Kung Fu Wisdom

I was running errands this weekend, of course had the DVD player going in the car as bribery for my kids, this quote from Kung Fu Panda made me stop and think:

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
But today is a gift, that's why it's called the present

That Master Shifu really knows his stuff!

Spring Break

I was glad to have the kids home for a few days over Easter break. We did lots of fun stuff. They had friends over every day it seemed, a play date at Jumpin' Jacks, movie night each night and of course sleeping on the blow up mattress in the front room each night.

When I asked them what the funnest part of their break was, it was hands down the 6 hours they got to spend with Uncle Steve and Aunt Brenda. They made playdough, colored eggs, played the Wii and who knows what else those two did to entertain them. They loved it and thought it was "so awesome!" Thanks guys!

WICKED...Wicked Awesome That Is!

I have heard how incredible this production is from many different people. So when I heard it was coming to Salt Lake I had to get tickets. Conveniently, the tickets went on sale around Christmas so Jeff and I gave my mom a ticket to her as her Christmas present.

This production was incredible. From the music, the costumes, the set, the storyline for sure ( I love the Wizard of Oz references) it was pretty amazing. My favorite song is defying gravity. I down loaded it on my IPOD so I could listen to it in the car. Then I realized just how incredibly talented those performers are. Even with the music in the background I still sounded like a drowning cat trying to belt those lyrics out. But it didn't stop me I still kept singing. My only regret was not getting Abbey a ticket to see it too. She would have loved it. The singing and dancing is just what she loves.

After the show I was driving in the car and started to analyze the story a little more. Elphaba was a woman who was never loved by her mother or her father. She was an outcast because of her looks. She just was trying to help those who couldn't help themselves and then accused of betrayal by her best friend. I felt kind of sad for her and then I realized I shouldn't feel bad for her. Through all of that, she found who she was and stood up for what she believed in. Way to go girl!

Elder Holland is a Stud!

I always look forward to hearing Elder Holland talk conference weekend. This past conference was no exception. I usually am drawn to the talks that are more life experience based than scripture based, however his testimony and account of the atonement really spoke to me. He has such a firm knowing belief when he bares his testimony, I can't help but be inspired and want to do better.

Monsters vs. Aliens...You Be the Judge!

This was the year Ryan got to have a friend party (we rotate every other year) and he wanted to see the Monsters vs. Aliens movie, so we made that the party. He invited seven of his friends and they all had a blast!

8 Things I Love About Ry.

1. He is very lovey. He still gives me a kiss and a hug every week when I go into volunteer in his class.
2. He is a good friend. Ryan loves to be with his friends. And pretty much everyone is his friend. He is very social and loves to include everyone.
3. His soft spot for his sisters. Okay most of the time. He doesn't like to see them cry or hurt it makes him feel bad.
4. His smile. This is one all his own. It reminds me of his baby days when he would snuggle with his #1 (nickname for his blanket) suck his thumb and go to his happy place.
5. He wants to be like his dad. Ryan is turning a new corner. He is wanting to hang with dad more and more. To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day one of the projects he did was write down his dream for himself. He put go to a great college and have a great time, that I will be a father and have a wife and have kids. I know the last part of that is because of his great example he has at home.
6. He keeps trying. Ryan hit a few small speed bumps this year in school. But he kept trying and doing what he needed to do to catch up.
7. His laugh. I love that bottom of the belly laugh that comes out when he thinks something is funny. Usually what he finds so funny comes from some bodily function and then he of course has to tell Abbey all about it and they can't stop laughing together.
8. That he is ours. I couldn't think of a better son to have then my Ry. He is the glue for his two sisters and a reminder of answered prayers for Jeff and I.

Welcome to Cub Scouts

Today was Ryan's first day of cub scouts. He has talked about going into scouts for about six months now. The theme for this month...BIRDS! Here he is with his bird feeder he made out of a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed. Yes, I did actually let him hang it in the tree. I've decided to adopt the philosophy keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer!

It's Great To Be Eight!

What an awesome day! Ryan was baptized on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Not only was it the day of his baptism it was also his birthday. Grandma Miller wrote a beautiful poem for Ryan as her talk. Jeff did the baptism and confirmation and Grandma Ho Ho gave the closing prayer. Aunt Brenda was our talented pianist. (Thank goodness someone has some musical talent in this family!) Ryan was so happy to share in this day with all of his family and friends.

Ryan and his daddy!

Grandma Miller and Aunt Meredith at the after party.

Ryan and the ladies.

My handsome little boy in his suit.

After the celebration we went over and played basketball at the school and then went to Little America for dinner. Ryan, Abbey and Allie all ordered breakfast of course. Ryan had an extra side of bacon!

Now Who's The Paranoid One?

So, I am sure that you have recently heard of the two plane crashes in the news. And I am sure you have heard the cause for both of these near death tragedies...yep birds. I don't want to sound paranoid, but do you really think it is coincidental? I also was in Lowes and Target (big surprise) within two days of each other and guess what had been flying around the store...yep a flock of birds. Maybe it's not the poor economy thats threating our nation that we should be worried about. Hmmmmmm. Just puttin' it out there people. Watch your backs, Watch your backs.

Our 44th President

I wanted to document my thoughts on this historic day, not only to share with others, but have it recorded in my journal.

I am trying to be optimistic about the promised changes our new president will try to implement in our country over the next several years. I hope they will take place over the course of time and peoples lives change for the better. I am also a bit emotional about our first African American president. The idealist in me feels some sort of victory that we as a nation are headed in a direction that considers all races (and genders) to be candidates for any position. I am excited to see what the future holds for our country. I would hope the million plus people that stood on the steps today is a good indication of us coming together to better our nation.

My Aha Moments of 2008

This was certainly an eventful year, so I thought I would list my top Oprah moments:

1. The Pet Egg. Seriously, if you have not invested in one of these, do so, it's worth the ten dollars!

2. Faced my political allegiance. I've always suspected there was something different about me when it came to politics in my family. This year it became evident and I could no longer live a lie...I am a Democrat. Sorry, Mom!

3. Learned To Ask For Help. Sometimes you can not solve problems on your own. Heavenly Father gave us tools to solve our problems and I have finally learned to use them this year!

4. Finding hobbies. I wish I could say running is my passion. I really like it, but I can't consider it a passion, so I'll call it a hobby.

5. Finding Joy In The Journey. I loved this talk by President Monson. If ever there was a talk written for a stay at home mom, this is it. It's easy to find the joy in the months of June-August, I think I'll try to work harder on my "off" months

6. I Love My Family. This may seem like a silly moment...you didn't know you love your family? Yes, I did but each year I become a little more appreciative of our life. If you pay close attention to those around you, strangers or not, I've realized how blessed we are.

Oh my goodness!

My friend gave me the great idea to give Ab a Karaoke machine for Christmas. As you can see from this video, I think it was a hit!

We don't have a Wii?

I thought for sure Ryan and Abbey would catch on once they opened their games they were getting a Wii. Apparantly, it took some seeing to believe it!