I'm a lady can't you tell

This is for all those that couldn't make it to Madeline's program because of bad weather.  

This is Madeline with my sisters getting her hair and make up done.  She LOVED that!  

Madeline's class

This video is of her dress rehearsal.  She looks scared.  She did a much better job on the actual night.  Although she was the hit of the show because she couldn't find her blue dot.  It was so funny.  I wish I would've remembered the video camera for the performance, I thought I wouldn't need it.  

Madeline's Dance

Shabby Picture Princess

I am entering Madeline in the Shabby Apple baby girl model search because I think she is pretty darn cute!  Madeline is the "Picture Princess" because she is the only child, so thus many pictures are taken of her.   She is four years old and loves barbies, learning letters and having her nails done.   She has been in front of the camera modeling for our family business since she was 3 days old.     We consider her our little miracle baby because we haven't been able to have any more children so she is a huge blessing to us.  We are so grateful to have her happy, feisty, and loving personality in our home.  I love having a girl to dress up and we love to do girl things together.  She is ALL girl!  

This is just one of the dresses that I love from Shabby Apple.  I had a hard time choosing just one. 

I will be a wonderful mother

This is a poem my friend posted on her blog and it really touched me so I thought I would share it on my blog as well.   

I Will Be A Wonderful Mother - By: Author Unknown 

There are women who become mothers without effort,
without thought,
without patience or loss, 
and though they are great mothers and love their children, 
I know that I will appreciate it more.

I will be better not because of genetics or money or because I have read more books, 
but because I have struggled and toiled for a child.

I have longed and waited.

I have cried and prayed.

I have endured and planned over and over again.

Like most things in life, the people who truly have appreciation are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.

I will notice everything about my child.

I will take time to watch my child sleep, explore, and discover.

I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child, knowing that I can comfort, hold, and feed him and that I am not waking to take another temperature, pop another pill, take another shot or cry tears of a broken dream.

My dream will be crying for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense; that God has given me this insight, this special vision with which I will look upon my child.

Whether I parent a child I actually give birth to or a child that God leads me to, I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured.

I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend, and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment, as I have been betrayed by my own body. I have been tried by fire and hell that many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.

I have succeeded.

I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.

I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.

I listen.

And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely.

I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth when life is beyond hard.

I have learned a compassion that only comes by walking in those shoes.

I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes, I will be a wonderful mother.

Butterscotch Bundt Rolls

Here is the recipe for those Yummy rolls!  

18 Frozen dinner rolls

1 (3oz) package of butterscotch pudding (non instant)    I use vanilla pudding because butterscotch is hard to find.   I haven't noticed a difference in taste.  

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup melted butter

Arrange frozen rolls in a greased bundt pan.  Sprinkle pudding, brown sugar, and pecans over rolls.  Drizzle butter over all.  Cover Bundt pan with  plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature overnight or 12 hours.  Remove plastic wrap and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.  Cool about 5-10 minutes before inverting to a serving plate.  

Christmas

We had a super fantastic Christmas this year.   Madeline did pretty well herself.  As you can see one of the hit toys this year was Barbie and the Diamond Castle.  But I am happy to say that this year Santa gave Madeline a bunch of hit toys.  She doesn't have a favorite because they are all great!  Usually in years past there is only ONE favorite that gets played with all day while the other toys are ignored.   This year, she has played with everything equally.  

We have been asking Madeline to be good because Santa is watching.  She told us that last year she was naughty and Santa still brought presents.  So this year Santa also left a little note saying that although she got a lot of great toys there were some toys that had to be left off because of bad behavior.   Madeline is a great kid we just need to work on the fits that happen when we go shopping and she doesn't get what she wants.  

Christmas isn't Christmas without our super yummy sticky bundt rolls.  Mmmm yum!  

This is Kendall enjoying his yummy breakfast and making sure Madeline's baby is okay.  What a good dad!  It looks like it comes naturally.  

Christmas Past Tag

I love Heather's tags!  In this one you post three pictures of past Christmas'.   Here it goes...

This is Madeline's first Christmas right before my brother left on his mission to California.   She was four months old.  

Here is Madeline on her 3rd Christmas.  This is one of my favorite Christmas dresses that I made her.  

Here is last year's picture.  She got a doll that was made to look just like her.  They even had matching outfits.   She also got a camera that year and the camera was the hit.  I wish Santa would have known that before he forked out the money on the doll.  

I tag anybody that wants to do this.  Have fun!

  

Birthdays and gingerbread houses

We had my brother's birthday party this week and Madeline was in charge of the camera.  As  you can see in the picture below we had to have her pony in almost every picture.  I will spare you from viewing all of them.  

Here is my brother with his fine jacket.  Yes ladies he is very available.  

This was the day we woke up to no power.    I have decided that what I really want for Christmas is a generator.     Madeline was pretty excited because she had all kinds of ideas of how to keep us busy.   Coloring, playing dolls, etc.  She loved it.    

We had bought one of those pre made gingerbread houses a few days earlier so we had fun putting it together.  

We had bring in Dad to construct the home since that is what he does.  

Abortion/Adoption

This woman is an abortion survivor.  Her story is amazing and her story is a controversial topic but who better to talk about abortion then one who was personally effected by it.  Abortion isn't a woman's right, it is a woman taking away a right.  

Part one-

 

Part two-

Christmas Party!

Last night we hosted our family Christmas party and we had a GREAT time!   Everybody brought something yummy to eat and we had a wonderful time catching up with everybody.  

This is my gorgeous sister Sarah.  

Some of the little girls at the party.  All of my cousin's kids.

My sisters and cousin and myself.

My brother always making fun of his sisters and how they pose for the camera.

We had Santa's helpers come this year and hand out gifts to everybody.  

Our guitar hero! She rocks!

My cousin's little girl really got the groove on!  So cute!

There always has to be one new couple at these parties.  Here is my cousin Jon and his new girlfriend Kim.  We think she is great! 

And now our goofy family.  

Sorry for the strange pose... we are only a little strange.  

Husband Tag

All about Kendall...

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Modern Marvels, How it's made, or The Office

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Thousand Island

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Cows stomach

4. What kind of drink does he order? Root Beer no ice

5. Where did he go to high school? BFA

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Business Ideas.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Subway's steak sandwich

9. What would he eat every day if he could? Ribs and mashed potatoes

10. What is his favorite cereal? Honey Bunches with Peaches or Strawberries

11. What would he never wear? A Speedo swim suit

12. What is his favorite sports team? He isn't really into sports but he does watch motorcross.

13. Who did he vote for? He doesn't discuss politics with strangers.

14. Who is his best friend? His gorgeous wife. ;-)

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Gasp in the car and say watch out. You see he knew it was coming the whole time. (wink wink)

16. Name a place he has lived? Ecuador

17. What is his heritage? American

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what would it be? Chocolate

19. What could he spend hours doing? Working

20. What's something cool about him? He is passionate about his business and even more passionate about his family. He has always been an understanding guy who I love to talk to and be with everyday. He is very easy going and he doesn't get upset very often. I want to be like him when I grow up.

I tag anybody who wants to do it.

Six years baby!

Today Kendall and I are celebrating our sixth anniversary.  I can't believe it has been that long.  I have to say it has been the best time of my life.  I am so glad that I married my best friend.  We have been through a lot together and I can't think of a person I would rather be with through it all.  I love you babe!

Yesterday

Yesterday we decorated for Christmas and had friends over for dinner and a movie.  We also had a snow storm on our basement.  It was pretty quiet downstairs and we didn't check on them until we heard one of the kids scream and this is what we found.  A bean bag that was half full and a floor covered in cotton.    This was after we cleaned up a good chunk of it.  

I love our house at Christmas.  It is my favorite time of year.  Our home just feels so cozy and warm.  

I did it...

So I did it...for the first time I was one of those crazy people that got up in the middle of the night and hit the stores on BLACK Friday.   My friend called and asked me to go with her and I figured why not there is a first time for everything.  I didn't realize how many people actually did this.   In fact it turned out that I knew a lot of them.  Hit the stores on Black Friday to see friends you haven't seen in a while.  The store was crazy, people really need to apply traffic laws when shopping.  Let people pass, don't abandon your cart in the middle of the row, four way stop rules should be in place, don't tail end people, etc.   I succeeded in getting Madeline's Christmas finished.  I got up at 4:30 and was home by 6:30...not bad.   Just need to find something for Kendall.  Any guys out there with any ideas on what to get the man?  He is SO hard to shop for.   Girls...what are you planning to get your husbands for Christmas?  

St. George

We went to St. George, Utah this week and had a blast!  We loved the warm weather and wished that we lived there all winter long.   

Here is Madeline and me on our Rhino trip just outside of Hurricane.  It was an awesome ride and we saw some incredible views.  

Kendall called the spa and scheduled some manicures and pedicures for Madeline and I.  It was so fun watching Madeline experience her first day at the spa.  She loved it and picked this awesome red color and added Christmas stickers.  Hopefully it lasts until Christmas.  

Here is Madeline relaxing in the waiting room.  

We had to go swimming.   I just laid out in the sun soaking it all up.  

We also got to spend some time with Kendall's grandparents who live there.  They invited us to a potluck dinner and it was awesome.   Madeline was the hit of the party...probably because she was about 70 years younger than everybody.   We had a great time and are busy thinking of a job we can do so we can live there in the winter!

Waiting

I have to say waiting is one of the hardest things!  This post is just to vent a little bit.  We have been "paper pregnant" for two months now.  Meaning we have been approved for our adoption.  I keep finding all of these stories of families that post their info on an adoption site and two weeks later they are picked.  I would love that!  I keep hoping and praying that it won't be too much longer.  I am not the most patient person and I feel like I am being pushed to my limits here but our family is learning some amazing things and my relationship with my Heavenly Father has gotten stronger.  We will keep waiting and trying to be patient. We would like to ask all of you to keep us and our birth mother in your prayers!  

Things I am grateful for

I saw this on Sara's blog and I thought it was a great idea!  We need to count the things we are grateful for more often.  

I am going to do one for each day in November.  

1-Kendall, my wonderful husband, my best friend, and the love of my life!

2- Madeline, my super awesome daughter, who is about the cutest thing ever!  (I am her mom and am allowed to say these things.)

3-My parents-who are always there for me and are awesome grandparents.

4-My brothers and sisters-  We all get along great and I am glad we are able to have such a great relationship.  They are so fun and they handle my teasing so well.  ;-)

5- Kendall's parents- they are super supportive and because of them we have been able to pursue many of our dreams.  Thanks!  

6-Kendall's brothers and sisters- We usually always have a great time with them.  We have had some great family get togethers.  

7-Melissa- My best friend in grade school, we always told everybody we were cousins. She always a blast to hang out with and we never had a dull moment.  Do you remember the roof incident and the fire works?  Good times!

8-Doranna-  We had some great laughs.  Doranna was always one that could get me giggling so hard I would get a side ache.  She is always willing to try something adventurous.  I remember many walks back and forth from her house and  phone calls from her mom wondering where she was at.  

9-Sara-I couldn't have asked for  a sweeter friend.  Sara always had something to smile or laugh about and I have to say she has the best laugh ever.  She is my hero in many ways and is such a cute mom!

10-Courtney- We met at work and we ended up being pretty close.  We always had great girls nights!  She has helped my with many of my adoption questions.  

11-Alanna- She was the one I would pal around with at high school events.  She always fun to talk to and had great advice.  Alanna is always happy!  

12-Candice-  She is one of my closest friends.  She is actually the reason I have my family.  She hired me to work for Kendall's mom almost 10 years ago and that is where I met Kendall.  She always has great advice and is so fun to be with.  She is the most amazing mother and homemaker.  

13-Linz-  We both worked for Kendall's mom and I am so glad I got to know her.  She now lives far away but she has endured some of the hardest trials ever in my opinion.  When ever I get down on my situation she gives me hope.  And she is the cutest person ever!

14-All my friends at church.  I would name them all but there are too many and I might run out of room.   I am so glad to be in the ward I am in and have gotten to know so many new people. 

15-Christine-She is one of the first I got to know after we moved into our new house.  We have a lot in common and she is an inspiration to me.

 16-Athena- She is the best neighbor ever!  We are always borrowing something from each other when we are in a bind.    She is a blast to be with and we have a great time.

17- Megan- What a beautiful person inside and out.  She is so strong and has endured so much.  I look up to her.  

18-The young women I teach.  They are so strong and have to deal with so much.  

19- My home- I am so grateful that Kendall sacrificed so much to build us this home.  It has been a blessing in more ways than I could have imagined.  

20- The gospel. It has gotten my through some very tough times.  It has given me hope when  I have felt no hope.  

21-Priesthood blessings. They have given me the strength to go on and the faith that all will be okay.  

22-The temple- How great it is to know that I can be with my family forever.  I love how close to heaven I feel when I am there.  

23-My grandparents-  They are so supportive and know so much.

24-   Books- I love to read!

25-My walk in closet- I can always shut the door when I don't want to see clothes on the floor.  How nice is that!

26-Internet- so many things you can learn.  If you have a question just google it.  

27-My december angels ladies!!  You guys are the best! 

28-Adoption- What an awesome way to see God's hand in your family.  

29-Birth mothers-  They are the most incredible mothers ever, hands down the best!  How many mothers can place their child in another's arms and trust that they will take care of their baby?  What an ultimate gift they give!  

30-My family's health- I think we take that for granted a lot of times.  

Life is tough sometimes

I have had a rough couple of days, years actually.    I feel so helpless and frustrated.    My world is out of my control.  It is completely and utterly controlled by my Heavenly Father.    Now I think it great to have Heavenly Father in control, I mean who better to have controlling your world.  It is just that sometimes I have to ask how much longer can I take this?  When will Heavenly Father say "okay that is enough, time to send in the sunshine".    I feel like I am being stretched to my limits waiting until I am about to break and I have to ask why, what is the point of this?  What is it I am supposed to learn from all of this and haven't I learned it already?    

Tap dance and gymnastics

My little girl started tap dance this year as well as continuing gymnastics.  She loves gymnastics and can bend like a pretzel.  She is learning so much and I think it will be good to have something to help build some muscle on those scrawny limbs.  

Here she is practicing her tap dance.  She will be in the Christmas program and she is so excited to perform in front of people.  I hope she doesn't get scared and back out.  Oh my she is growing so fast.