This is My Bliss

Rainy Halloween

2010-11-02T20:50:00.001-07:00

The girls had a fun night trick 0r treating, even if it was rainy off and on! I do not have pictures of them together since Bai had to go out earlier with her friends! Kambe had almost as much fun handing out candy as she did getting it!I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by and that it is already November and time to start thinking about the holidays- Yikes!

So Long Summer of 2010

2010-10-01T17:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, it has been way to long since I have blogged!! We had a great summer and did lots of fun stuff with friends and family, so I will just try and give the highlights (and low) of our summer! Looking forward to fall and all the holidays.
June: Bailey won the Most dedicated dancer of the year for their studio!
Spent lots of time swimming at cowabunga bay & a few trips to Lagoon.
July: Went to Stadium of Fire to see Carrie Underwood!
Bailey turned 11 and had a fun swimming birthday party!
Out hamster Lola died and is now buried in the back yard =(
Had fun camping in The Spruces with our family.
August: Bailey spent a week at Clear creek camp and loved it!
Had a great little vacation to St.George & Las Vegas with family
Kambrie started 1st grade and Bailey started 6th!

Well that is the short and quick version and all that I can think of right now, I will try not to wait so long to post next time!!

Sisters

2010-05-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have never won anything in my life, until a few months ago!! I love photography and follow several very talented photographers blogs. So, when simplicity photo had a contest I entered and won!! Angie, is just amazing and I have wanted to have her take my girls pictures for a long time so I was way excited. I won by making a donation to an amazing organization called Tiny Sparrow Foundation, you really should check it out http://tinysparrowfoundation.org/blog/ , those kids and their families are so strong and inspirational. Here are a few of my favorite pictures I cannot wait to hang them up on my walls!! Follow her blog her http://simplicityphotography.com/blog/.

Spring Sensational

2010-05-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

My life has been so busy with dance competitions almost every weekend! Kambrie did one a week ago at gotta move, she did a great job and came in 2nd place. This last weekend the girls had a big competition. Kambrie did her solo on Friday and was amazing!! The best she has ever done. Not only did she take first place Queen in her division but she won the best overall of the entire solo competition! Her teacher and I were shocked and so excited. She beat out girls several years older than her. The trophy she won is HUGE, taller than me. The funny thing is, she told her teacher that she wanted to win that big trophy and I said what mom wants to take that huge thing home!! Well, I guess I do =) Then on Saturday both the girls competed with their teams and did awesome, they are both such great dancers and I love watching them grow and get better.

Springfest

2010-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

The girls had their first dance competition and they both did great!! Both Bailey and Kambrie's teams placed 2nd! Which is amazing considering everything that has gone on with the dance studio! They both have amazing teachers and we love the new owner Tracy, she is amazing. Kambrie also did her solo and took First Place Queen for her age!! She did so awesome and has put in a lot of hard work! Caroline, her teacher, has been so great with her. Bailey has been so supportive of her and now wants to do a solo herself! They both have several more competitions left and We are excited to watch them perform! We love Danceology Studio!!

Love this girl!!

2010-04-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

This sweet girl is so funny sometimes, being her Mom is the best! At the beginning of the school year before and after school she would complain about her tummy hurting and not wanting to go. I knew that it was mostly due to going to a new school and having to ride the bus. So, I told her that we could say a prayer before school and ask Heavenly Father and Jesus to help her feel better. The next day we said a prayer before she had to get on the bus, when I picked her up from the bus stop she ran and jumped in the car, put her arms around my neck and gave me a big hug. Then she said it works mommy! My tummy did not hurt at all, praying really works. I will always treasure that moment. Well, now sometimes she wants to pray for anything and everything! Her and Bailey would really like to have another sibling and they are always asking when they are going to get one. So, the other day Kambe told me she was going to pray for me to have a baby. The next day she came and put her hand on my belly and said "Is there a baby in there?", I started laughing and said No and she responded with "But, I prayed!", Man I just love her to pieces. ( cute picture from Skye Johanson Photography)

Easter Fun!

2010-04-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

I know that I am way behind in getting my Easter pictures posted, but better late than never I guess!! The girls got to do egg decorating with their cousins. They just love being able to spend time with them and could have played all night long!! We also had our annual egg hunt at my Moms. Even though there was snow on the ground and it was pretty cold they had fun looking for all the eggs, especially the ones with money in them! Since it was conference on Easter Sunday the girls did not wear their dresses until the following week, which was even better since it was sunny. My cute friend Emilie made Kambrie's amazing headband, she is so creative and talented. Happy late Easter!!

An American Creed

2010-03-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

In light of the passage of the new health care plan-which I strongly oppose! I decided to post this again. I do not want the government involved in my health care at all, my medical records are between me and my physican only! Rod and I are self-employed and I gladly pay our premiums. Do I think we need health care reform? Yes, but in no way should the government be included or inolved! Sorry to be on the soap box but I feel it is important to take a stand!

An American Creed

I DO NOT Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon-if I can.

I seek opportunity-not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to suceed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence, the thrill of fullfilment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say ,"This I have done"

by Dean Aflange

Missing in Action

2010-03-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? I really cannot believe that it is already March! We have just been busy with life/work/school and everything else. Rod and I went to Mexico in February for a week and enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine. The resort was beautiful and the rooms were amazing. I ate plenty of chips, salsa and guacamole. While we were there we also celebrated our lucky 13 year of marriage!! It was hard to come back to the cold weather, I am looking forward to spring and summer. I accidentally put a picture of Lilly in but I decided to leave it since she is just too cute not to =)

Christmas Recital

2009-12-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the girls had their Christmas dance recital. They have both worked really hard on their dances this year and did such a great job. They both spend many more hours at the dance studio since being in company but have both improved so much. I love watching their smiling faces up on the stage!!

Christmas Fun

2009-12-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks we have been able to get together with our good friends the Hunts and do some fun Christmas activities. We first got together and made ginger bread houses. We have not done this for a few years and Bai was so excited to make another one! Kambe helped out a little but was not as interested in spending the time to make it, she wanted to play! I think they turned out pretty cute. Then last Saturday We went to our annual breakfast with Santa. I cannot believe we have been doing this since our older kids were babies! They always look forward to it and exchanging gifts. Although We did have to "force" Drew and Bai to sit on Santa's lap, apparently they are getting to big for that!!!

Now That She is Six!

2009-12-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

I really cannot believe that my little baby is 6!! Kambe was so excited for her birthday it was so hard for her to wait for the day to finally come. She got to be the hero of the day at school and I came to her class and talked about her, read her favorite book and passed out Santa sugar cookies! Later that night we had some family over for a little party. She was so excited to get her looks like me American Girl doll!! I just love this girl so much and her cute personality!!

Basement

2009-11-23T20:52:00.001-08:00

We are finally almost done with the basement!! The only thing that we have left is the counter tops in the bathrooms and laundry room. I love it so much!! I am excited to move the girls into their rooms and to decorate. Here are just a few pictures of a couple of the rooms. Kambrie's is the pink and Bai is the light purple, and the other is the home theater!!

Disneyland Parade

2009-11-23T19:48:00.001-08:00

I am finally getting around to blogging about our Disneyland trip! We all had so much fun even with all the work involved in the girls dancing in the Christmas parade. The first day they had fun spending Halloween at Disney California adventures, the girls bags were filled to the top with candy. We enjoyed the next few days at Disneyland, the weather was really nice and the lines very short!! The girls got to go on every ride they wanted to several times, I am not sure I have ever rode so many rides in such a few days! We also went to Medieval Times and had fun eating with our hands and watching the show, too bad our knight did not win the tournament. We also enjoyed a day at Universal Studios. Going in October and early November is the best time to go there, no lines at all! We love going on the studio tour it is always our favorite part =) The next few days were back at Disneyland and the girls had lots of practice time ( yay, we had no kids for several hours!!) for the parade. On Friday they taped the parade (several times!! It made for a very long day) and it will be shown on ABC on Christmas day!! We are excited to watch and see if we can see Bai or Kambrie. They then got to dance again down main street at night time, which they really loved. It was a lot of work and they spent so many hours practicing but I think they will look back on the experience with good memories. On Sunday we got to be extras in part of Disney's The Princess Frog, which comes out in a few weeks. Anika Noni Rose who is the voice of Tiana, the new princess was there to sing her songs, I think they are also showing that on Christmas day. By the end I was so ready to come home and sleep in my own bed and not eat out, 9 days is a long time to be away!! But, we had so much fun and cannot wait to see if we can see the girls on TV!! Sorry this is so long and beware there is a ton of pictures!!

My Cute Girls!!

2009-10-29T21:21:00.001-07:00

I just love photography and getting my girls pictures taken!! These were taken by a fabulous photographer that lives in Arizona but came up here to do some mini sessions, she was great and I am so so happy with how they turned out. I think my girls are pretty dang cute and I love being their Mom!! Thanks Maggie! Check out her blog http://www.maggieholmes.typepad.com/

Cornbellys

2009-10-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

Kambrie's class had a field trip earlier this month to Cornbelly's maze at Thanksgiving Point and she has been wanting to go back. Since the weather was going to be nice this weekend the girls and I decided to go (Rod got to stay home and clean up the basement for the carpet coming on monday!). It was really fun, We made it through the corn maze (This year it was in the shape of Larry H. Miller) without getting too lost. There was also lots of other activities that they got to do. They loved jumping on the giant pillow and going down the slides. Bai wants to go back and do the haunted corn maze but not Kambrie and I!! I just love spending so much time with my girls I feel so lucky and they are growing up way to fast!

Zuri

2009-10-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was the girls fall break from school, so on Friday my BF Angie and I meet up to take the kids to the zoo to see all the baby animals. We have been wanting to go see the new baby elephant Zuri since she was born. She did not disappoint, just about the cutest thing I have seen!! We loved watching her run around and roll in the dirt. The baby tigers were darling too but sound asleep. We also saw the baby monkey and the baby giraffe, all so very cute. I think we will try and go again to see Zuri before she gets big!

Pumpkins and Cookies

2009-10-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

We have a few Halloween traditions that we do ever year. We always go to Engh gardens so the girls can go through their little hay maze, play on the haunted pirate ship and to pick out a few small pumpkins. We usually get our big ones from Grandma and Grandpas garden!! This year the girls painted scary faces and We also attempted to make glitter pumpkins (I think they will be better next year). I think they turned out pretty darn cute! We also get together at my Moms house so we can decorate Halloween sugar cookies and to eat her delicious taco soup. It is always fun to spend time with my family and to create the best memories for our kids! I love Halloween it is one of my favorite holidays (this year We will be at Disneyland on Halloween, cannot wait!!).

Great Grandpa

2009-09-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

On Monday we celebrated Great Grandpa's 82 birthday, he looks so good!! I am so happy that my girls have been able to get to know my grandparents, they love seeing them and getting a great big bear hug from grandpa. They love being teased by him and all his great stories. We have a huge extended family so it is so much fun getting together. We love you tons Grandpa =)

Fun Weekend

2009-09-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the girls and I decided to go out and enjoy the nice weather before it is replaced with snow! So on Friday after school we went down to Cowabunga Bay. We have been so many times that I should have bought a season pass (next year!) We had so much fun since there was almost nobody there! The lazy river was nice and warm but the water for the slides freezing!! It was fun for our last gasp of summer fun (even though it is fall). On Saturday the girls Aunt Michelle gave us tickets to go see the circus in a suite! Bailey loved that part and now wants to go to Jazz games that way-we wish! They had so much fun watching the show and playing with their cousins! Thanks Michelle We love you!!

State Fair

2009-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

The girls and I went to the State Fair last week, they always look forward to going. They love going down the big yellow slide, seeing all the baby animals and of course all the yummy treats they can eat!

School Days

2009-08-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

The girls are finally back in school!! Bailey started last week and is in 5th grade. I cannot believe it! She was excited to go back and see all of her friends! She is on the late schedule again this year, which we love. They have started building the new school which is a very short walk from our house, but it will not be done until next year. Kambrie started Kindergarten this week and has been dying to go back!! She has been so excited that she gets to ride the bus with her big sister. It was a happy sad moment watching her climb up the bus steps all by herself, time just seems to fly by. I am enjoying my time by myself with no kids, I am hoping to get a lot of reading done!!

Family Campout

2009-08-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago We went on our annual family reunion camp out to the spruces. Of course it was the one weekend in August that it was very cold and rainy!! It even hailed on us in the morning during breakfast! At least it only rained off and on so the kids were able to go on a walk and play. But, truthfully I hate camping in the rain and would have came home early if my kids would have let me!! It was fun to see all my extended family and cousins. My girls already want to go back, they love sleeping in the tent. I think next year we are going to go in July when it is less likely to rain.

Meet Lilly

2009-07-30T19:46:00.001-07:00

We finally got our cute kitty Lilly!! Bailey and I drove down to Tocqueville to pick her up about 2 weeks ago, it only took a few days for her to adjust to her new life!! The girls just absolutely love her and so do I!! Even Rod thinks she is cute and will play with her. Lilly is a cute little munchkin which means she has short legs like a dachshund so she will stay on the small side. We love how playful and cuddly she is, the girls love to carry her around like a baby. We have shown her and Lola (our hamster) to each other and so far no problems, I hope it stays that way. Enjoy the cute pictures!!

Look who is 10!

2009-07-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

That's right! Bailey turned 10 this last week!! I cannot believe how big she has gotten, it seems that time has just flown by and my first born has now entered double digits and is fast approaching her teens. Bailey is just the sweetest girl and is the best big sister, she is such a good friend to everyone and always wants to do what is right. I feel so blessed to be her Mom!! This year she decided she wanted to go indoor skydiving (since I said No to the real thing-she is such a little dare devil!!). We had such a blast and the girls cannot wait to go back and do it again. Later We had pizza and cake and Bailey got just what she wanted: webkinz, webkinz and more webkinz!!

Bird Nest

2009-07-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Two little birds have decided to build a nest under our back porch! It is so gross because of all the poop everywhere now. So I was going to go tear it down and then I saw 3 little baby birds in it!! Now I will let the babies get big and fly away and then tear it down!! They are not really cute at all, it is a good thing they get prettier as they grow.

Happy 4th

2009-07-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

We spent our 4th at the Stadium of Fire again this year. Bailey was supposed to be dancing in it but her teacher had to have surgery so they had to pull out =( . Maybe next year!! We decided to stay at the Marriott again so that we would not have to deal with the traffic, my girls would live in a hotel if they could!! We got the consieur level on the 9th floor and when we were up there have snacks there were several police officers in the hall way so we knew the Jonas Brothers were there!! Bailey was on cloud 9 when she got to see Nick Jonas just a few feet in front of her walking to a room!! It just made her day!! We also met up with Ryan & Kari and their girls and had dinner and Bailey got to sit with them during the concert. The show was great, I love Glenn Beck and he was the MC again. I am so thankful to live in this country and enjoy all the freedoms I do and thankful for all the men and women who risk their lives everyday for this country-Thank You!! Happy Birthday America.

Pageant

2009-06-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday we took the girls down to see the Manti Pageant. We were so lucky to go on the best day of the week and had no rain at all!! Bai and Kamby have never been so they were really looking forward to seeing it. My Mom, My sister Leah and Kordelia also came. I think the kids had just as much fun riding down in the car as they did watching the pageant!! Kamby did fall asleep but Bai really liked the whole pageant, but especially the "real" Angel Moroni on top of the Temple. I have to admit that some parts are super cheesy and over the top, but for the most part it is a great show with a wonderful message. I hope we can go again next year.

P.S. If you are going to go this year make sure you bring bug spray, there are tons of mosquitoes this year!!

Spring Dance

2009-06-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

The girls had their spring dance recital this weekend, what a long adventure it was!! First the dress rehearsal on Friday and Bailey and I were there from 6pm until 10:30!! Ugh!! I was so ready to go home. Then on Saturday Bailey and Kambrie had different times for their parts, Kambrie's was at 6pm (she had to be there at 5:15) and Bailey's was supposed to start at 8:15. Kambrie danced to the teddy bear picnic and was so good! I could not believe how much better she has gotten in just one year-I loved it. Unfortunately Bailey did not dance until around 10pm or so, but she did such a good job to. She was able to show off the tumbling skills she has learned this year. Also, both Kambrie and Bailey tried out for the dance company next year and made it!! They are so excited. So, I will be spending some time at dance competitions next year! Which includes dancing at Disneyland in the parade!! Looking forward to that, mostly =)

Queen for a Day

2009-06-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Our primary had a challenge for a few months for the kids to learn the Articles of Faith. For every one they learned they would be able to have toppings for their ice cream at a party. Bailey memorized all 13!! The best thing about it was she did it all on her own, we did not ask her or tell her she had too! Our cute primary president made these cute crowns for the kids that memorized them all-I love it so cute and creative. Way to go Bailey!!!

School Stuff

2009-06-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago kambrie had her spring program at school (I have just been slow getting it posted!) she was so cute and did such a good job, I cannot believe how big she is getting-Kindergarten next year, yikes! She also got her alphabet crown and was so excited. Bailey also finished school last week and is out for the summer!! She did well in school this year all A's! I am just as excited as her to take a break from homework!! Now I just need to keep her busy =)

Here kitty!

2009-05-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

We are getting a sweet little kitten in July!! Almost everyone in my house is very excited about it (not hard to figure out who is not!!). The girls have been asking for a pet for years now and I think they are finally big enough to help out ( we still have Lola and she is cute and fun but not as easy to play with). He is a munchkin kitten so he will have short legs and keep a kitten personality. Now we need to think of a cute name!!

{Thoughts}

2009-05-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Kambrie has said some the most adorable things lately here are a few of my favorite:

"Mom, I wish our ceiling was glass so that I could look at the stars in bed"

"We are going to have 2 babies, one in your tummy mom and one in daddy's tummy" (If only he he)

"Mom do you think that vampires drink Diet Coke?" Me-What do you think? "No, I think they only drink blood-yuck!"

"I am getting big and will need to pick someone to marry soon, I think I will pick Austin (Angie's little boy), but we will have to get married in the temple. Bailey is bigger than me and will have to pick too, maybe she will pick Andrew (Austin's big brother!)"

I love this age it is so fun, I feel so lucky to be a Mom to the best girls!!

Warm Weather

2009-04-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Since my girls are in 2 different schools their spring breaks were in 2 different weeks!! Not fun for me or them, plus the weather was cold & snowy for both of the weeks. So, with the weather finally warming up we have been living it up outside!! They have been wanting a swing set so we finally got one (hopefully it will cut down on the begging to go the park!) Rod spent all evening putting it together and they had fun playing on it way past bedtime on a school night =) I also have to share the cute picture of them in their new matilda jane outfits-I love it!!

Sunday Best

2009-04-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

We had such a great Easter! It was nice to finally have some sunshine to enjoy on Easter Sunday. I did the MS walk on Saturday with my friend in the neighborhood who was diagnosed last year, it was fun I have never done anything like that before and I was glad that we did not get rained on! The Easter bunny had come and hid their baskets filled with fun stuff, which they found while I was gone. Later that day the girls had tons of fun at grandma & grandpa' s annual egg hunt. My mom puts out several eggs with quarters, gold coin dollars, and one dollars. Both of them found $7.25, I wish they had that kind of egg hunt when I was a kid! We all had such a great weekend. I am most thankful for the reason behind Easter, Jesus Christ, his sacrifice and resurrection so that I can always be with my family.

{EGGS}

2009-04-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Every year we get together with my brother & sister in-laws family and eat dinner and the kids decorate eggs, it's always very fun and this year was no exception! My girls were excited to dye the eggs but even more so just to play with their cousins, the big girls go do their thing and the 2 little ones go do theirs, it works out perfect. They are lucky to have cousins that are close in age and that they can play with-Cousins make the best friends!!

Check this out!

2009-03-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am selling several very cute boutique outfits that I purchased on Ebay. They are listed for much, much less than I paid!! Here is the link to all of them: http://stores.ebay.com/Whamzilla , if you are interested let me know or pass it on to anyone you think might be!! (sorry the pictures are all over, I am still trying to figure out this new type of blog!)

Finding Inspiration

2009-03-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

It is so easy to forget that our lives have purpose and meaning, life can be busy and it is easy to get caught up in things that are unimportant. I love to read the Nie Nie and CJane blogs, they are sisters and their stories are amazing. They inspire me to be a better mom, friend, sister and a better member of my faith (I have put links to them on the side of my blog!), I think they both are pretty amazing!! I also came across these videos from a conference called Day of Faith, there are several different faiths on the panel and each are asked questions about what they believe and why. One girl is LDS and I must she was able to express herself beautifully and inspired me to be better, you can watch her here http://vimeo.com/2120177?pg=embed&sec= , it is about 20 min. long but I think worth it.

Fun at the Zoo

2009-03-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

It was so nice this last Saturday that Angie and I took the kids to the zoo! It has been so long since I have been to the zoo I have not seen any of the new exhibits!! I am not sure that Kambrie has ever been, since I asked her if she wanted to go to the zoo and she said "whats that?"!! Oops-Bad Mom!! At least now she knows, even though she plugged her noes half the time. Kambrie wanted to hold hands with Austin the whole time, so cute. I wish I could post the pictures of Bailey and Andrew holding hands when they were that age, but my scanner is not working-darn it.

New Home

2009-03-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got my new blog up and put together!! Life has been crazy busy and I have missed posting some fun things that we have done, but I will try and be better!! This picture has nothing to do with this post but I love it & wanted to share =)