Live the life you love, love the life you live

SHUTTERFLY- My FAVORITE Holiday Cards

2010-11-21T20:51:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!

I have had a smile as big as Texas on my face for days.

Our family pictures turned out...and that is HUGE! I have been waiting for this for years. I love how they turned out. I love the setting, the color scheme and mostly my cute family.

I have been searching for a Christmas card that would look great with the non-holiday colors I chose for the photos. To my total surprise, I got an tip that Shutterfly had some great options.

See here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

I LOVE that the website has an area for me to choose the size card I want as well as number of photos wanted on each card. The best part to me was the option to choose my card by color. Really a Christmas card with yellow and blue? What was I thinking?

Here are a few of my FAVORITES...

You didn't really think I'd show you the one I choose?

I cant wait to order them!

Missionary Mom

2010-02-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been doing a lot of these! There are many options. Really, its fun to create it just the way you want.

Brace-Face

2010-02-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Liv got her braces on this February. Although she was pretty "uncomfortable" she is doing well and I have to say not looking too bad either!

Check This Out

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Whirly Bin

A place for paper & all your other notable needs.

Arent these cute?

Check out all of the designs HERE

My sister-in-law's sister-in-law just opened a great paperie shop online.

She has really unique & lovely taste.

If you would,

help spread the news about WHIRLYBIN and put a link on your blog.

SUPA-STAR

2010-01-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

AMP 1

Stand Up Basketball

January 2010

Last summer we were on vacation in Utah. We were eating at the

TRAINING TABLE. ring, ring. A man stopped Steve on our way our & asked him if he played a little basketball. Well, I'm not surprised! He IS tall...dark & handsom. Oops, I got caried away. After a long conversation, they exchanged phone numbers and Steve was invited to play on this stand-up basketball team called AMP 1. The team is made up of amputees from all of the U.S.

He was a bit honored, excited & tenative. He didn't know what to expect.

Last week FREEDOM INNOVATIONS, a prosthetic company, flew him to Utah for the game & speaking engagments. It turned out to be a great expierence for him as well as the rest of the team. They recieved awesome media coverage. They were on the news in Utah & in the Deseret News.

We are hoping this is only the begining! The next game is in Mattituck, NY in March. I hope I get to go with him...HE NEEDS THE SUPPORT all the way across the country & a companion in the BIG APPLE.

Don't you agree?

I am SO proud of Steve.

Always have been.

So much of what I love & admire about Steve has to do with that fateful accident that took place almost 22 years ago. He took what life gave him and has made the best of it. If you know him, you know what I mean!

I love to watch him play. I must admit, I love to hear the whispers in the crowd about how is an inspiration to so many people or that he really is good at the game despite his "disability." I sit quietly with sweet satisfaction in my heart as I listen. I am thankful that I am the lucky girl that gets to walk out of the gym with him!

Todays Agenda

2010-01-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

Today it is raining...AGAIN. Around here WE LOVE IT!

This is what I am going to do today...

and them I'm going to read HUNGER GAMES

(after I take a HOT shower & run Harrison's glasses over to the school)

Mr. Mustache...

2010-01-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

I can't stop laughing.
This was so funny to me. LOVE the tape on the nose!
What would posses those little minds to come up with this idea is beyond me!
Is my brain really that uncreative, fried, tired & stretched to the max?

I love Owen's creativity. He is so artistic. I didn't get that talent, I'm jealous. Along with his talent he is FUNNY. He comes up with ideas or one-liners that I would NEVER think of!
I will find things around the house in odd places or some cool structure around something, as if to hide it from the other boys. I have to laugh cause I know who put it there. Owen is so gentle, kind and the one to give in to create peace. I know I have to watch that so he doesn't get "run over" but honestly, I quite enjoy it. I figured out the other day that Owen is so much like his dad, whom I am in total LOVE with. Its no wonder I am amazed by him & love to watch his little mind work.

Long Lost Luv

2010-01-20T21:18:00.000-08:00

Shoulda never sold you.

Weston Clark Butler

2010-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ty is such a doting dad! Its funny & amazing at the same time. Weston looks a lot like him with the Claro italian eyelashes. I can't wait to watch him grow. I can actually enjoy all of his phases with out the exhaust en. I think I am trying to talk myself into the "stage of life" that I am in!

My baby brother & his wife had their beautiful baby boy Weston in September 2009. On Grammy's birthday. I got to be at the hospital for a little while before he was born. Little stinker took his time & I had to leave to drive carpool! CC was amazing and all went well with his arrival.

This only makes me yearn for another baby a tiny bit....OK a lot!

They are so sweet & amazing.

Playing Catch-Up

2010-01-20T15:51:00.001-08:00

MOVING

I decided that this topic really deserves a post of its own...

I'm sure there will be more emotion to express in the future!

We were hoping for a great investment in building our house that would set us up real nice for the next one...then the ECONOMY changed that.

We made a BUSINESS decision.

It was hard, but felt we NEEDED to do it.

We knew we would miss being a part of such a great neighborhood. One that we felt loved and safe. Where the kids had oodles of friends with the same beliefs. Brunch in between conference sessions in the spring and fall. Next door neighbors with whom you could borrow an egg and not feel obligated to return cause they'd be over in a few days to borrow some sugar.

WE MISS IT. Not the house, for things are not what matter.

We hope to be back... real soon!

We really are enjoying the new house. It has a different feel and the boys tell me they like the new back yard a lot better than the old one. I know the chickens do too. More on them later. We are just a bit north from our old area but it feels so much quieter, separated. I kept the kids at their school, so they ride across McDowell (ugh!) & through the park or most often I take them cause we are LATE. So out of our routine!

Through all of the ups & downs we are CHOOSING to be happy. It's not hard. We are so blessed & have so many people that enrich our lives.

On to new adventures.

I'd still like to home school the kids, buy a motor home & travel the U.S.A

Liv won't let us!

Thanksgiving with the Osborn's

stuffing*cranberry whip cream grape salad*mashed potatoes & gravy*squash & kale gratin* relay races for all* cello/base performances at talent show* realizing Ryan has my fear/panic/sobs when up in front of an audience*Blake hitting Grandma in the face with a football*Amy*LOVE*

Lehi Crossing Stake Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
November 2009

I remember going to a groundbreaking ceremony when I was a little girl. I don't remember who spoke or what was said. I do remember thinking that I was a part of something important and felt the spirit. So when our stake announced that this was in the works, I knew I wanted to be there with my kids. Unfortunately, Steve couldn't attend, so I packed up the kids early at the crack of dawn and got there EARLY! We sat on the 4th row. We never do that either!

We have a great Stake President and he gave a talk that included a HUGE visual aid. He set a big power line pole in the center of the land and tied a ton of white strings from the top. The idea was that we all were a part of the history that was being created and that if we hold on and stay focused in life we will not be lead astray. It was a great idea that got all of the kids & teens attention.

While we sang the Hymn All is Well, there were a bunch of white doves released into the air. This brought me to tears because I was struggling with the emotion of moving from our home that we built and LOVED in this great stake. I wondered if should we find a place in the area to live in or move to Gilbert. The important message the Holy Ghost whispered to my heart was

that THIS IS THE PLACE FOR MY FAMILY TO BE. I was so grateful for the help and comfort that I received that day. Sweet and tender mercies!

Halloween
Olivia was SACAJAWEA for a school project but wanted to be a CAVE WOMAN with her friends!

Why am I such a pushover? Maybe one day she'll realize and appreciate me, really!

I think my chicken fixation is transferring onto my kids! Harrison was the great WHITE CHICKEN with his friends Colton and Lewis. Owen & Ryan were thrilled to wear hand-me-downs-(so was I after making Liv 2 costumes!!!) Owen was The UNDERWEAR WEARING SKELETON & Ryan was the FABULOUS & OH SO POLITE WHOOPEE CUSHION.

Good times were had by all!

OCTOBER BREAK

ROCKY POINT, MEXICO

Ahhh... The work getting out of town is always worth it wen you can relax by the beach listening to the sound of the waves crashing into the shore. The kids entertain themselves looking for shells and living sea creatures, playing games and eating fresh homemade tortillas!

We had fun on Sunday during our beach cleanup, service project, no church justification day, too

RedCarpet*Celebrity Luscious Lips*Who's Who Guessing Game*GOLD cake*FAME*giggles*fun

Olivia's Hollywood Glamour 12th Birthday Party

Red carpet treatment!

Top Row: Glamorous Olivia, Diva Jadie, Sassy Sammy, Fashionable Carly, Stylish Sophie

Bottom Row: Lovely Lilly, Sophisticated Jordynn, Classy Kelsie, Luscious Lyric, Sporty Coco

2009-2010
Hermosa Vista Elementary School

Olivia 6th, Harrison 4th, Owen 1st & Ryan Pre-school

Hello Again!

2009-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I DO have an excuse! Actually a few...

My cord to upload my pictures to the computer broke. ( I got a new camera YEA!)

I spent all of November packing up our house and moving! (we already miss our old ward and nieghbors...we knew we would!)

After a whirlwhind move after Thanksgiving, we set up house 1/2 mile north of where we were. Put up Christmas minus the outdoor lights,(much to Liv's dismay), shopped, and packed for a WHITE CHRISTMAS in UTAH.
WE ARE HOME and excited to get settled (looking forward to "doing nothing")

Ive been busy! Im proud to say I pulled it with the help of so many friends and family, but mostly with Heavenly Fathers help. Wow, He can really sustain us if we ask Him to.

I only had a handful of meltdowns.

It was hard to see my kids adjust to the idea of moving...quickly! There will be more ahead I'm sure. But as my MIL says, LIFE IS FOR LEARNING. What more could a mom want for her kids & herself than opportunities to grow.

WARNING! Lots of post ahead

One Fabulous Boutique

2009-10-23T15:20:00.001-07:00

Any one up for a little shopping?

and this is GOOD shopping too!

Why? You might ask...

Its great to support the art of making things from scratch. Plus, I'll be there selling my hand stamped jewelry and photo pendants.

noelleosborndesigns.blogspot.com

Come and start your Holiday Shopping EARLY!

November 12-14

1458 N. Higley road
Find us in the former Decor Unique store in Gilbert

(SW corner of Higly and Baseline)

56 days left till Christmas

Another One Bites The Dust

2009-08-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

5th one down!

My heart is sad. Why do I love having my chickens as much as I do? Someone told me that chickens eat scorpions. Well... maybe they have to "big" to take on the nasty beasts. Mine was not. The troubling thing is...I let the baby girls out to feast on bugs, watched her get stung, squack like mad, & fling the thing as far as she could.

2 hours later she was dead!

She was Ryan's

He will be sad in the morning.

Updates on the Girls

2009-08-10T15:44:00.001-07:00

After loosing 2 pullets to the heat, we decided to let them soak in Moose's pool. They don't love it but actually sit in it for a minute!

3 new chicks...Cuckoo Maran, Teddy Bear Americauna & Blue Lemondrop

Don't really have names, kinda over that... i guess.

Teddy Bear Americauna. Blue and Green Eggs.

Blue Lemon Drop Bantam

Still hoping she turns blue...

Cuckoo Maran...chocolate colored eggs

Our biggest & most calm, Georgie

My friend called Weezie sexy the other day! I guess she kinda is. All of the pullets LOVE my ring. They peck at it. They also peck at our toenail polish. Which reminds me, Ryan HAD to have his painted red the other day.

Ryan, " Mom paint my nails red"

Mom, "NO, Ryan, that's for girls"

Ryan, "But the chickens will think they are strawberries!"

So, I did!

I decided to let them "free range" all day long

Miss Sexy!

Whats Grosses than Gross?

2009-08-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you have 1 daredevil of a boy, an attempted back flip & a diving board?

(BEWARE for the squeemish!)

First... I am SO thankful I was at the pool to comfort my boy & to make sure he didnt sink to the bottom of the pool!
Second... I am EVEN more thankful that this wasn't worse than it was, cause it coulda been!

Third...his hair is growing back!!!!

Pirates Cove

2009-07-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

We got invited to a place called Pirates Cove this summer. After much speculation, there was NO way we could have even imagined what this place would be like.

It was amazing & super fun!

The owner of this 28 bedroom private "resort" hired the crew from

The Pirates of the Carribean" movie to create a similar feeling for his place. It had a super fast water slide which dumped into a lagoon. Steve is jumping from a "mast" that had 3 levels. All of my boys jumped from the 2ND tier! I on the other hand chickened out! Me? Miss cliff jumper...I truly disappointed!

We had competitions on who could swing the farthest, highest and so on. Much to my surprise, there were no injuries here.

Proof!

I took the kids on a little "rainy day hike" above our casita.

This was the highlight for me...MOST defiantly! Chocolate ice cream on a sugar cone WHENEVER I wanted it. I made a deal with myself. I had to hike the stairs & there were SO many every time I wanted one. By the end of my trip my calves were sore form all of the ice cream trips!

I cant describe how fun this place was. The only thing better was the people that we were there with. It was a blast to play cards, visit, eat and enjoy.

2009-07-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

R. I. P

Sherlette and Brooke were mauled to death recently

and we lost one more to the INSANE Arizona heat.

(still waiting to hear which one it was)

They were great little chicks

They will be missed

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

To me, this is STRENGTH and HUMILITY and I really LOVE those qualities in Steve. I am so thankful for his life experiences that he uses to teach and enrich our children's lives. He is truly the BEST for me & us!

5 great dads

Steve, his brother David, my little brother, Ty

Barry, my Father-in-law (bottom left) and my Dad, Clark

This was one of our days activities. Still loving the chickens even though we got our first bribe from a neighbor for eggs or they'll turn us in to the big, awful HOA

(i'm hoping they were kidding)

That's what HE gets!

2009-06-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

We got 9 baby chicks

I love it! I've wanted to have them for a long time now. I decided to stop waiting 'til "we sell our house." It seems that i've been living that way for long enough! (i guess i'll get to wallpapering my powder bath too!) I think it's funny to watch people's responses and reactions to the fact that I actually wanted them and it wasn't the kids begging for ANOTHER animal. After all who wouldn't want fresh eggs whenever you want them? I know you'll be knockin soon! Well, actually in September.

We, the whole fam damily including Moose, have but in blood, sweat & tears in the process of building our girls a coop! Much thanks to my very handsome and highly skilled hubby for the time and effort expended on my behalf. We had alot of fun working on it together! Even though it turned out nothing like the cute picture I got off the internet! Marriage & projects are full of compromise, that is if you want anything to get done!

Ryan & his girl "Sherlette"

Wishing I had kept the name that the breeder gave him! Rooster.

Hard work and determination at it's best! Note to self...stop forrowing the brow. You are going to pay for it when you need Botox and fillers in the near future!

Thats what HE gets!!!! Our little joke, but seriously. Maybe he should have considered letting me have another kid! Look what I got him into now!

3 of the cutest & best helpers!

They are having as much fun with the girls as I am. Each child has their own chick plus more for all the extra love(CHORES & LIFE LESSONS) a kid needs!

Brooke, Sherlette, and Gussie 1 week old

Liv & Julia a Welsummer. She will lay "chocolate" colored eggs!

Poor things. Subject to 3 boys & all the torture

The Brooder "home sweet home"

I am so glad that Moose thinks these are just friends to play with and not his next meal!

A Good Cause

2009-04-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

My friend Shawni Pothier co-authored this great book with her mom. Shawni has 5 kids & her mom has 9! They have given glimpses into living life in & out of the trenches of parenthood & how NOT to miss out on the important "little stuff".

I wanted to help share her message. She is an amazing person and mother. She has descovered that her youngest daughter, who graces the cover of the book, was born with a genetic disorder and will become blind in her youth. I hope you will be touched by her story and her efforts to give back to those who have done so much for others. Her book is on sale at Deseret Book and Barnes & Noble. She is donating part of her proceeds to the Foundation for the Blind. So if you need an idea for a Mother's Day gift...I think this is a great idea. I'm getting mine today!!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Easter eggs, bunnies, hunts etc. We really do focus on the true meaning. I just forgot to take a picture before church. Im soo mad at myself!

What a creative Easter Bunny! Color cooridnated baskets. How impressive

Slight advantage.

All of the Osborn Cousins

Growing up way too fast

Three Birthday Boys

2009-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

All of the boys in our family have spring birthdays. Stay tuned for Owen's in May.

Lazy or efficient?

One post is all they get!!!

"Ryan , what kid of party do you want this year? A monster truck, pirate, Scooby,or bugs?"

"Um, Spongebob."

"NO way." Mind you he's 4

"Ugh, then a Doggy Party & I want to dress up."

This little "surprise" has brought our family so much joy and laughter. Ryan is one funny and outgoing boy. Our first! I can't believe he is 4 already. The first 2 years of his life were my hardest! No, not just because of him! We weren't planning on having him at that time in our lives. We were building a house and living in a rental. Life was upside down and we were the contractors for our house. SO EXAUSTED! I was so happy after the shock wore off! I wanted more kids, I needed Ryan. He is so imaginative, funny, loving, stubborn & "scuddles" like no other. I love that he sucks his two fingers and adores his "blue & brown & white blanky." I am so blessed to have such great boys.

Liv & I found these cute cupcakes in family Circle magazine. They were SO easy and we had tons of Easter candy for the "accessories"

Um, I don't think the blind fold was working.

I love the innocence of this age. All of these kids, except one, were born within 2 months of each other. They live to play & they really are cute together.
I can't wait to torture them with this picture when they are in high school.
The really funny this is, I saw 3 of them running the neighborhood that afternoon & they still had on the noses & collars. Guess the party was a hit!

Harrison -NINE-

I LOVE him. After all, he was my first boy. I got to experience a whole new side of parenting and loving with this kid. He was ALL boy from the start. Begging to be with his dad near the motorcycles and always digging in my live tree that I had in the house. What I really enjoyed was the different way a little boy loves and snuggles with his mom. Harry has a genuine kindness and deep soul. I can't wait to see what he experiences in life. He's in the middle of the family. One big sister, and two little brothers that are closer in age. Life hasn't always been easy for him. Trying to fit in and honestly causing a little ruckus. I don't blame him. Its hard to be the "ODD MAN OUT". Birthdays are magical(except Spring Break ones, cause you never get a party/gifts from friends.) With age comes responsibility and MATURITY! I see that with him lately and he has been so helpful and caring to his siblings. You know, the winks, like " I get it mom, isn't Ryan cute or I'll go along with that" I love his desire for me to say prayers with him & tuck him in every night. I am so thankful for him and can't wait to see the man he becomes.

Steve -THIRTY-FIVE-
35 and celebrating??? his water skiing accident anniversary of 21 years this spring. I don't mean celebrating like with the cake above, but its a time to reflect. Our views differ a bit cause frankly it sucks to not have a leg & I'm not the one who deals with that side of it every day. What I love about Steve is that this "accident" has shaped him into who he is today. He gained a testimony so strong and way earlier than most people. He leads his life differently than most too. It may not get him ahead in this life or earn the most money. He'll gain a far better reward later. I am so beyond thankful I got to be the one he fell in love with and married. My life is far better than I could ever imagined. Better than all the worldly things we desire.

To Creat or not to Create?

2009-04-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! don't you love it when you find something motivating and reassuring? I often wonder if all that I am trying to accomplish in this life is worth any value. Is it taking away from what will be important after this life? You know, we hear a lot lately. The caution to not get caught up in things that take away from family life or even more, miss out on each little mess, fingerprint on the wall, or the need to help our little ones open their applesauce...AGAIN.

I really enjoy creating. I crave it! It's such a part of me. So, will a desire & execution for painting a room, sewing a baby blanket or making jewelry help me or hurt me in the long run?

I know that keeping things in balance is obvious. So, when I found this clip it made my heart happy. I hope it makes yours happy too.

Spring Break...A Girls Trip!

2009-04-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

So much for planning! After a few changes and much deliberation, Steve sent Olivia & I away to San Diego for a girls trip! Wow! You'd think I would be SO happy, but, I was actually sad to not spend the week with my boys.

I got over it FAST!

We had a blast. Liz, Holly, Hannah, Rebecca, Liv & I tore up the place! Ha ha. As much as 3 married Mormon ladies and 2 pre-teens could.

Here are some highlights

...slept in...ate wherever...LOVED the map feature on my iphone, it got us everywhere...BYU baseball-which means Stetson Banks aka. Holly's hubby...Ghiradeli ice cream...Panera Bread Co...not worring about little people misbehaving...SHOPPING at the carlsbad outlets...chillyweather ...late night laughs...goofing off...strawberry fields...Starbucks whole Grain, turkey bacon egg sandwiches...Getting followed by the Rugby team cause they thought our car was full of girls like Holly! So Fun!

Tension Breaker... had to be done!!!

How can something SO DUMB be SO FUN?

Nothing but LOVE ( just keep repeating it & then you'll believe it!)

My personal FAVE!

A BIG thanks to Steve for the great sacrifice he made for me & Liv. Props to him for managing the homefront with cleanliness and EASE. I LOVE YOU.

Osborn Annual Palm Springs Golf Trip

2009-03-31T01:23:00.000-07:00

Great memories of playing cards with my cousin Stephanie. Passing down the tradition for the next generation!

The YUMMIEST & BIGGEST & REDDEST strawberries EVER!

We LOVE the JW Marriott Sunday Brunch. Now that is happiness!

Lots of FUN, together time.

I do feel a bit guilty about taking the kids out of school for a WHOLE week the week before Spring Break. Most likely WON"T be doing that next year! Sorry Osborn's

SCUBA Getaway

2009-03-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

Up, Up and Away... from kids and schedules! Just time to be with my favorite person in the world

I still don't have all the photos from the trip and I am tired of waiting!

Happens every time. He was nice and fed all the fish too. No 2nd dive for this one and even worse...no fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, quesadillas and Mexican Cokes!

He's gonna KILL me, good thing he doesn't know what I put on here!

Man isn't he amazing. The story is... No he doesn't normally wear a speedo but one of our friends was roped into a bet and then before we knew it, all the guys had to don one of these bad boys. They others made me erase ALL evidence that they slithered into the unthinkable! Funny thing is, I thought it was helarious and my Steve ROCKED the SPEEDO (So did the other two). He even wore it into the beachside resturant. We were all DYING with laughter watching people's eyes gaze at the One-legged guy in a speedo!

Next year, they have to be teensy tiny ones!

It's always an adventure on the back of Steve's bike. Even if its the slowest scoot of the group!

We decided to spice it up a bit and play "Sccoter Tag" this year. Man was that the BEST. That is until the cops blew their wistle at us 'cause we were causing trafic jams and near collisons on the main drag through town. For many that would be the end of it, but not for US! We didnt stop till we really did ALMOST crash and saw the poor tourist on another scooter eyes pop out of his head cause he thought he was going to eat the road. It was pretty fun and totally funny!

Thanks to our great & most righteous friends the Collins & Frosts for suggesting that we go to Sacrament meeting. It was a great expierence that I won't soon forget. It was humbling to see the people of the church in other parts of the world worship the same as I do.

I discovered 3 things.

Flip flops and a casual attire would sometimes be nice. Esp. for the men.
My boys NEED/WILL learn to play the piano! The only person who could BARELY play was an american who lived there. We sat behind the missionaries and I thought wouldn't it be nice if they could play for the ward they served in.
Have you ever looked in the back of the Hymnal and practiced leading the music by using the little numbered diagrams? 2/4 & 4/4 time. Now I know why they put them in there. There was CLEARLY no musical talent in the ward. We are truly blessed here in America. So many opportunites!

Why is it that Sunday always has the BEST weather? Look at those shades of blue!

I was sad to leave., but excited to see the kids.

Cherished

2009-03-31T00:40:00.000-07:00

We had the great fortune of having Steve's grandma stay with us. This is one amazing woman. I couldn't even begin to explain her life & how she became the pillar that she is. We truly love her. I must toot her horn for her. She will be 90 this year. You would never guess it either. She doesn't look it of act like it. She was on a road trip with a girlfriend... at 90?

I made her a great HOT breakfast and fresh squeezed o.j. and tried to give her the royal treatment. She asked to help me. Selfishly, I wanted to hear her play the piano. So, I asked her to play for us and before I knew it the kids were gathered around her. It was a tender moment for me. If only the kids could have just a tiny idea of the greatness and legacy she has created.

Pinewood Derby

2009-03-31T00:33:00.000-07:00

Man was Harrison excited when he got his pinewood derby car box. He spent too much time on the web searching for just the right desing. Army tank, hot rod, race car? Nope! Just a SWEET surfboard this time.

We learned a few lessons this year.

Pre-cut cars are available on the web and worth their weight in gold!
surfers are chill and so was the surfboard
winning isn't everything
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts NEVER disapoint
Mom needs to take photography classes in all her spare time. see quality pics above!
Father & Son time is priceless

It's good to be back!

2009-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

OOh... I just love these boys & afterall it's just not fair that Harrison get to paint his Pinewood derby car and we don't have anything to paint! So...what does one mom who is trying to savor every minuite of this part of life do?

Naked and all!

One day I am gonna miss this! Thats what I've been told.

I was lying on the grass listening to the boys communicate/argue about where the paint should be positioned and what not when I noticed these cool clouds. A brief distraction from the SWEET noise I was listening to!

Walah! What a masterpiece. Every square had to be covered. Not sure whats up with the finger Ryan. Who taught you that?

Ahh... Its so nice to have a working computer again. For some reason, not naming any 4 particular names, our computer began making strangs noises and running very slow. Thus, the reason for the lack of posts!

NEW EYE CANDY!

2009-03-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about these new photo pendants!

I have spent the last week imagining ALL of the possibilities! Now I just need to take the time to make some samples. I updated my jewelry blog.

You should check it out & pass it along to others. Id love that too!

The new stuff comes in antique gold & silver.

WELL PUT!

2009-01-28T20:10:00.001-08:00

Was this image made for me?

I was visiting my cousin-in-law's blog and found this. I LOVE it! It's red, has a great message and a crown at the top! No, I don't think I am princess, I am the queen of the house. The BOSS, well we'll let the kids think that! (OUCH, it hurts to say it but Steve is really the BOSS) Really though, I may help me to,

Help me not to get worked up about stuff
Keep going when things get rough (esp, the cleanse & Acai diet from Dr. OZ I am about to start!)
Remember my divine potential

I like this so much that I think I am going to frame it and put it my laundry room!

Anyone Feelin' The LUV???

2009-01-28T16:31:00.001-08:00

This just makes me HAPPY!

I HEART Valentines Day and my decorations! I have a fixation with stained glass. I can't wait for the time when I have THE LUXURY to take a class. (That could be only 1 year away. Wahoo!) Anyway, Im sending my LOVE out to all of you. You make my life happy too.

Here are a few new designs for Valentines Day. I would LOVE it if you would pass my site along to anyone you know might like this stuff!

Canning Butter!?!?!

2008-12-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can can butter?

I had great fun with my girlfriend Rhonda canning butter and chocolate chips when they went on sale recently. It lasts for 3-5 years. I am excited to gain more food storage, it makes me feel safe! Its not so bad to feel like you've accomplished something great either.

I met a high school friend at the park the other day. It was so great to catch up and see her little girl. I was telling her about my butter story and about a 3 month supply. She is not a member of my church and was completely shocked at the idea, let alone the 1 year storage idea. I am grateful to have the guidance in my life that the LDS church offers.

Next project... canned chicken! (aka tiny embryos in a jar!)

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas...

2008-12-15T19:10:00.001-08:00

My mom once said to me that I shouldn't BBQ cause that takes away my hubby's purpose in the kitchen, so... I guess this applies too! But I love to pull out the ol' box of lights each year and hang them up. I love searching to find the broken bulbs, testing the strand before climbing the ladder, but the biggest reason of all is its sentimental. I am lucky to own the strands that were on my house as a child. Well, only a few now! I figured if they were sparking I should probably retire them. So I have enjoyed robbing those strands of C9 bulbs that are so hard to find. I really love the orange ones. I love how classic they are. I love climbing on the roof and watching the neighborhood from a different view. I love how concerned my kids get while mom is in danger and I love Steve for letting me do this manly job!

Christmas is such a fun time of year, full of joy and traditions. Its so festive and cozy. This year is just as busy as ever, but I am trying to be prepared. A year or so back while I was letting life get a hold of me. Not feeling like I was doing things right or even at all. A beautiful friend of mine (mother of 8!) gave me some wonderful advice.

GET BACK TO THE BASICS. She asked me if I was praying every morning and reading my scriptures daily. No, of course I wasn't! I was living in total chaos, moving and a new baby & so on...

So this year, at Christmastime, Crazy busy time, I decided I would do just that. GET BACK TO THE BASICS! I want to feel the spirit more and get more out of life. I tend to muscle my way through life WAY too much. I need to have more faith. The funny thing is it totally works. My days are happier, I accomplish more & I am NICER! Now who doesn't want that?

So maybe, to my wonderful friends reading this, try to GET BACK TO THE BASICS & enjoy this season and the New Year to come. Heavens knows we could all use it!

2008-11-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

Its a bit late, but I wanted to post about the best birthday weekend ever! Our friends Steve and Rhonda and my Steve planned a little getaway for my 32nd birthday. We stayed in Rocky Point in their condo and played games, ate, relaxed, slept in, took long walks on the beach... you know all the things you don't enjoy as much when you have 4 little ones with needs! Oooh. I sound like I don't love my kids. I DO! Really, but it's nice to get a shower and a blowdry in without interuptions!

My birthday was a blast. Rhonda made it especially nice. (Funny how women now what other women will enjoy!) I got a birthday card every couple of hours. How thoughful! I didn't have to do anything for myself if I didn't wan't to! Although, that isn't in me... so we went out to Shell Beach in the jeep and totally got stuck. Rhonda and I had to climb a big hill and heave huge rocks down to the guys. Man what would they have done with out our muscles. Gathered some amazing shells and made "crafts" out of them!

Lucky for Harrison, it was sand dollar season. It was his only request that I bring him home one! We had a great time walking & cartwheeling down the beach hunting them. ( glad to know I can still conquer the cartwheel!)

The Movie!

2008-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Yea! Today was a great day. First, a great bunch of girls...all I am proud to say are my friends met up for a SWEET breakfast. Le Grande Orange makes me HAPPY! I love the vibe, the unusual trinkets available for purchase and the great food/treats. I decided to let Liv stay home from school and have a fun day with me. Man was she happy and willing to help around the house today!!!

After a very satisfying breakfast, we headed off the the theater. I had been anticipating this for awhile and couldn't wait to see if the cast would be anything like who'd I'd created each character to be in my mind or what Bella's room looked like or the Cullen's house. I was skeptical and about half way into the movie I decided to stop thinking about what was in my little head and enjoy the movie! Which I did! Of course the books are always better. The author has much more ability to capture the details, but it was fun to see it come alive on the big screen.

As for the cast...

Edward- Loved the hair! although a bit awkward in the beginning, I warmed up to his unusual handsomeness.

Bella- I thought she was a good fit, although cuter than the "homely" girl in the book.

Jacob- Not so good for me. Can't wait to see how he evolves into the BIG, (not so bad) wolf!

Carlisle- The worst casting ever. I imagined him to be the most handsome one of all! Bummer!!!!!

Esme- I had her looking like Elle the plus sized model. Funny and random I know!

Rosealie- Fine, she bugged, so I guess she did her job.

Alice- I liked her, but maybe that's cause she played a likable character. A little Pixie-ish!

Emmett- I liked his massive size. Good job on this one.

Jasper- Ughh! Weird, Awkward, Ewww!

I liked and was pleasantly surprised about Leaurent and Victoria.

I was just reading on Stephanie Meyers blog and I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself! I can't hit the right keys on my computer. Does anyone know this????? For fun, Stephanie was thinking in her head about Edward's perspective of the Twilight series. She started writing "her next project" called Midnight Sun. She gave it to a few trusted friends and one of them leaked it on the Internet. Read the link cause she decided to include the it on her site for us to read rather than find it and participate in the illegal betrayal. http://http//www.stepheniemeyer.com/midnightsun.html. I haven't read it yet.

Steve just gave me some fat to chew!!! He thinks the leak wasn't on accident at all. It is a publicity stunt. Hmmm! Who knows, but from what I read, she sounds pretty hurt. Welcome to the world, Stephanie, Its pretty wicked out there.

I'm going now for a few reasons, one I'm sure you can guess, the others... I spent way too much time on this already ( the dirty floors are calling) and my sweet, kind and loving (jealous of Edward) husband will not not stop teasing me about all this. He just walked in the door and I am blogging away about Twilight with the soundtrack playing with my caffeine drink of choice ( the unmentionable!) Boy am I in trouble. He would like me to clear one thing up. He is NOT jealous of Edward! I know babe, its just a joke. You are my one and only Edward!

Good Times! Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our 60's Diva- Who was caught somewhere in between wanting to be a hippie and a go-go girl. I kept telling her the two had NOTHING in common. Sequins and peace signs don't mix. Man she was almost as tall as me. Now that is SCARY.

Ryan's got a gun! A very annoying one, that repeats...FIRE, FIRE! What was I thinking?

Boys will be boys! Anything dirty, scary, or gross! He was so cute and so excited I let him be a skeleton.

Oh, my Owen! This is soooo fitting for him. Not because to toots, fluffs, or wiftys (all my mom's terms that I grew up with. I HATE the word fart) but because he is such an out of the box thinker!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

There is something so funny to me about laughing at myself!!

What a Dork!!

Man I was pretty creative though. The story goes back a little further than this picture of me senior year....I was a "wrapped gift" in 8th grade too. My friends and I walked for miles(literally) to my friend nieghborhood. She lived by apartments and in my day that was HUGE! Now parents just bus their kids to nice neighborhoods. I get so sick of this. They are getting mini tootsie rolls from Mexico!!! Im so excited about that too!

Back to the story, we were so tired to walk back to my neighborhood, so my friend's mom drove us back. Nice Mommy. I didn't think about sitting in a box before. I had nothing but those darling red tights and a shirt on and I was not going to take off my box. There were BOYS with us! After a few tries, I "settled" in to the front seat on my knees wedged backwards for the what seemed to be a very long trip home.

P.S I have some mean "bow tying" skills if anyone wants to copy me! Ha Ha!

Enjoy the day and eat lots of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups for me!

I was pleasently surprised

2008-10-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh! Here is that little smile I always talk about. I gets me every time. Kindergarten has been the best thing that has happened for him. He loves it and he has a SUPER teacher. (she feels the same way about that smile too!) He is so happy he is a big kid now and boy am I happy years 3 & 4 are past with him.

H is so sweet and tender. He is building his confidence and that makes me happy. He started flag football this year with the neighborhood boys and really is loving it. The best part is he is listening and trying to do what is asked of him.

It is so fun to watch my kids grow and develop themselves. Thanks to advice from some wise friends. I am really trying to enjoy the stage of life that I am in. Sometimes that is not easy but, I try. I can't wait to see what life with three darling teenage boys will be like.
Wow, life with a preteen girl. So fun, so crazy, so emotional, but so awesome to see who O is becoming. She is so determined, focused and funny too.

Tagged

2008-10-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Man I just cought up on posts and low and behold I got tagged. Thanks though. I think these are fun.

7 WIERD OR UNUSUAL THINGS ABOUT ME

I love to pick scabs and zits...Start out with the gross one I know!
I have never gotten a speeding ticket
I had the chicken pox when i was 9. My fever was 106 and i was hallucinating. I was hospitalized and given a spinal tap(OUCH) The Dr. thought I may have had pox on my brain.
Althoug it took a while to admit....shhh! I actually like my minvan!
People think I am calm. Im not so much and I really don't like that about me.
I love having pictures taken, I even have some great ones. You wouldn't know it cause i have a HUGE problem with getting things framed.
I absolutly love eating brussel sprouts. I have some growing in the garden right now.

I TAG... Nicole, Janalyn, Leigh, Marnee(come on this time), Holly, Jeannette, Sarah

I look forward to hearing strange things about you too! Love you all, Noelle

13 years of Wedded Bliss!

2008-10-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know another anniversary post... This is why I decided to post about it. Steve and I were at his sisters wedding a few weeks ago and I thought it was neat to be in Utah in the temple the same month we got married 13 years ago. It was kind of a"renewing our vows" sort of thing. I listened intently to the officiator and made those promises again. So sorry, for the gaggy post.

Same famous stairs 13 years earlier!

Ill spare everyong from the long list of why I love my husband. I know why he is wonderful and I try to tell him often. I do love him with all of my heart and truly feel we are a great pair. I am thankful to his sister Amy for introducing us and I am thankful for the honorable man that he is. He makes me want to be a better person.

AT LAST Aunt Becca gets married!

2008-10-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yea! We have been waiting for the right guy for our special Aunt Becca. (Not as long as she has!!) We are so happy for her and know she made the RIGHT choice.

My mom and I got to make all of the dresses for the wedding attendants. Man was it hard work. It was a combined effort to make 8 dresses and fit them to each girl. So here are a few of the dresses I so affectionatly named "THE DAMN DRESSES" It was a huge mental stress, but in the end I was happy (somewhat) with them.

Steve bought us plane tickets to fly to Utah this time. SOOOOO HAPPY! With the economy like it is, it wasn't too much more to do it this way. To say the least, the kids were elated. It was the first time for O & R and H couldn't remeber the time he got to fly. Here we were on the shuttle from the long term parking lot. You would have thought we were at Disneyland, they thought it was so fun!

Thank technology for Dora and the iphone! Hes was really quiet except when he yelled out "Swiper NO Swiping!!!"

My Neice Holly and the bigger girls watched all of the kids while we were in the temple. She got some great pictures. I have to say, I love it when someone else takes pictures for me. Its like Christmas when I look through them.

The Osborn Family

Rebecca was the most beautiful, classy bride I have ever seen. Chris is not bad either!

Well so much for coordinating ties for the wedding. These landed in the window sill at the reception. I was able to bribe the little boys with $1 if they would wear it for pictures.

Beautiful O. Aunt Becca and O have a special relationship. This was so much fun for her to see Rebecca's dream come true. She is a great friend and example to her and I am thankful for that.

What Beauty!....THE LEAVES, not necessarily the kids!!!

2008-10-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

My heart aches for the fall. You can't help but want to move to Utah this time of year. No worries we aren't entertaining the idea! I miss the crisp air and changing leaves though. I do have to say, I love that the kids are getting older and they will stop for a QUICK moment for a picture.

So fun to see a growing boy still wanting to have fun. "Hey mom, lets do Leaf Angels." Gotta cherish those sweet moments these boys let out once in awhile.

So adorable. I want to pinch his cute cheeks

Yes, Liv your hair looks nice!! Love the preteen stuff!

This boy makes my heart happy. That smile melts my heart too!

Sometimes I am in awe at the wonderful gift Heavenly father has given me. Really! Its nice to have those thoughts occasionally cause most of the time life is CHAOTIC and well you know!!!

2008-09-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A WOMAN

Take off clothing and place it in sectioned laundry hamper according to lights and darks.

Walk to bathroom wearing long dressing gown. If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.

Look at your womanly physique in the mirror - make mental note to do more sit-ups/leg-lifts, etc.

Get in the shower. Use face cloth, arm cloth, leg cloth, long loofah, wide loofah and pumice stone.

Wash your hair once with cucumber and sage shampoo with 43 added vitamins. Wash your hair again to make sure it's clean. Condition your hair with grapefruit mint conditioner enhanced

Wash your face with crushed apricot facial scrub for 10 minutes until red.

Wash entire rest of body with ginger nut and jaffa cake body wash.

Rinse conditioner off hair

Shave armpits and legs.

Turn off shower.

Squeegee off all wet surfaces in shower. Spray mold spots with Tilex.

Get out of shower.

Dry with towel the size of a small country.

Wrap hair in super absorbent towel.

Return to bedroom wearing long dressing gown and towel on head.

If you see husband along the way, cover up any exposed areas.

HOW TO SHOWER LIKE A MAN

Take off clothes while sitting on the edge of the bed and leave them in a pile.

Walk naked to the bathroom.

If you see wife along the way, shake wiener at her making the woo-woo sound.

Look at your manly physique in the mirror.

Admire the size of your wiener and scratch your rear.

Get in the shower.

Wash your face.

Wash your armpits.

Blow your nose in your hands and let the water rinse them off.

Fart and laugh at how loud it sounds in the shower.

Spend majority of time washing privates and surrounding area.

Wash your butt, leaving those coarse butt hairs stuck on the soap. (EEW!)

Wash your hair. Make a Shampoo Mohawk.

Pee.

Rinse off and get out of shower.

Partially dry off.

Fail to notice water on floor because curtain was hanging out of tub the whole time.

Admire wiener size in mirror again.

Leave shower curtain open, wet mat on floor, light and fan on.

Return to bedroom with towel around waist.

If you pass wife, pull off towel, shake wiener at her and make the woo-woo sound again.

Throw wet towel on bed.

Ok, If any of you can still see through the tears of laughter, email me and i will send a copy of this to you via email. I got this almost 1 1/2 yrs ago and came across it today. This is priceless.

osborn.noelle@gmail.com

2008-09-20T14:12:00.001-07:00

ABC's "getting to know you" TAG. Each player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then go to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

A- Attached or single: Attached and I really like him!

B- Best Friend: Steve. No more, my dad told me as a kid to never have a BFF. I do have some very awesome amost BFFs though

C-Cake or Pie: cake (Dark, fudgy,chocolate)

D-Day: NOT sunday! Yoga and pilates days, lately

E- Essential Item: water, gum, Steve!

F- Favorite Color: I love alot of colors. Brown, green, red, blue.

G-Gummi Bears or Worms: Gummi worms, Im not eating them these days.

H-Home town: Scottsdale, AZ

I- Indulgences: time alone with Steve. Yummy dinners with you know who. chocolate

J- January or July?: January, ski time!!!

K-Kids: 4 wonderful in their own way kids. 1 girl, 3 boys

L-Life is incomplete without: God, Steve, kids and a chocolate

M- Marriage Date: October 21,1995

N-Number of Siblings: 4

O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges

P- Phobias or Fears: Fear that Steve will die long before me. he thinks this is going to happen, so that worries me. or that someone will break in the house while Steve is out fo town.

Q- Quote: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

R- Reason To Smile: Im alive and happy and "seriously so blessed"

S- Season: I love all, wish we had four seasons in AZ. Love the crispness of fall, Chill of winter, planting in the spring, and freedom of summer

T- Tag Three: Jacque Arnette, Marnee Marriott, Sarah Williams

U- Unknown fact about me: I used to be really outspoken and sassy. Ive come along way!!

V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: What?!? I love meat, I'm "O" blood type.

W- Worst Habit: quick to the end of my fuse.

X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds :) Ultrasounds

Y-Your favorite food: Eating at a great resturaunt. I LOVE yummy, prepared for me food.

Z: Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

2008-09-17T16:31:00.004-07:00

O drew this for me. I asked him who it was. "It's you mom. In the house!" Crazy mom, I say. Is that really how he thinks I look? Frazzled, yet SUPER skinny.

He's Gonna Kill Me One Day

2008-09-17T16:31:00.003-07:00

Oh, this is going to be one to hold over his head! Sweet sixteen, wedding roast? I chuckle everytime I look at this picture. Really, I love his sweet innoncence and even cuter face.

Little Miss Long Legs Turns 11!

2008-09-17T16:31:00.002-07:00

We were so excited to have our little girl. Although you were the hardest pregnancy, overdue by 8 LONG days, most painful delivery & did the most damage to my body.

You were SO worth it!

I thought she would come out pretty! Only a face a mother could love! I was truly amazed ny her. So sweet, calm, new, helpless, MINE. I came across a saying when I was pregnant with her that honestly I didn't completely understand until I held her.

" A baby touches a part of your heart, a part you never knew was there."

So cute and chunky

Watch out world, I know where I came from & I know where I'm going!

Baptism Photo

11 years old

My how she's grown! Too little time and space to share all of my feelings.

mature and wise beyond her years
so helpful & responsible
wants to be modest
smart, adventursome, spunky & funny
compassionate at an early age. Knows when to jump in & help
mean cooking skills & very daring to try new recipes
eats & ENJOYS veggies
a leader
Ginger, Lavonia, Little Miss Longe legs, Liv or whatever Steve wants that day
intense & determined (which will serve her well someday)
well mannered and kind to so many

We love you Liv! You are so awesome. We enjoy watching your life evolve. Stay true and keep on going where you are going. We are so proud of you and your choices.

Random Funniness with Mr. O

2008-09-17T16:31:00.001-07:00

During the "Osborn Stressful Homework Hour" O gave me a much needed laugh. "Mom I have 8 shirts on!" Mom said, "Why did you do that?" O replied,"I wanted to try it." Mom so sweetly said,"Oh, that is so funny, now please GO HANG THEM BACK UP!" (after a few pics of course!)

Lets count them he says! Who knew fun could be so educational!!!!

Gottta love his little teeth, big dimples & smile.

I love O. He is so funny and quite unusual (in a good way!) I am not great at describing why I think he is so interesting to me. He listens intently esp. when I don't think he is, and is always trying to figure out how things work. His mind is "mechanical". Like father, like son. I especially love his randomness!

A FEW FUNNIES!

hey mom, worms have 5 hearts.
after studying grandma's "moley" back, he said, "your back looks like a tortilla"
my sleeper in the buff
reformed neighborhood nudest (riding his bike and all)
sweet kind boy esp. now that he is a kindergartner

The beach is calling...

2008-09-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday is finally here! It's the day we leave for a fun little getaway. Watch out everyone here we come...

One very long 15 passenger van

3 Hot mamas looking very much forward to this

10 kids

oodles of luggage for the 3 day getaway.

2 beach umbrellas and 4 boogie boards

p.s. Leigh, I have a portable DVD for the van

Can't wait for all of the fun, No issues or fighting. The men are a little worried about us on the road. Be assured, I packed Steve's BIG, HEAVY flashlight, incase we need to hit any bad guys over the head and I do know how to change a flat tire. Heaven help us though!!!

See ya!!!!!!!!!!

Tag Your It.

2008-09-08T02:03:00.001-07:00

I am starting a Tagging Fest! Each player tags 3 people, post their names & go to their blog. Leave a comment letting them know they have been tagged & ask them to read your blog.

LEIGH, NICOLE, AUBRI

I am...trying to not be idealistic. It backfires only to get dissapointed.

I think...Sarah Palin ROCKS! and I am excited about her.

I heart...Steve, dark chocolate, yoga & pilates, losing weight & my family (as wacky as they are)

Everyone is so... creative! Really I don't know how to answer that one.

I dance...naked haha. I wish I danced well. I wish I could do Dancing With The Stars. I was in a highschool dance recital once. My mom told my boyfriend at the time, something like...I don't know what to expect! Guess I haven't improved much.

I want...it ALL. No really. SERIOUS. I wish that there weren't so many people I know with sadness and heartache. Life can be so cruel.

I am scared of...imaginary bad guys. When Steve goes out of town, I role play how I would let my MEAN looking dogs out to attack the bad guy sneaking around in my house, grab Steve's gun, shoot the bad guy (if he's not already outside) and get all of my children out of the house safely. You need to know these things!!!

I hate...fake people. Be real people!

I miss...living in Utah or maybe just the 4 seasons. Millie my allergic dog.

I wish...Steve would live pain free and if its not too much to dream about, I'd love for him to have his leg back.

I fear...not really much. I try not to live in fear. Fear is of the devil! Steve always says he is going to die early. I REALLY HOPE NOT. I'd be lost with out him.

Ripping on Myself?

2008-09-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

I made this bad boy in the 8th grade. I had a picture but misplaced it. Dang, it was a good one. I'm still looking for it. I thought I was so cool for making this shirt.

Anyone remember these?

I loved these earrings. They went with most everything! Now all I think about when I see rainbows is gay pride.

By far the wierdest thing I saved. Well...one more confession, I saved my hospital band from when I was SO sick from the chicken pox. I had a fever of 106 and halucinating. I had a spinal tap because the Dr. thought I might have had those darn spots on my brain!

I loved Vanilla Ice. He was my 1st concert. You always remember things like that. I was an official member of his fan club. Ice Ice Baby!

I was in the basement the other day, and came across my box of childhood mementos. I had so much fun looking though it.

Man am I weird. The stuff I saved is funny. I have letters, dolls, my embroidered Chaparral high school sweatshirt ( it was so expensive and I saved my $ to buy it. Pride of ownership. Good lesson to teach the kids. Who knows they may save nifty things too!), my BRACES, five Swatch watches, an Espirit purse, a Harry Connick calendar (I fell in love with him in high school. He and Steve!)pictures of me thinking I was so cute and cool. Wow have times changed,my baptism corsage...the list goes on. Fun memories.

I found a few pictures I'll have to save for future posts. There so good. I can't wait to rip on myself some more!

Tagging?

2008-09-07T20:16:00.001-07:00

Will someone please help me? I want to tag my friends...(that's you!) I have a challenge and don't quite know how to accomplish it. Thanks in advance.

My All Time Favorite Picture

2008-09-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

My Senior Prom at thePhoenix Zoo *1995*

Flashback

2008-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

How funny is this. Sweet dance pose, and yes we go that far back in time!!! What a good sport. Returning to MY high school to take me to the dances.

Steve robbed me from the cradle! I'm so glad he did. I met him when I was a junior in high school. I heard him give a fireside about his accident in my ward. I thought he was SO HOT, but even more I was touched by his story and his testimony of God. We dated through my senior year and got married that fall.

Of course, my nonmember friends and who knows who else, (mom & dad) were worried I was making the right choice at 18 years old. I knew it then and still know it today. He is truly the best for me and I am thankful our lives crossed.

What are these types of photos called?

2008-09-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some old photos and came across the one of Steve. I knew I had one of me too, so I thought it would be funny to post them. I gave myself that beauty of a haircut at my grandmas. I still remember doing it too. I think I'm about three.
What could be better than your favorie Micky Mouse sweatshirt for picture day! I love looking at pictures of Steve when he was little. I catch glimpses of my kids.

Get Healthy & Loose A Little FAT While I'm At It!

2008-09-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

I heard through a friend that she was on a great new diet. Since I gained 5 pounds over the summer I decided to listen to what she had to say. I read the book Hunger Free Forever and decided to try it. Its a fiber rich "diet" but you don't feel like your on a diet. I don't feel deprived at all. The main thing is taking a supplement called PGX before lunch and dinner. I have a shake called Slimstyles for breakfast with PGX in it. It's fiber you take before eating a meal and it expands in your stomach so you don't eat ask much. The AMAZING thing is...it reduces carb cravings and lowers the glycemic index in the foods you eat.

I haven't had a Coke since the beginning of August. I don't crave sweets very much. Now that is amazing. I am eating healthy and did I mention I don't feel deprived. The one things is... eating healthy is more expensive.

That leads me to let you in on my new little secret. Thanks to my Yoga and Pilates instructor Sarah, I now make frequent visits to Fresh & Easy. Ive been getting coupons in the mail for $5 off if you spend $20. The store will also give you more when you check out. They clearance items in the a.m. so I can get things for dinner that will be past "sell by date" in the next couple of days. I freeze stuff, bread, milk, butter, yogurt, meat etc. so I don't mind buying that stuff cause it wont spoil in the freezer.

I have been weight lifting and not getting the results I want. I met a 50ish lady this summer and come to find out she is a Pilates instructor. She looks fabulous. Not big and bulky but long and lean. Just right in my opinion. It peaked my desire to try it. I have put it off and finally one day on a whim, I saw and old friend waiting to go to pilates at the gym. I took the class after I had already lifted wights so I was pretty dead, but I loved it. Its hard in the beginning. My instructor says give yourself 10 classes and then you are stronger.I've only taken 11 pilates and yoga classes (3times a week) and I am already seeing results.

For all of you who have had babies. This is the way to go. My problem area is my mid-section. I have done so many crunches and they don't work for me. If you look around the average mom needs a little help in this arena. I can't believe the difference already. I post this because it may help someone. I am so excited, feel great and am losing inches. Its work. There is no EASY way, but with PGX it helps so much. If your looking for something to help this just may. Good luck! Man I'd be a good rep, but I promise I'm not selling it!

Major Boredom

2008-08-29T16:20:00.001-07:00

Look how sweet those little hands are and that cute little face stamped all to heck cause hes so bored. You'd think his mom would stop and read the poor boy a book or something.He is so bored now that school has started. He asks everyday if preschool is sarting that day. He can't wait to go to Miss Nancys. (if only you could hear him say it with his lisp.)

Parenting Gone Wrong!

2008-08-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Is this the picture of a potential kidnapper?

Before I start...do not report me, for I'm sure you have done something that you thought was a good idea!

The story starts with Steve being out of town for 6 days. I was getting tired of being on my own and really tired of kids being disobedient. It told the kids I would take them to Dip n Dots for a treat. The two oldest lost the chance to go with us, so I took the little boys. On my way, I started to feel mean so I decided to go to Sonic and try Dip N Dots another day. On the way home Ryan was slamming a compartment closed and irritating me crud out of me. I told him to stop or I would make him get out and walk home. He didn't stop, so I turned the corner and had him get out of the car. I followed him ever so close.

A lady passed me and them slammed on her brakes, backed up and began yelling to Ryan, "Is she trying to kidnap you little boy?" I failed to mention that I was by the white trash apartments near my neighborhood. I calmly said to the lady, "Thanks for your concern, I'm his Mom & I'm just trying to discipline, Thank You" That was not good enough for her, she said she needed him to answer her. We'll he just wasn't going to talk to her through his 2 fingers that he was sucking on because she was scaring him to death!

Next thing I know, a big burly, tatooed guy comes walking over to us & that woman yells to him, "I think we need to call 911, this lady is following this little boy!"

Thank heavens for my neighbor Jim. He passed as all of this chaos happening in the middle of the street & stoppped to see what was going on. I was so mad, yet calm for I didn't want that lady to thinks I was nuts, that I couldn't remember Jim's name. I flagged him down and the "sweet" lady asked him if he knew me. He THANKFULLY testified in my behalf and the lady said "great that's all I needed!" and drove off. Ugh, I was so mad yet upset that I put us in jeopordy. My emotions went on a wild rollercoaster ride. I eventually laughed and called Steve and my dear friend that told me this worked like a charm on her kids.

A mother's nightmare

2008-08-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

I had just given all the boys haircuts the day before when I heard the buzzers ''knawing" away at something. I ran to the bathroom and saw little Ryan standing there. His reply to my obvious question was "Cause I'm good at it!" Thank heavens he is not a girl or I wouldn't have been able to remain calm. Funny thing was, Steve was giving a talk in church on Mother's Day. It provided good material for the talk. I think this happened for a reason and I am glad that I actually didnt freak like I usually do.

Want a GOOD laugh?

2008-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Football camp and Camping in Heber, AZ

2008-08-22T14:03:00.001-07:00

Things we loved about Heber, AZ
1. getting out of the 110 degree weather

2.Teaching the kids how to shoot a gun and loving the fact that we can. We had some good laughs and only a few near misses! Ha ha.

3. Being with Liz

4. Pulling into the deep, dark forest with noone around on the last night to camp. Panicking cause Steve pulled in so if we HAD to get out we'd have to back up the 30ft trailer. Which doesn't make for a quick getaway! Funny, cause I'm not normally like that. Come to find out he was a little freaked out too. Lighting a fire was the LAST thing Steve wanted to do, but was the MAIN purpose we moved to this camp site. Still freaked, cause the dogs were barking into the dark, so Steve grabbed his hand gun for safety. What a man. So glad we have the right.

5. Owen fell off the top bunk in the trailer and skinned his back so bad. Me being so tired from the no sleep the nights before so I took Tylenol PM. Too drowsy to properly care for him. Good thing Steve took over.

6. Peed in sleeping bags. First by Ryan, then a couple of hours later by Owen. Sweet, a trip to the local laundry mat.

7. Supporting the MVT football team. Dreaded Toro Hill pictured below.

8. Being so tired that a comment like "Geeze honey I can't believe you could finish your Red Onion burger" would actually offend me. Love ya honey.

9. Playing in the rain with the dogs and kids.

10. Hand washing dishes in the trailer. Thinking back on the times I'd wash dishes in Kamas at grandma and grandpa's house.

Gotta love Moose. Who could resist a kiss like that? Maggie kept a close eye on lunch... or the ball I can't tell! Just kidding. They aren't Pitbulls. They are just BIG, loving, adorable, not good for much sport American Bulldogs. Gag!

First Day of School Nerves

2008-08-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oh I was anticipating this. The morning actually started out well. I guess its all my fault, isn't it always moms fault?

First day of school

2008-08-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

Wahoo! Wahoo! Wahoo!
Happy First day of 2008-2009

What a cute All day kindergartner. I am so going to miss this little one.

Watch out ladies of the 3rd grade!

Well, its not the first day for Ryan, but if he had it his way he'd be in kidergarten with Owen. He was one sad boy till the big kids got home.
Liv is in 5th grade and has her first man teacher! Shes crossing her fingers he'll not be too mean! Turns out he's great and doesn't put up with DRAMA. That's awesome 'cause we hear it starts with a bang in 5th grade.

I love all of these kids with all of my heart. They are all so different and stretch me in so many ways. I am thankful for them and what I learn from them on a daily basis. Now get to class, ya'll.

Lake Powell-AGAIN with the Frosts

2008-08-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

Surfing is so awesome. We have a blast and noone has blown out their knees. Its so much safer for the...less young! Steve has gotten great at filling the fat sacks up just right to make the wake huge.

My one legged wonder!
Did you say "hit it?"

Love those daily naps!

Miss Long Legs!

Oh, I love him. I know I should break him of this, but its so nice and helpful. He's obviously the youngest child. Just check out the rag of a blanky I let him carry around. The "sewer"in me won't let it last too long.

I know this is geting pitiful. 3 trips to Powell. We can't resist. We were going to stay in a friends houseboat, but when we got there it wasn't working and STUNK. The men worked thier magic and greatfully Steve knew the guy from renting at Antelope Marina in years past. We got a sweet 70ft rental for a great discount and off we went.

We had a relaxing trip although most eveyone was on a crazy diet. Great for me. I just started one myself. I actually lost weight, wich is a first on a Powell trip.

Hanging out with great friends is the BEST. We are so blessesd to have some good ones. I love going on trips with the Frost family. Most everyone has a friend. We played games and listened to Rhonda's infectious laugh. It does my heart good when I hear it.

Fabulous Forth of July

2008-08-22T13:50:00.001-07:00

We had an Osborn family get together at Draper Park in Utah. The Fourth of July Celebration is so much better Utah. Time out for hitting a girl! I swear I'm trying.

Yea!!!! Rebecca is finally getting married to Chris. We are so excited for her. She and Chris will be married in October and then will move to Washington D.C. We can't wait to go visit them.

Wahoo!! To all the good sports in the bunch. It's nice to know we can still hop like the young ones. I almost peed my pants watching Liz fall to the ground.

Grandma Osborn is an amazing lady. She has been through so much in her life. I appreciate her example of love, patience, endurance, faith, thriftyness and kindness. I am glad to have her in our life. By the way, she is almost 90 and still works in Real Estate, plays the organ in the temple, and cares for the elderly. Ha Ha! Most would consider themselves elderly at her age.

Heaven on Earth...Otherwise known as Lake Powell

2008-08-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

We seriously LOVE Lake Powell. Steve and I both grew up going to the lake with our families. We even got engaged at Lake Powell. It is so beautiful and the water is so clear. When I was little I thought that the suns rays reflecting into the eater made the lake look like an ice cube. I know wierd.

Wow, 3 cute boys! What is it going to be like in 8 years from now!!

One thing I remember about being on the boat was falling asleep to the rocking of the water. I also remeber waking up to a huge thump when we hit the wake. I would get so mad at my dad. Like he was trying on purpose!! The things you learn with age!

We were shocked when Owen said he wanted to try to wakeboard. What gumption! I called it in 3 tries. Man do I know my kids. ( I won!)

Gotta love it.

Well its not the beloved houseboat trip this year, but we made do because we weren't gonna skip it.

Does anyone have a righteous man that is hot, tall and NOT, I repeat, NOT screwed up? Liz is the most amazing woman around. She deserves the very best! I'm serious, let me know if you know anyone.

Have I got a fish tale to tell! We were docked at our rock, (we decided to bag the thorny sand this year) and the kids were swimming with goggles. Andy saw a ton of huge fish, so we pulled out the poles. It was a great opportunity for Harrison to get his fishing badge. H cast his line and right away he caught a catfish. He was so happy.
Next, it was Owen's turn. The very same thing happened to him. It was awesome, they had smiles from ear to ear.
I'm sure you can guess by this point how the story may go... Ryan cast his line and he caught a fish in the first minute too. He ran from his though.

Love Lake Powell lizards. Poor things get tortured in the process, missing tails and all. I convinced Ryan to let him go to be with his Mommy I felt so bad for the thing.

Worms and BYU?

2008-08-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Our family decided to join Liz and the starting line of Mountain View Toros Football team in Utah for BYU football camp. Steve's other sister Rebecca agreed to let all 12 of the boys, Liz and my whole family stay in here basement. It was a sea of bodies all over her family room floor. We had so much fun with these boys. The amazing thing is that they are all great boys. We played Signs and Chubby Bunny aroung the fire. That was helarious. I think the max # of big marshmallows in one mouth was 14!

Did someone say "MILK CHALLENGE?" Sterling decided quite quickly that "milk is the boss" and then up it came.

Nice view!
Blake getting out any pent up tension towards me!

I'm not sure who thought of this AWFUL challenge. It's called the cinnamon challenge. Put a spoonful of the lovely stuff in your mouth and try to swallow it. Steve actually did it. The rest of us choked and blew cinnamon out of our nose the rest of the night.
Liz had one stipulation for the boys. It was that they would go to church with us before camp started. They all were good sports, even the ones who didn't bring clothes or regulary attend our church. It turned out to be the MOST boring and wierd meeting I have ever attended. A bright spot was when the boys all sang the mens part in God Be With Us Till We Meet Again.

Maintaining the reverence!!! We were dying from laughter cause the boys were hollering out "Nice church session" to anyone they could. Did I mention that we had fun and camp hadn't started yet?

Now that we got to know the boys, we are so excited for the upcoming season. Our nephew Blake it going to be the Quarterback which makes it even better.

Aren't cousin memories the best? I had alot of fun times with my cousins back when I was little like two different crushes on my cute boy cousins, t-peeing in Logan, Nerts & old movies with Stephanie, playing at all my grandparents... (get back on track.)Now that I am an adult I love hanging out with them too. I have grwon to love my husbands cousins too, in fact thats who we hang out with when we go to Utah.

This is my life...and I actually don't mind.

Thanks to Steve and keeping in the "challenge mode" we now have a worm eater. SWEET!

2008-08-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I can't figure out the formatting of blogger. Refer to the post on Knotts Berry Farm to get the story. Watch Owen's face and listen to my laugh (the one that Olivia is mortified by!)

PAPA'S 70TH PATRIOTIC BIRTHDAY

2008-07-22T00:15:00.002-07:00

The grandkids hung out while the adults got to go to dinner ALONE. The little "elves" were hard at work and transformed our house into quite the party place. Surprise and Happy Birthday to our great dad. Take a look at that cake. Thanks Martha, and Janice for the inspiration. He loved it.
I was so excited I got to help plan my Dad's 70th birthday party. I had heard about the opportunity to take a flight in the fighter plane at Falcon Field. My dad is one of the most patriotic people I know and he loves history and planes. My heart was so full that day. Steve and my dad boarded the plane and everyones eyes filled with tears. It was amazing to hear the rumble of the engine and imagine what it might have been like to head off to war.

AN END TO AN ERA

2008-07-22T00:15:00.001-07:00

Well, Ryan wont sleep in his crib anymore. He always ends up in my room. Not having that! So, I decided to take down the crib. I had a little help from the kids and Moose, our dog. Liv was the photographer, having a blast with camera.

It was kinda sad for me. I know that there are no more babies for our family. I would like more but that would not be the best for the family as a whole. I would be even more NUTS. It is hard to get used to the fact that I am done with that part of my life. I loved having babies in our house as crazy as it got sometimes. They are happy memories and I have 4 wonderful kids. Kids Steve and I weren't sure we were going to be able to have. We have been blessed.

I decided to put Ryan in Owen's room and this was a great idea for Harrison. He gets to have his own room. He's excited. Progess has been slow, but I'll post pictures later.

A NEW HOME FOR MILLIE

2008-07-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

After one year of trying to keep Millie's allery of grass under control, we have to find her a new home. This is so hard for all of us. Millie filled a void. She is so sweet, mellow, loving and fun. I poured a lot of time and effort in training her and treating her. Its so dissapointing that all I did wasn't enough to help her.

We asked my "little" brother Ty and his wife CC to keep her at their house in New River, AZ. They live in the desert, which means NO grass. She got so much better, so we brought her home. The next day she was back to her itchy, red self. Steve and I came to the hard realization that giving her a new home was the best option for her. I called my brother, Ty and asked if he knew of anyone who might want her. He said, that he and his wife already talked about keeping her. I cried and was so thankful to them for being so kind.

We miss her everyday. We have updated pictures as our desktop, I know pitiful, but we love her. Thanks again Ty, CC.

BAPTISM DAY MAY 2008

2008-07-21T23:41:00.002-07:00

My first little boy is 8. Wow has time flown by. We had to wait 1 month after he turned 8 before he could get baptized so he was ready when it was finally time.
I asked Harrison who he would like to speak at the baptism and he said "Aunt Liz." She gave the best talk I have ever heard at a baptism. It was simple and easy for the little ones to understand but the Spirit was so strong that I know everyone was touched. She is a good aunt.

The baptism was so special and Heavenly Father's Spirit was so strong. Harrison had to be baptized twice because his toe came out of the water. Sounds familiar to my expierence. I know that Harrison made the right choice for his life that day. I am thankful that Steve is a good father to our kids. He provides everything we need, but most importantly, he is an honorable man who is worthy to give his family the blessings we truly need.

DISNEYLAND APRIL 2008

2008-07-21T23:41:00.001-07:00

All the girl cousins love doing Miss Jennee's workshops. This year she decided to take them to perform at Disneyland. They worked hard and had alot of fun preparing for the performance.

Disneyland is so much fun. We have the best time. No fighting allowed and lots of treats ARE allowed!

OUR FAVORITE FOODS AT DISNEYLAND

Steve's : pineapple spears, churros, pecan rolls, carmel clusters...

Noelle's: Mint Julip, churros and Bangal's BBQ bacon wrapped asparagus

Liv's: pineapple spear, churro, frozen lemonade, & did I mention pineapple spear?

Harrison: churro, churro and ICEE

Owen: churro, cotton candy

Ryan: churro, cotton candy

Much to Grandpa and Grandma's pleasure we made a long overdue stop at Knott's Berry Farm.

The swinging boat is one of my favorite rides of all time. When I was little, my dad took me on it and I creid and cried. I was so mad and scared he was doing that to me. When the ride was over, I begged through my tears to go again. The same thing happened to my kids this year. Sweet revenge or parent's know best?

I dug out all of the old Mickey Ears for the trip. Awhile back, I was going through my box of childhood momentos and found my ears. How funny is that?

PINEWOOD DERBY APRIL 2008

2008-07-21T23:40:00.001-07:00

Oh, how exciting. Harrison's first Pinewood Derby. I am so proud of him (and Steve.) Harrison was out in the garage designing, cutting, sanding, sanding, sanding and painting that block of wood until he was happy with his masterpiece. Im so proud because Steve wasn't one of thoses dads that does it all so his kid could win. He actually taught Harrison how to use the tools and made it a project for him.

It was a night to remember. Harrison won one race! He had a good chance to learn how to be a good sport too!

HERMOSA VISTA SPRING FUN RUN 2008

2008-07-21T23:39:00.001-07:00

Ryan ran most of the way!
School Spirit
Such satisfaction, crossing the finish line feels awesome!
Our elementry school held its first annual Fun Run Fundraiser. We had so much fun. The kids got T-shirts that a fellow student designed, replenished ourselves with FREE Jamba Juice and felt great satisfaction in completing a race. Can't wait till next year.

EASTER 2008 - BUTLER FAMILY

2008-07-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is the year to spend with the Butlers, that's my family. We love to spend time with our siblings and cousins. It gets really hectic with all the chaos, loud voices and 7 dogs (if they are invited) , but thats our family and we love it. Im hoping the chaos level goes down as MY boys get older. We always look forward to yummy ham, scalloped potatos, grandma Tessa's WHITE rolls and homemade fudge eggs with our names on them. All courtesy of my mom! Thanks.

I love Easter morning pictures. Messy hair, jammies, and stinky breath.

The Easter Bunny is really smart. He hides the plastic eggs outside and the hardboiled ones inside!

I know that I may catch alot of flack for the way I dress my boys on Sunday, but its worth it. I love these shoes. They were Harrisons, (Owen would never wear them much to my sadness, )and now it's Ryans turn. I have a pair of Steve's famed in the boys room. There is just something so cute about little boy legs in knee sock and saddle shoes. Sorry, boys. I hope you don't hate me later.

The dreaded Easter Sunday picture didn't turn out so bad, not so great either. One thing I have decided is that I have to appreciate each of their quirks/issues/ages when I try for the PERFECT family picture. One day, Im told, I will cherish all of the chaos. We'll see!

ARIZONA ORANGES March 2008

2008-07-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

Our two American Bulldogs, Moose & MillieWhat is better than AZ oranges fresh from the trees?

The heavenly orange blossoms. I wish you could smell them. Fesh O.J with breakfast isn't bad either!

I know, a picture of my wreath! I took it because it makes me happy and I think of my great friend Rebecca. She once had a wreath with the ribbons tied from the bottom and I loved it almost as much as I love her.
I am trying to teach my kids the value of hard work. I'm not sure if we are gaining anything from it yet. Its so much work to work with your kids. What I need to learn is to enjoy the journey while doing it. Listen to the chatter and laugh at the funny things. I guess that is the "IDEALIST" in me.
What a great boy.

O is so funny, he takes after his dad.

SPRING BREAK 2008...MEXICAN STYLE!

2008-07-21T23:02:00.001-07:00

The BIG #8

H's birthday is always fun to celebrate because it's on St. Patricks Day.

Alot of fun, food, family, and friends! Rocky Point is a great place to go for families. We were introduced to the highrise condos by our friends Steve and Rhonda Frost. This was our third time down. We love to buy FRESH shrimp and tortillas, REAL vanilla and antiobotics. It was a culture shock and great taching moment for us all. We are trully blessed and I am proud to be an American.

USUARY PASS -2008

2008-07-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

We all made it to the top except Grandma & Grandpa. What a fun accomplishment. Going down was fun too, Liz, Rebecca and Itook turns carrying R down and enjoyed listening to O complain about how long the hike was. All in all we had a great day and no injuries either!

USUARY PASS - March 2008

2008-07-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

We thought we would take advantage of our nice Spring weather and do a little hiking together. We packed our water, cameras, but forgot our sunscreen. We all were a little worried on my mother-in -laws knees, but she hung in there. Leslie was not about to be left behind.

Two cute brothers!

Actually, the older kids took off ahead so we kept pace with O & R up with these two yahoos!

Ok, so I say I hate living in AZ. I actually do think it is pretty in the Spring, this is our "green" time of the year. I still would move in a heartbeat if it weren't for our stinkin family. They'd be so sad if we left and we would be too.

A MEANS TO AN END

2008-07-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

This was a great motivation to get back in shape!!! I took the holdays off and it was very apparent that I did! Ouch feel the burn in my chest. Its not a good feeling to beat by your group! I must admit.

I was driving down the 101 the other day and couldn't help notice beautiful Camelback Mountain. I haven't hiked it forever, since "teenagerhood"soooooooo, I got the fever to do it before it got too hot. Liz, Steve and I and on ocassion Holly, have hiked the mountain. I didn't remember it to be so difficult! Maybe thats because the last time I hiked it was in geat shape and 15 years younger.

The day Steve came us was so awesome. I love to watch him conquer life! I love to watch people watch him. He is so inspirational. He not only scaled the mountain with upper arm strength he finished way ahead of Liz and I. I love him for all he does and what he teaches me just by being himself.

Its been great the 3 times we went. I love people watching. There are some wierdies out there. Okay, but the real motivation to get to the top was that I knew I was headed to The Grande Orange when I got to the bottom. Have you been there? It is a great little store, bakery, pizza, and restuant. It reminds me of cute little places in Utah, places that I didn't think exsisted here. Boy am I a happy girl.

SCUBA HEAVEN

2008-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

February 20,2008.
Darling, I know... it's SCUBA beauty. Its all a bit akward, but well worth it to be warm in the water.

Thanks to our great friends, the Frosts, we got certified to SCUBA. We love it. Our first trip was with a big group of people we didnt know to Cozumel, Mexico. It was SO fun and a great getaway for Steve and I. Three months later we had the opportunity to go again. We were thrilled (the kids not so much). We made all the arrangments and counted down the days!

Scuba is amazing. It can be so relaxing and exhilerating at the same time. It is such a thrill to be under the water with other species. There is so much to see. One thing I realized is that God is real. It amazes me to see His creations under the water. Stuff you hear about but dont ever see with your own eyes.

Our first dive we saw alsmost everything you could see. We found out later, we had a really lucky and RARE dive that day. We saw... sea turtles, schools of various fish, 2 nurse sharks, barracuda, puffer fish, seahorse, GIANT parrot fish, and the most amazing Eagle Rays. They were huge.

We have some funny memories to remember forever. I'll name a few, mostly for me when I am old and can't remember anymore.

Steve struggles for air the WHOLE trip because we didn't know we could adjust the air flow on his regulator.

Following Steve Frost down to 140 feet on our VERY first dive. Not knowing we were. Steve cant breath, (see #1) so he shoots to what we thought was going to be the surface. A BIG no no. It was a good thing he stopped at 90 ft.

Staying in a private house on the edge of the ocean.

Fabulous cakes (five of them) that our dive masters wife made us. They were so proud of them!! Seriously they were the worst things I have ever tasted. The bad thing was we were charged $100 for them!!! They went strait to the trash!!!

Reading one of the Twilight series on this beautiful cabana every day. See above.

Bob Marleys Hammocks and yummy food.

Topes (thats speed HUMP in spanish) So sad for the lucky girls whose turn it was to sit in the back of the rental car. We nearly broke our backs and more than once hit our heads on the ceiling of the car.

Hot rock massages at the nearby spa.

Surface intervals on the beach eating the best pico de gallo and guacamole and chips in our wetsuits. Such great food and great company.

Cakes from Roberta and fresh water after a dive. Im still waiting for recipes from her. She made a yummy chocolate loaf cake with mint icing.

Touring the island on scooters.

Staying at an all inclusive resort the first trip. "Hurting them" by ordering everything on the menu! Our own private jacuzzi in our room

The anticipation for a Night Dive with flashlights. So amazing, except, the boat dropped us off at the wrong location. We spent most of the dive swimming against the current to get back to the reef. Steve was out of air (see #1) So I had to go up to the surface with him because you never leave your dive buddy!!! That sucked.

Watching Steve conquer another thing in spite of his prothesis! I love him. He is such a great example to me. He makes my heart happy.

Great memories and friends

LET'S COMPLICATE THINGS IN THE NAME OF CREATIVITY!!!

2008-03-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

I saw a necklace that I wanted on the internet but, it cost way too much. About $1,000 to be frank. So... like I always do, I said to myself "I can make that." Any way, I have had a lot of fun creating custom necklaces for ME and now other people too! To see more necklaces, click here.http://noelleosborndesigns.blogspot.com

Its funny, as I am creating I look at my hands and can see both of my parents. UH! No really, Its weird but it warms my heart as memories flood my mind. So maybe this is sort of a tribute to them, after all, they taught me a lot. I am so thankful for them and the life they gave me.

Photo Shoot for FREE!

2008-03-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

My fabulous neighbor's daughter Amy was in town and offered to take my kids pictures for FREE! Are you kidding me? How did I get so lucky. Any way I love them and cant wait to hang them in the house. I did make her a couple of necklaces in return for her knidness.

Wow! Finally a family picture the turned out. I have waited a long time for this one!!!

2008-02-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

2008-02-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

I just got these pictures back from the friends we went to Yuma with. We had so much fun at the dunes. It really is a fun but DIRTY place. I have to get in the right mind set and then I have a great time. There is sand EVERYWHERE! You can't escape it. We took our new trailer out for the "Maiden Voyage." It is always fun figuring everything out (waking up too hot because we didn't know where to set the thermostat), realizing what I forgot(cooking oil) and discovering all of the new sounds throughout the night. Needless to say, Steve and I didn't get much sleep that first night.

Uh...a BLOG for us!?

2008-02-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I am doing this. I am sorry to say that I think these can be a bit bragadosish. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and she told me that you can have your blog bound in a book. How awesome is that. It's kind of a personal history and journal. If I look at it like that, I thinks it's something I can wrap my mind around.

I also got invited to view my husband cousins blog and to be honest, I quite enjoyed seeing what they have been up to since we live far away (Janice).

So with that... here WE go. This is more for me than for you. I haven't told my husband yet, considering he doesn't like me to get too wordy in our Christmas cards. If you know what I mean. Hopefully, in time he will see my vision.