Changes....

Sometimes I find that I get a desperate need to slow down, only to clear the way for new things in my life. This time has been on exception. I now have to opportunity to serve in the Young Women's program. I've served before, but our total YW count was 6, on a good day. It never seemed like we had enough to do. Now it seems like there's not enough time to do it all, and I am left thinking, "Ah-ha! This is what I have been unknowingly preparing myself for!" So far, it has been crazy busy, far busier than I anticipated. But already far more rewarding as well. I am so excited to get involved with the youth, to teach them and learn from them. I am hoping it will give me some inspiration in my own life, about how to teach my children about the gospel. Soemtimes it's hard to figure out what a 1 and 2-year-old can grasp. At this point, I just hope that as we do things they feel the spirit, and learn to crave that feeling, and learn about love. Hopefully my example will be one worth following. That's definitely motivation to get up every day and try a little harder...

We also moved to the bootcamp phase of our workout last week. It's definitely as difficult as I anticipated, possibly more. But also very rewarding. Today, we set the timer for 30 minutes and did as many sets of pushups, bodyweight rows, and squats as we could. We both had to stop shortly after 20 minutes. I guess 30 is something we'll have to work up to... I'm hoping this will help in breaking my plateau. I know running will, and I've also decided to stop eating after 6 for awhile, see it it helps. I am feeling really great, but definitely craving more. Please post a comment here if you are interested in running with me. That is something I want to get started by next week, maybe sooner. I still think it would be fun to get a big group of gals and train for a 1/2 marathon together, or the Wasatch Back. How fun would it be to work out and lose weight together, and then go on a fun girls' weekend to accomplish a big goal and celebrate together?! I think it would be great. Hopefully others do too.

Chance is still doing wonderfully. I am so grateful. He is such a blessing in our lives. One accident and counting.....but that's amazing in my opinion! I really need to find him a good puppy class out here. His only downfall is that he's very shy, and I think getting him out in a new situation, with new people, and new dogs, will be just what he needs to come out of his shell a bit more. I have been having trouble finding one though. I am so NOT a fan of Petsmart or Petco for lots of things, one of them being training. But I am yet to find any other group class. I will continute searching this week.

Our tree out in front of our house is the most beautiful shade of red right now. I can't wait until it grows bigger. I love the fall. I love all the seasons. Lately, I have found myself eating soup almost daily, baking all kinds of breads, and yesterday we picked up the most delicious pears at a produce stand near the pumpkin patch we go to every year. Seeing the pumpkins got me really excited for Halloween. Is it too early to put out decorations? I might anyway. We'll see. I am so excited that Wes will be home in time to trick-or-treat with us this year. It will be so fun! My mom bought Kolton a Halloween book a couple days ago - Froggy's Halloween. He loves it. He wants to read it all the time, and he even sleeps with it at night. I love that he loves books so much, and I hope he continues to for the rest of his life.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how blessed we are. We have been so lucky to be blessed with so many things during our lives together. I always feel so strongly about serving and giving back in any way we can because of that. I feel like there is a reason things have been going well. We all ahve our struggles of course, but I have always been able to draw on the strength I receive from Heavenly Father and the knowledge that he lvoes me and is there for me when I need him. I feel like there is always something more I can be doing because of our blessings, and to show my gratitude. I can't even begin to count the thank yous I owe to everything and everyone: my amzing husband and sons, and our extended family and friends, our neighbors, our home, Wes's job, my ability to stay home with our kids, our health, our dog, our cozy bed, our garden, the ability to read and write, think and hear and speak. I am sooo grateful for flushing toilets and running water! I am grateful that I can take a hot bath when I need a break, or snuggle up to my boys and read them

Finally A Break!

Last night I talked to Wes and we decided that since things have been so busy the last month or so, the boys deserved to have some days just for them. So today is one of those days. I am so excited! I made the boys breakfast, and then Kolton asked to watch his current favorite movie, "The Fox and the Hound." Micah is still eating, but he usually takes a quick morning snooze, which I am going to let him do with me in my bed today. We'll have to see how the day unfolds, but the current plan is ot meet uncle Andrew at Color Me Mine later on. Kolton is way excited for that! And of course, we've gotta play with Chance the puppy! Kolton sat on the couch for over and hour holding him yesterday, and he had a fit when I had to tear him away at dinnertime. I am soooo glad he loves him so much! Chance is such a little jewel. Two full nights sleep, and no accidents! What more could a puppy owner ask for?
I also have got to get the potty thing done.....Disneyland is in 3 weeks! I would be so tickled if I didn't have to worry about it there! I really think Kolton is ready. Yesterday, he actually tried really hard to go poop in the potty. We gave him an incentive: poop in the potty, go to Jungle Jim's. It's going to work, I just know it. I'm so proud of my little guy! Micah is starting to take his diaper off, so I hope it doesn't mean I'll be starting over with him. I'm getting there on the schedule, I'll have to see how he does when we're 100% in that area. It should make it easier either way.
Also, Wes is almost done with the fence! He was out there until 10:30 or so last night, and he came in 30 screws short of finished! Bummer! But I am so proud of him, and so happy that we are finally proud owners of a fully fenced yard! We've already enjoyed the yard so much more. Next year, the backyard will be my project. I'm going to plant trees, flowers, toys, and everything else I can think of! We finally broke in the fire pit with Joseph and his girlfriend, Maddy on Sunday and it was great. Kolton hated it, and stayed inside crying, but I think he'll come around. I was really fun. I need to get more seating, and a few more marshmallow sticks, and some tinfoil dinner recipes.
I can believe fall is already here! My maple tree is peaking right now, and my gardening group says they are in the mountains too. I guess it's time to go for a drive. Horseback riding sound even better right now, in the fall leaves. I just love nature, and I love the changing seasons!
Well, Kolton just came in and I think he wants to play with the puppy. Wish us luck on our day of fun!

Is This For Real?!

Chance so far is unbelievable. He has yet to have even one accident. I left today at 3, intending to be back around 5:30, but didn't get back until right before my 7:00 volleyball game. I didn't have time to let him out before I left, and Wes had to rush off to his volleyball game when he got home, so they poor little guy didn't go out until almost 8! Wes let him run around, but not outside, and he held it until Melinda came over to babysit and she let him out. Then he peed 3 times! I just can't believe it! He's getting more and more comfortable every day also. He's been fetching some today already, and he just curls up right next to someone when he's tired. I still have yet to hear him whine or bark. Do dogs like this even exist? We are totally loving him. It's amazing what a difference the right dog makes, as opposed to justs any dog. I'm so glad we found him!
Today continued to be lots of fun! Uncle Andrew and Ashley did meet us at Color Me Mine, and both the boys loved it. (it was sooooo nice to have the extra hands too! Thanks guys!) Kolton ate up all the attention from Andrew, and they painted a dinosaur together. Kolton was so proud of himself. Ashley and I got to visit a bit and talk about Stephenie Meyer books while Micah went to town. Good thing I wore stained clothes, because he thought the paint was great. He didn't like the paintbrush, he used his hands. He also ate it, and got it eveywhere, but he had a total ball! I am so glad he had fun, because I was worried he wouldn't like it. But he was very proud of himself, and I was proud of him too. I feel so lucky to be able to be a mommy, and get to have fun days like today. I love my boys! All three of them. I've decided that the fun is going to continue. Wes has the weekend off, and we are going to play a lot! We never do that. It will be really good for us. I am excited, and looking forward to sleeping in! Yeah!

I Am Tired

I am not usually one to complain about being tired. Given the craziness and chaos of the last month, and even the last week, I will make an exception. I want to go to bed at 10:30 again. I can't even remember the last time I went to bed that early. Last night, Wes forgot to close Kolton's door before we went to bed. 2 AM rolls around and I hear, "Mommy, where are you?" out in the hall. Of course I had to answer, and within 10 seconds he was on top of me in my bed. He literally likes to sleep on top of me when he sleeps with me, which is why is doesn't happen as often as we'd both like. He's a tummy sleeper, and he likes to sleep on his tummy, on top of me, snuggled up. Although it's very sweet, and a nice snuggle that will end all too soon, it's hard to breathe, hot, and uncomfortable. Needless to say, I laid there awake until around 3:30. The I tried to "sneak" him in his bed. Yeah right. He wouldn't have that. So I told him he could sleep in our room if he slept in the portacrib, which I had to get from the basement and set up next to my bed. Next thing I know, he's climbing all over it, kicking, squirming, drinking my water (he is known to steal my water and use it to get himself all wet) and just not sleeping. Finally, at 5 AM, he fell asleep. He slept until my dear, sweet husband's alarm went off at 7, which he snoozed 3 times. (his alarm is so very irritating to me - nails on a chalkboard irritating! I swear I need to buy us a nice alarm clock, so I don't have to listen to that icky alarm anymore!) Needless to say, not only was he awake by then, but so were both the boys. You'd think that a night that dragged by like that one would mean I'd feel a little more rested. Nope. I get nauseated and achy when I'm too tired, so I don't feel to hot right now. The worst part is, our favorite band, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, is doing a concert at Thanksgiving Point tonight, and I still haven't found a babysitter. Our house is a mess, I need to go grocery shopping, I need to finish planting my fall crops, and I desperately need to go clothes shopping, as I am wearing a lot of my clothes out. I have so much work to do, it's not even funny. It wouldn't be that big of a deal to me, except that I am so tired I don't even want to think about it. I will definitely have to find time to take a snooze today, which will be near impossible since the boys take turns being awake all day. I really need to work on that, because I miss having a break to get things done during the day, and so does my house! But, on the flip side, the laundry is caught up, and the neighbor boys are coming to clean out our window wells today. I will be sooooo happy when that's done. All of this chaos of napping at weird times and not staying in bed is a testament to me that I really, really need to create a schedule for myself and the boys, which I really don't want to do. But I think if I create a schedule and stick to it for a week or two, after that everyone will have adapted and I won't have to be so rigid. I really want some time alone with my hubby too. It's been a year since we've gone overnight somewhere, and I'm itching for a little getaway. I will have to see what I can work out, and maybe make that my goal for sticking to my new schedule. That would definitely be something I would make myself work for. I really do so much better with goals and incentives for myself. This one really might help me got into fall mode. We'll see....until then, this is a very sleepy mom calling on her supermom powers to keep her awake, patient, productive, and happy. I hope she's awake and ready to help me.

8 Things Tag

Okay, I was tagged by Stacey, so here goes.

8 Things I am Passionate About:

1. Wes - my sweet, sexy, loving, giving, hardworking, fun hubby and best friend!
2. Kolton & Micah - my two beautiful, healthy, happy boys
3. All our family and friends
4. My beliefs - the gospel, political, and personal
5. Music & Art
6. Life & Learning - living life to the fullest and trying new things
7. Animals - if you didn't know this one, you don't know me very well ;)
8. Physical Activity - in and outdoors - especially rock climbing, volleyball, ice skating, and snowshoeing

8 Words or Phrases I Say Often:

1. I love you!
2. I forgot all about it.
3. I need to go to bed earlier, I'm tired.
4. Do you need to go on the potty?
5. No no.
6. Wanna go bye-bye?
7. Are you serious?
8. You are so special.

8 Things I want to do before I Die:

1. Have more kids. Have more of my own and also adopt internationally.
2. Watch all my kids grow up making good choices and being happy. I want to see them all get married, go through the temple, and have kids of their own.
3. Travel with Wes.
4. Participate in dog sports.
5. Write a book.
6. Sing church music with my mom and sister.
7. Buy a house big enough for my backyard farm.
8. Go on a mission.

8 Things I Have Learned From my Past:

1. You are as happy as you choose to be.
2. If there's someone you don't care for, or someone that's not very nice to you, "kill them with kindness."
3. Prayers are always answered. The gospel is true, and I will always be happiest when I live it.
4. Everyone you meet has something to teach you. Everyone. And it's your job to seek it out.
5. People you love don't always make good choices. Love them anyway. Don't try to change people, love them the way they are, and always try to be there.
6. If you do what you know is right, even when it's not easy, or what you want, you will be blessed in the end. You will also feel peace immediately, and it will give you the strength to follow through.
7. Forget yourself and go to work. Serve others and do good in the world. Always look for opportunities to serve, and you will always fine them. The more you give, the more you get back, as far as love and happiness. I find that most of the most precious moments to me in my life involve some kinds of service.
8. If you try something new, oftentimes you will find one more thing to love about life, more people to meet, and more good to do in the world, and more fulfillment in your heart. Setting goals and reaching them could really go along these lines too. The harder you try to succeed in everything you do in life, the more success you will have.
9. I know I'm only supposed to put 8, but I just have to agree with everyone that's said: Family is the most important thing in the world.

8 Places I Would Love to Go or See:

1. Panama with Wes.
2. I would love to go on a church history trip or two. I also think I'd love to take my family to be in the Hill Cumorah pageant.
3. Italy
4. France
5. China - to bring a child home.
6. Thailand
7. Africa
8. Hawaii

8 Things I Currently Need or Want:

1. More sleep.
2. To be debt-free. (we are getting closer)
3. To finish the basement, and all the other little projects all over.
4. A climbing gym nearby.
5. More time with my sweet husband. I miss him!
6. More workout buddies.
7. Perfect eyesight. Without contacts.
8. Kolton to poop on the potty!

8 People I Tag:

1. Amanda
2. Michelle
3. Jaci
4. Melinda
5. Mom
6. Kristina
7. Liza
8. MacKenzie

Have Fun!

Being Behind.....

I think it sucks how whenever you have something important some up in your life, you get to be behind in everything else, and be behind for awhile after it's over. Life just keeps moving on, whether you do or not, and if you don't keep moving it just moves along without you. I'm not complaining, just observing. I've always found that to be very interesting. Life moves on.

Anyway, we have still been crazy busy here. I have had to work on the potty training....again, since Kolton's routine was once again interrupted. I have around 5 weeks until we go to Disneyland, and I'm really hoping that it's done by then. Cross your fingers for me. It's still the poop thing that's hard. He just doesn't do it. I'm not worried, but I am sick of buying pull-ups. He's a very bright little boy, so I'm sure it'll come fast once it comes.

We began putting up our fence this weekend. Yes we. Due to time, Wes wasn't able to get adequate help in the beginning, so I ended up outside with him all day Friday, digging holes and moving rocks. My hands still aren't working right. But it was a good workout. And thank goodness for Tori Peterson! She came over with this heavy pole thing, and it really got the rocks out great! She also stayed and helped us. It was great to have an extra hand so I could sneak and check on our kids throughout the day. (Luckily, they took a HUGE nap - like 4 hours! Thanks heavens!) It took 5 1/2 hours to do the first 3 holes, and a little over 3 to do the last 5. We celebrated by going to one of our favorite places for dinner - Bajio in Draper (the one out here sucks). It was so delicious, especially after all that work! Yesterday, my dad, Wes's dad, and Wes's buddy, Sheldon, came over to help cement the poles in. It went pretty quickly, and the help was very much appreciated. Now the cement has to set for 3 days. Wes is hoping to finish, or start finishing, on Wednesday, since he gets off work around 5 that day. I'm crossing my fingers that all will go well. It will be soooooo nice to have some PRIVACY. And place to play with the kids and the dog without worrying about them wandering into the neighbors' yard. I am so glad I hung in there with the homeowner of that house! It took me over a year, but I finally got him to pitch in financially with it. I guess the moral of that story is never give up. It was worth it, because due to Josh's recent accident of falling in the window well and getting a staple in his head, I have decided we need some window well covers pronto. Then our yard will hopefully be pretty baby proofed. That will be soooo nice.

Our house is a disaster. I don't think I can even remember a time in our entire marriage that it's been this bad. It's not horribly cluttered (although it still is), but the DIRT! It's everywhere. Gross! Tori saved the day once again yesterday. She was looking for a job and we put her to work washing our filthy windows. It was so nice to wake up this morning and see outside! That's really how dirty they were. I am excited to finish the rest of the house. I want to get the carpets cleaned and do some touch ups and painting, along with the rest of my spring cleaning I never got around to. I was very overwhelmed a few days ago, but getting the windows done really helped me feel like I can do the rest, and very eager to do it. I have been sick all week, post stress I'm sure, but I am beginning to feel better and now I want our home to feel like its usual cozy, clean, organized self.

The sad part for me is that 3 of my adult rabbits will be gone this week. My does. I have loved so much having them around, earning a bit of extra money, and having little buddies to snuggle and play with. Kolton has sure loved it too. But with everything that's happened this summer, I have had to come to grips with the fact that everything has a season, and this is not the season for my Holland Lop breeding/showing. Every spare minute I've had has been spent cleaning the rabbits, and they've sat in their cages quite a bit more than normal lately. I know they're rabbits, an it's not that big of a deal, because they're getting taken care of, but I just can't worry about it anymore. The stress, time, and guilt that has begun to accumulate because of it has become too much. I am not calling it the end for me though. For one thing, my favorite rabbit, McKinley, the big daddy of all the litters I've had, hasn't sold yet. I paid top dollar for him and I'm not going to take less than that. I got it for my does, and he's the best rabbit I have. He's also my favorite as a pet, so I am tempted to keep him, although wasting his awesome genes on being a pet might not be the best idea. I'm going to feel it out and see what happens. I can't think about any of it too much right now because it makes me too sad. But when I get too sad I think about all the things that have gone on since I got them, and I just know I'm doing the right thing finding them a new home. They are going to another breeder, who is really into it, and really excited to luck out with such great rabbits (they really are). She has promised me some picks of the litters when I jump back in later on. Once my kids are old enough to do 4-H, we'll be back. Kolton really loves animals, possibly as much as I do, and I think that 4-H could be something really fun and fulfilling and bonding for us when he gets older. Micah too, of course. Anyway, I really am glad, even though it's bittersweet, because things really just have fallen into place. I've always noticed that when I listen to my heart, or the spirit, and follow it, things always seem to work themselves out, fairly quickly. Things just fall into place and I feel very peaceful about my decisions. That's always been a huge comfort to me in my life.
Wes is happy, he didn't want to put the rabbits in the yard, although he would've let me if it came to that. I think it will be good to wait until our yard is bigger...a lot bigger....and I will have my backyard farm at that point. I really don't think it's too far away. This time in my life with little kids is just blowing by, and I want to soak up every bit of it I can. I know I'll miss it.
One a lighter note, Wes is getting an extra paycheck this month, and we hare hoping to do some more to our basement with it. We need to paint everything, and then we'll have all the doors and trim put in, and finish off the electrical work. Then we'll treat the cement while we're saving for carpet, and hang some blinds in the windows. I am excited! It's going to be fun, and so nice to have the extra space. I'm also going to work on the kitchen, which needs tons of help, and Micah's room. We are also thinking about getting Kolton a bigger bed, so we can move Micah to a toddler bed in a few more months. 2 big boys! I just can't believe how fast they are growing! Anyway, we'll be busy here for awhile, but a good busy. We can do what we can when we can, and that will be good. I think it will help us fall into our autumn routine, just in time for Disneyland. That will be nice.
Speaking of Disneyland, I have decided that I want to be pretty close to my goal weight, if not already there, by then. It's the only deadline I can really think of, and it will be fun to pack skinny clothes, and not be too embarrassed to have pictures. I don't think we have one family picture because I have been so disgusted with my weight. It will be nice to finally have one. So, I will continue my workouts with Wes, and I will be adding in running. I've been running with MacKenzie a Kristi a bit, and I'd like to make that more consistent. Anyone's invited who wants to come. We go around 8:30 at night. I think I'll also try to sneak a few other things in there, for speedy weight loss sake, not permanently, but to get me to my goal faster. I'm really pumped! Sage will love it too - I've been taking her running and walking with me most of the time. Eating healthy has been such a breeze this time. I think something clicked somewhere, but I don't really stress eat much anymore. I think knitting helps. But it's been great. I do feel great when I exercise, but it doesn't even compare to how good I feel when I eat right. The hard part is that I don't have too many recipes that are healthy. I have many tasty ones, but most are like once-a-week kind of fattening. So if you have any great tasting, healthy recipes, please share them with me! I would appreciate it so much!
The garden also helps for healthy eating. It's so much fun to eat what I harvest. I just planted peas, spinach, lettuce, and carrots for the fall. I am considering a few other crops, and my chard is still producing like crazy. I think fall crops will be my favorite. The same a spring, but longer lasting. There's really nothing better than fresh-grown lettuce and spinach. Nothing even comes close! Seriously, if you've never planted a fall crop before, plant one! I will help you. You won't regret it. You'll never skip the fall again. I also read about a very simple solution for my squash bug problem that I will try next year - marigolds! I was reading about that the other day, and then I realized that my marigolds died the same time the neighbor's yard was put in. (the yard guy accidentally hacked them off). Double-whammy. Now that I know, I don't think they'll have a chance next year! I can't wait to see if it works! Also, I am excited because the Square Foot Gardening Foundation is coming out with a teacher certification DVD next month. I am going to be fisrt in line to get it. Then I'll really boost my gardening knowledge, and I can teach classes and earn a little extra money for our debt payoff plan. I am very excited!
Well, I can tell this post is already too long, so I will save the rest for another day. Thanks for reading, and happy Sunday to all. I am so grateful I have such wonderful family and friends that read what I write. I love to read all your blogs, too. Blogging is such a blessing.