Enraptured

It has been a while since I have read a good book. A "leave your house dirty, don't do what you need to because you are sitting on the couch reading" book. Believe me when I say it is not for lack of trying. I have bent many a friends ear in order to get suggestions but I just keep coming up empty. Ever since last fall when I read the Twilight serious I have been coming up short. I whipped through those babies in four days flat and loved every cheesy minute of it. I have started seriously like 10 books, I got through the Memory Keeper Daughter, The Red Tent, I started Wicked- I just couldn't get through that one though- it was a little to "graphic" if you know what I mean. I was feeling a little sad and frustrated about it... but then along came a little book called "The Swan House." and I am back on board. Not offense to people who like those books... I think reading is just like music and TV in that everyone doesn't like the same stuff. But I am now happily enjoying the first good read in a long time. It comes with perfect timing. This week I need nothing more that to escape {enraptured} in a good novel.

My sister Melanie found this picture and when I saw it on her blog I just started crying. I am so filled with love and anticipation for our new nephews that will be here on Saturday. My sister Shelly and her husband have had such a shock in Ethiopia and I am so thankful they chose to follow the spirit and I know Heavenly Father has directed them on every step of this journey. I think we are all feeling bit overwhelmed by the conditions they have seen and have had our eyes opened to another world that is so different from ours. I am praying for their safety and protection until they are home safe... and also for all those children that they can't bring home. This picture really speaks for itself. Please pray for them.

So... I have a dilemma on my hands. Easton is totally OBSESSED with a new show called Ben 1o about a boy who transforms himself into aliens to flight off bad guys. . I mean he is 100% hooked and it is sort of cute how he is so completely in love with this show. He knows the words to the song and turns it up so loud when it comes on and is so excited. It is the cutest thing. (I have to add that he has been saving his money so hard to buy this special watch that is in the show and he wants is so bad. he had me print it off the computer and then he cut it out and TAPED it to his hand. He did that all on his own. That is how much he loves this show.) That is one of the greatest things about him- he is so in character and totally passionate about things he loves. It is all he wants to play, talk about or do.

Ben 10 is only available on the computer (for us since we don't have cable) so it has been good leverage for getting him to do things. However, I have started to notice little things I don't care for in the show. I think it is really affecting his attitude and the way he talks etc... (both to Derek and I and also with friends) so... I realize boys are boys and rough play is normal, but I am wondering where that line is when even though a show is geared at his age and all the other moms think it is fine... I just don't know- how do you tell you little boy that he can't watch it or play it? He loves it so much, and I am pretty sure it will be a passing phaze, like so many other obsessions I've seen come and go. I feel so mean, but I think Derek and I have both come to the conclusion that he is really being negatively affected by it and even though he loves it so much, he is probably a lot better off without it. So.. how do we do it and what is a good activity that we can use to replace it? Am I being way over protective analytical? I just want him to be a nice boy and not talk back. These are the two main issues we are facing that started about three weeks ago (same timing as BEN 10 craze). Sometimes being a parent is so dang hard and it seems like no matter what you do you, it is hard to know if you are doing the right thing.

my 6-word memoir

Tonya tagged me with my most interesting tag to date:

1. Write your own six word memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a picture if you want.

3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post

4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.

5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

I thought this was a tough challenge and I actually came up with a ton of ideas over the past few days... this one is my favorite so far:

{lived grand dreams in simple happiness's}

Here is Tonya's memoir:

She has strength that surprises her. (beautiful!)

now may I digress for a moment...?

Hemingway was asked to write a novel in 6 words and wrote:

"For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

I found that very poignant. He once called it his best work.

Now I tag these five literary geniuses (and anyone else who wants to...come on, use your brain- it's fun!): Charlynn, Melanie, Bekah, Lindsey & Mindy

fresh air & a fresh outlook...

so... I l-o-v-e the scent of this papaya and mango line from air wick. I fell in love with the decosphere at Bekah's house... it is so yummy and her house always smelled like- well, papaya and mango. It isn't too fruity though and is just delish. So... the only problem was that it doesn't last as long as I'd hoped so today I bought the freshomatic air thingy that sprays by itself and it supposed to last for 90 days or something. Love this product, it just makes my house fresh and yummy.

...also...why as women do we never feel like we are good enough? I was having a conversation today with a friend who has been through a really rough year. She had a new baby and lost her mom just a few weeks ago, all while in the midst of a really tough year of school. Well, I guess enlightenment comes during really hard times and she said some things today that really touched my heart... we were talking about how as a woman you never feel good enough. It just seems like there is always someone out there who is a better mom , wife, housekeeper, skinnier, prettier, more spiritual, smarter, more energetic... more everything. She said she has had a new outlook on life and realized just how short it truly is. All the while we are striving for this perfection that we can't achieve through worldly things. The world tells us we should all be in shape right? (this was how this conversation got started...) so you get in shape. But then you have to get new awesome sexy clothes to show off your hot bod. Then you have to get cute hair, and the right bag, and a spray tan, and a cool car, and some perfectly groomed(not to mention well behaved) children, and a house that would make a designer swoon... in short- by the worlds standards no matter how good you are doing, you will never be good enough. How wrong we are to fall into this trap of thinking!!!

At least have a body. Some other souls aren't as lucky. It isn't perfect true, but it's a wonderful gift. Its healthy and it has done amazing things. I am going to be more grateful than ever for my Heavenly Father and the fact that I have worthy goals and ambitions to get me through the times I feel inadequate. I am going to stop worrying so much about the way I look (or don't look). Take care of myself but try to focus on the inside more that the outside and have more gratitude for my blessed life.

it's like I said, a fresh yummy papaya and mango infused outlook. :)

He's back baby!

So... as many of you blog-readers may know (especially those other student wives) this second year of school has been pretty intense. Derek has studied and worked so hard (and studied, and studied, and studied...)and it has all paid off. Thursday was his final "check out" where he did a full exam with a professor and passed of all these different procedures he's been learning in order to be able to go into the clinic. Wahoo he passed! The professor who watched him told him it was one of the best exams he's ever seen- awesome! I came home Thursday after visiting a friend to these beautiful flowers... he also bought Easton a special treat and book and the hugest bottle of bubbles that has ever been made. {We will be blowing a lot of bubbles this summer. I think we're set for life.} I thought it was super sweet and thoughtful of him to thank us for supporting him I could almost see a difference in him because of all the stress that was lifted. It is so good to have my husband back! We have a had a great last few days that have just made me so grateful for him. I am so, so thankful to have him back. and... aren't roses wonderful???

On Friday went to the Luau at the University (which I have been told is the largest and best on the mainland). It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had a great time with our friends. We ate yummy food and watched an awesome show- but the best part was just being together and having a fun and new experience. I am hoping this makes Derek want to do one of his rotations in Hawaii... but he still thinks Alaska sounds more fun. Easton loved the fire dances (of course)- it was a great night!

Aloooohaaaaaaaaaa!!!! (Doesn't Derek look happier, less stressed and chilled??? It could be the Hawaiian shirt I guess...)

The group shot

Megan and I in our first picture together where we both look fabulous... it was great lighting. :)


Hang loose!!! Easton has got it down!

I think I figured it out...can you see it???

Easton first scripture for primary...you have to mute the music first :)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Whirlwind weekend visitors...

In preparation for my two new nephews coming from Ethiopia at the end of this month, my Sister and her hubby brought my nieces and nephew to visit and pick up some baby stuff from me... that I have been storing for FOUR years I might add.

So Friday we had a fun day here in town. We went to McMenamens and soaked in the soaking pool we also went to dinner and the movie there and out for ice cream after... remember that perfect angel of a two-year-old I talked about a few blogs ago? Well, see the picture of her having a massive fit at the ice cream shop? That is because she couldn't get her shirt off. Not sure why she wanted her shirt off. It was pretty funny though...

We also took a trip to the coast and we had a "pirate treasure" for our kids to find on the beach which they thought was pretty cool. It was cold, but we at least got to enjoy the coast before the rain hit. Emma gathered a massive bucket of shells and gross stuff off the beach... she left it at the beach thank goodness. We bummed around at Seaside, went to the carousel mall and the candy store. My sister and her husband and all their kids got matching sweatshirts which I found very funny and adorable all at the same time. (Boyd even bought a matching shirt for Easton) I wish I had a picture of that...

We all crammed into out apartment and the kids had a great time playing together. I loved kissing and cuddling them as much as I could pull them away from Easton. Boyd brought Star Wars and Easton of course LOVED that...Emma drew the most adorable picture for me and Hudson and Easton had a ball jumping off the bed onto the air mattress. They were hilarious! Easton really misses his cousins and we can't wait to see them again this summer! Goodness I love them.

Easton's church video

It took a while for me to figure out how to post a video and I am still not sure if this is going to work. However... I think it is Easton at his cutest... he memorized this scripture to give it in primary and it just melts my heart. Isn't he so handsome in his Easter suit??? I think so.

the following is a conversation that happened between my sister {who is a fabulous hair stylist if anyone in utah is interested} and her son during a recent haircut- had to post it because it is so dang funny!

"Mom, when I'm older can I be bald???"

"Um.... I don't know son, why?"

"I think it looks cool. I want you to cut it bald. Can you cut my hair bald when I get older?"

"I guess, if that is what you want"

"Thanks Mom, you're the goodest cutter."

sooo funny. I only hope he will still feel this way when he goes bald for real. this kid rocks! Love you Logan!

She ain't no FOOL!

As I recall... my niece Gracie is the sweetest, most kissable, lovable, hugable, belly laughing, Elmo obsessed baby girl on the planet. My sister has informed me lately that the terrible twos have set in and she's got a sassy stinker on her hands.

I don't believe it.

I mean~ look at that face? Do you think she could she color on the walls (while she is in time out for coloring on the wall...) or get in to the toilet, or throw a fit?

I don't think so.

I am so happy thinking about Gracie. She is a pint size adult and has so much life inside her. I am thrilled because she will be here in my very arms in three days when I can give her a big birthday kiss... after all, what are aunts for? It's a good think she isn't in my family- I'd give her whatever she wanted... she melts my heart. Happy birthday Gracie!