There's nothing like coming home from shopping (with a kid who keeps saying "mommy eat" every time you pass fast food) and seeing about 20 cop cars including a S.W.A.T. vehicle surrounding your apartment entrance. The better part is when you ask if you can pull into your apartment they tell you no. When you ask what is going on and the officer can only tell you that someone has barricaded themselves in an apartment it does leave you with a cozy happy feeling. In fact it leaves you with a huge knot in your stomach.
Luckily Braxton and I were able to go over to a friends house and she fed us some lunch and let us gawk at the scene with her and her husband. Interestingly enough Braxton and my friends daughter were happy as ever playing outside and having a good time. The best part was when we saw that swat was walking back with all their gear and starting to clean things up. It was much better to know that they had taken the suspect into custody peacefully.
Sadly the initial incident that started this was the suspect coming to his ex-girlfriends home and badly beat her in front of her children. He left for a time and she was able to get help. It just makes me so thankful that I have the knowledge of the Savior and I have a very stable family life. I pray that I can always be so blessed! I am thankful for the Lord's protection and His hand in my life!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time for Pictures!!!
There's lot to document and I can't seem to find time to blog about much of it so I guess I will do a few words and let the pictures say the rest...
Braxton has found a little fettish with hats in the last week or so and it is quite funny!
More hats
This one sounds like a Dr. Suess...hats on hats.
Truck time is only enjoyable, it seems, if he can see the wheels touch the floor.
Again with the cute hat...since I am full of Disney's Robin Hood quotes from my recent studies of the film..."ha ha ha the hat's too big...mind your manners!"
For Valentine's Day I decided we needed to get out of town. We went a hop and a skip away to Meadow. Since I discussed doing a V-day dinner with Kent's mom she arranged to rent "the pod" and do some roller skating. It was quite a bit of fun!!!
Many of the other 2/3-year-olds tried skating briefly, but Braxton didn't have any desire to try skates on, but I didn't really have any desire to force the issue. 
The lighting in that building was awful so all my picutures turned out dark despite my flash. This one is of Braxton's 2nd cousin Aspyn.
Cute Girl huh!
Grandma was a trooper helping the kids to learn to skate.
No wonder I had to loose weight...look how fabulous all the mom's in the family look!
The older girl's convinced the mom's to do a line.
This is what happened without the flash...better light, but not definition.
The sister's and sister-in-law's all took a nice 4 mile walk. Too bad Tiffani wasn't there or else she would have joined us for sure!!! We missed her!
The boys had to learn how to wash dishes the old fashioned way...by hand!!!
This box was sitting in my fridge when I returned how from Meadow!!! :)
This was what the box contained and it was DELICIOUS!!!! mmmm!!!! Thanks Melissa!!!!
I've been watching a three month old baby three times a week for two hours. It's taken a while but Braxton is finally starting to warm up to her.
Today he wanted to see the baby instead of take a nap...it may have been a ploy but it only worked for a moment.
Today he wanted to see the baby instead of take a nap...it may have been a ploy but it only worked for a moment.
When mom and dad decide to have another he just might make a GREAT brother!!! I'm glad that we are "practicing."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mourn With Those That Mourn
I don't quite know how to start this post, but I feel that it is something I need to write. There is no feeling more difficult or frustrating than feeling helpless. I am not talking about the helplessness that comes from being helpless yourself although that too is difficult and frustrating. I'm speaking of the helplessness you feel when you want to help someone else and realize there is nothing you can do. Monday I learned of my friends loss. Her sister had been in a car accident and was killed on Sunday. I was shocked, to say the least, to hear of the passing of this young woman. Tears streamed down my face and I found myself morning my friends loss. My heart ached to do something for her. I was concerned, worried, and I felt the need to do something to make things a little bit better.
I kept texting my friend trying to figure out when I could get a loaf of bread to her in order to share with her my love and concern. Finally she sent me a message asking me if she could text me back later because the family was just sitting down to eat. It finally dawned on me that she didn't need me. She was being comforted by her family and the Holy Ghost and that was where she was supposed to be. Once I realized that I was able to settle down and have faith that the Lord was taking care of his children.
This realization also came to me as I thought of the passing of my grandmother. I recall gathering at her home with all the Aunt's, Uncle's and cousins as well as my immediate family. We laughed, we cried, we were angry, and we were relieved to know that her passing was quick and she had no lingering illness. We shared stories of her life and the circumstances of her death. It was the time with family that allowed us to be comforted in the mourning of her death. I know that is what has given my friend's family strength as well.
As we went through the line at the viewing tonight we waited two hours to see the family. I realized that the Lord has surrounded this family with love. There were so many people who wanted to show their love and support and pay their final respects. As I finally was able to visit with the family I saw that they truly had been blessed and comforted. The Lord does take care of his own children in their time of need. I am thankful to know that and also to have the knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know that I will see my loved ones again and I know that my friends family will see their loved one again. I know that the Lord has provided a plan where families can be together forever. It is a glorious plan and it fulfills every desire of my heart. Finally I would like to close with the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson.
"Mourning is one of the purest expressions of deep love. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."
I kept texting my friend trying to figure out when I could get a loaf of bread to her in order to share with her my love and concern. Finally she sent me a message asking me if she could text me back later because the family was just sitting down to eat. It finally dawned on me that she didn't need me. She was being comforted by her family and the Holy Ghost and that was where she was supposed to be. Once I realized that I was able to settle down and have faith that the Lord was taking care of his children.
This realization also came to me as I thought of the passing of my grandmother. I recall gathering at her home with all the Aunt's, Uncle's and cousins as well as my immediate family. We laughed, we cried, we were angry, and we were relieved to know that her passing was quick and she had no lingering illness. We shared stories of her life and the circumstances of her death. It was the time with family that allowed us to be comforted in the mourning of her death. I know that is what has given my friend's family strength as well.
As we went through the line at the viewing tonight we waited two hours to see the family. I realized that the Lord has surrounded this family with love. There were so many people who wanted to show their love and support and pay their final respects. As I finally was able to visit with the family I saw that they truly had been blessed and comforted. The Lord does take care of his own children in their time of need. I am thankful to know that and also to have the knowledge of the plan of salvation. I know that I will see my loved ones again and I know that my friends family will see their loved one again. I know that the Lord has provided a plan where families can be together forever. It is a glorious plan and it fulfills every desire of my heart. Finally I would like to close with the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson.
"Mourning is one of the purest expressions of deep love. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Beware of the Dead Sea Salt Kiosks at the Fashion Place Mall...
...where a man named Shy (who is not really shy but that is just his name and he'll tell you that as well as what his name means in Hebrew) will suck you into his Kiosk (because he is a good sales starter) where he will hold your hand and buff out your nails into this beautiful shine. Only to tell you that you can buy two kits including the buffing tool, the cuticle oil, and the hand lotion for $49.00. And today only he will give you one kit for free when you buy one. There are a few keys to this sale that seem to be vital...
1. They talk so fast that you can't really understand them and can't ask questions
2. They have a thick accent (middle east) so you can't understand them
3. In order to demonstrate they have to hold your hand so you can run away without bolting
4. They have a seemingly good product to sell. It buffs and shines your nails to the point that it looks like you have a clear coat on when you don't.
How do you get out of a sale that means nothing to you (because you are hardly able to clip your nails let alone "buff" them)?
Tell him you are sending your husband back to buy it for you for Valentine's Day!
I hope he wasn't too disappointed when I didn't bring my husband back! ha ha ha
1. They talk so fast that you can't really understand them and can't ask questions
2. They have a thick accent (middle east) so you can't understand them
3. In order to demonstrate they have to hold your hand so you can run away without bolting
4. They have a seemingly good product to sell. It buffs and shines your nails to the point that it looks like you have a clear coat on when you don't.
How do you get out of a sale that means nothing to you (because you are hardly able to clip your nails let alone "buff" them)?
Tell him you are sending your husband back to buy it for you for Valentine's Day!
I hope he wasn't too disappointed when I didn't bring my husband back! ha ha ha
Gratitude and Blessings in January
Sat 31 *I am thankful I was able to enjoy the day with my husband and son. I am also thankful for our trip to the Draper temple open house with Melissa and dinner after!
Fri 30 *I am thankful that I was able to get rid of the dirt in my house. I am also thankful I was able to accomplish so much. I am thankful I was able to be in tune with the spirit enough to see when Braxton was pushing my buttons because he was exhausted and dig a little deeper to be kind and have patience with him. I am thankful I have the choice to stop going to a grocery store with horrible customer service!
Thur 29 *I am thankful for a down day turned up. I am thankful I was able to enjoy watching West Side Story with my son and that he liked it. I am thankful Kent took me to the temple. I am also thankful Melissa let me borrow her cute boots!
Wed 28 *I am thankful my friend Carrie called and invited Braxton and me to go play at Arctic Circle.
Tue 27 *I am thankful I was able to rest long enough to keep myself from getting a migraine. I am also thankful I was able to go visiting teaching.
Mon 26 *I am thankful I was able to plan ahead and have a yummy sloppy joe homemade sauce for dinner.
Sun 25 *I am thankful for a good stake conference where I was able to learn a lot. I am thankful Kent and I were able to work through our misunderstanding. I am also thankful we were able to get out of the house and spend the evening with Cheryl!
Sat 24 *I am thankful for a wonderful dinner with friends for Kent's birthday. I am also thankful I was able to squeeze a workout in today as well.
Fri 23 *I am so thankful I was able to pull off a surprise birthday party for Kent tonight. I feel like I was blessed to have him miss some tell tell signs! These are things that usually he would catch on to.
Thur 22 *I am thankful I have been able to keep the house straightened this whole week and now that I have cleaned the floors and bathroom my house is very clean!
Wed 21 *I am thankful I was able to accomplish quite a bit today. I am thankful I was also I able to get in a great workout!
Tue 20 *I am thankful I was able to have my good friends Ian and Tia and their children over for lunch today. It's so good to have friends who have been through a lot with you.
Mon 19 *I am thankful for a fun night playing games with my friends Taylor and Carrie. It was good to spend time with them and learn to play guitar hero.
Sun 18 *I am thankful Primary went well despite all the sick people not able to attend. I am also thankful for a spirit filled sacrament meeting provided by Brother and Sister Crabtree. I am thankful for a nice Sunday dinner with my sister and her family. I am also thankful I was able to go and visit with Kent's mom and brother Spencer's family tonight.
Sat 17 *I am thankful Kristi was able to watch Braxton while I had to go to work and Kent was helping with baptisms for the dead. I am also thankful I was able to squeeze in a quick and powerful workout!
Fri 16 *I am thankful I perservered and did my workout even though I didn't feel like I had the energy. I am also thankful that I was able to push myself and feel accomplished after I got into the workout!
Thur 15 *I am thankful I was able to motivate myself to get the house cleaned today and that I was able to have a nice night at work.
Wed 14 *I am so thankful Braxton and I got to go outside and enjoy the sun today. I am thankful we played as a family tonight before bed. I am thankful again the Braxton let me do my workout while he entertained himself!
Tue 13 *I am thankful for the glorious sun! I am thankful for a yummy Hawaiian haystack dinner. I am so thankful for an inspiring show like the Biggest Loser.
Mon 12 *I am so thankful that Braxton allowed me to workout while he entertained himself.
Sun 11 *I am thankful for the opportunity to spend the day with Braxton in nursery. I am also thankful to be a good neighbor and have good neighbors!
Sat 10 *I am thankful Kent and I were able to get some cleaning done together. It's nice to have him willing to help me out with that!
Fri 9 *I am thankful for a new haircut and a date to watch Utah Gymnastics with Kent, Taylor, and Carrie.
Thur 8 *I am thankful for a nice evening with the women of Relief Society.
Wed 7 *I am thankful to have a new DVD player so I can watch the movies we got for Christmas and so I can enjoy my good workout videos! YEAH! I am also thankful for some playtime with Braxton this morning!
Tue 6 *I am thankful for getting up and moving this morning. It was nice to have a reason to get out of the house with Melanie and her mom. I am thankful they invited me to Body Worlds
Mon 5 *I am thankful for the beauty I can see within myself. I love liking what I see in the mirror. I am thankful to share my home with others and enjoy friends. I am also thankful that Kent and I can be the ones to bring others together.
Sun 4 *I am thankful that despite my Laman and Lemuel attitude before church and the lack of teachers in Primary (one teacher was there) that I was able to have a spiritual church experience. I am thankful for my sometime boring and mundane life since it could have all kinds of nasty drama.
Sat 3 *I am thankful for a little time with Kent and Braxton. I am thankful Kent's cousin has a good sense of humor about Braxton not liking her. Especially when he cries EVERY time he sees her. I am thankful Kent and I were able to do a movie date night at home.
Fri 2 *I am thankful to have gone through my closet and rid myself of some clothes that are WAY too big. I am thankful they ARE way too big. I am also thankful I was able to get a lot organized. I am also thankful I was able to visit with my old roommate Nikki online.
Thur 1 *I am thankful to have a few minutes reading with Braxton and bonding.
Fri 30 *I am thankful that I was able to get rid of the dirt in my house. I am also thankful I was able to accomplish so much. I am thankful I was able to be in tune with the spirit enough to see when Braxton was pushing my buttons because he was exhausted and dig a little deeper to be kind and have patience with him. I am thankful I have the choice to stop going to a grocery store with horrible customer service!
Thur 29 *I am thankful for a down day turned up. I am thankful I was able to enjoy watching West Side Story with my son and that he liked it. I am thankful Kent took me to the temple. I am also thankful Melissa let me borrow her cute boots!
Wed 28 *I am thankful my friend Carrie called and invited Braxton and me to go play at Arctic Circle.
Tue 27 *I am thankful I was able to rest long enough to keep myself from getting a migraine. I am also thankful I was able to go visiting teaching.
Mon 26 *I am thankful I was able to plan ahead and have a yummy sloppy joe homemade sauce for dinner.
Sun 25 *I am thankful for a good stake conference where I was able to learn a lot. I am thankful Kent and I were able to work through our misunderstanding. I am also thankful we were able to get out of the house and spend the evening with Cheryl!
Sat 24 *I am thankful for a wonderful dinner with friends for Kent's birthday. I am also thankful I was able to squeeze a workout in today as well.
Fri 23 *I am so thankful I was able to pull off a surprise birthday party for Kent tonight. I feel like I was blessed to have him miss some tell tell signs! These are things that usually he would catch on to.
Thur 22 *I am thankful I have been able to keep the house straightened this whole week and now that I have cleaned the floors and bathroom my house is very clean!
Wed 21 *I am thankful I was able to accomplish quite a bit today. I am thankful I was also I able to get in a great workout!
Tue 20 *I am thankful I was able to have my good friends Ian and Tia and their children over for lunch today. It's so good to have friends who have been through a lot with you.
Mon 19 *I am thankful for a fun night playing games with my friends Taylor and Carrie. It was good to spend time with them and learn to play guitar hero.
Sun 18 *I am thankful Primary went well despite all the sick people not able to attend. I am also thankful for a spirit filled sacrament meeting provided by Brother and Sister Crabtree. I am thankful for a nice Sunday dinner with my sister and her family. I am also thankful I was able to go and visit with Kent's mom and brother Spencer's family tonight.
Sat 17 *I am thankful Kristi was able to watch Braxton while I had to go to work and Kent was helping with baptisms for the dead. I am also thankful I was able to squeeze in a quick and powerful workout!
Fri 16 *I am thankful I perservered and did my workout even though I didn't feel like I had the energy. I am also thankful that I was able to push myself and feel accomplished after I got into the workout!
Thur 15 *I am thankful I was able to motivate myself to get the house cleaned today and that I was able to have a nice night at work.
Wed 14 *I am so thankful Braxton and I got to go outside and enjoy the sun today. I am thankful we played as a family tonight before bed. I am thankful again the Braxton let me do my workout while he entertained himself!
Tue 13 *I am thankful for the glorious sun! I am thankful for a yummy Hawaiian haystack dinner. I am so thankful for an inspiring show like the Biggest Loser.
Mon 12 *I am so thankful that Braxton allowed me to workout while he entertained himself.
Sun 11 *I am thankful for the opportunity to spend the day with Braxton in nursery. I am also thankful to be a good neighbor and have good neighbors!
Sat 10 *I am thankful Kent and I were able to get some cleaning done together. It's nice to have him willing to help me out with that!
Fri 9 *I am thankful for a new haircut and a date to watch Utah Gymnastics with Kent, Taylor, and Carrie.
Thur 8 *I am thankful for a nice evening with the women of Relief Society.
Wed 7 *I am thankful to have a new DVD player so I can watch the movies we got for Christmas and so I can enjoy my good workout videos! YEAH! I am also thankful for some playtime with Braxton this morning!
Tue 6 *I am thankful for getting up and moving this morning. It was nice to have a reason to get out of the house with Melanie and her mom. I am thankful they invited me to Body Worlds
Mon 5 *I am thankful for the beauty I can see within myself. I love liking what I see in the mirror. I am thankful to share my home with others and enjoy friends. I am also thankful that Kent and I can be the ones to bring others together.
Sun 4 *I am thankful that despite my Laman and Lemuel attitude before church and the lack of teachers in Primary (one teacher was there) that I was able to have a spiritual church experience. I am thankful for my sometime boring and mundane life since it could have all kinds of nasty drama.
Sat 3 *I am thankful for a little time with Kent and Braxton. I am thankful Kent's cousin has a good sense of humor about Braxton not liking her. Especially when he cries EVERY time he sees her. I am thankful Kent and I were able to do a movie date night at home.
Fri 2 *I am thankful to have gone through my closet and rid myself of some clothes that are WAY too big. I am thankful they ARE way too big. I am also thankful I was able to get a lot organized. I am also thankful I was able to visit with my old roommate Nikki online.
Thur 1 *I am thankful to have a few minutes reading with Braxton and bonding.
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