This Is The Year

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...