A Beautiful Mess

Sleeping like a man

2012-01-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see our son has decided that it's time to start sleeping like a man. I see a lot of his father in him everyday but this scene had Kimball written all over it...asleep with his hands behind his head, reading not only a book, but a book about superheroes no less (totally Kimball). It goes beyond this still as I have recently gone to check on him before turning in for the night, on more than one occasion, to find he has shed all pajamas and is fast asleep under the covers with only his pull-up, a ritual Kimball always thinks of fondly from his former years (minus the pull-up of course)...and where does the apple fall?

Chloe bell had her 4 month appointment this past week and is tipping the scales at nearly 17 lbs. putting her in the 95%, she's also in the 95% for her height but I can't remember what the actual stat was. The only one who has outdone her at this point is Mya who was in the 98%...we make em' big apparently. Kimball has been diligently studying for his inservice exam, so our nights have often looked like this. I appreciate how hard he tries to spend time with the children even if its just a few minutes before bed....Ahhh, the life of residents!

Name them one by one...

2012-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

This week....This week, this week, this week....this week was a doozie. It started with Monday just like every other week does usually and got progressively worse until the week ended like it usually does on Saturday.

Problem #1: Aiden- as I mentioned in the previous post, talking to him is like talking to a dead cat. I shall now revise my statement to likening it to talking to my dead cat that my mom took to the "special place" to be put to sleep 14 years ago in Utah which is 1500 miles away. It's like talking to that cat. Not only is it dead, but it's so long gone you can barely remember what it looked like, or that it even existed. Okay, enough with the dramatics. Suffice it to say our listening problem continues to get worse. So much so that Thursday night he laid in his bed from the hours of 3pm to 7pm, because he had punched his sister for the third time that day, so I told him that he was going to bed early. We both cried.

Problem #2 Chloe- she has been so fussy, and unwilling to take an appreciable nap, but she continues to sleep through the night so I will make an end of complaining about her.
Problem #3 I can't seem to be able to look past these things and simply come to grips that non-listening children and fussy babies are what comes with the territory of being a mom. In the moment all I can hear is Aiden crying from time out and Chloe crying from her crib and I begin to think that nobody has ever had such a difficult life as me.

I called my sister who in her seasoned motherly wisdom said "Count your blessings, name them one by one" with emphasis on "one by one" ...literally count them. So to conclude this week and this rant I will list my top ten blessings that I came up with as I began to count.

My loving Heavenly Father and the knowledge that he lives and loves me
My Eldest Brother and Savior and the knowledge that he died for me and lives today
My membership in the true church upon the Earth
My husband who comes home from a 14hr. day and lets me lay in bed the rest of the night while he tags in to take care of the hungry attention starved kids
My Healthy children who are growing like weeds and despite them not listening they bring me the greatest joy I have ever felt
My parents and parents in law who support us beyond degree in every way. Emotionally, Physically, Financially, Mentally, Spiritually.
My sisters who also support and love me and tell me "this too shall pass"
My Friends and ward family who come and pick up the punks without asking and go out to dinner with me at 9pm so I can rant some more.
My warm and comfortable home where I can be with my family in peace.
My own health that allows me to take care of my kids, which is the only thing I actually want to be doing despite its difficulties.

Of course I could go on but I'll do that on my own. Hopefully next week I'll be singin a different tune. Till then'...

Thumbsucker

2012-01-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Well true to my resolution here I am at the end of one week and the beginning of another. Sunday's are normally quiet (well...quietER) so I thought today would be a good day to reflect on the week past.

It finally snowed. Monday was supposed to be our first day back from the break but was canceled due to "adverse weather conditions". I use quotations because it seems like the West Virginians equate snow to one of the seven deadly plagues, and every time it snows you always here someone say "Its not typically like this here". They're funny. I walked upstairs to find Mya all dressed and ready to go with her bed made, thanks to her trusty alarm clock which she got for Christmas. She was disappointed. Holy Cats that girl is growing so fast. Not just physically, more so in her maturity. She says and does things that adults don't even do sometimes...like ask me how my day was on our drive home from school, and ask me how she can help me around the house...my friend thinks she's an alien. Alien or not though I wouldnt trade her for all the riches in the world.

Chloe is officially a thumb sucker, and she has slept through the night faithfully for the past 6 weeks. I love and hate how attached she is to the thumb (always the right one btw). I love it because its so stinkin' cute and she can self soothe independently. I hate it because when the time comes I can't take her thumbs away like I would a pacifier, and yes she self soothes, but I'd like to soothe her sometimes...does she really already not need me??? She's a giant by the way, I don't think we'll make it much longer without giving her rice, the formula just ain't cuttin' it anymore.

Aiden is his normal old self, he's having such a hard time listening to what I tell him to do. It's like talking to a dead cat. He is the hardest thing about my life right now in fact. But he's so dang cute when he's not being a terd, that I forget at the end of the day how crazy he drives me. He has such a tender heart. And speaking of terds...(I'm pretty sure only mothers begin sentences that way)...he has finally done his big jobs in the toilet!! No more cleaning up food babies!

Kimball is Kimball, aside from the fact that he is now taking out gall bladders completely on his own...I have a husband that cuts people for money and occasionally fun...wait. I'm me....same as yesterday...we are both going to try and start an exercise/diet program. I can no longer hide behind the "holiday excuse"! Anyway, I hope subsequent posts won't sound so "newsletter-ish". I need to take more pictures. Until next time...

Resolve

2011-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

re.solve [re-zolv] verb, noun

verb

1. To come to a definite or earnest decision about

noun

1. a resolution or determination made as to follow some course of action.

2. firmness of purpose or intent; determination

Today I'd like to resolve to

~Gossip less (yes I know it'd be better to resolve to not gossip AT ALL, but I don't want to set myself up for failure....Dont tell me your secrets!!!!!)

~Examine my demands on my family and close friends more carefully

~Be more positive, particularly with my husband

~ Make my demands more thoughtful, and quiet.

~ Read the Sunday school lesson each week.

~Blog once a week

~Eat healthier, excercise more (...groundbreaking I know.)

and we'll see how we do with those few things, and with God's help, and yours Dear Reader, I can make 2012 better than any year before.

What we did.

2011-12-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

January

~We found out.

~We played in the snow

February

~We wrote love notes.

March

~We went green.

April

~ We dyed.

May

~We had lunch with some friends.

June

~We dug.

~We swang.

July

~we slid.

~We swam.

~Then we swam some more

~Then we slid some more.

August

~We started.

~We waited.

September

~We welcomed.

October

~We dressed up.

~We went to the pumpkin patch

November

~We blessed.

~We gave thanks.

December

~we celebrated.

~we decorated

~ we opened.

~we stayed in.

...and at the end of it all we'll start again as "We" .....our favorite thing to be.

Worth It.

2011-10-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

The pregnancy was long...even though it was almost the exact same amount of time as the other two...it seemed longer. The nausea, the horrific headaches, the heartburn radiating from my knee-caps, the sleepless nights, the exhausting days, chasing two children around in the summer temperatures while I got bigger and bigger...was all worth it. My darling Chloe Jean... you were worth it.

Chloe Jean Knackstedt

September 14, 2011 10:40am

8 lbs. 11 oz. 19.5 inches

Waiting for Chloe...

2011-08-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Some of the best middles

2011-08-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

The middle can be so under appreciated sometimes, dont you think? Today I'm celebrating one of the best "middles" of my life. To do that I've made up a list of some of the best middles...

a grilled cheese sandwich: melty, gooey, cheese...what more could you want?

a burger: the middle on this particular item is a necessity, not to mention all the beefy goodness

a cream filled donut: although it can be argued that the cream is superfluous it is my humble opinion that everyone needs a little excess in life sometimes, and this is the perfect example.

Summer: particularly when you are NOT pregnant, but summer is the middle of the year and claims such things as family reunions, swimming every day, barbeques, etc.

Speaking of pregnancy the middle is normally the best part, you're not barfy, you're not too big, you're starting to feel the baby move, you find out the gender, the best part by far..the middle.

There's halftimes, and intermissions, recess and seventh inning stretches, but one of the best middles by far is the one that is in our family: Aiden.

Handsome Aiden,

life might define you as "middle child", but you dear boy are one of the best "middles" this world will ever see. So today when you turn three, please know that you are the cheese to my sandwich, the beef to my burger, the cream to my donut, and one of the biggest joys of my life. And remember, "Beginnings are normally scary, endings are usually sad, it's the MIDDLE thats the best part!" Happy Birthday man cub, we love you!

GREEN DAY!!!

2011-07-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to post this only because its evidence to how behind I am in posting, there are quite a few things, important things, that happened between that I'd like to post so maybe we'll play "ketchup" for a little while. Anyway back in March there was an opening in the play schedule and since I had not taken a turn to coordinate play group since we moved into the ward I asked my one of my favorite cohorts Katie H. to help me throw a "Green Day Extravaganza" in celebration of March. She was on board so we planned and had a great turn out! Among the Green Day festivities were a reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" by the good Dr., a Green show and tell, a green snack consisting of green apples, green grapes, and frost-your own green shamrock sugar cookies! Mom's munched on Green lettuce wraps and enjoyed the company. It was a "Green-tastic" Day!

Aiden was more into just eating the frosting than participating.

Either Matthew or Isaac brought his green motorcycle, and did not care to be photographed in order for me to tell (this is what you get for waiting so long to document) ;)

Micah wore his green superhero cape, which his talented mother expertly made!

Audrey brought cilantro, and her awesome mom brought a yummy recipe to share.

All in all a success and a good way for me to get to know the mom's a little better! I can't wait to do another color day, I'm thinking a visit to the fire station for red day, or a pumpkin carving party for orange day...OH THE COLORFUL POSSIBILITIES!!!!

Today you are 4....

2011-07-06T13:22:00.001-07:00

Today you are 4 days old, and I'm still getting used to the idea of being your mom, I'm trying to wrap my mind around such a big responsibility. You are the tiniest thing I've ever seen. You sleep a lot...except at night. You are one of the best things I have ever done.

Today you are 4 months old, we spend most of our time together while dad is at school.Leisurely doing whatever it is we want, just you and I. You are the chubbiest thing I've ever seen. I'm learning new things about you, like what makes you laugh and what makes you cry, more often than not we laugh and cry at the same time.

Today you are 1 year old, where oh where did the time go? Your personality is shining through, you are a wonderful mixture of your mom's dramatic side and your dad's mellow side. You are not only doing funny things, but beginning to say even funnier things.

Today we brought your brother home, and now its no longer just you and me all day. You are a natural at being a big sister. You seemed to age overnight when he arrived. Now our roles as a family seem to be more clear. Not one more important than the other, but parts of a whole.Your role, for now, will always be daughter, sister, and First born. You do the job fantastically.

Today you are still four....but tomorrow you'll be five. My heart breaks because we keep moving closer to a time when we may not see eachother every day. My heart sings because I think about all the wonderful things that are still in store for you. So for your birthday, my precious girl, my wish to you is that you'll always be as kind, loving, inquisitive, brave, patient, and sweet when you turn 5, as you are today while you're still 4.

Have you heard about Kimball?

2011-06-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Just in case you hadn't heard about Kimball, here's a quick synopsis:

He is the king of opposites

He is patient, generous, and kind
but he will tell you the truth even if it isn't
always accompanied with tact.

He is methodical and efficient
but depending on the task he may need to
be asked to do it a few times,
before he'll begin the work.

He is smart and insightful
but if there is something he doesn't know
he'll be busy trying to find it out.

He makes the best hot chocolate,
but he has trouble burning toast.

I've come home to find him watching
cartoons by himself.
I've also come home to find him reading
Principles of General Surgery.

He is passionate about his work,
but he doesn't take anything too seriously.

He knows and understands the gospel.
His example testifies of its authenticity, and
strengthens others' convictions of its truths.

He can hang tire swings and build sandboxes
He can throw his kids high in the air, or
gently rock them to sleep.

He is my best friend. He is a my childrens' father. He is
his father's son. He has his mother's eyes.
He is my husband,
and today is his birthday.

Happy Birthday to the King of opposites, we love you.

Tumble Dry on Low

2011-06-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

*Before you call CPS, there are a couple reasons this happened...

There was a certain 5 year old girl who is very persuasive about getting her brother to experiment things on her behalf....do I have to remind you about the dog kennel incident?

The children have been helping me switch laundry because they like to add soap/dryer sheets and push the various buttons, so I'm sure this idea has been cultivating for awhile now.

In my pregnant state the children have gotten considerably faster than me when it comes to going up and down stairs

Upon arrival at the scene I quickly had a serious talk with Mya about the dangers of trying to dry our little brothers and sisters, so don't assume I had a laughing session with them about how silly they are sometimes....but I DID have a little chuckle to myself while they weren't watching ;)

Tire Swing!

2011-06-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

Early on in May the landscapers came to plant grass seed in the back yard, and it was a good thing that the kids and I were out of town for most of the month because ever since they've been home they've been itching to go out back and play. Finally this weekend, after a little trip to Lowe's, we got what we needed to build a sandbox and hang a tire swing! I was impressed that the tire swing could even provide me in all of my pregnant wonder with a fun time (don't tell my mom). The kids spent ALL day outside! And now they are not only thoroughly dirty but they are both thoroughly convinced their Dad is the Best Dad in the Whole World!

Dear Mother

2011-05-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Mother ALL flowers remind me of you.

Happy Mothers Day!

6 years ago...

2011-04-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

6 years ago life changed. Lots of those changes were easy to accept, some weren't. Let's be honest, 6 years ago I married a man I barely knew. I realize that now that I know him better than anyone else. But thats okay because the things I did know about him 6 years ago were enough to feel peace about becoming his wife...6 years ago. I know he feels the same way. 6 years ago there were a lot of "kinks" to work out when it came to living with eachother...there's still a few left. Since then we've learned how to let certain things go, when (and how) to accept the other person is right, how to tell what eachother is saying even when they are not saying it. He challenges me, and I soften his rougher edges. Without me we wouldn't have pictures of anything, without him we wouldn't know the importance of hard work. We both make eachother a little bit more normal. 6 years ago I didn't love him nearly as much as I love him now. But we've both always known that we made the right choice..6 years ago.

Stress

2011-04-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

1. /'stress/
constraining force or influence: as
a : a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part; especially : the intensity of this mutual force commonly expressed in pounds per square inch

b : the deformation caused in a body by such a force

c : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation

d : a state resulting from a stress; especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium

e : strain, pressure

....I went to the neurologist today, and this was his diagnosis...Stress. The allusive answer to seemingly every problem a person could have. Stress. How to cure stress? Do you get enough sleep? Yes. Do you get enough free time? What's enough? I know there is an age-old cure for stress that my husband is a big fan of, but I feel that base is covered as well. So I guess the million dollar question that will cure me of my blinding headaches is how can I relieve the stress? How do you relieve your stress dear reader? Is it possible? I hope so.

Backstage

2011-04-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Whilst skipping Sunday school...I mean...while in between blocks at church last Sunday, I was chatting with the Relief Society president about a task I was given for an upcoming Relief Society meeting, and she lovingly asked me to make sure and tell her if I was feeling overwhelmed, to which I replied "I'm fine" to which she asked "How?"...to which another participant of the conversation, who is a seasoned mother and tactfully honest, replied, "This is the Front stage...we can't see what's going on back stage". There were a few beats of silence until we all laughed and moved on with the conversation. So now I'm left thinking about whats really going on "Back stage"

Setting:
West Virginia
Characters:
Holly (The Mother/Wife), Kimball (The Father/Husband), Mya (Child #1), Aiden (Child #2)
Plot:
My Life, more specifically the ins and outs of everyday life in all of its triumphs and failures.

Scene:

Holly has been pregnant with child #3 with a husband who is close to finishing his first year as a surgical resident

Lately if someone came and took a look "back stage" you would be liable to find any or all of the following things:

Aiden crying in a fit of rage because something didn't happen EXACTLY the way he wanted it
Mya crying because Aiden is touching her things, or breathing her air
Both kids entertaining themselves because Holly is either A) Puking B) Laying down with a migraine C) eating or D) trying to do all three
Holly wishing Kimball would come home
Kimball asleep with both children on his lap wanting a story read to them
Holly screaming at the mystery person who she's certain is slipping poison in her food and causing her to still be puking
Mya using her new favorite phrase "..but I WANT to"..like this news will all of a sudden change my mind about letting her cut her own hair with safety scissors..."Oh well, since you WANT to that changes everything.."
Holly trying on 10 different outfits because each makes her look 10 lbs. heavier than the next

Holly wishing she lived close to any family that would feel at least semi-obligated to come rescue her out of her sweatpants

....not pretty. So if all appears to be right on the front stage, why not keep it that way, you may ask. Because I need a little reassurance that the certain scene of this "play" will have a happy outcome. I need to know that once my brain returns to normal and stops trying to pulse its way out of my skull, and once the culprit who is poisoning me is found and severely punished, I'll have accomplished the noble cause of motherhood once more. Will my family and I be slightly worse for wear, maybe, but it's worth it...right?

Both times I've had a child arrive there has been a moment when we first meet each other, just a small fleeting moment, there is a perceptible shift when we look at eachother and things become so clear. My purpose becomes clear. I'm waiting for that to happen again, which is really the only motivation for doing any of this. There are rare moments that come along that I feel it again, when Mya tells me I'm her best friend, or when Aiden walks over,takes out his pacifier and gives me a kiss, but never quite as strong as when I hold them for the first time. So for now thats what I'll keep waiting for, and until then I'll make sure that entrance to the "back stage" remains off limits.

Look at me grow

2011-03-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

This was actually taken a couple weeks ago so the little sprout is even bigger. The legs are in shadow but they are there, along with everything else thats suppose to be present, although we looked between the legs and couldnt tell yet (too early)...so we'll wait a couple more weeks . Pink or Blue? Pink or Blue?

Now we are Five

2011-02-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our nearly eight week blob has got us pretty excited (and mom pretty sick)! Coming Sept 2011!

Daughter

2011-01-18T06:06:00.001-08:00

Everything she sees
she says she wants.
Everything she wants
I see she gets.

That's my daughter in the water
everything she owns I bought her
Everything she owns.
That's my daughter in the water,
everything she knows I taught her.
Everything she knows.

Everything I say
she takes to heart.
Everything she takes
she takes apart.

That's my daughter in the water
every time she fell I caught her.
Every time she fell.
That's my daughter in the water,
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
I lost every time I fought her.
Yea, I lost every time.

Every time she blinks
she strikes somebody blind.
Everything she thinks
blows her tiny mind.
That's my daughter in the water,
who'd have ever thought her?
Who'd have ever thought?
That's my daughter in the water,
I lost everytime I fought her
Yea, I lost every time.

Shutterfly Cards!

2010-11-19T19:16:00.001-08:00

When my fabulous friend Carlye told me about a promotion that Shutterfly was doing where you get 50 free christmas cards, just by blogging about it, I couldn't think of anything more simple, mostly because I love shutterfly to begin with! The web-site is uber user friendly and there are so many cute products to choose from. Last christmas I made both of sets of grandparents calendars, which you can learn about here that featured all of their grandchildren and they all loved them. I've also used Shutterfly in the past for christmas cards and have loved them too. So I'm more than happy to sing this company's praises especially when it means another chance to use their awesome product again! The only hard part will be trying to pick out just one design that I like...oh and licking all those envelopes! Happy Holidays!...oh and P.S. I need your address!

Bucket List

2010-11-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Last night I was laying around thinking that I ought to take a minute to write down my "bucket list". It isn't because I'm feeling like my time is any more limited, or because I'm "wishing for greener pastures", I'm just a firm believer that the first step to seeing dreams and goals realized is to write them down. So here it is.
Before I die (or get too old) I want to:
-visit a crayon factory.
-ride in a hot air balloon
- Attend all major sporting events: Super Bowl, World Series, NBA finals, World Cup, Olympic games (check), U.S. Open, Kentucky Derby, etc.
- When and if I get to attend the Kentucky Derby, I want to wear a gigantic hat.
- Eat at each of the Iron Chef's restaurants
-Be in the audience for an episode of Iron chef America (this, I hear, is not possible since only friends and family of the chef's are allowed in the audience, but nothing is EVER impossible, right?)
-Get a nursing degree
-Go to Greece
-Read the Old Testament
-Be completely debt free
-Take my parents on a trip
-Take Kimball's parents on a trip
-Own a scrapbook retreat business (with my dear friend Kathy!)
-Go on a mission with Kimball
-Raise successful well-rounded, kind, loving, humble, smart children

Some may happen, some may not, I hate to think it, but maybe none of them will happen, but even so its good to know I'll always have support from those that love me!

The public bidet'..

2010-08-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

First of all...yes...we ARE alive out here. Second of all...rather than rehash the difficulties this new life has come with, I'd rather just keep the good memories, and this day was full of them. Kimball was off, the sun was out, and thanks to a good friend sharing this hidden "sprayground" gem with us we headed out to enjoy one of the final days of summer.

Hello pretty girl.

He looks so grown up in this picture...good thing he has that plug in his mouth to keep him young!

This little girl was Kimball's shadow during our entire visit, she was fascinated...

"It's like a huge, public, bidet'"~Kimball

This is the winner.

Ahhh, the days of summer....

Summer, West Virginia style.

2010-06-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

This is what summer has looked like so far...Not the most exciting, but we're gettin' the hang of this new place.

We do a lot of sleeping and napping...whether or not its actually in our bed is apparently up for debate. Sleeping in a big boy bed is hard sometimes...

" Ummmm....Hello mini Kimball when did you shrink into this tiny person?"..oh wait it's just Aiden.

We've also done a LOT of this once we found the library and started their summer reading program.

FHE we set out pillows and blankets on the patio and had pizza and watched "The Prince of Egypt"

And we've done even more of this....Mya is doing flips from one pool to the next, always with her trusty "air suit" which she frequently comes to me and says "Mom I have a wedgie"...lovely.

We've gone to a few city events, farmer's markets, pick your own blueberries, annual weiner dog races (post to come dont you worry), taken in the beautiful country, gone on walking trails, gone to a few different parks, Kimball wants to go take a tour of the nuclear plant down the road.
All in all its pretty quiet, but we're together and that will always be our favorite place to be.

The Big Day

2010-06-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know its a little overdue but here are pictures from our big day (which I shamelessly stole from other people because I was too frantic to take any good pictures..you know who you are, thanks!). Kimball's graduating class got a yearbook where each student had a dedicatory page which Kimball told me I could upload pictures to (which I did), he however didn't mention we could submit a little written sentiment to include, so I'll share it with the world through this forum at the very least.

My deareast Kimball, We have waited for this day for so long, and I couldn't be prouder of you. I'm so happy our children will have you to look up to as an example of someone who is hardworking, diligent, faithful, smart, and good. I'm confident these attributes will help you be a wonderful physician and surgeon. Thank you for putting us first. In the words of another kind of Doctor, "...And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! 98 and 3/4% guaranteed. You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! You're mountain is waiting. So..get on your way!". Love you. Holly

The After Party!

Once again we were overwhelmed by the love and support of our family and friends. We love you all and couldn't have done this without you. Starting out on this new adventure seems much easier knowing we have you guys in our corner. We'll always be grateful.

Our New Place

2010-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are interested, a.k.a mom, I made a little virtual tour of our new little home. For a more professional virtual tour you can also visit here. We are settling in nicely, and taking advantage of everything this little community has to offer. Kimball's been hitting the gym, and played a couple game of pool with Kris, I've enjoyed the masseuse, and the private movie theater with Chanda, and the kids have loved the pool and playground. Mya and Aiden did WONDERFUL in their new primary classes and everyone was so warm and welcoming in our new ward. Next post is gonna be more graduation pics, so until then enjoy our own "virtual tour"!

Untitled from Holly Knackstedt on Vimeo.

p.s. Thank you carlye for the uploading advice...did you notice the subtle shout out to Tyler...

Introducing...

2010-05-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kimball Scott Knackstedt.

Oh what a proud wife I am.

stay tuned...more to come!

Hopeful

2010-05-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Every so often you have a day where everything seems hopeful. Today was one of them. My mom surprised me with a little farewell party with my sisters and grandma which was catered by the always delicious Zupas (if you haven't been there I only have one thing to say to you....Why?). Everyone had to give me a piece of advice before they could eat. Everything was good, the food, the company, even the advice. Then my mom gave me this house warming gift, which I have been coveting for quite some time. Can you tell what it says? You can click on the photo to enlarge it. They are photos taken of things on the temple grounds that look like letters, I think its ingenius and beautiful. And it will go perfectly hung next to my portrait of the Mt. Timpanogos that my talented sister made for me.

After lunch we went and drove the 5k course my sisters and I are running for Race for the Cure, which was sponsored by my Grandmother a living, breathing,(allbeit boobless) survivor of breast cancer, we love her and we're gonna run our fannies off to help find a cure so EVERYONE can survive this awful disease.

Then in honor of Cinco de Mayo we had delicious fajitas, and tres leche cake. All in all I feel refreshed, recharged, and ready for whatever comes next!

Another year has gone by..

2010-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Another year has gone by for Kimball and I as a married couple...here are some of our stats:

Years married: 5

Number of moves: 6 (soon to be 7)

Number of Cars: 6....what the heck!

Number of Dogs: 2

Number of Children: 2

Number of lawnmowers: 2 (does anyone need one?)

Number of sewing machines: 2

Years in school: 4

Number of arguements: 422

Number of apologies: 844

Number of times I've thought to myself how blessed I am to be his wife: countless.

I will live my life as a mountaineer's wife.

2010-03-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

This post is late in coming...for a couple of reasons. I've been in shock for awhile, and I've waited until I've allowed the idea to "simmer" and process. March 18th, at 11:00 am we received word that Kimball will be doing his General Surgery residency in Charleston, West Virginia. ....Ummm...I beg your pardon? ...Hold on let me go get a map....Yes that's right my friends, we are headed to Charleston, West Virginia, I'll wait for you to go and get a map........okay, as I was saying. The first question everyone asked me that day was "Are you happy about that?"....here is my answer.

.....Yes....We are ENORMOUSLY blessed by a loving and all-knowing Heavenly Father who has prepared a place for me and my little family in West Virginia. This answer was, and still is, a little difficult to say with meaning but I AM happy and I'm trying more and more everyday to put my trust in God. I'm scared that a culture shock may take place, I'm afraid to send my daughter to school in a place I know nothing about, I'm afraid because they don't have a pottery barn or a central market. We learned that there were 600 more general surgery applicants than there were last year, which means we are very blessed to have matched ANYWHERE, there are applicants out there just like Kimball who found out that day that they didn't get a spot...I can't imagine. The Lord would have me be humble.

Another thing making it a little difficult is my heart aches for Texas and the life we had there. Last weekend we were talking to some of our friends who were planning a trip to Texas about how much we loved it. We talked about the people, the low cost of living, the beautiful sunsets, and the fact that it's Texas...and then my friend said "Hey, in five years you could be saying these things about West Virginia..". It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I realized my home will always be wherever Kimball and my children are, and we can MAKE it so we can say these things about West Virginia.

With that being said, I'm excited, proud, and thrilled for my husband who has worked so diligently these last four years to get us to this point. We had a little celebration for him (pictured above) and we truly were overwhelmed by the love and support of our friends and family that came to wish us luck. I'm happy that he can be a surgeon, and I can be a mother, a spectacular dream realized for both of us. Not everyone gets to do what they love every day. Medical School is behind us, and we are on to another new and exciting chapter, and an opportunity to learn and grow. I'm so excited to see him walk across that stage, I know he'll make a wonderful physician. So if I ever tell you dear reader, that I'm scared or unhappy about this change please refer me back to this post, so that I can remember how lucky and blessed we are.

So it's Charleston, West Virginia or bust!!! You haven't seen anything like the Knackstedt's yet!!!

Did I say something??

2010-03-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

So I don't forget...

2010-03-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Mya and Aiden, in case I forget some of the things you said and did when you were innocent and little when you come asking, here are a few of the many things that made me laugh...

* Mya recently went to her first musical that her cousin Abby was in, Willy Wonka. She really seemed to enjoy it. When the little boy who was playing Willy said the line "Who wants a piece of chocolate?" The audience continued listening, but Mya shouted "Me!!!!"

*Yesterday I had a small braid in my hair and pulled back in a pony tail (my favorite thing to do with my hair when I really DON'T want to do my hair) . While lifting her in the car she said "Mom! your hair is soooo beautiful today!"....at least one person thought so that day.

* It seems Mya already has her own little beauty regimen. Every time she gets out of the tub and gets dressed, she quickly proceeds to go get her lotion bottle and lotion from head to toe. She normally does this while sitting on our bed while watching t.v. It's so funny to watch her do things that not only adults do, but exactly the way they do it.

*While walking out to the car Mya kept whining for me to carry her out to the car. Since I had my hands full with bags and her brother, I told her "No, I can't you're a big girl and can walk by yourself". After we'd been driving for awhile she finally said "Mom, I don't love you, and I don't want to be friends"...I guess everyone feels that way sometimes.

*The other day Mya picked up a leaf on the ground and said something that sounded like "Peter Pan". I thought well maybe since it's green or something. Later while watching Wall-E together, at the end the captain plants the plant in the ground and says "we're going to grow all kinds of plants...vegetable plants, and PIZZA PLANTS" . Mya lifted up her leaf and said "PIZZA PLANT!"...I get the feeling if I watched more of her movies with her I might understand some more of her "Myanese".

*The other day I put a bunch of grapes in the buggy while grocery shopping, and Mya said "Mom...that's a lot of carrots"...it would seem no matter how many times I tell her they are 'grapes', grapes will always be carrots, and carrots will always be grapes. I just can't convince her otherwise.

Meanwhile, it seems the only thing Aiden is willing to say is "MINE!"....I'm just waiting for "GO AWAY!" to come next, just like his sister did. He does say "I love you" after he gives me a kiss, but this is a rare and special thing, he only has a certain number of kisses to hand out and most of them are reserved for his Dad....I'll take what I can get though.

...and in case I forget to tell you everyday "I LOVE YOU" , please remember always I do...all the way to the moon, AND BACK!

P.S. Like the Pics? My BFF Carlye is awesome!

Pastime

2010-03-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Pas-time /'pas-tim/ n: 1 diversion. 2 a recreational activity

Grandma: I'm worried about someone getting hurt...

Kids: We're not gonna get hurt!!!

Holly: Don't worry...kids have been doing this for years...it's a pastime!!!

...what's your favorite pastime?

How I know he's a good dad...

2010-02-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

They've stayed in this spot since he returned home on Saturday, leaving only to eat, nap, and potty. Bad for Kimball, Good for me. There was never any doubt, but this is further proof that Kimball is the cat's pajamas when it comes to being a Daddy! "...I'm so glad when Daddy comes home, glad as I can be!"

Mario Kart Love Song

2010-02-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

I dedicate this to my husband, who has been said to enjoy a video game or two in his younger years....well older ones too. I love you Babe, I'll ride in your Kart any day.

p.s. I'm stoked he decided to feature the Dirt Devil in the background

A Lesson in Patience

2010-02-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

...What to do on a cold winter day?? How about give them a lesson in patience? Eureka!

Waiting...
and waiting...
and waiting..
and waiting a little more..
Success!

...and Wyatt will continue to wait for Kimball to get home

seems like we're all waiting for something sometimes....doesn't it?

Dear Kimball,

2010-02-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

..there will always be more where these came from, if you'll be my Valentine.
Check YES or NO

Love, Holly

Donuts in the Park

2010-02-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

As you can see Tyler had much better things to do than eat donuts...

I'm starting to worry that the scowl may be permanent....but he sure is handsome.

Official quote of the visit, "They have big swings that are either for mothers, or for the handicapped".

For Mothers...

or for the handicapped...

Mom's can have fun at the park too. The donut in my teeth almost looks like it WASN'T intentional...

Even our Puma's are friends.

The Ultimate Luxury

2010-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

I have to thank my friend Nikko this morning for writing a post that inspired me to write this one. Lately, I have been feeling like a less-than-adequate mother (to put it nicely). I began to root around in my mom's medicine cupboard looking to see if there was any of my anxiety medication from high school leftover (to put it not so nicely). It feels like the minute I wake up I look forward to their nap time and the minute they wake up from nap I'm looking forward to bed time. While I understand that this is probably normal, for parents with kids that are nearing their "terrible twos", I still feel like it isnt an excuse to be wishing for them to be asleep every minute they're awake. My friend talked about motherhood being the "Ultimate Luxury", and I had to ask myself, am I missing it? And sadly, my conclusion was yes. I had never thought about the opportunity to stay home with them as a "Luxury", and then I started to think about how I would feel if I HAD to work, and I had to let someone else take care of them, and how hard that would be. I know many women who have to do this and I know that they love their children just as much as I love mine, and they would give anything to be home with them. And like my friend Nikko, I have to say how thankful I am for a husband who had the foresight to choose a career path that would allow me the luxury of being a mother who stays home. The field of medicine can often leave him feeling brow-beaten, exhausted, and under-appreciated, and I know it would have been easier to choose something else, but he did it in large part to the promise that it held for his family in the future. With that being said, I know nothing is gauranteed, and the only sure way to be happy is to follow the promptings of our Heavenly Father through the spirit, but I wanted to share this to maybe speak to someone else the way it spoke to me. Hopefully I can be more grateful for the priviledge of staying home with my children...even though they lock eachother in the dog's cage (more on that later =)

Love in 3D

2010-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me, gotta groovy kind of love?....

....3D love?

The waiting game.

2010-01-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

So now that the residency interviews are over, the following weeks will go a little like this...(for invested parties). We submit a list ranking each program by preference 1-11. The programs rank their interviewees by preference. The Nation does a match system where they take each prospective resident's list and the list of each program, stick it in a giant algorhythm (spelling?) and on March 15th we'll get an email stating whether they've matched us into a program, there are only so many spots, so some people will NOT match. If we have matched, on March 22nd we'll receive notice of what program we'll be headed to. So we are at the mercy of the computer. If we DO NOT match, I'll post the process after that happens. With Kimball's board scores we are confident he'll be able to get into at least one of our top 5 choices. So now for the finalized list...

#1 Roanoke, Virginia
#2 Greenville, South Carolina
#3 Lexington, Kentucky
#4 Little Rock, Arkansas
#5 Wilmington, North Carolina
#6 Dayton, Ohio
#7 Charleston, West Virginia
#8 Morgantown, West Virginia
#9 Kansas City, Missouri
#10 El Paso, Texas
#11 Washington D.C.

so there you have it, and now we wait. So now if you'll keep us in your prayers, We'll keep you posted along the way, Deal? =)

Out with the old, and in with the new.

2010-01-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning I asked Kimball to go to the gas station at the top of my parents neighborhood to get some milk so that I could make pancakes...he came back with the milk...and a nearly broken arm to go with it. While backing out of the parking lot the airbag inadvertantly deployed, he didnt hit as much as a bump...needless to say the pancakes weren't great. Every car professional we talked to didn't believe us at first, and swears they've never heard of anything like that happening before. While this has been a major inconvienence, we realize it could have been catastrophic. Imagine driving down the highway with the children in the back going 75mph when it exploded in his face and filled the entire truck with thick smoke....I try not to. At any rate, Ford Motor Company has agreed to pay for it, but fearing more repairs down the road Kimball has decided to say

"Out with the Old, and..

in with the new!"

It's a toss up...

2010-01-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

I either have the best husband in the world or the clingiest baby...You choose. Me, I think its a little bit of both.

Kentucky weekend.

2010-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I finally got to accompany Kimball on one of his residency interviews in Lexington, Kentucky. I wish I could spout about how wonderful the scenery was or tell you all about an awesome horse ranch that we visited, but sadly I can't because I slept in...

We did have fun when I was finally risen from the dead. We saw TWO movies, and ate at some yummy restaurants. The University of Kentucky appealled to Kimball quite a bit, and he said we'd be lucky to end up there. I have to admit I'm intrigued by the idea of wearing giant hats at the much distinguished horse races...and with a last minute interview in North Carolina, the residency interviews are finally over. So now all we have to do is wait. Please remember us in your prayers so that the right people will have their hearts opened....I'll start looking for hats online just to be prepared =o)

well we've come a long way...

2010-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

This is strictly for me and my family to look back on and remember, If you read through it, wonderful, if you enjoy reading through it, Bonus!

A look at the last decade...

2000- I was student body officer as a freshman, and decided to take concert choir, which led to auditioning for sophmore choirs, which led to an interest that defined most of my high school career, so generally a good choice. I had 5 nieces and nephews at this point. I admit now I was interested in friends, boys, myself, and little else.

2001- Continued with choir and theatre. Joined the swim team, did it mostly for the boys. Andrea got married, I was so sad she was officially gone from the house. Swam, ate, slept, and sang, and not much else, oh and kissed a fair share of boys...geez

2002- Got mono- ick, Got attacked by a dog- bigger ick, Mom got a tumor on her parathyroid- biggest ick of all. Went to New York City and sang in Carnegie Hall, something I'll always remember, Snuck out and went to Grand Central Station alone with Carlye...oops.

2003- Got into Madrigals, sang to more people that Christmas than I could shake a stick at. Played Rapunzel in Into the Woods, one show I ripped the back of my dress open while trying to get up into my tower, had to be on stage about a minute after that. Began a serious relationship.

2004- Big year. Went to California with Mads. Graduated high school, cried at our last madrigal gig. Realized which friendships were gonna last (and they have). Ended the serious relationship, which was difficult. Moved to Provo to go to UVSC. Went to church at the singles ward and met my beloved Kimball. He was the Sunday school teacher. That night I went to his apartment and after introducing myself I told him I thought we should get married. He looked at me funny.

2005- Was endowed in the Salt Lake Temple. Was sealed to Kimball in the Mount Timpanogos temple. Lived the newlywed life for a few months. I got a job with an ENT/oncologist. Kimball began applying to Med school. Found out I was pregnant with sweet Mya.

2006- Kimball was accepted into Medical School in North Texas. My baby girl joined our family changing it forever. We moved to a small house a month after she was born to downtown Fort Worth as Kimball began school.

2007- School, School, School, School, School, we moved into the Saginaw ward where we made life long friends. More School. In December we found out I was pregnant with handsome Aiden.

2008- Kimball began clinical rotations, and became a happier man. School and Pregnancy dominated our lives. Aiden joined our family, we knew he belonged with us, even though his constant crying suggested he might have felt otherwise. In December we moved to a different house, same neighborhood.

2009- Yet again more school. Kimball began applying and subsequently interviewing for Residency positions around the country. In December we moved back to Utah to await news of where we'd end up....thats a lot of moving wouldnt you agree?

2010- March we'll find out where we'll be headed next, which means..you guessed it...another move. This time it will be at least semi-permanent, into a place we can buy and call our own. Kimball will graduate from Medical School! I'll cry tears of joy for the years gone by, and fear for the years to come. We'll begin a life together, in a new place, and hopefully get pregnant with #3.

phew! I'm tired just typing it all out. I'm excited by the thought of what I might write in another post like this for the next decade gone by. The main thing is we've grown and learned as a family...so here's to another decade together, our favorite place to be.

Dont adjust your computer screen

2010-01-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Yes it is true..I have risen from a blogger's death, 3 months later, hopefully with a new found zest and motivation to keep up the blogger's life again. First and foremost those of you who know me, know that my absence was not without good reason. A cross-country move, christmas, and residency interviews were just a few factors that led to my hiatus. Nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy a slight recap, because I've come to the conclusion that I enjoy looking back on the things that WERE important enough to me to sit down and upload pictures and write down any thoughts or feelings. Unfortunately I dont regularly keep a written journal, and my scrapbooking is slow-going. Either way heres to a resolution to start fresh...a least until the next cross-country move ;o)

Starting with our trip to Arkansas to visit a long lost husband who had been there for 3 weeks. We went to the zoo and had a lovely afternoon together, here are few faves...

Oops ...wrong gorilla!

a morning stretch..I can relate.

The title of this post was going to be "When a surgeon carves a pumpkin"...it was both grotesque and hilarious.

Mya a.k.a Princess peacock...she was stunning and she took her candy gathering very seriously.

Aiden a.k.a Elmo...less than enthused as you can tell.

Okay here is a big gap called Halloween-Thanksgiving...I made two quilts which I'm hoping to post pictures of soon, back to that whole resolution thing.

This was downtown Fort Worth at the Parade of lights the day after Thanksgiving. *Note on Thanksgiving, it was Divine if I say so myself. I treated the turkey like my unborn child, brined it over night, rubbed it with garlic butter, basted it every 15 minutes, glazed it...loved it unconditionally. More than the delicious food, the day was pleasant and peaceful full of games and family and memories.

Here's another gap call Thanksgiving-Christmas Eve. I made two quilts, and remember the cross-country move I mentioned earlier on.....did I mention I made two quilts???

Each Christmas Eve the grandkids dress up and reinact the story told by Luke..Mya was an angel declaring the wonderous birth...I think she looks more like the holiday cheer Meister. (holiday whooby-whatey????)

Cannon was a wise man, and generally a cute kid to boot.

Gracey was the mother mary... holding my mom's voodoo doll...I mean Baby Jesus.

Ahhh Christmas morning in all its glory...it was wonderful. Kimball and I and our family were spoiled by family on both sides. Some of our favorites were tickets to "The Lion King", and a beautiful (and giant) portrait of the Mount Timpanogos temple, from my sister Jennie, it was such a meaningful gift.

Lunch with my sisters, mom and grandma. I'm pretty sure we could run the country.

ask Mya what she thinks about the snow and she won't say "cold" or "white" or "fun"...what she WILL say is "look at the snow...its so PRETTY!!!!!"

For New Year's Eve we decided to make fondue..something, somewhere along the way went wrong...the next thing that was bound to happen was for it to grow legs and walk off the table. New Year's was low key but I enjoyed seeing another year come and go with Kimball and my family...still kickin it together.

I actually wouldnt change the fondue if I had the chance just because I've never laughed so hard with my grandma in my entire life...she tried so hard to find something positive to say about it..

So there you have it..lots of pictures left out but this will work for now, and at least bring me back to life to my fellow bloggers. There ought to be a post on how we are adjusting to Utah life, how the residency interview trail is going, how much we are missing Texas and our family and friends there, etc. etc. etc. Most importantly all the lessons we're learning...but in the words of Scarlet O'Hara "I'll worry about that tomorrow".....its good to be back!

Dear Mya and Aiden,

2009-10-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Of all

the

pumpkins

in the

patch

we'd

choose

YOU!!

Love, Mom and Dad

By the way this bull was VERY mean, he tried to swipe me with his giant horns while I tried to take his picture, and then I swear he was fixin' to charge...I saw my life flash before my eyes.

Spaghetti + Chocolate Pudding + a BYU fan = ??

2009-10-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

One Happy Baby!!!!!

Chocolate pudding period = One Happy Mya!

and One Happy Baby + One Happy Mya = ONE HAPPY MAMA!!!!!

MATH LESSON OVER.

Celebrating September the Right Way!

2009-09-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

while everyone else was thinking that September is a time for first days of school, and the beginning of football season, I was celebrating September for a reason even more special than those...National Sewing Month!!! Woohoo! ...here's how I celebrated! (by the way did I mention I am a hundred years old??)

*a child's apron...mya likes to cook without pants, this way she'll be a little more modest, and maybe a little more sanitary

* a diaper bag for my friend and visiting teaching sister

* more onesies! This one for a Texas obsessed grandmother-to-be!

* a party banner for an event that we also celebrated this month, McKinzie's baby shower. The theme was "Helping McKinzie build her nest", we had a lot of fun!

Sidenote: Aiden had a friend over at the shower...as you can see he's not so sure about cute little sophia...he eventually warmed up to her I think.
*Also, while my mom and dad were visiting my mom and I started on my very first quilt top! Anyway, a lot of these things I've given away so I wanted to post them so I can have record of some of the things I've done, and hopefully to see some improvement as I continue to "celebrate"...even if its no longer September ;o)

BIG news!

2009-09-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

This post has lived in my head for awhile...but now that we've ironed out the details with my parents while they were here for a visit (more on that later), I felt it was time to tell our friends and loved ones we've decided to move to Utah in December.
Question #1 Doesn't Kimball have to go to school?
Answer: Kimball can technically do rotations with any Doctor, they just have to be approved with the school. Besides a 2 week E.R. rotation that is required in Fort Worth he can still do what he needs to in any area, and with a family full of medical professionals it shouldn't be hard to find a rotation (hopefully)
Question #2 Why?
Answer: a few reasons..With the fiasco last year and having to move, our new 12 month lease ends in Dec. So instead of trying to sign another 6 month lease we've decided to move in with my parents for the few interim months before we find out where we've matched for residency (March!). Also, our hope is to try and buy a home wherever that may be and living with my parents and not paying rent on a place will help us save up for a down payment on a loan. And lastly, traveling is soon going to be the name of the game not only to go to interviews across the country (already one in El Paso, and one in Virginia!) but also Kimball's away rotations, and I will want to travel with him to wherever we match to try and find a home. All of that adds up quickly monetarily so we can use all of the lee-way we can get financially.
....with that being said....
This has been an enormously hard decision. We WANT to finish out our med school days here in our home where we've built a comfortable place for our children, where we have a wonderful ward family, and very dear friends. We are aware that it will be even more difficult to say goodbye to those that have seen us through these last few years. There are those that think we haven't put a lot of thought into this, but we have and we both feel strongly that this is the path Heavenly Father would have us travel at this time. It will be bittersweet as we leave our family and friends here, but we're also excited to spend more time with my family and Kimball's little brother and his wife that live in Provo, and our friends down there.
So that's that. Until the time comes to start saying goodbye we will cherish these last few months we have to stay here in Texas which I've even grown to love (who'd'of thunk?) and save the farewell's for another day.

Few things in life are better..

2009-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Than when Grandma comes to stay!

Fall is here, hear the yell, back to school, Ring the Bell!

2009-09-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

(for maximum enjoyability listen to "We are Gonna Be Friends" on my playlist while reading this post =o)
Fall IS here, even though it's still in the nineties for us. Even so, here are a few of the things that fall has already brought that we have enjoyed lately!

- A New school year!
-New Confidence!

-New friends...apparently friends who are shocked to get their picture taken.
-A countdown chain for when grandparents come to visit..Happy Grandparents Day on Sept. 14th!..ours are coming the 17th and staying a WHOLE week!!!!!

-Pumpkin cookies! These NEVER fail to bring the fall spirit that I crave!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies
Cream together:
1 stick butter 2 eggs
1/4 c. white sugar 1 c. brown sugar
1 c. pumpkin 1 tsp. lemon juice
In separate bowl combine:
2 c. flour 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger 2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda

Combine dry ingredients with creamed mixture and add chocolate chips. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Drink with milk!

These don't have anything to do with Fall necessarily but I wanted to share some card inspiration!

...yes fall is upon us...lovely, lovely fall. I can taste the hot chocolate already!

I could write a blog...I have thoughts!

2009-09-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

so I'm toying with the idea of doing a creative blog...along with every other mother and their dog. ...What do you think? Sewing, scrapping, crafting, painting...hopefully some original stuff, also stuff from friends... hmmmm, just maybe.

If all else fails...put them in the bath.

2009-08-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well when you put it that way...

2009-08-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for the taxes I pay,
Because it means I am employed.

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party,
Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug,
Because it means I have enough to eat.

I am thankful for my shadow that watches me work,
Because it means I am out in the sunshine.

I am thankful for a lawn to mow, windows to clean and gutters to fix,
Because it means I have a home.

I am thankful for the complaining I hear about the government,
Because it means we have freedom of speech.

I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot,
Because it means I am able to walk and I have been blessed with transportation.

I am thankful for my huge heating bill,
Because it means I am warm.

I am thankful for the pile of laundry and ironing,
Because it means I have clothes to wear.

I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,
Because it means I have been able to work.

I am thankful for the alarm that rings early in the morning hours,
Because it means I am alive.

Stop What You're Doing!

2009-08-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

...and listen to my two new Ingrid Michaelson additions to my playlist. Ingrid is quickly becoming an artist who I heart the most! So turn the sound up on your computer and Just do it!

Hooter Hiders and other things...

2009-08-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

So we went to spend an evening with some of our friends the other night,friends that had just happened to have a brand new baby girl. My husband warned me not to touch her, he even told me not to sit too close, so that I wouldn't get a whiff of the baby smell. Well I couldn't resist and I walked away with a nasty case of "the babies". Even though it seems to be incurable, I've been trying lately to fill the void by making things for other babies, mostly so I'd have an excuse to go and hold them again...so far it's not working but I've made some pretty cute things at the very least. Time to share..and if you want any of the links for the tutorials just leave a comment!The hooter hider, otherwise known as a nursing shield, way easy, way cute, I'd use one myself if I wasn't such a milk dud. Are the circles to suggestive of whats hiding underneath?

These crinkle toys are really cute! What is with babies and their obsession with plastic bags? These toys have crinkle cellphane sewn inside, so now babies can have their plastic bags and eat them too!

These appliqued t-shirts were a gift for my trainer who is getting ready to have a baby in November. He's a huge Chicago bears fan and he has a band thus the shapes. I had my friend Katy make me some of her darling bows to match. For her etsy store click here
I also sewed a rag quilt for baby Alex that I posted a couple weeks ago. Anyway since none of these have really done anything to cure the baby hunger, I've decided to start quilting (with the help of my mother who is coming soon!) and I'm hoping this will do the trick...

here's hopin...

Adventures with Cake Boy

2009-08-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

This little boy will never be the same after how much cake he ate in the span of a couple days. On his actual birthday, we invited some friends to celebrate with us at Chili's, and we gave him the best cake in the world, a chocolate molten. He didn't get very dirty for the sheer fact he made sure to get every morsel in his mouth!

I dont know...I think he might like it...

The second cake experience was at our little pool party with friends the next day where we had Elmo cupcakes. This time he did get quite messy, and we were very thankful for the hose and outdoor shower at the pool.
as you can see Elmo got a nose transplant right away

Then afterward we waited for Dad to get home from the hospital to open his presents, which turned into more of a learning opportunity for Miss Mya, up until this point she was under the impression, if its wrapped..it's hers.

This last year with him has definitely had its ups and downs, but we're so glad he is with us. Here's to many many many more!

P.S. I couldn't resist a "shout out" for my husband who received his Board exam scores, a couple days ago! He got an absolutely amazing score! I am so proud of him. He works extremely hard, to do well on these tests, while still giving up time to be with his family and needy wife. Way to go, honey!

In the Land of Women

2009-08-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day I gave my mom a gift certificate for a photo shoot with all of her girls with my best friend and photographer Carlye ( for the website click here ). Growing up our father was on estrogen lock down with 4 daughters and zero sons. Now are numbers have grown even more with 6 grand daughters. As always, here are some of my favorites from this shoot!

Two of the Matriarchs of the family. The one on the right makes a mean sandwich =)

Andrea with her girls Riley and Parker

All 6 grand daughters

1 Granny Cook, 1 Mom, 4 daughters, 1 large tree = ???

4 generations of daughters, Wilson Chapter

4 generations of daughters, Brooks chapter

4 generations of daughters, Christensen chapter

Born 3 days apart, attached at the hip, Grace and Riley

These two will always be babies in my mind...even though they clearly are not.

This actually would have been a perfect picture if Miss Mya wasn't such a turkey

between the 4 of us, we know everything.

"Like Mother like daughter" doesn't even come close...

Christensen girls, Jennie, Abigail, and Grace

Mom with her own brood

My #1 Fave....not a bad lookin bunch...

The longer I go throughout life, the more I've come to realize, all you can do is stick with the people that will love you for who you are, no matter what, and rely on eachother to help you get through.

To my man cub on his birthday...

2009-08-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Top 12 Reasons we love Aiden

1. He didn't come with a difficult pregnancy...well compared to Mya

2. His smile lights up the whole room.
3. He's fun to snuggle with
4. He cries so much, he reminds us that we're thankful to not be deaf.

5. He's always festive
6. He's a good eater, I can't seem to feed him enough.
7. He's a good little brother, he LOVES to laugh with Mya
8. His laugh is contagious.
9. I only know 1 other person with eyes as pretty as his ;o)
10. He looks just like one of the most handsome men I know.
11. He's a good camper.
12. Since he was 2 months old he has slept through the night.
Most of all we love him because he is ours. You have caused us to laugh and cry, smile and sing. Happy Birthday, handsome Aiden, God has certainly blessed us.

Turning a corner...

2009-08-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Well it seems as though our little family has been "turning a corner" in life lately, I use that phrase because we are on the same "path" its just the "path" has now shown us a different view of where we are headed. Perhaps thats just fancy speak for "things are changing". With Kimball now back in the swing of rotations, the reality of him almost being done is beginning to sink in (thus the countdown widget addition to my blog...). I know that people who bother to read this may have grown tired of all the med school narrative awhile ago, but for so long it has defined our season of life, that now that it will be over, it's a little jarring. Make no mistake, I'm excited, but I'm still a little apprehensive of whats to come.
Another change is the calling I recently received as counselor in the Primary presidency. I'm certain our ward is full of people that are far more qualified for the job than I am, so all I can do is pray I'll be receptive to the things the Lord wants to teach me. It's always a testimony builder to feel the Lord work a change within you...things I thought I'd never find affirmation in, like the children that bore testimony on Sunday. I realized in some small way I have the chance to help those testimonies grow, both an exciting and intimidating opportunity.
I also recently felt strongly the need for me to return to school. This thought was not welcome since I'm relishing in the fact that our family can finally be rid of the "student" label soon. But I not only think its a practical decision, but one that could, in time, be very personally rewarding. I'll be the first to admit I'm not good at school, I know I'm smart enough, but I lack in the self discipline department to a degree that makes being a student difficult. Anyway I've think I've settled on the idea of pursuing a nursing degree. My mom will get a kick out of that...My grandmother is a nurse, my mother is a nurse, my brother is a physician's assistant, my sister is currently waiting to get into nursing school, my husband will soon be a physician, I thought I'd just join the crowd. No not really, I've had a number of opportunities to work in a patient care setting and I've felt its always been a good fit for me. I told Kimball I wanted to be a Labor and Delivery nurse so that I could say Mozoltov ever day...thats a good enough reason right? So now its just a matter of finding a good time to get started. I really hope I have the fortitude to stick with it.
Anyways, so here's to turning a corner in life! Knowing that if we do whats right the Lord in his infinite wisdom always directs our paths in the direction we need to go. Mozoltov!

My life's example

2009-08-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

"I desire no future that will break the ties of the past" -G. Elliot

Here comes Baby Alex!

2009-08-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I threw a shower for our dear friend Katy and baby Alexandria who should be here any day. Quite a few people were out of town, but we still got a good turn-out. Great friends, yummy food, and 1 pregnant belly = Good Times.
I made 6 different desserts...these fruit tarts were my favorite.
Baby Emily. So-o-o-o-o sweet.

The rag quilt I made for her...can you see what shape is in the quilt?

Then we all wrote a lullaby or rhyme that we sing to our kids on the squares on the back.

The flower pens and stamped recipe cards, that were given out as favors.

We can't wait for her to finally get here!!!

Shark Attack!!!

2009-07-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

In order to savor these last few days of Kimball's summer vacation, we've tried to do some fun things with the kids this past week. Yesterday we drove to Dallas to check out the Dallas World Aquarium, and we all had a good time. Kimball has instilled his fear of sharks in Mya quite successfully and she was anxiously anticipating a shark attack to ensue around every corner. I honestly wish that Kimball and I have some long lost uncle out there somewhere who wants to bestow all of his riches on us, so that neither of us will have to work ever again and we can spend our days like this together...maybe thats what heaven will be like.... anyway, enough sap. Picture Time!

This is the crowning jewel of the entire trip. Look at Kimball's face, he has NO idea whats coming... look at Mya's face, she is POSITIVE one of these sharks are gonna jump out and eat her at any second. I think I'm gonna put this on Kimball's pillow...he hates sharks.
Just Kidding...THIS is the crowning jewel of the entire trip. Dont worry there were so many flashes he had no idea...
NEMO!!!
To me, this just proves that God has a good sense of humor.

Fruit Loop bird
Good News...since it was so humid inside the "Rainforest" my hair grew three times its size, as we were walking out to the car I said something about it and Kimball was like "Your hair is really big, but I didnt want to tell you, cause I was afraid you'd get mad"

2009-07-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Em, I found this in my camera's internal memory... Proof that we treat Layla like our own when she comes to stay. Mya's dollhouse is awfully boring when there isn't another little girl to imagine with...

Chocolate-dipped Macaroons

2009-07-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

I've been trying out some new recipes for the dessert buffet for the baby shower this weekend (by the way you should come!) These were quite tasty, I didnt get to enjoy them as much as I would have liked due to my teeth still feeling like they are gonna explode. Anyway, Enjoy!

Disclaimer: It is not necessary to go pant-less when making these but as you can see Mya opted out in the pant department for this occasion.

* 2 (7 to 8-ounce) packages sweetened shredded coconut
* 2 ounces sweetened condensed milk
* Pinch kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 large egg whites at room temperature
* 5 ounces granulated sugar
* 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
* 1 ounce vegetable shortening
* 2 ounces finely chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the coconut with the sweetened condensed milk, salt and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to whip the whites until medium peaks form, 6 to 7 minutes.

Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined half sheet pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer the parchment with the macaroons to a cooling rack. Cool completely before topping.

Fill a 4-quart pot with enough water to come 2 inches up the side, set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Combine the chocolate chips and shortening in a small metal or glass mixing bowl and set over the simmering pot. Stir occasionally until melted, then remove from the heat.

Dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with the chopped macadamia nuts and place on parchment paper to set, about 30 minutes.

Doped...

2009-07-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

When I was in the 8th grade awaiting braces, my orthodontist assured me my wisdom teeth would never be a concern. I wish I still had his number... cause I had to have all 4 of them yanked out a few days ago due to there partial eruption causing risk of absess and/or infection. It's definitely not the worst pain I've ever been in, but it's no joy ride. So for the last little while I've been laying in bed watching movies, eating milkshakes, and reading Architectural Digest and Pottery Barn catalogs (Getting excited for a new house!). I have been able to get some sewing done, I'm sure it will be some of my best work thanks to the Vicoden. Anyway if you're in the mood for a laugh...

#1 Yes..I'm in my closet. It's my little hide. I like to go in there and lay down, think, stretch, cry, etc. While I was in Utah Kimball totally cleaned and organized it for me. #2 No...Im not competing in a chubby bunnies contest.

I hope this picture doesnt end up in the wrong hands... Kimball gave a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday and announced from the pulpit that I had my wisdom teeth out in order to dispel all of the concerned looks of people thinking I was an abuse victim.

P.S. this post officially brings me up to speed with life....so make sure to stay tuned for more awesome posts (at least better than this teeth one...give me a break, I'm on pills...)

A baby no more...

2009-07-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Kimball has been saying for months and months that Aiden's hair is in desperate need of a cut.

K: He's starting to look like a baby girl, his hair needs to be cut.
H: You don't cut baby hair
K: You eventually have to cut their hair..
H: You don't cut BABY hair!

But since in 2 short weeks we will be helping him celebrate 1 year of life, I finally broke down and allowed my husband to take the beard trimmer to my "baby" boy. And now he looks like a little toddler, which is exactly what I was afraid of. Kimball kept asking me if I wanted to keep his hair. ...Um sure let me just stash it away in a box where I can take it out on his first date. Oh Geez...mark my words you start cutting their hair and then its all over after that...

He's gonna be such a lady killer! I can't stand it.

Goin through the big D...meaning Dallas!

2009-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Before Mya and I had returned home from Utah Kimball had arranged a little getaway weekend in Dallas as a surprise for me. Friday night we went out to dinner and drove to Dallas and checked into our hotel. Saturday we went to six flags and got a Flash pass so we literally walked on to almost every ride, and after riding all the rides 2 or 3 times we were pooped. After Six Flags we went to dinner and saw Harry Potter 6! Sunday we had breakfast in our room and then back home. It was so much fun, and I forgot how nice it is to wake up when you wake up, instead of being woken up by kids. Thanks to Kimball's mom for watching the kids, and thanks to Kimball for a relaxing and fun time. Love you baby!

The Room, This Hotel was called The Joule, it had a pretty neat art collection.

The pool was up on the 10th and it was built out over the street down below, it was really cool. You can see the woman looking down at the street....Dont Jump!!!!

After our stay we both agreed it was a little too "hip" for our taste, lots of yuppies with barely any clothes... not really our scene. It was kindof weird to think that a lot of these people are my age and lead completely different lives. It made me glad for my "wholesome" side =o)

"Baby" Mya

2009-07-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

After all the Utah festivities were over and we made our long journey home, it was time to catch up on our birthday celebrating, Kimball and Mya's in particular. This year we decided to give all of the family a break from driving to Fort Worth and brought the party to Tyler instead. Since it was partly Kimball's birthday party/dinner we kicked it up a notch and had Steak, potatoes, corn on the cob, watermelon, and cheesecake. Kimball got a new laptop and a book that got some questioning looks from the family, Love Letters of Great Men. Little known fact about Kimball: He loves to read poetry. Mya got a new dollhouse among other things. I can't believe she is three, my first born! Sweet sweet Mya, you bring the sunshine to this family!!

Summer 2009 and the Lake was fine!

2009-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

I cant remember a year at Bear Lake where I had more fun! Wakeboarding, Tubing, Hot Tubing, 4-wheeling, playing games. So many memories, so many pictures. We did miss Kimball and Aiden, while he was home studying. We are enormously blessed to be able to do this every year. My mother put it well when she said "we have reunions so we'll know that we ALWAYS have someone to lean on, no matter what." To my family, thanks for all the memories, and always remember to keep the love in your throat and your heart in the clouds....ha ha ha

Deep Roots

2009-07-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well after the wedding Kimball needed to get back to Texas to start studying for his Step 2 board exams, but before he left we did a couple of things worth mentioning. We took the kids to see Daddy-o's old stomping grounds on BYU campus. It's a completely different side of Kimball that I don't get to see very often, he gets very sentimental and nostalgic, and speaks of his children attending this wonderful University. Anyway, we got the kids t-shirts and Aiden a football (good juju for when he trys out for the team someday =o) It was fun!

Also before Kimball and Aiden left we had to make time to take advantage of my best friend Carlye's excellent photography skills. Here are a couple favorites!

to see more of Carlye's excellent work and all of her info go to www.carlyemorganphotography.com

Rewind and Repeat It...

2009-07-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, I know I have crossed over to the dark side and have failed to blog for quite some time. Even though I promised myself I didnt want to do any more catch up posts. So here's what I'm gonna do instead of having one long walk down memory lane, I'll just post one post a day of events that have been happening in our busy lives. I do want to remember these things, which is why, despite my awful attempts at staying current, I'll continue to at least try.

So the first on the docket...Karey and Jodie's wedding. Kimball's little brother Karey was sealed to his cute little wife Jodie on June 20, 2009 in the Logan Temple. Kimball and I and the kids were very lucky to be able to take a trip to Utah in order to join in the celebration. The sealing was lovely, plus Kimball and I were excited we got to sit with our old bishop from the singles ward. After the sealing we drove up to Jerome, ID where Jodie is from and went to the reception. We're so happy to have Jodie be apart of the family! Plus I am more than happy to pass along the "New daughter in law hat" along to her, I hope I did it justice while I had it, I'm sure she will too!

...On Motherhood

2009-06-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing will make you as happy or sad, as proud or as tired as Motherhood
~Elle Parsons

I was lucky enough to get this shot at an FHE trip to the zoo. I cant believe how big those cubs are getting!

By this time next year

2009-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

Kimball's unofficial last day (still has to take the shelf exam) as a 3rd year medical student was today! As I look back on the last three years and how much we've both grown together, and as a family, I start to wonder what our life will be like by this time next year...
* Kimball will be a Doctor! ...an actual licensed physician (both scary and exciting)
* We'll have taken a nice vacation to celebrate such an accomplishment (without the kids...who wants to watch them?)
* Kimball will be accepted into residency (hopefully surgical...hopefully vascular)
* We'll have bought a new home, perhaps in the process of building one
* We'll be pregnant with the third and final child!
* We'll be saying goodbye to friends we'll NEVER forget. EVER!
* Mya will be 4 and starting preschool the upcoming school year!
* Aiden will almost be 2 and hopefully out of the crying phase!
* We'll back at the bottom of the medical food chain
* We'll have learned how to cope for even LONGER stretches away from eachother.
* We'll have grown even stronger

Now we've been told that if we live too much for tomorrow we'll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays, and these things aren't by any means set in stone, nor are we entitled to any of them, for Heavenly Father has a plan for us and it doesnt always go as WE planned. But just for now, as we are about to embark on one more year of this grueling adventure called med school, I like to hope for the best, while preparing for all the difficulties that are sure to come with it. It gets me excited and makes me feel ENORMOUSLY blessed for the doors that have been opened to make going through school even possible. I'm so grateful for a hard working husband, who gives me all the confidence that he'll see us through this year, next year, and all the years ahead. 4th and final...lets get it done!

May in Review...Take 2!

2009-06-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

We took our first camping trip in Texas with the Humphrey's (my last review started with a picture like this but we were both wearing make-up...we still look good!) to Lake Mineral Wells. It was a lot of fun and Kimball and I decided we want to invest more time and money into making it one of our hobbies. Hopefully in the years to come we'll be able to take some high powered toys with us, but for now good friends and camp fire food is all we need!

Kimball bought a new truck....*sigh of relief*...now we can all stop hearing it from him about trucks, trucks, and more trucks! I'll admit I really like it and we all fit comfortably with two more seats to spare! It's a dark blue color, it looks black in this picture but it's a beautiful midnight blue!

I made this card and framed gift for Mya's teachers as the traditional end of year gift. I have been practicing more with my new camera and am getting better, so I took the apple picture and framed it, I had a dilemma on B&W or color (see post below) so I just gave them both a print of each with the other print inside, so they could decide.

Mya graduated from her Two year old class and everyone got their name called and they walked up and got their little diploma,Mya was the only one who felt the need to JUMP off the stage once they handed it to her. This was followed by a slideshow of pictures from the year, very cute!

We love Mrs. Audra and Mrs. Jennifer and will miss them very much!

With school officially out we decided to break out the old blow up pool, this time we rigged up a water slide with it! The kid's have so much fun, Aiden especially, as you can see he took up most of the pool with his veritable catamaran!

For FHE Kimball had the great idea to take the kids to the Dallas temple grounds to take pictures and then stopping at the LDS bookstore (not like Utah where theres a Deseret Book on every corner) to get a Book of Mormon for Families, which is such a great study guide, I'm excited to be able to use it as a family. Then we had an early dinner at Olive Garden which was yummy, then home where Kimball and I watched Quantum of Solace.

I hope to not be doing so many reviews in the future, I'm gonna try and take my blog in a photo journal direction. I'd like to remember our everyday routine and not just our events in life...hopefully I can write a little bit more often.

please vote!

2009-05-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Color or Black & White. What's your vote?

I Love My Husband, But....

2009-05-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

...the conversation is getting dull. Is this suppose to happen after only four years of marriage? We've had a series of not so good dates lately...one of them we even resulted to just going grocery shopping without the kids..yawn. So for our latest date we decided before hand that we weren't going to do anything that didn't require interaction with eachother (i.e. movies) and it went much better. We went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Major Major Yum!) and then we decided to play games over at the school. We played pool, ping pong, etc. The conversation was better, this time..But my point in posting is that Kimball came up with a good idea I wanted to share. He suggested that He and I ought to try out having a form of a book club just between ourselves where we both read a book then discuss. I thought it was a great idea and we are now reading our first mutual book, my friend Gretchen suggested Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which Kimball really enjoyed. So far the book is good.. but I'm hoping this little activity will give us some reprieve from discussing the density of butter!

April in Review (Marley & Me Style)

2009-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Went on a double date, sushi and bowling, with our dear friends...found out Joe Cliff wasnt a great bowler..

Built a deck in the backyard...on a rent house...you can tell me how stupid I am later...

Made an awesome pasta dish with Shrimp for Survivor Night

-Watched Survivor...Did a dance when Tyson was voted off!
-Made a chess set with salt and pepper shakers, so I could practice and beat Kimball one day.

-Finished the deck....again you can tell me what a bad idea it was later....

-Did a Spring photo shoot with Joy...more photos to come from that don't you worry =)

-Got a phone call from Karey and Jodie..They're engaged!
-Kimball went to Pennsylvania to take board exams. Thought it went well.
-Bought my first dress pattern to make for the wedding...yikes...hope it turns out!
-Rented Marley & Me (cried), Austrailia (cried), 7 Pounds (cried)
-Went to an Easter egg hunt

-watched Mya eat her weight's worth in candy
- Had easter dinner with family and friends.

-Bought plane tickets for the wedding and Bear Lake! Utah here we come!
-Hosted Book Club.
-found out my dear friend Jen is getting sealed an hour before Karey in the same temple!
-Got a 24 Hour fitness membership with Kathy
- Got a Trainer for an anniversary present
-Bought an 8 week old German Shepherd for Kimball's anniversary present.

-Played chess with Kimball: Holly 0-Kimball 1
-Decided to get rid of the puppy.
-Tried to get Aiden to smile..he decided to smile "Daddy style"
-Got Roses from Kimball (Orange Confetti Roses just like from our wedding..awwww...)
-Decided to keep the puppy.
- Celebrated our 4th Anniversary with "Thats what she said" and "UpDog" shirts. Oh Baby!
-Made invitations for Jodie's shower.
-Played chess with Kimball; Holly 0-Kimball 2
-Decided to get rid of the puppy.
-Got a surprise visit from Larry and Sandy one Sunday afternoon!
-Burnt my finger to a crisp...get on facebook for a more gruesome close up!

-Made Rinni's chocolate chip cookies finally turned out as good as hers!
- Put Mya in time out for locking me out of the house
-Bought these lime heels to go with the dress.

- Got in a fight with Kimball
- Said I'm sorry and made up
- Tickled Aiden and he smiled instead of cried!
-Started working on the dress...it actually looks like a dress so far!
-Decided to keep the puppy
-Had a BBQ with a bunch of couples from med school. First Burgers of the season!
-went to the zoo with Bradley and Katy

There were good times and bad times, but in the words of Ray Ramano, we only keep the good ones. Wasn't always easy...but it has always been worth it.

The Climb

2009-04-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

As much as I dont like to admit that I was affected by a teenage pop song...I really was moved by the lyrics of this song. Sometimes I think I worry so much about what's next in life, I forget to appreciate the season of life I'm in RIGHT NOW! I'd hate to look back at this time and wish I would have been more content, cause just like this says there's ALWAYS gonna be another mountain. Not meaning to be EMO or anything, it just spoke to me, especially at this stage in our lives. p.s. the song is on my playlist if you haven't heard it yet!

I can almost see it
That dream I’m dreaming but
There’s a voice inside my head sayin,
You’ll never reach it,
Every step I’m taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

The struggles I’m facing,
The chances I’m taking
Sometimes they might knock me down but
No I’m not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I’m going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on,
cause

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

There’s always going to be another mountain
I’m always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Somebody's you're going to have to lose,
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb

Keep on moving
Keep climbing

Utah so far...

2009-03-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Grandma and I (this woman is my hero!)
Granny Cook and little Aders
most of the great grandkids...mya and aiden were both asleep =(
one candle for every ten years! It was either that or go set fire to the lawn..
Missing Rinni =(
Mya papaya!

Little P-Flo she is so dang cute!
My little man cub...laughing at Riley
Mya and Jack watching Bolt!

Calling all Domestic Goddesses..

2009-03-19T22:08:00.001-07:00

So the weather is getting warmer as we all know and love. Last night I woke up dripping in sweat, because I have not taken the down comforter off of my bed. I have a nice Coverlet that I normally dress my bed with in the summer months but when I washed it before I was putting it away for the winter, I washed it with a pair of pants that Kimball had thrown into the dirty clothes with an entire pack of gum in the pockets. Yes I know mom I should have checked the pockets before I put them in...Anyway it's a nice coverlet so I dont want to give up all hope that it's salvageable...bottomline...does anyone out there know the trick to getting gum off of clothes/bedding? Help!!

What a difference a little music makes!

2009-03-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you who have to hear about my endless woe with my son a.k.a world's crabbiest baby, you may have some reprieve from my belly aching on the horizon! I decided to take both of the children into Mya's room and put some music on Mya's little ipod player and Voila! he laid on the rug while Mya brought him food from "Restaurant de Mya" and was content for quite awhile.

We have also stumbled upon what seems to be another self soothing mechanism for him, in the form of music. I caught a couple of episodes of a series called Classical Baby on HBO before he was even born, it is a lot of well-known classical pieces put to little wordless cartoon segments, kindof like cartoon classical music videos. I ended up buying the entire set just because I loved the music, and I'm now thinking it has saved my sanity, due to the fact Aiden LOVES them! He will sit and watch the different shapes etc. and listen to the beautiful music for an entire hour sometimes more!

Another Music tidbit...I was asked to sing in church on Sunday with Ingrid and Nikko, and I was both excited to do it and hesitant to accept because I have the fear that people are now sick of hearing me at this point ("Holly...again...."). Despite that, I was so glad I did because I had a number of people say that they really felt the spirit through the music, and to me that is worth it. I too felt the spirit, and was reminded that this is a big reason why I have done it throughout my life. I've always had a respect for the power of music and what it can do. What a difference a little music makes!!

The Alphabet of my Labors...

2009-03-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

One of the things that has kept me sane while Kimball goes to school here where the closest family is 3 hours away has been to keep myself busy with projects and learning new things. I always love to see my endeavors turn out in a good way. I have started taking a sewing class that is being offered in our ward, I have already learned a lot of useful skills. I made this ABC Quiet Book, and it took quite a bit of time, but that is a good thing when you have a husband busy studying every available minute. I am proud of how it turned out and I hope my friend will enjoy it and get use out of it!
Anyway thought I would share the fruits of my labors!

I also found a fun way to paint Mya's name on the wall (just in case we forget who's room it is...says Kimball)

Please Help!!!!

2009-02-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

While perusing one of my favorite online shops in my ongoing search for a vintage 50's swing dress I finally found it! Isn't she pretty? I love the polka dots and the piping detail on the sleeves and collar. The pettiskirt isn't included (of course) but at any rate my dilemma is that I finally found the dress I want and you can guess that its way too expensive. I found a pattern for 50's swing dresses, but I'm not that good of a seamstress, I know a seamstress that is that good but when I calculate all the time and sweat in making it is the difference that big? Do any of you know of a good vintage shoppe that isnt obscene amounts of money? Or does anyone have one that is in good condition that they want to sell me....Please Help before I just break down and buy it!!!

A Simple Request..

2009-02-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thinking it was a good motto to live by for everyone in the house, mom and dad included, I painted a little reminder on the wall!

Got Meds?

2009-02-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

If you don't want to be infected with the viral incubus that is pervading our house then you'd better stay far far away..
The Knackstedt home will be quarantined until further notice.