Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 3

So what if I'm a little behind...

It's how I do.

Lets just jump right in.  The kids woke up Sunday VERY excited to see the goods the Easter Bunny left for them overnight.

Brenna quickly piped up with, "MOM!  I heard the bunny. I swear I did... I heard him hopping on the floor!"

I would normally chalk this up as her telling stories... You know the kind that if you tell yourself enough times then you start to believe it kind.  BUT I have to give her some flexibility here Mom may or may not have been up quite a few times that night.  At all hours.  I'm certain Brenna heard something, just wasn't the bunny.  I was okay with Mom getting up though cause it gave me a good excuse to get up myself and grab just one more piece of licorice.  Damn that yummy little red treat.

Brenna first noticed the shoes.  She's been begging me for shoes with a big flower on them.  I don't think it mattered the color or even the fit... just that it had a flower.  Good thing I was still able to find something  with a flower on it.  Apparently those sandals are the big trend right now cause the were VERY difficult to find, let alone in the right size.  Sam on the other hand first noticed the single metallic egg sitting front and center in his basket.  I've mentioned before this kids obsessions in life... Money being one of them.  This kid must have a nose for it because that is exactly what that one single egg contained.  Never mind the rest of the stuff.

However, the real excitement hit when the kids noticed that COMPLETELY crazy Easter bunny brought them wrist rockets (or sling shots??? Is there a difference?).  Not sure that the Easter bunny was fully with it when that decision was made.  Actually, I take that back...

The Easter bunny most certainly had "checked out" when deciding to put that in their baskets.  Mr. Easter bunny is to blame.  

I take no responsibility.

It took awhile after the wrist rockets were discovered for the kids to take notice to anything else... including the empty carton sitting right in front of them or the slew of eggs laying just outside the doors waiting to be gobbled up by their perfect little hands.  Eventually, we did make it to taking notice to those hidden eggs and their excitement shifted.  The kids were quickly at the back door, plastic sacks in hand, ready to take on that hunt.

They were then forced to wait for dad to get out of the shower...

Seriously, who gets in the shower first thing on a morning like this?  He must not have any recollection of the excitement of these moments as a kid.  How dare he make them wait! LOL

But, there they waited... anticipation growing.

Dad finally joined us and off they went.

The hunt ended quickly.  They were good little egg hunters those two.  Surprisingly we even made it through that egg hunt without a fight.  That rarely happens.  It was already turning out to be a good day.  When we wrapped up outside, Sam was quick to request that Grandma and Grandpa make Swedish pancakes.  We just can't go to G&G Eldredge's for a visit and leave without having them.

It's tradition. Can't brake tradition. 

They were also just as quick to comply.  

We scarfed down our food and the kids got dressed up in their new Easter clothes....

Only to be rushed out the door to once again pile in the car for a long ride home.  The ride home was definately much longer than the ride down.  Why is that?  Why is it that when you have a fun and enjoyable trip, but are ready to be home... home just seems SO much further away?  It's a rude trick I tell ya.

We finally made it home, unloaded the car, then the kids and I piled back in the car and headed over to my mom's boyfriends house for an Easter dinner.  It was perfect as he lives in a pretty secluded place with plenty of rocks.

Perfect for some wrist rocket action.

The kids were well occupied and ran a muck.

They needed that open space to wind down and let loose some energy after having spent the time we did in the car.  

Food was good.  Thanks to Terk for his hard work and hospitality.  

We were even graced by four darling deer.

They came right down the mountain and took comfort right in Terk's (Mom's boyfriend) backyard.  The kids really enjoyed watching them. They were even able to go stand outside, just 10 feet from them without startling them.  

This little girl walked right up to the window they were first gazing at them through... She was clearly curious. 

It was a great ending to a GREAT weekend.  

Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 2

I know I didn't give much detail to the whole nephew buried in quicksand story on day one of our trip.  The reason being was because Sister Steph really did save the day earning her bragging rights in all places, not just as "favorite" Aunt to the young one who's life she saved.  She's the better story teller anyway, I knew my role on this day and stood behind the lens documenting this great story for her.  I don't mean to be unsympathetic, but when everything was all said and done... one couldn't help but laugh at the situation poor Ayden (as appose to how I've been spelling it... it's NOT Aiden) found himself in.  As Sister Steph makes reference to... who would ever think you would find yourself in a pirate like situation where having watched mythbusters would come in handy when saving a boy's life?  Without further ado, I suggest you just go read for yourself at Sister Steph's Blog The Circus HERE.   

It's all in the wiggle. 

Anyway, on to day two.  We woke far too early than I would have liked after the night we had with poor Sam and his swimmer's ear.  Mom and Dad were in a rush to get out the door as Dad had a singing gig he had to do at a local rest home.  Apparently they (him and his brother's) are a BIG DEAL around that place.  They go play there weekly.  The elderly folk love them, and they too must love the elderly folk as they do all this out of the kindness of their hearts.  These brother's (The Eldredge Brother's) are quite talented.  Prior to Mom and Dad heading out the door, Dad spent a good half hour or so warming up.  Brenna was quick to find her place right beside her Grandpa as he sang some fun songs for her.  She loves to listen to him play guitar and sing.  She could sit and listen for hours and I as a mom love to watch her just gaze upon him while he sings. The love she has for that man is so apparent in those moments.  You can see it in her eyes, those are the moments she will one day grow to cherish.  I love that.  

After Mom and Dad left, we got some breakfast in us and got ready for the day.  We didn't have any set plans aside from me heading out for some much needed shopping. We had traveled down to St. George without having done any Easter shopping and here it was day before Easter and we had nothing to give the kids.  I knew what was on the agenda for my day, which meant that Bill had to occupy the kids while I went shopping.  Bill decided to take the kids up to a little reservoir not far from the parents place so Sam could try out his fly fishing pole that he has yet to use since he got it for his birthday nearly a year ago.  Both kids were excited to go fishing, which is good cause fishing is not my strong suit and didn't mind missing out on that "fun". 

Dad requested that I make ribs for dinner so I threw them in the oven then met up with Mom in town to do some shopping.  We were quick.  I hate Walmart and the crowds in St. George were insane.  I don't like crowds either.  I didn't want to be shopping so I rushed through Walmart, poor mom having to remind me to slow down.  I forget one doesn't always function like a 30 year old.  

We were back home in a little over an hour and was surprised to see Bill back with the kids already.  Apparently the biting wasn't all that great and the kids got board fast.  

Mom suggested that we head out to a park that was all the rave in St. George at the moment.  We showed up only to find it extremely crowded due to an Art Festival taking place.  That didn't matter we got out, listened to the live music, and walked around admiring some of the local art.  There is quite the water set up there too.  The kids couldn't wait to submerge themselves in that ice cold water.  

When we were headed to the park, we notice that the shaved ice shack was already up and running.  Dad has a weakness for black cherry shaved ice so we knew if we mentioned that the joint was already open he would insist on stopping by for a cool down.  We weren't disappointed.  Dad did suggest we stop on our way back to the house for some delicious shaved ice.  Why don't these places just stay open year round?  I would so pick one

 up in the dead of winter.  They are so good.    

I've decided that someone needs to open one in Magna that stays open all winter.  I won't be doing that though cause that would mean I would have to run it in the dead of winter and I'm just now willing to sit out in the cold.  Someone else can do it though.  I'll let them. 

We had a bit of a late dinner, which resulted in having to dye Easter eggs late and an even later bedtime than I had hoped for.  

The kids crashed fast once they made it to bed and I was able to play Easter bunny and make it to bed before midnight myself. 

Sun, Water Fun, and Shaved Ice... Just what our Easter needed! Part 1

It's no secret that spring has sprung and with it the spring fever slowly begins to fade as we are teased with those few warm, sun soaking, days that come scattered among those cloudy, thundering, raining, days.  

I'm okay with rain... So long is it doesn't freeze into that white stuff.  

(not even going to say it's name... It's like a curse word in my house)

Unfortunately, those few (and I mean very few) warm days have not been enough to ease my irritability caused by lack of sunshine and being cooped up in-doors since OCTOBER!

Six months is just TOO much!  

I decided, though we spent Easter with Bill's family last year meaning this year was reserved for my family, we needed to get away.  Sorry to my dear family, but my sanity depended on it.  So for the second year in a row we headed south.  Last year we camped out with Sister Steph and her Circus at Sand Hollow (HERE and HERE).

It was great fun, but lets just face it... I'm just not a good camper.  Granted if we had the set up Sister Steph has, camping might not be all too bad, but we don't so we have to tent it.  Me and tents aren't friends.  Rather than tenting it out at Sand Hollow, we decided to stay in the comfort of my in-laws house instead which is close enough to still enjoy the beach, water, and sand with the family who spent their Easter camping out.  

We headed down early Friday morning and hit the parents house just before noon.  We quickly scarfed down some lunch and headed back to the road to visit our family at Sand Hollow.  Sister Steph didn't have her whole Circus with her this time around, but Sister McKell was up there with her beau and two of her youngsters along with some friends who had a couple kids.  My kids were content in playing with them and excited to hit the beach running. They immediately stripped down to their suits and soaked in the sun.

My girly girl quickly transformed to not so girly as she dug in the mud with a slew of boys.  It was her and a bunch of boys... that didn't even phase her.  She fit right it... muddy face and all.  In all honesty I think she may have been enjoying getting dirty far more than any of those boys.  Sam enjoyed digging in the mud with them for a great while too, but eventually just wandered off on his own really soaking in the heat.  We were in Heaven. 

Okay, not heaven... I hope that in heaven we don't have to deal with sand in not so desirable places, but you get the idea.  We were where we SO DESPERATELY needed to be at that moment.  

Sanity, semi-restored.

We sat for a few hours and enjoyed the company of some wonderful people... Bill and our nephew Bryce went for a ride in the dunes in West's four wheeler, not the most successful trip out, but at the very least Bryce was left with smiles and I believe the words "Lets do that again!" did come from his mouth.  The rest I will leave up to the others to spill.  I'm still just clinging to the good (that there was enjoyment) of that ride... the rest I will not speak of.  Simply because may husband my not forgive me.

Sister Steph however... is free to speak. ;)

While we all sat and enjoyed conversation... the kids were a short distance away enjoying all the wonderful things the beach and water had to offer.  This included burying each other in the sand. 

This burying each other in the sand business also took a not so good turn like the four wheeling had, only us parents were completely oblivious to the severity of the sand burying situation. 

Our first problem was relying on the information from a not so urgent five year old (Sam) who walked up to us and simply said...

"Aiden is stuck."

To which Sister McKell quickly replied "Oh, yeah he loves getting buried!" 

To this Sam gave a simple shrug and walked away continuing to enjoy his time there at the beach.  

It was later discovered that Sam's little announcement of Aiden being stuck was truly meant to be urgent.  As in, maybe an adult should go help him get unstuck.  Turns out the kids had buried Aiden a bit to close to the water which meant that the hole he was buried in acted much like quick sand.  The more he moved... the more he sunk.  My little Brenna and another kid stuck by his side the entire time committed to digging him out without having to impose upon the adults fun and coming in between the conversation time we were having.  Once it was realized that Aiden truly needed help... the adults pulled together in getting him out.  While I on the other hand, grabbed my camera and started to photograph it.  I'll allow Sister Steph to tell the story of how she became the heroin and saved this boy's life.  After all she is the master story teller...  I will offer up these few pictures of the moment though...

This boy is REALLY stuck

Poor boy defeated by the sand...

Sister Steph saved the day!

Needless to say it was a very eventful day.  

Two guys were left feeling a little defeated, but that's ok cause Sister Steph made it all better with a card game with those two defeated guys...

And in all reality, we truly enjoyed being out there in the sun and with our family.  Our family is just one of a kind and I wouldn't trade them for anything.  

We left there shortly after this card game ended and headed back to the parents house for some much needed rest.  Mom made us a DELICIOUS Chili Verde for dinner and after the kids piled into the hot tub cause apparently they hadn't had enough water yet.  

Day One of our little mini-vacation was a success... though the first night was a little rough.  Sam woke up screaming from a dead sleep at about 11pm.  He had apparently acquired swimmers ear and was in dire pain for a good couple hours. I tried to console him back to sleep, rocking him, rubbing his head, but the second he would fall back asleep he was awake within seconds crying again from the pain.  I was left to head out into town at 1am to get some ear drops and pain medicine.

I was pooped.

My Friday started just before 5am and I didn't get settled into bed for sleep until 2am.  

It didn't matter though cause I knew I got to wake up to another day full of sun, warmth, and family.

A Week of Winter Woes and Influenza... and a little bit of talk about a giveaway.

How was your Holiday weekend?

(If you're wondering I'm referring to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday... I'm just really slow at this)

It's always nice to have those long weekends, especially if they follow a week that you were so eager to have end for whatever the reason... My reason, none other than looking forward to having time to catch up on house work that piled up when I was sick.  

Yeah, that didn't happen.

Sam came down with something that hit full force Saturday night.  

By full force I mean woke up in a hallucination panic as a result of a 104 point something fever that had shown no signs prior to putting him to bed that night.  He remained miserable with a very stubbornly high fever for several days following.  

My weekend off turned into a weekend full of fulfilling my nursing duties as a mother.  Administering medications every three hours around the clock, and of course left with clean up duty from those cough so hard you puke moments.  Yes, momentS... several of them.  All the while feeling helpless because I just couldn't make him feel better and I just couldn't get that darn fever under control.

We hit the doctors come Monday after he had no signs of improvement.  They swabbed him for influenza and though we have yet to receive test results back I'm willing to bet he was positive.  Of course the doctors these days can't really tell you exactly what is going on, it's more of a guessing game.   This time around our guessing game consisted of multiple antibiotics and upwards of $60 in hard earned cash.  At the very least one thing was made certain....

Sam had "an unknown object" lodged deep into his left ear that would require removal from an ENT (specialist) on a later date.  

Great... JUST GREAT! 

On the up side... I did fit in a little bit of fun time too.  

Saturday morning I ventured out with Brenna, as Bill and Sam took off for the motorcycle store (pre-illness mind you), for a little girl bonding and shopping.  We pick up my lil' sis Skylar on our way too.  It was a good day, though I failed to find what I was looking for.  In case you're wondering that would be pants that fit my chicken legs, flat butt, and wide hips without leaving me walking around with a very obvious camel toe.  What's the deal with pants these days?  Don't those designers know that we all don't maintain that high school figure for our entire life?  I mean I have reached the point in life that comfort hold priority over vanity.  I'm just not willing to walk around with my pants snug in all the wrong places, just so some unknown persons can get a nice look at what's meant to be hiding beneath the clothes.

PANTS WEREN'T MEANT TO BE MUNCHED!

Seriously though... am I the only one with this problem?  I sure hope not otherwise I may be forced to seek professional help.

Anyway, though I failed miserably in the shopping department, it was an over all good day because it was time spent with some awesome littles.  

Sunday offered up some more good weekend times as well with time spent with my Mom and siblings in celebration of her Birthday.  She is the most amazing 33 year old I know.  HA!  No joke though, she is an amazing woman and I think she deserves to be celebrated everyday, not just her birthday.  I'm blessed with a beautiful mother and I'm grateful for the sacrifices she has made for  my personal happiness.  I know from experience that as a mother nothing means more than knowing that your children love you and appreciate you.  So Mom, I want you to know just that.  I want you feel that wonderful feeling a mother feels when her child tells her she is loved and appreciated.  You know that feeling when you heart feels like it might burst out of your chest, your cheeks warm, and those happy tears start welling in your eyes...

I love you Mom. 

I appreciate you Mom.

I am grateful you chose to give me life...

And I'm so grateful for you.

Happy 33rd Birthday.

xoxo

(You have that feeling yet?  K. Good.)

Sam and Bill unfortunately missed out on this celebration because of Sam's being sick.  

That was pretty much the extent of my long holiday weekend...

Pretty exciting huh?

Tuesday Bill took the day off to stay home with Sam and play Mommy nurse as best he could with Sam while I went to work.  I had to take Wednesday duty with Sam (yet another doctors appointment to attend to) so we both had to take a day.  We all know how hard it is to go back to school and work after a long weekend.  Preschoolers are no exception.  They were antsy as was I.  It wasn't a terribly rough day, but it was obvious that not a single person who walked through our classroom door was happy to be there.  Those days are just always rough even if there isn't any stand out moments to blame the roughness on.  

Wednesday Sam and I were off to the doctors again...

This time to the ENT to have that unknown object removed from his ear.  Upon arrival it was made known that that unknown object wasn't just secluded to one ear... rather there were now unknown objects to talk about.  One in each ear.  Both deep inside, sitting on his ear drums.  This was NOT a fun experience.  It hurt. He cried.  I had to be strong and sit back as the doctor hurt my baby. Again, NOT FUN!  The ordeal was over quickly and we walked out that door in very minimal time, but not after forking out another $60+ in co-pays and prescriptions along with a scheduled hearing test and follow up visit for next week.  Ugh.  

Thursday brought with it freezing rain.  It was very unwelcome and much unappreciated.  I'm so over winter.  In case you missed it, refer back to my last post HERE. At this point, I just think it is all a very cruel joke.  Ice skating is meant for a rink... NOT the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks thank you very much.  Thursday at work didn't prove to be any easier than Tuesday.  I think this is a result of the unforgiving weather we have had here.  Everyone is anxious and board with having to be indoors ALL the time.  The lack of Vitamin D isn't helping things either.  I'm almost certain that every person living in this state is not far from being admitted to psych wards.  We are all going absolutely crazy.  Wonder if we can get  discounts on straight jackets if we order in bulk?  It's a thought. 

Before I go on another long rant about how miserable I am with our Alaskan like weather I'll stop here.  

Thursday also brought with it report cards...

I'm proud.

VERY PROUD.  

Both kids are excelling in school and I am so very pleased.  Sam has begun to read.  Though I'm proud this does make me a little sad to see my baby pick up a book and read it.  Brenna just flies through her work without much effort.  I'm have still yet to see the day that one of my children are faced with a bit of an academic struggle, and  I'm okay with that.  I'd be completely content if I never have to witness that struggle.  I personally had a love/hate relationship with school and Bill just flat out hated it so I am happy to see that my kids love it.  They love to learn and enjoy every moment doing so.

It's Friday.  Thank GOD for Friday.  I went and got coffee alone today.  Had a conversation with a friend that I haven't had much time to chat with. Then went and helped with reading in Sam's class.  Yes, I love teaching so much that I volunteer my time on my day's off.  Nice thing about volunteering my time is that I get to leave when I decide.  Today's volunteer work was short and sweet.  An hour is all, but Sam was happy.  That's what mattered.  We even managed to reach temperatures above freezing today.  Though that 35 degrees didn't last long... I was VERY grateful for that heat wave.  I almost busted out the flip flops!

Right.......

This weekend we have BIG plans.  Because the kids did so well on their report cards they are being rewarded for their hard efforts at school.  Sam and Bill are headed off to the Monster Trucks tomorrow night and Brenna and I are going to go get our creativity on at ColorMeMine.  I am SO excited for the day I have planned for Brenna and I.  A friend of mine did this with her girls and I have been wanting to experience this with Brenna ever since I saw how much fun they had.  I was just waiting for the right time.  No better time than now!  An added benefit of doing this with her tomorrow is that they are hosting a pajama night so now Brenna and I get to go out and buy some matching jammies to wear.  FUN!  

(It also helps that if we come in jammies we get in for a VERY discounted rate... BONUS!)

What will your weekend bring?  Sure hope it's good...

Before I go I must say this...

My sister is having a giveaway over at her blog.  If you love blogging and reading blogs as much as I do this is a giveaway that I'm sure you'll want to get in on.  AND this giveaway will give you something to do while we all continue to hide away from the nasty winter that lingers outside... What better past time than reading? 

She is giving away a book over at her blog this week.  

This book is about blogging... not HOW TO blog, but rather funny stories from the blogging world.  Learn more about these books HERE. Then head on over to my sister's blog HERE to enter to win! 

Happy Weekend everyone!

Tomlin's Go Ice Skating...

New years eve we had passes for the SLCeve event downtown.  This event is basically a huge party with a variety of activities for all ages at various locations downtown.  All within a few blocks of one another.  Tracks runs free downtown that night (may even be every weekend night actually) so you basically hop on and ride from location to location to check it all out.  We stayed close to the Gateway mall the majority of the time as this is where all the kid friendly stuff was taking place.  Unfortunately for us, we weren't really aware that the kid new years countdown ended at 7pm and that the insane amount of people would really limit what the kids could participate in.  Face painting line was a minimum of an hour long... just for some amateurs to paint a firework on their face?  Crazy.  The room with the light bright and glowing mega blocks was so small that the kids (and adults) were feeling very crowded and anxious to get out of there. We did spend a fair amount of time at Discovery Gateway, but even that place was a crazy disaster.  What it boils down to is that by the time 7pm rolled around and the kid stuff fizzled out we were left with two very antsy kids who had yet had their fill of fun for the night.  We decided to check out the movies playing at Clark Planetarium as they were playing about every half hour to 45 min, and they went late into the night.  These movies just so happened to be included in our passes.  Unfortunately for us again, it wasn't made known at the time of purchase that these tickets were limited and that you had to reserve your movie ahead of time. This meant we didn't get to see a movie either.  My mom purchased the tickets and at this point she was very frustrated at the waste of money they were.  All they did for us really was get us into discovery gateway for the kids to drop one plastic ball into the air lifting thing, play in the water with some broken boats, color on a color wheel with some already used paper, and make a party hat with minimal supplies.  Eventually we did venture down to temple square.  We enjoyed an exciting first time ride on the trax train and wandered around enjoying the Christmas light display.  We even were able to catch a little mini-concert as we were warming our toes in one of the buildings there at temple square.  New Years eve really wasn't a total bust.  We enjoyed one another's company very much and in the end it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable experience.  Wasted money aside.  

That night though, what my kids really wanted to do was to go to the Galivan Center and ice skate out on their outdoor rink.  I knew after already having been allowed to do very little with our tickets due to crowd that if we were to attempt the ice skating the kids would just be let down again.  It wasn't worth it to fight the cold (15 degrees mind you) any longer to show up and the rink be at full capacity as I knew it would be.  So instead we wrapped up the night early, headed back to our car on trax, and arrived home just before 11pm with two kids that were already zonked out for the night.  

Because they had to miss out on the ice skating that night I decided that this weekend I would take them to an indoor rink not to far from our house.  I unfortunately woke that morning feeling under the weather, but pushed through and took them anyway.  They didn't know what we were doing, I only informed them I had a surprise.  They spent the morning Saturday trying to guess what their surprise was.  At different points in the morning both kids expressed that they hoped we were going ice skating.  Little did they know they guessed right, but they didn't really think that a mom with a cough would take them to the cold.

We headed out to the ice skating rink, where Grammy and Uncle Bronson were going to meet us.  The kids didn't know they were coming either.  

Upon arriving we were greeted by a huge billboard of a speed skater.  Immediately they knew that we were indeed going ice skating.  While Brenna was jumping up and down in the back seat screaming "THANK YOU MOMMY!" over and over agian, Sam thanked me with a big kiss!

It's good to know your kids appreciate your efforts and there is no better way to express that than with some loves for Mommy.

The kids had so much fun.  Brenna just hopped right on that ice and took off on her own, circling that rink over and over and over again.  Sam remained a bit timid and just couldn't get his balance so I rented him a little walker to assist him and after that he took off just like his sissy.  Eventually he got brave enough, with a little boosted confidence, and ventured out without the walker and did remarkably well.  They both thought that their pre-fall twist, turns, and tumbles were real ice skating tricks and that it was pretty cool they could do tricks without even trying. HA! We spent a good couple hours skating.  Neither of the kids wanted to leave and both suggested that we come back again the next day.  This is definitely a repeat activity for our family, only next time I will insist that Dad join us.

Who else wants to join us?

It was a great weekend.  Today Bill took the kids to the gun show with his Dad (Grandpa T.), while I am stuck in bed with a miserable cough, headache, and itching ears.  The invisible heavyweight that is sitting on my chest is welcome to leave anytime (preferably NOW!)

The start of a new year brings with it the start of some new traditions...

If you missed my post about resolutions...

GO HEAR

Because you will see that these new traditions ARE NOT resolutions.  They are simply my first steps at attempting to achieve some of my goals. 

Goals 4 and 15 to be exact.

I really need to get better with this blogging thing.  I know I've said that a million times over, but I swear I mean it whole heartily every time I have said it.  I don't need to get better at it because I think I have a ton of readers or because I think that the potential for a ton of readers is even there, but rather for myself and my family.  Blogging is a great way of documenting life.  It is so easy to just bypass life's little moments without a second thought, which then results in forgotten memories all together.  In light of all the loss that last year brought to our family (you can read about that here if you missed that post too) I have come to realize that I am SO GUILTY of allowing those special moments and memories pass me by without properly embedding them in my mind.  I don't want to allow any more of those moments pass me by, I don't want to forget another moment of the life I have have been so graciously given, nor do I want my children to even have to forget.  It is my job as their parent to ensure that they have beautiful moments worth remembering and that they have the proper documentation to share those memories with their children and children's children.  

I'm not good at scrap-booking.  I've tried and failed miserably.  Not only that, but it is just a far too tedious way of documenting for my personality.  I don't do well with time consuming, and scrap-booking is EXACTLY that.  

Though it is a great way of beautifully documenting life, It's just not the way for me.  Believe me, sometimes I wish it was because the things you can do with scrap-booking these days is AMAZING.  Don't get me wrong, I do want to have some hard copies of pictures, in books, that we can pull out anytime we want, but I those just need to be quick and easy.  There is a way of doing that now with instagram and all the cool photo printing options that are available now.  I just haven't decided exactly what I want to do quite yet.  

I do love writing.  It is has always been an area of great interest and enjoyment for me.  From a young age I got a high out of writing and the ability to be creative with it.  I may not be all that good at it, but I sure do love it.  This is why blogging has such importance to me.  I feel that I am more capable of painting a good picture of those beautiful moments through writing than I am through scrap-booking. Some may think that writing is a far more time consuming way of documenting than scrap-booking, but believe me if you have ever spent a day with me attempting to be a creative, original, fun, and impressive scrap-booker then you'll know that it's not my forte. I'm not horrible at it, but it literally takes me like 8 hours to create like 4 pages.  I just don't have that kind of time.  HA!

Not sure how this post turned into a whole book on trying to justify why I want to get better at blogging, but I'll get back on track now.

This post touches on two goals.

Documenting/Blogging and recording more home videos.  This also kind of touches a bit on my desire to create some form of memory books as well.  This year I decided that I wanted to start recording my kids at the beginning of each new year.  Interview style.  Me behind the camera asking them questions.  Things about themselves that are likely to change throughout the years.  Questions that will highlight their personalities at that particular time.  After recording that first video I decided it would be a good idea to add a few pictures to the video that highlight some important moments of the past year.  Granted there isn't the ability to tell the story behind every picture, but at the very least you can see the changes that occur in them over those 12 months.  These videos can then be shared via social networking with family and friends and can also be put on DVD and slipped inside a memory book for myself and the kids to enjoy for years to come.  

Please forgive me for the poor quality of these videos.  First off my camera really isn't made for video making and secondly it's my first attempt at ever using video editing software.  Maybe I ought to add a video making/editing class to my 2013 Goals?  

Anyway, without further ado, I present to you

"Remembering 2012~Brenna and Sam"
(warning: they are kind of lengthy, sorry)

Welcoming a New Year... DREAM BIG IN 2013

I'm not one to really celebrate the coming of a new year, 

Nor am I one to set new years resolutions.  

I feel that with every resolution comes a failure... I mean really how many people out there make a resolution and actually stick to it?  I can only speak for myself, but in the years that I did attempt to make a new years resolution I NEVER STUCK WITH IT! Alas, I opted to not make them ever again.

 The coming of 

2013

is different for me.  I'm not going against my original plan to not make resolutions, but I feel that this year brings with it SO much opportunity for great things to happen in my world so I have decided to set some goals instead.  

Goals I can handle, it's not a resolution, it's simply something to work toward without the HAVE TO ACHIEVE attached to it.

Get what I'm saying?

My goals are as follows:

and in no particular order 

(it looks a bit overwhelming to me, but I know it's possible)

1. Exercise/Get Fit/Get Healthy

2. Continue on my spiritual journey

3. Photo-A-Day for the ENTIRE YEAR

4. Get better at blogging/documenting our life

5. Start photo books/memory books

6. Start a personal journal

7. Start Mama and Me journals (writing letters back and forth between the kids and I)

8. Buy a new camera

9. Take my little family to NY to meet my family

10. Disneyland

11. Get back in school (my break is long over)

12. Paint/re-decorate my bedroom.

13. Buy a DSLR

14. Take a photography class

15. Take more home videos

16. Post a life as I remember posts to my blog twice a month

17. Visit Shauna in Island Park (see Yellowstone while there)

18. Volunteer as a family for a good cause

19.  Go on dates with my husband

20. Get up to 10,000 all time views on my blog
21. Get over my fear of guns
22. Obtain a concealed weapons permit
23. Put together a designated "work" area for myself in my house instead of just my bedside.

This list, because it is just goals, is subject to change. 

I don't feel that I necessarily have to achieve all these goals in this next year, but I want to commit to at least take necessary steps to get closer to achieving them. 

Am I going to beat myself up if I don't cross all these off my list in 2013?  No.  It really is a lot to achieve and one person can only do so much.  

AND

I think I'll hold off on the exercise thing for another couple months until all those resolution people fall off the get fit bandwagon making more room for myself to use the equipment at the local Rec Center.

I'm mean I know, but I just don't like crowds too much. 

 On another note, 2013 is also the year that I say goodbye to my 20's.  I am officially pushing 30, but I am happy to say that I'm not trying to push it away.  It's happening, whether I like it or not so rather than dread it, I will embrace it.  My 20's have been full of some of the highest highs and lowest lows... I'm looking forward to the balance that 30 brings.  I'm more secure in my own skin, My marriage has worked out majority of the major kinks, My kids are becoming more independent, and we have worked really hard to become more financially secure.  This said, my 30's look very bright and inviting.  I'm excited to welcome this new chapter of my life.

You know what they say, "Thirty and Thriving..."

That's exactly how I see it too.

Tonight my little family will head downtown SLC for the EVE celebration to experience something new, to celebrate the exciting things to come, and welcome a new year full of love, fun, excitement, and success. 

What will your new year bring?  How are you celebrating? 

Let me know here!

I encourage everyone to set some goals for yourself and work hard in the coming year to achieve them.  

“The future belongs to those who believe in

 the beauty of their dreams.”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

DREAM BIG IN 2013!

Loss, Tragedy and Life Lessons...

It seems that with every tragedy a valuable life lesson is soon revealed.... 

For some reason death has been lurking around every single corner I seem to turn these past two months.  Just as I begin to think, "this has to be it...." I am proven wrong with yet another heartbreaking loss.  Some of the loss is not so directly related to us, such as the recent death of my younger brother's grandfather (on his dad's side) and the most recent loss (as of Wednesday) of a dear friend to my mother, but even that kind of loss makes your heart ache just a little because you have to witness the hurt and sadness of people you love dearly. Your heart hurts for those hurting.  Then there is the loss of those that age has finally taken it's toll and the circle of life here on earth comes to an end.   Such as with the recent passing of my Great-Grandmother and Great Aunt (both within less than two weeks of one another).  Though they lived a long, wonderful life your heart aches just a little because their presence will be no more, they will no longer be where you are so used to them being.  Then there are those losses that you have been able to prepare yourself for.  Such as in the recent passing of our dear friend John (read about that here in case you missed it).  Loss like this, though it was expected and there was time to prepare, the ache in your heart is a little bit more painful and requires some time for healing.  There was still life left to be lived, memories to be made, but our maker had different plans.  The time that was given to prepare was greatly appreciated, but in all honesty how much can one really prepare for a loss?  For a loss of a friend that has touched your life as much as he did in the short time you knew him?  It's hard and it hurts, but you press forward.  I can say that through all of these losses this past couple months I have been waiting for that one thing I am suppose to learn through it all... in hopes that with that lesson the death will lay off for a little while.  With each of these losses I gained a greater appreciation for my family, my friends, my life, and every single person in it.  I have gained a greater appreciation for the moments that so quickly pass us by, trying very hard to take in each of those moments with greater care.  Trying very hard not to take life and those in it for granted.  I thought these were the things I was meant to take with me through life by way of such a quantity in loss... I'm grateful for this heightened sense of appreciation in my life.

BUT THEN....

Tragedy strikes.  What I mean by tragedy is the loss of not one, but two individuals that are far to young and that came so very unexpectedly.  Not only is the fact that lives were lost so young a tragedy in and of itself, but add a beautiful wife and two adorable children to the mix... a young new family left behind by the one they call a husband and a father.  It's tragic.  One that makes the hearts of even strangers ache.  I'm sure that many have heard about and read about the two duck hunters gone missing in the Great Salt Lake that  unfortunately didn't make it home to their families alive.  In case you haven't, google it.  There are stories everywhere regarding this tragedy (Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, and Here just to name a few).  Now this particular tragedy hits far too close to home with us.  You know those people in your life that though they aren't exactly family, you have grown to love them as such anyway.  Those people that aren't exactly family, but they have been around long enough to see you through several mile stones, to see you through good times and even bad times making the bond with those people even greater and tighter.  Those people in your life that were there to witness more than just a few of life's greatest and most dear moments.  Well the Hardman family has been those people for Bill for nearly all his life and have been those people for me for the past 13 years.  Not only were they around to be a great support to me through Bill's deployment, they were there in support of one of our greatest commitments in life; our wedding.  Not just there to support us, but participate in the event as well.  One Hardman as the best man and another performing the ceremony, along with others in the family cheering us on from their seats.  They were there with welcoming arms as we brought our little ones into the world, taking them on as their own grandchildren, nieces/nephews, cousins.  They have been there through some of the roughest patches in our lives cheering us on every step of the way.  Not only have they watched us grow and change, we have been able to witness these same milestones in their lives as well.  Weddings, babies, graduations, missions... you name it, we've been lucky enough to be a part of their world as well.

 They have been great friends and even better family.  We love them to our core and to have this tragedy strike their family was a huge loss for our family as well.  

There are a few memories of Logan that I wanted to share.  I can pretty much sum up these memories in a few short words and everyone who knows him will know exactly what I am talking about... Quiet, Afro, Hammock, MRE's, and Smile.

Who knows what I am referring to in these words?  

If you don't, let me explain. When I entered into the family Bill had to reassure me more than once that Logan didn't not like me... he was just quiet.  Something I learned to enjoy about Logan because his quiet nature meant that when he did speak, what he had to say was worth hearing.  I got to bear witness to the afro phase in Logan's life.  I can attest to the fact that I have never seen, nor do I think I will ever again see a white kid with such a kick ass afro.  I personally liked his afro hair... It had character, personality.  It was awesome, though some may disagree.  I recall a time having walked into Logan's bedroom for some reason or another and seeing his hammock, which replaced his bed.  Funny thing is this didn't strike me as odd as it would others, it was just Logan.  That doesn't mean that it didn't make me laugh... Only Logan.  I'm not quite certain how long that hammock remained in place of his bed, but I think it was awhile. I remember the first time Bill gathered up some MRE's (Meal Ready to Eat) to take over to Logan.  Now that I thought was odd... who would eat an MRE because the WANT to, not because the have to?  I'll tell you who, Logan.  Has anyone ever eaten one of those?  My personal opinion is they are quite.... interesting??? (for lack of a better word).  Just add water to everything... including meat.  Yeah, no thanks.  Logan enjoyed them though and Bill was more than willing to share them with him.  Last, but not least, Logan had one of the MOST contagious smiles I have ever seen.  One that I know for fact got him out of trouble more than once.  Probably more than a few dozen times actually.  With a smile like his you could get away with most anything.  That smile won over the hearts of many I'm sure. These are just some of the things I learned about Logan in the years I have known the Hardman family.  Things that stand out in the last 13 years.    

Now, back to where I was headed with this post... Life lessons.  

This tragic loss of Logan and his friend Chad was not just a loss for their families and friends, these losses were felt by an entire community.  The impact these losses have had on the community I live in has been very overwhelming to see.  Everywhere you turn someone is somehow connected to one of the two families and everyone wants to know how, why.   Everyone is struggling with the why.... It's overwhelming.  One thing is for certain, only God knows why.  This is where my great life lesson comes in.  GOD.  As I have sat back and watched the aftermath of these tragedies unfold there has been one major stand out thing surrounding it all, the strength in the Hardman family.  In all the years I have known them I have never really paid much attention to the tight bonds and the power behind this family.  I knew that they had touched many lives, mine being one of them, but I never realized the magnitude of those who also loved this family as I do, as we do.  The outpouring of love, kindness, and concern for this amazing family is nothing short of amazing.  I couldn't think of a family more deserving either.  For days after the tragedy occured I sat back in awe of just how amazing the Hardman family was handling their loss and of just how strong they all were.  I found myself envying the family they have and the bonds they share.  I found myself wondering what it is that they have done in their lives to create such a tight nit family unit, one that doesn't break even in the most darkest of days.  Don't get me wrong, I have an amazing family, family I wouldn't trade for the world. Between both Bill and myself, we are blessed with some amazing people as family, but I have never (not even in our families) seen a family with such bonds as the Hardman's have.  I began to not be just in wonder of what it is that makes them so tight of a family, but rather needing to know.  I want this same bond in my life with my family.  I want my children to love one another with the same depth as this family loves one another.  I want to be as close with my mom, dad, brothers, and sisters as the Hardman's are with each other.  I want the same in Bill's family.  As I sat there in the funeral service for Logan it hit me like a ton of bricks.  The bond that holds this family together is God.  This family has been given a solid spiritual foundation to build their lives upon.  Whether their faith be one that I or anyone else agrees or disagrees with, that doesn't matter.  What matters is they have been given that foundation.  Through their spiritual beliefs they have bonded.  They know what it means to be a family.  They rely on one another.  They love unconditionally.  

Do I think that every family needs to have some kind of faith or spirituality to be as this family is?  No.  To each their own.  What I do know is that I have learned that for my little family this is what is lacking.  This tragedy enlightened me on my personal need to teach my children some sort of spirituality.  Do we pray?  Yes.  Do we believe in God? Yes.  Do we believe in life after death? Yes.  This is the most we have ever taught our children.  I know that this alone will not be enough to sustain a solid foundation though.  I need more than this and so do my children.  In the few days following the funeral, faith and spirituality have really been weighing heavy on my mind.  I am not yet confident in teaching my children how to be spiritual or to show them the way to finding their own faith because I am still so unsure in what I believe, but there is only one place to start... I need to explore this side of myself.  Not too long ago I felt that I was making headway in my beliefs through reading the bible and studying different beliefs, but all that came to a halt when that ever so dreaded confusion set it.  So I stopped searching for answers and knowledge.  I have learned that I can't do that anymore because my kids deserve to have the most solid foundation for life that Bill and I can provide them...  spirituality and faith needs to be a part of that.  

It seems that with every tragedy a valuable life lesson is soon revealed... What is mine you ask?

I need to find God.  I need to find faith.  I need to find spirituality.

I have Logan and the Hardman's to thank for this.   

The dust is proof enough of how long it's been since I picked this book up.

Tonight I dug out my bible... wiped off the dust and opened it to where I last placed my book mark.  In my whole bible there is only one verse highlighted and it read....

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the other, so that you do not do what you want."

Funny this is all that is highlighted in my bible... seems I have been been stuck in this battle of the contrary for quite some time now.

The verse on the front of my bible reads...

"Trust the Lord with all your Heart..."  

Maybe I've been stuck in the contrary because I haven't found out how to come by that trust it speaks of right on the front.  Here's to letting go of fear and committing to figuring this all out. 

To the Hardman Family:
I want you guys to know that though I know that my personal lessons through all this really isn't likely to be much comfort to you, through your love and example in this tragic time I have learned so much about what I need in my own life.  I have been made more aware of changes I need to make in myself in order to sustain a life with meaning, a life in which my children will thrive.  I have been given a great example of the family I hope to raise.  I look up to you all and hope that my family can one day set the example for others as you have set for us.  I am grateful for the continued presence you have all had in my life.  I am grateful to have grown to know you all and love you all.  Thank you for letting me and my family be a part of yours. 

To Everyone Else:
If you are wondering how you can go about helping this amazing family, donations can be made in Logan Hardman's name at any Zions Bank location.  His wife, children, and family have a long road of emotional healing ahead of them and it is unfortunate that they will be left with some financial burdens as well.  Every little bit helps, so if you can, I encourage you to donate.  Knowing this family personally I can assure you that no amount will go unappreciated.    

Logan and his Sweet Family.

Also there is a fundraiser being held for Logan's family this coming Saturday, Dec. 1st.  Details below.  

A sincere Thank You to you all.