Pockets full of this and that

Marcus

2011-03-10T14:49:00.001-08:00

Marcus!

He's my baby.

He never sleeps.

He never eats.

He drinks a lot of milky milk.

He is always running, jumping, and flipping.

He loves music, especially the song Dynamite.

He loves his sister Jillian the very best.

When I come home from anywhere he says, "Mom I missed you"

He is really picky about his clothes.

He loves Buzz and Woody.

He wants to play with his cousin Nathan every day.

He loves his moose jammies.

When he has to go the bathroom he says, "I have to go potty really bad"

He spends a lot of time in his room throwing tantrums.

He loves to cuddle with Mom and watch Pink Panther on his itouch.

He is so sweet when he wants to be.

He is three.

Boys Adrift

2011-03-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

I got this book from the library, yesterday.

I haven't even cracked the cover.

For some reason just having it in my house

makes me feel like I am moving in the right direction.

I have no idea if it will help but I am hopeful.

My oldest is stressing me out.

(I am for the most part, not someone who stresses.)

I am a pretty calm laid back Mom.

I don't freak out if I don't know exactly where one of my kids is.

I don't panic if my kids fail their spelling tests.

I rarely lose sleep over a disobedient child,

but my 11 year old is really stressing me out.

He seems to be looking for my freak out buttons

and then systematically pressing them over and over again.

He has not done anything major,

just little things,

like lighting matches in the basement,

opening a facebook account without permission under a fake name,

obsessing over Eminem,

little things like that.

Nothing that should really make me overly concerned,

except I am!

I have a feeling.

I have a bad feeling.

I have a really bad feeling that he is going to be just like me.

I'm not saying I was all bad, or even mostly bad, or even really bad at all, but I was a follower.

I had trouble with the "having a mind of my own" thing.

I think he is lot like me in this area.

I am praying,

I mean really praying,

that he will find some good friends that will help him grow and become who he wants to be.

Not necessarily who I want him to be,

but who he really wants to be.

(I wouldn't be sad at all if that lined up with who I want him to be!)

I love him,

but I am scared for him,

and for me.

They are 10!

2011-02-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

It's my twins birthday today.

They are 10.

I can't believe it.

I have spent 10 years enjoying them.

I don't remember a lot of the first few years.

You make think I am over exaggerating, but I'm not.

I really don't remember.

I really wish I did.

I remember that Riley was harder than Jillian.

I think it was because she was into more things because she was always exploring.

Her little brain couldn't get enough.

Jillian was somewhat more docile in that respect.

She was neat and tidy.

Riley was always a mess. Riley was patient and she was fine to wait her turn.

That meant Jillian was always fed first, dressed first, and the like.

As they have grown they have continued to be very different.

Jillian is graceful, beautiful, dramatic, and smart.

She loves to dance and move and get her way.

Riley is spunky, pretty, dramatic and smart.

Riley loves to sing and perform.

She loves to be the center of attention.

Jillian would sooner die.

She hates it, except when she's dancing and then she wants everyone to see only her.

Riley spends a lot of time making herself stand out and is confident with who she is.

These two girls are so different and yet both so fun!

I love them and I am so jealous that they get to spend every day with their very best friend.

I hope they remain friends but also remain as different as they are.

They are so fun to watch!

I can't wait to watch them both soar.

Who knew? Cherries...

2011-02-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Cherries...

They really are so good. These totally cute cake stands came from my sweet friend Tara's ETSY sight. Aren't they so cute? I love them. I haven't found just the right place for them yet in my home but I will. Right now they are residing on my island because I want to see them all the time. I'm sure they won't stay there though, since I am certain that if they do, one of my children will break them.

As you will notice there is also a bag of dried cherries in the picture. I had no idea how much I loved those until the other weekend when I went to Bear Lake. Jodi, my friend, brought trail mix on the trip. She thought it would be a good snack for us to put in our pockets while we skied /sat in the lodge and read. These cherries were in the trail mix along with cashews, almonds, peanut butter m&m's, and guittard chocolate chips. This was the BEST trail mix in the whole entire world. I have not made it since I have gotten home because I know that I would just eat it all day long and gain 50 lbs. but the other day when I was at Target I bought this bag of cherries. They are divine.

Start to Finish

2011-02-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

I bought fabric for a new bedspread. I am so excited. I have never really done that before. Actually gone to a fabric store and bought everything I need for a quilt. Start to finish. I want to work on it really bad but I have way too much to do today. Maybe I can work on it on Sunday during the Super Bowl, since I really only like the commercials anyway.

The science fair

2011-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

My son won a spot in the 6th grade district science fair. I am a proud Mom. This project was a lot of work on all our parts. He and I and my husband spent a lot of time on it. It was definitely a group effort which I think it needs to be. An average 6th grader is not capable of putting together a project like this on his own. That being said, I think he learned a lot. He did all of the teeth brushing and a lot of the typing and compiling of data. He spent a lot of time on it and I think he was really proud of the result.

He was also really excited to tell me about the other kids experiments. I think he finds all of this really interesting, which is great because it just proves more and more that he doesn't take after me. That is a good thing especially when it comes to education.

I'm better...for a minute anyway

2011-01-27T14:44:00.001-08:00

I'm headed to Bear Lake with some friends for the weekend. I'm excited to have this time away from my everyday to relax and learn more about me and what I like and how I like to spend my time. It's funny. I love my job as a mom and my life as a wife and mother and caregiver but I relish this time away to just be me. I think I am different when I am away. I know that I think more, just about life and what I want for my kids and my family. I think about what I want to accomplish and how I can be a better homemaker, mother and wife. Somehow, when I am away anything seems reasonable. I think I can do everything. (See previous post, I know that I can't). I always come home with goals and ways to implement things to make life better. I'm not sure any of it ever happens but I know that when I get back I am better at just about everything for at least 1 hour. That's better than nothing, right?

Have a great weekend!

THE BOOTS THAT DO IT ALL!

2011-01-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

All one of you that reads this blog requested a picture of the boots

that make me look like I do it all.

So here it is...

Aren't they spectacular?

Thoughts... and really cute boots

2011-01-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Thoughts...

If you pick up after yourself and everyone else in your house right away it never gets overwhelming. I'm not sure this is totally foolproof but it has worked for me for a week now and I am blissfully happy when it comes to the state of my home. I'm not sure anyone else is learning anything but I know that I am. This doesn't mean that no one else is cleaning but it does mean that the state of my home is pretty much clean so when I do ask them to help out they don't seem quite as resistant because it doesn't seem overwhelming. I am sure that this can not last but it has been a little over a week and so far so good...

I bought these really great boots. I want to wear them constantly! So last Sunday I wore them to my mother's for dinner. She has a pretty strict no shoe rule in her house right now but I couldn't bring myself to take them off. I love them that much. Sorry Mom. Oh, and my sister in law asked me how I did it all (meaning my super organized super awesome totally in control of everything life)and of course I said I don't. And I really don't, but part of me wonders if the boots are the reason for the question. I think they make me look that good!

We turned the desk in my den to face the wall. I know that this is totally tacky. I am over it! I love how much room there is, I love that the sun won't shine in my face while I am trying to read facebook (since there is an absence of sun today, I cannot know that for sure but I am pretty confident), I love that I will be able to do homework with my kids using the computer and not feel like we are sitting on each other, I love that its different and feels new even though its all the same old stuff.

I think that Adam and Christina are totally right to not let Hatty see Alex on the show Parenthood but I think they are totally handling it wrong. (If you don't watch Parenthood you should, its really good)

That's all.

Giggling...

2011-01-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my twins and I watching the Miss America Pageant.

There was a lot more laughing than I expected.

I don't want to talk a lot about the Miss America Pageant but ...

It is really bad, and a little painful.

I would elaborate but if you didn't watch it you won't be able to fully understand how bad and if you did, well then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Sonic!

2011-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

Today, this is what I needed. This is what got me through. I'm sure it should have been something better for me or more expensive or something but not today. Today, all I needed was a Rt.44 Vanilla Diet Coke and a Water.

What that says about me, I don't know.

Very Dirty Closets

2011-01-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not I spent a good amount of time organizing this closet today.

Can you believe that in my house with 9 people living in it there is only one linen closet and it doubles as my bathroom closet.

In other words there is not enough room for all the linen needed for our family.

We have tried to put the sheets in all of the bedroom closets upstairs but for some reason no one can leave them folded nicely on the shelf. They must pull them off the shelf and play in them and on them and around them until their closet resembles a very dirty closet.

(I couldn't think of anything, sorry.)

So, I finally gave in today and moved them into my bathroom closet.

There is not enough room for all of it and I think that I will regret it.

I have a feeling they will end up on the floor being played in and on and around and I will be furious because it will not be one of my childrens' closets but my bathroom that will resemble a very dirty closet.

Where my pictures will be...

2011-01-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Because I know that all of you were really broken hearted to not see a day 9 picture I will explain. I have decided that asking the 3 of you that read this blog to come here everyday for 365 days would be a bit mean. So I have a button over on the right that says 365. That button will take you to a page that has all of my pictures for everyday of the year. I struggled with this page for a long time last night. I really want the pictures next to each other but blogger has absolutely no intention of letting me have what I want. So for now they are just on the left hand side in order. Hopefully I will figure out how to make them look how I want before I throw my computer down the stairs.

I am still planning on blogging, in case any of you 3 were at all broken hearted.

Blogging difficulties and other non interesting stuff

2011-01-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty frustrated. I really want to add a link to my blog and make a kind of collage of my year in pictures so far and add to it daily but I can't figure out how. I know it really can't be that difficult and yet I am finding it tremendously hard.

Sunday was good! Another successful 9:00 church day. Primary went well. I think the kids are learning the words to the song well. I do find that I feel like I need to take a shower after church because I sweat so much when I am up there teaching/entertaining.

This weekend was somewhat of a mini vacation. Our live-in is out of town camping. Yes, you read right CAMPING! It's freezing here, he is crazy, which is somewhat not funny because it is a little true, but regardless, he went with some friends camping. It has been nice to have our basement back and not worry that my kids are bugging him. He really has been quite pleasant lately so I find myself feeling a little guilty that I enjoyed not having him here, but it is true and I am trying to be truthful.

My two year old did finally go to sleep last night. He woke up at 2:00am screaming about stuff that I can't remember but it was hard to get him to go back to sleep. I found myself wondering if I will ever get a full nights sleep again in my life. I'm sure it hasn't been as long as it feels because it feels like its been at least 50 years and I'm not even that old. Someday...

Bright eyed and bushy tailed way too late in the day...

2011-01-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

This is a 2 year old at 10:00 at night with no signs of being tired. Mama ain't happy.

clean car and a bright future

2011-01-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

I asked my girls and their friends and my 7 yr. old son to clean the inside of my car today. I asked that they get everything that doesn't belong in it out of it and that they put it away. I asked that they vacuum and clean the windows and scrub the plastic. They did an o.k. job. Not great but maybe just maybe a little better than I expected.

I feel the day coming when I will actually think that it is worth it to have them do their chores and not just think as I am nagging them, why don't I just do this myself, it will get done right and I won't have had to yell at anyone to get it done.

I can see the light!

FROZEN MEAL GROUP FUN!

2011-01-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

I'm in a frozen meal group with the funnest ladies. We meet once a month and exchange frozen dinners that we have made. Everyone makes 9 of the same meal (their are 9 of us in the group) we exchange and then we go home with 9 different meals. It is the greatest thing! I have been doing it for almost 3 years now and I really don't know how I could ever go back to the cooking everyday thing. We had our exchange this morning so I thought a little collage of the joy of sharing would be a great day 6 picture. I love these women!

Disclaimer: Not all women are pictured due to fast running away while the camera was snapping. This does not in any way reflect my feelings for the women not pictured. I love them just as much as the ones that were, although I may harbor a little resentment since they ran from me this morning!

new running shoes and more...

2011-01-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

These are my two favorite things right now! New running shoes and a compression sleeve for my very unsightly and painful varicose veins. I'm so excited I found these. They made running today a breeze (and by breeze I mean bearable).

email purging and picture taking

2011-01-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

So I have been purging my e-mail the past few days. Unsubscribing to everything, fixing my settings on good reads and facebook so that they don't notify me when one of my friends picks their nose. I am so excited! I can't wait to have less e-mail to look through everyday. The problem is that I can't remember what I have unsubscibed so I am sure I have done it more than once to a few places. Do you think two unsubscibes equal subscribe? I hope not.

My live-in downstairs called me today while I was out. He was trying to take a picture of the herd of deer in my back yard. He was determined to do it but couldn't seem to make my camera work. I think we spent a good 10 minutes on the phone trying to figure out the problem, but since he can't think of any original words so he just kept repeating what I said to do and saying he had done it, we did not fix the problem. He was just so determined. It's funny the things he gets excited about. The deer are beautiful and it is fun to see them, but they are literally out there everyday, its funny that today was the day he decided he had to have a picture of them.

When my sweet husband got home he was able to help him take a few pictures. I thought it would be appropriate if they are my day 4 pics. So here they are...

Buttercream or Cheese and Fruit

2011-01-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

Lest you think I am showing you my food for the newly committed to eat right me, I would like to point out that the tub on the left is in fact not cottage cheese but buttercream frosting. I chose to show you all today my horrible horrible quandry. Do I eat smart/healthy or do I indulge with a little buttercream frosting. So far I am staying strong but I can't promise how the rest of the week will go.

Sunday is a happy day when church is at 9am!

2011-01-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

It's a new year.

It's Sunday.

To us Mormons this means a new church time.

We share our church building with 2 other congregations so our services are spread out throughout the day. So last year our family went to church from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

This in my opinion is the worst time to go.

My littlest was always ready for a nap and the rest of my kids were rowdy from being kept inside all morning.

Our new church time is 9am.

I love love love it.

It is spectacular!

It is great.

It makes me want to dance.

I can get up at 8.

Get everyone fed and dressed by 8:45.

Walk out the door.

Make it in plenty of time to sit a breathe for a minute.

Then worship for a few minutes at least.

That's usually all I get, with six kids I am calling it a win.

My job in the church is to teach all the kids 3 through 12 songs for 40 min.

I teach the younger kids for 20min and then the older ones for 20min.

This is hard for me but I am learning slowly to love it and to not be quite so nervous every week.

At 12:00 we head for home and then I have the rest of the day to spend with my family.

Time for a nap, if I want one.

That might be my favorite part.

The pictures I am sharing today are of Riley and Colton.

They are having fun on the couch.

They can do this because we have 9:00 church and we are home by 12:00 and then the possibilities are endless.

I love Sundays!

Day 1 in pictures

2011-01-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try and take a photo everyday. Not necessarily of me but just something to document everyday of the year. It's just a thought. I'm not sure I can really do it, but I'm going to try. I think it will be fun and I might even learn something.

This is me starting the first day off right taking a picture.

Lots of stuff...

2011-01-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Crazy stuff going around in my head as of late...

Need to start exercising again. It's gotta happen.

Need to start making my time for me more meaningful. I spend a crazy amount of time escaping from the chaos that is the Mellenthin home but I am not sure I am making that time count for anything. I want it too!

I have been reading this blog I recently found and I believe that it is changing me. I mean, I know you have to choose to change, but I really think this might actually be the catalyst to make the change. The blog is http://www.lemonademakinmama.com/ She has started a journey with her family. It is inspirational to read. I actually even bought the book Crazy Love by Pastor somebody or other and am committed to read the book. I want to be more committed to be more Christlike. I want people to know when they meet me that I am a Christian and I am living my life the way Christ taught us too. Sometimes I wonder how apparent that is in my everyday. I'm not sure it is.

I haven't written on here in quite a long time and much has happened in our home.

In April of 2010 my husbands' very best friend for High School had a tragic accident that has resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

We chose in August to allow him to come live in our home. We felt that it was the only realistic option for him.

When the decision was made it was made on the contingency that I could reevaluate every 30 days if it was working and we could move him home to his parents in Idaho if it wasn't.

This has been a hard time for me.

The first 2 months were great.

He had regular therapy scheduled and although he can't communicate very well he can do most things on his own.

He was upbeat and determined to heal his brain by hard work.

He tried hard.

He did really well with my kids.

This was a hard adjustment for him.

He has had some hard months of late.

He is depressed a lot and short tempered.

This has been hard on me.

I want to fix it.

I can't.

We are all doing the best we can and I know that.

In the past week he has rallied and is much more upbeat and I am crossing my fingers that this will continue until we can find him an apartment to live in and a job that will keep him somewhat busy.

This is a very condensed version.

There have been many highs a lows.

Hopefully, if I continue to write on a regular basis I can explain more of how things are progressing.

There is still very far to go.

He will never be where he was and we will most likely have to continue to help him with the day to day things for the rest of his life. We didn't know when we were making the choice to let him move in that we were committing to this.

We have discussed it and decided if we had known we would have made the same choice.

I am going to really try and be more diligent about writing on here. It is therapeutic for me. Please don't feel the need to read it. I am sure for most of you it is quite boring. For that, I am sorry.

April 14th and 15th, 2010

2010-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

4-14-2010 and 4-15-2010

I am thinking...I haven’t yelled this morning and I feel good. I hope it can last. I have been on vacation in VA for the last 6 days and that has definitely helped with my perspective.

I am thankful for... My sister, and life, and good friends and my security. I love that I know who I am. I learned a lot about myself in the last week, being virtually free with nothing pressing. I like to read books and spend time with family and good friends and just be.

From the kitchen... Chicken noodle soup and breadsticks. I haven’t actually made them yet but I need to do it before enrichment tonight so hopefully they will soon be “from the kitchen”, right?

I am wearing... My robe… not feeling great today and so I haven’t forced myself to get dressed.

I am creating.... I will get back to you on that one

I am going... I have to go to Costco today for groceries and then drive dance. Oh, and I have book club tonight! Yay! I love book club!

I am reading... On my trip I read, Daddy Long Legs, which was so fun and light and lovely! Then I read, House Rules by Jodi Picoult, it was an excellent book. It gave me tons of insight into autism and aspergers. I learned a lot. On the plane ride home I read Candor, which was very The Giver-esque which is always a winner for me. It needs a sequel though.

I am hearing... Colton is playing Donkey Konga (Konga drum game for the gamecube) It’s a little annoying but at least I know he has rhythm.

What I have learned about parenting this week… Well I was gone for a while and had some time to reflect on that. The things that I am hoping to do better at are to be more patient and take things in their stride. It does no good to fly off the handle. I know my kids tune me out when I do that. I am trying to do better with that. Sadie told me yesterday when I told her to do something “You know Mom you aren’t God” when I said “what did you just say?” she said “Are you?” with a very confused look on her face. She is funny and I love her but she is in major need to some good parenting. I hope I can measure up.

Blog I am enjoying… http://frugalwifewealthylife.blogspot.com/ There are definitely some good ideas here!

One of my favorite things... Life Cereal! I had a bowl today for the first time in a long time. It was so good!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Jillian has a dance competition on Saturday so Brian and I are planning on spending the day up in Clearfield. Should be fun.

A picture to share... This is me and some friends from high school in VA this past weekend. It was so fun to catch up and spend some time with them.

February 24th, 2010

2010-02-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

02-24-10

I am having a really hard time right now. I am convinced that nothing is going to change soon and it is not helping. I just feel really overwhelmed and I can’t get a handle on it. I am spending so much time cleaning up messes that my three youngest make when I take a shower or hang out on the computer for 5 min. or whatever. I honestly can’t take 5 min. for me before they have destroyed something new.

I am thinking...I need help, not fake kid help but real professional cleaner help.

I am thankful for... my phone that keeps me connected to my sister who really wants to be having her baby but isn’t.

From the kitchen... breakfast for dinner tonight. I am in charge of the cub scout blue and gold banquet tonight and that is what I am serving. Yummy!

I am wearing... gray shirt and rock revival jeans. I always feel skinny in these jeans. Yay for something happy today.

I am creating.... nothing right now but I am supposed to go to a craft day tomorrow so hopefully

I will come up with something by then.

I am going... Pack meeting and Chinese Immersion meeting at the elementary school. I am hoping to get Colton in the program.

I am reading... North and South. I am not sold yet but it is early yet. I have a feeling I will love it by the end.

I am hearing... “Button” Which is to say “Little Joe” a Veggie Tales movie. Marcus’ favorite!

Blog I am enjoying… I have been following this blog for forever and I love it. http://www.aliedwards.com/ She is spectacularly talented. I of course do not scrapbook but I do make Brian a digital book every year and have it printed and her pages inspire a lot of what goes into my book. She is a genius and so great at helping with journaling and the like.

One of my favorite things... I don’t know, I can’t think of anything. Maybe the internet, it makes my life go round, is that a bad thing?

A few plans for the rest of the week... We are going skiing on Friday with the kids. It should be quite an adventure since as I have said before I am not very good and I don’t really love it but here’s hoping I will improve.

A picture to share... well I promised my sisters I would post pictures of the cake I made for my sister in laws shower and I never did so I guess now is as good a time as any to get those posted. Here goes.

Mindy did her whole nursery in animal prints, hence the chetah print cake and paw prints.

February 18th, 2010

2010-02-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

02-18-2010

I am thinking...I need a new can opener.

I am thankful for... my washing machine

From the kitchen... Colton is eating spaghettios. I might have opened them with my really crappy can opener and then proceeded to splatter them all over my hair and my really cute shirt and cut my hand (not stitches bad but bleeding a lot bad).

I am wearing... my white shade shirt that is supposed to be under my really cute shirt that is now in the washer since I may have inadvertently got some spaghettios on it.

I am creating.... I will have to come back to this one next week. I have nothing to report.

I am going... to book club tonight. We are going to dinner at Tsunami and then to watch the movie Dear John. I love sushi so I am really excited for dinner. I, on the other hand, do not love Nicholas Sparks and I didn’t love the book so I am guessing I will not really love the movie either but that’s o.k. I do love the company though.

I am reading... I just finished Escape by Carolyn Jesup. It is the story of a woman and her escape from her polygamist life with the FLDS cult. It was interesting but I didn’t love it. She seemed a bit bitter and so some of what she said seemed a little questionable to me. I do believe that her life was horrible and that woman are treated very poorly in that cult. It was interesting to learn about Warren Jeffs rise to power and his crazy ideas. I am not sad I read it.

I am just about to start North and South which I am really excited about. I love a good classic!

I am hearing... Marcus playing. Everyone else is gone to school and I have a few hours of quiet before they descend on my all at the same time and life gets a little crazy.

Blog I am enjoying… I can’t remember what I have said already… I hope this isn’t a repeat… I love http://everydayreading.blogspot.com/ I have been reading Jansen’s blog for forever. I found her through my sister who I think either knows her or they have mutual friends or something. Anyway, she is so cute and recommends great books. I have yet to disagree with her on her book picks which is rare for me, but really nice.

One of my favorite things... my husband and his logical point of view. We had a crazy incident with our 10yr. old this last week and I think I tend to get really emotional and go for the most radical solution. Brian tends to think things through and find logical reasonable solutions. I am really grateful for that and I think my 10 yr. old is too.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Nothing that I can think of past Book club tonight. That is kind of exciting. Oh wait I forgot. I am throwing a baby shower for my sister in law on Saturday and I am making the cake. I guess I should probably really be thinking about that and not forgetting about it.

A picture to share... hhhhhmmmmmmmmm….

isn’t it so cute? And seriously Mindy is that cute pregnant. She looks like she has a basketball stuffed in her shirt. Her belly is just so perfectly round and adorable. I love it and I love her! Can’t wait for her sweet baby boy to arrive.

February 2nd, 2010

2010-02-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

02-09-2010

I am thinking...Well, I just balanced my check book and I am thinking I am pretty broke. How’s that for depressing?

I am thankful for... so many things today. My kids, my spouse, my sanity. In the last 11 years I have been pregnant 5 times and then nursed after the babies were born for a full year so I have either been pregnant or nursing most of the last 11 years. It is so nice to be doing neither. I enjoy my sanity. It is amazing how different my husband and my life look when all my hormones are balanced properly. I have a good life. Oh and the sun is shining and it is gorgeous outside, that helps too.

From the kitchen... nothing going on in the kitchen today. I should have made turkey and cheese rolls but I didn’t so my kids will probably have to buy lunch tomorrow. Oh well, maybe they can take ramen.

I am wearing... black hoodie, blue waffle shirt and yoga pants no shoes. I am comfy and happy.

I am creating.... flower bow things for my girls hair. I have been working on these for a while and I really need some jewels to go in the middle of them but I can’t find any I love so they are still sitting in a box. I really need to get it in gear.

I am going... to drop my daughter off at “tv star school” Yes my daughter Riley is totally into acting/making a fool out of herself. She loves it and I love that I found a class for her to take to help her excel at that.

I am reading... Dear John (not my normal kind of book) Mostly I am not a fan of Nicholas Sparks but my book club picked it and sometimes I really like a no brainer. I am not loving it but its o.k. and somewhat engaging. I finished Her Fearful Symmetry. It was really good. I love how Audrey Neffineger suspends reality and just doesn’t care that it doesn’t make sense and doesn’t try to explain it. She is a gifted writer.

I am hearing... quiet, although I have been listening to the same song over and over again because my daughter had her favorite song on repeat all afternoon. (really really annoying!)

Blog I am enjoying… frenchieandflea.blogspot.com I love that this blog dabbles a little in everything. I am a big fan of the fashion section. I love anthropoligie but refuse to pay for it and I love that they find the same look at more affordable places. Cute!

One of my favorite things... pretzels. What is it about the salty yummy goodness that makes me so happy! I love them!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Nothing crazy really. I am headed to dinner and movie with friends tonight. Friday is Riley and Jillians birthday and Brian and I are going to take them out. Then Saturday, I think I am going on a date with my spouse for valentines day.

A picture to share... Here’s a picture of my skiing adventure two weekends ago. I am not a skier but it was fun to go with friends and do something different for a change.

January 26th 2010

2010-01-26T16:03:00.000-08:00

01-26-2010

I am thinking...I might try and relate today’s blog to running. I’m guessing I can steer all my answers that way. Let’s see.

I am thankful for... trails. I love where I live. The trails in Draper, UT are so amazing and I literally live within running distance of about 20 that serve me very well. I love the hills especially the downhill. There is something so great about the dirt and the trees and the smell and the wildlife and o.k. all of it. They are AWESOME. I remember my amazing sister-in-law telling me about them 8 years or so ago, how much she loved running them and how beautiful they were, and me laughing and knowing that I would never run them and for sure would never love them if I did ever run them. How wrong I was. Little did I know how much I was going to need running after I each kid. I need the release, the challenge, the solace, the meditation. I need it all to make my happy little world go round.

From the kitchen... protein shakes and something I am loving right now. For the most part I am not that girl. I really like to just eat/drink things that I will be eating and drinking 10 years from now. I am not a fan of diets that will not translate to real life. This aside, my friend gave me some protein powder and I love it. I crave it! Its my treat. I like it with a frozen banana and some ice. It is such a treat and it really helps with my appetite.

I am wearing... jog bra, black tank, black/white/pink hoodie, yoga pants, and bare feet. I haven’t changed from running this morning. I know that this is bad but there it is. Sometimes I just don’t get to it until dinner time.

I am creating.... habits. I love the tread class at the gym. I have been a few times but twice in the last week. It kicks my butt. I love running especially if it kills me. I have such a hard time with treadmills, they are so boring but this class is great. I almost think it would be an asset while I am training for a race. Today we did a ton of speed training. It was hard!

I am going... to run a half marathon in August and maybe one sooner if I can find one. I should get on that.

I am reading... I read Olive Kitteridge last week. It was really good. It is such an interesting book. It can be depressing for some but I love how much it made me think. It takes people from all different backgrounds, different walks of life, and it explains a lot of why and how they ended up who they are. It is a novel in stories and most of the stories never get finished but it helped me. I always think that everyone thinks like I do so I can’t figure out why they react to things different than I would. I mean I know that we are not all the same but it just helped me broaden my tolerance and understanding and I loved it. I am reading “Her Fearfull Symmetry” by Audrey Neffininger right now. I love it so far but we will see.

I am hearing... I am listening to the new Kris Allen album and I love it. I am excited because a few of the songs will be really great to run too. I always love new music on my runs.

Blog I am enjoying… did you guys check out last weeks? It is so great. Here is one that I have been following for a long time. I love it. I love her. She is really someone that I could be friends with. It is another very religious blog which is actually weird for me because I don’t really wear my religion on my sleeve like these women do but they inspire me just the same. http://adashofhumblepie.blogspot.com/ just an fyi on this one…she never says what she is struggling with. I spent a good few weeks going back and reading old posts trying to figure out how I missed what her trial is. She never says, it bothered me at first but not now. I get it and I almost love her all the more for it. She is amazing.

One of my favorite things... I forgot until just now that I already told you guys about my protein shakes last week, right here on this blog. Sorry. My favorite thing this week is my Saucony running shoes. I love the brand and that every time I put on my running shoes I feel like I am walking on pillows.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I’m going on a girls trip to Bear Lake this weekend. Can’t wait to have some friend/me time. It will be so fun to just relax and enjoy my sweet friends for a few days.

A picture to share... this is a picture from a race I did over a year ago. So fun! I love my running friends!

January 19th 2010

2010-01-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

01-19-2010

I am thinking...That I am really doing poorly on this not yelling thing. I am exercising more and eating less which is never condusive to a patient me. I need to work on that. My sister gave me some advice about that today. She said to eat when I am hungry even if it is right before meal time. I am going to try it.

I am thankful for... Friends. I met some of my favorite people today at Chick-fil-a for a little break from the everyday, laundry, cleaning and the like. It was great. These women get me and I love it. I am blessed to have them in my life.

From the kitchen... leftovers tonight for dinner. I am normally not a leftover girl but my fridge is full of them and I just couldn’t make another full meal when there is so much food in there.

I am wearing... black yoga pants, blue hooded shirt from target, socks and running shoes. (I keep telling myself I am going running. We will see.)

I am creating.... nothing new at the moment.

I am going... running?

I am reading... I just finished “The Truth About Forever” and I loved it. This book was really good. It gave me a lot to think about. The main character was totally not relatable to me and I love that. I love to get a completely different perspective. I am starting “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout today. I have to have it read by Thursday so I better get a move on.

I am hearing... some music from a new blog that I love. I think it is some form of Christian rock or something. I like it.

Blog I am enjoying… http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/ I am loving this blog because of the beautiful pictures and how relatable this woman is to me. She has 7 kids under 11 which I can honestly say I will never have but I may have that many under 12. We will see. Anyway, her pictures are true art. They are beautiful. She is a very inspiring person. She is a bit long winded though and I do find myself wishing I could read all of her post but not having time. I will get there.

One of my favorite things... protein shakes with frozen bananas. (why does this always end up being food?)

A few plans for the rest of the week... hmmmm…. Book club on Thursday which I am excited about. I love the women in my book clubs. I go to two and I love them both. Such different women and yet I love being with them and laughing and talking and getting a new perspective on everything. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many great women!

A picture to share...

2010-01-12T13:43:00.001-08:00

01-12-2010

Is it bad that I have no idea what the date is? I will have to go look at my phone since I can’t figure out how to find it on my computer. Oh, I lied, I found it on my google homepage. It’s the 12th.

I am thinking...Well, just a minute ago I was thinking that if I keep eating the valentine m&m’s out of my canister in my kitchen, I will be fat and sad because they look so cute in the canister in the kitchen. Whatever.
I am thankful for... Faith. I am having major trouble with the “not yelling” I am supposed to be doing. I am grateful for prayer and hope that if I do it enough then this will get easier. It’s just, I can’t help it, the people in my house are so frustrating!
From the kitchen... m&m’s as previously mentioned and taco soup in the crockpot. I am trying to decide whether to make cornbread. It sounds so good but if I make it I will undoubtedly eat it, and that will not be good since I didn’t run today.
I am wearing... black shirt, pink sweats, no shoes. I am in love with my barefeet today. I hope I won’t have to put on shoes at all today.
I am creating.... I’ve been working on a few quilts. I think I have at least 5 in all different stages. I hope I will finish at least one before I start another but there are no guarantees. Also I really want to make this … http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=20&f=4534 and this… http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=41&f=4529
and I am not sure I am going to be able to talk myself into waiting until another project is done before I do at least one of these.
I am going... nowhere fast… no really, I don’t think I am going anywhere today! YEAH!
I am reading... I never finished “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, it was horribly long and I just couldn’t make myself finish. Since then I read “The Actor and The Housewife” by Shannon Hale. I really liked it. Unlike my sister Diana, I didn’t find it predictable but I did find it totally unrealistic. I found it very thought provoking, sad, and really funny, though. I would recommend it to anyone. It is nice to have a Mormon character in a book and not have her be weird or whatever. She was just normal, like me, and I liked that.
I am hearing... Peace and quiet. All is still in my home right now and I like it. If this happened a little more often I might be able to keep myself from yelling. Maybe I just need to really embrace the quiet when it happens and that would help. I think I will try it. Maybe a nap, even.
Blog I am enjoying… http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com I love to find new blogs that make me want to improve or inspire me to take time away and create something. I guess that you could say I am somewhat of a closet artist. I think I am pretty good at recognizing beauty or at least what is pleasing to our eyes and recreating it either in a photograph or picture or even a logo or a book cover. It comes very natural to me so I just assume everyone can do that, but I am told that it doesn’t, and that I have a talent. I like that. This blog is pretty amazing. I have loved going back a looking at all the amazing photographs on this blog. I really want to take my kids out and start snapping photos and then bringing them back and playing with them in photoshop. I love to do that but I have a hard time finding the time.
One of my favorite things... Today one of my favorite things is… red and pink m&m’s.
A few plans for the rest of the week... 12th night http://12thnight.eventbrite.com/ My brother is really cool and he does a fundraiser every year called 12th Night. It is fun and a good way to contribute to something and also have fun doing it. Have I mentioned he is my hero. Well, he is, and his wife is also. She is by far the most amazing mother of eight I have ever met. If I could be half the parent that either of them are I would be very lucky and my kids would be even luckier. As it is, they are stuck with me and my need to yell. At least they have Brian. He is a really good Dad.
A picture to share... I am sharing this because it may be the coolest thing I have ever seen. I don’t think it is legit but it is cool just that same (no this is not an announcement). When I am ready, I will tell you all, but as I have said my house needs to be a house of PEACE before I bring another person in it.

Sorry so wordy this week. I guess I was just inspired by the quiet. As I mentioned, it doesn’t happen a lot!
Melanie

January 3rd 2010

2010-01-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

01-03-2010

This post is going to be different than the last few. I have some new goals and hopes for the new year that I need to document so I won’t forget them or let them go by the way side.

My home is not a happy place. It hasn’t been for a while now. That is not to say that we don’t have a good time and that my kids are not happy well adjusted children, they are. But, the overall feel of my home is not happy. I have come to the conclusion that this starts with myself, first a for most. I set the tone of the home. Overall I am a happy person, most days are good, but I am overwhelmed and tired and sometimes I just don’t deal with all that all that great and I lose it. I lose it more often than I should. I have a temper, and I wish that my kids didn’t know it. They do. I am hoping to change that this year. My word for the year is... I really want my home to be peaceful. I want us to be able to disagree without screaming about it and I want my kids to stop fighting so much and for us to just get along better and be able to feel peaceful in our home. So I have set some goals for myself to accomplish this and I am hopeful that this feeling of peace will happen in our home throughout the year.

1. No yelling! Period! If I slip and yell I will spend 10 undivided minutes with whoever I yelled at. This is not a punishment for me but it is really hard to find that time but I think that it is important to mend what I just broke by yelling and this seems like a reasonable way to do it.

2. Lower the volume in our home. This one will be hard because I will have to find ways to get others in our home to lower their volume. As for the TV and Music that will be fairly easy I think but the other more difficult.

3. Use our basement more. I really think this will help with the volume in our home. We have three floors even though we tend to only use the two above ground. The basement will be a good place to send the louder people who refuse to lower their volume. This isn’t a punishment since everything fun in our home is down there it will just help with the volume control.

The rest of my goals are ones that don’t directly relate to my word of the year but will help with the overall feel of our home which will indirectly help our home feel more peaceful.

4. Clean all the bathrooms every week. We will start there. I hope to be able to clean the whole house every week and for the most part all of it does get clean every week with the kids doing their chores and things like that but the bathrooms tend to get neglected, especially the upstairs ones, so I am hoping to be able to stay on top of that.

5. Do an act of service every week outside of the home. Let’s face it I need the blessings and I need to think about others (beside my family) way more often.

6. Spend less. I know, I know, I say this every year and so does everyone else but I really mean it, OK!

7. Read my scriptures more and make sure I have read the Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society lessons every week. Since I won’t be going to those two classes because I am in the nursery at church hopefully I will be able to brush up on my knowledge of the Gospel by myself.

8. Buy one book shelf or menial piece of furniture every month. This one is fun! Some months I am sure I will not be able to afford something big but at least I can buy something that will help organize our home. We need so many things but buying them all at once is unrealistic.

That’s it. They seem lofty and quite overwhelming at the moment which I am sure is not good and will lead to failure but I am at least whole heartedly determined to make my home more peaceful. I know I can do this with the Lord’s help.
I will be continuing with my topic questions for the year but I think I will be adding and subtracting some. Stay tuned for next week to see what they will be. (I am sure you all waiting with baited breath)

December 31st 2009

2010-01-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

12-31-09 (not really but we can pretend, right?)

Outside my window... darkness. It is night and I am trying to get this done before the day is through. It is late but I am going to focus this post on Christmas week and then do another one about my goals for the new year and new topic questions for the new year.

I am thinking...about how great Christmas was this year. We did three gifts for our kids and it was perfect. It was nice to not have a million.

I am thankful for... My Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. I finished the Book of Mormon yesterday and it was great to really be able to focus more on the Savior this year than the past few and remember all He did for me and all He asks of me. I need to do better.

From the kitchen... There is way too much junk in my kitchen. Tomorrow it is all going in the garbage, I promise!

I am wearing... My new pink sweat suit. It is so comfy and I love it because my sweet friends gave it to me and it was the perfect gift. I have great friends!

I am creating.... Good Memories! This really was the perfect Christmas.

I am going... to friends to play cards. I love that we have a standing date with the Davies to hang out and enjoy each others company. They are true good friends and I love that I can be myself with them.

I am reading... The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, yep still reading it. Its long and not really my normal kind of book. I am ready to be done with it but it keeps going and going and going.

I am hoping... For a peaceful home. More of that to come.

I am hearing... quiet…

Around the house... Christmas is down. It was great and I loved a new thing I started this year of hanging my Christmas cards on the railing. IT really was cute and was a fun reminder everyday of all the great people we know.

One of my favorite things... My kids joy on Christmas morning. They really were so joyful this year. There were no tears and they were so excited to give each other the gifts they had picked out for each other. It was pretty awesome. I think next year we will have them draw names and just give to one sibling. I think it will be fun to have them really think about what that person wants and maybe even contribute to the cost of the gift. That might help my bank account as well. I also hope next year to do my gifts a little different. I want them to really mean something so I think we will do a want, a need, and a spiritual gift of some sort. I really want to focus more on the meaning of Christmas and I think this will help. I also think we might need to read the nativity story in the morning before we do presents. We always do it the night before with my whole family but it might be nice to do it just with us and really talk about what we are celebrating.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Get my house in order.

A picture to share... Christmas morning.

December 21st 2009

2009-12-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

12-21-2009
Outside my window... It is so gloomy today. There is fog and just an overall sense of creepiness, or beauty, I guess. Sometimes I think that fog is so pretty the way it coats everything and just dulls the outside a little. I cannot see the mountain at all today, which for anyone that has seen my mountain out my window, knows this is a big deal and very thick fog. Maybe I will snap a photo.

I am thinking...I have been thinking I need to change this up a little and add some of my own questions and talk a little more about real things but I don’t know how quickly that will happen. This format seems easy enough that I don’t sweat doing it every week. (Although I did miss last week, and no I don’t have a great excuse.)

I am thankful for... 15 years of marriage. It was my anniversary yesterday. I can’t believe it has been 15 years. Life has been really good to me. My mother has always claimed that God really looks after me and has guided me to the people that I need to make me happy and a better person. Finding Brian and convincing him to marry me is my testimony of my Mothers words. She is right. I got so lucky! I had no idea at the time how lucky and still am blown away by it daily. He is a great man, father and friend and I love him very much!

From the kitchen... rolls in the oven, or at least I hope there are some in there fairly soon.

I am wearing... My robe, yes I need to get dressed!

I am creating.... I have been making hair clips with my girls for their friends for Christmas. It is going good but taking kind of longer than I had planned. They are really really cute though.

I am going... I have to go to Hobby Lobby today to get chains for some Christmas gifts for my sisters and oh about one hundred other places to try and get everything done. I doubt I will be successful.

I am reading... The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, I am starting to really like it but it took me a little bit.

I am hoping... For a great week. I am hoping my house will get clean and all the laundry will get done and I can relax at least on Christmas Eve and Christmas day and maybe even the day after.

I am hearing... My kids playing. So far we have had little fighting but it is only 8:40. There is still plenty of time.

Around the house... This is not the cleanest of homes at the moment but as I said up in the hope section, I am hoping that changes soon.

One of my favorite things... Birthday gifts to Jesus. Since I was young my family has done a birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Eve and we all give him a gift. It is our form of a new years resolution. I have really been thinking about this, this year. I really want it to mean something and I really want to do it all year long. This year it will be about my relationships with my children. I have considered no more yelling in the home and punishment for myself when I do so. I think that the attitude of the home is directly related to the mother and I want the yelling to stop. I have found that I have gotten over the top in this area and that my relationship with my kids has suffered and their relationships with others suffers as well because that has become a very normal mode of conversation. I don’t like it. This is a very lofty goal. One that will be extremely hard and take a ton of work. I really think I can do it.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Anji’s birthday day tomorrow and then a lot of Christmas Merryment. It should be a great week

A picture to share... The fog outside my window.

December 9th, 2009

2009-12-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

12-09-09

Outside my window... beautiful white snow and freezing temperatures I think it is 8 degrees outside right now. That is cold!

I am thinking... that I have a pretty productive few days and yet I am still in kind of a funk. I am hoping today will be better. I have errands to run and things to do that will help me feel on top of things, I hope.

I am thankful for... the closeness of the gym. It is nice to be able to get up and be at the gym within minutes. It helps me get out of bed.

From the kitchen... I had nine grain for breakfast while the kids ate fruit loops, frosted flakes, and oatmeal.

I am wearing... still wearing my workout gear from this morning but I am really planning on taking a shower and getting dressed today.

I am creating.... goodie bags for the ward party on Saturday.

I am going... target and Costco, oh and I am planning on making it to sonic’s happy hour for a diet cherry limeaid. I am pretty sure I need one of those today.

I am reading... Just finished Catching Fire. It was so great! I love this series. I can’t wait for the next book. I am still reading the Book of Mormon but have slacked a little because of the other book but plan to be back on track by the end of today.

I am hoping... my three monsters, oh I mean my three youngest children will at some point learn how to behave. I have not instilled the same sort of fear in them as the older three and they tend to be a little out of control.

I am hearing... Dora the Explorer Christmas Special. It is the new favorite and I have to admit it is not too bad.

Around the house... Chirstmas is up and my house is really quite clean today. Thanks to Catching Fire which I listened to all day yesterday I can boast that my kids bedrooms are clean and closets are cleaned out.

One of my favorite things... My green hoodie with the fur on the hood. I love it. I want to wear it everyday.

A few plans for the rest of the week... We have a ward party on Saturday as well as Jillian’s dance recital in the afternoon that same day. It should be a fun day.

A picture to share... My Family Christmas card this year. I have to comment that this is literally what Marcus looks like in all the pictures from that photo shoot. He will not stay with the kids while I am trying to take pictures and as you can see they think it is hilarious. This picture just seemed to capture the spirit of the season and I love it. I know it is unconventional but I really don’t care.

December 1st 2009

2009-12-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

12-01-09

Outside my window... a beautiful mountain. It is always there but sometimes I overlook it. Today it is mostly brown with a little white from the snow last week. It is gorgeous and I am really lucky to have this view everyday!

I am thinking... right now I am thinking about the rest of my day. I have homework to do with the kids, piano to help them practice, laundry to finish, dinner to make… luckily I am not feeling overwhelmed just ready to get it done so I can watch Battlestar Galactica with my husband.

I am thankful for... so many things. My kids, my life, my family, my spouse, my home, my friends, my gifts…

From the kitchen... I smell turkey carcass sitting in the crockpot but that isn’t what’s for dinner. Dinner is teriyaki chicken over rice.

I am wearing... jeans and a long sleeve white t-shirt no shoes. My staple outfit.

I am creating.... a happy life, or at least trying. Some days are better than others. This one is pretty good!

I am going... no where for the rest of the day, hopefully!

I am reading... Same as last week with the addition of The Book of Mormon. I am reading 30 minutes a day and am hoping to have it done by the end of the month.

I am hoping... for a Merry Christmas. My big kids peeked at their presents so I am hoping that it is still a fun Christmas and that they aren’t all crying because they thought they were getting things that their brothers and sisters got instead. It should be interesting.

I am hearing... Piano practicing otherwise quiet, which is not always a good thing.

Around the house... the Christmas tree is up but not decorated, I have a beautiful wreath that smells so good hanging on my closet door. It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas around here.

One of my favorite things... diet coke. I have had too much of it today but somehow I am o.k. with it. I love it and I needed it today.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I have book club here on Thursday night, and dinner group on Wednesday. I have plans in the works for a birthday dinner for a great friend on Friday night. Hopefully that will come together.

A picture to share... My Christmas present… Hopefully!

November 22nd, 2009

2009-11-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

11-22-09

Outside my window... snow, snow, snow… It is beautiful! It started last night and although I anticipated more we only got about 2 inches but right now it is clean and white and bright and it makes me smile.

I am thinking... about motivation. I have been really unmotivated lately and I think it has to do with my diet. For some reason unless I am motivated in my diet I am not motivated in anything. I started today. I am eating better. I know that is really stupid since it is Thanksgiving week and pie night is in two days but I don’t care. Dang IT! I just don’t care.

I am thankful for... I have been thinking about this lately as well. It is that time of year but also because we had a talk yesterday in church about it and the Woman who gave it is an amazing example to me. She has a husband in a wheel chair and other hard trials. She talked about how she tries to be thankful when her life is the hardest and that that is what gets her through those times. This was very profound for me. I don’t ever really think about the things I am grateful for when I am going through trials. I am going to try and do that more often.

From the kitchen... White Chicken Chili! Yum!

I am wearing... sweats… I needed comfy clothes today.

I am creating.... a clean house?

I am going... to Costco, Walmart, Dollartree, I think that is all. I have a ton to get done today at home but I need to get my grocery shopping done as well. Hopefully I can get it all done.

I am reading... City of Glass (The third book in the mortal instruments series) It is great so far, just like the rest. I just wish I liked the reader better. Oh well. You can’t have everything, right?

I am hoping... Diana, Ben and Natalie will get here safely. I am also hoping for a little more patience with my kids. Unfortunately, I always need a little more of that this time of year.

I am hearing... Riley practicing piano. I wish it sounded a little bit better.

Around the house... nothing new really but I am getting ready to put Christmas up. Can’t wait for the weekend. I have a new tree that I am longing to put up and see how it looks.

One of my favorite things... today one of my favorite things is My Frozen Meal Group that I do with some friends. It is so nice to pull dinner out of the freezer!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Crazy week! Pie Night, Thanksgiving at both homes, Temple, Shopping Trip, Black Friday shopping and so many more fun things with Diana and Elizabeth and the rest of my family!

A picture to share... Just because (Technical difficulties, I will try again later)

November 16th 2009

2009-11-16T08:08:00.001-08:00

11-16-09

Outside my window... leftover snow from the weekend a deserted playset and a lone big wheel that somehow snuck out of the garage after we put all the yard toys away for the winter.

I am thinking... about my sisters and all that they do on a daily basis. Allison is so busy and yet still continues to press on and Elizabeth is so patient (I don’t know how she does it) Catherine always sees the silver lining and Diana is so busy learning new things about herself and loving her discoveries. What amazing women I am surrounded by! I love them.

I am thankful for... This exact minute I am thankful for my husband who got up in the night with the baby after I had already been up with the 4yr.old (who was acting like a 2 year old).

From the kitchen... 9- grain this morning for me and lucky charms for the three little people.

I am wearing... my blue robe. I haven’t gotten dressed yet today. It probably should happen soon but I can’t decide if I am going to the gym and that dictates what I put on, hence the robe.

I am creating.... not sure if I am creating anything these days.

I am going... well, to the gym, maybe, other than that…. not sure if I am going anywhere.

I am reading... Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and The Conference Edition of the Ensign (still reading both of these and loving them both!

I am hoping... to take some of what I am learning from the talks in the Ensign and put it to use. I have decided to write down some of the guidance I receive from the Lord and see how that goes. I think he is constantly guiding me and that I forget where he is steering me and tend to take my own path. I have a feeling his would be better.

I am hearing... Colton, Sadie and Marcus playing. I am pretty sure I also heard something about Marcus taking his diaper off but I am choosing to ignore that right now.

Around the house... nothing new there really. I did buy some giant jaw breakers to go in a jar in my kitchen but I don’t love the jar I put them in so I may have to go find another one. Maybe that is where I am going today.

One of my favorite things... my ipod shuffle. I love the playlist feature and the books that I listen to on it. I love books!

A few plans for the rest of the week... I need to call my brother since it was his birthday two days ago and I haven’t called him yet. (yes, I am aware of how lame I am) Other plans for the week include, the pinewood derby and book club. These things should both be very fun.

A picture to share... me yesterday, prompted by my little sister who lives in Virginia who told me a few weeks ago she didn’t even know what I look like anymore. So there you have it D. I look like this, only usually in color although I think I look better in black and white.

11-10-09

2009-11-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

November 10th 2009

Outside my window... cool crisp air, cars heading to work, lots of the kids toys all over the yard. (I thought I would add some nice and happy things before stating the obvious.)

I am thinking... about my friend Tiffany’s birthday breakfast tomorrow morning at 8am. What on earth am I going to do with my little people while I go have a relaxing breakfast with friends?

I am thankful for... today I am thankful for a free day to get things done around the house.

From the kitchen... either frosted mini wheats or oatmeal. I can’t decide. OHHHHH maybe I will make 9-grain. That sounds yummy!

I am wearing... red sweatpants and white long sleeve t shirt. No shoes.

I am creating.... some necklace charms in my head. I haven’t actually made any yet but I am really thinking about it.

I am going... nowhere today hopefully. I might have to take Marcus for a follow up on an ear infection but other than that I think I am here for the duration of today.

I am reading... Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and The Conference Edition of the Ensign

I am hoping... for more of a desire to grow closer to the Lord. I am taking baby steps and I think it is working.

I am hearing... Marcus jabbering as usual but mostly quiet. Colton hasn’t turned his volume up yet this morning. It is only a matter of time, though.

Around the house... shake n go car race track in the front room. I probably need to move it since it doesn’t really belong there but that is where the kids really like to play it. Can’t quite decide whether I care.

One of my favorite things... facebook! I love that I can have conversations with my sisters and mother all day long everyday. They are such amazing people and it so nice to hear from them so often.

A few plans for the rest of the week... birthday breakfast for Tiff, cousin Michelle is coming to hang out on Thursday and I think I really am making charms on Wednesday. I hope so anyway. I have to get these things out of my head and made.

A picture to share... this is my family this year for Halloween. I love all the posing, seriously so funny how serious they take everything.

11-02-09

2009-11-03T15:57:00.001-08:00

11-02-09

Outside my window... white trash yard! Is it that hard to pick up your bikes/pails/shovels/and the like?
I am thinking... about friends that I haven’t seen in forever! I feel like I have been such a hermit lately, which I have because everyone is sick here and I don’t want to spread it, but I miss my friends!
I am thankful for... Rotisserie chicken from Walmart. Yeah for not having to make dinner today!
From the kitchen... a cake I made for a YW in excellence banquet for a friend. It is pretty cool if I do say so myself. (Angie if you are reading this and getting mad that I didn’t have you help I am sorry! The only day I could do it was today and you were working today. I promise I will not do another cake without you if I can help it.)
I am wearing... black shirt, linen pants and black sketchers.
I am creating.... well I created a fantastic cake today but in my mind I am creating a really cool wool skirt with applique wool flowers on it. It is going to be awesome if I do say so myself. I just hope I actually do it.
I am going... nowhere tonight but hopefully out with friends tomorrow. I hope to see the Michael Jackson movie and have a yummy dinner with my girlfriends.
I am reading... Dexter in the Dark. I can’t get enough. This is not good!
I am hoping... for a healthy holiday season. So far we have not had much luck but maybe we got it all done so we can!

I am hearing... Marcus jabbering, Riley telling me she is done reading and Monster’s Inc in the background.
Around the house... toys and the like. Its not too bad considering I have been making a cake all day.
One of my favorite things... cake and buttercream frosting.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Michael Jackson movie, yummy food, Charlotte’s baptism, parent teacher conferences for four of the six kids.
A picture to share... today’s cake.

This week 10/27/09

2009-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

10- 27-09

Outside my window... rain mixed with snow. The first snow of the winter is predicted for today. I have to admit I am a bit excited. I do love the first beautiful white blanket of snow. It’s all the others that come after that make me sad.
I am thinking...that I wish Marcus was not screaming in his crib because I really wanted him to sleep in today.
I am thankful for... a husband who is willing to get the kids up, make their lunches, and get them to piano on time on Tuesday mornings.
From the kitchen... sugar cookies on the counter from last nights Family Home Evening. Oh, I forgot, and pork chops in the crockpot for dinner.
I am wearing... my navy blue fuzzy robe.
I am creating.... tomorrow I am going to work on some charms for Christmas gifts. I am excited to try a bunch of different things, it should be really fun and very cathardic.
I am going... to the gym in about 40 min.
I am reading... Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Sor far I like it.
I am hoping... I can make myself work hard at the gym so that the sugar cookies I ate last night will not go straight to my booty.
I am hearing...Silence for a minute, maybe Marcus went back to sleep.
Around the house... not a ton of mess. I did get the kitchen cleaned yesterday and that always feels amazing.
One of my favorite things... sugar cookies with buttercream frosting.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Pack Meeting tomorrow night, The Halloween Parade at school on Thursday, a Halloween Party on Friday and Halloween festivities on Saturday.
A picture to share... because this always makes me laugh. This was Brians’ costume last year. So Funny!

2009-10-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

10-19-2009 11:14 am
Outside my window... a deer and its fawn eating until my kids scared them off and now it is them (Colton and Marcus, Sadie is in her room) outside my window.

I am thinking...about the fact that my daughter just told me she hated me for putting her in her room and how sad that is because she is only 4 and I will have to hear that a lot more before she is grown.

I am thankful for... antibiotics, that mean this strep throat will go away eventually

From the kitchen... rolls in the oven

I am wearing... my wizard of oz t-shirt and yoga pants, no shoes

I am creating.... hopefully a habit, I would love to do this every Monday for a very long time

I am going... to the grocery store when Colton leaves for school, I need milk really bad.

I am reading... Just finished Darkly Dreaming Dexter and about to start Dearly Devoted Dexter

I am hoping... My throat will stop being sore

I am hearing... My daughter screaming out her window at her brothers.

Around the house... mess and chaos because I have been in bed for two days with strep

One of my favorite things... my sweet babies laugh

A few plans for the rest of the week... dentist appointments for Sadie and Colton so their teeth do not rot out of their heads and hopefully a date with my husband since the weekend was a bust.

A picture to share... because I have no idea where these two very weird and not so great pictures came from and I think they are a little bit funny

I'm a SLACKER!

2009-06-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

I will try to do better! Unfortunately my computer with all my recent pictures and video is on the DL right now, that is of the nonworking because of a virus DL, just in case you were wondering. I hope my incredible sexy and savvy husband will fix it sometime soon. I have a million things today! The dentist is number one on the list. Not number one because I am so excited I can't wait because really I can wait. I hate the dentist. He is my Uncle so I don't really hate him but I really do dread seeing him. I didn't have any cavities until I had children so for years the dentist meant -go sit in a chair, get my teeth scraped and picked at, then cleaned, then flossed the go home. Then I had children and they apparently really like all the stuff that my body needs to make my teeth strong so the stole it and my teeth suffered and now I have a cavity or two for each child. So I saw the dentist last Monday and.... Marcus apparently really really loved the stuff that makes my teeth strong so I have three, count um three cavities. I hate having cavities filled. It hurts! It hurts, for days, and days, and days! At least I won't eat for a week. That could be beneficial to my hind quarters. I just wish there was a better way. I mean really, that syringe is so big! And the needle, its huge! Oh and did I mention it really hurts. Now that all two of you who read this lame blog are wishing you hadn't read this post because your mouth is starting to hurt and you are trying to remember when your next dentist appointment is and how you can get out of it, I will say adieu.

Dear Santa...

2008-12-14T15:12:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2008

2008-12-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween was fun at our house this year. Lots of dead things and a couple funny things too. Of course Dad as Mr. T was the highlight of the day. What a fun Dad! Too bad Mom is so lame when it comes to halloween, or anything else for that matter.

Sadie's Third Birthday

2008-09-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

We had Sadie's birthday at a park in West Jordan with our friends the Hills. They have a daughter who was born the day after Sadie and it has become a tradition to celebrate their birthdays together. We had so much fun. I made them both a purse cake and there were plenty of presents to go around. The kids had a blast playing on the playground and eating way too much cake.

Colton Turned 5

2008-09-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Colton's birthday was Friday, he turned 5. We made a robot cake. He was so excited and although I didn't think it was that great he thought it was the best cake ever. He told his preschool class all about it and was so excited for me to bring it to school so they could all see it. The kids at school sang to Colton and each got a piece. They loved it.

Then we came home and had a family celebration. Colton got a little electric go kart and some k'nex blocks from Grandma and Grandpa Mellenthin. What a fun day!

Colton had his first day of his second year of Preschool

2008-09-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

Look how big my almost 5 yr. old looks. CRAZY!

Look How Much Fun We Had!

2008-09-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Downata Hot Springs, Downy Idaho

2008-09-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

We went camping in Downy Idaho over Labor Day weekend. We had a great time. We camped at a place called Downata Hot Springs. Basically they have built a pool and then filled it with the water from the hot spring. There are also two really big water slides which my kids could not get enough of! They loved them. Colton went down at least 50 times, and once we got Riley to try it we couldn't get her to stop either. The weekend was so fun. We spent time together as a family which is always great. We put pennies on the railroad track which is extremely close to the campsite and the trains are very very very loud all night long. We swam quite a bit and had fun sitting by the campfire visiting. We did have a little trauma when Justin split his head open when he fell off his rip stick. It didn't turn out to be very serious but with the amount of blood loss he had we could have sworn he would have permanent brain damage. It all turned out o.k. in the end though. Overall it was a really fun trip and we are thinking of making it a yearly trip.

The Really Big Birthday Cake

2008-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

So my friend Karen turned 40 a few weeks ago. Her sweet husband threw a surprise party for her and I volunteered to do the cake. I have been dabbling in cake making lately and I wanted to see what I could do if I really put my mind to it. This is what happened...

and this...

Pretty cool, huh? Colton's birthday is coming up and I am trying to decide what to do for it. I am really enjoying working on these cakes and the best part is that they taste really good too.

Was that flirting?

2008-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Do 9 year old boys flirt? I think mine does. The other day when I was attending Justin's lacrosse game I was annoyed by this blonde boy who would not stop talking. Seriously, he was saying the stupidest things and just wouldn't stop. As I was getting increasingly annoyed I realized that this boy was really only being super obnoxious when he was around the 16-17 year old girl referee. He was saying things that didn't make sense and laughing at himself and just overall making a complete fool of himself. As I watched it became clear he was actually flirting with her or I guess a 9 yr. olds version of flirting. A guess the process goes something like this... hitting in kindergarten, kissing in 1st and 2nd grade, and now we have graduated to making a complete idiot of yourself. This boy was mine, my sweet really funny, disobedient at times boy! When did he get old enough to do things like flirt, especially with a girl twice his age? Where did my baby go?

but Miss Pop is in there

2008-06-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

So the other day I send Sadie, my almost 3 year old, into the bathroom so go potty. She comes right back out and says to me, "Mom, I can't go right now because Miss Pop is in there." I am lying on the couch and really have no intention of getting up, my sweet husband is close by so I ask him to go figure out what Sadie means and take her to the potty. They both go in the bathroom and then both come out. Brian then says to Sadie, "When Miss Pop is done going then you need to go, o.k.?" "O.K.," she replies. So apparently Sadie has an imaginary friend. Funny!

What is your personal best?

2008-05-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

So I came home from visiting a friend the other night and my kids were all gathered around Dad who was typing on the computer. They had decided to make a family record book and Brian was helping them think of categories for it. It was really fun. We decided rather than having us compete we would just get everyone’s personal best. Obviously the height isn’t really one some of us can improve on but things like flexibility (Brian) some of us could get a little better at and Mom really could improve on the ripstik. What a joy every single one of my sweet toe heads are and my husband too. Life is great in a family of eight! Here are a few pictures I took with my new camera I got for Mother’s Day and a list of our personal bests!

Height Records:
Dad 36 70 in
Mom 32 66.5 in
Justin 8 52 in
Jillian 7 48.5 in
Riley 7 48.5 in
Colton 4 40 in
Sadie 2 34.5 in
Marcus 2 mo. 22

Toe touch (flexibility) Records:
Dad 36 -.5
Mom 32 7.5 in
Justin 8 3.5 in
Jillian 7 4.5 in
Riley 7 4.5in
Colton 4 7 in
Sadie 2 5 .5 in
Marcus 2 mo. 5 in

Ripstick Riding:
Dad 36 5 min
Mom 32 0 sec
Justin 8 25.5 min. on account of the snow that starting to fall
Jillian 7 2 sec
Riley 7 2 sec
Colton 4 0 sec
Sadie 2 0 sec
Marcus 2 mo. 0 sec.

Standing Long Jump Records:
Dad 36 93 in.
Mom 32 56 in.
Justin 8 62 in.
Jillian 7 55 in.
Riley 7 51 in.
Colton 4 40 in.
Sadie 2 10 in.
Marcus 2 mo.

We stopped because of time constraints but hopefully we will finish with the rest soon. I will post when we do more.

Marcus finally got a Birth Announcement!

2008-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have finally buckled down and made a birth announcement for Marcus. I know I am a little slow but he is baby number six after all. I know that's not a good excuse but it's all I got. He is such a sweet baby. He really never cries and is so easy going. The kids are still very much in love with him and spend a lot of time touching, kissing and tugging on him. Life is good at the Mellenthin's these days!

Girls Dance Recital

2008-04-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Riley and Jillian are quite the dancers these days. They had a recital the other night. They performed a modern dance which was great.

Here's the blueberries and the strawberry posing before they took the stage.

Justin's Piano Recital

2008-04-15T14:52:00.001-07:00

Justin has been taking piano for about 9 months. He is getting quite good and earned a superior rating from Federation. Here is a picture of him with his certificate.

Zoo Trip 2008

2008-04-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

So Mom was crazy and decided to take the kids to the zoo with a bunch of friends. It happened to be spring break and the zoo was CRAZY, but we did have a fun time. Here is a picture of the kids we went with. I am sure there are a few missing but as you can tell it was a wild ride!

Easter

2008-04-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

So Easter was great! The kids went to two egg hunts and got way too much loot.

Brian and I were discussing how sad it is that Easter does not get the same hype as Christmas. It is a much more important day and yet it tends to be overlooked.

We are truly grateful for Christ's sacrifice and for the atonement, we are grateful for a day that reminds us of this great event.

Marcus is here!

2008-03-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Marcus Tom was born March 10th at 6:45 p.m. He weighed in at 8lbs. 3oz. By far our biggest baby. He is so sweet and cute with his perfect skin and button nose. (Who are we kidding he looks just like every one of our other kids, seriously EXACTLY the same.) What can I say, when you have a good thing you should at least try and duplicate it a time or two or six. We are really glad to have him here safe and sound. All the kids just love him so much! We fight over who's he is on a regular basis. Sadie is convinced he is her baby and no one else's. Let's be honest every two year old thinks everything is theirs, right? Anyway, he has brought such joy and peace to our home and we are truly grateful for this sweet new addition.

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

We are not really big on this holiday in our house. Ussually we don't do anything but this year Mom and Dad did splurge a little. The kids got another dance pad for their ddr game. The fighting over the one was getting a little much! (Plus, Mom really wants to go head to head with Justin and knock him down a peg or two.)

Happy Birthday Riley and Jillian

2008-02-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

O.K. O.K. I know that I have been a big slacker its just that there has been absolutely nothing interesting going on over here. Well untill this week. It was the twins birthday on the 12th and so we had a fun little family party. They got Dance Dance Revolution from their Grandma and Grandpa Mellenthin. It has been a really fun addition to the game system. Everyone seems to really love it, especially their older brother who seems to be able to swindle hours of playtime away from them. It seems he is alway about to win and he just needs to play one more song and so on and so on. Riley and Jillian also got new bunkbeds from Mom and Dad. They have been spending hours in there room since which is nice for Mom who is having trouble keeping up with all five kids when she is eight months pregnant. Unfortunately the TV has become the babysitter. Hopefully, life will get back to normal soon and everyone will not have fried there brains in the process.

Nothing new here but I made a commitment to write once a week so here I am.

2008-01-18T09:59:00.001-08:00

It is snowing outside and it is so beautiful. I love to watch the snow fall but I hate to go out in it. Apparently my kids have the same feelings. They are sitting in front of the t.v. and playing video games rather than playing outside. Oh well, they go back to school next Tuesday and life will be very different. We will be back to our very busy schedule of homework and the like.

I recently read the book "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. It was a very interesting and enlightening book. I felt a little like I was studying scripture which was actually nice for me. I have a lot of trouble finding time to do that. The Robe is a story of a Roman Soldier who wins Christ's robe after his crucifixion and goes on a quest to find out who Christ was and what was so special about him. It was nice to read about the miracles that were performed and to look at all that happened in a little different way. I also enjoyed learning about the Roman empire a little bit and what was happening at the same time as Christ's life. You never really think about all that together because you learn about them separately in school and church and the like.

Well I told you nothing new was happening here and sorry to bore you but hey I am sticking to my commitment at least for the month of January. Hopefully I can continue!

Sadie is an underwear wearer and she's only 2!

2008-01-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

Sadie is officially potty trained. Now many of you may not know this but this is HUGE NEWS at the Mellenthin home. She decided she wanted to wear underwear a few weeks before Christmas and Brian and I said absolutely not, no way, we are not doing this, no, no, no.... but she persisted! She would not relent. We would put her in a diaper and three minutes later she would be running around in a pair of her sisters underwear and not just wearing them but keeping them dry and clean. She has literally done this on her own. Maybe because Brian and I had nothing to do with it it will last. I am not holding my breath. Since Brian and I are the worst Potty Trainers in the known world we are excited for her and her new found freedom but we are waiting for the ball to drop. I am sure when the new baby is born she will revert and then Brian and I will feel a little more comfortable. This is seriously throwing us for a little loop, I mean really a child who actually stays dry and clean all day..... and she's only two, what is the world coming too?

We had a trampoline in our FAMILY ROOM

2007-12-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, the title is accurate! Grandma and Grandpa Mellenthin gave the kids a trampoline for Christmas and my husband was determined to put it up in the Family Room. Crazy right? Yes, he is crazy, but right. The kids loved it and most likely will never forget it!

We had a great Christmas. On Christmas Eve we did our traditional Birthday Party for Jesus and all gave our gifts to Christ. After some considerable prodding we got Riley to pick something other than "I will eat ice-cream everyday." It actually turned out really nice, Colton promised to listen to good music (I don't know where he would here bad music, but that's o.k.) Jillian has promised to obey right away (Mom is really hoping she sticks to this one) Justin is going to keep the world clean (thank you to the school systems for pushing this) and Mom and Dad promised to go to the temple more. Hopefully we will all remember these and be successful.

Christmas morning was really nice. Apart from the crazy tramp the kids got some good gifts that they really seem to like. Justin has told me 50 times that this is the best Christmas ever which is spectacular because he only got 4 things. I guess Santa and Mom and Dad really paid attention this year.

Today, I have been walking around my house watching my kids play with their friends and new things and wondering how I got so lucky! Life is good and we are so blessed!

Christmas is Coming, Mom is getting FAT!

2007-12-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

So here we are ready for another year of Joy and Gladness..... or fighting and sadness?

Christmas is always so fun for our family. With five kids and one on the way the spirit is definitely here. We love to buy gifts for each other and make Santa lists.... and more Santa lists... I think each of the kids have revised their lists at least 3 times. Unfortunately, I think Santa did most of his shopping in November so we may have some disappointment. I hope not.
I love Christmas morning. At our house Santa wraps the gifts and hides them. The kids then take turns going to find their gift. It is nice to watch them be excited for there siblings and to watch there faces when they open the gift. The other nice thing about this Mellenthin tradition is that it makes Christmas morning last a little longer.