Coping Mechanisms

When we were in Utah last August, we found the place where STeve had proposed to me in temple square.  That was almost 12 years ago now!  We posed for a picture in that same spot, and I found it perfect to place it in this frame that has been displaying who knows who forever now!

So, I was feeling a little outta control in life this week.  There are two things I do best when i feel that way:

1. cry

2. do something I've been good about, just a little obsessively

Usually #2 is running, but I stink at that these days...ever since my hypothyroidism creeped in.  I have been waiting for energy levels to rise enough for me to train again (can't wait any longer)!  This week, my #2 was organize and clean!

I have a little movable island in this home.  I have opened our kitchen space by cornering it on a wall...which smoothes the corners and creates a peaceful flow through the home, and give us much more space.  For awhile now I have wanted to place all the breakfast items...cereals, oatmeal, pop tarts, pancake mixes, syrups, etc. into the island cabinets and place the breakfast appliances on top.  I mentioned it to my husband once, and after a day at the store a month ago, he recalled that desire of mine and started organizing ALL our kitchen cabinets with me.  It took a good 3 hours...but it got done and was perfect!  This week I took control of the counter tops and made the breakfast buffet 90% complete with the bread, mixer, and toaster oven on top.  The one thing I need now is my breakfast sign (hanging overhead from the ceiling)...Im' thinking of even having a space for a flip chart for breakfast time...cute huh?!

I took our other bulky appliances out of the main kitchen and made then a home together on top of my personally created draped shelf beside my breakfast buffet.  They officially have a spot free from the usable counter space now! 

And my kitchen is finally picture worthy!  My hand made spice rack, the vintage pink apron, the herbs lining the top cabinets which Steve and I will soon make into healing tinctures and salves...and... 

...my cake stand, which doubles as a holder for all the silly items that get thrown around the kitchen sink: sponges, drain cloggers, soap, and even opened top soda cans holding my Popsicle sticks and soda tabs for crafts! 

Of course, who wouldn't have a frog lounging by their sink?  The boys pretend it's the frog prince sometimes! 

Then...there is always the BEST kind of healing when you feel inadequate!  Yes, my children are the best kinda healing.  Aiden Obadiah is the only guy in this home who will spontaneously make you smile with things no one would ever imagine doing! 

And my 4 year old Lydia...who recently was mistaken to be 6-7, will always show you how big she is getting...that is healing to me! 

When all else fails, I still find the energy to take a shower at days end and try a new make-up routine to assist in my self worth!  Can't deny it, I love working with make-up! 

Daddy's Day!!

It's always fun to find an excuse to make someone feel extra special.

(Note: That does NOT mean it's easy to find a way!)

As Steve and I were browsing through some product on Targets site the other day, he came across a travel groomer set.  He said, "That is apparently one of the most popular gifts this year!"  I was shocked, and then so relieved because the one we were looking at, I held in my hand and placed it in the cart--right as I walked away with it, I put it back and replaced it for a travel tool set.  It was a mini set that has all the mini screw drivers that he is ALWAYS complaining about being lost.  It is far more a Steve item, AND it made me step away from the apparent trend!!!

Also ran into a stealer deal on Glenn Becks sequel novel to The Overton Window...this book was started 4 years ago and put on hold, but just released.  Strange, but four years ago Glenn had been writing about the government sneaking in ion our phone calls and email messages...guess what, that conspiracy has just been released as actual data.  Look out people, Big Brother is here!  Good thing I have nothing to hide!

We spent he day at church today.  Maya, at the end of Stake Conference, started hitting me as hard as she could saying, "I want gum at Mimi's house!"  The yelling was quite embarrassing considering a chapel and gymnasium full of hundreds of people were BEHIND us, we were 3 rows from the front of the chapel.  We got great seats because Daddy left the house early to direct traffic!

Upon rising at 6:40am I poured the kids cereal and took my place on the couch.

At 8am, I told Lydia to go wake Daddy up for church...I then closed my eyes again.

Daddy came out and asked about his church clothes...to which we MUTUALLY agreed that the wrinkles could come out in the dryer!

Met up with Daddy at 10am at church.

Daddy took Lydia out of the chapel sometime in the 10 o'clock hour.

Daddy took Maya out of the chapel sometime in the 11o'clock hour.

I sat rolling my eyes at how embarrassing my children were being, but hugged them nevertheless.

The children all stood to sing a song to everyone, from their own seats in the audience, at 11:30am.  My heart melted!

Went to Mimi's for lunch at 12:30

Daddy ate while Mommy stole bites of his amazing steak, and then he left for home, for a little rest, at 2pm

Got home and woke Daddy at 5pm.

Gave Daddy gifts at 5:45pm.  

Stood at doorway and listened to my beautiful kiddos scream, for the entire neighborhood to hear, "Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!" at 6pm.

Daddy drove off for his first night at UNM PICU!

The boys stayed up with me to watch an episode of Peter Rabbit, but I dozed off with their warm little bodies around me.

It's been a good day!

Aiden's Baptism

I cannot believe the time is upon us for the second of our children to be entering the water's of baptism.  There are phases in parenting you experience...

The phase of having children back to back.

Accompanied by a good 10 years span of sleepless nights..may last longer, I don't know that firsthand yet!

The phase of potty training children back to back.

Losing teeth and draining the tooth fairy of all her spare dollars and coins.

And now...we are in the phase of baptisms back to back.

Aiden was prepared for baptism long before the weeks leading to his big day.  As a matter of fact, I sought with all my might to prepare him from his infancy.  In the last year, I have asked him if he indeed wants to be baptized.  At first, he said no.  I didn't react in a negative manner, I simply said, "Okay!" and allowed him to work out his fears and desires.  Over the course of the year, he came to me and let me know that the only reason why he has said no is because he is afraid he will drown in the water.  After a long conversation, his eyes lit up and the desire to be baptized was brighter, and was seen in his countenance, like never before.

Above is our Bishop...Bishop Greenwood.  

We currently attend the Valencia Ward of the Los Lunas South Stake in NM.

As of THIS month, the Stake has asked that the baptisms be combined for all the children being baptized in that current month.

We shared a date with Abigail, a red headed bright young lady of the LL ward, and with Isaiah Jemenez, who turned 8 on Saturday...also of the LL ward.

The children gathered round to witness the baptisms.  Aiden was honored to go first!

And in the circle for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, stood, Daddy, Grandpa Fultz, Brother Allen Smith, Bishop Greenwood, Uncle Gabe, and Uncle Ton.

This was my darling little guy after he was baptized and changed into his suit!

Mimi and Me!

Mimi, Papa and Aiden!

A BIG family photo....of course too many family members are missing because of kiddos loaded into cars or sisters with cousins and uncles in Pennsylvania...and then great grandparents all over!

Pictured below is both sets of grandparents...Mimi and Papa, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Fultz.  Grandpa Roy and GrandMaria couldn't make it though they wanted to so bad. Aunt Tana and Uncle Gabe are there with their two, Chloe and Sophia.  Uncle Gabe's parents are there...Allen and Julie Smith.

I believe Connor was upset because of our attempts to gather him closer to me for a family picture.

And in this photo, something from afar caught Aiden and Lydia's attention!

Of course, when everyone is smiling, Aiden had to act goofy!

And the next 2 shots were just for Aiden, so he could act goofy with us!!!

The four men carrying on a priesthood lineage for our family!

And the sweet little guy who we celebrate, as he turns eight!

My life would definitely be a lot less fun without you sweet boy! 

Mimi and Papa had a family lunch at their house after the baptism...it was PERFECT, just like you!

I was even allowed to cuddle Miss Sophia, my baby sisters newest baby!

And, of course, we lounged around and had a great day...just enjoying life!

Thank you for the pearly white cake, Aunt Tana!  We blew out candles for Aiden, Maya, and Connor...my summer babies!!!