To Creat or not to Create?

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!

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

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

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.

1. Flip flops and a casual attire would sometimes be nice. Esp. for the men.
2. 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.
3. 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

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

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.

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

It's good to be back!

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!

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!

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,

1. Help me not to get worked up about stuff
2. Keep going when things get rough (esp, the cleanse & Acai diet from Dr. OZ I am about to start!)
3. 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???

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!?!?!

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...

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!

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!

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

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

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

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.