Noah's Preschool Graduation

Noah went to Waterford Community Center in Salt Lake City for preschool this year. He has learned so much from the Waterford Program and I am so sad that it has been cancelled. He had a wonderful teacher names Ms. Marj who he just loved. On his last day of school he gave Ms. Marj a tentative hug and she got a teary eye and said, "I hope all of his teachers see the amazing boy that he is and love him as much as I do." It was such a sweet moment! I am so grateful for good educators in the world. We will never forget Ms. Marj!

My last post was in April. APRIL!?!?!

It's been such a ridiculously long time since I have blogged, I don't even recognize the "new" format for Blogger! It's probably not even new anymore. I need to do a little catch up so I will be posting things from the last few months.

We have had a crazy busy summer, as usual. It has been wonderful, but I am so glad that it is over and we are headed to a calmer, cooler fall. Keep checkin' back for more updates, we've had a lot going on!

I'm prepared, are you?

Remember the crazy winds of December 2011? Here is how it changed my life (or at least my perspective)...

I had a hard time falling asleep on Wednesday night, the last night of November 2011. The wind was SO LOUD! I have never heard anything like it, but still didn't think it would turn out like it did. I am sure you all remember the news stories, pictures of fallen trees, downed power lines. A house burned down just two blocks from me.

At four in the morning, Luke's phone rang. Guess what? Things had gotten so out of control and crazy in Centerville, they needed all hands on deck. Even though Luke wasn't scheduled to work until eight in the morning, he was needed... like 5 minutes ago.

I don't know exactly what time the power went out, but it was out when I got up. Luckily, I didn't need to cook to feed the kids, and we spent the morning decorating for Christmas. Not too bad, right? Well, it started to get colder as the morning progressed. I looked out into our back yard and saw tree branches tangled in our power lines. I don't know what is what when it comes to power lines so I was a tad worried. I called Luke. I couldn't get a hold of Luke. Or the City of Bountiful. Or the power company. Or anybody. I felt very alone and a little powerless, but I was okay. Soon, my sweet brother in law, Jesse, came to our rescue, took us to my in-laws house where they have gas and so it wasn't as cold and there was hot food on the table. All things considered, we survived the power outage unscathed. I wish everyone was as lucky as me. My story isn't scary, but there are hundreds out there that are.

But... a couple of days later it hit me. Wait a minute?!?!?! My husband is a civil servant. He won't EVER be around in this kind of situation. I won't always have Jesse to rescue me. If something truly devastating happens I am on my own. So, instead of panicking, I started to prepare and I am feeling better about taking care of myself, my kids and maybe my neighbors more than ever before.

I have done a few things...

1. I have become a Shelf Reliance representative. I love, love, love these products. I have been receiving the Thrive Q products for over a year and nothing gives me more comfort than to know that I have delicious, healthy food that will last 25+ years.

2. I have become a Group Leader with Emergency Essentials. This gives me access to discounts that are only available to bulk orders. I send out a monthly email with all the specials and gather/place orders. There is nothing in it for me but the power to buy in bulk and good deals.

3. Educating myself. If the "big one" hits... we are right on the fault line. I have attended classes in my area and that my Relief Society has held.

4. I have started saving water in any and every water safe container.

5. I have assembled what I think is just about the most comprehensive and beautiful 72 hr. kit there is. I love it. I have used it and shared it with family already. Can't say enough about how important these kits are!!

I am not finished preparing. But I feel better than ever. So, here is my point in sharing this with you. I figure if I help even just one person be more prepared, I will be happy. If you are interested in any of the above information, please contact me. I am happy to share what I have learned, put you on my email list for updates on group specials, host a THRIVE cooking class in your home, etc., etc. etc. I don't want to be scared and unprepared. And I don't want you to be either. I'd love to hear from you and how you are preparing too!

Thanks for reading. Leave a comment, email, text or call. 801-403-2444

ants on a log

conversations with Emma usually go a little something like this:

Emma: Mom, what are you making?

Mom: Ants on a log

E: That isn't ants on a wog. That is celery, peanut butter and waisins.

M: I know. But I like to pretend its ants sitting on a log.

E: Are you seriously telling me you are pretending those waisins are ants on a wog?!?!?

M: Yes! It's kinda fun.

E: Mom. Don't ever tease me like this again. That is so silly!

Mini Me

Have you met my husband? I mean my baby? I mean my husband? Wait... who is that?!?!

When people see Zane, the first thing they say is, "Oh my goodness! He looks just like Luke!"

Or some similar variation. And I couldn't agree more.

I need to find a picture of Luke about this age so we can compare side by side.

Zaner is already four months old! I love this little guy like crazy. He is so sweet and calm and just the best baby ever. When he starts to cry, which is rare, I get so flustered and frustrated because it doesn't happen often and I  don't know what to do with it! He sleeps most nights at least six hours. He had his first applesauce on Thursday the 9th and absolutely loved it. He is always ready for more. He almost rolled over today, and every other day for the last week! If he rolls, he will be my earliest roller. In fact, he already is, because he rolled over in the hospital right after he was born and up until he was about 3 weeks old. Then, I think he got too chubby.

Luke can always make this boy smile by singing a silly song about a Zaner Tot. Zane smiled his first real smile on my birthday, but not for me! It was for Uncle Jesse. Zane always wakes up with a smile. He is so happy. Love, love, love this baby.