Oquirrah Mt. Temple

While we were in Utah, we were able to go and see the Oquirrah Mt. Temple open house. The last time I had been to an open house was when I was young, and the experience left an impression on me. I was hoping for the same thing to happen with my children. Not sure if it did, but we enjoyed it anyway. :) (you never know with kids!)

"What? You're kidding!"

My title is said with sarcasm, because I'm going to let you in on a little secret. . . I love food!

"What? You're kidding!"

No, it's true. Anyone who knows me, knows this is one of my MOST favorite topics ever. I think about my next meal, while I'm presently eating. I love to muse over what combinations I'll be creating, and secretly hoping that my family will eat my new creation and exclaim how wonderful it is and how there is nothing else in the world like it. (the last part is probably more truth and the first.) So, it should come at no surprise, when I say that I am a food snob. :) Although, I will try most anything, I do not like to eat most anything. (i'm really bad when it comes to chocolate.) The same can be said for restuarants. My husband and I have this pact that we won't eat at any major food chain. (hey, i told you I was a snob.) We love to eat at the "best kept secrets", the "hole in the wall", and such. We feel there is more personality and quality in the food.

Well, my friends and I decided to try out a new place in Gilbert; Liberty Market. It's funny, because I remember it when it use to be a Market, a quickie Mart kind of place. But, now it's this gorgeous, quaint little cafe. The perfect place for friends to catch up. Their food was delicious and the staff was incredible. (I loved this man so much, we had to get a picture with him. I think he loves food just as much as me!!) Nothing on the menu is boring. You have to try it. Of course, I have to add this to my list of "must eats". Hope you love it.

By the way, check out the bathrooms. They are by far the coolest bathrooms ever. (each stall has it's own theme, and plays it's own music) Pretty cool!!

A full circle moment

I did a really crazy thing last month. I competed in a Masters Track Meet at MCC. Not sure what possessed me to compete in an event like the 3000 and the 4x400 relay (maybe it was the peer pressure), but I did it. It was so fun. I ended up taking the gold in my event (not hard when you are the only one running). We also place 1st in the women's 4x400 meter relay. (also, easy when you are the only team, but hey, who really cares?) I am just so grateful for my Lightning Bolts Racing Team, you guys ROCK!!

My baby turned 2!

Can't believe it! She's two years old. A beautiful baby that has brought a lot of laughter into our home. She is our toughest child, which means she will be our strongest. Love you baby!

Inspirational!!!

I am reading this book right now. This man is INCREDIBLE! He ran 50 marathons, in 50 days, in 50 states. Crazy right? I think it's pretty cool!

Funk Fit; It's happening!!!

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. And now I can!! I am very excited to bring you Funk Fit; Group Training.

Funk Fit Group Training w/ Jessica Walters

Functional Group Training is a high
intensity workout designed to strengthen the entire body while having tons of fun! It is a mixture of boot camp, kickboxing, core training, and resistance training. The best part about Functional Group Training is that you can do it with your friends!

INFORMATION:
Functional Group Training comes to you! Gather 7 of your closest friends/family and I will come to your house or your closest park. The best part of the deal is the host trains for free!!

Groups of 8 (including the host): $10 per class/2 per wk
Groups of 6 (including host): $14 per class/2 per wk
Groups of 4 (including host): $22 per class/2 per wk

Each session is 4 weeks, each class is one hour. Payment is collected in advance. Cash, check or pay pal is accepted. To register call leave feeback or call me.

Our Garden

I've always wanted to have a garden. You know the kind that you can actually eat from. We decided to clear a landscaped portion of our backyard and plant some fruit and veggies there. I studied and planned and PRAYED for the choices I had made. Brandon and I both wanted this to be a family affair, so, everyone got to help out. Here's hoping that all our efforts aren't in vain.

We are all getting our hands dirty. I LOVE Parker's face (above). Obviously, not everyone catching the vision.

Happy Easter!!

I know, I know, I am SO behind on my posts!

Well, anyway, Happy Easter! I love this holiday. I love the bright cheery colors and the gorgeous breezy weather. I also, LOVE making and hiding my kids baskets. We have early church, so the kids had to wait until after to hunt for their baskets. There were, surprisingly patient. Don't they look so cute. (notice Tay's crazy face, that is the best i could get from her.)

Pandemic Preparedness Planning

Hey everyone, wanted to share this info I came across about a month and a half ago. In light of the past few days, I find it very appropriate and important. Please read all the subheadings, then go to the bottom and watch the video prepared by BYU Idaho. It is interesting to note that this information was created 2 years ago. Crazy. Hope you are all well.

Provident Living Pandemic Preparedness Planning

Happy, Happy, Birthday . . .

Well, it has happened. I have finally turned 30! To be honest, I am extremely excited and have awaited this day for a awhile. I hope to be wiser, stronger, more polished, and more righteous than in my 20's. Here's hoping . . .

My sweet, sweet, wonderful husband was very busy this birthday. He started my "birthday weekend" (i know, I get a weekend) with a surprise lunch with my friends and family. It was so much fun to see all of them. After lunch we went straight to the Keirland Resort in Scottsdale. It was such a great gift for me. We didn't have any kids and we could do what ever we wanted. I loved the freedom. We walked around Keirland Commons and stayed out late. Unfortunaly, we had to head home the next day. It was a fantastic birthday.

I have a friend that works at the Keirland and she had this yummy gift show up in our room.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time together. No kids, no time limits, so fun!

Funny Story . . .

My 20 month old daughter has to be my most unique child. From birth she has done things that have made us chuckle or shake our head in amazement. Well, the other day she came into my room with a diaper and two wipes. Then, she laid on the floor and waited for me to change her. I couldn't stop laughing to myself. Does this mean she is ready to be potty trained???

Valentine Pillows

I wanted to make a cute Valentine decoration. I found this SUPER easy pillow idea on-line. All you do is take your favorite Valentine fabric and cut out a heart (double up fabric so you have 2 pieces). Then you sew together (right sides in) leave a couple of inches so you can turn the pillow right side out. Stuff with pillow batting, then hand stitch your small opening closed. Voila!!! I added a ruffle and Ric rac for fun. Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Ellie!

I write this with a swollen heart, my baby has turned 5 years old!!! I love this little girl or should I say big girl. She truly has an older spirit in that tiny body. I love her and here's why:

1. She is the BIGGEST helper. It would be like Christmas to Ellie if she could do chores around the house. (yea, I know, I totaly scored!) Plus, she's good at it.

2. She loves her friends.

3. She loves to be healthy. She will do whatever it takes to make sure she is healthy and strong. Sometimes she has to run, which foods are good for her and which ones aren't, by me from time to time.

4. She loves to dance.

5. She loves me!

Happy Birthay, gorgeous!!

Birthday morning. Our breakfast tradition is to pick your favorite cereal. They love this because I rarely let them eat sugary cereals, and I love this because we usually don't have a lot of time in the morning for big breakfasts. (helps me not feel guilty for not making a big breakfast)

After breakfast Ellie got her ears pierced!!! She was so excited!! (Was is the key word. She thought it hurt!!)

After she got her *ouchies* we went to lunch with some dear friends. McKenna and Ellie LOVE to play together. Thanks guys for hanging with us.

Here is Ellie's AWESOME cake. Okay so it's just

a half gallon of ice cream, with candles, and hand written name. (tell me I'm crafty!! LOL)

Ellie's birthday party was a couple of days after her birthday. She wanted a Tea Party. Our invitees brought their favorite doll and dressed up fancy. I set them up in our kitchen. I really wanted the girls to feel special. I hope it worked.

Okay, so I would like to take this time to "Toot My Horn" a little bit. I made this cake!!! Can you believe it? I can tell you my husband had his doubts. This was actually pretty easy. Thanks All Recipes!!

Have you seen this??

My kids LOVE the computer and we are always looking for fun new sites to play on. Well, I found one today that totally took me by surprise. It's the LDS.org website and they have coloring pages, online stories to hear, and games to play. Cool huh!! I am so excited, so check it out here. Let me know what you think.

Christmas Traditions

Every Christmas I try to think of a neat tradition that will carry on for years and that my children will love to pass on to their kids. Although, it's usually the ones you don't expect them to love, I hope they love this one.

We did a advent book activity for Christmas. I checked out 25 books from the library and wrapped them in Christmas paper. The kids then took turns every night unwrapping a book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this activity because many of the stories reminded us of what Christmas is all about.