Merry Christmas indeed!

Christmas was merry in every sense of the word! (The Silly One even took a nap!) It was great to see him all excited to see what Santa brought but I loved going to church. We went to my parent's ward because my sister was playing her violin and did a beautiful job! I had been thinking about how several people had told me they weren't going to church or complaining about having to go on Christmas day. My thoughts on the subject that it was a great opportunity to go to church, to celebrate the whole reason we have Christmas. To worship and give thanks to your Father in Heaven for the gift he gave all of us in His Son. Above is my favorite picture from the whole day, me and my boys after church. 

Silent Night, Holy Night - Dec. 24

Just as I have mentioned a lot about food I have also mentioned traditions a fair amount. My very favorite is the Christmas Eve program my extended family has done since I can remember. We have a little talent show where everyone takes turns performing Christmas songs. My grandparents would tell stories about Christmases in their lives and include their testimonies of Jesus Christ. We do act out the nativity as my mom reads the account from Luke 2. After the nativity we sing Silent Night and then kneel in family prayer. As I have gotten older I look forward to singing Silent Night most of all. The spirit and reason we celebrate Christmas is so wonderful during those few musical moments, it is wonderful!

Joesph, Mary, Baby Jesus (the Silly One two years  ago - his first Christmas) and the donkey

Sugar Cookies - Dec. 23

I have written several times about food and really this a great time of year for it. My mom makes several types of cookies and treats each year including sugar cookies. One year we had a gazillion cookies and it took forever to frost them all, that was an experience off a lifetime and I wasn't even the one who added 16 cups of flour.  There are so many good ones but I think my favorite are the chocolate almond balls. My mother-in-law also makes sugar cookies and so we decided to make some to leave Santa. We still need to frost them but it is fun to do another tradition from our childhood with our children. 

Hot Chocolate - Dec. 22

I love chocolate and that includes hot chocolate. We tried to go see the lights at Thanksgiving Point with some of my family, it was a 45 minute wait to just get in to see the lights. We decided to go on a drive ourselves and look at lights. It was nice to drive around and afterward we came home and had hot chocolate and watched some basketball. It was an enjoyable evening even if it didn't work out the way we planned. I credit the hot chocolate, Raspberry Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate flavors. 

It's a Wonderful Life - Dec. 21

I was wrapping presents tonight and watching It's a Wonderful Life. I love that movie! I always feel so uplifted at the end. It is a great lesson in not feeling sorry for yourself and looking at the wonderful blessings we have been given. One of those blessing are people that care about you, look around and you will see them. 

"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends."

Caroling - Dec. 20

We got some carolers at our house tonight, it was great. I think caroling is kind of strange when you think about it but nice as well. I have tried to convince the Smart One we should sing a song when we take people gifts this time of year but he doesn't really go for that and I end up singing a solo. He told me to teach the kids to sing and then he can just stand in the background. We'll work on that and I'll keep singing in the meantime. 

Nutcracker - Dec. 19

I remember my mom listening to the music from The Nutcracker during the holidays and enjoying it. Tonight I took the Silly One to see The Nutcracker, my niece was one of the Chinese cookies in it. At first he loved it and just watched the dancers mesmerized. He did get bored at parts but he did quite well I thought. It is fun to share different things with our kids for the holidays. I always enjoy beautiful music and great dancing. 

Service - Dec. 18

When missionaries leave for their missions they are given an opportunity to speak in church. My cousin had his talk in church today. He did a great job and got me thinking about service. That is exactly what he and all missionaries will be doing for 2 years. And what better example of a life of service than that of our Savior. In Matthew 25:40 he said, "[. . .] Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." We have a great responsibility to help those around us and help and serve the Savior.

Yummy Treats - Dec. 17

'Tis the season to eat! We love good food around here especially this time of year. Here is a recipe that I think will become a holiday favorite, I found it and made it for the first time this year. It originated from allrecipes.com but here is my version with my notes:

Saltine Toffee Cookies
Ingredients:
4 oz. saltine crackers (about one sleeve)
1 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, candy pieces, etc.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Then place crackers in a single layer very close together, sides touching, on the cookie sheet.
3. In a saucepan start melting the butter and add in the sugar. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Immediately pour over saltines and spread as needed to cover crackers completely.
4. Baket at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate and top with optional topping. Cool completely and break into pieces.

Stockings - Dec. 16

A lot about holidays that make them special are traditions, at least I think so. One of the traditions my in-laws have are their stockings. They made stockings for each of their children and when I joined the family they made on for me. They have done that with the other in-laws that have come into the family and this year they decided to do the grand-kids. So my little guys got to see their's today as we continue the stocking tradition.

A Christmas Carol - Dec. 15

For several years I have tried to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens during this time of year. I am reading it right now and love it. (Only 10 days left!) There is good in everyone, something to always remember. God bless us, everyone!

I'll Be Home For Christmas - Dec. 14

Today was the last day of class and it reminded me of one of my favorite Christmas memories. I was a freshman coming home from college for the holidays. I had one of my roommates with me as she wasn't flying home until a few days later and she was staying at my home until then. Several things went wrong and it seemed to take FOREVER to get home. It had been a long hard semester as I am sure all freshman experience when starting college. We rode a shuttle for 4 hours to the airport where my dad met us. Just when I felt so close my roommate lost some of her luggage and we had to deal with the lost and found at the airport. :\ After what seemed like a couple of hours delay we finally came close to being home. We turned onto my parent's street and the Christmas lights were on and soon we drove in front of the house and I saw my mom's old fashioned Christmas tree in the living room window. It was the most beautiful tree! And really it could have looked just like it does every year but there was something special about it this time. Tears came to my eyes as I thought, "I'm home, I am finally home for Christmas." 

I realized then more than ever that there is no place like home for Christmas.

Peace and rest at length have come,
All the day's long toil is past;
And each heart is whispering,
'Home, Home at last!'
- Thomas Hood

You Better Watch Out - Dec. 13

Today I started teaching the Silly One "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." It is adorable to hear him sing it. I loved to sing as a child and it looks like he enjoys it as well.
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

Wrapping Presents - Dec. 12

I am not sure why but I have always loved wrapping presents particularly at Christmas time. To me there is always something fulfilling about putting pretty paper and beautiful ribbon on a package to make it beautiful. it is even better while watching a good Christmas flick.

Better Self - Dec. 11

Working on improving myself is a continual process, not just at the beginning of the New Year with resolutions. I taught Young Women's and this was my favorite quote from the lesson. I made it into a simple bookmark for the girls.

“Yes, give me a young woman who loves home and family, who reads and ponders the scriptures daily, who has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. Give me a young woman who faithfully attends her church meetings, who is a seminary graduate, who has earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award and wears it with pride! Give me a young woman who is virtuous and who has maintained her personal purity, who will not settle for less than a temple marriage, and I will give you a young woman who will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity.[. . .]

“Live up to your divine potential. Remember who you are and the divine heritage that is yours—you are literally the royal daughters of our Father in Heaven. O ‘youth of the noble birthright,’ with all my heart I say, ‘Carry on, carry on, carry on!’ (Hymns, 1985, no. 255).” [Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Young Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 81–85]

Ward Christmas Party - Dec. 10

Our Ward Christmas party was Saturday morning and it was a breakfast. I loved it! It was simple and great. We ate and they did a little program where we were split into 5 small groups and we listened to a couple of people talk about the symbols of Christmas. Wiseman - gifts, Joseph - tree, Shepherd - candy cane, Mary - wreath, Angel - star. Afterward we even had a visit from Santa. It is always nice to have those sweet reminders of the reason for the season and nice to have kids hear it as well. 

Live Nativity - Dec. 9

It has been a crazy week so I am playing catch up. I won't go into the boring details so here we go with my Christmas Cheer. I had pictures taken of the boys and we got the baby laughing. I just love this little guy, it is amazing how they are so lovable.

Tuesday night we went to a live nativity with the Young Women. It was a great experience! As I saw the baby Jesus and Mary I thought about my own baby and how precious he is. I then thought about how the tiny baby Jesus made such an impact on the world. He started out like all of us and truly we can all make a difference in our own way as we follow Him. 

Date Night - Dec. 8

We haven't been on a date in awhile. We started to go out a little more not long before the Small One was born. But tonight we are going to a cooking class so it will just be a short date but still some time for us! I got a deal for it awhile ago and we were actually going to use it the week the baby was born so it obviously just postponed. It is a Christmas class, making a Holiday Caprese Salad & Orange Cinnamon Peanut Brittle . Here's to yummy holiday food and some time with the Smart One!

Merry and Bright - Dec. 7

Seems like I have been doing a lot of reminiscing about past Christmases for my little Christmas cheer/good that I am doing. But I then I came across this quote a few weeks ago and perhaps that is why I love Christmas, because of the wonderful memories. 

"I find it is obvious that the Christmases I remember best, the Christmases which touched my heart the most, are Christmases filled with love and giving and the Spirit of the Savior. [. . .] Bringing the Christmas spirit into our hearts and homes takes conscious effort and planning but can surely be accomplished." - Thomas S. Monson

So to continue on that vein, last night I was driving home from the business college and the lights were on downtown. I love Christmas lights and especially the lights downtown! I remember being in Salt Lake one time with my mom during the day at Christmastime and asking to drive down Main Street because they would put up beautiful Christmas decorations. They even did that in the neighboring city to where we lived. Most cities don't do that anymore, something dumb about obstructing views of the traffic lights. But seriously, I loved how beautiful it was. I worked downtown for a couple of years and it was great to walk down the streets in the early evening when the lights would come on. Anyway there is my joy for the day, Christmas lights. 

The Pocket - Dec. 6

I have always loved and enjoyed Christmas and I remember when I became an adult people with children telling me that Christmas was better with kids of your own. I didn't believe them, but I think I finally see what they were talking about. The Silly One is grasping the concept of Christmas and is quite excited. One tradition we had when I was growing up was an advent calendar. It looked like this:

A few years ago, one of my sisters came up with idea that we all make one like the original and we did. I made my husband do it with me when we were first married and until we had kids. (He didn't get as excited about it as I do.) This year it has been fun to watch the Silly One open the pocket. We always called it "the pocket" and would have to figure out whose turn it was to "open the pocket".  This morning I mentioned opening the pocket and the response was, "Yay! The pocket!" At that moment I was so happy that my son was so excited about something small, something I used to look forward to. Here's to many more years of opening the pocket!

Christmas Tree - Dec. 5

Last night for Family Home Evening we finished decorating our Christmas tree. (It only took me a week to get everything up, it is much harder with two little people!). The Silly One loves to help and I admit it is hard to let him put the ornaments where he wants them. I like things more asymmetrical, I think it is more pleasing to the eye and he likes things lined up and organized. But I think it is cute and for now this is how they will stay. :)

First Presidency Christmas Devotional - Dec. 4

Ever since I was a little kid I have always loved the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. It was a highlight of the season even then. It was last night and it was wonderful. True, children can disrupt things and that is why I am grateful to be able to listen to their words again here. Another bit of Christmas Cheer? Here is the link to the new Bible videos, these are going to be great for family home evenings!

Gratitude - Dec. 3

This morning in our Young Women presidency meeting the thought was from this month's Ensign on The Choice to be Grateful from Pres. Eyring. At the end there is a gratitude challenge:

Write down 100 things are you grateful for -

1. 1. 
   Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2. 2. 
   Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3. 3. 
   Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4. 4. 
   Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5. 5. 
   Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6. 6. 
   Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7. 7. 
   Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8. 8. 
   Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9. 9. 
   Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10. 10. 
    Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for. 

I am working on this and may share it as a google document. When you think of all the blessings you have it is hard to have a bad attitude about anything. 

Christmas Music - Dec. 2

I love Christmas music and have been listening to it since Halloween. (It is just too beautiful to wait.) I think this is my favorite song, and I think Sissel has the most beautiful version. I was at the concert and it was my favorite. 

The music is beautiful and so are the words:

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him; give my heart. 

What is your favorite Christmas song?

Little Conversation - Dec. 1

Today's Christmas good came from a little conversation I had with my son. I mustered up the courage to go to Walmart with two kids, I have been very weary doing this. It wasn't too bad, thanks to the Silly One being more cooperative than usual. Anyway the wind was blowing like crazy and so I luckily had parked next to the cart return. I put the kids in the car and then loaded the groceries in the trunk. As I was returning the cart another woman started talking to me about the wind and how we couldn't see anything. It was just a friendly conversation and we went our separate ways. I went to buckle up the Silly One and this is what followed:
Silly One: Mom, who you talk to?
Me: Just a nice lady
Silly One: Your friend?
Me: Just a friendly lady, I had never seen her before.
Silly One: Oh. My friend is at work.
Me: Who is your friend?
Silly One: My dad.

I thought that was so sweet. Sometimes we treat our friends better than our family and to the little guy they are one in the same. I need to be more like him.

Christmas Cheer!

'Tis the Season to be jolly right? I love this time of year and sometimes we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything. I purposely tried to do a lot of my shopping before the baby was born. I did a good job and don't feel too stressed or anything with the few things I still have to do. Anyway to celebrate this time of year I am going to post some good each day. You know like the 12 days of Christmas but my goal is to do it each day this month. Here goes nothing.

Great Things in Small Packages

I am still amazed at how our lives and family changed for the better 3 weeks ago. What a blessing to have a new little one and have the opportunity to raise him. We love our boys! 

I'm a Mormon

I created my profile on mormon.org not long before our precious baby was born. I felt the need to do so after there was some recent criticism about the LDS church and us not being Christians. I consider anyone who is kind to others and tries to do good a Christian. (I know I must be crazy!) I just felt that maybe my one voice might help someone understand what we are all about. Feel free to check out my profile and if you are a Mormon too, I encourage you to create a profile as well. You never know the influence you can have for good in someone's life. 

I'm a Mormon

Socks

I was getting ready this morning when a little someone got into the sock-drawer, I have a bit of an issue with boring socks. He did pick out some good ones I have to say. He was quite proud of himself.

Good in College Athletics

It is hard to find something "good" to talk about when it comes to college athletics. I love college sports and would prefer to watch them over professional games almost always. ESPN published this story about Brandon Davies returning to BYU to play basketball this upcoming season. It was refreshing to see that someone outside the world of BYU seeing the good that comes from living up to commitments a person makes, no matter how hard the consequences might be. Amazing, truly amazing. The writer also talks about how BYU fans could have treated Davies after it all and how they showed care and compassion. I remember hearing the news and being frustrated and then taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. The last game of the season BYU has won the conference championship and each player and coach took a turn in cutting down the net. It was quite the sight to see as after all the players had gone they gave Brandon a chance and as he started climbing the ladder the crowd cheered about as loud as they had for Jimmer and Jackson. That was a great experience to witness. Enough of my ramblings, it is just nice to see good and others recognizing it as well. 

"If you demand more from people, people will rise to meet the higher standards. You can get what you insist upon. So don't sell people's capacity to do the right thing short. People do summon their best selves when it's required of them."

-Arthur Ashe

Raawr!

It has been a rough couple of days; what with falls, doctors, throw up, etc. Anyway there was a wonderful highlight to my day, the way it started. I haven't been sleeping well lately but that is life at times. I woke up to the sound of a small growl, like a dinosaur. Actually around here that sound is the sound of not only a dinosaur but a cougar, lion, shark, tiger and others I am sure. But that little growl was coming from my son who was standing right next to my head. Not sure what inspired that method to wake me up but it sure brought a smile to my face. 

15 Ideas for Summer

I teach at LDS Business College, it is a wonderful blessing in my life to be part of that organization. Below is one of those reasons, the opportunity to be uplifted and better myself. 

This is just a personal note for me, but the one that stood out to me was to "Live after the 'manner of happiness.'" (See 2 Nephi 5:6-10) I need to focus more on those things that really matter and not the insignificant tiny details I tend to get caught up in. Anyway I hope someone else was uplifted by this as I was. 

Trip to Upstate New York - May 2011

My whole family went to upstate New York to see my oldest brother graduate from the University of Rochester with his PhD, yeah he is pretty smart. We had a wonderful time and were able to make incredible memories together!

The whole family in the Sacred Grove

With our 'Brother, the Doctor'!

Palmyra Temple

Sacred Grove

Sacred Grove

Emma and Mr. Knightly tree

I took so many pictures these is really a mere very small sample. 

Proud to be an American

I love America, I love being an American and I am proud to be one. Unlike many it seems, I have always been proud to be an American and I doubt a day will come when I am not. Words cannot express how I feel about this country, how grateful I am for the many sacrifices that have been made by many men and women for this blessed land we live in. I saw this video this morning and really like it so I'll share. 

‎"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Creamy Lasagna Roll-Ups Florentine

9 lasagna noodles
15 oz. ricotta cheese
10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
17 oz. jar Alfredo Pasta Sauce (or two sauce packets)
paprika or chopped parsley

Cook lasagna as package directs; drain. In a medium bowl combine ricotta, spinach, mozarella, parmesan and egg. Spread about 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture on each lasagna strip; roll up. Pour 1/2 cup alfredo sauce into bottom of 2-quart rectangular baking dish; top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees or until hot. Sprinkle with paprika or parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 9

My notes: I usually use the sauce packets you can get at the store to make your own sauce. Also I have done this with a mix of half alfredo and have marinara sauce or a rose sauce.

This is always a big hit at our house!

Meal Ideas

Do you ever not blog because you feel like you have to much to do to catch up with all that you wanted to blog about? Yeah that is me right about now. Oh well. I will just do what I can and try to make it work. I know when I posted the menu board there were some requests for meal ideas that I used so here goes. I just used google docs to upload the document I printed the meals from. Anyway after the first month of using the menu board I need to make some adjustments, like spaghetti needs to be on there more than once a month. :) Anyway there is the start.
Speaking of menu planning, I recently read this blog post on freezer meals and it got me motivated to start doing some of these things.

Updates Coming

It has been awhile and that is because we have been really busy and traveling a bit. I have several posts I want to do, I have seen a lot of good recently. I am still going to do a follow-up with menu ideas because there were a couple of comments on that. Anyway more to follow, hopefully in the next few days. 

Menu Board

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to continue organizing my home. So I find good in accomplishing goals and organizing things. :) This is my recent project, a Menu Board. My friend motivated me to do this project and we actually worked on it together. This is where the idea originated. If you want instructions, look at that post.  

I did a background paper on both sides of the metal so I can change it if I get sick of looking at it. Amy got the calendar sheets from Oriental Trading and we made little magnets for each recipe. I also included eating out and being out of town. 

Plenty of meals to choose from and extras for future favorite meals.

Ready to use for May, well I stuck on there a start to get used to planning it all.  I used a scrapbook 12x12 frame that can actually expand the depth so I put the meals and month on the board and then put it in the frame. I figure that way the meals don't get lost and little people don't run away with them. 

Anyway, I am excited and hopefully this helps with meal planning. 

Little Moments

Last night I was thinking about how my son it growing up so fast. And there are times when having a young child can be frustrating beyond belief but I started thinking about some of the cute and sweet things he has done recently. Remembering those are worth the frustrating moments. The sweet moments are what I need to hold onto. 

Moment 1: Sunday morning I went in his room to get him and when he saw me he said, "So glad I found a Mommy." I loved it, he was so happy to see me. 

Moment 2: Also on Sunday my shirt was hanging up in the bathroom and he came in and said, "Oh beautiful." Then when I put it on he said the same thing. Now I realize he is just learning new words and how to use them but what a sweet little fellow. This morning I hadn't done my hair (it was just in a pony tail) and he started playing/messing it up and said, "Beautiful hair." At least he knows how to make me smile. 

What little moments do you enjoy? Be sure to not let them pass by. 

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

He lives and because of that we have hope, a reason to live for. I wish you all to feel the peace and love offered by our Savior on this special day. 

Happy Easter!

Day 30

Day 30 of the 30 Day Challenge

Ok, obviously I fail. I totally thought I posted the last day, but I didn't. I guess what with the last few days I haven't gotten as much done around here as I would have liked. But that is ok, we do what we can right? When I first read through this list I knew exactly who I was going to post a picture of for the person I miss most. It was a no brainer. But what with the events of the last week or so I feel I need to show two pictures. 

First is my Grandpa, he died 8 1/2 years ago. He was a wonderful man and I can't wait for the day I get to see him again and speak to him. 

This is my cousin who died last week. Rightfully so, he was named after my Grandpa and really did live up to the name he was given. I miss both of these great men and look forward to seeing them again someday. 

God be with you till we meet again!

Day 29

Day 29 of the 30 Day Challenge

Yeah, this always makes me smile.

The Silly One with some crazy bed head and making a silly face. 

Day 28

Day 28 of the 30 Day Challenge

Today is to show a picture of something I am afraid of. Honestly? I am afraid of the dark, so instead of inserting a picture of complete darkness I am modifying it a little. Life is short and I guess this isn't really a fear but I always want to enjoy life's moments as they come. I want my loved ones to know how much they mean to me. Below is my awesome cousin, and I feel like this is one of those where he is enjoying the moment. 

This picture is how I remember my cousin best, last night he passed away. He and his family have been through a lot, more than I can ever imagine trying to handle, but they did it. They did it with patience and with love. I came across this picture last night as I was going through old pictures and had to laugh to myself because it is just typical of him. He is in a better place and I am sure he is at peace. The best part is knowing that families can be together forever, plain and simple but it makes life worth living. 

Day 27

Day 27 of the 30 Day Challenge

Me with my cute nephews and the Silly One while they were visiting at Christmastime. Thinking of them brings a smile to my face!

Day 26

Day 26 of the 30 Day Challenge

The temple is very important to me and our family. 

Day 25

Day 25 of the 30 Day Challenge

I am a Mother so my days are mostly filled with this little guy. 

Day 24

Day 24 of the 30 Day Challenge

I wish I could change the weather. You know, that it would snow between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Then we could have Spring, Summer and Fall the rest of the year. 

Day 23

Day 23 of 30 Day Challenge

This is an easy one. 

Day 22

Day 22 of the 30 Day Challenge

I wish I was better at being consistent. :/

Day 21

Day 21 of the 30 Day Challenge

So I don't know what it is but I haven't really liked the subject of the last couple of days. I just copied the list when I found it and maybe I should have altered it. :) Ok, so something I wish I could forget, I honestly don't have any real regrets or moments/things I wish I could forget. And if I did, posting a picture on a blog wouldn't be the best way to get over it, am I right?

I got to thinking what I could post today, should it be something totally different and random? I found this video and thought it actually went perfect with what I should have posted. 

Don't we all have moments or mistakes we wish we could erase? The best part is that we can, through the acceptance of Jesus Christ and his Atonement for us. 

Day 20

Day 20 of the 30 Day Challenge

I think this one is kinda dumb, a picture of my night? Really? My night includes eating dinner when my husband comes home, trying to keep my house together and/or not go insane before the Silly One goes to bed, putting him to bed and then trying to get some things accomplished that didn't get done during the day. So instead I have decided to post a picture of something fun we did at night a few weeks ago. We went to see the Ice Castles at Midway.

Day 19

Day 19 of the 30 Day Challenge

My boys make my life complete. 

Day 18

Day 18 of the 30 Day Challenge

My first thought for this day was how do you "show" an insecurity with a picture. Here goes a try. 

I always wonder if I am a good enough mother and then I get moments like this and realize I am doing the best I can. 

Day 17

Day of 17 of the 30 Day Challenge

See the first post from earlier today but really I love BYU sports and basketball has been especially exciting because of many reasons but mainly, Jimmer Fredette. That is right we are totally Jimmer'ed around here and it is great. We are going to enjoy every second we can. 

Day 16

Day 16 of the 30 Day Challenge

Ok, another that I can only narrow down to two:

1. Seeing Michelangelo's Pieta at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Of course seeing the rest of Italy would just be a given. 

2. Machu Picchu in Peru. And of course like Italy, seeing the rest of the country would be a given. 

Day 15

Day 15 of the 30 Day Challenge

There are many things I want to do but I have always wanted to hike into Havasupai. Doesn't it look beautiful? I think so. :)

Oops!

Where did the last three days go? Oh yeah I remember, I've been watching the Madness! Gotta love it baby, this is what it's all about and my Cougars are in the Sweet Sixteen!

Day 14

Day 14 of the 30 Day Challenge

Day 13

Day 13 of the 30 Day Challenge

I love a lot of good books but this is probably still my favorite:

Day 12

Day 12 of the 30 Day Challenge

I love many things and today I think I'll pick nature because the weather has been so beautiful lately. These are some pictures I took last year at the Gardens, I so look forward to that opening in a couple of weeks. 

Day 11

Day 11 of the 30 Day Challenge

I realize this kind of goes against the purpose of the blog, this next one is supposed to be a picture of something I hate. Hate is a strong word and I like to inspire good. So instead of a picture I'll just say this, one of the things I can't stand most in my life is the Utah fight song, yes I am a BYU Cougar, true blue through and through. Click the link if you dare, but I don't recommend it. GO COUGARS!

Day 10

Day 10 of the 30 Day Challenge

This picture always makes my day. :)

Day 9

Day 9 of the 30 Day Challenge

It seems like all the pictures I have of my husband are with my son or me, see what a great guy he is? :) But seriously he has been there for me and was there during a really difficult time in my life, that is a lot of why I married him. I better stop before this turns into one of those Seriously So Blessed moments. :)

Day 8

Day 8 of the 30 Day Challenge

This is my little brother, aka lil' brudder. I thought of a lot of random things I have done in the past with friends, roommates, etc. and none of them compared to the random things I have done with this guy my whole life. Some of things may or may not include:

- Riding on his shoulders while walking away from Temple Square after seeing the Christmas lights.

-Making signs at people on long road trips from the back of our station wagon.

- Playing sweet rolls with all the blankets in the house.

- Picking our noses while riding the sky coaster at Lagoon. 

- Having a contest to see who could get more people to look at them weird because of the looks we were giving them from opposite sides of the car. 

I could keep going. :)

Day 7

Day 7 of the 30 Day Challenge

See fact number 3 on Day 1, see this kind of proves it. I picked out my ring and I love it, this picture doesn't show how beautiful the setting is but I love that it has amethysts in it. Don't I have a wonderful husband? :) This picture is just the engagement ring, the wedding band is a plain gold band next to it, I just don't have a picture handy.