I gotta new attitude...

I love the words to that 1980's song and find them very fittingly with my new hair do!! Thanks, Brittney, I love it!! I love my hair cut every time you do it, but I love this style especially, it was time for a change. I tell ya, when autumn comes, so does lots of other things into my life. Maybe its a mental switch for me, thank goodness for the four seasons of the year, even if the desert isn't as grand as other places.

I can do my hair in seriously 8 minutes, blowdry and all!! LOVE IT!!


Maddox is flashing his sweetness into the camera lens...

I ADORE this very cheesy smile of his, and I'm glad I could capture it with my camera that has this horrible delay on it...time for a new camera!

I was watching Bryanna play with her doll, and mentioned to her what a good Mommy she was being. And she said, "I'm not a MOMMY, I'm a CINDERELLY MOMMA!" As she is wearing her "blue dress" with admiration and confidence. Some kids need help with their self-esteem (I still think I need help), but hers came built-in! I'm wowed by her capacities sometimes.

Clean Slate

As you go through life, changes are sometimes needed. Like purging your closet for a more organized feel, or to just see the carpet; and cleaning the garage, just so you can find your scrapbooking collection, of which, I still need to do...

I'm trying to figure out the digital scrap world and how it all works, but I think I need a tutor in a big way. Until then, I will settle for the "minima" look on my blog and see what I can come up with in the future!! (any suggestions and help would be so appreciated!)

This week has been huge in my eyes...Monday morning I woke up at 5 to go running and then I joined a gym on Wednesday and have gone twice already!! I can smell fall in the air, and for some reason it brings so many nostalgic feelings of when I was in school and the change it brought into my life at the time.

Let me back up a bit. I have been praying for some motivation to get back in shape, this summer was really hot (like every summer in Las Vegas), and it was hard to feel like moving, let alone EXERCISE! So as the temperature is slowly coming down, I felt the urge to get back on the saddle, AGAIN! Two amazing people in my neighborhood called and invited me to join in on their runs/work-outs at the gym! How's that for a fast answer to one long prayer? For reasons I like spring cleaning, I love autumn. The temperature outside changing does something for my mentality of exercising all over again.

You know in the movie, "You've got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, through their emailing relationship he describes how the scent of a bouqet of freshly sharpened pencils is so wonderful? I totally get that.

The Last Lecture

For those of you who haven't heard of Randy Pausch, let me describe him. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, took all the hard core treatments and drugs and surgeries to extend his life for as long as possible. He married at age 39 and had three kids, loved his job as a tenured professor in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon and life was picture perfect, until the diagnosis. This guy really had life figured out, honestly. Although he wasn't religious, he knew that sweating the small stuff was emotionally immature and ridiculous. Just to prove it, when he bought a brand new car, he drove it over to his sister's house to take his neice and nephew for a ride. His sister cautioned, "Don't get Uncle Randy's car dirty, be very careful, wipe your feet before you get in..." While she was explaining herself, Randy opened a can of soda and dumped it all over the brand new upholstry in the back seat. The kids stood there with their mouths dropped to the ground. His reasoning, which I love and still trying to embrace, is that kids are kids, they get things dirty, and guess what...its not the end of the world! That weekend while driving his neice and nephew around, his nephew got a stomach bug and threw up all over the back seat, and I'm sure he would have felt worse about it if the can of soda hadn't christened it first! Isn't that a great lesson for all parents?

When he knew he couldn't work any longer and just needed to focus on his family the last months of his life, he was asked to give "The Last Lecture" as professors do when they retire and move on from the universities. I think it couldn't have been more appropriate. So they recorded his "Last Lecture" on video, and then it spread like wild fire all over the internet...and caught the attention of Diane Sawyer. She then followed him through the next year of his life and did a few interviews with him. He also put much of his wisdom and life experience into the book title so wonderfully, "The Last Lecture", of which I read this past week.

I saw the TV Special that aired the night he died, four weeks ago. It came on at 11:30 on a Friday night and for some reason I just never turned off the TV. As I watched and learned more about this guy, I became so emotional and touched that I couldn't stop crying!! At that point, I was happy to be up, alone, its nice not to have to explain your tears to anyone sometimes. I was immensely sad for him and his family, but impressed by his example and the battle that took his life, but not his attitude, or love for his family. Dealing with the pain and the tumors and the death sentence before him, he was still amazingly positive and content.

One of my favorite passages from his book, The Last Lecture:

Don't Complain, Just Work Harder
Too many people go through life complaining about their problems. I've always believed that if you took one-tenth the energy you put into complaining, and applied it to solving the problem, you'd be surprised by how well things can work out.

I've known some terrific non-complainers in my life. One was Sandy Blatt, my landlord during graduate school. When he was a young man, a truck backed into him while he was unloading boxes into the cellar of a building. He toppled backwards down the steps and into the cellar. "How far was the fall?" I asked. His answer was simple: " Far enough." He spent the rest of his life as a quadriplegic.

Sandy had been a phenomenal athlete, and at the time of the accident, he was engaged to be married. He didn't want to be a burden to his fianc`ee so he told her, "You didn't sign on for this. I'll understand if you want to back out. You can go in peace." And she did

I met Sandy when he was in his thirties, and he justed wowed me with his attitude. He had this incredible non-whining aura about him. He had worked hard and become a licensed marriage counselor. He got married and adopted children. And when he talked about his medical issues, he did so matter-of-factly. He once explained to me that atempreature changes were hard on quadriplegics because they can't shiver. "Pass me that blanket, will you, Randy?" he'd say. And that was it.

I loved this book, it was hard to read, knowing he was dying, and that he or any doctor couldn't do anything about it. His attitude taught me so much...which is all you ever really have control over, your attitude!

Fun with Brella!

This kid loves the rain as much as I do! She played outside through the afternoon, and came in soaking wet! Wished we had more rainy days!

No TV

We had our Drywall guy come over and put in a shelf above our big screen...but that meant no TV. I'm actually really glad that the kids can't watch TV right now...I just get kind of sick of it being on sometimes. So when they don't have the TV on, they get ALL their toys out and play to their little heart's content! Believe it or not, its even more quiet without it on (if a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old can be called quiet??)

Now that the drywall is all patched up and dry, we can paint!! We have had so many little projects going on, and I'm grateful things are getting done. I am going to be SO HAPPY once its all completed though. But I guess your house work is never finished?

Little curls with ribbons and bows!

I admit, having a little girl with curly blonde hair and a personality to match is lots of fun. I knew I had to find a dance studio for Bryanna to attend dance class when, last week, she got on a dress up outfit that looks like a ballerina and turned to me saying,
"Mom, I'm ready to go!"
I asked, "Ready to go where?"
"To ballet class! Mom, I'm ready!" She replied!!! (I don't recall having a conversation with her about going into dance!)

The stars must be aligned in my favor or something, because Bryanna is starting dance class Monday and I think I'm more excited about it than she is. There is a fabulous sister in my ward that TEACHES dance classes for ages 2-9 years old at her house. So not only have I found a great place for Bryanna, but it is SO CONVENIENT! Since I've told her about dance class, she has been super obedient when I mention taking away the priviledge of going to dance class...like candy in my hand!

We tried on the Leotard and tights and ballet slippers tonight as a "dress rehearsal" for tomorrow. It was so much fun watching her get so excited to start dancing!

Mark even got excited and giddy, and he really wants to come watch her tomorrow for a little bit.

Even Maddox was getting a kick out of Bryanna twirling around and pointing her toes. He loves to watch her and play with her and follow her all over the house, she is definitely built in entertainment for him!

She is a crack up doing her courtsey and turns!

I think the color pink mixed with dance is the epitimy of femininity! This will be so fun for the whole family.

So this is what they do when mom is gone!

So this all happened when I was at Achievment Days with my primary calling. As I walked into the house, I saw Bryanna pulling Maddox off the table and panicked. My first thought was, "Mark is dead meat!" And my second thought was, "I hope there are no broken bones!"

After two seconds went by, all was well!

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Whenever I her the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently
For all his creations, of which I'm a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.


I played this song on my piano today, and it brought tears to my eyes! Music is one of my weaknesses, but I'm grateful no less for the spirit it brings into my soul, into our home. After playing it this morning, then coming home after running errands this afternoon I played it again. I think the words are inspirational, and offer an attitude of gratitude, which I love and need this beautiful reminder daily.

I think this is one of my favorite Primary songs, among a select few. I hope my children will love to sing it as much as I love to play it, and if so, they just might not get tired of me playing the piano!!

Backyard progress

On Saturday, the grass was put in the back yard! I have to say that it changes the feeling completely! My patio stays so much cleaner now, and I can't wait to do the finishing touches with the landscape and lighting.

Juan came to help lay the grass, and Bryanna instantly became friends with him. (She is a magnet for people...and people are attracted to her as well...she has an amazing gift of relating to people and she is only THREE!)

Bryanna asks me what his name is, and I told her "Juan".
She said, "One?"
Me: "No, Juan!"
Bryanna: "Oh. I like his name!" (Still thinking his name is the number one!)

It was pretty funny the rest of the day, her calling him One...I couldn't help but snap the pictures of her talking his ear off!

Now on to planting trees and shrubs!

Breaking Dawn...Warning don't read if you haven't finished the book yet!

As I finished the book today (Bryanna took a 4 1/2 hour nap and Maddox took a 3 hour nap = lots of time to read!) I'm kind of sad it's over. I'm a hopeless romantic who beleives in happily ever after! It was a very good read..long but good, another 700 pages and I wouldn't have minded. I took my time reading...a few chapters here, a few there!

I loved how Jacob ended up playing a big role throughout the series, being a big help to Bella, the Cullens and then to Nessie. In the second book, I was really rooting for Bella to be with Jacob so she could have a normal human life, experience a family, etc...and I'm so thrilled with how Bella's fate turned out. Then Jacob played another role in helping ease Charlie into the supernatural world without really telling him what was going on. I thought that was a brilliant transition! I liked how they could all co-exist...intertwining four species into each other's lives; Charlie, the human, Bella & Edward, the vampires, Jacob, the werewolf, and then Renesmee, half human/half vampire...who's soul mate ends up being Jacob! I should have guessed that he would imprint on Nessie because the day she was born he changed his mindset and went to the city and tried to imprint on any girl he could find a connection with...duh!

I loved that Bella got the best of both worlds, that Jacob could still be apart of her life, even if it meant being Bella's son-in-law! One of my favorite parts throughout the book was Bella's fierce loyalty to her unborn child, then after Renesmee was born, the dedication grew stronger. The locket topped it for me with the inscription, "More than my own life," tender and describes the way the human instinct should be for every parent. I'm just glad that the baby wasn't a boy because I hated the name EJ worse than Renesmee...At first I thought EJ stood for Edward Junior...but then the author revealed what the initials meant...Edward Jacob, it was a bit much for me...thank goodness it was a girl!

And of course, her true love, Edward, and his consistency throughout the series, his connection to Bella and vice versa. I'm a total sap, but I love that they married and had a great honeymoon...couldn't help but laugh a little through it! I was wondering how Bella would transform to the other side, and Stephenie Meyer wove it in pretty good...kind of like a "do or die" situation...she HAD to get the venom into her system to save her life, clever instead of just doing it because Bella wanted to!

And with her gift, a shield, (so cliche) she was the mother of the "immortal child" (but not venomous) so she had to be the hero and save everyone she loved because she, in a way, brought it on herself. I was expecting a grusome (sp?) fight but hoping the Volturi would back down...

Happy endings are the best part of any good story; I'm not a fan of tragedies. Life is supposed to be good and we are supposed to enjoy life to the fullest, right?

Very good book...I'm looking forward to the movies made after each book. Although I think the books are always better than the movies, it will still be fun and exciting and help relive the greatness of this series! I think I need to re-read the series every couple of years just because it was such a great read.

So there you have it, I know, its not a very critical review, but I loved it!!

{the lake}

My mom requested to go to the Lake to celebrate her birthday...and it was SO FUN! I remembered to bring my camera this time, and I'm SO GLAD I did...

My mom AND dad got on the tube and was taken for a spin!! At first we had to do a little convincing for them to get on, but then they didn't want to get off! My dad kept yelling to Jen [the driver], "IS that ALL you GOT?" SO FUNNY!!! He suddenly turned into a teenager looking for adventure...like getting thrown off the tube was something fun!!

The water was as smooth as glass...no wind, the perfect lake day!

We all took turns on the tube...could we have planned a better day with weather to suit the birthday girl so wonderfully??

Playing on the beach, basking in the sun, soaking in the water, enjoying each other's company...sometimes I wonder how my life is so blessed? I feel so blessed and spoiled all at the same time...go figure!

Thanks Jen for taking us out...it was a blast!

I don't think we could have had more fun! With the exception of Mark and Obteen coming...somebody has to work around here!

Happy Birthday Mom!

I just love my mom to pieces! She is the most amazing woman. My mom has so many talents, and can accomplish so much. After getting married and having two kids, my appreciation for her has sky rocketed! I can't express my gratitude enough for all she has taught me, either through her quiet example or while helping me when I had school projects, being there for all my volleyball games, traveling with me during club season to tournaments, and of course having really fun shopping trips to the mall!

Some of her favorite things are: Hawaii, grandkids and tennis!

Mom one of my best friends not only to me, but to my sisters and Nana as well!

Her relationship with my dad is one of loyalty, love and fun! My parents are always laughing, they have good time no matter what they are doing. Mom is so strong and resilient, they have gone through alot together, and to see them come out on top and having grown even closer gives me strength in my own life knowing if they can do it, so can I!

I can't see [my parents] one without the other. They are intertwined and strive for the same goal. I hope when I reach my fifty's, that I am having just as much fun as they are; doing what they love...traveling and being close to their children and grandkids!

My dad just got called to serve as 1st Counselor to the Mission President & his wife of the Las Vegas, Nevada West Mission. I found it interesting that my mom was called and set apart as well as my dad. She will be his companion on speaking assignments, something she isn't exactly thrilled about, but finds it neat at the same time!!

It is so wonderful to see them serving whole heartedly, finding a new strength to help move forward the missionary efforts here in Las Vegas. Seeing them in this new calling has flooded memories of my own mission and those experiences that are so dear to my heart. I view missionary work as sacred and priviledged, knowing that the Lord has trusted you with this enormous responsibility! I look forward to all the great and wonderful opportunities they will encounter during their service!

Thanks for always being there, you are so fun!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!! Love you!!

San Diego

Mark had a little convention for work in San Diego this past Friady, so we made a little family trip out of it! While he was "working" I went shopping...if you can believe it, Nordstrom was right down the street from our hotel, it was a little too surreal...I just love that department store, their children's department is my weakness...and found some really cute shoes for this preschool year that Bryanna will be starting (in just a couple of weeks)! After Mark got his fill in with the products and I got my fix at the mall, it was time to have some real fun!

We went to Mission Beach in San Diego...and it was a blast! Bryanna has a thing for the ocean and the sand...one tropical baby if you ask me! Maddox also LOVED the ocean, in fact, Mark and I had to save him a few times from just running straight into the waves!

We walked down the little strip mall and found a place for dinner...can you say one HUGE pizza slice? YUMM-O! Bryanna also got to get an ice cream cone...I think half made it into her mouth and the other half on her face! :)

Saturday we went to Legoland...it was fun, a little different than I imagined, but fun! I think I was getting ready to have the "Disneyland" experience, so not as magical as I was planning on. Bryanna had a total blast going on all the kiddie rides, but waiting in line for them was another story. For some reason she just didn't get the waiting in line part...it was very frustrating for her (and me!).

But once we found some of the jungle gyms and water features, it helped her get out the wiggles, and cool all of us down!

I was pleasantly surprised that there were characters walking around. Bryanna melted when she saw the princess, and then the pirate too! It was a great trip, and so nice to get away from the hot desert for a few days!

Portrait of Daddy...

Bryanna and I were in the backyard yesterday and she saw an imprint in the dirt from a bucket...and she said...

Bry: "Look mamma! A circle!"
Me: "Let's make a smiley face!"

Me: "Look, Bryanna, he's smiling now!"
Bry: "That looks like my daddy!"
As soon as she said that I had to grab my camera!! I was laughing so hard!!

A new way to watch cartoons...


Maddox's hand is looking better and better!

Finally, the heap of dirt and rocks are gone and the planters are filled, and I'm so happy to report that the sprinkler system is DONE!

The curbing was crafted this morning.

I think we are ready for some grass back here!!!

The planter boxes are now ready to paint!

I am SO EXCITED to get some plants and trees back here...instead of a dirt backyard, it will be nice to have some life growing in the backyard! I think part of the fun of doing the backyard ourselves is, as our kids grow, we can see the difference watching all the beautiful shrubs and trees that will be growing as well!

Poor Maddox

On Wednesday, I took the kids to the free movie that regularly plays at the Rave theaters (Tuesday and Wednesday morning) during the summer. This week we saw Charlotte's Web, and that part was really fun for the day. It was my sisters birthday so I took her kids so she could have a fun day at the mall!

Then we walked over the the Town Square park...of which was fun too...

One minute everything was hunky dory...kids playing...

And the next minute, Maddox got a severe burn on the palm of his hand from climbing onto the "spinner" which had a metal platform...It happened in less than a minute...I was staning only a few feet away and then the screaming started! Note to the people who invent these play things...Don't put metal on a play ground that doesn't have shade in 115 degree heat!!!!

The security personnel tried to help, but with a dinky first aid kit and someone who doesnt' know how to soothe a burn...was a little pointless. So I headed to the closest E.R., and Maddox screamed for the next TWO hours. He was admitted right away, and about an hour later finally got some pain medication, then after that kicked in they wrapped his hand and he was able to stop the sobbing and drift into a much needed little nap.

His hand is scabbing already and I think he will heal fast. And thanks to a preisthood blessing Mark administered to him. I think I needed one too...I felt so helpless, wishing I could take away the pain during those agonizing hours before he was treated properly. My nerves were shot by the time we got home, but my understanding of the atonement may have been increased just a little.

Mark went back on Friday to the park and because of their really good security system with cameras, they caught it on film, and they will take responsibility for all the damage that happened. Thank goodness. It's sad because I really like going to that park, but if it happened once, it could very well happen again, and some poor child and their mother will have to go through what we had to! I hope they either put shade over some of the play equipment or replace it with better material that doesn't burn in the heat!!!