A Good Cause

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

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

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?

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!