of the interesting items at the markets. fun and interesting.

painting with mimi.

the end.

im ready to go back!

mexico....tres

2011-05-25T14:25:00.001-07:00

finishing up beach pictures. here we go,

making sand castle with daddy.

watching it being flooded and washed away wave by wave.

walker being king kong and wanting to destroy it bit by bit.

telling mark to be careful every time he took the kids out into the ocean.

watching them run from the water to the umbrella covered blanket a gazillion times.

walker being crabby and restless and fussy. :(

watching cartoons in spanish.

major swimsuit tans.

.beach hop scotch.

.mexico.....dos.

2011-05-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

long beach walks.

viewing beach sunsets & sunrises.

no cares. no demands. no worries. no schedule.

pretend play.

warming cold bodies in the sunshine.

playing tag with the waves.

walker eating. eating. eating. and more eating.

mexico...uno

2011-05-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

homemade pina coladas.

warm sand.

seashell finding.

rushing of waves.

kids laughing, whining, crying, singing, and screeching in delight.

no doing of hair or makeup.

family naps every day.

a lot of reading time for me.

.2 headed mermaid.

.our view from the room.

callie made sure we had enough snacks everywhere we went.

lathering lotion 2 times a day.

finding sea creatures.......octopus, starfish, crabs, fish, sea cucumbers.

homemade meals from the room.

salt water in your mouth.

sand in your bum.

wind in your hair.

.7 years.

2011-05-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

and no itching so far.

we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on the 14th. my parents watched the kids for us while we splurged and had dinner at the resort resaurant.

mark,
i love you babe. our lives are crazy and our kids keep us busy and try our patience. it seems sometimes we are in a whirlwind of craziness. but i love you through it all. you keep me anchored.
thank you for choosing me.
all my love, Jessi xo

.muy bein.

2011-05-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

we are back from our week long trip to mexico.
all i can say is that was some much needed relaxation.
im working on getting all of my pictures loaded so be ready for a lot, and i mean A LOT, of beach pictures.

a few things:
my house is taken over with suit cases, loads of laundry and sand toys.

we got home yesterday afternoon. we unloaded everything and mark packed a second bag. the boys headed for the hills for "Father and Sons" to go camping. us gals had a girls night. we went to the library, picked up a pizza and red box and vegged out. this morning we woke up and hit some yard sales, went & went to lunch. it was a great time with my girls.

my tomato plants are going crazy! tons of little cherry tomatoes to devour.

im not looking forward to regular life again. i could have stayed at the beach for a few more days.

addie graduates from kindergarten this week. whaaaa?!

what am i going to make for dinner???

.pretties.

2011-05-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

ive added some dainty little things to my shop with spring/summer in mind.

i think they would be perfect added to any warm weathered ensemble.

heres another link.
take closer look,

.shop bloom.

.weekend iphone photos.

2011-05-09T20:44:00.001-07:00

callies legs in the dressing room.

bubble bath.

addies school concert.

how to keep a kid entertained on a sunday afternoon, when they wont stop telling you how bored they are?

give them a ball of yarn.

seriously, you will not hear a peep for at least an hour.

kittens or bunnies, not sure which. it changed a million times.

and again, a sad callie. she does not like her picture taken so much.

date with mark included a steak house ( i got to pick for mothers day), and barnes and noble.

here is a book i found that i added to my long list of "to reads",

what im currently reading during quiet time and bed time,

not really sure if i like it or not yet.

tea time.

spent most of the day today outside. it was gorg!

this was my view.

our weekend got cut short. it usually goes from saturday to tuesday but mark is making up for when we will be gone for mexico next week.

i am SO excited.

i know some of you may have your opinions on going across the boarder.

we will be ok.

ok?!

and here is me with the cool wind in my hair, a big zit under my lip and watching my babes play in the sand.

.we're a family.

2011-05-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

my brother moved back from cali and came to town with my parents. its been so nice to see him more. my kids sure do love to see kyle more often as well. they love their uncles.

on this night we went to addies school kindergarten concert then hit up olive garden for dinner.

our daddy got to come.

he works odd hours and rarely gets sleep. i love him for all he sacrifices for us.

ma & pa.

mimi & papa.

mom & dad.

and my blue eyed babes.

**still feelin icky around here. i think ive got a small dose of the bug. if i didnt know better i would think i was with child a fourth time. just that icky, stomach in knots, tired feeling. but i know better. :) im sure we will be back to normal tomorrow.

. xo .

.moms day.

2011-05-08T16:04:00.002-07:00

my day started in the wee hours of the night last night. callie caught a yucky bug and was up all night in the bathroom or with a giant bowl next to her side. i let mark take care of her for a bit. after a while, and sensing his frustration and being tired i got up to rub my little ones back and tell her she was ok and then soothe her back to sleep, time after time. i wanted to make my "baby" feel better. i wanted to take away all of the hurt she was feeling. i wanted to calm her spirits and have her feel safe and loved. i truly felt the feelings of a mother.

i awoke early to get ready for our church service at 9 a.m. took my shower and came out to my other little girl and my son standing with toast and chocolate milk (that addie insisted on telling me right of the bat that she made herself) and a little box. the little box held a necklace that the kids picked out at the boutique with the word mom on it. i hugged them and told them "i loved it!" and that i loved them.
then they took me downstairs to show me a new Vitamix! yay! (mothers day and anniversary gift in one).

the rest of the day has been very busy and hectic. with sick kids, going back and forth from church and switching duties with mark. but i have had time to remember all of the women in my life, my mother, my mother in law, my grandmothers, my friends who are mothers and all the women i know who are aching to be a mother. motherhood is wonderful and amazing.

i love and adore the children who made me a mother. who give me the opportunity to fulfil gods plan for me. i love the man who loves me enough to "assist" me in become a mother, and who is my partner in raising our little beauties. im so overjoyed to be able to share that with him.

those are my thoughts.
here are some classics of me and my mother. enjoy.
i must go see what my little ones are creating with the scissors and ball of yarn they just snagged from my craft closet. hopefully not a new haircut! :)
cheers!

ps. mother, i love you!

marks marathon!

2011-05-07T16:07:00.001-07:00

im so excited to share this post. my husband completed a full marathon in utah and we are so proud of him. he had a goal to run one before he turned 30 years of age, and he achieved that goal!

he has always been a determined, ambitious person. such an example for me. he makes goals for himself and achieves them. he would come home from work, hadn't slept in 24 hours, and would go and run and train his body for this event. i will get off my soap box and share some pictures.

waiting for daddy on the side of the road about 3/4's of the way through the run. we never saw him during the race. we couldn't time where he would be at a certain time so we only saw him at the finish line.

callie wasn't so stoked about waiting.

when i saw him coming down the road i jumped for joy! literally, up and down and screaming for him!
he had just ran 26 miles!
i was SO proud.

it took all i had to not burst out in tears of joy for him. after this next picture, he ran by and gave me a kiss and headed for the finish line. his brother ran the last leg with him.

at the end of the race, when we finally met up, we embraced. we both shed a few tears. and he couldn't stop saying, "i did it! i did it!" and i would answer back, "you did it! you did it!" such a neat moment for us.

he has plans to run a marathon every year, from here on out.

i believe in him!

.spring boutique.

2011-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

i will be vending at a boutique tomorrow.

you wont want to miss because im having a MAJOR SALE!

{photos of my table @ a boutique in april}

ALL TIES WILL BE $9.00!!!!

they are normally $12.00.

that is a smokin deal people, so dont miss it!

they will never be priced that low again.

you have to present for the sale, no online purchasing.

all of my jewelry will be discounted as well.

here is the boutique flyer for info.

visit the website above to see all the vendors goods and any other info.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
HAVE A LOVELY WEEKEND!

our home for the week.

2011-04-27T20:23:00.001-07:00

we stayed in this little 1920's home. it had creaky wooden floors. glass windows and amazing old doors with glass handles.
we loved the place.

eating somemores out in front at sunset.

i totally recommend looking into renting out a house when vacationing. it was cheap and felt so much more roomy and cozy than a hotel.
we will definitely do it again, if not every time we travel.

snow fight!

2011-04-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

i know. more utah pictures. we just had so much fun, i have to record it all.
it started snowing one day. i couldnt help myself but to go out with the girls and enjoy it and have a little fun.

with cousin haylee making snowballs.

daddy was the target here.

then addie,

me helping her out after i nailed her with a cold one.

then they ganged up on me.

from the kitchen window.

good times.

weekend iphone photos

2011-04-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

my friend cori brought these easter treats for the kids. rice crispies on a stick!

waiting for the easter pagent to start.

new do.

higbee egg hunt.

hawaiian day.

family walk.

tickle session.

easter dessert. coconut cream cake.

easter morn.

2011-04-25T12:30:00.002-07:00

the best family picture we could get with a timer.

new spring duds.

i gave the girls these necklaces for easter. the charm is from etsy and i put it on some ribbon i had.

simple, girly, and cheap.

the girls.

bow tie made by me.

handsome, if i do say so myself.

the boys.

we then went off to church.
it was a miracle. i did not once have to take any of my kids out to discipline. (although many times i wanted to take them out and spank their cute tushies.)
it was a lovely day filled with the spirit and rememberance of the resurrection.

hope your resurrection day was lovely as well.

thanksgiving point and wheeler farm

2011-04-25T10:05:00.002-07:00

[ Thanksgiving Point ]

we had heard from my sister in law about Thanksgiving Point and that it was a fun place for the kids to visit.

we went to the farm part of the park and loved it.

pony rides were included in the price, which was one of the main reasons we visited that part of the park.

walker was of course going crazy at the sight of all the animals.

we took a carriage ride and enjoyed the place.

[ Wheeler Farm ]

aka- my dream property.

we went to Wheeler Farm with some family one day. it was awesome!

this is mine and marks kinda livin. it was so beautiful, i can only imagine what it would look like when all the trees are in full bloom.

behold.

my dream farm house. (minus the telephone pole)

i walked around the old Wheeler house and peeked in all the windows. i felt like a giddy girl on christmas morning. the lace curtains and and old doors made me smile from ear to ear. i stood on the front porch and imagined my little family playing in the yard on a hot summer day while me and mark watched from the porch after a hard days work, sipping something cool. it was a dream.

one of the barns on the farm.

WE GOT TO MILK THE COWS!

that was awesome. mark and i didnt think it was weird or awkward at all. in, fact, we could have milked the cow till the brim of the bucket was full. it was a fun experience. (call us weird and crazy if you wish.)

we love farm life, if you couldn't tell. i felt so at home there on that farm. like i belonged.

is that weird?

i loved the sights, the sounds the beauty.

the simple life.

there is somewhere in my heart that longs for that life.

its wonderful.

sweet tooth fairy with an old friend? yes please!

2011-04-23T20:57:00.001-07:00

i was sooo excited to see an old friend while in utah! she has lived there for awhile and its been a longer while since ive seen her. we went out to lunch and chatted it up. afterward she introduced me to sweet tooth fairy. me and sweet tooth fairy, we got along just fine. :)

i have had some great times with Jennifer. we grew up going to the same church ward. we were in the same class i think in, well, maybe 3rd grade?

we got a ribbon on our science fair project we did together in 5th grade.

some other memories i have of her....

listening to and belting Enrique and Shania in our beater cars all around town.

drinking dr. pepper and eating jalapeno hot dogs from circle k.

helping her to the nurse when she broke her arm in 6th grade.

taking day trips to flagstaff and getting lost in the middle of the reservation.

getting ready for stake dances at her house.( i thought she was so cool because she had a bathroom in her room. lol)

driving to her house and ditching sunday school.

wow, i am having floods of memories running through my head right now.

and most of them are just laughing until i cried or peed my pants or both.

we had such fun times together.

i miss her infectious laughter and hilarious stories.

im so glad that i keep in touch with such good friends.

you know.... the kind that know you.

know everything about you, your family and who you are.

anyway... it was so good to see her and i was so sad to say good bye.

but it wont be the last visit we have.

it just makes me excited for the next one.

down town salt lake

2011-04-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

we had to take a day and visit temple square while in utah. we visited the Beehive House, one of my favorites. We also ate lunch a few times at the Lion House. the girls were begging us to go back and eat there after the first time. of course me and mark agreed. their soup and rolls are pretty dang delicious. here are some pictures (go figure). :)

our family picture taken by a passerby.

salt lake temple.

girls standing by fountain in front of the church office building.

addie standing by picture of jesus visiting the americas. it is the original painting.

i loved all the art work in the conference center. it was just beautiful.

our prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.

temple square from the conference center.

door handles to the temple.

such amazing work and detail.

exploring

2011-04-20T10:41:00.002-07:00

the kids did a lot of exploring of the place. it is pretty different from what we are used to back at home, thats for sure. they found a bunch of new things to examine and play with. such is the life of a kid.

addie wanted me to take her picture by this white fence on the side of the house. how could i say no to that
opportunity?

the bag of "treasures" they gathered.

mr. slimy the snail is in there too.

i hardly got any pictures of callie. sad.

she doesn't particularly like her picture taken.

she is either in her little world.....

or giving me this.....

charming.

but its ok. she is happy & we love her.

family trip

2011-04-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

we have been in utah for a week long trip. it was so fun! we relaxed, saw the sights and mark ran a marathon! i will be working on a few posts to sum up our week. cant wait to share with you! for now, here is tid bit of our arrival.

love where you live.

2011-04-08T15:48:00.003-07:00

we have lived in our house for almost 4 years now. a lot of growth has happened since we came out here. we have a frys grocery store minutes away. we have a target, ross, kohls, olive garden, and many more stores (not that i care much about most of the stores i listed) in a new shopping center that is about 5 minutes away. i always hated that i would have to go "in town" to do most of my shopping. "in town" is about 25 minutes away. i HATED the drive (kinda still do). i would tell mark all the time that i hate living so far out from everything. i dont feel that way so much anymore. i take a weekly trip into town to run a few of my errands, such as the farmers market, goodwill or savers & costco if needed. it doesnt bother me. in fact, i am actually finding beauty all around me in this hot hell of a desert. (excuse my french). and ive found that ive had to seek out that beauty. ive had to look for it with new, open eyes. ive had to face the fact that we may live out here for awhile, so i better start liking it or its going to be a long, miserable ride.

i am a small town girl at heart. i grew up in a house that had a huge field behind it with only a barb wire fence dividing the two. horses would graze in the tall grass. they would come up to our fence and we would feed them carrots and stroke their faces. i love open green spaces. my heart craves to be surrounded by farmland and trees as far as the eye can see. maybe someday, we will be able to experience that sort of view.
and you know what? i didnt quite realize i lived somewhere with all of the things i described, until i opened my eyes and looked at my surroundings. i love that even though we live in the city, we can experience "not so city" surroundings. we see people riding horses down the street. there are cattle and horses everywhere on peoples property. we see goats, and my new favorite, the sheep. there are tons of sheep! i love it.

so, im loving where i live.
and that is that.
here are some of my views down roads that we drive quite often. (from my phone, through my car window).

last weekends iphone pictures

2011-04-07T21:57:00.003-07:00

im a little behind on everything. getting ready for 2 boutiques and trying to keep a household and all of my motherly/wife responsibilities have taken up a lot of my time. which is the way it should be, right? maybe not the boutques, but all the other stuff. it is a good kind of busy though. im am defiantely loving life right now.

here are the iphone pictures i snapped of our weekend. we enjoyed conference weekend with family and listening to a prophets voice. it was reassuring thats for sure.

+ sunday breakfast +

creme brulee french toast with caramel syrup, ham & OJ.

+ morning kisses +

+ conversation +

+ frozen yogurt +

we love yogurt jungle. i can see us visiting there many times this summer.

+ organized sewing room +

it rarely looks like this.
my supplies are usually ALL over the place. i would like to put some shelving up where the bulletin board is and put baskets of everything up high so my kids cant reach it.

+ washing eggs +

i share my eggs with a friend down the street. we are getting so many eggs these days.

+ granny glasses +

i got to spend time alone with my mom. it was fun and rejuvenating!

+ girls were playing with my phone and taking pictures of everything in their room. the photos of them are pretty hilarious. +

dont forget that tomorrow is that last day to enter the giveaway.

i would also love to see you at the boutique on friday and saturday!

happy day to you.

windblown

2011-04-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

drivin down the road.
all of the windows down.
music blaring.
how can you not dance?

happy sunday/GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

purty flowers on my table.

my friend beth is hosting a giveaway over at her happy blog.
there are 2 items in my shop up for grabs for one of you lovely ladies.
head over to her blog, you dont want to miss out!

tidbits of the weekend.

2011-03-31T06:00:00.003-07:00

planting flowers.

walker in the tub.

{picture by callie}

sunday dinner.

jumpin on the tramp and star gazing.

smores.

watchin daddy play softball.

learning to gather chickens.

{picture of me by callie}

i cant wait for another great weekend.

im already making plans.

cheers!

happy (late) sunday

2011-03-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

ps.
i have made some new spring/summer ties for a few upcoming boutiques im vending in.
check em out.

here is the info on the boutiques.
if you cant make it and are interested, email me, i do shipping.
Pecan Creek Boutique

All Things Beautiful Spring Boutique

spring break fun . part three

2011-03-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

we were able to spend a day at the zoo before heading up the mountain. walker LOVES animals and was just going crazy whenever he would catch sight of something furry and moving.

mark is such an amazing father. addie was getting so tired from walking, so he picked her up and put her on his sholders for as long as he could. he played in the stream with walker and pushed the stroller. i sure found me a good catch.

that's the end of our spring break. i have so many more pictures to update and share. we have been spending so much time outside riding bikes and cleaning up the yard that i haven't cared to sit at the computer.

in other news:

my mom called me this morning and gave me the news that her birth mother, Marti passed away this morning. i may be going to Pennsylvania with her this weekend to arrange the burial. my mother was Martis only child and was adopted at birth.

anyway, i may have to add another post with my mothers story about all that another time.... for memories sake.

spring break fun . part two

2011-03-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

more random pictures from our mountain adventure.

callie at woodland park. i played on this playground as a wee little tyke.

mimis backyard.

walker and his big buddy, lennon.

cousin ellery pulling walker in the wagon.

spring break fun. part one.

2011-03-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

we went up the mountain for spring break. it was glorious. although there is one thing i dont miss about the mountains, the wind. gosh darn it sure was windy. dont miss that at all.

our first stop was my bestest friend julies house. we stayed the night there and had grand ol time.

we watched doris day after the kids went to bed (in the "princess room"). we ate ice cream, played in her back yard, cooked, spent some time in her sewing room, chatted up a storm & did a little second hand shopping.

i love that gal. she has such a way with making you feel comfortable and special. i sure do miss her and wish we could live closer to one another.

i took some random pictures while there with my phone.

here is what i got.....

my kindergartener

2011-03-22T20:28:00.001-07:00

im just going to come out and say it....

my little addie boo is a smartie. she is doing so well in school, we are so proud of her.

she was asked to choose a Dr. Seuss book to do her book report on for last quarter, and she chose Green Eggs and Ham. the kids had to make a project about their book.

addie made a plate of green eggs and ham, like the one on the cover of the book.

her masterpiece.....

these pictures were taken on a "free" day when they didnt have to wear their uniforms.

today i went into addies class to listen to her recite her poem.

the video is a bit shaky because i wanted to watch her and not the screen of my phone. :)

and i cut it off short at the end because i wanted to clap my hands off for my girl!

her poem was, "Chocolate Rabbit".

we took her out to ice cream at the thrifty down the street to celebrate her getting "Principles Pride List" every quarter so far in the school year! Principles Pride List is above Honor Roll, and whoever makes the list gets to have a treat with the Principle one day after school.

i am so happy for addie and could brag on her all day.

we love you babe!

happy sunday . March 20th, 2011

2011-03-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

my roses are in bloom!
we had a great getaway in the mountains this week.
i came home to clean carpets..... every room.... professionally done.
walker can now feed himself with a spoon... kinda.
and those, my friends, are some of the few things that are making me happy on this fine sunday.

portraits

2011-03-14T20:09:00.002-07:00

i asked my talented friend, beth, to draw portraits of my kids.
she is a. maz. ing! see for yourself.... here, here, & here. i know right... this girl has got talent. or as addie would say... wow, she is creatively! :)

anyway, i went to get my mail today and a sweet little package was there from beth. i cant even tell you how fast i ripped that package open... i was excited. and when i saw those portraits of my kids, i was breathless. they are beautiful. i am sooo in love with them and cant wait to get them hung in their rooms.

and here they are.....

ADDIE:

CALLIE:

& WALKER:

the details are amazing! and they are so personal....
addie, her dimple, her slanted smile, her love for lockets, porcalin dolls and music. her uneven socks, the A on her dress.

callie, her love of books and her cowboy boots. her whispy hair, her face is perfect. the C on her dress.

walker, his airplane mobile in his room, his toy dog that he pulls around the house, his face is perfect also. and we hope his hair starts growing to match the picture. :)

thank you beth. i ADORE them. xoxo
ps. scroll down to my "happy sunday" post to see how dead on she was.

happy sunday.

2011-03-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

buds

2011-03-10T08:07:00.001-07:00

callie has a lot of good friends her age. most of them are in her class at church, which is awesome. she has this one friend, garrett, that she talks about a lot. they are good buds.
i went over to my friends house yesterday to get my hair done (i got me some ombre highlights i did). cori is amazing and happens to be garretts mom. so i took callie along to play with "garr", as callie calls him. they had a blast! they played SO well together. we were both shocked at how great they get along. callie joined him in swords, dinosaurs & karate. it was great.

yay for good friends!

my thoughts and wishes exactly

2011-03-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Little boy, when you speak
I can’t help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don’t forget who you are
And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life’s an hourglass
Life’s an hourglass

Story’s read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask
When you reach for the stars

Don’t forget who you are
And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life’s an hourglass
Life’s an hourglass

song by Mindy Gledhill

main st.

2011-03-08T08:44:00.002-07:00

mimi came to town this weekend. we were thrilled! we went out and had a day FULL of fun and adventure. the kids were so well behaved. (except for callie coloring every limb of her body in bright red marker in the car)

we headed over to main st. in downtown mesa. the weather was so beautiful. we walked up and down the street and stopped at all of the great shops.

lunch at mangos was a must. eating outside with the chirping birds and warm sun was just perfect.

whats great is my kids seriously enjoy antique and thrift stores.
seriously.
it is great fun for all of us.

my handsome son on the other hand needs some bribing.
so i bought him a sucker at the front desk to keep him entertained.

we walked by a book store and peeked in the window and we all just gasped.

it was awesome!

all of us love books, so we strolled through that door without question.

the smell of old books was amazing, and the old wooden floors creaked under our feet.

they even had rolling floor to ceiling ladders. awesome.

i feel funny writing that.

that those little things bring us such excitement. but we just loved it all.

and how could we not stop into mesa frozen yogurt. yummy.

the tart flavors are our favorites. i tried the red velvet cake flavor, and it was pretty darn good itself.

after that we hit up a few thrift stores because the kids were being so great and found some treasures.

but wait.... theres more. the day did not end there and the fun continues!

we ended the day at the movies with popcorn for dinner.

gnomeo and juliet has been on the gals "can we do this" list.

it was super cute.

callie was pooped afterward.

we love our mimi. we love it when she comes to visit.

this day will be a great memory to remember.

monday morning

2011-03-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

this weekend was a great one. i will be back with more details. as for now, i need to do as much as i can around the house before my little babe wakes up from his morning nap.
happy monday yall.
xo,
J

taking in my surroundings

2011-03-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

floral dishes make my heart sing.

grandma walkers recipes framed.

ive been keeping fresh flowers on my table. always brightens my mood.

happy, unsick child.

positive affirmation.

happy hutch.

on March 1st.

2011-03-02T06:00:00.003-07:00

yesterday i went out on the town with callie. joannes and old navy were first. i got a few things to work on the girls easter dresses.

we ate in and out burgers in the parking lot with the sun roof down and the cool breeze, & listened to the radio.

costco was a must. we are needing the essentials that i usually get from there, gum, butter, cheese, tortillas, chicken, hamburger, granola bars, spinach and frozen berries for smoothies.

when we got home, callie layed on the couch all by herself and fell asleep.

she is a doll.

i love her cute little spunky self. she is so her own person. sensitive, quizitive, innocent, content, fragile, happy.

i love her little face when she sleeps.

i could just stare at her until she she wakes up.

i enjoyed my callie time.
*pictures taken with my phone.
*i really do wear other clothes. im always in this mustard cardi, but i promise i dont wear it everyday. :)

date night

2011-03-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

date nights are the best. this year, we have been able to go out more often because of marks schedule change. he no longer works on the weekends, so we are able to get a babysitter and have some alone time on the weekend. this weekend we went to our favorite thai joint. mark always thinks its funny that i get the same thing every time. but i know what i like. yellow curry. and i LOVE it. so why get something else and miss out on what i love? anyway, it was so good.
then we hopped over to the used book store while we waited for our movie to start. i love love books. the smell, the look, the stories they tell. this particular store had records that i drooled over. my fav section is the jazz section. louie, ella fitzgerald, nat king cole, sinatra, & billy holiday are my tops.

then off to our movie. mark gets a great discount at the theater, otherwise it would be a redbox at home for us. we saw The Eagle this time. it exceeded my expectations.

dont we look bushed.....

we arent used to staying up so late!

but it was great.

we dont always get to go on such eventful dates. sometimes it may just be ice cream in bed watching hulu, or a trip to costco or target. but we try and have some alone time to talk about the kids and life and the future.

date night is the best night ever!

feelin crummy

2011-02-24T16:33:00.002-07:00

walker is sick sick sick.

i have been holding his limp roasting body all day. i kinda feel bad saying it, but its been nice to snuggle that little bug. he is so active, & i never get to hold him on my lap for more than a few seconds. i do like his happy self much better though. its like a piece of me is gone with out his spunky cheery self around. i am giving him the most love and safe from germ kisses i can to help him feel better.

and because no one likes to see pictures of ill children, here is walker on a happier day playing in the mud at the park.

fancy free

2011-02-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

we have been spending most of our afternoons at the playgrounds. the weather in the arizona desert has been beautiful and i hate to see it leave. we are just soaking up this cool breezy air.

and this little gal has learned to pump on the swings all by herself.

awesome?

you bet.

complete freedom.

what brings me joy on a monday, with my husband home, and no school for addie?

2011-02-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

sleeping in (7am).

no morning rush to get ready and out the door.

lunch at olive garden for soup, salad and bread sticks.

the kids have been begging me to go the new olive garden down the street. they were pretty excited to go to a fancy place.

it was yummy!

then we visited grandma and grandpa and ate brownies right out of the oven with them.

perfect timing to visit i would say!

then off to home depot and the local nursery for plants and veggies for the yard.

the flowers are just lovely.

we picked up some roses for the yard. we will going back for a visit to pick up a tangerine or peach (we cant decide) tree and some bushes for the front yard.

we are also extending our back patio, so concrete will be on the list. im super excited about that. there will be a lot of room and shade for swim parties, evening bbqs and riding bikes.

then off to goodwill we did go.

we purchased this great radio flyer trike for walker. it is decked out with 2 bells and streamers.

awesome!

on the way home we headed to the farmers market and filled our cart with the cheapest, yummiest produce. blueberries were 2 huge cartons for $1.00. addie was thrilled! she loves her blueberries.

the day flew by so fast, and before we knew it, it was 4 pm. the girls jumped on the tramp, daddy filled up the garden with more soil and i cooked a yummy dinner. the girls went to bed without hesitation and i snuggled in my warm bed, under my down comforter and played connect 4 with my love on his phone.

that is what brings me joy on a monday, with my husband home, and no school for addie.

yesterday afternoon.

2011-02-17T15:35:00.001-07:00

wake up walker from his nap.

pick up addie from school.

make chicken salad sandwiches for lunch.

have a picnic under the trampoline in the backyard

play outside and enjoy the perfect weather.

drink green smoothies for an afternoon snack.

that was our wonderful afternoon.

dinner for 2

2011-02-15T16:10:00.002-07:00

mark and i rarely go out on valentines. we like to spend it at home, in our comfy clothes. we dont have to fight the crowds or pay a tip.

this year, we fed and bathed the kids, and after they were tucked into bed we had a quiet, candle lit dinner of our own. i seem to always make him a steak dinner. since i dont buy it that often it is a special treat. we also had baked potatoes and bacon wrapped asparagus. does that sound like a man meal or what!

mark loves cream pies, so i topped off the meal with a homemade chocolate cream pie.

yum.

we settled in on the couch and watched a movie afterward.

it was great.

just being with my love and talking and being alone was what we needed.

i love him so much. he is always there for me, supporting me, comforting me, serving me. we have come so far and been through so much together. im so glad its him that im sharing this life with.

xoxo, J

love me tender

2011-02-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a little Valentine,

red and white.

With ribbons and lace,

I'm a beautiful site.

I can say " I love you",

on Valentines Day.

Just put me in an envelope,

and give me away.

- Addies poem that she recited in school.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

XOXOXOXOXO

will you be my valentine?

2011-02-13T13:33:00.001-07:00

i LOVE LOVE valentines day. it makes me happy. my mom made valentines day really special for us as kids so its embedded in me. but how can you not like a holiday thats all about letting the people you care about most, know that you love them and celebrate that love?

we put together some valentines for our loved ones and friends.

these are the pictures we chose from the girls photo shoots to put on their valentines.....

i know! cute right!?

and here they are......

we added some m&ms in a bag for a little goodie to go with it.

the girls loved them! they were/are so excited to show all of their friends.

i went in to addies school on friday for their valentine day party. i had a blast. we decorated bags for their mailboxes, frosted and decorated cookies, and passed out valentines. addie came up to me in the back of the class and put her arms around my neck and gave the longest smooch on my cheek. she had no worries about her friends seeing, and i adored it! i love helping out there. her teacher is great and they are learning so much.

anyway..... the girls found the safest place in the house to sort through all of addies loot.
on the top bunk... away from the candy monster... walker.

100th day of school

2011-02-10T09:01:00.001-07:00

addie chose to put 100 hearts on her poster for the 100th day of school.

i think she did a darn tootin good job.

addies valentine photoshoot - outtakes

2011-02-09T06:00:00.005-07:00

this girl kills me.

she did all her own poses.

she was so excited.

she is cute.

i found this red frock at a antique store in payson last weekend and had to snatch it up. i adored it. i think it will be really cute with some mary janes or saltwater sandals for the summer. yes?

love her!

Dear Diary,

2011-02-08T15:25:00.004-07:00

today was a great day!

i woke up early this morning. i prayed and read a scripture before the kids arose. im pretty sure thats what made my day great. i read a scripture that basically said, if we have faith, the Lord will give us mercy and will make us mighty in the things that he has called us to do. he has called me to be a mother. he is cheering me on in that calling. he knows what im going through. the knows what i want for my kids and he will make me mighty and strong to teach them the right ways and things that they should know, and he will help me.

i finished canning the chicken that my mother in law gave me. i have about 50 cans in the pantry waiting to be made into gravy, enchiladas, chicken salad and whatever else.

i also picked all of the lemons and oranges off our tree this morning. callie helped me for about 3 min. and then she was done. so we talked while i picked and just enjoyed the cool air and being outside. the smell of lemons filled the air with every pick. we ended up with 4 bags of lemons and 3 bags of oranges.

i love citrus. i LOVE fresh OJ. we made lemon ice cream for family home evening last night. we couldnt get enough, the kids had 3rds. it was great.

we went to the library today. i love library day. i love flipping through all of the rows and rows of books. i love getting home and sitting on the big chair with the girls and reading every single one of the books. just relaxing and reading stories. again... so great.

the children's quiet time is up and im back on duty.
sincerely,
Jessica

sneek peek

2011-02-04T12:52:00.001-07:00

this morning i did a little photo shoot with the girls to incorporate into their valentines.

here are a few cute sneek peeks of my callie cat.

love her smile!

have a great weekend everyone. xo

here is proof that i am still having fun and not always a debbie downer, like my last post.

2011-02-03T13:30:00.008-07:00

ive been to my dr since then, and everything is working itself out. this phase in my life is hard. you are probably going through this phase with me. the young children stage. there is no need to give a definition for the young children stage, you know what it is. ha!
i sat down at my computer late last night and found some resources that really gave me peace.
here were some of my favorites at the time.

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God
Infinite Power of Hope
Lifting Burdens
Come What May and Love It

i added some happy music to my side bar. i turn it on and dance around my kitchen with my kids. its great. feel free to do the same.
and to finish this post off, im going to share with you what is making me happy.
lets take it away folks!

+ when my precious baby boy wakes up and i can nuzzle his warm neck.
+ my long list of lemon recipes to try. our tree is bursting with the largest lemons you ever did see.
+ climbing into my bed at night with my heat pad and good book.
+ embroidery
+ that addie can READ! she cant pick up a large book and start reading, but she can read the book Go Dogs, Go!, signs of stores when we are driving, and words on ads in the mail. i love it!
+ vintage clothing.
+ and goodnight kisses, eskimo and butterflies included.

ps. thank you for your kind thoughts. they really meant a lot to me.
xo
J

wacky by cracky!

2011-02-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

warning: what is written below is me pouring out my heart, venting, & in a way, writing to heal. they are very personal thoughts and feelings of mine. keep in mind that this blog is for me. for me & my family to read back in years to come. i dont expect sympathy, im writing for me. and i also write this to maybe help others who go through the same things and feelings. i have read blogs that share things that have helped me cope with things in my life. so maybe this will touch someone to know, they are not alone.

remember how i said yesterday that i will just wing it, and usually those are the best days?
well yesterday was not one of those days. it was awful.... to say the least.

ive been feeling a little out of sorts recently. ok... not a little... a lot. you know that feeling you get when everything just seems to be crashing down on you like waves. wave after wave and you are about to go under and drown in the sea. yes? i have struggled with anxiety a lot. i struggle feeling inadequate, guilty, insecure, unmotivated, impatient, and down right disliking myself. why?....i have no clue! i have so much to be grateful for. i have SO MUCH!
on a side note... i think my meds are wonky and i dont think im taking the right meds for me.
did i just throw that out there???
yes.... i take medication for depression and anxiety.
it was really hard for me to get to the dr. i felt that they would just say, "well, you have 3 young children and a husband with crazy schedule and everything else that life throws at people", and just send me on my way.
but, they sat down with me and asked me questions and believed me that something wasnt right and that something could be done. when i left the office i felt a sigh of relief, a burden lifted off my shoulders.
my family didnt have to suffer my crab face anymore. i could be "normal" again.
anyway... i could go on and on about this subject and about my story.
so, lets talk.
ask questions.
share stories.

2011-01-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

one pretty messy side braid.

yesterdays make up still on my face.... not so pretty.

by the way...its raining today and i couldnt be happier!

i have plans to go to the farmers market, and make a menu for the week. other than that, im wingin it today.

and those are probably the best days of all.

a new place to lay their heads

2011-01-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

this is the last time the gals will be able to this......

because they got.....

now they have WAY more space to play and make bigger messes.

they are beyond excited.

rain or shine.

2011-01-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

monday was fun.
we went to the park and played in the sunshine. marks brother and sister brought their families to join us. we ate pizza and then headed to the mall. that night we snuggled and read books. we put the kids to bed and then me and mark snuggled in our comfy bed and read our own books.

tuesday, today, i was summoned to court to be selected to be a juror. there were 50 of us to start with. in the end, they picked 12 jurors, me being one of them... for a 3 day trial. not so happy. i dont mind the process, and i would love to be a juror again sometime. but not when my kids are little. they can have me all they want when my kids are grown. mark has to work, and i am struggling to find people to watch my kids. well not struggling.... i have a lot of friends who are willing to help, i just hate feeling like im burdening people with watching my kids. and to be honest, i miss their guts! i hate coming home, eating dinner and then sending them to bed and not seeing them at all. im so glad i am able to stay at home with them. to teach them and to hear and see all of the things they say through out the day.

mark was the greatest today. when i got home he had made smoked pork roast in his new smoker, mashed potatoes and HOMEMADE BREAD! you heard me right! im so lucky to have him. he is seriously so good to us. he is the most selfless man i know.

i love him. i love kissing him and hearing the kids say , "ewwww! gross!!! not on the lips!!!" but at least they know we love each other and know that we are there for one another.

i love my family, through the easy and fun and family days. and through the long and hard and apart days. they are my life. my loves. my dears. my sweets.

callie and her books.

2011-01-11T09:13:00.001-07:00

A story is a special thing
The ones that I have read
They do not stay inside the books
They stay inside my head.
Unknown

todays date is 1.11.11 ! make it great!
xo

son

2011-01-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

+ you are such a boy.

+ you love dumping and smashing and crashing and wrecking and pulling and grunting and running.

+ i love giving you piggie back rides down the stairs and dumping you on the same couch.

+ i love the way you stare at me and blink, long blinks, over and over. we go back and forth blinking to each other as if saying " i love you more, no i love you MORE, no me more."

+ i love your soft side. you adore your stuffed animals and squeeze them till their insides are going to burst. you love to lay your head on pillows and sigh in relief of comfort.

+ you love your daddy soooooooo much. as soon as you hear his voice when he gets home, you go bonkers and NEED him.

i love you son. xo

and mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.............. im not one of those moms.

2011-01-05T21:25:00.001-07:00

[ addie and my brothers dog, Lennon at mimis house]

addie went back to school on monday. man we had a good break. i really enjoyed the easy, laid back mornings when everyone trickled into my bed and we snuggled up together under the warm soft blankets. there was no rush in the morning to hurry and wake addie up to get her out the door in time. no getting her dressed while she is still half asleep or shoving food in her mouth and making sure i pack a nutritious snack. we made yummy breakfasts that ended at 10 a.m. we stayed in our pjs almost all day long. we didnt go anywhere, just enjoyed being home. it was wonderful.
now its back to school. i do love it, but i sure do miss my girl. not being apart of her day more. she is one smart cookie and i love her to pieces.
xo

more family pictures

2011-01-05T15:14:00.002-07:00

things to remember about this day....

it was cold!

walker kept running off.

callie wouldnt smile and i had to bribe them with a treat afterward.

we went to have ice cream, even though we were so dang cold.

when i saw these images for the first time, i burst out in pure joy! i couldnt stop saying, "I love them! they are so pretty! ooo look at this one!"

this photo shoot was so so so worth it. i have so many pictures plastering my walls, including a huge 24 x 30 inch canvas print.

these pictures will be forever cherished.

enjoy.

see more at ashleymadsenphotography.