Books, books, books.....

I have started 3 books and I'm having the darnest time finishing them. I'm a terrable book reader and so I start a couple and never finish them. I have enjoyed the book by Robin MCGraw "inside my heart" she shares about the fact that you make your life the way you want it to be and be confident in yourself and your decisions. I love her passion for life... "The five people you meet in heaven" keeps me thinking about have I touched someone's life that they will remember me, who would be my 5 special people after I die that will come up to me and tell me that I made a difference in there life.... It is a cool book to read almost done with that one. Then there is "I was a good mom before I had kids" that is a pretty funny book. It seems like it is my every day thoughts sometimes. As I read it, it is nice to know i'm going thru the same adventure as other moms all over AMERICA! I tend to be hard on myself as a mom and this book is great to know that feelings that moms have are normal... it really is a fun book... written by 3 ladies. And FINALLY..... my mother in law suggested reading the new one by Suze Orman! Has anyone read that... fill me in, did you enjoy it? I plan on buying it once I finish my other THREE!!! So any suggestions... I'm determined to finish ALL the books in the next month or two. I wish I had more of a desire to jump into books. Wish me luck!

Emily my sister sent this link to me it is a great website about Visiting teaching... fun ideas!

Visiting Teaching - Acting as the lords hands!
http://mormonchic.com/gospel/visiting_teaching_04.asp

Hunter and mommy went to North Carolina to visit Granny and Papa McFaddin and also Hunter's cousins Anya, Adria and Logan. Alicia got to spend some fun time with her sister Bethany and Brother in law Neil.

We had fun going to the park, mall (with 4 kids) oh yeah that was a crazy trip!, most of all they played played played. We miss them living so far..and love them dearly!

GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE!!!

This picture is Alicia and her sister Bethany and all the kids.... We went for a week, the weather was beautiful. Our days consist of constant running. As we sat down one night it amazed us as mom's all that we did. Wake up, get everyone dressed, feed them breakfast, all the kids say is ~"mommie" we play, "mommie" we read, "he hit me" we color,"she is taking my toy" we watch a movie,"i'm hungry" LUNCH TIME!.. cook, (convince the kids to eat what you made) wash hands, clean kitchen part way till kids want attention..."mommie", "she hit me" "hey that is mine", o.k. kids NAP TIME! (then the next 1hr is spent trying to get all 3 kids to sleep), Give up and just let the kids play! Snack time..."no mommie I want fruit snacks not a bannana", clean up living room for the 2nd time. Outside time... "hey that is my bike", "mommie, mommie" dinner time... shoot who has time to cook... GO GET PIZZA! All the kids love pizza! Bath time... SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH! Wash kids, dry kids, PJ time. Clean up living room for the 3rd time, crayons, bathroom and now time to read books. Prayer time... thank the lord we ALL survived a fun filled active no nap day! Ahhhhh kids are in bed "mommie I have to go potty", finally quiet time... but wait my days isn't over. Finish cleaning the kitchen folding the laundry and oh now I can take a shower. "God bless the american house wife" hats off to all of you amazing woman and mothers!!

Hangin with the girls at the bonfire!

Elder's Quorum Bonfire at the White's House

HOT HOT HOT that is all I can say about the major Bonfire that Steve built. It was a fun night roasting hot dogs and making smores. The fire was so hot that people had to use chairs to shield themselves. As I looked around the yard... I saw lots of people chatting it up, kids running around and jumping on the trampoline. It seemed that everyone that came had a great time. The Guys did a GREAT job putting it all together, setting up and cleaning up. It was nice having a party at my house and not having to do ANYTHING. Now that is my kind of get together. :)

Hunter's Happy Hour

Mommy and Daddy's little dare devil.... these are the kind of things Hunter loves to do.. he jumps off of ANYTHING no matter the hidth. Hunter has also been busy POTTY TRAINING again. I think this time might be it. He is all excited to put stickers on his potty chart and of course get his skittles candy treat. Hunter is becoming such a big boy! He is talking so much now and saying things that shock mommy and daddy. We are so pleased with Hunter and are so excited for him to grow even more when he starts school in August. Hunter has really blossomed in his personality. He loves to color and wants to show it off ever time, enjoys counting and singing his ABC's. He also loves to be outside on his 4-wheeler, he does circles around the house. As parents we could not be more proud of our little guy. What a blessing!

Jammin Journel Alicia's Craving.....

As I walked thru the kitchen I felt like a tiger about to attack the rice crispy treats that Steve made and I looked around at what other sweet thing I could have then made my way straight to the treat... opened the lid and about had to spank my own hand. I was impressed with myself... I said to myself... dangit NO you don't want that. (can you see me yelling at myself...... I think i'm going crazy) So I went and made celery and peanut butter. Humm doesn't that sound like a good trade. NO.....Healthier maybe not better tasting. As I ate the celery I at least felt better about myself.

My last week I have struggled with trying to eat the right and healthier things. I play a mind game with myself and say " oh I can eat just this it won't be that bad" and THEN i'm frustrated with myself for the rest of the day, or when I get on the scale and I haven't lost anymore weight. And it is constantly in the back of my mind that if the cancer is still there in 4 months then it is because I didn't stick to such a strick diet... the constant rollercoaster. Wow how do people do so good with eating so well ALL THE TIME. I have done better than I thought and even my husband... has compimented me on doing good. I have been at this for going on 4 weeks and it has been rewarding and tough. I guess looking at the BIG picture my body will be healthier and i'm happy for the change in my body that I can see. I'm just going to pat myself on the back and keep going and when I do struggle hopefully it won't be a HUGE BIG CUPCAKE.... :) Sincerly Celery Girl!

Shoutout to my sister Emily!

Emily is such an amazing mom and so creative. She loves her family and adores her daughter Jocelyn. Emily is always doing for others and loves life to the fullest. She has an amazing testimony of the Gospel and shows her love to the lord by her service to others. I'm grateful and blessed to have her as my sister. I love our talks we can laugh, cry and talk for hours about our lives as moms, wives, sisters and friends. I love ya sistah!
This is just ONE of Emily's many creative treats. She made these rice crispy treats for an activity. I was just amazed.. they are so dang cute. What a fun treat for the kids.

Alicia's Simply Satisfactions

So last night I got the itch to organize..... I put together a storage cabinet and bought some baskets to keep Hunter's toys in. Our living room was starting to look like Hunter's toy room.... Which leads me to wake up this morning and clean Hunter's room and organize his toys, closet, shoes... you name it. I took out the changing table (which was just becoming Hunter's ladder to the top of the closet - he is such a monkey) therefore making room for the dresser. It was very satisfying to see all the toys in a certain place. Lacy gave me the idea by her organizing Joseph's play room..... thanks Lacy! I love to organize things and see the finished project....(realistically I know that Hunter's room with not stay this organized - all you mom's out there were laughing and thinking that right !?!?! :) at least I got a picture of it done. LOL :)

Hunter is ready to play at his "car station" and "puzzle table .


Beds made nice and clean! Notice NO curtains anymore... Hunter ripped them down... superman! What a wild little boy!

















Hunter's is all set in the clothes department!
How many balls in the ball bag? WAY TO MANY!!!




Alicia put together the shelf for Hunter's toys... nice and organized :)

Hi There!!

Hunter and Mommy went to Busch Gardens on Thursday. We wanted to check out the Gorilla's. Hunter walked right up to the Gorilla statue put both hands on the gorilla's cheeks and said " HI, HOW ARE YOU TODAY"? Oh it was priceless. I just smiled for the rest of the day thinking about.

Alicia's Wish List

I saw this in a magazine and I just LOVED it.... I taped it up on my desk in the office so I can look at it everyday and think about how great it would look in my bedroom.. Can you visualize this set with a cherry wood sleigh bed and our room is already painted green. I'm thinking I see my name ALL OVER IT.... I will just add it to my wish list, never know I have a birthday (o.k. so it is June but hey this is my WISH list - LOL) and mothers day coming up ... hint hint Steve :)~

I hope you all dance this week... make it the best week ever!

My Sunday went great I taught my lesson in Gospel Doctrine and I was very pleased with the outcome... I have decided to make this a great week, my last week was NOT GOOD AT ALL.... I have come to realize that I'm the only one that can make myself have a good week taking it a DAY at a time. Last week I wanted a vacation from my life so this week I would like to start out positive and fill my week with laughter from my sweet son, giving thanks to my husband for all his hard work, and finding satisfaction in myself knowing i'm doing the best I can. Trying not to be negitive, giving gratitude to my heavenly Father and just dancing, letting my inner spirit enjoy life and not be so stressed, just relax and enjoy what I have. wow I have so much to be grateful for. I could make a list 2 pages long.. so dangit.. i'm gonna enjoy my awesome life and dance like i'm the only one in the room! ( i hope no one peeks thru the window it could be a pretty funny site.. me dancing - LOL) I hope you all dance this week also and take time to remember the sweet and special moments. Look around and see your kids in a different light.. you husbands for the great men that they are and give your self a hug and pat on the back you are ALL amazing! ( I would love to hear about your week next Sunday or even during the week let me know how you are doing) I love this song. I hope you dance by LeAnn Womack.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.)

Hangin with Hunter's Cousin Jackson!

Jackson and Auntie Alicia at the basketball game.



Crusin Cousins, Jackson loved driving the 4-wheeler and did circles around the house with Hunter having a great time holding on, watch out nascar!

We had Hunter's cousin Jackson over for a couple of days and they got to go to the Harlem Globetrotters, and played, played played... they had a fun slumber party in Hunter's room. Made pancakes in the morning which was a hit for the boys. This is a picture of them with the globetrotters star!

Prettiest Cookies EVER and VERY YUMMY!

My sweet friend Marie showed up on Friday with this plate full of amazing cookies! I thought it was the sweetest and most thoughtful surprise. Marie is so dang talented & creative with cooking, decorating, making cards, you name it if she sets her mind to it she can do it. Martha Stewart watch out! My family enjoyed the cookies! Thanks!
P.S. Marie you will notice one is missing... I just HAD to try one.. at least it was a small one... it was well worth me cheating on my daily diet :). My Hubby loved them...and Hunter wanted more cookie mommy!

Sit back and enjoy the pics of Hunter, Grace & Gavin's playdate!

We had a fun time picking strawberries, playing at the park, and chatting. It is great to have cousins for Hunter to grow up with. We miss the cousins far away.

Hunter loves to sit on the Tractor and drive with daddy ..... he is such a little explorer. And he is so dang cute on it! Thumbs up mom!

Valentines Fun!

My sweet husband surprised me & arranged a babysitter for Hunter Valentines night. We ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse (yummy rolls) and then we had dessert with our friends Luis and Amanda at Stonewood. It was a nice surprise that he planned the whole evening. I surprised him with a new Juicer and well some valentines night fun! ;) wink wink!.
Valentines weekend we went to a Elder's Quorum Party at the Rodgers home. We played the newlywed game. This was the first year we have gone and it was alot of fun. It really got funny when the question came up... In 5 words or less describe your wife? O.k. that is a safe question. Some people said, pretty, HOT, beautiful, nice, good mom. Well then it came to my sweet Steve and he described me as OUTGOING WITH BIG BOOBS!! Oh yeah you read that right. I thought I was going to die and Steve was so red in the face. Everyone laughed..... and of course we had the least amont of points so they announced the ones in LAST place are the big boob bride Alicia and Steve....... I was laughing and yet so embarrassed. We won a heart shaped pillow that said KISS ME! It was a fun night and we would love to do it again next year(that is if they let us come back again :), thanks Rodger's family it was a great night! All the couples where great! We loved watching the couples interact with each other and see there reactions! We loved how they are so into each other! We had a blast getting to know everyone!

Ant Attack!

My little guy loves to play outside in the dirt, he builds and plays with his construction trucks unfortantly he tried to give some ants the eviction notice and they rebelled. My poor Hunter was bitten about 50 times... I felt so bad. He has been a troper about it and didn't really cry. Mamma made sure the ants were evicted and OUT OF THE YARD FOR GOOD.
This picture was taken right after it happened and his little leg was swollen for about 2 days. We had to give him medicane so he could sleep. Oh it was sad to see his little foot. The bites go all the way around. Hunter sure is a stong kid it hasn't kept him down to much. I tell you when I get one or two ant bites i'm itching and going crazy. Kids are amazing what they can tolerate.

Will you be my Valentine???

Hunter's ready for Valentines day, flowers and smiles.Sorry girls he ate the candy already!

Cooking Funk - Help .... Anybody!!

O.k. so i'm in a HUGE cooking funk! I use to love to cook and put meals together. But lately no matter what I make it is bad..... I mean really bad! Steve said to me the other day... this isn't bad but lets not make it again. I just started laughing and we gave it to the dogs. So have any of you got this way? How do you get out of it? Steve said he would cook for a week... give me a break. I think the dogs might not even like the one dish I made. REALLY, it was not good at all. I think I tried something new that night... BIG NO NO!

My special gift box!

Today I got the neatest package in the mail. I was so excited to see a box with my name on it, it was from my precious mother & sweet amazing sister & best friend Bethany. As I opened the box it seemed like it was never ending with goodies! I first found a pair of beautiful RED candle holders. Then a gift box with a georgious necklace and matching earrings(which was funny to me because I have been looking for a teal necklace and earrings.) They are beautiful. Lots of yummy candy, I ate the cadberry carmel first... ummmm good. As I continued to unwrap the packages in the box I was so full of excitment and graditude, then to find some good smelling relaxing lotion and body spray. My next package was the funny movie "rat race" and then topping off my fun filled box was a book called inspiration. I can't wait to read it. This truly made my day, heck my whole week. This past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions and decisions to have surgery or not to remove the cancer. The week was spent with doctor appts, getting blood work done and not getting much sleep I was becoming very tired and drained. I'm truly greatful for them and the time spent on putting this gift box together. They have listened to me on the phone and went a step further to touch my heart even living so far away. It has brightened and lifted my spirits, my day, and filled my heart. Thanks Bethany and Mom!!! I love you!

Feeding the Ducks

The only way I could get Hunter to take a nap was to tell him that we would go feed the ducks when he woke up. OH... and he sure did remember when he woke up. The first thing Hunter said was feed ducks when he got up... Smart little guy! We made it a family night.

How much can a mom get done during NAP TIME?!?!

I was so impressed with how many things can get done during NAP TIME! Yesterday I felt like cinderella. Within Hunter's 2 hour nap this is what I got done!
1. cleaned the bathroom
2. organized the closet
3. dusted
4. 2 loads of laundry - folded and PUT AWAY! That is huge!
5. cleaned kitchen
6. checked email
7. picked up living room full of toys, pillows everywhere
8. AND to top it off I got to chat with Lacy for a few minutes (uninterrupted ;))
It was so rewarding to look around the house and see everything in it's right place, all clean and smelling good. My prince charming came home and noticed how nice the house looked, that is so nice to hear and makes it all worth it when my honey likes how our home looks.... Yeah for NAPS!