Tilane's Blog

June 2009

2009-12-31T03:19:00.000-06:00

June...

3rd – 4th - Awards assembly at the Elementary school & last day of school.

Thias & his teachers

4th – Went over to Tony & Jeannine’s for our last dinner and games together in awhile. Jeannine bought me the DVD “Wives and Daughters” as a going away present. LOVE that movie!!! It's almost up there with Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version)!

8th – 13th – Took our family on vacation to Disney World with my parents (Magic Kingdom twice, Hollywood Studios twice and Epcot once). Than relaxed at the Parkway International Resort and went swimming one day . We all had a blast!!!

What is Brad doing Janet? Fun rides!

Seija with her princesses

The trip's not complete without seeing Mickey

14th – 21st – Brad and I went on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise through Carnival Valor, while my wonderful parents watched the kids. Our ports of call were Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize, and Key West. Our shore excursions were Sea Trek, Kayaking in see-through kayaks and Snorkeling, Mayan Ruins Tour, and the White Knuckle Thrill Ride.

Our ship

Dinner on the ship

Clear kayaks

Some Mayan Ruins

Of course we had to take pictures of the towel art :)

Sunset pictures from the ship

21st – Celebrated Father’s Day at my parents place

My super tanned family (they don't look like this anymore)

22nd – 23rd – Traveled back to San Antonio and did the last bit of packing we had
24th – Movers loaded the truck and we hired a cleaning company to clean the house (that was one of the best $175 I’ve spent).
25th – Traveled to El Paso and went swimming at our hotel
26th – Traveled to Gilbert AZ and stayed with Brad’s Uncle Kevin and Aunt Corilee
27th – Traveled to SLC UT and stayed with Roger & Becky

Temple Square

29th – July 5th – Traveled to and stayed at the cabin in Montana and celebrated Canada Day and the 4th of July with the family

Caleb & Matthias' fist time behind the boat - They did great!!!
The red cabin's in the background

The Bry-Jan Clan

May 2009

2009-12-25T20:38:00.011-06:00

May...

2nd – Went over to Jim & Kristi’s house for dinner (and games of course).

The Jim & Kristi family
Taken at Garner State Park

8th – We SOLD our house! We were so blessed to sell it within 5 weeks.

Bye-bye San Antonio

9th – Cristina’s baby shower at Kerstin’s.

Cristina and me (Cristina I have a blog post in mind just for you - stay tuned)

9th – Brad’s Graduation at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club. He did it finally!!! No more school (at least not full time anyway)!!! Brad’s Dad, Mom and Step-dad all were able to come down for the grad dinner. It was so nice to have them here.

Cronin & the graduating class of two

The graduating class and their happy spouses

Brad's Dad, and Brad's Mom & Step-dad

14th – Jeannine threw a good-bye party for me.

I MISS YOU!!!

15th – Jennifer’s baby shower @ Crumpet’s Restaurant.

19th – Jill planned a goodbye Girl’s Night Out dinner and a movie for me.
21st – Kelly’s baby shower at MaryAnn’s

23rd – 25th - Hung out in Austin with the Jim & Kristi family. Saw the Texas State Capitol. Went to the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the bats fly at dusk.

Texas State Capitol Building

The bats flying out of the Congress Street bridge at dusk

25th – Cheered Brad on at the CapTxTri. Cheered on Jim and Scott also.

Go Brad go!

Go Jim! Go Scott!

29th – My wonderful visiting teachers Jami and Nicole had me over for a good-bye lunch
29th – My nephew Isaac was born.

Almost seems like I'm getting a nephew or niece each month doesn't it?
I almost was (Aug, Dec, Feb, Mar, May)

30th – Alcott’s birthday party
30th – Bob’s surprise birthday party

31st – Larson’s had us over for dinner

Moving from San Antonio won't make me miss finding these little critters around my house. Well maybe the lizards, but definitely not the others critters (or fire ants).

April 2009

2009-12-25T20:38:00.009-06:00

April

Boys in soccer again
1st – My mom came into town to watch the kids so that Brad and I could go to my mission reunion in Salt Lake City.
2nd - We put our house up for sale

The old place. I never thought I'd say this, but I really miss that house. We're in a not-so-great rental situation and it will be so nice to own a house again. One that I can paint and decorate to my liking and one I know we'll be living in for longer than a year. Can't wait!!!

2nd – 6th – Brad and I went to Salt Lake City. We stayed with my Uncle Dale and Aunt Cavell and got to see Tina and family.
3rd – Got to visit with Brad’s mission president. President and Sister Thompson.

3rd – My first mission reunion. President and Sister Jones were able to come. It was wonderful to be able to see them (they look so good!) and wonderful to see my companions and other missionaries I knew!!!

The Utah Ogden Mission missionaries & President & Sister Jones

Me with companions "Sister Becker" and "Sister Minns"

4th – We went to Roger & Becky's house for breakfast and to watch the first session of conference. We got a real surprise when we found out that Brad’s sister Esther & Russ were there visiting also. It was so fun!
4th – We got to see a couple of my cousins (Karen and Lori). We watched the second session of conference with them.
5th – My Uncle got us tickets to go to the Conference Center for the Sunday morning session. While there we met up with some former missionaries from my mission.

6^th – Started our Easter Week tradition with FHE and a spring egg hunt.

9th – Had Jill over - so Seija could play with Blake, Matthias could play with Lizzy and I could hang out with Jill and hold the twins. :)
10th – Went to Kaitlin’s birthday party at Incredible Pizza
18th – Kaitlin’s Baptism
24th – Went to Garner State Park again this year with a bunch of friends (the Tony & Jeannine family, the Ryan & Kari Dawn family, MaryAnn & family, the Jim & Kristi family, and Scott). We had a picnic, played in the river and went on a hike.

It is a beautiful place

My favorite falling-off-the-cliff pose

29th – Crafty Clique – Kari Dawn taught us how to make bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I wanted to learn so I can make blessing bracelets for babies and girlie bracelets for Seija.

Went to Zumba 3-5 times a week. I was addicted! It’s a cardio workout using Latin dances. It is quite a workout but it’s so much fun!!!
Had an insane amount of showings all month. I have to leave the house looking spotless just in case there is a showing at a moments notice. It took me an extra 30 minutes to get ready to go anywhere that month.
Went to a going away party for my good friend Ellice.

Miss you!!!

Two of Caleb's permanent teeth grew in without pushing out the baby teeth

Check out the photo. You can see all four teeth.

Feb-March 2009

2009-12-25T20:38:00.008-06:00

Feb-March

We went to San Diego for a conference from February 25th – March 1st. Some wonderful friends, Ben & Jan, watched our children for us. I got to hang out with my MIL while the men were at their conference, and we had so much fun. We went to the San Diego temple, whale watching, to the wild animal park and more. Janet thanks for treating me to such a wonderful time!!!

Wild Animal Park

Meeting up with Becky, Michelle and Marilyn (in San Diego of all places)

We actually got to see many whales during our tour

Beautiful San Diego Temple

Kids having fun while were away (taken by Jan)

March

Got a gym membership to Spectrum. I did weights and classes (Zumba mostly but also Pilates).
7th – 14th - The Tony & Jeannine family came on vacation with us to Florida for spring break. We all strayed at my parents place. It was so much fun. The kids all got along the whole time. We went to the beach and swam in my parent’s pool.

Tony, Jeannine & Sand Angels

Running from the waves & Sand castles

Boogie boarding

25th – 27th – Brad went on one of his many trips to Laredo for "school".
27th - My nephew Davon was born.

27th – We went on our monthly temple date night. We’ve been fortunate to live so close to a temple our whole marriage that we have been able to attend at least monthly for 9 years now.

Another fun get together at Cristina's

Kerstin, Kristin, Ellice, Cristina & me

February 2009 (& some ongoing activities)

2009-12-25T20:38:00.007-06:00

1st – 14th - I did my 3rd annual “14 days of Valentines” for Brad again. This year I made Brad 14 different valentine cards.

2nd – Started going walking with Jeannine at 6am a few mornings a week. It only lasted a month. Then Zumba took over.
5th – Went out to dinner with some friends for Sandy’s birthday.
5th – Thursday nights Brad went running with a group of friends.
6th - We started painting our house. Brad couldn’t be convinced until then that painting was essential to selling the house. I was glad I was able to eventually convince him.
7th - Played games with the Tony & Jeannine family. We try to do game night with them as frequently as possible.
9th – The Ben & Jan family came over for FHE.
10th - I went to MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) twice a month on Tuesdays during the 2008/2009 school year. Women of many faiths come together to support each other, learn, make crafts and eat.
10th – Scriptures Study Enrichment Class. My friend Jeanne taught it once a month for about 6 months. It was an excellent class.
11th - I started attending institute at Brad’s school at lunch every Wednesday (Feb-May). I love it! I had no idea they even had institute there or I would have started attending 2 ½ years previous.
11th - We have “The Crafty Clique” (a group of women who like crafting) getting together once a month to do a variety of crafts. This month it was Felt Food and it was held at my house. In the past we have done Baby Wipe Case Covers (Feb 2008), Headbands for baby’s and little girls (March 2008), Cake Decorating (April 2008), Chunky Rings (May 2008), Tutu’s (Aug 2008), Cake Make and Take Plates (Sept 2008), and Wall Art (Jan 2009).

14th - We went to the Annual Stake Valentines dance.
17th - I had the book club meeting at my place. A group of friends get together every month to eat and discuss pretty much everything, but the book we read. It’s a lot of fun! (Sept 08 - Chronicles of Narnia 1-3, Oct – Chronicles of Narnia 4-7, Nov – Princess Academy, Dec – A Christmas Carol, Feb – The Princess Bride, March - Wicked)
20th – I went to a Stampin’ Up group once a month on Fridays. We make cards and other paper crafts. I’ve done this now for the three years I lived in San Antonio and two years in Edmonton.
21st - Brad did the Calaveras Duathlon.

22nd – My nephew Carter was born.

Park Day every Thursday for the whole time I’ve lived in San Antonio.
Playgroup every Friday has been going for about a year.
Brad woke up early to an orange glow outside the window. Apparently our neighbour’s shed two doors down was on fire and spreading quickly. He called the fire department. Fortunately it didn’t reach us, but our neighbour right next door had about $50,000 damage done to his property.

December 2008

2009-11-26T13:07:00.006-06:00

In December ...

Caleb was awarded a free ticket from his school to a Spurs game for being an excellent student.
My niece Elizabeth was born.
My parents spent Christmas with us.
We went geocaching for the first time.

Cheering on the Spurs

They win!!!

My cute, cute niece

Our tiny tree

The scrubs from Martha.

My parents getting a homemade Family Proclamation Frame

GPS - for a ton of fun, not just directions

Geocaching for the first time
Makes hiking a whole lot more fun!

November 2008

2009-11-26T11:47:00.003-06:00

In November ...

I turned 32
Matthias celebrated his 5^th birthday with a Spiderman party
And of course, the Christmas preparations began - busy, busy, busy

Matthias and friends - Lizzy, Ian and Ian

October 2008

2009-11-26T00:13:00.009-06:00

In October ...

Seija celebrated her 3^rd birthday with a Peter Pan / Tinkerbell party
My boys played fall session of soccer
Brad did a Triathlon with Ashley
Went to Sea World during Halloween season
Went to Rob & Chelsea’s Halloween party
Ashley and I went to Time Out For Women
Halloween

The treasure chest cake

Seija and her friends: Abigail, Abigail, Adele, Blake, Bryce, Farrin and Smith.
The party was an absolute success thanks to the moms who helped out :)

Caleb and his best friend at soccer.

Brad and Ashley at the TX TRI

Ashley and Seija petting the dolphins

Seija and I helping at a magic show

Some Halloween decor at Sea World

The Halloween party
Brad won the costume contest as Napoleon Dynamite

Bobbing for apples and a donut eating contests

Ashley, Jeannine and me at TOFW

Caleb = Wolverine, Matthias = Batman, Seija = Ballerina
Caleb won a costume contest at the Trunk or Treat

September 2008

2009-11-25T17:54:00.005-06:00

In September 2008...

Caleb started grade one and Matthias started Pre-K.
We celebrated Brad’s 30^th birthday. I brought cinnamon rolls to Brad’s school for everyone and then we had a bunch of friends over to hang out.
Seija and I went to the Mother / Daughter camp.
Caleb celebrated his 7^th birthday with an Ironman party.

Caleb and Matthias taking the bus

Brad's 30th cake

Mike, Jim, Mike & John

Nick & Anna

Brad, Bob, Me & some of the kiddos

Kristi & Kristin

Jeaninne, Tony & Ellice

Seija & Me camping

The mothers & the daughters

Caleb & his friends at his Ironman Party. And the cake

Aug 2008 Continued - Florida

2009-11-25T02:37:00.004-06:00

We barged in on my parents the day after they moved from OK to FL. Even though they had boxes to unpack they welcomed us into their new home and showed us a good time.

We got to see the Blue Angels. They were amazing to watch! It's incredible that they can fly so close together and not have any problems.

Matthias enjoying a flying lesson, and Caleb's cannonball.

This is the summer Caleb really learned to swim. He got quite good during our vacation. Matthias was our most daring child. He would try anything I asked him with the promise of a penny (don't tell him a penny isn't very much, he still does things for me for a penny :)). My kids enjoyed my parent's pool far more than the beach (the waves made it hard to swim, very salty water and worst of all the sting of the jellyfish).

Seija went from not even wanting to go to the backyard (because of the pool) to trying everything the boys did.

Enjoying the museum

Beach time. My kids enjoyed the sand just not the water. Florida has some amazing beaches!!! The white sand never gets too hot to walk on. We loved our stay with you! Thanks Dad & Mom!!!

August 2008

2009-11-25T02:10:00.004-06:00

In August I had a fun girl's night out going to the Breaking Dawn book release party
Celebrated my friend, Jill's birthday with her before leaving on vacation
Captured my children playing the piano together on camera
Experienced one of the many torrential down pours San Antonio has
My nephew Micah was born
And went to visit my parent at their new place in Florida (post to come)

Cristina caught stealing a whole box of Breaking Dawn books. jk

Cristina, Kaylynne, Jill, Kristin, Chelsea and Me

Jill and me and the bag-of-popcorn cupcakes I made (movie night theme)

My kids play so well together. I'm so glad they are best friends.

When it rains it floods in San Antonio

My cute nephew Micah

July 2008

2009-11-25T01:11:00.005-06:00

July brought our annual Canada Day party for our American friends
The fourth of July Celebrations
Caleb playing baseball, and Matthias playing soccer
Brad and I celebrated 8 years of marriage.

Hanging out in Boerne for Independence Day with great friends (The John & Ellice family, the Nick & Cristina family, the Mike & Kristin family, the Rob & Chelsea family, the Jeff & Heather family, the Mason & Jenni family and the Andy & Hillery family). Before the fireworks we ate at Rudy's BBQ and Cristina & Ellice brought activities for the kids to do.

Matthias in soccer

The cutest baseball team

Caleb in Baseball

More Cards

2009-11-25T01:08:00.001-06:00

Thank-you cards, matching bags

Hershey chocolate bar holder

Kisses box

Wedding gift-card holder

Congratulations - New Baby card

June 2008

2009-11-25T00:46:00.005-06:00

June brought Father's day
and a demolished bathroom

One of Brad's Father's Day gift was a Family Proclamation Frame for his office.

The kids were watching me do a bunch of stamping and wanted to make Brad nice cards too .

Our demolished bathroom - the shower/tub had been leaking for quite some time that the baseboards on the other side off it were rotting.
My sumo wrestlers. HeHeHe. They were suppose to be sleeping.

Going back in time to do a little catch up, May 2008

2009-11-23T01:23:00.007-06:00

In May 2008 we went up to Canada for Esther's wedding to Russ
Caleb graduated kindergarten
I was busy making teacher gifts, cards, rings, etc.

The kids in their matching outfits, at the family dinner.

Singing to the tune of We Are a Happy Family.

I love Esther, she loves me,
We love Russ, yes sir-ee,
He loves us and so you see,
He can be part of our family.

The cute newly married couple.

The siblings

Visiting my side of the family at Let's Play.

Caleb with his Kindergarten teacher, Ms Kmetz.

The teacher's gifts I made.

Note pad, matching pen & bookmark.
In a bag with york mints, mentos and a card.

Chunky rings

First Snowfall

2009-11-13T09:57:00.002-06:00

I woke up this morning to this glorious sight! I haven't seen snow in so long. When we lived in Alberta I would often get a blizzard on my birthday. A first snowfall is so much better. Brad got someone to watch the kids overnight so we can have a night away together. It's going to be a great day. Happy Birthday Kristi, Happy Birthday MaryAnne, Happy Birthday Roberta, Happy Birthday Steve, Happy Birthday Tina and all others who share my birth date!

Grand Howl

2009-10-28T21:37:00.007-05:00

Caleb is so excited about joining Cubs. He is often heard walking around the house reciting the Grand Howl...

Akela we'll do our best!
DYB, DYB, DYB, DYB!
We'll DOB, DOB, DOB, DOB!

Seija's even picked up on it. Her version is a little different though. It goes...

Oh Caleb we'll do your best!
DYB, DYB, DYB, DYB!
We'll DOB, DOB, DOB, DOB!

News to Share

2009-09-24T11:56:00.009-05:00

Since the last time I blogged....

we sold the house...,

we moved to another country...,

Brad started working (hooray!)...,

the boys are back at school again and also started piano...,

Seija started preschool and gymnastics...,

Actually, my list could go on forever and that's the main reason I haven't been blogging. Life is sometimes too crazy! But now I have something that should definitely be blogged about.

I'm posting about my son Caleb's baptism, last Saturday, September 19th.

I am so proud of the decision he made to be baptized. He is such a good example, for his siblings, for me, for everyone. He always makes good decisions, he obeys his parents, he is kind to everyone, he's a hard worker and an all-around great kid. I'm so happy he is in our family!

We were pleased to have so much family come out for the baptism. My parents flew from Florida to come, and Brad's family (his Dad, Mom & Step-dad, Lindsay & Patrick and family and Ashley) flew & drove from Alberta. Thanks so much for coming guys! It meant a lot to us and Caleb.

My parents with Caleb

Brad's Mom and Step-dad

Cousins

Staging

2009-01-31T10:07:00.008-06:00

I'm keeping busy this month with trying to get my home ready to sell. All the decluttering, cleaning and staging of the house was suppose to be done by today, but that goal has been wisely pushed back. :-) We still have a ton to do to make our house look presentable.

Thanks to my Mom & Dad, we got drapes for the living room & dining room. My Mom also spent a lot of time making pillows for our window seat while she was here.

Then I continued to keep her busy, making my children scripture bags. They all look so cute, that if I hadn't picked them out myself I wouldn't have imagine that they are made out of place mats.

Brad's Mom and Bryan were also very giving. We got new bedding for our children's beds and new furniture for Seija's room. Although as you can plainly see we still haven't gotten the missing piece for Seija's bed. Poor girl is still sleeping on the floor.

So far, some of the big changes we've made in organizing our furniture are: 1. The boys room is now just Matthias' room,

2. The TV room is now Caleb's room,

3. The formal dining area (which was empty) is now our music area, and

4. The living room is also our TV room.

I've also finished decluttering Caleb's room, Matthias' room, Seija's room, our room, the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms. I just have the office (which will be a huge progect), the pantry area and bit more of the garage left to do.

Not only have we been organizing our space, we've also been decorating each room to stage it for selling. Staging the house has been my favorite part of this whole thing. I have many projects in the works which I will post as I complete them, but here are some things that are finished.

Our bathroom linens/decor are now in the main bathroom.

Our bathroom got new tiling and than some new decor. I reused a basket I got for Christmas to make the hand towels look nicer.

I made a centerpiece for our coffee table that actually matches the colours of our couch. Since it is an ugly, odd coloured couch I was impressed to find the bowl/decorative balls (thank-you WalMart).

I also made a centerpiece to go with the colour of the drapes in our Kitchen.

I keep hoping to find more time to blog, but life continues to get busier instead.
If any of you know someone wanting to buy a home in San Antonio, give us a call!

I Speak Canadian

2009-01-14T23:09:00.002-06:00

This is just a random post, to help me get back into the blogging world (I really, truly hope!!!).

Throughout the years we've lived here, there have been times I feel like I speak a completely different language. I would say something, then I get these blank stares, so I repeat myself. Then still have people staring saying things like "What are you talking about?".

You'd think after 2 1/2 years, I'd have picked up on all the different Canadian English / US English words. But just in this last week I've had two such experiences.

A group of us were discussing a snack for an activity. I suggested something easy like rippled chips and dip. Then came those blank stares, and after a long pause, the question. "Is that kinda like Lays?" Well, I wanted to make it clear that it wasn't any flavour of chips - Lays has many varieties - because the flavoured ones don't go so well with a dip. "No, it's the plain chips with the ripples. You don't call them ripple chips?"

Apparently they are just called Lays (or Ruffles).

So last night as I was grocery shopping, I bought a bag of ripple - Lays, ruffles, crinkle cut, wavy, ridged, whatever you want to call it - chips, Walmart's Great Value product, and what are they called!?! You guessed it...

Ripple cut chips!!!

Then tonight, as I was researching some furniture prices. All I could find were store, after store, after store (after store) with prices shown in Euros. Surely there are stores in the USA that sell this! So I went to the Ikea store, because they have good prices, and there they were. Tons of bedside tables with USD prices. So why was my google search only showing up with Euros????

I figured it out! It took longer than it probably should have (but it's late, I have a good excuse). Bedside tables are not called bedside tables - go figure. They are called night stands. I was just trying to throw myself off a little by looking up Ikea first. Of course they would call them bedside tables!

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-14T14:14:00.002-05:00

I got this message on my blog a short time ago and I knew I needed to get my act together: "Tilane, it's been so long since your last entry. I have done the unthinkable and tagged you in a world wide blogosphere game of randomness. :) You can thank me later, in the meantime I hope you'll join in the fun! XO"

Hahaha! I love it! Thank-you Daria! Sorry I made you stoop to tagging me to get me going again!

Daria posted 7 Random Facts about herself here and now it's my turn.

Seven Random Facts About Me
1. I didn’t like reading (anything) until five years ago, and now I absolutely love reading.
2. I’ve birthed all three children without any epidurals (not by choice).
3. I’ve had a bathtub fall on me.
4. I’ve had stitches twice. Once was very uncommon, the result of #3. The second is considered the most common hand injury… from cutting a bagel.
6. I went to five different elementary schools.
7. I like to try new things. Even if I LOVE something I’ve tried, I get bored pretty quick and move on (Jack of all trades, master of none - that's me).

Now for the unsuspecting souls whom I will tag...
1. Ashley
2. Martha
3. Kalina
4. Kari Dawn
5. Jill
6. Nicole
7. Squishy Burrito

May

2008-07-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

Now for some catching up from the month of May.

1. At the beginning of the month my cards for the swap were due, and here they are...

Mother's Day (anything) Swap

3 or More Embellishments (card) Swap

Girlfriends (anything) Swap

2. Sunday, May 11th was the best Mother's Day yet, thanks to a wonderful husband and three fantastic children.

My children made all sorts of cards, etc. for me. Caleb made me a card at school, a couple cards at home and a bookmark at church to give to me. Matthias gave me a card he made at home and a bookmark he made at church. Seija gave me a cute poem and card with her hand prints on it.
I also got a card from Brad and the the best gift! Brad and I love to play games together and I really started liking a game called Ticket to Ride. So when I received the Europe edition I was totally excited to play. Come to find out that there are some differences (additions) to the Europe edition that make it so much better!! Love it!

The best part of the day though, was the fact that Brad made all the meals and even changed all the diapers. I love being spoiled!

3. I prepared a little something for my Valiant 11 class to make their Mothers for Mother's Day. Below is a matching bookmark, notepad and pen. The kids loved making them.

4. On Saturday, May 17th we attended a grad dinner (not for Brad) at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club. I'm all for a night off cooking, especially when the food is as good as this was!

I had fun too! For awhile I wanted to avoid most work parties because of a few women who made it known, they were 'too good to just be a stay-at-home mom', by their snide, cutting remarks. I don't have to stay at home, I want to stay at home! I want to be the one to raise and teach my children. I do a better job at raising my children than someone who would only be paid to do it would. But as for these specific people, I hope for their future children's sake that they don't stay at home, I'm sure the person they pay to watch their children would do a better job than they could. Sorry! Just needed to rant a little. As a side note, there are some very, very wonderful "work people", who I love talking to and spending time with.

5. After church on Sunday, we had a family picnic and walked around the Cibolo Nature Center with some friends of ours. My friend Kelly took some family pictures that I can use for the Adoption collage (part of our adoption profile). Below are some of our favorites.

Tickle fight for smiles.

Gorgeous scenery at the river. It's a beautiful park - we love to go there.

Holding hands. Awww!

The John & Kelly Family

Look at how excited she is about her flowers. I love this picture!
Thanks Kelly and clan!

April

2008-07-15T14:57:00.004-05:00

OK. I really need to get back into blogging. There are so many fun things I have missed. So I'll be catching up month by month. Although it's July, I'm jumping way back to April for this post.

Friday April 4th we got invited to go to a Rampage hockey game with DJ and Amanda. They had some extra tickets, so we got a free date! : ) (Not including the babysitter of course.) Thanks DJ and Amanda!

I'm partial to the actual game, unlike some who only watch hockey for the fights. If you really want to see a hockey fight check this out.

Caleb's school has a bike rodeo each year. This is meant to teach children bicycle safety while including some fun and games in the mix. Although Caleb loves to ride his bike and learned how to ride at a young age, I was still surprised when he came home with a third place metal. Way to go Caleb. Like father like son, eh?

April was an historic month for me. It was when my views of Texas finally changed. I've always loved the people here but I really hated the place. It is ugly, dirty, there are few sidewalks, no playgrounds or greenbelts to play on (unless you wanted to drive at least 10 minutes), no spray parks (unless you want to pay a fortune for an amusement park pass - in a place this hot there needs to be something!), terrible roads (which is why they are always doing roadwork), I hate the course grass (if you can call it grass), the houses here are terrible, my list could go on and on and on. So like I said I love the people, we have made wonderful friends, but I didn't like living here, until...

On the 25th of April we drove out to Garner State Park. Seeing the beauty of the hill country got me so excited. They weren't mountains, but it was close enough for me, I loved it. I felt relaxed and happy.

Patrick, Angelus, Ethan, Matthias, Tony, Brad and Caleb

Emma, Mike, Bryce, Jim and Kaitlin

John, Dallin, Abby and Ellice

Seija, Me, Anna, Kristi and Alyssa

Gathering for lunch cake

Ellice's birthday

The Hill Country

Garner State Park

My liking of Texas actually came on gradually, but our Garner State Park trip was when I noticed I definitely liked it here. Just getting use to this place has helped a lot. When fall temperatures began last year I loved the weather. I've enjoyed each park we have picnicked and hiked at. We loved the beach at South Padre Island last Christmas. We have a free public pool we now enjoy, that has opened up close to here during the summer. We've gone on some enjoyable day trips. All these things have helped me to slowly like Texas, but Garner State Park was what tipped the scales tipped the scales. We owe it all to Jim and Kristi who planned this gathering!

Happy Canada Day!!!

2008-07-01T20:18:00.002-05:00

I AM CANADIAN

Last Saturday we had a big party here to celebrate Canada Day. We had over 50 people come, and it was a blast. We serve Canadian refreshments including poutine, nanaimo bars, Canadian chocolate bars and chips. We quizzed our American friends on Canada and though I didn't make it easy they did quite well! Prized awarded were a Micheal Buble CD (a Canadian singer), nanaimo bar mixes and chocolate bars. Thanks everyone for coming! You are great friends!

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Fathers

2008-06-15T21:42:00.002-05:00

Being Father's Day, my weekly blessing is naturally on fathers. There are many fathers in my life that I am truly grateful for. First is the father of of my three wonderful children. My husband is such a fantastic father to our three kids. He plays with the kids, he teaches them responsibility, he also teaches them the gospel both by word and by example. He is kind and loving. He is fun and and hard-working. He is the most wonderful man I know. I love you Brad!

Another Father whom I am grateful for is my own Dad. Through his example he taught me to not just love the gospel but to live it. By his example of a loving husband and father, I knew what to look for as a young adult in the man I chose to marry.

I am grateful for Brad's Father and what he has taught Brad. I am also grateful at how he has accepted me into the family.

I also really appreciate the love and support of Brad's step-father.

Last, but definitely not least. I am truly grateful for a loving Father in Heaven. He has blessed me greatly through out my life. He has given me the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has guided my life both in spiritual and temporal matters. I can go to Him in prayer and He is always there for me.

Thank-you all for being wonderful fathers!!!

SPW - Something Blue

2008-05-28T11:55:00.007-05:00

Our SPT challenge for this week is: may means *wedding month* to me. and, no, this challenge is not going to be about weddings (unless you want it to be...) this month's challenge is simply:
tuesday, may 6 something old
tuesday, may 13 something new
tuesday, may 20 something borrowed
tuesday, may 27 something blue

As for something blue...

we are!

I've been taking a lot of pictures and getting a lot taken lately because we need to put together a collage of our family as part of our adoption profile.

We are not only blue we are red too!

SPT - Something New

2008-05-13T23:57:00.005-05:00

Caleb - 6 1/2

Matthias - 4 1/2

Seija - 2 1/2

Also, I bought these NEW headbands. A friend of mine put on a fabulous (headband) party. A bunch of women got together to visit and try out these headbands (below) by Pink Bench. They are brilliantly made to stay on your head and not hurt... so I bought two. We all had a wonderful time. Thanks Kari Dawn! Your an amazing hostess!

The cutest headband model you'll ever see.

Weekly Blessing catch-up - Brad's Helpfulness & Girl's Nights

2008-05-12T21:01:00.003-05:00

I missed two Sundays of weekly blessings. So today and throughout the rest of the week I'm going to try to catch-up on this and everything else that has been going on.

I'm extremely grateful that my husband is always willing to lend a hand in whatever I'm doing. On the third of this month I had a Book of Mormon party for my Valiant 11 class. It was a good-bye party for a couple of the girls in my class. One of them had moved out of the ward earlier this year and one is moving away next month. My husband helped me clean the house, prepare meals while I prepared for the party, and he watched our children, keeping them out of the way during the party. You probably get, from reading different blog entries, that my husband's a pretty awesome guy, eh?

This invitation was inspired by my friend Mary Ann. She had a Book of Mormon party when her family finished reading the Book of Mormon. It was a fun party and a wonderful family tradition that I also plan to start in my family whenever we finish the Book of Mormon.

My class had a great time playing games & eating junk. We played a combo game of LDS pictionary, charades and sculptionary, we also played 1-100 Dice, and then the kids went on a scripture treasure hunt to find their party favors.

Another thing I am grateful for is Girls Nights Out. I have enjoyed quite a few get togethers with friends lately and I sure have needed them. My children don't quite give my mind enough stimulation each day, so it's great when I have the chance to visit with women.

I went to a headband party (which will be bogged about in my SPT) on the first of May. Then on the third I went to Kerstin's shower for her baby. Kerstin is well known for making the most amazing food, so we got these cute party favours of Kerstin's favorite recipes to take home. I'm so excited to make these! Actually, I'm more excited to eat what I make, then the making it process.

The crafty clique got together again on the seventh and we made these chunky rings. I made Seija and me matching ones.

Then on the ninth and tenth Brad took the boys to the stake Father & Sons Camp-out. Since It was just Seija and I at home we decided to have a party in the evening on the ninth! It was planned very (VERY) last minute. I invited as many of the Mothers and daughters who were left behind as I could, and we had a great time visiting, eating strawberry shortcake, and letting the kids play. Thanks for coming everyone!

I have a very bad habit of forgetting to take pictures and that night was no different. I finally remembered when it was 11pm and there was only a few of us left...

Here we are still having fun. Even more surprising is that the children were still happy and playing great at 11pm.

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Mothers

2008-05-11T23:57:00.003-05:00

I thought it was fitting, being Mother's Day, to have this weeks blessing on my gratitude for mothers.

My Mom & Me

I am grateful to my Mom for helping me be the person I am today. The way she lived her life, her testimony of the gospel, and all that she has taught me through the years has shaped who I am. I don't recall my Mom ever yelling at or talking down to me. She is an easygoing person. Growing up she let us kids be kids. We could get dirty, we could have pet bugs in the house, we could run around our home and make noise. I loved my childhood. Thank you Mom for a wonderful childhood. Thank you for helping me see what a mother should be. Thank you for loving Dad and showing me what a marriage should be. Thank you for your continued love, support and help. I love you!!!

My beautiful mother

I am also grateful for my mother-in-law. She has raised Brad to be a kind and gentle person. She has taught him to be hardworking. She helped him gain talents, skills and knowledge. Most importantly she has taught him to love and serve the Lord. Thank you helping Brad to be the wonderful husband and father that he is. Thank you for loving me and accepting me as a daughter. Thank you for being so supportive of us and generous to us. I love you!

Brad's beautiful mother

SPT - Something Old

2008-05-07T01:29:00.005-05:00

The spt challenge this week is: may means *wedding month* to me. and, no, this challenge is not going to be about weddings (unless you want it to be...) this month's challenge is simply:
tuesday, may 6 something old
tuesday, may 13 something new
tuesday, may 20 something borrowed
tuesday, may 27 something blue

Lets see... Do I have anything old around my house... I do! I see a few things!... Actually I see many things. If fact everything is old. Looks like next week will be a little trickier to figure out. This week my only problem will be how much to include.

The point of this picture is for you to see our very old table. Almost all the finish has been removed over time. It is such an eye sore! So I bought all the supplies I needed to refinish our table... a year ago. Last week was yet another week of being too busy to make my old table look like new, as I was trying to plan two parties (details in a future post), finish my cards for the card swap, get Mother's Day cards out, deal with three sick children, clean up the "sick" they left on my carpet, etc, etc. I happen to have the most wonderful husband in the world. Who not only helped out with my crazy week, but also found time to do this.

Just look at it shine! I love it! My old table now looks like new.
Thank-you Brad!!!

Old Hairdo. As you can see Brad is in need of a haircut. Hopefully that needed event will occur before his sister's wedding this month. We want nice pictures! Although I have to admit his hairdo isn't quite as old as this one was (below).

This photo is a favorite of mine. I know the baby is new, but look at the contrast of the hand that's holding him. Isn't that beautiful?

Brad as a baby. Old looking face - little baby arms. He hasn't changed much but fortunatly he grew into that head of his. His body is proportioned much better now.

Adoption Update

2008-05-06T23:24:00.004-05:00

I feel like I'm always trying to catch-up my life. I never seem to be ahead of or even on schedule. Does anyone else feel that same way? Throughout March and April my time was consumed with answering the very long adoption questionnaire (a major part of the adoption application process). These were extremely hard for me to answer because 1. they were difficult personal questions and 2. I am absolutely horrible at putting thoughts and words coherently on paper. English = worst subject and Math = best subject, you see my dilemma? I congratulate myself that one of the hardest parts is now done, but there is so much more left to do.

Next, we did FBI check. That was simple and painless.

As of last night I have also been CPR certified. Although that was fairly simple it sure wasn't painless. You would think one four hour course wouldn't be so bad, eh? Not so my friends. I woke up this morning with sore muscles all over. I am also sad to report that after giving my dummy four hours of CPR I couldn't bring him back :(

I'll be updating more on our progress with the adoption application shortly.

SPT - Fuel or Shopping Spree?

2008-04-29T11:01:00.004-05:00

Our spt challenge this week is: your challenge this week? find your last receipt from the gas station (or if you are filling up over the weekend, make note of what you spend.) how'd you do? $35.00? $70.00? $100.00+?? what if you could take THAT amount and spend it on something for you?? to make it a little more challenging, let's just say that you can only buy ONE item, and the cost of that ONE item must be within $5.00 of what you spent at the pump.

I have between $48.10 - $58.10 to go shopping with.

My first thought in this imaginary shopping spree was to buy a new outfit. I'm sure others get sick of seeing me in the same few outfits week after week. I know I do. But (although this may surprise all females out there) I don't like shopping! It's such a hassle finding something that looks good, not only on the hanger, but on myself too, and then have that item be the right price for our low budget. The sizes drive me nuts too! How can I be a size small, medium, large and X-large in the same shopping trip? It makes no sense! Maybe one day, when money is not such an issue, I'll like shopping. Maybe.

So, because I x'ed out the clothing idea right off the bat, I had to think of something else I wanted (most of which were either way below or way above my target price range). There was one item that I have been toying about getting, but have been putting off until our next long driving trip. I would buy Chronicles of Narnia boxed set on Audio CD.

It turns out that the cost of this item is $54, which is only $.90 over the amount I paid for fuel this last weekend.

How would you spend your money, if you didn't have to pay the outrageous price of fuel?

SPT - Earth Day

2008-04-22T15:28:00.003-05:00

Lelly's SPT challenge for this week is:
this week, go out and plant a tree. carpool. invest in a good water bottle. at the very least, take a moment and figure out your ecological footprint. if you participated last year, are you doing anything *greener* this year? if this is your first earth day spt, do you consider yourself a part of "the green generation?"

Although I don't do as much as I should, I do what I can. Year by year we are getting better at being part of "the green generation". But I still have room for improvement for next years spt :)

I Reduce:

These babies were purchased last November. Oh, how I love front load (high efficiency) washers & dryers! Saves time, saves money, saves water, saves electricity.

This was installed last summer. CPS regulates a/c usage by turning it off for 10 minutes at a time. I didn't even notice it, and it supposedly saves a "ton" of electricity.

Our "bright idea" of a year ago. These light bulbs "Save Money. Save Energy. Save the Environment." - or so I've been told :)

I Reuse:

My kind of Tupperware.

I Recycle:

Today not only is earth day, it just so happens that it's recycle pick-up day too. How convenient! It makes me feel like I've helped out a little today.

Do you have any great, inexpensive ideas that you do to help save the earth?
HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Nature Parks

2008-04-21T23:39:00.005-05:00

I've lived in big cities all my life. With all the hustle and bustle of the city it's nice to be able to retreat into the woodlands.

We fortunately don't have to go far to get away. I love all the nature parks and trails in and around San Antonio. We try to go hiking at least once a month in different parks around town.

This last Saturday we enjoyed a picnic and hike at Friedrich Park with some friends, Bob & Becky and their children came with us.

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - My Hands to Create

2008-04-21T22:52:00.007-05:00

I enjoy doing all kinds of crafts. Lately I've been working on cards / paper crafts and cake decorating. Because of all this creative fun I've been having, I've realized how grateful I am for my hands that are able to do what I want to do.

These are peppermint patty duos. Two York mints fit in each box. I did these for the card swap in the surprise / anything category.

This is for a young girl's birthday, I made for the card swap in the birthday category.

The bags with tags I made for the spring category.

Three of the children in my primary class had birthdays last week so I made each of them the above card and the whole class got treats last Sunday (below - one of each)

Last Wednesday was our Crafty Clique night. We had Lindsay teach us cake decorating. Lindsay put so much work into it. She was amazing! She made about 30 cakes and all the icing to go with it, planned two different cake designs / techniques to teach us, she bought all the supplies, did all the setting up & cleaning up, and taught a fabulous class. We all had so much fun. I learned so many useful decorating tips.

Working on the flower cake

Working on the dot cake

The finished products

My work of art!

What do you like to create with your hands?

Me In Threes Thursdays - Weeks 11 - 15

2008-04-17T23:55:00.003-05:00

Again, I have to catch up. I should just say I'm doing it monthly, than I'd right on target doing four to five questions each time. That's that, it's settled, I'm doing Threes Thursdays monthly now.

Week 11
What are three of the books you've read this past year?

Twilight series (to date)
Love Comes Softly series (vol. 1 & 2)
The Work and the Glory (only vol 1 so far)

Week 12
What three books do you want to read?

Twilight series: Breaking Dawn (comes out on August 2, I can't wait!!!)
The Work and the Glory (vol 2-9, they should be coming in the mail soon)
Love Comes Softly series (vol 3-8, I need to get them from the library)

Week 13
What are three sounds you like?

Children laughing and giggling
Men's Quartet
Compliments (I know it's not a specific sound, but I do hear it, so it counts)

Week 14
What are three sounds you don't like?

Children whining
The violin
Country / folk music

Week 15
What are three smells you don't like?

Vomit
Manure (or any dung)
Wet dog (or any wet animal)

I Got Tagged

2008-04-06T21:21:00.008-05:00

It was actually a long time ago that I was tagged, but better late than never right? With the pictures I'm including, this looks quite long.

A- Attached or Single: Attached forever and it couldn't be better!

Isn't he HOT!!!

B- Best friend: My husband Brad

When I first met Brad (14), it's the school picture he gave me. Brad now. He was very cute then and is extremely handsome now.

C- Cake of Pie: Cake definitely - I'm not a big cooked fruit person.
D- Day of Choice: Saturday's because I usually get to see Brad more and hang out as a family (walking, hiking, cycling, playing games, etc)

It looks like Brad has a big load, but that is only fair since he cycles everyday.

E- Essential Item: The scriptures. I don't want to know where I'd be in my life without them and the gospel.
F- Favorite color: royal blue (as a kid i use to love the colour orange - but fortunately I grew out of those awkward stages).
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Neither, just give me good chocolate.
H- Hometown: Calgary, Alberta. I lived there for 19 years altogether.

I miss those mountains!

I- Indulgence(s): My frozen cookie dough (mmmm)
J- January or July: January in Texas, but July in Canada.
K-Kids: Three very energetic children. Two boys and one very girlie girl.

Caleb, Matthias & Seija

L- Life is Incomplete Without: The gospel of Jesus Christ and my family

My family on our latest hike in Bourne

M-Marriage Date: July 13, 2000 (which makes the years we've been married very easy to remember)

Us with the Cardston Temple in the background

N- Number of Siblings: 4 brothers and one sister (also 8 sister-in-laws, almost 3 brother-in-laws, and 5 step siblings-in-law)

Old family pictures with (I'm the one with a pink bow and then the one upfront)

The most recent family picture (we've grown)

O- Oranges or apples: If they are mandarin oranges then I definitely pick oranges.
P- Phobias or Fears: My husband dying young.
Q- Quotes: "That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased." Ralph Waldo Emerson
R- Reason to Smile: Seija's antics

Seija stuffing her shirt with a whole container of wipes. Seija being very girly - a tutu, jewellery, and a baby in a stroller.

S- Season: In Texas I like late autumn, winter and early spring. In Canada I like the summer.
T- Tag Seven: Kalina, Jami, Jill, Alyson, Lindsay, Cynthia, Jenni
U- Unknown Fact about Me: The birthmark on my calf is in the shape of lips.
V- Vegetarian or Meat Lover: I eat meat, but "love" is going too far!
W- Worst Habit: I have excema and I scratch and pick at the dead skin.
X- X Rays or Ultrasounds: I may not like what has happened to need an x-ray but getting an x-ray is way easier than getting an ultrasound (I get really sick during my pregnancies so trying to keep water down is impossible and then to try and hold it in while they do the ultrasound is also very challenging)

I broke three toes (just before EFY)

Y- Your Favorite Food: Anything I don't have to make or clean-up.
Z-Zodiac: Scorpio (I actually had to look it up to find out)

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - General Conference

2008-04-06T21:04:00.002-05:00

I love watching general conference. I receive so much inspiration for my life (how I should live, what I should do, how I should change) from those who speak. It was very interesting that one of my favorite talks this conference was Elder Richard G Scott's. Interesting, because his talk doesn't pertain to me and my life. It was on abuse, and I've never been abused in any way nor do I abuse others. Even still it was one of my favorite talks this year. Anyone who has been abused or has done the abusing should seriously read or listen to this talk. It was wonderful. I also liked President Monson's words and Elder Ballard's talk on mothers.

inside the huge conference center

The outside view of the conference center

Ashley's Visit

2008-04-02T13:44:00.007-05:00

Brad's sister Ashley came to visit us for a week and a half. It was so much fun to see her again. The last time we were able to spend time with her was before she left on a mission to Houston. We love you Ashley! Thanks for coming to see us!!

When Ashley got here the morning of the 21st we headed straight to the playground - even though she had been up all night traveling :(

On the 23rd we enjoyed a day at the overcrowded SeaWorld in San Antonio.

We squeezed ourselves into the Viva show and visited other areas of this amazing theme park.

Easter Sunday was an enjoyable, relaxing day. Our friends, Jim and Kristi, invited us and Scott over for a fabulous dinner and super fun games. They got us completely hooked on the "Ticket to Ride" board game. Love it!

We spent another day at SeaWorld on the 26th, which was fortunately a lot less crowded. We were able to see Shamu in "Believe",

a scuba diver feeding the sting rays (sorry bad picture) and the ski show that day.

Wednesday we went up to the San Antonio Temple to take some pictures (Ashley was able to attend a session the night before) and then went shopping.

That night Grandma came into town also. It was fun to get to spend time with her the one whole day she was in town!!! We packed Thursday full of activities since Grandma and Ashley were leaving the next morning. We were able to go to Caleb's school and have lunch with him (at 11 am, what's up with that?!).

Then we headed to the zoo for the afternoon,

and when Caleb got home from school we went to the park.
We really enjoyed having you here Ashley! Your welcome to come anytime!!

SPT - I Will Remember You

2008-04-02T00:01:00.004-05:00

The spt challenge this week was a sad one, as it is the last one for awhile,

... or so I thought!

Today I realized I had been fooled! Happy April Fools Day everyone!!!

for right now, i need to put blogging, and spt, on the back burner for a little bit. so, for next week, a simple challenge. take a few moments to take a great self-portrait. fix your hair, freshen your lipstick, wear your favorite shirt. get outside, or stay inside, but take the time to find a shot that you love. i want to see beautiful photos of my beautiful friends, something to remember you all by as i wade through the next few months.

As I thought it really was the last one I spent two different days primping for two self photo shoots. So here they both are.

She Thirsts

2008-03-30T23:59:00.006-05:00

SEIJA

Gender: Feminine

Usage: Finnish

Derived from Finnish seijas meaning "tranquil, serene".

When Seija was a baby we were astonished as to how calm she was. The name we picked really seemed to fit her. She was the essence of what that name meant. She hardly ever cried, she was happy, and just content to lay on the floor and stare at the boys playing or to hang out alone. I thought having three kids was much easier than just having one or even two children. It was incredible how much I could do with having a newborn around!

She has changed a lot since then. She is still a very happy child, but she now shows it with a lot of energy and noise. She is an extremely spirited child with a little mischievous mixed in!

Today I walked into the pantry to find my daughter quickly replacing a juice box to it's rightful place - empty, with an "oh no I've been caught" expression on her face. As I went to pick it up and throw it out, I found two more punctured and empty juice boxes lying there with the other full ones. Apparently I don't give give her enough to drink :)

I knew if I let her get away with that, she and the boys would feel they have free rein on all the snacks in the pantry, but how do you punish something you find so funny?!

I have to admit that she does still has some calm moments (see below).

As I was writing this post (very late at night of course), I heard Matthias crying out in his sleep "NO SEIJA!!!". I wonder what he's dreaming about!

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Fasting

2008-03-30T19:40:00.002-05:00

I enjoy fasting, not the starving - stomach growling bit, but for the way that I feel on the days I fast. I know that I am fasting for a few very good reasons, 1. I fast for a need / cause, 2. I give the money saved (from the two meals in which I fasted from) to charity, to those who need it more than I do, and 3. for my own spiritual uplift. These are the three reasons I am grateful for the law of the fast.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-25T00:51:00.003-05:00

On Sunday morning I gave my children their new clothes. All my boys got new ties and Seija got a new dress.

Aren't they a cute bunch?

Seija striking a pose.

Thank-you Auntie Ashley for taking these photos!

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Christ's Resurrection

2008-03-24T20:51:00.003-05:00

I thought it was fitting this Easter to remember that Jesus Christ was resurrected. He lives! He overcame death so that we can have that great gift also. I am grateful for this part of His atoning sacrifice!

Easter Week

2008-03-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

We have a some Easter traditions in our family to keep Jesus Christ at the centre of this holiday. We start the week before Easter and read scriptures of Christ's life in the week leading up to His death and resurrection, along with colouring pictures depicting those stories, and doing some activities. Sunday was the first day, we read the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:6-11 & John 12:12-18), and we coloured hard boiled eggs. The second day (Monday), we had our "spring" egg hunt. We didn't want the egg hunt to be our children's focus on Easter Sunday, so we did it for FHE, along with talking about Jesus cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12-16), colouring the picture, and reading "The First Easter" (found in the April 1988 Friend magazine).

Tonight was the third night. We read of few of Christ's parables and teachings (found in Matthew 21:23-46, 22:1-14, and Mark 12:41-44). Tomorrow, the fourth day, we will also read some of Jesus Christ's parables and teachings (found in Matthew 25:1-46). The fifth day will be reading of the Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:17-75). The sixth day is on the betrayal, Jesus trial and His crucifixion (Matthew 27:1-61). On the seventh day, the day before Easter, we'll make the "Easter Story Cookies" and read of Jesus teaching in the Spirit World (1 Peter 3:18-20 and D&C 138:29-37). The eighth day is Easter Sunday and we'll finish the Easter Story Cookies & eat them, read of His resurrection, and watch either "The Testaments" or "Finding Faith In Christ". Then on the ninth and last day, being Easter Monday, we will do "The Easter Story in Eggs" for FHE.

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Health & the San Antonio Temple

2008-03-18T11:20:00.008-05:00

Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I have two to do. Better late than never. It seems to be my thing to post two days to three weeks later. My first blessing is 9 days late, but my second is only 2 days late :)

First, now that we aren't sick anymore, I'm really grateful to be healthy. I enjoy using all five of my senses (I can breathe well and smell again). I am able to use my limbs and extremities (no more aches all over and the need to lay down all day). I have energy and feel great (no more fever, chills and sweats). I'm enjoying the outdoors again (no more being quarantined in our own home). I love it! I love being healthy. I am grateful I have health of body and mind and all the opportunities that go along with that. The talents I can gain, skills I can learn, knowledge I can attain, sports I can play, activities I can do, service I can perform, etc. I now have the health to get out and enjoy using our Chariot again (below) for walking and cycling.

The second blessing I'm grateful to have is a temple so close by. I'm really grateful that the San Antonio Temple was built and operational just before we moved here. Brad and I were able to enjoy going to the temple last Friday. It is so wonderful to be there, to feel the warmth of the spirit that resides there. Because we have a temple minutes from our home we are able to go together often. We attend the temple at least once each month. When we move from here, we won't be so lucky. The nearest temple will be four hours from our new city (if it is operating by then). We try to take advantage of the opportunity and blessing we have here.

Girls Night Out

2008-03-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I was very grateful to have a much needed girls night out. My husband was away at a conference in Boston, and I had been stuck inside the past two weeks dealing with the flu (Seija's was still hitting her strong) so I had no chance of leaving to even run errands. So I got a babysitter for the evening and thoroughly enjoyed a night out. I forgot how nice it was to get outside! We all went to see a cute and fun chick flick - 27 Dresses.

Than we all went out for dinner at la Madeleine, which is a cafe with amazingly great food.

It was so much fun! Thank-you Hillery for planning it!!

Kari Dawn's Baby Shower

2008-03-13T22:58:00.003-05:00

I love it when friends of mine have babies, because we get to have parties. So thank-you Kari Dawn and good luck tomorrow! The party was so much fun. We even got to play my favorite baby shower game "Sweet Consentration" (and I got the Milk Duds, yeah!).

Kari Dawn and Anna
Anna was a great host and her food was fantastic! Thanks for putting on the fun baby shower! I still need to get your recipes (so good!).

Jeannine, MaryAnn, Eleanor, and Diane

Sara, Amber, Ellice, Jeannine, and MaryAnn

Chelsea, Jill, Jami, Jenni, and Kelly

Me and Sara

Pump It Up Party

2008-03-13T19:33:00.008-05:00

Now that I've caught up from weeks ago, I can talk about last week. Joy put on a party for her daughter's 2nd birthday on March 3rd at Pump It Up (an inflatable indoor playground). My children had a blast and were so happy to be invited. Thank-you Joy. Happy Birthday Maddie!

Seija took awhile to warm up to the fun and games. I forced her to go with me. She looks a bit nervous and is holding on for dear life.

Cute picture of the children climbing up. Matthias is in the gray top & navy pants and Seija is at the bottom.

The had a balloon guy come and make different ballon things for the children. Matthias wanted a sword and Seija wanted a crown. He also made Elmo, different dogs, flowers, etc. He was really good!

Unfortunately the birthday girl got to Pump It Up and started vomiting, so she didn't even get to play at her own party. So sad! She was still in good spirits and enjoyed opening her gifts.
Thanks Jami for the photos!

Me In Threes Thursdays - Weeks 7 - 10

2008-03-13T17:47:00.007-05:00

Yep, the title says it all. I have four weeks to catch up on. With the flu that went around my household I have been playing catch-up on everything. Now that my house is looking great I'm catching up on my blogging.

Week 7:
What are your three favorite movies?

The first two were very easy to pick. They are definitely my all time favorite two. The third was harder, which is why I pick for third place.

1. Pride and Prejudice. The one with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth of course. If I had the time I'd watch it all the time. it's fantasctic!!! The latest one though, with Keira Knightly, really sucks!

2. The Princess Bride. It's a classic! Who doesn't love this movie? Really. Have you ever met anyone who doesn't love this movie?

3. Tied for third is Emma and The Runaway Jury. I love Gwenyth Paltrow in Emma and I love Jane Austen stories. The Runaway Jury really keeps you at the edge of your seat, it also keeps you guessing.

All these show are clean shows too. Which is really hard to come by now-a-days.

Week 8:
What are your three favorite TV shows?

This is a little challenging. We don't have cable, and our rabbit ears don't work, so we don't even have peasant vision. I do have some ideas though.

1. The Cosby Show was my favorite show and there hasn't ever been a better show come out since. It's definitely my #1.

2. So You Think You Can Dance. The dancers they find are amazing! Unlike American Idol, these people actually have talent.

3. Ghost Whisperer. This show I watch on DVD when it comes out at the end of each season. I love it!

Week 9:
What are your three favorite websites?

I use so many websites on a regualar basis, that this will be hard to narrow to three.

lds.org - it's the official website of the church and a fantastic resource to use!
Of course blogger.com :)
Since I love to make cards, I'll have to say the third is splitcoaststampers.com. It is full of wonderful ideas that I take and adjust to fit my supplies and liking.

Week 10: What are your three favorite books?

Of course my favorite books are the scriptures, but for the excitement of the blog I'm going to branch out. Also instead of favorite books I'm going to put my favorite groups of books, because otherwise this question is way too hard.

1. Jane Austen books. Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park.

2. Harry Potter books vol 1-7

3. Twilight series. So far there's Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. The fourth, Breaking Dawn, will be out on August 2nd and I'm so excited! The first movie will also be out at the end of the year. Can't wait!

Esther's Engaged!

2008-03-13T17:39:00.005-05:00

On the 19th of February Brad's sister Esther got engaged to her boyfriend Russ. We are really excited for them. This wonderful news also means a trip up to Alberta, Canada for us. Yea!!! Congratulations Russ and Esther!

Esther & Russ

The cute and happy couple set their date in May at the Cardston Temple. The same temple we were married in 8 years previous.

This photo has my cute kids in their cute clothes for the wedding (this is one of Esther's colours). My Mother-in-law bought these outfits for them from Janie & Jack. Fortunately the pants come with adjustable waist, otherwise they just wouldn't work for my children. This photo also shows the new haircuts I gave the boys, and, that the haircut Seija gave herself, is starting to look like bangs (yea!).

SPT Challenge - Welcome Home!

2008-03-13T15:51:00.003-05:00

for tuesday, march 11th: if i came to visit you next week, how would i know which doorbell to ring? do you have a formal entrance? should i come to the front door? or do you prefer your guests to come around back? (would you be surprised if i came in through the garage?!?)

*I really wanted to have this post posted on Tuesday, especially since it's been a few weeks since the last time I SPTed, but after taking a few pictures my camera battery died. Died, right before I got a picture of me. And I couldn't very well post this without picture of me. So now that I have one I can. The "T" in SPT will stand for both "She photographs on Tuesdays" and "she Photographs on Thursdays" in this case.

Most people who come to visit knows which doorbell to ring, by looking for our vehicle in the driveway. Our vehicle has a couple features that makes it really stand out. If that's not there, then you need look for the house with an amazingly beautiful arbor beside the front door.

Doesn't that look gorgeous and exceptionally well made? My handy husband designed it and made it all by himself.

On that arbor you'll find two trellises that have beautiful vines a third of the way up. The goal is to have them all the way up the trellises one day.

My Recent Creations

2008-03-10T23:35:00.005-05:00

For this last card swap I made 10 masculine thank-you cards

I also made a bunch of these carrot boxes for the card swap, for my children for Easter, for the kids I teach at church and for the sisters I visit teach (24 in all).

I was at a baby shower for a good friend's baby boy last Saturday (a post on that to come) and made this baby boy card.

I also recently gave another friend's baby girl a gift and gave one of these pink cards with it.

This spring / Easter card I made matches a bag I found (I made & had four in all).

Some Past Creations

2008-03-10T21:56:00.009-05:00

These Valentines goodies were given to Brad's family on the Las Vegas trip.

The mini chocolate bar wrappers had the cutest sayings.

Chocolate - it's not just for breakfast anymore.
I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter.
The best things in life are... chocolate.
Forget love - I'd rather fall in chocolate
Hand over the chocolate and nobody gets hurt.

I made this note pad & pencil holder as a Valentine Card for Caleb's school teacher.

This is a masculine birthday card

This is a gift card holder for a wedding.

During the Christmas season I gave out these bags filled with "Snowman Soup",

I also gave out these boxes with four mini chocolate bars in each.

This was my favorite Christmas card I made last year. I didn't end up sending out homemade cards though, because of lack of time. Hopefully this year.

This was another Christmas card I made.

Martha's Visit

2008-03-10T17:29:00.003-05:00

After our Vegas trip we had Brad's sister, Martha, come stay with us for a few days. Unfortunately for her, that's when we all got the flu, so instead of all going out and having a ton of fun, Martha was stuck babysitting the whole time. She took the kids to the park, played with them outside, made us a fantastic dinner. It was wonderful to have help! Martha we really do have to have a do-over of your stay here! Next time we will have a ton of fun.

Thias with Auntie Martha

Martha watching and playing with the kids at the house

Auntie Martha and Seija
Martha playing with the kids at the park

Caleb and Aunt Martha
Heading to Caleb's basketball practice.

The one place we actually took Martha to - the San Antonio Temple.

Even that wasn't the best timing - it was way too dark to see the temple well and to take decent pictures. Oh well. We enjoyed having you here Martha. Not just because we needed the help, but because you are so fun!

Chicken in Sweet and Zesty Raisin Sauce
This was the wonderful meal she made. I recommend it! It's soooo good!

Las Vegas

2008-03-03T21:12:00.007-06:00

Almost all of Brad's siblings were able to get together in Las Vegas for Bryan's 50th birthday. It all happened thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law, who, not only miraculously got this whole trip put together in just a couple weeks, but also paid for it all. Thank-you so much Bryan and Janet! We had a wonderful time!

The eleven of us that came to Las Vegas at breakfast together.

From left to right: Esther, Angi, Martha, Dallin, Christian, Lindsay, Janet, Bryan, Me,
Brad, Makay (Adam, Patrick and Ashley were unable to be there - we missed you!)

This guy is a spray paint artist. His paintings were very impressive. They are all done using spray paint. We watch him start and complete the 'City in the Eye of Spiderman' painting.

The first Cirque Du Soleil show we watched was called "O". This was the highlight of the trip for me. I loved it! It was absolutely amazing! Everything about it was incredible!

At the four story M&M's World building.

The second Cirque Du Soleil show was called "Love".
It was a fun, upbeat show using the Beatles music.

All of us again. Outside of the gondola ride.
It was so much fun to see and spend time with all of you! We love you!

All of us on the gondola rides. I don't know about the other's gondola rides, but the guy who took Brad and I on ours was a fantastic singer.

Me and Brad on our first trip to Las Vegas.

Also on our whirlwind, 2 1/2 day trip Brad and I were able to visit with my cousin Leanne and her family.

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Breathing & Modern Medicine

2008-03-02T23:20:00.005-06:00

As I have two and a half weeks of blogging to catch up on, I am listing two blessings this week. The first is the blessing of being able to breathe. I am really grateful I can breathe! I really like breathing!!!

"Mosiah 2:21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."

I've always liked the scripture above, because it teaches how much we need God. We need Him everyday to give us breath, along with everything else. At any moment the ability to breathe could be taken away from us. They say 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone'. Being asthmatic I've never taken for granted the ability to breathe, because there's been too many times that breathing has been a challenge. These last two weeks is a prime example.

After Brad and I got home from Vegas (more on that to come), the influenza infection hit our family with a vengeance (vengeance from what, I know not). I had trouble just getting out of bed, let alone trying to put a couple coherent thoughts together for a blog post (which is why this post hasn't happened until now). This flu came with many symptoms. I had a fever that fluctuated between 39C (aka 102.2F) and 41C (aka 105.8F) for over three days. I had the chills, sweats, achy body, an insanely runny nose, head aches, back aches, a terrible cough and major breathing difficulties.

This flu is also the reason for the second blessing of modern medication. Using all my inhalers to help me breathe better just wasn't cutting it for this flu. So I am extremely grateful for strong prescription drugs that helped me begin breathing better right away, and for the strong prescriptions that helped me through the long haul of this viral infection.

These and other medicines have been lifesavers (literally).

Sunday's Weekly Blessing (on Tuesday) - Friends

2008-02-19T15:55:00.004-06:00

I am really grateful for all the friends I have made, where ever I have moved. You have made me feel welcomed. You have helped me through many tough situations. We have laughed together. We have had fun. I feel loved and blessed to have each of you in my life.

I was out of town this weekend, which is why this post is late. Me being out of town is also the reason I picked "Friends" for my blessing post this week. I had a bunch of friends pull together to watch my children while my husband and I were in Las Vegas (a lot more on that wonderful weekend is coming!).

While we were gone we needed someone to watch our children. As I was thinking of who could watch the children I decided to call Jill to see who she had gotten. While we were talking, she offered to watch my children. So nice, hey!?! I took her up on that offer, and rested easy knowing our children would have a blast and would be well taken care of. I rested easy, that is, until she called me on the day of my trip to tell me of her daughter's emergency surgery, and that she could no longer watch my children the whole time. STRESSED!!! So last minute, we found some other wonderful friends to help out. Jill watched them Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon. Than we got Beth to watch them Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon. And we got Derek & Amy to watch them Monday afternoon until we got home late that night. Thank-you, Thank-you for helping us out!!!!!!!! You are all awesome!

Me In Threes Thursdays - Week 6, Valentine's Day & 14 days of Valentines

2008-02-14T23:42:00.008-06:00

Me In Threes Thursdays
What are three things you were doing 10 years ago?

These are easy. I was on my mission 10 years ago. Saying that about sums it up.

Teaching the Gospel to the people of The Utah Ogden Mission using the 6 discussions (this ages me a little since the lessons have changed a lot).
Spending 24/7 with another sister missionary. I was lucky, my companions were truly wonderful people!
Going to a dinner appointment, where the members stuffed us silly, and I had all kinds of jello imaginable (and even some that you couldn't imagine at all)!

14 Days of Valentines
On the thirteenth day... My husband got 13 scriptures about love.

On the fourteenth day... My husband got 14 candles at our candlelight dinner.Us enjoying a candlelight dinner alone, while the children were being babysat by a movie in the TV room (it actually worked!). We had a wonderful Italian dinner with chocolate fondue for dessert, than we ended the night watching a movie together once the children were in bed. I got two gifts this Valentines. One was a DVD of a movie we watched last year and I loved called "Stardust" and the other was an apron (which my not seem big, but I've ruined too many shirts while cooking or doing crafts, so it is big to me). I loved them. Way to go Brad for great gifts and paying attention!!!!

Today I gave my children a little valentine's goody bag. For FHE last Monday we talked about showing love at home and then we made Valentines bags (shown below). In them I put candy necklaces, a pencil, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, punch balloons, and the jellybean valentines I made (picture in a previous post). They loved them and loved the attention.

I also got some valentines from some friends :) YEAH!I got a box of Ferrero Rocher (which are already half gone) from Martina and Nicole when they visited earlier this week.
Than today we got these wonderful muffins from Kari Dawn. I have great friends and a wonderful husband, don't I? All in all, it was a fabulous day!

Seija
Yesterday wasn't so fabulous for Seija though. She was feeling pretty terrible and even today she wasn't totally herself. Hopefully tomorrow she'll be 100%.When Matthias woke up and wanted breakfast, I walked out of the office to find Seija like this. She had woken up, barely made it out of her room and crashed again. At least she had more energy today, but her bowels are still giving her major problems.

SPT Challenge - Love, Me

2008-02-12T23:12:00.004-06:00

This weeks self portrait Tuesday is: what will you do for yourself this valentine's day?

There is something that I've been meaning to do for myself, so this was the perfect opportunity to finally do it! Thank-you spt!

This doesn't affect anyone but me. So it truly is something just for me! I decided to finally tint my eyelashes. I have blonde hair and even blonder eyelashes, so I feel I look much better when I have mascara on. So why not permanent mascara? Well, permanent for over a month anyway.

The before picture with my do-it-yourself eyelash tinting kitA before picture with no mascara. Yikes!
I really do have some lashes there somewhere.

Oh, there they are! :)Me with tinted eyelashes. Much better!

14 Days of Valentines

2008-02-12T22:49:00.007-06:00

On the eighth day... My husband got eight "love" fortune cookies. These are the fortunes I made:

An admirer will soon send you a sign of affection.
Love asks me no questions, and gives me endless support. Shakespeare
In the end there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.
Love begets love.
We cannot do great things; only small things with great love. Mother Teresa
The greatest gift is love.
Those who have love, have wealth beyond measure.
Hearts are not to be had as a gift, hearts are to be earned. W.B. Yeats

On the ninth day... My husband got a note made out of nine conversation hearts.
Which read: Brad, If someone was to "ask me" "how nice" you are. I would tell them that "you are kind" and "awesome" and that you always make me "smile". I could go on for days of all the "sweet talk" about you and it would all "be true". "Thank you" for being all that you are. "I love you" so much. Tilane

On the tenth day... My husband got 10 dozen kisses (Hershey's).
On the eleventh day... My husband got 11 corny love messages.

Energizer battery: So our love goes “on and on and on and on…"
Package of seeds: My love for you just keeps “growing”!
Sucker: I’m glad I “suckered” you into marrying me!
Grater: To a “grate” husband!
Lamb: I love “ewe”!
Matches: No one “matches” you!
Measuring cup, measuring tape or ruler: No one can “measure” up to you!
Soup mix: You're “souper”!
Broom: You “swept” me off my feet!
Extra gum: You are an “extra”ordinary husband!
Mentos mints: We were “mento” be together

On the twelfth day... My husband got 12 homemade roses (made with two Hershey Kisses each).

Me vs Seija

2008-02-10T22:18:00.001-06:00

There are some people out there, who think my daughter looks like Brad. So I am here to let those people know you're WRONG she looks like ME and I am posting this so that there is no confusion. :) For those of you who didn't get who's who, the order went like this: me, Seija, me, Seija, and so on. Or old photo, digital photo, old photo, digital photo, and so on.

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Prophets

2008-02-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

My weekly blessings have just fallen into place each week thus far and this one is no different. Today at Stake Conference we were able to sustain Thomas S Monson as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love him for the all the service he has given in the Lord's church and for all that he will give. I am really grateful that God loves us, in these times, as much as he loved those in Bible times, and has given us prophets to guide each and everyone of us.

President Eyring (1st counselor), President Monson (President), and President Uchtdorf (2nd counselor)

Instructions on Caring for Babies

2008-02-07T20:09:00.000-06:00

Lyssa sent this to me and I am so grateful! I've been doing everything all wrong!

These totally had me laughing! Tell me which ones are your favorites using the comments box.
The babysitter, shopping, waking and bonding are my favorites. Enjoy!

The Crafty Clique

2008-02-07T19:26:00.001-06:00

I just joined a group that gets together a couple times a month to scrapbook or make different crafts. Last night was the first time we met, and Jazmin taught us how to make covers for a travel wipe container. Even though we were chatting it up, they turned out very cute.
The scrapbookers

Hard core visiting and hard core working

Our finished projects.
Mine is the one with the three flowers.

14 Days of Valentines

2008-02-07T16:56:00.002-06:00

On the sixth day... My husband got six "I love you because..." notes.

On the seventh day... My husband got seven different and creative "I love you"s.

One made out of small hearts.

One cut out of brownies (if you look carefully, you'll notice that the brownies have been picked at - by my youngest child. What a helper!)

One made with tub letters.

One made from fridge magnets.
One made with magazine letters.
One made by spelling the letters with jelly beans.
One was a magnet.

14 Days of Valentines

2008-02-05T22:33:00.001-06:00

On the fifth day... My husbands office space got heart attacked with 5 dozen heartsSee below for what has been done the other days.

SPT Challenge - Fill-in-the-blanks

2008-02-05T17:55:00.000-06:00

sometimes we've just got to mix up the soul searching spts with some off the cuff fun. this feels like one of those weeks - i feel like having FUN!! so how about a fill-in-the-blanks? all you need to do is fill in the blanks and insert your spt ready?

the other day, i was in my _____________, and i noticed this _______________. my only thought was, "why do i still have this hanging around my house?!?"

As I was thinking about the "why do I still have this hanging around my house?" question, I thought of basically every piece of furniture in my home, but there is a very obvious answer to that question. We have it because we are poor students. If money were no object I'd toss the beds, mattresses, couch, table, chairs, shelves, a dresser, etc, etc. But definitely the first piece of furniture to go would be our couch. From far away it doesn't look to bad, eh? Well take a look at these...Fortunately the colours of the couch do a pretty good job at masking the stains that are on it.

The blanks could also be filled with "closet" and "bag"I use to use this as my temple bag because I thought it was so tacky and therefore perfect. But it has been a long time now since I have used it. Some people like to keep everything, but I'm the kind of person who likes to dejunk and toss. So I really did think "why do I still have this hanging around my house?"

Other people looking in my home may have filled in the blanks with "friend Tilane's house" and "tube of toothpaste"But we like to get our money's worth out of everything we buy.There's at least two more brushes in that tube!

Mondays About Me - Busy Week

2008-02-04T22:41:00.003-06:00

Last week was a little crazy for me. I had a lot that needed to get done all at once.
Monday - Besides Caleb's regular homework, he also had to bring in a poster about himself (full of pictures and things that he likes) because he was "star of the week". He had a valentines project due, the "100th day of school" project to do and he still needs to make a Valentine card holder.

His "Star of the Week" poster

Tuesday - I worked on Valentine jelly bean holders for my card swap. I made 12 for the swap and started 12 more to give to my children and to the primary children I teach each Sunday.

They're called sour cream containers (don't ask me why).

Wednesday - I did the spt (that was suppose to be done the previous day) and finally put away all the Christmas stuff. See last Wednesday's post.
Thursday - I sorted through all my children's clothing, exchanging it with the next size up. Doing that was more work than I thought it would be. Usually they have growth spurts at different times, so I'm only working on one child's wardrobe at a time. Not this time!
Friday - I worked on the last of the cards for the card swap. I made 12 of these men's valentines cards.Friday also marked the day I started "The 14 Days of Valentines".
On the first day... he got a gift. I thought it would be nice, since Brad is the ward organist, to get him something more than the hymnbook he uses. I decided to get him an organ prelude songbook.
On the second day... he got a double sided valentine puzzle. One side with the Valentine, one side with a message.
On the third day... he got three chocolates (under each was a word "I", "LOVE", & "YOU").On the fourth day... he got four poems (written by me).
That briefly sums up my week. I know this post doesn't look brief, but trust me I could have added way more!

Sunday's Weekly Blessing - Long Time Friends

2008-02-03T22:32:00.000-06:00

This week I have caught up with some long-time friends I hadn't talked to in awhile. It was so nice to communicate with them. It's been way too long between contacts. I really appreciate all the friends I had during my youth and the many friends I continue to make along my life' s journey. You guys are awesome! You all have been and are a blessing in my life!

Stephen, Cynthia, and Nadia

The three friends I was able to converse with this week. Sorry for the unflattering picture, but it was the only one I had of all three of you. Thanks for calling and emailing! It's so nice to catch up and reminisce. Anyone else who wants to catch up by calling or emailing, please do!!!

Thought I'd include an old picture of Brad and me, taken back in 1997

We look young, eh?

Me In Threes Thursdays - Weeks 5

2008-01-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

What are three of your favorite songs?

Everything by Michael Buble is my favorite new song. I absolutely love his music and voice.
Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Middler wasn't one of my favorites until recently. My husband downloaded it to play to me. He said it reminded him of me, supporting him through all the years of school and taking responsibility of raising my own children instead of seeking the praise of the world. This song is now very meaningful to me and definitely one of my favorites.
Hero by Mariah Carey, because it's a fun song to sing along to.