Life is Beautiful

Now this makes me happy

2009-12-09T00:31:00.001-08:00

cutenesssssss!

Beautiful dots!

love this, what's it called?

that is Have a Sheri Berry Holiday Snowmen

Ok, I was loving this fabric, & now that I see how you used it here, I think I have to buy some!

HELP!

2009-10-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm actually going to do a real update SOON. I want to start blogging again. It's been so long, can someone please remind me how to change my background?! How sad, I don't do it for 6 months and I'm rendered helpless!!! So as soon as I give my blog a snazzy new background I'll have the inspiration I need to write!

Yes.... NO????

2009-07-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, my hair is dark again but that's not what this post is about..... A couple of days ago as I was leaving my sister-in-law Amandas house I put on my sunglasses to which she burst out laughing at me. Yes, right there to my face lol.... then through laughter she said "I like your sunglasses, you look like a movie star". Okay, I know when I'm being mocked!!! That's right, I can figure it out when someone is laughing in my face.... I'm pretty perceptive like that (you know I love you Amanda!)........... I've always liked fashion and I like to be current in my style, but when do you look just plain stupid?!?! Sometimes getting old is so confussing....

Iran

2009-06-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

If anyone is on twitter, set your location to Tehran and your time zone to GMT +3.30. Security forces are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches. The more people at this location, the more of a logjam it creates for forces trying to shut Iranians' access to the internet down. Cut & paste & please pass it on.

Locked in a Cage??? Not yet....

2009-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

SO today I received a phone call that was both hilarious and disturbing at the same time. It was from the child welfare people, which is not a call any parent wants to get. She proceeded to tell me that they recieved a report that we were locking Branson (our 7 year old) in a cage and that he was locked in the cage after church on sunday and left there until monday morning. All I can do is laugh, it's so ridiculous!!!! So upon my further questioning she tells me that Branson told someone at school this. She also told me that she went to the school today to talk to Branson. She asked him what happens at home when he gets into trouble, he told her he gets yelled at and maybe sent to his room but then he makes a sad face and he usually doesn't have to....... lol So it seems he doesn't recieve enough discipline to me! SO thankfully the social worker isn't really buying any of it but she has to come out to the house, inspect it and meet and talk to all the kids. sheeeeezzzzz..... JOhn laughed when I told him but can imagine if there was some over zelious case worker that believed it?!?! Frightening..... This little boy has got to learn there are some signifigant consequences to some of his stories.

bliss

2009-05-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

amy Butler fabric makes me happy!!!!

Happy Birthday Jack Jack!!!!!

2009-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today is our sweet little boys birthday! I can hardly believe that he is four years old today. He has been such a joy to have in our family. He's a happy go lucky little guy that LOVES his mommy. He showers me with kisses and hugs through out the day. How lucky am I?! If I am ever having a bad day, that smile with those big dimples takes it all away. Happy Birthday Jack!!!!!

Seriously so boring

2009-04-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, seriously I really want to do more posts and keep up with my blog but I'm having picture issues! My printer which has the card reader on it has not been hooked up yet and how boring are posts with no pictures!!!

The big brown

2009-04-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's been quit a while since I've posted and it's been a pretty crazy couple of months. We moved out of our house and into my parents house (our old house) and began our search for the right house to settle into. Well we found one and moved into it a couple of weeks ago. I've been unpacking boxes ever since and dreaming of what can be with our new home. Our new home is BIG, pretty new and not at all my style. I would say it's ugly even. I say this with a lot of hesitation because I don't want to seem ungrateful. I know we are very lucky and blessed to have a nice and big home with way more amenities than anyone ever needs. That said, I am a very visual and creative person that is very affected by what I look at all day. Sooooo I look at all these brown walls, brown carpet, brown trim, bad fake rock halfway up my walls and imagine what CAN be.

Moving

2009-02-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

So yeah, We are moving. Most of you that read my blog already know that we are but I haven't blogged about it until now. I've really neglected the blog. Facebook steals most of my computer time and I've been pretty upset with the move and haven't really wanted to write about it. So yeah, we are giving our house back to the bank. John likes to say "we've had an offer we couldn't refuse". I just found out about it all about two weeks ago and have been trying to figure out what our next move will be. We still have our old house that my parents live in on Saint Cloud Ct. so for now we will be putting all our things in storage and staying there. Beyond that, I'm not sure what comes next. We will figure it all out and land on our feet. John is smart, works hard and makes a good living. IN the long run it's probably good we lost this house. We paid about 800,000 for it and it's worth less than 400 now. We were really stuck here and we never planned on staying in this house long term. So, my kids are in daycare today and I'm here trying to get things organized and figure out what's going into storage and what will go with us to the other house. I feel blessed I will be able to have movers come tomorrow, who will pack and store everything else. That will be a first for us. There will be something comforting about staying at the old house too. Our kids have friends in the culdesac and we will be returning to our old ward for now where we have a lot of friends. It will be hardest on Christopher to switch wards. We may end up back the Mountain View ward eventually too.... who knows. Both good wards, so either way. I'm pretty much just rambling now and procrastinating all that I need to get done today.

2009-02-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

That's just nearly impossible to read! So sorry!!! I copied and pasted it from another blog and I don't know how to make it bigger and/or change the green color! Just look really really closely!!

Lucky to Pay it forward!

2009-02-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Could be interesting, let's give it a go!

I took a challenge to Pay It Forward. Here's how it works:

The first five people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations:
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year 2009
4. You have no clue what it is going to be...I may bake something and mail it to you . Who knows? Not you that's for sure! LOL!
5. I reserve the right to do something weird or funny

Here is the catch, if you choose to do this...You must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people too. Ha! Ha! You will be Lucky to pay it forward! This will be fun! When you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog. Not because I am so awesome, but because that is part of the rules. (Although, sometimes I can be sooo awesome! LOL!) If I do not know you and do not have your address, be prepared to give it up if you want the goods. He. Hee. ;) If you do not wish to give a total stranger your personal address, I will move on to the next post.
Do you wanna be LUCKY and play Pay It Forward?

Quite possibly the most beautiful place in the world!

2009-02-20T00:25:00.001-08:00

I just got back from Saint George, Utah and my sister Susans wedding. That erea of the country is simply stunning.

Sophie sneaking my lip gloss

2009-02-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Jeannette Walls -- The Glass Castle -- Book Video

2009-01-30T01:29:00.001-08:00

I saw this on you tube and had to share. The Glass Castle is one of my favorite books and it's so fascinating to see the actual people it's about. If you haven't read it, read it!

....and it's SOOOO cute!!!

2009-01-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

All my friends and family will be overjoyed (okay maybe just glad) that I have replaced my cell phone! I have finally conceded.... the blackberry IS lost and is NOT coming home. I really have a love/hate relationship with the cell phone. I was procrastinating getting this one for months. What put me over the edge to just go get it was seeing my sister in law Amandas cute new cell! So I guess if my phone is a fun color and looks like a make up compact, I'm willing to own one. My days of shopping in peace are over (if you have kids at home old enough to use a phone you'll know exactly what I'm talking about).

Stains The Crazy Eyes Cupcake Dog

2009-01-27T00:10:00.001-08:00

If Stains can do, so can I!! I'll have to work on my concentrated stare...

Nesting

2009-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is the third time that I have attempted this post! I get interrupted and have to go do something else every time.

Yesterday I bought that huge mirror. I've had my eye on it for at least two years. I just couldn't spend the $400 asking price for it but yesterday I got sucha deal! I love deals.... the cute little shop that carried it is closing (boooo) so I was able to pick it up for 100 bucks! It's big, heavy and looks old and funky. The last two things being things I love! I hung it myself so it should never be removed because the wall took quite the beating. At least ten holes (ssshhhhh don't tell John). I didn't want to have to wait for who knows how long to have John hang it. The little mirror is one that I already had, I just moved it. I think I need a third small mirror to complete the look. Something cheap (inexpensive)!

What's grosser than gross?

2009-01-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

When you wash a dirty diaper with your load of laundry! I couldnt figure out where the clear gel all over my washed clothes came from..... then I saw it.

Senior Adult Choir Hip Hop (Short Version)

2009-01-02T03:56:00.001-08:00

I couldn't resist....

All is Calm...

2008-12-25T02:08:00.000-08:00

Oh Holy Night Christmas Video

2008-12-24T22:42:00.001-08:00

That's so funny....

2008-12-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

While in Idaho at Grandmas funeral, I made the mistake of telling the boys why the grand Tetons are called the grand tetons.....

A beautiful Disaster

2008-12-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Look at that cute face! But don't let it deceive you. He's a cutter. No, NOT that kind! I have had scissors hangin around more than usual the past couple of weeks on account of Christmas and such. So Jacks favorite pastime is taking scissors and cutting whatever he can. He cut blinds, power chords (not always a bad thing there) a nice expensive woven throw blanket I bought in Maine, HIs shirts, my shirts, fifis pants, Bransons blanket, Christophers Headphone chord, phone charger chords, chunks of Sophies hair and the list grows everyday as I find and discover new things that he has already cut. Put the scissors AWAy you say? Done that more than 100 times.... older kids need them, get them out or I put them up where I think he can't possibly discover them...... but he does. It only takes a few minutes. He goes on his cutting rampage. I get after him, put him in time out and think I've gotten the message across this time and he won't do it again....... wrongo! Sometimes I'm not sure if it's an old cut and I'm just discovering it for the first time or if we need to discipline him again........*sigh* It's a good thing he's so dang cute....

I'm Old

2008-12-17T23:47:00.000-08:00

I'm just so sick of seeing the title of that last blog entry that I just had to write SOMETHING to make it go further down the page. I don't have anything in particular that I'm planning on writing here..... just writing. Today is my birthday, well for 10 more minutes anyway. The big 38... too weird. The numbers keep getting higher every year and the mirror tells me that lots of time is passing but I still think I'm 17. Okay, maybe 23 (that just sounds better even if it may be more like 17). I've turned into one of those middle aged people that say "I don't feel a day over 17". I guess I should clarify "feel". My body does feel somewhat my age, I'm talkin about how I "feel" between my ears. Today was a bit of a bummer. No ones fault, I just had a sick little boy to stay home with and take care of. I was going to go to lunch with my mom and sister-in-laws but I had to cancel. I couldn't leave Jack. So we sat on the couch or cuddled in the bed most of the day. That actually sounds pretty good now that I'm writing it and I guess it was except for the occasional vomit. Tonight John and I went to dinner and a movie. We saw Australia. It was a really good movie... and Hugh Jackman *sigh* WOW..... I didn't know..... now I know.... WOW. People magazine got it right this year for sure. Well, I have 2 minutes left of my birthday and John said he's give me a message (he HATES giving massages) and I probably won't get one after midnight so I best end this post.

The Devil wears a Toupe

2008-12-04T01:26:00.000-08:00

SO much I could say here. I guess I'll just write a little as it comes to me. I've had quite the contrast of good and bad or more like good and evil over the past week or so. Last week was our big Moss family reunion. So much fun! I love all my family so much, I think I must have hand picked each one before I came to earth. We stayed in a lodge in the mountains not far from Bend. It was beautiful, the company was warm and fun and the kids had the times of theirlives with all their cousins. I think there were about 60 people there. Megan and I made 50 pounds of mashed potatoes Thanksgiving day. Thanks for your help Megan! A lot of people helped me peel as well, so thank you ppl! MY sister-in-law Jodie went all out with her baking. SOOOO many baked goodies around the entire time.

So I contrast all that love with the darkness I've seen over the last few days. Up until now, I've never experienced the kind of hate and bitterness that I have seen in someone else's words and deeds. I won't go into details but someone I know well (no one in my family) has attempted to destroy the life and reputation of someone I love very much leaving casualties everywhere he goes. It's so hard for me to imagine the kind of hate it would take to do that to someone. I've had people do me wrong and I've been pissed off at other people plenty of times! But I still have a space for compassion in my heart for my enemies. I can't fathom trying to destroy people. I'm not talking about justice. I would have no problem seeking justice through legal means. I'm talking about vengeful, malicious HATE. I don't think I've really been privy to real HATE until now. It's ironic that his attempts at ruining our opinion about someone has just made us rally around that person, love that person more and have a deeper understanding and compassion for what that person has suffered and endured... Satan may have the power to bruise our heel but we have the power to crush his ugly, vengeful head.

this why I'm getting wrinkley...

2008-11-23T00:38:00.000-08:00

I've once again been scanning old pictures. I love this one of Christy (my sister), Amy Ward and me in the photo booth at the Del Mar fair. Yes, Amy Ward is in there somewhere...... we were all trying to fight for the camera. Guess Amy didn't stand much of a chance with Christy and me!

the fake smile PERFECTED

2008-11-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

guest blogger, Jaylene

2008-11-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

I've decided to make Jaylenes "comment" into a guest blogger spot. She just makes it all make sense.....

jaylene wood said...

O.k., it all makes sense now.

When I was in Idaho, I heard disco music in the middle of the night, and your mom saying, "smile larry smile!" I followed it to the room upstairs, and of course you know the rest of the story, your dad was practicing for what, I now know, was this video thing. I am glad he took out the jump twist thing from off the couch. (it defiantly would have messed up his hair)

Anyway I have to know where did your dad get the chain he was wearing!

And your mom a true testament for usana! (and I even thought that before I saw that clip)

November 18, 2008 8:53 AM

50 years and it feels so good...

2008-11-17T20:50:00.001-08:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Brigham Tiancum Robert Moss (yeah, it's a mouthful)

2008-11-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Robert and Jodie had their baby on friday. I went to see the little guy yesterday. He is beautiful, just perfect. Looks like a combo of all their kids. At least I can't tell yet who exactly he looks like. He has such a perfect little face and lots of dark hair. I'll try to get some pictures of him today and post them on here...

Thirteen

2008-11-12T23:13:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is growing up! It's official, she's a teenager. I think she's been anticipating that label for years now. The signs have been there for quite some time and now we can declare it as a fact. I love her so much and feel so blessed and pleased for her with the good choices she has made in her life. She is definitely seeking her independence and own identity away from mine but all the while making good choices that are still distinctly her. Does that make any sense? lol Anway, Happy Birthday Emily, I love you!!!!

2008-11-10T01:37:00.001-08:00

Halloween '08

2008-11-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

We had a fun night. Lots of candy and ghouls. Branson and Jack were pirates. Well, Branson was actually a skeleton pirate (he always corrects me on that one). Sophie was a witch (a good one) and Emily was a Teletubbi, Po I believe. I wasn't quick enough to get a picture of Emily. Maybe I'll have her put it back on tomorrow. Christopher couldn't dress up tonight. He was in the orchestra pit in his high schools musical tonight (lame they had opening night on halloween). Hope everyone had fun!

2008-10-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

I had it redone today (my hair) . It's better I think. I think I'll find a new hair dresser though.... I promise I'll stop talking about it now.

all 'bout me

2008-10-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

okay I have lived with my hair for over 24 hours now and it just aint flyin. I'm getting it re done tomorrow morning. I'm not sure what to have her do to it now. Most people tell me they like it better really blonde but then some say they like me better dark. What is YOUR opinion? Oh and I saw my friend Krista today and she mentioned my new do and color. I told her I hated the color and she said "why, is it too grey looking for you?" So there! I was right! lol (no, she doesn't read my blog).

HELP

2008-10-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

SO I just got my hair done and I HATE it. The stylists tried to convince me that it looked really good and really natural. I told her that I would try living with it for a couple of days and seeing if I could get used to it and change my mind. I also told her I thought it looked salt and pepper grey. I really hate it and I need everyones opinion. Is it just me do I just need to get used to it? Or is it grey? Just tell me what you think and if you're someone that just reads my blog but never comments, now is the time to comment!

He has a Camaro too...

2008-10-26T01:43:00.001-07:00

I saw this guy on COPS lat week!

Halloween Granny

2008-10-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

I stole this from Wendy. I see my near future without the surgery...

the dance off

2008-10-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

I know it's long but how could I stop taping with those sweet moves?! (sorry about my singing)

the band

2008-10-23T01:09:00.001-07:00

I had to put it on you tube to get it on my blog. Blogger wouldn't download any of the band videos for some reason.

Dolphins must love me....

2008-10-20T23:29:00.000-07:00

I've lived next to the ocean most of my life. Visited a few different oceans in the world as well. Something I've always enjoyed is watching the dolphins play in the surf. On many days in Carlsbad you can sit on the shore and see the dolphins swimming in the surf. I've been on boats in the ocean dozens of times as well and have seen lots of dolphins swimming along with the boat. On one occasion I was on a ship headed from Long Beach, ca. to Catalina Island and there were dolphins all around the ship as far as the eye could see in all directions. It was quite the sight. I've seen dolphins in the ocean all along the California and Oregon coasts. I've seen them in Mexico, Hawaii, Florida and even France. So I was shocked to hear from my daughter Emily that her 'science' teacher told the class (which all gasped in horror) last week that there are only 600 dolphins left in the worlds oceans. WOW, indoctrination starts young. Or could it be that those dolphins just love me and follow me in my travels... hmmmm

So scary

2008-10-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

At the request of Heidie Lee. Here are some pictures of our Halloween house.

and the scariest image of all.....

2008-10-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

more...

2008-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

This was a bit tricky ti take pictures with a messy house. I suppose that could have just added to how SCARY it all is...

such a stud...

2008-10-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

a trip back....

2008-10-18T20:19:00.001-07:00

I've been having some fun scanning some old photos. Yeas, those ARE John and I! The little boy is Christopher.

Sophie watching Sophie watching Christophers you tube movie

2008-10-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I'm with the band

2008-10-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Christopher and Johns band played at youth conference last weekend. It was a lot of fun to watch them. As you can see Christopher had quite the fan club.

Sophie enjoying one of Christophers you tube videos

2008-10-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Twilight Official Trailer

2008-10-11T01:47:00.001-07:00

OH man it's almost here! I hope it's as good as it looks!!

2008-10-05T01:01:00.001-07:00

Michelle holding our Sophia Michelle

One Year

2008-10-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

One year. That's how long it has been since my sweet niece Michelle Maline Butler passed away. In some ways it has gone by so fast and yet I miss her so much it seems like I haven't seen her in forever. I know she is happy and in a beautiful place but I can't help but feel sad and sorry for myself and her family. One would think that because we have lived so far away from her the last eight years that I wouldn't be missing her yet. I miss her so much it aches. You could never be in the same room with Michelle without knowing she was there. Sometimes because of mischief but most times because of laughter. It's hard to even imagine how much the Butlers all miss her. I just wish I could hug her and tell her how much I love her one more time. Someday I'll get that chance... I'm thinking about you guys today (all the butlers, esp. Wendy). I hope you can draw some strength and comfort from general conference today. I love you

Wendy!

2008-09-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Wendy, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!! I wasn't expecting to get them because I didn't hear back from you. Yeahhhhhhhh!!!! You are officially "redeemed" (you are automatically btw). ;)

For the rest of you wondering what I'm talking about, I wanted some pictures that Wendy took of my kids last summer for a scrapbooking retreat that I'm going on this weekend. So to get them to me Wendy had to next day the cd's to me. The redemption part is because she gave my puppy to someone else lol (I snoozed and I lost).

2008-09-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tag everyone but it said "tag 6 people". I say, if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!

2008-09-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

I got tagged...who is next?

Alex tagged me. Some ugly secrets are going to come out...

Here are the rules:
Link the person who tagged you.
Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.
Leave a comment to let them know.

1. I make a small blemish on my face look like a boil because I can't stop picking it.

2. I feel anxious when my house is very clean. (weird)

3. I feel anxious when I loose weight (I know it makes no sense!)

4. I'm afraid of the dark.

5. I hate for my kids ears to be dirty and I'll chase them down with a q-tip to clean it.

6. I check my blog WAY too much to be normal.

Alright, so..I will tag: Lynda, Wendy, Danielle, Megan, McKenna and Miriram N.

Helicopter Mom

2008-09-21T01:00:00.001-07:00

I am NOT a helicopter mom lol

shortcomings of a domestic Diva

2008-09-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a few days. It's been kind of a rough week for me. Someone said that I "don't do anything". It's funny how un-motivating that is. It's like someone telling you that you're fat to motivate you to diet and exercise. For most of us, that just doesn't work. SO it was hard to get ALL the chores that I typically do, done. I know it's all in my head and that I shouldn't let something like that get to me. It's just so paralyzing for me. Mind over matter... I don't want to slip into a depression. Okay, enough 'Debbie Downer'...

Last night I went to a movie with my friend Alex. We had a good time. Afterwards we sat and ate ice cream at Red Robin and talked for a long time. She is so funny. She is only 24 but DANG that girl has some stories! lol Those are the kinds of people I like to hang out with. She actually went on a couple of dates with John Heder. Okay Alex, I'll stop talking about you!

Hey it's Uncle Tom!

2008-09-15T00:18:00.001-07:00

I'm glad this case is over for Uncle Tom. Such an awful case that he had prosecute.

Our Hawaiian Princess

2008-09-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't she just the cutest! I know I'm a little biased but c'mon!!! I found this little Roxy dress at Macys yesterday for 9 bucks! I figured it's big enough that she can wear it next summer but I couldn't resist putting it on her today. I took her to church in it without shoes. I just couldn't bring myself to put shoes on her in that outfit! She felt so pretty...

Behold your little ones

2008-09-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well I made it. It's been kinda a rough couple of days with the preparing and just nerves really but everything went fine. I especially liked my sharing time. It was about prayer. I told the story of Christopher getting his prayers answered as a little boy. We were home listening to primary music and Christopher loved listening to the song "Follow the Prophet". He wanted me to play that song over and over again. He told me that they had never sang that song in Primary at church and that he really wanted to sing it in Primary on sunday. One of us had the idea that he could pray, that they would be able to sing it on that coming sunday. As the week went on I had forgotten all about his prayer. Had I remembered I may have considered calling the primary chorister and asking her to please sing Follow the Prophet on sunday! But I forgot, so I didn't. On that very next sunday as I went to pick Christopher up from Primary I realized they were all still in there. That it wasn't over yet. As I opened the door to the primary room I witnessed what the faith of my little boy had done. Sitting in the room with all the children was a man with a guitar playing "Follow the Prophet" for all the children, with them all singing along. Come to find out their special visitor was the man that wrote "follow the Prophet". He was passing through LA from Utah (I think) and had stopped in to our primary with his guitar to play for the children. A small miracle really. Our church is huge with many many many congregations everywhere, including Los Angeles. I'm so glad that the Lord answered my little boys prayer and in no small way either. It wasn't an important prayer as far as prayers go but he cares and loves each one of his children so much that with Christophers faith he answered that simple prayer.

Front Fell Off

2008-09-13T00:49:00.001-07:00

Enjoy! (I'm still avoiding my lessons) Oh you HAVE to watch the other videos below this one with this same guy!!

another distraction to keep me from what I really should be doing

2008-09-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

McKenna goes away sunday *boo. We'll miss her a lot. She's such a sweetheart. I love her to death.

I'm feeling a bit stressed out and a little paralyzed by that stress. I'm new in the Primary presidency and so doing things like sharing time and conducting are all new to me and a little stressful. Sunday I have to conduct, do sharing time for jr and sr primary and teach and lead a discussion with the teachers for a meeting sunday night. That's really all bad enough but it's also ward conference so the stake is going to be in Primary. If you're reading this and you're not lds I know it's all like a foreign language lol. It's not a typical sunday it's just that I have some extra responsibilities this coming sunday. I don't have to do it, I volunteer to do it. The anxiety is there regardless. I just want to do a good job on everything...

Danielle

2008-09-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Danielle Wood Reporting (from the racetracks)

Camping fun

2008-09-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

So we went camping last weekend with all the Wiley clan. Can you call it 'camping' when a cabin is involved? I'm calling it camping. It was a lot of fun. The weather was nice and it was beautiful up at Twin Lake. We got to fish, float, midnight kayaking and star gazing, fish, hike (McKenna), do nothing, fish, play games, sit around the campfire, eat smores..... you get the idea...

So cute! Jack had SO much fun fishing with his daddy!! They fished from shore and out in the lake from a boat.
A serious fisherman. Branson LOVES fishing.....

More camping pictures

2008-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Such a pretty place.
Sophie was totally posing in this picture. It was so funny! (check out the load lol)
Me, my feet and my mother in law Jan floating in the lake.
This girl got SOOO dirty! She was lovin it though.
Christopher lookin so much like my brother Jonathan.

2008-09-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sophie at the campfire with her Grandpa Wiley.

McKenna

2008-09-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed to have my niece McKenna with us for the past week. We get to have her another week and then she's off to South Africa! She's doing a study on womens health in south Africa through BYU. She will be there for 3 months.

Fancy a cruise??

2008-09-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Okay,calling all family and friends. There is a mediterranean cruise happening next July. MY friend the watercolor artist is doing it as her yearly artists retreat. It will start in Italy and go to Greece, mesopotamia and Turkey. Imagine being in port for a couple of days in all these places, exploring and painting the beautiful scenery! Remember the island in mama mia?! That's what I'm talking about! It's 10 days long and the more people we have in one room the cheaper the price would be. It would be amazing if we could somehow all go! Here is the website for more info www.makeeverydayapainting.com if you want to see the teachers work (they're awesome) it's www.cindybriggs.com and www.theresagoesling.com You would need to put 600. dollars down to hold your spot. Maybe a reward for being able to run a certain distance by next summer? Just a thought!

Every bodies doing it!!!!

2008-09-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

SO Amanda has finally joined the blogging world! Yeahhhhh!!! Now is the time ladies (jaylene, Christy, Jodie). This is the way we stay in touch on a very personal, daily level. C'mon, just do it!!! Plllleeeeeaaaaaaassssseee?!?!?! BTW I notice no one is commenting on my last blog lol. I take it you guys don't agree at all. So tell me about it!

One more

2008-09-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

I Love that little boys smile!!!!

While the cats away... All while I was out of town

2008-09-02T00:35:00.001-07:00

Jack and Sophie had a food fight! and yes, Jack IS sitting on my white couch!

Birthday Angel

2008-08-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Michelle. The prettiest angel in heaven. We miss and love you!!!!!

Tagged by Wendy

2008-08-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

8 Things I am Passionate About:

1. Trying to be a good mom
2. my family (including extended)
3. getting ubber fit
4. music
5. good books
6. the ocean
7. family history (I'm no expert)
8. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ
9. Traveling (bonus round!)

8 Books I Have Read and Enjoyed:

1. The book of Mormon
2. The glass castle
3. The Twilight Series

4. Gone with the Wind

5. A knight in Shining Armor (I know it sounds pretty lame, it's the only 'romance' novel I've ever read)

6. The Pillars of the Earth

7. The Potter and the Clay

8. Letters from a Nut (SO funny!!!)

8 Words/Phrases I Say Often:

1. You're so cute
2. I love you
3. turn off the tv
4. you've got a stinky diaper
5. where's the phone?!
6. fifi!
7. I'm gonna get you!!!!
8. thank you

8 Things I Want to Do Before I Die (In no particular order):

1. Run a marathon
2. Go on a church history vacay with my family
3. Go back to school
4. Be in the temple with John and all of our children

5. Learn to play the violin
6. Become a family History expert
7. Paint something amazing
8. Get all my pictures organized and into albums

8 Things I Learned in this Past Year:

1. Life is short and precious
2. I love my nieces and nephews A LOT
3. Our finances are not in order
4. My niece Katherine and I have a lot in common
5. Cruises are Awesome!
6. Sophie looks a lot like John too
7. The book of Revelation is awesome!
8. There's a lot of vocal Communists in democratic countries like France

Life is Good

2008-08-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm just gonna do it. My posts are getting more boring by the day. The problem? I left my camera charger at Wendys house in calif. so I don't have any current pictures to add. A somewhat boring post. Nothing terribly exciting happening on the homefront. I've been shopping with kids getting school clothes. Tomorrow I'll tackle school supplies. Branson is starting at a new school that was built over the summer right by our house. It'll be nice to have it so close. Emily is starting her second year in middle school (seventh grade) and Christopher will be a sophomore. It's so hard and crazy having a kid in every school. I know lots of you have had that and more, I'm just sayin...

Last week I attended Education Week at BYU. It was SO awesome. I hadn't been in a few years and I had forgotten how much I loved it. It will be a definate priority next summer and the summers to come. I feel like a sponge soaking up all this knowledge when I'm there. I LOVE IT. It's like taking classes that you really WANT to take and not having any tests or grades. Those are good things for me. It was also a blast having my mom, all four of my sisters, my sister-in-law Amanda, my aunt Joyce and my cousin Jaylene there! We laugh a LOT. Wendy and Jaylene are I think the two funniest people that I know. The highlight though had to be my aunt Joyce trying to get up on the bed for pictures of her and my mom jumping on the bed. Aunt Joyce has two bad knees and a bad hip. We were trying all kinds of creative ways to get her up on that bed standing. One idea was to use the trash can in the room by turning it upside down so she could use it as a stepping stool. MY mom said with much intensity "oh Joyce it's plastic it's gonna go!!!" You prolly had to be there but I laughed SOOO hard that my back hurt and I was crying. You can't buy that kind of therapy (and I'd know). Another highlight was looking at all the art that they had in the book store on campus. They had a large art show with artists there to sign pictures and what not. It was fun and interesting to meet the artists. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love art. There was one artist in particular that was simply amazing. Her name is Liz Lemon Swindle. Her paintings of the savior had So much emotion in them it's hard to put into words. After a few minutes of looking at her work my sisters and I were all crying (A LOT). Then we would look at eachother and laugh lol. We're not really the emotional type. I've never had visual art move me like that before. She really captured the savior and I felt like I knew him better after looking at her work. That's the best I can describe it. I wanted to buy EVERYTHING. lol

The Prince of peace

Let the Children Come

The worth of a soul

This painting just kills me. Two stories for this one. First I'll try the best I can to tell the artists story. Her son told it to me. She went to Africa to do the photo shoot for the picture (she paints from her photos) taking her Jesus model with her. There is some organization there that cares for orphans and they arranged to have a group of the children from it to meet them for the photo shoot. When they got there all the children were shy and apprehensive about going over to this unknown white man. The only child that would go to him (at first) was this little baby boy he's holding. Just days before that baby was rescued from a garbage can with his brother. They were literally living in the trash can while their 9 year old sister was out prostituting herself to feed them. In the large painting you can see the soul of this beautiful child in the eyes. I don't know how she paints that, but she just does. Next story. My sister Wendy has good friend that is on a mission in South Africa. This friend had lots of small copies of this painting to hand out to people in South Africa. When she gave the picture to one woman the woman looked at it and said with emotion "you mean Jesus loves black babies too?" Kleenex time.....

This and that...

2008-08-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting ready to leave for Education week. Mom, Amanda and I are leaving at about 6 am tomorrow. I have a lot to get done tonight but no worries cuz I'm not driving. I can sleep all day if I feel so inclined. It's been a hectic week. Emily had a friend from Texas come visit. She moved away from here a few years ago. She flew into Portland and then flew home from Portland about 5 days later. So I got to drive to POrtland twice this past week. That's about 12 hours of driving just for Emilys little visit... I also took Emily shopping while we were in Portland on friday. We shopped for 11 hours.... NOT fun. Then I had to drive home that night. It was nice to spend a lot of time with Emily though. Even if she does in fact know that I haven't a clue about style, fashion and the proper fit of clothes. Apparently I'm completely clueless... who knew?! Well I better go get some things done...

California Dreaming

2008-08-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Jack woke up this morning and said "I wanna doe da beach today". He hasn't come to terms with the fact that Bend has no beach. I tried to explain to him that we can't go to the beach in bend. He seemed to except that for the time being, thought a minute and then said "I wanna doe Didney Wand today". Poor guys got california in his blood...

goodnight

2008-08-10T01:41:00.000-07:00

I FINISHED THE BOOK and it's not even 2 am yet!

moms get spanked too...

2008-08-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

This book is kicking my butt!!! I can't stop reading and when I'm NOT reading I'm thinking about it. My whole brain is consumed with the book! I knew this would happen. I HAVE to finish it asap! I'm enslaved to it!

changes

2008-08-08T11:02:00.001-07:00

I know my new title is a little weird.... I can't come up with anything. So whoever has a better one, tell me! I'm trying to make my blog more secure for our family without having to make it totally private. So, I will be also changing the address of my blog. I don't know if you'll be automatically redirected to my new blog address or not, So let me know if you can't get to me in the next few days.

conflicted

2008-08-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

So I've bought it. Now I'm scared to open it. When I do my nose will be in it till I've read every page. What's a mom to do?...

Lots of Idaho pictures..

2008-07-26T01:53:00.000-07:00

So I've posted a bunch of pictures from our time in Idaho. Wendy took them all. We've dubbed her "the family photographer". She's just so good.

2008-07-26T01:49:00.000-07:00

Grave of my great Uncle, whom the school principal beat to death when he was a young boy. Notice the trees planted on either side of his grave, planted and cared for by his mother.

2008-07-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

Jack Henry at the graves of his Great Great Grandparents.

2008-07-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

Jack Henry at the grave of his Great Grandpa.

IDAHO...

2008-07-26T01:42:00.000-07:00

I caught SO many frogs here when I was a kid...

2008-07-26T01:40:00.000-07:00

Branson in the creek at Humphrey. This is where my mom bathed, fished and learned to swim as a little girl...

2008-07-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

Sophie in the wild flowers at Humphrey.

2008-07-26T01:36:00.000-07:00

Humphrey

2008-07-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

Mom at Humphrey.

2008-07-26T01:33:00.000-07:00

Wild flowers I picked while at Humphrey. The log cabin behind them is an old homestead house that my grandpa took apart a few miles from his home and rebuilt in in his backyard as a workshop (many many years ago).

Idaho Pictures

2008-07-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Boys with Grandma in Idaho. Notice Branson giving Grandma rabbit ears...

2008-07-26T01:12:00.001-07:00

Jack when he saw the bears at Bear World.

2008-07-26T01:12:00.000-07:00

My mom, Grandma and Aunt Joyce

2008-07-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

The swing I wrote about...

2008-07-26T01:04:00.000-07:00

2008-07-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

Emily on the crane swing at Jims

2008-07-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Jack so carefully carrying a kitten at Jims house in Idaho.

2008-07-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

Carlsbad beach pictures

2008-07-24T22:23:00.000-07:00