Gettin' my CRAFT on!

Last night I went to a craft night at my friends house where I made these FABULOUS headbands! They look super cute on!




And as if that's not cute enough my friend helped me make these CUTE flowers today!


I'm excited about all this cuteness!

When's the next craft night?

YUMMY!

So, I was just randomly internet searching for nothing in particular. I was looking on bakerella.com when I came upon these scrumptious little things:

They are called Mini Maple Pancake Muffins...(these ones have chocolate chips.)

They are absolutely delicious! They taste like pancakes in muffin form. We tried them with and without the chocolate chips. I'm not such a fan of the chocolate chips, but Jace and I agreed they would be divine with cinnamon chips. I might have to try those soon.

Anyway, if you want to give them a shot you can get the recipe here. ENJOY!

Halloween

In honor of the new month swiftly approaching I decided the blog needed an update...

So, Happy Halloween!

O - and I hope you enjoy the music. I remember in elementary school when we would do our costume parade and every year they played the same music. These songs remind me of that. :)

JACE'S Words on EARLIER BLOG (deep Thoughts)

JACE:
THIS IS A LITTLE LONG
I think I will place the last word on Anne's Earlier post. I sometimes check in on the blog and boy was this an interesting post with a few emotions tied into it. Now I can see why Anne was a little upset this last week. She came home tonight ready to delete this blog but I would not allow her to do so. It is good to shun away from conflicts and avoid contention at all cost, but I found nothing judgmental in this post whatsoever. I actually was proud of her for writing down her thoughts and sticking up for what she believes. The farther the world drifts the more divided we will all become. Righteousness will increase and wickedness will continue to claim its souls at a record keeping pace, but fence sitters will be eliminated and a side will have to be chosen. Usually when a group of people begin to sin and become past feeling(no Guilt) the next step that is taken is to find a way to make it socially acceptable. That is what has been happening for the last few years. We all have seen this happen time and time again. We will most likely see homosexuality become "socially acceptable" actually it already is in many places. Here is the Church's Stance (THE DOCTRINE)
"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71). "We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).

The Savior himself said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” There are far too many people trying to please the Lord while not offending the Devil. Any Righteous person can not accept Homosexuality. James E Faust Said There is some widely accepted theory extant that homosexuality is inherited. How can this be? No scientific evidence demonstrates absolutely that this is so. Besides, if it were so, it would frustrate the whole plan of mortal happiness. Our designation as men or women began before this world was. In contrast to the socially accepted doctrine that homosexuality is inborn, a number of respectable authorities contend that homosexuality is not acquired by birth. The false belief of inborn homosexual orientation denies to repentant souls the opportunity to change and will ultimately lead to discouragement, disappointment, and despair.

Alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative life-styles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate God’s commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these life-styles would mean the end of the human family.

Any thing that threatens the Family Unit is part of the Devils plan. I could keep going but there is so much doctrine written about this subject already that is why we have living prophets. They warn us about the dangers ahead. Has anyone read The Proclamation to the Family, it is very Clear?

A simple note to Anonymous 1. Your opinions are welcomed and respected. They made us all rethink things. If feelings are hurt then know that it was not intentional. We could all have charity and it will continue to be a quest for us all. Remember that Charity thinketh no evil and rejoiceth not in inquity. It doesn't mean you accept sin. We love the sinner, but condemn the sin. We know that none of us are perfect and all of us will be tried with different things, but we must overcome it. "The struggles of those who are troubled by same-sex attraction are not unique. There are many kinds of temptations, sexual and otherwise. The duty to resist sin applies to all of them." (Oaks) That is the whole reason we are here.
I will end with this "Through Christ and his church, those who struggle can obtain help. This help comes through fasting and prayer, through the truths of the gospel, through church attendance and service, through the counsel of inspired leaders, and, where necessary, through professional assistance with problems that require such help. Another important source of help is the strengthening influence of loving brothers and sisters. All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness “to bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8) “and so fulfil the law of Christ”

We are here to help and do what we can.

JACE VERNON

Stranger Danger

I was at Wal-Mart the other day with my kids and my sister. It wasn't a particularly pleasant visit because Xander was freaking out that I put him in the cart and wanted to get down, but when he's down he doesn't listen and wanders everywhere.

Well, after we got about 20 totes he really couldn't fit in the cart anymore and it was very reluctantly that I put him down.

He was touching everything, playing with everything, and just taking his sweet time in every aisle...very annoying when you're in a hurry.

Well, we got to the cereal aisle and we were just passing through to get closer to the check out stands because we were all done getting our stuff. Xander was in the way of this old man and his wife, so he started to talking to the old man...as if he stopped just to talk to him and not because he would've run him over otherwise...

The man commented on how cute he was and if he was for sell (you know how old people are). I told him that Xander was free that day. {and the rest went like this...}

old man: O really, well I'll take him.
me: Well alright... (now talking to Xander who is in my arms at this point) Do you want to go home with them?
xander: OK mama. [squirming out of my arms] Bye Mama. Hugs and Kisses.

I gave him hugs and kisses absolutely stunned that he didn't freak out and yell NO! for the whole store to hear. After that ritual was over he walked over to the old man and grabbed his hand.

I didn't know what to do. I had absolutely condoned that action when I asked if he wanted to go with him, but I was shocked at Xander's reaction and the old man's. The only comfort I had was that as this man was babbling to me about how it was his sister's fault that he never had a son he mentioned something about going to the temple that morning. I knew he was LDS, but I didn't know if the man was crazy and actually thought I was giving him my son.

I followed behind them all the way to the end of that aisle and down to the ice cream aisle where he preceded to let Xander pick out an ice cream for him. (WHAT!?!)

Finally when his hand was free of Xander's I snatched him up and was ready to run out the door.

I could not believe that!

When we got home I had a long talk about stranger's and how we DO NOT go with them ANYWHERE!

It's done

Well, I did it! Some of you know I've been trying to grow my hair out, but I had some random layer on the top that was driving me crazy! So, I got rid of it. 4 inches to be exact! And I went a lot blonder. So, here is the inspiration picture.




Jessica Simpson has thick hair like mine, so I decided that she would be a good person to follow after. I always find these haircuts from girls who have thin hair and then it looks horrible on me. So, I tried something different and I really like it!

Here's the before: (notice the weird layer that is by my chin and then there is nothing else until the end of my hair which is a 5 inch difference)


the girls...Aliyah and Laken


Me during:
Jade had never seen so many foils, so we decided to document



And the after:


It's still really blonde for me and I think it totally washes me out, but I like it. I was definitely ready for a change. I guess it's time to get tan. :)

deep thoughts

I've been thinking a lot lately about eternity and life after this one. It's not uncommon to do so after someone you love has passed. But it's not for her that I'm concerned. I write this today to lay it all out there for someone who may or may not read this and let me just tell you it causes me a lot of pain to even have to bring this up.

I believe in a life after this one. I believe that the things we do in this life can bring us happiness in that life or misery. I believe that everyone knows right and wrong, even if it wasn't taught to them that well, they still know...or have the gist of it.

That being said, I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is the only way it should be. I believe it is that way for a reason and any other way is just wrong. I believe that things only married people should do should only be between a man and a woman. I will stick up for these beliefs.

I realize some may say, "Well, that's only you're opinion." And I guess it is. But it is a strong opinion. I don't have anything against "gays" a lot of them are decent people who have just gone off the path. Some claim they were born that way. And, let me put this as delicately as possible...that's a bunch of crap! A Heavenly Father would not do that to us.

I do think that maybe some people were given that tendency as a trial in life. To that I say. be strong, overcome it. There is definitely a difference between feeling that way and acting upon that feeling. Come unto Christ, for he heals all pain...and suffering...and tendencies. Go to church, do what you know is right, lose yourself in service and the scriptures. See how you feel after that.

I realize that this might be too much for a family blog. But I felt it needed to be said.

Midnight Sun

So, I had heard about Midnight Sun...Edward's version of Twilight...but I didn't know it was called that and I really hadn't bothered to read it. Honestly, aren't I obsessed enough without taking it to the next level? But, I was talking to a friend yesterday and she convinced me to look it up.

It. is. SO. GOOD!

Honestly, I really like it. I am upset that Stephanie Meyer doesn't want to finish it now because it got leaked. Granted, she's upset. I would be too. But doesn't she understand that she SHOULD finish it because so many people have read half of it and would be guaranteed to buy the book when finished? Sigh...

On another note, Jace came home from work 2 days ago and says:

"Anne, have you seen the new New Moon trailer! It looks SOOO good. And you'll never guess who they got to play Jane...Dakota Fanning! I think it's gonna be good!"

Yah, I got him hooked. :)



O - and P.S. It does look really good. :)
See for yourself.




And how could you not love Jacob?

haircuts!

Before:
This is what Xander's hair would look like in the morning...before all the gel and beautiful curls...behold, the frizz.
(I don't know where he would've gotten frizzy hair from...cough.)



This is all the hair that got cut off. Well, not even all of it. Just what I put in a pile. I cut about an inch off.



After:
And this, my friends, is the finished product.
Not too shabby if I do say so myself. :) He looks so much older now and it's a shock whenever I look at him. He doesn't look the same...but it's still cute.



Aliyah also got a trim. I only cut off about a half inch from hers.

But, now I am looking into a new do for myself. I'm thinking something shaggy and choppy...collarbone length. Maybe something like...


or this:

or this:


I don't know. And then the ever posing question...bangs or no bangs? I want to go for something completely different from the mundane cut I have now. So...come on everyone. Let me know what you think...please. :)

O...right....

So here are the birthday pics I completely forgot to put up. :( Woops.

This is Aliyah and Xander's party. We had a combined swimming party for the 2 kids at Coral Canyon. It was a lot of fun.

After the party we went back to the house and hung out. We waited for Jace to come home from work, ate dinner, and then decided it was time to open presents. Aliyah had a different idea and fell asleep in Jace's arms before present time.
But we couldn't have her not open her presents. So, the mean mom I am, woke her up. BUT I will say she was NOT disappointed. :)

I think she had a great 3rd birthday. She was completely worn out by the end of the day so I think it was a success.

We love you Aliyah!

Go! Fight! Win!!!

This last week miss Thang got a chance to strut her stuff out on the field at the Pine View football game. Well, actually, it was more she stood there. But I'm proud to say there was no crying involved. :)

This week has been a tough one. I signed Aliyah up to do the cheer clinic because I thought she would like it. She always copies my awesome dance moves when I dance around the house. I just knew she would love it.

I was SO wrong.

Day 1: Monday
Crying, crying, and more crying. I could NOT get her to let go of me. Xander kept going over to all the girls and shakin' his groove thing. But Aliyah wanted nothing to do with it.

Day 2: Tuesday
So, yesterday we were a little late and there was already a ton of girls there, so I decided we would get there super early and then the gym would gradually get filled with girls and maybe it would be better. I think it was a little overwhelming for her with everyone there. So, we get there, she is her normal crazy self...jumping all around. I'm thinking this is going to be a good day. Well, it came time to stretch...she wouldn't leave me. So when it came time to go to their groups I took her over to a cheerleader and made a break for the door. And she was fine. She just needs to be away from her mom.

Day 3: Wednesday
Much the same as Tuesday. Except that I came back in to watch her as soon as she smacked into another girl. She balled and had to come see me. Then do you think she wanted to go back? No. Finally one of the cheerleaders realized she just needed to take her from me, so she did and then it was fine.

Day 4: Thursday...day before the performance.
These are the pics I took of today...

Here she is laying on the floor...

O - she finally sat up :)

Ok, now she's playing on the bleachers. I just hope she doesn't start to climb them...

O wait...here she goes.

And while all the other girls are dancing, she sits in the front.

Yes, I have the girl who was in the corner picking her nose, rubbing her hands all over the floor and licking them, climbing bleachers, and laying on the floor in her own little world while all the other little girls are learning the dance.

Day 5: Friday...Game Day
She looked so cute all done up. She loved the tattoo of the paw print, which is why she is twisted to the side for this pic. Cute girl.

Here she is with her cheerleader friend, Courtney. She was so cute with Aliyah, but I think it was some definite birth control for her. :)




This is after the performance with her friend, Laken. They were so cute.

Now, drumroll please....

For reading all this you now get to see my little STARS performance. You'll love it. :)

to continue...

As I was saying in my last post...I love being a mom. And it's because if I had to work, I wouldn't get to see things like this in the morning:



LOL!!! Ok, I'm laughing just posting this picture. Some of you might think it's gross, but we just found out last night the poor kid has pink eye...hence the swollen eyes and all the goop. And the infection would explain the green boogers. :(

This is how he came walking out of his room this morning. He told me "Mama, I have snot...Mama." And he walked around the corner looking like a zombie. Honestly, I don't even know how he saw his way down the hall.

But no worries. BOTH kids are on medicine now because, of course, pink eye is contagious and Aliyah now has it too. Sigh...

I just wanna be a mom

At church on Sunday I was talking to a Senior in high school. I asked her if she knew her plans for next year and she started rattling off everything from the college she wanted to go to to what she was going to major and minor in. I was very impressed. It's not the first time I've gotten this response from high schoolers and I just wonder how they have everything so together.

If you asked me what I wanted to be I had no clue. None.

I guess in the back of my mind what was always present was that I wanted to be a mom. But I felt like I couldn't tell people that. That's not what they wanted to hear. So I just said..."Uhhhh, I'm going to Weber State...and just going to go...basically."

But you might wonder why I came to this conclusion. I mean...who wants to be a mom? Of course we all do...that question didn't come out right. I mean, who doesn't have other aspirations first before deciding to become a mom?

Well, let's go back to the junior high days when the world was at my feet and I had quite an imagination.

I wanted to be a hair dresser. But then came the realization that I can't even "de-hair" my own hair brush without dry heaving. Hair that is not attached to a head just disgusts me. So, that was out.

I wanted to be a vet. But, I remembered a stray dog that our family took in one night and the next day it was dead. :( I cried for a long time over that poor dog, and I didn't even know it. There was no way I was going to be able to deal with animals.

I thought I wanted to be a teacher. But I didn't really like baby sitting...I did it because it was easy money and that's what you do when you're a tween...but let's face it, all teaching is is glorified baby sitting.

Maybe I wanted to be more things, but I can't think of them right now. All I remember is that I just wanted to be a mom. Having your own child to love and have them love you back is priceless. I love, love, LOVE it! Even the hard days are worth it.

So, while I could've been multiple things which actually would have paid me money, I feel like I have the best job in the whole world!



After all, who wouldn't want to hang out with these two all day? :)