This Is The Year

Glory To The Newborn King

Okay, some of you may have already seen this picture. But I saw it for the first time on Thanksgiving - and it freakin' cracked me up! I kept looking at it all day and laughing my head off. (Too bad I couldn't laugh my muffin top off) I know - easily amused. I'm joining in with Shortmama today for Journey from Muffin Top to Skinny Jeans . I jump in occasionally, although I really want to be consistent, both with my journey, and with blogging about it! She asked us about Thanksgiving. I believe her exact words were: "Did you only eat small amounts of food? Or were there pig noises coming from your mouth as you scarfed down every morsel? " Pig noises here. But in my defense - my brother hosted, and so his family (us, my other bro, my parents) AND his wife's whole family came - and EVERYONE brought food! So there was a plethora of scrumdiddlyumptious food to choose from! Only, I didn't really choose , more like I sampled everything. Only, I didn't re...

I don't even really know what that means. Hmm. Anyway. Thought I'd share a few pics with you today. The first one is a nice little comparison. It started snowing on Saturday night. It was that big, soft, heavy, fluffy snow that makes everything completely still and silent. I took this picture a little before 10. The next picture was taken about 7 the next morning by Hubby. It is the same angle, one is just a little further away. If you notice my swing in the first picture, it just has a little snow, and on the left, closer to the camera are the dormant grasses and flowers starting to get covered. In the second picture those same grasses are that big lump of white in the lower left corner! And to the right that is not a bush, that is a big oak branch in the middle of the road! It was fabulous and crazy all at the same time! Needless to say it made me giddy! Oh how I love this time of year! I'm watching the news as I type this - they just announced the widest spread winter st...

I was such a sporadic blogger this year. I feel like I took pictures of so many things I wanted to blog about, both to share with my friends, and also to journal my year for myself. I thought I'd take time today to just get a few of those things recorded before I forget! Please pardon all the pictures....but I was sorta click happy this year. As many of you know I was released from the Young Women's presidency in church this summer. It was such a bittersweet thing for me. I adore those girls. I love them like litte sisters and want so much for them. I was so sad to leave. On the other hand, being called to the Primary Presidency is not without blessings itself. I get to serve with one of my very best friends, and the children I serve include my three beautiful daughters. The time I have had in Primary so far has truly been such a joy. One of my last activities with the Young Women was our pre-camp cookout at the YW President's house. We made S'mores with GIANT marshmall...

Because I have GOT to be dreaming, right? Memba when I did THIS poll? And then when I did this one? GUESS WHAT? My boys are touring again! And even if you voted against them ( that very small percentage of you ), your boys are too! That's right - New Kids are touring with Backstreet Boys! Now if you read the first link above - you know that although my deepest loyalty lies with those fabulous 5 boys from Boston... I still very much appreciate the talent, and enjoy the music of the Backstreet Boys. Yeah, Tanielle and I are SO going to this one (please bless that they come to SLC so I don't have to drag her to Vegas). I've already threatened her that she better not DARE get pregnant this time!! So when I found out that this rumor was true last week - I was walkin' on air. But it was as if the Concert gods just didn't feel like I had been quite rewarded enough... Today I learned that BON JOVI is also coming in the spring! Bon Jovi = hands down best rock band of all ...

Holy crapola, I know! It's been a while right? It was a lifesaver this past month to get slammed with Halloween orders for Ribbon Blossoms - but it sure did keep me away from my lovelies (that's you guys), and THAT, my friends, is never a good thing. How the heck have you all been? One of the things that kept me sane during hours and hours of "stuff-making" was the company of my trusty television. I thought I'd reward her (yeah, I've decided my TV is a girl) by spotlighting her here on my blog. I know, right? What better way to make my grand re-entrance into the blogosphere than share with you my fall TV review. I know you're just waiting on the edge of your seats to hear my opinions. Many people are surprised to find that I do not have DVR, nor do I have satellite or cable TV. Dark ages, I know. But interestingly enough - even with just basic broadcast antenna - there is still a plethora (bonus vocab word of the day for ya) of quality television programs...

I mean, I must have arrived to be featured over at Serenity Now ...right? I'm thrilled to be sponsoring a Ribbon Blossoms giveaway hosted by the fabulous Amanda - go check it out for your chance to win! In other news...I spent 11 hours at 2 different ER's yesterday. That's right I got sent from one ER to the next. Pixie has been having severe abdominal pain in her right lower quadrant. Yeah, that area of appendicitis fame. Between 3 hours at the first hospital, who determined that they were worried by her symptoms, even though her labs came back normal, (but they don't do pediatric surgery there) - and 8 hours at the next hospital they sent us to - well...it was a loooooong night. After all that and IV's and tests, and CT scans - they determined that appendicitis was not the culprit. Which yes - a relief. What would have been MORE of a relief is if they could have told us what IS causing the pain. So we still have no answers, but were assured that most of the thing...

I'm supposed to be working in the basement. We have a dumpster coming today to put all the crap in that we're getting rid of. Instead I've been glued to the tv all morning, and most of last night. There is a huge wildfire burning the mountain behind where I grew up. I used to ride 4-wheelers in the foothills. My parents still live in that home. They are safe, as is my childhood home. But I have many friends who have been evacuated, and are uncertain of the safety of those homes. Over 1400 homes were evacuated last night. 4 homes have burned, which is a small number, but still devastating for those families. It appears that the fire has been contained now and some people furthest from the fire have been allowed back into their homes, but many are still unable to return. Still, what a blessing that things aren't worse - this morning is much brighter than last night where disbelief and fear prevailed. The Unified Firefighters who have been on the mountain since ye...

The always fabulous JennyKate has tagged me on her blog ! She thought I might need a blog prompt because I've been such a slacker! The sad thing is, I actually have a TON of stuff I want to blog about - I just never seem to find the time! Here's how the tag works: Answer the following 8 questions, tag 8 friends, and have them answer 8 new questions. JennyKate's questions for me: 1. What are you most looking forward to about fall? The colors , and smells in the mountains . I'm not sure there is anything more glorious than the colors and smells of fall in the Wasatch Mountains. I'm looking forward to many Sunday afternoon drives with the kids in the mountains! 2. What are some current things on your to-do list? I am trying to get our basement cleaned and a bedroom finished for Cowgirl. I'd actually like to post some pictures of that some day!! 3. Do you go to Starbucks? If so, what's your favorite drink? Sorry JennyKate - no coffee for this girl! 4. What is...

Hey all! Time to talk Muffin Top with Shortmama ! That sounds sorta wrong, doesn't it? Anyway. Today's question is "How do you stay on track with the change of the seasons?" My answer? First I have to freakin' get on track !! But besides that - I, like Shortmama, am relishing the "soup-eating season"! I LOOOOOOVE soup! I'm anxious for Shortmama to share some of those healthy soup recipes she mentioned as well (hint, hint). One of the things that I've recently become involved with that I think will really help me stay eating healthier in the winter is Bountiful Baskets . Some of you might know what I'm referring to. I am ordering through a friend right now, so I don't know exactly how everything works, but what I do know is that Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op, volunteer run, and for $15 I get $50 worth of fruits and vegetables. Not some unkown, scary produce either. High quality, purchased locally first, then regionally, then from sma...

I can't believe the summer is coming to an end. Not that I'm not ready to welcome in fall - because I SO am! But it's funny, part of me is SO OVER summer, I really am done with the heat - but at the same time it seems like it just flew by! Does that make any sense? August was especially over in a blink. But it was my best month of the year. Even with the chaos of back to school, and trouble with my shoulder and the accompanying pain and uncertainty, I have had more peace and been more focused on what really matters than probably any time in my life. In a meeting at the end of June, our Bishop stood and issued a challenge to the members of our ward. He challenged us to attend the temple 6 times during the month of August. 6 times!!! Along with the challenge he gave us 6 promises - for attending the temple 6 times during the month. The promises were: 1- We will draw closer to the Lord 2- We will be spiritually prepared to face what is put upon us daily. 3- We will receive ans...

So my previous post was sorta vague, and I had a number of questions asked. So here's the scoop. For the last month I have been having some minor shoulder pain and stiffness. I figured it was from the way I was sitting on the couch at night with my elbow perched up on the arm of my couch while I was using my laptop. So I quit sitting that way, and started doing some exercises to try to loosen up that muscle and get rid of the stiffness. Last week the pain started to get a little more intense. Thursday afternoon I noticed I was unable to reach my arm above my head and was a little concerned. Then Thursday night on my way to pick up Cowgirl from soccer practice I tried to make a left hand turn, and the pain in my shoulder was excruciating. It literally brought me to tears. With that Hubby said, "We're going to have it checked." Friday morning I had lost more mobility and had more intense pain. My doctor was able to squeeze me in on Friday afternoon, and after a...

It's because typing has felt like a white hot knife that has been sitting in a fire is being plunged into my shoulder! Yes I can be dramatic, but I have really been in a great deal of pain since Thursday. The verdict is still out on whether I will need surgery or not, but today I was given a steroid shot in my shoulder. It was not pleasant. If it doesn't work I may go back and stab the doctor and the nurse with a fork in THEIR shoulders. Just sayin. I am feeling some relief right now. Still hurts, but much better than this time yesterday, so keep your fingers crossed that this will do the trick and I will not need surgery! It is still painful to type, but just wanted to let you guys know I may not comment much the next few days, but I will still be trying to read and get caught up on all you've been up to! Have an awesome week!

Yeah, over there to your right. I did it. I relaunched Ribbon Blossoms . With my previous site being hacked by some jerk-face, and how much work it took to build the site and get it ready, I've decided to move over to Etsy and see how I like it there. I'd love if you'd stop over and check me out . Maybe even give me a thumbs up by favoriting my shop. No pressure. It's not as if our friendship depends on it or anything. I'm really excited for some of the new things I'm going to be listing. Especially my tutu Halloween Costumes! They are so. much. fun. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to get back on the horse, so to speak, when I was trying to decide if I wanted to jump back on. Your support means a lot to me. Coming up I will be sponsoring a giveaway hosted by my awesome friend Amanda - so watch for that. Just wanted to let you know -now I'm off to make cute things!

I've been wanting to link up with Shortmama ever since she started this weekly link up. But as you know I have become QUITE the blog-slacker. Well guess what? I have been even MORE of a health-slacker. So sad. So true. I read the other participants posts and I feel soooo LAME. Last week I thought "I am getting ON this right now!" And then drew even MORE determination when I started going through the discs of pictures from girls' camp that one of the other members of the presidency brought over for me. I'm looking through, seeing all the adorable girls, reminiscing about the fun week we had, the spirit we felt, the bonds we forged....when suddenly - WHO IS THAT FAT LARD in the pictures with the girls? Oh. Crap. That's me. Ugh. I m so done being fat! Anyway, today Shortmama asked us what program we are following. For me it is a combination of calorie counting, and just over-all healthy eating. I try very hard to purchase foods for our family without pre...

It's Friday, It's Friday! Y'all know what that means, right? Time for some cussing with MiMi ! I have several moments from girls camp that, well - there's no cursing at church activities! But I thought YOU would all enjoy a laugh or few at my expense. It started out on a nice summer morning. We met at Sister H's house with all the girls and got loaded up and on our way. I was riding with one of my favorite people - Sister P. We had three darling young women also riding with us: "E", "L", and "D" We were about 10 minutes behind everyone because Sister P and I both had to stop back home to grab things we wanted to take but forgot to pack.We got on the freeway and headed south. We had a HORRIBLE map, and some clearly written instructions on how to get there, so generously provided by the Stake Young Women's Presidency. The instructions said to exit the freeway at exit 275, 8 th North in Orem . Well, we got off on exit 275 - but it w...

One of the things I have REALLY missed with my lack of regular blogging is linking up to the fun blog parties my friends host. Today I'm glad to be Dishing it with Amanda ! Head on over and link up if you want to find out more about your bloggy friends, and make some new friends in the process! The theme for today is Summer Rewind ! Here's the scoop: Best activity I participated in this summer ~ I would have to say taking my kiddos to Lagoon. It is one of my favorite places in the world, and I was so glad to share that with my kids TWICE this summer! To read about it click here . Family trips ~ Although we did some great family activities this summer, we didn't take any trips all together. However Hubby and Bookworm went on a 5- day scout camp. The girls and I didn't have the best week that week. Check that out here . Also, I went to Girls' Camp with my Young Women, which was an absolute delight. I'll probably be sharing more of that adventure coming up! Bes...