Annoucement

You probably already know this, but I just have to announce that I have the cutest 4 1/2 month old girl in the world.  That is quite an accomplishment.  She literally draws crowds, not even kidding.  Who could resist this cute face?!

It's no wonder then, the uncanny resemblance between her and the cutest 4 1/2 month old BOY in the world, 2 years ago: 

                                                                      cutest boy in the world                                     cutest girl in the world

Amazing!!

Little Ellie Boutique

Here it is! My new blog: http://littleellieboutique.blogspot.com/
Since Erik thinks I spend WAY too much money buying fabric and making things for Elisa, I'm out to prove him wrong with this blog! HA.  I am SAVING money while dressing Elisa like the little princess she is! Come see all the cute outfits I made for Elisa.  I appreciate your support!!

Look-Alikes

Here are some pics of Gabe and Elisa around the same age (3 weeks old or so).  Elisa looks so much like Gabe! They are such cute kids.

Ha.

It's sad, true, and definitely funny:

Goodbye, Cami

 My cousin Cami unexpectedly passed away this last Friday night (April 8th).  I don't know all the details, but I do know that she had an argument with her husband and took her own life with a pistol.  It wasn't his fault or anyone's; she has had a difficult life, mainly dealing with depression and other health problems, but of course no one ever expects this sort of thing to happen.  It was so sudden and I am still in shock.  I feel so sad for her family.  They are having a hard time, unsurprisingly.
Despite this tragedy, I am glad that we moved to Peoria so that I could see her more often (she lived only 10 minutes from our house).  Though I wish now that I could have seen her more, I was just thinking the week before she passed that I should have her over again.  I am glad for the times that we did get to spend together. What an awful thing to happen, I am so sick about it but I that she is finally happy and at peace.

Goodbye Cami, we will sure miss you.    

Cami and I in my backyard, just before Gabe was born

Cami at Gabe's first birthday party

At Cami's house, around Easter

Personality Profiling

Okay, this is a silly post, but what the heck.

Erik showed me this personality '"test"--well, maybe not a test, more a profiling.  I think he found it out from his school or something.  Anyway, it categorizes a person into four groups: Extroverts vs. Introverts, Sensing vs. Intuition ,Thinking vs. Feeling, and Perceiving vs. Judging.  I don't have time to explain it all, so click here for the website to find out what you are!  I am an "ISFP" -the "artist".  Anyone surprised?  Cause I'm not.  I think it describes me to the tee, especially the parenting part, lol.  I have a horrible time at disciplining Gabe. I just can't bring myself to do it.

Erik is an ISTJ--the "duty fufiller".  Good thing for that.  He makes up for what I lack.  I'm curious to see down the road what Gabe is/will be!

Here is mine:

Portrait of an ISFP - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving
(Introverted Feeling with Extraverted Sensing)

---

The Artist

As an ISFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in via your five sense in a literal, concrete fashion.

ISFPs live in the world of sensation possibilities. They are keenly in tune with the way things look, taste, sound, feel and smell. They have a strong aesthetic appreciation for art, and are likely to be artists in some form, because they are unusually gifted at creating and composing things which will strongly affect the senses. They have a strong set of values, which they strive to consistently meet in their lives. They need to feel as if they're living their lives in accordance with what they feel is right, and will rebel against anything which conflicts with that goal. They're likely to choose jobs and careers which allow them the freedom of working towards the realization of their value-oriented personal goals.

ISFPs tend to be quiet and reserved, and difficult to get to know well. They hold back their ideas and opinions except from those who they are closest to. They are likely to be kind, gentle and sensitive in their dealings with others. They are interested in contributing to people's sense of well-being and happiness, and will put a great deal of effort and energy into tasks which they believe in.

ISFPs have a strong affinity for aesthetics and beauty. They're likely to be animal lovers, and to have a true appreciation for the beauties of nature. They're original and independent, and need to have personal space. They value people who take the time to understand the ISFP, and who support the ISFP in pursuing their goals in their own, unique way. People who don't know them well may see their unique way of life as a sign of carefree light-heartedness, but the ISFP actually takes life very seriously, constantly gathering specific information and shifting it through their value systems, in search for clarification and underlying meaning.

ISFPs are action-oriented individuals. They are "doers", and are usually uncomfortable with theorizing concepts and ideas, unless they see a practical application. They learn best in a "hands-on" environment, and consequently may become easily bored with the traditional teaching methods, which emphasize abstract thinking. They do not like impersonal analysis, and are uncomfortable with the idea of making decisions based strictly on logic. Their strong value systems demand that decisions are evaluated against their subjective beliefs, rather than against some objective rules or laws.

ISFPs are extremely perceptive and aware of others. They constantly gather specific information about people, and seek to discover what it means. They are usually penetratingly accurate in their perceptions of others.

ISFPs are warm and sympathetic. They genuinely care about people, and are strongly service-oriented in their desire to please. They have an unusually deep well of caring for those who are close to them, and are likely to show their love through actions, rather than words.

ISFPs have no desire to lead or control others, just as they have no desire to be led or controlled by others. They need space and time alone to evaluate the circumstances of their life against their value system, and are likely to respect other people's needs for the same.

The ISFP is likely to not give themself enough credit for the things which they do extremely well. Their strong value systems can lead them to be intensely perfectionist, and cause them to judge themselves with unneccesary harshness.

The ISFP has many special gifts for the world, especially in the areas of creating artistic sensation, and selflessly serving others. Life is not likely to be extremely easy for the ISFP, because they take life so seriously, but they have the tools to make their lives and the lives of those close to them richly 

ISFP Relationships

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ISFPs are warmhearted, gentle people who take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships. They are very private people, who keep their true feelings and opinions reserved or hidden from others. This may cause them to constantly defer to their mates in their intimate relationships, which may cause problems if their mates are not extremely aware of the ISFP's feelings. Some ISFPs who are in the habit of not expressing their needs and feelings find themselves in situations throughout their life where they feel overshadowed, overlooked, or even "tread upon" by others. Highly practical and cynical by nature, these feelings may cause the ISFP to become bitter, and to either give up on their relationships, or to start using their relationships for their own personal gain. Although this problem is observed sometimes in the ISFP type, it does not seem to be present in those ISFPs who consistently express their feelings to those closest to them. These ISFPs have a very positive, warm outlook on life and love, and are not as likely to find themselves in relationships where they are taken for granted or taken advantage of. ISFPs go to great lengths to please their partners. They're very loyal and supportive, with a deep capacity for love. They detest conflict and discord, and highly value being seen and understood for who they are. They need space to live their lives in their own unique way, and will respect other's need for space.

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ISFP Strengths

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• Warm, friendly and affirming by nature
• Usually optimistic
• Good listeners
• Good at dealing with practical day-to-day concerns
• Flexible and laid-back, usually willing to defer to their mates
• Their love of aesthetic beauty and appreciation for function makes them likely to have attractive, functional homes
• Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships
• Likely to value and respect other's personal space
• Likely to enjoy showing their affection through acts and deeds
• Sensuous and earthy

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ISFP Weaknesses

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• Not good at long-range financial (or other) planning
• Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism
• Focused on enjoying the present moment, they may appear lazy or slow-moving at times
• Need to have their own space, and dislike having it invaded
• May be slow to show their affection with words
• Tendency to hold back their thoughts and feelings, unless drawn out
• May become overly cynical and practical

---

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ISFPs as Parents

---

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth...
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable." -- Kahlil Gibran ISFPs enjoy their parenting role, and take great pride and comfort in their children. Most have a special affinity with babies and young children, and form bonds with their children when they are very young. They are very laid-back parents, and are not likely to have highly defined expectations of their children. They will gently guide their behavior, and suggest a particular direction, but their own respect of the individual psyche will cause them to be quite easy-going and non-demanding as parents. The ISFP is likely to treat their children as individuals, and encourage them to have their own role in the family.

ISFPs love to have fun, and live in the current moment. All ISFPs have a bit of little kid inside themselves, and they love to play games alongside their children. They're special affinity towards nature and animals makes them likely to lead their children in fun outdoors activities.

ISFPs are not likely to provide a very structured environment for their children. They are also likely to have a problem with disciplining or punishing their kids. The gentle manner and kind heart of the ISFP makes it hard for them to make others unhappy - especially their own children. However, structure and discipline are important for growing children. If the other parent encourages and promotes structure, and is able to administer discipline when necessary, the parent combination may work very well without there being an obvious lack of structure. However, if the other parent is also not strong with structure or discipline, this is an area which needs to have special attention. Growing children do not have the experience to decide on their own the difference between Right and Wrong. They need to have barriers set down in a tangible way, to help them decide.

ISFPs like to show their love in deeds rather than words, which is manifested in their doing a lot for their children. They may lavish them with gifts on Christmas day, or go out of their way to do special things for them.

The ISFP is a service-oriented person, who defines their personal worth in some part by how happy they make others. This is typical of people with the Feeling preference. The special potential problem that ISFPs face is their service-oriented attitude combined with their habit of not expressing their own needs and feelings. This combination causes some ISFPs to get taken for granted. If this happens frequently to an ISFP, they may become bitter and angry. They think of themselves as victims, and may erect barriers to keep out those who have hurt them. This may be a serious problem if the ISFP parent feels that their children are taking them for granted. The best defense against such a situation occuring is for the ISFP to get into the habit of verbalizing and communicating their needs.

ISFP parents will be loyal, dedicated and self-sacrificing to their children until they leave home. When the kids have left the nest, the ISFP will enjoy their time alone to do things for themself. If the ISFP has not allowed themselves to become victims or victimizers in their life, they will be very good parents, and will be remembered fondly and affectionately by their children.

---

ISFPs as Friends

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ISFPs are able to get along with most of the other personality types, although they tend to be reserved around those they don't know well. They will enjoy spending time with others who share their interests, and who understand and accept the ISFP for who they are. They greatly value their space and autonomy, and appreciate other's respect for that.

The ISFP is not likely to have much patience or tolerance for those who are strongly Judging. ISFPs celebrate their own uniqueness, as well as everybody else's, and don't appreciate being judged harshly for their differences.

In work settings, the ISFP is likely to get along with most everyone, unless someone inhabits their space too much, in which case sparks may fly. Generally, the ISFP is kind-hearted and generous with those they care about, and makes a true-blue friend.

   

Here is Erik's, I think it escribes him perfectly!

Portrait of an ISTJ - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging
(Introverted Sensing with Extraverted Thinking)

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The Duty Fulfiller

As an ISTJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things rationally and logically.

ISTJs are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. They have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends them a serious air and the motivation to follow through on tasks. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake.

ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings.

ISTJs tend to believe in laws and traditions, and expect the same from others. They're not comfortable with breaking laws or going against the rules. If they are able to see a good reason for stepping outside of the established mode of doing things, the ISTJ will support that effort. However, ISTJs more often tend to believe that things should be done according to procedures and plans. If an ISTJ has not developed their Intuitive side sufficiently, they may become overly obsessed with structure, and insist on doing everything "by the book".

The ISTJ is extremely dependable on following through with things which he or she has promised. For this reason, they sometimes get more and more work piled on them. Because the ISTJ has such a strong sense of duty, they may have a difficult time saying "no" when they are given more work than they can reasonably handle. For this reason, the ISTJ often works long hours, and may be unwittingly taken advantage of.

The ISTJ will work for long periods of time and put tremendous amounts of energy into doing any task which they see as important to fulfilling a goal. However, they will resist putting energy into things which don't make sense to them, or for which they can't see a practical application. They prefer to work alone, but work well in teams when the situation demands it. They like to be accountable for their actions, and enjoy being in positions of authority. The ISTJ has little use for theory or abstract thinking, unless the practical application is clear.

ISTJs have tremendous respect for facts. They hold a tremendous store of facts within themselves, which they have gathered through their Sensing preference. They may have difficulty understanding a theory or idea which is different from their own perspective. However, if they are shown the importance or relevance of the idea to someone who they respect or care about, the idea becomes a fact, which the ISTJ will internalize and support. Once the ISTJ supports a cause or idea, he or she will stop at no lengths to ensure that they are doing their duty of giving support where support is needed.

The ISTJ is not naturally in tune with their own feelings and the feelings of others. They may have difficulty picking up on emotional needs immediately, as they are presented. Being perfectionists themselves, they have a tendency to take other people's efforts for granted, like they take their own efforts for granted. They need to remember to pat people on the back once in a while.

ISTJs are likely to be uncomfortable expressing affection and emotion to others. However, their strong sense of duty and the ability to see what needs to be done in any situation usually allows them to overcome their natural reservations, and they are usually quite supporting and caring individuals with the people that they love. Once the ISTJ realizes the emotional needs of those who are close to them, they put forth effort to meet those needs.

The ISTJ is extremely faithful and loyal. Traditional and family-minded, they will put forth great amounts of effort at making their homes and families running smoothly. They are responsible parents, taking their parenting roles seriously. They are usually good and generous providers to their families. They care deeply about those close to them, although they usually are not comfortable with expressing their love. The ISTJ is likely to express their affection through actions, rather than through words.

ISTJs have an excellent ability to take any task and define it, organize it, plan it, and implement it through to completion. They are very hard workers, who do not allow obstacles to get in the way of performing their duties. They do not usually give themselves enough credit for their achievements, seeing their accomplishments simply as the natural fulfillment of their obligations.

ISTJs usually have a great sense of space and function, and artistic appreciation. Their homes are likely to be tastefully furnished and immaculately maintained. They are acutely aware of their senses, and want to be in surroundings which fit their need for structure, order, and beauty.

Under stress, ISTJs may fall into "catastrophe mode", where they see nothing but all of the possibilities of what could go wrong. They will berate themselves for things which they should have done differently, or duties which they failed to perform. They will lose their ability to see things calmly and reasonably, and will depress themselves with their visions of doom.

In general, the ISTJ has a tremendous amount of potential. Capable, logical, reasonable, and effective individuals with a deeply driven desire to promote security and peaceful living, the ISTJ has what it takes to be highly effective at achieving their chosen goals - whatever they may be.

ISTJ Relationships

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The ISTJ's word is as good as gold, and they honor their commitments faithfully. They believe that to do otherwise would be nothing less than a breach of honor and trustworthiness. Consequently, they take their vows very seriously, and once they have said "I do", that means they are bound to the relationship until "death do us apart" or otherwise. ISTJs are driven to fulfill their responsibilities and duties, and will do so with tireless effort. They will do their best to meet the obligations presented by the different relationship roles which they play during their lives, i.e. spouse, parent, offspring, etc. They may have difficulty showing warmth, but they frequently feel it in abundance, and most develop the ability to show it through sheer effort. If nothing else, the ISTJ holds the gold medal of all the personality types for Effort. They will put forth tremendous amounts of effort to accomplish goals which are important to them. If healthy relationships are among these goals, you can bet that the ISTJ will do everything that they can to foster and maintain healthy relationships.

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ISTJ Strengths

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• Honor their commitments
• Take their relationship roles very seriously
• Usually able to communicate what's on their minds with precision
• Good listeners
• Extremely good (albeit conservative) with money
• Able to take constructive criticism well
• Able to tolerate conflict situations without emotional upheaval
• Able to dole out punishment or criticism when called for

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ISTJ Weaknesses

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• Tendency to believe that they're always right
• Tendency to get involved in "win-lose" conversations
• Not naturally in-tune with what others are feeling
• Their value for structure may seem rigid to others
• Not likely to give enough praise or affirmation to their loved ones

---

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ISTJs as Parents

---

"You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth...
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable." -- Kahlil Gibran ISTJs are faithful and devoted parents who can be counted on to put forth their very best efforts towards raising their children in positive, comfortable, secure homes, and to promote their growth in such a way that they will become secure adults who know their place in life within our society. Such is the greatest goal of an ISTJ parent toward their child.

Along the path towards this goal, the ISTJ expects that their children honor their traditional familial roles. As parents, they demand respect and authority from their children. They willingly accept their parental role of provider and guardian. Once the ISTJ becomes a parent, it becomes a "given" that they will perform all of the duties associated with parenthood, and they will do so without grudge or burden. However, they expect that their children give them their due respect in return, and will have little patience with disrespectful behavior.

When it comes to giving punishment or discipline, the ISTJ will be able to do so when necessary without too much internal trauma. They see it as their duty to teach their children when they've done wrong, and so will administer the punishment in the name of the greater cause of doing their duty towards their children. Not to imply that the ISTJ will enjoy disciplining their children, they simply will put their duties before their personal feelings.

The ISTJ is likely to have a problem giving a lot of positive affirmation and support to their children. Having very high expectations for their own behavior and the behavior of others, the ISTJ often forgets to give praise when praise is due. All children need positive support as they find their place in the world, and this is especially true for children with the Feeling preference, who benefit tremendously from positive affirmation, and suffer (sometimes tremendously) in its void. The ISTJ who recognizes sensitivity in their child should take special care to give them positive support and affirmation.

The ISTJ will create a consistent, secure environment for their children, with definite roles and boundaries. Although this may at times create division between the parent and child (especially during rebellious adolescence), it will generally promote the child's growth into a secure adult. ISTJ parents will be remembered and honored by their children for being good people who always tried their best, and for putting the needs of their children above their own.

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ISTJs as Friends

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Although friendships do not rank highest in the ISTJ's list of important relationships (whose duties and obligation to the Family rank above all else), they do have value these relationships and put effort into enhancing and maintaining them. The ISTJ is likely to choose to be around people who have similar interests and perspectives to their own, and are likely to not have much patience with people who are very different from themselves.

Although their usual mode of being is very serious-minded, ISTJs like to have fun and let loose. They like being with Extraverts who are optimistic and fun-minded, although the E's enthusiasm may eventually get on the ISTJ's nerves. ISTJs can get along with most other types, but they especially form solid connections with other Sensing Judgers. The ISTJ's respect for laws and traditions may make them unable to relate well to Sensing Perceiving types, although they admire their carefree ability to live for the moment. And conversely, the Sensing Perceiving types may see the ISTJ's need for structure as too conservative or scheduled for their tastes. ISTJs seem to get along well with Intuitives, although they cannot really relate to some of the Intuitives perspectives.

God Must Notta Thought Much of Me as a Parent

Gabe, since the moment of conception, has been the EASIEST baby on the planet!! Easy pregnancy, easy labor and delivery, and most importantly, he was an easy baby when he came out...no problems whatsoever with him. I am not exaggerating. He was and is my little angel baby. He's always been very compliant, mellow, easy going, sweet...the list goes on! Even now, a few months short of the age of 2, he is still just so darn easy!! So far, the terrible two's for Gabe consists of him whining and pouting for a minute. Heck, he even takes two hour naps during the day and sleeps for a good 10-11 hours through the night. Seriously, what baby does that?! I feel like the luckiest mother on earth!


It is so easy for me to think that because Gabe is such a good little boy that I must be a wonderful, amazing mother (believe me, I am not!). But this little read points out that it is not my doing that has made Gabe such an easy child, but that his sweet disposition has carried over from the preexistence. It also suggests I couldn't handle a difficult child. Which is probably true. God has given me an easy child because it's all I can handle. But I'm not complaining!! No-I am SO grateful that Gabe is easy as pie and that I can find time to work on things I enjoy and also that we can go on trips and not have to worry about Gabe freaking out. Of course, that was baby #1...we'll see how baby #2 goes! So far, so good!!

Here's the article:

Getting rid of pride and guilt

Author: Linda and Richard Eyre : Mormon Parenting
Source: For Mormon Times
04 February 2011 6:30am

We were visiting a little ward in rural Idaho, and the Sunday School lesson happened to be on parenting. We sat quietly and anonymously and listened.
There was another visitor there, kind of a sophisticated city slicker who seemed to have all the answers. He also seemed to have perfect kids because he prefaced each comment he made with something like, "Well, the way I communicate with my son, the student body president ..." or "The way I handled that with my daughter, the valedictorian ..."
If it had just been a couple of times, it would have been fine, but about the sixth time he gave his perfect, pat answer about his perfect kids, you could almost hear the groans about this self-righteous guy who seemed to have no problems.
Then, just after the first bell, a small, quiet-voiced farmer raised his hand, got called on, stood up and turned to face the big bragger. "Excuse me," he said with a high-pitched country twang, "but God must notta thought much of you as a parent, sendin' ya all them easy kids."
There were some soft giggles from every direction and an almost audible murmur of agreement among the class members. We gave each other's hand a little squeeze and both mumbled, "Amen!" No offense was taken, but we all knew exactly what that good man was saying.
Knowing what we know about our children's pre-existence, about the eternity they have already spent becoming who they are, we had better not take too much credit for who they are. As LDS parents, most of us recognize that we have much less to do with who our kids are than their own growth and development over their past parts of eternity. So we had better not feel too much pride for their gifts and goodness.
And for the same reason, we had better not feel too much guilt for their imperfections and problems.
Because that courageous little farmer could have also said, in another situation to another parent, "God musta thought quite a bit of you as a parent, sendin' ya that difficult kid."
When we see other parents struggling with serious behavioral problems, instead of judging them as poor parents, perhaps we should respect them for how hard they are trying and for the fact that they were selected by some divine process to be worthy of very difficult parenting challenges.
Part of eternal perspective parenting — and a big part of looking for spiritual solutions — is remembering and understanding that we didn't create our children; that they come as who they are from a Father who entrusts us with stewardship for them. We do our best to help our children grow and develop in ways that are uniquely right for them, and we seek God's help.
Thus, we try not to judge other parents or ourselves. We replace pride with gratitude when a child does something well or shows promise in some way, and we replace guilt with perspective and added love when a child falls short or makes a mistake.

Lost...No Quite Found (Yet!)

Once upon a time (as in, my entire life before collage), I used to like art.  And I was pretty good at it.  But life has a way of making a fool out of you, and I so instead of working with what I was good at, I thought it was a clever idea to be a pre-nursing major when I entered college.  Apparently one needs to have some math skills to do well in some of the prerequisite classes (like chemistry).  And if you don't know already, I seriously lack math skills.  That's a nice way of putting it.  To be blunt, I SUCK at math. And I hate it.  I don't know if I hate math because I suck at it or I suck at math because I hate it.  To be brief, my lack of math skills made it impossible for me to even bother applying for the nursing program.  So my freshman year was basically a waste of time.  I don't know why I even thought I would like to be a nurse--I worked as a CNA for a few years and hated every minute of it!  I of course then switched to a much better major: Music!  Something I enjoy and am good at.  Go figure.
But I digress, I was talking about art. I am obviously very happy with my choice to major in music, but I can't help thinking I shouldn't have let that talent slip--maybe I should have at least minored in art. I got so busy with everything in college that I completely (and I mean completely) stopped any drawing, painting, etc.  After I graduated I did one colored pencil drawing for my sister, and when I had Gabe, I did a pencil drawing for my mom for Christmas 2009:

As of late, I have been trying to regain art skills that have been lost.  I have been working mainly with watercolors, because the cleanup is easy and I think they are safer.  I would love to work with oil paints again but I'm very sure they are all dried out plus I fear for my babies health with the all the chemicals.  And they're very time consuming and make a huge mess.  My progress is slow.  Any skills that I have had have definitely declined.  Not completely ceased, but declined.  I still have a ways to go; my technique is just awful! See for yourself:

 

Gabe is just so adorable-who wouldn't want to paint that cute face?!

 

 I just can't get the paintings to have that neat, finished look.  Sloppy, sloppy! And I'm obviously struggling with painting hair.

Mother's Day Tribute!

Happy Mothers Day! Here's my tribute post to a few mothers I know:

Myself! I'm not trying to be presumptuous, but after all, its Mothers Day and aren't I a mother?!
I love being Gabie's mom. Mommyhood has been the best thing EVER! Gabe is so worth it! Not only is he super ridiculously cute, he makes parenting a breeze (most of the time)! He is so mellow, sweet, and easy. I couldn't have asked for a better baby! I love him so much! I hope I can be the best mother I can for Gabe.


Next, my mother-in-law, Marsha. She is wonderful. I'm always hearing horror stories about mother in laws, but none of them even come close to describing her. She is always helpful, kind, and thoughtful. Not only did she do an excellent job raising my amazing husband, she is also doing an excellent job being Gabie's Grandma. She is also very considerate and giving. We all get spoiled when Marsha is around! I am so lucky to have her as a mother-in-law and Gabe is so lucky to have her as a Grandma!




Last but not least, my own mother! Where to start? I'm so glad my mom stayed home with us kids instead of going off to work. It was so nice to have her there when I needed her. She has sacrificed much for us and has always put us kids ahead of her own needs. As a matter of fact, she still does! She does not realize how appreciated she is. She is a fun, genuinely kind person who is not afraid to be herself. She is always serving others and showing them love and compassion. Anyone who come into the company her ought to consider themselves very lucky! She does so much for me, Erik, and Gabe. We are so blessed to have her!

Sad News

While we were in St. George last week for Thanksgiving break I happened to read the local newspaper that announced some guy had gotten stuck in a cave and died. I thought that was terrible news but didn't think about it much more until we got home and my email inbox was filled with messages from my old BYU married student ward regarding the death of the very same guy I had read about. Well it turns out it wasn't just any guy-I knew him and his wife-John and Emily Jones.
I can only imagine what poor Emily is going through. That is seriously one of the worst things that can happen, in my opinion. John was a med student and they Emily is pregnant with their second child. I'm so depressed about this tragedy and I hope nothing like this ever happens again, especially to someone I know.

Here's a link for more information:
John Jones' Body Will Be Sealed in Nutty Putty Cave

If you are interested in making a donation to Emily and her children, here's the info:

Checks can be mailed to:
Emily Jones Children's Education Fund
Zions Bank
111 North 200 West
Provo, Utah 84601

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

So I was at the library the other day looking at books for Gabe when I ran into this little gem. I want to know how the publishers got away with this. Seriously, if it were the other way around (you know what I mean) I'm sure the media would have a hay-day and this book would be burned. Because only whites are racist. And for that matter, greedy.

Death Waltz-Hilarious!

I found this randomly on the internet. I think its hilarious-mostly because I actually studied pieces like this in my music classes at BYU. Granted this is just a joke, but it is truly not far off from some of the modern music I've seen! You need to click on it to be able to see the details. LOL!!!

The effects of bordem

A few friends had this on their blog and I stole it. I'm doing it only because I have nothing better to do at the moment
1. Started your own blog (well duh)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a Meteor Shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a Mountain -does the Y count?
9. Held a praying mantis--no, but I poked one once
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea In Florida
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch beadwork
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a Lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (a LONG time ago when I was in softball)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied -who does??
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing didn't get very far
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David at the MOA-Chicago
41. Sung karaoke unfortunately
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted by me and I immediately threw it away after I was finished
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business private piano lessons
58. Taken Martial Art Lessons

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar it was pretty gross
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone my leg when I was 4
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a Book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible-yeah...haven't done that yet...how embarrassing
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating Eww. Hope I never have to.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Elder Faust at the airport when I was 15-I think he counts as someone famous)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby-not yet...but seeing as how I'm pregnant now and almost done its a sure thing
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake the most disgusting experience of my life.
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone---I'm pretty sure I'm the only one left who STILL doesn't have a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee

Never feel bad again....

...about having a messy house.
I ripped this pic of from somebody I don't know, but I just had to post it because it is the most disgusting and shocking evidence of slovenly living I have ever seen. I don't know who's kitchen it is or even where this offense is located, all I know is that yes, somebody actually LIVES here. All I would like to know is how...HOW does one let their house get this dirty??

Most Disliked

I got this in an email and its hilarious to read people's responses. We are always asking each other what we like, so its fun to see the dislikes for a change.


YOUR MOST DISLIKED:

CANDY: Anything cinnamon favored

FOOD: beans, beets and spaghetti-O's

BEVERAGE: Beer I guess. Not that I drink it of course, but I hear its really nasty.

MUSIC: Rap, modernest music, and Jessica Simpson.

COLOR: rust...

TOWN/CITY: Waukegan, IL

MOVIE: Where to start? Legally Blond II, most Adam Sandler movies, war movies....

ANIMAL: Dogs and monkeys.

INSECT: flies, spiders, ants....

BIRD: seagulls

SEASON: fall...well I guess summer now that I'm in Arizona.


ANNOYS YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING WHEN…

DRIVING: people on their cell phones, speeding, cutting me off, and no blinkers

TALKING ON THE PHONE: long spaces of silence (if you can't think of anything to say, say bye!)

WHILE WATCHING TV OR MOVIES: when people ask questions that would have been answered if that person had paid attention to the movie

EATING IN RESTAURANTS: When the waitress/waiter asks you if you would like something, and assuming that food item is free, say yes only to find out it costs like $15

DRIVE-THRUS: When they can't understand/speak english. No hablo espanol. Lo siento.

SLEEPING: waking up in the middle of the night for no appearent reason and then not being able to fall asleep again for hours.

SHOWERING: when the water can't decide if it wants to be really hot or really cold

YOU'RE AT THE BEACH: those darn seagulls

IN THE MALL: the crowds, and those "sales": buy 25 and get one free! Yeah, what a great deal...

FLYING/AIRPLANES:mostly everything. delays, sitting for hours, no leg room, dirty seats, especially those vents that blow air on me and make me cold.

ON THE COMPUTER: slow reaction from the computer; pop-ups

YOU'RE AT THE GROCERY STORE: people on their cell phones who don't pay any attention to what they are doing or where they are going

YOU'RE ON A DATE: when I can't decide what I want to eat.

COOKING OR BAKING: screwing up the directions and also realizing that I don't have all the necessary ingredients halfway into mak ing whatever it is I'm making.

WHAT HOUSEHOLD CHORE DO YOU DISLIKE THE MOST: cleaning out the sink drainers.

WHAT WOULD BE THE ABSOLUTE WORST WAY TO DIE?
drowning

WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING HABIT IN OTHERS?
interrupting

MOST IRRITATING THING ABOUT YOUR CAR/TRUCK? it has no 4-wheel drive and its ugly

WHAT/WHO IS ANNOYING YOU TODAY? trying to get Erik off the computer so we can get out of the house and do something!

Global Warming: by Erik

I've become fascinated with the "science" of global warming. In this case "science" actually means "politics." These two images were created by a biophysicist professor at Oxford. The first shows a huge spike in carbon dioxide during the Cambrian period, about 450 million years ago. This seems to be closely associated with the explosive appearance of all life on Earth. Note the spike of CO2 going from 4000 ppm to 7000 ppm. Today, global warming activists warn about the "danger" that has happened from CO2 "spiking" from 200 ppm to 300 ppm. If a CO2 change of 3000 ppm did not destroy the Earth, how insignificant is a change of 100 ppm?

The second figure shows just how much humans contribute to the global warming gases. Water vapor is the most significant global warming gas. Don't you notice how hot days seem hotter with 100% humidity and during cloudy evenings, the temperature does not drop? Water vapor allows the earth to maintain a comfortable range of temperature due to its global warming effects. The rest is caused by other natural activities and gases (methane, CO2, nitric oxide, ozone, etc.). That leaves our contributions to 0.28%.

Let's assume that all of our contribution to global warming gas is CO2, which it isn't. And let's assume that we can immediately reduce our worldwide CO2 emissions by 50%, which we can't.
That would reduce our contribution to 0.14%. All of our effort would lower the current CO2 in the atmosphere from 300 ppm to 299.5 ppm.

In spite of all this, Gore and Obama want to spend BILLIONS of dollars to "fix" the problem, as if we didn't have economic problems already. They want to impose new restrictions and fees on every business that creates green house gases. Obama says that his efforts to curb global warming will cause YOUR energy rates to "necessarily skyrocket."

This is a problem that has gotten out of hand. Too many people have blindly accepted everything Gore and Obama have told them. I hope you can see through the politics and follow the science.

Don't laugh...I'm new at this!

Okay I've never blogged before in my life and I'm not exactly sure why I have started. Perhaps because we have lots of exciting new things in our life right now I'd like to share with those who are interested enough to take the time to read our blog! I also don't keep a journal so hopefully blogging can help as a substitute for that. I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one posting anything but I'll keep you updated on how Erik is doing as well:)