Happy Father's Day!!!

I love any day I can officially honor and thank my husband, dad and Grandpa! I am so blessed to have such amazing men in my life! We had a fun day spoiling Adam and ended the day at a family barbecue in great honor of the father's in our life!

My grandpa has been like a father to me! He has helped me in so many aspects of my life! He has been there for me through thick and thin. He even helped me buy my first car! :) My grandma passed away in January of this year and he has been so strong! I know he misses her with all his heart, yet he still pushes forward. He is such an example of strength and endurance! I love him so much and am so grateful for him!

My grandpa is an incredible chef! He always cooks a mean steak, hamburger, or anything on the grill. He is the Grill King!!

 

 

My dad lives in Roosevelt and I don't see him very often. He has a hard time sleeping at night so he calls me almost every night, that I work, around 2:00 a.m. So I talk to him frequently. He loves to tell stories about our ancestors and I love hearing them! I miss seeing him but at least get to talk to him frequently! I love you, dad!

My dad is as Western as they come. He still trains horses. And boy does he love his dog, Minnie!

 

And then there is my sweet husband, Adam! Where do I begin! He is truly my best friend. I love the way he makes me laugh! I love the daddy he is to my children! I love the friend he is to many! I love the passion he puts in to being a teacher! His students are very blessed to have him as their teacher. He has been honored many times and has been given numerous awards for being an outstanding teacher, and he has only taught for 4 years- AMAZING! I love the way he laughs in funny movies, his laugh is VERY contagious! I love that he makes us dinner every Sunday! I love how smart he is! I love that he uses words I have never even heard of! He is my living, walking thesaurus! I love his strength and tenacity. He never gives up without a great fight and much effort! I love how handsome he looks in a suit. I love that he has been working so hard on fixing our laundry room floor! He has completely torn out the old floor, re-placed the floor and has re-tiled! It looks awesome! I love that he gets nervous when he leaves a message on the phone. I love the way he plays with our kids. I love that he tickles them relentlessly. I love that he walks around with toilet paper sticking out of his nose when he has a bloody nose. I love that he rarely snores. I love that he can pick up most anything with his "finger toes." I love how he treats his mother! I love the respect he has for his father! I love that he loves me for who I am and has never asked me to change! I love that he takes good care of our children while I am at work. Needless to say, I love HIM!

 

 

 

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful fathers out there! Thank you for being our soul mates~ Thank you for being wonderful fathers to our children~ Thank you for working so hard~ Thank you for being our friends~ Thank you for being you!!!

Tuesdays Treasures

It is so funny sometimes how you learn important life lessons. And how quickly one can be reminded of what truly matters in life. I have had a rough last few weeks. Not anything major, thank Heavens, just enough to bring me down and not feel like myself. Last night, while taking a little drive, I found myself bawling like a baby on I-15. (Not the best place to be uncontrollably crying, mind you). I don't really want to go into details, but I prayed and cried a lot on that freeway. :)

Well, after a lot of praying, a lot of tears and probably a few "one finger salutes" from drivers, I went home and went to bed. Today was a new day! I felt a little better, ready to at least do my best. My problem is that sometimes I am hard on myself, and my "best" is not good enough. I am only this way with myself. I can see every bit of effort given from others, just not myself. I know I try hard, but sometimes it doesn't seem to cut it. This, I know, is a fault of mine. I work on not being so hard on myself daily.

Anyway, back to my day and my treasures! I got up and did the morning routine with my kids, got the boys to school, and got in the shower, when I heard the door bell ring.
I hurried and put clothes on, so not to scare my unexpected visitor. When I opened the door and saw 3 of my sweet friends standing there, I must say, I was a little surprised. Did I forget something? (I am REALLY good at that!) Seeing the confusion on my face, they said "We're here to help you in your backyard and with what ever else you need!" My heart instantly started pounding and my eyes filled! You see, my backyard was a jungle. The backyard was one of the selling points when we bought our house 3 years ago. But, every year it is hard to keep up with. It is A LOT of work! Needless to say, I hadn't got very far with it yet this year. A few minutes later there were 2 more of my dear friends in my backyard helping.

Not only did they help me weed, but they helped take down Tayla's crib and put up Tayla's new "big girl" bed! She loves it!!! They spruced up my kitchen, and other rooms. Ana's muscles, loosened something that I have been muscling with for a month! :) Good job, wonder woman!! They were amazing! They jumped in and helped a very grateful friend- Me!! :)

I try really hard not to complain. I wish I could say I never complain, but that would be a big huge lie! A few days ago,while talking to one of these friends, I voiced my frustration on my "jungle" and just being behind in general! Those of you who know me well, know I have a hard time excepting help. (yes, I know, another fault!) I just don't want to be a bother to anyone. And to be honest with you, I would rather just help others than have others help me. These friends of mine, did something that I will never, ever forget!

They read between the lines!

They know me well enough to know that I would say, "Oh, thank you, but I'll be o.k" So they just showed up and gently, how only good friends can, put me in my place! :) I am forever grateful for that. Between the six of us, my backyard is enjoyable to me again! I want to go out there and play with my kids now. I no longer feel the impending doom of endless weeds! But more importantly, I am reminded of the important things of life!
Lately, I have been looking at it all wrong! It doesn't matter how much you get done in a day, it matters WHAT you did during your day! These 5 friends of mine took time out of their day, and pushed their own "to do lists" aside, to show love, kindness and service. That is what really matters. And if, at the end of the day, I have showed any of the traits of these wonderful women, then I have had a successful, productive, meaningful day!

These friends are my Treasure- not just for today, but EVERY DAY! They are all great examples to me! Each of them, in their own incredible way, make me want to a better person! I love each of you like sisters! Thank you for listening, thank you for being insightful, thank you for all your help, thank you for being my friends!!!
Thank you for being my sunshine during a cloudy time!

You all are truly my treasures and my forever friends!! Love you!!!!

Tuesdays Treasures

I haven't done a Tuesday Treasure for a while and I have missed it! In a world full of busy days, fast food, and running around with my head cut off, it is nice to sit down and evaluate all the good and cherished in my life! Although I treasure so much and so many, today my treasure is simple! Just being alive and healthy and happy! My days seem so full right now, just as I'm sure yours are, that I often find myself thinking about the things I am not accomplishing, and it brings me down. Well, the fact of the matter is, there will never be enough hours in a day to do all the things I want to do! I have so many good intentions that, unfortunately, end at just that- good intentions! So to all of you that were thought of many times and didn't get that needed phone call or nice deed- I am sorry! Please just know that I think of you often and love you dearly. I will try to do better! So, today I am trying to focus on what I DID get done and be thankful for what tomorrow has in store. I guess, in a nut shell, my Tuesday Treasure is about memories of the past, joys of the present and the promise of tomorrow!

Here are few of my favorite people to fill my days with!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this old picture of my grandma and grandpa!

 

This is my sweet mom. After trying to find a picture of her, I realized I don't have many pictures of her! So, watch out mom- my camera's coming for you!!! (insert evil laugh here!) ;)

 

This is my dad. I don't see him very often, but talk to him on the phone a lot!

 

Happy Mother's Day!!

I just wanted to say a quick "Happy Mother's Day" to all my wonderful friends- both mothers of children, mothers yet to be, and mothers of the heart! I have the best friends one could ever ask for! I thank you for your strength, your example, your love, your guidance, and most of all your friendship! I don't know how I would be able to survive without such amazing people in my life! I can go days without seeing any of you, some of you I haven't seen in years, but just simply knowing that your are there and that you will always have my back, well, that means the world to me! Thanks for all the great memories! Thanks for being my friends! Thanks for being you!!!

I also want to thank my own mother and grandma! Although my grandma has recently passed away, I have so much love and respect for these two wonderful women! I am who I am because of them! They have been my strength and confidantes for all my life! There are no other women that I would rather pattern my life after and no other women I love more! Happy Mother's Day!

da, da, da, daaaa...

Many of you have asked me, for months now, to do a photography blog! I put it on the back burner so many times! Well, miracles never cease! I FINALLY finished my photography blog! YAY ME!! :)

So, without further adieu, here it is! I hope you aren't disappointed!
If you like what you see, feel free to put this on your sidebar. I don't advertise, at this time, so all my clients are from word of mouth! Thanks for your help!

www.morethanmemoriesphotography.blogspot.com
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Where, oh where, has my little boy gone...

Where does time go? Why does time have to go by so fast!?! It seems like just yesterday that I nervously brought home my first precious little baby. I remember how nervous I was. I just wanted to do what was best for my precious baby son! He was so perfect. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

 

He soon grew to be a fun, rambuncious toddler. He loved to read, sing, and LOVED Star Wars. At a young age of 2, he would run around singing the theme song to Star Wars and always had a "wah,wah" (the sound of a light saber) in his hands!

 

 

Before I knew it, he was riding the bus to Kindergarten. He always had a big smile on his face as he went to school, and often left his mommy in the background wiping the tears from my eyes! I wasn't ready to send my baby boy out in the "big world" of Elementary School! But Austin sure was ready! He loved school. And with the occasional "math test days", has liked it ever since.

 

He has grown up so fast and has succeeded, with flying colors, in all he sets his mind to. Now, 12 amazing years later, I look at my precious son, but this time not as a baby, but as a handsome young man. Although he has changed leaps and bounds, the feelings I had 12 years ago are the same, only magnified a thousand fold. I am still nervous raising him. I still want to do what is right for him. I still can't take my eyes off of him. And I still think he is perfect!

 

I am so proud of the young man Austin is today! And couldn't have asked for a better big brother for my other precious children.

 

I am so excited to continue to watch Austin grow and to be a part of his journey to adulthood. Which, unfortunaly, I am afraid, will go as fast as the first 12 years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUSTIN!!!! I LOVE YOU!!

 

Happy Easter!!

I saw this cartoon on a friends blog. I think it is hilarious!! I definitely relate more to the chocolate bunny with out a brain!! I have PLENTY of butt these days!:(
If anyone has any brilliant ideas of how to take a big chunk out of it, my big butt and I would truly appreciate it! :)

Anyways, hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I really, really enjoyed the warmer weather. A little windy, but at least it didn't rain! I love Easter! I love the colorful eggs, the Easter bunny, the bright spring colors! But most of all, I love the time to reflect upon our Savior, Jesus Christ; His life, His great example, His Atonement, His death and His resurrection. I am so grateful for the hope and love He brings to all of us! And I am so thankful that we can repent of our sins and move forward in faith, to someday live with Him and Heavenly Father again.

HAPPY EASTER!!

 

You know you're a nurse when..

1) the front of your scrubs reads 'Nurses... here to save your butt, not kiss it!'

2) you occasionally park in the space with the 'physicians only' sign... and knock it over.

3) you believe some patients are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

4) you recognize that you can't cure stupid.

5) you own at least three pens with the names of prescription medications on them.

6) you believe there's a special place in hell for the inventor of the call light .

7) you believe that saying 'it can't get any worse' causes it to get worse just to show you it can.

8) you wash your hands BEFORE you go to the bathroom .

9) you believe that any job where you can drive to work in your pajamas is a cool one.

10) you consider a tongue depressor an eating utensil.

11) eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan (or emesis basin) is perfectly natural.

12) you've been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider it a form of birth control.

13) you've ever heard a patient with a nose ring, a brow ring,twelve earrings and multiple tattoos say 'I'm afraid of shots.'

14) you've ever placed a bet on someones blood alcohol level.

15) you've told a confused patient that your name is that of a coworker and to call if they need help.

16) your bladder can expand to the size of a Winnebago's water tank.

17) you have seen more boobs than any man could dream of.

18) you believe that not all patients are annoying...some are unconscious.

19) your family and friends refuse to watch medical sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time correcting everyone and pointing out upside down x-rays.

20) you don't get excited about blood, unless it's your own.

21) you've sworn to have 'do not resuscitate' tattooed on your chest. Soon.

22) discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal is perfectly normal to you .

23) your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat.

24) your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change.

25) you believe in the aerial spraying of prozac .

26) you believe that 'shallow gene pool' should be a recognized diagnosis.

27) you believe that the government should require permits to reproduce.

28) you believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase 'Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it?

29) you have ever wanted to write a book entitled 'Suicide:getting it right the first time.'

30) you have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say 'I have no idea how that got stuck in there.'

31) you've had to leave a patients room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

As a nurse, I thought this was hysterical! I love being a nurse. And for the record, I have NEVER, EVER, E.V.E.R, thought or done any of these things!! EVER!! Especially not #'s 1,3,4,6,11,17,18,19,22,27 and 31. (Ha, I made you go back up and read them again, didn't I! he he he :) Don't think I'm a terrible person- I am after all, only human!

Anyways, thank you to all of you who are good, nice, compliant patients! I can probably speak for all nurses when I say, "We love you!" And for those of you who are pain-in-the-butt patients, just know that #1 and #3 has probably been thought of in your behalf! j/k Knowing most of you, as friends, I highly doubt any of you are the second type of patients. And I also know that not all nurses are created equal! And some nurses deserve what they get! :) Hopefully, I am not one of those! he he

(Buddy and Deanna, my, your so close to finishing nursing school you can taste it, friends, this post is for you! I am sure you were nodding your head throughout and giggling about it's truthfulness! :) Both of you will be fabulous nurses!)

Tuesday Treasures

I've been thinking a lot about our country lately. About the direction it is going. I must say I am very frightened. I feel like our Constitution is hanging by a thread-a very thin, worn out thread! This saddens me to no end! Our rights as American people are rapidly diminishing with each passing day. As it is, I find myself with little confidence in our leaders at this time. So, where does this leave me?
I get a lot of comfort in my religion, in knowing that God is on our side. That he will watch over and protect us, if we but do what is simply asked of us and prepare ourselves both in our homes and our hearts. For that knowledge I am deeply grateful!

What also comforts me a great deal, and leads me to my Tuesday Treasure, are the men and woman who are fighting for our freedoms- the freedoms I see quickly plummeting to the ground! It brings me so much comfort that, even though there are many who are not leading this country, or living their lives, the way our founding fathers set up for us, there are those that are brave and strong and are giving their all to defend this country and what it is truly made of! Those men and women who are not only, willingly, risking their lives for our freedom, but who are being the ultimate examples of the kind of men and women we all should be! Men and women who believe in something and won't let the negative pressures of others get in their way! Men and women who are actively doing something about the many rights and freedoms that are being taken away. Men and women who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if necessary, to keep OUR freedoms, OUR country, OUR rights the way our founding fathers and God intended them to be.

OUR AMERICAN SOLDIERS!!!



To all the many soldiers who are fighting, or have fought, in the cold, in the rain, in the wind, in the extreme heat- sacrificing so much of their time, family and ultimately their lives- You are my Treasure-my Faith-my Hope!! No words could ever thank you, and your supportive families, enough! My prayers and love go with you and your family. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
I came across these two poems that wrap up my feelings nicely!

OUR SOLDIERS
When the security of our land is threatened,
We call on our soldier's might,
To go wherever they're needed,
To defend us day and night.

They leave their loves ones behind,
A great price our soldiers must pay.
Let us salute their courage and bravery,
May we remember them each time we pray.

Each time we spot "Old Glory"
Waving for all to see,
Let's think of all the soldiers that have
Kept it flying proud and free.

This great country is tolerant
Of cultures from other lands,
But, when they attack our precious freedom
We will punish with a heavy hand.

Our soldiers are tried and true,
Tempered like carbon steel,
Born of American Spirit;
Raised with American will.

Remember our fallen heroes that died,
So freedom may grow,
To nations around the world,
Wherever our warriors may go.
-Author unknown


THANKS TO THE AMERICAN WARRIORS

From the colonist, who rebelled,
to the soldier of today,
My thanks, be to you,
I know not what else to say.

Since the words I do not have,
to give the tribute that is due,
So a simple heartfelt thanks,
sincerely I give to you.

Thanks to our American heroes,
whose devotion is second to none,
Whose courage and braveness alone
caused many battles to be won.

We have beaten the forces of evil
and carried our flag far and wide,
Because of our American Warriors,
our hearts are filled with pride,

Only because of you and the price
you willingly did pay,
Only because of you,
Old Glory still flies today!
-Author unknown

Tayla- the Inventor

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I've got the Jr. High Blues

Do you remember bringing home your first born baby from the hospital? All the thousands of emotions pumping through your nervous yet excited mind! So excited to be a mom, yet so scared of doing something wrong or stupid that would hurt your baby. Just hoping and praying that you will be able to do all that it takes to ensure that your child grows up to be successful and not behind bars!

Well, all those feelings came flooding back to me today. Today I went with Austin to Jr. High registration. JR. HIGH!!!!! (insert loud, scary scream here!) A few of you know that I am scared out of my mind for Jr. High. Not Austin, no he's fine- it's ME- I am a nervous wreck about the new scary world of Jr. High! I don't know why, exactly. I don't remember having a bad experience in Jr. High. It's just the fact that my baby is growing up! He is taking a leap into the "real world" and I'm not sure I'm ready for that! For some reason, I feel like in elementary school he is somewhat protected! That someone is watching over him! Jr. High is soooo big and sooo many kids- and to be honest with you, quite a few of them are down right scary! :O Who's going to be there to watch out for him, to protect him? This is where those feelings I had over 11 years ago come back. I just hope and pray that I have taught him well. That I have taught him how to make good choices, to pick good friends, to realize when he needs help and to know where to go to get it, and most important to know that he is loved- no matter what!

Don't get me wrong, I am also very excited about his new journey! I am very impressed with Oak Canyon and the opportunities they offer. During the presentation, I got chills a few times! I even got teary eyed when I saw Austin come down the halls! ( I know, I know- big shocker!!) I think that these feelings were a gift from Heavenly Father to comfort me and let me know that Austin will do just fine. In fact, I know he'll do great! Austin just radiates love and kindness- there's not much not to love! (can you tell I'm a proud mom) I just hope that maybe Jr. High will help him break out of his shell a little bit!

I know that with every new road we come upon, a path has been provided for us! This journey for Austin, and me, will not be any different! Undoubtably, there will be obstacles! There will be battles to be fought! But we will be given, or have already been given, the weapons and armor to come out victorious. It's going to be scary, but I know that Austin is ready for his new journey! And I know that I will be running aside him to pick him up, if ever he should fall. I love you, Aussy! Your dad and I are so proud of the young warrior you have become! Go out there, my sweet Jr. High son, and shine like the star you are!

Tuesday Treasures

This last week I have spent a lot of time with Darion. It was good to be able to have one-on-one time with him. I enjoyed talking and laughing with him! This week, Darion is my Tuesday Treasure!! Unfortunately not all our time together was doing fun things, but spending a few visits at the doctor's office and at the hospital. Before I scare everyone, Darion is not hurt- he is o.k. Darion has been diagnosed with a "tick disorder." Before I make everyone sick- "tick" as in sudden, brief, repeated movements and vocal sounds, not the blood sucking tick that you get when you go camping. Just clarifying!! The MRI tech, when getting Darion ready for his MRI, asked him where he got his tick from. Darion and I both looked at her, very confused. She continued, "Did you get the tick from camping or just being outside?" Trying really hard not to laugh, I corrected her and then asked, "Do they do MRI's for ticks, the bugs?" Apparently they do to check for Lyme Disease- who knew!!! :) The question just threw me off a little bit!

Anyway, back to the tick disorder. We went and saw a Neurologist and she wanted an MRI and an EEG done to rule out any other problems. So, on Monday we went and had an MRI done on Darion. If anyone has ever had one, you know that it can be kind of scary, especially for a 10 year old. Darion was very brave! He got a little nervous when they put him in the tunnel and when they put the IV in to do contrast, but all in all I was very impressed with his strength during such a scary procedure.

On Tuesday, Darion earned his Bear badge in cub scouts. Although I have never really been good at routinely working on scout things, Darion worked very hard on his requirements. He is now in Webelos. I am hoping that I will be a little more on the ball this time and work on his requirements with him more often. I do have to make a huge shout out to all of Darion and Austin's scout leaders- both past and present. Holy cow- they are AMAZING!! I have never seen or heard of scout leaders that put so much time, effort and love into each scout and the scout program! When I tell my friends how on the ball the scout leaders are, they are very jealous! I, among many other parents, am so appreciative of all you do!! Thank you!!

Here are a few pix from scouts!

On Wednesday, we went to UVRMC to have his EEG done. Darion didn't think this one was scary at all. The hard thing with an EEG is that you need to be sleep-deprived. He had to go to sleep 2 hours later than usual and wake up 2 hours earlier. Darion thought that the staying up later was pretty awesome until..... 4:30 am came along!!! Needless to say, we were both pretty tired and came home and took a nap!! YAY for naps!! :) Here are a few pictures of the EEG. He thought he looked a little like Medusa! :)

Darion never ceases to amaze me!! Even when his "friends" make fun of him and his ticks or rudely tell him "just stop it, it's annoying", he tries to be brave and not let their comment bother him. He just simply says, "I can't stop them, I don't know how." I know that kids will be kids and that they're young, but from a mothers view-point, it doesn't make it any easier! I have a really hard time when he comes home from school and tells me things that kids have said about his ticks. My heart aches when I see how sad he is. I always try to comfort him and tell him how awesome he is! I try to teach him about trials and that if he asks for help, Heavenly Father will help him! Darion is very receptive to this last one. He has so much faith, it is amazing! Darion never holds grudges to his friends and most of the time, after talking to me, doesn't even bring it back up- until next time. I guess it's the inevitable "next time" that makes me the most sad! I wish I could stop the hurtful comments. I wish I could make his "twitches" (that's what Darion calls them) go away- but I can't- and, as all you mothers out there will agree, that stinks!!! I just want to fix it! I am comforted, however, at the strong young boy that he is becoming. He is learning, in his young life, about taking the hard times and turning them into strength and tenacity. If Darion had a motto I think this would be it: "I can't change the direction of the wind. But I can adjust my sails." Always keep sailing, Darion.

I am so proud of my sweet Darion. I enjoyed the individual time I was given with him! I love you, Darion! Twitches or no twitches- You are amazing! :)