Glor do you like this?

This is my 16 year old nephew Austin. Just playing around with photoshop. you have to click on it to see larger.

Kelly aren't you jealous?

I went and worked at Deseret Industries yesterday. I sorted through the bags of clothes and hung them up to be priced and go out on the floor of the store. It was really fun. I told Kelly she needs to go and volunteer, than you get first pick of what comes through. I opened a bag that had really old clothing (none of it we could keep), but there were vintage hankies in there and I fell in love with them. My favorite is the heart one below. I love the scalloped edges. I think I will start carrying hankies in my purse. Although, I think the heart one would be really cute framed. I also found this old chair out back that they couldn't sell. I am so excited to take a picture of a little girl on it (that's why I got it). Guess how much? Only 3 dollars! woo-hoo. More than just finding great deals, was the wonderful feeling that I had while I was there. Alot of the workers are handicapped or there to develope skills to enter the work force. It is a positive hands on school. We had a devotional before the store was opened and to see the love and comraderie amongst the employees was so incredible. Anywhere else they would be a group of misfits, not thought much of. Here they were praised cherished for the wonderful children of God that they are. They were all so loving and kind with each other. It made my heart glad. So go and volunteer at your local D.I. today. You will love it. (although dave worked the afternoon shift and polished shoes for four hours. I liked my job better. ha ha).

Leah

Leah's favorite pose right now. She always wants me to take a picture of her looking like this. Too funny.

gardner pictures are up

Doesn't this picture look halloweeny? click here for the rest.

FIRST DANCE

Rachel was more than a little excited for her first school dance. She invited two friends over after school to get ready together. They were ready for hours. Had a little dance to present their costumes to me, and kept re applying make-up. That is the real reason they wanted to dress up for the dance (you didn't have to) so they had an excuse to wear make-up. Dave was dying and was pretty sure that Rachel was too young for this as he watched them strut around. You know that feeling when you are starting to really "FEEL" things and are wanting to make the jump to young woman from little girl. You feel different and it is scary and exciting (depending on the day). So here they are Rachel the genie.Erika the Harajuko girl. Is that how you spell it Glor? and Cassidy the phantom.
this picture cracks me up. The girls are in heaven and Jacob is just waiting to go to the dance saying, "just get in the car." too funny. The girls had such big plans of the boys wanting to talk to them. Rachel reported disappointingly afterward that they just hovered. I knew that would be the case. That is why I let her go. ha.oh the excitement as we pulled up and all the kids were milling about outside waiting to get in. Oh the greeting, and giggling that was going on.

of course the little girls were taking it all in from the confines of the car! Pretty exciting

Now to run home and get ready for the trunk or treat. I only took a few pictures at the trunk or treat. I realized I didn't even get pictures of my kids. But here are a few that I loved.Amie as Pam from the office. Love it! Sydney as Paris Hilton.

and everyone's favorite sith lord.. Matthew. At least I think that is Matthew. Who I love because he is always excited to see me and calls me by my first and last name always.

VICtorY!

Just finished watching the whole eight hours of Anne of Green Gables. I love the ending so much. "I don't want sunbursts or marble halls, I just want you." and then the kiss. The best ever. I love Gil. I watched it as I edited the Gardners pictures and I am happy to report as of 1:50 am this fine morning they are done. VIctory! I am using only adobe photoshop now, so it goes a little slower. I like to try out new stuff too, and that takes time as well. Anyway, I will put on more tomorrow but I can barely hold my head up. But I had to share a picture of their baby. Is she not the cutest yummiest thing ever. I can't stand it. Click on the picture to enlarge to see those baby blues up close. Amazing!

Well, today is my birthday. Thank you for all your happy wishes. I had a great day. Breakfast in bed, lots of cards, roses, lunch at paradise bakery, and I sat in the jacuzzi all afternoon and read magazine without feeling guilty. And it isn't over yet! Dave had to go to a scout over nighter tonight so he is taking me out to dinner tomorrow night. Tonight I did the kid thing and it was fun. Everyone had friends over and we did a school dance and went to the trunk or treat. More pictures from those two events tomorrow. I love Halloween! Buona Notte.

Lizzie-ya gotta love her

I love this little twerp. I love every little thing that comes out of her mouth. She totally cracks me up. I was so amazed at her snorkeling while we were in Hawaii. No fear, she just went for it. Only Jacob and her really got into it. She also totally boogie boarded with all of us. It was so fun. We would all be out together and ride the wave in all at the same time. Once when I was with her and we just finished riding a wave side by side she said, "Isn't this the perfect time to kiss?" So I gave her a smooch, and she said, "I thought so, or something like that." Yesterday as I was on the computer an airplane comes flying over and lands on my desk. On it is a note that has been folded up really small and taped on the wing. I open it and it says that she loves me. so cute. Yesterday as I was driving to parent teacher conferences at the school, I hear a giggle from the back of the car. I had a stow away. Lizzie wanted to come and hid in the cargo area of the van. What a stinker. Didn't want to have to clean her room. Today we were all talking and Jacob shouts HEY! because someone was touching his buns. It was Lizzie of course who replies, "I am working on your galutes (glutes)." She is a total nut, and gets away with so much because she is the baby of our family and so dang cute. It isn't just my fault though.
We all indulge her. l will end with her favorite reply to a question...."I got no idea"
hang loose!

teenagers are invading my house!

I can't believe it. I have teenagers. They have all of the symptoms. Rachel burst out crying in ballet class for no reason the other night. Came home and just wanted me to cozy her. Jacob is asking for my weights and is pumping iron at night along with 100 sit-ups and push-ups. Rachel was on the phone all day today planning for the weekend with her friends. Jacob is so interested in the whole boy girl relatationship thing and has been bugging me all week to watch "Hitch" the movie with him (don't worry it is an edited copy). So that is what we did this afternoon with popcorn and hot tamales. If you have not tried that combo you have no idea what you are missing out on!! our favorite part. When he shows his dance moves. Here he is doing the q-tip (he is about to throw it away. ha ha. love it)

Maloy pictures are posted!!!!!

Don't you love Elise's face in this picture. To see the rest just click here.

sorry Jessika!

No I am not done with your pictures. Hopefully tomorrow. WE will see! But isn't he so cute! click on the picture. It is so much clearer bigger.

things i am so happy about they make me cry

ok confession. I have always been taught that you pray on your knees, and I see the wisdom in that. It definitely keeps you awake and more focused. But I love so much to pray all cozied up in bed. I mean really, I would want to talk to Heavenly Father all cozy. It is the best place to have good talks with family. At least in my family. So as I finally climb into bed way late at night after getting out of a warm shower (my second favorite place to pray, I know wierd.) I crawl into bed, pull all of the sheets and blankets away from dave (ha ha), and wrap them around my legs until the desired coziness is reached. I snuggle down into my down pillow and start my prayer by saying ooooh Heavenly FAther I am so thankful for my yummy cozy bed, house,life, family, husband, for a knowledge of the purpose of life, and how to be happy (if you don't know those answers go to mormon.org. Such a great website). and then the familiar warm tears start to slowly sneak down my cheeks as I think of all the things that I am so grateful for. I think about all the wonderful people in my life and the things that they are going through and I ask Heavenly Father to bless them. Like Jaime going through the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the love and sadness that I felt for her when I gave her a big hug that day. Please Heavenly Father, give her strength and comfort. I thought of the Chowdury family and the miracles that are happening in their life. So glad to be able to witness it. When I was made RS president, I saw her name on our roles. I thought. Hey that is my neighbor and friend. I went to her house and we had a great talk. She was baptized when she was young but wasn't currently attending church and her husband wasn't a member. As I thought about how much I have come to love her and her loving and giving heart, and how her family has changed and blossom my heart was filled with joy. i thought of how her son was just baptized and how she told me just that day that her husband (who is the kindest man) had decided to be baptized. The tears kept coming, bless them Heavenly Father with thy spirit, and thank you so much for their friendship. Then I thought about the long talk on the phone that I had with my brother later in the evening. This is my brother that is only a year younger than me. He has struggled through alot . and just in the past year things have really come together for him. He got married for the first time. Had a new baby, got custody of his 14 year old daughter and is learning a whole lot all at once. Which is so cool because now he calls me all the time and he never did before. It has been so amazing to watch the change and growth in him. He was telling me how he was talking to his 14 year old and telling her to not make the mistakes he made. That happiness is not found in things but in family relationships, and that she should read her scriptures, write in her journal, go to church. That just because he isn't the best example doesn't mean that he isn't spiritual or care about those things. You can't imagine how these words affected me. I have been praying to hear those words for 20 years. We were so close when we were little, like two little bear cubs. I have always felt that I needed to watch out and care for him. He has been so distant for so long, and to see him want to be with family again, and talk and hang out all the time is seriously an answer to years and years of praying. So how can I thank Heavenly Father enough for that? How can I stop the tears of joy then? and on and on. I love cozy prayers. I love warm tears of gratitude. I love my Heavenly Father. What a wonderful gift prayer is. If you haven't taken the opportunity to find a cozy spot all alone to pour out your heart, I highly recommend it. It feels so good, and I promise you will feel Heavenly Father is there and His love for you. For me it is a warm happy peaceful feeling. No wonder I fall asleep while I am praying. Yes that is the one downfall of combining coziness with prayers. Heavenly Father understands, doesn't he?my brother and I when we are 6 and 7, with my mom. This is him now down below being Owen Wilson. He is so funny. Love you kenny and yes i am sooo proud of you! love your big sister (in more ways than one. ha)

price family shoot

check it out here

Some things we loved about our vacation

not wearing shoes, and the soft soft sand that felt so good between your toes.
FREEEEDOOOMMMMM!!


walks on the beach with dad.

Being able to share what I love with my children, and watching them love it too.

Caught in the ACT!

Look at these teenagers that I totally caught making out in the park. Hey.....wait a minute....they look kinda familiar. Oh my gosh! Didn't she use to be our young women's president. Can you believe it! (just kidding, I made them do it. Should we put it in the ward newsletter? ha ha)

Ok here is your teaser teri

You are right Teri, that wasn't fair. So here is one for you. Aren't you glad I convinced you to do maternity pictures. You look beautiful!!!! oh and click on the picture. It looks so much better bigger. don't they all?

WE're BACK!

and totally exhausted. In fact all five kids are sound asleep in their beds right now at 12:39 pm. It is where I am heading as well. We were supposed to get home sunday morning but had some airline glitches. We just got home this morning. We moved five different times to different hotel locations in our 9 day adventure. Run of the mill crazy for us! Hawaii was beautiful and I know if will be a vacation the kids will always remember. They better! ha.



oh, and Leah lost a tooth while there. I took a million pictures. Will share more later. and yes I will start editing pronto. At least after I sleep awhile so my vision isn't blurry.

ALOHA

Well, the whole ohana is off to Hawaii for fall break! WE are so excited, we have big plans. The Leonard family is going this week too, and we are going to hang out! Talk to you in a week!! I plan to take many many pictures!!!

Just a Teaser Petra

I couldn't resist playing with a couple tonight. You look beautiful. The rest won't be done for a couple of weeks. They turned out really great despite your windswept hair and your eyes being closed in 80 percent of them. ha

"SHe" DID It!

WOW! How exciting a year this has been. I actually realized a dream of mine! I made the goal to have a marketable skill, and with much encouragement and help from my dear family and friends, I was able to accomplish what I set out to do! I have learned so much, I can't believe it! All because of a Heidi Swapp class, who would have thunk it? What motivated Heidi was a book by Kobi Yamada entitled "SHE". I just received it in the mail yesterday and it is so inspiring that I want to buy it for every woman in my life. It celebrates women and their beautiful spirit and heart. Each layout of the book has on one side saying what he is celebrating about "HER" and the other a wonderful quote. Examples below of some of my favorites. OK so all of them are my favorites but here are a few.

-Celebrate her goals.

"she turned her can't into cans, and her dreams into plans."

-Celebrate her passion.

"she loved life and it loved her right back."

-Celebrate her self-esteem.

"she discovered her real measurements had nothing to do with numbers or statistics."

-Celebrate her presence

"she added so much beauty to being human.

-Celebrate her daring

"she took the leap and built her wings on the way down."

-Celebrate her joy.

"She designed a life she loved"

So my question to you is.. Are you designing a life that you love? Start today to live the life that you imagined. Make some goals, get inspired. As Kobi so beautifully put... "Life is not an obligation it is an opportunity. It is not about "HAVE TO" but "WANT TO" or "CAN'T WAIT TO". It is a life of choice.

So ask yourself who is "SHE"? Some that I came up with for me....

-She is trying to make the world a better place. training her children to do the same. Lifting others along her way.

-She wants to love others as the Savior would and show them the way back home.

-She is strong but gentle, kind, and compassionate.

-She is scared and frustrated sometimes, overwhelmed by the greatness of her task-but confident that the Lord will pull her through.

-She is imperfect but working on reshaping and remolding her life into something better with the Lord's help.

-She is beautifully imperfect.

Here is your challenge. Describe for yourself who the female spirit is. WHo are you? Celebrate "HER" and make the world a better place as only you can. I will be anxious to hear from you and be inspired.

All this and I really meant to just say I only have two morning appts. available in December and than I am booked until January. But see what happens when I get on my soap box? My family is so used to it. Dave calls me a Spiritual Cheerleader. Being a cheerleader is my gift, but that doesn't mean I know how to play the game any better than anyone else. ha ha. I struggle just as much as anyone. But boy do I love to CHEER!! So you go girl!!!! Here are two little "she" that I am cheering on in this game of life! We were about to walk out the door for ballet and they were singing in the mirror and dancing.

BAnana Bread REcipe

This is one of the most used recipes that I have. It is my Mom's banana bread recipe and it seriously is the best! The key i think is the sour cream. Extra moist!

1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening
cream these two together than add
2 eggs and mix well.
4 large really ripe bananas
4Tabl. sour cream
than add
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
Pour into two greased and floured or sprayed with pam bread pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 mins. You need to watch it and not let it overcook. I sprinkle chocolate chips on the top before baking sometimes. Very yummy. Of course you can add walnuts if you like. I don't like personally. ha.

while I am at the banana recipes. I will share another. I tasted these at a friends house and they were to die for. Melt in your mouth. I got the recipe but of course I have never made them. Add it to the to do list. ugh. Let me know if you try it, and love it. Oh yah, and bring me over some. smile.

Banana Nut Bars
1 cup butter or margarine cubed
1/2 cup water
2 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup buttermilk (this is probably why I never make it. Who has buttermilk on hand?)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Frosting:
1 pkg. 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

In a saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil. Remove from heat; set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking soda, eggs, bananas, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat until blended. Carefully add butter mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts. Pour into a greased 15x10x1 inches baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
For the frosting, in a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add confectioners' sugar. Spread over bars. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 3 dozen bars.
warning: these are not low fat or low cal in any way. ha ha. I am sure that is why they are so dang good. ENJOY!!!

The Barron's Photo shoot

Isn't kissing great! I think I could have played around with this picture for hours doing different fun things. I think this first one is so cool. What do you think? Of course the normal ones are on my photography website. Check it!

I love sillouettes! It reminds me of Disneyland. You know the shop on main street where they sit and cut them out in their old tyme dresses. Love it!