t h e . m o r t e n s e n . f a m i l y

perfect ten.

2012-01-30T15:17:00.001-07:00

did i mention...we kinda like her?

a lot.

...

the simple truth.

2012-01-11T13:56:00.001-07:00

i could not agree more.

...

and now...

2012-01-05T18:00:00.003-07:00

i'm about to unload some serious cuteness on you.

feast your eyes on the chub-tastic yumminess of my squishy, topless baby.

you're welcome.

...

home.

2012-01-03T11:10:00.002-07:00

happy tuesday!

the very first one of twenty-twelve.

which means it's time to say goodbye staying up late,

cookies for breakfast

and jammies until noon.

dang.

i'm gonna miss that.

another thing i'm really gonna miss?

having husband around.

he took an entire, glorious week off work and spent all his time with us.

it was kind of amazing.

he took sydney on a date to the movies.

played with us at the park.

taught syd how to throw a frisbee.

kicked the soccer ball around with mitch.

took us hiking....

and just relaxed at home.

watching him light up as he plays with his children makes me happier than...

well...anything.

i love that man.

...

christmas was quiet, cozy and magical.

i don't know of anything that can top witnessing little faces

peek around the corner to discover that santa has been there.

there is no greater gift.

...

i hope yours was equally magical!

okay, 2012...

show us whatcha got.

...

lucky seven.

2011-12-26T16:25:00.001-07:00

sure, she's seven.

but, i'm the lucky one.

...

compassionate and confident.

unique and understanding.

smart and sweet.

she's outstanding in every way.

i predict big things from this one.

mark my words.

...

to you and yours....

2011-12-22T15:16:00.001-07:00

...

zoolander.

2011-12-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

me. pretending to be a model.

i know. funny stuff.

my adorable friend, kyong, owner of koo de ker clothing boutique,

asked if i would send her a photo of me wearing my new favorite wrap.

she has the most amazing stuff in her shop.

so much so, that it can quickly become a problem. you know, for the pocketbook.

if you're ever in salt lake city...look her up, fo sho.

also, she does ship items out of state.

santa, you listening?

...

magical.

2011-12-01T22:18:00.001-07:00

dear december,

welcome!

i've been looking forward to your arrival.

this morning, the kids could hardly wait to pin your number one onto the advent calendar.

the countdown to number twenty-five has officially begun.

i can feel it now,

the spirit of the season.

and it's magical.

being surrounded by little people who believe, with all their hearts,

that santa can do anything, is something special that i intend to cherish.

this morning, our sneaky little elf, oscar,

brought everyone new jammies.

what a fun surprise!

how does he do it?

if you have little ones and you don't have an elf,

it is a must.

a must, i tell you.

we received ours, unexpectedly, as a gift from a most dear friend.

and i simply can't thank her enough.

he has quickly become a favorite family tradition.

speaking of traditions,

small, simple acts of kindness will again be rewarded with a piece of straw.

straw, you ask?

last year, i was inspired by this article to begin a new tradition.

and it brought such a sweet spirit of service into our home.

most certainly, a tradition worth continuing, if you ask me.

...

all this talk of traditions has me curious...

what is your favorite holiday tradition?

...

eight is great.

2011-11-21T13:15:00.001-07:00

tiny is growing up.

and there doesn't seem to be a single thing i can do to stop it.

eight whole months have passed already.

she's beginning to crawl now

and i swear i can actually hear her curiosity growing.

this sweet child brings so much joy to our family.

her happy, content little soul is just what we needed around here.

she fits right in.

the final piece in our family puzzle.

she completes us.

and the old saying goes...

last the best of all the game.

...

part two.

2011-11-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

i am thankful...

16 :: for my husbands' employment.

i realize what a tremendous blessing this is,

especially during these times of economic hardship.

17 :: for modern day conveniences:

electricity, running water, shelter, food and medicine.

hard to imagine life without them.

18 :: for the men and women who so selflessly serve in
the various branches of the military.
home or abroad, their service and sacrifice will never go
unappreciated by me.

19 :: for the families of those serving in the military.
there have been times where i had to navigate without
husband for a week or so and, man, it was hard.
the spouses who manage households and children alone for
months and even years at a time
are my heroes.

20 :: for my freedom.
i can worship how and when i want.
i can express my opinions.
i can vote.
i get to decide how to live my life.
i'm grateful to live in a free country.

21 :: for the change in season.
the smell of fall.
is there anything better?
hot cocoa and pumpkin spice bread.
cozy cardigans and college football.
the golden sunlight and changing leaves.
clicking on the fireplace for the first time.
a warm bath and an extra blanket.
ahhhh....

22 :: for lazy mornings spent in our pj's.
only having one in school all day means
spending my mornings with a squishy baby in footed jammies,
and a curious little boy who asks a lot of questions.
about everything.
they will never be little again,
time whizzes by.
a backyard picnic and legos?
wiping sweet potatoes off of chubby cheeks?
folding teeny-tiny socks and onesies?
sounds like a perfect day to me.

23 :: for date nights.
i am a believer.
alone time with your spouse is essential.
i am so very fortunate to have my sweet in-laws nearby,
who are willing to step in and give us a night off.
it's amazing how sharing sushi and inside jokes
can totally recharge your batteries.

24 :: for the internets.
how did i ever live without google?
for reals.

25 :: for the kindness of strangers.
simple acts of kindness never go unnoticed.
i'm so appreciative when someone sees that
i could use an extra hand {or three} and takes
the time to open the door for me,
let's me move ahead of them in line at the grocery store
or offers to take my shopping cart back.

26 :: for people who share their talents.
we all have them, you know.
my life has been blessed because so many of you
are willing to share your talents with me.

27 :: that i've been able to travel to many different places
and experience different cultures.
it has taught me a great deal about humanity,
that we share many more similarities than differences.

28 :: for my dishwasher, my washing machine and my dryer.
sure, i complain about never-ending piles of laundry and dishes
as much as the next gal.
but, at the end of the day, i'm grateful for these machines
that really do most of the work for me.

29 :: to live in such a beautiful community,
filled with people who are willing to serve each other.
i love walking into a restaurant and running into people i know.
there's a friendly vibe here.
people know each other and care about each other.
they volunteers for community events
and help with city clean-up days.
i'm grateful to be surrounded by such good people.

30 :: that i never, ever have to shovel snow.
...

what are you thankful for today?

...

four years.

2011-11-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

429 posts.

countless friends made.

hundreds of memories recorded.

plenty of giggles shared.

my little online journal holds a special place in my heart.

without it, i would have never met some of you.

from idaho to australia,

texas to japan,

we all want to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.

thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share myself, my life,

my hopes and my dreams with you.

you have so graciously shared your friendship, your thoughts,

your words of encouragement and yourselves with me.

thank you.

i hope this place will continue to bring me as much

joy and happiness as it has throughout the past four years.

happy birthday, blog!

:::cheers:::

...

image

part one.

2011-11-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

in honor of the month of thanksgiving,
part one of the thirty things i am thankful for...

one for each day in november.
...

i am thankful...

01 :: for my better half.
and for the knowledge that we will be

laughing together through the eternities.
i'm pretty crazy about that guy.

02 :: that i get to be a stay-at-home mom.

i really do see this as one of my greatest blessings.

there's nothing i'd rather be doing.

03 :: to live in st. george, utah.

i pinch myself every day when i stop and look around

at the natural beauty that surrounds me.

04 :: that i can smell a baby anytime i want.

really, is there anything better than the smell of a freshly bathed baby?

05 :: for food. i love to eat.

i love growing it, picking it, cooking it and eating it.

i love it all.

06 :: for the ability to push my body with exercise

and have it surprise me with just how much it is capable of doing.

07 :: for friends
who inspire me to be better

and to do more.

08 :: a lovely, modest home that meets our needs.

sure, there are bigger, fancier homes.

but i like mine just the way it is.

09 :: for my health.

it's such an easy thing to take for granted.

10 :: for my faith.

it is everything to me.

i know, with every fiber of my being, that it is true.

and it guides and blesses my life every single day.

11 :: for an incredible neighborhood.

there is nothing better than feeling safe, secure

and happy with where you live.

12 :: for bedtime rituals.

sure, it can be a production to get kids into bed.

but once they are, there is nothing sweeter

than listening to their simple, sincere little prayers.

melts my heart.

13 :: for incredible parents and in-laws.

they lead by example and always have.

i look up to them and admire them in more ways

than they could ever know.

14 :: for outstanding teachers.

i have been so impressed with my childrens' teachers.

they love what they do and it shows.

15 :: for my siblings.

you would never know by the way i treated her when we were young,

but my sister has become my closest friend

and someone who i genuinely admire.

and my baby brother has grown into an amazing man.

he's smart, savvy and a wonderful father to his little girls.

...

up next :: part two.

what are you thankful for today?
...

friday, i'm in love.

2011-11-11T13:44:00.001-07:00

11|11|11

...

veterans day.

...

a day that i am feeling especially grateful.

sometimes i pinch myself when i really stop and reflect on all that i am blessed with.

i live in america,

the greatest nation on earth.

men and women have fought and are still fighting for my freedom.

and today, i thank them.

i honor them.

i love my country and i am not ashamed to admit

that every time i hear our national anthem

and see the stars and stripes billowing in the breeze,

i get a little emotional.

i am proud to be an american.

and i wouldn't have this life that i love so very much

without those who have sacrificed and even given their lives defending my freedom.

...

and so today,

i simply say...

thank you.

...

a moment in time.

2011-11-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

family {2011} from Jill Mortensen on Vimeo.

my favorites from our annual family photo session with kellie.

there are no words to express how much i cherish these images that will forever remind me

of this happy, yet hectic, phase of my life.

such a gift to have this beautiful record of my young family.

thank you, kellie, for sharing your talents with us.

...

music | mindy gledhill | see the good.

where am i and what year is it?

2011-11-01T16:24:00.000-06:00

how long have i been out?

why am i surrounded by fun-size snickers bar wrappers?

last thing i remember was helping the kids sort through their loot...

and the rest is hazy.

a sugar coma.

it's the only logical explanation.

ah, halloween...

must you remind me, yet again, that my ability to resist those

seemingly innocent, fun-size morsels is, on a scale of 1 to 10...

a zero?

as if the nineteen pounds of candy corn i consumed wasn't enough.

gee, thanks.

...

well, here is what i do remember...

there were three adorable kids.

one was a wolf.

a really cute, handmade, felt, etsy wolf.

another was a fireman.

an ironic fireman.

one who's pants were a mile too short

{thus the boots}

and who tried not once, but twice, to start a fire while trick-or-treating.

a fireman who needed reminding that his job was

to extinguish fires, not cause them.

shoving a dry, brittle twig into a space heater would not make your fire captain proud.

not even for a second.

and then there was this irresistible little chunky monkey.

with a face you couldn't help but kiss.

with thighs you couldn't help but squish.

oh, and there was a husband.

a husband who, i seem to recall, got an immense amount of pleasure

from scaring the crud out of the neighbor kids.

so, yes.

it seems as though i did indeed have a lovely, albeit sugar-coated holiday.

how was yours?

...

just in time for halloween: a scary story.

2011-10-26T12:33:00.000-06:00

i am willing to bet you've never heard a story quite like this before.

i don't know about you, but nothing scares me more than flies, wolves and cars on fire.

...

tiny training.

2011-10-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

already training for her first marathon.

yep, she's daddy's girl.

...

tiny tricks.

2011-10-19T18:01:00.003-06:00

first words?

either way, such a cute little show-off.

...

where the wild things are.

2011-10-19T15:19:00.002-06:00

oh, hello.

it's been a while.

and i've missed you!

things have been a teeny bit wild around here.

to recap:

first, there was this.

{husband was amazing. finished the entire 206 miles in less than 11 hours...rockstar!}

...

then this happened :(

(we'll sure miss you, grandpa dave.}

...

and then this.

{once again, super husband led the charge and organized this unforgettable journey

to commemorate 150 years since our pioneer ancestors founded this great community.

it was amazing. and so is he.}

...

tiny got a tooth and turned seven months old.

{i know, whaaa?}

photo by: kellie @ elements photography.

...

and now, just like that, it's nearly halloween...

whew!

so far, we have a chubby baby monkey, a she-wolf and a fireman.

too fun.

i sure love my little wild things.

...

oh, and how could i forget?

i got a tiny new niece!

love her.

meet jolie olivia kehl...

she is positively scrumptious.

good job, sis.

...

you say it's your birthday?

2011-09-11T16:20:00.000-06:00

each year, the end of august brings back-to-back birthday celebrations at our home.

this little dude turned four.

me?

well, let's just say i am now as close to 50 as i am to 20.

let that marinate for a while...

i'm the happiest i've ever been and am more grateful than ever

for the blessing of incredible family and friends.

see those laugh lines?

i am so earning them.

...

a first grader, a five month old and a boy with a plan.

2011-08-15T11:06:00.000-06:00

in life, there really should be a pause button.

these happy little milestones seem to come and go far too quickly.

this morning started early.

thanks to a highly irritating cricket on steroids right outside my bedroom window,

my day began at 5:52 am.

which is fine, my alarm was set for 6 am anyway.

i hopped out of bed, laced up my running shoes and headed out for a nice six-miler.

i was expecting the house to still be quiet when i got home,

but i failed to factor in the back-to-school-excitement of my soon to be first grader.

she was awake and eating breakfast when i walked in.

she had that look on her face.

that look that i recognize so well.

she wears it often and i can always tell exactly what she's thinking.

that sweet little closed-mouth smile, those bright eyes wide with excitement

and those happy cheeks beaming with pride.

she can hardly wait to get this day started.

i fixed myself some breakfast and sat out on the back patio.

before i knew it, she came out to join me.

she was dressed, had combed her hair, brushed her teeth, made her bed and

was wearing her backpack.

it was 7:15.

school starts at 8:30.

i love it.

we took some photos in the backyard and tried to kill some time with small talk.

but by 8 am, she could take it no longer.

it was time.

i was happy we arrived as early as we did so we could walk around and find her

new classroom, talk with her teacher and find her desk.

i kissed her goodbye and wished her well on her happy new journey.

and so begins a new chapter...

bring it.

so far, life with these little ones has been all good.

i can't wait to see what the future holds.

...

and speaking of milestones, tiny is five months old today.

looking at her, it's impossible not to smile.

i dare you to try.

see, i told you so!

she is the happiest little soul.

and she lights up my world.

...

there's no way i can end this post without mention of my little love boy.

he is no dummy, that one.

the minute i walked in the door from dropping syd off at school,

he came running up to me with that charming, devilish smile of his

and said, "mom, let's play with stuff in syd's room!"

as if he'd been planning it for months.

well, you know what they say...

when the cat's away.

...

bruised.

2011-07-24T00:17:00.001-06:00

allow me to set the stage...

costco.

me + all three kids.

two shopping carts.

one contains tiny and that's about it.

the other is packed with all the goodness costco has to offer;

a super-compact package of approximately 96 rolls of toilet paper,

a new garbage can {because someone broke the lid to the old one},

an ever so dainty fourteen-pound block of cheese and

a case or two of diapers for good measure.

i thought we had everything we came for and was fairly pleased with how things had gone.

until sydney remembered the one thing she had to have.

a watermelon.

okay.

she's been quite helpful, pushing the first shopping cart around as best she can

despite not really being able to see over the handle.

she caught me in a good mood and i agreed to grant her request.

so, we turn our brigade around and head back toward the produce section.

i promptly spot a middle aged man inspecting the cavernous den where the watermelons were residing,

and then watched him walk away.

i really should have taken a cue from that man,

but i didn't.

i make the decision to step up onto the elevated crate upon which

the hot tub-sized den of watermelons was resting and peek inside.

it's at least four feet deep and there are only five watermelons left.

also, i should add that these are not your run of the mill, normal-sized watermelons.

them's costco watermelons.

i lean over into the den to make an attempt at hoisting one out.

i can almost reach one with the very tippy tops of my fingers...

if i just lean in a teeeny bit more...

that's it...

come to mama...

gotcha!

i barely manage to roll one of the giant beasts to the edge of the den without teetering over the edge.

but now i have another problem...

how on earth am i going to summon the super-human strength to lift this bad boy out?

once more, i nearly throw my self over the edge in order to get low enough

to get a good grip on it with both hands.

one foot comes off the crate i'm standing on, and the second one is starting to slip.

okay, hold it.

this is not working.

time to regroup and really focus on the task at hand.

deep breath.

and exhale......

there.

second attempt.

you're mine, sucka.

i've got it good this time, i'm making progress...

i have it up and over the edge.

holy crap, this thing is heavy.

must get it into the cart quickly before i lose my grip.

i got this.

i don't hit the gym for power pump at 6am for nothin'...

i go to step back down off the crate and that's when it happens.

mitchell, who is known to sneak up behind us,

is right in back of me.

the momentum of me stepping down with a mammoth watermelon in tow

is just too much to contend with.

it seemed as if every thing slowed down, marix-style.

i feel the weight of my body against his and it sends him flying to the ground.

and now my feet have nowhere to land...

i tried to brace myself,

but i'm holding a freaking watermelon.

so there i went.

off the edge of the crate,

flat on my butt.

the force of the impact was so intense it actually knocked a little bit of snot out of my nose.

but that was the least of my worries.

when i smacked the concrete, the watermelon launched out of my hands and

landed on the ground with a loud smack.

i turn just in time to watch it break in two.

sticky watermelon juice splatters the gathering crowd of onlookers.

i'm in shock.

did that really just happen?

and then i hear mitchell start to wail,

and a woman asks me if i'm alright.

no! {i'm thinking}

i am mortified!

and slightly injured.

i scramble to my feet and pick up mitchell,

assuring the woman we're all fine.

i'm trying to asses the damage but at the same time,

wanting the floor to just open up and swallow me.

how embarrassing.

are you serious?

i just launched, backwards, off a costco produce crate with a fifty pound watermelon in my arms.

and now it and my three year old child are lying broken on the ground.

certainly didn't see that coming when i made the fateful decision to run some errands that day.

i try to play it cool and shake it off.

i seriously can't get out of there fast enough.

how many people saw it happen?

did i know any of them?

are there security cameras?

if so, do they have a privacy policy in place that will prevent that footage

from ending up on youtube?

my face is hot.

i pick up the two pieces of my sad little watermelon and put them both onto the bottom of my cart

and make my way up to the check stands, leaving a sticky trail of juice the entire way.

the checker keeps insisting he go and get another melon for me.

i refuse.

i don't want to wait and face more humiliation and strange looks from the people who are staring at the two, dripping watermelon halves on the bottom rack of my cart.

just charge me for the stupid thing so i can end this nightmare already.

and there you have it.

my "new" most embarrassing moment.

...

what's yours?

...

blackmail material.

2011-07-14T18:09:00.000-06:00

they will likely be mortified by this image in their teenage years.

perhaps it could be used as an incentive to keep curfew?

just planning ahead.

...

forever.

2011-07-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

taught this lesson in RS yesterday.

what a beautiful reminder that the thing that brings me the greatest joy in this life,

will be mine in the next.

...

p.s. guess who learned to roll over today?

and got high-centered on her big fat baby belly.

i forgot how much fun babies are...

really.

so much fun.

land that i love.

2011-07-07T23:35:00.001-06:00

{sydney and her best pal, carter. thank you kel for capturing this priceless moment}

hi.

nope, i haven't melted into the pavement or anything like that.

just doing my best to enjoy every good thing summer has to offer.

and yes, we have consumed more than our share of sno-cones, thankyouverymuch.

is there a prize for ingesting the most artificial food coloring in a single week?

because, if so, mitchell and his chronically blue-stained tongue

would most certainly take home the trophy for first place.

over the long holiday weekend, we successfully carried out our inaugural road trip as a family of five!

that baby is an angel, i tell you.

not sure how i got so lucky.

but she's about as sweet as they come.

and the other two...

the verdict's still out.

i kid.

they're pretty good too.

they just need a piece of masking tape to divide their territory in the backseat.

at least i'm pretty sure that would alleviate some of the arguments over property lines.

and the whole,"i'm-not-touching-you-nonsense" wasn't cute when my brother did it back then,

and it's not cute now.

i'm talking to you, mitchell.

shut. it. down.

so, our fourth of july was eventful.

it began at 6:15am, thanks to my tiny alarm clock :)

and started off pretty well.

we were all ready somewhat on time, clothes ironed and everything.

but, i must have gotten a little cocky, because from there on out...

things progressively deteriorated.

on our way up to the breakfast/parade, the bottle of warmish water i had in the diaper bag {which was on my lap} leaked. like to the point where i'm certain people thought i had wet my pants.

not ideal, but not a deal breaker.

we unloaded the motorized vehicle the kids were to ride in the parade

only to discover its top speed was .5 miles an hour.

add two disappointed kids.

we line up for breakfast and tiny conveniently decides she's hungry too.

there's just one problem, i left a critical piece of her bottle back at home, rendering it useless.

and she is ticked.

so, if you're keeping track...

wet shorts, bummed out kids and screaming baby.

and it's only 9am.

after an unsuccessful attempt to eat breakfast with a crying baby in tow,

i decide to bag it and take her back home where i can feed her and let her snooze.

meanwhile, the parade was getting underway.

fortunately, my cute sis had a functional vehicle and made room for my two stowaways.

they were thrilled.

i wasn't there, but i hear there was much waving and throwing of candy.

oh, and a very large man on a unicycle who did a face plant on the pavement.

once the parade was over, i heard there was a mini carnival with all that you would expect.

face painting, balloons, rides...

and one thing you wouldn't...

an amber alert.

amidst all the chaos, mitchell wandered off.

i had no idea.

i was home with tiny and got a phone call telling me he was gone.

everyone was searching for him.

my family was running around frantically asking strangers

if they had seen a little boy in a red shirt and plaid shorts.

it's the fourth of july, that pretty much describes every little boy within a 10 mile radius.

finally, after an unnerving 45 minutes and a lot of prayers,

he was discovered all the way back where the parade began.

safe, but a little shaken.

thank goodness.

i felt so bad my family had to go through that traumatizing experience.

and i really was so grateful he was found safe.

after that, things started to look up.

we spent the rest of the day with family and that evening,

celebrated my grandmother's 90th birthday with a surprise party.

born on the fourth of july and still going strong!

love you gram.

i hope to be half as awesome as you are at ninety!

all in all, it was a great weekend.

despite the missing child episode.

i do love this country.

i appreciate my freedom,

and i give thanks to those who have fought and still fight to defend it.

...

God bless the U.S.A.

...

slow down.

2011-06-23T17:07:00.000-06:00

i don't know what's gotten into me lately,

but not a day goes by when i don't think about how much i love my kids at these ages.

if there were any legitimate way to stop time and keep my kids small and innocent forever,

i would seriously consider doing it.

it could have to do with the ramped up levels of ickiness in the world,

evidenced by my recent trip to vegas.

there are so many sad little souls wandering the planet.

it breaks my heart.

seeing how lost so many people are in the world makes me

stop and think how lucky i am to have my faith and my family.

both of which bring me immense fulfillment and joy.

this video

inspires me to focus my attention and energy

on the things that matter most.

...

a tiny bit sweet.

2011-06-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

happy three months tomorrow my sweet tiny.

now, no more growing.

seriously, that's enough.

just stop it right here.

okay?

...

a tiny announcement.

2011-06-07T15:27:00.000-06:00

better late than never i always say.

...

a good day.

2011-06-01T17:22:00.000-06:00

it's 4:47pm.

all the laundry baskets in and around the premises are currently empty

{a small victory which i shall savor for precisely ten more minutes

until the dirty children come in from playing in the hose all day long, inexplicably covered

in ketchup and peanut butter....and the laundry baskets are once again filled}.

the house is relatively clean.

{just don't look too close}.

i'm listening to the audio book bossypants

{and trying not to pee mine}

as i listen to tina fey read some of the funniest junk ever written.

i've got a tiny, freshly-bathed nugget resting comfortably in my lap as i type this post.

{one of the highlights of my day, i might add}.

i actually know what we're having for dinner

{bonus: it's healthy and delicious}.

so, i'm going to go ahead and call this a good day.

...

does your face light up?

2011-05-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

this is all i can think about.

for some reason, it really struck a nerve with me.

When your child walks in the room, does your face light up?

"When my children used to walk in the room, when they were little, I looked at them to see if they had buckled their trousers or if their hair was combed or if their socks were up. You think your affection and your deep love is on display because you're caring for them. It's not. When they see you, they see the critical face. But if you let your face speak what's in your heart...because when they walked in the room, I was glad to see them. It's just as small as that, you see." - Toni Morrison

i know i joke all the time about how insanely difficult it is to be in the trenches raising young children.

but believe me when i tell you, i wouldn't have it any other way.

the lesson i took away from hearing this is:
to allow my face to light up more often.

don't worry so much about the dirty face that needs to be wiped,
the shoes that are on the wrong feet.
instead, allow my face to speak what's in my heart.

try harder to not be dismissive when they come running in the room
to show me one of their drawings.
rather, allow my face to light up.
what could i possibly be doing that is so important not to
take a moment and acknowledge their accomplishment.

i want them to know that they bring me joy.
nothing makes me happier than having them around.
and if letting my face light up when they walk in the room is what it takes...
that's what i'll do.
...

summertime.

2011-05-18T14:30:00.000-06:00

three days of school.

that's all.

after that, it's summertime.

many moons ago, the thought of summertime made me happy.

back when my biggest decisions consisted of:

which size zero bikini to wear to the pool,

sunscreen or baby oil

{a note to my younger self, sunblock would have been the wiser choice},

whether to buy cool ranch doritos or crumb donuts to go with my 32 ounce dr. pepper,

bob marley or salt-n-pepa.

decisions, decisions.

what's a single, childless gal with disposable income to do?

yeah, i feel real bad for her right about now.

if she only knew what her future would hold.

press skip a few times on the DVD of my life and here we are.

living in a place that's nine thousand degrees during the summer months

with three tiny humans who are going to expect greatness in the entertainment department

and who, if let down, will act out with great vengeance against me and against each other.

how am i going to survive?

full body armor, a cocktail and nanny mcphee are a couple of options i've considered.

any other suggestions?

...

photo via.

tiny's big day.

2011-05-11T11:52:00.000-06:00

5 | 1 | 11

a positively beautiful spring morning...

a perfect day for a blessing.
...

ironfam.

2011-05-10T15:38:00.000-06:00

he {or should i say "we"} did it!

...

congratulations on accomplishing one of your life dreams.

you have shown me that with hard work and determination,

anything is possible!

watching you cross the finish line is something i will never forget!

it was so exhilarating and inspiring to see you achieve your goal.

i really am so proud of you sweetheart!

now, would it kill you to sit still for a minute?

...

captured.

2011-04-25T15:36:00.002-06:00

Untitled from Jill Mortensen on Vimeo.

i'm a bad wife.

i didn't get my husband anything for his birthday.

in my defense, it was only five days after i gave birth to our third child.

i did, however, feel kinda bad about not doing anything special for him.

and then the perfect opportunity presented itself in the target parking lot, of all places.

i stopped there on my way home from tiny's one week checkup

and ran into kellie, my friend and photographer extraordinaire.

i had been contemplating having newborn photos taken,

since the plan is for this baby to be our last...

but kept wondering how i would ever get around to it.

fortunately, kellie made it so easy and she was able to capture these

treasured moments within just a couple days of our parking lot meeting.

it was just the gift i had been looking for...

and despite his present being over a month belated, daddy was not disappointed!

...

photos :: elements photography

music :: colbie caillat

8.

2011-04-24T09:08:00.000-06:00

eight years later and you still make me glow.

happy anniversary love.

...

baby steps.

2011-04-21T13:18:00.001-06:00

yesterday, i put on my big girl pants and a little lipgloss and did something

i haven't done much of in the past five weeks.

i left the house.

hey, you've gotta start somewhere, right?

these days i have to mentally prepare at least a few days in advance before such outings.

but after a moderately successful trip to walmart, i have to admit,

the buildup was much worse than the actual event.

baby steps.

every day gets a little easier.

and as tricky as life is at the moment...

all it takes is a sweet little smile from tiny to remind me that this phase is only temporary.

and that i just might miss my crazy life when i no longer have diapers to change,

bottles to wash, itty-bitty clothes to fold and a freshly bathed baby to smell.

because, before you know it...

the baby steps will become my baby's steps.

...

caffeine, concealer and eye drops.

2011-04-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

do you want to know what i've learned in the past four weeks?

everything i've ever heard about having three kids is true.

every. single. word.

it's an entirely new level of busy.

the kind of busy that keeps you occupied and frazzled all day long,

and yet at the end of the day, you don't really have anything to show for it.

until something happens that reminds you why you do it.

your baby smiles at you for the first time.
and in that moment you realize the madness of caring for three small children
is not only worthwhile, it's a gift.
...

a snapshot.

2011-03-31T15:36:00.002-06:00

i can now say i have something in common with all those wackadoo middle-east dictators.

i've been ousted from power by rebels.

tiny boob munching, mess making, laundry generating rebels.

i am outnumbered three-to-one.

well, there is that one husband person i'm married to who occasionally makes an appearance

you know to eat, shower and sleep.

ahhhh....sleep. what would that be like?

but i digress.

it's pretty much me against them.

and unlike charlie sheen, i'm not winning.

yesterday, i had to take tiny to her two week checkup and naturally the mere thought

of going anywhere with three crazy midgets in tow is enough to make my heart race.

thankfully, a couple of quick text messages and i managed to pawn off the older two.

{thank you steph and michelle}

the rest of my day is a bit fuzzy.

there was the part where tiny is down to 5 lbs. 15 oz. which, clearly, is not ideal.

and the part where i picked up thing two and he was wearing

his friends' dinosaur underwear and blue shorts.

his mother handed me an albertson's grocery bag with his pee-soaked shorts and underwear.

awesome.

hold on, it gets way better.

thing two put on his rubber rain boots {it wasn't raining} and bike helmet to compliment his already hodge-podge outfit and rode around the neighborhood on his bike, completely unattended.

then he painted on thing one's rainbow masterpiece which caused a major uproar.

then it was dinner time.

yeah right.

enter me opening the freezer and hoping there is something edible to feed my family.

still no husband, mind you.

found some frozen chicken noodle soup...jackpot!

{thank you suzanne for making us an extra large batch}

fed kids.

fed tiny {ouch}.

took a lortab.

fed myself.

put stinky kids in jetted tub with bubbles and left the room.

big mistake.

huge.

thirty minutes later i hear thing two crying and saying,

"i slipped"

i come in holding a very mad tiny, attempting to keep her binky in her mouth with one hand

and discover bubbles about two feet higher than the top of the tub and

thing two covered in bubbles lying on the floor next to the toilet.

upon closer inspection, there is poop smeared all over the toilet seat and on his behind.

apparently, he slipped off the throne while taking care of business due to the excessive bubbles and moisture.

sigh.

i could stop here if you've had enough.

because heaven knows i have.

but there was still poop, bubbles, dishes, dirty clothes, backpacks, homework, unwashed hair and a crying infant that still needed attention.

can moms have tantrums?

i wanted to throw one right then and there and just let the three midgets fend for themselves.

but, i got myself into this mess by giving life to the little knuckle-heads, so i suppose that makes me responsible to make sure they stay alive.

anywho...

somehow, everyone made it to bed in one piece.

and i got a super restful three hours of sleep...

so, that pretty much covers it.

a snapshot of my life at the moment.

and the craziest part is, i wouldn't change a thing.

i love those three midgets...

poop, rain boots, bubbles and all.

but, if you think for one second i wouldn't hire a nanny and a personal chef if given the opportunity...

you got another thing coming!

ten little things.

2011-03-28T14:53:00.000-06:00

ten tiny, soft, squishable, kissable baby toes.

love.

...

pleased to meet you.

2011-03-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

miss ava came home to a warm welcome from her big brother and sister.

i just adore this photo of them holding her for the first time!

they have been so sweet with her and so far, not an ounce of jealousy from either of them.

nothing but love for the newbie.

nothing but love.

...

we had a baby....

2011-03-18T14:40:00.000-06:00

girl!

recognition.

2011-03-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

as a mother, when you send your first child off to school you dream of the things they'll accomplish.

there's so much to learn and they are like little sponges, ready to soak it all up.

but as a mother, there is nothing that makes me happier

than knowing she is being kind along the way.

good job kiddo!

...

nope.

2011-03-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

no baby yet.

i'm just shy of 39 weeks now and although i do realize a pregnancy lasts 40 weeks,

i was somehow hopeful it would be sooner.

clearly, i was wrong.

and don't i just look thrilled?

...

i'm wondering...can pitocin be purchased online?

...

five little things.

2011-03-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

finding this sweet little note stuck to my fridge.

getting a decent night's sleep for the first time in a long time

{and likely the last time in a long time}

and waking up to the sound of rain.

finding this photo on my phone yesterday.

{courtesy of syd}

getting my hair done.

{because, call me vain, but i remember how awesome i feel about my body right after having a baby

and figured i deserved to not have dark roots too}

knowing i'll be holding a sweet little baby in my arms soon.

...

what little things made you happy last week?

...

question of the day.

2011-03-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

sydney: mom, do you think that maybe you won't be so grumpy once the baby comes out?

ouch.

called out by a six year old.

...

p.s. today was "tangled" day at school.

the kids got to "tangle" something in their hair to celebrate the movie theme.

she opted for a messy bun and five pencils.

looks good on you little love.

...

five little things {with a twist}.

2011-03-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

typically, my five little things are just a simple account

of the small, happy moments during my week that made me smile.

last sunday, during relief society, our incredibly inspired president challenged us

to a daily goal of five random acts of kindness.

there wasn't a single woman in that room

who doesn't have her fair share of tasks to accomplish on any given day,

and so for a brief moment, you could actually hear them thinking...

oh great, one more thing....no wait, five more things!

but, relief and excitement came when she explained there would be no need

for baking dozens of cookies or writing piles of handwritten notes.

{just five simple acts of kindness}

...

a smile.

a sincere compliment.

a hug.

an encouraging word.

introduce yourself to someone new.

sit by a sister who is alone.

hold the door.

notice a new haircut.

ask, "how are you?" and actually listen to the answer.

a quick text message.

a kind email for no reason other than to say, "i'm thinking of you."

...

i really do believe that through the smallest, most simple things...

come the greatest rewards.

charity never faileth.

i'm grateful for the reminder...

and for the challenge to do more.

...

i think {pink}.

2011-02-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

i just do.

i've felt that way ever since i found out we were expecting.

and clearly you do too!

{according to our little unofficial poll over here →}

it's not that i prefer one over the other,

because i know how fun each can be, respectively.

but for whatever reason, i'm kinda feeling girl vibes.

either way, we'll find out soon.

the anticipation is killing me!

and not just because i'm miserable.

i just cannot wait for the moment the doctor announces,

"it's a......"

eeeek!

...

adorable cat rattle from blabla.

five little things.

2011-02-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

getting the nursery set up.

aren't you so proud?

a clean house.

the whole nesting thing just kicked in yesterday...i'm hoping it's a sign?

watching the dark clouds roll in...a storm's a comin'.

i've heard low pressure induces labor, true or false?

shopping for teeny things at target.

thanks to my wonderful friends and a very generous gift card...i love you guys!

going on a date with my handsome husband tonight.

i am one lucky girl.

...

what little things made you happy this week?

p.s. i think baby might need a sophie...such a sweet little classic toy.

...

for now.

2011-02-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

he is my baby.

it may seem strange to say, but i know he can sense the changes that are coming to our family.

there have been lots of extra 'snug' requests and even more tenderness than usual.

the other day, out of the blue, he said:

"mom, i weally weally wove you so much."

i'm telling you, this boy melts my heart.

people always say there's nothing like the relationship between a mother and her son.

and i totally get it now.

...

i know what you're thinking.

2011-02-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

but before you go accusing me of anything...

no, i did not break into a sporting goods store and steal a basketball.

...

anytime kiddo.

anytime you're ready, so am i.

...

five little things.

2011-02-18T03:49:00.001-07:00

buying these teeny weeny beanies at the old navy baby sale...

hmmm, i wonder which one i'll be keeping?

my incredible father in law celebrating his 90th birthday yesterday!

{he truly doesn't look or act a day over 70}

he's an amazing man and we love him so!

sydney: mom, i'm so glad you bought dad and dad bought you,

because i totally think you guys look good together.

mitchell {looking up out of the sunroof}: mom, i can't see the sky,

the clouds are in the way.

lots of family in town for the long weekend...

yee-haw!

...

what little things made you happy this week?

...

and the me bag.

2011-02-17T17:43:00.003-07:00

i've been on a bit of a purse kick as of late.

hey, can you blame me?

purses always fit.

and this one practically jumped off the shelf as i walked by.

it spoke to me.

and it said, "pssst, i'm going home with you and there's no use resisting."

who am i to argue with a cute purse?

so it came home with me.

and i love it.

much.

...

see more cute purses by fossil here.

a LOVEly day.

2011-02-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

...

i simply couldn't ask for a better love day.

the sun is shining and it's 71 degrees outside.

i have a vase full of incredibly beautiful white tulips that make me smile every time i walk by.

but, best of all, i have three special valentines in my life.

...

there's just one thing that could make this the best day ever.

going into labor.

...

sweeter with time.

2011-02-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

it's been nearly nine years since i fell hard for my very best friend.

and there's still no one who makes me laugh harder or feel more loved.

to my sweetheart on valentine's day...

i ♥ u.

xo

...

p.s. happy anniversary to my mom and dad.
thirty seven years today.

love you both!

the d. bag.

2011-02-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

good news!

i made one tiny baby step toward being prepared for this little nugget to arrive.

{nope, i didn't set up the nursery....that one is still on my "to-do" list}

but i did pick up this little gem the other night which i plan to use as a diaper bag.

it's cute, springy and most importantly...unisex.

but, i think what i love most is that it doesn't scream "diaper bag"!

no winnie-the-pooh themes here.

the fact that this bag will likely hold stuff like:

barf rags, emergency onesies in the event of a blowout,

nipple cream and breast pads is reason enough for me to at least try to be stylish.

...

oh, i nearly forgot to mention the best part...

wait for it.

not bad, eh?

...

b. my valentine.

2011-02-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

the cool cats over at b. toys are at it again....

making toys we simply can't resist.

and just in time for valentine's day, they have two totally perfect

{and guilt free} gift ideas to happily occupy the tiny hands in your home.

exhibit {a}:: Hugs :) Links

a fun, colorful jar of heart-shaped links with endless creative possibilities.

sydney played with them for hours and, as you can see,

made them into a necklace, a heart shape and a giant smiley face!

exhibit {b}:: Sugar Chute

remember how exciting it was as a kid watching a gum ball

swirl and twirl down to the waiting door below?

i do.

you can recreate that same kind of magic and anticipation with the sugar chute.

just drop, pop, repeat.

...

and there you have it...

two of the best valentine gift ideas since the invention of conversation hearts.

...

toothless.

2011-02-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

oh, the first baby tooth.

a little bittersweet for me.

...

should i be worried?

2011-02-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

less than six weeks to go over here.

ask me how prepared i am.

no really, ask me.

okay, since you asked....

the crib is in the garage, in pieces and needs to be painted.

for some reason, mitchell tried to eat it when he was teething

and it looks like it was attacked by a beaver.

to buy: sandpaper and paint.

my once cream crib sheet is now pink-ish from the time i put

mitchell to bed in some brand new {heavily pigmented} red pajamas.

to buy: one new crib sheet.

my changing pad used to have velcro straps that kept it on the table.

not anymore.

and i don't even know what to tell you about that.

they're just gone.

to buy: one new changing pad {with safety straps}

diapers.

this one seems like a no brainer, but i just can't bring myself to do it.

might have something to do that i just stopped buying size six diapers like a month ago.

to buy: itty-bitty diapers.

a nursery.

duh.

it's not like i haven't had plenty of notice.

{like eight months worth}

this kid is going to need a place to sleep.

and at the moment, i am typing this in the very room

that needs to be transformed from a den to a nursery.

i just can't seem to get motivated.

i guess i could blame it on the fact that i'm no longer sleeping at night...

but, not to worry, i'm sure that will improve once the baby gets here.

{are you sensing the sarcasm?}

the bright side?

there really isn't much a newborn needs.

just a mom to love, feed and change it.

and i don't think any of that will be a problem.

{especially the love part}.

so, wish me luck on the preparations.

that, or submit my name to HGTV for an extreme nursery makeover.

either one will do.

...

five little things.

2011-02-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

sydney: "mom, you always take good care of me when i'm sick."

mitchell: "let's just hug with our mouths."

afternoon "snugs" with mitchell. he'll say, "mom, let's snug together in my big boy bed."

an ultrasound resulting in good news: my placenta previa has moved out of the way.

{plus, getting a peek of the little nugget inside...}

the promise of warmer temps this weekend and shopping for happy little spring clothes.

...

what little things made you happy this week?

...

ripe.

2011-02-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

behold, the baby bump.

...

crafty.

2011-01-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

you know those blogs that post step-by-step tutorials on all the crafty-schmafty stuff they make?

this is not one of those blogs.

just wanted to put that out there before i proceed.

it's not often i explore my crafty side
{mostly because i'm not entirely sure that i have one}.

so, i hope you can all appreciate what a rare treat this is.

and so without further adieu...........

i am pleased to announce that today, i made a tooth pillow.

yep.

i actually held in my hand a needle and some thread.

go ahead, sit down, i can sense you're feeling faint.

mom, you especially.

you see, i was inspired my this cute little wiggly tooth,
in the cute little mouth
of my cute little girl.

i thought it needed a safe place to live until the tooth fairy comes
to take it to wherever it is the tooth fairy takes teeth ??
and in return, leaves a cash reward.
{btw...what is the going rate for a first tooth these days}?

and speaking of rewards...
the best one of all was the reaction i got when i surprised her with her special pillow.

love that gal.

she was worth every clumsy stitch.
...

survey says.

2011-01-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

i added a little poll over here...

care to play along?

...

i totally have a gut feeling about the gender of this wee one.

and i'll tell you what i think once the poll closes on 2.28.

but, in the meantime, i'm super curious what you all think.

so, go on...guess away!

...

no excuses.

2011-01-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

such fantastic advise.

i have always believed that i am in control of my own happiness.

it's a choice.

i choose to be happy.

and while i can't always control what happens to me,

i can control how i react.

...

besides, life's always a little sweeter when there's a smile on your face.

have a happy weekend!

...

image

all in a day.

2011-01-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

today

my first born baby girl has her {very} first {very} loose tooth.

{and she is all kinds of excited about it}

and...

today

my baby boy is wearing thomas the train underwear.

and...

today

he's sleeping in a big boy bed for the first time.

...

when are my babies going to stop growing up?

it is breaking my heart.

...

thankfully, i have this wiggly little bun-in-the-oven to remind me

that i get to do it all over again!

lucky me.

...

maybe, just maybe it won't go by quite so fast this time around...

or at least i can hope.

...

little things.

2011-01-19T13:55:00.001-07:00

five little things that made me smile today:

sending sydney to school with her dad this morning for the "doughnuts with dads" event.

snuggling with mitchell in bed watching "special agent oso" together.

grabbing a diet dr. pepper with pebble ice at my local convenience store.

finishing the last of my thank you notes from Christmas.

watching husband out my front window {as i type this} working in the yard...

he loves working in the yard. and i like that he likes it!

there.

my five little things.

what little things made you happy today?

...

image

a breath of fresh air.

2011-01-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

snow canyon from Jill Mortensen on Vimeo.

music by daphne willis

the weather in our neck of the woods has been nothing short of glorious this week.

as in nearly 70 degrees {in january}??

let's just say this is my kind of winter weather.

so, we're taking full advantage of the warm temps and sunshine and getting outdoors.

what could be better?

i'll tell you what.

getting to spend time together

{all four and a half of us}!

husband is taking some well deserved time away from work and we've decided

we really like having him around.

know what else i love?

the fact that this breathtaking state park is less than seven miles from my house.

have i mentioned that i love where i live?

yes, i know i have...

but i just want to make sure you know how happy this place makes me!

and how happy these three people make me too.

...

feet? what feet?

2011-01-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

can you believe i'm officially in the homestretch?

{"stretch" being the key word here}

just a little over two months to go until i become a mother of three.

wow.

sometimes i panic when i say it out loud.

mother of three.

i can do this.

right?

please, tell me i can do this!

don't get me wrong, i'm beyond grateful and crazy excited to welcome

this teeny new person into our family, as is the rest of our family.

i'm just hoping i'll be able to manage, that's all.

it's a lot of responsibility.

i really want my children to be good kids and even better adults.

happy, smart, well-adjusted, self-confident, generous, spiritual, kind and gracious.

i realize i've set the bar pretty high.

but, i honestly believe these little spirits are some of the best and the brightest ever.

and i just want to do my part to steer them in the right direction.

okay, i'm feeling better already.

maybe this was just the little pep-talk i needed.

moving on.

my next problem....

shaving.

what is the expectation for shaving in regions that are no longer visible?

...

2010: a year well spent.

2011-01-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

2010: a year well spent from Jill Mortensen on Vimeo.

each year, in leu of gifts, i make a photo book for my parents and in-laws {and one for us too}.

i think it's such a great way to record and preserve memories made throughout the year.

here's a peek at our 2010 book...

music by donovan frankenreiter {a favorite of mine}

hope the new year is treating you well.

we woke up to snow this morning...

what a fun surprise!

...

unscheduled, unplugged and loving it.

2010-12-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

this is the first time i've been on my computer in nearly two weeks.

and, to be honest, i have not missed it.

we've enjoyed every last minute of the Christmas break.

staying up late.

sleeping in.

eating all kinds of naughty stuff and not feeling too bad about it.

staying in our jammies until noon.

no particular place to be.

cozy evenings by the fireplace.

hot chocolate.

movies.

games.

playing with new toys.

reading lots of books with the kids.

and reading on my own {the help, have you read it yet?}

good quality family time.

reflecting on our abundance of blessings.

celebrating the birth of our Savior.

relishing the quiet moments with my little family.

thinking there is nothing better than Christmas morning with young ones.

feeling like i have it pretty good.

and feeling grateful for it all.

...

may the new year bring you happiness and joy.....

and even more to be grateful for!

...

to you and yours...

2010-12-20T15:15:00.004-07:00

wishing you all the best this Christmas season!

...

six.

2010-12-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

happy birthday little love.

i can't help but smile when i look at this photo.

your happy little face just glows as if it was lit from within.

i am so proud of the lovely, considerate, kind young lady you are becoming.

i marvel at the sweet things you say and how you always treat others with love and respect.

everyone wants to be your friend.

and it's easy for me to see why.

you are smart, so very smart.

and incredibly intuitive.

i love listening to your prayers at night.

and how you continually pray for the people in chile and in haiti.

you are keenly aware of others needs.

and you always do your best to comfort others when they need a little extra love.

there's something extra special about your little spirit.

and i'm so glad you were sent to your dad and me.

what a blessing and privilege it is to be your mother.

i can't wait to see what greatness the next six years will hold for you.

i love you sweet girl!

mom

if i may...

2010-12-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

take a moment to brag about my thoughtful husband...

you'd be hard-pressed to find a busier guy.

really.

organizing an airport grand opening.

our city sesquicentennial celebration.

twilight to midnight - {new year's celebration put on by the city}.

his everyday duties at the city on top of all the major event planning.

training for the ironman in may 2011.

serving in our church as the young men's president.

husband.

father of two small children...{soon to be three}.

i've never met anyone with so many irons in the fire at once.

and yet oddly, he loves his fast-paced life.

never complains.

always follows through.

gives one hundred and ten percent every. single. time.

he amazes me.

...

but the icing for me was last night.

as i mentioned in my previous post,

we've been focusing on little acts of kindness to celebrate the season.

the kids are loving it so much {and hopefully learning how good it feels to serve others}.

we have some new, elderly neighbors next door to us who are just the sweetest people.

marc noticed they didn't have any Christmas lights on their house

and one day, casually asked if they planned to hang any.

they told him they would like to, but at their age, it probably wouldn't happen.

and that's all it took...

we spent our family night together making someone else's Christmas a little brighter.

marc and another awesome neighbor of ours spent hours

meticulously hanging white lights along their roof line.

the kids "helped" and i baked brownies.

once completed, he stood back to admire his work and came inside to warm up.

he kept pacing around the kitchen

and going in and out of the house.

and finally, i asked..."what are you doing?"

he replied, "i just think it would really look great if i did the back too!"

i was not one bit surprised.

another hour later...

the neighbors arrived home to a fully illuminated home and were so happy!

but not nearly as happy as our hearts were!

a small, simple act that made me love that man even more than i already did!

...

brilliant.

2010-11-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

the holiday season is officially upon us and i'm actually looking forward to it.

every year i tell myself i'm going to simplify.

and this year, i really am.

this one piece of advise changed everything for me.

we sat down with our kids and told them they could ask santa

for something to play with, something to read and something to wear.

to my surprise, they happily obliged.

they have each thought long and hard about the one "toy" they'd really like to ask for

and as part of our family night, we wrote letters to santa.

we also read this story from the friend magazine.
i plan to give each child their own small manger to pad with straw
which they can earn by completing simple acts of kindness or service.

i hope my children will learn from an early age that Christmas isn't about getting.

true joy comes from selflessness and service.

Every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him,
is inspired of God {Moroni 7:13}.

enjoy this magical time of year with those you love most!
...

life-changing.

2010-11-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

i can't think of a better way to describe our time in ibigawa, japan.

truly, the trip of a lifetime.

certainly one we will never forget.

{more to come as soon as i figure out where i am and what time zone i'm in}!

i wish.

2010-11-04T12:28:00.000-06:00

they could stay little forever.

and want to take "pinks" and "murphy" out for a walk together...

while looking positively adorable wearing some of mom's old sunglasses.

oh, please let this last a little longer...

...

one week from today...

2010-11-03T23:51:00.001-06:00

i'll be halfway around the world.

seeing places like this.

eating food like this {can't wait}.

and staying with this adorable host family for nearly a week.

...

all because i'm married to a guy who's lucky enough to get to do this for work.

i seriously can't wait!

...

spooky.

2010-10-31T14:08:00.000-06:00

is it wrong?

2010-10-26T21:43:00.000-06:00

that i nearly burst with excitement when stumbling upon this

IN-sanely awesome "blockbuster palette" from STILA at my local COSTCO?

i kinda feel like i've died and gone to makeup heaven...
which really is where i ultimately want to end up,
you know, as long as my family is there with me, and stuff.

and did i mention it only set me back $19.99?
{which helps offset the fact that i totally didn't need it}.
...

a hodgepodge collage.

2010-10-21T14:38:00.000-06:00

01:: playing cowgirls and pirates.

02:: halloween pancakes: cat.

03:: finally cool enough to wear her adorable red trench coat {how i love dressing a girl}!

04:: more halloween pancakes: jack-o-lantern.

05:: eating crackers on the back lawn and playing i spy.

06:: grandma diane came to visit and brought the kiddos each a pumpkin and

some garden produce to decorate with. they had so much fun being creative!

07:: my favorite little man making me some play-dough soup. yum!

...

stuff i'm loving

cooler temps and rain...hooray!

the smell of farmers burning their fields.

making corn chowder + homemade rosemary bread...mmmmm!

wearing boots and leggings.

baking gingersnaps.

listening to sydney read her books to me.

mitchell saying, "i hold your hand mom?"

lazy sunday afternoons spent wearing sweatpants.

listening to my kids play "school" together.

...

stuff i'm not loving so much

reaching new levels of stupidity.

now sprinkled with a dash of clumsy {i dropped an entire unopened carton of cottage cheese

which exploded all over my entire kitchen}.

going visiting teaching and totally going to the wrong house.

constantly having to email sydney's K teacher to ask questions i really should know the answer to.

royally screwing up our checking account. {don't ask...}

that's all.

at least that's all i can remember from the last week or so...

though, i'm sure there will be more to come in the saga of the pregnant lady

who lost her mind.

good times.

but seriously...brain cramps aside,

life is good.

i am feeling great and feeling extremely blessed these days.

i have happy children, a fabulous husband

and being a wife and mother to them brings me great joy and satisfaction.

...

okay, enough about me.

now i wanna know what makes you happy.

i am happiest when _________________________.

{your turn}.

...

uh-maze-ing!

2010-10-17T16:52:00.000-06:00

i have to be honest,

i wasn't too familiar with mindy gledhill prior to saturday night.

and now that i am,

i'm completely blown away at her raw talent and sincerity,

not only as a singer/songwriter/performer, but as a person.

she was here in st. george last weekend and performed at the jazzy java cafe.

i walked in to purchase tickets and didn't notice the cute blond

under the table fussing with some lighting...

until i heard a voice behind me say, "yay, are you coming to the show tonight?"

it was mindy.

setting up for the show that night.

she introduced herself and we chatted for few minutes.

she was darling.

i told her i was anxious to attend her show that evening and wished her luck.

i did not realize i was in for such a treat!

she is incredible.

her voice is so unique and her sound is so cool.

she writes her own music and it really seems to come from the heart.

i purchased her album, anchor, from itunes on the spot.

and have not been disappointed.

trust me, you won't be either.

...

mark my words....this girl is going places!

...

totally worth it.

2010-10-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

got my family photos back over the weekend.

and they make me so happy.

...

scary white zebras and owl mating season.

2010-10-08T15:16:00.000-06:00

i can sense the universe preparing me for the many sleepless nights

that are inevitable with pregnancy and a newborn.

however, one could have never predicted the odd series of events that would disrupt my sleep.

two nights ago, sis came into my room around 2:30 am to tell me about the nightmare she had.

the poor thing, she was sweating and trembling as she recounted her dream.

there were stars and clouds and somewhere in the mix...a scary white zebra.

what's so scary about a white zebra you ask?

this particular white zebra was coming toward her and chomping its mouth

like it was going to devour her whole.

pretty scary for a five-year-old.

oh, but wait, it gets weirder.

last night, marc and i were sleeping peacefully when we were awakened by the sound

of what we thought were two doves mating in our backyard.

not that i know what that should sound like, but that's what we both thought it was.

marc got out of bed and opened our door from the bedroom to the backyard,

expecting to scare away the two love birds.

instead, he saw a full grown owl perched atop a power pole just down the street.

{and just so you don't think we're totally mad, owls and doves do sound alike}.

okay, disclaimers aside, this owl was totally looking for a girlfriend.

and he was pulling out all the stops.

dancing, hopping up and down,

ruffling his tail-feathers and stringing together an impressive series of hoots.

i'm just sayin', if i were a girl owl, i would have been impressed.

so, there you have it.

probably the strangest post i've ever written.

but, hey...you can't make this stuff up.

i'm just wondering what the universe has in store for me tonight.

stay tuned.

...

a teaser.

2010-10-06T13:58:00.002-06:00

family photos stress me out.

choosing outfits.

a toddler, who on that day only, was refusing to nap.

getting everyone {including myself} camera ready.

getting there on time and intact.

and keeping two curious kids happy and cooperative.

geez!

it's no wonder we only do this once a year!

which is why i am beyond thrilled when the results make it all worthwhile!

kellie is a miracle worker.

i don't know how she does it, but year after year...she never ceases to amaze me with her incredible

talent and ability to work so well with my kids.

she's the best.

thanks kel!

i can't wait to see more.

...

school picture perfection.

2010-10-04T22:44:00.000-06:00

okay, okay...i know i am her mother and all.

but wouldya look at that face?

...

buh-bye brain cells.

2010-10-03T20:44:00.000-06:00

i'm getting so dumb, it's scary.

i'm honestly too embarrassed to tell you all the knot head things i did this week.

but, let's just say, things are going downhill in the brain power department.

after one particular incident, i was complaining to husband how troublesome it is to me

that i keep getting dumber with each pregnancy.

and even he said, "i didn't want to say anything, but i've totally noticed."

awesome.

the one positive i have going for me?

i've known said husband since 1997, so he knows how smart i used to be.

and again, on the bright-side, at least i wasn't a dummy before i started having babies...

otherwise, we'd all be in big trouble!

so, if you run into me at the grocery store...start by reintroducing yourself.

tell me how i know you and if we are friends.

be sure to speak slowly and clearly.

and if you have to ask, "hey, do you remember me?"

{like someone did this weekend at syd's soccer game}

i'll do my best to pretend like i do.

but honestly? i have no idea.

please don't take it personally.

for pete's sake, i don't remember what i ate for breakfast.

where i parked my car.

or why i'm looking in the fridge again.

so, consider yourself warned...i'm a mess.

...

outsmarted.

2010-09-30T14:09:00.002-06:00

since the weather here is still not cooperating with my desire to cook {and eat}

homemade chicken noodle soup with crusty-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside white bread...

i decided to get a little creative.

i cranked up the a/c and went to town making a giant pot of the stuff.

and let me tell you...it was delicious!

...

in case you care to try the very best homemade creamy chicken noodle soup known to man...

here's the recipe {from the kitchen of one fabulous cook...who just so happens to be my mom}:

{you're welcome}

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

8 cups of water

3 skinless boneless chicken breasts

2 cups chopped carrots

2 cups chopped celery

1/2 onion finely chopped

2 T fresh or dried parsley

2 cans cream of chicken soup

½ cup milk

½ pkg. egg noodles (“Country Pasta” brand in red and white checkered bag are the best)

salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

2 T. soy sauce

dash of granulated garlic

Make chicken broth by gently boiling chicken in 8 cups of water. Skim off foam; set chicken aside. Add chicken flavoring to broth; adjust for taste. For best tasting broth, use “Better then Bullion” chicken flavoring. Add veggies and simmer until tender. Add canned soup and milk. Add uncooked noodles and cook until soft. Add salt if needed, pepper, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Shred chicken with two forks and add to soup; heat through and serve. Delicious served with hot French bread or crusty rolls.

...

did i mention i'm SO looking forward to this weekend?

my sis and her boys are coming to visit!

YAY!

we plan to hang out, goof off, eat way too much and...

watch this.

...

hope your weekend is filled with lots of things you love too!

...

any day now.

2010-09-24T16:24:00.001-06:00

i can feel it.

fall weather is just around the corner.

it is, right?

it has to cool off, the calender says it's nearly october.

despite the near triple digit temps we are still experiencing here...

at least the mornings are getting cooler.

i take full advantage and whip open every window + door in the house

to let in the fresh morning air.

i'm itching to pick out pumpkins, cook chili + cornbread and

start wearing cute boots again!

oooh, and i almost forgot...it's also candy corn + caramel season.

hip-hip-hooray!
...

so, what about you?

what's your favorite thing about fall?

...

crisis averted.

2010-09-23T16:51:00.000-06:00

my routine monthly check-up today left me feeling a little like this poor woman.

my doctor was searching for the baby's heartbeat and as soon as we both detected sound,

he said, "there they are, both heartbeats sound great!"

i beg your pardon?

both heartbeats?

at that point, i'm pretty sure i peed my pants a little

and then felt myself slipping into full panic mode.

i let out an audible gasp, and asked...

"what do you mean BOTH heartbeats??"

to which he casually replied,

"oh, i meant yours and the baby's...sorry, i should have clarified."

yes, a little clarification would have been nice.

and let's not make that mistake again, mmkay?

unless you want to hear my heart skip a beat {or ten}.

...

have you?

2010-09-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

read these yet?

i couldn't put them down.

i read all three in less than two weeks.

when i finally came up for air...

husband was happy to have my undivided attention again ;)

...

what did you think?

...

my decision and something funny.

2010-09-20T14:56:00.000-06:00

i think i'm finally convinced that waiting will be worth it.

i'm still really curious though.

curious enough to look at the chinese birth chart.

the results?

...based on your age, you have a 50% chance of having a boy.

well duh.

...

three.

2010-09-20T13:44:00.000-06:00

sheesh, august came and went with no mention of this little buckaroo's birthday.

he's three now.

really?

three years old.

going to school.

picking on his big sister.

eating his own boogers.

and refusing to potty train.

all boy, this one.

all boy.

but about as sweet as they come.

love you stinky mcgee.

...

question of the day.

2010-09-14T16:35:00.000-06:00

over dinner, marc and i were discussing a recent design job that i had just completed,
when syd chimes in with the following question:

hey mom, you're nothing right?

i mean you're just a mom.

after catching our breath from laughing so hard we politely told her that

being a mom is, in reality, a job.

and a difficult one at that.
...

go big or go home.

2010-09-07T15:20:00.001-06:00

today was the day.

the day i sent my baby off to preschool.

i've been so excited for him to start this new little adventure

and the best part was how excited he was too.

so, this morning we started off with a nice hearty breakfast,

some cartoons

and a little pep talk.

got dressed in a spiffy new purple shirt,

fixed his hair

and put on his new super-cool motorcycle backpack.

then we took the traditional "first day of school" photos

by the front door,

hopped in the car

and headed to school.

everything was perfect.

no crying.

no separation anxiety.

no problem.

so i kissed him one last time and said goodbye.

not knowing that i would be seeing him much sooner than i had anticipated.

11:03 am, one hour into his two-hour day, the phone rings.

and it's his teacher.

she starts out by apologizing for the call, but that mitchell says he's "poopy"

and that i would need to come up and "take care of it."

i couldn't help but laugh.

why wouldn't my kid poop on his first day of preschool?

i'll tell you why,

because everything that kid does is larger than life,

go big or go home...

just like his father

{not that marc poops his pants or anything}

i'm just sayin'.

...

so pretty much, we'll never forget his first day of preschool.

which is kinda awesome when you think about it.

...

to peek or not to peek?

2010-09-03T16:41:00.001-06:00

so, the other day my husband really surprised me by saying

he doesn't want to find out the sex of the baby until his or her birthday.

that's so not like him.

i would not describe either one of us as patient people.

we went out of our way to find out sydney was a girl at 16 weeks

and that mitchell was a boy at only 14 weeks.

we could not wait to know.

we're planners, organizers...type A's.

can i really wait until i give birth to find out what we're having?

the more i think about it,

it would make the delivery even more exciting.

AND we have already have one of each

AND i'm really not hoping for one or the other

AND i have plenty of stuff for whoever it is...

BUT

i'm still not sure.

care to weigh in?

have you waited until d-day?

was it worth it?

advise?

pros/cons?

...

regardless of all the hoopla, the bottom line is.....

we're having a baby and I AM SO EXCITED!!!

...

notice anything new?

2010-09-01T13:08:00.000-06:00

i've added a little something on my left sidebar...

find it, and you'll be in on my exciting news i've been dying to share!!!

...

blog? what blog?

2010-08-30T17:19:00.000-06:00

oh, you poor neglected little blog...

i promise i'll be back soon with some exciting updates for you.

like, really exciting.

...

one cool contest.

2010-08-18T15:13:00.001-06:00

so, you remember my love of all things B. Toys?

well, add one more thing to that list...

a super fun "Quote of the Summer" contest!

you know those funny, sweet, insightful, tender things that your children say?

you always write those down, no?

so, go find your favorite quote,

pull up the contest website,

and enter to win $300 worth of B. Toys for yourself

and $300 worth to donate to the charity of your choice.

contest ends september 6th and the quote with the most "likes" on facebook wins!

well, what are you waiting for?

i already entered.

you should too!

...

cool as a cucumber.

2010-08-18T14:02:00.000-06:00

first day of school?

no sweat.

...

back from the brink.

2010-08-17T13:42:00.000-06:00

oh, blessed good health, welcome back.

how i have missed you.

funny how a few days of feeling like absolute garbage

can renew your appreciation for a healthy body.

but today, i'm feeling like my old self again

and gearing up to send my first-born to kindergarten tomorrow.

she amazes me.

she is super excited about it and not even one bit nervous.

i'm really proud of the sweet, confident little lady she is becoming.

i have no doubt she'll make lots of new friends and enjoy her first year of school.

and speaking of school...

i just bought my baby boy a backpack today.

yep, that chubby little nugget of mine is

going to preschool in just a few short weeks.

perhaps the reason that seems so weird is because the kid

still sleeps in a crib and wears diapers.

okay, he is a little young for school with an end-of-august-birthday.

syd was nearly four when she started, and he'll just barely be three.

i think he's ready though and i can't wait to see how adorable he looks

wearing his new backpack as he heads off for his first day!

...

sigh, kids...why must they grow so quickly?

...

this feels weird.

2010-08-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

i realize most mothers my age are seasoned pros at stuff like;

soccer practice

carpools

PTA meetings

back to school nights

student/teacher assessments

and other mother-of-school-age-children-stuff.

however, as this week has whizzed by and all things PTA

and school have been introduced to me...

i feel like such a rookie.

this is a new phase of life and an exciting one at that...

but it's definitely going to take a little getting used to.

that's all.

...