A Plea to My Fairy God Mother

I WAS going to post a picture of the BEAUTIFUL Orange Hibiscus Flowers that are blooming in my back yard right now... (Do you have one at your house? I didn't think so) But, I went to get my camera out of my purse and low and behold... it was broken. BROKEN. This is the SECOND camera that has broken since our move to this state. Now, I know you may think my purse is not the BEST place for a camera, but how else are we bloggers supposed to document every activity in our oh so exciting lives? Plus, I have not owned a camera over $300 ever.. So, it isn't THAT bad that it was in my purse is it?


Anyway, this happened to be my "back up camera" because my more updated camera broke shortly after our move and now my "back up camera" has bit the dust... and due to our current situation, which I know I have not elaborated on very much here... but, you know, some things are just too hard to blog about, I am not going to be in the market for a new camera any time soon. Anyway, now I am stuck without a camera. I am starting to think that cameras are allergic to Arizona.


So, my blog posts just aren't going to be that exciting any more. Sorry Grandmas and Grandpas... No more pictures of little kids. I am sooooooo disappointed that you won't be seeing any pictures of my now bulging belly. Oh so sad about that!


Maybe my Fairy God Mother will send me one and it will magically appear on my front door. After all, Kelly seems to think there are such things. So, I guess I am acting on her faith a bit. Maybe her FGM will adopt me. Or how 'bout this... if you were going to ebay an old camera because you just got the newest bestest version... lemme know.

In the mean time, here is a picture of that hibiscus. Courtesy of flickr.

Mine looks JUST LIKE THIS ONE... except for the rain drops... Because everyone knows it DOESN'T RAIN HERE!

It's a baby.........

GIRL!

Wow, you bloggers really know your stuff! Or you are all just wishfully thinking for me. I really wanted a baby girl to just even things out, and that is what we got. Of course, we are thrilled with whatever we are having, but I am thrilled to be able to look in the "girl" section for clothes again. I am also thrilled that Abby will have a baby sister. I grew up with 4 sisters, no brothers, and I know the joy and happiness that my sisters bring to me. I think they will be far apart enough in age that they won't roll down the stairs ripping each other's hair out... (did I do that?) But close enough like me and my little sis Hillary (private blog) to love and enjoy each other through the mommy years.

This is her waving to all of you bloggers... she will see you on (or hopefully before) February 2nd!

We are so excited! :)

Things I love about Autism- The Short List

So far, there are two things on my list of things I LOVE about Autism.. this was the first. (Scroll to the bottom of the post)

And this happens to be the second.... Here are my kids leaving for school....

Wait! I hear something coming!!!

Could that be the school bus at my FRONT DOOR??? Say goodbye Wade!!!

Here is where Wade and I disagree. I am always smiling at this point because I don't have to deal with THIS in 100+ degree weather... Remember, I am pregnant. Have mercy. Wade however is happy to say goodbye and wave until the bus doors close and take his playmates away.

Then, he is not so happy.. But I am. FRONT DOOR BUS SERVICE IS THE BEST!

PS- We get to find out what we a HAVING tomorrow! I am pretty sure it is a baby, but if you want to vote before I find out, now is your chance!

I can see the light...BLESS THE STATE OF ARIZONA!

There are times that you do things for your children because you just have to. I am SURE you could make up your own list of things that you HAVE to do for your children... such things as wiping bums, doing laundry, fixing lunches the list goes on and on and is EXTENSIVE.

I have to add to that list... MEDICAL BILLS FOR JAXON. Some of you may think, WHAT HAPPENED TO JAXON? Well, nothing really... Jaxon happened. Discovering your child is Autistic is a long winding journey down a road that YOU DIDN'T choose. It just happens to you. From there, you go through a myriad of emotions, disillusionments, denials, heartbreaks, and frustrations.

I recently have come into contact with some women here in AZ who have Autistic Children. We have banded together to help each other with our GFCF diets for our children. I have started to think about Autism like lightening strikes. It never strikes the same WAY twice. But, we still have this amazing connection and understanding of one another. We were all struck by it... just not in the same way. Some cases were more severe than others... but it doesn't matter, we were struck and we have that in common. I love the way women get together to support each other. It makes me even more aware of the importance of the Relief Society in the church.

Anyway, back to the medical bills.. Lets see.. there are Vitamins, Specialists that DON'T accept your insurance, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Rehabilitation. In our current position (3 mortgages in Spokane and rent here in AZ) these things tend to stress me out a bit and even though we find it a financial difficultly to do these things, you just feel like you MUST. Because you would do anything to give your child a better life. RIGHT?

IN WALKS THE GREAT STATE OF ARIZONA AND THE DDD.

What is the DDD? It is the Department of Developmental Disabilities. They have one in Washington too.. I qualified and never did find out what they could do for me... But I have here in Arizona!!! They can take that Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation bill OFF MY PLATE. And, if I didn't think it would have hurt our status... I would have KISSED the man who came to evaluate Jaxon last week. You see, Jaxon is considered "high functioning" and thus is border-line when it comes to needing services. I mean, that is the thing.. He NEEDS them.. but does he NEED them as badly as someone else? Like I said, bless the man who did his eval. because he qualified him. They want to see Jaxon become a participating member of society AND SO DO I! (It just might take a little more work to accomplish that, but we all hope for it). This is a huge blessing for us, and I felt the weight lifted as he said those magic words.. "Well, I am going to qualify him" MARVELOUS. ANGELS SINGING GLORY BE!!!

Something else MARVELOUS? Back to those ladies.. Well, they are EXTREMELY well informed (better than me) of the issues, qualifications and available resources. THAT is why I depend on them so fiercely and I hope to someday be that same pillar of strength for someone else. I hope to encourage someone and give them direction when they start the GFCF diet. I hope to tell them about the DDD (like these women did for me) and I hope to tell them about the ACT Today program. It is a program that offers grants to families in helping with the care of their autistic children. And UNLIKE our HEALTH CARE SYSTEM... they think things like Vitamin Therapies and GFCF diets help.. and they are willing to help you. I hope to let you know in a few weeks that we have qualified for help with his vitamin regimen and specialist bills. Even though we have just started these alternative treatments, our bills are already in the thousands... Is it worth it? I think so. Thanks be to WOMEN who work so hard to HELP EACH OTHER. Keep reaching out with what you know!

Special thanks to Shari, Abby and Lisa for helping me through all of the resources here in AZ!

PS- I hope this is more uplifting that LAST SUNDAY'S BLOG!

WARM WISHES-AUCTION

This is the perfect compliment to a fall wardrobe. Golds and reds are a MUST for this season. This piece is made with dyed freshwater pearls. There are also Swarovski crystals dusted throughout the necklace. This is a double stranded necklace and is a complete STUNNER!BEAUTIFUL. Don't pass this one up, it is GORGEOUS and will knock the socks off anyone who sees it on you!

NATURAL LEAF-AUCTION

This piece was sold EXCLUSIVELY at our convention and there were only a handful made. I snagged it up knowing that it would be the perfect necklace for someone! The stones are a natural colored Jade, and the leaf was hand carved. This is a totally unique piece for a totally unique person! The color and style of Jade is extremely unique and worth quite a bit! Enjoy!

JADE GARDEN-AUCTION

This is a simple piece, but is an amazing accent to any outfit. The the bold carved stone is a piece of green Jade. AMAZING! The necklace is hanging on a piece of brown leather with a barrel clasp in the back. For a closer look, click on the pic.

SOUTHWEST SENSATION- AUCTION

This piece is a wonderful mix of colors and STYLE! Red Coral, Blue Turquoise, Green Jade and Sterling silver give this piece it's WOW factor. These are all semi precious stones and they are beautiful in cut and color! In the center is a piece of hand engraved Thai Silver. EXQUISITE! The necklace is finished with black leather that has been hand wrapped with sterling silver wire. It has a barrel clasp.

The Auction BEGINS!

First off, thank you very much for participating in the Auction today. I am inspired by how many people want to help Stephanie and her husband Christian. They will need TONS of support (not to mention money) in their recovery. This is my small attempt to help. If you would like to know more about the cause, PLEASE visit here.

REMEMBER, you can feel good about the purchase AND the price because 100% of the proceeds are being donated straight to Nie Nie's recovery fund.

If you want to know the RULES of the Auction, or how to participate, please click here. Thanks again for your participation. It is much needed!

Oh, and special thanks to my "neck model" Wendy!

Nie Recovery Auction Rules for FRIDAY!

When can I bid? As soon as the post appears.

Where do I place my bid? In the comments section of each item's post. Leave the first comment with the starting bid such as "i start the bid at $20". then the next bidder can submit a comment with their bid like, "I bid $30." and with each bidder to follow they just leave a comment with their price. If you are not familiar with how to leave a comment, just click the word "comments" that you see at the end of the post. It will bring up a pop-up window where you can type your comment. If you don't have a google/blogger account DON'T WORRY! Just click the circle next to the "anonymous" option and leave your bid/comment and your name and email. It's as easy as that!

What amount can i bid? Please keep all bids to an even $1--no change please. example: if the bid is $65.00, then the next bid should be $66.00 not $65.50.

How do i know what the highest bid is? Check the comments. it will be the most recently posted comment.

When does the auction end?10:00 PM PST Friday,

What if I win the bid? If you are the winning bidder, just email your contact information to Lindzstew at hotmail dot com. I will also do my best to contact you if you have a blog that is accessible.

How can I pay for the item?I will have you make a donation to the Nielson Recovery fund directly (cute blue button on the LEFT side of my blog). Once you receive confirmation of payment from Paypal, you will forward me that email. I will then ship the item(s) to you!

Will all of the money go to the fund or just a portion?ALL OF IT, I will be paying the shipping myself.So, check back tomorrow and see what's on the auction block!

What if I just want to donate? Click the blue button to the LEFT. WONDERFUL! Thank you for your generosity.

Thanks again for your support!

NIE RECOVERY AUCTION~ FRIDAY!

I am sure most of you have heard about Nie. No joke, no ploy, I have been following the story, and even saw local news on the accident. It is a horrible tragedy and there is still much that needs to be done. Nie has a beautiful life and I guess I just think I have an opportunity to help. After all, I have $$$$ of jewelry sitting in my house in boxes.

For those of you that DON'T know, I made jewelry from '04-'07 when I was working as a rep for All Jeweled Up . I stopped when Wade was born, but still have some inventory that has been sitting in boxes. All Jeweled Up only sells the FINEST in semi-precious jewelry with sterling silver claps and wires along with wonderful semi-precious stones, and Swarovski Crystals.. BEAUTIFUL! I am selling 4 pieces here on Friday, and I will pay the shipping to you.

This is a marvelous cause and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Nie Recovery Fund. Thank you in advance for participating.

If you would like to know more, please click here to her sister CJane's blog. She gives frequent updates on Nie's recovery. More about Nie's story? Click here. An amazing video about Nie? Click here. That should be all you need to know to feel good about your purchase. Here is an auction taking place tomorrow... if you miss her stuff... Check with me FRIDAY!!!

One He** of a Sunday

You know it is going to be a rough Sunday when you start church at 8:00 a.m. and have to speak in church first thing... Actually, that part of the day went rather well. I think that was the 1,439,212 time that Peter and I have spoken in Church because we move so much, so, we are bound to get used to it eventually. RIGHT? Well, for the most part, right. I was hoping to regurgitate a talk that I had already given, but alas, had to construct something entirely new when I couldn't find a talk on that subject. We juggled three kids and two talks and almost came out unscathed. It will be nice when Peter and I can listen to each other's talks. Actually, I have to give credit to the sweet girl who came out into the hall and asked if she could watch Wade so I could listen to Peter speak. It would have been great, if Wade would have gone for it.. but NO WAY.


I was subbing in the 7 year olds class today but when I arrived at Primary to sub that class, they QUICKLY informed me that I would be subbing for Jaxon's class. That was fine, but, it takes a WHOLE lot more energy to teach 5 year olds (Especially Jaxon) and I wasn't mentally prepared for the task. However, I made it out alive and it even went pretty well. Jaxon informed me later that he didn't like me teaching his class. (I am sure it had NOTHING to do with making him sit still and him KNOWING I will deliver on my threats)


Since Wade isn't officially old enough for nursery, he was taken home during RS/Priesthood and I was going to take the kids home in Peter's car after church.. and I WOULD have, if I had a key to his car on my key chain.. Oh, that reminds me honey, your car is still at the church. We hooked a ride home from someone else.


Wade was in fine form at church.. I mean, ALL DAY... He must have wonked his head or run into a wall or tripped over a book at LEAST 600 times today. (Ok, so, I feel like exaggerating today) Anyway, it was a LONG baby day and you know how those go... they just seem to NEVER END! We couldn't WAIT to toss him into the crib with his blankie and a binky.. the night didn't fall fast enough!


BUT HERE is the topper... I was awoken ever so gently (or by frantic yelling), you choose how YOU think it went, from my leisurely Sunday nap to find that Abby had one of These in her ear ....Inserted by her wonderful brother Jaxon. By the time I was woken, there had already been some attempts to get it out so a trip to the Insta Care was in order... I think they are going to get to know us well. We have already been there for THIS, and Peter was there just a couple of weeks ago for Strep. Good golly. Happy Sabbath. I hope yours was a LOT more "restful".


To finish this uplifting and spiritual blog entry, I thought I would share a few things that DID make me smile today.

This is a picture of Jaxon and Peter. What are they doing? DUH! Dancing at a disco with a disco ball! (Of course) Jaxon is the one on the right. It looks like he is a little uncertain about his "moves".

This is the picture that Jaxon drew when we told him to draw a monster to shoot with his new Nerf Gun. Of course we were just trying to keep aim away from us. Don't you think it is an awfully bright and sunny day for a monster to be attacking the house? I thought so too.

HAPPY SUNDAY!

Drum Roll Please

TIP JUNKIE FANS! I RECENTLY HAD MY PARENTS OVER TO HELP ME UN-PACK and DECORATE. SO I ALREADY HAD THIS POST PUT TOGETHER! SCROLL THROUGH THE PIX. I HAVE EACH OF MY FAVORITES LISTED AFTER EACH PIC!

It is finished.. Ok, maybe not FINISHED.. but for the most part.. the Decorator Prison part... It is finished because my parents are on a plane back to SLC right now thankful that they were able to leave this place! They worked long and hard... and I think we made 8 trips to Target (you think I am joking?) But, it is finished, fabulous, and it makes me feel like I am home. So, I am ready to post the pix. Really, you won't see TOO many new things, but there ARE a few TREASURES that I have purchased.. I will point them out. But, if you have seen my home before, especially if you have BEEN IN my home before, nothing will come as a shock to you. I just find it delightful, really, that all my things even if just moved around a TINSY bit can still look great. I love it.

Mom and Dad, I owe you... BIG TIME. Thank you for all of your hard work.. trips to Target and company this week. Next time you come out, I PROMISE, we will have a LOT more fun! Now, drum roll please.

This is my favorite view... This is me, sitting in my chair... my blogging chair... It is my favorite view because I can see so many things I love. I love my Christus.. purchased in Israel almost 17 years ago. (Yuck, I can't believe I just said that) I have my favorite picture up on the wall. (I bought it at Tai Pan) My mother in law made me the Topiary for our first home, and I have had that rooster clock FOREVER.. I don't know, these things just feel like home to me, they just make me happy......
This is my view to the right of the blogging chair... Those pictures on my wall? Aren't they CUTE? I have had them forever too! They were purchased at Kmart, and they were $15 bucks a piece. Awesome. Since I have had them for 6 years, that is $2.50 per year in amortized value. I think they were worth it. I still love them. See my Tai Pan bucket? In the cubbie? I love that too. My mom bought it for me for Christmas, because she knew how I coveted it. It took me a while to get it to my home. I had to wait until I could drive it. Some of you will notice a NEW PURCHASE! See that beauty? That basket, or whatever it is, that has a white geranium plant in it? Well, I LOVE IT, and I bought it without a seconds of hesitation because I knew it was a must have piece. I found it at Pier One. It was $29, but on clearance for $19. You wouldn't have hesitated either. (The books next to it are my My Publisher Books) The other thingy on the wall that arched thingy was also purchased at Pier one 8 years ago... It was $20 as well. So, that amortized over 8 years is also $2.50.. well worth the purchase. You know, at the time in our newlywed life, that was allota dough.. I am happy to see it put to good use.

Here is the view from my blogging chair straight ahead... That is the front hallway, you can see the cones that Heidi mentioned in my comments.. she is an observant one.. What? You noticed they aren't brown anymore? Yeah, that is what a can of spray paint will do for you. Oh, you actually want to SEE the blogging chair? Well, as Amy pointed out, it is a chair we have had forever, that has been recovered.





Here is my dad performing amazing acts of heroism... and his trusty side kick K-lo. See those stylish glasses he is sporting? Is he an electrician? No, but being a Chemist/Physics/Engineer type person makes him think he can do anything... And, he can. He is great with a level too. :) Thanks Dad. (Don't worry, I took the shackles off of BOTH of them before they left.. I didn't want them to get strange looks at the airport. The final result?

I only have one set of drapes up... but, here is the other wall.

Remember that FABULOUS, INCREDIBLE, wall plaque that I found at Pier One? Well, here is is in all of its glory. I love it. It is perfect in our front hallway. It was also on clearance. The retail heavens were shining upon me.

And finally, my bedroom. When I walk in, I feel.. peace.... As you may have heard before, my bedroom is NEVER clean, unless I am hostessing an EVENT. So, here is your one and only look..

Dreamy eh? Check out the garden of Eden outside my window... That is probably the best part of my room. My one new addition is the tall grass sitting in my window.. Target.. now.. if you want one, go get one.

It is a great addition. I hope you enjoyed the tour of our home. I am so thrilled to have it all put together. I couldn't have done it without my parents.. Now, COME and see it for YOURSELF! Guests are always welcome!

PS- My mom and I are available for DECORATING ON A DIME consultations... First come, first served!

Please Please Please

PLEASE BLOG!!!

There is NOTHING else to do... There is NOTHING to watch on TV (I mean, Project Runway and Burn Notice are only on ONE night a week, and it is on the SAME DAY) ....and YOU KNOW how I feel about reading... and I already READ the Book that I was GOING TO READ.. SO

PLEASE BLOG!

(I think I only had 4 hits on Bloglines today.. come on people... if you are going to fill up my reality TV viewing you are going to have to do better than THAT!)

You are all behind on your blogging and this is my plea for you to begin again so that I have something to do...

Thank you for your consideration in advance...

Lindsey

PS- Thank you Jill for showing me how to change the size of my fonts on blogger. Yes, I have been blogging for over a year, and NO, I have never tried the COMPOSE tab... I am an idiot.

Baby Crack

You have your Baby Einstein Videos, you have Barney, you have Dora and Boots, spend your hard earned cash on it all.... but, you might as well throw your money in the garbage if you have NEVER tried BABY SONGS. You are missing out on the best 30 minutes of your life... I mean that 30 minutes where you can leave your baby in one room (or the same room)and do something else in ANOTHER room and do it un-interrupted! (PS- I am NOT advocating leaving your baby unattended...mmkay?)

Now, some of you might be highly opposed to such a prospect but for those of you who are looking to take a shower, wash the dishes, curl your hair or USE THE BATHROOM without a wee one pounding on the door, THIS would be it.

I have to warn you ahead of time though. The songs are highly addictive and I found my self, LONG AFTER the kids had gone to bed and the brain candy had been turned off, singing these little diddys to myself. My husband has even been known to sing a tune or two...and maybe changes the words here and there..but still. HIGHLY ADDICTIVE SONGS! For example: just tonight, I was singing THIS:
as I was doing the dishes. What do dishes and Piggy Toes have to do with each other? I don't know, that is not the point. The point is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!

If you don't mind Hap Palmer in his easy listening, guitar strumming sound, (MORE COW BELL!) and watching little kids, in their bell bottoms and hobbit hair who are probably about my age now, running around on the screen THIS VIDEO IS FOR YOU! I am not kidding. On occasion even Jaxon and Abby will even take a seat with Wade just to watch. Don't believe me? Order one (they aren't paying me). It will only take just one, and you will be hooked. I even think that the song "The day I took my diapers off" Potty trained Jaxon for me and "I can put my clothes on by myself" taught Abby to dress herself... at a much too early age. (Sorry, couldn't find those on YouTube) Our personal favorite is Baby's Busy Day, or Baby Songs Original. PS- Don't let the kids on the cover of the DVD fool you. They are babies "of the day" not the babies shown in the video....

Oh, and Hap... Thanks for entertaining my baby for 2 hours a day... er, Oh, I mean, 30 minutes... (Hey! It is STILL decorator PRISON! I have to do SOMETHING to keep Wade from running off with the drill while my dad is on the ladder!)Here is one more just in case you need some more convincing...."Where is Baby" the second song on this clip is one of Wade's personal favs... he told me so. After watching all those veggies move around, you might think YOU are on crack!

We interrupt this programming to.... CELEBRATE

Jaxon's BIRTHDAY!! Our Jaxon turned 5 yesterday and so, of course, I need to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and post some pix for our family.
He had an AMAZING day, and when we got up for CHURCH this morning, Jaxon thought he had it made. I asked him to get dressed and he said, "but, Birthday Boys don't have to go to church!" Too bad his birthday was YESTERDAY!!! (He almost had me) If you have yet to meet our Jaxon, or don't know much about him... you need to get to know him.
Click on the Jaxonism Label.. You WON'T be disappointed!

Jaxon has presented us with MANY challenges in life, but also some wonderful blessings. Recently we have decided to put him on a GFCF diet. Don't know what that is? Ugh... I will TELL you what it is.. He can't eat ANYTHING! GFCF is Gluten Free, Casein Free and it proves to be very helpful with Autistic Children. Just so you know, there is Gluten in almost EVERYTHING and for the first few weeks I was paralyzed.. I mean, I LOVE to cook and cooking has GLUTEN IN IT! Just kidding.. but just about everything he eats does. But, we are getting by, and I have clung tightly to a couple of hands and have proven my co-dependence to those who have been there and done that.. Thank you for your help! Ps- That birthday cake up above? I baked it, and it had no WHEAT FLOUR or BUTTER! Totally GFCF.. and everyone ate it. (It wasn't that bad)


Jaxon was a fun, but CRAZY baby... He cured us of having more babies for a while... That has seemed to rub off, but, our love for him has not.



We have high hopes for you Jaxon! I mean, even Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADD... With your length, competitive spirit and brute determination, you never know, you could be a hero just like him.


I do remember that when you received a name and a blessing from you Dad, he blessed you that you would be an influence for good and that you would be known for that throughout the world.

All I know for sure is that HE has high hopes for you, and WE do too. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Photo by Kathrine Wallin of Wallin Photography

Stay Tuned

(I AM pregnant with WADE in the picture!!)

My mom showed up for Decorator Prison... (For the 5th time in 6 years- ok, she DID do decorator prison in a few apartments too) and I am finally feeling like I live in my own home (we are renting). I can't believe what a difference decorations make and it is making me feel like a whole new person that actually has some cute stuff! I had been absolutely paralyzed with the inability to decorate since we have moved, so, I am grateful she is here! I think it is just the stress of moving and having done it so many times, it was all I could do to just unpack the stuff we use. Not to mention that I will have to do it again in 1-2 years because we are currently renting.

The funny thing is, I have had most of this stuff since we moved into our first house in Cheney, WA in 2002. My mom and I kept laughing as we would pull stuff out of boxes because we could remember when we first bought it... and for what price! I don't have tons of money to spend on decor, so I pride myself on buying timeless pieces that have great style and show up from house to house and still look great in the process. Now, don't look too closely.. some things are starting to show the wear of moving 5 (or more)times. (We have actually moved 8 times since we were married in 2000... You do the math.)

So, here is a little game... I am going to post a few pictures of our first house.. You look for items that are still with me in my current house..mkay? Good luck!




We are still working on it, so, stay tuned. I am going to give you a COMPLETE run down WITH pictures of my favorite NEW BARGAINS and favorite things I like to look at.

When You Need a Little Reminder

I have been reading CJane for quite a while now, funny, insightful, witty, real. Some of you may not understand the "blog connection" where you read someone's blog regularly and you start to feel like you know them, even if you have never met them. I mean, after all, a blog is a pretty intimate gaze into the life of someone else. I have to admit, I have several of these kinds of "relationships" and I don't feel funny about them.. I mean, that is why their blog is there... To connect with people, to share, to spread joy, love, creativity and learning. If you haven't found that in blogging.. that is ok. Blogging is not for everyone.

I know some don't read blogs because it makes them feel bad, inadequate or inferior. They compare themselves to others in that way, but, you have to remember, blogs only say what you want them to say and I for one try not to say some things on mine. As of late, we have been going through some amazing trials. Are they blog fodder? No, but, sometimes I like not having to process all of my frustration and anger and disappointment on my blog. I mean, after all, I look like I have a pretty normal life on my blog, but I am far from that right now.

On Sunday night, I read Cjane's blog. Her sister Stephanie and her husband were in a plane crash and were still alive, but badly burned over a large parts of their bodies. This is their cute family. I am sure you can imagine how devastating this would be to them, and their small children, not to mention their family and friends. I had not read Stephanie's blog before, but read pretty much the whole thing on Sunday night, and wondered Why?? She has a beautiful family, a beautiful talent, and a beautiful outlook on life. She was letting her husband fulfill his dream of learning to fly and then this tragedy occurred.

Her family and life will be forever altered by this. Her children may not see her for months. Maybe she won't even be able to hold them for months due to her scarring and all the while, her family is full of faith, and peace and joy that she is alive and recovering.. however slowly.

Now, I ask you, why? Why a recently fueled airplane? Why crashing into a wood pile? Why them? Why together? It is hard isn't it. But, doesn't it put other things into perspective? We all have challenges in life. Some, greater than others. Let us be reminded of our blessings and let us remember others in life who are struggling and try our best to serve them and love them. If you want to help Stephanie and her family, here is how.

What happens when your kids get haircuts...

Abby was in desperate need of a hair cut due to major swimming hair from the summer full of a pool... MUCH better than LAST TIME, don't you think?

Unfortunately, I came home and Peter said it was time to trim someone else hair too! WHAT? Ok, I guess his hair was starting to hang in his eyes, and he was getting major cotton candy hair in the back.. (Which looks like a jumbled mess-o-cotton candy) So, I took some scissors to these curly locks, and now he has a new look too.


Quite a bit less wild than it looks in the video, NO? I thought it was time to look more "maintained" but unfortunately, It just makes him look older! Boo Hoo. I tried to not cut them all off, because when I cut Jaxon's off, they never came back... I hope they aren't too far gone!

What do you say when...

You are in a store exchanging some SHORTS and your daughter sees something like THIS on a mannequin. (I didn't want to post the picture here for fear of strange hits...) Anywho...

Abby: Hey mom, (as she is looking at a mannequin with a very shear piece of "night wear" on) Would you wear that going out on a date?

Me: Um, No.

Abby: Yeah, good, because it pretty much looks see through.

I came home and told Peter and he said, "Did you tell her what it was for?" (WHAT?) "To sleep in!"

Um, no, I think I will leave that discussion for a little bit later. If you know what I mean!

Sure Signs Jaxon Lives in Arizona and is in Kindergarten . . .

Jaxon: Hey mom, this is the letter "T" it says, t-t-t-t(making the t sound repeatedly) T is for "Ladybug"!

Me: Jaxon, T is for T-ree, or T-omato, or T-omorrow...

Jaxon: Um, no mom, T is the sound of "Ladybug" IN SPANISH!


Jaxon actually recognized that people were speaking Spanish on the television the other day too... I guess he might become "fluent". PS- I know Jaxon doesn't know Spanish and that the word for Butterfly DOESN'T start with a "T". I just thought it was hilarious that he would pretend it would!

Scared of Spiders???

I found out today that Wade IS!!! I know I haven't been blogging much. Too much going on here, however, I did find some time to catch this on video. I have a little finger puppet book that has a spider in it, and Wade is completely terrified of it. Too funny... Enjoy!

Sometimes the best laid plans. . . .

Things I did this week not necessarily in this order:

* Got a root canal
* Had TWO IEP meetings
* Did NOT go to the grocery store
* Got creative making dinner with a severe lack in grocery product
* Talked the hubby into bringing dinner home TWICE.
* Cried for a whole day (this would be related to the two IEP meetings)
* Did not shower until 3:00 p.m. everyday except Tuesday(I really couldn't handle it)
* (the previous statement is not really any different than any other week)
* Read 519 pages of a book (You know which one)
* Got a temporary crown
* Watched 6 hours of the Olympics
* Attended a nursery rhyme parade
* Almost beat my husband (by a very small margin) in Scrabble which I SWORE I would never play and now will never play again because he played an 86 point word.. 86 POINTS!
* Went to back to School night
* Ate sushi (mine was cooked) at RAW with our LOVELY friends Blaine and Tamra
* Played home handyman
* Found 4 eaten packages of chips in Jaxon's room
* Watched SYTYCD with a DISMAL Finale and a MUCH BETTER results show (Was I the only one that thought the dances on Wednesday night were BORING???)
* Tried to avoid laundry (and succeeded until today-about 30 minutes ago)
* Did NOT make it to Target, and I really really wanted to go
* Went to lunch at In and Out

Somehow I thought my life would be so much easier when my kids were in school. I thought I would have so much "free time". I thought I would have so much time to go shopping... I thought I would float in the pool during nap time and get a better tan while reading a book or sleeping. I thought I would feel well rested because I would be in my second trimester. I thought I would work on some projects, unpack boxes and put my house together. I thought I would be more organized, and my house would be so much more clean. I thought I would be more motivated to cook... So much for the best laid plans.....

I am Dangerously Close...

To buying this. I TOLD YOU I have a problem with INFOMERCIALS! Shamwow has been promoted shamelessly and continually on the channel on which I tivo my NEWS PROGRAM and although I have tivo and SHOULD be skipping the commercials I have seen a portion of the commercial so many times that I am starting to think it might be a great deal! I am not sure about it replacing my kitchen sponge... but, it does look like a pretty great thing to soak up all that extra water around the house! (???) I mean, afterall... It last for 10 YEARS!!! I hope no kitchen sponge has ever lasted THAT long. Anyway, before I take the plunge... I thought I would ask blogland... Do YOU SHAMWOW? PS- I am thinking about buying it to help pay for surgery for that guys left eye. It doesn't seem to open very well.. or is that just me?

Summer Fun Photo Contest

5 Minutes for mom is having a summer photo contest! Well, I don't think of my self as much of a photog... but, I do have a few summer shots that I had a hard time choosing between. Here is the one that WON for me! Wish me luck! :)


What is cuter than a sandy baby having fun at the beach?

Sunday Summary

I have never done one of these "Sunday Summaries" But I decided today would be an appropriate week to do it. . .

Monday: Kids started school! Craziness abounded that day because of the slacker mom who didn't attend any of the "back to school" meetings. I blame pregnancy.

Tuesday: Peter's birthday! And just because I didn't take pictures doesn't mean that we didn't celebrate. We had his favorites: Mongolian Beef and his FAVORITE dessert! PIE.... Click here to see WADE say PIE.

Wade and I started coming down with a NASTY cold: Monday 12 tissue day... Tuesday 24 tissue day... Worse... Wednesday 36 tissue day... You get the picture.


Wednesday: Abby's birthday! I managed to make a cake but couldn't manage dinner. Peter brought home PIZZA instead! I love my personal delivery boy...

Thursday: I got to see pictures of my little baby AGAIN! :)I would upload pix here, but blogger doesn't recognize the format! Sorry, I will have to scan some later!

Friday: Abby played hooky from school by saying that her stomach hurt. Peter couldn't BELIEVE I let her stay home, but to be honest, I was feeling so sick myself I was just about buyin' her complaints. I had a BIG THROBBING pain in my cheek by the end of the day and stayed up ALL NIGHT because I couldn't sleep the pain was so bad. I was calling Dentists at 5:00 a.m. begging for someone to see me.

Saturday: 10 am. Dentist appointment. Me: crying and sobbing I am in so much pain... two root canals please... Thank you. I can't get in to see and endodontist until Monday...so, I have to wait out the weekend with HORRIBLE memories of the day that you would get your braces tightened... but this would be 10xs more painful and no pain killers...not even the really good stuff would really take all the pain away! Wish me luck Monday at the endodontist....ooch.. My mouth is SORE!

Sunday: My head has hurt so much the last two days that I haven't even been able to pick up the Breaking Dawn book that my husband so lovingly went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and bought for his poor, pathetic sick wife who couldn't get her bum off the couch for more than a few seconds at a time... I will read more today! :)

More things I love about my new home town..

It was 112 degrees outside today... No, that is NOT an exaggeration. I would like to think that it was, but it wasn't. It was so hot that even though I had my A/C cranked in the car, I could still feel the heat of outside on my face through the front windshield.. Really, I could. When I went to pick up Jaxon from school I could feel the heat on the back of my calves as I walked up to the school. I think I got a burn in the 5 minutes I was outside. Really, I think I did. And I look at my MSN homepage (that is where I get all my news) I see that it is 78 degrees and raining (or possible rain) in Spokane, where we used to live. I see that it is 64 degrees on the other side of the state of Washington.. where other people I know live and I see that it is a mear 98 degrees in SLC where I have family. Let's face it... 112 is STILL a whole HECK OF A LOT HOTTER than 98.

BUT, there are some other wonderful things about my new home town and that is this:

*97.5 (I have no idea what the name of the radio station is) but they played PYT, ICE ICE BABY and Bell Biv deVoe's "Poison" in a row and kept me bouncin' in my car for about 20 minutes today. (I know, I am stuck in the 80's-- but when you don't have to listen to those old school songs every day, they are kinda fun to listen to again)


* In and Out Burger opened up 2.7 miles away from my house. DID YOU GET THAT? 2.7 miles away. I went there just today and I have to admit, from the sunny service that I got, to the great burger and fries that were all ready for me to "eat in the car" I was pretty pleased to have them in my hood. Ok, VERY pleased.

*My kids are ALREADY in SCHOOL and my Kindergartner is is ALL DAY FREE kindgergarten! Now, some of you might think that is cruel... but trust me, when it is 112 degrees outside you don't want your kids at home because even if they ARE in the pool the pool is probably about 98 degrees thus making it feel like a nice warm bath. (Not very refreshing) AND you get to have two weeks off in early October where the weather will be much more conducive to playing outside and enjoying the weather. And my kindergartner? Well, Jaxon (if you don't know already) is Autistic and believe it or not, that structure of all day Kindergarten is GREAT for him and does wonders for his social skills.

* Have I mentioned shopping? Oh yeah shopping... and eating and shopping and eating and shopping some more. I know there is a PF Changs, Cheesecake Factory, Paradise Cafe, there is EVEN a cafe RIO for you Cafe Rio fans, Rubys and about a JILLION other places to have great food within 8.8 miles of my house.. come on.. you KNOW you want to visit. In the same distance in opposite directions are TWO of the biggest malls that I have EVER seen that have EVERYTHING you have ever wanted in them.. Ah... retail heaven, like I said.

I guess with the kids back in school.. I am ready to do some SHOPPING, and EATING! Anybody want to come? :) (I mean, 112 isn't THAT hot, RIGHT?)