A smorgasbord of thoughts...

What was I so worried about??

2011-11-29T22:15:00.002-07:00

So earlier this month I had my appt with the fertility dr to find out I needed surgery. Between then and now I've had a few mini melt downs, but overall I have felt good about having this surgery done. Today I had my laproscopy (polyposcopy) surgery. Basically just had a laproscope go up into the uterus and locate the polyp (much like a skin tag, but on the inside of the body) and then they snip it off. No biggie. The worst part...getting the I.V. The staff and nurses at Canyon Springs Surgery Center were fabulous- and the nurse who did the I.V. was spot on. I just wish I could get through that without the feeling of passing out. I even have them lay me back and I still get all pale and cold sweats. Rough. Pretty sure I gave Blake THE most pathetic look in my arsenal of faces!!

But I loved when I had the anesthesia...the lovely anesthesiologist called it "liquid courage"...I like that thought. I've had many surgeries in my life and have never had issues with having anesthesia (luckily) so this was just another walk in the park. I was in and out of the hospital in 2 hours so I was one happy camper. Thankfully Blake's mom watched Jovie in the morning and we were home by noon. I was a bit groggy still from the anesthesia plus lack of sleep (since it took FOREVER to fall asleep last night- what can I expect...night owl + nerves) so both Jovie and I took naps. So needed! Then at 5:30 (on the nose) my lovely neighbors brought us a FABULOUS dinner. I feel so blessed. And I'm just a teensy bit sore...that's it. I feel like this day couldn't have gone any better.

I am already feeling like my plate is emptying...surgery- check. Stake choir performance- finished (and OH was it fabulous- if I do say so myself). Started on family Christmas shopping- check. Ward Christmas music- picked. Ward Christmas party music- still working on it...but close.

I'll go ahead and say it...What was I so worried about??

Elf on the shelf...

2011-11-25T23:16:00.001-07:00

This is a cute new tradition we'll be starting in our home this year...Elf on the Shelf. Blake's mom found it and ordered one for all of her kids. I'm so happy to start something fun! So the idea is that Santa sends an elf to the family and it watches the kids and reports to Santa every night if the kids were naughty or nice. So the elf has magic to report back to Santa but hides in a new spot every night so the kids get to play hide and seek when they wake up in the morning. And the only rule is you can't touch it- or it will lose its magic. Jovie's not quite understanding it all, but I'm sure through the next year or two it'll really take off!!

It's fun because you get a book to read to your kiddos, then get to name your elf and also get an adoption certificate. So cute. Well, of course since we got Jovie's name from the girl character in the movie Elf, we decided it would only be fitting to name our elf Buddy, after the boy elf character in the movie.

And here is the elf hiding on the advent calendar I made last year. I didn't actually finish it by December 1st last year, but it was done in time for Christmas. And now this year and years to come I get to enjoy it...as does Buddy, our elf.

I'm pretty sure Buddy's magic will also transfer into some of the goodies getting baked this season too!!

I'm sure Buddy will find some great hiding spots in the next few weeks to come! What are your Christmas traditions?? We have too many to list.

This year...

2011-11-03T23:18:00.010-07:00

Boy oh boy....this year really has been a tough one for me (health-wise). In January I had my first miscarriage, and then in April I had an Ectopic pregnancy (needing emergency surgery). Since then, I've been taking progesterone and trying to get pregnant, but with no luck. I feel like emotionally, I have felt really strong this entire year...up to now. I think all of the stress of church callings, Jovie getting "older" and just life in general has finally got me to a really unstable point for me emotionally. There has been a LOT of sporadic tears shed this week. Yuck, it is just gross. Well, really what set it off was my trip yesterday to my fertility doctor. I had to have the HSG test (where they inject ink into the fallopian tubes- in my case just my left one since I had to have my right one removed from the ectopic pregnancy) to see if the tube was clear- and it was! Yay.

But when I had to have the Sonohysterogram (saltwater injected into uterus and then vaginal ultrasound done) the doctor found a polyp attached to the top of the uterus. He predicted that this was why I may have miscarried in January. I guess this particular spot is where the fertilized egg tries to implant on the wall of the uterus- but if a polyp is in the way- you miscarry. So he said my chances of miscarrying in the future are extremely high unless I get it removed.

So, now I have to have ANOTHER surgery done. Ugh. Seriously. This has GOT to be the WORST possible time to have surgery. I know, I know...there is NEVER a convenient time for surgery, but this is HORRIBLE timing....

Just to spew off what's happening in my life currently-

I am the Ward Choir Director and am still in the process of choosing music for the church Christmas program- and it's in 6 WEEKS!!!

I am also a Sunday School teacher and Activity Day leader where I've got lessons to prep for every other week. (Luckily my teaching partner is helping me by teaching every week in November. Jenni is truly a saint!!)

I am directing choir practice for the ward Christmas program every Sunday for 45 minutes.

I am singing in the Stake Christmas Program being done on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and have 2 hour practices every Sunday until the program.

I just got called to put music together for a neighborhood Christmas Party being put on by our church...and also head a service project (toy drive) at the party. This will be on December 10. Luckily I got a committee of women to help get this project going!

Then I leave for Colorado for Christmas with all of my family on December 22 and don't return home until January 4...

I am trying to keep Jovie happy and moving to limit the tantrums...that all seems to be going down the tubes. I think she skipped the terrible 2's and went right to 3's.

And then somewhere in between all of this I have to have surgery. Sheesh.

Is this a lot?? Maybe not compared to many other people...or who have 3+ kids...but to me, I am feeling close to topped out. It's sort of disappointing. In the past I have always felt like I can do it. Somehow I am feeling defeated. I know that at this point I really need to just focus my energy on the positive of now actually getting ANSWERS for why I haven't been able to get pregnant- and move forward. Rely on the Lord, because with Him I WILL get through this. And I will look back on this later and go, "what exactly was I so worried about? "

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this verse of scripture kept popping out at me...

Articles of Faith 1:13

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Yes, I hope to endure ALL things.

So spooooooooky...

2011-10-31T22:22:00.024-07:00

So back in the summer when we were reading every Clifford the Big Red Dog book we had to Jovie, once reading the Cliffords Halloween book...the verdict had been made. Jovie WANTED to dress up like a ghost for Halloween, just like Clifford. Obnoxious...sort of. But kind of awesome too. It kind of makes me proud that she doesn't want to be a princess, like every other 3 year old. (Don't worry if that is what your 3 year old girl is going to be, because chances are, that will be her costume NEXT year!! Besides, princesses are TOO cute!) So, trying to figure out HOW to do a cute ghost costume was going to be a trick (trick... get it?? I'm lame) I didn't just want to throw a white sheet over her head and cut out eye holes...I'm a little classier than that...but just a little. My friend Susan recommended making a white tutu and putting felt black eyes and mouth onto a white shirt. Sounds good to me. I constructed it all in one day and here it is...

Ghost (but not a "spooky" ghost, a "friendly" ghost)

And of course this year I had several places to dress up so I HAD to think of something clever...and one night when I couldn't fall asleep, I thought of this...

Did you figure it out?? No? (I'll give you a hint...it's NOT from a book or movie)

Break it down....

Look from the neck down...what is it?

Then the neck up?

Put it together... Got it??!!!!

II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
[_ _]
V

A Knight (night) Owl.... haha, get it??

(I'd like to think it was clever, but you really have to know ME to know that I'm a late night kinda gal for this to really make sense. Regardless it was fun to make the mask- I've got the hot glue burn mark to prove it- make the shield and bedazzle the foam sword. And then throw together a couple of clothing items I already had! All in all, a success in my book)

I know, I just CAN'T do something "normal"... hence the last several Halloweens
("Seeds of the Tree of Souls" from movie Avatar, the "things" that Calvin (& Hobbs) pees on, Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, a Devil'd Egg, etc.)

Other fun things we did on Halloween included:

Our church put on a neighborhood Halloween party- IT WAS HUGE! There were about 1000 people there, but SO much fun! And yes, we lost Jovie...multiple times.
Here is one of Jovie's pals from nursery Gavin...

We also carved pumpkins...

Went to "The Groves" Halloween block party (Blake's parent's neighborhood does this every year)

Jax, Parker, Davis and Jovie "smiling"

And Jovie's first year Trick or Treating!!!

Jovie LOVED the concept of trick or treating, but started getting scared with the spooky noises and screams. The last picture was so funny- when Jovie knocked on the door, the witch started this really spooky cackle and talked and lit up and Jovie got so scared she dropped her pail and started back peddling away from the house- it was so funny, but kinda sad too. After that point we were really cautious about the houses we chose to visit, and Jovie too was EXTREMELY cautious! She would say "house scary noises??" and we'd have to reassure her that it wasn't scary. Every time we tried to get her to be done Trick or Treating she'd cry that she wanted to do more, but then would be scared to go up to the door.

Such a funny kid. I'm hoping next year will be easier! Happy Halloween!

Oh, and here's a little throw back to my childhood!!

Pumpkin patchin' it...

2011-10-27T18:02:00.002-07:00

This year we went to Vertuccio Farms in Gilbert, AZ for some fall fun and I thought it was quite lovely. I didn't mind spending $7/ adult since kids were free. Jovie loved the freedom of running from one thing to the next and it wasn't so crowded that we couldn't keep track of her- and that's quite miraculous!

There were a plethora of animals to see...Jovie LOVES animals...

This was right after Jovie moooooooooed with gusto!

She especially loves the "SHickens"...and I wouldn't mind getting a few myself...

Jovie liked the sweet little donkey...

And Daddy doing what Daddy does best ;)...he was photo documenting on Instagram.

Jovie LOVED the little train ride...

She even milked a (wooden) cow...

Jovie LOVED riding on the pedal cars with Daddy...

The sky at dusk was looming...it down poured about 5 minutes after this shot...

"Dis wayyyyyy"...evidently she has her mothers keen sense of direction :)...

"So tall"....Jovie loved the corn maze...

Jovie measured right in at 41 inches tall!

We had a great time hanging out at Vertuccio Farms...unfortunately it started pouring after we finished the corn maze so we didn't get to pick out any pumpkins...not a big deal though. We can always go back and get one later!!

Walgreens 10/03/11 haul...

2011-10-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Not a huge haul today...made some small errors (yes, it does happen) and overall, still did pretty great.

3- Mars brand fun size candy ~~$2.99~~ --> $1.83 ea. (I didn't calculate this right- hence why it is so expensive)

3- Hershey's brand fun size candy ~~$2.99~~ --> $2.00 ea. (another one I screwed up on)

4- Nature Valley Granola Bars 6 pk ~~$3.99~~ --> $1.12 ea.

8- Nivea Lip Care ~~$3.99~~ --> $.50 ea. (I freakin LOVE this stuff- and I use it A TON!)

1- Cepacol Throat Lozenges- ~~$4.99~~ --> FREE!!

2- Cold Calm 60 ct. ~~$9.99~~ --> FREE!!

2- Kleenex Cool Touch Tissues 50 ct ~~$2.99~~ --> $.49 ea.

1- Bengay Pain Relief 4 oz. ~~$9.49~~ --> $.99

These items I used for filler items since I had a BOAT LOAD of Register Rewards from last week:

6- Halloween activity books/pads ~~$.69~~ --> $.33 ea.

RETAIL: $110.68

SPENT: $23.96

SAVED: $86.72

SAVED 78%

Walgreens 09/26/11 and 10/01/11 haul...

2011-10-01T12:32:00.007-07:00

This week was a doozy!!! Holy smokes I got some great deals and did the best I've ever done. Hopefully I didn't overdo it and have more Register Rewards than I can chew on for the next 2 weeks!

(I got $98 in Register Rewards = cash cash cash!!)

So I decided to go on Monday- they had SOME of the things I wanted, but not all...so I headed back today to maximize my savings (This is usually a no-no for me- I usually just leave it at one trip a week, but I was feeling lucky!)

Here's the combined haul total:

10- Hershey bars ~~$1.19~~ --> $.30 ea.

4- Colgate Optic White toothpaste 4 oz. ~~$4.50~~ --> $1.02 MONEYMAKER ea.!! (Plus, on Saturday they gave out free pocket sized mirrors for each tube of toothpaste bought= 4 FREE mirrors!)

8- W Maxi Pads 24 ct ~~$3.50~~ --> $.50 MONEYMAKER ea.!!

4- Zantac Acid Reducer 24 ct ~~$9.99~~ --> $.99 ea. (One box even came with an additional 8 pills!)

9- Zarbee's Cough & Sleep Drink 6 pk ~~$7.49~~ --> $.55 MONEYMAKER ea.!!

3- Windex Multi-surface 26 oz. ~~$4.49~~ --> $1.32 ea.

6- Remington 5 Blade Razors (+3 bonus cartridges in each) ~~$5.99~~ --> FREE!!

RETAIL: $214.90

~~SPENT~~ --> EARNED: $.08

SAVED: $214.98

SAVED: 101%

This is a first for me!!! Coming out of WAGS making money on the WHOLE TRIP(s)! Needless to say, I was extremely giddy today. I love firsts...I hope it happens again because it was worth the good mood!! :)

Walgreens 9/19/11 haul...

2011-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Got some nice deals this week- FREE is ALWAYS good!

I think the ticket to making couponing successful is ditching brand loyalty to MOST things (oh, believe me- I am still very particular about using Nivea (and Nivea only) lotion, for example. But I have become much less picky about other products and I have been very surprised when I try something new and like it just as much (if not more) than my previously preferred brand. I'm turning new leaves, people!! So here's what I hauled in today!

3- Campbell's Soup 10.75 oz ~~$1.19~~ --> $.65 ea.

3- Infusium 23 hair products ~~$7.99~~ --> $1.99 ea.

2- Hyland's Nighttime Cold 'n Cough 4 Kids 4 oz. ~~$7.99~~ --> FREE

4- Blistex Cold & Allergy Lip Soother ~~$2.99~~ --> FREE

4- Gain Dish Liquid 11 oz. ~~$1.99~~ --> $.49 ea.

2- Ritz Crackerfuls ~~$3.49~~ --> $1.25 ea.

Retail Cost $69. 31

Amount Paid $12.40

Amount Saved $56.97

SAVED 82%

Walgreens 9/05/11 haul...

2011-09-05T21:35:00.001-07:00

Even though I did this haul on Labor Day- it felt too easy to be work. The planning is always the work, and the shopping is the challenge/fun. Here's what I hauled in today...

5- Electrosol Finish Dishwashing Tabs (20 ct) ~~$4.99~~ --> $1.74 ea.

8- Herbal Essences Hair Spray ~~$3.99~~ --> $1.50 ea.

4- Mitchum Antiperspirant ~~$3.99~~ --> FREE

4- Oral-B Pro-Health Toothbrush ~~$4.99~~ --> $.99 ea.

(NOT PICTURED) 2- Pure Drinking Water (24 ct) ~~$2.69~~ --> $2.19 ea.

Not a huge haul- but pretty decent. When deciding whether or not to get an item I will usually see if I am saving about 70% (ish) on the item. If I am, then that usually dictates whether or not I get it. To figure out the math you take the $ amount saved / (divided by) the retail cost = % saved. (For example: Oral-B toothbrush $4 saved / $4.99 retail cost = .80160321 or rounded to 80%) The waters weren't a huge discount, but I needed filler items in order to use my Register Rewards from previous weeks...and we needed bottled water...so I got some.

What I spent: $32.10

Retail Cost: $98.40

SAVED: $66.30

67 % SAVED!!

Walgreens 8/29/11 haul...

2011-08-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

So this wasn't life changing or anything- but it was nice to have a small break from the many big weeks I've been having! Plus, my out-of-pocket expenses are getting lower and I'm really utilizing my Register Rewards! It also gave me a chance to bring along my friend Kate and teach her the ropes of Walgreens couponing! I'd like to say it was successful for both of us!

So here's what I hauled in today:

3 - Sobe Lifewater 20 oz. ~~$.89~~ --> $.39 each

8 - M&M's 12.6 oz bags ~~$2.99~~ --> $.75 each

2 - Welch's Grape Jelly 32 oz ~~$2.99~~ --> $1.15 each

8- Wexford 2-pocket folders ~~$.69~~ --> $.17 each (these were my filler items in order to use previous Register Rewards from past weeks!)

Spent: $10.83

Retail Cost: $38.09

Saved: $27.26

SAVED 72%

The BIG 3!!

2011-08-28T21:57:00.151-07:00

Celebrating 3 years of birthdays...

"I'M THREE"... "TANGLED PARTY"... "a Wyatt, Kate, Eli, Cori, Indi, Isaiah, Jaime, Jason, Jax, Parker, Dai Dai, Chelsea, Reggie, Grammie, Grandpa"....(and the list goes on- all people invited to the party), "CUPCAKES"..."EUGENE"..."BABY 'PUNZEL"... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU---whoooooo" (blowing out the candles)...all things that came from Jovie's mouth this weekend! We've been talking about her "Tangled Party" for weeks and she has been about to jump out of her skin with excitement!

I was lucky enough to be in Colorado in May to celebrate my niece Callia's 5th birthday that my sister Katy had thrown her (and her other daughter as well). Of course it was a Tangled Birthday party!! At this point in time it was Jovie's most watched and LOVED movie. After talking it over, Katy decided to share the love and give me all of her decorations from the party that she had leftover. I TOTALLY scored! One less thing for me to do when it was party time!

Decor:

My sister had found a blog (supermommomments.com) that had tons of ideas that had printables and other GREAT resources! They were a huge help when I went to get ideas for the party! I used their ideas for: sun banners, tangled hair decor, jello boats, and silk flower cupcakes)

Sun Banners: One of my favorite parts in the movie is when Rapunzel goes to the town during the festival. Here were some printables for the banners! I just roped them onto yellow yarn, and voila- beautiful hanging decor!

Rapunzel's Hair: What's a Tangled party WITHOUT her hair? I saw the idea here, but decided to improvise and have the hair form a "3" for her age.

Tangled Tower: I found many beautiful cake towers, but this year I just didn't want to make a complicated cake (since last year was plenty difficult). I DID find a fun craft to make a Tangled Tower that was one that could be used as a decoration later (if I wanted to go that route). It was actually really fun to make! (Plus all the hair that draped through the house started from inside the tower- of course!

Jovie's Party Crown: Found this cute template here, although I really should have made it bigger to be able to fit all the way around her head in order to stay in place better! Isn't it the cutest when kids sing Happy Birthday to themselves? :)

Lanterns: You can't have a Tangled party WITHOUT lanterns! I found some on clearance at Target and decided to hand paint them. They turned out great, but it really was quite an undertaking! Many hours of work but the effect was awesome! Plus, they looked snazzy all lit up or even without the lights on!

Food:

Grape Koolaid and Pink Lemonade: They looked pretty and tasted fantastic. Not sure why I've been on strike from grape flavored things in the past...I may just have a new favorite!

Cupcakes: I just did confetti cake and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting tinted green (to look like grass) with a silk flower put on top for a simple decoration! They looked and tasted divine!

Jello Boats: I found the idea here! They turned out really cute and ALL were eaten!

Obviously, we had other food as well (Mexican Caviar & chips, Berry Salad, Broccoli Salad, Egg Salad Sandwiches and heart-shaped PB & J's for the kids) and I even tucked in a few "magic golden flowers" throughout the decor (I just found a silk yellow lily and put it in a clear bowl and put some electric tea lights underneath so they glowed!)

Activities:

Foam Crafts: For Jovie's last birthday we did some of the foam crafts and found some princess ones at Michaels so that occupied many of the kids! Such a fun activity!

Tangled Printable Activity Packets: Found these little gems here and Jovie LOVES coloring!

Pin the pan on Flynn: My sister already printed out the Flynn Rider poster (but here it is)...

and had printed out these frying pans to pin on Flynn's nose.

Unfortunately we ran out of time and didn't get to do this!

'Punzel's Piñata: Found one in purple/pink colors at Walmart, and once broken each

spiky end acted as a princess hat! (As seen in picture above!)

Flynn's Arrow Toss: (In Tangled Flynn used arrows to climb the tower!) Found the idea here and found the tutorial to sew some arrows from fabric of my choice. I just laid out a few buckets and had the kids toss their arrows into the buckets. Then I let each of the kids choose an arrow to take home as a party favor!

I liked Wyatt's interpretation of the game! Why not throw the arrows at Flynn? The guards started it!

Party Favors:

I used a white paper sack and glued on a sun pennant that had each child's name on it! It was helpful to put their name on it so that I could put their candy from the piñata and the arrows they chose in the right bag!

Tower Bookmark: Found this cute bookmark here!

Arrow: As mentioned above (Flynn's Arrow Toss). After making 15 of these my fingers were arthritic and crippled. I really need an understudy to do the EXTRA crafty stuff that I force myself to complete, but wish I never would have seen the idea in the first place. This is just one example of how I bite off more than I can chew.

Rapunzel's Paints: Bought some watercolors and attached this image.

Stickers: Found some Tangled themed stickers at Walmart.

Candy: The kids were each able to put the candy from the piñata in their party bags to munch on later!

We just had a great time- despite the chaos that comes with a birthday party including 20 adults and 15 children indoors! At one point you couldn't even see the floor in the toy room!! Ahhhh.

But I was happy to get together with friends and family to celebrate the love we share for our sweet little Jovie girl!

And here were some of the great gifts Jovie received...Thank you to everyone- your gifts more than Jovie could've ever wished for! We are surrounded by great people!

I've never seen a child undress more quickly than when Jovie laid eyes on that dress! Thanks Chelsea and Rajiv for the Princess Tiana dress & shoes! I will know who to blame when she kicks and screams when I ask her to put on jeans and a tshirt ;) haha. And thanks to the Grant family for the adorable necklaces and Rapunzel Barbie outfits!

The cutest finger puppets I'd ever seen- thanks Debbie and all of your Gabba craftiness!

She was ECSTATIC to get the "Eugene" doll. She doesn't like calling him Flynn. :)

Thank you Tutu and Papa!

Makin' it rain money roll- courtesy of the Reeds.

(my sister and I got a Barbie motorhome when we were kids and I STILL love all things Barbie- thanks Grammie and Grandpa Kimball for this lovely gift!)

Always helping to educate-

Blueberries for Sal, Peter Rabbit and Brain Quest from Great Grandma Evenson.

Rapunzel Barbie to complete her collection! Thanks Katy and family!

"Frying pans...who knew, right?"

Walgreens 8/22/11 haul...

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm actually starting to feel like I've got a good handle on how to make my trips to Walgreens the most effective. I know it's taken some time to do, but that's pretty typical when starting something new! I've been consistently saving 70% - 90% on the last few months of shopping and I've really noticed a difference in how I shop and plan my trips! It has been very rewarding!

So here is a list of what I got this week!!

4- Chex Mix 8.75 oz ~~$3.19~~ --> $1.10 ea.

4- Dawn Dish Liquid 10.3 oz ~~$1.99~~ --> $.49 ea.

4- Glade Sense & Spray Refil 6.2 oz ~~$5.79~~ --> $1.50 ea.

2- Glade Cling Wrap 200 sq ft ~~$3.29~~ --> $1.49

12- Scotch Transparent Tape 12.5 yds ~~$.99~~ --> $.06 ea.

6- PaperMate Write Bros Pens 10 pk ~~$1.49~~ --> $.29

3- Dove Body Wash 24 oz ~~$7.49~~ --> $2.75

(This was a great buy because not only did I get a great price for the body wash, I also got bonuses on the back of the bottles! One came with a deodorant and the other two came with a trial sized body wash!)

3- Reach Floss 55 yds ~~$1.99~~ --> FREE

4- Degree Antiperspirant ~~$2.99~~ --> $.50 ea.

4- Crest 3D White toothpaste 4 oz ~~$3.99~~ --> $.25 ea.

Total Spent: $29.05

Total Retail Cost: $127.52

Total Saved: $98.47

SAVED 77%

Walgreens 8/1/11 haul...

2011-08-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

So, I'm now feeling like I've got a pretty good stock pile and things are slowing down a bit for me!! It's a great thing too because the month of July was GO, GO, GO!!!

So today I made my way back to Walgreens after two weeks off and here's what I snagged...

For a closer look, here's what was included...

3- Crayola markers- 8 pk

3- Complete Contact Lens solution (12 oz.)

3- Papermate highlighters (6 pk)

3- Sharpie Permanent Markers (2 pk)

4- Jell-o boxes

4- Penway Pink Erasers (2 pk)

3- Goody Snap Clips (6 pk)

2- Penway Cap Erasers (15 ct)

Total Retail Cost: $50.89

Total Spent: $6.98

TOTAL SAVED $ 43.91

SAVED 86%

Wham, Bam, Thank you Ma'am!!!

Walgreens 5/30/11 haul...

2011-05-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

I made out like a banchee! It was well worth getting up at 6:30 am, running to Walmart for some Memorial Day BBQ necessities, then straight over to Walgreens for some smokin' deals!

I didn't have time to post a pic since I had guests arriving to party right when I got home- but here is what I hauled in today...

1- Gillette Fusion Powerglide Razor System ~~$9.89~~ --> $.89!
8- Degree Men's Deodorant (2.7 oz) ~~$3.79 each~~ --> $.63 each!
6- RightGuard Men's Deodorant (2.7 oz) ~~$4.49 each~~ --> ALL FREE!
3- Reynolds Aluminum Foil ~~$1.99 each~~ --> $.99 each
4- Chips Ahoy Cookies (1.6 oz) ~~$.99 each~~ --> $.25 each!
4- Aplied Nutrition Triple Calcium supplements (90 ct) ~~$10 each~~ --> MADE $5 ON 3 OF THEM AND ONE WAS FREE!!!!
1- Twizzlers Nibs- ~~$2.49~~ --> $2.19

So total retail value for this trip was $113.92
Spent $4.42
Saved $109.50 = 96%

I think this trip could have been featured on TLC's Extreme Couponing!!! Haha. And I guarantee that I spent much less time prepping and planning for this trip than most of those crazies on the show. But obviously this isn't THAT much stuff- yet, it's still just as exciting to save 96%!! Oh yeah!!

Walgreens Couponing...5/23/11

2011-05-24T09:28:00.001-07:00

So I've been learning how to maximize coupons at Walgreens...and it's NOT for the faint of heart! It is semi-complicated, but the benefits definitely outweigh the headache!

So, here's what I got for this week...

5 packs of Huggies Little Swimmers (12 ct/pk)
2 Puresilk Shaving Cream
4 Carefree Undieliners
8 Butterfinger bars
1 Yardley Soap bar
4 Dixie paper plates (20 ct)
2 Dixie paper bowls (24 ct)
4 Suave lotion
1 Advil PM (20 ct)
1 Thermacare Heat Wrap (3 ct)
3 Scunci Hair Elastics (18 ct)
4 Colgate Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste
1 Nexcare bandaids
2 Sunburnt cream
-------------------------
-------------------------

Total Retail- $171.79
Total Spent- $45.69
Total Saved- $126.10

SAVED 73%

The great thing is that I am creating a great stockpile! This has been my goal for a long time- and now I'm actually able to do it without breaking the bank! I used to just get stuff at Costco since it was all under one roof, and seemed less expensive since it was in bulk...but when you compare it to using coupons and matching ads- the cost doesn't even compare!

Take me home tonight...

2011-05-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Jovie and I just got back from "home"- which to me is Colorado, Utah, Arizona and a slew of a few other places. But we did just visit Colorado and had a fantastic visit. This was our view in Phx before we left...

And by the time we got to Denver we were pleasantly surprised by SNOW (In MAY, yes, ridiculous right?)...I shouldn't have been surprised because I packed 1 pair of pants and a light jacket- and the rest shorts and tshirts. Ugh. I hate when the weather gets the best of me!!

However, since it was cold and we were ill-prepared, we got to stay in and Jovie & Papa played "Moonshadow" on the guitar. Tender, just tender. Jovie even sang a bit too, which was so sweet.

Then we got to spend the night at my sister Katy's house. Jovie LOVES her cousins...upon driving up into their neighborhood she started yelling.."CAMILLE, CALLIE, KATY, DAN!!!" I was pretty surprised by that since she hasn't been to their house in 9 months!! Good memory!

We were even lucky enough to spend the day celebrating Callia's 5th Birthday!! It was "Tangled" themed and just adorable. My sister is such a visionary. She made mostly everything herself, which just amazes me!!

Pinata princess hats and suckers!!

Ring-around-the-rosies... and play time at the park when it finally warmed up!!

Mom and Katy looking like twinners!!

We even discovered a little burrow of baby rabbits- there were 5 or 6 of them- they couldn't have been more than a few days old, but boy were they just adorable!! They just kept trying to follow us around, even when we were trying to coral them into their burrow!!

Jovie peeling her first orange all by herself!!

Jovie with Katy's dog Koko- Jovie just adores her (as we all do!) and follows her around and calls out her name incessantly! Do we need a dog, or what??

It was nice to spend some time with my family- since we rarely get to spend time together!! I also got to see my parent's lovely new home and even got to help my mom organize her kitchen, pantry, and basement storage. I actually love helping other people organize...I just hate doing it for myself!! Jovie sure got used to spending time with Tutu and Papa! (which was much needed since my mom will be watching Jovie for a whole week in July when we go on an Alaskan cruise with all of the adults in Blake's family)

We also spent many nights playing a new card game- Bohnanza!! It was a total blast! I've definitely got a knack for this game! "Beans, beans the magical fruit....

Maxin' & Relaxin'

2011-05-10T15:14:00.002-07:00

Krazy Couponing...

2011-05-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

So, in the past two weeks since my surgery, while I was down and out only able to sit- I decided to watch video on demand and see the show Extreme Couponing on TLC. When I was growing up my parents did light couponing, but NOTHING to this extreme. I really think it's an art form. Really truly amazing. If you haven't seen the show, watch it...really!

I've always gone through life loving to get a deal, but I don't LIVE for it! After watching a few episodes of the show I thought- the people are MOSTLY crazy, but they do have some gumption!! I've always felt sort of cheap, or lowly when using coupons- I guess I never really knew you could get things totally free and even sometimes MAKE MONEY couponing.

So I saw one episode of Extreme Couponing with a gal they call "The Krazy Coupon Lady" (yes, it pains me too to see crazy spelled with a "k") and I thought- she's a young mom, she started a website with a friend, and gives free advice on how to start couponing, continue couponing, and all the deals each week for many grocery stores, drug stores and supercenters. I thought it really was awesome!!

Well, now 3 weeks later I've started this whole couponing thing, and each day I get better at it!! I've really learned a ton from the book "Pick Another Checkout Lane, honey", that they co-wrote, and I've already started stockpiling tons of non-parishables, cleaning supplies, and food for just a FRACTION of the retail cost!

So today was kind of an awesome day shopping at Walgreens. Below is a view of all that I got.

Now- do you know what I would have spent if I bought this all at retail price & no coupons???

$183.24

Did I pay that much??? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!

I only spent $61.73!!

That is almost 70% savings!!

I'm glad that I've been given an opportunity to help save some cash around the house without having to go outside my home and get a job. This is totally something I can do. It takes some time at first, but I know with practice it will get easier!

The last 3 weeks I've gone grocery shopping and saved between 50-65% of the retail cost each trip to the store. It really is becoming life changing. I don't think I'll ever get to the "Extreme" level, but I may just get a little bit "krazy" now and again!!

crazy day...crazy few weeks...

2011-04-21T22:14:00.004-07:00

I'm doing alright people. That is the bottom line. Just for the sake of keeping a record here is the story as far as I can tell it.

I had a miscarriage in January and felt like I knew I would be able to get pregnant again soon. I found out April 5 that I was 5 1/2 weeks pregnant and was ecstatic! It didn't feel like the last time. I felt like this pregnancy was going to be ok. On Saturday April 9 I started to have the all-too-familiar bleeding (red and heavy) and I was just sure I miscarried again. Well, the following Sunday and Monday I took a home pregnancy test and they both showed up as pregnant. I called my doctor immediately Monday morning and he had me come in on Tuesday to have an ultrasound and blood test done to check my HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels. So after the ultrasound my doctor confirmed the pregnancy was no longer "viable" (so....I miscarried....again).

Or so they thought.

I went in again on Thursday to do a follow up blood test. Friday noon I had some weird sharp pains in the middle of my lower abdomen- not bad enough to lay me out- but they hurt pretty bad. It only lasted for about 5 minutes, then went away. Friday afternoon I get a call back from my Dr. to tell me the results of the blood tests.

Tuesdays HCG levels- 530. Thursdays HCG levels- 890. WHAT THE HECK? (when you aren't pregnant your HCG should be less than 3!!!)

For someone who didn't have a baby in my uterus those levels are VERY HIGH!! Well, Dr Huish says..."it looks like you are still pregnant, but usually we like to see the 2nd HCG number double from the 1st HCG number, and since it didn't quite double we want you to come back in on Tuesday for another ultrasound and blood test."

Holy roller coaster of emotions!!! pregnant...Not Pregnant....PREGNANT!!! (In the mean time- I've been playing hostess while my parents have been in town with some of their friends, having swimming parties, celebrating Blake's 30th Birthday and having bbq's at our house! Also, Sunday my dad left to go back to Colorado, and Monday Blake, Scott, Chelsea and Shauna left for Orlando FL for a business meeting of a marketing company that they would have on Wednesday morning.

Ok- so Tuesday I went in for the ultrasound and blood test. I didn't have a consultation with the doctor scheduled after my ultrasound, so the tech said my dr would call me back by Wednesday afternoon with the results. On Tuesday afternoon I reluctantly said goodbye to my mom as she flew back to Colorado that night!

Wednesday morning 4:00 am April 20, 2011: Jovie starts crying so I bring her into my room and lay her in the bed next to me, since Blake isn't here. As I lay in bed I start getting a horrible dull pain again in my lower abdomen. At this point I am now 7 1/2 weeks pregnant. I get intermittent sleep between 4 and 7am and then Jovie wakes up. I still have a horrible pain in my stomach and when I go to use the restroom I could barely get out 5 drops of urine and when I wipe I notice bright red blood. That's when my body started tingling from head to toe. It was a horrible sensation. Fear just came over me and I thought I was gonna pass out so I layed on the floor for a minute or two. By then, Jovie came into the bathroom and saw me on the floor- I tried to calmly ask her to go get my phone on my nightstand- but I think me completely pale, lying on the floor kinda freaked her out and she just paced around me trying to pull me off the floor. I knew something was severely wrong with me at this point because my body was still tingling and I was feeling horribly faint. I decided to run and leap onto my bed to get to my phone. I called 911- CALL FAILED!! I thought to myself....I'm gonna die right here in my room and Jovie is going to be the only one here watching her mama die!!! I finally got through to a dispatcher who stayed on the phone with me while I crawled down the stairs and dragged myself to the front door to unlock it so the paramedics could get inside. An ambulance came and took me to the hospital. Luckily my bishop who lives across the street saw the ambulance and came over to check on things so he was able to take Jovie until Blake's sister could come pick her up. Thank heavens for good people- especially being there at the right time!

So once I got to the hospital they ran a bunch of tests and did an ultrasound. Thankfully my sis-in-law Jaime was able to come sit with me in the ER- it was so comforting having her there with me! By about 10:30 am (PST) Blake and the rest of the family were able to switch their flights and come home early and be home by 5:30 pm (PST). At about 11:15 am my doctor, the radiologist and the ER doctor determined I had an ectopic pregnancy (baby implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). I basically could have died if I would have waited any longer to go to the hospital. My tube could have burst and I would have bled internally. Very scary stuff!!!

So at noon my brother Eli and Bro-in-law Rajiv came to give me a blessing before my surgery at 12:30 pm. Blake had no idea that I was even having surgery since he was in the air before I got the news. So he found out on his layover in Kansas City that I was mid surgery. I felt so horrible because I know that must have totally freaked him out! By 2:00 pm the surgery was over and I was in recovery until about 4:00 pm waking up to see a good friend Barb- who works at the hospital pass by my bed and recognize me!! So we talked for a bit and then Jaime and Kayleen came in to check in with me! It was so nice to see faces of my loved ones!

So surgery went as well as it could have. They did a laparoscopy- which is just 2 small incisions in my abdomen and 1 incision in my belly button. They ended up needing to remove my right fallopian tube and the baby as it was too damaged to save. But I will still have one good ovary and tube so I should still be able to bear more children. Hopefully.

I was able to go home at 4:30 pm which I was just happy to be in the comfort of my own home at this point!! Hospital beds can be so uncomfortable! Thankfully I had Jaime, Jason and Rajiv here to help out with Jovie and drive me from the hospital. Blake got home at 6 pm with everyone and I was feeling very grateful to see him and everyone else. I'm gonna be down recovering for a few days but overall I'm feeling pretty good and am in good spirits!

Thanks for your love, concern, prayers, etc. I've got great friends and neighbors who have shown the true spirit of Christ-like love and charity. Thank you for everything. You don't know how much this all means to me.

Photoing...March...

2011-04-07T20:30:00.032-07:00

"Almost"

A drive out near Red Mountain produced this pic. Isn't is so sad? This ancient saguaro cactus is just hanging on LITERALLY by a limb.

"Almost"

This poor little dove egg...almost made it.

"Lightning"

I had written down "lighting" but then read the blog and it said "lightning" (I guess after all that is was actually lighting)... so I had to cheat as AZ doesn't exactly produce lightning storms in March. So here is an old pic from the Coachella Music Fest from 2004 I believe- it was a cool lightning display.

"Sick"

Poor little Jovie has had to be on breathing treatments since being sick in December...

continuing until she gets all better.

"Wings"

Went on a train ride on the Verde Canyon Rail Road and saw many birds- including this hawk.

"Wings"

Also taken on my train ride- saw several bald eagles fairly close. So magnificent!

April Photo Club topics: hoof, everybody, occupation, winning

The little things...

2011-03-29T20:49:00.003-07:00

Sometimes it's just great to see people conquer their fears...for Jovie, it just happened to be goats. She loves dogs, ferrets, cats, chickens, etc, and will pet just about anything. But when it came down to hanging out with the goats at the petting zoo, Jovie just wasn't having it. We've been reading lots of farm books and singing "Old Macdonald Had A Farm" and maybe that was easing her into liking goats, so either way it was success. She wanted to pet every single goat (literally) in the zoo. It was sort of obnoxious, but I was happy to go with it. It was sort of endearing- even though goats are pretty creepy with their rectangular pupils. She just kept pointing and saying "this one" to each one she wanted to pet. I love childhood excitement!

Photoing...February...

2011-03-03T21:01:00.004-07:00

This months themes for photos in photo club-

celebrity, cliche, road trip, vintage

"Celebrity"

He's a pretty famous bear. We weren't limiting this to people,

were we? ;)

"Cliche"

Shoe pics are rough. I can't decide if I hate it more because you

want people to get phased off of your shoes or because it's the

closest thing you can take of yourself that isn't a cliche

"self-in-mirror" pic (don't get me wrong- I've taken them too!)

"Road Trip"

I like a little adventure, even if that includes sitting in the middle

of the beeline highway on a beautiful spring day. Love those

rolling roads.

"Vintage"

Found this beat up little gem on a private property in the

desert. Let's just say I rolled down the window to my car,

snapped a quick pic, and high-tailed it out of there. I didn't

know what kind of weirdos were lingering.

Come and gone...

2011-03-01T14:24:00.002-07:00

I can't believe February has already come and gone. I don't even feel like I have anything to show for it!! I guess a lot of my time has been spent reading, praying, thinking, driving, singing, chasing, laughing, cooking, entertaining, babysitting, planning, etc. etc. etc. Life is busy. And I only have one kiddo. I do enjoy the downtime. I know it will be limited once we have more children. But for now I am enjoying things. I love watching Blake interact with Jovie. He is so good with her. He makes her giggle ALL THE TIME. It is so cute. Exhibit A. I am one lucky lady.

In other news: A few weeks ago I was called to be the Assistant Ward Choir Director (to become the director in a month when the current one moves out of the ward). I was really excited and thought..."This should be easy...I've sang in choirs my whole life. I know music. I love music. I love church music. This should be a snap." Well, I actually love getting humbled. I needed the humbling. Directing choir music is HARD. Harder than I ever thought. I've always been on the receiving end- getting the feedback. Now I'm giving the feedback- and it's tough! I need a music 101 refresher course, evidently. Well, I've said some prayers. Not very many people have shown up to choir practice in the last few weeks. We were scheduled to sing a version of the hymn "Love at Home" on Sunday. I was so worried no one would show up. I am lucky to say that my prayers were answered. There were almost 20 people who showed up and it sounded amazing!! I directed the choir and didn't mess up. That was some sort of miracle. I know that music brings the Spirit, and lifts the soul. I needed some lifting.

I know that it would be weird to have children that weren't musical since that is such a huge part of mine and Blake's lives. Well, Jovie is no exception. Since she was very little she has responded well to music...she bobs to the beat, she claps, she sings, she dances. I love this. It makes me so happy. I caught a small part today of Jovie singing "I Am A Child Of God". It helps remind me that I'm not totally failing at this thing called "Parenting". I am a teacher. I am a Mother. I love her.

It is finished...my never ending advent

2011-02-08T15:34:00.002-07:00

Well I started this in November 2010... finished it in February 2011. That's not bad considering the blood (literally- countless pricked fingers...hopefully diabetes isn't on my plate in this life), sweat and tears that went into finishing this! But it was fun- a nice stress diffuser.

But I must say- I'm extremely happy I did it and proud of how it turned out. A lot of love went into the making of this advent! Hopefully this will be something we get to enjoy for many LONG years ahead!

Outfitting the living room...

2011-02-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

My style...hmmmmmm- that's a hard one. I guess I might say it's contemporary and a bit modern. I LOVE clean lines and open space. I'm really loving this soft and romantic, yet contemporary style I've been seeing more of lately. I've been searching for months and months for things to outfit our new house...my chosen color palette is as follows...

Gray walls
white accents
light/dark purple accents
Light brown accents

So far I know that we've got to save the money and find some fantastic things to really fit our ideal design aesthetic. I'm horrible at decorating, but I've been watching Divine Design and Candice Tells All (two shows that highlight Canadian Interior Decorator Candice Olson- whom I just adore) and I'm learning some things...

1. Arizona has weak stores.
2. I can't even SLIGHTLY shop with Jovie. She is ridiculous and a total spaz. What can you expect from a 2 year old?
3. There is NO medium ground with price for what we want. It's either WAY too expensive or WAY too cheap! Argh.
4. I should just have someone do the decorating for me since I don't really have the creative eye to put things all together.

But I will be honest...I've seen some fantastic things that are really catching my eye...

This FAB SOFA (In white)

Another FAB sofa (in charcoal)

This may be my favorite sofa yet!! (In Brussels Sky Grey)

Elton Chair (Cotton Basket Weave- Taupe or white)

Birds A-Plenty

Buzz Buzz (in white)

Sides and mirrors

Window treatments (in platinum)

Maybe even add a pet

tabletop birds

Passion in purple

Triangles never looked so good

Horses are awesome

Time's up! (in silver)

This may have to hang above the formal dining table!!

Bringing the outside (light) in...

And while I'm at it...lets take a look at some options for outdoor seating...

Loving this collection (in blue)

Now I've got to figure out how I can pay for some of this stuff. Hmm...what to sell, what to sell??? :)

Photoing...January...

2011-02-03T22:32:00.002-07:00

I belong to a club...not sure why they let me in...maybe out of pity...or because I sometimes crack jokes...I don't know....but I like to take photos...I've really enjoyed taking pictures and now there is a purpose behind the madness.

Objective: Each month there are 4 different topics (each member writes down 4 topics- 4 are chosen at random from a bowl) to photograph. Then, print out your favorite (or a few if you can't decide) and share it with everyone at the monthly get together.

Here were the topics for January: Hands, Muscles, Jeff Guymon, Lost & Found

Barbie "Hands" 50 mm

'Diamond' Dallas Page "Hands" 50 mm

Vroom Vroom "Muscles" 50 mm

"Jeff Guymon" 50 mm

(I don't know Jeff at all- Blake just said he is phased off of PCs- therefore, I had to hack)

"Lost & Found" iPhone pic

I don't claim to be good...I just like having some sort of purpose for taking photos...sometimes those are the ones that feel the most inspired.

My baby...

2011-02-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

** This will be a graphic "mommy" post- so for those who get squeemish talking anything "mommy" related, just skip to the end. **

Life is hard. There is no better way to put it. But, life is also really good. Jovie knows how to calm my troubled heart. Tonight, when laying her down for bed, she said "night, night, Mama" and made kissing noises from under her binkie. That is sweet...she is just awesome. I am one lucky mama.

This past week has been tough, yet strangely good. On Wednesday morning I got the best news anyone who loves children could ever get- a positive pregnancy test!! By this time I was a week late, so I figured I would give it a shot and take the test. When this has happened before, I have been reluctant to get excited to take the test because it just ends up being negative. Ugh. As if just getting your period isn't bad enough! But even when I saw the positive test, I just didn't feel the same way as when I got a positive test for Jovie. I didn't feel the same. I suppose it was Heavenly Father's way of protecting me. Protecting my heart, my emotions, and my relationship with Blake.

It didn't take but a few short hours for the nausea to set in. But that's also when the cramping started. And the blood (evidently 70% of women bleed throughout their pregnancy- and is completely normal...I just never did with Jovie)...so naturally I was really alarmed. It was red...really red. And when that combines with cramping that is not good. So I did some internet searches and called my doc...most likely if I continue to bleed, then it may be a miscarriage.

So, Wednesday came and went...and the bleeding continued. Thursday was surprisingly good- I was nauseated the whole day...so I saw that as a positive sign. Friday the bleeding came back in full force- as did the nausea. By Saturday morning I could no longer stand the anticipation. I had to know. Did I still have a baby inside me? So, I took a test... negative. Well, there was my answer. Did I really want to know? No. In my heart I already knew the answer.

**We've been trying to have a baby for a year. Reality really sucks some times. I guess I already figured that I had learned patience when waiting 3 long years to get pregnant with Jovie. I suppose Heavenly Father felt I needed to be humbled. again. He's right. I do.

I've been in surprisingly good spirits this week, considering. I understand the plan of salvation. I KNOW that I will see all of my (spirit) children some day. I know this special little spirit just wasn't ready to come join our family yet. There is a reason for all things and I have faith that through our trials in life we can gain a stronger testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and learn to lean on Him as well as on our friends and family when we need strength the most.

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays...

2010-12-21T16:12:00.003-07:00

Packing. Packing. More packing. Moving. Moving. Unpacking. Unpacking...and more unpacking. Vacation. Back home in the new house. More unpacking. Go, go, go. This has been my first chance to sit and really write out what has been going on. The last month has been a blur. Crazy, in fact. Remind me never to move during the holidays. Actually, I'm never going to move again. EVER. I will die in this house. That is a fact.

It all started after Thanksgiving. I had felt like I was doing really well on getting things packed. Really, the problem was all of the nick knack stuff (not that I didn't know this would be the problem)! So, the Monday after Thanksgiving we rented a truck and hired some movers to help us move to our new home in Queen Creek, Arizona. It took 2 trips in the biggest U-Haul they had to get all of our things moved, but that did the job. An hour into unpacking the truck, some ladies who live in our cul-de-sac came over and introduced themselves and where each of them lived, along with dropping off a spaghetti dinner. How did we ever luck out to move into such a fantastic neighborhood?? Honestly, this is where we were meant to be! Anyways, after moving everything into the new house we had to return the truck that afternoon and Blake and his entire family left that night to fly up to Idaho for his sweet Aunt Connie's funeral. I was so sad not to be able to support the family, but time just wasn't on our side. I stayed back here with Jovie and unpacked boxes and finally Blake was home 2 nights later! I was so relieved to be able to sleep in the (NEW) house with my husband. It felt so weird without him- and even a bit scary since these were all new noises in the house. On that Friday we left for California to do a little mini-reunion with all of my family.

California was a blast. It was just what the doctor ordered. We rented a house in Anaheim and had the most fabulous time with my family. We made meals at the house, watched movies, played at the park, created gingerbread houses, laughed, cried, took pictures, went to Disneyland and California Adventure for 2 days, played Phase 10, and made a whole lot of memories! We were there for 5 days and time just flew by!

Carpenter Clan 2010

Kimball Family 2010

We are forever

Jovie and Uncle Eli playin at the park

Indi tried eating the whole pizza....haha. yeah right!

Yo Ho Yo Ho A pirate's life for me! Isaiah loved singing that!

Jovie LOVES Minnie!

Carpenter Clan at California Adventure

Blake & Jovie on Toy Story Mania ride

Kay & Rob Carpenter (Mandy's parents)

Indi & Snow White

Camille & Cinderella

Callia, Papa and Tutu

Nate & Camille, Blake & Jovie, and Papa & Callia

Jovie, Mama and Belle (the 1st princess Jovie actually LIKED!)

Cori & Indi bumping in the cars!

Katy & Camille on the bumper cars!

Mandy, Blake & Jovie on the ferris wheel.

Papa, Tutu, Indi & Katy loving the ferris wheel

Nate ACTUALLY smiling!

California Screamin' roller coaster practically melted off their faces!!

When we got home the night of the 8th from California (which was my mom's 60th Birthday-- Happy Birthday Mom!) we got to unpacking more and more. At this point it didn't feel much like December, let alone the Christmas season so I decided to get the Christmas tree put up. So, thinking that this would take me a day at most, I proceeded to remove the pre-lit white lights and replace them with LED colored lights that I had bought just after Thanksgiving- as we had had problems with the fuse blowing the last 3 years. Well, it didn't take me a day to do the tree...it actually took 5. FIVE DAYS!!!! Really. No joke. So, I'm kinda hardcore at stringing lights on the tree (I blame my father) and I actually ran out of lights after stringing up the bottom QUARTER of the tree. At this point there were already 1200 lights on the tree. Seriously. I told you I was hard core. (And I actually thought that many lights could cover an entire 9 foot tree.....sheesh). So since the LEDs were from Wal-Mart I had to buy more of the same kind. But no...there were NONE to be found in this Wal-Mart, nor 7 more Wal-Mart's that I traveled to that day. The last Wal-Mart of the night I went to had some mini colored lights but were teardrop shaped (that were kind of faceted on the outside)- so decided to buy 17 more boxes. That should do the trick. Well, I got home and tried them out...they looked weird next to the other lights. Crap. So, out of frustration decided to hatch out a plan in my dreams as I slept. The next morning Blake had a brilliant idea of taking off every other strand of the one type of lights, and then replacing them with the tear drop lights. After doing that I was very pleased at how it turned out. SO BEAUTIFUL, in fact.
But here is the kicker. What is funny is that the day after stringing up both types of lights and finishing the tree I was in a different part of town and needed something from Wal-Mart and decided to pop over to their Christmas isle to see if they happened to have had any of the original lights I needed. Lo and behold- an ENTIRE pallet of the mini colored lights sat in front of my face...almost taunting me in a way. It took all of my will power not to cry...or do something that would have resembled Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation when his lights wouldn't turn on. Deep breaths...in...... pssssssshhhhhh....out. It was done. I was THIS close to buying them all, taking off all of the tear drop shaped lights from the tree, re-stringing up the new lights, and returning the other ones...but that would have just been plain ridiculous! My hands and arms couldn't take one more second of getting scraped, cut, and gauged from the tree branches. I looked like a cutter, for heaven's sake! So, that was my 2010 Christmas Tree debacle. Just retelling that story was as exhausting as it felt.

So, here it is the....hmmmmm, what day is it? Either way, it is a few days shy of Christmas and I can actually say I've done a pretty good job decking my home in Christmas, as well as making my home really feel like home.

I've actually almost finished Christmas shopping and sending gifts! There is still SO much to do, but at least we have had time to test out the spa (yes it works!!), jump on the trampoline, watch Despicable Me in the theater room and get all of Jovie's toys unpacked and played with. We have already met lots of people in our neighborhood and gone to a church Christmas party and are very excited to be at this stage in our life! We feel so blessed to be here in our new home and hope our old friends still make the drive to hang out and our new friends stop over at their hearts content!

Bittersweet...

2010-11-24T00:17:00.002-07:00

This has truly been one of those days. Joyous and sad all at once.

For the past few years Blake's Aunt Connie has struggled with breast cancer. She was released this morning from her mortal body and was able to reunite with her parents in heaven. She was a magnificent woman. So much strength, positivity, happiness, and Christ-like love for others. She will truly be missed here on this earth. She was always so kind and welcomed me into the family with open arms. Many tears have been shed on her behalf, but we know that we will see her again and be reunited for eternity!

In other news, Blake's sister Chelsea was married today to Rajiv Patel in the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony. As you can imagine, emotions were running high today (I'm pretty sure I went through at least one mini pack of tissue and dirtied a sleeve or two of my own). I loved how the sealer spoke of the 4 C's- commitment, communication, care and covenants. We are so thrilled for the both of them and know that they have found each other for a reason. We couldn't be happier! We are excited to spend Thanksgiving with the whole family and celebrate at their reception on Saturday!

Not that you care, or are even interested...but I got my period today- on top of everything else going on. Why say this at all- you ask? Millions of women around the world are dealing with this today too. Well, this just means one more thing to me ...that I'm not pregnant. You may or may not know that we've been 'trying' for the last 8 months to no avail. This isn't super surprising as it took us 3 years to get pregnant with Jovie. I am absolutely positive that the Lord knows all things and that it comes in due time. But it also doesn't mean I can't be frustrated or sad when things we hope for (especially children) don't come when WE think it's time. I'm sure that stress has something to do with it as well...but honestly I know I just need to lean on the Savior's shoulder through this trial. I will get through this. I will have more children (eventually). I will cry...lots. But I will continue to have faith in my Heavenly Father that he knows ALL things, and the right timing for them. Jovie came at the PERFECT time. I know that now. I'm sure He knew that moving at the beginning of December, grieving through an Aunt's passing, celebrating the wedding of my sister-in-law, Thanksgiving, and vacationing with my family to California for 5 days the first week of December was all too much on top of being pregnant. I should probably just be grateful. I am. I have SO much to be grateful for.

Breathe, just breathe. This (month) too shall pass.

Aging...

2010-11-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering where I've been (which, let's be honest- you probably haven't noticed since I've been a super sporadic blogger in the past, well, forever...) I've been letting the natural course of life take it's course. However, I think I skipped my whole middle age (partially out of the desire to forget I actually just turned 32 yrs old...boooo) and went straight to 80. I wasn't planning to go quite so quickly, but when I started sorting all the stuff that was tucked away, sorted, neglected and otherwise shoved to the back of the closet in my "crap", I mean "craft room", I happened upon a felt advent calendar that I had purchased who knows HOW many years ago, in the hopes that I would (someday) finish it.

Well, I knew that I'd be moving to a new house sometime before Christmas, and wouldn't it be nice to finish a project that is Christmasy oriented?? Well, I will be honest and say that I couldn't just stare this project in the face and say "maybe next year". It was calling me...NOW! I have spent many afternoons during Jovie's nap time and at nights in the pale glow of the tv working on this...and I'm still working on it. But the great thing is that I haven't lost steam. And I haven't neglected Jovie (well, not usually). And I've still spent time packing the house- EVERY DAY! And I've made dinner (usually). This has been one of the most fun, challenging, and rewarding projects I've ever done. And so grandma-ish, I know. But I've just been itching to do something other than read a new book, or watch DVRed shows. But I still do manage to watch anything HGTV while sewing. All that creativity just keeps me motivated!

Amongst all of the string, sequins, fluff, poked and bleeding fingers, I've gotten to enjoy something that was part of my childhood. And I hope to finish this by December 1- in time for the 'advent calendar' part to come to fruition. It is just NOT in my nature to finish things...but this time I WILL!!

Halloween time!!

2010-10-31T23:17:00.001-07:00

Time to carve pumpkins...my favorite!!

Jovie loved putting her Princess Mrs. Potato Head pumpkin together with Daddy!

Jovie was a big helper scooping out the seeds...but not a bit fan of getting "goop" all over her fingers!

I'm obsessed with owls and thought I'd challenge myself this year to a cool looking pumpkin!

Guess which one Blake carved?? OF COURSE THE APPLE ONE! :)

Since Halloween was on a Sunday this year, we didn't take Jovie trick or treating, but instead stayed home and passed out candy- Jovie loved seeing the kids in costume and putting candy into their buckets! We did take Jovie to Kids Club the Thursday before Halloween and they did a big parade of costumes. Remind me NEVER to buy a costume where when they sit down, the animal's head is right in their face. Sheesh, you'd have thought that would've crossed my mind before buying it.

Jovie as a flying horse...

Mandy as "Seeds of the Tree" and Blake as "Jake Sully" from movie Avatar

Blake crackin' everyone up pulling wheelies...

this looked legit in the dark.

Overall it was a nice and (semi) relaxing Halloween!!

little footsteps...

2010-09-07T19:25:00.005-07:00

It seems like overnight Jovie has turned into a big girl...and it makes me really sad. How do parents get over this stage?? Well, usually they just have more kids- to fill the baby void...it's just not that easy for us...which is unfortunate. As much as I want another baby to cuddle and coo over, I can't help but to love the phase that Jovie is in right now...she acts so silly...which I love...

And then there is the sweet innocence that comes with being two years old. She is acting older and older every day, which do include the tantrums. They actually make me laugh. Maybe I just laugh because I don't know what else to do...because really I could be embarrassed of a two year old flailing their body onto the floor in the middle of a store...but I'd rather laugh...because if I didn't, I'd probably cry. Haha.

But with the joys of two year olds comes with constant gratification...she thinks I'm funny... and who couldn't appreciate that? She knows how to make me feel good. Laugh at my silliness, and you're golden. I love that smile, Jovie girl! You make Mama SO happy to be a mama.

Jovie turns 2!!

2010-08-28T18:50:00.003-07:00

Every day I'm more and more in awe with what Jovie can do! Well, today that is no exception! Jovie turned 2 and so I decided since she loves farms and animals and such- we could do a Barnyard Bash!! We had a lot of fun!

Yes, I went over the top and spent hours on this barnyard cake including pigs, chicks and cows. It was intense, but totally worth it. And it actually tasted great too! I'd like to say I'll never do that again, but then again, I'd probably be lying.

She had her cake and ate it too!! (and so did her cousin Isaiah!)

...We did do a few fun things for the party...

we colored farm pictures

did foam art

and pinned the tail on the donkey

Overall, we had a great time and were exhausted by the end of the day- but we know Jovie loved her Barnyard Birthday Bash, and was so happy to spend it with her family and friends!

Father, Father....

2010-06-20T15:30:00.003-07:00

To Daddy/Blake:

I love that Jovie loves guitar...that makes me happy. She loves to spend time with you. I love to spend time with you. I hope she grows up to be as responsible, caring, talented and funny as you are!

I got a little crafty this year. My friend found the idea and I adapted it to your liking. (who can go wrong with Swedish Fish, Pretzels, Peanut Butter M&Ms, Hot Tamales, Milk Duds and Skittles?)

Like father, like daughter. Look at you two. You couldn't look more alike.

Well, at least she got my nose. ;)

Happy Fathers Day Daddy/Blake/Honey/Babe

Guilt really gets in the way...

2010-06-09T15:22:00.003-07:00

If I have learned anything in my life, it is that guilt really keeps me from doing what I want to do and what I should do. What's my problem? Why do I let it affect me? Well, I am human, for one. And for two, I always kick myself later when I don't succumb to guilt.

For instance, this blog, for all intensive purposes, is my journal. Ever since I was a kid I remember my journals had great (and totally sporadic) entries. I would be really diligent about writing every week for a few months at a time (and sometimes even every day), then I would leave pages blank in between to go back and fill it in when I had time. You ask- Did you go back and fill them in? Like, duh...of course I didn't. Don't you know me at all by now? It's humorous that EVERY one of my journals are like that. It's shameful really. I'm surprised I didn't look at that pattern sooner and see what a waste of trees that was.

It just goes to show how my personality is. I'm really good at starting things- but the finishing part has always been somewhat of a challenge for me. I think if I were to do a poll on all of the projects I've done in my life, only about 30% of them would have actually started and finished within a reasonable amount of time. I don't know if that is a characteristic that can be worked on to improve...but I'd really like to try. Any suggestions on how?

PS- My blog brings TONS of guilt...yet, once I get going on writing I feel a gigantic weight off of my shoulders. I don't know why I drag my feet so much in writing. I do enjoy it- and I know that when my ideas are fresh and the events are in my mind- that it makes this process so much more enjoyable.

Local Natives...

2010-04-25T21:10:00.008-07:00

What's hot? These guys...Local Natives- a band from LA... and they are knocking my socks off. You know when you can't listen to anything else, but even when you're listening to nothing the songs are still playing in your head? Yeah, I guess they are stuck in my head for good. Love this video that was done in France. They are bigger overseas than in the US..for now.

Blake and I drove down to Tucson on Tuesday and saw them at this cute little venue- Solar Culture and were just blown away. I may have a little crush. Just a little.

Here's a video I did of the first track "Wide Eyes" on their album Gorilla Manor from the show in Tucson. They put out a great energy and exude the sweetest sense of harmony.

You know when you love a band SO much (Awake & Alert, for instance) and you ONLY want the best for them... success and fulfillment, and you know how awesome it would be for them to get big. But at the same time you hope they never get big- because it changes people.

Well, this is how I feel about them. They seem like really good people.

Georgia, here we come!!!

2010-04-18T21:41:00.086-07:00

We had the best vacation any family could ask for!! We've come home exhausted, but loved every minute of our time out in Georgia and Florida! This was our "anniversary" and "Blake's Birthday" trip, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity. Blake's Grandparents had a timeshare that was soon to expire so we quickly made plans and utilized a weeks stay in Orlando, as well as a few days in Savannah, Georgia (where Blake served part of his mission for the church). First, we went to Savannah and saw all of the touristy things and did lots of walking- and soon realized how tricky it could be traveling with a one and a half year old! Jovie is a great napper, so we did the best we could in getting her in some place to nap! She also loved free reign in running this way and that- and loved all of the "squares" (that were little grassy parks dividing many of the downtown streets) to run in!

Pushing a stroller on River St cobblestone was quite a challenge!

Loved all the mossy trees and shade!

We ate lunch at this amazing deli called "Larry's Giant Subs" and had the BEST sandwiches! I thought the decor was hilarious!

We also spent an afternoon at Tybee Island enjoying the beach and water. It was pretty chilly and windy, but Jovie loved digging around in the sand, running into the ocean and chasing the seagulls!!

We also got to meet up with my cousin Helen, who is a student at SCAD (the famous art school). She is majoring in photography- what a beautiful place to take pictures...that is for sure!

It was so great to catch up with her.

We also got to catch up with one of my long time good friend's, Kent Ringger, who was down in Savannah randomly that weekend for a medical conference. He is currently living in Atlanta, GA with his wife Krista and 3 kids (Corbin, Indi, and Hans) and is going to Emery College to be an Anaesthesiologist Assistant. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of us!

Forsythe Park is another one of our favorite spots in Savannah. It's the most beautiful, spacious park. You can't help but to feel the history and beauty of the city there.

Mama & Jovie on the same bench she sat on when pregnant with her.

We got to spend an evening with the DiNatalie family (who loved Blake when he was a missionary!) and had dinner and talked. They are just hilarious people. Such a great family.

Overall we had the most fabulous few days in Savannah and look forward to being able to return again there in the near future!

Easter festivities...

2010-04-04T18:00:00.002-07:00

This year Easter Sunday was very unique in that it was also General Conference. It was special to be watching conference and getting to reflect on the resurrection of the Savior at the same time...also, getting to eat Cadbury Cream Eggs, cotton candy and Peeps weren't too bad either!

Jovie eating her first Cadbury Cream Egg- she LOVED it!

Jovie loved the bubbles she got in her Easter basket!

Jovie doing her first Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma & Grandpa Kimball's house!

Parker and Jovie love giving each other hugs!! So cute!

Strike a pose, Davis!! My nephew is one photogenic kid!

Sam enjoyed playing with her 2nd cousins!! (This is Blake's cousin Carly's daughter)

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way!

Jovie and Parker are inseparable! Playing Grandpa's guitar!

What a goofy face Joves!

Here bunny bunny bunny!!!!

Had to take advantage of a photo opp!!

The Kimball bunnies!

Guess who?? (Jax, of course- the glasses give it away ;)

Jovie with Grandma....she LOOOOOOOVES Grandma!!

Hope ya'll had a great Easter and were able to enjoy listening to General Conference as well. Thank goodness for DVR and the May issue of the Ensign. Watching it is hard with a little one !!

Letting go...

2010-02-26T14:11:00.006-07:00

of control...it is hard for me. ahhhhh....breathe. Every day I am more and more amazed at what Jovie is learning and imitating. It's actually kinda scary- she is getting so independent and that is giving me mixed emotions. I am starting to understand why parents make such a big deal out of their kids growing up...it's sad...the feelings of not being needed is hard for me. I LOVE feeling needed. I'm sure we all do to some extent. Maybe it's just today...I don't know. I just love being with her- seeing her smile and giggle...and see the look of accomplishment on her face when she walks across the entire length of the house without falling!

I've never had a problem with getting messy...I just have a hard time when Jovie gets messy. I don't know why. Maybe I just don't like the cleanup part...like it's one extra step. But lately, I'm really just trying to let go of my incessant need for total order and let Jovie just BE A KID! Jovie loves the outdoors (honestly, would that be so strange as she is my child!) and she is finally starting to like sand, dirt and grass (she hasn't liked the feeling of it on her hands from an early age- like 6 months old). Trips to the park are paying off! Well, especially now that she is completely walking- that only took 17 months!! Sheesh. So now she loves digging out in the "yard" (if you could really call a 5'x20' plot of rocks, yard) and playing in the dirt from the garden and planter boxes. I love watching her.

She is so amazed at what she can do with her hands. It's funny. It's funny even when she gets dirt in her hair, on her clothes, and when it sticks to her face.

This would NOT have been funny to me a few months ago. And no, it's not laziness that is plaguing me. I just want her to experience everything that I grew up doing and usually loving. It's only fair. And it's all because I love her.

Busy days... and yet...

2010-02-06T15:57:00.001-07:00

Wow...it's February already and I just barely feel like Christmas ended...maybe that's a good thing- I'm not sure yet. Since the beginning of 2010 I've been doing a lot of thinking...which tends to be interrupted thoughts...led to confusion...led to "did I already tell you this?" whenever I have conversations with anyone...and now I'm just feeling like my memory is failing me. Why? Why do I have to go through my days like this? Isn't there some kind of pill I can take? Well, regardless- I'm sorry to those of you who call me your friend and have to hear my constant brainlessness (Is that even a word? See what I mean?)

Anyways...on Dec 31 we decided to spontaneously get an iMac as my laptop was dying a slow death...a virus...H1N1, I think. Regardless, I am doing my very best to rid myself of my PC knowing ways and get used to being utterly confused...and then enlightened. Blake thought it would be a good idea to sign me up for 1-to-1 appointments at the Apple store- since I tend to listen better when someone is speaking to me-myself-and I (split personality, maybe). The biggest headache (that I've been just trying to convince myself isn't that big of a deal) is organizing my previously organized pictures from Windows. I'm not talking about 1000-2000 pics...I'm talking a DAUNTING task...about 26,000 pictures- which, when I put that number down on the screen makes my blood run cold. Ugh. I'm suffocating...Needless to say, picture (re-)organizing has taken the bulk of any free time I've had for the last month.

Jovie has resorted to playing in the newly organized pantry. (Thanks Sar...I NEVER would have gotten it done without your help! We miss you around these parts!) In Jovie's defense- why WOULDN'T you want to wreak havoc on something that is organized and beautiful?

In other news...ya know, I graduated last May with my degree in Education...yet, I was too overwhelmed to get all of the necessary paperwork together to bring to the dept of Ed to get my Teaching Certificate. One of my resolutions this year was to get my butt in gear and finish some things that were left undone. Hence- I spent an afternoon researching online (with little accomplished) then called the DoE to just verify all that I needed to get it done...and with luck I talked with a gal that was AMAZING- all I had to do was send in 3 documents and the rest was history. Two weeks later I had my CERT in hand!! Yippee!!

Another resolution was to get all of my pictures transferred from negative (yes, that's film people- it sounds so ancient!) to disc. I took in 40 rolls of film to Costco last week- and this next week I will probably bring another 50-60 in. Hopefully, this means I can share some great pics from a 35mm (hopefully you are sensing my sarcasm), however they are wonderful memories! P.S.- Costco charges $2.99/40 pictures that they combine and put on a DVD. This is THE best deal I've found- plus they even duplicated all pictures from high quality to email size as well. It is kind of a pain when sorting them, but it allows you to NOT have to shrink pics later if you are going to email them!

The talents of others...

2009-12-16T09:24:00.005-07:00

Thanks Kays for making art out of us...we appreciate your eye and talent!

Yes, Jovie loves to rock & roll!

Blake has a grimace on his face- Jovie's got quite the pinchers!!

Squirmy little Jovester... she just wanted to climb up these steps!

Uh, yeah- the ivy is TOTALLY thorny. Ouch. But it does make a nice slanty background.

P.S.- Blake has lost 70 lbs since April- doesn't he look GREAT!! (And all by counting calories!)
I LOVE how hacked Jovie is in this picture...in fairness- I forgot her bottle and all of those steps are WAY too tempting to kiddos!

If I wasn't smiling in this picture (and replaced it with a look of terror) it might look like she is falling! Haha.

Our first official family pics. Overall a success. Even if the top button of my sweater was in the 2nd button hole. Yeah... starting new trends without even trying. Ha.

A little introspection...

2009-11-06T10:25:00.001-07:00

As I sat at the kitchen table this morning eating breakfast, a lovely 60 degree breeze wafted through the open window, carrying the sweet scent of orange blossoms. My favorite smell in the entire world! As I gazed out at the porch it dawned on me that the smell was coming from the tree that I so lovingly planted this past spring. Well, the tree was lovely at first, however once the Arizona sun got to beating it down with its cruel blazing rays and sweltering heat, the poor tree was withering, losing leaves and almost at the brink of death.

I looked on through the summer, trying different techniques with watering, and placing it in more/less direct sunlight, but to no avail. It seemed hopeless...my beautiful orange tree was dying. The lime tree I had planted seemed just perfect...it was also actually starting to grow limes!!

But, how could that be? I did the same thing for both trees, yet one was dying and the other was thriving!!

A few weeks ago we had a burst of cold weather where it dropped down to 60 degrees every day for a week. As it did so, my beloved orange tree started to perk up and the leaves started springing back to life, and blossoms started to emerge. What? How did this happen? I didn't do a thing and all of a sudden my orange tree is more beautiful than ever!

This is next part is deep, even for me...here is your forewarning...

I was feeling very introspective this morning and I realized how this must be the same as how Heavenly Father views us- His children. My analogy, if you will... My dying orange tree was like someone living in sin...little by little pulling farther and farther away from the good of the Savior- living in sin. Even though good things were being brought to the tree's attention- like more/less water, shade/light, etc.- like reading the scriptures, attending church, saying prayers, etc. the tree was still sick and dying. But once the environment changed (once the weather cooled down) the tree began to live again. This could be looked at like accepting the Atonement of the Savior and utilizing help to repent and truly LIVE in happiness and a clear conscience. We can be whole again...just like my little tree. Even when we wilt and lose leaves, through the Atonement we can grow even more beautiful and blossom when we accept help and repent. I came to the realization that sometimes our literal environment MUST change in order for us to be close to the Savior and allow us the opportunities to cultivate our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is so much I need to do about myself to get to that place that I ultimately want to be, but all in all, I must go one step at a time.

guilt....

2009-10-02T15:40:00.008-07:00

Why is it that I feel guilt when I don't blog??? Anyone else get this feeling? I know I've been sporadic over the summer...believe me, we've had a very fun and busy summer- but why, oh why is it so hard to just sit down, come up with something witty and funny to say, and just post a few pictures? I don't know.

Like always...I intend to back blog- so sorry if you are on Google Reader and see posts from the summer- this is our journal for all intensive purposes, so this is just how it has got to be.

Just to fill you in shortly before I back-post some entries with details and pictures, here is what I've been up to around the house with the Jovester....

Been baby proofing...pretty much everything... (not because Jovie is walking...because she isn't...but because I'm not down will kids falling down the stairs or wreaking havoc on all of the DVDs...I know, I am SO O.C.D.)

re-doing bedrooms...

organizing closets (with labels, no less)...

hanging pictures (I mean, we have lived in our house over 3 years now, so really the whole house should be just about done)...

watching the New Friends episode of Yo Gabba Gabba for the "millionth" time...

baking bread... (banana usually)

And making funny faces with Jovie...phew...I'm tired.

More to come... (hopefully soon)

Jovie's 1st Birthday!!

2009-08-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

Wow...time seriously flies...and I can't believe she's already 1!! Jovie is just the love of my life...and I know why it took us so long to have her... she is such an easy going child- so mild mannored and just the sweetest!

Just to trip out, here is Jovie 1 year ago...

and her one year later...

Well, for her 1st birthday we decided to have a bbq and swim time with a few friends and family. What else can you possibly do besides swim when it's still 105 degrees outside?!! Well, our in-laws graciously allowed us to have her party at their crib (and how thankful we are to you guys!). Honestly, I don't know why I stress myself out about parties and all, since very little of it is within my control.

I know it's kinda lame doing a themed birthday for a 1 year old but I just couldn't NOT do something and all my brain cells are dead- so I just opted for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse since Jovie enjoys watching that show (2nd to Baby Einstein) and it's kinda unisex so the boys won't feel like it's one big "chick" fest! I'm sure that will come in another few years!!

As suspected, Jovie didn't just dig right in to her cake...I had a feeling this would happen (in May we went to the beach and she didn't like the sand getting stuck to her hands) so Blake and I helped to smash her hands into her cake and put her fingers in her mouth. She liked the cake and frosting once she got a taste of it, but she just wanted us to feed it to her! She is so funny like that!

Of course she was ready to hit the hay by 7:30 pm and we hadn't even opened gifts yet, so needless to say that happened EXTREMELY fast!! Thanks again for all of the lovely gifts!

Thanks to everyone who came and (hopefully) enjoyed themselves!! Jovie won't remember this birthday (unless she has crazy supernatural powers...hmm...doubtful) but Blake and I sure will and are just so happy you all shared this special day with us!

It's swim time...

2009-07-23T14:34:00.001-07:00

A smile tells it all, doesn't it??! Jovie has just LOVED being in swimming lessons this summer. We took the mommy/baby swimming lessons at Brimhall pool for two sessions this summer and it was just so much fun! This was Jovie's face every time we went to the pool!

It's a momma and a baby!!!

My friend Susan and her daughter Maren took lessons with us and it was so fun having friends there with us! Another friend Laurie and her son Tyler took lessons with us the first session- and let me tell you, the water was so cold then, we almost thought our kiddos were gonna hate swimming!

But, you can just tell these little water babies just LOVE splish-splashing and being together! How funny is Jovie's lower lip--- such a silly face!

Jovie could hardly contain her excitement- she had to eat BOTH of her hands!

And always after swimming lessons was shower time and Jovie loves that too- I just love how cute she looks in this towel! My little shower flower baby!

The pool has kept me sane here in the 100+ degree heat. I don't know how anyone living in Arizona can stand NOT swimming. It is essential for the complete cool down, plus Jovie naps SO WELL after she swims! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pool.

Does it get any better than this??

2009-07-06T23:58:00.003-07:00

I love her... her giggle, her sigh, her smile, her squinty right eye. I just love her to pieces.

It is finished...school, that is...

2009-05-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

I am a Phoenix!!! I FINALLY completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education!!

Only one more test to take and I'll have my certification to be a teacher!

Commencement at University of Phoenix stadium- me on the jumbo tron!!Holla...Me with my (not so real) diploma. Saaaaaawweeeeeeeeeeet!

My babies helping me celebrate. Blake bought that beautiful lai for me- how thoughtful!!

That 102 degree heat got us revved up for some swimming time. This was Jovie's first real day at the pool (too bad she hadn't napped all morning because she was ultra tired and cranky- but a trooper none-the-less!)

My brother Eli and his cute little guy Isaiah- it was his first time in the pool too and he LOVED it! He is a natural water baby!

My neice Indianna just loved floating around and enjoying the water- what a smile!!

Jovie took a little ride in the turtle floatie...I don't think she's quite convinced she likes the water... yet...Jovie and Isaiah playing on the floor- they are so funny together. Jovie isn't crawling yet and Isaiah (who is 3 months older than her) is just crawling all over the place and Jovie just thinks he's the funniest thing ever! She loves little kids- it's too funny!Overall it was a very satisfying day...totally nice to be among family and finally get that degree over and done with!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Now, what's next?

Easter happenings...

2009-04-12T21:29:00.002-07:00

Well, I enjoyed Jovie's first Easter. We didn't color eggs (they were boiled though just to make egg salad sandwiches and creamed eggs on toast) or have an Easter Egg hunt- but we did get some candy and chocolate and a stuffed bunny for Jovester. And of course we went to church...that's ONLY traditional!!

I loved getting her a new dress- that was a special tradition in my family as a kid. And she looked so stinkin cute.
It was fun getting to see her play with plastic eggs too. She is getting so good at holding round things, especially.

I will be playing a lot of catch up on the happenings since I disappeared during Student Teaching- but believe me...I was so slammed with school I was quite beside myself. Being a teacher is THE hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Harder than child birth. I kid you not.

The return of myself...I haven't been dead...

2009-04-05T19:27:00.003-07:00

Just the busiest I have ever been in my life...Oh bloggers...how I've missed you. Student teaching ends for me on Thursday...so Good Friday really will be a GREAT Friday for me...and for my neglected blog. I will be doing a TON of back-blogs...so get ready to get inundated on your Google Reader.

Love Mandy

My Momma raised me right...

2009-01-18T12:26:00.004-07:00

But I'm immature in ways and gas is just one of those ways...this was pretty much the funniest thing I've ever seen...

Back on track...

2009-01-18T12:20:00.002-07:00

I think it's totally funny how I love blogging in spurts and that knowing all of the things I have to blog about, I just get overwhelmed and can't focus on where to begin...

I didn't really blog about Christmas so that is where I will leave off.

Please be patient with me...I (literally) only have 10 more weeks of school left and I couldn't be happier to have my sanity and good intentions back!

Birthday happenings...

2009-01-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

Today was Camille's 5th birthday!! Happy Birthday Camille-e-buns!! She couldn't believe the waiter at the restaurant knew it was HER birthday!! She's so cute when she is embarrassed!

Camille chose to go to the Denver Aquarium so away we went! Mom & Dad posing outside!

Callie (aka Bug Bug) was LOVING chasing the bubbles outside!

Oh, I love the excitement on kids faces over something so simple...BUBBLES!!

Callie next to sharkeeeee!

I'm thinking about changing professions...what do you think?

Camille is in AWE looking at the giant freshwater turtle!

Love the puffer fish!

The aquarium was teeming with life!

The Carpenter family (5 of 6- missing Eli's family) L to R: Katy & Dan Ellis, Nate w/ gf Amy, Camille Ellis, Blake & Jovie, Mom, Dad, Me & Callia Ellis.

The Ellis family feeding the sting rays...so cool!

Oh, the box jelly fish...awesome.

Doesn't this guy look grumpy?

Jovie was having a tough time... hard to sleep with so much action going on!!

Look at this gorgeous tiger! Tigers at aquariums is a tech. I'm sure it was LOVING all the water surrounding it!

That is SO much like Nate to stick his finger in a tank full of piranhas. What a dork!

Bug Bug was loving the sharks!!

Those sting rays are so smoothe!

The aquarium even had snakes...

I've always loved horses...you can add sea horses to that list as well. So cool!

This little guy was quite unique!

The sharks were all over the place in this tank!

Now THAT is a phasing sky line

Camille got what she loves the most- Strawberry ice cream cake from Coldstone.

Christmas happenings...

2008-12-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

Christmases in Mesa always kinda trip me out a little bit. I've lived here for 6 years now... but I don't know if it will ever really feel like a Christmas from Colorado or Utah...the nip in the air...icicles...or on a rare occasion- a WHITE Christmas. But the one thing that is consistant is to be able to spend it with family- which I so much cherish.

Mimi, Grandma and Pops with Jovie

All gifts were appreciated (of course) but this is the one I was so much hoping for! Thanks Blake!It will probably take me quite a while to learn to use this new lens, but I'm sure it'll be a blast!Jovie was posing in her little Bumbo chair and Christmas outfit. She was our VERY special gift this year! Who could honestly ask for a cuter, more sweet, chill and darling little girl!??I do believe in the spirit of Christmas!!Blake testing out the lens- and getting some sweet shots!Jaime and her family came out on Christmas day in the evening from San Diego to spend the holiday with us. Parker was being so cute about opening presents- I love that age!My nephew Jax looking so handsome with the lovely tree in the background. My mom-in-law Shauna is an amazing decorator. I only wish I had the EYE she has for decorating. Her home is quite the winter wonderland!Even little angels can get cranky on Christmas!! Haha- Jovie looks so 'sweet' with all that cupcake gear!

We made out like bandits this year. (This photo is just for insurance purposes)
I hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright and brought many smiles, hugs and love into your home! We are so grateful for the love of our Savior Jesus Christ and to celebrate his humble birth! Merry Christmas! Love the Kimballs

Christmas Eve...

2008-12-24T22:43:00.002-07:00

There is nothing like a dog's genitals messing up your perfectly good picture...slightly humorous...not our dog's genitals...my brother's dog's genitals...we were dog sitting...I'm not quite ready for my own dog...including genitals...Sheesh.

So we settled for this picture instead...

Jovie in total wonderment with the striped tights...they are pretty fashion forward...

thank Grandma Kimball

Yes Jovie...you are adorable.

Jovie is amazed at the beautiful sight...the tree is lovely.

Opening our "crackers" with paper crowns, fortune and mystery gift. These are a great Kimball Christmas Eve tradition. We also opened our jammies but only Jovie is sporting hers (obviously).

Boy...the anticipation for Christmas is unbearable...I always have the hardest time sleeping.

MMMmmmm...

2008-12-22T19:17:00.001-07:00

Jovie could be the new Campbell's soup representative...

mmm...mmm...good.

Playing dress up...

2008-12-20T21:28:00.001-07:00

Check my chucks...Silly face blowing bubbles...
Standing all by myself (not really)...makes me cranky.

Ahhhh...finally able to relax.

Then we got to go to Whit & Rachael Gardner's wedding...but that was short lived since I had a MAJOR diaper blowout...my first on record.

Rainbow Bright...

2008-12-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

Jovie can't believe that her mother would put her in this ridiculously "Rainbow Bright" outfit...

She's actually SO phased by it.

This past week's happenings...

2008-12-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

This past week was chock full of good stuff...

Monday...

Jovie rolled from her tummy to her back in 5 seconds for the first time...no prompting either! I think she really likes looking at the Christmas tree! This was her after-roll look!

Tuesday...

Started feeling the funk in my throat...ahhhh, give me orange juice and Airborne. Oh- and since my Christmas tree decided that the top half didn't want to upstage the bottom half of the tree (since it does get the star), it decided to quite working...Oh yeah, I'll show you...you pesky fuse. Gotcha. Ta Dahhhh!

Wednesday...

Jovie had her first all out laugh...didn't catch much of it on video, but daddy can get her all grinny- it's so cute.

Thursday...

I got a new console table so that we have somewhere to put our stockings...one of the major drawbacks to this house is no fireplace (not too uncommon however, in AZ). Blake thinks it's just a "useless piece of furnature" and "another place for me to dump my crap" (don't take that literally- "crap" meaning the mail, receipts, books, etc.). But once I got it all set up I think you can cross off "a useless piece of furnature" off his list. Oh, you know I'm gonna dump my crap here once Christmas is over. Crap- say sionara to the counter.

Friday...

Jovie finally discovered how to pull the plastic dog bone in her bumbly chair (that play's the song "Oh where has my little dog gone?...). I am so proud of her...she has just changed SO much all in the last week!

Saturday...

Our 3rd annual White Elephant Christmas party. We do this every year with many of Blake's high school friends and their wives...and a few other single friends too. I wish we had a bigger house to invite more people because I just love hosting a good celebration of sarcasm, laughter, and going home (well, I guess I'm already home) with some high class gifts... All I want for Christmas is... a dainty picture of my friend's husband ...and some pills to grow a bigger rack... sigh. Seriously Diana? You had to steal that gingerbread kit away from me didn't you! And Amy, I was REALLY looking forward to playing the Murder She Wrote board game with Blake. I can just hear Angela Landsbury's voice as the narrator. But that got stolen too. Well- we gave some hot items- the Shamwow and a giant remote control (oh you know those puppies got locked within the first round!) Some other hot items were Lotto tickets, Lo Lo's Chicken & Waffles gift card & tshirt (phrase on the back says "Eatin' good in da hood") and a QT gift card. So thank you to all that attended... The Spencer Reeds, The Dentons, The Tony Reeds, The Hamiltons, The Williams', The Nelsons, Whit, Rajiv, Jonny, Tim, and Chelsea.

Sunday...

So, the sad part is that as a family we've been sick this past week with the sore throat, cough and sniffles. But when we woke up on Sunday morning we decided not to be those selfish mo mos that go to church out of duty, then get a bunch of other people and their kids sick. NO, that is just uncool. So we made a day of staying home in our pj's and relaxing. We needed the rest. Don't judge me...it's Christmas time...time for mercy. So, to stay on "The Nice List", I'd like to donate a beautiful track to your collection.

The Velvet Teen

Red, Like Roses

Out Of the Fierce Parade

I love it when a good track pops back into my life and gets me all nostalgic.

8 days and counting until Christmas!! SO MUCH TO BE DONE!

Santa baby...

2008-12-05T22:38:00.000-07:00

Our ward had a Christmas party and Santa came to visit...so Jovie had a chance to mingle with the big man.

She also did a little bit of giggling- which was so cute.

She is already 14 weeks old and just wanted to show how cute she was in the Christmas dress Grandma Carpenter got for her!

Our little kitty cat...

2008-12-02T20:56:00.005-07:00

Jovie has been so vocal lately...it is so funny! She sounds more like a cat every day! haha.

Grandma and smiley little Jovster!

Jovie gets blessed...

2008-11-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Better blessed late than never, right? It was actually planned so that my parents could be here for it...and since they were here for Thanksgiving, it kinda worked worked out the best! Blake did a fantastic job on the blessing! I am so grateful to have a husband worthy of the priesthood who can bless his daughter in ways the Lord sees fit.

She is just a little beauty!

We got her blessing dress in Cozumel, Mexico when we went on a cruise in May and I was pregnant with her. I figured I'd help out their economy since they do the same for ours...hmmm, wait...nevermind.

What an angel!!

I will probably say this until the day I die...and I know I'm partial, but Jovie is so freakin cute!

A good time for a photo opp of the Carpenters!
Papa and Indianna are all smiles.My favorite thing about this pic of Kayleen is that when the Dentons and the Kimballs shyed away from the camera, she stepped up to the plate and just owned that smile. Thanks for cooperating Kays.

Here is the whole family lineup that were able to make it to the blessing and luncheon
(bottom: Jaime, Parker & Jason Grant, Jaxson Whitehorn, Indianna Carpenter.)
(top: Shauna, Chelsea, Scott, Blake, Jovie, & Mandy Kimball, Robert & Kay Carpenter, Cori, Eli & Isaiah Carpenter.)

Jovie loves hangin' out with Papa. My dad is so good with her!We missed Aunt Katy & fam, Uncle Nate, Mimi and Sarah- they were there in spirit, of course.

Lo Lo's Chicken & Waffles

2008-11-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

If you've never eaten soul food- make a point to head out to this little joint! It is AMAZING! Everyone who I've brought there has loved it- that is to put it lightly. Lo Lo's is in Phoenix on the NW corner of Central and Yuma (just south of downtown). It is fried chicken (get it smothered with gravy-yummmm) and a side of waffles. It sounds like a bizarre combo of food- but believe me...IT. IS. PHASING!! Oh, and don't forget to get your mason jar filled with delicious (sugary) lemonade...or red kool-aid (whatever suits your fancy).

So I finally got to take my parents there- since every time they come to town we miss going every time. They were impressed- let me tell you!

We also got to take a little jaunt down to Maricopa and spend the afternoon getting spoiled by Christopher pampering Jovie...

Isaiah pulling Eli's hair...

and playing my favorite new board game- Ticket to Ride. I love this game...and it is even one that Blake will play too! Now that is sweet! (Doesn't Eli look too serious!)

Girls night out...Jovie's first movie!

2008-11-28T23:51:00.003-07:00

This is how girls night should be spent!! Going to Pita Jungle (for the best glazed chicken lavosh pizza in the bizzznass) with the girls including my mom(s)... and even my baby...

Then seeing a movie that only MY friends would outwardly mock outloud during the movie (yet still be so inwardly phased by)... Twilight... yes, I could go on and on about how the makeup job was horrible and the vampires flying from tree to tree like "spider monkeys" was laughable...however, I still did really like it and it made me giddy. What can I say...I've read the books- no movie has ever really been right on with my imagination nor has covered all of the important detail that a book depicts... regardless, I'm happy I saw it...and I'll probably even buy it too when it comes out on DVD.

And as Jovie's first box office movie- I'll say she even liked it too (until she got starving, then had the poops...) Thanks to grandma for taking her out and getting her to sleep so I could enjoy the movie!

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

2008-11-27T23:11:00.011-07:00

Jovie's first Thanksgiving...and to think- all she gets is milk!

I'm especially thankful for family- for my parents flying out from Colorado's freezing cold weather to enjoy Thanksgiving in 80 degree weather. It seems kinda backwards...but it was nice, none-the-less.

So we spent the day out in Maricopa with friends and family...the Hand's, the Carpenter's, my sis-in-law Cori's mom Marjorie, and my parents (also the Carpenter's). My mom and I started the day off right getting the turkey all prepped (oh, who am I kidding...she did most of it the night before since we knew we'd have a ton to do on Thanksgiving day!) I begged my mom to do a video showing the preparation to cook a traditional turkey since I have a terrible memory- now I can refer back to this any time I cook a turkey! (Part 3 wouldn't load!!!)

It was so cute to see cousins Isaiah and Jovie interacting (well Isaiah was just laughing because he kept trying to eat Jovie's shirt)

Indianna kept entertained while playing with my necklace!

Cori and Marjorie did so many dishes...thank you SO much ladies!

Christopher Hand (whom I babysat when he was a baby) is getting to be quite the photographer. He is such a good helper with Indianna and Isaiah. It is really convenient for my bro Eli to have his best friend Brian live so close in Maricopa to keep each other entertained.

We also got the privilege to hear mom give her presentation about her trip to Romania for her non-profit company F.L.O.C. (For Love of Children) and learn about what their orphanages and street children are like. Boy, that made me EXTREMELY grateful for my life here in America. I got the opportunity to make some knit hats for babies that my mom brought over with her to give some of the children. Hopefully one day I will get to see first hand the fruits of my moms labors over there and help with her cause. She is so charitable! What a beautiful example of Christ-like love and service my mom is to me!

Of course we also grubbed on the typical Thanksgiving feast- Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, green bean casserole, berry salad, apple/yam casserole- then of course later (much later) had pumpkin and apple pie.

I guess adults aren't the only ones that overeat and want to puke after Thanksgiving! Nice Jovie!

We had to go out walking to get some of that funky feeling off...we stopped at a park so my niece Indianna could go down the slide- of course she wanted me to join her, which I was more than happy to do! I'm still a kid at heart, you know!

Overall, it was a great day to spend with family and friends alike!

A beautiful beginning and end of day...

2008-11-27T00:22:00.010-07:00

I love the rain...especially in Arizona. It makes me wish for all things green. I just get so sick of the brown. I love the smell...and even the feel of rain...not so much the humidity...but you get the point. I started out the day enjoying the rain...

and I got to end it seeing Coldplay in concert with all of Blake's family...what a show!

I love COLDPLAY. This is my 4th time seeing them in concert and I've loved each and every show! This was the Viva La Vida tour. Here are some pics and sound clips for your pleasure!

Where a kid can be a kid...

2008-11-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

So we hit up Chuck E. Cheese's tonight with our nephew Jaxson and the rest of the Kimball fam. There is nothing like semi-crappy (the only reason it wasn't REALLY crappy is because I was starving!!) pizza and a mediocre song by a gigantic plastic mouse. If you really think about it...that mouse sure is creepy. Look at him- he's trying to backhand Jovie!

And to think...she even offered him a ride in the car after that near hit!

I will never know why I begged my parents to take us to places like this when I was little. The tokens always ran out too fast, the pizza never really filled you up, and you probably picked up some infectious disease climbing around in the big plastic tubes. Jax and Chels were tearin' it up on the games. Besides, there is nothing like spending 5 tokens on ski ball...getting 3o tickets for all of that accuracy and raw talent...then coming to find out all you get is one lousy plastic dinosaur the size of your pinky finger. SHEESH. Blake and I both played Bucket Bonanza (much like the Grand Prize game- on the Bozo Show that aired back in the 80's in the Midwest) and totally won. I always knew I'd do well at that one- even when I was a kid I was convinced if I ever made it on to the Bozo Show I'd win that game. I have aspiring dreams...please, don't shoot me down. However, the really sad thing I came to find out was that I have completely lost all talent (I once had) for basketball. It was actually quite embarrassing. Good thing my husband and daughter love me for me. Look closely at the score...yes, scoreless for the first 30 seconds! Shameful. Just shameful.

Plus, how cute is Jovie in her jammies. That is what really counts at the end of the day!

My lifeline for the last year and a half...

2008-11-24T23:32:00.001-07:00

These are my school buddies!!! We've been taking classes for our Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education since January of 2007!

From L to R- First Row- Me (Mandy Kimball), Heather Sackett, Kimberly Wayman, Lucy Martinez. Second Row- Andrea Scola-Careaga, Traci Manry, Jezi Jordan, Shasta Lind, Christina Gonzalez, Susana Santiesteban. Third Row- Jenn Dawkins, Bryan Henderson, Anick , Donna Miles, Josh Schreiner, Kathy Koehler, LaMar Hinton, and Angela Holliday.

At University of Phoenix we work in groups in every class so here are my teammates- Jenn Dawkins, Andrea Scola-Careaga, Heather Sackett and Jezi Jordan ! They have kept me afloat!

There have been some great discussions, lessons, laughter and even tears and I just love this group of people I've gotten to share this experience with. I start my final class before student teaching on December 1st and student teaching begins January 12, 2009! Wow...finally a light at the end of the tunnel!

Could this chick be any cuter???

2008-11-23T19:42:00.002-07:00

I know we're related and all...but could Jovie get any cuter?? Sheesh. She is so pretty!AND...someday she will make a guy super happy because she even likes to watch football- GO CARDINALS! And she loves to give kisses...hopefully we'll keep that one under wraps for a LONG time!

Seriously...I am so phased by Jovie. She is just the sweetest kid anyone could ask for!

This a way...that a way...

2008-11-22T11:30:00.004-07:00

Jovie getting crazy about Lil' Wayne. Maybe I'm just crazy. I love dancing with her- she gets a kick out of it too!

Another birthday get together...

2008-11-17T23:12:00.002-07:00

So it was great to also have my brother Eli, his wife Cori and kiddos over for dinner the other night! It was a belated birthday party with family- since I wanted to have undivided attention for them...especially Indianna and Isaiah...since we don't see them too often!

As always- every kid loves laying in the Moses basket we got from Blake's grandma for Jovie! Glad it kept Indianna entertained! She loves playing mommy and baby! A trash can is always good for replacing a hat, right?

Boy, is Indianna a mini "Shirley Temple" (blonde, instead of redhead) or what! She is just gonna be a knockout! SO FREAKIN CUTE!

Isaiah just chewin away on the fingers! Love that little nephew!

My bro Eli just watching the Suns bball game...Isaiah doing as daddy does!

It was great to have family out to hang! I always love a good hang session!