Craft Tag

Got tagged by my sister-in-law Leslie back in February and I am just getting around to finally posting. But her project (a stuffed turtle that you can take out of it's shell) is amazing which makes mine look like a little kid's scribbling in comparison. Lately, I haven't had much time for crafting. These are a few gifts I had to prepare for upcoming occasions. I thought they looked good enought to share!

Some covered notebooks and burpcloths...

Then there were these that I couldn't post until I gave them to the recipient...

Jamie and Kamrah's baby blanket for Lochte...

And my favoirte burpcloth for Lochte...

And my lanyard for my badge for work...
Tag: Show us your latest project(s) whether it is completed or still in progress. Show-off a little and inspire other bloggers with new ideas.

I tag Meghan, Jenny, Aubrey, Anna, and Melanie

Happy Crafting!!

Pay it Forward

I am very slow at posting this:

I was one of three to be lucky enough to comment on my very crafty friend's post, so now I have my duty!


THE RULES:

1. Be one of the first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.
2. Winners, you must post this on your blog, meaning that you will "Pay It Forward," creating a handmade gift for the first three to leave a comment on your post about your giveaway!
3. You have 365 days to make/ship your item. And, remember: It’s the spirit and the thought that count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate linky love! If you are not one of the first three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Start your own "Pay It Forward" chain and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

All You Wanted To Know...

This was really fun, thank you to all who participated!!!

1. Hi Michal - ok, here's a question: What are three things that make you feel like a really GOOD mom?? Kendy :)
I had to dig deep on this one- 1.I love to be outside doing fun things, I really think my kids enjoy that we are always on the go and not stuck at home 2. When Dylan's preschool teacher comes up and tells me what wonderful prayers Dylan has said that day 3. When people comment on how calm and creative I am with my kids (but sometimes it is easier in front of others?!?!)

2.How many guys were after you while you were dating Connor? Be honest, some of us already know the answer! Melissa:)
You had to ask that didn't you. When it rains is pours! 4- is that right?

3. Where would you eventually like to end up living? Anna
Colorado- close enough to the temple and my parents and a easy ride to visit Connor's family in SLC

4. What would be your dream vacation? Kristen
I thought I would like a vacation without my kids, but I don't think I really would. I think the best vacation would definitely be with family, in a warm place where there are so many wonderful things to do, yet plenty of time to do nothing at all (essential). Not having to pay for it would be nice too! Having my kids entertained by others would be great. Hey- as I am writing this I realize I have had a few of these actually- thanks Nini and Poger, Mom and Dad!

5. what do you like most about yourself? what chore do you wish would just go away? how many kids do you plan to have? Ashley
I like to try new things and especially the things that seem somewhat impossible. I get a rush from that. I have also really become outgoing- almost too much! Dishes and bathrooms could disappear and I wouldn't miss them. 5 sounds good right now, but we are taking it one at a time.

6.How do you stay so positive? What is the craziest thing you've ever done? Where is your favorite place you have ever lived? Julie
I am glad you think I am positive!! I do cry too when no one but Connor is looking. I guess I have seen much worse (especially at work), so I am grateful that I can handle what I have been given. Other's trials seem too hard. Wrestling in High school was probably pretty stupid now that I think about it. I also had my friend pierce my ears in HS when we ditched school together. We have lived a lot of places, I don't know that I can say which is my favorite, they are all unique in their own way. When Connor asked me this question a year ago I realized that I love the places we have lived because of the people we have met there. They are the ones that make the places great- so thank you everyone for making ALL my moves worth it so I could meet you! So take away the people and I would have to say Raleigh (and maybe cause I am living it now) because the great weather, the beauty and the sweet southerners! Not as much to do here as Boston and not as many free things to do as Cleveland and no family either, but we are enjoying it here!

Sorry all, not as interesting as I hoped it would be!

Question Tag

My friend Rochelle did this tag and I loved it, but hopefully I can have answers as interesting as hers!

You get to ask me anything... and I will answer all of your questions... no matter what. Ask away! (I will post my answers in a week.)

Crazy 8's

So I got tagged twice and both were a little different, so I mixed them together for one, great big Crazy 8 list!

8 Favorite Restaurants...
1. Chipotle
2. Cafe Capistrano
3. Cafe Rio
4. Subway
5. TGI Friday's
6. Sheetz- does this count? I doubt any of my Western friends even know what this is, but I love it!!!
7. My husband's breakfasts!!!
8. Anything really that I haven't made sounds good.
Notice how they are mostly all Mexican Resturants!!!

8 things that happened yesterday...
1. Ran - Surprising, I know
2. I ate too many peanut M&M's- well too many is an understatment, more like the whole bag!
3. Dylan to and from Preschool
4. Parent- Teacher conference with Dylan's Preschool teacher- he's doing GREAT!!!
5. Had an interview for a casual pool position at the Hospital- so nerve racking!!
6. Played swords with Dylan
7. Read so many books I put myself down for a nap instead of my kids!
8. Nursed, Nursed and Nursed again!!!

8 things to look forward to...
1. Connor's Parents come this week
2. Halloween- I enforce the parent tax (20% of the candy goes to me!!!)
3. Thanksgiving with the Ellsworths
4. Christmas in CA with my whole fam
5. When Connor comes home
6. Sundays!!
7. Running another 1/2 in a month- can I say I am addicted???
8. Quiet time after the kids go to bed

8 Favorite TV Shows...
1. Dancing with the stars
2. Eli Stone
3. 24
4. Monk
5. CSI
6. Backyardigans, because it is so cute and I love the songs!
7. A football game here and there with Connor is always a treat
8. No TV might actually be nice!


8 things I love about Fall...
1. Crisp but warm days
2. Cruncky leaves
3. Halloween
4. Thanksgiving
5. Perfect weather- which never lasts long enough
6. getting out my winter clothes- fun until I realize how pathetic it is because I am always pregnant during the winter
7. Hot Chocolate
8. Cuddleing up in big warm blankets with my kids or husband

8 things on my wishlist...
1. My own house
2. Never move again (but first we have to move back out west)
3. My pre-baby tummy!!!
4. A cook
5. Time and energy for another triathlon
6. A masters Degree in Child Life
7. A cruise with just my husband
8. A month to play with my kids with no "to do" list

4th folder, 4th picture...
My super, awesome, little sister, Carianne who I guess is now making her debut appearance on my blog!!
If there was anyone I would want to be like- it would be her!


8 people I tag...
1. Carrie
2. Morgan
3. Jenny
4. Kristin
5. Liz
6. Robbin
7. Rochelle
8. Suzi

Simple Pleasures Tag

List 5 simple Pleasures

1. Chocolate!

2. My automatic minivan doors (my Odyssey as a whole).

3. The Sun (since we rarely see it here). 4. My pampered chef microwave bowl- I use it daily from steaming veggies to scrambled eggs 5. Of course the Magic Eraser, for all those messes you never thought would come clean!

I tag Melanie, Robyn, Katt, Morgan, and Kadi!!

Bag Tag

I have always thought this was a fun one, so hear it goes:

RULES:
1. You have to show your bag...

2. Show all contents of your bag (and no cleaning it out first)...

This is a new purse, I figured being tagged was a darn good reason to finally get a new, and more stylish purse. One that looks more like what a woman who is old enough to have three kids should carry around instead of one that looks like it came from the closet of a 12 year old.

- Fish crackers ... for when I do not have my diaper bag on me and need to quiet a screaming child.

- Fruit snacks... only because Dylan put them in there.

- A ring box... because a tip of one of the prongs on my setting broke off and I needed a safe transport.

- Nail files... I am always breaking my nails and tearing them, I need to change my habit.

- Gum... I mean when does a busy mom have time to brush her teeth- just about never!

- Miniature bottle of bubbles... the Child Life Specialist in me- for when I am really in a bind and need some distraction.

- My wallet... which I am surprised hasn't fallen apart with all the things I try to shove in it.

- A pen... I am always in need of one- and funny how I still have a hard time finding this one.


I think that is pretty good- really not much stuff.

Now let me explain, this is like showing you only half of the contents I actually carry around daily. The other half is my diaper bag, which I have decided not to show because it all would not fit in one picture. Then if I told you what was in my diaper bag you might actually laugh (you think I am crazy) or cry (realizing that I carry all that weight around.) But it is the boy scout in me (I want to be prepared for everything.) Seriously, I think my diaper bag weighs as much as Dylan.

For those who really want to know what is in my diaper bag, here it goes:

Diapers (seriously about 6), wipes, Pullups, Desitine, A&D, hand sanitizer (all packed in a changing pad), a nursing cover, extra set of clothes for Corbin, burp cloth, 2 water cups, fruit snacks, fish crackers, granola bars, pretzels, honey nut cheerios, more fish crackers, trail mix, peanut butter crackers, more fish crackers (can you tell my kids like fish crackers, but I want to allow for some variety if they happen to choose it), raisins, the kids shot records, CPR pamphlet, crayons, stickers, paper, pens, sanitizer, Motrin, Vasoline, plastic bag stuffed in a film container (for poopy anything), candy (for real emergencies or sanity), Magnadoodle, cars, more bubbles... and thats it!

I just realized I should add one more thing to it- an extra shirt for me for when someone spits up, throws up, or poos on me. Any more suggestions?

3. Bag Tag 5 more people...

Jenny, Melanie, Meg loveless, Katt, Morgan,
(I am going to add a few more)...Carrie, Leslie, Liz, Jeanine, Maegan, and Meggan, Robyn

Tag, I’m it! From A to Z

A: Attached or single: Definitely attached at the hip!
B: Best Friend: Connor, but if it had to be a female- my mom
C: Cake or Pie: So hard, just no lemons!
D: Day of Choice: Sunday- it usually involves a nap!
E: Essential Item: Chap stick and hand sanitizer.
F: Favorite Color: Green
G: Gummie Bears or Worms: There are better things like fruit snacks
H: Hometown: Parker, CO
I: Indulgence(s): Always chocolate, but then again a nice back and foot rub is great. Oh, and a hot bath or good book with no interruptions. I guess I could keep going.
J: January or July: Right now- July. But January is always fun for a good birthday.
K: Kids: Three: crazy to think- Boy, girl, boy!
L: Life is incomplete without: My husband, to keep me afloat.
M: Marriage Date: June 7, 2002
N: Number of Siblings: Three- Sandwiched between boys and a little sister- they are the best!
O: Oranges or Apples: I can always count on finding a delicious apple, but sometimes oranges are sketchy. Plus, caramel dip has made it’s way to be a staple in our house.
P: Phobias or Fears: Something bad happening to my kids and getting fat.
Q: Quote(s): “When life gets hard to stand- kneel”- I mean what better advice when you are ripping your hair out trying to figure out how to deal with your kids!
R: Reason To Smile: Watching Connor play with the kids- he becomes one in every way.
S: Season: Fall all the way! Why can’t each season be three months long, wouldn’t that be fair?
T: Tag Six: Carrie, Morgan, Maegan, Meggan, Melanie, Laura- Enjoy!
U: Unknown Fact about Me: You will have to take you pick: I wrestled in High School (yes, on the boy's team), I would do anything rather than nothing (which makes recovery hard for me), I am a sucker for shopping deals (even if I don't really need it.)
V: Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: What I am I supposed to say to that?
W: Worst Habit: Eating while talking on the phone (I am an amazing multitasker, but I take it way too far). I am also the worst nag.
X: X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds, they don’t take that long and they are definitely non-invasive and usually quite exciting.
Y: Your favorite food: Right now- just about anything, nursing gives me the munchies all the time. But really it is a toss up between chocolate and Mexican food. But I have yet to try them together!?!
Z: Zodiac: Capricorn

St. Paddy's Limerick

So my wonderful friend Carrie got me writing,
and here it is. You too, can find the limerick writter in yourself, just try!

It is gray again today,
Just like it was yesterday,
We can't go out and play,
And it is NOT okay.


I hope the bunny brings spring,
Then I will start to sing,
And we can really have a spring fling,
Praises we will bring.

Short and sweet. All those out there who are enjoying spring, enjoy it some more!!!

5 Things for my soon to be three

I've been tagged in a round about way. Here are 5 things I want my kids to know before they grow up:

1. You really are a child of God, who loves YOU. Trust in his love and his timing. Be worthy of His blessings and never underestimate the power of the atonement. Let the scriptures and prayer be your daily comfort.

2. I will always love you no matter what mistakes you or I make.

3. You will always be good enough. Search for your gifts, embellish them, share them and you will be the best you.

4. Strive to make yesterdays filled with happy memories and tomorrows complete with joyous anticipation.

5. The best way to lift your day is to spend it with those you love and to enjoy a little sugar in all it's forms! (or maybe this one is to make me feel better!)

I've Been Tagged!

I guess not only am I literally physically slow now, but slow on the blog thing too! So of course Melanie tagged me!

4 Jobs I've Had:
1. A nursery assistant (did all the odd jobs, but learned to love the plants)
2. TA for a Child Development professor- I loved helping all the students, not so much grading the papers!
3. Research Assistant for Prof In child Development- now I appreciate research!
4. CNA secretary- best job ever, flexible and study acceptable

4 Places I've Lived:
1. Devner, CO (go Rockies, Nuggets and Broncos)
2. Provo, UT (go Cougars)
3. Boston, MA (go Sox)
4. Cleveland, OH (go Indians, Browns, Cavaliers)

4 Favorite TV Shows:
1. Dancing with the stars (a weekness from past days)
2. Dora or Diego- keeps Dylan busy for what feels like a whole minute
3. CSI- the mystery
4. ESPN- actually a curse to our new house!

4 Vacations I've Been On:
1. Utah- it is only a real vacation when you have family!
2. Denver- and you don't pay for a room!
3. New Port, RI- you gotta go!
4. Hawaii- it's been too long

4 Favorite Dishes:
1. Chocolate
2. Fresh fruit
3. More Chocolate
4. Mexican anything

4 Places I'd Like To Be:
1. On and outdoor adventure with my sister, Carrie
2. A place where kids never get sick!!!
3. At my parents house
4. In Morgan, UT

Tag:
1. Katt
2. Carrie Miller
3. Jenny Judi
4. Jeanine