Birthday Boy!!!

Today is my favorite son's birthday!! (it is great being the only boy isn't it Parker )! Parker is sensitive, thoughtful, smart, and a joy to be around! It was just Parker and I for 3 years! When we moved from my parents and into our home Ryan was working around the clock. I was not working as much back then and I have wonderful memories of time with my little boy. We would go on walks at least twice each day. We talked about everything ( i talked, he mostly signed at first and then eventually started talking more and know well let's suffice it to say we got our moneys worth with speech therapy)!! I am grateful for the many things I have learned as I have mothered Parker. I have had many sweet and beautiful experiences as I have fasted and prayed for him. I am truly blessed to be his mommy and we are all grateful that he is in our family!! I love you Parker Bud!!

Merry Christmas!

Campbell Family Update by the numbers...

3 great companies Ryan worked with this year (BMC -former, Orepac, Battery Dr. -current)
22 days until Parker turns 9
100 percent of our healthcare expense account used up by the 3rd week of January (yikes!)
5 teeth lost by Kindergartner Gracie
15 words Addi finally says at 22 months
7320 miles Brandi has driven providing home health physical therapy
20 soccer goals scored by Gracie this past year
6 sports teams played on by Parker with Dad as coach 3 times
1500 photos taken by Brandi
8 months of ballet for Gracie and Hallee
40 trips to the sprinkler park
20 kids each day playing on our backyard swing set
300+ otter pops passed out to thirsty kids and neighbors
2 days a week Hallee goes to preschool - she loves it!
4 days skiing at Lake Powell before Ryan hurt his back ( lucky for him he knows a great PT)!
3450 steps we marched in the Children’s Youth Parade downtown
10 steps Hallee took before she made mom carry her
3 seconds we were on TV
17 times in nursery for Addi
1 time she has stayed
70, 000 people applied for the Pittsburgh Steeler’s Mascot
69, 999 (including Ryan) did not get the position
365 days of chaos, love, and laughter

the Campbells

Ryan (old), Brandi (not quite as old), Parker (8),

Gracie (6), Hallee (4), Addison (1)

One Month Late, But Worth the Wait!!

I had hoped to get Gracie and Hallee's birthday posts up sooner, but life has a way of changing my good intentions! I don't know that I could ever put into words how much I love these two little girls! They have brought so much joy into my life!

Gracie has changed so much this past year. She is more self conscious, always tries so hard to make sure she has made the right choice or said the right thing. I hope she will be thoughtful of others as she grows, but that she will be easier on herself as well! She is so curious and loves to try new things. She makes friends quickly and tries to be a peacemaker with her friends and family.

I just overheard her tonight with her friend Brax:

Gracie:"Brax would you like to play Star Wars?"

Brax: "mmm, no"

Gracie: "okay I'm just telling you some options. Do you want to play basketball (She hates b-ball) or Spiderman or......do you want me to tell you some other options?"

She is always trying to accommodate others, even if it means playing the dreaded b-ball!! Gracie is beautiful inside and out, she is a wonderful helper, very loving and affectionate! What a blessing to be her mommy!!

Hallee Babe is my little muffin! She's so stinkin cute we all just want to eat her up!! She wakes up with a smile on her face which is good since she definitely does not go to bed with a smile on her face!! She is beautiful, gentle, gracious, and soooo loving! She constantly is thanking people for little deeds, for example it is not uncommon to have her run up to you and throw her arms around you and shout : "oh thank you mama, thank you"! One great example of this happened several months ago. The kids usually make their own beds each day, but I was changing their sheets and went ahead and made their beds. Hallee came running down the stairs a few minutes later shouting," mama, mama did you maka my bed"? I replied yes to which she stated "Oh mama, you are so, so, so, so, so, so , so, so , coming to my birthday party"!!! She is a doll, what a blessing she is and has been in our lives!!

Hope you enjoy the pictures from their birthday photo shoots: Cute girls!!! (I am not biased at all am I)?

Check out my Slide Show!

You wouldn't expect a Birthday Post from me to be....

On Time!! Oh well! I couldn't let the opportunity pass to wish Amy B. happy birthday!! Amy is truly one of my very favorite people! She is sarcastic and witty, generous and kind. She has truly been an angel in my life on numerous occasions. She is one of the very few people I would let into my ever-so-messy bedroom (i must love her)! When I first met Amy (aka aimee, ami, however she chooses to spell it this week, ha, ha!), I was doing therapy on her foster son Coty.
They lived in Copper Creek and we were just building our home out here. I remember Ryan saying how cool that would be to move in and already have a friend there, I remember replying that I think we could be good friends with Dave (Amy's other half), but I was pretty sure Amy did not like me!! So funny to think about now! We have been through a lot together and I treasure our friendship!

I remember one experience 6 years ago, I was pregnant with Gracie and Ryan was self employed. Amy got on this frozen dinner kick and was trying several recipes a week, she kept sending down dinner for us to "try"! She was an answer to prayer, Ry had not collected a paycheck for several months, things were really tight and we didn't have money for groceries! Literally, I think she fed us for 3 weeks!! Then after the baby was born she fed us again and ended up purchasing the majority of Gracie's wardrobe (Oh and she has GREAT taste)!

I could post a novel about the many kind and generous things she and dave have done for us and it still would not do them justice! I love you Amy, happy belated b-day!

7 for all mankind jeans - SOLD!

Ok so I have some VERY CUTE 7 for all mankind jeans that I just posted on KSL. I thought i would post it here in case anyone is interested. They are not new but in excellent condition. They do fit all the authenticity requirements as outlined on ebay. They are size 28. Pink stitching on all pockets and rhinestones/jewels around pockets, very cute !!! I am asking $60. Let me know if you are interested! (I'll post a picture as soon as I get my camera back!)

Hark the Heralds Angel Sing.......

Where to Begin.....

I have so much to catch up on I'm not sure where to start! The most important event of this past month was the celebration of Gracie and Hallee's birthdays! I have been waiting to post my message to them until I was able to post their b-day pics, so hopefully I'll have those up by the end of the week!

The overnighter was "Fabulous"! The bed and breakfast was delightful, Ryan thought it was funny that I took pics of our room and our breakfast, but what can I say I have to take enough pics to make up for the last 1400+ photos I lost!! We cannot say thank you enough to my "Fabulous" friends!!


Ryan and I heading off for our little retreat!!


Breakfast was delivered to our room at our designated time, yummy!


This is the Parrish Bed and Breakfast, we just received an email stating that they will be featured on House Hunters on HGTV 12/19-21, I'll have to check it out! They were a darling young couple (she was from Sweden adn tipped us off to some yummy sparkling apple cider sold at non other than my heart-be-still, IKEA)! I'm definitely picking some up for Christmas Eve!

Last week I had a fun little get together with some girlfriends. We came here, each of us brought yummy food (I'll post 2 of the recipes below)and then worked on addressing our Christmas Cards, I do not have mine done (because I can't make up my mind - yikes!) so I finished up some of my neighbor gifts. I was pleased with how they turned out, however I bought the 10% bonus size and so my wraps didn't fit quite as well, oh well!!

I have my girls night out breakfast tomorrow, it is always a highlight of my Christmas activities. We all bring a small gift to exchange and then bring an item to represent something we are grateful for. We then try to guess what the item represents and who brought it. It is always tender and uplifting, a wonderful way to start the Holiday Season!!

(post note, it is now a week later before I finally post this entry, the breakfast was fabulous! Jaimie hosted in her beautiful new home, she is kind and gracious, always assuming the best of others - she's a doll! Anyway, we did our gratitude items, I cried as always (really I'm such a boob it's embarrassing), it was a wonderful morning (I did get a ticket on the way up for an expired registration - yikes!). A full and fun week! I am so blessed!

Happy Holidays!!!

Check us out!!!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1136559471

So we're off like a herd of turtles too........

Okay, it's not Paris, but we are just as excited!! Ryan and I are going out tonight (just us) and then staying at the Parrish Bed and Breakfast downtown! My amazing girlfriends arranged it all, the timing couldn't have been better it has been a grueling work week (hence no posts)!! They will be partying with the kids (they can't just watch them, they have a whole evening of events planned and good food I am sure because we don't do ANYTHING wihtout good food)! So I like my mother have my parting words (although they have nothing to do with what to do with the money since we have none), instead just mommy info for my 4 little angels (ha - did I just say that)!
Okay - I realize that you are all totally competent, adept mothers, but just in case you want a little info on the kids here goes:

Typical nighttime routine: bed 8:30 (I so don’t care when they go.......)

* If Addi stays up later than this she will catch her second wind and well then you will have a long and entertaining night! She goes down with a bottle (I know she’s almost 2, but she’s my baby!!!). If she sees the bottle she will either go after it (if this occurs she will go right down for you) OR she will start to whimper and shake her little finger at you (the sista shake). If this occurs, I just reason with her by saying “we will play_____ when you wake up or I will read you a book when you wake up”! Essential bed time items include (But are not necessarily limited to: Oversized stuffed Panda Bear, pink blankie, baba (bottle)! Be warned whatever items are in the crib when she wakes up MUST accompany her out of the crib or she will not get out (including the pillow - yikes!)

* Please make sure Hallee Babe doesn’t drink too much right before bed and visits the lady’sroom prior to bed. Her essential bedtime items include 4 carrots (it used to be 3 but she turned 4 last week and she didn’t miss a beat, I have 4 carrots now”)! Oh - she is allowed to have a sippy with water (she won’t drink much because it’s water)!

* Parker and Gracie are pretty easy (fingers crossed - did I just jinx you!)

* I would prefer the kids did not play downstairs on the computer (lots of fun things I would rather them not discover until next month!)

Okay - now for the house. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Just love me in spite of my mess please. I had really good intentions at the first of the week, good intentions by midweek, and I’ll admit I have lost all hope of having the place picked up today! You are all too wonderful to do this, I have very literally been “living” for Friday - what a week!!! We appreciate each of you and your families for sacrificing their time with you too! We are so blessed - love you!

And the Winner is ...........

Cotymansmom!!! Her guess was $98.67 and the actual price for ALL this stuff was $105.41!!!

Halloween Photos - finally!

The Price is...........................

Okay, I know this is silly, even a little ridiculous, but I just had to post it! I just got home from one of my late night shopping trips and was rather impressed with my savvy shopping! I am posting a picture of ALL of the food I bought (it filled 2 grocery carts - heaping full)! Now here is the catch, you get to guess how much you think I spent (remembering I am a rebate/coupon clipper)! The closest bid without going over will win a homemade treat/gift! I will post the actual price Friday! Good luck - here are a few hints:

10.00 on medicine
12.50 on deli items
10.00 on produce
over 90 items
over 20 boxes of cereal (which will only last Ryan a month!!!!)

Shouting Thanks....It's Over, It's Over!!!

"The Lord has blessed me in many ways with a thankful heart I will sing his praise, I will raise my voice and proclaim my choice to follow him in faith." - I'll Follow Him in Faith, Janice Kapp Perry

Well we did it! Today was the long awaited primary program. I am the chorister and have only been dreading this moment since last year (I was called soon after the last program)! This calling terrified me! I have no musical ability whatsoever (okay I can "moove and groove" to music but that's not a lot of help when trying to teach children new songs)! This calling has been one of the most tender experiences of my life. As the children sang today, I truly felt they were testifying! They are an amazing group and I feel it such a pleasure to be with them each week! I have never felt the spirit so strongly and frequently as I do singing with these children!

The primary presidency is just amazing, collectively and individually! Today they passed out these darling thank yous to all the teachers that said "Anyway you "slice" it serving with you is a "treat". The funny thing is that the bags each contained a yummy pumpkin chocolate chip loaf, I know they were yummy because I ate mine before I could even take a picture and so I had to stuff it full with paper towels so I could take a picture:)! They also gave me this darling bath "sundae" with a cute little verse! I'm so lucky to associate with such wonderful women (and men because Brother Walker is our chorister and he is AWESOME)!



I thought I would end with 2 of my favorite primary program "incidents":

Last Friday we had a primary practice, Gracie's class talks about how they learned how their 5 fingers could help remind them of things the Holy Ghost testifies of. Gracie's part is to say "One, God is our Father in Heaven, she is supposed to hold up her FIRST finger as she says her part and then keep it up as the other kids say their parts. Apparently, Gracie had a little owie on her first finger and so naturally she decided to hold her middle finger up! I tried to get her attention which just made her wave her finger higher, oh well what is one to do?:)

One of my favorite primary program stories occurred when Ryan and I were first married. We were living in a student ward down in Provo. We only had 4 primary children (lots of nursery kiddos though)! Three of the children were sunbeams (3 years old)and we had one child that was 5! His speaking part was "I received my CTR ring this year, it helps remind me to choose the right." He got up to do his part and began, "I got my CTR ring this year, oh wait Sister Campbell I lost it!" I quickly told him "It's okay we'll get you a new one." To which he replied (in the microphone) "could we get a ninja turtle ring instead?" LOL! It was so funny and of course I quickly obliged!!

Trying to give thanks....

"We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics." - Bill Vaughan

7. my bissel little green throw up vacuuming machine (need I elaborate?)

8. my over sized washing machine that can wash 4 loads of post - vomit laundry

9. my mommy - she "stopped" by (she lives on the other end of the valley) with Gingerale for the girls and Febreeze for me (oh that should so be on my list)!! She also dropped off chocolate milk, paint brushes (yes, I finished painting both door trims today), and grandma juice's (cute containers with character heads you drink from). Later tonight, she "stopped" in after judging reflections at the kids school and we stole away for some fresh air and a lime ricky! So grateful for her thoughtfulness and generosity!!

Giving Thanks Still.....

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern

4. light work weeks - okay this is kind of a double edged sword because I'm not grateful for the paycheck that accompanies such a week, but I have been working "my tail off" as I recently overheard Gracie remind Hallee! So I am grateful to have a light work week, to finally try and get caught up on everything that gets neglected when I'm working! This week I painted my front porch railing (it is so pretty and white now, as opposed to the ugly rust tone it had taken on of late); I cleaned out my freezer in the garage (It was a gruesome project, but it is done!!); I cleaned out my very messy closet and donated 30+ things to the DI!!!; I put away Halloween stuff and put out Thanksgiving decor (it's not even the week before Thanksgiving)!;I cleaned up my "hot spot" in the kitchen and last but not least I taped off the front door trim and hope to have it painted by tomorrow evening. So there you go the fruits of my light work week!!

5. my cell phone

6. Ann aka "My Boss" - I am grateful to work with such a wonderful individual. She is thoughtful, accommodating (we have team meetings in my van with the kids at a halfway destination) , intelligent, and sooo laid back! It makes such a difference when you love those you work with (maybe that's why motherhood is bearable even on the worst days)!

Giving Thanks....

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

My gratitude list:
1. my blog - I'm grateful that my husband read my blog and realized that what I wanted desperately was to park in the garage and "Ta-da" I'm parking in my garage for the first time in years - thank you sweetie!!

2. girlfriends - I am grateful for the blessing they are in my life. I was having a rough patch last week and was able to rely on my girlfriends for counsel, insights, and support! I am so blessed!
(here is a recent pic of me and jen - BFF:)taken by my cute and talented cuz Heather D. White)!



3. sore throats - I have not been feeling up to par lately and this past weekend had a very sore throat which was relieved ONLY by "several" (large) spoon fulls of B&J's Karma-Sultra ice cream. Fortunately, I had 2 pints, I love ice cream immersion with no guilt (it was for the sore throat)!!

Grouchy Mama....

I don't know what was wrong with me today, but I (as well as 2 of my little angels) were just bears today! I spent a good part of the day trying to understand why I was such a bear with no good answers!! It did make me think of a hysterical email that I received recently from my dear friend Heather, which I will post below!

It also made me realize that November is almost a week underway and I have not posted my gratitude list(s), my goal is to write down 3 things each day that I am grateful for (I will reserve this post for later so as not to take away from the "fluff" of this post)!!

Gonna Be a Bear

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When your a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for 6 months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you are sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute, cuddly, cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you're a mama bear everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!

Party Time!!

Today was my mother-in-laws birthday dinner or b-day party according to my kiddos! We had a wonderful dinner at my brother and sister in laws home and were all able to visit for a while! I think it was one of the first times I was able to visit with the adults since pre-kid era!!! Addi is finally getting a little more independent and I am enjoying this new stage quite a bit!
Many years ago my mom wrote a poem about her mother-in-law, I have always loved this poem and loved that my mom was/is so close with her mother-in-law. I too feel so priveliged to have such a wonderful mother-in-law! She is amazing and I absolutely love to spend time with her. She celebrated her 55th wedding anniversay the day before her 75th birthday! You would never guess she is 75 - she plays with the kids every chance she gets and is still getting into mischief (just ask Glen)!! I just love her to pieces - Happy Birthday Mom!!!

No Alms

No alms I give thee Ruth
for thy love.
I too had one who nurtured my babes
and bid me rest.
I too would follow to far off lands of
Judea
to glean for my own dear
mother-in-love.

Marilyn Darley Williams

Happy Belated Birthday Karen!!

My dear friend Karen and I share the same birthday! She and her family are such a blessing in my life! We became friends as we served together in the Relief Society. She taught me so much and I appreciated and continue to appreciate her insights and wisdom (wisdom does not mean you are old - I know what you are thinking!). A few of the many things that I love about Karen is her ability to accept insights or even criticism and weigh it out and either toss it out or accept it and grow from it. Her family and loved ones are always her top priority, she is selfles, sensitive, and thoughtful. She is probably one of my biggest cheerleaders. She validates me and the stages of life I am experiencing, she thinks so highly of me that I have to try and keep up, and she always ends every conversation with a compliment or expression of grattitude. I rarely get the last word with her, so this is my chance to let her know how much I LOVE, RESPECT, and APPRECIATE her!!! So blessed by her friendship - happy birthday Karen!!

Birthday Shout Out!

One more October Birthday shout out!! This time it is my sweet sister in-law Wendy! Really she probably is one of the sweetest people I know. She is kind and gentle. She has wonderful insights and takes the time to listen to people - she gets a lot of opportunities because she is one of those people that everyone feels they can open up to. She has a way of making people feel safe and loved.

She is a great example to me. When difficult things happen she actively tries to change her perspective so that she can "enjoy the ride" in the midst of hard stuff! I always tell Ry that if we were in the same phase of life I would want to hang out with her every day (Scary thought ey Wendy!). I love her dearly and am so glad that I finally got the wonderful sisters (in laws) that I always wished for! Happy B-day Wendy, love you!!!

Middle of the Night Ramblings

Well Addi's been up crying since 3 AM and it appears that she is not slowing down anytime soon! This is the only spot in my house (down in the basement) in which I cannot hear her scream, mamamamamama! I moved poor little gracie out of their room after 30 minutes of her tirade and into my bed! And so I am bedless and wide awake!

Last night we had the opportunity to attend the adult stake/regional conference meeting. It was great. The one talk that really touched me was regarding scripture study and the importance of immersing ourselves in the scriptures. The speaker referenced Jacob where it states that the Spirit will be brought unto our hearts but not into. Action on our part is required to bring it into our hearts, and scripture study was an example of how we could take action in securing those promptings and blessings.

So I silently committed to step it up a notch and consistently read and study my scriptures more. So here are a few insights gathered from my readings last night:
In 1 Nephi 2:12 Nephi is recording Lehi's instructions and teachings to his children and verse 12 states that Laman and Lemuel did murmur against their father "because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them". Unfortunately, this is one of those times that I can relate with Laman and Lemuel, how easy is it to murmur, to second guess our "lot" or circumstances in life, and to lose our faith in a tender, merciful,and all knowing God.

One of my favorite accounts in the scriptures is found in the first chapter of Moses. Satan appears to Moses and attempts to deceive him, however Moses knows God, he understands the dealings of that God who created him and he is able to distinguish between God and Satan. Later, Moses is becoming trodden down and yet instead of losing sight or faith in himself or the Lord he instead calls upon the Lord and receives strength (vs. 20).

In our lives the circumstances which require us to trust in God and to rely on our knowledge and understanding of his dealings and our relationship with him aren't always as dramatic as Moses', but the results are the same. If we know God, if we have a personal relationship with Him, we will be able to discern and to proceed when difficult decisions need to be made. I was having a conversation with my sweet niece this week who has been wrestling with very difficult decisions of the heart.

She stated that she knows her Heavenly Father and she knows how she receives revelation and that she had realized recently that the Lord would not change his ways with her now when she most needed guidance. I was so impressed and grateful that this young woman had developed a relationship with her Heavenly Father such that she like Moses could distinguish and discern promptings that would bless her and fortify her.

When I reflect on verse 12 I am also acutely reminded that it is important that we understand the dealings of our God so that we will not lose sight of the fact that he is a merciful and loving God who wants us to turn to him not just for guidance but for forgiveness. Recently, I was preparing for singing time and was reading a scriptural reference listed with one of the songs we were working on. The scripture is found in Moroni 10:3, Moroni exhorts us to remember that the Lord is merciful to all his children and to ponder this. I did ponder. I wondered why this was so important to understand and then I understood. If we forget that the Lord is a merciful God, if we fail to understand his kind and merciful dealings with us we will fail to take advantage of the atonement in our lives. We will miss out on His greatest gift.

Well, I didn't mean to post a novel, but I am grateful for the insights I received while studying. I am grateful that my sweet niece knows and understands the dealings of her God and has the confidence and courage to follow the promptings she receives!

Sleeping Solo.......

I knew Ry was up to something. The last few weeks he kept asking me if I could clear my schedule for 1 or 2 days. I laughed...oh I wish! Unfortunately, my life is just that...very scheduled...too scheduled! Work takes up 3-5 days and then everything else is sandwiched in between the last few available days.

Despite my unintentional effort to thwart his plan Ryan was able to swoosh me off Thursday night. I knew we were staying locally (moola and time were not to our advantage). I figured we would steal away to Snowbird or Park City OR that he had arranged for me to meet my friend Jory from Boise. He asked me if I was curious about where I was going, to which I proudly admited I was sure I had it figured out! He laughed and said I'm pretty sure you don't! He was right! I wasn't meeting Jory and he wasn't going with me either - I was going ALONE!!! I admit, I wasn't very excited! Ryan insisted I needed some Brandi time. In my mind good Brandi time is productive, helpful, efficient, crossing things off my never ending list.

Ryan had other ideas. He said I needed down time, alone time, just me and my Real Simple magazine (which I LOVE!!!). He dropped me off downtown at the Raddison with a change of clothes, a jacket, and a kiss! He wouldn't even leave me a car afraid I might try and run errands (oh, he knows me so well)!

things that suprised me:
1. I LOVED it!!!
2. I was able to relax (I know that Kristy and Steph don't believe me, but I did!)
3. I slept & slept & slept (11 hours)! (I rarely get more than 5-6 hours of sleep a night, I can count on one hand the nights I have gone to bed before midnight in the past few years, it is my only time to get stuff done).
4. I didn't call home to check on anyone!
5. I did nothing essential other than shower. (I snuck work papers in, I figured it would be a great time to catch up on paperwork without cutting into time with my kids, but I didn't touch them - sorry kids!)
6. I was ready in record time! I didn't realize how quickly the whole process goes when you are only doing one head of hair and dressing one non-picky adult!
7. My husband knows me better than I know myself! Thank you Ryan, I love you!

Two....

two names you go by:
1. Brandi
2. mama

two things you are wearing right now:
1. a new grey old navy t-shirt with ruffly shoulders that I got today for a steal!!
2. socks, always....my feet get so cold!

two of your favorite things you do:
1. be with Ryan
2. talk to my girlfriends

two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. pay off neverending hospital bills
2. a clean house,a finished basement,to park in the garage, oh,is that more than 2?

two pets you have/had:
1. a stray bulldog that my mom fed scrambled eggs for 2 days
2. a fish in college given to me by a guy I was dating

two things you did last night:
1. ate at Paradise Bakery, I ordered the chicken and artichoke panini and the roasted tomato soup - AGAIN! The first time I ate there this is what I ordered and as I was raving about it, my sister in law told me that she had tried everything on the menu and that those 2 items were the BEST! I must say, I do have a talent for selecting good food!!!!

2. read Real Simple Magazine cover to cover (well not really cover to cover because I always start in the middle of the magazine and read back toward the front. Then when I reach the front, I go back to the middle and I still get to read the last half of the magazine, I have issues!!)

two things you ate yesterday:
1. a tuna fish sandwich (breakfast/lunch)
2. and the paradisaical food mentioned above

two people you talked to last night:
1. Ryan
2. God

two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. soccer games - if the snow storm actually comes we may be snowed out, one can always hope right??? I really do love going as long as the weather cooperates!
2. work - I have to see 3 patients tomorrow it's been a crazy week, but we are being blessed with many patients and we are very grateful!

two longest car rides:
1. SLC - New Jersey in a Penske cab with Ryan and my brother Travis!!! Now 3 adults stuck in the cab of a moving van for days would be bad enough, but alas we had to stop at EVERY sports arena, amphitheater, stadium, etc, etc, along the way (or remotely along the way)!!!
2. SLC - Washington - 1 me, 4 brothers - need I say more???

two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas - I LOVE decorating for it, I LOVE buying gifts for people, I LOVE the lights, and I LOVE my Savior!!!
2. Halloween - I love this time of year! Halloween is the start of a magical time of year for me! I love getting dressed up and seeing all the kids in their costumes. I love hosting Halloween parties and until this year I got a kick out of "Boo-ing" the whole neighborhood! Let me explain.

"Boo-ing" is a form of pixing or doorbell ditching accompanied with treats and a little note to pay it forward! About 7 years ago, my dear friend Jane and I decided to get this tradition started in our little neighborhood. The first home required multiple doorbell rings and then I had to dive into the neighbors bushes to hid from them - I was 7 months pregnant with Gracie (who ended up coming 3 weeks later). It wouldn't have been so bad, but the neighbors came home to find me hiding in their bushes and I didn't know them! The people at the second home did not see the treats and started looking around and became very upset assuming they were being doorbell ditched. Needless to say, I think Jane and I both laughed so hard we wet our pants (at least I did, being 7 months pregnant and all)! By this point neither one of us thought we could run and hide again so we conned 2 young men in our neighborhood into delivering the last batch of cookies to my secretary in the RS presidency. She too must not have seen the treats and came out cussing at the boys and threatening to call the police!! We couldn't believe how hard it was too spread a little holiday cheer to our neighbors!!

Needless to say I didn't give up. Our family continued to "BOO" each year, however I was always so worried that anyone might feel left out that we continued to increase how many we delivered! Last year, with the help of my mom (who is as bad as I am) we "Boo-ed" over 20 families! This year I was ready to start early and made up several dozen treats to send home with the Mitchells so they could Boo and then several more for us to do! But then I realized this was the year I needed to give a few things up, not bad things, but unnecessary things! So despite the fact that it brings me great joy and that I think it is a wonderful way for my children to create and participate in family traditions, I gave in and we are having a "Boo-less" Halloween!

two favorite beverages:
1. ice water
2. I used to love raspberry lemonade but Amy B. has forbidden me to drink it , convinced that it is responsible for my upset stomach when I go out to eat. So I have to settle for OJ or hot chocolate, both of which I rarely drink because like my dear girlfriend, Rian J., I have a hard time "wasting" calories on a beverage!!

Pirates of the Carrots and Beans!!

This past Monday night Ryan and I had the opportunity to take Parker and Gracie to the Pirates of the Carribean Corn Maze at Thanksgiving Point! My mom graciously offered to watch the two little girls so we could have some special time with Parker and Gracie (thank you mom!!!). We had a wonderful time getting lost in the 12 acre corn maze and the kids loved all of the dozens of other activities as well. We even surprised Parker by having the Bohman's meet us there (Parker's BFF)!

It made me laugh when I saw the Pirates of the Carribean sign. Recently, Hallee was invited to a little boy's birthday in our neighborhood. It was a Pirate's of the Carribean Theme - Hallee was so excited to dress up as a pirate (cute pics, but alas they were destroyed with the other 1499 pictures on my computer last month)! She even found a Pirates of the Carribean sprinkler to give to the birthday boy! I was commenting on this and she retorted, "Mom, it's Pirates of the carrots and beans!" LOL!! She is tooo cute!!

Here's a few pics from our fun evening:

Another Birthday Girl!

October is full of fabulous birthdays - Kami D. is one of them! Kami and I have been friends since our junior year in high school! We cheered together, double dated, played, double dated, traveled, did I mention double dating!! Kami is spontaneous and fun and BEAUTIFUL! She is super organized, keeps an immaculate and beautiful home, and is a great teacher (She is one of my all time favorite Relief Society teachers)!
I love that we share so many wonderful memories and that our friendship continues so many years later. She has been and continues to be such a blessing in my life! Happy Birthday Kami!!!

Happy*Happy*Birthday*Sandy*Dear!!

Happy Birthday Sandy! My mom does little birthday tributes on her blog and I LOVE it - what a great way to document your feelings for dear girlfriends!

I met Sandy T. at least 7 years ago, we were in the same GIANT ward. I planned this great couples get together to try and help fellowship and despite numerous invitaions and lots of food, everyone bailed out except Sandy and her husband Jeff. We had a great time getting to know them and are so very grateful for their friendship in our lives.

Sandy is one of my amazing "domestic diva" friends, she is the one I call for any random item (ei. a bakers hat, slinky, shrinky dink paper, you name it she has it AND knows where to find it)! She has a great testimony of the gospel and she lives it! She teaches her children by her example and their nourishment is her primary focus. When Sister Beck talked in conference on Sunday, I was a little uncomfortable, I believe what she said, but sometimes I have a difficult time letting go of some of the things that make me so busy and keep me from that which is most important. Sandy, is one of my dear friends, who does this! I look up to her so much! She is generous, organized, a-get-it-done-gal, and kind and thoughtful!! I love her dearly - Happy Birthday

Ta-Daaaaaa!!

Today I took the kids to our friends pumpkin patch! While we were getting ready Parker exclaimed that he remembered how we sat Addi on the pumkins last year. He remarked that he knew just what Addi would do this year when she saw all of the pumpkins - and he was right!

Addi likes to throw her arms in the air and exclaim Ta-da when she wants our attention or thinks something is really great! She was right! It was a GREAT day! We trudged through the pumpkin patch, ran through the corn maze (at least a dozen times), played on all the tractors, and picked out pumpkins to carve for Basketball Grandma and Grandpa's Annual Halloween Carving Contest! Here are a few shots of our fun day:

Will Work for Food......

I enjoyed a lovely dinner tonight, which was even more delightful since I didn't have to cook it!! My girlfriend Dennilynne (who is a fabulous cook) proposed a little trade several months ago which resulted in me eating a delicous, no effort meal tonight!! I love having talented friends!!

Dennilynne had asked me to take pictures of her and Mike, since they had no pictures together since they were firts married (many moons ago). I tok them at Gardner Village because I loved the way the pictures I had my cousin, Heather D. White, take turned out!!

In a recent discussion with our friend Rob Mitchell, he shared that one of the things he wished he had more of was pictures of MaryAnn and pictures of the two of them before she passed away. One of my goals this year is to get some pics of Ry and I, I don't remember the last time we got a nice picture together. Needless, to say I was grateful to oblige Dennilynne and I think we got some great shots!

Quote of the Day!

Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading.
Oswald Chambers
(I copied this quote from my mom's blogsite, I LOVE it!!!!!)

Tag - Your it!!

I was tagged today! I'm new to this, but here goes nothing!!

1. The best thing you cooked last week?

Dennilynne Pulsipher's artichoke dip. I made it for my niece's bridal shower and my sister-in-law said it was as good as McGrath's!!

2. If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with who?

i would go ANYWHERE with my husband, heck I would even go alone. I desperately need a vacation, the last time we went away together Ryan decided to come down with a brain tumor and well that was the end of that!!

i would love to take the kids to Disneyland

i would love to go to Ikea and buy more stuff so that I could fit all of the stuff I already own into our cute little house!

i would love to go visit my grandparents, my girlfriend Jory, and I would love to go back to New Jersey and see my old, dear friends


3. When was the last time you cried?

good cry or bad cry? Both yesterday!!

good cry (aka: happy tears): I cried several times as I listened to conference. I was so touched by so many messages, so many simple examples of love and faith and tenderness.

bad cry: I cried last night after I put my 3 year old back into bed for the umpteenth time. I looked around my house which I feel like I can never keep on top of, thought of all of the hundred things I needed to do this week, the many more that I would like to or should do, and then I cried. I think it goes with my stage of life. Sometimes it gets so hard trying to juggle everything, last night, as I feel many nights, I thought how is one person suppose to keep up, manage, and juggle all of this???? It's exhausting. And yet, part of me is grateful to be in this stage of life where I still have some control of my little brood, where they are so loving and forgiving. I am trying to find the balance - hopefully I'll figure it out before i move on to the next stage!!

4. 5 things you were doing this month 10 years ago.

I 'm not sure I can list 5 things I was doing 10 days ago!! Ummm, 10 years ago.

1-I was in the middle of my first full time internship in Philadelphia, PA at Allegheny Medical Center. It was one of my favorite places I affiliated. It was just outside of the city. Ryan and I were living in Gloucester, NJ. Life was good, the first time in years I did not have hours of homework.

2 - This was a time that I feel that I made one of my most valuable contributions professionally. I was working with an older lady who had had a stroke and was unable to speak and/or use her right leg and arm. We soon realized that she had apraxia, which means that she had the capability to perform reflexive/automatic tasks with her involved extremities/speech but not perform intentional tasks. For example, she could join in singing happy birthday but was unable to say anything else. I as a fresh new student was trying to figure everything out. I noticed that she had reflexive withdrawl when a certain area was touched on her foot. I hooked her up to electrical stimulation and noticed that she again demonstrated this leg movement consistently with a noxious stimuli. I eagerly constructed a custom molded footplate for her foot (which we had just recently learned in school for other diagnosis). It worked!! She was not only able to move her foot, but she was able to walk with a cane and supervision assist by the time I was ready to leave. It was very rewarding! I ended up earning an award the next year from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ faculty for my case presentation of this patient!

3- I joined Weight Watchers and was able to drop 20# (the freshman 15 hit a little late for me), Ryan and I would go on walks every night after work as part of my exercise program, it was a great time for us.

4 - I was serving in the YW program (still/again). The YW presidency was wonderful they were all like mothers to me and I love them each dearly. The girls were amazing, many were the only or one of a few LDS kids in their high schools. They were strong and courageous, they were silly and full of love! Most of them are married now - yikes!!!

5 - I attended my own surprise party! Ryan and my friend Janee Russon threw a surprise birthday party for me and her husband Scott (we share the same birthday). There were tons of cute young couples there, good food (although I was diligently sticking to my weight watchers program and only enjoyed apple slices), fun times!!!
Scott and I were FHE brothers/sisters when we were at BYU. We both ended up at Rutgers and the same ward the same week with our spouses to start graduate school, he law school, and I physical therapy school - small world!)

5. 5 things on your to-do list - here goes 5/50 to do's
1- wash 5 loads laundry
2 - fold 5 loads laundry
3 - clean van
4 - take Sandy birthday present
5 - turn in patient charts/work papers

6. 5 favorite snacks
swedish fish, pretzel sticks, chocolate covered cinnamon bears; grapes; nuts

7. 5 Bad Habits: Oh, if I only had 5!! Eating when I'm stressed; Eating when I am on the phone; My oh so messy car; interrupting people; getting distracted/attempting to multi-task too much

8. 5 favorite foods: Carrie Lingman's rolls (she sells them and they are the best!!!); Carma-Sultra Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream; Spring Mix Flatbread; Medium rare steak; Iranian food

9. 5-Places I've been:
- Florida (teenager)
- Mexico (teenager)
- San Diego (honeymoon)
- Hawaii (newlywed)
- Eastern Coast (Ry and I took a fabulous road trip 10 years ago last month with 2 of our dear friends Hart and Jory Beal. We took a road trip (pre-kid era) through the Adirondack Mountains ei. Lake Placid, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Boston. We camped out on the beaches, stayed in an enchanting bed and breakfast one night, and had a marvelous time).

10. 5 Favorite memories
- Lake Powell as a child definitely one of my favorite memories
- Singing around the piano as my dad played old Anne Murray and Crystal Gail tunes
- Newlywed life - oh life was so simple and good and we didn't wish it away!!
- FHE with my kids - I know you probably think this is a typo, most weeks we barely get through it, but then there are those weeks were the kids share a tender thought or feeling, each week they are so excited to be together to sing, to pray, and to giggle (and giggle, and giggle). I love this age, I love that they are so full of love for us and for each other. I am certain that many years from now this will remain one of my favorite memories.
- time with Ryan in the hospital. it was sacred time, he and I, not sure of our future, but somehow enveloped in love and peace.

So here goes my tag: Heather D., Suzanne C., Marci W.; Ann S.; Dennilynne P., Lizzy W.

Happy Haunting!!

I know it is a day or two early, but I couldn't wait to post this adorable Halloween layout!! It's a little splash of happy!!

We are off-track for the first 3 weeks of October so I have been trying to gather some fun ideas to keep the kids busy and happy! Here is a fun recipe for Pumpkin Pie Play Dough:

Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
5 1/2 c. flour
2 c. salt
8 tsp. cream of tartar
3/4 c. oil
1 (12oz) container pumpkin pie spice
orange food coloring
4 cups water

Mix all of the ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until all the lumps disappear and it looks like smooth, mashed potatoes. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container.

Domestic Diva in Training......

I don't know how it happened, it must have been a moment of weakness. I have lived in this neighborhood for over 7 years and have been surrounded by domestic divas who plant, sprout, dry, and can their own food! Each year they graciously invite me to join them and each year I laugh,thank them, and remind them that I don't can!

Somehow this year I agreed to buy a half bushel of peaches - now what else can you do with that many peaches!! One of my dear friends Dennilynne even picked up the peaches and delivered it to me! My other dear friends Sandy and Steph promptly delivered jars, lids, canning pots(Do these have a name), an outdoor stove top, and all sorts of other paraphernalia that I wasn't sure what I was to do with!! They are amazing, generous women - I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful women!!

Then my Lizzy came down and helped me can all the peaches this morning! She's amazing, she can do ANYTHING!! (She wired her entire home for electricity, made her own floor length curtains, and this past week bottled over 12 dozen jars of beets, peaches, salsa, chili sauce, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, peach cobbler filling - she wears me out)!

The whole process went rather smoothly until we realized that we had used old lids that would likely not seal and that my ceramic stovetop is not recommended for canning on!! Oh well - what is one to do at this point???

Surprisingly, they all sealed and my family was so impatient they devoured one jar while I was at work this afternoon! The result - delish!! Lesson learned: surround yourself with talented, generous women and you and your family will always be well fed!

Who do you think I am...Cinderella?

I am giggling as I post this. I just walked out to see my very large and so unattractive black garbage and blue recycling cans on my front lawn at the entrance to the front door! When Gracie arrived home from school today a friend came over wanting to play. I reminded her that she had to get her jobs done first, the kids each have their daily jobs and then one job of my choosing! Her "mom's choice" today was to bring the garbage cans up to the SIDE of the house from the road! I might need to clarify where the SIDE of our house is, LOL!

One day after I had asked Gracie to do another job she replied, "Who do you think I am... Cinderella?" Gracie is always full of funny comments some of them include:

(7/04) "Mom my stomach-ache is coming out." translation:I'm going to throw up!

(2/04) The other night Gracie and I went in to kiss Parker good night and he had his blinds open - you peeked out at the night sky. When we returned to your room you pleaded, "Gracie's dark open." I pulled the blinds for you so you could fall asleep to the beauty of the night.

(4/04) "Gracie, who loves you?"
"You do!"
"How much do I love you?"
"This much!"
"Do you know mommy loves you so much sometimes my heart feels like it is going to burst?"
"Yep!"
"Why do I love you so much?"
"Cause I'm pretty!"
"Yes, what's more important than being pretty?"
"mmmm...being nice?"
"Yes, and I love you because your nice, and I love you even when you are not being nice because your my girl and a Child of God and I will always love you!"
"But mom, you can't love me that much because if you love me all the much I won't be able to love Parker and Daddy and Hallee!"
"Okay, I won't love you all the much!"
"Mom just love me a tiny much so I can love Parker & Daddy & Hallee and you!"

Postscript: Gracie this is one of the many great miracles of motherhood: there is always more than enough love to go around -and I will always love you all the much!!

Do you hear what I hear?

Today Parker brought home the results of his audiological exam at school. I sighed and thought, here we go again. You see, each time we are tested Parker fails the exam and we are then required to follow up with a second test and then we are finally referred to a specialist within the district. This happens every year despite the fact that I have promised that we are being followed by the audiology and an ENT at PCMC. But, gasp...could it be???? The test reported his hearing is withing normal limits! (It's good that he is considered normal in at least one area)! I had to turn over the document to make sure it was his and not a fellow classmates!!

This may all seem rather trivial, however when Parker was born he was unable to hear. This was a difficult time for me as a mother I am grateful that I wrote down my feelings :

(3/15/99)

Dear Parker -
Hello Cutie pie! I just wrote yesterday, but since I haven't written for a while I thought I had a little catching up to do. I thought I better keep you up to date on all the "medical" news that has been going on. Your first surgery has been scheduled for March 23rd - one week from tomorrow. This month has been full of pre-op visits with all of the different doctors and surgeons. This week you have 3 different doctor appointments. That frequency is becoming pretty standard.

We go every week to your pediatrician to have you weighed and every other week to have your ears checked. The doctors told us that if we kept a close eye on your ears you probably wouldn't have any hearing difficulties. However, you seem to not be hearing despite having no ear infections to date.

This week we met with the ENT to discuss tubes. I would really like you to get them at this first surgery - if the risks it poses are not great. I want you to be able to hear your mommy and daddy's voices - I want you to hear us tell you we love you (which we do about 100 times a day). I want you to be able to hear your Grandma's laugh & your Grandpa and TJ call you "Bud". I hope you will be able to hear your Aunt Marci's beautiful singing voice. These and so many things I want for you, however if the tubes are unsuccessful and you are never able to hear, we will still tell you we love you a hundred times a day. We will still sing and laugh and read you stories and hope that you will feel rather than hear how much you are loved. I think that feeling love is probably a better goal anyway. Regardless, maybe many years down the road you will want to read this and you will know as you do, what a blessing you are in all of our lives.
with love, mom

Welcome Friends!!

Many moons ago I had to create a collage/poster to introduce myself to my fellow grad students. I remember being a little nervous because I was aware that many of my beliefs, values, and culture was very different from most of theirs. I remember deciding to share "the real thing", not the fluff stuff! I created several scrapbook style pages with information that shared many details about me and my beliefs, thoughts, struggles, and aspirations. I included at the front of the pages a seperate sheet with the title welcome friends. I hoped those glimpsing into my life through those pages would feel welcome.... welcome to get to know and understand me and to begin a journey of friendship!
And so I felt it only appropriate to title this Blog - Welcome Friends! I am reminded that as I share my true thoughts and feelings (with a big heaping of fluff, because I do LOVE the fluff) that I will be exposing myself - the good and the bad (and very likely a little ugly), however my hope is that as I share my thoughts, insights, and tender mercies, that my family and friends will be lifted, blessed, mildly amused and grateful for the chance to glimpse inside my heart!