Sunday, January 31, 2010

Mini Goals Week 11

I sure am LOVING these mini goals. It really makes me aware of a certain area in my life I'm working on. It's small, so I can work on it and complete it. I am not getting overwhelmed or anything! LOVE IT! Hey, a few of you out there have told me some of your mini goals, great job by the way!! You can do it too this week. It can be anything. Spiritual, physical, financial, mental....the possibilities are endless. I have had 3 in mind these last few days, but will only choose 1 for this week!

My mini goal this week is (drum roll please....) to either pack a box or fill a bag everyday!
We're moving in June, and there is a lot of stuff I need to go through. There is a lot of stuff I need to pack. There is a lot of stuff I need to donate. And, there is a lot of stuff I need to clean. I do not want to overwhelm myself, so I'm going to start now! (Actually, I started last week and packed up 5 boxes of just children's books....it was only HALF of their books! Oh my! That's what helped make me see there is A LOT of packing, organizing and going through that needs to be done!)

So, everyday I will work in a closet.
Sunday is Gavin's closet in the play room.
Monday in the boys hall closets (2).
Tuesday is the boys closet in their bedroom.
Wednesday is the other hall closet and utility closet.
Thursday is Scott's closet in the office.
Friday is Brig's closet in his room.
Saturday is my closet in the bedroom.

I have to either pack an entire box OR fill a bag with items I am giving to the Goodwill.

WHat are YOU working on this week? GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Awards

Jackson received so many awards the other night at pack meeting, it was awesome! I kinda felt bad because we've worked so well and hard with Will, and Tyler's den leader does so much work for Tyler I kinda forgot about sweet little Jackson there for a bit! I went through his book and he had a few done and a ton of awards he was close to completing. So, Scott and I worked on it with him for a couple of weeks and bam! He received his Wolf badge, several belt loops and a couple pins. Brother Bryce, the pack master guy (still learning the lingo...) and his wife planned a VERY fun evening. Jackson had to hop on one leg, pat his head while rubbing his tummy and hopping on one foot to receive some awards. Then, Jackson and another boy had to eat to received their Wolf badge, with their hands tied behind their backs!! It was so fun.

Will too received a few awards....All the boys have been getting a lot of the scouts stuff done. It's fun to help the boys complete different belt loops and pins.

Friday, January 29, 2010

FREE 31 Secret Restaurant Recipes

Here is a downloadable file of 31 secret resturant recipes! YUMMY!



http://www.recipelion.com/master_images/RecipeLion/31-Secret-Restaurant-Recipes.pdf



Thank you Melissa at www.savingcentswithsense.net

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Randomness....

There are a bunch of little things I wanted to share with all of you, but I didn't want to make then their own post. So here is a compilation of lots of little random things, thoughts, and pictures....Enjoy!!


Randomness #1 I celebrated my 11th anniversary to my sweet honey, Scott. We met 13 1/2 years ago in the MTC where he went off to serve in Ohio and me in Washington state. I have loved being married to him, most of the time! :) He really is the most wonderful man, and we are perfect for each other. I LOVE YOU SCOTT!! Here I am with 2 dozen pink roses!



Randomness #2 We hardly ever go out to fast food to eat. Mainly because I'd rather cook and two I don't have any extra cash to waste on nasty food. The other night I was out and about and it was getting late and the boys were getting antsy. I decided to go though the drive thru of Wendy's with my 6 boys in the car with me. After I received the food, I looked in the bag and grabbed a fry. (You now those thick salty ones...yum!) Then, I handed Jackson one who was my co-pilot at the time. Then I noticed the chicken nuggets were missing! Oh man! So I went back inside to inform them. They took my bag (that remember I had outside in my car and was eating out of!) and took it to the window and handed it to the next car in line! WOW! Literally my mouth hing open. Oh, man if the management knew they would be in SO much trouble! The lady finished making mine and handed me the bag. Wild!

Randomness #3 Driving around the other night I saw this. This is the best description of Arizona in a picture. Beautiful sunsets with a cactus!


Randomness #4 Here is what I saw a few nights ago...Seriously? Do you have enough pillows? If an adult attempted this we'd have a sore neck for a few days! Cute belly though! Randomness #5 I was out of baby diapers in the diaper bag while I was out the other night and of course Nathan filled his diaper. So he got to be a big boy for a few hours! When I got home I totally forgot what I did and Scott was changing his diaper and getting him ready for bed. He starts busting up laughing...and then I quickly remembered what I had done. That is some serious protection, all the way up to his nipples!

Randomness #6 I have to share with you all 3 new FAVORITE sites. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these!

http://www.savingcentswithsense.net/ Melissa runs this site and updates several times a day! She keeps you up to date on coupons, free and almost free things, great deals at grocery stores, restaurants and more! Love, love, love it!!

http://thecreativecrate.blogspot.com Stacie runs this blog and updates a few times a week with easy, cute and cheap craft ideas that usually she makes or she finds from other readers. Cute, cute, cute!!

http://creativehomemakers.blogspot.com/ Angela and Heater do this blog, my newest find. Very crafty stuff, but also decorating and organizational ideas. (I am in the middle of the whole binder thing. Organizing my recipes, summer activities, and FHE lessons. All 3 different posts.)Check it out, LOVE IT!

Randomness#7 Scott and I saw Blindside the other night. It was good. A nice solid movie. But the whole time I'm watching it I was wishing I was more like Leigh Ann Tuohy. She is elegant, but tough. A no-nonsense gal and gets the job done. If you get a chance to see this movie, you should!

Well, my friends, that's all I can think of for now! I hope you have a great day!

$50 Gift Card to P.F. Changes!!!

Looking for a romantic dinner for 2 around Valentine’s Day? My recommendation is to head to P.F. Chang’s for great food, wonderful service, and a perfect atmosphere. I’ve been enjoying P.F.Chang’s for over a decade, and can definitely say that it is one of my all time favorite restaurants, which is why I’m very excited to have a giveaway for a lucky reader!

If you haven’t checked it out lately, make sure you take a look at the P.F. Chang’s For Two menu, which includes a four-course meal for only $39.95. You’ll get a cup of soup, a starter to share, 2 entrees, and 2 mini desserts. Another plus to P.F. Chang’s is their menu options for customers: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Kids Options, or Allergen Sensitive. They are very accommodating to customers, and will help make your meal perfect for your needs.


WIN IT!
Just visit one of my favorite sites....

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Peaceful Sleeper

Sweet baby Nathan is almost 4 months old sleeping away. What a wonderful blessing he has been to all of our family. I am so thankful for him!

Dairy Queen

Ok, I confess, I love ice cream. So, this is a nice treat: Get 6 Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Blizzard coupons when you join the BlizzardFanClub. You can find out more information on the Dairy Queen web site: http://blizzardfanclub.com/

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Hey Batter, Batter, Batter!

Swing, batter!



We have this AWESOME baseball arena real close to our home here in Mesa. It's brand new and inexpensive! Perfect! $1.00 for 20 balls, and you can't go wrong with that! Each of us took turns swinging the bat and hitting the balls. It was a lot of fun. Even Gavin and Brigham did a great job at it. There were a few games going on while we were there and the boys enjoyed watching some. Of course after everyone, especially Will, wants to join a team and start playing! They're already into soccer and golf. Soon swim team. There is only so much time in the day to get all these fun sports in! The baseball park is right across the street from the boys school, so I thought on their birthday or an extra special treat I plan on picking them up early (individually) and take them there for a half hour or so! What a cool mom I would be! :)




This is my favorite picture because it show all the brothers cheers the other ones on! It was awesome to see that!

Wacky Hair Day!

This weeks at the boys school they are celebrating 100 days of school. Yesterday they had to dress like an old person. Weird I thought....Anyways, today was wacky hair day. Tomorrow is crazy sock day, then PJ day, and then Friday is sports day.

I usually do their hair with Mohawk or spiky, but Will just wanted sparkles in it. (which you can hardly see in any of the pictures!)
After the boys were out the door and off to school Brig's came in looking like this! I guess he wanted to be part of the celebration! He ,missed his hair and it's all over his face! Silly boy!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Pine Wood Derby




Tyler's troop had their Pine Wood Derby a couple weekends ago. He used Will's car, a red Ferrari. He did pretty well and had fun at the event. I was surprised on how unorganized the entire event was. I thought the hall would be decked out in decorations, and the prizes would be fantastic. But, I was completely wrong. I like the way the church runs the Pine wood Derby but for some reason I thought Tyler's non-traditional troop would be better.

We found Will's car that Tyler was going to use 2 days before the event! That was cutting it close! The evening before the event Tyler, without my knowledge, took the car outside to a friends house. Where, of course, he left it. In the morning Scott got Tyler up early and was ready to head out knowing the car weigh in was at 830am. Where's the car? Thank goodness Tyler remembered he had taken it to a friend's home. Heading straight over there, they couldn't find it anywhere and then one of the kids remembered they had taken it to another friends house because the tire had come off! You have go to be kidding me! All the while I'm still in bed sleeping away. It was at the friends house in pretty bad condition. The front wheel and axle were totally broken off. I blame no one except Tyler. The boys headed over to the clubhouse where the derby was to take place soon and had to hot glue gun the tire on. Which made the car heavier and Scott had to widdle wood of the bottom of the car. Oh man! Crazy story, but they got the car there and in came in middle. Will and Jackson's derby is coming up soon....Hopefully it will run a little smoother! :)

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Mini Goals Week 10

I've been thinking these last few weeks about some of my qualities, you know, what makes me me! Here are my top 3:

1. I'm outgoing. I've always been outgoing, a party planner, spontaneous, lively, always looking (or making) times fun. I can get up in front of a crowd, I don't embarrass easily, and I can go up to strangers and start up a conversation easily.

2. I'm passionate. Whatever I'm doing at the time I do with my whole heart and soul. I give 110%. When I was PTO president for 2 years of my kids school I worked tirelessly on helping benefit the school, the classrooms and the students. When I was the primary chorister for 2 years I spent many hours working on posters, games, and aids to not only help the children learn songs, but to have a good time doing it. Same thing with scrapbooking, blogging, helping the boys in soccer, or scouts.

3. I'm loud. You're lucky to have me on your team because you will be able to hear my cheers from whereever you're at. I'm usually in a leadership role because I can be heard.

These are great, wonderful atributes but at the same measure these 3 things get me in the most trouble.
1. I'm outgoing. People are intimidated by me and think I am pushy or rude.
2. I'm passionate. I don't mind my own business and should stay out of it. There are many other people that can do that same thing better.
3. I'm loud. I'm loud. Annoying.

So, my mini goal of the week is to tame these wonderful attributes that I have been blessed with. I am going to stay more distant from center stage and allow other people to show their talents off. I am going to keep most of my thoughts in my head and remain quiet. It's going to be a little tricky because this week, like most, my plate is full. The Relief Society is meeting at my house for Enrichment. Another evening is the cub scout pack meeting where Will and Jackson are going to be receiving patches, belt loops and pins. I'm in the middle of making plans to host the Superbowl party, and Gavin's 4th Birthday party. I am also heading up the book fair at the boys' school that is coming up in a few weeks.

This may seem easy to you readers, but I assure you it will be hard for me. But, it will be good for me too.

What is YOUR goal this week? What are you going to be working on?

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Go Tyler!

Tyler had another Pack Meeting and he received several awards. Great job Tyler! The Tigers were in charge of conducting the event and Tyler was the speaker and lead everyone.
The tigers also provided a cute little skit about energy. Tyler was the wind.


My good friend, Jori, is the den leader and she does an amazing job! Tyler received so many awesome awards that night mostly because of all the work Jori put in to the entire den! THANKS Jori!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Global Warming?

It pains me to even write that absurd statement. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN GLOBAL WARMING. Just yesterday while working in the library at my kids school we received a box of brand new books from Scholastic that was delivered to us. There was a book all about Global Warming. It kinda bugged me. I do think that weather changes quite a bit. For heaven sakes it snowed in Mesa, AZ several years back. In Mesa! Some years are going to be hotter than others, some years aren't going to have nearly as much rain as others, and some years there will be too much rain. I think that Al Gore is a brilliant man. So incredibly smart how he took some scientists ideas and research and became a "professional" at it. And he made people believe there is "global warming". WOW! How did he do that? Incredible. Made a documentary, help write a book, and won the Nobel Peace Prize? Brilliant! Yes, yes of course I am being facetious.

Anyways, I wanted to write about this crazy weather here in Arizona lately. Like many other places around the United States, and the world for that matter, the weather has been a little squeerly. It's been raining a whole heck of a lot and windy. Oh, so windy. There is this HUGE tree on the side of my house, right next to the boys bedroom. I have been checking that tree every few hours. It's making me nervous! Well, last night it became so bad people lost electricity, a tornado touched down a few times in different parts of the valley, it dumped rain, and it was crazy windy. Like 65-75 mile an hour winds!
Here are some shots of last night...
Look at the ripples in the water from the strong winds...
Here is the aftermath...



Which would YOU choose?

Last night I'm watching one of my fav's, Grey's Anatomy. The entire show was based on the premise would you choose love or a job? It was odd to me because it was a storyline, people had difficulty choosing? Seriously? That was very strange to me. Of course I believe if you have a job you LOVE your life will be better. But would you choose the ideal perfect job for you OVER love? If I had millions I would want to travel. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. So what, I'd go alone? Aww, NO! There is no point in having the perfect job if there isn't someone there to share it with? Am I right or way off here? I can't even think what the ideal job for me would be that I would even think about trading it. NOTHING compares to Scott, my boys, LOVE!

So, ladies, and gentlemen, WHAT DO YOU THINK??
Have YOU or someone YOU know chosen a job OVER love??
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Fire Fighter Will






One of our neighbors is a volunteer fire fighter and let some boys at the park try on his uniform. Will was in heaven. He loved every minute of it!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Walker





And his feet touch the floor! He is super tall!