Daeson's graduation and family birthday party:

Congratulations, Daeson. We are so very proud of you! Great job!

We had a small birthday party for Daeson before graduation. He was so happy to have friends and family! Our friends from Belgium, Annaleen and Bart, were able to celebrate with us. Grandma Tom, Grandpa and Grandma Blue and Kaden, Kayla and girls, Bret, Holly, and girls, Justin, Hailey and Jaxon, and Great Grandma Grover were all able to spend time with us. Thank you everyone for celebrating Daeson's special night with us!!!

Daeson's preschool class

This is Daeson's preschool class. Left to right back row: Brooke, Miles, Dani, Rachel, Rylin, Ainsley, Corbin. Left to right front row: Hadley, Savvy, Isabelle, Brayden, Daeson, Saige and Andrea.

He loved his preschool so very much. All the kids were so nice and fun to play with. It will be a hard summer not going to preschool three times a week!!!!

Kangaroo sores

Troy gets canker sores a lot...mostly when he is stressed out. The other day Daeson was very upset and when I asked him why, he replied, "Mom, I have a kangaroo sore and it hurts really bad." I felt so bad for him...it was HUGE! I did think, however, it was so cute that he calls it a kangaroo sore. :) I love him so much!

Tonight...

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend the temple with my grandma. It has been since February that I attended, so I was looking forward to tonight. Troy was great and watched the kids. We left at 4:30 and after our 5:00 session, we had a chapel meeting. I had never been to one of those, but I thought it was rather neat. But tonight as I sat next to my gram, I was feeling very grateful that I get to have her in my life. I know that there are times I take her for granted, but how lucky I am. I watched her tonight. I looked at her hands. I looked at her face. I realized that I have her eyes, so does my dad and little brother. I realized how lonely it must be for her to sit night after night by herself. I realized how empty her house might seem after raising four kids. I tried to imagine myself in her shoes and I realized how I wouldn't be able to do what she does. I rely on Troy so much. She has no one to rely on. Night after night she goes to bed by herself. She eats dinner by herself. She watches movies by herself. I look at her wrinkles. I know some of those are happy wrinkles, and some are worry wrinkles, and some are sad wrinkles. For 12 years she has been alone. I am so lucky that she is capable and has the means to visit us. I am grateful that she can still read to my boys and wrestle with them. What a blessing it is in my life to know my grandparents. What a blessing it is that I get to sit in the Lord's house with my Grandmother. That we are able to sit and enjoy each other's company. She is here for a few days and I am lucky I get to spend time with her. I love Gram.

The cake Cricut...

Yeah, I want one!

Zoo

Today we went to the zoo. Aunt Heidi and Uncle Brad went with us. It was a fun day and it was the perfect temp for the animals to be out and about. I was a bit chilly, but got sunburned...suprise, suprise! We had a little picnic and enjoyed our day. After that, we got icecream at DQ. Yummy! Butterscotch dipped cones!

Happy Mother's Day 2010

Today was mother's day and I enjoyed it. My parents stayed the night last night and went to Sacrament Meeting this morning with us. I was sad to see them go, but Tevan had a really hard time. He kept saying, "I go home with Gamma." Daeson sang with the primary in sacrament meeting and he did a great job. After church, Troy took us to O'Brady's. Normally I wont go out on a Sunday, but he really wanted to do this and I appreciated it. I had an omelet and hash browns with really yummy toast and jam. I brought home most of it! Troy and I watched the Office and Community while the boys played outside. (They were visible the whole time.) I took a great nap and woke up when Heidi and Brad got here. We had a bbq with Troy's fam, or those who could come. It was great. Troy bought me a digital picture frame and some beautiful flowers. I got some great gifts from others, too. It was a nice day. I didn't do too much until it was time to do dinner. But, I liked that I could have my mom here for breakfast and my other mother here for dinner.

I appreciate all of the women in my life. Last night we went to Pocatello for dinner. I got to see my Great Aunt, Virginia, my cousins: Cheryl, Heidi, Shawntel, Shelese, Allison, and Addi, my Aunts: Mitzi and Lindy, and my sis in law, Carlie. I also got to see my niece, Brooke. My mom, and both Grandmothers were there. Of course, I got to see all the men, too. However, it was great to reflect on the important role each of these women/ girls have played in my life. Being a woman is so important. I need to appreciate it more. There are days that I dream of a different life, but there are also days that I relish my children and my role as a wife and mother. I admire so many women for all the roles they play, for all the "hats" they wear. Thank you to all the women in my life who make me want to be a better person.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Today we went to Alvin and the Chipmunks with preschool at the cheap seats. It was an adventure. There were a ton of kids and not so many parents, but they had a great time and we all enjoyed our popcorn, pop, and sucker. I loved when the kids would recognize a song and sing as loud as they could to it. It made me smile. Daeson has the best preschool teacher and I am sad to see the school year winding down. She has done an amazing job and Daeson has learned soooo much. I have Tev registered for next year, but I am not sure how he will do. He is only 3. He is a young 3. And, lets face it, he is my baby. Daeson adapts really well to new things and Tev struggles a lot with new things. Daeson has loved preschool and for that, I am happy. I cannot believe he is going to Kindergarten. Is he really ready? Did I teach him everything he needs to know to get him ready for school? I am sure he is ready...he is ready to fly from the nest for the first time. Am I ready? Most likely not. Every child has to grow up. Every child moves on. It is all part of the plan. So, ready or not, here he comes!!!

Pipes

While my neighbor and friend, Sandy, came for a visit, she had some problems with her rental property's pipes. After watching her go through her problems, we decided it would be a great idea to have our sewer main camera-ed. They stick a long tube with a camera on the end in the pipes and see what is going on...kinda like a colonoscopy for your house :). We found a separation and we have to get it fixed. Another house on our street had the same problem as Sandy and they actually had a break. I guess that is what comes with owning an older home. Troy and I are considering fixing it and possibly moving in the next couple years to a newer house with some acreage. I love where we live, I love our ward, and I love my neighbors. However, I could have a beautiful home with everything I have put into this house. So...we shall see what happens. Troy now has to dig a trench 8.5 ft down and 2.5 ft across. Lovely.

Thank you for this!

I was reading a friend's blog about her experience at Women's Conference and I stumbled upon this quote: Decluttering puts us in step with a God of order. So for all those who say I declutter too much, there ya go. :) I might be obsessed with an orderly house and I might be a little neurotic with my yearly yard-sales, but I try to have a house of order and a house that is presentable. I love to have things in a place and if they don't have a place, I get rid of it. I do not like feeling weighed down with "stuff". I would rather fill my days with experiences rather than stressing out about a messy, unorganized house. I find that not having a lot of stuff is very refreshing. I would love to be a home organizer. That is my dream job. I love to find a place for things and get rid of the un-necessary baggage. I should start my own TLC or HGTV show!

Running

My neighbor, Kara, and I have started running. I go with her on Tuesday mornings. Since the beginning of the year, I think I have gone running 5 times. Three of those have been since last Tuesday. Today we ran 2.01 miles and walked another .99. Grand total: three miles. Not too shabby! However, but June 12, I have to run 6.2 miles. And, by September, I have to run a half marathon: 13.2 miles. Wish me luck. This is the year I have to do it...I turn the big 30 next month. Sigh....... I did promise myself I would run a half marathon by the time my 30th year was over. After that, I would love to stay in shape by running 10k's every year until I just cannot anymore. I figure after 3 runs I am already at 2 miles, I should be able to increase a half a mile every week and by June 12, I will just have to chug along and hope to finish the race!

Mom, take a picture

Tonight Tevan wanted me to take his picture, but I could barely get him to take the horses out o his face...what a silly kid! Daeson was at Grandma and Grandpa Blue's today. He spent the night last night.

Mother's Day cakes

I am now accepting orders thru Wednesday for Mother's Day cakes. This is a small round cake with buttercream frosting. I made this tonight just for a demo to put on fliers. I will make the square one tomorrow. The 8 in round is 6.50 for a basic one layer. The square 8x8 is the same price. Anything more elaborate or larger will be more. I thought some of the husbands and kids around my neighborhood would find it convenient to do this.

Cindrella cake

My neighbor loves Cinderella and this is the cake I did for her. I was a double chocolate cake with a cream bouquet buttercream frosting. I started off doing color flow, but then I smashed her face in on accident with my thumb. So, I had to star tip the entire picture. But, she loved it and that is what counts!!!!

Weaknesses

I have some weaknesses that I just cannot give up on! Cheetos, an occasional Wild Cherry Pepsi and an occasional Dr. Pepper. I also like cookies, banana bread, and Rice Krispie treats. If anyone knows how I can keep with my diet with these things floating around...please share your input. I know some of you are thinking: They are not good things, so quit buying them. But, I cannot say no to Tevan when he asks for Cheetos. He is loosing weight and I think I am finding it! :) Like I said, weaknesses!!!! Sigh...

Daeson's invites

My fab sis in law, Kayla, took an entire afternoon to help me make this for Daeson. She is very talented!! Thank you so very much!!! It is so much cuter than a store bought invite!

Gardens

Tonight I weeded my garden. It was 36 degrees. I pulled over 200 weeds. I am cold, muddy, and wet. I love spring!

Rub a dub dub

The boys like to brush their teeth while they are in the bath. Tevan, tonight, got a bath by himself and he loved it! Daeson is starting to shower more...I think he realized it is much faster and there is no chance of Tevan peeing in his shower water :) !

Tiny helpers

I love that the boys like to help. Sometimes they even fight over it!!! Tonight they helped set the table for dinner. We usually eat at the bar, but they boys like to occasionally eat at the table. They are good boys and I love them very much.

monkey cake

I made this cake for a first birthday. It was a white sheet cake with raspberry butter cream. The monkey was hand-piped. I was excited to do this cake. Thanks, Kara, for having the faith in me to do your baby's first cake!!!

Yellowstone Park

This week was free admission week to Yellowstone Park. It was so cool. We have our very special friend, Sandy, staying with us and she had never been. So, we loaded up the kids and headed out. I loved it and the boys thought it was amazing at how close the animals got. We saw a zillion buffalo, one bear, and about seven elk. We also saw all types of birds and several little chipmuck and ground hog things. It was so neat. We ate in West and the Pizza place, and holy cow, it was so great! Old Faithful is still faithful and I had a hard time explaining to Daeson that is was not a volcano, but that it was a geyser. He didn't quite get that, but we'll work on it. It was a great trip and I am so glad we took a day to play while she was here!

The park instead of the zoo

Today was beautiful. The sun was shining, and the zoo is now open. So, we took the kids, plus our cute neighbor, to the zoo...only to find out that it was closed five minutes prior to our arrival. The paper said it was open until 5, and we got there at 4:05. However, the paper was wrong. The kids were so sad. Luckily there is a super fun park by the zoo...so we talked the kids into playing instead. There were many tears at first, but look how fun this park is. What kids could turn that down!?

A day in the park

My friend, Jen, and her two beautiful girls spent the afternoon in the park. It was fun and I got burned. Not so fun! But, the kids had a blast and we had a fun picnic. Thanks, Jen, for a great day in the park!!!

The wedding cake

This is the front view.

This is the front/side view

This is the back view.

So here is the wedding cake. It turned out okay. I briefly saw the bride, and she was smiling, so I hope she liked it. I will have to talk to her to see what she thought. My neighbor, the bride's brother in law, said that he thought it was amazing. It was so funny while I was setting up. The little girls and boys would come in the kitchen and just watch. They were completely mesmerized by what I was doing. I didn't get very many good pictures. I actually forgot to take pictures and ran back inside. I was happy that I was done a half hour before the reception started. It turned out okay and I am glad that this one is done. I have another wedding in June, but I think I will take a break from wedding cakes for a while until I can perfect my technique. I will just have to practice. Tonight I made a carrot cake and my icing was thin. I should have thickened it and practiced on it, but I was in a hurry and did not take the opportunity. Practice makes perfect, and I passed in it. Daeson said it was unacceptable that it was not perfect. But, he sure enjoyed it!!! I have a lot more pictures to post, but I will have to wait on it. We have company coming in tomorrow night and a very, very full week ahead. So, probably until next week...ADIOS!

Home at last

After last night's post, I took a deep breath. I went up stairs to check on the kids. They were both sleeping peacefully and Daeson had gotten up to go potty. Instead of sending him back to bed, I held him. I cried some more and I told him that I love him. He smiled so sweetly at me. I told him I was so sorry for not being a great mom the last few days. I held him longer. We rocked in my rocking chair and I took him to bed where I continued to hold him. I looked in on Tev. He, too, was smiling so sweetly and my heart got a bit lighter. I took a few more glances at the cake and decided to wait until I had a clear head to try it again. I did four batches of laundry and carried myself to bed at 1:45. I was happy that I had apologized to Daeson and I was really happy laundry was done, I just had to put it away. I made a to do list for today and I was feeling surprisingly optimistic.

Although I did not get up as early as I wanted to this morning, I did get everything done on my list. laundry put away, vacuuming, dusting and even the sheets got changed. The bathrooms were nice and shiny. (I must admit that a shiny toilet makes me happy) I was stressing a bit about the cake, but decided that I cried enough last night. My wonderful neighbor and friend, Kara, called to ask how things were going. She happened to have a cake mix that I could make for the top of the cake, and she offered to take my kids for me while I got help on the cake. She was an answer to my prayers...she was the miracle I needed. I got everything done, and headed to the cake store for help. As I pulled in, my heart sank. It wasn't Amy working. Tears, again, filled my eyes. I went in hoping someone there could help me. Another miracle happened when the grrl working happened to be a professional decorator AND she was willing to help me. So for two and a half hours, I got to know her and she helped save the cake. It wasn't perfect still, but it was better. My spirits were a lot better and because things worked out like they did, I was able to wait for Troy's flight before leaving to deliver the cake. Today was a great day. I got to see my family, almost everyone, and I was able to deliver a cake that I was okay with. The bride seemed happy about it. The bug cake was a huge hit and one of my aunts told me it was a fifty to a hundred dollar cake. It was mighty tasty!! But, the best thing about today: Troy made it home. I missed him so much. I decided I do not ever want him to go somewhere without me. He had a BLAST and enjoyed NYC so much. His pictures are incredible. I am happy he is home. The boys are super happy he is home, and the most important thing: He is GLAD to be home.

The miracle I was looking for happened. The help I needed came. My husband and best friend made it back home safely. I know that my Heavenly Father heard my prayers. I KNOW he made all of the small things happen so that I could survive another day. I am grateful for HOPE and I am grateful He answered my prayers. I learned a few things today. I need to be more patient, which I already knew, but the thing I learned was that I am a mother first. I should never let anything get in the way of that. I put my children on the back burner this week and for what? They deserve a wonder woman mamma. They deserve to be my number ones. I learned that my kids will forgive me when I screw up, but I don't want to give them a reason to have to forgive me. I am their mom. I need to be there for them and I need to be the person they need me to be. That is the lesson I gained through all of this. Cakes can wait, but my children are only small for a little while. They cannot wait.

I will post pics tomorrow, or the next day. Whenever I get a chance :)