Exercise

Last night I found out that someone I went to high school with passed away in his sleep. They think that he had a heart attack. My brother said he was 2 or 3 times as big as he was in high school. Which he wasn't a skinny kid, but not really a huge kid either. But I guess the heart just can't take that much extra weight. It made me kind of reflect on my life a little bit. My 31st birthday is coming up and I'm grateful for all 31 years that I've been able to enjoy here on Earth. But I have also been a personal quest to get healthy. After the news last night, it made me glad I was at least working on improving my health. The Babe and I have been watching The Biggest Loser to help motivate us. I even bought a Jillian workout. I can't decide which is worse right now, to die over weight, or to die from a Jillian workout! It's pretty tough. This week I had to step it up to level 2 and its killing me!!! Last night I struggled a little with wanting to do Zumba. In fact I think all of us were struggling a little. We debated for ten minutes whether or not we should really do it. Finally we decided we should. Then about two minutes into the first song, I was glad we did it. I don't know what it is about those exercise endorphins, but I love it. I felt so good afterward! Which reminds me, "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people just don't kill their husbands!" (its true on so many levels) If any of you out there want a good fun work out, you should join our Zumba class, it's really fun!

Aunt Mwe's House

Up until recently, Port and Aunt Mwe have had a some-what strained relationship. The problem was that Aunt Mwe just happened to be present when he got his worst injuries, and I'm afraid Porter is a little bit of a grudge holder. Sorry to say. But the harder Aunt Mwe tried to get his love and attention and forgiveness, the more Porter would give her the cold shoulder.

I'm happy to report that those days are behind us. I think that Aunt Mwe has obtained full forgiveness and has gain pure adoration from her little nephew. Every morning, first thing, Port puts on his boots and grabs whatever jacket is readily available and heads for the door. I ask him where he is going and he pipes up with, "Aunt Mwe's house, Mom." As if I should already know. Which I do. But it's so cute, so I have to ask. The above picture is Porter in action, on his way to Aunt Mwe's house! Every time Aunt Mwe comes to our house to collect her children and take them home, Porter follows her out, just like she came especially for him. When I tell him he has to stay with me, he cries. He even snuck out of our house on Sunday while we were taking a little afternoon snooze and I found out later he paid a little visit to Aunt Mwe's house! He just can't get enough of Aunt Mwe. It makes me smile!

On a sad note, I have to register Leighna for kindergarten today. Two of my three children will be going to public school next year. I hate that. Where did the time go??? It has flown by. I wish they would stay little a little longer.

Nothing should end on a sad note, so lets think happy thoughts! hmm. hmm. hmm. Well maybe we can visit Aunt Mwe's house later! That would be fun!

Gardening

This year I have been more determined than ever to have a successful garden. I've been trying for years, and last year was about the first success I've had down here. So having a little taste of success sent my determination through the roof. I cleared twice as much space of weeds and other debris and happily prepared my little piece of earth for planting. And then, a dear sister in our ward called and said she isn't going to use her garden space this year and that Marie and I were more than welcome to garden together and use her space! I was thrilled at the prospect. I could maybe have a real live, awesome, producing garden! That would be AWESOME!!! So I called Marie and the two of us have been vigorously planning what to plant and how much. It's been pretty exciting. I've been pretty anxious. All I've wanted to do all week is go plant some seeds. I even found an excuse to go over this afternoon and check on it to see if it was plowed yet. But, it wasn't. I was a little sad, but I knew it wouldn't be too long. Then not even an hour later, Marie called. She said our dear friend had called her and the garden plot was plowed and ready to plant! Yeah! I was so excited. So Marie's family and Addie and I met at the nursery and we bought some onion and potatoes to plant. Then we went and started raking, and pulling the weeds around the edges. We got a little over zealous in our onion buying. We bought a bundle of three different kinds and as we started planting them, we realized we may have over done the onions! There will be plenty of onions! We worked until little Katie couldn't take it any more. It felt good! It was good for my soul to be outside working the soil and putting seeds in the ground. I can't wait to go again on Monday!
We just might hate ourselves by the end of summer!

I held my friend's brand new baby today. He is so precious. I'm happy for her. She and the baby are doing well. But I really hurt on the inside. I can't help but wish it was me. I wish that in five months I could be holding my baby. But it's not going to happen. Some how I need to stop thinking about it. But on every side there are reminders, and I can't forget. It was hard not to cry... How selfish of me. I should only share in her joy and forget myself! Forget myself and go to work. Thank goodness for my husband, my children, my garden and my callings to keep me busy. Off to work I go!
I love you Paulette. I'm glad Aiden is finally here!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday!

I don't think I can adequately tell you how much this spectacular woman means to me. She is amazing in every way. She is the woman who suffered nine months for me, suffered giving birth to me, and then suffered the next 30 years trying to keep me on the straight and narrow. I know that she rejoices in my successes and feels pain for my sorrows.

My mom is the most giving person I have ever known. She has always been such a great example of service to me.

My mom is the greatest mom in the whole world. If there is anyone who could teach me how to be like my Savior, it's my mom. She is very Christlike and compassionate. She has always been such a great example to me.

Mom, I love you so much. When I grow up, I want to be just like you. That's all I've ever wanted to be, is a mom, just like you! You're the best. Have a wonderful day!

Little Scholars Preschool

Friends in the neighborhood...

The nicest firemen I have ever met, came and talked to the kids about fire safety. These two gentlemen were so cute with those kids it was really fun to see. (I got to be there because I was the official photographer.)

The kids loved it. They got to go inside and sit on the drivers seat. The kids thought it was great! All except poor Livi. She was a little bashful about the whole experience.

The one fireman took Porter by the hand and walked around the truck with him. Port never left his side. He Had a hold of his hand the whole time! It was really cute. He thought it was cool to see the fire truck.

Thanks for keeping us safe firemen! And thanks for taking time for our kids! You do a great job.

Engagement Pictures Part 2

Ha ha ha....This is more like it!

Engagement Photos

I took engagement photos for my sister and her fiance the other day. Here is the happy couple!

Exciting Night

Last night The Babe and I got to do the coolest thing! You'll never believe it....we got to go see Bill Cosby live! Some friends of ours invited us along. It was so much fun! We had AMAZING seats. We were on row two right in the center. I took a picture of his chair because I wasn't allowed to take a picture of him, but this is how close we were. It was like sitting across the living room from him and he was just talking to us. Bill Cosby is so hilarious! We were laughing so hard. It was such a fun experience.

The Cosby Show is a favorite at our house. We have a couple seasons on DVD and my kids love it. Especially Leighna. Most of the time she would rather watch the Cosby Show than one of the animated Disney movies. A lot of times she starts her day with a couple episodes of Cosby and gets mad when I make her turn it off to get ready for the day. One day she got in trouble for something and she turned to me with her hands on her hips and said, "Claire Huxtable never dits mad at hers tids!" It was so funny! Anyway, we are big fans, so that was so fun to go see him. It was crazy to see him live. I told The Babe it was so unreal that we were there in person. It was strange not to see him on TV. But it was AWESOME!!!!

Thanks for inviting us Amy and Steve! We had so much fun with all of you!

Is This Gender Confusion???

Oh, well. I think it's adorable!

Note to Self

Dear Body,
I know I have been beating you to death. I know that you have probably never worked so hard in your entire life, but please, please, please, can you shed a few pounds. It would sure make me feel better if my efforts were not for nothing! I just want you to be healthy and strong.
Love,
Me