At home with the Helm's

"Cars 2" by Hayden (with a little help from Madeline)

2011-06-14T18:04:00.000-06:00

My Life, the Three Ringed Circus

2011-05-23T10:38:00.000-06:00

This is what it has become. When I first took on Sweet Pea Cake Co. I knew it would be a challenge, but I thought I was up for it. I could totally balance this new business while still being the mom and wife that my children and husband deserved. WRONG! Big fat, wrong. Little did I know being a business owner is ALL consuming. It's what I think about when I wake up ( who I need to call back, or email that day, what orders do I have, did I forget any?) and sadly, what consumes my thoughts when I lay down at night. The difference with doing this from home, and now having a real business, is overhead. I HAVE to take on crazy amounts of orders just to make a decent profit. Crazy amounts of orders means lots of time... Between baking, decorating, dealing with customers, cleaning up my cake messes, trips down the shop, all the PAPER WORK....I have had ZERO time for me, and little quality time for my family. What I thought would be a part time gig has easily become a full time job. My children miss me, my husband misses me, my house screams to be organized and clean again! I miss my weekends. I haven't had one in a very, very long time. I have gained weight, my blood pressure is high, and I am grouchy. It was a few weeks ago, when I had a total mental breakdown, tears and all, that my wonderful husband asked me a very honest question. "Honey, how is this benefiting our family?" My answer, after some thought was, "it's not." It's not at all. I REALLY wanted to believe it would somehow. It sounds like such a dream come true when you can take a talent, and make money from it - but what I didn't realize was that by doing so, my family life was paying the ultimate price. Madeline, our straight A girl, had 3 C's on her mid-quarter report. That was the last straw for me, and I decided it was time to sell Sweet Pea Cake Company. I need to be the kind of mom that my children deserve to have, and the wife who supports her husbands calling as provider, not one who competes with it.

Sweet Pea has been a blessing to me at a time in my life when I really needed to be distracted. It came when my heart was broken from the loss of our precious baby. I truly believe the Lord gave me this short distraction to allow my heart to heal. I needed something else that was just "mine" to nurture and focus on. Sweet Pea was in many ways, my baby. Looking back, I can see that now. Looking forward, I am ready to channel that energy back in to my sweet family. I needed time to heal, time to gain some perspective. I have learned more in the past year, than I have in the past ten. More about myself, than I ever wanted to know! What I do know, is that my family means more to me than life itself. That my relationship with them is what I take with me when I die. It's not the cake business, or any other trivial success in life. I choose them over everything else. I will forever be grateful for Sweet Pea. I have learned so much, met some wonderful people, and I do know I blessed the lives of others because of it. Now, it is time to get back to blessing my family.

As of June 1st, Sweet Pea will have a new owner. Her name is Lorena, and we have been getting to know one another well the past few weeks. This is her passion, and she is at the time in her life when she can give this her all (and not feel guilty about!) I will still make the occasional cake for Lorena when she needs help. I am just looking forward to choosing when I make the cakes, and making it more of a hobby again.

Thanks to all my amazing friends and family for your support over the past four months. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for sure. I appreciate so much, all of your words of encouragement and love! I have told some of my friends and family. Many have expressed how sorry they are that it didn't work out. Please, don't be. It served it's purpose. Be happy for me! It truly is the best thing for my family. It's time to open the next chapter of my crazy life.... :)

The four year old

2011-02-23T21:59:00.002-07:00

I'm a little bit in denial that Hayden turned four today. He is just about the sweetest thing in my life (besides cakes), and it makes me sad that the years are passing so quickly. When we found out we were having a boy when I was pregnant with him, we were a little scared. After two girls, and not so good experiences with little boys we had been around, we didn't know what to expect. Boy, (pardon the pun) did he prove us wrong! Hayden is a gentleman in every sense of the word. A natural gentleman. He says please and thank you without prompting. He takes care of his sisters when they are sick by rubbing their backs, and bringing them blankets. He tucks his stuffed animals in at night. He hugs my leg and tells me I am the best mom ever. He is witty, clever, and charming, and so handsome. I guess I have a little bit of a crush on him, but so do most of my friends ;) I have to say his dad has probably rubbed off on him, because Tom is quite the catch himself, but I am so proud to be Hayden's momma. I can't wait to see the kind of man he turns out to be. Happy Birthday Hayden, and thank you for coming to our family! We are SO BLESSED!

Sweet Pea, apple of my eye.

2011-02-07T18:18:00.002-07:00

1o reasons why I am now the owner of Sweet Pea Cake Co.

1. My mom always said I was stubburn. She is right.
2. It's a good time to move forward. I am getting older, my kids are getting older.
3. It kind of just fell in my lap, and who am I to pass up such an awesome opportunity?!
4. I really kind of love decorating cakes, and I may even kind of be good at it.
5. It beats paying a $5000 fine for selling cakes out of my home.
6. I thought the logo was really cute. I am happy it is mine now :)
7. My hours are way flexible. It is not a full service bakery despite what some think. I am only down there for a few days a week. I still have plenty of time for my family - which is and always will be my first priority.
8. Tom thinks it's pretty hot to have a wife who owns a business.
9. My kids think it's really "cool".
10. Why NOT?! :)

I have to admit, it has been crazy busy. Orders are piling in, my phone rings all day long, and when I am not baking or decorating I am returning messages. Somewhere in there I am able to fit in laundry, dishes, dinner, and family time, oh - and facebook. I don't sleep much anymore, but sleep is over rated anyway, right? I am happy. I feel really really grateful and humbled for this opportunity. I want to put my all in to it. I meet amazing people in the community that I wouldn't otherwise. I get to do Bridal shows, and cake testings, Prom Fairs and consultations. It is SO much fun. Check out my new website if you haven't already, www.sweetpeacakeco.com
I have felt overwhelming support and love from my family and friends. Thank you!

The road not taken

2011-01-19T15:25:00.002-07:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

I have contemplated this poem a lot lately. In all honesty, I haven't read it in it's entirety since High School, but the words keep echoing in my brain today. I am at a pretty major crossroads in my life right now. Trying to figure out which path to take, and it's no easy task. After losing our baby in October, I struggled with the decision to either try for another, or to be done. I can't say I am 100% sure either way at this point, but we are leaning towards being done. Now that this reality has hit me- that my youngest will be starting school next year, it has begged the question, what now?? Although, I admire and appreciate women who can continue to stay at home once their children are all in school. I am not the sort that can be content with cleaning house, and volunteering at the school every day. It's just not me. I love my children, and my family, but I yearn for more. I have a creative itch, that really itches. I have found relief from this in my home cake business, but ...I still yearn for more! This week, out of the blue, I had the owner from The Sweet Pea Cake Company here in the Springs email me. In her email she had said that she had seen my work on Craigslist for a while now (where I advertise from time to time), and she has been impressed with my skill and talent. She said her business of 5 years is up for sale, because she now has a 2 year old and an 8 month old at home, and she can't handle it all anymore. She wants to focus on her growing family right now. She wants me to take over her business. Me. Me?!! It boggles my mind that this complete stranger hunted me down, to pass on this opportunity. (And get this, her 2 year old's name is Callie). So, you're probably all thinking...go for it!! Awesome! What a great opportunity to follow your dreams! And I have to agree with you, but then there is the fear, the uncertainty, the effect a change like this will have on our family dynamic. I will be much, much more busy than I even am right now. Is that possible?! I just want to do what is right for my family. I struggle with the ideal that a woman's place is in the home, because there are days where I totally agree with that! I have been that woman for 12 years. Yet, I know if I stay at home and let my dreams pass me by, I will live with regrets. I will continue to pray, and hope that the answer will come, and that whatever I decide will truly be the right path for me and my family.... Thoughts?

Family pics 2010

2010-12-15T08:09:00.002-07:00

Just click on the title to see some. This year we had them taken by my amazing friend Kelli France. Truly a talented gal! Her daughter and Avery are the bestest friends in the whole wide world, and we love their family. It's nice when your photographer "gets" you.

Normal

2010-11-15T13:13:00.004-07:00

Not quite sure how to become this again. I am trying. I think I am a pretty good actress I guess. Life keeps me busy with kids, running errands, baking cakes, serving at church. I even manage to get out with friends once in a while, but all the while, and in all honesty, it feels like one big and very long performance. I am going through the motions. I am realizing that I do it to protect others. Isn't that funny? Pretending to be ok, pretending to be strong, so that others don't have to peek inside that place? To save them from the pain. It's nice of me, right? right. Grief seems like it's awkward for people who aren't grieving. Does that make sense? They feel badly for you, but don't really want to touch it or go there with you. I have noticed it is easier for people to avoid me now, than to talk to me because I guess they don't really know what to say. I feel like some are breathing a sigh of relief because it has been a month now, and surely Callie has moved on, surely the worst is over...surely I won't have to talk about it with her now. Thankfully, it's not everyone. I have some pretty amazing friends I must say, friends I don't feel the need to act for. Also, a pretty amazing husband that I can cry to, and talk for hours with. I guess I just feel it is easier to act like everything is fine, than to dwell on the pain. It hurts too much to go there. No one wants to feel pain if they don't have to...but, it comes anyway. I guess it never really goes away, and I guess it's just a part of me now. It's a whole new me - like it or not.

Perspective is an interesting thing. I have gained some for sure. At first, I thought this experience would help me gain compassion for people. To some extent it surely has, in other respects I have become less tolerable of people and their choices, mainly their poor choices. Losing a child blesses you with a much deeper appreciation for family and life. I struggle with judging others now when they complain about small things, or make poor moral choices. I struggle, because it's wrong of me to judge. I don't want to be this way. I guess I still have a lot more to learn about this "new" normal. In a sense, I feel like a new person, a very broken person, but new. So, it has been a balancing act. How do you stand up for what you believe in, for what you know, for what you have been shown, and still embrace and love those around you, who by their choices mock what is most sacred to you? How do you have charity with new eyes that see, but with a heart that is broken? How do I feel normal again?

Waves

2010-10-20T08:25:00.005-06:00

Grief comes in waves. There is calm in between, times where life seems normal - like nothing happened. Times where I can enjoy my family, and my blessings, even times where I can laugh. However, when the next wave hits, it really comes. The hard part is not being able to control when it hits. Some days it leaves me gasping for air, because I am not prepared for the intensity of these emotions. It hits me driving in the car, or while at the grocery store. It hits when I see a new mom carrying her newborn, or walking by the baby section at Target. It hits when I have to drive by the hospital... There is no escaping grief. The reminders, and the waves will be there for the rest of my earthly life.

Yesterday, Madeline told me she wishes this never happened, because she is tired of being sad. She is tired of crying. Most days I feel the same way. I am SO tired of crying, of being sad....and the reality of it, is that some level of grief will ALWAYS be there, for the rest of my life. This experience has literally changed me forever, and there is no escaping it. I know it is still fresh. I know that time will make it easier. But it will always be there. One friend who lost her little 2 year old a couple years ago describes it as "The absense of presence". When a child is missing from your family, you miss them. When they are gone, you feel it. Your natural instinct wants them back with you. It is a void that never leaves your heart. It is constantly there. That has been the biggest adjustment for me this week, is missing my child who I never got to know in this life. Yet, somehow, I DO know him, because I MISS him.

The night before last, I had a dream about our baby Cameron. He just kind of popped in to one I was having. I turned around, and there he was in Tom's arms. Tom was holding him so that he could face me. The first thing I noticed was his big blue eyes - like his sisters'. He appeared to not have much hair, but I soon realized it was only because it was light in color - like Madeline's. I held his chubby little legs in my hands, and said "I have missed you so much this week, Cameron!" He looked up at me and smiled. That was it. When I awoke, I found comfort in seeing him, and I found pain in it. It is the reality of what could have been, but never was meant to be. It's the reality, that the only time I will ever be able to hold my baby boy in this life, will be in my dreams. Those are hard realities that I continue to struggle with.

Yesterday, Tom had to go to the funeral home to sign some paperwork. The funeral home. It is a place you never think you will have to go to, especially in regards to your own child. I am grateful he has the strength to take care of everything right now, because I do not. He said it was hard being in the same building that he knew Cameron was in. They asked him if we wanted to view the remains. Can you imagine for a moment how painful that is? Knowing that your child's remains are in the other room? We have chosen not to see them. It is not how we want to remember him, or know him. The baby I saw in my dreams is how I want to know him, and now, how I do know him.

I have so many new perspectives on life. On people. On family. On pain, healing, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I suppose that is the only good that comes from experiences like this...the growth. The new appreciation that you gain for your family, for your testimony, and for Eternal truths. For that persepctive, I am grateful. It is healing to write out my feelings, however random they may be. It is easier for me to write about them at this point, than it is for me to talk about them.

It is ironic how this event in my life is taking place as the leaves change before my eyes. The cycle of life is ever evident when I look out my window. It is a beautiful and vivid autumn this year in Colorado. It has been a slow progression, but I have learned the more slowly the season changes, the more beautiful and spectacular it is. Yesterday, while driving I was so touched by the beauty of the reds, the bright yellows, even the purples contrasted against a bright blue sky - against a snow covered Pikes Peak. It was breathtaking. It brought me to tears. These leaves are dying, I thought. They are dying, yet they are SO beautiful. They are blessing everyone's lives right now with their beauty, and with the reminder of God's greatness, and His love for us. It was a small reminder that this change in my life will be slow as well. It will hurt, it does hurt - but in that slow progression of change, there is also beauty.

Touching Heaven

2010-10-16T11:32:00.005-06:00

This is a blog post that other people are supposed to make. Not me. That would have been my thought on Monday, until Tuesday....when my family's life changed forever.

Four months ago, when I found out I was pregnant with #4, I was shocked, surprised. Maybe even a little resentful. We had three beautiful, and healthy children, and we felt our family was complete. I have a history of very high risk pregnancies, and we just weren't ready to take the health risk of bringing another child in to our family. I was scared when the doctor told me I was pregnant. I cried. It took a few weeks for the news and the reality of this pregnancy to sink in, but when it did - I was deeply in love. I had faith that this was God's will, and He would take care of us. By 12 weeks I had had two ultrasounds already, and each one of them showed a perfectly healthy and happy baby, bouncing around and adding joy to my life. I was excited, we were excited as a family. We began thinking about names, and Hayden lovingly called the baby "Baby Brudder". We didn't know if the baby was a boy or a girl yet, but we felt like Hayden knew. At three years old, he was already talking about the baby every day, and hugging my growing baby bump. He was in love, too. The girls had visions of babysitting dancing in their heads. Tom and I were really at peace with this new addition, and excited about the future with four children.

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 was a rainy and chilly day. The first day to really feel like fall all season. Hayden and I were so excited to go to the Fire Station with his preschool group. We had a great morning touring the station, talking with the firemen, and being with friends. I vividly remember feeling the baby move that morning, and feeling like my life was so blessed. I was more excited though, for my OB appointment later that morning. I had hopes of another ultrasound, and brought Hayden with me for the first time, so he could "see" his "Baby Brudder" too.

We waited a long time to see the doctor that day. When we finally did, we had fun talking about Hallowe'en and Hayden's new Thomas the Train costume. The doctor asked Hayden if he wanted to hear his baby as she got out the doppler to hear the baby's heart beat. Hayden sat reverently and intently on the chair waiting for the "swoosh, swoosh" sounds I told him to expect. They never came. She tried, and she tried. She even got another doppler, claiming the first had low batteries. But, only one heartbeat could be heard - my own. Surprisngly though, I wasn't very worried. Just last week, one of my pregnant friends had the same thing happen - no heartbeat. However, her ultrasound proved that everything was fine, and mine would too! We walked across the hall to the ultrasound room, excited to see that same happy, healthy baby that I had seen for the past few months. The first thing I noticed was that the baby was very still. Perfect, but sleeping. He had to be sleeping.... Then, I noticed the absence of sound, no swoosh swoosh of the heart beating. Then, it hit me, there wasn't even a heart beating. I couldn't see it, like you normally can, his whole body was was still and silent...."Have you been bleeding at all?" the tech asked me. I knew in that moment that my baby was gone. "No" I said. "You can't find a heartbeat, can you?" I asked. "No. I'm so sorry." The rest was a blur. I remember talking to the doctor about making plans to be induced at the hospital the next day, but all I kept thinking about was having to tell Tom, the kids, Hayden... She claimed that the baby looked perfect, and by it's measurement and state, it passed away some time that morning. I remembered feeling it move that morning. The realization that it passed on within the last hour or so was devastating. I held it together. I didn't shed a tear at the office. I could be strong, I can do this. Other women have gone through this, close friends of mine have gone through this, I can be strong like they were. Hayden and I walked out of the office in to the cold rain, and I lost it. I sobbed. Not just tears, but the vocal gasps and cries that you never thought you could be capable of. Little did I know just how many tears I would shed in the next few days. It took all I had just to buckle Hayden in to his car seat, and to drive home. It was a blessing that Tom came home for lunch just as we were pulling in to the garage. Tom saw Hayden first, and was smiling ear to ear to see his little buddy....in that moment, my heart broke, because I knew in the next second he would look over to me, and his life would change forever. I remember the look of shock and dismay as Tom saw my face, and I buried my face in his chest, and sobbed...."we lost the baby". We hugged, we talked, we cried, we planned. It was not something you "plan". Where do you even start? Thankfully, we have amazing friends and family. With a few calls, we quickly had friends to watch the kids, and promises of meals to come. My wonderful mother-in-law, Jimmie, dropped everything, and drove 10 hours from Flagstaff, AZ to be with our children while we went to the hospital the next morning.

Because of the age of the baby (almost 16 weeks), the plan was to induce labor, and deliver the baby in tact so we could see and hold the baby before saying goodbye. It was recommended for closure. As scary as the whole impending experience sounded to me, it was the last thing I had to look forward to. To hold my tiny little baby. To kiss his tiny cheek, to look over his perfect little body before handing him back to heaven. They put me on pitocin to start labor. A day went by...Tom and I spent the time talking, sharing, laughing, crying....it was a bitter/sweet experience. Despite the tears, and the sadness, I could literally feel the hundreds of prayers I knew were being said on our behalf. I could feel the hugs, and I could feel the Lord's arms around me. Losing a child is devastating, and it is the most painful thing I have experienced in this life, but I was learning it was also one of the most spiritual, and one of the most sacred experiences. The feeling I felt could only be described as the feelings felt in the temple. It is holy, it is pure, and you can feel the Spirit, and angels buoying you up. I was at peace, I was also heartbroken. The tears wouldn't stop, but I felt loved. Throughout it all, I felt loved.

Day two went by. My body just didn't want to give this baby up. I wouldn't respond to the highest doses of pitocin. The normal dose is 50 cc's, and by day 2 I was up to 250! No contractions, no pain, no progress... They began to worry about Pitocin toxicity in my body, they couldn't continue with these high does. It was apparant my body was not going to go in to labor on it's own. We knew the only other option was to have surgery - a D&E. After 12 weeks they call it a dilation and extraction, because there is more tissue. They didn't want to wait for this to take it's course at home because I have a history of hemorrhaging, and it could be very dangerous situation if that were to happen. For the first time during this process I was mad. I was angry. I wanted to hold my baby...please, at least give me that!! I knew with surgery, there was no chance of the baby being in any condition to hold. That's the reality of it. I was crushed. It seemed so unfair to go through all this, and to not even get to see my baby at the end of it. I wasn't mad at God, I was mad at my body. I was mad that I was being forced in to a choice that I would NEVER make otherwise. I shut down. I shut Tom out, I shut the nurses out. I cried, and cried, and cried. I was exhausted - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Day three. Surgery. I have never had surgery. I had my wisdom teeth taken out, that is about the closest I have come. The thought of being put to sleep scared me more than anything. I like to be in control of things, and being put to sleep while you trust your life in a strangers hands is about the worst situation I can think of. I don't have many phobia's in life, but surgery is one of them. However, the closer it came, the more at peace I was. The anger and fear was replaced with trust and faith. How thankful I am for the calming effect of the Holy Ghost. It is real. How grateful I am for the Plan of Salvation, for the knowledge that families are eternal. I know now, more than I ever have that it's real. I came to grips that we wouldn't see or hold our baby, but for whatever reason, that was God's plan. Perhaps for us, seeing the baby would have been too traumatic. Maybe what we thought we needed, was not best. After the surgery, I felt relief, sadness, peace, gratitude. I realized that even though I would never hold my baby in this life, I carried him within me for four months. I did touch heaven. I wrapped him up within me, I loved him, I gave him a body, I kept him safe as he wiggled his last wiggle, as his spirit returned home. I can't think of anything more sacred. For all this, I feel blessed. I feel gratitude for this amazing experience. Loss is never easy, in any form. It does, however have the capacity to change us for the better if we allow it. I am trying. I still hurt, Tom still hurts, our children hurt. I imagine that won't fully go away in this life, but there is peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it so real and so tangible. Our little baby is still part of our family. I am the mother of four children. It just so happens one of them went home much sooner than we ever anticipated. I am okay with that. We never did find out the sex of the baby, but we have always felt, and have had it confirmed in our hearts that he was a baby boy. We named our baby boy Cameron Joseph. Tom's brother, Joe, passed away in April at the young age of 34. It has been a difficult year for our family. I believe now that perhaps Joe went home early in preparation for Cameron's arrival. They are together, and how sweet it is to know this. God is good, and He is merciful.

The only option for tiny baby's who pass too soon is cremation. We are having Cameron's ashes placed in to the teddy bear that the hospital gave us to take home. Our children don't know this, and we probably won't tell them until they are old enough to understand, but for now they will feel comfort when they hug the bear, and Tom and I will know they are hugging much more...

Lazy Days of Summer

2010-06-22T11:18:00.008-06:00

....and they are lazy, let me assure you! We have enjoyed sleeping in, playing outside, and staying up late. Louie the dog is even sporting a new tank top (which he LOVES by the way). Tom and I got a weekend away together, while the kids had fun with Grandma. We have been slightly productive as well....finished the playroom floor, and gearing up for a big yard sale this weekend, and of coarse, lots and lots of baking. I love summer.

Wha??

2010-06-02T23:05:00.001-06:00

Can someone please explain how my THREE year old posted Club Penguin (see below) on to our blog all by himself? Seriously.....boggles the mind.

Club Penguin

2010-05-23T09:53:00.000-06:00

Club Penguin

To do list....

2009-12-16T13:05:00.004-07:00

I haven't been feeling well this week, and partook in the luxury of sleeping in this morning...on a school day! This is HUGE, because I usually wake up to help the girls get ready, making sure they have all their stuff for the day, everything signed, packed lunches, etc., etc. When I woke up this morning to a quiet house, I immediately thought "Oh no, I hope Madeline remembered everything!" Then I noticed the paper below sitting on the kitchen table....

That girl is WAY ahead of me.....

Christmas no-no

2009-12-12T20:15:00.004-07:00

Next time you want to make peanut butter blossoms, but don't have Hershey's kisses...I advise against substituting them with Nestle "Bells"....

Harder than I thought...

2009-11-07T22:36:00.002-07:00

It's not hard to be grateful, just hard to write every day about the things I am grateful for!

Yesterday was one of those days I had hard a time seeing the good in my day, hence the lack of posting....one of those days where nothing goes right, and the day ultimately ends up in tears! I am thankful for a patient and sweet husband, who lets me wallow in my misery! We all need a good cry once in a while....

Today? Much better. A good cake day. I even got a standing ovation when I delivered it. Not too shabby, good for the ego. I am grateful for yummy chili. I am grateful for Saturdays, and for a husband who will take the kids to the park so I can get stuff done!

honest people....

2009-11-05T21:34:00.003-07:00

I am grateful for honest people. Today was one of those days where the kids were driving me crazy at the grocery store - I just wanted to get out of there ASAP. When we finally did, I was scatter-brained and frazzled. We jumped in the car because I still had to run to Michael's to get some cake stuff for an order tomorrow. 10 minutes later we arrive at Michaels, and low and behold my purse is nowhere to be found. PANIC. I instantly think the worse, having to cancel my check card, credit cards, getting a new license, and having the cash in my wallet stolen....arrrggghhhh!!! We drive back to King Soopers where I am trying desperately hard to be positive. Thankfully, when I get to the customer service counter, it is there! Hallelujah!! I almost cried a little from the relief. "THANK goodness for honest people" I tell the guy behind the counter. Truly though, thank goodness there are still good people in the world, who can return a purse, and not take ANYTHING out of it. I pray whoever it was gets EXTRA blessings today!!

ALSO, I am grateful Tom and I get to go on the funnest date ever in June. We bought our tickets to the U2 concert for June 12 at Mile High Stadium. This band is such a legend in my eyes, and I am sooooo excited! Yes, I am grateful for good days.

gratitiude through grief

2009-11-04T17:46:00.003-07:00

I am so grateful I can hug and hold my children today. So grateful to have had another day with them. So blessed. Today a friend from college launched a new website: agoodgrief.com Her story is heartbreaking, a complete nightmare for any parent, yet she has taken her grief and molded it in to something positive and uplifting. I so admire her. She helps me to remember that even the mundane responsibilities of parenting are a blessing, and miraculous. How blessed we are to have these little ones in our life.

....being grateful

2009-11-03T16:55:00.002-07:00

I am keeping my word!!

I am grateful for sunny and 70 degree weather in November. I am grateful to live in Colorado, because it truly, truly is a magnificant state.

I am grateful I had an adult lunch today - cranberry walnut salad with feta cheese, and Italian bread. Macaroni & cheese and chicken nuggets get old after a while....

I am grateful I had lunch with a lovely British friend. After listening to (and loving) her accent for a few hours, I like that I still have a bit of a Canadian accent that I can be proud of. :)

I am grateful the girls' school is 5 houses away, it is the perfect distance to go on a stroll with a 2 year old with no stroller.

I am grateful I have a toilet, and toilet paper, because it really beats going in the bushes.

What are you grateful for today?

25 days of gratitude

2009-11-02T09:49:00.002-07:00

We will celebrate Thanksgiving in 25 days! I thought it would be good for me to share some things I am grateful for every day until then....because, why not?!

I am grateful that when Hayden dumped all the fish food this morning, it was on the floor, and not in the fish bowl.

I am grateful that the good Halloween candy (eg. candy bars) is almost gone, and that the remaining candy is not appealing to me.

I am grateful today is sunny and mild, a perfect fall day.

I am not grateful that my house is an absolute mess, but I am grateful I am healthy and well enough to clean it.

I am grateful Avery's second front tooth fell out, because it was hanging there for a long time, and it was really, really disgusting. She looks much cuter now.

What are you grateful for today?

Don't ever wear a pencil skirt to Walgreen's

2009-09-27T19:04:00.002-06:00

So, yesterday evening on the way home from Women's Conference, I thought I would stop at Walgreen's for some milk. (My kids freak out on Sunday's when we run out of something and I won't go to the store). BIG mistake. First, I already felt weird about walking in to Walgreen's wearing my Sunday best. It's just not the kind of place you neccesarily want to stand out on a Saturday night. I quickly walked to the back to get some milk, and joined the five other people standing in line - when all of a sudden I hear "OH MY GOSH!!!! I LOVE your outfit!!!" I look over to see a cutesy store clerk staring in my direction, along with five pairs of eyes who didn't know I existed until that moment. "Thanks", I mutter, feeling a sudden urge to run out the doors. If that wasn't bad enough, she continues! "Seriously! LOVE that skirt, oh my gosh, can you turn around? Does it have a slit in the back? Is that a pencil skirt?!" "I guess so", I say, giving her a polite smile, with a slight look of warning...."Oh, and those SHOES, soooo cute!! Seriously!" Did I mention 4 pairs of eyes are still staring at me (thankfully one person has left by now). Then, the clerk yells two aisles over! "Hey, Donna! Come see this girl! (Another store clerk rounds the corner) Isn't her outfit SO cute?!" Really, this was overkill. The other store clerk nods. Feeling somehow victimized, I pay for my milk, and run out the door, before she can say another word! It was nice to receive the compliment, but one of those times where you really wish you just hadn't received one at all! Anyway, the moral of my story is, NEVER wear a pencil skirt to Walgreen's. Or heels. Or a necklace. Ever.

Mishmash

2009-09-23T11:32:00.004-06:00

I use to be a very loyal blogger...not quite sure what happened, but now I need to catch up on 2 months worth of Helm family shananigan's!! Life is just busy. The girls are back in school, and with that comes violin, ballet, and skating. School activities, and church responsibilities seem to pick up as well. Hayden is 2 1/2 and turned in to a little stinker overnight, a cute stinker, but stinker nonetheless. Yes, life just gets busy. Here are some highlights over the past 2 months...hard to believe fall is here!!

Madeline celebrated the big 10!! She wanted a Twilight themed party with all her friends. It was a fun, and less than quiet evening! ;)

I have mixed feelings about our baby turning "double digits". It is an adjustment for sure....

Madeline loves all things Twilight, but mostly Edward!

I am grateful Madeline has good friends, with good morals!

Oh yeah, I have been doing A LOT of this lately as well....I average 3-4 orders a week, so my kitchen is almost always a wreck. I have really been enjoying myself though. It has been so nice to do something I really, really, love again!

Our girls keep things lively around here....

Labor Day weekend we drove up to Denver and went to a fun restaurant called Casa Bonita. It doesn't have the best food in town, but if you love Cliff Divers, waterfalls, scary caves, pinatas, and live entertainment than this is the place for you!

We also visited Tiny Town Train Park, it has a miniature village, and a train that goes through the park. The kids loved it!

Avery lost some teeth.

Hayden is a sweet boy (most of the time)

Madeline and her friend Abbie gave eachother makeover's.....gorgeous!

Tom and I celebrated 11 years of wedded bliss....truly.

I will try not to wait another 2 months for another update!!!

My how they grow (unfortunately)

2009-08-05T16:42:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time, we had these......
cute little kittens that fit in your hand, and slept all day with their momma...

They don't do that anymore. They do,

THIS

and THIS

and THIS....

Yes, my friends, Cheeto and Scout are getting big, and getting in to everything, and turning in to cats. (ugh)

Granted, they are pretty cute and fun.... BUT I still prefer

the 2-D variety.

Craft it Forward!

2009-07-28T00:09:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I have been meaning to do this for a while...my friend Mel did this on her blog, and I won, so now I get to share the joy with all of you! Woohoo!!!

This is how it works:

The first THREE people to type in "Callie is trying to be crafty!" in the comments on this post will get something made by me! Especially for you. The catch is you must re-post this on your own blog, and promise the same thing to three commenter's who will also craft it forward...

The rules are:

1. There are no guarantee's you will like what I make...you get what you get, and you don't throw a fit!
2. What I make will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year.
4. I have the right to make whatever I want, even if it's really weird or creepy. (Not that it will be...just sayin')
5. You must post a picture of what you get when you receive it.

If you are willing to join the fun, and I know you are - because all my friends are super fun, then post away!!! ;)

Arizona - Part Uno

2009-07-10T21:13:00.007-06:00

We're back, and we had a wonderful time visiting with family in Flagstaff! Let's jump right in to the pics, shall we? The first picture of our entire trip still cracks me up....
Wouldn't a sign reading "Please keep dogs off grass", suffice? Apparently not. Those New Mexican's are so graphic. ;) Or maybe they just did it so my kids wouldn't stop giggling for 2 hours straight.

We stayed in a beautiful hotel in downtown Albuquerque on our first night. The kids' love hotels. I am not quite sure what is so fun about hanging out in a room watching TV, but to them, it is much more fun than doing the same thing at home. Downtown Albuquerque was interesting....we felt very out of place as we walked to dinner surrounded by men dressed up as woman, and real live "gangsta's"....we had lots to explain to our kids while we ate that night. :S We came back and went swimming. Good times.

dinner in Albuquerque....a place called "Fresh Choices" which didn't quite live up to it's name. pic of New Mexico at 80 miles/hr.

For the fourth of July we had a great time visiting with all of Tom's siblings, and their kids. We had a big BBQ and all the cousins got to play together! They haven't all been together in over three years, so it was a FUN reunion!! (Left to right) Joe, Ray, Tina, Tom, Tammy. Tom is the youngest, although you can't tell so much anymore! ;)

Madeline playing "dots" with OJO...(Uncle Joe).

Tom and John

Tom had too much fun harrassing his younger nephews. They love their Uncle Tom, and who can blame them?!

They had their fair share of WWF moments....

The first day we got to Flagstaff we had an awesome thunderstorm that flooded the backyard. The kids had a blast playing in the water, and so did Grandma's dogs!

Every night we built a bonfire and stayed up late talking with Grandma and Papa. The girls had so much fun with Grandma and Papa's dogs - Sarge, Lola, and Lupe!

Aunt Tina took the girls to Claire's, and got them a bunch of "girly stuff". They spent the afternoon painting eachother's toenails, and putting on their new make-up!

Avery's new sparkly toenails!

Grandma and I had to get in on the action too! The girls gave us makeover's, and I have to say we were pretty darn gorgeous if I do say so myself!! Grandma was such a sport, and such a good Grandma!!

We were going for the "natural" look. I told you....gorgeous!! The girls couldn't stop laughing.

That Monday, Grandma, me and the girls packed up her Jeep for an adventurous day in Sedona!

We had to wear hats since the top was down in the Jeep. Madeline and Avery wouldn't stop saying how funny I looked in my hat. It actually kind of grew on me... you don't have to worry about how your hair looks!

More to come!.....

THE CAKE BOX

2009-06-22T21:58:00.002-06:00

I have created a new blog to celebrate my love of parties, and fun and yummy cakes! Check it out!

http://www.coloradocakebox.blogspot.com/

Yes, you should go to Mount Rushmore.

2009-06-18T10:56:00.003-06:00

We had an amazing time in South Dakota and Mount Rushmore. If you live in the west, it is on my top 5 list of places you should go with your family!! Truly worth seeing. There is a ton to see and do, and it is very green and beautiful country to boot!

We stayed in a cabin with only one bug.
Played with cousins, and even got along!

Hung out with our favorite storybook characters...who knew they lived in South Dakota?

Dodged wild animals in our vehicle.

and last but not least saw Mount Rushmore in person.

It is AMAZING. There is a quiet reverence there, and patriotic spirit that was touching and humbling. It was an honor to see it, and learn more about these great men and president's whose faces grace this mountainside.

So glad we went, and can't wait to go back!!

A Good Laugh

2009-06-08T20:19:00.005-06:00

SO...our camera went missing for a day or so, and when we finally found it, this is what we discovered! Apparently, the girls had their own private "photo session", and Tom and I couldn't stop laughing when we saw these pics. We wanted to share the laughs... Please tell me where girls get this stuff, because it's not from me, I promise. I mean, ok, I may do it in front of the mirror sometimes, but I make sure no one is around! geesh. What on earth?! Apparently we need more lessons on modesty!

The action shot

The sweater half way off shot

The holding up the wall shot

Ohhhh, I am still laughing.

Life's a beach

2009-05-30T17:27:00.005-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Colorado? Who says you can't go to the beach when you live in the mountains?! I don't know why it took us so long to go, it's only an hour away! It's not Cancun, but we had nice, clean sand, and whole afternoon to play, and dig, and swim.
We had an awesome end-of-May kind of day....perfect temperature, a slight breeze, and with rain clouds looming in the distance (but not on us). Heaven.

It took Hayden about an hour to realize it was fun.

But once he did, he was a regular sand diggin' expert!

The only obstacle for him was keeping the sand out of his snacks.

I think we heard "This is SO much fun!" about a gazillion times from the girls.

My two favorite boys in their "matching hats"....it's sweet because I have a feeling Hayden only wore his because Tom was wearing one. Whatever works!

The wanderer.

Madeline loved collecting seashells.

Avery loved pushing the limit on how deep she could go.

Mommy loved snuggling with Hayden, and Hayden got tired of having his picture taken.
We had a super great day, and those rain clouds eventually caught up with us, but we were well on our way home! We can't wait to go again!!

JOY

2009-05-10T21:18:00.003-06:00

I love my kids. They make me laugh. They make me crazy. They keep me silly. They make me cry. They keep me sane. They make me pray...and that's just today! As I received my homemade cards, yummy breakfast, and potted flowers today...(what??! YOU did TOO? Crazy!) I was reminded of the more lasting gifts I receive on a daily basis, and that the joy of being a mother is in the journey. There are many days where the journey becomes monotonous, and I find myself wondering "Am I there yet?!", but thankfully there are far more days when I am able to appreciate the scenery and the beauty of the experience. It's in the moments when I catch my two year old in prayer without prompting, or when I look out the window to the backyard, and see my two girls laughing and giggling together. It's when Madeline makes a joke at the dinner table that is actually funny. It's hearing Avery sing to the radio at the top of her lungs in the van. I love being a mom, and quite frankly I couldn't do it without my children; or without my dear husband who loves and supports me in this sacred calling. So, on the days when I ask myself "Am I there yet?" I already know the answer....I am there. The joy is in that very moment.

Happy Mother's Day

xoxo

Childhood

2009-05-05T10:11:00.003-06:00

Through his eyes I see a world unknown; where each dawn promises new beginnings and goodness, where miracles blossom at the sight of sky, and earth, and sound. Where love is understood through touch and a knowing smile. Where joy is embraced and nourished without reservation, or fear of consequence. Where pain is fleeting, and discontent but a passing triviality soon forgotten. I see faith; pure and untouched, untainted by shadows and cynicism. Through his eyes, I see hope and a world unknown; and I am reminded of what I need to be.

The post you have all been waiting for (or not)

2009-05-02T21:27:00.004-06:00

On April 16th, nature brought us four new kittens! I have to say....I was less than thrilled about the prospect of these new friends. All through Skittles pregnancy I imagined meowing, rambunctious and messy kittens ruining our house and our lives (how awful am I??!) However, now that they are here, they are precious and sweet, and surprisingly CLEAN - thanks to their good mama, Skittles.

I "assisted" with all four births...and learned some things about cats that I never wanted to know. Like it or not, you will now know too! Did you know the mother cat eats the placenta's? Each baby kitten has it's own placenta, so that is four in all in our case. Skittles was more interested in chowing down after each delivery, than in freeing her kittens from the sacs, which is where I stepped in. I tore each sac open, and cleaned their little faces so they could breathe. It was actually a very amazing experience. I allowed the girls to stay home from school to watch the births, and I am so glad they did! Birth is not something they get to see every day! They have learned a lot as they have watched Skittles take care of her kittens these past 2 weeks. I have learned a lot! Nature is amazing and perfect. I am so impressed at how animals instincts take over....they don't have classes on labor, breastfeeding, or taking care of their young, but they do it perfectly and lovingly. Another fun fact - did you know that the mama cat eats all her kittens "waste"?? That's right folks! No little poops for us thank you very much (loved that surprise by the way)! She supposedly will start litter training them around 5 weeks. After this experience, I have realized that cats truly are extremely clean amimals!
If you know me, you know I have never cared much for Skittles...she never was the brightest cat in the litter - but I have new respect for our pet now, as I watch her be this wonderful mother to her babies.

This is "Bella". She is the sweetest kitten. The rest of the kittens were ornery last week as we tried to pet them, but not her! She was happy to explore and sniff and be close to us. She has a "twin" sister we call Luna. They have the same markings and color.

Cheeto is on the right. He is the only male, and the first born. Avery named him Cheeto as soon as he came out. She said she thought he looked like one. She was right, he did. Scout is in the middle, she is a Calico, and has a very unique patch on her right eye. (What can I say? I'm a "To Kill a Mockingbird" fan).

For now, these little guys stay under our bed with their mama. Skittles moved them 3 times before she found the right place for them. They are surprisingly quiet! They hardly make a peep. When they aren't sleeping, they are nursing, or climbing all over one another. They just started walking, and it's very similar to watching a toddler take his first steps. They are wobbly and cute! Now, the hard part is deciding which bundle of joy we will keep! The rest will be available for adoption mid - June...come on, you know you want one!! ;) Now...where is that number to the Spay and Neuter clinic???

STARS

2009-04-15T15:24:00.004-06:00

It took me way longer than it should have to upload this, because my new camera is all technical and stuff...but here it is....the long awaited performance of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (the only song the girls could sing together without arguing) Although, they came close when Avery missed the intro... Pump up the volume, baby.

New church commercial

2009-04-13T19:19:00.004-06:00

My dear friend Ryan Little directed all the new church commercials. (Click on title to view commercial). They are so fun...he is amazing, and I am so proud of his efforts, especially since I knew him long ago as a missionary who was just "aspiring" to be a film director! He also directed the RM and Singles Ward, but has since directed more serious films, his most recent being "Forever Strong". Check it out!

Beautiful Nana

2009-04-11T18:22:00.002-06:00

"Nana" by Madeline, age 4

Ok, so this is actually a tag. This is the 6th "picture" in my 6th folder. It is a portrait from 2003 that I had scanned in to the computer. Madeline (then 4 years old) drew it of my mom. Very flashy, no? I especially love the mole that doesn't actually exist, and the American flag that my Canadian mom is holding. All in all, I think the only thing that actually resembles my mom is the red hair. Either way, you gotta love it!!! I tag Sarah, Mandy, Rachel, and Audra.

Oh, how it pains me...

2009-04-09T08:35:00.002-06:00

When, in the morning I open the drawer to find my saran wrap - only to find last night's leftover salad. The saran wrap was in the fridge.

*not shown:

-losing keys and finding them still hanging in the door (an hour later)

-locking myself outside

-forgetting to put on my bra (not pretty)

-filling up Hayden's sippy cup and giving it to Avery

-Grocery shopping for an hour, only to find when it's time to check out I left my wallet in the car

Tell me, what is YOUR name for this disease? Because, if you are a mom, I know you have it too!!

Birthday Bash

2009-04-06T12:54:00.004-06:00

One day I will learn how to take all my pictures and make them in to ONE collage - but apparently today is not that day. Our little girl Avery is now SEVEN. I keep telling her to stop growing. She had a fantastic "birfday", including her version of a breakfast of champions (cinnamon rolls and bacon - we didn't complain), ear piercing, fun presents, a fancy cake, and a fun party with all her friends at Aerials Gymnastics. (Thank you weather for not cancelling the party). Frankly, we are all glad it's over, maybe now Avery will talk about something else every minute of the day, like Christmas?

"Avery, you look so pretty!".... "I know."

Thank you to all our friends and family who helped make Avery's special day even more special! :)

Everything you ever wanted to know about Tom and I

2009-04-06T08:53:00.002-06:00

Thank you Sarah for the tag...I always get sucked in to these!!

1. What are your middle names? Callie Stacey Leigh and Thomas Edward (Tom suddenly has a VERY cool middle name to Madeline, thanks to Twilight)

2. How long have you been together? We got engaged on our technical "first date" because we are crazy like that. That was February 25th, 1998...so just over 11 years now. It's funny, because I don't feel that old, but apparently I am.

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? We knew eachother for a year, I think we would have gone out sooner, if it wasn't for the fact that I was a missionary! The no dating rule makes it hard...

4. Who asked whom out? It never really worked out that way, Tom kind of suggested that he fly to Canada when I returned home from my mission. We are all about drama.

5. How old are you? Oh brother, the older I get the more I hate this question...especially when your husband is younger than you!! Tom is 31, and I am older than that.

6. Whose siblings do you see the most? Probably Tom's, because AZ is a little closer than Toronto.

7. Do you have any children together? 2 girls, and a boy, and if you read this blog, you know ALL about them!!

8. Pets? UGH. Yes. We had 2 cats for a long time, and then our cat, Casper (who we had since we got married) died last summer. Now, we are stuck with Skittles, who I have never cared for much (I'm not mean, she's just annoying) and now she is PREGNANT, fat, and sassy and due any day. Heaven help me. Do you want a kitten?

9. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Home improvement projects. They can get stressful. We are both pretty laid back though, so no arguing at our house. It's true! Ok, maybe once or twice in 10 years.

10. Did you go to the same school? No, and it's a good thing because we wouldn't have gotten anything done. Kind if like at our house.

11. Are you from the same town? No, not even the same country...see? Drama!

12. Who is the smartest? If you want to know about medical stuff and math, or random facts about how things are made - ask Tom. If you want to know about pop culture, art, and how to make yummy food - ask me. I think we balance eachother out well. (Did you notice I avoided answering?)

13. Who is the most sensitive? That is tricky. I can be more hormonal, and I have more mood swings, but Tom can get sensitive too, but I won't say over what, because then he would get sensitive.

14. Where do you eat out most as a couple? As a couple? Well now, that just doesn't happen very often, but we enjoy Mexican and Chinese, so On the Border or P.F. Chang's is probably where you would find us.

15. Where is the farthest you have traveled as a couple? I would have to say Canada, and North Carolina. Maybe one day I can say somewhere exotic.

16. Who has the craziest exes? Tom has had some doozy's. He is so lucky to have found me! ;) I only had one who was a little cooky.

17. Who has the worst temper? As I mentioned before, we are both pretty laid back, but I think we both have equal potential when it comes to raising our voice at the kids!

18. Who does the cooking? I would say I do about 90% of the cooking at our house, the remaining 10% goes to Tom's grilling abilities (which are impressive might I add), and to Little Caesar's, and Panda Express.

19. Who is more social? Me, hands down (at first anyway)! Tom can come off as reserved and shy, but when you get to know him he won't stop talking. :)

20. Who is the neat freak? We both like a clean house, but overall I am the perfectionist.

21. Who is more stubborn? I'm not in to all that zodiac stuff, but I am a Taurus....what can I say? I like to get my way.

22. Who hogs the bed? Hayden, but when he is not there, I have to say we are both very respectful of one another's "space".

23. Who wakes up earlier? Definitely Tom. I sleep as long as I possibly can, but that is also because I am up much later than Tom most nights. I am a night owl, he falls asleep every night on the couch watching TV.

24. Where was your first date? After Tom flew to Toronto, he proposed that night by the lake, the next day we went up the CN Tower downtown. I guess that was the first real "date".

25. Who has the bigger family? Tom, he is the youngest of 5...I have one younger sister.

26. Do you get flowers often? Usually for my birthday, anniversary, or Valentine's Day. I think they are more fun when they are random though (hint, hint!)

27. How do you spend the holidays? Usually here. Tom's parents have been coming every year for Thanksgiving, but we enjoy a quiet Christmas!

28. Who is more jealous? I think Tom use to be more jealous, because I have a lot of guy friends, but I can honestly say we are both very secure in our marriage now, and there is no jealousy.

29. How long did it take to get serious? Well, due to circumstances, a year.

30. Who eats more? I think we are both guilty of eating more than we should!

31. Who does the laundry? Normally I do, but I have to say Tom did about 10 loads this weekend. He goes on little cleaning sprees once in a while, and I happily just stay out of the way!

32. Who is better with the computer? Tom is more tech savvy altogether.

33. Who drives when you are together? It depends on which vehicle we use, if it's Tom's car, Tom drives, if it's the mini-van usually I take the wheel.

Wasn't that FUN??! Ok, now it's your turn! If you read this, you're tagged!! Do it! Do it!!

Our Foolish Ways

2009-04-01T23:00:00.005-06:00

Our list of foolish games and trickery this year included....

The letter
To give you some background...the girls' school is being released early this year (the first week in May to be exact) due to some remodeling projects they have going on through out the summer. When Madeline checked the mail today, inside the mailbox she found this letter from her "principal". She asked if she could open and read it. It read:

Dear parents,

Due to the construction project this coming summer at King Elementary, we have encountered some difficulties, and may have to keep the school closed the entire school year of 2009-2010. Our only solution is to have the students meet in the forest at Cottonwood Creek Park for their classes next year. We will set up chairs, and desks, and shelving for books in the tree's. Please dress your children warmly each day for school, including hats, ear muffs, gloves, and possibly snowsuits, as the weather can get quite cold. We look forward to seeing your child(ren) next year! Please meet the first day of school by the dumpster in the parking lot.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school in the coming weeks, or at my new office in the public bathrooms at the park.

Sincerely yours,

Cordelia Stone
Principal

I WISH I could have taken a picture of Madeline's face as she read this letter. Horror? Pain? Bewilderment? It was hard for me not to laugh out loud! I think the second time she read it through, was when it hit her... "Mom! This has GOT to be a joke!!" We all got a good laugh, when it was said and done! Oh, what a tricky mom am I?

The Dinner

We had a "Wacky Macky" dinner. Before we could eat we had to pull 3 slips of paper from our cups, that "told" us what we would be eating and with what utensil. For example, Tom's first course was ketchup, apple juice, and a cup...he was lucky he got the juice and the cup in the first round. I had to wait for my cup until the 4th course!!

Tom's second course...mac and cheese with a knife. It didn't phase him in the least!

Avery on the other hand, was not so amused that she had to eat with a baby spoon. She was VERY happy however, to get a marshmallow with her hot dog and macaroni!

After a few courses, Madeline finally got a bun for her hot dog, but had to apply the ketchup she had put on her plate with a toothpick.

We all had a lot of fun!

The Dessert

After school, I asked Madeline to run out to the garden and get me a container of dirt for our dessert. I told her I had found a new recipe for a healthy dessert, and it called for soil since it had so many nutrients. She thought I was off my rocker, and refused to eat it, but went and got me some. The girls actually ate it after some coaxing, and loved it! I don't know if Madeline would have believed it was dirt had she not gotten the dirt herself. Tom asked Madeline what part of the garden she had retrieved the dirt from..."Uh oh Madeline, that is where we put down cow maneur last year..." EWWW! YUCK!!! Which was followed by rinsing with mouthwash and, "I am worried we will get sick Dad!" Let's just say, the girls were relieved when the truth was uncovered...thank you crushed Oreo's.

Mother nature pulled out a few tricks of her own today...

The pajama bottoms

Tom usually leaves his blue pajama bottoms either on the bed, or by it, each day. I use the bed to fold our laundry on, so it is not uncommon to find both side by side on any given day. Tonight when Tom went to grab his pajama's, to his dismay all the laundry on the bed went with them. Earlier in the day I had stitched about 4 or 5 different items of laundry to his shorts. I am still waiting for his revenge...

Mission Accomplished.

Our Take on Spring Break

2009-03-29T22:42:00.006-06:00

We had big plans for Spring Break this year...all of which changed or were postponed for another time! Nevertheless, we had a great week - here are some of the highlights (or a lot of them, actually)....

The girls wanted to have a picnic at the park...but due to high winds we settled for one in the backyard. Hayden crashed the picnic and decided the "table cloth" was a blanket. Fun was still had by all!
We made lots of crafts....

Madeline's "collage"

We painted Madeline's room with lots of circles...

Tom's spring break craft project included finishing the rail...woohoo!

My favorite handy men! Hayden had lots of fun helping Tom out by handing him his tools (and trying some out himself).

We had a fun morning at "Pump-it-Up", all the kids got their wiggles out, which made for a wonderful afternoon for mom! :)

I think this is when Hayden was starting to "wind down"....

It was REALLY busy that day, but with the chilly weather that came our way, it was a great substitute for playing outside.

Meanwhile,

I started my over-ambitious project of sewing Easter dresses for the girls...whether or not they actually end up wearing them remains to be seen...

Madeline painted letters to hang on her wall.

But most of the time, we would find her in her room...reading the adventures of Edward and Bella. Yes, I'm afraid I have created another Twilight fan.

Madeline and Avery are participating in their school talent show next Friday. They will be performing a rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Madeline will be tickling the ivory's, while Avery belts out a tune! We painted these shirts for them to wear during their performance! (Stay tuned for that doozy!)

We had plans to go to the zoo, but we were hit with a blizzard on Thursday. It was time to send the kids outside to play in the white stuff! Hayden took the longest to get ready....

The girls had a blast building snowmen.

Hayden? Not so much.

It's a good thing he looked too cute for me to care.

Saturday was the biggest surprise of all! I took the girls on a mommy/daughter date to see Disney on Ice!

Avery gave it a thumbs up!

Madeline was so excited she was trembling!

The only picture I took before the camera went dead! Grrr! You will have to trust me, it was so fun!!

Our next adventurous post will probably involve kittens...so stay tuned!!

Pesky Green Friends

2009-03-17T22:20:00.004-06:00

Apparently, if you are 9 and 6 and your last name is Helm, St. Patrick's Day is about one thing only....Leprechaun's. Today, Madeline and Avery could not stop talking about the pesky creatures. We don't really "discuss" Leprechauns much at our house, but they sure seem to talk a lot about them in school! So much so in fact, that the girls are determined to catch one in our backyard. They spent a good hour in the yard after school creating a "trap". It consisted of dirt, a broom, and a blanket. (Camera had a dead battery, darn it!) Somehow the dirt is supposed to lure the leprechauns in to captivity? Leprechauns are shifty characters. According to the girls, these are the naughty things the colorful creatures did today:

*knocked over Avery's chair at school
*attacked Madeline in her bedroom (she emerged unscathed, thank goodness) Avery said the leprechaun looked just like her picture... but REAL (see below)
*the girls said they heard distant "screaming" in the backyard, and they could only assume that a Leprechaun was kidnapping a neighbor.

Avery's Leprechaun

I guess Leprechaun's are also confused, because in between their mischievous activities, they also found time to be extremely generous and gave Avery candy without asking, gave her a gold coin, and according to her the above picture even "winked" at her during dinner. By the end of the day, Madeline wanted nothing more to do with them. We even had green "Leprechaun juice" with our dinner. Madeline said "NO THANKS. If it has anything to do with Leprechauns, I'm outta here!!" (She drank it anyway)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Confessions of a 2 year old

2009-03-12T13:23:00.005-06:00

I hear "shoes make the man"...so I try. It hurts to be handsome.

I am drawn to sharp, pointy things that hurt. Even after countless "incidences" I can't get enough of them.
I dislike sleeping in beds at night, but give me a shoulder, a car seat, or a couch to lean on and Ta-da! Instant sleepy head.

I dabble with make-up here and there, you know, it's just a "phase". I think red is definitely my color.

They say video games are for the big kids. I don't buy it! They were made for ME.

I am a chocolate addict, but anything sticky, sweet, or that causes stains will do. This is especially enjoyable right after a bath.

I'm an exhibitionist, hey - if you got it, flaunt it.

I need my creative freedom. This includes, but is not limited to, using my fork as a choo-choo train, my spoon as a nose-picker, and my bowl as a hat. The mess is just added bonus.

Despite all this, I am obviously irresistable, because they sure like me around here!

(P.S. don't tell anyone, but I still live with my parents)

Wordles

2009-02-26T13:25:00.003-07:00

I found a fun site called Wordle.net, you can insert a bunch of words about your family, a poem, a story...and it will randomly create "word art" for you. My example is the Proclamation on the Family. The most prominent words are the words used most often in the text. I love that the biggest words in the Proclamation are GOD, CHILDREN, FAMILY, and ETERNAL. Have fun! (You can click on the picture above to see the larger version).

Birthday Randomness

2009-02-23T20:06:00.005-07:00

There was no real rhyme or reason to Hayden's birthday this year. After a whole week of dealing with a family flu epidemic, we were all just happy to be fever-free, and dressed. Despite our low-key affair, we had a great day celebrating our favorite little boy's 2nd birthday!

The cake....my first attempt at making a fondant cake actually turned out pretty well. It was so fun making it, like a crazy high school art project that you never want to end. It took many hours, and no one wanted to eat it when I was done, but we did, and it was yummy. Hayden perfected his new "I am TWO, and whatchya gonna do about it" look.
We celebrated with our usual birthday meal of choice...Little Caesar's Pizza!

(Madeline gets a little crazy when soda is involved)

Hayden was fascinated that he was allowed to be so close to a burning flame. When it was time to "blow out the candle" he didn't want to.

Cake is yummy.

Hayden's birthday loot includes a new tricycle (which we wished included new leg extender's)...a racetrack, and "Cars" sleeping bag set from Grandma and Papa, a Little People's boat set, and a new firetruck.
LIFE IS GOOD.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!!! We sure LOVE YOU!!!

Tom + Callie = True Love 4ever

2009-02-13T12:05:00.003-07:00

Tom + Callie sitting in a tree....

K-I-S-S-I-N-G...

First comes love

Then comes marriage

Then comes Tom with the baby carriage!!

After 12 years of knowing you, and almost 11 years of being your wife...you still rock my socks off :) You are the best Valentine a girl could ask for. Thank you for being the love of my life, my best friend, and the father I always hoped my children would have.

I LOVE YOU.

Magic Cars

2009-02-11T08:32:00.003-07:00

Bosom Buddies

2009-02-05T23:22:00.002-07:00

Don't let the sweetness fool you...our cat Skittles was only trying to escape Hayden's "love". Still pretty cute though, and I am so glad I finally have a camera again.

GRATEFUL

2009-01-29T17:55:00.002-07:00

This afternoon, the girls were were "watching" Hayden while I was running up and down the stairs taking care of laundry. A good 10 minutes or so had passed by, and I called to Madeline asking if Hayden was still with her. No, was her reply. We quickly did the common "run through" of the house looking for him. He was no where to be found. In the past, this usually means he has crawled through the doggy door at the side of our playroom and in to the outdoor kennel. Not usually a big deal since the kennel is enclosed. Today he managed to push open the gate at the back of the kennel, which IS a big deal. This means he wandered around the backyard trying to get back in to the house. Another problem? There is snow in our backyard. Not a lot, but we still have a few inches in the shadow of our back door. The bigger problem? He was bare foot. We found poor Hayden screaming in pain, as he stood barefoot in the snow at the back door trying to get in. I quickly grabbed him, wrapped his discolored feet in towels, trying to fight back the tears. I was scared. I didn't know how long he had been standing there, and he didn't know better to get out of the snow. He had been there long enough though, that his feet were bright red, and his toes were an awful purplish color, and I was scared to death of frostbite. There was no time for a formal prayer, but I can promise I was pleading with Heavenly Father in my mind. I got him warmed up the best I could, I couldn't rub his feet because he would shriek in pain when I tried. I put on his cozy slippers, wrapped him in a blanket and got him some warm milk. Five minutes passed, and I checked his feet again. Still freezing cold and discolored. This is when I really began to worry. Finally after a few more minutes, and just when I was debating to do something more (call for a blessing, or take him to the ER) his toes went back to bright red, and then to pink. By this time he had fallen asleep in my arms, too tired after his ordeal to cry anymore. Madeline came in to check on him, and said "I think he will be fine mom. I said a prayer, and I felt really good after, like he will be ok". I am grateful for prayer, and the faith of a child. I am grateful that the first thing Madeline did in our stressful situation was go to her room and say a prayer on behalf of her brother. I am so touched. And, above all? I am sooo grateful Hayden still has his toes!

President Obama (First Grade style)

2009-01-21T09:15:00.004-07:00

My girls were super excited about Barack Obama's inauguration yesterday, as was I. They watched it at school, and Madeline expressed how awesome she thought it was that she lives in this time, and that she was part of history. It IS awesome. We live in a scary time, but also in an amazing and wondrous time. I felt honored to witness Barack Obama become the 44th President of this great nation. Regardless of your political preference, President Obama has an arduous task ahead of him, and he needs our support and prayers. It is easy to become cynical when dealing with our political leaders, but I choose to keep it light and positive for my children. Avery brought home this booklet from school. It is chock full of extremely important information if I do say so myself....

I especially love some of the highlighted words...basketball, photos, piano, the beach...you know, the really important stuff. :)

*And just to add another very important note to Scholastic's... are the Obama's not the best looking family to ever live in the Whitehouse?! I think so. What a handsome family. I especially admire the evident love that is present between the President and First Lady. They are the sweetest couple.

Don't Let the Library Burn Down...

2009-01-15T20:24:00.004-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to compile some family history from Tom's side of the family. My mother-in-law Jimmie, has albums full of wonderful old family pictures and stories. I am forever grateful to her for sitting down with me and patiently sharing these memories. I loved learning about these people, who although not my own blood relatives, are part of my husband and my children. Through the process of "getting to know them", they became part of me. I learned of their personal struggles, heartaches, and triumphs. It was a tender experience for me.
I gained insight in to the times they lived, and perspective on the time we live in. Each family tree is full of character and beauty, and it is up to us to find it.... Each branch represents a person, who despite their weaknesses and disposition, have lived their lives so we might live. It is our responsibility to learn their stories, and to share that heritage with our children, that they might know their own story...

Verda Lue Campsey (Tom's Great-Grandmother), with her sons, Charles (Tom's grandfather) and Chester, Jr. (early 1930's). Verda Lou became ill with tuberculosis in her early 30's, and died shortly after. Being a child himself, Charles remembered coming home from school each day and tending to his mother before she passed.

My mission President, Val R. Christensen, now serves as the Rexburg Temple President. He is amazing, and wise, and wonderful, and I can't say enough about him. I love him. I love his dear sweet wife Ruth Ann. He continues to keep in touch with his Arizona missionaries, and sends us updates and words of wisdom regularly. Today he sent these quotes...

President Joseph Fielding Smith said: "It doesn't matter whether your computer is able to compile all the family group sheets for everyone that ever lived on the earth, it remains the responsibility of each individual to know his kindred dead....Even if the work is done, then it is still each person's responsibility to study and become acquainted with his ancestors."

Will Durrant has stated "Let us before we die, gather up our heritage and offer it to our children."

James Dobson of Focus on the Family also encourages us by saying: "When an old person dies it's as if a library has burned down."

I love that last quote. Our family members' experiences contain volumes and volumes of knowledge. Let us learn from them, and talk with them, and grow from them before the fire comes...I am grateful I took the time to get to know these ancestors, for I have gained a wealth of knowledge to pass on to my children, and my childrens' children. I am grateful when that time comes to be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us, that the reunion will be sweet when they know we took the time to learn of them, and to keep their stories alive.

resolute

2008-12-31T14:49:00.002-07:00

What are your New Year's resolutions? Do you make any? I always make them. I rarely keep them. This year I feel I have to keep at least some of them. I am determined.
Here are the things I plan to do:
*eat MUCH healthier. I eat healthy, but it's sprinkled with cookies and chocolate, and too many carbs. My body does not do well with carbs. I need to do better.
*exercise more regularly. I exercise, but it consists of random dancing, random Pilates, wrestling my 2 year old to get him dressed... or running the laundry up and down the stairs, and then I eat a cookie...
*read my scriptures regularly. I read, but the indulgent, entertaining stuff, and not enough of what matters most. I also plan to read with my children more.
*spend less time on the computer. I love blogging and reading blogs, I love facebook, I love my friends, but I need to limit my time. It takes away from the important things in life, like laundry, and dishes, and vacuuming...sigh.
*get our finances in order. We are blessed, but I overspend in some area's. It is hard to justify when we are still in debt with school, etc. So, I need to be more frugal and disciplined. It scares me when people we know are losing their jobs and homes...I want to feel more prepared.
*go somewhere, anywhere, with my husband, ALONE for a few days. Tom and I have not gone anywhere by ourselves in 8 years. It is a sad, sad reality. We need to.

So, that's it. Well, for the most part. Piece of cake, right?

Tomorrow it's a new year, but today...I am eating cookies and playing on the computer with fervor!! What are you doing today? ;)

Dear Nintendo DS

2008-12-27T17:10:00.003-07:00

I love you. I never thought I would say it, but I love you...I love having two of you within the walls of our home. I love hearing my girls giggle as they send secret messages to eachother, and I love the silence as they play games on you. I love that you are small and compact and don't take up much room like the other toys do. I love that you play with my girls whenever they want. I love that you are bribing and bargaining power (for me). You make my girls happy, which makes me....very happy. I love that it is 2 days after Christmas, and they aren't bored yet. I love my mother-in-law for bestowing this gift upon us....

So, thank you DS, for being a little piece of sunshine amidst our winter break. I can't say what your fate will be when Wii comes knocking on our door, but for now you are great.
By the way, I think you are pretty cute, too.

Safety Saturday

2008-12-13T20:26:00.002-07:00

Today I took the girls to SuperWalmart. It was pre-holiday madness. I quickly gave the girls the rundown on "stranger danger" (for the 50th time) as I eyed the "variety" of people shopping there today. Not to be judgemental, but you know what I'm talking about...
So, my rundown included staying very close to mom, not wandering to look at anything, because it's easy to get lost and distracted with so many people around...
Leave it to Madeline to take this business very seriously. They followed me around the store like little chicks. Poor Avery wouldn't be more then 3 steps behind me, when Madeline would loudly exclaim "Avery! You are not close enough to mom!!" This happened about 3 or 4 times. Finally, Madeline was clearly getting frustrated with Avery's dangerous ways, when, in the toy aisle, and the top of her lungs (with many ears available to hear) she belted out "Avery! Being kidnapped by these people is NOT on our list of things to do today!!" Thank you Madeline.

My Secret

2008-12-09T12:57:00.003-07:00

I dance in my livingroom. It's true. I mean all-out, hands in the air, party like a rock star, dance in my livingroom. It's more fun than the treadmill. I know the visual image is disturbing, but if you don't dance in your livingroom - I highly recommend it. Let me share some of my dance in the livingroom soundtrack with you (don't judge me)...

Let it Rock - Kevin Rudolph
Hung Up - Madonna
Stronger - Kanye West
Shake It - Metro Station
and...pretty much any Justin Timberlake song (ok, mostly just one song, but I don't want to say it)

I hope you will still be my friend, however, I have a feeling I am not the only one who dances in their livingroom...

Family pics 2008

2008-12-07T14:03:00.005-07:00

Thank you to my friend Sarah, who took awesome pictures of our family this year. I can't tell you what an amazing job she did...amazing, not only because they turned out beautifully, but also because the entire time she was shooting, Hayden was throwing the tantrum of the century. Sarah is amazing. Did I mention how amazing she is? He literally screamed for an hour straight! It didn't help that it was nap time...he also came home and threw up later that night, which explained his mood. Somehow, she still managed to capture some great shots of him...Thanks again, Sarah! :)

Still madly in love!

Our little man

So cute!

This one captures Hayden's mood that day to a "T".

I love this one of our girls!

He's smiling!! :)

In review

2008-12-02T08:51:00.005-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Tom's parents came for the week. We love having them here, and it's always sad to say goodbye! Some of my Thanksgiving activities included: catching a cold (I am thankful for hot chocolate), playing a mean game of Totally 80's Trivial Pursuit (I am thankful for Care Bears), getting up at 4:30 am to go shopping (I am thankful for sales), learning how to brine a turkey (I am thankful it turned out, and was scrumptious to boot...2 necks and all), eating a chocolate dipped jalapeno (I am thankful for the chocolate part), trying to salvage our poor broken digital camera, but to no avail (I am thankful for a new digital camera, that we don't have yet, but hope to soon??!) and of coarse, spending time with my wonderful family, counting my blessings, and eating great food.
I also.... Hugged my kids

watched Kermit the Frog float by Macy's

loved on my husband in his Hawaiian shirt (apparantly it's his new tradition)

Saved babies from laundry baskets

played some mean games of Jenga

watched Hayden play with the TWO HUGE Tupperware boxes that Grandma brought, full of trains, lego's and cars. He was in little boy heaven.

acted silly

and...took some well needed naps

I am thankful.

Our Blessings Come in Two's

2008-11-26T14:27:00.005-07:00

Today we began the brine preparations for our 23 pounder...enough to feed us, Papa, and Grandma on Thursday, and then some. To our surprise, our big fat turkey friend offered our family more then we ever imagined.

In it's belly, our turkey came stuffed with TWO necks.

I will admit I was a little grossed out by the visual image of a mutant turkey running around, sporting two heads. Our family has come up with many scenarios of why our turkey has two necks...maybe you would like to share some of yours. Also, don't you think it should be worthy of some awesome and amazing prize?? Should I call Jennie-O??

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

My Funny Boy

2008-11-20T13:56:00.003-07:00

I have great visiting teachers. They come over every month. Sometimes Hayden is happy about this, sometimes he is not. (He hates having to turn off the TV). Today he was ok with it, but spent most of his time in the other room playing. During the lesson, one sisters' cell phone rang, so she excused herself to answer it. She looked at the number calling while giving me a funny look, and said, "it's you..."?? Obviously, it wasn't me, so I went to find Hayden... and sure enough, with a proud look on his face, he had our phone in his hand, and had accidentally called her number! Out of the 50 million numbers we have on our caller ID, he dialed hers! We had a good laugh over it. It was pretty funny, and is sure to become one of their favorite VTing stories! :)

Tagged

2008-11-19T11:41:00.003-07:00

My friend Mandy tagged me...you have to post the 4th picture from your 4th folder. Thankfully, it wasn't an embarrassing picture, because we are not short on those! Madeline and Avery at their finest, smothering one another with love! This was taken in Phoenix about 2003.

I tag Didi, Rachel, Shanna, Rochelle, and Emily - and YES you have to do it, or you will hurt my feelings immensely!!!

Highly Recommended Read

2008-11-17T18:25:00.002-07:00

Hayden has been carrying this around for the past 3 days...including dinner time. He cried today when he accidentally tore the corner off a page. Christmas might be easier then I thought.

November 13th

2008-11-13T09:43:00.003-07:00

Today has very special meaning to me. Let me tell you why...

16 years ago today, I was your typical 17 year old. I had lots of friends, went to lots of parties, and worked hard in school. I had dreams and I had goals. I was the oldest of two girls, my sister Erika being 7 years younger then myself. We lived with my mom, who has always been a single parent, and who has always worked very hard to give us the life she felt we deserved. I lived in Mississauga, Ontario, a growing city just outside of Toronto.

Although, we were raised to believe in God, I wasn't quite sure who He was, or the role that He played in my life. I wanted to know. I remember it being a very transitionary time in my life. My peers were over-achievers, but yet I watched as their morals declined, and I wasn't too far behind except for the fact that it bothered me. Why did it bother me? For six months, I prayed to know God. I read the Bible, hoping to find the meaning in life I was seeking. I kept a journal of my progress. Many days, it seemed my efforts were in vain. Then one dreary and cold November day, I was standing alone waiting for my bus which would take me to my after school job at a vet's office. It was crowded that day, as commuters were rushing here and there trying to catch their buses. One young man caught my eye. He stood out among the rest. He looked too young to be wearing the suit and trench coat that he wore, but somehow it made him seem important. I watched him as he seemed to randomly approach people and talk with them. Their conversations seemed short. I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency that he needed to talk to me too. I honestly had no idea who he was or what he represented, but I couldn't ignore that my heart was pounding in my chest, and I decided then that if he didn't approach me, I would approach him! As he came my way, I smiled, hoping he would talk to me as he did the others. He introduced himself as Elder Gustin, and said he was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Little did I know at that moment that my life had changed forever. In the weeks to come, Elder Gustin and Elder Babbitt taught me and my family everything my heart yearned to know. It was all so familiar to me. I remember feeling so humbled that God had given me this precious gift, and I vowed never to take it for granted. It was such a pivotal time in my young life, my life could have gone in two totally different directions. How grateful I am that the Lord saw fit to bless me so early on.

The short version of this story is that I went on to Ricks College, where I continued to learn and grow, and make life-long friends. I went on to serve a full-time mission where I gained an enormous love for people and where I finally had the chance to bless others with the gift I had so generously been given. It was also during that time that I realized how truly priceless this gift was. I married the love of my life in the temple, and I have been blessed with three beautiful children...all of these blessings which have stemmed from that one meeting so long ago on November 13th.

The fun part of this story is that I still keep in touch with Elder Babbitt and Elder Gustin. Elder Gustin has been blessed with a beautiful family. He and his wife and their five adorable kids live in Idaho. He and his wife attended Ricks College the same time I did, and it was fun to see them on campus.
Elder Babbitt has also been blessed with 4 beautiful children, and a lovely wife. He and his family live just over an hour away, here in Colorado! We are planning a family get together soon! I am so grateful my children will know these men that served so diligently to teach me the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are intricate threads weaved in to the fabric of who I have become. I am so eternally grateful for their friendship and role in my life.

So, now you know what November 13th means to me:)

Elder Babbitt and Elder Gustin November 1992
(who will either love me or hate me after posting this picture!:)
I believe those are seashells in their ears....?

Irony

2008-11-12T13:40:00.002-07:00

Ok, so AS I clicked on "Publish Post" for the previous post (which you have to read to get this one) - Hayden was upstairs playing in the kitchen. I heard his little feet dancing around (he likes to dance in circles). I looked up, and behold, his long lost SOOKIE was in his mouth! Arrrggghhhh! He found it in the cupboard in the box of microwave popcorn!!!

Now what do I do? He is on cloud nine, and I am at Square one.

Have You Seen My Friend??

2008-11-12T13:01:00.004-07:00

Hayden lost his very last sookie. It was a bitter-sweet farewell...we knew the day had to come, we just didn't think it would be cold turkey, and the day before he had THREE shots. We have been wanting to wean Hayden from his "sookie" for a while now, but it really has been such a good, GOOD, friend (to me). I knew it would be hard to say goodbye, I didn't know it would be miserable.

The good thing? It's gone. No more bribing the girls with money to go find it during his grouchy moods - because we are not buying another one. We will get to see his cute face in all of our pictures now. No more panic at the grocery store when he drops it on the floor.

The bad thing? Hayden is so, so sad. He is sleep deprived. He is grouchy. I am grouchy. He has had a very hard time falling asleep on his own. He stayed up until midnight the other night, and woke up looking for it in his blanket. .

I want to buy another one. Does the image of a Kindergartener sucking on a pacifier disturb you? I am thinking it isn't so bad...

On this night...

2008-11-04T21:42:00.003-07:00

On this night, I have to say I am proud to live in this country. Regardless of who you voted for today, we live in a country that allows us so many freedoms. The freedom to worship, to elect our government, to choose our own paths... whatever they may be.
Tonight was historic in so many ways. I feel humbled and honored to live in a day when our country can look past one's race, and elect them as the leader of this great country. It speaks volumes on how far this country has come. If we look past all the political differences for just a moment, and embrace the unity that occured tonight, it is monumental. It is huge.
I thought McCain's speech tonight was gracious, and I think it would benefit us to take his words to heart. Barack Obama will be the new President of this country. There is honor in that. He ran an honorable campaign, an admirable campaign. I would hope and pray Republicans and Democrats can put aside their differences for the benefit our country, and move forward. I would hope that those who have spoken evil against Barack Obama will see the good in him, and move forward.
I have no doubt that God still watches over this country. I have no doubt that Barack Obama was born to be a leader. The leader of this country, and at this time in history. I have no doubt that he is a good man, a man of integrity, and that he will seek the best interest of America. I know there are many who may not agree with me, but I hope that they will have hope, that they will pray for their new leader as I will. I have hope for this great country, that there will be positive changes, that we will be able to reach out to the world in a manner that will allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to move forward, and penetrate all nations, kindreds, tongues and people...

It was kind of a big deal...

2008-11-02T21:05:00.006-07:00

Madeline has not had bangs since she was 4 years old, so it took me by surprise today when she asked me to cut her some...I was a little nervous about this endeavor, okay, freaking out nervous. But, I did it - I also cut a little more then some new bangs...and not to toot my own horn, but I am thinking...future hairdressing career here? She was actually happy with it, like jumping up and down happy. I felt like a really good mom today, but next time I may just charge for it.

This is Hallowe'en

2008-10-31T21:15:00.007-06:00

It was the perfect Colorado Hallowe'en this year. This fall has been truly gorgeous...early 70's during the day, blue skies, slight breeze, the reds, oranges, and yellows of maples and aspens changing color. This is the girls school, which is 5 houses down from our home. We love having the Rockies in our backyard.

However, despite the boggling beauty, the girls were getting impatient! "How many days until Hallowe'en?" they would say!!!

Here are some of the things we did to pass the time while we waited...
Wrapping mummies at school...apparantly zookeeper's are very good at this.

Hanging out with witches and pirates...this includes games and yummy food I might add.

Hayden joined in on the classroom party fun. He was obviously completely taken with all the costumes, food, and games...

So, it was time to go home, where we would continue to wait and wait until Hallowe'en, when we could finally have some fun!

So, we thought we would carve some pumpkins!

Scooping the guts out was the best part!!

This is when Avery decided she liked fake pumpkins MUCH better. According to her, they are not slimy, and they don't stink. Actually, according to her, her fake pumpkin smelled like flowers.
We also roasted pumpkin seeds...and ate about 3 of them, before we decided goldfish crackers taste much better.

Hayden enjoyed the pumpkin guts.

Our stinky and slimy...but pretty, pumpkin family.

We still had a few more days of waiting, so we made some scary masks...and I have to admit they were a little freaky...

THEN, it was finally Hallowe'en! Everyone had the day off of school this year, so we had a little cookie decorating party at the VanWagoner's home. What a beautiful day! It could have been August for all we knew!

You should always warm up for trick-or-treating by eating lots of sugar, because you never know if you will get enough later on that night...

It was almost time, but first we had some hot dog mummies for dinner. They were YUMMY MUMMIES!

Then, our zookeeper, monkey, and witch were ready to hit the streets of Colorado Springs!! (Check out Avery's tiger on her shoulder - LOVE it!)

The one thing that got that "sookie" out of Hayden's mouth was, you guessed it...candy.

The AFTERMATH.

This is what mom and dad look like after a few Kit-Kats....

and THIS is what our kids looked like...

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!!!

Haydo Potato

2008-10-29T12:27:00.004-06:00

I thought it was time for a video/picture update on Hayden. He is growing so fast, and turning in to a little man right before our eyes!

This morning I was sweeping the kitchen floor, and had left the broom closet open. I turned around and this is what I found! Hayden had pulled the mop out, and was trying his darndest to mop right along with me. I just want to squish him! :)

Hayden LOVES to be outside. He escapes through the doggy door as many times a day as I change his diaper. No matter what the weather, rainy, cold, windy...he just wants to be free!!

Hayden is a trickster, and is always showing us his "break dance" moves, which include a variety show of jumps, dives, and "oomphs!" He likes to poke Avery in the arm with his fork at dinner time, and he likes to see what items flush down the toilet, and...which ones don't. Every animal says "arf arf", except for cats of coarse, which say "Mawr". Any picture, video, commercial, or sound representing a car stops him dead in his tracks. He is a motor vehicle fanatic. Above all, Hayden is the most cuddly of our kids, he loves to just snuggle and be close to mommy and daddy. We sure love our Haydo Potato! :)

Just a thought....

2008-10-28T13:13:00.003-06:00

I hope I am not opening up a deadly can of worms here...

There is a lot of talk lately about Barack Obama being a socialist, and McCain accuses him of wanting to "spread the wealth around" with his tax plan. I am not for socialism in its radical form, and I do not believe Obama to be radical. My thought is, many members of the church are Republican, and buy in to this thought that "spreading the wealth around" is outrageous, and infringes on their rights and privilidges. My question then, is, if you believe that to be true, what are your thoughts on the Law of Consecration? Is it such a terrible and outrageous ideal, if the Lord Himself asks this very same principle of us one day? That his children be on more equal ground? That the wealthy give more because they have more? I am not referring to any other aspect of this campaign, then to what I have stated. I welcome your thoughts...

Three White Dresses

2008-10-26T19:28:00.005-06:00

Madeline's Baptism Day

September 29th, 2007

If you have a little girl this will touch your heart, and if you don't, I hope you will still be touched.

Because we all need a good chuckle...

2008-10-22T23:16:00.001-06:00

The new way to decide the election...

http://www.minimovie.com/film-128460-McCain-Obama%20Dance-Off

Two girls and Twenty dollars

2008-10-22T08:09:00.005-06:00

For Family Home Evening this week, we decided on a double whammy. Food Storage AND budgeting. I know, crazy! We decided to give the girls $20, with which they had to buy enough food storage, for the two of them, for a week. We told them they could do it all on their own, as long as everything was non-perishable. They began with their plan of attack. Madeline started making her list. When she was done, she had listed about 7 different kinds of sugar cereal. That's it. Hmmm. I gently reminded her she may want something for lunch and dinner as well. Avery's list was much more practical....

Cookie Crisp (cereal), beans, and "ronie cheese" (our family nickname for mac & cheese)

So, off we all went to the grocery store. I have to say it was encouraging to watch the girls work together as they looked for the best deals. Tom and I let them do it all on their own as we had promised. Their little brains had to work pretty hard to figure out what 5/$3.00 meant! The girls got some looks, as they were not quiet during this process...so, we just smiled as people glanced at our family, probably wondering why two little girls were arguing about the cost of powdered milk...

Overall, I think it was a great success. The girls were much more frugal knowing they were spending money on something they might actually need one day. So, what did a 9 year old and a 6 year old buy for a week of food storage?

3 boxes of "roni cheese", 2 cans BBQ vienna sausages, 1 can spehgettios, 1 can of peas, 2 packs of chocolate pudding, one bag hard candy, 2 cans beans, 1 can tomato soup, 5 packages of Ramen noodles, 1 box speghetti, 5 gallons of water, 1 jar of applesauce, 1 large jar peanut butter, and one box of all-purpose baking mix! Not bad if I do say so myself. I think they actually would be able to survive on that for a week. Maybe. Notice there is no sugar cereal, or any cereal for that matter. Probably due to the drama over the powdered milk. Madeline said it just didn't fit in to the budget. I think Madeline just didn't want to fathom the possibility of actually having to drink it...
So, if you ever want some good entertainment, just give your kids $20 for food storage and see what they get. They just might surprise you! :)

donkeys and elephants

2008-10-20T22:31:00.006-06:00

Why is the Democratic symbol a donkey? Why are Republicans elephants? Why did they switch underwear in this picture? I have my own theories (on the symbolism, not the underwear)...but I thought a lesson in history might serve this Canadian girl well. For those of you who may also need a refresher course on animal symbolism... the buck stops here. Pun intended.

http://www.c-span.org/questions/week174.htm

I understand...

2008-10-14T21:36:00.006-06:00

Recently, I had a conversation with Madeline that went something like this:

Madeline: You just don't understand!! You have no idea what it is like to be a kid!!

Me: Actually I do (and I dedicate this post to Madeline)

When I was a kid, it was the 80's. I have to say, I think the 80's was the coolest decade ever. I mean ever, ever. Everyone was happy, the songs on the radio were happy. We wore flourescent colored clothing and plastic shoes. It was all about girls wanting to have fun....and that meant by dancing and having sleep overs with your friends, and nothing else. Music video's were entertaining. Madonna was still cute and innocent. Michael Jackson dressed up like a zombie and danced with the other undead, and I couldn't get enough of it. I use to dance in my bedroom, with my leg warmer's on, listening to The Culture Club, and Duran Duran on my record player, just knowing that if I practiced hard enough, I too, would be able to be a Solid Gold dancer. I watched "Fame" religiously, and dreamed of going to some...any...school of performing arts when I became a teenager. My Saturday mornings were spent watching The Smurfs, and my evenings were spent watching The Muppet Show, and on special occasions, if we were lucky, an encore presentation of Strawberry Shortcake would come on.

Check out my "Fame" shirt....was that COOL, or what? Even my little sister Erika is decked out in my mom's electric sparkle shirt...everything sparkled in the 80's. (circa 1983)

What else did kids in the 80's do? Collected stickers, of coarse!! Most of us had sticker books, (which were usually one of mom's old photo albums) the coolest stickers included Cabbage Patch Kids, Smurfs, and any that were "puffy", "googly eyed", or "smelly". (I had a mean orange scented Smurfette). I also loved my Cabbage Patch Kid. Her name was Carlette Carlie, and she had brown hair and blue eyes just like me. I imagine my mom and Nana had to sucker punch a few other moms at the toy store to get their hands on her. Thanks mom and Nana. I read Garfield books and Archie Comic books. I threaded tiny beads on to safety pins, and wore them across my shoelaces....yes, friendship pins - because the more you had, the cooler you were. I begged for a plastic bracelet from the quarter machine every time we went to the grocery store, until I had a whole forearm's worth. The coolest bracelets said "Awesome" and "Excellent".
My summer's were spent outside, all day every day. We rode our bikes, and roller skated...with four wheels. We made up dances, and practiced cartwheels, and jump roped. If you got really good, you could double dutch. We walked to the pool and met our friends to go swimming - by ourselves! The closest thing we had to a computer or video game, was Donkey Kong and Pac-man down at the local donut shop, and that cost too much to play anyway. We didn't watch TV during the day because they didn't have kids shows on during the day. Sesame Street, but that was only for an hour. No one had VCR's yet, so we didn't watch movies either. Life was simpler, wasn't it?
My cousin's and I posing for a Christmas pic, circa 1980 (can you guess who I am?)

My favorite movies were E.T., The Goonies, The Secret of Nimh, Firestarter, Splash, and Gremlins. (I can proudly say we have at least 3 of those in our current movie collection)

Yes, times, were different, we did different things, and wore different things then most kids today....but I still had a little sister, still had to clean my room and deal with school yard drama. I had homework, and an allowance, and could only talk on the phone for so long. I took my lunch to school, and got in trouble when I pushed my sister. I stressed about what to wear, and if anyone would see my training bra through my clothes. Every morning that Madeline and I argue over something, I can see myself in her. I see the same stresses, triumphs, the same joys and frustrations that I felt as a child. As she plays with her Cabbage Patch kids, and watches her Strawberry Shortcake DVD's, I can see the generations connect, and see how close we actually are. Letting her know just how much I understand makes us that much closer.

So, on that note, sit down with your kiddo's today, and watch this - let them know what it was like when you were a kid:

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=APTBYQWsnrA

For the Fun of it?

2008-10-11T19:29:00.002-06:00

I have been tagged, so here it is...

8 Shows I like to watch:

Keith Oberman Show
What Not to Wear
The Office
CNN
SNL
The Tonight Show
Flipping Out
Survivor Man
Man VS Wild
Project Runway
That's more then 8 shows

8 Favorite Restaurants

NOT Ocean's Grill
Barro's Pizza in Phoenix (sigh)
On the Border
P.F. Chang's
NOT McDonald's (although I still get conned in to going there)
Harvey's
Sonic (is that a restaurant?)
Callie's Kitchen
I can't be picky, I have kids.

8 Things that happened today

I watched Tom eat an oyster
I got nauseous after watching Tom eat an oyster
I bought new sunglasses
I watched "The Nightmare Before Christmas" until Tom started snoring
I spent over $100 at SuperTarget
I read more of Edward and Bella's saga in "Breaking Dawn"
Lit our first fire of the season...in the fireplace
I bought a candy apple kit that I want to eat right now.
I also, took a shower, ran in the rain, got a kiss from Hayden, pretended to drink grape scented shampoo for Avery, and changed my shirt three times.

8 Things I am looking forward to

Hallowe'en
Trunk or Treat
Thanksgiving
Tom's parents coming for Thanksgiving
Getting my hair highlighted
Making guacamole tomorrow
Being done with the Primary Program
My hand healing and getting the feeling back in my finger
I am also looking forward to, Christmas, Hot Chocolate, snow, Election Day, having Hayden sleep in his own bed, by himself, without me...ever again.

8 Things on my wish list

A new watch (mine broke)
New clothes
Pedicure
A long vacation
A massage
for my kids to clean without me asking them 107 times
to always get the green light when driving
to be able to eat whatever I want and not gain an ounce
I also wish for, quiet motorcycles in the neighborhood, people to turn down their tripped out stereo systems at red lights, no laundry, self cleaning bathroom's, and to never have to go to the dentist again...

**If you read this post then you are tagged, and I fully expect you to do this...for reals.

It's great to live in #308!!!

2008-10-08T15:00:00.008-06:00

Let me take you back to the "good ol' days"... back to Ricks College '95-'96. It didn't get much better then this! I have to say I had the BEST roommates ever. We had so much fun that year, and we learned so much from one another. Mandy and Kim, this post is dedicated to you...since you are the only ones from #308 that read this blog! Hope you enjoy it! :)

The ladies of Heritage Manor #308: Top (left to right) Kim Farnsworth, Kym Mann, Mandy Wade (Bottom) Bobbie Chaney, Callie Smith, Amy Billings. Some of us served missions, and all of us got married and had children of our own.

Why am I the only one NOT sporting perfectly hairsprayed "claw" bangs here?? It must have been the stubborn Canadian in me. I am sure I gave in eventually...All I know was we were stylin' with our vests and button down shirts!

This was the day we went to the Sand Dunes, although they were "snow dunes" since it was the middle of winter. We had great fun that day!!

Mandy and me at Jackson Hole. It was a random trip we took at the end of the school year. Very fun and cold!
Mandy with Ben Skinner. Mandy had lots of "boyfriends"....:)
We all drove to Provo when I reported to the MTC. I can't say enough what it meant to have you all there supporting me. You truly became my family, and it was hard to say goodbye! Life changed so much for all of us after that! Mandy...what is up with that mini-dress? Scandalous!!
Actually, this was more scandalous! I think we dragged out our mattresses, and had a sleepover in the livingroom. Kym Mann obviously thought she was a Victoria's Secret model...
Christmas '95. Notice our homemade fireplace and Christmas tree made from paper. We were so crafty like that! I had serious eyebrow problems back then didn't I?...

Yes, I have many more pictures, and if I have enough requests I may post some more. You can only handle so much of 1995 in one post...

Love you guys!!

Imagination at Work

2008-10-07T08:01:00.005-06:00

I am so glad that despite the TV, video games, and the internet, I can still catch my girls doing stuff like this every day...

What were they doing you may ask? I wasn't quite sure either, but according to Avery they were playing "Disco Detective's"...isn't that obvious?? Avery cracks me up, she means business!
The scary thing? We actually have clothes to make such a game possible...

Just What We Needed...

2008-10-05T12:20:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was a tough day...just one of those "when will this ever end" kind of days! I won't go in to major details, but it was the kind of day where I fell down the stairs while holding Hayden and skinned my knee, hurt my back, and twisted my foot. The kind of day where it's your husband's birthday, and you want to make it a fun and special day, but you stab your hand (literally) while making guacamole, and have to spend 3 hours in urgent care getting it fixed up. The kind of day where you don't get to eat the guacamole, because it is brown by the time you get home from the hospital. The kind of day where you have to get a tetanus shot because of your stab wound. The kind of day, where you try to salvage it with birthday cake from Safeway, and there is a karaoke singer performing outside of Safeway, singing "My Kind of Woman" at the top of his lungs...and you don't feel like any kind of woman as you rummage through birthday cakes with your good hand. The kind of day where your baby boy cuts his lip open while throwing a fit, and bleeds all over his bedroom. The kind of day, you really just want to end so that no one else gets hurt! It really wasn't a good birthday for Tom, although we did try to make the best of it.
We needed today. So much. As you can imagine we missed all General Conference sessions yesterday. We savoured the first session today. At the end, Tom and I were both so impressed by President Monson's talk. We both felt like he was talking to us when he suggested that we focus on what is important and not get distracted by life, because life changes, things happen, and you can't relive a day. (I am paraphrasing). We were so distracted by yesterday. We were both so grouchy, and it wasn't making anything better by acting that way. We weren't looking at the bigger picture. The blessings that we do have. The bottom line is, I am so grateful for this gospel, and for the leaders of this church that speak to us through the spirit. I am grateful for truth's that are whispered to us from the pulpit of General Conference. We are very blessed to have that direction, and I am thankful General Conference has salvaged our weekend from the depths of despair!! Today is a much better day.

Like it or not!

2008-10-03T09:49:00.004-06:00

Today is Tom's 31st birthday...
he HATES birthday's...
well, more specifically just his own birthday's. He always has. Even as a little boy. (Or so I hear) He would much rather have the attention be on anyone else. So, he will cringe at this post, but I can't let the day go by without letting him know how much we love him, and how grateful we are for him in our life.

Tom is the youngest of his five brothers and sisters, yet he was the first to be married...go figure! He became a husband and father
very young, but we all know that is what he was meant to be because he does it so well.
These are a few of the many things I love about Tom...
He carries Hayden while he mows the lawn (even though he doesn't have to), he always compliments my cooking, he tells me I'm beautiful (in the morning!), we have the best, longest late night talks ever, I get him...and he gets me, he is loyal, he has integrity, he is hard working. He bakes me cakes on my birthday, he makes the bed, he willingly changes diapers, he makes me laugh. He grills yummy food. He loves his family, he loves his Savior. He doesn't just "work" at his job, he serves. He loves his patients. He is more compassionate, and charitable then any one I know. He is motivated, he is soft spoken. He likes Canadian food. He lets me go grocery shopping by myself. ....and, so much more....

Happy Birthday Honey! Just know, I did this out of LOVE...and that it is better then me throwing you a party, am I right?:)

Rewards

2008-10-03T09:40:00.002-06:00

It was another cavity free day for the girls at the dentist's office! We are so proud that neither of our girls have ever, ever had a cavity. We take ultimate pride in their dental health and hygiene...

So, how did we celebrate?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Mint Chocolate Chip to be exact. Because, we're crazy like that.

This and That...

2008-09-27T21:22:00.005-06:00

This weekend, we did THIS...
Madeline had a belated birthday with a dozen of her closest friends...

and THAT...
we took a day trip to Garden of the Gods

The girls had a great time swimming...

and eating cake and pizza.

Garden of the Gods was beautiful, as always...

It was a perfect day to go on a family hike

The kids had a great time, and so did we!

I still have to pinch myself that we live in such a beautiful place. This land was donated to the City of Colorado Springs by the children of Charles Elliot Perkins, who was the head of the Burlington Railroad. Their one requirement was that it be a free, public park. I am grateful to this family for their generosity in sharing one of God's great creations with this city.

Hiding from the Skulls

2008-09-24T08:16:00.002-06:00

Really. Baby booties?

I don't know about you, but I can bet that most of you shop at Target and Old Navy like myself...so why was I still hiding from skulls while back to school shopping? Is it just me, or are there skulls on everything these days? And they hide. Madeline wanted a cute pink and black patterned lunch bag...it looked cute and harmless enough, until I was packing it one morning, and noticed in the pattern a skull staring back at me! If people want to wear skulls, that is an odd choice, but I can respect it. As for my children...I would prefer them not sporting the symbol of death as they cheerfully walk to school each day.

Happy 9th Birthday Madeline!

2008-09-21T20:26:00.004-06:00

Nine years ago today, little miss Madeline came in to our lives, and changed us forever! After being induced twice, and to no avail, I should have known what an independent and strong spirit she would be. She decided when she was ready, and would not come out a moment sooner! I can honestly say (with love) to this day, she is just as stubborn!

Madeline made us parents, and has taught us so much these past 9 years. We are so grateful to have her in our family. She loves her younger brother and sister, and is the best helper a mommy could ask for. To give you an idea of her personality today...she is the only nine year old I know that I can talk politics and religion with. She is wise beyond her years. We love you Madeline!!

This morning Madeline woke up bright and early to open her presents. Did I say early?

I mean really early...early enough in fact that we made it to church on time (well, almost).
So early, that some naps were had this afternoon.
We blew up 9 balloons, and Tom and I wrote 9 things we love about our big girl. Tom made this one....

Madeline is also: Beautiful

Honest

Smart

Spiritual

Loving

Talented

Fun

Repsonsible

Happy Birthday Madeline, we hope you had a great day even though today was Sunday, and we "couldn't have Little Caesar's for dinner"! Next year sweetie, I promise!

The Best Day Ever

2008-09-19T16:33:00.006-06:00

Today the kids had the day off from school, so we went to the mall...

where Madeline got her ears pierced!
She was brave and smiled through it all.
Avery got to pick out a new "My E-pets" pet. It's a seriously rockin' blue bunny she named "Lil' Bun Bun".
Madeline with Mom showing off her new sparkly ear lobes!
We played...
and played some more,

then had some lunch at Chick-Fil-A...
We came home and made a craft.
The girls each painted and decorated the first letter of their name. They called them their "Bling" letters. Madeline's friend, Maegann spent the day with us.
Then, to top it all off, we made Chocochip Bombs...yeah, it was pretty much the best day ever. I dread tomorrow.

Nature vs.Nurture

2008-09-17T22:24:00.004-06:00

Today, I caught Hayden in a precarious situation - and one psychological debate was clearly settled at our house.

The male species is obviously born with the desire to drink milk straight from the jug...

Sorry Tom, this doesn't mean you are off the hook.

Homework Buddies

2008-09-13T15:07:00.003-06:00

Every night after dinner, Madeline and Avery have "homework" time.

Lately, Hayden has decided to join them. He has to have a paper and pencil just like his sisters. He scribbles what he thinks are letters, and when he has time to take out his "sookie" (pacifier), he recites the alphabet....

"A, A, A, A, E, E, E, E, O, O, O, I, I, A, A, A, A".....just 22 more letters to go! :) Maybe it's time to get rid of the "sookie"...

Remembering 9/11

2008-09-11T22:41:00.005-06:00

I couldn't go to bed tonight without sharing some thoughts I have had through out my day. I will always remember, so vividly, this day seven years ago. We all will. I can bet all of us remember exactly what we were doing when we heard the news. It is etched in our hearts and minds forever.

We were living on base at Camp Navajo in Flagstaff, AZ. Tom was working as a security guard there. Madeline was almost 2, and I was about 2 months pregnant with Avery. I was sleeping that morning, when Tom came in the room and woke me up. "Callie, you better wake up, something really terrible is happening". I got up and still feeling like I was in a dream, watched the horrible scene play over and over again on the news. It was so surreal. It was so completely unbelievable what was unfolding before our eyes. I don't think I got dressed that day. I was glued to the TV and to the phone, calling friends and family. I held Madeline so close to me. The days that followed were so uncertain. I can remember looking at my precious Madeline, and thinking about our unborn child, and just bawling. What would their future hold? I was so scared for them.

The world isn't much better off today. Hearts have healed, the country has moved on, but there is turmoil and pain and uncertainty all around us. Today, as I was visually reminded of that painful day, and emotionally reminded of the fear I felt as a mother, the only peace I can find is when I look to my Savior. One of my favorite scriptures is posted on our blog. September 11th was the first day that this scripture had immense and profound meaning to me. To this day, it continues to. I am grateful for the gospel, and the strength it is, and will be to our children. There will come a time when it may be the only one sure thing they have in their life. 9/11 will always stand as a reminder to me of the responsibilty I have as a mother to keep my children safe...spiritually. I can't control what the future holds for my children, but I can control what tools my children will have in the future....

Detox update

2008-09-09T09:17:00.002-06:00

I am on Day 11 of my sugar detox, and thought I better give everyone an update so you all know I am still doing it! I haven't cheated once, and I am so proud of myself, because if you know my family that's no easy task!!

Yesterday I asked Madeline "where's Daddy?" She told me he was in the basement, I said "he sure likes it down there, doesn't he?" (his flat screen TV is down there) "Yeah" she said. "Especially since he hides the food down there". Immediately she covers her mouth, as if to quickly hide the secret she had just divulged! I laughed. Apparantly, Tom has his own secret stash of chips and oatmeal cookies in our basement food storage. He came clean about it eventually, and said he was really just "protecting" me...

Madeline broke down last night crying because she was "sick and tired of eating healthy dinners EVERY night!" I had to laugh at that one too, because they still get their snacks and daily dose of sugar through out the day...they are far from being deprived. I have been accused of "being obsessed with eating healthy" by my 9 year old. She sat down anyway and ate her whole wheat quesadilla... Eating healthy is better then not eating at all around here! So, despite all the family drama this way of eating has caused (who would have known!)...
I feel great! I have lost almost 5 pounds since I have started, and I have to admit I haven't been great at exercising...so the loss is mainly from dietary changes. As I get my energy back (which I slowly am) I will begin a regular exercise routine once again. My cravings are literally gone. We were rushing around doing some errands yesterday, and Avery was dying of thirst, so I stopped at Wendy's quick to get her a drink, I got an order of fries for Hayden to munch on as well. Normally, I would have given him 5 and ate the rest myself. I didn't have one! That is huge. The best part, I didn't even want one! Yay for sugar detox!

Just call me Mommy 007

2008-09-06T22:45:00.003-06:00

So, the girls have been "wrestling" quite a bit lately...I thought this was an activity solely designated for the boy population, but apparently not. It starts in good fun, with much laughing and giggling, a few shrieks and screams, but quickly ends with crying, and one or the other blaming the other for unfairly and purposely inflicting agonizing pain.
Now, Tom and I want to believe the girls. We certainly have done all we can to teach them about honesty, and the consequences of lying - however, being the children that they are, let's just say they have not perfectly mastered this principle... So, today, while I was cooking dinner, I heard them engaged in one of their wrestling matches in the living room. I couldn't watch them, and watch the food at the same time - and then, a brainstorm occurred! I quietly took the camera from the counter, turned it on, and mounted it on a ledge overlooking the living room. I now had 2 sets of eyes, and the best part was that they didn't know it! About 5 minutes later, sure enough, I heard Avery scream and cry at the top of her lungs. (This means she is in agonizing pain).

Madeline: Avery fell! She hurt herself! I have no idea how it happened!

Avery: YOU DID IT!

Me: Really? You have no idea? You were in there with her.

Avery: YOU DID IT!!

Madeline: Well, we were just playing, and somehow she fell off the Ottoman and hurt herself.

Me: Are you sure that's what happened?

Madeline: Yes!

Me: Well, let's take a look and see what the camera shows us.

Madeline: Wha? (mouth drops open)

Me: The camera was on the whole time, let's take a look.

Madeline: (looking down) oh maaaan!

Tom and I rewind the tape, and the truth unfolds...it shows Avery leaning over the ottoman on her belly with her head near the floor. Madeline was sitting in the chair. Madeline gets up, walks over to Avery, and pushes her legs off the ottoman, causing Avery to fall on her face. Now, I do think Avery was dramatizing how much pain she was in...but the fact was Madeline had lied, and she was caught. She knew she was caught, and she was pretty embarrassed. She sat on the naughty step for eight long minutes, apologized to her sister, and assurred us she would pray for forgiveness. I felt a little bit bad for Madeline that I caught her the way that I did, but then an analogy came to mind. We all have someone "watching" us even if we think we are the only ones in the room. Our Heavenly Father is always aware of our actions, and our behavior. We can't hide it, we can't lie about it to Him. He knows. He is the video camera. One day we may have to watch the "video" of all our wrong choices, but if we repent, we can have that tape erased. It is a simple analogy, but one that my girls can understand well. I know Madeline will think twice now before she "secretly" commits a crime. I know Avery will too... and it's not because they will fear a camera is on them, it's because they were reminded today that their Heavenly Father is always watching them. It was a lesson learned, and one that they won't forget for a very long time!

Wobbly Toddler + New Shoes =

2008-09-05T09:03:00.005-06:00

OUCH!!!

Have you ever seen a goosebump so big?! It looks like he has three foreheads. Poor Hayden crashed in to the kitchen chair yesterday while wearing his new shoes. It broke my heart!! Thankfully, he is back to his rock star self today - and yes, those are tear stains on my silk throw pillow. Only the best for my babies.

We watch Madeline's friend Maegann a few days a week, and they were both beside themselves (quite literally!) to see that they had worn the same shirt to school yesterday. To add to it, they are both blond haired, blue eyed, and with their names both starting with an "M" their teacher has a hard enough time getting them straight!

Other happenings of the day...I burned my hand to the point of blistering while cooking dinner. How did I do that? I have no idea, but I think keeping Hayden from throwing rocks at our french doors may have had something to do with it.

Surviving the Backyard

2008-09-03T10:43:00.005-06:00

This clip cracks me up...sometimes the girls "steal" the camera and do what they will with it. I found this recently while uploading our pictures. Our family is guilty of watching those "Survivor man" shows on the Discovery Channel...I think perhaps Madeline's inspiration came from that. So, this is Madeline and Avery...surviving the backyard. My favorite quotes?

"Avery, did you litter? You better not have!"

"Oh well, I guess we'll just have to live off of the land!"

and

"the mosquitoes are coming! I should have brought more supplies!"

*Make sure to pause the music before you begin :)

Our Laborious Labor Day

2008-09-02T12:36:00.008-06:00

This is Avery and the little girl who hit her every time she stepped on the Hexagon thing.

Just so you know, Avery is now a self professed "Pop Star", so she handled it with dignity. As all Pop Stars do.

Madeline displays her mean rock climbing abilities. They really are quite impressive.

Her hanging abilities are unsurpassed as well.

Daddy and Hayden pre-poopy diaper explosion

Those darn paparazzi and their flashing lights are always getting in the way of her fun ;)

Hayden is still happy! Diaper still clean.

If you could pan to the right you would have seen our 500 friends in orange.

Hayden did such a great job following his shadow...it was pretty cute.

Ahh, Labor Day....a holiday that celebrates hard work, and gives us a day where we can rest, and relax, and be with family. Then, why did I spend half of it doing laundry?

I have to admit, we may have done something more if we had actually planned anything, but I think we just thought a last minute idea would miraculously pop in to our heads. No popping miracles.

At the last minute, we decided we better get out and do something, just so we could say we did some something. We took the kids to a nearby park. If you looked past the family reunion of 500 who flooded the playground in their bright orange t-shirts, and the poopy diaper explosion of Hayden's, the kicking and screaming that ensued as I took Hayden back to the van to change him, and that the playground was entirely littered with bottles, cans and wrappers of every sort (thanks to the army of orange people), we had a FANTASTIC time!

In all honesty, I am a little grouchy from this sugar detox, and so was the case yesterday, and today as I write this. Forgive my sarcasm. Tom did grill steak for dinner, but there was no dessert to be had, which only adds to my grouchiness. The moral of my story is... next year we will plan our Labor Day, and I won't be deprived of sugar - so I may even actually enjoy it!

Sugar withdrawal!

2008-08-31T21:42:00.002-06:00

It is the end of day 2 on my sugar detox. The past 2 days have gone well, and it feels good to know I am only putting good stuff in to my body! I have been really really good, although I need to be drinking more water. It has been fun coming up with creative ways to eat healthy. In the past, it has been hard because even though we always have healthy stuff in the house, it is the same old stuff. The same 3 0r 4 veggies, the same 3 or 4 fruits...depending on if something was on sale at the grocery store. I made sure to buy a wide variety of fruits and veggies on Saturday, and it has made all the difference. I can't use the excuse that it is too expensive, because I saved money on not buying the usual bad snacky stuff.
So, some of the yummy meals I have made in the past couple days...yesterday for dinner we grilled mesquite pork loin (not poultry, but it was lean!) and I made a delecious pineapple salsa to go with it. I love fruit with meat...it is so yummy!! We had a salad and whole wheat couscous on the side. Couscous is great because it absorbs any flavor really well. I added a little taco seasoning to it while it soaked, and it gave it great taste! Today I made a mean guacamole and ate it with toasted pita bread wedges. The pita bread was whole wheat of coarse! For dinner we had ginger orange chicken with lime, a salad, and brown rice. I thought it was delicious! My family on the other hand are adjusting, but not with out some eye rolling! Tom is supportive, and loves the fresh fruit smoothies I have been making for "dessert" every night. Madeline wanted to try one, so after dinner I helped her make an apple cinnamon smoothie...I thought it was yummy, but she took one sip and said "blech!". Oh well, what I can expect it had little sugar in it! The only symptom so far from the detox is I have had a dull headache off and on all day. I think it is just from sugar withdrawal. It will pass, I have done this before. Anyway, it has been a fun challenge so far, and I am all about fun challenges, and my mission this week is to make our healthy meals creative and yummy. We didn't eat terribly before, actually we grill quite a bit, and have always had lots of salads, and fruit. It was all the in between snacking that wasn't so great. The desserts too. We also ate lots of refined pasta and baked goods. It's all gone now! I have had a couple of friends who are interested in joining me, and it will be nice to compare notes and cheer each other on. Onward to day 3! :)

Veggies good, Sugar bad

2008-08-30T22:34:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I need to get my butt in gear. Ever since Hayden was born I have slowly been letting my cravings get the best of me, and this stubborn baby weight is not budging because of it. A friend from church did a 21 day sugar detox a couple months ago, and says she feels great, has so much more energy, and she looks great too. She just had a baby in March and you would never know it! She has motivated me. So, I am publicly announcing that today is day 1 of my detox. I did great today, despite going grocery shopping while I was hungry. I didn't cheat once. Here are the rules:

*NO refined carbs (sugar of any kind and white flour are no-no's)
*Only complex carbs (whole grains...%100, make sure to check labels.
*Strive to eat 10 servings of fruit and veggies daily. This may seem like alot, but you would be surprised how quickly it adds up, especially with salads, smoothies, etc.
*only lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish)
*drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Keep a water bottle handy at all times.
*low fat dairy products
*Get enough sleep! Go to bed early and get up early!
*Get daily exercise

I have done a similar program a few years back, and I felt so much better within just a few days. If anyone wants to join me we can motivate and support one another! I will try my best to update my blog on my progress, and I am still thinking of a reward incentive! This detox helps rid us of those naughty cravings...and they are naughty! Let me know if you want to hop on the bandwagon! Also, I would love to hear what has worked for others as they strive to be healthy and fit. Share your stories!

What we love about our Hayden....

2008-08-30T17:26:00.000-06:00

He is highly organized.

He helps with the dishes.

He has clean hands and a pure heart.

He is very stylish.

He loves a good adventure He is not a picky eater.
He steers clear of wild animals on the road.
He likes to share.

He helps with dinner...

He falls asleep anywhere.

As the girls would say "We think he is pretty neato cheeto! We love you Hayden!

Online parade of homes

2008-08-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

Okay, so my friend is looking for participants for an "on-line parade of homes"...sounds fun, right? She asked to have her blog posted on as many blogs as possible to get as many participants as possible. So here is the whole idea below. Feel free to join the fun!

Well, I don't know if that was a lot of people interested or not, but let's go ahead with it! I have set up an account http://picasaweb.google.com/home Go to the site and sign in with this email: parade.blog@gmail.com and this password: onlineparade (You have to be signed out of your own account first). Then you just upload your photos into an "album" (on the right hand side of the page, it says, "upload"). A box opens, you need to click "create new album". Then name the album. Put in your name (Just first, or just last, or both, or first initial and last, whatever). It might be fun to put the place you are, too (ex: Herriman, Utah). Then click continue. Upload your photos.How about photos of: Front of house, Living Room, Kitchen, Kids room, Master Bedroom, Other. Really, put whatever you want to show off (basement, backyard, hair salon...). You can then name them and put descriptions or whatever you want (on the tab "edit captions").Have your photos loaded by Saturday, August 30th (is this enough time for us to clean the house????). Then on Sunday, everyone can go view the photos! You can vote for your favorite (I'll set that up later).Please post this on your blog so we can get as many people to participate as possible!
Posted by The Dawlings at 6:50 PM 2 comments
Monday, August 18, 2008

Anybody interested?
So, anybody heard of the Parade of Homes? We have it here in SLC, and people buy tickets to go around and see homes that builders have built and see all the new styles, the modern trends, the decorating styles, etc. It is lots of fun (but takes time and money). I propose we have an online 2008 BLOG Parade of Homes! If you are interested in being a part of this, leave a comment. I think what we'll do is set a date (in a week or so) and anyone who wants, post*** (see note below) a Parade of your home by this date. Let's have photos of: front of house, back yard, living room, kitchen, master bedroom, kids room, other. Show your unique home, it's features, what you love about it, your decorating skills (mine are so lacking here...), and anything else you want. This can give us all ideas for our homes, and give us a peek into everybody's homes and living spaces (is that too creepy?). Tell all your blogging buddies about it, too. Then we will all visit each other! We could even have a "vote" (Utah parade of Homes does this, and each home gets voted on and there is a winner, or a few winners in different categories... ) should we do this? I could even send out prizes to the winners... Give me feedback and ideas, folks!***We can make a picasa web album: you log on with an email and password that I will set up (see back later for that info). Then create a new album, call it your name (or first initial and last name or something), and then maybe where you are located (Utah, or Lehi, Utah, not necessarily too specific if you dont' want). Then go back and visit all the "homes" (photo albums), by whatever date, you vote your favorite, etc. What do you think? I will set it up this way (or unless someone has a better idea) if there are enough people interested in doing it.

Goodbye Our Friend Casper

2008-08-27T10:20:00.000-06:00

Last night around 3:30 in the morning, our friend Casper passed away. He was in bad shape when we went to bed. We made him a comfortable place to rest in the sunroom, but he preferred to be outside in the kennel, so that's where he spent the rest of his time. Tom couldn't sleep, and spent Casper's last hours right by his side. I am glad Casper didn't die alone, and I am glad he didn't die in a vet's office. He passed away at home where he belonged.

It is harder to say goodbye then I thought. It has been an emotional morning for me. Tom buried him early this morning in the side yard. A sunny spot. Casper loved to be outside, although we didn't let him out often. The girls are handling it well. It is their first personal experience with death. Madeline woke up early, and so she was there to see Casper buried. She is a strong and intelligent girl. I think for her, it was the right way to say goodbye.

The girls stayed home from school today. I thought it would be best for them to mourn at home then to have an emotional day at school. There have been some tears, but I think we are all relieved it is over, and he is free from suffering.

The girls wrote a poem this morning in honor of Casper:

Casper Was My Cat

Casper, I love;

who I will always love.

Casper was my cat,

and now he lives in heaven.

He licked my hand,

like little kisses.

This is what I will miss.

When he was a kitten,

he was really funny.

When he grew up

he got a fat tummy.

I miss him so much

that I cry.

We will miss him,

that little guy.

We will miss you Casper. Thanks for a good 10 years, and for being a part of our family. He was there to see all the kids come home from the hopsital after they were born. He loved each one of them. He has been around our entire marriage, and it is so sad to say goodbye. We will miss you.

The Casper Crisis

2008-08-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

Our cat Casper is sick. In fact, I think he is dying. Tom and I adopted Casper 10 years ago very shortly after our wedding. He has been a good pet to our family. The strong silent type. Not very playful or exciting, but one of those cats that is wise, proud, and dignified. He has just always been here, and now that he is getting ready to "leave" us, it's pretty sad. I have made two appointments to take Casper to the vet, but bless Tom's heart, he just didn't have it in him to take him to either one. You may look at this one of two ways...we are prolonging his suffering and need to take him in to see what's wrong, OR we know he is dying anyway, so what is the use of taking him in when they are just going to poke and prod him, scare him (which may give him a heart attack anyway) just to tell us he needs to be put to sleep. I hate to see any animal suffer, especially mine. I think it would be more scary for Casper to go to the vet and be put to sleep, then for him to die a peaceful death at home with his family. He isn't eating or drinking anymore, and he can hardly walk. He just lays down. He honestly doesn't seem to be suffering too much, although I am sure he is uncomfortable. We don't know what is wrong, but do we need to know? He is old. I am still a little torn about the whole situation. Do we need to take him in, because it is just what you do when your pet is sick, or do we just let him die peacefully? This is new to us. What would you do??

Happy 26th Birthday Erika!!

2008-08-25T09:05:00.000-06:00

Our mom and Erika
Erika and Avery
Erika and Callie

Erika after a long day at work (see, she's happy!)

Erika and Callie

Today is my little sister's birthday...even though she isn't so little anymore, and she is at least 5 feet taller then me, she will always be my lil' sis :)

Erika is one heck of a talented girl, she has been blessed with the voice of an angel, and is also an amazing talent on the piano and guitar. She self taught herself, which proves to me she has a God given talent. She writes her own songs and music, and I love to listen to it! When I figure out how to do it, I am going to post some of her music on here...whether she likes it or not. Let's try it out: www.box.net/shared/gn1l4ma0p3

Erika works with children with special needs, and has the perfect personality for it. She touches lives, through her service and music. Despite many challenges and trials she has had in her life, she is a joyful person to be around, and has a light in her eyes. Do you know that Erika? You do!

We are so proud of you Erika.

Some things I love about her....

she gets my sense of humor

she shares the same childhood memories

she is beautiful

she is great with my kids

she makes a mean crepe, and Greek salad (not together, although I guess she could)

she is talented

she is giving

she is frugal

she is blunt and honest

she is fun

she is the best Harvey's/Tim Hortons partner ever!

We love you Erika!!! We hope you have a great day, and know that we are thinking of you!

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

Behold Your Little Ones...

2008-08-24T22:48:00.000-06:00

Today was scary. It was a typical Sunday evening at our house...the girls were playing, Tom was out home teaching, and I was on the computer catching up on emails, etc.... Hayden was playing behind me on the floor. He was quiet. Thankfully, Avery came upstairs, and I heard her say "Hayden, are you ok?" I quickly looked over at him, and saw a beet red face with panic in his eyes, he was obviously trying to cry but no sound was coming out. In that split second, I realized he was choking and with lightening speed pushed Avery out of the way (Sorry sweet Avery) and ran to him. Hayden has had slight choking episodes before, I think most of our kids have, where they can usually clear it themselves with a little gagging and coughing. This was not one of those times. I stuck my finger down his throat as far as it could go to try to scoop out whatever was causing this, and I couldn't feel anything, which meant it was pretty far down. All that kept flashing through my mind was my friend who lost their only baby girl 3 months ago . She choked on an apple at church, and she died. She died! Their family has been through so much, and losing a child has to be the greatest heart ache a parent can experience. I ache for them. With their experience so fresh in my mind, all I could pray out loud was "Please, Please, Please...help!" Poor Madeline and Avery started crying, I think they were so traumatized by what they were seeing. Finally, somehow, I was able to stay calm. I turned Hayden on his stomach, pushed in to his tummy with one hand and smacked his back with the other. I pushed so hard that he finally threw up, and with it out came a penny. A penny. I suddenly realized how something so tiny and insignificant can change a life in an instant. Thankfully, Hayden was ok, but it took him a good 10 minutes to catch his breath and gain composure. It will take me a little longer I think. I am obviously so grateful he is fine, but I am equally grateful that I was reminded how precious my babies are to me. How every moment is a gift with our little ones, and how quickly and easily they can be taken from us. When Tom came home, we literally went through the entire house looking for items Hayden could potentially choke on. We also devised a new system for the girls allowance. They will no longer be receiving money from us, but paper slips stating how much they have earned. They can save their paper slips, but we will hold on to the money until they are ready to spend it at the store. Hence, no more pennies in our house...

Tom Helm for President 2008

2008-08-23T20:34:00.000-06:00

Please visit Tom's new website...

http://www.thelopezfamilyonline.com/play.php?first=Tom&last=Helm

Farewell...until 2012

2008-08-22T23:33:00.000-06:00

The Olympics stir something deep within us...I think it is the triumph of the human spirit that connects us to these athletes. We have all worked hard for something, sacrificed for something, and then were blessed to see that dream realized. I am certainly not an athlete, but I can still relate to them in that respect. The older I get, the more moments like the one pictured above move me. Watching Misty and Kerri play their souls out in the pouring rain was inspiring. It didn't inspire me to play volleyball in the rain (I hate playing volleyball by the way) but it inspired me to work hard at what I do...even if that means just being the best mom and wife I can be. It also reminded me of the sacrifices I have made in my life, in school, as a missionary... as a mom - there were many times (LABOR for one) where Olympic beach volleyball in the rain really would have sounded like a walk on the beach. I do hope though, now that Misty and Kerri want to have babies (not together...I had to clarify that for Tom) that they will find motherhood even more rewarding then their gold medals. Somehow I am sure they will.

The Olympics are so much more to me then just watching athletes win medals, and that is why it is so sad to say goodbye! So, Beijing 2008...thanks for the drama, the world record(s) earned by Phelps, the Chinese gymnastic babies, and all the amazing memories. We all have to admit it though...we all wanted to try just a few back flips after watching the floor routines...

At home with the Helm's

"Cars 2" by Hayden (with a little help from Madeline)

My Life, the Three Ringed Circus

The four year old

Sweet Pea, apple of my eye.

The road not taken

Family pics 2010

Normal

Waves

Touching Heaven

Lazy Days of Summer

Wha??

Club Penguin

To do list....

Christmas no-no

Harder than I thought...

honest people....

gratitiude through grief

....being grateful

25 days of gratitude

Don't ever wear a pencil skirt to Walgreen's

Mishmash

My how they grow (unfortunately)

Craft it Forward!

Arizona - Part Uno

THE CAKE BOX

Yes, you should go to Mount Rushmore.

A Good Laugh

Life's a beach

JOY

Childhood

The post you have all been waiting for (or not)

*STARS*

New church commercial

Beautiful Nana

Oh, how it pains me...

Birthday Bash

Everything you ever wanted to know about Tom and I

Our Foolish Ways

Our Take on Spring Break

Pesky Green Friends

Confessions of a 2 year old

Wordles

Birthday Randomness

Tom + Callie = True Love 4ever

Magic Cars

Bosom Buddies

GRATEFUL

President Obama (First Grade style)

Don't Let the Library Burn Down...

resolute

Dear Nintendo DS

Safety Saturday

My Secret

Family pics 2008

In review

*Our Blessings Come in Two's*

My Funny Boy

Tagged

Highly Recommended Read

November 13th

Irony

Have You Seen My Friend??

On this night...

It was kind of a big deal...

This is Hallowe'en

Haydo Potato

Just a thought....

Three White Dresses

Because we all need a good chuckle...

Two girls and Twenty dollars

donkeys and elephants

I understand...

For the Fun of it?

It's great to live in #308!!!

Imagination at Work

Just What We Needed...

Like it or not!

Rewards

This and That...

STARS

Our Blessings Come in Two's