A Sad Day

My heart is full this evening as I have just learned of that one of the most extraordinary, humble and kindest of men has left us.

I rejoice for the reunion he is having with his sweet wife and those who have gone before him & mourn for those of us left behind.

I am grateful that his example in my life has encouraged me to Stand For Something, live with optimism and never lose hope.

Godspeed President Hinckley. We will miss you.

Note to Self: Never EVER leave small children unattended with PAINT!

Ok, ok...so I should know this right? I am on child #3 after all...that should entitle me some insights into the inner workings of a child's mind. Right? Hmmmm, you would think so.

So I'm chatting away with my Mom on the phone...in my pj's...(it's just one of those days) & I tell her, "Oh it is so nice, the kids are playing so well together today. Z just pulled out the water colors & they are painting."

How precious...how peaceful, a camcorder moment, as brother & sister enjoy the pleasures of painting....together....amicably...WOW!

Surely I can run into the office to check out a blog or two as I continue to chat on the phone! Of course, what could go wrong, I'll only be gone a minute or two......

or ten.

Fast forward two, five, ten minutes...who knows....& YIKES!

"Oh no!"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! What happened to just using water colors?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHHH! Who found the tempura paint!?!"

"OOOOOOOHHHHH! Where are the paint brushes?!?"

"OOOOOOHHHH! What is that on the baby's mouth!?!"

Lucky for my children, being a blogger has made me a tad more reflective these days...so I take a breath, grab the camera & document the festivities.

Needless to say, the tempura paint has been hidden away...only to return when Mom is a little less....uhhhh.....distracted. :)

When I Grow Up...

I have a vivid memory from my childhood. Sitting cross legged on the bathroom counter with my feet curled up under my nightgown. Chin cradled in my hands. Watching mom get ready for a night out. I think to myself... "Wow, I hope I am as pretty as my mom when I grow up."

Still feel the same way.

Mom, you are beautiful.

Little Known Fact

These are MY tools. My husband may have been the one to purchase them, but they are MINE. (hmmm...starting to sound a little possessive aren't I? ....of course, honey, you are ALWAYS welcome to use them. ;) ) Actually, the Titanium trimmers were purchased specifically for me & at my request.

You see, I LOVE trimming our plants. Not sure what it is, but I get extreme satisfaction from hacking away a tree or shrub. I am no expert by ANY stretch of the imagination, but I take pride in my little contribution to our yard maintenance. It may take me a week (or month) to get all the plants trimmed up & sometimes they may look a little....uh, whats a good word....ummmmm....interesting when I'm done, but hey there is nothing more gratifying than choppin' off a big ol' tree limb. Plus, power tools are fun. :)

Next I want a blower cuz...

I may love to trim, but I HATE to clean up.

Miracles

My new favorite quote:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."

~Abraham Lincoln

Happy Wednesday.

Command Center

I have loads of ideas for my house floating around in my head all the time. However, lack of time & funding delays bringing these ideas to fruition. BUT at last, an idea that has been bouncing around in my head FOREVER was made a reality this past weekend! I give you....

The R Family Command Center!!!! TaDa!!

Yea!!!, A place for the kids backpacks, a place to write messages to each other, a big family calendar (each of us are assigned a different color--yes I'm THAT nerdy), a home for the keys, a cool clock to hopefully keep us on schedule & my fun FHE board that tracks who's in charge of what for family nights.

I LOVE it!!!! (thanks honey for staying up late to get it just right!)

Yeah, I know its not February yet, but I wanted to start FRESH in a new month. :)

These Are the Days

These are the days that we live for here in Arizona...cool, 65 degrees, sunny with a nice breeze...aaaahhhh.

These are the days we dream of when its 115 out in July.

Days when we can play in the park without snow boots or sunburns.

Days when the kids can even run around barefoot...yes even in January.



Days when it doesn't matter if your clothes match or not.

Days when sticky blue taffy on your face is quite alright.

Days when we've got nothin more pressing to do than hang out with our grandma, aunts & cousins.

Days when combing your hair is just plain unnecessary.

Days when its ok to just be silly

Days I will always remember.

Our PERFECT winter's day.