A Record of Life

Boyz will always be Boyz

2010-04-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Our Neighbor has this Truck he is selling, He was taking pictures of it and well, the Boyz couldn't resist going outside to take a look at it, even hear it Honk. It was fun to see all three of them drooling over how big it was, and how loud, it was.
Boyz will always be boyz I say.. I on the other hand would have never ran out there to take pictures (although I did coz they asked me too.

well we want to keep them happy so be it... I will take pictures and do the "honk" your horn movement with my arm along with them... as far as they are happy, I am happy..

Boyz!

When you Hire a Professional

2010-04-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Happy b-day Grant, I bet he is sick of hammers, drills, and tape measures, But these eatables ones are not as bad as the real ones... and they don't do as much damage as the real ones.. well maybe we will see the damage in a few weeks...

When you hire a professional your dreams come true.. I mean how adorable is this tool set?
I could eat it up!! well we kind of did.. Thank you Emily for making these cute tools, She slaved away for at least 3 hour, I on the other hand was more like the side kick... you know..."get me this" "make blue frosting" But hey I can see now how side kicks are important too... anyways the Tools were a hit!

now I just gotta fly her in for every b-day and I am all set.

Cousins

2010-03-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

We have Cousins in our home. We LOVE IT. I never grew up with cousins, they were always in another country, and boy does history repeats itself constantly. Anyways we love our Cousins in Va and everywhere around where ever they might be...

This time around we have Pablo and Antonio and they are fun fun F.U.N! fun. Dylan and Dakota are having a blast. We have gone to swimming together, walked to the park, gone to the store, shared cars and trucks, done school together, eaten sardines (not Grant yuck!) I am working with the Cousins on them trusting me enough to let me get a lick of their Ice-cream... I have not yet managed to loosen their white knuckle kung fu ice-cream grip...but all in due time.

Pablo has swim lessons and he loves them, he jumps in to the teacher like its his 20th lesson. what a cutie pie, oh and then he bounces on one leg all class long. We laugh from the stands and wave whenever he finds the time to look up at us... I mean he is busy busy down there.

Antonio is one independent little guy, when he needs milk, he finds his cup and walks to the fridge..."MIIIL!!! MIIIL!!!" and then he can see either his mamma or me running to serve him... well he knows what he needs and I like that.

Hey no offense but who knew that Bob old Bob would have such cute kids... I guess cute kids is the result of a good match... good job guys..

Oh and they saw their first snow... probably the last storm till next winter.. now talk about lucky!! even built a snow man, two actually.

Anyways,

Free Labor

2010-02-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well I have been thinking of a way to thank EVERYONE that has helped Grant (us) get our house project moving, Grant loves to do all this work, but he has a full time job and only really gets to do it at night. Therefore moving along slowly at times. He really dreams of finishing all this up and relaxing on the couch. (with all of you)
We have HAD Tons of people come and help us here and there, at early hours of the AM. and Late at night, some of them sacrificing their Saturdays, and sometimes leaving their poor little wives alone at home (they could have been doing their "honey do's" list)
ALL of you have helped us move things along... ALL OF YOU!

Thank you!
DIRK, Dad Chad m. Chad t. Joe B Cori Kevin, Magra, Mom Ryan, The 2nd ward YM and their leaders, CHRIS, BROCK, Tom, Joe D, Paul, WES, ACE, ed, PABLO, Rustin, Les and Christy (for your design eye), JORDAN, Klints. Grant's Coworkers,

to the wives: jess, Genny, janel, andree, brigitta, jana, magra, amy, jess t. ME, kim, nola, lynnette, jen. Mom, Christy, Kristy.

IF IF IF!!!! i am missing anyone, please please please, make a comment and i will change RIGHT AWAY

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

p:s Grant gets paid people!!! if you know what I mean.
but in all seriousness Grant Thank you!!

Food Storage!

2010-02-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

Mother always believed in the importance of Food Storage, and as a teenager I remember using it due to many reasons, weather it was because Venezuela was on a strike and we couldn't go the store for milk and other things, Or weather it was because Dad's university was on strike and he didn't get a paycheck for 3 or so months. I remember seeing people we knew knocking on our door asking for Milk or other basic want.

Now as a mother myself I see for myself the importance and the security that Food Storage can bring to your life. Teaching my children that they can go downstairs to "the store" to find a snack, soap, TP, or fruit if you will.

Times are tough, and I see it on a personal level, that we or closed ones have to start to cut down on certain commodities and that life begins to take a different meaning for people. A meaning of simplicity, and closeness, a meaning of self reliance, and frugality, meanings that sometimes get forgotten. I am thankful for examples in my life (past and present) that ground me, that teach me sometimes even without them knowing, the meaning of life... Of real life.

Lets pray that all those that are having a hard time with... life, its meaning and significance, can realize and recognize what its most important...

What's most important to you?

P.S: Found the picture here
Cute little blog on Preparedness.

This is our little secret.... shhh!

2010-02-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Valentines is just around the corner. and this is where we go celebrate, However maybe not this year... there are just other things in the menu. But oh boy how we love this place. It's an Italian restaurant, small, personal, dressy casual, quiet, perfect little spot. going to miss it miss it... unless of course any of you want to invite me, then I will for sure go..

what's your favorite Restaurant?

Working on a Menu

2010-02-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

That is Goal number one for this year. Make a Menu and Stick to it.
I have a few recipes already, Now I need to make my Shopping lists... Menu's can be a lot of work, but lets hope they cut down on guessing time around dinner time... and cut down on $ too. I will keep blogging on my progress and results...

DO YOU HAVE A MENU??
my goal is to have a 4 week menu,
so if you want to share any EASY/HEALTHY recipes please do so in the Comment box...

Suze's Advise!

2010-01-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

so as you can see in my Book Shelf below, I have been reading Suze Orman's Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny
And I want to get out of Debt quick people.. I hate Debt with a passion, Its powerful and it can own you, and that is what I hate. Anyways I am not out of control by any means, but I have debt, and I want it gone. I want to know how many of you would follow her advise on this matter.
She says that Married women, especially SAHM's should have their own separate Savings Account and/or bank account all together. This account should not have your Spouses name at all.

I just want to ask.. How do you SAHM's go about saving money? do you do it with your spouse? or like Suze recommends having your own account.?

Polly Pockets for BOYS

2010-01-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

There is a 3 year old that loves, to play with little things, like marbles, horses, cars, and even Polly Pockets. my request is please please, POLLY can you make some boy related toys??? like I bet some POLLY skateboarders will come in handy, or snowboarders... something...!!!Polly Pocket Paw-some Pets

lets see does your boy like to play with polly pockets? I teach a Pre-school class and its all boys, and they play with Dakota's Polly's.. shhhh!!! don't tell their dads!!!

Shopping for a Mortgage Geek?

2010-01-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well is it scary to try to find a Mortgage Consultant? So If you are thinking of refinancing in the near future, OR planning to buy a house. Give my Mortgage Geek a call, he is honest and can answer any of your Questions, you might be surprised you can actually can save some $$$ in the process... Did I mention he is my sweetheart???

Grant Gold
RanLife Home Loans
Work: 801-478-4515
Cell: 801-450-9566

Call him up!!!
And if you already know him, that could give you some peace of mind If you need a friend's advise!!!

2009 Review.

2010-01-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

I went though my post of resolutions Last Year and I think I did really well.
For some reason I only had 6 goals!
1. Recycle and reuse: I did awesome on this one I think of course one can always do better. but I committed to using the recycle bin more often. I used it for the obvious things that didn't fit in the kitchen garbage like big carton boxes and things of that nature. But I always threw away the Milk Jugs, and yogurt cups right in the trash... shame I know... I had at least 6 months out of last year where I only took the green bin out to the curb only twice a month, because I reduced my real trash to very little. On the other hand I had the blue bin out EVERY WEEK and the lid was hard to keep closed on many occasions. Also my brown bin was out almost every week.

2. Learn something new. Check, here are some of the things I learned to do, Jean skirts, Glass Etching, Make pictures frames for the stake YW, they turned out so cute, make out of weathered wood. not to mention the many many things I have learned while doing our Home Improvement project.

3.Food Storage. At the end of 2009 I have a food storage room, food storage shelves, food storage food. However I need to work on some food storage H2O...

4. Run 2 TRI's. I ran 1 legit TRI. but does running a TRI on my own count? I think it does. Grant did not run one with me. I knew that would be a hard Goal to accomplish.... maybe this year.

5. Save $$$: I lost track of this goal. I saved some, then spent some, then saved some more and I am about the same as I started at the beginning of the year... maybe this year?

6. Spanish 100% with the kids. This one is hard to measure, because the kids don't talk to me in Spanish, but they understand me most of the time. Oh who am I kidding... I need to work on this one again this year.... However I did Enroll Dakota in a Dual Immersion school so she gets some Spanish there as well. so 100% no.. but 40% sure... I will bumped that up to 80-100% this year... I wanted to move to a Spanish ward.. but Grant doesn't want to... :-(

2010 Goals soon to come
but here is one..
I am doing the Paleo Diet... which consists of Lean Protein, Veggies, Fruit, Low Starch, and NO SUGAR ( well too an extent, like some fruit have sugar, and situations like that) I am doing this for 7 weeks... Starts Tomorrow... I wish I had the guts to post a before picture but I don't.. I will take one for my own records. but that's as far as it will go.

The MAS*H Staff

2009-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Being sick is no fun at all. I personally hate it in so many levels. Here are some of the scenarios I've had in the past and now, that make it being sick so terrible.
1. If you work full time. I worked in a Day Care, I worked in a Cafeteria, and I worked in a Clinic (working thre was FUN). However why is it that when you are sick and you call in sick to work, the person on the other line ----which is usually a co-worker just like you that has called in sick before too---- makes you feel like you are a LIAR? so therefor you have to go into details about what is really wrong with you, oh and its not just symptoms is DETAILS!

     sick me:    Hey its me...
co-worker:    Hey
      sick me:    Hey I was wondering if you can find (insert supervisors name here) so I can talk to her/him?
co-worker:    Oh (sup. name) is in a meeting, can I leave her/him a message?
      Sick me:   Well I can't come into work because I am sick and I need a day or two to get better.
co-worker:   Oh my goodness are you ok?
     Sick me:    Well no you stupid (of course I didn't say that) well I have the stomach flu or I ate something bad. (that should be enough)
co-worker:    Oh no so you are throwing up?
     Sick me:    Yeah.
co-worker:     that's it? do you have a fever?
    Sick me:      I gotta go.. the.. pppf.. bathr.... oh gosh!! tell him/her i won't....oh...oh.. make it today..

seriously I have had this exact phone call with my daycare job... oh those poor ladies wanted some good story but I was not in the mood... and I have seen them give the news to the boss when someone else was sick... " Mary is sick and won't (insert eye roll here) make it today she said"
****SERIOUSLY she is SICK! **** (or is she!)

2. If you you don't work and are a SAHM (stay at home mom) FORGET IT, there is no calling in sick.
6am you wake up sick, you want details? better not.
7 am Bosses wake up and climb in bed with you, "moommm.. I have no space scoot overrrrr.!!!!"
8am Bosses are hungry, hubby doesn't go in to work ill 9:30, I can get one hour to get better..."mom we are hungry can you make us some pancakes?"
Sick me: "Mr. Daddy can you get up and help the kids?? I need one more hour ....I don't feel good"
Mr Daddy: " I know!!! I think I am coming down with it too"
Sick me: really? ...what's wrong with you? (and yes I want DETAILS)
Mr. Daddy: nothing.. I just don't feel good.!
Boss: Mommy!!! we.are.hungry.... 8:15
Sick me: (ok I will just make them cereal then I can get an extra 45 minutes) here is your cereal guys... I love you!. say your prayers.
Boss: WE didn't want CEREAL.....we want PANCAKES.....pleeeeassse!!!
Sick me: ( Oh no they didn't) MR.DADDY WAKE UP !!!!they want PANCAKES!!!!

seriously there is no calling in sick... the bosses get hungry, they need a supervisor, and they need someone to kiss their cute little booties!!

Anyways all of this is because My DAD was sick. with the same 24 hour flu it sounds like. But he has staff M*A*S*H staff people!!!.. I hope you feel better dad, and drink your Juice and all the good stuff Nurse EM(sis. in law) makes you, and don't bother the Head Nurse (mom) she is busy with paperwork.. and take all the Meds. Dr. Bob orders.... Enjoy the next few pictures, I was looking online for some pictures of dr's and IV's to go with my post but then I remembered I had these from Dr. Bob's knee surgery? I can't remember.... PRICELESS!!! What goes around comes around huh Dr. BOB? Hope you have a few more years before the enema.. or just order the Head Nurse to do it.

Don't let the new interns (P and A) get sick! wash wash wash!

P.S : the enema for Dr. Bob was NOT real! however the IV is totally real, and so was the pain!

I could have 20 blogs

2009-12-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

I was looking at my life and I think if I had the time I could have 20 blogs, one for family, one for fitness, one for home improvement, one for cooking, you get the idea... However since I already have A Record Of Life, and its mainly about Life here with us, I am going to delete my other blogs and simply write everything here. I'm thinking I'll write once a day, that way I can write about out life as its happening. About my fitness goals, about my new way of eating (call it a diet) if you will.

So here is what its going on today at hour house. Remodeling galore!!
I love before and after pictures and since we have started our projects I realize that I need to do better with my before and after's but these ones will give you an idea and that's the important part. Now I want to tell you that all this work is big time DIY, from the demo, to the drywall, to the mud and tape, to the paint to the unfinished details...its ALL US. Plus having kids, plus having a full time job ( the dad of course) because I am just a stay at home mom and I "don't work" ---like my young kids woulds say---

BEFORE OF COURSE

AFTER OF COURSE

Like I said before I need to get better before and after pictures... but this is the new floor, the new wall color, the new molding, the new grown up kid that thinks I don't have a job!

What do you think? this is a bamboo hard wood flooring, which I just LOVE!! and my green wall is AWESOME! I think so anyways...

I love before and after's

2009-12-05T02:56:00.000-08:00

So I am here laying in bed and I can't sleep... that is really weird to me because I never have a problem laying in bed and sleeping the whole night. Grant hates it because he is the one that usually can't sleep, but today he is sound a sleep.

Of course I am browsing the net. why not.
and I found the Awesome Project, Is a Cat hotel really... way cute! but it could be so many other things.
I found it at Design Sponge I adore this blog.

so here are the pictures. and tell me cat lover's out there.. Is this going to be a project for you?

Don't forget about the little ones

2009-11-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

I love helping the kids have the best time at any family gatherings... and this little number by Sweet Paul is what I need... If you have 30 minutes to spare make the kids table a special something... they will love it.

Isn't it adorable? did you do something special for your kids and their little guests this thanksgiving day?
Happy Thanks Giving to everyone.... look around you there is lots to be thankful for...

Handmade Holiday gifts.....

2009-11-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking of what I would be giving to my friends for Christmas... I been Blog Shopping for ideas..

I did the cookies in a jar once, that was cute.
I did the Hot chocolate cans, useful but not so homemade
I did the home made card

But now I need some good ideas..
I've found some good ones
lots of ideas with Fabric...

Give me some ideas people.

Time for ThanksGiving in writing.

2009-11-24T20:10:00.001-08:00

Where to start... I feel that if I start and finally reach the end of my gratitude I would still leave something without mentioning. So how do you start or end a post like this? well lets see.

Mother's doesn't it all start with Mothers?
I am thankful for mothers, My mother
I am thankful for being a mother,
I am thankful for loving my mother more than I thought I could ever love,
I am thankful for loving being a mother because for the first time I understand how my love has no limits.

Then comes Grant
I am thankful for Grant because it was painful to be without him
I am thankful for Grant because he wants to know all about me ( he finds new things every day)
I am thankful for Grant because he loves to learn anything (in 2009 is remodeling)
I am thankful for Grant because he took me to the temple, and now we are eternal.

Then comes home
I am thankful for my home as a child, because it was safe and a refuge.
I am thankful for my home as a single adult, because it was safe and brought me Grant.
I am thankful for my home as a newlywed, because it was safe and I learned to love forever.
I am thankful for my home as a mommy, because it is safe and I can see happiness in "their"eyes.

Then comes Family
I am thankful for family because my parents were funny and nourished my soul .
I am thankful for family because my brothers taught me everything I need to know.
I am thankful for family because even "in law" they bring acceptance and love to my life.
I am thankful for family because mine is eternal and that is a great feeling. Forever.

Then comes Animals (Dogs and chickens in particular)
I am thankful for animals because they bring me back to childhood.
I am thankful for animals because they are a piece of my past I can share with my kids.
I am thankful for animals because they provide balance to my family.
I am thankful for animals because they play with my kids and brings them a companion.

Then comes my knowledge of My Savior (no particular order on my list except for mothers)
I am thankful for My Savior because he gives his mercy.
I am thankful for My Savior and his example of service.
I am thankful for My Savior and his wonderful creations.
I am thankful for My Savior and his unconditional love for me despite my many stupid mistakes

Then comes Fathers
I am thankful for my father and his knowledge.
I am thankful for my father and his sense of humor.
I am thankful my children have a father they know and love.
I am thankful for the fathers in my life because they are bring me and "them" balance.

Oh I can't end this yet... I have more to be thankful for, but my eyes are tired... I am thankful for sleep so I better go be grateful... so read up and see ya next post... or on the comment box.

Ties Ties Adorable Ties... From TicTacTies

2009-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Are you guys still reading? Well This is a Shout Out to Grant's Cousin and her adorable Ties..
Check out her blog here , they are hot and ready to sell...

I want them all.. but lets face it that's not possible.. or is it?
what do you think?

Virginia Is For Lovers

2009-10-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

There is no other way around this... I LOVE VIRGINIA, but I LOVE SLC TOO.

anyways that is a post for another day.

Point is we went to Virginia and we had a GREAT time.

We found Kevin (which we weren't counting on)

Saw Grandpa show the Mennonite's some blacksmithing

Also went to the Safari, I know totally cool,

We had two cars, one for the girls, and one for the boys

helped Granpa' in the shop, since he came to SLC to

build us some stairs.

I feel great when I am in Virginia, The small back roads I love, the open space that you can find almost everywhere you go. The Family maybe is what I Love the most, all the little cousins, Oh boy My kids need their Cousins, they love them so much, One day I know we will be close. For now I will treasure the trips and the moments together because they are so fun and few apart.

Oh july where have you gone!!

2009-10-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

July makes me feel nice and warm

It makes me want to go sit on the

Hammock under the shade of our maple tree

listening to the children play and ask can we

go to the baseball game tonight?

I can close my eyes and hear the baseball

crashing on the wood bats.. (are they still wood)

Well we went to the baseball game and after a long game

we walked down and laid ourselves down on the out field

To watch the firework show, I always forget ear plugs for the kids

but now they know to cover if it gets too loud, there are only a few

fireworks that are worth saving your drums for older years.

But oh July, you are now way gone, I am on my way now back to you,

It will be a cold and long and slow way back to you but I am coming.

Miss you already.

Don't you all know what a couch is for?

2009-10-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

We have had this sessional in our house since the day before Dakota was born, we love it. Its been used for so many things, mid week naps, Sunday naps, Baby naps, the corner is perfect for sitting babies that can't really sit yet It hugs their body perfectly keeping them on an upright position. We have used the pillows to lay on to watch movies outside. The couch also was put in the front garage for a while, but then was brought back in, and its still a favorite couch.

Before the kids imagination kicked in we enjoyed this couch like adults. But our brains had matured a little too much and therefore not letting us see the bigger picture of this couch's potential. That being said, now our couch's life long dream has been fulfilled, thanks to little brains in motion these are the other uses for our couch now....Store, tower, dominos, HOUSE, and Landing pad. I am sure I am not aware of a few other uses, but without anything else to say about this matter, other than...WHAT DO YOU USE YOU COUCH FOR?

Don't mind the boys itchy pants..

Grandpa Visits

2009-07-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well Grandpa came down for a quick one week visit. We are the home i

mprovement house so therefore his visit was not a kick back and relax kind of visit... but now that I think about it... are any of his visits the kick back and relax kind? I can't remember if they have been in the last two or three trips... but this was Granpa or Dirk's schedule (like Grant would say)

HE SAT ON THE COUCH

AND ONCE OR TWICE HE MEASURED

THERE WAS A HAMMER LAYING AROUND

AND I TRIED HIDING THESE

BUT

BUT THEN HE DID THIS

AND WE RID DYLAN OF MOST OF THIS

Dance and Art Youth City programs.

2009-07-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Youth City group has these great classes for the kids. Dakota had Creative Dance lessons and she stole the show, once a week she would pick her dress up dresses just so she can take them to dance class... This one is one of her favorite one. They had Live music, which I really liked, just a piano in the room with a piano player changing the rhythm and tempo, it was very pleasant. Dakota Jumped, rolled, followed directions, waited for her turn, and just had a wonderful time... Her friend Ella invited us to join and we loved it... Afterwards we would go for lunch at her house or ours, it was great.

Dylan had Art Classes and he love them although he was not so interested at the beginning, but then he saw his friends glueing and painting that he sure couldn't resist. I didn't bring the camera every class so of course I missed a good messy class. They filled a small slip lock bag with shaving cream and paint, they mixed it up all together, then we cut a small hole on the corner of the bag and squirt it all unto a big piece of paper, wow was that a messy project, he had green color shaving cream up to his elbows...all over his clothes amazing it all came right off in the wash, but I sure missed a good chance for pictures...

. Although Dylan had just as much time gluing different kind of things unto this interesting piece of b

oard....

A righteous example influences others

2009-06-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Wonderful video of a YW in Harvard University... I wish for my YW to grow their testimonies and know that even though we not interviewed to this extent that we have people around us everyday that see our actions and hear our words, and I hope that they are in accordance with Heavenly Father's teachings

click here to hear her interview.

Corn Rows A memory from Mama

2009-05-27T22:04:00.001-07:00

Well it not the hair I am talking about, that is one thing we didn't do, corn rows, no particular reason just weren't into doing hair I guess.

What I am talking about here are the 10 rows or corn mama planted many times in our garden, it was at least 20 feet long, maybe a little less. but it seamed to go for ever. I loved running though the corn stalks, and even picking them out as they became ready. I can't remember if we picked them or if they feel when they were ready.

It was a fun time, running and hiding in this massive jungle, the dogs would chase us and we would weave from one row to the next trying to lose the dogs.

I planted some corn this year in the garden. can't wait till they are nice and tall.

Thank you mama for the freedom you gave us during our young years. I try to avoid using the word NO with the kids and giving them at the same time rules and structure. Its harder than it sounds. But I feel like a better mom when I know they can feel free to explore.

For example, when our tulips came up, they were so beautiful to look at, and Dakota wanted to picked them to make a flower bouquet, oh I wanted to say no so bad because I loved seeing the tulips color the yard... I didn't say no.. instead I said... "ok Dakota you can pick 5 tulips for your bouquet" the rest are for us to look at when we are sitting in the back yard.

The bouquet was great, and we enjoyed the rest of the tulips though the spring.