sunday night

Again, I have so many funny stories to tell that it will take too long tonight. but my favorite Leah comment for the day is her looking in the mirror in my bathroom while I am getting ready and looking inside her nostrils she comments. I am getting grown up, I have hair in my nostrils. Please don't make me explain that to you.
I have felt a little down about some things the past couple of days, and so tired and a bit overwhelmed. Heavenly Father so takes care of me. I said to myself today, " I just can't handle any negative comments coming my way today." All day long it has been nothing but people complimenting me and showing such great love and care for me. We had 3 people drop by goodies. One, I just found on the doorstep with a note from a girl that just moved into our ward and today was her first day, and wanted to thank me for making her feel so welcome and happy to be in our ward. It really touched my heart. I so love all the women in our ward. It brings me to tears everytime I think of them. I was in walmart yesterday in the self check line and didn't have enough money for all that I had. I had to not get some things that I needed for the kids lunches. The young mom behind me noticed this. She is in our ward and her husband is a student. that night Dave walks in and says why are these groceries on our porch? I couldn't believe it, it was the stuff I had to put in the to go back cart. It was purely out of the kindness of her heart. And darn her she won't let me give her money for it. there are so many scary things going on in the world, but so so so much good too. One person can make a huge difference and we really can have peace and joy everyday despite it all. More funny stories and pictures tomorrow. I am determined to get some sleep tonight. I also did another photo shoot that I need to put the pictures on for. So fun. Here is a teaser though............ Ashley Hartvigson. Isn't she a beauty, and she is only 12!

The Talk

Remember how I said at midnight I remembered that Rebecca needed to give a talk in church. Well, the next morning I didn't feel good and ended up staying in bed and not going to church. I was lying in bed getting out a picture of Christ she could take and Dave walks in with a slimfast for me and said I already helped her with it. What a MAN. Most of my prayers start with gratitude for Dave. Last night he helped me take furniture to a needy family, deliver a secret santa gift, copy pictures to a disc for me, helped me with some electrical difficulties. He is soooo the better half. Always there always calm and always supportive with all my crazy things i am running around doing. For all you girls out there who have yet to be married me...listen well to my advice. It is so worth finding one that loves the Lord more than anything, honors his priesthood, and is worthy to take you to the temple. Here is the talk that Dave helped Rebecca with.

Before we were born here on Earth, we lived in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. He is our Dad and he loves us. One day, He said he had to talk to us. He had a funny look on His face--He seemed happy and sad at the same time. He said it was time for us to grow up. We could learn and grow to be like Him! But it was not going to be easy. He said we would come down to this Earth, without any memory of our time with Him in Heaven. When we choose the right, on our own, we are becoming more like our Heavenly Father. he gave us parents, teachers, the scriptures, prayer, and the Holy Ghost to help us know what is right. He even sent our older brother, Jesus, to teach us and live a perfect life as an example. Everything in Heaven with Heavenly Father is perfect. We would not be able to go back to live with Him after our lives on Earth if we weren't perfect too. Even with all the help He has given us, Heavenly Father knew we would sometimes make mistakes and not choose the right. In our meeting with Heavenly Father, before we came to Earth, He told us that there was a way we could be perfect even if we made mistakes. Heavenly Father asked Jesus to take our sins upon Him. He said He would an dHe did. During His life on Earth, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gehtsemane and suffered the pain of everyone's sins. We were told that if we believe Jesus, follow His example, and accept His sacrifice, our sins will be forgiven. He has paid for them and they won't keep us from returning to live with Him and Heavenly Father if we repent. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."(John 3:16-17) I love Jesus for what He did for me. I always want to choose the right and follow Him. when I make mistakes, I pray to Heavenly Father and ask for the forgiveness He promised, the forgiveness that Jesus gives. I want to grow to be like Heavenly Father and return to live with Him after my life here on Earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I think pretty much my kids are some of the luckiest on the planet to have a Dad who not only knows these truths and follows them but is an example of them and teaches his kids the same. This Christmas season has been a special one for me. Being the Relief Society president has put me in a situation to serve so much, which constantly reminds me of the Savior and how much I love Him. I have really been trying to read my scriptures more and it has filled me with the spirit, and a greater love for those around me. True joy isn't in material things. It is the love in our hearts that is manifested in everything we do and say.

I have so much more to post about and the best pictures from Disneyland--my scanner isn't working right now. dave where are you????

vintage disney

Flyin solo and on top of the world!!!

DISNEYLAND

Don't you just love that first walk down mainstreet. The music playing, the anticipation of a magical day ahead....oh the plans...I love how they all have their maps out.

good times, good times

At the reindeer roundup! They had Santa's real reindeer (wink). Rachel and Jacob were off riding splash mountain together at the moment. Lizzie's highlight of the day was that in the parade as santa passed us he looked down at her and waved and said "good girl" She is beside herself. Needless to say she can't wait for christmas morning now that she had the Big Man's approval! YES! Dave has on his confused expression. Hopefully we worked out those kinks before the big photo shoot the next morning!!!

The pow wow

Jacob excitedly gathered the girls together for a quick pow wow as we waited to enter Disneyland. I am sure pumping them up to have a great day together with positive attitudes. so cute they are!

So excited!

this is the first expression of the girls when they realized that we were going to Disneyland (we were in the bathroom by the tram). Even the bathroom is magical. ha ha

wish us luck

we are leaving tomorrow to southern ca. I can't wait to just sleep in the car. I am exhausted. We have been going non stop. Jacob had 3 basketball games for school this week (he made the team) It was emotionally exhausting just dealing with all of jacob's non stop worries about everything. The try outs, the first practice, the first game, his finals, etc. etc. so much to worry about. He was so nervous that he did bad on his test at school that he wouldn't look at it, and just stuck it in his bag. Than he handed it to me at home without looking at it and wanted me to break the news to him. He had 104%. Is this kid ridiculous or what. We have had 6 birthday parties to attend in the past two weekends on top of all the other stuff. Crazy. Oh, and I just remembered that someone called tonight and asked if Rebecca could give a talk in primary tomorrow on how Heavenly Father fulfilled his promise to send a savior. I guess I will just write up something since she is sleeping it is 12:15 am and I have a mtg. at 6:30 am. Now do you see why I can't wait to sleep. Disneyland on mon. beach photo shoot on tues. fun fun. the kids don't know we are going to Disneyland. They agreed to not go and use the money to help a needy family for christmas. They did it so willingly but their hearts were broken because they have been looking forward to it for so long. Dave and I felt bad because we had already told them for 2 months we were going so we are just going to have them work extra for money to buy gifts. Well, my house looks so cozy!!!!!! I wish you could all see it!!! Can't wait until you come Dad and Kathi. Dave has the pool table up and running now too. You better go and practice somewhere. We painted the loft this week too. Can you tell that Dave got his bonus. Yeah, out of debt for the new year!!!!!!!

kindergarten christmas concert

So very cute. Everyone watching was smilling ear to ear. Can you find Lizzie? She's waving at you. Wish you all could have been there.

I'm a photographer, i'm taking pictures

Our friends and neighbors the leonards. they are so cute! some of my favorite pics from the photo shoot today. So many more to still edit!

LISA CARR, ARE YOU OUT THERE? DO YOU EVER LOOK AT MY BLOG?

Do you think I could be the heroine of Rachel's next story (read the next post). Thanks for the cool pic. kell. I love it. It doesn't depict my real life at all which makes it fun. My real life is pajamas, no make up, doing laundry and wiping up sticky stuff off everything, and my favorite...listening to funny things that my kids say all day. Lizzie has been cracking me up lately from describing going to the bathroom as dropping logs, to her prayer tonight saying I love my mommy more than stinky feet. She thought she was so funny saying that and had to try really hard to keep serious as she said it. She has a quick wit and is very smart, but she still might have to repeat kindergarten. OHHH Lizzie.

I found the beginning of one of Rachel's love stories on my computer tonight as I was shutting down all the open windows. don't you love it. I have to find that other story she wrote. She is so fun. What cracks me up is she is constantly saying how gross boys are. ha ha.

RACHEL"S STORY

Once Upon a time there lived a beautiful young princess (When I say young I mean 19.) Her name was Ediline and she yearned for love. One day while she was sitting by her window sill reading her book she saw two birds singing to one another. Then at that moment she yearned for love more than she ever had before. Then she stopped reading her book and thought up a plan.
I will now tell you her plan. She was going to go to the village as a villager and live there for as long as it takes to find true love. She was going to go as a villager because she wanted someone to truly love her, and love her for her and not for her money or fame. She had decided to put her plan into action in two weeks.

OH Lizzie

Lizzie has been so proud of herself that she hasn't opened any of the Christmas presents. A weakness of hers last year. It is so hard to resist! Right Kelly? ha ha. She keeps coming up to me and saying excitedly,"Mom, I haven't even oped a present, I only look at them, touch them, and hold them" That last one cracks me up. The way she says Hold so lovingly. I imagined her cuddling them gently trying to soak in all there magicalness(good word huh?). The season has begun and we are all loving it. The outrageous light contest has begun in our neighborhood. It was so fun all weekend to see all the guys out with ladders doing lights and all the mom's gathered and talking while the kids bike around and play. You gotta love arizona for that. Dave left last night to go work in Oregon for a week. He called me from his layover in Salt Lake exclaiming that it was 40 degrees there and they made them walk outside in it from the plane. We are way too spoiled.

She did it!

I am so proud of Rebecca. She has been working really hard to improve her attitude, and control her temper. We started a game where she
receives coins for when she is able to stop a tantrum when I ask her to and when she is helpful and has a good attitude. Then she has a chart that has the number of coins that she needs for certain rewards. For example 5= mom cozying with her in bed and talking for a long time before she goes to sleep. She has been saving for a Loooong time for these fake fingernails 50 COINS! She was so excited to pick them out from Walmart. Also, Rachel is playing and gets coins for being kind to Rebecca and has done so goood!! She has earned a scrapbooking session with mom at the cost of 50 coins. Being a Mom is a challenge but so worth it!! The best career on earth!!

Thanksgiving

i must admit this was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable thanksgivings ever. Slept in and went and got some donuts with the girls than came back and watched the parade while reclined looking at adds (are you jealous dad) and getting lots of loves from my babies. It was the BEESSSST (Nacho). At the table sat my darling husband playing "ticket to ride" our new favorite game with the other kiddos, and drinking egg nog. I didn't start cooking until noon. Made my few dishes and I was done. Our friends the Ellis' did the turkey and brought it to my oven so I enjoyed the yummy smell all day. They came later with more goodies and we had a relaxing afternoon/evening eating and playing games. Delightful. So full of thanks for a life filled with so much that brings me true joy! I am most thankful that my sweet Dave (after much prayer and temple attendance) is excited (and willing) to bring another little Ives into the world. We are all so excited!!!

Rachel's 11th birthday party!

Saturday was quite the day for miss Rachel. 25 + girls came for a fun filled 3 hours of non stop craziness! We did egg tosses, races, water balloon volleyball, tosses, relay races, 3 legged race, did nails, made bracelets, played wink, etc. etc. I don't know who was more tired me or the girls. This is the first place we have lived where there are a lot of girls Rachel's age and that she clicks with. It has been the best to see her so happy this year. She has just blossomed . Rachel wanted to add into a beautiful butterfly, she was once a caterpillar, but is now a beautiful butterfly (I can't explain the accent she used ha). It has been quite the metamorphasis. ok gotta go the hometeachers are here and we have to be at choir in 10 minutes.

ooohhhh aaahhhhh!

she received a ridiculous amount of gifts. Forget christmas!

It's all over!

Look at what Rachel's mean mom did to her at the end of the party!

SO Excited!

I am so excited because I did a photo shoot today for a friend for the first time in a long time and I forgot how happy it makes me. Here are some of my favorite shots. Aren't these girls beautiful.

Leah and the ward campout

This girl is quite the character. Dave calls her a bobble head with her little curls running around. She kept taking off her shoes and getting hurt. Here is one sister from the ward carrying her back from the playground. My favorite was seeing her running to the bathroom barefoot no less. then in the morning that face, so classic Leah. One of our favorite quotes from last years campout was when she woke up in the morning doing that same face, and the first thing she said was, "Will somebody give me a huggy!" You just have to love Leah. She is so endearing with her expressive face and clutzy ways. Look at her by the fire in the morning drinking her hot chocolate, barefoot again, and so dirty. It's good to be a kid!

ON the Farm

Went on Lizzie's field trip to a farm(yes they do have them in Arizona). The teacher's
aide for Lizzie's class couldn't wait to corner me and tell me all the funny things that she says. She said she goes home and tells her husband Lizzie stories everyday. I noticed that she is independent and does her own thing. Doesn't care about the friend thing, and very comfortable with the adults. Reminds me of Rachel. She isn't too concerned about the learning either. Which is a problem we need to work on or she will be repeating kindergarten. I told the teacher she has just been on the back burner and I will move her up to the front. She will be caught up in a couple of weeks. Which is true. If she tries she can learn it, she just isn't overly concerned. ha

Almost Eleven

A recent little photo shoot with Rachie. I will add her words that I found written on my scrapbook table where I practice what I want to write on a page.

"Rachel is so cute and the way her blonde hair shimmers in the sun. She is so beautiful!-Mom!"

She even signed it for me. These kids crack me up. Wait till you see the love story she wrote. That will come in another blog entry.

NACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

We love the movie Nacho Libre and it is all we quote right now. So this sunday while the adults were playing a game. The girls made Luchador masks and practiced songs from the movie. I was laughing so hard. Very creative. They did it all on their own. Although they did sneak into my fabric. "I forgive you" (from the movie). My favorite is when lizzie says the quote, "Sometimes I wear stretchy pants when I'm alone, in my room, its for fun." nuts!

ROGER IS 40!

The Hardings flew here from utah for four fun filled days to celebrate Roger's 40th birthday! We had so much fun eating, playing tennis, golf, football, swimming, hottubbing, playing games, watching movies, talking and laughing. How wonderful to have friends that bless our lives so much. My kids love them so much, they are both so much fun. I looked out the window once and Roger was laying on the lounger while Leah and Lizzie played "spa" with him. Leah had water and was wiping it on his forehead, while lizzie was rubbing the bottom of his feet with the pool brush. i was laughing so hard. Roger loved it. With just three boys of his own, he enjoys all the feminine attention, and boy they have plenty to give!

for the parteeee (like nacho)

Teresa gets carried away when it comes to icecream and bought about 15 different kinds. We opened them all up, got a spoon, and went to town. Can you see why I love her so much. (yes, i love you too gloria) smile

i love my chickies

this pic has been in my purse forever, decided to scrap it. Need to replace it with another one i love more recent.

Coco you made my day. Thanks for the call. Love this layout i did of you and rachie

November 2004

Came across this. memories of a past november when I was 10 pounds lighter, ten shades darker, and cruisin around in Grand Cayman. Do you like mine and Glor's twin head tilt! Too funny. My neighbor just told me that Lizzie tilts her head like me. I said, I tilt my head? Then I saw this picture. Apparently yes I do. I wonder what another two years will bring from now. I hope not another 10 lbs. ha ha.

oohh I love the sweetness of this

kenny's face is so cute in this. Such a cozy little boy inside. I am editing pictures today too! kenny is getting demanding of them. ha ha. i just had to post this one. So many favorites.

grody!

no contest!!

No one beats my neighbor in Halloween (or any other holiday) for decorating. These are just two of the items out of the thousands covering every square inch of his property. Its like a horror movie show set. He actually orders fake blood from Hollywood! do you like the guy who's head is hanging by his nostrils? The wheelbarrow of body parts is probably the most disturbing to me. yikes!