Gratitude for the Women in My Life

My SIL, my cousin, my aunt & me. Girls trip, Olympia, WA July 2013

This journey we call life can be so crazy and I am so very grateful for good friends (some of which happen to be family too!) to share it with. Life is full of excitement, laughter and fun filled days but amongst all of that are the crazy, exhausting days. Days where I really just want to curl up in my bed and cry myself to sleep. Days where I know I don't have all of the answers but just try my best. Days where I pray that I am making the best decision for my kids and for our family. Days where I feel like a complete failure as a mom.  

Thankfully I have wonderful women surrounding me in my life. Women of strength, faith, courage and love. They are women I can always count on, who always lend a listening ear, who I can laugh with, who never judge, who reassure and comfort, who understand and who are inspired. I can truly just be myself around them and share the good, the bad and the ugly. They make me want to be a better person, a better mother and a better wife.

I am certain it is because of these women that I have survived the last six months. They build me up, reassure me and remind me of what truly is important. For that, I am forever grateful. 

The R House Couture at SNAP

 I was lucky enough to be a part of the SNAP conference at Thanksgiving Point this year. The R House Couture was one of the sponsors of the event and provided all of the attendees with a custom "create joy" piece designed especially for the SNAP! attendees.

I enjoyed the long weekend at Thanksgiving Point, loved spending time with my friends and fellow bloggers, loved meeting new friends and learned so many new things from the classes. What a fun conference it was.

We were so busy getting the necklaces ready for all of the attendees and our booth ready for Queen Bee Market that I didn't really take pictures of the actual event (utter fail).

Lucky for you, I have hilarious outtakes of the photo shoot we had for the brochure we included with our necklace. These really do sum us up and remind me how fortunate I am to co-own The R House Couture & Spotted Owl Soap with two of my best friends. 

Sometimes I need a few more minutes to be ready (and for someone to fix my shirt!). 

 

 Sometimes people steal each others tools. 

 And sometimes things get a little crazy.

Sometimes we tease each other like sisters.

Sometimes we are very serious and just have to get down to business.

 No matter what, we work well together and do whatever we can to help each other out.

 We always have so much to share with each other that our agenda includes an "other" section just for important updates in our lives (we can't let the business talk completely take over ;).

 And we laugh. A lot. 

In fact, sometimes I laugh so hard I cry and have to leave the workshop just so I can breathe.

 We work really hard behind the scenes to coordinate all aspects of our businesses and still have fun together as friends.

Who would have thought 5 years ago when we put one little necklace on Etsy during our craft night that we would be doing the things we are today. Life is amazing and so are my friends (errr, I mean business partners, Kim & Lindsey). Love you ladies!

Tri'ing to Swim

What in the world was I thinking signing up for the triathlon when swimming is up first.

First of all. I don't...didn't...swim. I had one set of lessons growing up and never really learned how. There was a summer at Bear Lake when my aunt taught me to float on my back and so I have always and forever reverted to that. I hate having water on my face so swimming with my head in the water has never really been an option. I have a huge fear of drowning. And I hate holding my breath. Let's not even mention the things that you find floating in the pool.

Wow. Definitely should have signed up for this triathlon shouldn't I have. Oh man does not even begin to describe it.

My friend, Christine and I are bound and determined to swim and not just swim to survive but swim and do the best we can. We have swimming lessons with a competitive swimming coach once a week (aka neighbor who was suckered in, an amazing coach and swimmer that broke swimming records in high school). He and his wife are both amazing and do olympic triathlons.

Christine told him from the beginning that she was terrified of the deep end, that I was terrified of having my head in the water and that our other friend, Heidi, was just terrified. He just laughed and probably didn't think she was serious. She was dead on.

Our first lesson was..dare I say rocky. After swimming half a lap for him to see what our skill level was, he kindly told us that we were both at the same level and needed to start with the basics. Our first lesson was holding onto the side of the pool trying to get comfortable with the breathing. We left feeling less that enthusiastic and wondered if we would ever really figure it out.

After five weeks of swimming I can tell you...I now swim with my head in the water. I haven't drowned and am swimming full laps without drinking gallons of water (not so much the first few weeks, I assure you I drank more than my fair share of pool water). I am learning to separate the water and air and don't feel like I am going to choke or drowned when I get a mouth full of water or someone sends a huge wave over my head as I am taking a breath. I am slow but I make it across.

Christine and I have been swimming about 6 to 8 hours a week just to get comfortable in the water and to practice what we are learning with our coach. It is hard. Sometimes I don't know how I am going to do it and feel like I am taking ten steps back. But there is nothing better than coming out of the pool and being able to say that we did it. We are getting better, we are building endurance and somehow we are going to make it to the finish line.

I would never be able to do this without my friend, Christine. Seriously she pushes me when I just want to quit and move on. Hopefully I do the same for her. If we just keep tri'ing together we know that we can do it.

Whoa....is right.

Let me introduce you to Freshwater. It fits for so many reasons. First of all, she's white, she is shiny and rock solid. Like a freshwater pearl, she is the smooth part of our ride and I am the bumpy imperfect part. Let me introduce you to Freshwater's friend...pearl. Pearl is Christine's bike and this is us on our first outing on our new bikes. Christine was smart and left Pearl's pedals in place. I on the other hand knew I needed to get used to my cycling shoes before our Goldilocks ride on May 8th and the triathlon. So, I swapped Freshwater's pedals out with new fancy ones and was ready to clip away.

Clip in shoes. To make Freshwater and I one. It is a bit tricky to say the least. I should have gotten use to Freshwater before making any changes to her. But I jumped on, clipped in and was ready to go.

What I wasn't prepared for everyone else stopping at the top of the hill while I was coming up the hill. All I could think about was my shoes...they were clipped in and I hadn't quite figured out how to unclip in the middle of riding. Let alone while going up a hill. Crash #1. Freshwater and I totally biffed it. Her seat bent back and my leg was attacked.

After stopping at a random house for some tools to fix Freshwater's seat, we got going again and rode quite a while before coming to a break in the trail. We went off trail to skip over that section and I am not quite sure what happened but the curb came faster than anticipated. I unclipped one foot as fast as I could and Freshwater and I tipped the other direction, foot still clipped in. Thankfully on some grass.

By far the best, we were coming down a hill which rounded a corner at the bottom. My biking buddy's son was in front of me and flew down the hill, rounded the corner without slowing or having any problems at all. My cautious self thought to brake but seeing how easily he went down, with a trailer in tow mind you, I thought for sure I could make the corner too. Bad idea. It was too sharp of a turn and at the last second I realized I wasn't going to make the turn. Realizing that my shoes were clipped in and there was no way I could get them out and save the turn, I held on for dear life and off roaded it. I went off the side into the weeds, bushes, rocks and trees. All I could think the entire time was that if I fell, my feet were clipped in and I wasn't going to be able to unclip without completely biffing it. Headed towards a tree, I put my head down so that my helmet would hit first and tried to get around, barely missing the trunk. I made my way back to the trail. When I got there I started laughing hysterically. Christine was behind me and watched the entire thing wondering what in the world was going to happen. Hilarious now. Not so much in the moment with the clip in shoes. I will get the hang of this. I am sure I will.

Canyonlands Half

Man oh man. I really can't believe that I actually just registered myself for the Canyonlands Half marathon coming up in March. I am sitting here wondering what in the world I am thinking and also telling myself that somehow I can do it. It is a lottery to get in and while a little part of me secretly (or not so secretly now) is thinking that maybe our group won't get in, it would absolutely be something so different for me to train and accomplish for.

I started the couch to 5K just over two months ago and seriously wondered how I would ever run a mile. Especially seeing that I haven't ran since highschool and even in highschool did it but didn't really love one minute of it. Needless to say, the C25K was hard for me. It kicked my butt. And I am sure I looked like a huge dork running on the track. What's a girl to do.

Five weeks ago, I decided to join our neighborhood gym to get my butt in better shape than I have been for the last 8 years. It is crazy how much I really can do and I am already feeling better and seeing results. I know I can push myself to do things that I never thought I could. And the half marathon isn't going to be any different. Somehow, I am going to drag my big butt acrossed that finish line and feel accomplished doing it. Even if I have to walk part of the way.

I will be running the half marathon with a group of some of the best friends a girl could ask for. They have promised me that they won't leave me laying on the side of the road and that I can do this. They are such an inspiration to me for so many reasons.

First of all there is Nakia...she is such an inspiration to me. She is bound and determined and is constantly inspiring me to keep going and to just give it a try. When I am feeling like there is no way I can ever do it, I just have to talk to her for two seconds, read her blog or FB her and she makes me feel like I can do it and we'll be there for each other cheering each other on.

Then there is Kimmie. Kimmie ran her first half marathon last year and it was her idea that we all get together and run a half marathon this year (Kim, what were you thinking. lol). I totally thought she was kidding until she started talking to me about running shoes and shorts and all sorts of other things that I really would have no clue about. Kim is a quiet giant. She has been through more than a person should really have to endure over the last year and a half and yet is always there for everyone else when they need it. She is such a wonderful friend to me. More wonderful than she will probably ever know.

And Lindsey. Lindsey is a runner. She has ran her fair share of half marathons. She is constantly telling us all that we can do it and that it is going to be so much fun. She does it in such a way that I almost start to believe her. lol She makes it so that I can envision it...all of us cheering each other on and waiting for each other at the finish line.

So as crazy as it sounds (which it still does for me) I think I can do this. We'll see how it goes and maybe by the time the lottery comes around I will actually really be hoping that we get in.

Just the Best

Have you ever had something that you just love so much that you can't live without it. Even being apart for a day makes you a little bit worried and crazy and you just crave it. It's been such a long time since I have truly felt like I needed something. I sometimes feel like I am just constantly taking care of my family and doing things for everyone else (not complaining here, I love doing it, I'm just saying). Sometimes I feel guilty when I crave something for myself and I know that I just can't live without it.

I am not talking about food here (although you know how much I really love food). I am talking about the 3 Musketeers. I feel like one of the 3 Musketters when I am with my two BFF's. They are the best. Always there for you as a sounding board, there to support you when you need it, there to laugh with, cry with, have fun with, go to lunch with, make a Target run with. That kind of friend.

I love it.

I crave it.

I need it.

I just hope I am there for them when they need me as much as they are for me.

Love the 3 Musketeers and I just can't seem to get enough of them these days

.

Adoption Yard Sale - Part II

You are not going to want to miss this. It's our BLOWOUT SALE! Everything MUST go ...or go to D.I.

Mrs. R & Kim and I have been frantically sorting, labeling, organizing and dejunking ...again. It is going to be huge. You won't want to miss it and the best part about the entire thing is that all of the money that we make from the yard sale will be going towards our adoptions.

WHEN:Saturday, August 16th
8am-1pm

WHERE:4152 South King Arthur Drive
West Valley, UT (about 4152 south 2885 west)

look for the "Adoption Yard Sale" signs along the way, you can't miss them

WHY:-to raise money for our adoptions-to spread the word about adoption

THERE ARE SO MANY FABULOUS THINGS WITH THE BEST PRICES:
furniture. (toddlers bed with matching night stand, box springs (twin & queen), cradles, couches, bookshelves, end tables, etc.)

clothes. (.25 cents to $2.00 OR kids clothes - fill a bag for $5, adult clothes, fill a bag for $2; tons of kids shoes too) *tons of new adult/jr. clothes

baby stuff. (car seats, stroller, baby carriers, swing, cradles, bouncy seats, clothes, etc.)

CD's, DVD's, & VHS tapes (including Living Scripture sets)

scrapbooking supplies.

dishes and kitchen items. (crockpot, pans, dish sets, choppers, etc.)

art & frames. Dozens of beautiful prints.

books. (most .25 to .50 cents!)

toys. (tons of different toys, cheap. Grab bags for $0.50 to $1.00. little girls table and chairs, Easy Bake oven with accessories, etc.)

electronics. (TV, keyboards, mouse, radio, cordless phone, etc.)

bedding sets. (for toddlers & adults, quilts, bed skirts, throw pillows, sheets, etc.)

Everything is priced to sell. Help us make our adoptions happen! We hope to see you there. Thank you.

We've had so many people donate items to the cause. Thank you for that to each and every one of you! Come and support us and help make our adoptions happen! And who knows what little treasure you might find while you are there! Happy Yard Sale-ing it everyone.Visit Our Adoption Blog:http://www.joinourfamily.blogspot.com/

Huge ADOPTION Yard Sale

People, people, people! Check this out.

I have been busily getting ready for the biggest yard sale I think I may ever experience. My friends, Kim & Mrs. R and I have been frantically sorting, labeling, organizing and dejunking every night this week. It is going to be huge. You won't want to miss it and the best part about the entire thing is that all of the money that we make from the yard sale will be going towards our adoptions.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 21st

8am-1pm

WHERE:

4152 South King Arthur Drive

West Valley, UT (about 4152 south 2885 west)

look for the "Adoption Yard Sale" signs along the way, you can't miss them

WHY:

-to raise money for our adoptions

-to spread the word about adoption

THERE ARE SO MANY FABULOUS THINGS WITH THE BEST PRICES:

furniture.
(toddlers beds with matching night stands, matresses (twin & queen), kitchen table & chairs, indoor/outdoor chairs & cushions, cradle with cute bedding, china hutch, etc.)

clothes.
(.25 cents to $2.00 OR kids clothes - fill a bag for $5, adult clothes, fill a bag for $2; tons of kids shoes too)

baby stuff. (car seats, strollers, baby carriers, swings, bouncy seats, tons of clothes, etc.)

CD's, DVD's, & VHS tapes (including Living Scripture sets)

scrapbooking supplies.

dishes and kitchen items. (crockpots, bread maker, pressure cooker, etc.)

art & frames.

books. (most .25 to .50 cents!)

toys.
(tons of different toys, cheap. Grab bags for $1.00. Little Tykes table and chairs, Hokey Pokey Elmo, etc.)

electronics.
(TV, VCR, keyboards, mouse, radio, cordless phone, etc.)

bedding sets.
(for toddlers & adults, quilts, bed skirts, throw pillows, sheets, etc.)

We've had so many people donate items to the cause. Thank you for that to each and every one of you! Come and support us and help make our adoptions happen! And who knows what little treasure you might find while you are there! Happy Yard Sale-ing it everyone.

Visit All of Our Adoption Blogs
www.joinourfamily.blogspot.com

www.flavioandkim.blogspot.com

www.joshuaandlindsey.blogspot.com

Chicag-a!

Here I am in Chicago. Yes, at the internet cafe. Gotta check the email (we can't help it). It rocks. Kim and I have about two minutes left on our little timer here and are headed to the park and then to get pedicures. We are taking some fabulous pictures. I'll share when we get back. We are having a fabulous time and are headed to our Audrey Woulard photography workshop. We are so excited. I am going to come back much more knowledgable (at least that's the plan!). See you when we get back everyone. Hope you are having a fab time. Miss us. I miss my fam. Hi fam! Love you guys.

Be good for daddy. :-)

Thanks, lady!

Just a big hug and thank you to my friend Kim for this. Now I really need to get to that adoption post! I swear it's coming. One of these days. :-)

For Our Friends

Our friend, Tim, is in need of a kidney!

Here's their link

And here's the scoop including info on how to help. . . .

We Love YOUR Guts! Kidneys especially.About 5 years ago, Tim was diagnosed with Kidney Failure. We were surprised, but not shocked because 2 of his siblings also have kidney failure and have had to have transplants.Over the last 5-ish years, Tim has been seeing a nephrologist regularly every 3-6 months as requested by his doctor. They've monitored his B.U.N. and creatinine levels closely and determined late last summer that transplant time was getting close. We then met with a transplant coordinator, social worker, financial coordinator and surgeon. 13 vials of blood were drawn and labs ran. The goal for Tim during this time was to have him ready for transplantation before it became necessary for him to go on dialysis. This included, for us, finding a living donor.We've talked to many people about donating their kidney to Tim. Not asking anyone specifically, but just throwing it out there so people know what's going on and if it's something they would be willing to do, we'd be willing to take them up on it. So many have said it's something they would think about, and we appreciate SO MUCH that they would even consider it.At Tim's appointment today, his doctor had his name put on the waiting list for a kidney. Within the next week or so, we'll have the results of his blood work to know if he'll need to start dialysis. (His last labs read that he was at 12% kidney function, dialysis usually starts around 10% funcion.) As he has been feeling pretty good, we're hoping dialysis will be put off for a few more months.This is where you come in.Have you seen the billboard on the highway that says something like "Donate a kidney/car to the kidney foundation"? Well, if you've been thinking "hmm... I have this spare car lying around, but I also have a spare kidney.... what to do... what to do..." We'd like to encourage the kidney donation. :)Here's what you do.Call Cathy at 801-507-8311 or 801-507-3380.Cathy is Tim's transplant coordinator. She'll schedule a time for you to get a work up done to see if you're a match for Tim.What you need to know.Tim's blood type is A+, however, if you are A+ OR A- you can still be a match. If the sub-grouping is necessary, it will be determined later on.Recovery time for the donor is 4-6 weeks on average. You would be in the hospital for 5-7 days. You can't drive for 2 weeks or lift anything over 20 lbs for 3 weeks.Either our insurance or Medicare covers both the donor surgery and the recipient surgery, so there is no out of pocket cost for you.That's it. So now if you're thinking "I only have one kidney... I'm diabetic... I'm the wrong blood type... I hate hospitals... I'm terrified of needles... Tim? Who's Tim?" I have one more teensy weensy favor to ask to help us out. For all you bloggers out there. Link us! Copy this and post it to your blog, put a link, copy and email to friends and family, whatever. But please help us spread the word and find some new guts for my hubby.If you do decide to be tested, please e-mail me at tim_and_cas (at) yahoo (dot) com so we can follow up with the coordinator.Whew! If ya got through all that, THANK YOU!

Birthday Fun

So, before the kiddos came along and I became a SAHM, The Gent and I enjoyed many great nights out with friends eating at nice restaurants. Those days are far and few between these days. Our nights out now consist of take out from the nearest restaurant hoping that we can just get the kids in bed early enough to enjoy it and just spend some time with each other. So, going out for a nice dinner is well. . .very enjoyable. We went to the Roof with some friends for mine and Flavio's birthdays. We are both the big 30 and so why not celebrate. Well, I am officially still young for about 6 more days.
As for Flavio. . .he is officially "old" already :-) How does it feel Flavio?
We went out with some of our very best friends who we love and adore. Let me introduce them all. This is Kim & Flavio.This is Cassie. Oh yeah and that is Timmy in the background (love ya Tim!)
This is Greg & Arianne. And here we are.
We had such a good night. Great food. Great company. Some great laughs. And you would probably have to be there to truly enjoy this but these friends are hilarious. When we all get together it is such a good time. Thanks for the laughs. Thanks for the birthday celebration. Thanks for the fabulous night out. I had a great time. Let's do it again on the next 30th (although that could be years away :-) Happy Birthday Flavio!