Day 28 | 30 Days of Lists

If I Ruled the World:

• the work week would be 4 days a week
• abortions would not be legal
• we would probably still be in debt
• Israel would be protected
• our borders would be secure
• teachers would be paid more
• minimun wage would greatly increase
• healthcare would be reformed
• adoptions would be free
• Vanilla Coke would be served everywhere

Day 27 | 30 Days of Lists

My Overused Words & Phrases:

• seriously?
• no way
• just kidding
• i love you more
• hey bubba
• large Pepsi please
• no, I have to work
• hey friend
• can you please....
• no thank you
• i need to sleep

Day 26 | 30 Days of Lists

Today's To Do List:

• prep for tomorrow's marketing route
• get Pilot two new tires
• drop and pick up kids from school
• take Taylor to neighbor's for playdate
• take Taylor and Landon to karate
• pack Taylor's clothes for overnight at Grandma & Grandpa's house
• grocery shopping
• catch up on 30 Days of Lists project
• nap 
• workout
• make dinner
• bank

Day 25 | 30 Days of Lists

Things To Do Before My Next Birthday:

• family vacation to Denver
• lose a few pounds
• scrapbook my baby photos
• impact someone else's life
• complete Project Life 2011
• take a photography class

Week 38 | Project Life

The week started off with Ballet Under the Stars at a local park with our friends Jackie and Margot. And then on Wednesday, Taylor and Landon both wore their P.E. shirts for the first time together.

Photos on this page include Taylor dressed as Cinderella making the birthday crowns for her classroom; Ryland trying on the Spiderman costume; a few favorite fall decorations, Taylor and Laila at lunch; and Hank throwing Ryland up in the air at Wyld Life. This week the kids had to miss a day of school trying to recover from the colds we have been battling.

Day 24 | 30 Days of Lists

good timing for this post....
Things I Like to Do When I am Sick:

• sleep
• read
• watch TV
• make plans
• create to-do lists
• contemplate life
• pray
• be alone
• avoid housework
• surf the Internet

Day 23 | 30 Days of Lists

If I Won the Lottery I Would:

• take my entire family to Hawaii
• upgrade my car
• buy new furniture
• give to great organizations
• sponsor many, many children in poverty
• take the kids to Disneyland
• visit all of Europe
• have Hank work part-time
• move
• hire a housekeeper
• save the money for college {kids}
• save a little for retirement
• get a tummy tuck

Day 22 | 30 Days of Lists

Ways to Avoid Housework:

• surf the Internet
• blog
• craft
• process photos
• play with the kids
• work
• hire a house cleaner {the best answer}

Day 21 | 30 Days of Lists

TV Shows I Wish Would Come Back:

Kate Plus 8
LA Ink
Big Brother
The Newlywed Game
The Ref
The Love Boat

Week 37 | Project Life

This week included photos mainly from our staycation, but I also included a couple of photos of the week. Like Taylor in her brand new Snow White dress that she has been asking for. And the photo of Ry snuggling with his Elmo. These are everyday photos that I don't ever want to forget.

The insert on the left included a long journaler on the front and an e-mail confirmation receipt of our resort on the back. This photo spread is all about our first dinner out in Scottsdale at Grimaldi's pizzeria.

photos of the kids playing on the playground at the resort

a little this and that...Staycation 2011

Day 20 | 30 Days of Lists

My Dream Space Would Include:
I'm kind of all over the board when it comes to fashion and style. There really isn't one particuliar style that I just adore. While I like simple, clean and  modern, I also love shabby chic. So here is just a short list of specs for my dream space.

• space must be near the ocean
• a large wall of window would face the ocean
• large, spacious deck for outdoor living
• a quaint, comfortable study that would have a floor to ceiling bookshelf with rolling ladder 
• double shower + a jacuzzi in the master bath
• his and her closets
• a craft room with built-in units to organize all of my stuff
•  large open kitchen with island
• media room with projector screen and candy store
• negative edge pool and jacuzzi
• my family to share it with

NEW 52 | Ballet Under the Stars

Taylor and Landon have a special friend at school named Margot. The relationship started off last year with Landon and Margot becoming good buddies in their toddler class. This year Landon, Margot and Taylor are all in the preschool class and love to "work" with each other. So if I ask, "Who is Margot's best friend?" Both Taylor and Landon reply "me". My kids equally love Margot, and it is a sweet friendship they all share. So when Margot's mommy asked us if we wanted to check out Ballet Under the Stars with them and the event was free, we immediately took them up on the offer.

We arrived 30 minutes early and the park had already filled itself with lots and lots of senior citizens. Some who thought dancing children in the aisles were delightful and some who thought they were detestable. It was a memorable event to say the least, and we all had a great time. Can't wait to do this again next year!

Day 19 | 30 Days of Lists

Inventions I Wish Were Real:

• cures/vaccinations to all diseases/viruses 

NEW 52 | Family Staycation

We are seriously blessed! Some really great friends who have such kind, generous hearts treated our little family of five to a three-night staycation at a local resort in north Scottsdale. Hank wanted to keep this "trip" a surprise but ended up telling me the details because he was a bit excited. As a family of five, we have never done a staycation before. Now, I realize how important it is to get away for a few days with our kids to hang out and play. So the first two nights, the kids stayed with us at the hotel. They loved every minute of it. They gave us the one room that backs up to the kids playground. Literally, we would open the back glass sliding door and the kids walked 10 feet to the playground. We spent lots of time at the pool and wandering Scottsdale to find a fun place to eat.

The very first night, we literally ran into some very good friends. We ended up meeting up with them for dessert. Our three kids and their four kids made quite the scene with melted frozen yogurt all over their cute little faces. This night, Taylor leaned over and whispered in my ear that she was having such a great time and that she was really excited. This made me realize how important it is to create special memories for our kids.

We spent lots of time by the pool and enjoying our family of five. Saturday morning, we dropped the kids off with my in-laws who lovingly watched the kids for us so that Hank and I could have 24 hours alone. Such a treat!

Day 18 | 30 Days of Lists

A Few Favorite Things:

• the ocean
• Disneyland
• Project Life
• shopping
• Old Navy
• great jeans
• Coke
• vacations
• massages
• home decor
• scrapbook supplies
• fun pens & markers
• notebooks
• snuggling
• photography
• AJs iced tea
• Mexican food

Day 17 | 30 Days of Lists

The prompt for List 17 is “Fictional Characters With Whom I Have Fallen In Love”.  This is definitely not one of my favorite prompts as I am not the type of woman who falls in love with fictional characters. But I will include a list of actors who I think are quite interesting and easy on the eyes.

• Derek Shepherd
• Mark Sloan
• Brad Pitt in any role

Day 16 | 30 Days of Lists

Dream Jobs
I must say that while my current job is hard, exhausting and demanding, I am ultimately living out my dream job of being a mother and loving it. This role fulfills me the most. Other jobs that I have often dreamed of include:

• People magazine writer
• fashion magazine writer
• travel guidebook writer
• beachside boutique owner
• movie/TV production assistant

Day 15 | 30 Days of Lists

Never Have I:

• traveled to Europe
• been up in a hot air balloon
• hiked the Grand Canyon
• colored my hair a crazy color
• surfed in the ocean
• taken a cooking, photography, Photoshop or sewing class
• taken my family for granted
• had a brand new car
• refrained from soda for more than a couple of days
• parachuted
• been a saver
• traveled to the Mediterranean

Day 14 | 30 Days of Lists

My favorite outfits:

• perfect jeans and trendy blouse 
• perfect jeans and tank with a scarf
• cute dress with leggings
• denim capris, shirt and flip flops
• perfect jeans and long-sleeved top with tank underneath

Day 13 | 30 Days of Lists

Things I Do To Procrastinate:

• surf the Internet
• watch reality TV shows
• scrapbook or other crafty projects
• take care of my darling kids
• nap
• clean
• blog
• Facebook

Truth be told, I'm not much of a procrastinator. I like to get things checked off of my "TO DO" list way too much...it brings me pleasure. I can only think of one project right now that I am procrastinating and it's a work project which will be completed soon...hopefully :-)

Day 12 | 30 Days of Lists

THINGS THAT MOTIVATE ME:

• organization
• details
• creativity
• free time
• my kids
• making new memories
• preserving memories
• my love for God
• my love for others
• wanting to be better
• a good deal
• a sense of security
• others' creativity

Week 36 | Project Life

Week 36 was another busy week for us. We are hosting neighborhood small group at our house, Taylor started a new dance class, and I gave my first club talk for Wyld Life.

Landon's handwriting is really improving. Although it still looks like chicken scratch, he has improved greatly. I included his and Taylor's alphabet along with this week's photos.

On Saturday we took the kids to Lowes Build & Grow project, and it was really fun for the kids. Those photos were a big part of this week's Project Life.

Day 11 | 30 Days of Lists

Favorite Things About Fall:

• cooler temps
• wearing jeans
• scented candles
• decorations
• visit to the pumpkin patch
• fun activities for the family
• cute costumes
• anticipation of Thanksgiving & Christmas
• snow {visits to Flagstaff}
• long walks & bike rides
• wake up to darkness which means the kids might sleep in a little longer than usual
• yummy food

NEW 52 | Lowes Build & Grow

Today we took the kids for the first time to our local Lowes for their bimonthly Build & Grow project. It's a free event specifically created for children. Today's project was to build a police car. Taylor and Landon enjoyed every moment of it. Ryland on the other hand enjoyed walking around with his hammer trying to hit whatever he could. He could also be found stealing other kids police cars. He's such a brute.

Day 10 | 30 Days of Lists

At this moment:

• the kids are sleeping
• Hank is watching a movie
• I'm catching up on blogs
• I'm downloading photos from the week
• the dishwasher, washer and dryer are running
• I'm thinking of 9/11/01
• I'm thankful to be home
• I'm debating if I should eat one of the last mini cinnamon rolls

Day 9 | 30 Days of Lists

Weekend Plans:

• dance class (Taylor)
• karate class (Landon)
• Wyld Life club
• church
• Lowe's workshop for kids
• September 11th Memorial
• work from home
• haircut
• chores

Day 8 | 30 Days of Lists

Things That Remind Me of My Childhood:

• Canadian summers
• charm necklaces
• Jelly shoes
• ketchup potato chips
• Granny & Opa
• my horse
• sleepovers
• cheerleading
• Arizona State Fair
• helicopter rides
• San Clemente
• fruit rollups
• black licorice
• Cabbage Patch Dolls
• Disneyland
• track meets
• Nikki & Nikko
• ex-boyfriends
• New Kids On The Block
• Halloween parties
• skiing

Day 7 | 30 Days of Lists

I’m Not Very Good At…

• small talk as i really don't enjoy it
• creative cooking
• being patient
• working out (once a week is pitiful)
• following a budget
• being a minimalist
• thinking before i speak
• sewing
• driving (get too distracted)
• keeping my opinions to myself
• concealing my true feelings
• saying no to caffeine
• relaxing
• cleaning off my desk
• call my long distance family members
• mailing personal notes and cards
• saying "no"
• loving others unconditionally
• telling jokes
• being disciplined
• going to bed early
• eating healthy
• taking my vitamins
• showing affection to anyone besides my children
• thinking the glass is half full all the time
• wine tasting (hate the stuff)
• repaying evil with good

Day 6 | 30 Days of Lists

Favorite Color Combinations:

I've waffled between black, white and hot pink to black, white and teal so now my new favorite colors are....

turquoise, white and orange

Week 35 | Project Life

This week my parents came over for a sleepover. My kids always love the extra attention and my dad plays with them continually. My mom worked on numbers and letters with Taylor as Landon was more interested in playing with Opa. Then after my parents left, I came down with strep throat. By Friday, I had made it to the doctor and was able to get antibiotics for strep throat. Being sick changed a lot of our weekend plans but that was OK too.

We met Grandpa and Grandma for donuts to kick off the Labor Day weekend. We also celebrated Grandma Gloria's 77th birthday. What a great milestone!

NEW 52 | SMASH

I've been playing around with my new SMASH book. These things are virtually impossible to find in town. Thankfully my trusty, local scrapbook store had one left in stock. I've used this book to record my "30 Days of Lists" project and will use it to house other important information that I will want to keep for many years to come.

Day 5 | 30 Days of Lists

I Need An App For…

• reminding me of important upcoming dates
• folding laundry
• cleaning the shower & toilet
• reading my mind & creating electronic lists
• telling me what flowers and when to plant
• making beds
• making my weekly schedule super efficient
• making me super-creative without effort
• grocery shopping
• gauging people’s sincerity
• counting calories as i eat them
• driving my car so I can do other things while commuting
• yard work
• always doing the right thing

Day 4 | 30 Days of Lists

Things to Do on Sunday Morning:

• church
• family breakfast
• chores
• cuddling
• relaxing
• just being together

Day 3 | 30 Days of Lists

While this seems like an easy list to create, it was actually a little challenging because I don't want to leave people off my list who I truly love. So I had to dig deep and really think of the those who are closest to my heart.

People I Love:

• my children
• my hubby
• my parents
• my granny and family in Canada
• my in-laws
• my inner circle of friends
• my brother Stephen
• Hank's extended family
• my childhood friends
• family friends who really have become family

I was just thinking earlier today before this list challenge came out that I have been blessed by and loved so many people who have come and gone in my life. Some friends and family who I see very little of but still have a strong connection to...friends and family who I see often and make life that much more enjoyable. One thing I know for sure...I am blessed beyond measure.

Becoming a Big Boy

Day 2 | 30 Days of Lists

Day 2 of 30 Days of Lists is here. It's a fun one!

I Am Happiest When:

• My plans become a reality
• I'm visiting southern California
• I'm with friends and family
• I'm snuggling with one of my children
• I'm watching reality TV
• I'm anywhere near the beach 
• I'm scrapbooking
• fully rested after a good night's sleep
• I'm in my comfy bed with cold sheets
• I'm on a family vacation
• I'm organized
• others are happy
• God is glorified
• I'm not stressed out
• I don't feel obligated or resentful
• I help someone in need
• I'm eating good Mexican food and drinking a Coke
• I'm enjoying Chick-fil-a with my children
• I stick to a schedule
• I'm living in the present and appreciating my life
• My plans are aligned with God's plans for me
• I'm productive
• I'm having spontaneous fun
• I'm not over-extended
• my family and I are healthy
• I'm not extra hard on myself and accept my own shortcomings
• I'm not extra hard on others and accept their shortcomings
• I'm thankful
• my kids have good manners
• my husband compliments me
• i kiss my kids goodnight and pray with them
• enjoy a pedicure and read a People magazine
• gain wisdom and understanding
• work hard

NEW 52: 30 Days of Lists

For the month of September, I've joined up with listgirl and  30 Days of Lists to make a list based on the given prompt each day for 30 days! I'm so task oriented that this challenge excites me. So today's prompt is to make a list of goals for the month of September. It's not too late to jump in yourself. If you decide to join me on this journey, be sure to leave a comment.

30 Days of Lists | Day 1: Goals for September

1. Initiate consistent date night with my hubby.
2. Create a personal and family weekly schedule.
3. Become intentional with my time...less Facebook and more selective blog reading.
4. Catch up on Ryland's scrapbook.
5. Finish reading "Created To Be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl.
6. Listen to audio "To Train Up A Child" by Michael and Debi Pearl.
7. Read Bible daily.
8. Drink less caffeine.
9. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
10. Create my very own smash book.
11. Keep up with the "30 Days of Lists" Challenge and record them on my blog and/or smash book.
12. Call my Granny weekly.

Week 34: Project Life

Week 34 was all about back to school. And it was a great week! Taylor and Landon are in the same preschool class while little brother Ryland attends the toddler class a few days a week. Ryland didn't cry one bit when they took him out of his carseat and into the school. It was almost like he was being released into the wild and awestruck by the giant playground that would soon be his to overtake. I have a few photos that I took when I picked the three kids up on the first day showing Ryland crying. He cries occasionally when I pick him up from school. I guess he then realizes that I've been away from him and that he misses Mommy.

The rest of the week was all about playdates both for the kids and for me. I have such a privilege to meet with some special friends on a bi-weekly basis who I went to high school and/or college with. This group of girls were also committed to Young Life and we did ministry together. So it's like old times when we get together and it is wonderful! We also had a play date with the Mac Pack...some of our besties. Taylor's favorite toy to play with was baby Carly who isn't even two months old yet. And to end the week, we celebrated back to school with our Wyld Life kids by having a pool party and BBQ. The junior highers are so sweet to my kids...especially Taylor who thinks that she is one of them.