The past decade...

So while watching a news special on the last decade in history, it made me think of my own personal history and the events that have unfolded in ten years- here's a BRIEF glimpse:
-Ten years ago, I was in HIGH SCHOOL, getting my license, and trying to understand why boys didn't ask me out! (LAME BOYS!)
-My mom passed away Oct. 2000 from a four year battle with colon cancer
-my stepdad got remarried August 2001 and I inherited five more stepsiblings
-we moved out of my the home I grew up in to a new house
- I graduated high school and made it to collge (barely) alive
- went to college and went out on a lot of interesting dates- confirmed my decision to go on a mission
-met Ryan and started dating
-wrote to Ryan for two whole years
-got an Associates of Arts degree in Dec 2003
-got engaged Dec 2003
-started dating when he got back- totally changed my mind about the mission- I found Mr Right and the timing was meant to be!
-moved back from St. George
-GOT MARRIED!!! (April 24, 2004) and moved into our first one bedroom apt- aww
-went to Hawaii on the honeymoon!
-started working at Montessori school and fell in love- started to get my Montessori certification (sept. 2004)
-STILL working at HDOS (Hot Dog on a Stick- yes I wore the funny hat!) and worked my way up to asst. manager- or asst. to the reginoal manager (OFFICE joke-jk!)
-spent our first thanksgiving in Flagstaff (TRADITION! LOVE IT!)
-bought our dang townhouse in Feb 2005 (big ohhhhhhh insert here!)
-got our precious dog BAILEY
- worked, worked worked
-GRADUATED with a BA in English in Dec. 2005- went on a snowboarding trip to celebrate! merry christmas!
-got our (WAAAY overpriced) English Bulldog
-found new home for said English bulldog (buh bye Mikey!)
-MEXICO anniversary trip!! SOOOO fun!
-quit my job at Montessori school
-goooooot pregnant!
-Ryan got accepted to rookie school and is pursuing his dreams!
- survived 32 excrutiating hours of labor to welcome our gorgeous baby girl Hailyn into the world!
-sold dang townhouse and moved (looooong process!)
- opened a Montessori preschool!

and the craziness continues!!! I left out some stuff for many reasons (yes it was even crazier than that!) but these are just MOST of the major highlights- it's been an exhausting decade! I went from high school to collge to marriage and having a child this decade- I'm exhausted!!! so I hope 2010 is a bit mellower, but through all the changes, losing my mom, to becoming a mom, I have grown so much more than I ever thought I would have to- and for that I'm grateful. I'm ever so grateful to my amazing husband, who works so hard, perserveres, and is just plain wonderful- I'm so lucky to be with him forever! I love him SOOOOOOO much it's crazy! and our gorgeous, amazing daughter who brings so much love and joy to our hearts, we are crazy for her! Through everything I am so very grateful to the Lord, who has known my needs when I haven't, who has blessed us beyond words can describe and who always has a plan, even better than my own, and always provides a way for us. I am truly blessed and grateful for wonderful family and friends, who stick with me through thick and thin, who know I love them even when we can't see each other as often as I'd like. I hope you all have a wonderful 2010, work hard for the things you want but remember if you trust in the Lord with all thy heart He will direct your path toward righteousness (proverbs 3:5) Happy New Year and God bless!

A Letter from Jesus about Christmas...

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them..

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :


I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

* I saw this on Krista's blog and I think it's something to be shared- so share it! Remeber the true meaning of this season, it's to remember Christ ALWAYS and through our actions-they always speak louder than words. God bless and may you all have a Merry Christmas!

Wish List...

So while Santa is making a list and checking it twice, I decided to make up my fantasy wish list- here it goes!

1. Ryan to be done with school(s) this is happening VERY soon!
2. a super duper organized and always spotless house (if you are one of these super organized people and are looking for a gift to get me- come on over!)
3. laudry to always be done and put away
4.The food/fit factor- eat whatever I want and aays look an fel trim and i shape-alo not to age:)
5. my biological father to move Utah
6. to be an expert cook (or at least find healthy meals my hubby will eat!)
7. no debt and a flowig bank acount;)
8. to be rid of the townhouse once and for all
9. finish my novel
10. to be really good at journalig/scrapbooking/documenting events
11. Travel where I want when I want!
Santa- I've been good this year- help a girl out!

(SIDENOTE! I do have MANY amazing blessings- wishes already come true- a gorgeous, wonderful hubby, a beautifu daughter and our health- so this list is rlly fo fun- ad sort of for goals too- many of these will happen in the next few months! Finers crossed!)

Let the Chirstmas Countdown begin!

So, in keeping with my vow to not be a basket case like last Christmas, I kept my promise to be 'more on top of it' this year. I already had the decorations up, a good majority of the shopping done (and wrapped) and addressed Christmas cards today- that's right, this year I'm super on top of things- Christmas wise anyway. In terms of my laundry and picking up toys and clutter, well, that leaves a great deal to be desired.

So all I have left is a few gifts to shop for, assembly and wrapping of said gifts, and put the cards in the mail- and get a few last addresses- if I don't have your address and you would like a Christmas card, please email it to me or leave a comment- that being said I'm excited to 'enjoy' Christmas a little this year...

Let the Christmasing begin!

Lucky 13!

Hailyn is 13 months (plus) old now and she is a BLAST! Along with her 'mowgali crawl' where she walks with her butt in the air, her, gimpy army crawl where she drags one leg behind her this girl is a bonafide walker (ok, maybe not bonafide, but she walks like 50% of the time!) and she CLIMBS on everything and FAST! LIKE REALLy FAST! She also has a rock climbing grip (we learned this when she was hanging on the edge of the dryer- such a daredevil!) and this girl TALKS! 'Hi mama' is her newest sentence:) and she loves to wave and say 'hi hi hi' (yesterday she SHOUTED it to the man sitting behins us in church and he grinned- Hailyn was in HEAVEN!) This little cutie pie keeps us on our toes because she loooooves to climb and explore everything like no one year old I have ever seen, but she is the sweetest thing ever. She just LOVES other kids (hope that sticks for future family planning!) she is so easy, so mellow, so content, so funny, so smart, so clever, so happy. She is the sweetest little girl we could have ever asked for, and I love to see her growing and learning something new everyday. She is still a tall skinny thing. Maybe one of these days I'll get on my game and post videos and more pics, but for today, i'm going to enjoy my little explorer!

Surviving November...

A few random tidbits...

yes I still need to post Hailyn Halloween pictures- I've been too lazy to download them. There I said it. I am using this blog as mainly a guide for 'to on-line scrapbook later.

You see I used to keep all my pictures in a file box to scrapbook- I am finishing up high school now- yes- seven years, two college degrees, a marraige, a child and a career later, I am now finishing up senior year in HIGH SCHOOL! I go a million miles an hour- and if something doesn't just strike my attention, then well it goes on the back burner. So this blog is merely to remind myself to hey- compile that later Lacie! Good thought indeed- at least Hailyn will have some record of her life! My goal is by Christmas to get my scrapbooking (online of course, I can't deal with gluesticks and paper cutters anymore). We'll see how I do.

To be fair, life has been CRAZY busy- like insanely busy. I'll spare you most of the details for now but it is NUTS-anyhow I have an insane goal on top of raising my daughter nearly on my own, teaching, callings, normal life stuff to finish and polish my novel. End of november. Possible? Yes! Will it get done? Er yes! Wish me luck- I hope I survive November...

HAILYN'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!

I can't believe my baby is ONE YEAR OLD already! yikes- and yes I am JUST getting around to posting these pics- I've been a tad busy- whoops! Time sure flies, and we celebrated in true Tidwell style at one of our favorite places- FUDDRUCKERS- and we were lucky to have lots of family and friends come to celebrate. Beware-there are a LOT of pictures!

Aunt Jen, Uncle Steve, and cousins Nate and Nicole came- yea!!


So did good freinds, Laura, Ryan, Brandi and Seth and Brandon and Sandy. Aunt Em, Ucle Ry, cousins Chance and Mav, and Amber and Pete came too (those pics had issues downloading- I'll try flickr-dang blogger!)






G-Pa Ben and Nana came...

Here's Hailyn's ice cream Sleeping Beauty cake- a huge hit- I think we're going to do an ice cream cake every year- yes, she had two cakes:)
Brandi and I- and lil Gracie:) we are so lucky to have such awesome friends!
Hailyn's birthday outfit- SO CUTE!
She was more interested in eating the 1 birthday candle than the cake...

Celebrating one with Seth- I love her face in this pic!

family shot!
birthday outfit...

Her Tinkerbell cake- and flowers for me! 12 months of motherhood- awwww...:)
Mimzy and Hailyn...


Aunt Melanie stopped by and she got some really fun toys!


tuckered out from partying! this lil girl sure is loved- thank you to everyone who came and celebrated this milestone in Hailyn's life- it sure was a fun party! She sure is a decked out lil lady- she dressed better than me (not for long!) and she also recieved some wonderful toys and a much needed amazing high chair! I just cannot thank everyone enough for all thier love and support of our little girl and our family-we love you all so much!!!!

Time REALLY does fly...

My beautiful daughter is turning ONE on Friday!!! ONE!!! ALREADY????!!! Not to sound cliche but it REALLY feels like yesterday when I was in LABOR for 32 hours (at the hospital people!) after pushing for literally an eternity she was here! Born on 10-9-08-SO COOL! Bringing her home and that special time with her was incredible serene and peaceful- I look at her newborn-ness with a deep love and longing- a special nostalgia- that time was so precious and all it went by all too fast. She will be sitting in a front facing car seat. Her infant-ness is well, gone. But her SWEET, LOVING personality is showing all sorts of new sides- I haven't hit a 'bad; age yet:)

I'm going to be doing a proper birthday post complete with the adorable pics but I just HAD to get it out there! We're celebrating at this awesome place on Friday OCT 9 at 6:15 if anyone would like to come~ mmmmm....burgers with melted cheddar cheese- please insert on my thighs! HA! SO YUMMY! We'd love to see you if you can make it!

LONG overdue pictures of the classroom...

This is looooong overdue- and these few pictures really don't do the classroom justice- but these were the only ones I could upload to blogger for some reason...

This is the short bead stair on VINYL! Thanks to this lovely lady and her wonderful business I was able to get the short bead stair on vinyl (as opposed to me cutting out PERFECTLY round circles out of felt for hours and hours) Thank you Sammy!!!I JUST got it today and even this afternoon it has been a most helpful tool (thank you to Amanda as well for the lovely letters and numbers) the vinyl REALLY makes the classroom look amazing- I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life who will help me out and make my classroom marvelous- THANK YOU GUYS!

Here's the math section- I'm still waiting on my seguin boards and some golden bead material but I can wait a few months for those- doesn't the short bead stair look awesome? I jumped up and down when I got it- literally! I'm so excited about it!



A view of the circle where we do work (on mats) and circle (note the yellow lines on the rug-it's where the kids sit) The sounds on the wall indicate the language area of the classroom (shelves) also note the science and geography section...



The tables (note the broom and dustpan hanging on the wall next to the snack table- the children serve and clean up their own snack) and the table (our old dining room table) that Ryan sawed the legs down on so the kids can sit easily there. Also the easel- a huge hit at school. On the other side is the practical life and sensorial areas...


The pink tower came today- isn't it beautiful? The children LOVE it! We opened it at circle today- they have been waiting patiently for it. Also the continent puzzle came yesterday...


Teaching is going VERY well- I ADORE my kids- they are amazing and I am so VERY lucky to have such wonderful kids and families to work with this year! It's exciting to see the Montessori method take such root in these kids' lives and to see them absorb so much! I am also very lucky because I have a lot of very supportive people to help me- I can't do anything without them- I am so grateful! Thank you to everyone for your continued love and support- we are in full swing and things are going along amazingly!
PS if you are ever at my house expect a full tour of the classroom!:)

Study Buddy... (and 11 months down!)

This beautiful girl just turned 11 months old! I still can't believe it- it's flown by! She is now entering toddlerhood and stands for seconds on her own- she's nearing walking- although I'm ok wiht her just crawling for now- because even then she's too fast for me...



Hailyn LOVES anything we are eating (and has for a while). She espeicially loves her cheese puffs and her cereal puffs. She continues to love Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper (yes, I know! she has little sips from a straw at Fuddruckers!) twinkies (she had them at Aunt Jen's and LOVED them!) french fries and lots of other unhealthy things! She feeds herself and has for a while, and she talks- a LOT! Basically the only differences are that she is nearing walking and that she LOVES seeing my preschool kiddos here and there- just the presence of other children brings her such delight!She is still the wasiest, smiliest baby and we just LOVE her!

Ryan has been super SUPER busy studying lately and Hailyn thought he needed a study partner...


Come on dad! let me help you study!

Ha ha! My plan worked! snuggle time!


These pics are to document that 1. Ryan is still alive and 2. that Hailyn is SUCH a daddy's girl!
I just LOVE these two...

Because I know you all care so much...

It finally happened. I almost didn't belive it WOULD happen- but the Montessori materials I ordered nearly a month ago have FINALLY arrived!I PROMISE I will post pictures of my classroom soon-but I thought I'd give you a preview of the BEAUTIFUL materials that I recieved...

The geometric solids- found in the sensorial section of the classroom, beautiful, blue solids where children learn, well, three dimensional shapes...this is exactly how mine look- GORGEOUS!


These are numeral rods- they teach the basic concept of gradation, size, and quanitity (this IS one) it's found in math...


This is the trinomial cube- the binomial cube come first- but they are on backorder- sigh...but it's found in sensorial and it is pre-algebraic- a+b=c concept...


Beautiful knobless cylinders- they teach size, volume, diameter, and gradation- again found in the sensorial area of the classroom it is a pre-math work. It goes along with the knobbed cylinders, which sadly I cannot afford. Anyone have an extra $90?


The moveable alphabet, found in the language section- after children master thier sounds, they use the alphabet to write words- it's brillant- absolutely brilliant...


Constructive boxes! Again found in sensorial these teach shapes and size. Like everything in the Montessori classroom, it progresses from the concrete to the very abstract- simple to complex.


Sadly my pink tower, binomial cube, continet world puzzle map and control map did not come yet. With how they ship, it could be a while. I have to use Adena Montessori,sadly, budgeting is a big issue for me, especially starting out. I still have to order many more supplies, such as this and this

nd many other things- too many to list. So I am praying that money wise it works out, and am really prioritizing what I need right away...

I PROMISE as soon as I find my camera charger I will take pictures and download them of the classroom- it really is looking fabulous (even if I am missing my favorite work, the pink tower

Along with my fantasy wish list- maybe Santa will come early this year?
(Note to self: fantasy wish list: C030,C040,C060,C070,Co80, C081,C094,C095,C161,C182,C207,C208,C216,D022,G005,G210,A010, A1011, A020

Then there's this amazing site...

I could max out my credit card here so easily.

On that note, it is time for me to search deperately for my camera charger and keep chippin' away until someday I have all the materials I need. I have enough to start with Monday- and that's a huge blessing.

I am so grateful and appreciative for everyone's offer to help, for donations people have made, and encouragement everyone has given me. As our schedules and lives are super crazy busy, it is so comforting to know I have love and support, and boy do I need it. I cannot thank everyone enough! I am so grateful to you all, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for believing in me as I take on this brilliant, and slightly crazy idea of opening a Montessori preschool. Thank you for letting me share a bit about Montessori with you.

Wish me luck! I promise pictures to come- (the classroom really does look awesome!)
Love you all!

Great Success!

I buy clock radio...he cannot afford...great success! Ok just a little quote from a hilarious favorite movie of mine! haha!

But really the Open House went amazingly well! I got to meet some amazing children and thier parents, and I am SO excited about the school year ahead.

I think (I HOPE!) my parents and other wonderful people who came got to see what I'm actually doing. I converted my entire downstairs into a classroom. Literally, the whole downstairs, and it is nearly as big as my classroom was when I taught at a private school here in the valley. I also hope they came away with a better understading of the Montessori method and why it is successful. This preschool is unqiue, and after seeing it first hand, I hope my parents got a feel for what I will be doing next year- a truly unique educational experience!

I am like my friend Janssen, who won't post pics until everything is situated (which is why I have yet to post pics of my house- ha ha! soon!:) My materials were supposed to be here on by Thursday- the day of the Open House- it got postponed until WEDNESDAY! So I posted pics of the materials I ordered and placed them on the shelves- and my parents and students were so understanding and so supportive!

I feel truly blessed to have such amazing kids and parents- and I have to thank everyone for their love, support, donations, offers of help, encouraging words during meltdown moments, and all and all people who believe in me, and believe in what I'm doing. I am truly grateful to you all, and I am so lucky to have you in my life!

So I promise, once those materials arrive I WILL be posting pictures of the classroom.

SOUTHERN HEIGHTS MONTESSORI SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Today's the day! The school debut! It's the first annual Southern Heights Montessori School Open House/Meet and Greet. Interested parents should come! Enrolled students can come see thier new classroom. It's going to be an exciting night, and I am so excited to bring the Montessori method to more children.

Despite the fact that a majority of my Montessori materials may not arrive until Monday- like they always say...the Show must go on! I will set up my classroom to the best oof my abilities!

So come tonight if you are interested! It's at my home at 6pm- leave a comment or email me if you need directions! See you there!
lacie_tidwell@yahoo.com

Just around the corner...

Tomorrow is the school debut! The preschool is hosting it's first annual OPEN HOUSE! It is tomorrow at my house at 6pm for any interested parents... (let me know and I'll give you the address, ect.)

The classroom is coming along...I am STILL waiting for the box of Montessori materials I ordered from Adena- and I'm starting to get a little panicked they won't be here on time. Tomorrow is the latest they should be here, but I wanted them today at the latest, a day to set up, observe my classroom, ect. I just pray they are here by tomorrow, just so I can show off the coolest teaching cirriculum on the planet! Pray they get here today!

It has been interesting setting up my classroom, juggling the sales in corralation with paydays, with what is donated- it has been interesting! There are still many supplies I need, my classroom is halfway set up, and there is still a lot of paperwork and cleaning to do. I am excited to host the school's first Open House...I'm also a wreck to host it! Pray that I make it through this alive...(and that I get my materials today!) Wish me luck!

In the Swing of Things...

The preschool is coming along! My Relief Society presidency stopped by last night and they were super awesome and didn't judge the state of my house- I told them a preschool is in the works and my house should be ready to go by Thursday OPEN HOUSE DAY! I am just PRAYING my materials make it here in time for it! I am VERY nervous about that. Anyhow, I just had to update all you faithful blog readers and tell you about the progress.

I have recieved AMAZING support from some friends! I was able to get all of my mats, trays, tweezers, tongs, spoons and other accesories from a donation through one awesome friend (again, praying PRAYING they get here by Wednesday!)

Others have donated books, games, art supplies, and some other materials that will greatly benefit these children (thank you thank you thank you!)

Yesterday I even got an amazing easel! I have been itching for an easel, but $200 for an easel right now. Simply impossible. One of my former parents who I ran into the other day donated an amazing easel her kids no longer use along with books, tactile letters, math counting games and some langauge building materials. I was dancing I was so excited- seriously! This is such a HUGE releif!

I still have a few donations to pick up as well, including two table desk witing tops that are going to be amazing, more art supplies, and various other things. I am SO grateful to everyone for their generosity, love and support as I carry out this ambitious task of opening a preschool, singlehandedly, with no money, while my husband is insanely busy- is it crazy? yes, slightly- but who would I be if I didn't do something 'crazy'- after all- Einstein was considered slightly crazy too- but I'm far from Einstein:) So all you donaters (yes you get a tax break;) are also enablers-aiding in my madness- and I am forever grateful to have such wonderful people who love and care about me (and this school) THANK YOU!

The standard Montessori classroom typically costs at LEAST $7000 to set up. I am setting it up for maybe 1/10 of that- and that's even a stretch right now. I've been counting on people's generosity and thier need to 'clean out the closets' or donate $5, $10, $20 ect here and there- it makes a huge difference! There are still some things the school needs and if you have them in your home or are willing or able to donate anything listed below please let me know. Your generosity is greatly GREATLY appreciated. We still need:

2 square ziploc tupperware containers
a tub of brown modeling clay
washable paint in a variety of colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple)
paintbrushes
watercolors
crayons
markers
gluesticks
colored pencils
writing pencils
electric pencil sharpener
construction paper in a variety of colors (red, blue, orange, black, green, purple, yellow, pink, ect.)
art supplies: paper plates, googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, glitter, sequence, gemstones, beads, mini bells
Tissue paper
books
games (hi ho cherry-o, candyland ect. for after school activites)
puzzles

Please let me know if you are willing to donate any of these items to the school. Again,I greatly appreciate all the support and generosity you guys have shown me! Thank you!

PS I will post pictures soon of the classroom, as soon as my materials arrive!

Granted...

Granted- not everything in life is supposed to be easy or fun- I CERTAINLY know that feeling.

But after going through the ordeal with our house, other paperwork, ect and learning HOW to get things done- I mean READING the contracts and fighting tooth and nail to get things 'justly done' I am WIPED OUT- but I am becoming a somewhat amateaur-pro- if that makes any sense. I am learning 'loopholes' and the injustices of Countrywide, credit card agencies ect- and I am starting to come out on top. But I am worn out- this goes beyond typical 'just paying bills' decorum- it is writing letters, making calls and putting on the bulls horns- and I've think I've nearly mastered it- a psuedo lawyer if you will.

Well now my next endeavor is to apply for grants for the school. Now, I love grants- the Pell grant along with some scholarships paid for my education. The process of applying for them was annoying to me at the time- it is NOTHING compared to writing an educational business grant. Now, I hate filling out W2 forms- it's tedious and boring to me- but a necessary evil for sure.

I hate this even more. I now know why more people don't apply for grants- they don't want to put themselves through this hellish ordeal. I'm halfway through one application and I want to gouge my eyes out just for some entertainment- mostof it is I just don't know what they want me to write- its a foreign language- even for an English major! ahhh!

Maybe I'll survive this process and get a little seed money to get supplies- maybe I'll just start a bikini car wash to fundraise- any volunteers willing to wash cars?

Wish me luck- I pray I make it through this alive...

TEN MONTHS

Ten months ago (yesterday) I was in the hospital, holding with one arm my sweet little 8lb bundle of awesomeness. Yesterday she turned ten months old- double didgits here people- TWO WHOLE HANDS! She's officially in the double digits with the months and I feel like it's slipping by too fast. But just when I think she can't get any cuter- BAM! SHE DOES! Some adorable cute things she does now are:

She eats GROWN UP food- like what Ryan and I eat for dinner- I still give her jars, but she's definately more interested in what we're eating- ever since she stole that french fry at Fuddruckers she's like- 'wait, this is so much better than the stuff I get- let me at 'em!' She likes: papa johns pepporoni pizza, chocolate mufffins from Costco, powdered donuts,ice cream, milkshakes, DIET COKE (thanks Paps-ha!)Dr. Pepper (thanks mom! ha!)cake, watermelon, strawberries, occasionally pickles, canteloupe, pasta, FIREHOUSE (she is so our child!) and of course Fudd's and pretty much anything else we give her as long as she can gum it and mash it well. She has a sweet tooth- don't know where she gets that from (ha!) She is a great eater- and she packs it away!

She loves to swim and therefore loves bathtime

She talks like nobody's business- she's moved fro saying 'a-da' to daddee (with a lil zip on the end' mama, shooz (shoes), hapeee (again with the zip at the end), up, puppy, baby, and yesterday in church she said pleeze and thak ewww(I'm going to go on a limb and say she was saying 'thank you') but please WAS clear. I've been asked- how is she so verbal- well have you met her mom? ha! I talk all the time- she gets it from me!

She is (knock on wood) such a sweet, easy going baby! We set up a high chair that clamps onto the counter top for her in library, give her some snacks and she smiles and greets all the members coming in for materials- we call her the assistant librarian. She sits by our feet and just plays quietly in church- I PRAY my next one has a similar temperament- she is so easy going and easy!The only time she is unhappy is when she is cutting a tooth

She has such a funny personality! She laughs loud- and cute! She's already a social butterfly- and she loves to greet everyone

I maintain she's going to be a dancer- she is STILL crazy felxible, and she likes to dance like crazy

Remember a couple of months ago when she did the 'rhino' (breathing while her nose was scrunched up?) now she clicks her tongue- a lot and its FUNNY! Mimzy (Ryan's mom) taught her and she does it ALL the time!

She's already walkiing just holding our fingers barely- I give it a few weeks until she is full on walking- and then she'll be on the move...and I'll be in trouble-ha! she's quick!
She is so sweet and so fun- she has seven teeth now, almost eight- probably this week

I could never imagine how WELL she just FITS with us! She is SUCH a blast- I know I keep saying that but she keeps getting funnier and cuter everyday! I dreaded ten months only because she's not going to be my 'baby' much longer- she's already eating toddler foods- but it is SO FUN- ten months old ROCKS!!!!

Fun note- she shared her ten month mark with her Uncle Steve's birthday yesterday (the 9th) HAPPY BIRTHDAY Uncle Steve! Hailyn LOOOOOOOVES her uncle Steve- and so do we!
And yes- I will post pictures soon! I'm lame I know- still can't find my camera cord...help- I have a LOT of pics but no cord:(

The strength of three men

So I know I haven't been the best blogger lately. I always thought when I wans't working 50 hours a week and I was finished with school I would have all this free time. HA! Motherhood has proved me wrong! I work 24/7, don't get 'sick' days, and still maintain the roles of menu planner 'chef' (in the looser sense of the word, I make sure food gets on the table;) chauffer, laundress (my new term for laundry maiden) accountant (which right now is a juggling act I've nearly perfected_ and an acitvist against robbers (Aka Countrywide;) all while finishing my novel that I am writing- yes I am writing a novel- it's always been a goal of mine to write a novel, and OPENING up a preschool.

To put things in perspective, On Three Men and a Baby- it took THREE men just to raise ONE child- well la de da- a woman (at least this one) has the strength of THREE men and 15 other fulltime jobs. Not to toot my own horn but I feel a lot like Wonder Woman with all the craziness I'm going through- yes I am aware it's self inflicted.

But I like being insanely busy- I always have enjoyed having a TON on my plate- and polishing it off one at a time!

Oh- and working out to lose the last 15 lbs- hooorah to me for making it this far- still a ways to go.

So I'm NEARLY there! I'll keep you posted on my crazy endeavors- right now the goal is to order a bunch of materials and get more shelves(crazy story- huge sigh!) with no dinero- we shall see how that pans out.

My classroom is looking awesome by the way-I'll post pics soon- and I am hosting an Open House on Aug. 20 at 6pm for interested parents- let me know if you want details!

Wish me luck as I knock this all out!

PRESCHOOL JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

As many of you know, I am opening my very own Montessori preschool- and it starts on August 31, 2009!

My mission for the school is provide a quality Montessori expereince for young children, so they are introduced into a nurturing enviornment that is intellectually stimulating.

As a budding new school, I am starting with humble beginnings, and it is very expensive to get started! Many people have asked how they can help me with this goal or opening a Montessori school in a valley where Montessori is not very well known. Therefore, I have included on my sidebar a donation button via paypal- so if you would like to help out, you can do so safely. Any donations received will go towards Monessori materials and building the school. Any donations, even $5 donations are GREATLY appreciated and DO make a big difference!- and again, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and encouraged me along the way- thank you all very much- and thank you for your continued support in making this Montessori preschool a success!

Nine month update

Ok, so we officially went to the doc for her nine month checkup today (only six days later not too bad- we had stuff going on last week!)

Here are the stats
Height: 29 1/2 inches 90-95%
Weight: 18.5 lbs25-50%
Head: 44 inches 50%

So my kid is extrememly long and skinny. I PROMISE I feed her! She eats a ton of baby food and our table food all the time, she's just skinny. So, I am going to introduce juice (finally) I tried at seven months and she wasn't interested (she loved french fries then though!)

I can't decide if she doesn't like the apple juice, the sippy cup or what- we started of with a Nuby sippy cup that was defective and now have the Playtex sippy cups that work GREAT but she isn't interested. Hmmm...

Her iron is good- which is great because when her anemic mom was breastfeeding, I didn't have enough iron in my milk- the Enfamil formula works great!

Speaking of formula I have TWO containers FULL of Similac Soy formula- my daughter isn't a soy baby- and they're good until next year- anyone need Similac Soy formula? Or know anyone that needs it? It's yours, just let me know.

Any thoughts on the sippy cup scenario?

NINE MONTHS OLD!

Nine is DIVINE! Hailyn turned nine months old today and it is SO much fun- I'm going crazy with how FUN it is!

She is full on crawling- no more army crawling for her
She is pulling hersle fup on furniture
She is geting into Bailey's dog food bowl (ahhh I'm watching her CLOSE!)
She has said mama and dada a lot before- but yesterday I swore I heard her say 'shoe'
She used to be a daddy's girl- now she is lovin' her mama (yeah! although sometimes I wish she'd be a 'daddy's girl' for a minute:)
She has her two bottom teeth, two front top teeth and two side fangs
She loves to grab french fries, baked potatoes, anything else she can 'mash' she loves all food (including ice cream!)
She celebratd momma's 25th birthday recently (dad's 27th birthday was in May:)
She celebrated her first 4th of July
She went on her first beach trip to Cali and she LOVED it- she's a beach bum for sure
She LOVES ice cream- loves it! (she is so my daughter:)
She talks ALL the time

We are having SO much fun with her it's crazy- it's going by WAY too fast. I recently went through all her clothes to some to a friend and I nearly cried looking at how LITTLE her 'going home' outfit was and how she SWAM in it- even at 8lbs 4ounces. She was so little- and now she is so big.

We love this little 'narcissit':)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:

As many of you know I am opening up a Montessori Preschool in August (there are still spaces to enroll!)

While I have a majority of the supplies needed for the school, there are still many things I need that would help the school run smoothly. If any of you have these items around and would like to donate them to the school, I would be very appreciative. Leave a comment and we'll figure out a time for me to pick the item(s) up.

Puzzles (appropriate for ages 3-6)
Games (appropriate for ages 3-6)
small spoons, small tweezers
art supplies (pom pom balls, pipe cleaners, glue, glue sticks, construction paper, small scissors)
small plastic trays
vinyl art mats
dress up for 3-6 year olds
CD player
CD's music for 3-6 year olds
libary books for 3-6 year olds
musical instruments for 3-6 year olds (bells, traingles, tamboriunes, ect)
chairs/small couch or bean bag chairs for library area
and I'm going on a stretch but if any of you have a small table with chairs they are no longer using please let me know! (or if there is anything you thik I could use that you would so kindly donate please let me know) thanks a million for all your love and support while I climb a mountain the size of Mt. Everest (at least that's what this feels like!)thakns guys!

CHECK IT

Once again I am struggling uploading pics to blogger- whatever! I have Hailyn's first beach trip and 4th of July pics- as well as some cute pics of my almost nine month old (thursday!) uploaded on flickr- check it out! I will still try and post some on my blog- and I will post pics of my house- as soon as my classroom is set up and pictures are hung- I promise!

Sunglass Justice!

Remember these beautiful BEAUTIFUL sunglasses?



Remember how they were stolen by the Caribbean ocean? Remember how I cried when the ocean swallowed up my beautiful present from my adorable hubby? Remember how I still mourned my sunglasses (yes, I loved them a lot) Goodbye beautiful sunglasses- here's the last documented picture of me wearing them before the ocean stole them...




Well...this morning when I went to make Hailyn a bottle, a long silver box greeted me. A note on tope of the box read: I thought you might like this- another note greeted me inside the box that read: 'after a long, drawn out legal process, the courts found the ocean guilty of theft and therefore responsible for replacement of said stolen item. oh yeah justice'

I have the cutest, sweetest, most thoughtful hubby EVER! I just adore him- I'm so lucky! I love you babe- thanks for pursuing 'legal action'- I LOVE my new sunglasses (Well, new and replaced?) the most thoughtful birthday present EVER! Thanks for being so wonderful!

(discalimer: I love the glasses so much because they were a thoughtful present from my hubby- not because they were glasses themselves- and I love the exact smae pair even more because of the wonderful thoughtfulness- plus they are super cute!)

The BEST 'lemonade' diet...

While I am lazy about finding my camera cord and unpacking my house, I had a random thought.

Many of you know I used to work here when I first got married. I was on my feet, constantly moving, stomping the heck out of that lemonade. I also ate there-every time I worked. Cheese on a stick, Hot do on a stick, fries andof course cups and cups of the sugary lemonade. I went on the (Master Cleanse) lemonade diet back in January- the HDOS lemonade is way better...
So, how much weight did I gain working there?

Not a single ounce.

A part of me wants to work there again- the best 'diet' I've ever been on.

(and yes, I did wear the funny uniform, hat and all)
(and yes, I STILL drink the sugary lemonade and no I won't tell you how much sugar is in it- a lot!)
Oh and I told people I was a manager for HDOS Enterprises- which is the truth:)

Peace of Mind

So, my house is coming together and thanks to Keri who slaved away and used her genuis brain (thanks again- a million times for letting me 'use' your brain today! I OWE you- had fun with the kiddos too!:) my house is less junkified, and ideas for a beautiful space is well in the works- I will post pics soon- I still have to find that pesky cord. Keri, again, I envy how you look at a space and see things I NEVER could- I love you for it. I have been beating my head against a wall with what to put where and how to do things and in two minutes you have a genuis plan- one that clicks, makes sense, and should've been there all along. Your interior desginer brain is absolutely amazing! I love you to peices- thank you again!

So I am now entering a calmer piece of mind- I have little left to 'put away' I know WHERE I want to put it- and the rest involves hanging up curtains, pictures, mirrors, ect. I think my house will be completely put together by WEDNESDAY! That's right I said Wednesday.

There is nothing better than order and structure within a home. I know thatI just FEEL better, more at peace, when my home is in order and it is warm and inviting (and aesthetically beautiful) an interior designers brain is different than my own (Keri:) but it is one I need to borrow knowledge from now and again- Keri, I learned a lot today (and had fun doing it too!)

So my home is become my peaceful sanctuary once again. Order and beauty are replacing chaos and plastic bins.

Life is falling into place...and I'm loving it! Visitors welcome!:)

Costco v. Sam's Club

Now that we don't live within walking distance of Costco, we are back to sqaure one swapping between BOTH Sam's Club and Costco- and we are torn. So here are pros and cons of both:
Costco:
PROS:
we have a membership
they have the mix and match muffins
they have my Hawaiian Chicken Bowls
Enfamil Lipil Formula is currently on sale for 24.99 for 38ounces- sweet!
they have better hot dogs

CONS:
they are now far away
the lines SUCK!

Sam's Club:
PROS
Enfamil formula is always 27.99 for 38 ounces (Costco is normally 30.98)
the have Hailyn's Gerber baby food 2nd in bulk in fruit and vegetable packs-awesome
they have TGI Friday's Cheddar and Bacon Potato Skin Chips
the lines were not long
I can usually 'check in' on my brother who works there-awesome!

CONS:
we DON'T have a memebership (we 'borrow' my mother in laws- yes I'm that 'frugal' we used to have memberships to both!:)
they don't have my cheesesticks (Costco does)
they don't have my chocolate chip chocolate muffins

So as you can see there are pros and cons to both- overall- I was VERY happy to go to Sam's today as oppossed to Costco- and I think our Costco trips may be fewer and longer in between (if anyone ever wants to go to Costco call me up and let me know!) It is now a 'trip' to go-sigh.

I know this post just THRILLS you- but I needed something 'light' to blog about while I search for my camera cord and escape (momentarily) the aspects of opening up a school in the fall.

School Names!

So, now that we know where we are living and I have the space, I am working on setting up my classroom. I decided to change the name of the school, because I really think this school has potential to expand, and I want a name that is going to 'fit'. Some ideas I have are:

Southern Valley Montessori or
Desert Valley Montessori


I am open to new suggestions and your input- GRACIAS!

Eight is Grrrrreat!!

Well, Hailyn turns eight months on the ninth (tomorrow) and while I need to take pics and upload them- I cannot find my camera cord- ohhh the joys of moving. I WILL find it and post pics soon, as well as update you all on our lives. It sure has been a busy month!

Hailyn goes in for her final kideny test tomorrow- they were supposed to do it when they did the ultrasound but in a lapse of judgement, they don't have nurses at that particular Steinberg Diagnostics to do that particular test. So tomorrow we go to another one. Her ultra sound and other tests have come out wonderfully- nothing to report- and hopefully tomorrow's test will be the same.

People say that you won't be able to know about your child's personality until later on. I knew the minute she was born and she wasn't screaming but calmly looking around and observing everyone that that would NOT be the case. I knew my daughter would be observant of everyone, extremely aware of her surroundings, quick to love those that love her, wanting to party until she is so tired she is forced to bed and a chatterbox. She is the sweetest, smiling, sassy, smart, very aware of herself, surroundings and others, and loves to laugh.

The minute she was born I knew instantly she belonged in OUR family. I always wondered how a child(ren) would fit in with Ryan and I's life- we were SO happy being just us two- and Hailyn has honestly only added to our happiness and love. It was as though she were 'custom' made for us- she just fit right in- and I knew she spent a lot of time with my mom in heaven, because sometimes she gives me a smile or an expression and I know it's my mom sending a quick little 'hello' to me. She even has my mom's eye coloring. I also know she was having fun playing with grandma in heaven- because the girl took her sweeeeeet time coming to her earthly home! sheesh girl! such a diva to take her time!

Life has been wonderful, busy, crazy, a tad stressful and awhile lot of wonderful lately- I PROMISE to post pics as soon as I find my camera cord- and thank you to EVERYONE for all your love and support of us during this 'transitional' time! Love you all!

Waiting Game...

So, Hailyn has to go in for more testing next week and an ultrasound to make sure her kidneys are working properly. I am chalking it up to they want to make extra certain my little girl is 'perfect'. I think she's fine- and I've learned to harness and listen to my 'mommy gut'. It's usually right on (I think the Spirit may have an influence on that as well).

So my life consists of dealing with ridiculous people, fixing thier mistakes (trained 'professionals-whatever!) and dealing with a possible move, possible career changes, and writing like a mad woman and navigating 'motherhood'. The 'uncertain' path that is ahead of us in the next couple of months was driving me a little crazy- I am a planner to the "T" and this 'maybe this will happen or maybe that will happen' is DEFINATELY a test for me. I like to plan my life down to the last detail, and I am constantly being reminded that Heavenly Father has His own plan for me so I need to quit being so stubborn and go with the flow (which is why I think Ryan and I ended up together- he is my ying to my yang). In my defense, I have been the only one to look out for me in my life- so I don't know any different, and I'm proud of the 'progress' I've made in being more 'flexible' with life plans. (I'm certain I'm not alone here) life never really turns out the way you plan it to-and for a good reason. God's plan is always better.

So my life is like a giant waiting game right now...and surprisingly I'm ok with that! So that's our deal right now...neither of us has a clue! HA! Life sure is grand though...

Seven is Heaven!

Wow! I've been so busy I spaced talking about my little angel. Hailyn is now seven months old- and we celebrated Mother's Day the same weekend- awesome! So on Hailyn's six month mark she cut her first tooth- on her seventh month mark- here's number two! She has her two bottom teeth and we think she'll be getting more soon- the ridges are ready- my little teething monster!



So Hailyn sits up by herself but not for too long...she scoots forwards and backwards but has for a while...but she gets her legs underneath her and gets mad because she gets stuck. It's pretty cute. I actually wonder if she'll crawl at all, she may just start walking (like me- I did the same thing!) so we'll see what happens- she loves to scoot backwards in church underneath the chairs in front of us whgile trying to reach forward and touch my toes
(she loves the bright colors I paint them- she usually has a matching color- mommy daughter pedicures!)



Aside from teething, she is the sweetest, easiest baby ever! She is so sweet and LOVES people- and her laugh absolutely melts my heart. She has her daddy's smile and my mother's eyes, and she has my feet. I think she'll be a dancer too, like me- she's tall and skinny and likes to move her body!



She has eaten rice cereal, oatmeal (which she likes better than rice cereal), pears, peaches, apricots, green beans (which she did not like too well) sweet potatoes, applesauce, carrots, bananas, banana pudding and she really likes Dr. Pepper (he he- she's only had a sip of it and she liked it a lot-yeah we know good parenting) We are going to introduce the sippy cup soon and juice (I don't want to rush things) probably this week.



She is a daddy's girl for sure! She's been feeling crummy this week with teething and once daddy gets home, immediately she goes to him, the sit on the couch and cuddle and she's content there in her daddy's arms. I love seeing them together, Ryan is such a good father...and Hailyn sure loves him (and so do I;) She says dadadada all the time- except when she isn't feeling well and then she says mamamama- we just love her to pieces...



I need to better about writing things down- time is going by so fast! I also need to be better about uploading pictures...I'll work on it!

Scary Mama Drama

Soooooo Hailyn's been running a fever with teething- no sweat, Motrin, Orajel, the works and ride it out right?

Well, today when I got Hailyn up from her nap she was blue, and shivering- I pick her up and she's burning hot. I knew in my gut this was more than teething. I give her a swig of Motrin, grab my diaper bag (note I didn't PACK the diaper bag I just grabbed it!)

I RUSH her to the doctor- I mean RUSH her- Ryan is working on a friend's house and didn't take his phone. I call my sweet mother in law and she meets me at the doctor.

Her first words: She doesn't look good hon.

I know! I'm SHAKING I'm so scared- the whole car ride over I am worried because I don't hear a peep out of her. Ryan's mom calls Ryan's dad and he drives over to where Ryan is to go get him ( I LOOOOOVE my in laws!!!!) I check her in and I'm trying not to break down and Ryan's mom is comforting her.

Because of her high fever she is seen IMMEDATELY- no wait at all. 103.8 AFTER the Motrin- ahhh! So we go to see the doctor and I'm expecting to hear ear infection or ear ache. Nothing. They need to run tests. They will do a urine test (which means putting a catehter in my tiny baby girl) to see if it's a kideny problem and if not, they'll do an X-Ray- if nothing comes up then it's off to the peds ER. I am trying not to cry. Hailyn is doing enough crying for the both of us. I go to prepare a bottle- I have ONE formula packet and NO water- note I didn't PACK the diaper bag- I get ahold of Ryan and he brings some more formula. After the urine test we found out Hailyn has a kidney issue- we're trying out a certain medication and if that doesn't work we'll re-assess her treatment- and thankfully we caught it early (we hope).

Fortunately my home teacher is our pharmacist (and we LOVE him) and when I went to pick up meds, he filled it for her immediately (and he wasn't even supposed to be working today- tender mercy I think) and he's coming to visit us tomorrow! It's nice to have him a phone call and a street away.

So now we are in for a long couple of nights- we hope this medicine fixes her kidney problem...I need to take her to the pediatrician next week.

I am exhausted, and tired, and praying my sweet little girl feels better soon.

I NEVER want to see that again...but I know it's only the start with the mama worries...

Lucy- you've got some 'splanin' to do!

As many of you know, I am an "I Love Lucy" fan. I admire how Lucille Ball was one of the first 'women comedianne' pioneers of her time, with a classic comedy show in the fifties.

I always laughed at the 'innocence' of that time. Lucy and Ricky, for example, slept in seperate beds.

I know think this is a revolutionary and brilliant idea.

We recenlty purchased new satin sheets (70% off! woohoo!) so excited about the steal of a deal and the fact that our lovely Eyptian Cotten sheets had a huge tear in them, I was excited to try out the sheets and get a fabulous (and much needed) night of sleep. *This also stems from the fact that I have battle with a good night sleep as it is almost every night-not because of my daughter who normally sleeps really well, but because I've struggled for years

So my hubby suddenly decides he LOVES to hog all the sheets. This left me freezing cold last night. I got maybe four hours of sleep last night.

Maybe Ricky and Lucy (Ryan and Lacie- gotta love alliteration!) were on to something. Perhaps thier arrangmenet wasn't about propriety, but the fact that Ricky hogged the sheets and Lucy was tired of being freezing cold. She was a pioneer for women comedians, why not a revolutionary idea of seperate sheets. Maybe Lucy was ahead of her time, she probably got tired of being cold.

Once Ryan left for work I tried to get more sleep, but once it's light out forget about it.

Now I've got to decide, keep the sheets that were a steal-and he loves (even though my hubby wraps himself in them, leaving me to shiver) or look for a more shareable alternative. I LOOOOOOVE my hubby, and I won't resort to seperate beds, but I can see the appeal (from a shivering in the night perpective).

Ohhhh what to do?

On Motherhood...

So the inevitable Mother's Day is approaching on Sunday. I have never been a big fan of this holiday for personal reasons, but as a new mom, I felt I needed to TRY and embrace the holiday slowly but surely. Instead of focusing on what I don't have, I try and focus on all mothers and the amazing things they do everyday- the small, unnoticed, somewhat trivial and yet all too important tasks they do every single day.

When I was teaching (50+ hours a week) and going to school (24 credits a semester) and compleating my Montessori certification, I thought wow, I can't wait to be a stay at home mom- it'll be a cake walk next to this packed schedule I have.

I said that prior to having a child. My baby girl is sweet, easy going, and normally it's a breeze to go through day to day life with her (with minor adjustments)- it's a different story when she's teething. I will now declare this statement to the world- I have never been busier and my life has never been crazier than it is right now. I am certainly eating those words, thinking that being a stay at home mom would be less busy than my 80 hour work week.

As a mom, I can't call in sick (although my husband can). As a mom I HAVE to feed her, even when I don't feel well, I have to make sure my daughter's needs are taken care of. Yes I am aware that my needs are a priority and I have that in line, it's just a matter or you can't do what you want to do when you want to do it. And sometimes, you listen to whining...a lot of whining...and when your husband is sick, it's even more whining...

My house is never clean. Ever. I 'get on top of things' and I turn around and BAM- it's a disaster again...grrr...Yes my daughter is seven months old and can't make that much of mess, but yet it happens all the same.

So my eighty hour work week is now 24/7- just like all moms out there. I realize starting a business is hard to do, especially when you are moving and taking care of all the details is another full-time job altogether.

So as much as I typically do not enjoy this day(I usually ditch church this day...there I said it...yes bad mormon Lacie) it is STILL hard for me. But I am trying to become the best mother I possibly can be to my sweet little girl. But that gets me thinking...

Will I have the strength to let her learn from her own mistakes? Will I have the courage for her to face obstacles in the world? Will I have the discipline to make her work hard, and not spoil her, so she learns how to function in the world? For her to know joy, she'll have to learn pain- or will she be wise enough to learn from mistakes others have made? I want my daughter to grow up and be selfless, kind, smart, savvy, to marry a wonderful man, to know the joys and heartache of raising her own family, and most importantly to stay close to her Heavenly Father. The question is, do I have it in me to be this kind of mother? Losing a mother gives you a perspective that nothing else can compare to- and sadly, it's a lesson learned when it's too late.

I guess I'll take it day by day...

Being a mother stirs up all these crazy emotions inside me, especially this time of year. This is the first year I am viewing mother's day in a new light...to honor all those selfless women who sacrifice for others. For all of you lucky enough to have your mothers (even if you have dysfunctional and imperfect relationships) realize they are human, they make mistakes, and cherish and learn from them while you can.If your lucky enough, give your mom a hug, call her on the phone. I hope all women, those who give to others selflessly, enjoy thier mother's day...

HATS!

-MOMMY (DOUBLE full-time 24/7)
-Wife (full-time as well)
-Chauffer
-'Chef' (this includes buying food, planning meals ane executing said meals)
-Maid (my house was so much cleaner when I worked outside the home and didn't have a baby)
-Landscaper (ok, I REALLY need to work on this more but hey it still gets done-sort of)
-Accountant- and that currently includes ADDED stress with Countrywide...ugh...and paying bills, balancing a checkbook ect. people hire LAWYERS to deal with this garbage...
-personal assistant- this includes making sure everyone has doct. appointments scheduled and all other needs met
- school counselor (people are hired full-time for this job, yet it falls on me to make sure my husband's school things are in order- why? I still don't have an answer for you!)
-therapist- nuf said (another full-time gig)
-and I am currently finishing writing my novel (another full-time deal)AND opening my Montessori school in the fall
-oh, and church jobs- serving in RS and getting my visiting teahing done

so if I added these jobs up and was making the salaries of all these positions, I would be a MULTI-MILLIONARE! Women, we wear a lot of hats- because we CAN (and we sort of have to) Men can only focus on one task at a time- no offense men, it is the way it is... Here's to women and our many hats we wear!

I SURRENDER!

I'm pretty sure I'm giving up 'couponing'. I suck at it. I've TRIED REALLY hard. I don't NEED to Sunday papers- it was a waste. I am going to stick to online coupons and in store coupons and 'junk mail' but I do not need two, repeat TWO sunday papers!

I will still but deals, I will still do it to an extent but I haven't saved any money on food except Diet Coke- there's something wrong there.

I don't quit things- so I'm going to say I'm 'lessening' my enthusaism for it. Go ahead people, try and convice me otherwise. But as of right now I need a personal assistant, a personal shopper, a maid and a chef.

ANNIVERSARY UPDATE!

Ok, so our five year anniversary was on friday- we had WAY too much fun! Ryan ditched class on Friday and we ate at Fuddruckers (yum!) and then we dropped the baby off Saturday morning and ate at Firehouse- yeah! then we caught a movie, went to the fashion show mall and shopped a bit (or rather looked at things) then we ate at Stripburger- SO good (we didn't have time to eat our fancy dinner yet- we'll do that another time). After we scarfed our food down at Stripburger we went to see the BLue Man Group. My brother in law tried out and if he had some drum experience under his belt they would've snatched him up soon- it is totally his element. We had a BLAST at Blue Man. After picking up the most awesome fudge cake from Stripburger, we went and checked into our room at the South Point.

After waiting half and hour, we get to our room only to find people were STAYING in there- after a 'word' with the supervisor we were upgraded to a SUITE! It wasn't as lavish as where we stayed when we got married (the most beautiful room at Mandalay Bay) but it was pretty amazing nonetheless. The room was still bigger than our first apartment!

We also ate at BJ's and the food is absoltely amazing! We also caught another movie State of Play. It was a WONDERFUL weekend and when we went to pick Hailyn up she didn't miss us at all. She was spoiled rotten all weekend and she LOVES her Mimzy, Paps and Aunt Kylee. Thank you a million times for watching her (I know it was torture for you guys- haha!) Hailyn loved all the attention and snuggles and love and it was wonderful to spend a weekend with my hubby love. Five years, wow! It was a WONDERFUL anniversary! (thanks parents for making the anniversary possible!)

I've been Married for...A WHOLE HAND (FIVE YEARS!)

Say what? That's right FIVE years ago (hence the title of the blog.) These two cute younging's knew they HAD to be together forever...



So they made sealed thier lovefor time and all eternity in the Las Vegas Nevada Temple on April 24, 2004...





So, they got married, bought a WAY overpriced house and then had one of these...


Our family grew! On October 9,2008 we welcomed this cutie pie, Hailyn into our family...



On April 24, 2004, I married my best friend, my constant companion, my love, my everything. We have been through a lot ( A LOT) in the past five years, and through it all, we have laughed, cried, smiled and enjoyed the journey.

(Prepare for some serious mushy-ness)
Ryan, thank you for teaching me how to love again. Thank you for teaching me love is possible. Thank you for your patience, your tenderness, your thoughtfulness, your presence. Thank you for the best five years of my life so far. Thank you for the rest of eternity! It's amazing to think about and I'm looking forward to taking the journey with you!

Hailyn and I could not be any luckier to have you in our lives. You are the best husband, and the best father- and my very best friend.

A LOT happened in between...I graduated college, earned my Montessori certification, Ryan's finishing up school, I'm writing a book, we bought an overpriced ridiculous Enlgish bulldog and now we are enjoying our daughter and 'the good dog' Bailey. No matter what changes happen, I know you are by my side. It's been a crazy busy five years, and a wonderful five years- and I can't wait for the next twenty, fifty, and forever with my best friend, my love, my everything. I love you babe- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Now it's time to drop the baby off and go CELEBRATE!

Good things...

Hailyn loves her play gym...the best part...the tags. They are for eating!

Chillin' at Mimzy's house! Look at that smile! LOVE IT!

Mimzy gave Hailyn a pedicure today- so cute!

Splish Splash

So, the other day Brandi and Nicci invited us to go swimming...it was Hailyn's first time in the pool. The water was a little chilly so we didn't go too far but she LOVED it- Hailyn is a fish- or she will be. It was so fun swimming with the girlies!