Time Together...

Nothing too exciting going on in the Pilling home these days. Same old...same old. I have been scrapbooking a little more this week, which is good. The pile of summer photos is slowly dwindling down. WOO HOO!

I LOVE this photo of Carson. It totally illustrates his calm, happy personality. He is just happy to sit and chill out. (still need to add the journaling to this LO.)

Another favorite photo of Carson. This was the first time has felt sand. He was totally amazed by it. After that we couldn't keep him on the blanket. I love that I am able to experience all of my children's "firsts," I wouldn't have missed them for the world!

This is one of my favorite photos of Tyson. This picture just scrams mischief to me! While vacationing in MT last summer, we went into a gift shop and he fell in love with this coon skin cap, and play gun. I just had to take a picture of him!

I also got my PC Remodeled contract in the mail, and I am SO happy with how many of my designs they chose. The magazine with "drop" at the end of May, and I can't wait. It has been a LONG work in progress, and it will be great when I finally have an issue in my hands and can see the pay off of all my hard work. Not to mention all the hard work of all those involved in putting the magazine together. THANKS PC girls. You rock!

Yesterday we celebrated "Family Day." Tyler was home and we enjoyed the whole day together as a family. Our little community of Coaldale had so many fun activities planned for. We went to a great pancake breakfast in the morning. It wasn't just your ordinary pancake breakfast, this was a deluxe breakfast. It had pancakes, round sausage, eggs, orange juice, and hot chocolate! In the afternoon they had free public skating complete with warm hot chocolate and yummy honey glazed donuts! Ice skating has become one of our most favorite things to do together. Tyson really caught on yesterday and is improving so much! We will see how he does tonight at lessons. Lessons have been challenging for him, but gradually he is gaining some confidence and is liking it better. I think it is so important that we keep encouraging him, and not let him give up. I can't believe that even at such a young age kids want to quit when something is hard. I see how his little face lights up to positive praise and encouragement. It was great to spend some quality time together, have fun together, and bond.

Update on Carson:

I was speaking to a friend of mine who owns a health food store about Carson and the problems he has been having gaining weight. Finally after him speaking to several people, they came to the conclusion that I should give him fresh squeezed carrot juice, and mix it with his milk. The lady he spoke to said that he will take off and that he will gain weight. So hey, it is worth a try. I bought some today and I was so amazed at well he took it. He actually LOVED it and drank the bottle down SO quick. So I guess we will see how he does on it. I may have to invest in a juicer though, cause to buy the juice all the time is going to get mighty pricey!

15 Things You Probably Never Knew or Thought About...

I received this email this morning and thought I would share it here. It got me thinking...

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.

15 Things You Probably Never Knew or Thought About

1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. If not for you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique.

9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.

13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.

15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

A Minute

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Take the time... to live and love

Here are a few pages I did yesterday. TFL!

Update...

It has been awhile since I have blogged...so here I am. There is lots to catch up on. First and for most is the incredible time we had in Calgary. It was a great mini vacation. I actually decided to go up a night earlier...at the spur of the moment. You have to love those quick decisions. I was throwing everything in the car and hoping that I didn't miss anything. It was nice to travel at night. Carson slept and Tyson watched DVD's, so all was good. We had fun swimming and going on the waterslide in the hotel. I had a little bit of time to go shopping and managed to find some really good deals. Tyson has grown SO much in the last few months and all of his pants were beginning to be floods! So I kinda went crazy buying new clothes for him. I was also able to go visit a good friend of mine and see her apartment for the first time. It was great to see her! She is pregnant and due in April and she looks SO darn cute! He has the pregnancy "glow". Our time together was short but it was fun to catch up and hang out for a bit. Tyson was SO excited to go to the hockey game, and even more excited to ride the city train. This was our first attempt at taking the C-Train. And it was so much fun. Tyson loved going through the tunnels. It really was a speedy way to get around in the city, and sure beats the hassle with parking and paying for parking. The Saddledome was very lively and everyone was wearing red...accept my little 3 year old who was wearing the opponents jersey. It was SO funny to see ALL of these people with Flames shirts on, and then this little kid with a Mighty Ducks shirt. He looked so cute. Here are a few pictures...

I just LOVE this little guy. He is constantly cracking me up. We figured we better buy a Flames flag too. Tyson was using it as a sword during the game. LOL!

I had a Valentine's party on Saturday night with 5 other couples. It was fun accept I was sick! I came down with a cold after standing in the freezing weather waiting for the C-Train. So I paid the price on the days following. I wasn't my usual energetic self. But I hope people still had fun. We had a nice supper, and then played Bunco. For desert we had chocolate fondue. It was TO DIE FOR! I spent the next few days recovering from my cold...in bed! Man it is SO hard to take care of 2 rambunctious kids and be sick. Tyler unfortunately had to work, so I was on my own. I am feeling better now though...thank goodness.

Tyson is SO excited for Valentine's Day. Yesterday we got out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Valentine's and I helped him write his name on them. Then I organized all the cookies onto plates ready to deliver tonight. He keeps asking me if it is time to go yet...poor little guy is getting impatient. I woke up this morning to find a very nice card from Tyler stuck in the top of a pineapple. LOL! (will post picture later.)

I am sure most of you know what Crocs are...well I finally broke down and bought myself a pair. They aren't Crocs, they are called Holey's. They are so great, and comfy. I of course had to get pink! Everyone MUST get a pair! Even my husband wants some.

Very First NHL Game!!

Tyler has to spend most of the week in the city recertification a course for work, so I decided that I would go up and spent a night or two with him. It just so happens that the Calgary Flames are playing the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on Wednesday night. Tyson's favorite team is the Mighty Ducks. Why, we are still trying to figure that out...but he LOVES them! He has a little jersey and everything. We thought it would be SO fun to take him to his first NHL game, and it is even better because it is his favorite team. Well I tried and tired to no avail to get tickets to the sold out game. But thank goodness for EBAY! I was able to buy tickets at quite a good price. So we are going! Tyson is beyond excited!! He keeps asking if it is time to go to the hockey game. LOL! I am excited to share in the experience with him, it will be my first NHL game too. It will be fun to see this 3 year old boy wearing the rivals jersey amongst a see of Flames fans.

I will be sure and post pictures!

Edit: This has nothing to do with the above entry, but I wanted to share this GREAT font site I found...for all you font lovers. There are some really awesome one's here.

Found My MoJo...

I have been BUSY today pumping out the LO's. I hadn't really scrapped all week long, so today I made up for it. I had a BLAST doing Tyson's b-day picture, and pictures from sledding taken only a few days ago. After reading a blog entry by Heather, she admitted that she is simplifying her personal scrapbooking so she can get caught up. I though that was a GREAT idea. I am sick and tired of putting hours and hours into a LO, and seeing the stack of photos I have not diminishing very fast. So today I just did simple, easy LO's. I am happy with the results, and even more happy with how many I was able to get done :) I am also VERY happy that I have been able to use a lot of my "old" product. I have been itching to go to the LSS though...I would love to get my hands on some new product. But I have so much, and I really should try and use what I have.

TFL!

What Scrapbooking Item Are You???

I found this cute quiz off of another blog, and had to give it a try. Here is what it said about me:

You are STICKERS!

Who would have thought?? LOL!

You like brightening things up in life and
decorating your living space with your own
personal style. You are versatile and able to
get things done with a stick-to-it attitude.
People love your colorful personality and
personal flair! You like exploring new things
and are willing to try anything once. But
Stickers beware - sometimes you like to stick
to someone that you like a little too much
and take them into your confidence a little
too easily. Your personality tends to make
you a steadfast friend, but make sure the
friends you choose are worth your efforts!


What scrapbooking item are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I was suprised at how it was almost dead on. So go ahead...give it a try.

Here is a LO I did last night...and today. Don't know why it took me SO long. LOL! The scan isn't that great...but you get the idea. :)

The Perfect Snow Angel...

Today was a Great "family" centered day. We woke up to see that the ground was covered with beautiful white, fluffy snow. The sun was shining and there was NO wind. That doesn't happen too often in southern Alberta. After a quick breakfast I bundled up the kids and we headed across the street to go sledding. Carson had fun riding in the little sled as I pulled him behind me. Tyson loved to tromp around in his snowsuit in the snow. While sledding Tyson met up with a friend from Parent Pre-School. Him and Brody had SO much fun together. I can't count how many times they went up and down the hill. Here are a few pictures of the 2 of them.

I asked the boys if they knew how to make a snow angel, and they immediately got down on the ground and began making one. Brody made the most perfect snow angel I have ever seen. I just had to take a picture of it. I remember as a little girl making snow angels. It was SO fun to see if you could make one just perfect. It brought back memories as I saw my little boy playing in the snow, being so carefree and enjoying every minute of it!

It is great to see Tyson making friends. He is a very affectionate and loving boy. I am glad that he gets along well with others, and that he is out going and likes to meet new people. I guess he gets that from me. My mom tells me that he is EXACTLY like me when I was his age. Outgoing, outspoken, not afraid of anything or anyone, stubborn, witty, manipulative, loving, and compassionate. I guess most of these qualities are good to have. LOL!

Later in the afternoon we went public skating. This has become one of our most favorite activities to do as a family. It is SO fun to see Tyson progress. I can't believe how well he is doing. I am happy that we have found an activity to do as a family that we all enjoy and that we can do together. :)

Night by Elie Wiesel...

I am usually not an Oprah bookclub follower, I'm not one to run right out and buy the latest book added to her list. But as I watched her show a few days ago and she announced her next book called, "Night," it intrigued me and I knew that I wanted to go out and buy it. So I stayed up until I had finished reading all 120 pages of the book. It is a gripping, terrifying tale of a young Jewish boy and his family who are forced to leave their home in Hungary to be taken to a concentration camp. With every word that I read, my heart broke more and more for these people who had to suffer such a terrible atrocity. It is really hard for me to even comprehend the amount of suffering, the starvation, the fear, and the humility these innocent people had to endure. How someone could believe that these horrific events did not take place is beyond me. This was an act against humanity, against religion, against a way of life. It was a barbaric act, one that should have NEVER taken place. Reading this book opened my eyes to this great travesty. I always thought I understood it, but now I have a better understanding. I would recommend this book to everyone! The young, and to the old. For it will give you a better understanding, it will bring your emotions to the surface, it will make you ask yourself the question, "Why did this have to happen?" I pray with every fiber of my being that I will never have to witness these types of cicumstances in my life time. But that I will never forget those who suffered, and died, and for those who survived. The survivors of the Holocoust are slowly beginning to dwindle in numbers, we must never, ever forget them!

Happy For...

While stumbling across a blog by Rhonda, (whom I went to high school with), I just LOVED her HAPPY list. So I thought I would blog what I am happy for right now.

1. I am happy because Tyson, my 3 1/2 year old is learning how to ice skate. He is so determined, and I am amazed at how quickly he is progressing. The saying "Try, try again," is so very, very true. If at first you don't succeed you must try, try again. I will post photos later.
2. I am happy that I am scrapbooking again. That my creative juices are finally coming back to me.
3. I am happy that I am able to be a SAHM. Some days are hard and challenging, but most days are so rewarding. My children bring me so much joy and happiness!
4. I am happy for family who is so close. I love being able to get together so often. I know that my best support system comes from my family.

Here are a few LO's I have been working on :)

1. 

Fun Sites...and...Some Ramblings

My intentions for today, were to get the kids to have a nap after lunch and then spend the rest of the afternoon either curled up infront of a cozy fire watching a church movie, or curled up on the couch reading a book I got from the library. I have been SO into Karen Kingsbury books lately. She is a Christian author, and her stories are so moving, I just love them. If you want a good book to read of hers I recommend "One Tuesday Morning, and also Beyond Tuesday Morning." These two books are in a series about September 11th. They are about 2 very different families who's lives cross paths and take some very unexpected turn. They are a MUST read in my opinion, you won't be able to put them down. My intentions were good...but they didn't happen. I got side tracked when I came downstairs to read Sophia's blog. I just love to read what she has to say. She shared today some fun sites that she stumbled across and I thought I would share them too. I did...and had a BLAST! And thus the reason why I didn't get to reading my book, or watching a movie. LOL!

1. Typing Test this was SO much fun. Here is what it said about my score.

Your score: 346 keys per minute ~ 69 words per minute

Ranking: That was fast - you can still improve, though.

Comparison: 24% of registered TyperA users using this language have typed a better result; 76% have a lower or equal result.

2. Birthday Statistics

As of 1/15/2006 6:52:28 PM EST

You are 28 years old.

You are 337 months old.

You are 1,466 weeks old.

You are 10,262 days old.

You are 246,306 hours old.

You are 14,778,412 minutes old.

You are 886,704,748 seconds old.

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.01643835616438 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)
There are 330 days till your next birthday on which your cake will have 29 candles. Those 29 candles produce 29 BTUs,or 7,308 calories of heat (that's only 7.3080 food Calories!) .

Thanks again Sophia for all the fun links today!

Another person who I adore is Teri Fode. She is an amazing person, whom I have gotten to know through her blog, and I had the priviledged of meeting her briefly at Memory Trends in October. She always has wonderful words of wisdom, and is a GREAT photographer. She shared this website on her blog a few days ago, and I too wanted to share it with you. The song on this site is what I can't STOP playing! You can't help but be happy when you hear it. Even Tyson has started to sing it. Thanks Teri for finding this catchy little tune :) So go to this site, and CRANK up the volume...and most of all BE HAPPY!

Update: My sister Kimberley is doing AWESOME! She has 2 job interviews next week, and I couldn't be more excited for her. Also she went on a double date last night with my other sister. She said she had a blast. The future is looking bright for her, and I always have a prayer in my heart that she will be strong and make good decisions for her and her daughter.

Tonight Tyson and I popped some popcorn, drank diet coke with lime (well I did), he had chocolate milk (his favorite) and we watched Monsters Inc. in front of a blazing fire. It was the BEST! It was 100% un-interrupted quality time together. I had never seen the movie before and he picked it out. It was so darn cute, loved every minute of it. Now he is supposed to be sound asleep, because tomorrow we are going to another b-day party at 10am! WOWZERS! That is very early for a b-day party. Oh well, at least it will be over and done with (is that nice of me to say?) and then we can have the rest of the afternoon to do things together. DH isn't working so maybe we can go to the movie theater (as Tyson likes to call it.)

I am green with envy tonight...why you may be thinking. Well 2 of our really close friends are in PUERTO VALLARTA right now :( They are SO lucky. I wish that Tyler and I could have gone, we could have used the vacation. But circumstances didn't permit us to go. Instead we are here enjoying a beautiful snow storm in front of a cozy fire. I am happy for our friends, they needed and deserved the vacation!

So I have been toying with the idea of finding a part-time job. I am really missing my "mad" money. I haven't been very busy with designing anything lately, I am kind of out of the loop I guess. There are just so many "fun" things I would love to buy our family, but we just can't justify using Tyler's primary income to do so. I would love to get a laptop for our house. I think we could really benefit from one. I would also like to get an iPod. And then there is that vacation that I would LOVE to take. Of course there are always things for the kids I would love to get, like a battery operated vehicle for Tyson. I know he would LOVE one, it would be so fun for him to drive around in the summer. I just wish there was something I could do from home. It would be hard to justify going back to work just to pay for daycare for my boys. And then there is the question that is forever on my mind, "Would I really want someone else to take care of them?"

Here is a LO I did tonight...while doing many, many other things. I was multi-tasking. LOL!

Things He Finds...Potty Training...And Accidents...

My little 1 year old Carson is my personal vacuum! I have forgotten what it is like to have a baby crawling all over the place. That little boy can find everything that has been hiding in my carpet. He has found everything from lifesavers, jelly beans, bobby pins, coins, pieces of plastic, cherrios, tacks, paper, play doh, macaroni...oh the list goes on an on. Now you may think from the above list that I don't vacuum very often, but I do, almost every day! Carson is SO tiny, only 16 lbs, that he can fit anywhere! And I mean anywhere! So naturally he finds all of the "goods" that I have long gone forgotten about. Today I found him sucking on a jelly bean, which I'm sure he was LOVING! But needless to say he didn't get to savor all of it, because I took it away from him. I have to keep my eyes on him ALL the time...just to see what he will put in his mouth next.

The potty training with Tyson is still on going! He goes for a few days and does really well. I have even caught him on the potty all by himself! But then...days like today...he has major accidents...all over my computer chair! AGHHHHHHHH! Oh well, I know that it will be baby steps until he is 100%. I am proud of him though, he has done really well so far, except for a few little mishaps, which are bound to happen.

Here are my 2 LO's for today. I had fun doing these 2. Man if feels good to scrapbook again! I was happy that I was able to start using pictures from our camping trips in the summer. Sorry the scan isn't 100% in the 2nd LO, it is crooked. And the circle picture isn't the one I wanted to use. I had a really cute picture of Tyler and Tyson out on the lake in the rubber dingy. But when I went to put it on the LO it was NO WHERE to be found on my very messy scrap desk. So I used the picture of myself in its place. But as soon as I find the original picture I will replace it. LOL!

10 Things I Like About...

MYSELF! Wow that is a hard one. This was the challenge that I read about on Sophia's blog this morning. So I decided to take the challenge. As I was showering I was contemplating the things that I like about myself. 10 things...what could they be. I find that I really don't think about "Me" all that often. Do I even really know who I am? It is a question that weighs on my mind from time to time. I am thankful for this challenge today, I believe that it will help me to really think about myself, and who knows maybe I will discover something about "me" that I didn't know. So here is my list:

1. I am loyal. Loyal to my family, friends, and to my Church.
2. I am dependable. Ask me to do something, and I will do it!
3. I am organized. Although there are a few cupboards that need to be cleaned out. LOL! I love to organize parties, and functions. I have pulled off 2 very important 50th b-day parties in the last few years. I must say I was quite proud of myself. Hee hee!!
4. I am a great hostess. I love having people over for supper, to play cards, to have a party.
5. I am a good homemaker. I take pride in my house and try to have it semi presentable at all times, just incase someone drops by. (thanks mom for teaching me that this is important.)
6. I am creative. I have been scrapbooking for well over 10 years, and I still find enjoyment from it, and manage to pull out a few creative LO's and projects every now and then.
7. I am a good cook. If I have groceries in the fridge and in the cupboard, no gourmet meal is too difficult for me. I love that fact that Tyler brags about all the good home cooked meals he get. That really puts a smile on my face.
8. I am outgoing. I love to meet new people, and don't find it hard to talk to strangers.
9. I am spontaneous. It is easy for me to decide on the spur of the moment to pull a party together, or go on a picnic, to the beach, or on a shopping trip to the city. Although my DH holds me back a bit on this quality, he is SUCH a planner. LOL
10. I am a good friend.

WOW that was 10, and that was HARD! Thanks Sophia for the challenge!

I Am Challenging Myself...

I haven't scrapbooked in FOREVER! I feel totally out of the loop, and that my creativity went out the window long, long ago. I have a stack of pictures that I MUST scrapbook, so I offered a challenge to myself today and it is:

I will complete 2 LO's per day, atleast 5 days a week.

Now this may seem a little over the top, but I need a challenge to get my creative juices flowing. Not to mention...again...the growing stack of photos I have to get through. I have more to pick up to add to the collection. (insert eyes rolling here). Not only do I have an ever growing stack of photos, but I have an ever growing supply of SB items that I must use. It is SO hard for me to use up old product. I always want the latest and greatest. But I just can't justify letting all of these products go to waste just to use the newest products. So another challenge I have offered myself is to:

Use up some old product before I buy anything new!

I am also feeling terribly guilty of the lack of LO's I have done for Carson. The poor kid is 1 years old and I have only done a dozen or so LO's for him. So I will be focusing on getting his album fuller. The poor 2nd child. How many things I have let slide with him...but that is a whole other blog in itself. :( So challenge yourself to do something today!

p.s. I will be sure and post my LO's once they are complete :) HAPPY SCRAPPIN!!

EDIT:

Well I was able to complet my goal for today, and here are my LO's. Nothing fancy AT ALL. In fact I am a bit embarrased by these LO's. But oh well. 2 completed, and I managed to use up some OLD product. WOO HOO. I have my paper picked out as well as my photos for tomorrow's LO's. Who know...maybe I will try and tackle them tonight. LOL!

While going through my morning ritual of reading blogs, I came upon this sentence that Sophia wrote. "Every decision we make today impacts tomorrow." How very true this statement is! Once again her remarkable words got me to thinking. Many of my decisions have affected my life...some for the better...others for the worst. I guess in thinking back, one of the best and hardest decisions I have ever made in my life was to get out of a relationship that only lead me to trouble and heartache, and distance myself from friends who weren't really my friends. I was lonely without these people in my life, but soon that void was filled by the greatest person in my life today. My husband Tyler. He is the reason that I changed my life! That and because I was slowly realizing that I was miserable living the way I was. The day he walked into the dentist office where I worked I knew that I had some changing to do, and he gave me a reason too. I wanted to be the type of girl that would be worthy of dating him. The changing I had to do wasn't anything earth shattering. I didn't have any bad habits that I needed to quit. But I did have to change the way I thought about myself, and change my attitude towards life. I knew that I wanted better for myself but I didn't think that I deserved it. Tyler made me feel happy and he made me feel special. I knew that he truly cared for me. Gradually my out look on life changed and I realized that I was "good enough" to be his wife. The together we would be happy going through life's journey together. The day I married him was the happiest day of my life. There have been many more happy days like that...like when our two sons were born. The 3 men in my life have brought me more joy than I ever though possible. Now I pray that when my boys are old enough to make decisions they will make ones for the good. Ones that will bring them happiness and joy.

Pet Names...

I always wake up in the morning and instead of getting a cup of coffee (which I don't drink) I head to my computer instead to read blogs. One person that I am becoming very fond of is Sophia. I love what she writes and I love her style of writing. I look forward to what she will say next. Today her topic was Love Names. It got me thinking about the "love" names or "pet" names that I use and that people use for me. So here they are:

Jeebez: My dad started calling me as far back as I can remember. I don't know why, or where he even got it from. But is has stuck. He is the only one that calls me that...and I love that he and I share this term of endearment.

Jodes: Tyler started calling me this, a shortened version of my name I guess. Now close friends and family members call me it. I like it, but I don't like it when Tyler calls me that in public. I wouldn't want people to think that was my actual name.

Honey: This is the "pet" name that Tyler and I have used for each other since we got married. I like it better than "dear", or "babe" or any other "love" names, but those are good names too, don't get me wrong.

Ever since Tyson was born Tyler has called him Cowboy. I love it! I think it is so cute. I call him Bud. So far for Carson we haven't really started to call him anything, but I'm sure that will change. Peanut would have been a good name for him...because he was so small when he was born.

So what are your "love or pet" names you use in your home?

Sometimes I Wonder...WHY??

On days like today I wonder, "why do I even bother with dragging 2 kids to church by myself." Today was chaotic to say the least. I woke up in plenty of time to get myself and the kids ready for church. That part was easy. But once we got there...well...like I said, why did I even bother. Carson was so squirmy, he wouldn't stay in his carseat and just drink his bottle and go to sleep like he usually does. He wanted to be crawling ALL over the place getting into things that he shouldn't. Then he had to throw up on my 3 times...yes 3 times! Tyson was figity as well. He usually will do a puzzle or play quietly...but not today. He was fighting over treats with his cousin. He had to go potty in the middle of the service just as I was cleaning the throw-up of my skirt for the 3rd time. So Tiffany had to take him. I ended up spending 3/4 of the time in the hallway watching Carson crawl all over. And at the same time I was trying to make Tyson sit quietly on the seat instead of jumping from seat to seat (insert eyes rolling). Finally after the 1st service, I was able to take Tyson to Sunbeams. And I only had to deal with Carson. He wouldn't fall asleep while I rocked him. He put up a fight crying. Finally he had a little cat nap. Then I had to go and do music appreciation. Then it was back out in the hallway watching Carson crawl all over. Man did I get anything out of today...NO. But I went because church is where I know I should be on Sunday. Even if I didn't get anything out of the meetings, atleast Tyson did in his little Sunbeam class. He loves it, and so that makes all of the above worth it. I am thankful and happy to be home now. Carson is sleeping quietly, and Tyson is watching a movie. Who knows...maybe I will even get a nap in today.

Teaching The Gift Of Giving...

Today Tyson was invited to a birthday party. So early this morning we headed into Lethbridge to buy a gift for the birthday boy. All the way into town we discussed what we should buy. Tyson had lots of ideas. He asked if he was going to be able to open the presents, and I had to tell him no, that this was Dawson's birthday not his, and that he was invited to help him celebrate his special day. We had a great time walking up and down the isles in the Walmart toy section. We chose several items that Tyson thought Dawson would like. Then we narrowed it down to a : Chicken Little Eye Spy Book, Spiderman Puzzle, and a playdoh figurine. Tyson is very excited. It is great to see him learning that it is fun to give and that we don't always need to be the one on the receiving end. I can't believe how grown up he is becoming. I asked him if he was going to be a good boy at that party and he said, "yes!" I then asked him what it meant to be a good boy, and he replied, "Not fight, and use my manners." WOW, he really does know what it means to be a good boy. He truly is a good boy, and I cherish the moments I get to spend with him everyday.

Making A Change For The Better...

Let me explain the title for my blog entry today. My youngest sister Kimberley has had a rough couple of years. When she was 17 she got pregnant, which caused an upset in our family, but in the end I have never seen my parents accept and love anyone more through such a hard time. In the end I gained a beautiful niece, and my sister became a mother. She then moved in with her boyfriend and they began their life together. Although none of us approved of their living arrangement, we all just kept hoping and praying that one day she would see the light and realize that she deserved better. The walls were up for her, and no matter what we did or said she wouldn't listen. The more we were negative towards her situation the more she resented and kept her distance from us. It has been tough, there are no other words to describe it. We have really tried, tried to include her, tried to accept her "boyfriend", tried to make them all apart of our family. I have seen my sister come to many family events with endless excuses why her "other half" wasn't there. She had every excuse in the book, it was beginning to become repetitive, and none of us were falling for it. But still we persisted, and tried the best we could. Over Christmas we did see "him" although it was only for a very short time. It seemed like maybe, just maybe he was going to start coming around. We tried not to bring the subject up and just enjoy the holidays together. I guess that is the short end of it, but you get the idea.

Then a few days ago I get a call that Kimberley has moved out and she is moving in with my middle sister. She has left "him" for good and she wants more for her life. I couldn't believe it! I was shocked and in the back of my mind I really didn't think that it would last. That they probably had a big fight and she just needed to get away for awhile. So far I have been wrong. She really wants more out of life. She has admitted that she isn't in love with "him" and she know "he" isn't the one she wants to spend the rest of her life with. She wants to start coming to church, and she wants better for her daughter. We are all elated! Her whole countenance has changed. It is like night and day. She is happy, excited about what the future holds for her and her precious little girl. I am proud of her for making this change, a change I know will bring her happiness. The future for her is bright, there is no limit to what he can achieve. She only needs to make a decision and go for it! The hardest decision has already been made, the rest will only lead to more happy endings.

A New Year...A Fresh Start...

I love January! I love the fact that it is a new year and that we have a clean slate and a fresh start to what lies ahead. The road hasn't been traveled and we can choose any path we wish. It is a great time to set goals, to reflect on the year that has passed, and make plans for the future. I have been reflecting on the past year and have been counting my abundant blessings. Tyler and I have truly been blessed! My heart if full when I think about how good God has been to us over the past year, and how He continues to be there for us and bless us.

I have made resolutions in the past, only to break them a few months later...but I'm sure I'm not the only one who does that. But never the less, I still think it is a good idea to make some commitments for change, or goals that I would like to attain. So here is my list so far:

1. Spend more time with Tyson and Carson. The house will always need to be cleaned, laundry will always need to be done, so why not let it wait a moment so I can spend time to "play" with my boys.

2. Do more physical activity/exercise. A few friends and I want to do the Moonlight Run in March, so I need to train for that.

3. Stay on a financial budget

I know I haven't made a lot of goal, but I am sure my list will keep growing. I believe it is important that I make attainable goals, ones that I can easily reach, so that I won't be disappointed if I don't succeed. But as the saying goes, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Christmas Has Come...And...Gone :(

It seems like you spend weeks planning for the "Big" day, and in a matter of hours it comes, and then quickly goes. It is bitter sweet for me. I love all the preparation. From the baking to decorating, church parties, family get togethers, shopping, wrapping, doing advent calendars, keeping secrets, finding the perfect gift. I love the spirit of the holiday season. It seems people are nicer to each other, more kind, more patient, more charitable. Why is that during Christmas people seem to go out of their way to be more "Christ" like? Would it really be hard to act that way all year long?

Our Christmas holidays were filled with many fun times. Here is what we were up to:

December 22nd:

Went to the live Nativity pageant put on by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My sister Tiffany and her husband Trevor were playing the part of Mary and Joseph. It was a GREAT way to start off the holidays. It really helped me remember the "Reason for the Season." They did a beautiful job and I could really feel the spirit of it all. Tyson loved to watch the animals. The music was beautiful, and the night was perfect!

December 23rd:

We drove down to Cardston a day early. It was so nice to be there before Christmas Eve. Tyler and I were both very relaxed on the drive down and just enjoyed each others company. It was so nice not to be in a rush on Christmas Eve day trying to get down to his parents. Tyson was already down there having a sleep over with Grandma and Grandpa Jensen. Grandpa made him a deal that if he could go in the potty for 7 days in a row then he could come down for a sleep over. I am happy to say that HE DID IT! He is now potty trained. He has only had 2 accidents in over a week. I am very very happy that he is a big boy now!

December 24th:

Spent the morning helping my mom get supper ready for Christmas. Did some last minute shopping in the local stores in Cardston. Then in the afternoon we went out to Tyler's parents for their party. It was a great evening. The kids had fun playing the gift exchange game, and the adults had fun participating as well. When we got back to my parents and after the kids were in bed for the night we stayed up visiting and watched a movie by the fire.

December 25th:

Christmas morning had finally arrived! We woke up early and looked what "Santa" had put in our stockings, and then we had to hurry and get ready for church which was at 9 a.m. We enjoyed a lovely service full of Christmas music, and a wonderful Christmas message. It was a great way to celebrate Christmas morning, after all Christ's birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Then it was home to open our gifts. The kids were very excited, especially Tyson. He was very grateful for everything that he opened and was eager to tell everyone thank you. He had fun watching and helping the rest of us open our presents. Later that evening we enjoyed a wonderful meal fit for a king. My grandparents also joined us. It was great to visit with them.

December 26 & 27th:

We enjoyed these two days just hanging out with family. We played a lot of Monopoly and cards. Spent the afternoon over at Tyler's parents. It was great to visit with them, we don't do it nearly enough. Tyson was able to ride Shadow. Every time he rides that pony he gets better. It is fun to see him progress. Maybe by August he will be ready to ride in the Cardston Parade. That will be something to look forward to.

December 28th:

We had a huge get together with my mom's side of the family, the Heninger's. It was nice to see my cousins whom I only see once or twice a year. We celebrated my grandma's 71st birthday, and Carson's 1st birthday. His birthday isn't actually until the 29th, but we decided to kill two birds with one stone so we celebrated it as well. I can't believe that he is 1! WOW time goes by SO fast.

It was a great holiday and now I am happy to be home, unpacked, and somewhat back to our routine. Now we just have to get through New Year's, where we will be going to Cardston again to celebrate it with a couple of our friends. It should be a good time. I am truly blessed to have family and friends so close.

Our 1st Gingerbread House...

I bought a gingerbread house kit a few days ago and Tyson has been itching to do it ever since. We were trying to choose a night when Tyler would be home before Tyson was to be in bed...but it just hasn't been working out, so tonight we decided to do it. We had a BLAST! Tyson wanted to do everything himself. From mixing the icing, to adding all the candy where HE wanted it to be. This house really was made by him, except for me putting the icing where he wanted it. It was great to see him having SO much fun. I think we will add this activity to our list of family "Christmas Traditions."

:( there must be something wrong with Blogger, because I haven't been able to add pictures ALL day. I will keep trying, because I got a really cute picture of Tyson and his completed "house."


EDIT: I was finally able to add a picture. I forgot that they needed to be a jpeg. LOL! Hope you enjoy it. :)

Favorite Christmas Songs...

In a recent blog I read about favorite Christmas songs. I LOVE Christmas music, and have been playing it for almost 6 weeks now. You can't help but get into the Christmas spirit of things when you have lively, uplifting music playing in the background. It can turn a stressful, unhappy day into a happy, joyous day. Tyson is even getting into the spirit of the holidays by learning some of the words to Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer. Some of my very favorite Christmas songs are:

• What Child Is This by Martina McBride
• O Holy Night by Clay Aiken
• Oh Little Town of Bethlehem by Chris Botti

There are SO many, many more. I might as well say that there aren't many Christmas songs I don't like.

Last night we had a very special visitor come to our house. It was Santa Clause! Our good friend Ryan Wolfe dressed up and went to visit ALL of the primary children in our ward. What an undertaking that was. But he had a great time, and it was very memorable for all of the kids. Tyson wasn't afraid or shy of "Santa" at all. He gladly welcomed him in our home and upstairs to sit on the rocking chair while he told him of all the things he wanted:

• Power Rangers ( I don't know where he got this idea from because he has never watched the cartoon, that I know of )
• A rocket. He has been obsessed with rockets lately.
• Ninja Turtles

I will add a picture later. I can't believe that Christmas is almost here! I am getting giddy like a little girl again. I LOVE IT! I only wish that this feeling could last all year. That that hum drum of everyday life could be forgotten and we could all be happy and jolly 24/7 365 days a year. That would be like a little bit of heaven all year. :)

Only 5 more SLEEPS!

Christmas Quiz

I can not take credit for this Christmas Quiz. I found it on another blog that I read, but liked it so much I wanted to do it myself. If you like it too, copy and paste it into your blog.

Holiday: Christmas or New Years? Christmas by far!
Cookies: Sugar or Gingerbread? Sugar
Decorations: Santa or Snowmen? Santa, never really been fond of Snowmen.

Decorations: Reindeer or Elves? Hmmm...don't really have either, but I think I have one Reindeer, so I will say Reindeer :)
Colors: Red or Green? Red!
Colors: Gold or Silver? Gold for sure!

Tree Topper: Star or Angel? Star

Stocking Stuffer: Fruit or Candy? I usually don't put any candy, or fruit in our stockings. Maybe a lifesaver book. Our stockings are filled will fun stuff!
Tree: Real or Artificial? Artificial...We used to have a real one, but last year I bought a fake one and LOVE IT! I can put it up as early as I like, don't have to worry about watering it, and I love that there is NO mess :)

Cartoons: Charlie Brown or Rudolph? Rudolph! LOVE THE MOVIE! Ever since I was little I remember looking forward to watching the original movie. And now this year Tyson watched it, and he loved it too!
Movie: It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol? Hmmm, never seen It's A Wonderful Life. But I do like, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas with Jim Carey, and also Prancer.
Stocking Stuffer: Jewelry or Gift Card? Either is fine with me!
Christmas List: Naughty or Nice? I have tried to be extra nice :)
Drink: Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog ALL THE WAY! I look forward to it every year.
Holiday Song: Jingle Bells or Silver Bells? I like both, but I would have to say Jingle Bells for this year because Tyson has learned to sing it, and it is SO CUTE!
Holiday Song: Silent Night or O' Holy Night? This is a really hard one...I am going to have to say it is a tie between them.

More Fun: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? WOW, this is a toss up for sure. I would have to say...Christmas Day. Not that I don't like Christmas Eve, because I do, it is just that there is something so magical about Christmas Day.

Lights: Clear or Multi-Colored? Growing up and still to this day my mom has always had clear lights. So when I got married I thought I would do the same. But I LOVE color, so I went with colored lights and I LOVE it!

Ornaments: Balls or Bows? Balls all the way. I'm not a froo froo bow girl, at least not for a Christmas tree.

Tree Decor: Ribbon, Popcorn, or Garland? Gold Star garland for our main large tree, on my 3 little trees I have red beaded garland.
Gifts: Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags? A little of both I guess.

Better To: Give or Receive? LOVE LOVE LOVE TO GIVE! I am especially excited for this year because Tyson finally "gets" Christmas. In fact he has already opened a few gifts. We don't have them under the tree anymore because we don't want him opening all of them! LOL!

Tis The Season To Do Baking....

Yesterday I baked up a storm! I made 2 different kinds of cookies, and 2 different kinds of squares. The day before I made carmel popcorn, the good gooey kind! YUMMY! Now I have to try and keep my hands off of the yummy stuff, so that there will be some to give to my neighbors. Every year I make goodies and give it to them. I have the BEST neighbors. The kind where "you scratch my back and I will scratch yours." They are just great. We have a very good relationship and I am very happy for that. I have heard some very bad stories about terrible neighbors.

I was able to go to Lethbridge the other afternoon without kids! WOW I forgot how easy it is to get around when you aren't packing 2 kids around. I really enjoyed myself. I was able to accomplish a bit more Christmas shopping, and I am happy that my list is getting shorter and shorter. Only a few things left and then I will be DONE!

I am so looking forward to the holiday! Time to get together with friends and family. Great food, and great fun. Tyson is getting so excited as well. Everyday he asks if it is Christmas. We have been doing a little advent wreath on the fridge, and he looks forward to adding an ornament every morning. Tyler and I were discussing how fun Christmas is now that we have children. I remember it being fun before and looking forward to the holidays, but there is just something about the excitment of kids that makes the holidays more exciting. We are beginning to start our own family traditions and that is GREAT!

p.s. not the best picture of Carson. But he has so much fun with the lights while we were decorating the tree. :)

How Time is Flying...

Oh my oh my! I haven't blogged in such a LONG time, and I was even debating whether or not to even keep it up, but here I am. I have so much to catch up on, I think I will just start with the present and keep going on from here.

I have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Wrapped all of our boughten gifts the other night, only to have Tyson open some of them the next day! I wasn't happy :( So we won't be putting any of them under the tree until Christmas eve. Little stinker is just as impatient as I am. LOL! I have very excited with the gifts that we bought the boys. I hope they like them. We have decided to cut WAY WAY back on Christmas gifts this year. We just really don't need all of them. Plus we were starting to forget the true meaning of the season. Time to just get back to the good old basics of the holiday. I am so happy about that. We put up our tree a few weeks ago and I LOVE it. Tyson helped me decorate it. Needless to say most of the balls are on the lower 1/4 of the tree. LOL! I haven't started my baking yet, but I plan on doing that next week. I have to get caramel popcorn made for my neighbors, and a few goodie plates made for our friends. I had Jenna make up my Christmas cards this year, and they are ADORABLE! It was so nice not to have to worry about them, and have do all the work. HEE HEE! I need to get those mailed next week too. I can't believe that Christmas will be here in 2 weeks! WOW time just seems to be going by faster and faster these days!

Today I got rear ended by some guy in Lethbridge. So that has really put a damper on my day! The damage wasn't that bad, but I am sure we will have to get our bumper replaced. I am thankful that no one was hurt and that the kids and I are safe. But MAN! Why did this have to happen now??

Well I guess that is all for now...until next time ( and I promise I will update sooner not later. LOL!)

Been Awhile...playing catch up...

It has been awhile since I have blogged. I'm not exactly sure why I do blog, no one reads it :( I wish I had a people who were interested in my life and wanted to know what I was up to on a daily basis. How fun would that be?? To find your blog full of posts from people all over the place. I wish I was inspiring to someone out there. Sorry I know this is a bit blah...just having those types of feelings these days. But I guess if no one else but me reads this blog, maybe I will benefit from it in some small way. At least I am keeping a journal in a sense, something I used to do, but fell out of the habit of.

On the brighter side...I am totally getting excited for Christmas. It is just around the corner and it is my favorite time of year. I love the sights, smells, sounds, and the feeling you get this time of year. Everyone is hustling around trying to find that perfect present. People and enjoying being together as a family. Children and rehearsing for their Christmas plays. Churches are having their annual dinner. Staff parties are being planned. Presents are being wrapped. And Children are getting excited! I love it, all of it! This year we are toning WAY down on Christmas. It isn't going to be the big whoop la of presents that take hours to open. In a way I am glad we decided to do that, in a way I am sad. I am happy though because our kids will appreciate what they do get, and they already have so much they really don't need more. I am happy that I won't have to spend hours shopping, or hours wrapping. I am sad though because I LOVE to buy toys and things for my kids. I guess you can say I would totally spoil them if I could! If I wouldn't get ridicule from my family and husband I know I would go way overboard on what I bought them. But they really don't need it all. I have a few thing boughten and made already, and a few more things in mind to make my sisters. I love it when an idea comes and you know that someone will LOVE it!

Tyler and I are going out tonight with friends to see the new Work and the Glory : American Zion. I know it will be good. The babysitter is coming and we are going to enjoy a night out together with friends.

That is all for now...until next time!

A Family United...

Yesterday we had the wonderful privilege of seeing my Aunt Carolyn re-married. Her husband passed away suddenly 2.5 years ago in a tragic farm accident. She was left a widow with 4 children to raise on her own. We have seen her heart ache, her struggles, and her loss. She always told us that she didn't think that she could or would ever remarry. Little did she know that 2.5 years later through other very tragic circumstances a man would ask her to marry him. Larry, had lost his wife 3 months ago, and was left to raise 5 children on his own. What a better combination than for the 2 of them to fall in love and get married. I was an awesome sight to see these 2 broken hearted adults join together and now have tears of joy run down their face. Now they are a family with 9 children! It just amazed me how well they were getting along, how happy they were for the parent. Now this family will become united and join together as one union. It was just a wonderful occasion. To know that my aunt won't have to live the rest of her life alone, to know that my cousins won't have to grow up without a father figure in their life. To know that Larry's children will have a mother figure, and to know that Larry can be happy and in love again. I wish them all the best as the unite together and build a life that will be intertwined as one family unit!

Update...

It has been awhile since I have blogged...so what better time than now? Life has been busy for me as usual. I finally finished all my projects for Paper Crafts. I had to make some minor adjustments, but they are ready to be shipped now. I need to find a box and some bubble wrap to pack them with. I can't wait to get them on their way and then I won't have to worry about it anymore. WHEW! I finished making 2 cards for PC courtesy of Beary Patch. They turned out cute and I was happy to do them. They will be in the Stamp It! Magazine. I haven't been in there yet, and I am excited to be published in it.

I finished making the Christmas gifts for my mom. They turned out SO cute, if I do say so. I found these great particle board frames at Michaels. They are 12x12 and have a spot for a 5x7 photo. I also bought a wood monogram letter for each of the boys and put them on the frame. If I have time I will take a photo of them and post it. Now I want to make some for myself. LOL!

Tiffany and I had a party at my house on Saturday night and we played Bunco. We invited 8 couples (us included) and we had a BLAST! I love entertaining people. I have 2 other parties booked to do this month. 1 is a Christmas Card class, and the other is a Usbourne Book party. (they sell children's books.) I know some people think it is a bother to have a home party, but I love it! I will do anything to get a discount or even free product of things that I like.

My Aunt is getting married tomorrow. It is a great story that I want to share, but don't have time to right now. I'll update later with it. So I am going to go into town to shop for an outfit to wear, and hopefully get some ideas for Christmas.

That is all for now...until next time!

Trick or Treat...

Halloween has come and gone and Tyson had a BLAST! He has been asking when Halloween was going to be for the past month, and finally I was able to tell him the TONIGHT was the NIGHT! He was so excited to dress up in his dragon costume and get some candy. And boy oh boy...he got SO much candy. I think next year we will have enough left over to give out to kids who come to our place. LOL! Carson looked SO cute in his chicken costume and he was such a good sport. I got some really adorable photos of the 2 of them.

It is hard to get 2 kids to co-operate for a photo, it amazes me how photographers do it. But these ones aren't too bad. Tyson has already told us what he wants to be next year...a Teen Aged Mutant Ninja Turtle. I guess we will have to wait and see if he is till in that phase...or if he has moved on to something else.

Tonight we are having some friends over to watch Star Wars. It should be fun. I haven't seen the 3rd one yet, so I am excited to watch it. It will be good to just chill out while the kids are in bed and snuggle up to a good movie with Tyler in front of a roaring fire. Yes...we have a fire going in our wood stove. It was cold this morning and raining all day...so what could be better than a fire??

Finally Some Time To...

I have thoroughly enjoyed my day today. I was planning on carpet cleaning my basement, but the cleaner wasn't working, so I decided to scrapbook instead. I haven't done any scrapbooking for myself in a very long time. It took me a while before the creative juices started flowing, but I managed to do 3 LO's. It felt GREAT! Hopefully I can get a few more done before the day is done. Here is what I was able to accomplish.

While scrapbooking I watched 2 movies on my computer. I watched Bewitched, and The interpreter. Both had Nicole Kidman in them, and I liked both of them. I can't believe how fast the afternoon went by. Tyson was a very good boy, and I let him watch his t.v. shows most of the day. Come Monday though, we are going to get into a better routine. And I MUST limit his t.v. time. I find that if I would let him watch it all day...he would! Somedays it is just easier to put him in front of it so that I can accomplish some things around the house, but I know that he can't do that everyday!

West Edmonton Mall Vacation...

We are back from our mini vacation to Edmonton. We had a BLAST! It was great to get away and spend time as a family. The kids traveled SO well. Thank goodness for out portable DVD player. That occupied Tyson the whole way up and back. The drive didn't seem very long as we made a few pit stops along the way. In Red Deer Ryan and Lizzie switched with Carson and I so that the men could take the older kids to the amusement park, while Heather stopped to feed the baby. Tyson and Lizzie had a great time on the rides, although Tyson was a bit too short to ride many of them. But the rides they could go on they enjoyed. Tyson said that his favorite one was the train ride that went through the 2 dark green tunnels. That evening we went to a Thai restaurant. The food was quite good, but for me I prefer what we make at home. And the bill was $$$ 70$ PER couple! Yes, we had a very hefty bill when we left that place! But it was nice to splurge on the meal and try something different. The next day we went to the waterpark. Tyson has been talking about going there for days now, and he was SO excited. We couldn't manage to get him to go by himself though. He is still a bit apprehensive about it. Maybe next year he will be confident enough to go by himself. The kids loved the wave pool too. By then end of 3.5 hours both Tyson and Lizzie were tuckered out! We had to carry Tyson back to the hotel because he was so tired. He had a GREAT time. We also managed to do a bit of shopping which was nice. I got a few new things for winter. I LOVE to shop, and Tyler is so patient with me. He took Tyson all over the mall while I browsed through all the stores. It was a great holiday for all of us!

Better Thank You Think You Are...

I am reading the powerful and uplifting book called, "Better Than You Think You Are," by Ardeth G. Kapp. I am only half way in to it, but I can feel the power in her words, and I am so filled with the spirit of the book. It is just awesome. Sometimes, and quite often we as women don't think we do enough. That we could always do more, be more than what we are. This book so eloquently tells each of us that we ARE better than what we think we are. We are so good, and do so much good for others. We are way to hard on ourselves, and need to take the time to recognize all the good that we DO, and not worry so much about what we DON'T do. In reading the book today I came across this quote and I just love it.

"This earth life is not intended to be an easy climb, and the shoreline is not always visible. But when we believe the top of the highest peak is real and the shoreline (whatever the distance) is somehow within our reach, the effort will never be too great."

Life sure isn't easy all the time, but I know that in the end, all of my trial and struggles will be worth my reward in the end. Your attitude and outlook on life can sure determine how you will overcome the obstacles that will evidently affect your life. I am so thankful for so many things in my life. I am truly blessed. I have a wonderful husband who loves me with all his heart. Everything he does, he does for me, and for our beautiful boys. I have to beautiful children who truly are a gift from God. I remember so many times wondering if I was ever going to be a mother, and I thank God daily for making my dreams come true when he blessed me with these choice spirits. I am blessed with a loving family who supports me in all I do. I have 2 wonderful parents who raised me in a home that was full of love, where nothing was more important than our family. I am thankful for good friends, who love me inspite of my short comings. Who accept me for who I am, and know the intentions of my heart. I am so thankful for many opportunities to use my God given talents. I truly have been blessed, and each and everyday I see God's hand in many small and simple things that have and will continue to affect my life for the good.

When Nothing Seems To Work...

My little 10 month (almost) old baby is 99% of the time very happy. He is so content all the time, and just a happy go lucky kind of baby. He is happy to bounce in his jolly jumper, or crawl all over the house exploring. He hardly EVER cries, and when he does you know that he either is hungry or tired. So today Tiffany and I decided to head into the city and take the kids to the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" ( I DON'T recommend it!) We stopped at McDonald's playland first for a bite to eat. Carson began to be a bit fussy and nothing I did would sooth him. I just thought he was tired and once we go into the car he would fall asleep. BOY WAS I WRONG! He cried non stop for over 2 hours! Yes 2 hours!!! I tried to go to the movie but he was so unhappy that I spent the entire time walking the halls, outside, or in the car. Finally I gave up and went and washed my car...only to have it rain the instant I got out of the car wash. I figure Carson is teething. He is getting 3 teeth ALL AT ONCE! Poor little guy. Nothing I did would calm him down. I felt completely helpless, and my nerves where shot. So I came to the conclusion that nothing I did was going to help the little guy and that eventually he would cry himself to sleep from pure exhaustion. I even gave him an extra big dose of Tylenol, and that didn't even seem to help. Finally on the car ride home...4 hours from the time we left, he fell asleep and he is still sleeping peacefully. My only concern now is that when he wakes up he is going to be miserable again. I wouldn't mind it so much if I wasn't having a house full of women come over for a party tonight. And to top it off Tyler has meetings so he won't be around to help me. Tyson is also sleeping, which means he won't want to go to be at his regular time. So basically...I am not looking forward to when my two angels wake up. I hate teething! It isn't' fun at all...and it really tests a mother's patience and nerves. And it makes a parent feel so helpless! I hope my little guy is feeling better once he has had a good sleep!

Can You Believe....

That I am in the mood to scrapbook! Crazy I know. After ALL of the many many house I have put in the last few weeks, I am really fighting the urge to scrapbook. Actually I would give in and do a few pages if I had my basic supplies to do it with. I took a bag of basics with me to MT, and I packed it in Luann's suitcase and forgot to get it. So I am stuck with out all of the basics, and without the basics...you can't really do much. So I will have to get my basics back ASAP so I can get my creative juices flowing again. I feel SO guilty that Tyson has so many pictures taken of him, and SO many SB pages done, and my little Carson doesn't have nearly the same amount. SO I am going to focus on doing pages for Carson. I found the most adorable metal tins at Scrapbook Central in Medicine Hat. I want to do a mini album of Carson using the fall photos I took of him. So that is my next goal. Pick up the pictures at Walmart...and pick up my basic supplies at Luann's. Then I will be ready to create!

I have been thinking lately that I would like to start a Gratitude Journal. I am finding it more and more easy to not take the time to really think about what I am thankful for. And I am finding too that I don't handwrite ANYTHING! So another goal I have is to make a gratitude journal and start writing in it. Michaels...here I come!

Thankful for Fall...

I love fall! Although it isn't my favorite season, it is 2nd in line, after Summer. I love Thanksgiving and the fact that we get to be together with all of our family. Although I missed being with everyone this year because I was in Las Vegas, I had time to reflect on what I am thankful for. I have been so greatly blessed this past year! With the turning of the summer season brings the glorious season of fall. I love watching the first leaves turn from a vibrant green, to a golden yellow hue. It is almost over night that the trees change into beautiful fall colors. I love the crisp cool air on early fall mornings. I love seeing all the fall decorations in stores, and the Halloween costumes being displayed. Children seem to get more giddy when they notice the first signs of Halloween candy or costumes appearing in various stores. Tyson is SO excited this year for Halloween. He has been asking about it for a few weeks now. I bought him an adorable red dragon costume with gold wings and a pointy tail. He looks so cute in it. Carson is going to be a little yellow chicken, and it suits his little personality to a tee! Although he is too young to even know what Halloween is all about, I couldn't resist buying him the costume, even if he only wears it while I take a few pictures. I took Carson over to Tiffany's to take some pictures of him in a huge pile of leaves. He loved it! He couldn't resist putting them in his mouth. He loved the noise they made as he rustled them. This was a new discovery for him, and he enjoyed every minute of it. I feel it is important to capture these discoveries with pictures. Everyday my children are discovering new things, and it just amazes me how much they are learning. The pressure to be a good mom has really been weighing on my mind lately. Am I teaching them all the I should be or could be? I know that I need to improve so much, but hopefully each day I will be able to do a little better as being their mother and teacher.

I'm Home From Memory Trends...

Oh it feels SO good to be home! I am always so excited to get away, and then at then end of the journey I am SO happy to come home. The girls (Tara, Cheryl, and Luann) and I had a great time and we all bonded together. Funny how when you get a group of girls together you can connect and get so close to one another.

Memory Trends was very exciting and it was great to be there and feel the buzz all around you of anxious retailers waiting to get their hands on the latest products. The Beary Patch booth was SO cute! Everything just seemed to go together so well for us this show. We had SO many cute demos thanks to our awesome design team. (Cheryl, Melanie, Michelle, Luann, and myself). So many people commented on how cute our stuff was and of course we felt that way too. Our Chipboard shapes and frames were a huge hit, as was the Add A Page Punch Tool Kit, and the Bare Essential Buttons. Many "famous" designers, editors, and magazine representatives stopped by and were very excited about our products. It was a great feeling to know that others are just as excited about our products as we are.

I was able to meet Teri Fode, and that was great! She is such a sweet person and her blog always lifts my spirits. Here sister Heidi was there as well, and she is a doll! I saw Lisa Bernson walk by our booth but didn't have the opportunity to talk with her. That would have been COOL! All the GREAT girls from Paper Crafts stopped by. They are just awesome and were pumped about our new stuff.

I had a chance to browse around the show and see some new GREAT products. The highlights for me were:

*Basic Grey, they always have GREAT stuff. Love there new ornament kits, but I know I could make them on my own. LOL! Love their new "Blitzen" paper line.

*Prima Flowers, LOVED THEM ALL! We were able to purchase some after the show for CHEAP! They are so darn cute I can't wait to start using them!

*Bazzill Paper, 15 great new colors. I also bought their swatch box, which will really come in handy.

Vegas, the city that never sleeps was such a fun place to be in! We stayed up late shopping and eating at great restaurants. We had great conversations and laughed LOTS! I am glad that this trip was a great combination of work and play. I can't wait for the next show!

Some Highlights:

*Teasing each other about going to "Thunder Down Under"

*Going to the Cheesecake Factory in Ceasars Palace. We loved it SO much we ate there twice! TO DIE FOR CHEESECAKE!

*Taking the Monorail

*Shopping at the Outlet Mall

Off To Pack...

WOW I have had a very LONG day...and it still isn't over. My friend Keri came over to give me a pedicure and do my nails. 5 hours later I was finished! Yes 5 hours! I wasn't planning on that. I am so happy with my pedicure, my feet were terrible. Now I can wear sandals and not feel self conscious about it. She also put acrylic on them with a French manicure, and they look GREAT! My nails on the other hand...well they aren't the best set she has put on. But oh well, they are better than what I had.

Then tonight my good friends Ryan and Heather came over and brought me pizza. I just LOVE them. They always take care of me when Tyler is away. It is nice to have such great friends who really care about you!

I finished my final project for BP tonight. I LOVE how it turned out. It is going to be a 6x6 calendar. But I don't have the calendar right now, so I will have to add the pages to it when I get it. Luann gave me some great natural materials to use, and I based the project around them.

Now I need to go pack. That may take awhile. I went and got a new outfit and I am excited to wear it. I also have a mound of laundry to fold...AGHHHH!! And I need to make a list for Tyler and my sister so they know what to do with these kiddos of mine.

Did you notice my new Blog header?? Isn't it CUTE! I have to thank Jenna for her hard work on it, and suprising me with it. Those are some of the adorable photos she took of my boys. She is amazing!

Less then 48 Hours to GO...

The clock is ticking and there is less than 48 hours to go until we are off to Memory Trends. We are gradually ticking things off the list of things to do. Last night the "girls" came over and we were able to complete a few other projects. They look awesome! Beary Patch has turned a corner and we are going to ROCK at MT. I am so happy with how everything has turned out thus far, and it wouldn't have been possible without the help of all our wonderful designers and people on our team. I am thrilled with my frames, and the feedback I have been getting from people. I hope and pray that the general scrapbook public will be as thrilled with them as I am! Here is a sneak peak at an 8x8 frame I did up for the backer of all the frame packaging.

I have a few more things on my list to do today:

*Get my nails and feet done.

*Make a 6x6 Quote calendar

*4 Clipboards

*Pick up my car (hopefully it will be fixed!)

*Finish laundry

*Make a list for DH & Tiffany for when they watch the kids

*Start packing

Tyler is supposed to be coming home Friday night. I am anxious for him to arrive, and am sad that we won't have much time to spend together. He is in such NEED of a haircut, and I promised him I would do it before I left. He has the thickest hair I have ever seen! Right now it is more like an afro. I am so thankful for the wonderful man that he is. He is so willing to watch the kids for me and knows that I need the little break. Hopefully the kids won't be to much to handle and he will enjoy the time spent with them. He is going to be busy though while I am gone. Sunday my Grandma Jensen is having Thanksgiving Dinner (I am sad that I will have to miss it!), and then on Monday my in laws are having a get together. So Tyler will have to pack the kids all over, but atleast when he arrives at his destination there will be plenty of hands to help him.

Time is ticking...so I better get movin!

Just Another Manic....WEEK!

AHHHH!!! Where has the time gone? Here it is Tuesday and I leave on Saturday for Memory Trends. I have SO much to do, and so much MORE I could do! Here is what I have to get done before Saturday:

*More demos for BP for MT. There will always be MORE that I could do for this.

*1 CJ entry (almost complete :)

*1 More project for Paper Crafts AGHHH!!

On top of all this I need to:

*Do laundry so my DH and kiddos have clean clothes to wear while I am gone.

*Clean the house because I know if I don't before I go, I will have an even BIGGER mess to come home too!

*Try and make some meals and freeze them.

*Take Carson to the Dr. tomorrow

*Take my car into get fixed, the heater isn't working at all!

*Get some groceries

*Get some pictures developed for my BP projects

*Take Tyson to Parent Preschool on Friday

So many, many things to do...and my time is RUNNING OUT!!

Update on Carson:

Carson is doing MUCH better! He hasn't thrown up at all in 3 days! I am so thankful that we finally have this under control. I have to take him to the Dr. tomorrow, so I will find out if he is continuing to gain weight. The poor little guy is teething so he hasn't been feeling well at all. He is so crabby, which isn't like him at all. On top of ALL that he has a cold. He is all stuffed up and can't breath, or drink his bottle without taking a breath with every suck. He has been up about 6 times in the night, and it is really starting to ware on me. But I hope and pray that he will start to feel like him self very soon!

Tyson:

What can I say about my little 3 year old who thinks he has super powers, and is going to fly away in his rocket! This kid cracks me up all day long. He is beginning to be so imaginative. He is obsessed with any type of super hero. He loves Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles (I don't let him watch the show yet, but he has 2 action figures and loves them.) He finds anything in the house he can use as a sword. He is a very loving child, and plays well with his brother. He is really enjoying Parent Pre-School and his favorite teacher is Joe. Tyson always remembers to say his prayers at night even if I forget. He loves reading the animated Book of Mormon stories that we have. He is even starting to remember many of the stories that we have read to him about the ancient prophets. He is so incredible to see how is little mind is just soaking up all the information we can feed him.

Update on Me:

Life continues to be busy for me, but I love the challenge. I have been able to accomplish quite a bit so far today, and the day is only 1/2 over.

Tyler continues to be away for work. The days seem very long when I know he isn't coming home at night. I am getting SO SICK OF IT! But yesterday (Monday) I went to Medicine Hat where he was and we were able to spend the day and evening together. We took Tyson on the waterslides and swam in the pool. He loved it. Then we went to supper and back to the hotel. It was nice to be together as a family again, but the time spent together was way to short! Oh I forgot to mention that when I got to the Hat Tyler told me that I had an appointment at 2:30. He suprised me with a massage, which I SO needed! I had a hot stone massage and it was wonderful! We also went to the most adorable scrapbook store I have ever been to. It is called Scrapbook Central. It was small and quint, and adorable! I could have spent hours in there and lots more $$. I will definatley be going back there! I got some really cute ideas of projects I want to make...when my life has finally slowed down. LOL!

It seems like it is feast or famine in the oil patch. I try hard not to complain though because I know that because of Tyler's good job, I get to stay home and raise our boys, and I am very grateful for that. I am down another 1/2 lb, so that makes me happy. Only 5.5 lbs to go till my goal weight!

Well I better get back to work.....