Pinterested?

So all my blog friends you lit my fire and I finally gave in and checked out Pinterest. I knew going into it that it was going to be a time sucker so silly little me set "rules". Yes, I have a set of Pinterest rules, feel free to use them or change them to make them work for you. Tee-Hee!

Rule #1: Only look until the page ends (still a lot of looking)
Rule #2: I must get at least one idea that I plan to carry out and actually do every time I look.
Rule #3: I am only aloud to have three ideas waiting to be done at a time. If I have more than three I can't look again until I get one or two or three done.

I have been a very good rule follower and I will now share with you some of my Pinterest masterpieces.

Sexy Curls

All Thanks To A Sock

 Simply amazing. All I did was cut the toe of one on MY LB's socks, roll it up like a donut, put my hair in a pony tail, spritz the pony tail with water to get it damp, roll up the pony tail in the sock, pin it and go to sleep. Next morning much to my surprise I "really" had curls. Crazy right?

More Sexy Hair

Crazy up do (I will never tell how many bobby pins I used)

Watch out, right?

You just do this and then that and more of this and VIOLA.

I also got a bit crafty....

Stuffed Owls

Now My monkey is no longer lonely.

He just has to wait and play at night now.

Yeah, I made my own pattern from looking at some pictures. Used my sewing machine and a glue gun.

Picture Collage

I have been wanting to put up pictures of my kiddos from when they were young little bucks. This offered me the perfect opportunity and it is so fantastically cute.

I promise next time I will do better to post links, I just forgot to save them and now I don't feel like finding them. Sorry! I will just tell you the hardest part of this project is picture placement (there is definitely some math involved).

There you have it! I am following the rules, getting fun things done, trying new things with my hair and laughing a lot. Thanks to all of my friends that go me "pinterested".

The three things I have on my plans.... An owl purse, another up do and a some photo shoot pictures to take of my little cowgirls.

These little piggies went to primary

My new calling in church is teaching in senior primary. This is the first time I have ever had a teaching calling in the primary, "ever". I love kids and I love the Gospel so I am loving my new calling (minus the discipline).

However my little piggies keep thinking about how much personal growth we were gaining from teaching Gospel Doctrine in our last ward. I am happy to say that the piggies are making good of their word, they are finding other ways and means to get in their personal study time. They are thinking of enrolling in an independent BYU study course on the Book of Mormon. Making good with what they have been given, good little piggies.

These LIttle "Piggies" Went to Time Out

My sister in-law Ashlee and I went on our annual retreat to Time Out for Women (a gift from the mother in-law). This year the theme was "Choose to Become", so of course they encouraged us to choose something to become. It is so great to know that at 34 years old I can still choose to become something new. You know, something besides "all" of the things I already am. I mean I just became my kids primary educator not to long ago and I am loving that (I think I am exercising brain muscles I didn't know I had). I couldn't imagine ever thinking that I was already everything I could possibly be.

Ashlee and I decided to take this challenge to Become, and in the spirit of accountability we decided to "BLOG" about it.

I contemplated the recent events of my life and decided that I wanted to "become content with where my feet are". I wasn't exactly sure where I was going with this until the other day when I was having a conversation with some friends of mine. We were talking about baking/cooking and how much I dislike it (I should have chosen to become a baker) and the consensus was pretty much the same, we don't like to do it as much as we like to eat it. Except, there was one mom that said she loved it but she couldn't do it right now because her kitchen wasn't designed for it and she didn't have the right pans to do the job correctly. LIGHT BULB!! After she said this I sat quiet (rare moment) and thought about what she had said and realized that I knew exactly what "BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE" meant. BECOME with what you have been given, BLOOM where you are planted, MAKE great with what you have.

My "become" is this....
Be where my "piggies" are! My little piggies have been longing to go back to there beautifully decorated home with the green grass and comforts of home. Bad little piggies.... My little piggies keep looking back ........ Bad little piggies.... My little piggies keep trying to race ahead..... Bad little piggies.... My little piggies keep saying, "if only". Bad little piggies....

These little piggies "choose to become" good little piggies that enjoy every moment, every place, every memory, every step, every trial and every experience that they are present for.

This little piggy goes to market to much....

This little piggy has always had a home (even if it didn't have a house).....

This little piggy can enjoy making roast beef....

Even if her little piggies eat none....

These little piggies can be be be be be whatever they want to become....

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

I have so much catching up to do I don't know where to start. I could come up with a clever way to scrunch a couple of months into one post but then I would feel caught up and put away the blogness again for awhile. I think it is better to feel behind so I never feel like I can take a break. Wow, that makes it sound like I am being forced to blog, BLOG NOW OR PAY THE PRICE. Fact of the matter is the price for not blogging is lost memories. AND those I can not misplace!

Every year for the past several years my sister in law and I have gone to Utah for Women's Conference. This was the second year in a row that it snowed on us so I figured in the spirit of Christmas I could declare this MY most wonderful time of the year. Five days and four night without the normal stress of life. It is so blissful and peaceful and wonderful and the time away makes me feel so grateful. By now you are probably thinking that I am "full" of it, well you would be correct. I am full of the good stuff, the positive deposits that are made during moms annual time away.

I have really come to love and cherish the time I spend with Ashlee. She has become my sister in the gospel and is there to encourage me to do good. We always have the best talks on the way there and on the way home. She has been a great example in helping me with homeschool as well.

This year I truly had the best experience I have ever had. I feel so on top of my game with my studies and prayer, being a Gospel Doctrine instructor has helped me there. It keeps me on my spiritual toes and the knowledge I have gained has become truly invaluable to me. This year at Women's Conference I attended classes that focused on family and personal objectives that I have been working towards. Every instructor truly inspired me to be the best that I can be, depending on the day, my mood, whether I am hungry or tired, sleepy or just plain in a rotten mood. In other words my best changes daily and even hourly but as long as I know the direction I am heading and rely on the Savior to help me get there I can make it.

Sister Beck is one of the most remarkable women I have ever met. When she speaks I feel as if she is speaking directly to me and I know the thousands of sisters sitting around me felt the same way. I know that she cares about me, understands me and wants me to find success in all of my endeavors. Amazing that I know all of this and I have never personally one on one spoken to the her. She knows me because like her I am a daughter of God, living my Earthly state and persevering the best that I can.

I feel so blessed to be a member of the LDS church. It gives me hope and happiness for brighter days and joyful blessings to come as I strive to keep and obey the commandments of God.

Highlights of my trip....

Being with Ashlee

Deseret Book Concert (rocks every year)

Service (newborn caps)

Shopping
Snow

Crafting and watching movies

Temple Square

Dinner with Alison

Being alone to think and ponder

I look like I am getting older! Of course I feel like I am getting older, pretty soon I will be taking all of the classes that they offer on raising a youth. I will be learning how to bring up a youth in the gospel and how to prepare him for a mission and temple marriage. Wow! It seems like just yesterday I was taking classes on becoming a wife and mother. I do love the changes that are occurring in my home and look forward to the things to come.

BIGGEST BLOG LOSER

 I was nominated and won the prize for the...

 "Biggest Blog Loser"

I really want to take this time to thank everyone that takes up my time.....

As well as all of the unexpected events in my life....

And of course the never ending house work....

I would feel horrible if I didn't mention the "Great Expectations" in my life....

This is a wonderful honor....

I may as well go on and thank Netflix for dumb movies....

The refrigerator for always needing groceries....

And lastly I must give my thanks and dearest gratitude to TJed (Thomas Jefferson Education) for taking up a majority of my brain space, time, and energy.

I try hard and blog entries still dance in my head, I just am not getting it done.  At one of the conferences I went to or viewed lately, I learned that you will never receive more time however you can gain more time by being consistent.  VERY INTERESTING!  Only, now I have to sit down and prioritize my life so I know what I especially want to be consistent at and who has the time for that? 

We have had many wonderful and some not so wonderful things happen lately that I really want to share; including a birthday, new car, and a for sale sign.  I will put blogging on my consistent list towards the top at number 20, tee-hee, that way our family will be journalized and my friends and family will be updated.

Love to all from the Biggest Blog Loser!

Hello Blog Spot

I had a friend ask me to help her get her blog started and much to my surprise I found out that I am living in "old school" blog spot land. 

I feel like a little kid with a new toy!  Must change, must do it now, can't wait. 

Can I change it now please, please, please? 
No, wait until tomorrow. 
How about just a little bit?
 Fine, but don't loose anything or mess it up!

OH THE POSSIBILITIES!

I am not going to sleep tonight.

Arizonians

You know that awesome dad that Spencer was telling you about in his Mecham's news? Well that same awesome dad that was nominated to be part of the American Water Transformation Team, did something even more awesome and amazing then being selected, he declined.

I am grateful that MY LB is a family man and not a career chasing man. The Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us something more to live for then what the world offers and that money can buy.

FAQs of not moving:

Did I want to move? Yes, very much. I thought for an instant that we would be getting a bit of a reprieve from the awesome debt of our current home.

How did I take the news of not moving? I was sad! I thought for sure that things would work out and that blessing were going to be flying our way.

What will I do now? Probably redecorate a little, move some furniture, and get rid of some stuff. That's just what I do! I will get over it and move on.

Are you glad that your LB made the decision that he did? Of course, I know that his decision was led by the Lord and his love for his family. I wouldn't want it any other way!

You Are Your Own Worse Critic

You are your own worse critic seems to run pretty true for most people. However, I do believe that I have found an exception to that rule. AND... it makes me wish that "I" was my own worse critic.

Please note that in my eyes everything is going great. The kids and I are having fun and learning together. At times there are battles, but in my eyes we get through them quickly with very little casualties and move on. I do believe I may be wearing "foggy mommy" glasses.



Last week I am guessing that I was having a fairly bad day. I don't remember thinking "WOW" I am having a bad day. But Spencer (you know the one), kindly informed me before for he and Maggie left for piano that I should have plenty of time to take a nap while they were gone. WHAT? I am pretty sure I can't describe the look he gave but it meant something like this, "You know what I am talking about, right?" That kid always acts like he is doing me a favor when he speaks his ornery little mind.

I wish he was my only critic... But alas this evening after family night I planned on sewing with the kids again. Making animal skin pouches like the Nomads, clever, inventive, fun, and definitely a time sacrifice, as I HAVE BEEN teaching them all day. So sweet little Maggie was called on to give our closing prayer and she nicely asks "Please help us not to make mom mad while she is helping us sew" (MY LB and I shared an open your eyes and smile moment, so special). WHAT? I thought I was patient, VERY PATIENT, considering sewing is "no" easy task to teach elementary students.

So you see here "I" am patting myself on the back, "Well done Christy!" And those darn kids are saying it how they see it. What is that saying? "Out of the mouths of babes." I think I have a better word for "babes", ANYWAY, let's just say I have a few tooooooo many critics living with me.

Random Thought

This morning I opened my windows to a beautiful day.

Birds singing songs of happiness...

Rain showers bringing the smell of a fresh new day.....

Outside flowers blooming....

The color green sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.....

Spring Is In The Air

Happy Fall Y'all!

Life Comes At You Fast

I feel like life is zooming by. Of course it doesn't help that everyone around me is growing and changing. How rude people! You are making me feel old.

My Niece had a baby!

I am a "Grand Aunt"

Of course that makes my beloved sister a "Grandma"

And my much loved mother a "Great Grandma"

Life Comes At You Fast!

Good thing it has been such an awesome ride.

Random Thought

One Car - One Car = No Car

Random Thought

Oh my own bed! Sweet release!

Do you know that feeling after a long trip? Your own bed beckons to you from far distances with the promise of a good nights sleep. Your head and pillow yearn to reunite. The familiar feel of being wrapped up in your favorite sheets as you reconnect with your empty mattress. Oh my own bed! Sweet release!

After five nights away we came home to a broken upstairs AC and a fuming 95 degrees. We camped out down stairs on sofas and cots.

AIN'T LIFE FUNNY!!

Another Spiritual High

I am going through another one of those extreme spiritual highs. The kind that can only be achieved by two full days of spiritual messages, some of which were given by the General Relief Society President, Julie Beck and a General Authority Dallin H. Oaks. Yes, in person. Yes, truly amazing!

I am one week and some change from returning home from Women's Conference in Utah and still going spiritually strong. To avoid being a preacher and instead being a women of shared knowledge I will give you bits and pieces at a time. But first and fore most I must tell you who I shared this journey with. My sister in law Ashlee shared this fine and wonderful experience with me. I feel so blessed to know her!

Here we are at the service opportunity making Tu Tu's for little princesses in the hospital.

This is the storm that Ashlee protected us from, bless her. I was so glad that I was not the one driving. We ran into snow on the way there and on the way home. Both times there was a vehicle flipped over on the side of the road. Very scary, thankfully we had the protective shield of prayer on our side. Upon seeing this picture MY LB said he was pretty sure that he DID NOT sign up for allowing me out in this weather. Who knew, the weather forecast said rain and some sunshine. Which is why we signed up to run in the Provo Run13 5K.

Here we are soaking wet from the rain and yes, snow that fell during our race. Of course with all of the rain, snow, running, and exhaustion it was easy to forget the temperature was in the 30s. That is until we stopped, now we were wet and freezing. It has been a long time since I have found so much satisfaction from a hot shower.

The entire Wonmen's Conference experience including the shopping, minus the driving conditions was amazing as always. Only this time I promise, really I promise, I am going to keep that spirit alive.

My first story I will share with you now....

Of course being women that the talks were designed for we heard a lot about, fighting guilt, staying strong amidst adversity, overcoming failure, celebrating our achievements, and lots of other you are worth more than you think topics. So, with all of this fresh in my mind I knelt down to pray before my 5K race. I felt the spirit so strong (that's what happens when you have time away from the kids. I KID I KID) and I had a strong feeling that I needed to "Smile and Run". Whatever else happened I needed to keep on smiling throughout my entire run. I was determined!

Oh what a challenge. It was cold (DI thrift store saved our hides from freezing to death, dumb unprepared warm weather runners), I smiled. It rained, I smiled. It snowed, I smiled. I wanted to walk but pushed through with a smile. I was being passed by lots of people, I smiled. I thought it was going to be easier than it actually was to keep smiling but goodness knows there was plenty to NOT smile about. I had to keep reminding myself to smile. By the end I wasn't sure if I was really actually smiling anymore, I had to feel my mouth to make sure. I REALLY wanted to be smiling when I crossed that finish line.

My fantastic sister in law Alison came to watch us and snapped this photo of me crossing the finish line. I think I was trying to smile but I can't really tell (maybe I am crying instead). I know that in my head I was saying, Smile, Smile, Smile.

Either way, I learned a very valuable lesson during that race, one that I am trying to carry over into my actual living. You know the everyday matters of life. The rain, snow, cold weather, exhaustion, and feeling like you are being passed by everyone around you. I am trying my best to keep reminding myself, just "Smile and Run", just "Smile and Run".

Oh how I truly hope that at lifes finish line I will have a smile on my face, one that I didn't force to be there. A genuine, I am so glad to be home smile that will be returned ten fold by a loving Heavenly Father.

To all of you my friends I encourage, despite what everyday has to offer you try your best to just.....

"SMILE AND RUN"

Two Girls and a Bike

How do you get to school?

Do you go by boat?

Do you go by plane?

How about a horse?

Or even a train?

Do you go by car?

Do you go by van?

How about a bus?

Or maybe you ran?

My girl and I,

We have something we like.

Together we ride,

On mom's new bike!

Do you ever come across an everyday occurrence that you want to stamp on the book of time? This is one of those things that I never want to forget. It is something that Maggie and I share, girl time.

On our bike rides to and from school we have shared many little talks, advice about school, warnings to make good choices, and more than anything "giggles". I know I have said it before and I shall say it again, I want this girl to know good wholesome fun. To recognize it, to delight in it, to bring it to others, and above all to know how to create it. Fun is good!

What weekend? What Easter? What busy? Not me!

I don't know why but for some reason I very much dislike when people give me a hard time about being busy. I hear it all of the time, "You are always so busy." So what? Is that a bad thing?

Here is the answer; Yes I know I am busy and in some ways I hate it and in other ways I love it. It's not a bad thing to be busy doing good. If that good doesn't take away from the peeps that I love.

Especially this one that I love the MOST;
(hate to burst your bubble, but this one is ALL MINE)

Do I purposely make myself busy? No! Does anyone? Do I enjoy being so busy? Depends on what I am busy doing. Do I want to slow down? Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe so.

The Lord has blessed me with a huge platter of good things to choose from. There are so many good things that I am beginning to get "FULL". To bad I am not sure which of the good things I want to keep and which I want to discard. Sounds like a matter for serious prayer and reflection.

Well, in the mean time I guess people should just not worry about how busy I am. Or better yet people should be more willing to except that I just can't do everything and sometimes, YES, that even means saying no to you (speaking to no one in particular, just saying).

On that note, how busy was your Easter weekend?

Ours started off like this...

Saturday looked a little like this....

Conference

Maggie T-Ball

(Doesn't she look so cute)

Easter game and hunt with Grandma and the cousins.

Rush home to decorate our monster eggs and do a little "surprise for dad" while he was at Priesthood session of conference.

We are so blessed to have a dad and husband that works so hard for us. We decided to show him how much we appreciate him by filling eggs with words of love and candy. He had to find them in the dark without a flashlight. One thing each of the kids wrote that was the same as mine was along these lines, "Thanks for making the money". Love you MY LB!

Easter Sunday looked like this....

The Easter bunny came left goodies and hid our monster eggs.

After a wonderful omelet breakfast a la MY LB we watched the Sunday morning session of conference.

I just love this picture!

You can never get enough of hiding Easter eggs. We went to the park for an egg salad picnic and more egg hiding (The great egg games will be featured in my next post).

Back home for the last session of conference.

After conference we took naps. We were waken up by an Earthquake, did you feel it? I did!!

We were all so beat from a crazy two days and the kids were coming down off of a candy high so we opted for a quick stir fry and ended with a nice evening walk.

So now the question, where did Easter go? I think it is off hiding with Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day.