proud to be an american

may we NEVER forget...

the land of the free

because of the brave

THANK YOU! to all those who have served, who are serving, and who will serve our country.

memorial day wrap-up

swings

BBQ

friends

sunshine

kite flying

fun

somethings amiss

this is what i made for dinner...

(the classic sunday pot roast)

this is what i ATE for dinner...

gotta love those hormones!

little beauties

While at the check out awaiting my turn I was distracted by something that caught my eye. Check out the greatest little sweet treat EVER!!

Thank you B & J for finally coming up with a way for me in indulge in a bit of mouth watering goodness without worrying about the guilt of polishing off the carton. Seriously...they're only $1.25 each AND they come with a spoon in the lid. I polished on off on the drive home...by then I really, really need it :)

never a dull moment

What started out to be your average run to the grocery store turn into a moment that if caught on video may have won $100,000. Why didn't I grab my camera!?!
I'm sure all of you mothers out there can relate, or has actually experienced, the chaos of shopping with a toddler. With Memorial Day BBQ's on the agenda a run to the store for the normal fixin's was in order. All was going smoothly {which I should have noticed as a sign of impending doom} until the shuffle of getting Savanna and all the bags into the car. I must admit I've been a bit prideful of my ability to make these tasks seem effortless. You see, my normal routine is to unload Savanna into the backseat, while I put my belongings into the drivers seat {purse, diet coke, snacks, etc}. Then I proceed to unload the contents of my cart {carriage} into my trunk. After today this procedure has been eradicated.
My pride was in all its glory as I realised this trip would break records for it's efficiency. As I was putting the cart into the "carriage corral" I had a little pep in my step. It was only when I returned to the car and found Savanna NOT in her car seat awaiting assistance, but in the driver seat pushing all the buttons...including the LOCK button! What!?! Are you serious?!? My TWO year old just locked me out of my car. Not only that, but found it funny that I couldn't get in. I was coaxing her to "push the button" and she did. Just not the right one! Of course all the windows were cracked, but not enough to allow for an adult arm to pass through. To make the problem worse, an elderly man & his wife felt inclined to offer assistance, not knowing that their toothless grins and boasting voices would scare Savanna enough that she would start crying and bury her head in the seat. Trying to soothe my child while others stood around stumped on what to do next. I started laughing. Here I was calm and collected, while mere strangers where worried sick. I knew that within time Savanna would hit the correct button and all would be well. Or I would just summon the police officers assistance, whose car was parked across the aisle from mine. Luckily, myself, my "Amanda from Survivor" look-a-like who has been through this experience before, were able to find someone willing to enter the store and ask for a BBQ tool or like item. That's all it took. One garden planter hook and Viola! I was able enter my vehicle and get a hold of the little monster who started it all! She of course gave an enthusiastic "HI!" when she emerged for a quick hug before being buckled into HER seat. phew! What an adventure!

I got "punked" by a TWO yr. old

Today while coming home from running errands I decided to take a detour through a neighboring town and check out the scenery (i.e. tag sale signs). Along the way there are farms and I would point out the animals and Savanna completed the tour with the sound effects. We saw horses "eiehow"/meaning "yeehaw"; pigs "snort, snort"; and her favorite COWS...nothing. Silence. I turned around and she covering her eyes while giggling. Then she brought her hands down and asked, "where'd they go?" "moo, bye, bye?" Silly girl.

finding the HAPPY in today

Just tonight, Chris and I were discussing how quickly Savanna is growing up. As much as her constant "mom, mommy, ma" and "no, no, no, no" are enough to make this mama batty; the same seems to bring an unexpected smile to my face more times than not. She is becoming quite the tease. "No, mine!" is becoming a regular phrase and is typically followed by the pitter-patter of footsteps and giggling as she escapes with the loot. She is constantly keeping me on my toes and testing the limits. Just the other day I found her climbing on the toilet to go "pee, pee" fully clothed. That is one obstacle I am NOT ready to overcome just yet. Too many trips this summer :) Selfish, yes, but I prefer to see it as smart mothering. Tonight, she was throwing blocks and "waiting" for me to put her in time-out. She thought it was a lovely game until Daddy came inside. Then the water-works started. Talk about D-R-A-M-A!! I fear that she may have some OCD tendencies because lately she will NOT sit in her foam princess chair if the cover is at all wrinkled in the seating area. She will bring me the chair, wherever I am and say "elp, peas" (help please). At first I wasn't concerned, but it seems to have moved on to the clothing. NO snaps on pants, all buttons and zippers MUST be done up completely, and socks are no longer an option. Did I mention that she adamant about dressing herself. We've struck a deal she can do the pants and shoes, but I do the rest. Our little errands are not complete without greeting each and EVERY person we come in contact with. Sometimes even picking up their trash and handing it back to them. She is growing so quickly and we're loving every minute of it!

Seeing as how my daily life can be a bit chaotic and at times stressful; I am hoping to try and seek out those moments that make me HAPPY and then sharing them here. There will be no order to these ramblings rather just a simple little note or picture to help me remember the little moments that sometimes count the most.

Don't turn us in to the authorities just yet. But yesterday when we were taking the "new" company ride out for a spin (more on that later) Savanna had a little more fun than she'd bargained for:

I heard a "hi, hi, hi" repeatedly from the back seat, but mind you this is a regular game in the car. When I turned around I just started laughing, as did the rest of them :)

tickle, tickle, tickle

Savanna LOVES to be tickled by her daddy. It must be finger-to-skin contact; none of that over the clothing or blanket crap. This has never been much of a problem until recently.
Seems our church meeting is a great time to get in a good back tickle. How do we know? She'll proceed to pull up her dress, lay down on the bench, and literally take your hand and place in on her back.
I realized today that we have never caught her "relaxing" positions on camera before. So I grabbed the camera to capture the moment in all our Sunday evening glory. I then decided to I needed to remember the moments when I was the most comfortable item to sit on while skimming a book, or watching tv. I find it amusing that while I am comfortably lounging about watching tv, she MUST join me. . .or smother me, you be the judge :) I had to laugh because as soon as she realised the camera was out, she sat up and said, "cheese."

simply blissful

Too bad everyday can't be like yesterday.

I am happy to report that I survived a day of THREE children! (EVERY Mom out there with more than one--I commend you) My friend, Betty-Jo, and her family were sealed for time and all eternity in the Boston LDS Temple. I had the privilege of escorting her two young children to the temple. Our morning started off early AND with a bang. Every toy was played with, the snacks were consumed, no injuries were reported, and I'm still glowing from the happiness of seeing this family receive such a blessing.

I was lucky to have driven to the Boston LDS Temple with, Kayla. Not only did she help the trip go smoothly with two anxious kids, but she suggested we stay and attend a temple session ourselves. I must admit it was a much needed and desired escape from reality.

While we were walking through the lobby of the temple I heard my name called from behind us. I literally had to do a double-take to realize it was Martha! A friend of my mother's who at a time was considered family. I hadn't seen her in TEN YEARS! The fact that she even recognized me is astonishing, more so was the fact that SHE was THERE! It was a nice moment for the past seemed to melt away while we quickly caught up. WOW! I was still dazed from this when in the "dressing room" (locker room) I again heard my name. Turns out it was my old Ward's temple day. I was able to see and chat with some ladies who are very dear to me, and just silently wave or smile to others. It was just what I needed. A little boost to keep me going with my busy little life, with my busy little girl, in our little house, in this little town. I love it! The Lord is ALWAYS mindful of our needs as little as we may feel they are. I needed to see some familiar faces in a familiar place.

early riser

what do YOU do at 4am??? this morning were jammin' along with the Doodlebops! i guess this is what happens when you put her to bed earlier than normal. i'm crossing my fingers she's back asleep within the hour. i had to chuckle when i was eagerly beckoned into her room with "MOM! MOM! MOMMY!" her intentions were made clear as soon as the door was cracked open, "dilbopes, mom, dilbopes." that folks is why i am up and at em' at 4 o'clock in the friggin' morning.

just need to brag...

I canNOT stop smiling! I just need to brag and say that I have the GREATEST hubby ever! Not only does he let me pick out my own gifts {okay, he's gotten me a few surprises that i loved} but this year it's the BEST ever! He's flying me to see my friend, Amber, in Arizona! He gets major points for this one. I'm not even taking Savanna. It's an all-out girls weekend. I'll get to see her NEW house and swim in HER pool and hopefully get a TAN!! YIPPEE!! I just had to brag! It's true what they say "a happy wife makes a happy husband."

**Amber found the tickets. I made the reservation. He's paying! That counts, right?!?

anticipation

i can't wait to "reap" what i've "sewn."

current state of affairs

as i mentioned in the previous post, we are VERY busy around these parts. if keeping a mischievous toddler out of trouble isn't enough, i'm the manger of this household and the chores don't wait. somewhere in between the tasks you'll find me planning for Relief Society activities, running our small vinyl lettering business, running various errands for my hard-working hubby, and still finding time to play with friends or reading a good book. thus the reason i found it imperative to record our "current state of affairs" for the future when i may look back and wonder what i did back when...

the dishes are over-flowing

the toys are rarely picked up

AND my current must have to keep up this pace

but catching moments like these make it all worth it:

{notice the church shoes with pajama pants and dirty fingers. she's learning to dress herself & i'm learning to pick my battles}

it's only the beginning...

of our L O N G list of projects for the summer/fall months. AND this is only the OUTSIDE of our house. Not to mention the fact that it's the "rainy season" and we're already behind schedule. First up: leveling the driveway {actually, I should say "raising"}; then it's LEVELING the front yard {and with that comes the removal of numerous trees/shrubs AND the installation of a vinyl picket fence YEAH!}; and painting the exterior of the house GREEN. It's a lot of work and slow going with a toddler "helping", but the outcome will be worth all the sore muscles, bickering, and dirt that I'm currently fighting to keep OUTSIDE. {more progress pictures to come}

good mail day

It's been a "downer" of a week for me, so I was SUPER excited to receive TWO packages of good mail on the same day! I just couldn't pass up these cute little hair accessories for Savanna. They are made by my friend, Kristen, and she just opened a little business.. Check it out here: MayDayStudios. Also, I FINALLY received PhotoShop Elements. I've been wanting this since BEFORE Christmas...patience is NOT a virtue I practice. I guess my persistence paid off...Happy Mother's Day to ME! YIPPEE! I canNOT wait to get started "playing".

You might be a REDNECK if...

...your kids swim in a "troff" {this is actually a garden pond left by the previous tenants}
I hosted a "Sprinkler Party" for playgroup, but soon the kids felt they needed more water. Being the great mom that I am, I could NOT disappoint and am quite proud of my little "pool", as were the kids!

Poor Daddy...

He just can't seem to put these particular shorts on right. This is like a 9 on my humor scale due to the fact that it's happened before. Remember this?!?

{last summer}