I went to the library and found "Love" books for Valentines Week. This is one of the books that they recommended. Let me just say... I have never gone to the library and got tears in my eyes until this day. I was reading the book to Henry and my friends little girl and literally had to stop because I got so teary eyed. This is such a sweet and precious book. If you have boys it is a MUST you get. But even with girls it has such a sweet meaning. This is my new favorite children's book. Hunter wants me to read it every night so far TWO times each night. I love it!
Preview:: A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang:
I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be.
So this was the picture that gave us the "BIG WIN" 40 points for the best drawing describing your wife!!! Oh yeah! Steve is a boob man.. what gave it away!? I wish I just had a flat stomach like he drew! We really had a great time with all of our friends. It will be a night talked about for awhile, everyone was so funny!
Hunter was so confident and excited and his little legs were going so fast that he leaned over and the pedal hit the ground... ouch he crashed!!! He is a tough little guy he got right back up, only a little bump.
Practice made perfect! Way to go Big Guy! We are so proud of Hunter!
2 A.M. my adorable little guy woke up, I nursed him and then slowly put him back in his crib. My eyes were barely open, as I stumbled back to bed I hear him cry out. It was more of a grunt "come get me mom". During the next HOUR my little guy smiled, blew bubbles in the air, made funny noises and looked back and forth. He just wanted to hang out in bed with mommy. I have to say that as sleepy as I was I enjoyed his sweet smiles, and enjoyed waking up again with him by my side in the morning. Henry has just started turning over both ways so he LOVES to sleep on his tummy. I defenitly don't want many 2 am parties with mommy but I sure did appreciate the sweet time I had with him last night. His SMILE just melts my heart.
A box of conversation hearts and two mini peanut butter cups in disguise hit all the right notes for a tune-loving babysitter or pal. The idea comes from Grand Island, Nebraska, mom Lisa Toner, whose daughters, Anna, 14, and Maria, 10, wanted a new way to tell friends, "You rock." "Valentines can seem babyish to older kids," explains Lisa. "They really need something cool."
Materials Tape 2 (14-inch) pieces of string 2 mini peanut butter cups 1 (1-ounce) box of conversation hearts 2 (4-inch) circles of aluminum foil 4- by 7-inch strip of pink paper Glue stick Sheet of white printer paper or printable scroll wheel and playlist X Instructions Tape each end of a piece of string to a peanut butter cup. Tie on the other piece of string as shown, then tape the loose end to the candy box.
Wrap each peanut butter cup in a circle of aluminum foil.
Wrap the pink paper strip around the candy box and secure it with a glue stick.
Cut paper shapes and write text for the scroll wheel and playlist (or download and print ours), and use a glue stick to attach them to the box. Write a valentine message on the back of the box.
I read an article in the ensign last week and I loved it... It was called "I will be found of you" It talked about when parents and children play hide and seek and as parents we want them to find us and we even help them so that they will be excited and happy once they do. That is the same in our Heavenly Father and his love for us. He wants us to search for him, but he also wants us to find him. He knows how happy we will be when we do. So he gives us scriptures, calls prophets, bishops, and he gives us the holy ghost to guide us. What a cool promise... "I will be found of you, saith the Lord"
My creative crafty friend Lauren was the first one to ever show me this adorable idea, she did it for her family on Valentine's day. I'm thinking i'm going to sweeten my boys up with a yummy Valentine's candy bouquet this year. Such a cute idea. What are you going to do???? Any fun ideas???
o.k. so part of the exercising plan I choose has an option to have a 6 day express program.
Plan 1 - get in the zone... the basic balance meal for those who are just starting exercise and diet. OR
Plan 2 - High Protein Express... it is mostly protein and restrict carbs. Something body builders would use to prepare for a competition.
Then there is .. Plan 3- Fit for a minute.. AKA a photo shoot... yeah this is hard core! It is pretty extreme.. so I just didn't even look at this too much.
Ding ding ding.. I picked PLAN 2!!! I exercise in the morning with "Ramp it up" and "hip hop abs".
So today's menu is....
150 oz. water spread out thru the day. Breakfast 1/2 banana 1/2 low fat cottage cheese 4 oz of soy milk
Snack 1/2 cup almonds
Lunch 1cup salad 1/4 cucumber 1 cup broc 1 tbsp dressing (not RANCH... I'm so SAD) 1 cup yogurt plain
Snack 5oz turkey 5oz soy milk or skim
Dinner 2 cups steamed veggies 4 oz turkey
"NOTHING TASTE BETTER THAN SKINNY"
I'm surprised I'm not starving but the water totally keeps me full. One day down 5 more to go!!
O.k. blog friends... i'm trying to make a new cd that I can work out to... Please tell me your favoriate songs. You know those songs that you crank up in the kitchen when you are cleaning and cooking. I know some of you like that booty music, fast paced, hip hop, or that one song that you turn up real loud when you are all by yourself and you just dance and feel happy...... bring on the songs.
My sister in law Laura (who looks fabulous) said to me the other day "Nothing taste better than skinny" and that stuck with me as i'm into my 2nd week of my new excercise program. I honestly think I got tired of hearing my self complain about my "problem" spots on my body. So i'm doing something about it dangit!
Slim in 6 - It is a video that starts out slow and you work your way up for 6 weeks. "Michi's Ladder" is a food guideline to follow, but you can eat what you want you just might not get the best results in the time you want.
It has been a week since I have had any processed sugar... and let me tell you, those cupcakes Hunter made that sat on my stove were calling my name... BUT I RESISTED!!! WAHOOO!!!
I have LOST 2 Pounds in a week and i'm so excited to start week 2! I really do feel good.... Lots of water, water, did I mention WATER! Like 150 oz of water a day. That is an oz. for each pound. I'm so peeing alot, but also eating my small portions. Really trying to stick to the top 2 Tiers on the Chart.
Hip Hop Abs.... Loving me some dancing!! This video kicks your butt! Or should I say Abs! Anyone can come over and dance away your problems and tone that 6 pack hidden behind the baby belly.
I'm SOOO excited... Cheer me on... i'm sooo going to do this!!!! :)
O.k. So when I was taking a 'Blogger Break', this is some of the stuff I was up to. Our little guy has been having these little "shivers" or that is what we call them. I was recording him one day and noticed them. His doctor ordered and EEG and we went to the Nemors Childrens Hospital in Jacksonville. He had to be sleep deprived for 4 hours so we were up in the hotel at 6:30 and had to keep little man up till 11... not fun! We did keep him busy looking at cars, walking around the hospital and watching the rain. He almost fell asleep at 10:45... we had to take his clothes off to keep him awake.. it was so sad. Then once they started the test, he was pretty ticked cause he didn't eat during that time. So of course he cried and my little guy is not a crier so... you can imagine how ticked he was when they had to put all the wires on his head, bind is arms and hold his head still. Two other doctors came in and asked if everything was o.k. because he was screaming. I have to admit I held it together pretty well, until the other doctors came in and then I started to cry. And to top it off they wouldn't let Steve in with us so I was a little frustrated and upset. Seeing your kid in this state is hard. It didn't hurt him but him just being upset is hard for me. Needless to say he did fall asleep on the way home and SLEPT. Poor little guy! RESULTS: The results came back and it was NORMAL no problem with his brain waves or any sign of a seizure.... SOOOO they are thinking about doing a 8 hour study... and to be honest I don't think we are going to do it. He is a happy baby, developing perfect for his age and he isn't having anything major. I'm grateful for technology to have to check our children and amazing doctors. We feel pretty confident in our decision to just watch him and see if he grow out of this. Until then he is just going to be our little shimmy and shake dancer. Henry is waving saying HI to Hunter and Mrs. Lauren. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lauren for watching Hunter for us.. It was a relief to know he was taken care of and we didn't need to worry about him. He just loves your family. Not to mention your dog and cat. Thanks again!!!!
http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/01/fun-valentines-day-recipes-with-mms/ Prep Time: 15 min. Bake Time: 25 min. Decoration Time: 20 min. Difficulty: Easy Yield: Makes 24 ladybugs. ¼ cup M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies 45 pieces chocolate malted milk balls, cut in half 1 box favorite cake mix ⅔ cup dark chocolate frosting 1 container vanilla frosting Red food coloring 12 black licorice laces, cut into 48 pieces 2 cupcake pans Paper cupcake liners 1. Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the package. 2. Line the cupcake pans with the paper liners. Fill each cup with 2/3 cup of batter. 3. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25 minutes, according to the directions on the package. Remove from oven. 4. While waiting for the cupcakes to completely cool, tint the vanilla frosting with the red food coloring. 5. Once cooled, frost the tops of the cupcakes as follows: Spread the tops of the cupcakes with the red frosting. Spoon the dark chocolate frosting into a resealable bag. Snip a small corner from the bag. Pipe a line of dark chocolate frosting down the center of each cupcake. Pipe an oval of the dark chocolate frosting at one end of the line, and decorate with the red M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Candies for eyes and the licorice for antennae. Dot the red portion with chocolate malted milk balls for the ladybugs’ spots.
Our family spent the night decorating mailboxes. I found these cute mail boxes at target for $1.00. Can't beat that! It was fun sitting together in the living room and having family time, of course Hunter and Steve had to put some FSU stickers on there box... silly boys. So for the month of February we will put sweet cards, home made pictures, candy, anything that would make someone feel special. After all February is the month of LOVE!!! Hunter was so excited, he went ahead and put some candy in his and put the flag up. I'm excited to see what fun creative ways we can make each other smile during this month. Happy Love Month!!
O.k. so call me crazy! I missed blogging, I really missed it!
It has been 2 weeks and I found myself SEVERAL TIMES thinking oh what a good article to post, maybe someone would like that or could use it in there daily lives, or the boys did something totally adorable and I wanted to share it. I also found myself wanting to express feelings and didn't have a way to do it. I can only talk to my girlfriends and sisters for so long on the phone, till they HAVE to hang up :) Soooooooo I'm back!!! This is my journal, my way to vent, my way to brag about my family, functional or not, temper tantrames and laundry! I told my husband that I stopped my blog and he said "Why, you loved it", so I decided hummm yeah, why stop something I love. I love your comments, I love knowing you check in on my little family in good ol Archer Florida, on that long dirt road..... Your blogs inspire me, so maybe there is something in mine that makes you smile and happy to read. I'm excited to share my new year ahead with you... just as soon as the CHORES are DONE! :)
This is a new year and you know with a new year comes changes, new goals, etc... After 2 years of having this fun blog I have decided to make this my last post. With me trying to keep up with two boys, a husband, my own spirituality and a household, life has been busy and a little challenging.
I have found myself running out of time and being distracted during my day. I get distracted easily with fun"me" time.... I have enjoyed posting on this blog, getting your sweet comments and thoughts. I know I will still check in on "My Girls" every once in awhile just to see what you are up to. I love you all, Big Hugs - Alicia
This was the last article that I read and these where the quotes, scriptures and words that stuck out to me. I really enjoyed this talk, it is the home teaching message for January.
Hold on a Little Longer By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency
A Spiritual Outpouring “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (D&C 88:63). As the Saints of Kirtland drew near unto the Lord, He truly did draw near unto them, pouring out the blessings of heaven upon the heads of the faithful.
Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901), later to be President of the Church, was living in Kirtland during this blessed period. He observed, “One would have imagined that after receiving these wonderful manifestations no temptation could have overthrown the Saints.” ~ But, of course, great spiritual experiences do not make us exempt from opposition and trials.
The Lessons ~ Our spirits need constant nourishment.
~ As President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) taught: “Testimony isn’t something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to diminish to nothingness, depending upon what we do about it.
~ I say, the testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary.”6 We need to stay close to the Lord every day if we are to survive the adversity that we all must face.
~ In some ways our world today is similar to Kirtland of the 1830s. We too live in times of financial distress. There are those who persecute and rail against the Church and its members. Individual and collective trials may sometimes seem overwhelming.
~ That is when we need, more than ever, to draw near unto the Lord. As we do, we will come to know what it means to have the Lord draw near unto us. As we seek Him ever more diligently, we will surely find Him. We will see clearly that the Lord does not abandon His Church or His faithful Saints. Our eyes will be opened, and we will see Him open the windows of heaven and shower us with more of His light. We will find the spiritual strength to survive even during the darkest night.
~You Can Hold On If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith, remember those faithful Saints who remained true in Kirtland. Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.
~ The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.
~ It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).
~May we ever remember the lesson of Kirtland and hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25).
Hunter and Gordon had a great time on their first day of class. We were given a free trial month to see how Hunter would like his class. They had them stretching, warming up...I sure need this class to work my abs :)... I was very impressed with the 45 mins that they spent with them. Hunter woke up the next morning and asked if he could go back to his class... That's a GOOD sign.
We had a great time bringing in the new year with our Family in Orlando. We went to downtown Disney and checked out some of the fun events they had going on. It was so packed, yet fun for us to be all together. The kids had fun staying up late and seeing the fireworks. How did you bring in the new year???
This morning I was reading in Moses and doing the study guide for a class in church and one of the questions was what did Moses learn about himself in Moses 1:1-7? After reading it and giving a summary, I came to understand that WE ALL HAVE A Purpose and a plan in the this life, it might not be a intense and earth changing at moses, but I have a purpose .
I don't think I really could wrap my head around the fact that wow I'm a mother, and with that comes a huge responsiblity to TEACH, LOVE, NURTURE and prepare these little souls to be ready for this world, spriturally, phyiscally and mentally. That is huge! I have a huge purpose in the life.
Sometimes I feel like i'm not doing much, not serving eneough, I'm sure you know what I mean... making a HUGE difference. And then a thought came to mind a friend said one time... she said that "our Chrildren here on this earth and in heaven are watching us, Am I being a great mom and example".
I was stuggling with reading my scriptures, praying regularly and really shoot I was just lazy. Well that is just not good enough, I wouldn't let my boss at work down so how could I let my Heavenly Father down... These boys, my family is my full time job. So as I read today the scriptures and studied I felt good, I felt like I could learn and be able to teach my boys.. my future missionaries, my adorable CTR!
I'm excited to learn what Hunter will be learning this year. (so I posted what the primary theme is).
I can't wait to have him learn his articles of faith, stand up proudly... we have number one done - YEAH!
I'm greatful for good examples around my boys...we are so blessed. Have a great year, learning and finding your Purpose and Plan the lord has for you!
This is a great site to look at: http://www.sugardoodle.net
Hunter loves to cook, bake, play.. anything in the kitchen. He got a new baking kit for Christmas and he loved it. Mommy and Hunter had fun making pizza bits.
"...may the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds..." -- Thomas S. Monson
Me and My Honey!
Haley Faith White - November 20, 2003
Our Daughter Haley went back to heaven the day she was born. Our family misses her so dearly and knows she is in a special place with her Savior and Father in heaven. We have found peace thru faith and prayer that we will see and have our perfect precious daughter again. Haley is our angel that watches over our family. We can't wait for that great reunion in heaven!
Hunter Loftis
Hunter is our sunshine that brightens our day! He brings us laughter and joy.
Henry Stephen
His smile warms your heart. He is heaven sent and perfect!
