Honestly, if you have a chance to throw a Favorite things party or go to a Favorite Things party... DO IT!!! It was SO much fun!
We played some way fun games to earn the Favorite Things Prizes and it was so fun to pick the prizes out.... very hard though with lots of things to choose from.
I ended up changing what I took to wood beaded necklaces. I love a basic, neutral necklace that can be thrown on with almost any jeans outfit & make it look like you put a little thought into it. I ended up getting a Maurices gift card, twistable crayons for Brooklyn and a beaded ring that a girl made.... all AWESOME! I would have taken pictures but my camera is dead and I can't find the darn battery charger!
I love it when you get a girls night out, get to laugh non stop, and learn some fun unknown facts about each other..... I need more nights like that!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
These are a few of my Favorite Things....
Ignore this picture for now, my computer was having problems!
I got an invitation yesterday to a "Favorite Things" party. The objective of this party is to bring your favorite item (3 of the same item) & exchange it & come home with 3 new favorite items that other people brought..... It got me really thinking about the things that are my favorite things. I am not one to be attached to things at all so I can definitely go without a lot of things, but I do have some things that I really love. Most things are definitely exceding the $10 price limit so I can't use them for my gift exchange, but I am sharing them anyways~
*Electric Water Boiler/Tea Kettle - If you have never seen these, they are AMAZING! We love ours SO MUCH! Definitely could never go back to a traditional stove top tea kettle.
*Blend Tec Blender - This thing gets used at least once a day if not more in our house.... LOVE IT!
*Cutco Knives - I can't stand cutting with a dull knife anymore. High quality knives are the way to go!
I simply could go ON & ON about kitchen supplies! I LOVE kitchen gadgets and things to help me in the kitchen when I cook! So I will stop there with my kitchen stuff.
*Label Maker - Everyone should have one of these! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being able to label certain things and keep it all organized!
*Pictures - This is a simple thing but I seriously love them! I love having professionals pictures done that are gorgeous and worthy to frame. (wish I could get them done more often, especially of my kiddos!)
*Picture Frames - Of course you have to have a way to display those pictures. I LOVE a great picture collage showing off pictures. I am a sucker for personal, family type pictures and not just random, meaningless pictures being framed.
*Clorox Wipes - This is probably my favorite cleaning supply. I have these in every bathroom & use them to wipe up everything. (when you have tiny kids, you have lots to wipe up).
So the item that I am thinking that I will bring to the party, that is a big deal to me, no one else would think to bring & probably won't have it already....
*Storage Tupperware Bins - (see picture at top) I love my organized cupboard with my bins all labeled. These are so great to cook with. You can either pour from them or take the lid off and easily scoop from them. I love that it is all labeled but you can also see through each item to know if you are getting low or not without having to take off the lid.... now the trick is to find enough for 3 gifts.
What are your favorite things that you can't live without?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Gratitude in the midst of hard times
The majority of my posts lately have been downer posts. We have had so many things go wrong in our lives in the past 2 weeks even, that it has brought me to tears a number of times. But in the midst of all of the crap that is going on, there are things that I am deeply grateful for and those are things that I want to focus on right now.
Insurance- because of our many things that have been going on recently, I was able to qualify for insurance that is paying 100% of my baby! I can't even tell you how much of a blessing this is to us right now. This pregnancy would be very difficult for me if I had to worry about the financial burden it would bring on us, but because of insurance, I don't have to stress about the money and I can enjoy the experience.
I had to take Kenidi to the Dr. yesterday because of a nasty cold she had that was in her chest and was causing wheezing and difficulty breathing. It was bad enough that they needed to send us to the hospital so that she could have her nose suctioned and some tests ran, and because of insurance, I didn't have to worry one bit about if it was all really necessary or not because it was going to cost us a lot of money.... it won't cost us anything.... It almost brings me to tears to think about the fact that I don't have to stress over these things in life right now!
Brooklyn & Kenidi-I have my moments where I get overwhelmed and frustrated, but these 2 definitely bring smiles to my face on a regular basis.
Last night, James was off taking care of some car situations, so I was home alone with the girls all evening by myself and needed to get them to bed. Usually we get Kenidi down first and then we go into Brooklyn's room and get her ready for bed and do family prayers. Well I have to admit that when James is gone, I have been known to skip the family prayer part. Well, last night Kenidi was with me and Brooklyn in Brooklyn's room and Brooklyn climbed up on her bed and sat down and folded her arms, then Kenidi sat and folded her arms (in her own cute way) and both girls were ready to say night, night prayers... It was precious! One of those split moments that I wished I could have paused forever. It was a very humbling esperience for me to see both girls (even Kenidi with how little she is) both folding their arms and being familiar with prayer.... something I need to learn on my own.
My mom, sister, & friends- Because of these people, I have clothes in my closet as well as my girls! I have gotten A LOT of clothes from my mom and my sister! I kid you not that probably 60% of my closet is from these 2. I have some great clothes that I didn't spend any money on (to bad I can't fit into a lot of them right now with being pregnant). My girls have A LOT of clothes also from my sister's girls and then a close friend of ours gave us some from her daughter. If we were left to our own vices of buying clothes for our girls, they would be wearing the same thing over and over again. It is such a huge blessing to have these hand-me-downs right now.
Neighbor Friends- In the past few months, I have made some great friendships here in my ward. There are 3 particular friendships that have meant a lot ot me. A few of us started getting together for little play groups. We needed breaks and our kids get stir crazy being at home. All of us seemed to need each other at the same time.
Amy T - I have never felt so comfortable talking to someone. I honestly feel that I can tell her anything and she won't judge me in the slightest.
Amy H - We were actually friends when I lived in Payson. Our husbands played basketball together. It was so nice to have her come (back) in this ward so I could have familiar face and person to talk to. I adore her.
Haylie - She is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She is a strong girl in many aspects of the word. She is my baby friend since she is pregnant with twins that are due the same time as my baby. She will have 3 kids that are 2 and under and I will have my 3 kids that are just under 3 years.
The sad thing is, Amy T just moved, Amy H is in the process of moving, and there is a possibility that I will be moving here soon. Our little group that was so great is now not our little neighborhood group anymore.... but I am very greatful for the lasting friendships that were made through us getting together in the short time. All of us very different but so much a like at the same time.
James- I have mentioned him before and I will continue to mention him til the end of time. He has done so much in the past few months with taking care of us, putting out fires, and dealing with all of the nitty gritty things that I can't even imagine dealing with if he wasn't here. He does so much for me and the girls and I will always be grateful for him.
There are other things that I could mention but because of the length of this already, I am going to stop there. Even in these hard times, I need to focus and be aware of the blessings that I do have in my life. These are all things that I am truly grateful for right now!
Insurance- because of our many things that have been going on recently, I was able to qualify for insurance that is paying 100% of my baby! I can't even tell you how much of a blessing this is to us right now. This pregnancy would be very difficult for me if I had to worry about the financial burden it would bring on us, but because of insurance, I don't have to stress about the money and I can enjoy the experience.
I had to take Kenidi to the Dr. yesterday because of a nasty cold she had that was in her chest and was causing wheezing and difficulty breathing. It was bad enough that they needed to send us to the hospital so that she could have her nose suctioned and some tests ran, and because of insurance, I didn't have to worry one bit about if it was all really necessary or not because it was going to cost us a lot of money.... it won't cost us anything.... It almost brings me to tears to think about the fact that I don't have to stress over these things in life right now!
Brooklyn & Kenidi-I have my moments where I get overwhelmed and frustrated, but these 2 definitely bring smiles to my face on a regular basis.
Last night, James was off taking care of some car situations, so I was home alone with the girls all evening by myself and needed to get them to bed. Usually we get Kenidi down first and then we go into Brooklyn's room and get her ready for bed and do family prayers. Well I have to admit that when James is gone, I have been known to skip the family prayer part. Well, last night Kenidi was with me and Brooklyn in Brooklyn's room and Brooklyn climbed up on her bed and sat down and folded her arms, then Kenidi sat and folded her arms (in her own cute way) and both girls were ready to say night, night prayers... It was precious! One of those split moments that I wished I could have paused forever. It was a very humbling esperience for me to see both girls (even Kenidi with how little she is) both folding their arms and being familiar with prayer.... something I need to learn on my own.
My mom, sister, & friends- Because of these people, I have clothes in my closet as well as my girls! I have gotten A LOT of clothes from my mom and my sister! I kid you not that probably 60% of my closet is from these 2. I have some great clothes that I didn't spend any money on (to bad I can't fit into a lot of them right now with being pregnant). My girls have A LOT of clothes also from my sister's girls and then a close friend of ours gave us some from her daughter. If we were left to our own vices of buying clothes for our girls, they would be wearing the same thing over and over again. It is such a huge blessing to have these hand-me-downs right now.
Neighbor Friends- In the past few months, I have made some great friendships here in my ward. There are 3 particular friendships that have meant a lot ot me. A few of us started getting together for little play groups. We needed breaks and our kids get stir crazy being at home. All of us seemed to need each other at the same time.
Amy T - I have never felt so comfortable talking to someone. I honestly feel that I can tell her anything and she won't judge me in the slightest.
Amy H - We were actually friends when I lived in Payson. Our husbands played basketball together. It was so nice to have her come (back) in this ward so I could have familiar face and person to talk to. I adore her.
Haylie - She is probably one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She is a strong girl in many aspects of the word. She is my baby friend since she is pregnant with twins that are due the same time as my baby. She will have 3 kids that are 2 and under and I will have my 3 kids that are just under 3 years.
The sad thing is, Amy T just moved, Amy H is in the process of moving, and there is a possibility that I will be moving here soon. Our little group that was so great is now not our little neighborhood group anymore.... but I am very greatful for the lasting friendships that were made through us getting together in the short time. All of us very different but so much a like at the same time.
James- I have mentioned him before and I will continue to mention him til the end of time. He has done so much in the past few months with taking care of us, putting out fires, and dealing with all of the nitty gritty things that I can't even imagine dealing with if he wasn't here. He does so much for me and the girls and I will always be grateful for him.
There are other things that I could mention but because of the length of this already, I am going to stop there. Even in these hard times, I need to focus and be aware of the blessings that I do have in my life. These are all things that I am truly grateful for right now!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Breakdowns and GIrls Night Out
Breakdowns have been a part of my past few days. When you think things can't get any worse, they do. Yesterday.... I didn't just break down, I completely SOBBED. I get really busy and clean when I am upset and I was trying to get my laundry done and James just came and grabbed me and hugged me and I COMPLETELY broke down in his arms. I cried on and off All.Day.Long!
Then, we had a girls night out with some of the girls around here. I wiped my face up, fixed my makeup and went off to this Girls Night Out. It was nice to get out and talk with these girls, but I felt a bit out of place and awkward.... I don't know if it was just because of the day I was having or what.... but I did enjoy myself. Then I came home and wanted to break down again..... and boy did I look like I had been crying when I got home. I didn't realize that it was probably reading all over my face the kind of days I have been having. I really hope something amazing happens because I simply can't take one more thing.
Then, we had a girls night out with some of the girls around here. I wiped my face up, fixed my makeup and went off to this Girls Night Out. It was nice to get out and talk with these girls, but I felt a bit out of place and awkward.... I don't know if it was just because of the day I was having or what.... but I did enjoy myself. Then I came home and wanted to break down again..... and boy did I look like I had been crying when I got home. I didn't realize that it was probably reading all over my face the kind of days I have been having. I really hope something amazing happens because I simply can't take one more thing.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2010/2011
I know most people right now would be posting pictures of their kids on Christmas and all of their holiday fun.... but, I pretty much didn't take any pictures. We took some pictures on the day that we celebrated Christmas a week early, or I should say that we recorded some video.... then we went to Colorado for Christmas and my battery went dead on the camera and I never charged it up...... plus... I simply HATE having to download pictures onto my computer, I don't like it ONE.BIT! So..... instead I am posting about what is on my mind (what's new).
I have never been one to set New Year's Resolutions. I have never felt like I have really had things that I really needed to work on to the extent of setting a goal for that year. In 2010, I had one resolution and one resolution only.... To survive 2010 with having my second child. I SURVIVED! Goal accomplished.... Now that we are in 2011, I am feeling different about the resolution thing... because I feel like I have a LOT that I REALLY need to work, enough to set a goal.
2010 started off fine. It went by really fast with being so focused on having Kenidi and taking care of my girls.... but the end of the year wasn't the best for us. With all of the crap that we have been dealing with lately, I have realized that I need a SERIOUS overhaul of myself. I need a makeover in spirituality, mentality, physically... you name it, I need it. I am in such a sad, negative place right now and I need that to change this year (preferrably in the early part of the year, meaning sooner rather than later).
You know when you go into Relief Society and there is a very spiritual lesson where many women in the room are crying and feeling overwhelmed with the spirit? I am the one off to the side with no emotion in my face and completely numb... That is a sign that I have a PROBLEM! Even my husband told me that that isn't good.... like I said... I need help!
I don't know how I am going to do it, but I need 2011 to be focused on me and getting myself to a better place. This could be a very difficult year for us, and I'm afraid that if it goes in that direction, I may be void of any spirituality and filled with a lot of anger. SO... I am looking for suggestions. Books to read, advice, etc... I pretty much don't spend any time or any money on myself and it is starting to show I'm afraid. I may be the only woman out there who MAYBE gets their hair done once a year. Not to mention spending money on classes or anything like that that can help improve me in many ways..... but, I don't see that changing anytime soon. So, if you have suggestions that don't cost a lot of money, that would be preferred. I feel stuck and I am determined to find a way out of it!
I have never been one to set New Year's Resolutions. I have never felt like I have really had things that I really needed to work on to the extent of setting a goal for that year. In 2010, I had one resolution and one resolution only.... To survive 2010 with having my second child. I SURVIVED! Goal accomplished.... Now that we are in 2011, I am feeling different about the resolution thing... because I feel like I have a LOT that I REALLY need to work, enough to set a goal.
2010 started off fine. It went by really fast with being so focused on having Kenidi and taking care of my girls.... but the end of the year wasn't the best for us. With all of the crap that we have been dealing with lately, I have realized that I need a SERIOUS overhaul of myself. I need a makeover in spirituality, mentality, physically... you name it, I need it. I am in such a sad, negative place right now and I need that to change this year (preferrably in the early part of the year, meaning sooner rather than later).
You know when you go into Relief Society and there is a very spiritual lesson where many women in the room are crying and feeling overwhelmed with the spirit? I am the one off to the side with no emotion in my face and completely numb... That is a sign that I have a PROBLEM! Even my husband told me that that isn't good.... like I said... I need help!
I don't know how I am going to do it, but I need 2011 to be focused on me and getting myself to a better place. This could be a very difficult year for us, and I'm afraid that if it goes in that direction, I may be void of any spirituality and filled with a lot of anger. SO... I am looking for suggestions. Books to read, advice, etc... I pretty much don't spend any time or any money on myself and it is starting to show I'm afraid. I may be the only woman out there who MAYBE gets their hair done once a year. Not to mention spending money on classes or anything like that that can help improve me in many ways..... but, I don't see that changing anytime soon. So, if you have suggestions that don't cost a lot of money, that would be preferred. I feel stuck and I am determined to find a way out of it!
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