{Unmentioned}

I selfishly forgot to THANK my wonderful friends for making up for my absenteeism while I was away. It was a group effort, and I am so appreciative of my unselfish and loving, big hearted friends!

For one of the Thursdays I was gone and a Tuesday, Julie came over around 6:40 AM, got Maisey onto the bus, and then took Ry to Ci's. Ci watched him until Naomi picked him up for 9 AM preschool (you know the saying it takes a village to raise a child, quite applicable here)!

What I would have done otherwise, I really have no clue! Ci also had my kids for a play date and Ry alone another time. I feel so spoiled with her constant, helping hand! I've never had to ask, she graciously gives!

When I met Ci over 4 years ago we clicked. She was a student, I was a student, and we were dedicated mothers who got each other (if only I could say I wasn't a student anymore like her)! Anyway, little did I know she would be so influential in my life, in the lives of so many for that fact. I am blessed to witness her gracious ways in all she does, as she inspires me to be more relaxed and easy going. My entire family loves their family and life would be very different without our frequent weekly interactions. Although we have less time together right now than before, it's wonderful to see the kids love one another as they grow up together.

The William's are certainly "Gold."

And thanks Michelle for having Ry for a play date. I know that isn't unusual, but it's just something about the fact that I was gone that made it all that more priceless for the single dad of the house!

{FL}

This past week was an amazing experience for me. My time in Florida went SO fast, I felt like I was only gone 4 days (versus 8). It was very tiring (I had to fly in a day early to check into the conference on time since it was so far), but it was great to meet with fellow learners and practice all we've been learning for 1.5 years +! We did mock counseling all day long in cohort groups. When 5 pm rolled around (in between night studies for my other classes and homework), I managed to get in a little bonding time over dinner with fellow learners.It was unfortunate we (the students) didn't get to see much in the day light, but that didn't stop "us."

We took a trip to St. John's for dinner one night, ate many meals on the Jacksonville board walk (where Dolphins entertained us on the first night), and visited St. Augustine (the oldest city in the U.S).

The pics were few, but I captured a couple!This big yacht was parked in front of the hotel the whole week.

The rail and water shot to the right was where the dolphins swam and played while we ate dinner the first night.

A guy running on the bridge got stuck when it lifted and decided to do sit-ups while waiting for the bridge to lower. The top two left pictures were through the window of the wax museum. We went to visit, only it closed before we made it. Seinfeld, in honor of my dad.

St. Augustine was beautiful! There were more museums than I could count, but the architecture alone made for wonderful entertainment!

I missed my family, but it was a wonderful feeling to know they were well cared for. Chad did great with the kids, which eases any worries for next year when I have to do this again.
The kids asked me to take their picture when we were skyping. I thought this was so cute. We read our scriptures and other bedtime books I packed or bought over the computer each night. It was great!

I came home to handmade signs (at the airport and at home) and a whole lot of love!

I realized this was my first time being alone, ever! I graduated high school 12 years ago, moved in with roommates, then with Chad, and then had kids. When I went to slide my room key, it hit me. And, although I didn't really get any down time, it was peaceful to reflect on my life during the 10 hour days I spent traveling.

I did not care for the 6 planes I had to take to and from to get there and back. My connections were okay and I now know I love United, especially over U.S. Airways. I practically had to run to one of my flights in DC to get my last plane to Portland, which involved this "portable lounge." The airport was so big, you get in one of these transportation lounges, and it hauls you over to the other side of the airport.

The best thing I took away from this experience, is that I want to teach as part of my career. The entrepreneur in me is constantly planning away.

{GymNest}

Ryley is certainly LOVING his "trampoline class" at GymNest, although it is really a great variety of instruction, with GREAT teachers (proabably the best my kids have ever had, and that is pretty crazy with all their activities)! I encourage you to check it out! It is parent participation, but really the kids do the work. Ry and I typically do it together, and it has forced me to take time out. A really good thing!

{Phew}

It's that time again... Fortunately, we delivered 153 boxes of pre-sale orders in 2 days which is the time we sold them in. If we missed you, let us know because we are still selling in the community at local area stores!

{waterproof}

Maisey got a waterproof camera for Christmas but it was totally crummy. Recently we found a great replacement- and it has been so much fun!Gotta love technology!

{HEART}

I have just come to the realization, that Valentines Day may be my favorite, or equally ranked favorite holiday with Christmas!!! I never thought anything could trump Christmas (and Christmas is still #1 of course because of the reason we celebrate), but I love Valentines too!

I've been trying to incorporate festive hearts into everything lately, as well as seasonal colors (shades of pink, white, and red). Today at church my friend told me (as I explained my pink fish nets, pink bow, and pink necklace, and Maisey's pink everything), that it wasn't even Valentines yet. Are you kidding, it's in 9 days!
I recently made some festive food to show my spirit- and love...

mini dipped pretzels

cake pops and dipped marshmallows

HEART shaped pizza pocket

HEART shaped cherry pies

HEART cut-out Nutella sandwich will sprinkles

{Maisey}

Our life never seems to change much. It kind of feels like Ground Hog Day (which is an analogy I constantly use, perfectly fitting for today since it is actually Ground Hog Day).

With that said, we do like to try new things, and Maisey never holds back! For starters she's decided she likes her hair curled out much of the time (a hairstyle her BF just so happened to get a couple days before)! She also decided to play basketball this season (don't you love the outfit?)! Who knew the jersey's would be purple (from here on out I will only by solid colored shorts)!She also tried some "move into math" dancing at school (this girl can never get enough dance in her life! In November she informed me next year she intends to take even more dance, which hardly seems possible, and quite frankly is not happening. She said she wanted to pass on sports after all these years and just dance. However, at basketball the other night she was already talking about next season!

Maisey is behind her BF Lexie here (see the resemblance of the hair do from the first pic of Maise.) Lexie is also a big dancer- they have so much in common. This girl of ours keep us busy! She's always got something going on and something to say (always)!

{Motivation}

Where's the motivation? Oh, it has been so hard to get on board with losing weight again! Word of advice, don't ever stop and take a break (until you're done that is). I thought I could lose the next 75 on my own, but that has not been the case, although I maintained for 4 months. December did me in! SO, I put my ribbons of success where I might notice them often, and we shall see if they inspire me enough to get it together!Left to right (red to blue) equal inches for the month (the green one was a couple weeks after I started).

I hope I can double this blue one to the point it wraps around the door.

{LOVE}

My bare wall, screaming for paint and decorations! But, I just don't know what to do with it yet!!! Here is a little love- (I copied this banner off of Pinterest- music note paper and all. After swearing I would never use Burlap again after making cupcakes in a jar, here I was trying again. Still not a fan of this itchy material. Maybe Jo Ann's just sells a cheap grade, but it is loose (frays), and I don't recommend it.

*****

Now for my long winded post.

Last week the R.S. lesson was about love. I loved the lesson! Love is something many people don't talk about. Discussing a love for someone or something is just not typical, and it can be seen as weird (last week I even told Maisey's friends mother that we "love" her daughter and for the next day all I could think about was how weird that might have sounded to them). It sounds so cheesy (which is why I have contemplated writing about it for a week). But, I just have to share some of my thoughts right now- many which are related to love.

First of all, I love people. I love my family, I love my friends, I love kids, and I love people I don't even know. I know this because I care for every stranger- every client who walks into my door (in a professional way of course). The lesson taught last week focused on Our Savior and how he loved everyone. Everyday I work to be more like Christ and sometimes I can't help but think I am so far away; however, thanks to some recent talks and articles, I am going at it with a different perspective.

The disclaimer before I get started (if you don't already know), is that I am a pretty positive person. A lot has happened in life which has given me a perspective many people don't have. For those experiences, I am thankful. I am thankful I love, and I am thankful I can forgive, because when you think about it, they go hand in hand. Also, I hesitate to blog about anything that isn't "happy go lucky," because tone is difficult to read, and I don't want to paint ugly pictures. However, I also don't want to be one of those people who turns others "off" or leads them to have ill feelings of blogs because they think life is perfect. What I really want is to be able to write whatever I want!!! There are several, several occasions when I want to use my blog like a journal but I am conflicted with what to do. With that said, you may never know what you'll get, which is how I am anyway, right? I will say it is hard to censor my thoughts on here (although I must for certain audiences like family and work), but I am candid and open in reality, and that's what's most important!

Now that I have proclaimed the love in my heart, I must also express my gratitude. I am so thankful for this blessing. It has made me a passionate individual. I love everything I am a part of (on the home front, with work, my continued education, and of course my testimony and religion). I try to stay focused on what's important in life and this is something which will be ongoing throughout my life.

What is most important to me revolves around the gospel of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter what religion a person is (if any), I still talk about my beliefs with them (this was easier to do while working in the public sector, like DHS). Now, I am not the sort of missionary who invites people to sacrament per se, but I openly discuss my testimony, the blessings in my life, and my religion with people outside of the church (this does not apply to family however, yet). The reason I can't help but share my testimony comes from the fact there was a time in my life when I didn't nurture it. Although I never forgot it, I work hard every day to strengthen it so it continues to grow (to keep it like a "rock"). I try to do this by reading and praying daily.

In the first Ensign of 2012, I found many encouraging words (I hope you did/do too)! I have to share a couple things because they are still so heavy on my mind (and heart), after 3 weeks! First, "Recognizing God's Hand in Our Daily Blessings" really gave me new insight into "our daily bread." I always interpreted it literally, as nourishment, rather than other possibilities such as asking for our spiritual and physical needs be met (I am almost embarrassed to admit that). The talk spoke about trusting in the Lord, pointing out the precious gift of Our daily bread. In reference to problems, it is suggested we ask for help in small steps, day by day, rather than big possibly unmanageable dilemmas. By asking for and partaking of daily bread, we are learning to trust God as we endure challenges along the way. We are reminded to keep our heads up as we move forward, and to not let challenges discourage us from becoming more Christlike. The article concluded with this great advice: "As you retire to bed, think about the successes and failures of the day and what will make the next day a little better." I know if we will take the time to reflect on our thoughts and actions, we will find ways to become more Christlike.

The other article which really ignited my engine was "Living the Abundant Life" by Thomas S. Monson. He discussed what he calls the ABC's which can help us gain the abundant life. A is for attitude. B is for believe in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. C is for courage.

Quotes from that article:

"The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

"We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

"Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities."

"Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one's coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve."

*This quote on courage will probably "fuel" me for months. I happened to read it at a moment when I momentarily felt discouraged. I had just looked at my academic plan and felt completely overwhelmed at the fact I have 2 years and 3 months of school left! There are SO, SO many things we want to do, and places we want to go, and they are all on hold until I am done with school. I asked myself as I counted the terms why in the world I picked the longest Masters program out there (okay, I don't know if nearly 4 years at full time status takes the cake, but it sure seems that way to me). Just then, I read the article and instantly felt better. I must find even greater courage now than I originally had when I first applied and started. The same is true for my weight loss goals. I have these big goals, and I have to take one day at a time. As for losing weight, I know I can do it. I really have to look at day by day and go out and get it- or get rid of it!

I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father, and for those around me who inspire me everyday, most who have no idea. These thoughts have been on my mind continually, and I hope you will read, or re-read the talks I mentioned.

{Change}

I like change. Some might say that is a good thing, and others may not (the counselor in me has many interpretations :-).

The desire for change is typically reflected in our home. Every room in the house use to be updated at minimum yearly, but I've been trying to more practical these days, and creative, thus, my annual living room update us schedule for next month and minor changes will be made (possibly a yellow accent wall with stenciling- yes, that can be done nicely).

To start with I bought a can of spray paint (which I hate using, or have a fear of), and I repainted my wreath black.I also bought these hooks for super cheap at Jo Anns and gave them a quick re-touch (they were an ugly bronze color that did not match anything we own).

Now I want to spray more but I don't have any reason... In the meantime I found these cute "ruffle balls" on Pinterest . I can't figure out why, but mine do not have much resemblance (which is frustrating as all heck because I usually have good luck)! But, they made the cut I guess, because there they are sitting in a jar on the counter- for now!

{Experimentation}

My niece and nephew recently spent the night. We don't see them often enough, but the kids love being together.

When they're here we usually experiment with hair, food, and some sort of art or craft project. This time was no different.

We were eager to try out the cake pop makers the girls got for Christmas. I will say making the cake pops from scratch (see the Owls below), was not my favorite.

The girls made the ones in the 'makers,' and they were certainly light and different than a cake pop you would buy.After making 3 cakes, but only about 30 cake pops (we threw the rest away), I vowed to never make them again. Yes, I was throwing in the towel which should tell you how UN-enjoyable they were. BUT, I like to get things 'right,' and I already bought stuff to make them again. However, I think I will wait until I have a cause.Peyton's hair do which was knotted rows (not pictured). The girls are just over 2 years a part and Colby (not pictured), is 5 months older than Maisey. Ryley is his biggest fan!

The kids all love hands-on activities, and also spent time painting canvas'.

{Friends}

We had a sleepover and decided to kick off Valentine's Day with some cookie decorating and a craft.
Paint samples hole punched

Sugar cookie time!My cookies for my boys.I over shot the frosting, just a bit!I made these while we were getting messy, for the office.

{Winter Party}

InvitationsSign-in (with 15 girls, I needed cell phone numbers on hand).For the party I baked 115 mini cupcakes (many, not pictured, went to neighbors). On Friday I decorated them with my AWESOME 'BIG' Wilton decorating tip (go get one- it makes life SO easy). I also placed pearls on each cupcake with my Tweezeman tweezers (tedious, and your not surprised, right? You already know I'm crazy)!!!
I made BIG, DELICIOUS, homemade snowflake marshmallows to go in the treat bags (with cocoa) and blue and white chocolate snowflakes (always easy but cute and fun), and matching chocolate dipped pretzels.(The snowflake cookie cutter looks a lot like a star- it was all I had to use after looking at 5 stores)The 15 girls sang karaoke, danced to "Just Dance" on the Wii, and made snowflakes out of pasta which I spray painted white. It was so Winter-like!

(These photos were all recovered with Pandora Recovery. A great resource for mishaps! It was even free, unlike most out there!!!)