Overwhelmed

So, I must admit I have been feeling very overwhelmed as of late. I don't like to post these kinds of things, because I really try to be positive. I feel like I have a tendency to look at the negative in life rather than the positive. This is very much a weakness for me. I really have to make an effort to have a good attitude every day.

I almost feel like I am drowning. Some of my stresses as of late include a dirty house, lack of patience with my kids, keeping finances straight, feeling like I am not teaching my children enough about life and the gospel, forgetting prayers and scripture study(both personal and family), and much more. I just feel like I can never catch up with everything and get organized.

So, here is the deal. I have decided that if you help me out, I will help you out and then you can help someone else out(if you choose). Sort of like a pay if forward deal, but it is up to you to pay it forward. I am not going to hold you to doing so. I would like any of you to leave me a comment as to what you do to become more organized/not feel so overwhelmed. It can be anything. In return, I will pick a winner, or two, or three to sew something for. You can choose for whom I sew the item, but you can not pick the item. I will make a cute little pinny dress for your daughter, or some p.j. pants for you, or perhaps a cute little monster appliqued on a shirt for your little monster. We will see what I come up with. So, come on all you fabulous people and help me out!

Just a little side note.....you can expect your little gift within the next three months. Thanks for all of your help!

WOW! ...... Click on the link below!

ONE OF THE MOST MOVING THINGS I HAVE SEEN.

Video of Woman Singing.

After you watch it, come back and tell me if you didnt almost do something that rhymes with "dry".
Wow! Very, very moving.

Superb Fantasy Football Commercials

If you like football, you'll love these.

Excessive Celebration

Make sure you watch the whole thing.

Michael's New Movie Blog

Michael has started a new blog about movies. You can see it here.

T.E.N.

What can I say? I am OLD! My first child is now in the double digits. Caden turned ten on the 25th. We didn't do too much on his Birthday, because I was a brave mother and decided that I should throw Caden a party. This was his first official Bday party. We have always lived in apt. complexes and places that he never really had any friends that he played with much. Now that we live in a house and he lives in the same neighborhood as his school and church friends, it all worked out. Today was the magical day. He was terribly excited and I wanted to make it special. I saw a cake (thanks to Jandi) a little while ago that I fell in love with. Caden really liked it, so we planned the party around the cake. The theme of the party was Knights and Dragons. When the kids arrived, I had some shields cut out of cardboard that they got to decorate themselves. We had just three little tasks (games) that they had to play in order to become "knighted". I made
some really cool helmets to go along with their swords, shields and gold. Caden had a blast! Happy Birthday Caden! We love you!

Sir Caden slaying the dragon.

Awesome Commercials for Eclipse Gum

This is for my Cousann Maria!!!

Funny, Funny

ING

There has been a lot of ING going on in our house lately. For example, Michael has been writING, I have been gardenING and couponING. What a busy life we lead!

Michael has decided to once again take and release some of his creative energy. This time he is involving Caden. They are writing 10 short and silly stories with Caden being the illistrator. It has been fun to watch them work together to make this happen.

Yes, it is true folks. I have decided to start couponing and boy am I loving it! I have signed up for couponsense and it is already saving us a ton of money! Call me crazy, but it's true. About a week ago, I got all of this for FREE!

My amazing parents flew down to help me out with my garden. My mom said, "If you are going to do it, do it right." And boy, did we ever! My dad purchased a tiller, mulch and everything we needed to put in a drip system. It was a lot of work, but it looks beautiful and I could not be happier!

Happy Birthday Weston!

Saturday was Weston's 3rd Birthday. He had everything he wanted for his special day. He had Birthday hats, cake and his sweet Grandma here. Who could ask for more, right? He was so excited when we put his cake in front of him. We lit the candle and started to sing Happy Birthday. He slowly sunk in his seat and started to cry. It really upset him that we were singing to him!? Strange, I know. Grandma had to try and soothe him. She brought Hannah over to help him blow out the candle. Michael ended up blowing the candle out. Other than the break down with the cake, I think he had a good day. We love you Weston!

A new set of eyes

Caden has begged and begged me to get him contacts. Now, let's be real. He is only 9....nearly 10. But, does that age scream responsibility? Not really. He has broken a pair of glasses every year due to sports, rough housing and just plain teasing everyone. Today, I gave in. I felt like I had explained to him over and over what exactly contacts would entail. Plus, our insurance would not cover both contacts and glasses. He had to make a decision. Contacts it was. There is no going back. He either has to wear the contacts or broken glasses. For now, he LOVES them. I hope it stays that way, 'cause he sure has some beautiful blue eyes!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you all enjoyed your day as much as Hannah!

Hannah's first pigtails

For the Kids

After having the in-laws down last week, spending the weekend in St. Johns and finally getting sick kids better, I am posting. This one is for the kids.

Just a couple of nights ago, Caden came to me with this paper.

He had created a pamphlet to go along with a museum he put together in the front room. He was my little tour guide and showed me all of the significant pieces in this museum. They consisted of the sleeping boy(Weston really fell asleep on the floor), a harmonica, marshmallow gun, miniature car, and the leaning tower of Macaroni and Cheese(made from the boxes in the pantry). I laughed so hard! It was sooo cute!

Here is just another testament to the fact that I probably show the kids way too much television! Weston has watched an episode of Blue's Clue's where they all make up games. Joe made up a game called "Presto change Joe". Joe says that phrase, disappears off screen and comes back with something different about him. Well, yesterday on our way home from the store Weston says, "Presto change Joe". I see him take his crocs off and insert one of the heels of the shoe inside the other shoe. He then holds it up to his ear like a phone and says, "Hello! What are you doing today?"

To go along with that story, Weston took Hannah's necklace from her this morning and ran. He took it over to the couch and placed it under some pillows. He looked at me and said, "You'll never find it now! Hahaha!" For those of you that don't have kids that watch Dora, this is what Swiper says when he "swipes" something from Dora and hides it. That kid cracks me up!

And poor Hannah! She is finally feeling better and wanting to play. I was writing my grocery list when I see her trying to climb on the piano bench. She slipped off, fell on her back and the bench came with her landing smack on her eye. Poor thing cried and cried and now she has one beautiful black eye. Note to self: Keep the piano bench UNDER the piano at all times!

Bringing back Christmas

I must confess that the day after Christmas, I was depressed. I became even MORE depressed when I turned on the radio and there was no more Christmas music to be heard. Now, I realize that Christmas has been over for almost a month now, but I miss it. It is my favorite time of year. So, here is a video that I was introduced to last year. Maybe some of you have seen it...possibly all of you. But, it is wonderful and will hopefully bring back some of your Christmas feelings so I am not all alone.

Too Much Sugar + Too Much Blues Clues

A New Year's Just Begun!

Time seems to go faster as I get older. I still remember when I was in High School and thought that the year 2000 would never come. Yet, it has come and gone....quickly. Many things have changed and continue to change. As for my New Year's resolutions, I have none. Well, I guess I can't say none. I must admit I am not one for the New Year's resolutions. Instead, I started a new family tradition for Christmas time. It is the time that we celebrate the birth of Christ and read about the many gifts that were brought in celebration. Christ gave us the greatest gift of all. I figure in replacement of New Year's resolutions, we give our "gift" to Christ. I made a box that is mod podged and wrapped with a beautiful ribbon. Inside is a picture of Jesus Christ and it says, "My Gift to Christ". We all wrote on a piece of paper what our "gift" to Him would be throughout this next year. So, in a sense it is a resolution for the new year, but with a spiritual twist. I will get the box out for next years decorations and replace the old paper with a new one. I hope we can keep it going!

New Year's Eve was pretty uneventful. We decided to be spontaneous and go visit Grandma and Grandpa Bast in St. Johns for the weekend. I cleaned and packed on New Year's Eve and we headed out in the morning. We had a lot of fun up there. We kept ourselves busy playing games, watching movies and we even went to the mountains for some tubing! It was fun and I would have stayed longer if I did not have little kids. As you can see, the outfits are awesome! Ellen got out her 80's gear and that is what we wore. Weston looked great in his pink outfit and Caden was teased for wearing his mom's boots. We drove hom Sunday morning through some snow and rain storms.

Monday afternoon Grandma and Grandpa Webster flew in to town and we met them for dinner. My mom took me shopping for some new clothes and we also went to the zoo with the kids. They all seemed to enjoy the zoo and seeing all the animals. It was so much fun to see my mom, since I don't see her all that often. With all the pictures taken, I didn't get one with either my Mom or Dad. How pathetic!



Needless to say, we enjoyed all the visits and I am pooped! I think the kids got an overload of grandparents. They have only been whining the last couple of days and I am about ready to change my name. No more mom....maybe Georgina?

Catching up...again!

I have neglected my blog. I know. I feel really bad. Well, maybe not that bad. I was just enjoying the Holiday break with family and good food! So, here are a few things that have happened in the last little bit.

The weekend before Christmas, Michael's family came to stay with us for the weekend. We had such a great time with them. I love when they come. My mother-in-law is like my "out", I like to say. I love when she is here and spending time with her. We watched some movies, went shopping and ate some yummy food. We had Michael's uncle come over with his kids on Sunday for some good food. I made this fabulous recipe that is just like the Cafe Rio sweet pork salad. It is so delicious! Everyone loved it! My Dad stopped by with some more Christmas gifts. We all chatted and then read the story of Christ's birth.

On Christmas Eve, I decided to get the house nice and clean for Santa to come. It is so much nicer to wake up to a clean house, open presents and then take a nap. I opened the front door to run the garbage outside and when I returned, there was a bird in our house. It must have been hiding from the rain outside and flew in while I was emptying the trash. It took us a good 15 minutes to get the bird out of the house. What an adventure!

Santa did decide to stop by our house with a few things. The kids enjoyed opening presents and playing with each other. I enjoyed taking a nap!

In other news, my garden has been doing well. At least until the freeze a couple of nights ago. My tomato plants froze and look horrible! I think a little part of the plant survived. Maybe we can keep it going? My broccoli is still great! I have already harvested a couple of heads and I am so excited they did so well!

This is such a good time of year to go outside, since the summer is way too hot. However, when it rains here, our backyard stays wet for a long time. It does not see very much sun. And it is still just dirt. Not a great combination. But, I figured the kids should be able to go outside and play to their hearts content while I watered the plants. Hannah did not hesitate one bit. She got sooooo muddy.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, just as we did!

What I learned today

My children teach me so many things each day. Today, as I was cooking lunch, I could smell something burning. I knew it was not the rice in the pot, or the chicken in the microwave. I thought maybe it was some residue from ribbon on the burner. (When I sew with ribbon, I burn the edges so they don't unravel.) It was not that. The smell kept getting stronger and stronger. I knew I needed to figure out what it was before the house burned down. I went up the stairs...and the burning smell became stronger. I followed my nose in to Caden's room. The lamp was on and something was in it....with a little smoke coming out. This is what I saw.

So, today, I learned that legos and lightbulbs don't compliment each other very well. He had put one of his bionicle legos in the lamp so that Weston would not touch it. So much for that. It does not look like that guy will be played with much more.

Maybe Santa will bring some more legos this Christmas?

Giving and Giving!

Michael noticed a few days ago that I have not posted in a bit. He then asked me if I was going to post on my Birthday. Of course I said, "NO! How lame is that? I just want to wish myself a Happy Birthday today!" However, it is my Birthday today and I am posting. Not to wish myself a good one....now that I am 30 (very old!), but because I have been so overwhelmed with goodness in my life!
I am so blessed to be born to goodly parents who truly love the Lord and love me unconditionally. They so selflessly give of themselves to any of their children when in need. They are enormous examples of faith and how living the gospel brings us happiness! I am so blessed to be given the chance to be born at this time when the gospel has been restored and in this country where I can worship how, where and what I may. I am surrounded by good people who love me. My wonderful husband and children who are so patient of my LACK of patience. I have been given kind and loving siblings and friends. I think I forget how much goodness there really is in this deteriorating world. I have been humbled with the giving and giving of so many as of late. Thank you Mom and Dad, Rich and Ellen, Michael, Becky, Andrea and to all my wonderful friends. You all give me something, whether you know it or not. It is the season of giving and I can only hope that I can give back a smidgen of what I have received from all of you. Thank you all and I love you with all my heart!

P.S. I have decided that I have a complex about posting pictures. I have a hard time posting without a picture or video. So, you get a random picture that we discovered over Thanksgiving of Michael and I going disco bowling....back in the day. This picture was taken about 11 years ago and obviously has nothing to do with the post. But, what can I say? I NEED to post a picture.

Post for Antha

Yesterday, Michael mentioned that he needed a creative outlet. We talked for a while about things he could do using his creative energy considering the limited amount of time available in his busy life. I really like this story he had started as a screenplay some time ago. I think I have convinced him that he should write a book about this story. He is such a talented writer and I think it would be a great book. I am not sure if all of this talking sparked some childhood memories or what, but just a few minutes later he was outside digging in the dirt. He was building a fort with the kids! I actually got involved by gathering some tree limbs to build the forest. I had to take some pictures. After taking some pictures, Michael told me that this post would be for his cousin Antha. He and Anthony used to build forts like this all the time. So, this is for you Antha. Michael is passing on the tradition to his boys!

Hannah came in the house with some dirt on her mouth. I figure she ingested a good amount of protein!

P.S. Michael started writing last night....and can I just tell you he is amazing! I am really excited to keep him writing!

The Season has ended!

And boy am I glad! I love that my son enjoys football and has a talent for it! It's just all the driving for practices and games. They start off the season practicing 5 days a week for 2 hours. This lasts for the whole month of August. It's finally cut down to 2 days a week for 2 hours with a game every Saturday. Now, if you ask me, I would say, "They are only nine for crying out loud!" But, it's over and I don't have to worry about driving him to and from football. Michael will miss the early Saturday mornings with a doughnut and newspaper waiting for the game to start. And watching the game, of course! Caden only had one game he did not score for the team! He did great and his team finished the season 6 and 4.....and the Queen Creek Champions! Way to go Caden! We are so proud of you!

Canadian Police Chase!

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Mini Michael

Just a couple of nights ago, we had He-Man cartoons blaring on the television. (oh my....I forgot how cheesy those were) Michael was so impressed that Weston had picked this dvd out for me to turn on that he left the room and came back a few minutes later with some old He-Man toys for him to play with. Along with that was a box of memorabilia. Picture after picture....we laughed and reminisced. And then he pulled this picture out.

Oh, my! How much does this little guy look like him?

Pretty much identical.....I would say.

And for those of you that do not know Michael very well, he is a tease! He loves to hold his kids down, pull their arms up and lightly bite their belly to tickle torture them. He even loves to pull their little shirts up exposing the belly button to tease them even more. So, I bet you are wondering what this has to do with Weston being somewhat similar to his father. Well, I captured this on my camera today. Just for your info.....no coaxing was involved on my part. This was purely little Weston at work!