Where's Erin?

Well, once again my internet is down! The major bummer of the modern world! Oh well, I have decided it is time to start paying for it so maybe when I get back home I will have a more reliable connection..... Wait what's that I just said, get home... Yup I am in VEGAS BABY!!! For one whole week of sun and fun with the family! Joe comes down on Friday night and then I do not have to go back home until next Wed. YIPEE!! 

Just thought I would check in and say Hi to all my adoring fans who love me!! 

Yes all 6 of you!! I love you too!

Modern Blessings

     Yesterday afternoon I started to feel a little badly, my throat started to hurt and I started to get a headache. I kept feeling a little bit worse all evening. By the time my kids were in bed My head was pounding and I was feeling dizzy. The baby took a while to get to sleep and I was sobbing by the time I finally collapsed into bed. I just hate feeling sick. It does not happen to me, (unless I am pregnant, I know LOL, I've been pregnant for the past 5 years) not even a cold for a long time. I am SO not good at being sick. In fact I am a bigger baby than most men, I can give my husband a run for his money. The problem is I do it in my head. I don't complain to him, or really anyone, I will say I don't feel good but I don't ask for help I just stew in my own head and expect everyone I know to drop everything they are doing and come running soup in hand. Yes, even those of you who live thousands of miles away. Didn't you sense I needed someone to come hold my baby last night? 

I know I am ridiculous!!! So funny, but I am serious I do really expect soup from everyone without them even knowing I am under the weather..... and I get upset when no one shows up. I know I am a drama queen. 

So the end of the story is this. I sat in misery all morning. I just spent the morning laying on the couch (waiting for my soup to show up) when it hit me. Like a THUNDERBOLT!! Hello smart people invented an amazing little pill that you can swallow and make everything all better. So yes, I packed up my kids and headed out to the store, picked up my pills and swallowed. Now it is 4 hours later. I still do not feel great. But, I just thought I would let you know that you are all off of the hook. Joe is bringing home soup and putting me to bed early. No more pity party because I let Joe know FINALY that I needed him and he of course is rising to the occasion. I have figured out that telepathy is not going to work for me so I will be better at letting people know when I need them. And I will remember the little orange and blue pills more quickly next time. 

Keep me in motion

Stop the world from turning

long enough for me to catch my breath

I'm caught up in a whirl wind

Wondering if the storms will ever rest

the road is long and it's worth to much

to let it slip away

give me strength to give me one more day

Keep me in motion 

like the the river to the sea

give me devotion

to live more faithfully

when I'm up against the wall

when I stumble and I fall down on my knees

Oh please

keep me in motion 

This path that I have chosen 

is harder than I thought that it would be

but all along the journey I feel the hand of heaven

Guiding me

This song continues and I cry a little bit. This is the way I feel lately. I just can't seem to feel as if I can get around the bend in the road. The hard days just keep on coming and I feel like I will never see the end. Somedays are better but most days lately feel long. And it is not just me, it seems as if everyone I love is falling through the same hole. The trials keep piling up and the end is just not in sight. But, I do feel the hand of heaven in my life. I know that the lord loves and watches over me. The Savior has felt everything I am feeling and is wiling to take it from me if I give it over to him, so that is what I will do. I will give it all over to him. I will trust in his care and continue on his path for me. I know he will guide me to me very best life. Even if it is just not as fast as I would like it to be. 

FOUND IT

Finally, I was on my last load of laundry today and there it was next to my washing machine. The cord for my camera. I have been so excited to share what I was up to before I left town to bless Abby. So here are my latest projects....

I made this bow holder for Ora after I got really annoyed searching through a bin for bows. I just took an expanded shelf type frame and added ribbons to hang her bows on. And now that we have a baby I needed a spot for headbands?? I attached two looped ribbons and a wooden rod and now I don't have to waist time searching, I can waist it doing fun hair instead. 

My Aunt Lora had a measuring stick like this with her family and I have always wanted one. When I realized Michael was 5 years old and I still hadn't done it I figured I better before it was too late. So off to lowe's to by a 4x2 by like 6 1/2 piece of pretty wood. I brought it home and marked the measuring tape then just added some cute little wooden guys to give it some pazzaz. Now wherever we move our kids growing notches will follow us.  

Now for the BIG ONE. I had a friend in my ward mention that she had a dresser that was in pretty bad shape but, worked still and would anyone be able to use it. OF COURSE I will take anything so I went and picked it up. It was not as bad as she made it out to be. I wish I had thought to take a before picture. (sorry) Just an older particle board dresser. with a plastic top that had a dent in it. I could not refinish it because sanding was not an option. So I brought out the Modge Podge and some scrape book paper and went to work.  I did sand it down a little so the modge podge would adhere and so I could kind of white wash it. I was not sure if it would work but as you can see it did. 

At first I thought I would replace the handles but, after I dipped them in glitter there was no turning back.

 I hand ripped the edge of the paper so it did not have to be perfect I think I turned out so cute, I hope it lasts for a very long time. 

Reunion

These are my grandparents. The most beautiful people I have ever known. They raised nine daughters and one son. And those children in turn produced 55 children who are now way into the 20's producing children. We had a family reunion about 4 years ago and I was so excited to go. I was very pregnant with Ora but, happily... fat and happy! So we packed up and headed to St. George to have our fun. Then I got the flu. I spent the whole reunion in the hotel room and even a few hours in the hospital because I got so dehydrated I was having contractions. I could not believe I missed it. About a year ago I suggested we have another one. And the response I received was "If you plan it we will come." Once again sick and pregnant I kind of let it go. But, now here I am all ready to go again. I have a date, now a location, and invites have been made up. (I am having my mom approve them before  I send them out) Now I need to plan what we will do once all of us get there. 

In thinking about it. I have concluded that is would sure be a waist if we got together and did not talk about the savior and is eternal plan for the family. So I have settled on having a Family Home Evening one night and a talent show he next. But now what do I fill the two days with?? I have heard some suggestions for workshops and things but I am taking all advice..... 

HAVE YOU GOT ANY??

For my own good

As for my trip and the dresser pictures I will be doing that when I find the cord to my camera. Pray I find it I have so many pictures on my camera I can't wait to share! 

But, I am so happy to share this story with you all. Two years ago a day like to day would have broke me down to tears but not today!

Today I am happy I'm doing okay

Even if bad news came running my way

The check cleared the bank for someone unintended 

The Landlord called saying it needs to be mended.

I knew some mean people are out and about

But, I didn't know to be on the lookout.

Two years ago to my bed would I run

I'd call up my mom, break down and just bum!

Today I just answered him back let me see

Called up the bank, got them working for me

Funds are now frozen investigating getting done

Not a tear being shed NOT A SINGLE ONE!!

This last week in gospel doctrine we read about Joseph Smith in Liberty jail. Having been torn from his family and thrown into a prison  that was a filthy hole in the ground. During this time he calls out to God and pretty much says "why me" and the Lord answers him saying No matter what you are called to go through I will make you stronger for it, because the son of God has felt everything you have felt. He knows what you are going through and he can help you to be stronger because of it. In section 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord lists things that he could be called to go through. He says if you are torn from your son at the point of a sword and he is calling out to you the whole while, if you are accused and tormented and dragged around like a lamb being chased by wolves, he knows it all. Vs. 8 says "The Son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he." (vs.7) "all these things shall be for thy experience , and shall be for thy good."

Now I am not comparing myself to Joseph Smith, but I have come today to be extremely grateful for what I have been asked to go through these past few years. Let me just say that the downturn of the financial market has not left me and my family out. We have seen a few stormy days. And we have come through them all a little bit stronger than we were before. So today when I got the call saying that it was not my landlord who cashed my rent check, but some creepy person who thinks nothing of others. And hopefully really needed this money. Seriously I can not see how my rent was worth that sin.... Oh well, I am so proud to say I did not freak out just mended it and moved on. And yes I am very grateful to the landlord who is going to let me break up rent for this and next month over a few weeks until the bank can get the money back where it belongs.

 I am so happy to know that I have a Father in Heaven and a Savior who love me and they know what is best for me. Even if it sucks at the time, even if I tend to get on my knees and complain a little too much. They have a perfect plan in an imperfect world. And they are making me into who I am destined to be. I only hope I can live up to there expectations. 

BYE!!

Just a quick note to say SEE YA!! I am outa hear in a few hours to go see my family in Vegas! I have some great projects to post when I get back. That is if I can find the cord to my camera?!?! I refinished a super cute dresser for  my girls, I will give you a taste... The knobs are dipped in glitter!!! And I fixed my girls hair bow holder, to make room for Abby's headbands. Then I made this really great measuring stick thing, that I will use to mark my kids as they grow up! So fun. But, for now I have to finish packing and cleaning, and not stressing out about the snow over the passes. and stop my baby from crying, and fix lunch, clean the car out, get board bags packed...... Okay what am I doing blogging, like I said

SEE YA!!!

Service MeMe

Smee has tagged me with an interesting idea. To write about a time I received service, A time I gave service and, a time I witnessed service being given. WoW! What a task. And what a fun idea. First off let me just say how much I love that Smee thought of me, she is seriously one of my favorite people in the world and her thinking of me to do this is an honor I am most willing to accept. Seriously Love you Smee!!

Growing up the way I did my family was constantly served by others. Be it the clothes we wore, I can think of outfits (mostly P.J.'s) that went through one of  my dear cousins then through all 3 girls at my house and then on t0 Aunt Nancy's kids and then again onto Lidz Loo. We all have pictures and it is so fun to remember the clothes. 

We stayed in a beautiful home for 18 months while a couple served there mission, it was so fun the whole house was still stuck in the late 60's. Cristen and I slept in a pink room,no kidding, pink shag carpet, hot pink walls, pink and orange and white flowered bedspreads. Ness slept in a yellow room with the most beautiful bead, we were all jealous. It had a net all the way round just like a princess would have. My moms room was yellow, the kitchen was lime green (tile, counter, appliances, the wallpaper had limes on it, and the lime tree was right out on the patio) Oddly enough Matthew slept in a blue, very normal room, with a handmade bed that had little cubby's all over it. You could hide things all around it and no one would no where they were. The white room was a room we were not allowed because of the beauty in there. And of course we did wander in there to touch the grand piano when no one was looking. The jungle room was fabulous, And the game room with it's purple pool table and coke machine was a must . 

I know my Uncles, Aunts, and Grandparents have stepped up many times to help out, I am sure I would never even be able to count all of the things my family has done for me! 

But my favorite service I ever had done to me was when we woke up Christmas morning one year to find new handmade quilts on our front porch! We all think that one of my Aunts (the bishops wife at the time) had mentioned that we could use them and the ward just got to work. We are no sure of where they came from but, that is our guess. I love thinking that someone thought to make me my sunflower quilt. They thought about it. They could have just gone to the fabric store and bought whatever was on sale but, they picked out a fabric they knew I would like. They did the same thing for all of us my mom included. The quilts were beautiful but the thought was what was the most special part of it. 

This past Christmas I got to watch as so many others came together to help out my ward here. I have been able to both participate and watch! When I plucked a few things off of the angel tree in the foyer I didn't hesitate because I do it every year. It is just a part of Christmas time for me and my family. But, when the gifts that another ward had donated to ours were stolen right out of the church parking lot, then it got personal. I felt this very deeply and had to work very hard at not allowing Satan to seep into my head and make me so mad it would ruin Christmas for me. I called up my mom in tears and tried to explain what had happened. And without so much as skipping a beat she donated a Christmas gift she and her husband had received in the form of cash to me and my ward. Then after we had hung up she called back a few minutes later and told me that My sister and her husband would like to hep out as well. So I waited a few days and when the money came I got to work. I was able to go and shop and replace ALL of the gifts that were stolen. After I was done shopping and while I was wrapping presents I got a call from my Brother's wife and she said she and Matt would like to help out as well. So we were able to go above and beyond the call asked and help out the ward that this year was in such need. 

So there you have it, my family and I have been able to come full circle. We have enjoyed the closeness we felt in coming together this year to help out others when we ourselves were brought together through the service of others so many years ago. 

Thank you Smee again, this was such fun!!

I tag Shinboo!! and Sarah(sorry she's private)!, and Bri! 

And anyone else who would like to continue on this journey!!

Vegas BABY

YEAH!!! I get to go home in one week and you all are invited!! We are blessing Abby, on Jan 10th at 2 o'clock at my sis's house in Henderson. My little bro. Matthew and his fun wife are going to be visiting that weekend so we figured why wait, if we go down now Matt can be in the circle and who knows when we will all be able to be together with that flyboy again?!? So I am officially inviting EVERYONE, wouldn't it be nice. Come on now... I know you all can just drop everything and drive to see me and my family for three hours and then drive back home! RIGHT!!!  We are well worth it!! (isn't my modesty charming?) Well, those of you nearby, you better be there. And those far away, I will be missing you so think of us at 2 o'clock on Jan 10th!!

NEW YEAR NEW START

(In know this picture has nothing to  do with the post but man she is cute!!)

Personally I am a big fan of New years Day! I have always found it interesting to "start fresh" each year. I love the feeling of making, and then keeping my New Year's resolutions. It is my favorite thing to be able to see myself stick to something, it is also one of my favorite things to give up when the time seems right. 

In past years there are things I have both given up and things that have stayed with me ever since. I gave up on not drinking caffeine after lasting like 8 months. I have stuck with speaking to my father in Heaven all day long as if he was right beside me. I gave up bearing my testimony every fast Sunday, at least in church. I still try to write it down or share it with my family but, it was weird getting up just to get up. 

It is nice to see what works and what does not. I love feeling free to change my mind or my plan with what I am comfortable with. This year I am setting new goals yet again. and they are this...

1. NO SUGAR!! 

- this is a huge one for me. As you have heard before, I am addicted. Simple as that, I don't want to feel anything has a hold on me so I am cutting it off for a while. It also can't hurt my waistline either. The hardest part will be the soda! No caffeine again??

2. I am going to prepare not only my lesson for my Sunday school class but a lesson a day every day rotating through the scriptures.

-It takes me about 2 hours to get a handle on my lessons every week, so I figure if I give myself 45 minutes a day I will learn a ton and it will be fun at the same time and I can go longer if I want to or of my children allow. 

3. Study a new area of history every month that interests me. I figure I do not know enough. I did not try to hard in school due to the fact I was trying to dance my way through life.  (Too bad no one told my feet/ankles that one) And I would like to be able to keep up when the conversation arises. I am starting with the world wars for now. 

4. This is my "free pass" the one I give myself just because I KNOW I will get it done and, that always feel good..

- I will get my grants processed and begin finishing my degree!!! YEAH!!!!

Candy Day

I know my posts are all out of order but I keep thinking of things I want to share with you all. Here is our day of candy making that fell apart. We had a blast but then so did our candy. We started with english toffee, I make it every year and it is always my favorite... This year I ruined THREE batches!! My friends all say that it was the snow fall. But, who knows it was BAD!! Our toffee pull on Christmas Eve ended up being a hard candy pull. which tastes awesome but could really crack you tooth. Oh well the day we spent "trying" to make our candy was well worth the let down of the turn out. Ora wanted to help the whole time!

The boys wanted to eat. And began with Chex Mix.

Then Chocolate

Every thing was really bad so I let them all dip big marshmallows in chocolate while I did covered pretzels.

Seriously Divinity pancakes ( I just happened to be on the phone with Robyn and Bri when this one happened, they thought it was pretty funny!)

They turned out kind of funny as little "snow balls" 

Better luck next year!! But well worth he memories with my kids. 

The Festival of Trees

Joe took a week off of work at the first of December to help with the baby, and one of those days I NEEDED to leave the house so we packed up the kiddos and headed over to the festival of trees. We had never been and honestly did not really know what it was, just that it was a cheap way to spend a day out of the cold. What a great day! This was not your ordinary showing of beautiful trees. Although beauty did abound. This was spectacular, gingerbread houses lined four rows, isles and isles of wreaths (which we did not see due to screaming kids), more trees than I have ever seen in one place. All of which were being auctioned off to the highest bidder to benefit Primary Children's hospital. A place where my younger brother spent most of his childhood in and out of the nuero surgery O.R.  This is a place any child can go and receive care, weather or not they have the ability to pay. A place where you can receive the best care and be treated with kindness and respect. And now I am announcing for next years festival.. A tree for Matthew. We envision a tree full of Lego's, and airplanes and airplanes made out of Lego's, flying around it somehow. We have started by writing our letter requesting to participate and hope to hear we will be in soon! Now we just need to go shopping and get our tree. Then I will be writing to the Lego, matchbox and hot wheels company's for donations. Anyone who is interested in participating let me know. It will be an awesome way to give back to a place that has done so much for so many not just my own family (which it has helped more than words can say) but for anyone who needs them. 

Here are a few of my favorite things from our visit this year!

Okay I am not into twilight, but for those who are this tree was cool. The gifts under it were for all of the characters from the book that matched there personalities. It was pretty cool.

 The marshmallow tree, every ornament was made out of marshmallow's. 

A train set at the back, of course we were there for more than 10 minutes. 

PINK!! Need I say more?

This was a hand carved tree, that had marbles running through it. Seriously the coolest thing ever. The man it was made for had passed away this year and his family did this to honor his love of woodworking. 

Salt Lake Temple out of gingerbread!

LOVE IT!!!!

I could have posted about 50 more pictures but for lack of space and a crying baby I will have to end here. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas with the Short's

Grandma Lori's Christmas Eve P.J.'s

Joe got a robe instead of P.J.'s this year 

She was too cute not to post

Nativity

Christmas morning our big ticket item this year was the new chairs for family movie night. Plus The big one on the left is a new long mirror for me... FINALLY!!! 

Jordan got this fun ball from Grandma Sally

It scared him to death!! It was so funny. 

I got this bag two months ago, it has been awful waiting for her to open it.

Joe got us shoveled out, it only took and hour.

Ora needed princess hair for Kade's (our babysitter, and my 2nd cousin) house. I think she has a little crush

We had such a fun day and were so glad to be invited to my Aunt Cindy's house for dinner. It was nice to be around family. 

What a great Day!!

As I sit hear watching my children play with their new toys, and Look over and see my sweet husband just looking on as well, I am so grateful for all I have been given. We may not have everything we want. But, who needs that. We have been so extremely blessed. My children love and know their Savior. They know he is there friend and teacher. They know where to turn for the answers to the problems they face every day. (Michael asked if an angel could come a shock Ora the other day, and was not happy when I told him that only worked for Nephi, and that Ora was not trying to kill him) 

There is a serious blizzard out my window and We are safe and warm inside our home. We are surrounded by love and happiness at every moment. All because we have a loving Heavenly Father who, if we listen to his counsel, will make our lives the best lives possible. He gave up his only begotten son to die for us. He watched him lay in a manger and be born into the world. He watched as he overcame the word and suffered for OUR sins. And he watched him die on the cross so that, if we choose, we can live with him again. And he watches us, he sends so many blessings down to us each and every day. He knows and loves me better than I do, he knows what I am capable of, and he wants all of it for me.  This day I am so thankful for my sweet family. My very own little one, and my big old huge one that I share with so many.

Have a great day everyone, I hope it does not go too fast!

Merry Christmas!!! 

So late

Jordan turned two years old on Dec. 8th. We spent the day as normal and then when Joe got home we had his favorite dinner Spaghetti. Then after dinner we had Cake and Ice cream and opened his present a Big Wheel (remember those) He will fit it in about two more years. I had no idea he would not fit, oh well he loves it. And scoots just fine. 

Here's his cake it is supposed to be a steering wheel. 

And ice cream with chocolate sauce just like grandma Poff used to do!!

Why she may never sleep through the night on her own

And I make no apologies for loving every single minute of it!!! 

I was raised by my two heros!!

I was out tonight at our Relief Society Christmas party and we had the most magical time sharing our different family traditions. By the end we were all feeling so great and on a huge spiritual high when in comes one of the ladies who had just been taking things to her car to tell us that her window was broken and so were several other cars in the lot. My relief Society presidents face went pale and she ran to her car.  Our ward is in so much trouble his year. We have a ton of families who are just barley keeping things together and our Angel tree has been overwhelming. So much so that another ward stepped in to help us out. They brought there gifts to the church tonight and left them in her car.  Yes they are all gone. Her window was smashed along wit 5 others and the gifts are gone. I have no words.. I do not know how low you have to sink to steal from a church!?? I called mom just to vent because I am just heart sick over this and of course she and Ness are sending what they can to help us replace the gifs. Thank you both so much. I can get some sleep tonight knowing I can at least shop and help out with this. I am so grateful for you both!! I do not know what our ward is going to do I know this will help though. Sometimes I just wish I could give more but REALLY Joe and I have done what we could, and I know everyone in our ward is thinking the same thing.  THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!!   YOU WILL BE ANGELS THIS YEAR FOR SURE!!

As I was sitting on my couch today holding my newest baby girl I took the chance to get some pictures. Which one should I put into the cute picture frame next to my bed. Thanks Tiff!!

KISS

Sleeping

Smiles

Checking her out

Survivor

I am usually not one to blog about T.V. but let me just say this. I LOVE Survivor!!! Joe will not watch it with me, so Friday mornings are my favorite. I open up the computer and ignore my kids while I watch. I have watched every season since it began and have always enjoyed it But let me just say.... This season is by far the best one ever! I am loving all of the twists and turns it has taken. The way people have learned how to play the game has been awesome. So many twists and turns, such manipulation, fake idols, good fake idols,Randy, immunity, votes, grown up people throwing better fits than my three year old girl!! So much FUN!  GO BOB and SUGAR!!

Hello my name is Erin

I am a MAJOR sugarholic, I mean if there is sugar within my home I will sniff it out and consume it without even stopping to think about it. For example Jordan's birthday was on Mon. We had fun cake and ice cream and then everyone went to bed. I got up the next day and began just taking bites of cake whenever I would see it, This morning IT IS GONE!! This used to not be such a problem but 4 kids in 5 years has taken it's toll. And even though I am very grateful for how much weight I have not gained during this time I am not where I would like to be. So I have a goal... I am giving up Sugar for the new year!!!

I know HOLY CRAP that is a big goal!!! But, I am serious. As I get older I know there is just no way I will be able to keep up this habit and I know I will only get bigger as the years go by if I do not do something now!! So here I am I am going to go out with a bang. I do not want to punish myself through Christmas but after that, it begins. So I want all of you out there to share your favorite Holiday Goodies and let me go out with a delicious Bang!! I will really not be having sugar for a long time so I want to get it all out of my system now. Please share I will be very grateful to look back on this Christmas and think of the sugar I am sure I will be missing very much be Jan 5th!!