Away.

So, I've been away - not anywhere fun or tropical, just busy.

That day that rolls around every year that takes you closer to the grave came and went.

It was better than expected.  So many people did nice things for me and I was shocked and grateful.

Harley took me and the kids out for dinner and tried to make it nice.

Dad had surgery and then came home and started healing - then had surgery again.

Then there's the MOVE...

Not my house - sorry to get all of your hopes up...

it's just my office.

But, I spend enough time at work that it's kind of my second home and there was so much to move.

It pretty much consummed my life.

This one of my old views.  I am going to post a comparison of the old views and the new views soon.

But, for today - I miss seeing these.

I want a brother.

Last night I took the kids to Lowe's to buy some flowers to spruce up the front yard. 

While walking around, Jaxon looks at me and says,

"I want a BROTHER."

Um... (Stumble, catch my own fall..) WHAT?

"Yeah, I want a brother - can you JUST grow one in your belly?"

(Still trying to find my voice and not just laugh at the sweet kid.)

"And Kyah wants a sister - I want a brother and Kyah wants a sister."

I finally remember that I am the Mom and this kid wants an answer...

Well buddy... you remember how Mom and Dad aren't married anymore...

(I hate bringing that up with him)

Well, you have to be married to have a baby...

(A lie, I know - but what am I to do?)

So, Mommy will have to get married again before we can have a baby.

"Oh..." that's all he said.

(Poor kid - I would love to have another too,

but the divorce thing kind of screws that up.)

Then comes this morning.

I'm trying to get him out of bed (which is ALWAYS a process).

He says, "Here's the deal..

I'll get out of bed, if YOU marry Dad again so we can have a baby."

Did I mention it wasn't even 8 a.m. yet?

I am not equipped to handle this type of discussion that early.

Help a Sister Out!

So, here's the skinny. (I wish, not quite - but that's why we're here.)

I have 2 months to look like this...

Okay, not really - at least not without THOUSANDS of dollars of plastic surgery, but you get what I mean.

In all reality I need/would like to lose 15-20 pounds by June.

"So What?" You might ask, "Why does this involve me?"

Because I need YOUR help!

Your suggestions, ideas, support when I really want to make something delicious... like lemon bars - I LOVE lemon ba - STOP!  (See what I mean - I need you.)

So, if you want to go walking, come do a work out video or volunteer to keep my kids for a half hour so Mom can hit the gym - let me know.

Why by June?  Well, there will be more pictures taken during June then probably the rest of the year combined... Oy!  Jaxon's birthday, 10 year High School Reunion, Grandparents 50th anniversary.. then of course there is Swimsuit season - my kids love the pool and Rach's wedding.

After looking at the pics of Amanda's wedding and me looking absolutely cow like - I vowed to look hot in Rach's, so please, please, please

SEND HELP! 

Thank you - the Management!

(Photo Courtesy of Victorias Secret.)

Harley's Birthday

Harley's 30th Birthday!

We all went out to eat at one of Harley's favorite Sushi spots and then headed home so the kids could give Harley their present.

We call this a "Family Sandwich."

These kids love their Dad, regardless of how old he is.

Harley LOVES chocolate.  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and covered in ganache for good measure.  I really wanted to make him a fun and fanciful cake, since 30 is kind of a big deal, but the truth is he could care less about the looks - he wanted chocolate and lots of it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Easter Pinata

Grandma Kristi's Easter Pinata.

Since the weather was not our friend, we stayed indoors.  Grandma Kristi, added the strings to the bottom and the kids took turns pulling them out until Kyah found the string connected to the trap door.

The pictures I took of the kids grabbing the goodies are SUPER blurry - thanks to their super fast moves to get to the goods.

For the Non-Priesthood Goers

Saturday my friend Sarah and her friend Kate came over while their husbands went to Priesthood.  With my two kids, Sarah's two and Kate's one - we had 5 kids 4 and under.  Silly, silly girls.

We really had a great time.

Jaxon was THRILLED to have friends over and to show them everything (his room, his toys, his temple pictures - you get the idea.)  He didn't even seem to mind that he was the only boy.

We ate pizza, decorated sugar cookies and tried to play with every toy in the house.

The kids had a great time.  Another lesson in breathe and go with the flow - I'm finding it's more fun.

Conference Weekend

I LOVE conference weekend.  It really is my favorite - I really felt like there were so many great messages.  My heart and mind are brimming with thoughts.

Brimming from conference, but also with love for my Savior, Jesus Christ - for his life, his death, his atonement, his resurrection and his love for me.

My cup runneth over... the blessings do not cease.

Easter Egg Hunt

I think this is probably in the top three of my Mom's favorite family traditions.  My Mom fills a few hundred eggs for the event.

It is a riot - I love watching my sisters, who are in their 20's run around screaming about eggs.  Honestly, I think they were more excited than my kids.

Sorry the pictures aren't great.  I was trying to take pictures with my camera, film with my video camera and help my children actually get a few eggs before their aunts stole them, all at the same time.

The kids and their stash.

The time has come

For those of you who know, for those of you who wonder, and for everyone else...

I went to the Courthouse today.

I filed some papers.

The end.