Bachelor Chat..

O.k. Ladies.... I totally got sucked in to the Bachelor this season. I'm not a loyal watcher though.. I watch when there is only like 6 girls and then we start watching.. I say we cause I have Steve all into also. So who do you think he is going to pick? Tenley or Vienna!? We pick Tenley! But you KNOW there is ALWAYS a twist.. maybe Ali will come back or he will be Gay.. o.k. maybe not that much of a twist. We need to have a Bachelor Finale! O.K. Ladies so who do you think Jake will pick at the season's end? Vienna, Tenley, or no one?

Visiting Teaching Brunch

"Be a woman of Christ. Cherish your esteemed place in the sight of God. He needs you. A woman's abiding trust in God and unfailing devotion to things of the Spirit have always been an anchor when the wind and the waves of life were fierest" - Jeffrey R. Holland; Ensign Nov. 2005




Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
(http://www.lds.org) has many blessings! Just one blessing is Visiting Teaching.

Visiting Teaching gives the ladies of the church time to learn more about each other, teach, and serve each other. I love my companion she is always amazing me, I find I come away with something to better my life with each time I go out with her, I learn from her example. Visiting teaching is something you do EACH month! Oh yeah! Each month this certain lady or ladies get the personal attention of two other friends. We go to there home and listen to them, love them and give them a special message.

SOO this month, my companion Celeste and I did a Valentines Brunch. The Menu was.. delicious French Toast, Valentine Smoothie, Fruit and Chocolate Covered Strawberries... Remember I said my companion Celeste was amazing .. yeah... well she did all the baking... it was fabulous!!!

We played a "get to know you game" and ate, then had a special message on being self reliant. We have some amazing sisters and we have grown and learned from them when hearing there testimonies. I love the Visiting Teaching Progam!

Loving My Lacy

HaPpY BiRTHdaY LACY!!

Wednesday morning Lacy and I got to go celebrate her birthday... Panera Bread Company here we come... NO Kids... well Henry of course.. but a fun breakfast out then off to get ideas for her home... what more could a girl want than to eat and shop!

Lacy is such a lovable person that no matter what your day is like just seeing her and talking to her will make you smile.

I just LOVE being around Lacy and my sweet Hunter adores her! Lacy will brighten your life and leave a mark on your heart with her sweet words and loving heart.

Lacy is an AMAZING woman, mother and friend.

Happy Birthday Lacy... hope it a great year ahead!

HaPPy BirtHdAy LaUReN TowERs!!!

We had the best time celebrating Lauren's birthday! The atmosphere was perfect, band was great, and the couples we had all together are HILARIOUS!!! Happy Birthday Lauren... we hope this starts a new year blessed with continued happiness, fun times, laughter and new memories ahead for you. You are such an amazing friend and I treasure our friendship!Your smile brightens anyones day and I love our phone converstation that go from one topic to the next... "I KNOW".. You are beautiful inside and out. Thanks for letting Steve and I be part of your fun night. We had a blast!



This was our "valentines" night out also.. we left Henry and Hunter with a babysitter! It was so nice just being with my hubby and friends. Steve was looking pretty handsome...I just love that man!
Great Party Adam... it was perfect! Great picture!

Human Heart

Sometimes I wish I didn't have a human heart with so many emotions attached. I have been scrapbooking and blogging some this week and my heart strings got pulled thinking of my sweet Haley. Seeing pictures of her adorable brothers growing up without her. All the fun things they would do together. It just feels like someone is missing, we are not complete. It is just not the same without ALL my family with me. I started to get a little teary eyed thinking about her, Oh how I wish she was here.

I vote someone create a "no saddness" button for our hearts. When we start to be sad we push the button and get a big dose of HAPPY!!! Then we wouldn't feel saddness from lost loved ones, hurt feelings, or disappointment.

I know I KNOW... we have to have the "good" with the "bad"...... i'm grateful that my saddness is filled once again with another emotion of joy with my boys and hubby. So many emotions!

Temple

As I was reading through the ensign today I came across an article written by a family. A couple who one was a member but inactive, the other not really active in any faith. This couple ended up having kids and as the years went on the mother decided she yearned for the church in her life and primary for her children's lives. Later on the husband joined the church but they never really found a rush or need to get to the temple because they were living most of the commandment. Until there bishop told them "I feel impressed to tell you that the time for you to go to the temple is now. The window of opportunity is closing for your family" WOW!!

What a strong impression was given to that bishop for that family. Other members of there ward and friends encouraged them and 6 months after the visit with the bishop they ALL got sealed together in the temple.

They had 5 children and they said they noticed a change in atmosphere in there home, they were more obedient, they strive to make good choices, there family experienced an increase in family unity. Pretty cool huh!!

9 yrs later there twin girls where in a car accident and sadly one of them died. They further said "that there FAITH in the plan of salvation and there testimony of eternal families sustain them". In conclusion of the article they share with us "most of all, we are grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, who has made it possible for FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS TO BE PERPETUATED BEYOND THE GRAVE" through the gift of his Son and through temple ordinances".

I so enjoyed this article... I love to hear other peoples stories and feel there love and testimony for the gospel, our Savior Jesus Christ and our Dear Heavenly Father.

I'm grateful for the temple, and all the promises that come with it... I'm grateful for eternal families...

Something so personal to me was when I was given the impression that my daughter was going to die. I was pregnant and I had this impression while I was in the celestial room. So I really have a greater reason to have a testimony of temples and the importance of living a righteous life so you can go to the temple and feel the blessings of having an eternal family. Being sealed to my husband and OUR children being sealed to us. We have been given the greatest gift EVER!!

6 Blessings of the Temple - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
1. You will Receive the spirit of Elijah, which will turn your hearts to your spouse, to your children, and to your forebears.
2. You will love your family with a deeper love than you have loved before.
3. Your hearts will be turned to your fathers and theirs to you.
4. You will be endowed with power from on high as the Lord has promised (D&D 38:32)
5. You will receive the key of the knowledge of God. (D&C 84:19-20). You will learn how you can be like Him. Even the power of godliness will be manifest to you.
6. You will be doing a great service to those who have passed to the other side of the veil in order that they might be "judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit'
~ Such are the blessings of the temple and the blessings of frequently attending the temple~

3 Romantic hairstyles for Valentine’s Day

Side ponytail
For long hair, a side ponytail is a beautiful yet fun look that is terrific for going out. Audrina Patridge often wears a side ponytail on the red carpet and her look is easy to achieve.

Start by creating an off-center part in towel-dried hair, then use a paddle brush and your blow dryer to finish drying the hair.

Smooth the front portion of your hair toward the back and then toward the opposite side of the head from the part. Brush all the hair on the sides and crown toward the nape of your neck.

Gather the hair all together into a ponytail and position the base of the ponytail behind your ear, then secure with an elastic band.

If you want a smooth ponytail, use a flat iron to straighten as necessary. If you want a wavy ponytail, use a large barrel curling iron to create waves. Spritz your entire head with your favorite setting spray.

Tousled waves
Tousled hair isn't just for the beach — it's actually a very playful, romantic look that is perfectly suited for Valentine's Day. This style works best with hair that is naturally wavy.

Blowdry your hair until it is halfway dry. Apply a volumizing spray onto your damp hair and finger dry hair the rest of the way to provide volume and texture.

If your bangs are long, sweep them to the side. Using a large barreled curling iron, touch up your waves if neccessary. Don't curl small sections — that will create tighter curls than you want.

Place a little pomade or texturizing cream in your hand. Flip your head over and then run your fingers through your hair. Flip it back and finish off your look with hairspray.


Messy updo
One of the most popular hairstyles for special occasions is the messy updo. Instead of a perfectly coiffed style, this one is a bit messy and a lot sexy. It's ideal for a romantic night out on Valentine's Day. This style works for shoulder-length hair that is straight, wavy or curly.

To create a messy updo, begin by towel drying your hair and then spray it with a styling spray. Using a paddle brush, separate and blowdry your hair.

Place a dollop of mousse into your hand and then work it through the hair in the back to create volume and texture.

Pull the majority of your hair into a high ponytail on the back of your head and secure with an elastic band. Be sure to leave some strands loose to frame your face.

Next, separate your ponytail into three or four sections. Then you need to bring each section down, folding it over and into the base of your ponytail, securing with bobby pins or another elastic band.

Quick Question??? Butterfly Valentines for BOYS?

Steve said it is to girlie for Hunter to do for his class.....what do you think??????

Sooooo Cute!!


These lollipop butterflies make the perfect Valentine's craft for kids from SkipToMyLou.org. You can give them some personal flair with your color choices, glitter, and other drawings made just by your child. These make great favors and a different kind of Valentine's Day card that anyone is sure to love!

Materials
Printer
Colored card-stock
Wiggly eyes
Red/white/pink suckers
Tape
Scissors
Glitter/markers/crayons, if desired for decorating

Directions
1. Download Butterfly Valentine.
2. Print on colored card-stock. Pink and red are the best for this, but you can also use a variety of other colors if your child desires.
3. Cut out the butterfly and make slits for your sucker.
4. Add some decorations (cut out shapes of paper, stickers, glitter, etc.),
5. Insert sucker and then add some wiggly eyes to the top of the sucker.
6. Add a piece of tape to the back to keep the sucker securely in place.

Love You Forever

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.

NewlyWed Game Night

One Word - HILARIOUS!!!!

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's Biker Blooper's

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!

S.M.I.L.E.

2 AM!!

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.

THIS IS FOR YOU BETHANY

Good luck with your exercise program... we are going to look HOT instead of HA HA HA... bathing suit season is coming.... :) I love you sista.

ilove...

tHIS WAS A CUTE VALENTINE IDEA...


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.

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts/rock-candy-675037/

Hide and Seek

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"

Bouquet of Chocolate... love it!

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???

6 day express

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!!

Happy Anniversary Babe, 7yrs!

Calling All Songs...

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.

Nothing Taste Better Than Skinny

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!!!! :)

Shimmy and Shake

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!!!!

Loving Some Ladybug Cupcakes

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.

VVVVVVValentines Day Delights.....

You've Got "Love " Mail

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!!

Missed It....

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! :)