Perfection

There are few things in life that can be considered as perfect. Today's Christmas would be one of them. What a beautifully perfect day with my family. It was everything a Christmas should be. Merry Christmas to all.

Yay me!!

Once and awhile I have to give myself a pat on the back. Sometimes I think that I should be "becoming" something. Like an author, ( I'd love to do that...and someday I will) or a painter, or an interior decorator. Today as I finished up my little girl's haircut, I realized...I AM becoming someone. I could never cut hair so good before. And I've painted all the rooms in my house, well the ones that are repainted at least and they look fabulous. I've decorated my home I think tastefully and to top it all off, I'm a darn good cook. :). Just to mention a few. So darn it, I like who I'm becoming. And for all you other moms out there, think of who you are becoming. You are doing it everyday band if you don't like the fruits of your labors do to speak, change it up. You have the power to make yourself whomever you will.

How sweet it is...

I opened the cheese bag today and was greeted with a smile. It's reasons like this that make me smile and make me thank Heavenly Father that I'm a mom. I looooovve it!!!

Thoughts

My heart aches for the families,friends and others who have been affected by the shooting on Friday. You are in my prayers.

Baby Blues

A friend asked me recently if I ever suffered from post partum depression.  I told her, "No.  I suffered from an identity crisis."  I say that with humor now, and NOW, I can define it.  Then, I wasn't sure what I was feeling.  Hopefully this post will help my friend and other new mothers.  

It probably was post partum depression, as it would be defined in the medical world, but to me, I didn't feel depressed.  I felt lost.  I was so use to "my life" whatever you want to think of that as, and here a new infant had changed everything.  EVERYTHING I had done or could do previous to having a child was changed.  EVERYTHING.  So, I felt lost.  I felt like I was not myself, because I wasn't.  I had to redefine me in my new role.  I was no longer Erin.  I was mom.  And I didn't know what mom felt like, and I didn't know how mom should act or react for that matter. 

For you that have had children, you probably understand what I mean.  But for you who have not, it's difficult to try to help you wrap your thoughts around the feelings I felt.  And even you husbands, you have an idea, but not a full grasp on what being a new mom is.  Let me try to help you understand my identity crisis.

Every part of my life changed.  I changed physically, emotionally, mentally....I could no longer wake up when I chose.  I could no longer sleep all night long.  I could no longer take a shower whenever I felt like it, or for as long as I'd like.  I could no longer wear certain clothes because they didn't work so well for nursing, or they didn't fit at all due to my new...shape.  Even when night came, I couldn't relax in my old p.j.'s because I had to wear my bra all night to prevent my milk from leaking everywhere.  I could no longer eat normal because eating certain foods caused "reactions" in my baby.  I had to eat when maybe I didn't want to, because my baby depended on my calorie intake.  I could no longer leave the house whenever to go wherever.  I had to time things out.  I had to wait.  I had to learn.  I had to train myself on this new FULL TIME job.  Although I received more than enough advice from well seasoned mothers, it didn't help much because each baby is different, and I'm different than each mom.  What worked for them seemed ridiculous for us!  I was on my own.  AND to make me more uptight, this wasn't a normal job.  I was raising a human being!!  I was in charge of another life, another soul.  TALK ABOUT PRESSURE.  (Which I still feel everyday, by the way.)  So, not only did I have to start redefining my own life, I was defining a life for the first time EVER.  Finally, just when you think you've got it figured out, something changes.  A growth spurt, diaper rash, nightmares, weather changes...so then you begin the defining over again.  It feels like you're starting from square one.     

Sounds pretty bleak huh?  Well, at times, it was.  There were many tears of sadness and confusion, BUT... I can't express how grateful I am for the opportunity.  For in redefining myself, I've learned more about what life is really all about.  I've been changed for the better.  AND now that I've been in the role of mom for awhile, I'm understanding more and more every day, and hopefully getting better at it too. 

So, for all you new moms who feel like you may be suffering from "depression", it's okay.  You're redefining who you are and what's most important in life, and that sometimes isn't so fun.  But, the rewards are the most important too.   

Tale of two mice

So, whoever said that "no creature was stirring, not even a mouse" was not referring to our house at Christmastime. My husband and I have never had mice in all our married life (8 years). This week, we've had two. Two!!! My nose itches just telling this tale. So, Friday, I see a mouse running out in our garage. You can read more of that story in my earlier post. I set a trap. Killed the mouse. Horray!! Peace in the land. So, yesterday as I'm getting my children out of the car, what to my wondering eyes should appear??!! A hideous mouse inside our car!!!! Incase you didn't catch the magnitude of grossness in that statement, let me repeat it. A mouse...IN OUR CAR!!! Uckkk!! So, we immediately bring out the big guns, buy traps, poison, call our friends to reserve their cat for the night.... Everything you could think of and then we wait.
I think this picture says it all. Disgusting!! No creature is stirring anymore.

Time to Laugh

Ahhhhhhh!!!  Nothing's better than hot chocolate topped with cool, frothy whip cream and currently I'm sipping a cup with an extra helping on top.  I feel I deserve it. 

It all began last night at 1:14 a.m.   My daughter was calling for me and walking into her room, I immediately knew that she was sick from the putrid smell that met me.  So, into the bath she went and into the washer went sheet, comforter, p.j.'s and pillows.  Quickly making up a new bed for her on the couch, while juggling the spouts of more throwing up (sorry, poor choice of words)...I finally tucked her in and settled in on the floor beside her.  Sickness continued throughout the night and all that goes with that.

So, thank goodness for sunshine and mornings that bring hope for a better day.  But, I guess my mommy adventures were just beginning.  Do you ever feel like some days nothing of importance of "tragedy" happened and then other days, you can't even finish cleaning up one mess before another begins??  Well, that's been today.  Would you like to experience the journey for yourself?  Well hang on!! 

After I get Katie comfortable with a movie, little Jackson wants to take a bath.  Throw him in.  Get breakfast ready for older kids to head to school.  My husband calls out to me from the tub saying Jackson has pooped in the tub.  So, quickly throw my kids a piece of toast and head into the bathroom.  I remove the....stuff, empty the tub, begin again on new bath.  Go to kitchen, finish breakfast, scoot kids off to get dressed.  Jackson poops again.  Bath time is officially over.  Diaper is quickly put on.  Rotate laundry.  Nicholas was sick yesterday and has two homework pages to finish up AND has to read a chapter in the Boxcar Children.  I begin reading to him, while he puts on his shoes and socks and while I do Natalie's hair with my free hand.  Jackson needs breakfast.  Throw him in the highchair and pour the closest thing onto his tray...nerds candy.  Whatever works, right??  Finish Natalie's hair.  Follow Nicholas around while he brushes his teeth and combs his hair continuing to read to him.  He starts his homework pages while I keep reading.  Who says you can't learn two things at once??  Nicholas begins to cry because one of his homework pages is missing.  ARRRRGGG.....I threw it away.  (I'm blaming that character trait on you mom.)  So, I go out to the garage to dig through the garbage I took out yesterday.  On the way out, turn on a new cartoon for Katie who is calling for me on the couch.  Rotate laundry.  I go out to the garbage and begin to scavenger through it...(I left it in the garage,) and a MOUSE comes running out from behind the bag!!!  Quick scream!  AHHH!!  Pull it together.  Dig through garbage, find the homework, bring it in to dry because it is kinda wet.  Nicholas crying more because his homework is wet.  Clock says 8:32, school starts at 8:35.  Natalie wants hair put in ponytails.  Finish hair.  Take away Katie's water bottle from Jackson.  Time to go, we'll be late.  Nicholas not ready.  I throw Natalie and Jackson in the car, take her to school.  Sign her in with a tardy slip walk her to class.  (Note to reader....I am in my sweats, flip flops, no make-up, no hair done.  I've been up since 1:00, remember??  I look awesome!!)  Give her a kiss.  Run to car, drive home.  Nicholas almost done with homework.  While he's finishing up, I set a mouse trap and put it in the garage.  While I'm setting it, mouse runs right by me again.  EEEEKK!!!  Grossed out.  Go inside, start putting Nicholas's coat  on him while he finishes up his math facts.  Grab everything, load in the car.  Check mouse trap.  Pull out of garage, and start off to school.  Oops!!  Forgot Nicholas's glasses.  Head back home.  Nicholas goes in to find them.  Can't.  I head in to find him.  Check mouse trap.  Find glasses.  Start new cartoon for Katie.  Pull out of garage.  Get to school, looking great.  Check in, take Nicholas to class.  Kiss on head.  Go back home.  Start cleaning up breakfast.  Notice Nicholas left hat and gloves.  Grrrrrrrrrr....throw Jackson back in car.  Check the mouse trap.  Darn.  Drive to school, run in.  Throw Nicholas his hat and gloves.  Drive back home.  

Now....finally.....All is calm, all is well.  AND NOW...I'm sipping on my hot cocoa, cause darn it, I deserve a little reward.  I believe. 

Checked for mouse.

   

Magic of Christmas

I got a little teary eyed today as I realized that this Christmas might be the most magical our family will ever have and that the magic won't last forever.  My kids are all at perfect ages where the Magic of Christmas is alive and well.  My children's eyes are aglow with excitment and are counting down the days until we are visited by the man in the red suit.  It's been so fun to talk with them and be excited with them.  They love the advent calendar, the lights, the tree, the music, the caroling, the presents, the hussle and bustle... And what's more beautiful is even though they love the Santa part, they also love the Savior and the true reason for the season. The Christmas spirit is so beautiful. It's alive and well in our home. We believe.

My Thanksgivings

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  What a joyous holiday to celebrate our bounty and our rich blessings!  I wouldn't feel right this Thanksgiving without paying tribute to my Grandma Cottrell.  She passed away on September 25th and this will be the first Thanksgiving that we've had without her in the kitchen making the magic of the day happen.  So Grandma, this one's for you. 

As a child, Thanksgiving meant Grandma's house, and all that came with that.  Yummy food, fun games, great company and endless fun.  Reminiscing about Thanksgiving today made me teary eyed as I realized I don't know if I ever told my Grandma "Thank you" for making Thanksgiving Thanksgiving.  I know I've told her thanks for the food after I've stuffed myself full of the banquet she always placed before us.  She spared nothing in food preparations.  But, I don't think I ever told her how much Thanksgiving meant to me growing up, what it still means to me, and how I recognize now that she was the one who made Thanksgiving happen. 

Since I've been married, we've done Thanksgiving with my husband's family.  So, the last time I was at my Grandma's for Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving of 2003, 9years ago.  However, my Thanksgiving memories are still back in Meeteetse Wyoming, up on that big hill in that red brick house overlooking the town where there is so much love that you can feel it and taste it just as easily as you can taste the turkey and pumpin pie. 

Grandma, I love you so much, and miss you today!  Thanks for giving.  Giving of yourself, your home, your food, your love, your everything.....Thanks for giving, and making Thanksgiving what you made it for all of us. 

Two Funerals

Kyle and I have been so blessed to come from AMAZING families.  We truly have families that people are envious of.  Have you ever seen Father of the Bride, the one with Steve Martin?  That's our families, and not only our families, our homes.  Father of the Bride is actually my favorite movie because it really is my wedding story documented for me.  Steve Martin is totally my dad!  My dad is a saint and gave his little girl everything she could have hoped for in a wedding.  I LOVE YOU DAD!!!  ANYWAY, our families have that homey feel.  It's that "sit down and talk because we just like being together" feel.  I am so grateful I have been blessed to have these types of people in my life. 

Well, we have been blessed in a round about way to be able to gather with both sides of our families within a month of each other, due to Kyle's grandpa's funeral, and my grandma's funeral.  Ironic how things work out like that sometimes.  Both of these people were spectacular human beings, and again, I just count myself fortunate to have called them grandparents. 

My grandma, she was a lady.  A lady of poise and class and love.  I can't remember a time when my grandma wasn't serving me while in her home.  Even when I attended college in her town, I would come over to her house to use her kitchen and somehow it always turned into grandma making me food, instead of the other way around.  She was beautiful, inside and out.  She loved God.  She loved her kids, her grand kids.  She supported her husband and was happy to be in his shadow.  I love her so much, and I am grateful...no, indebted to her for all she taught me. 

Kyle's grandpa, I obviously didn't know as well, but the past 8 years of marriage to Kyle has given me some insight as to the giant of a man he was.  He was dedicated, to his family, to his God, to his country.  He gave his all to whatever task was placed in his way.  Relationships were important to him.  Showing love to family was important to him.  He could have been a very well to do man, but instead of retiring with a fortune, he shared his money with family and allowed us to have many family gatherings and trips all on his dime.  He was a gentleman, and always concerned about you.  I'm proud to have known him for a short while. 

So, these to heroes in our family's lives passed away within a month of each other.  It was sad, yet due to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and because of Him, we know death is not the end.  We are happy to know we can be with them again.  What a joyous time to be with family!  To remember what life is truly about and to bring everything back to "home." 

We love you Grandma Cottrell!  We love you Grandpa Jenkins!!  You will always be close to our hearts.  

Today's Thought

I can't get the following song out of my mind today.  Somehow it has a deeper meaning for me right now...

"The truths and values we embrace are mocked on every hand.
Yet as we listen and obey, we know we can withstand
the evils that would weaken us, the sin that would destroy.
With faith we hold the iron rod and find in this our joy.
We'll have our fears, but we will not despair.
We're here to serve a righteous causes,
truth gives us strength to dare.
We'll love, learn and overcome,
we'll sing a joyful song.
As zion's youth in latter-days,
Truimphant, Pure, and Strong."

Vote!!!

Never have I been so emotionally involved in the voting process. It really is so important to let your voice be heard. Go vote today for not only the candidate you support but the values you hold dear. It's up to us. Go vote!! Go vote!!! Go vote!!!

Summer Overview

YAY!!!  My computer is miraculously working again, so I am able to blog.  Because my last real post was at the beginning of the Summer, I feel I have some catch up to do.  It was an eventful Summer and already it's been a full Fall.  But let's begin at the beginning....

June was full of simple fun.  We stayed at home, ate popsicles and drank lemonade.  The kids all participated in swimming lessons and did very well.  In fact, my oldest wants to join the swim team now. 

July got to be a bit more crazy with trips and reunions.  The first week, we went to my Cottrell Family reunion in Montana.  My Grandma and pa were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary!   What a lifetime accomplishment!  We went by way of Yellowstone.  It was so fun to show the kids all the landmarks of the park.  We saw lots of wildlife and even had some wildlife aboard our car ourselves.  The reunion was great.  How fun it was to get away and go up to a little cabin somewhere and just talk, laugh and row the row boat.  It was fun for me to be with our kids in a mountain setting.  They love to just be kids and play.  And sleeping in tents and sleeping bags was an adventure!  We even had a dance party.  Wonderful to see family!

Later on in the month, our family had a Corbridge Family Reunion in Utah.  We went to the Pioneer Day Celebration that happens in Salt Lake City.  Grandpa & Grandma were kind enough to literally sleep on the street so we could have the best seats in the house for the parade.  And who else to kick things off but Elder Henry B. Eyring himself!  The kids loved watching the parade.  I was impressed (and confused) by the floats that were made by wards, wondering if that's in their budget.  I want a "float" allowance in my ward budget.  :-)  We took the kids to Lagoon, an amusment park in Farmington, UT.  That was the most fun I've had.  I loved watching our kids just laugh and laugh and run and run from ride to ride.  I was amazed at how their little legs never tired.  It was fun to be able to ride on the rides with them and hear their giggles and shrill shrieks.  We stayed in Utah for a long time, just playing and having such a ball.

August, we were back home.  Kyle and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on the 10th.  For our anniversary, I had our wedding video finally made into a DVD.  We have never seen the footage of our wedding day because it was recorded on one of those weird mini VHS.  Well, I found someone to put it on DVD.  That was so great to watch, 8 years later!  We were laughing because everyone on the video is giving us marriage advice.  It's alot funnier to listen to it when your 8 years into a marriage.  Boy, what a perfect wedding we had.  Our parents did so much for us.  We truly were given such a good start in life by our parents!  We love you!!  And thanks for all you continue to do for us!  And Kyle, the past 8 years have been literally heaven on earth.

I was put in as our ward's YW president in August.  It wasn't a shock to me to be released from the Stake YW, I really felt like it was coming.  But I didn't expect to be put in as President of the ward....It's been a calling I love and am learning so much from.  I have such a love for the youth.  They are truly amazing.  I however, have extremely missed serving with the ladies of the Stake.  They are my dearest friends, and I miss associating with them on a weekly basis.  What a blessing callings are, not only spiritually, but emotionally and socially. 

Our baby Jackson turned 1 on the 16th of August.  We celebrated at home with just family.  Did I even make a cake???  I truly can't remember.  Anyway, we got him a little scooter.  He is happy to just have the steering wheel.  What a quick year!  I can't believe my baby is 1.  He's grown up so much.  And those eyes are just as brown as ever, and still melt my heart.  LOVE HIM!

School started and it was a funny first day.  Natalie was starting kindergarten, so she was so excited to have her first day of school ever.  Well, we didn't get the memo that their was no school the first day of school.  The school was in a lock down situation.  So, our kids got all ready for school and were all excited.  We took pictures and everything, walked to school and there's nobody there.  We learned about the situation, so we took the kids back home.  Well, needless to say, my kids were really bummed.  SOOOO..I tried to make it up to them by having a "last day with mom day".  I took them to the toy store.  We watched  a movie and made parfaits.  (However you spell that...)  I love what my Natalie said.  "Nothing makes a bad day better like a parfait."  So true!!  They started school the next day, but somehow the hype of the "first day" had worn off.  I didn't even get very emotional dropping of my kindergartener.  I guess it was good to have an extra "day with mom," for my sake.

Well, that the Summer in a nutshell.  Stayed tuned for the crazy Fall that our family has had. 

OH!!!  By the way, our family got a pet bird.  Mohawk.  We call him Mo for short.  He's added some...spunk to our family. :-)

Sorry!!!

I know that my millions of followers have been left in the dark recently due to my lack of posts. Well, I haven't been able to post because I've been locked out of my account. Sorry! I'm sure you've all missed hearing about my life. :)

Anyway, I still can't blog on my computer, just my phone. So I will continue to try to solve the problem. In the meantime, go make memories.

King size bed

I'm convinced that every family should have a king size bed simply to invite all the cute members to hop in. I love early mornings and evenings when the kids "hang out" with us on our bed. Perfection.

What??

So this was the fortune in my fortune cookie tonight. It still creeps me out a bit. What does that even mean?! Like, any of it. What does ANY of it mean?! (sorry if the picture is sideways)

April 23rd- Today we were given the rare opportunity to help brand new calves. Being born and raised in Wyoming, and never having witnessed such an event, I knew my husband and I needed to not only attend but needed to have out children SEE this way of life. And what a way of life it is!! First off, beautiful area, beautiful ranch and beautiful family that helped us with the day's events. It was so eye opening to see how real cowboys make their living, what they do each season. WOW!! I really loved watching my son and husband jump right in there and get their hands dirty. My husband would wrestle the calf down after he'd been roped and then would hold him tight while he was given vaccinations, branded and...yes, casterated. That was something to witness!! My kids loved it! They even let my son try to rope a calf at the end, and he did it!!! It took a whole team to bring him down, but Nicholas got the rope around him. The girls enjoyed the horses more and were happy to jump up on one with the cowgirls. They were also excited to "color" the cows. THe ranchers have a large crayon looking stick that they use to mark the cows once they have received each "treatment", so they can keep track of what's going on. My kids thought that was fun, to draw on the cow. Not only was today fun and eye opening, it was heart opening. This family that does this as a living is so good, just good people, you can tell. They love the land. They love the Lord who gave them the land and animals, and they are so humble and happy to be "taking care of his cattle in this part of his vineyard", (their words.) It made me contemplate my own life and my family's and how I am teaching my kids that really all we have and are is because of our Heavenly Father. Really neat! What a great day to be a cowboy!

All We Have To Do

I am always amazed at the intelligence of children. Even though their thinking is so simplistic, it's really profound. In fact, if we all thought more simply, we'd probably have a lot less confusion.

My little girls were talking in the back of the car the other day while we were driving to the store. I didn't hear all the conversation. But I did hear my daughter say, "Of course we'll see Jesus again! All we have to do is choose the right."

And that about wraps it all up, doesn't it? I love my children so much. They bring me closer to my Heavenly Father than anything else.

Happy Easter!

My little Natalie has been so excited to try eating an Easter egg in the "traditional way." (She learned it from a movie, The Easter Bunny.) She taught her family the correct way to eat an Easter egg. Simply copy this link to your browser to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_80F5gKmq4o&feature=youtu.be

SO CUTE!!

Have a very Happy Easter!

Ready for Summer

I think we are all ready to hit the beach. :)

I can see what you're doing

Why is it that people think you can't see them when they are in their cars? Pay attention next time you're on the road. And let me tell ya, there's nothing more attractive than a man opening up his car door ( not even rolling down the window) and spitting a big whatever out on to the street. What is that? I mean, I'm right behind you. I can see what you just did. Totally disgusting. Oh and by the way, your back windshield is clear, just like the front one. It's kinda like a window into your soul. :)

We are the champions

There's something I love, and that's watching the priesthood in action. This is my husband's basketball team. Although, I can't give my husband credit for putting the team together. (Thanks Cameron!!!) They won the city championship last night. In fact, they had an undefeated season. Congratulation men!! It was a pleasure cheering for ya. Don't forget to train in the off season, and see ya next year!!!

This was a smart thing to do!

As a mom, I've done some dumb things. But I've also been brilliant a time or two. One such genius idea was making a game out of rubbing my feet with lotion. Brilliant!

Valentine bliss

I woke up today to my husband making me fruit crepes. Complete with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar! Ymmmmm!!! What a husband I have! He bought me a crepe maker and he cooked me a delicious breakfast. I am the luckiest most loved woman in the world!

Ice cream issues

So I go to McDonald's to get my girls ice cream. They wanted their ice cream in a cup. When I asked for this the man replied,"we can't do that.". I said,"you can't do what?" not understanding why he couldn't put ice cream in a cup. He said they couldn't put ice cream in a cup, just a cone.

I was still a little baffled at the stupidity of the situation and didn't reply. He then said," I could fill up the cone and dump it upside down in a cup.", acting like that was genius. I smirked and said,"great idea! Why don't you do that!".

And that's what he did. Does anyone else find something wrong with this picture??

Stupid people.

Kids

I love strawberries and decided to splurge today. They looked so good so I decided even though they were expensive, ( in fact they are limited edition strawberries...whatever that means!! I mean, really?!) I would buy them. Obviously my kids were excited too. I walked into the kitchen, ready to have a snack and found this. Oh well..I hope I can get some more when they release the platinum edition.

Just cause I can

I'm posting a post tonight simply because I can. Yep. Kids are sleeping and I'm just deep in thought while I sit by the fireplace and watch my hubby prepare his lesson to teach tomorrow. So while he does that, I will spout off some random knowledge. Things to think about.
1. The bathtub is a playpen for your older children.
2. Denver mattress cleaner is a must have for carpet.
3. Buffalo chicken strips are delicious.
4. My favorite movie is father of the bride, hands down.
5. What does hands down even mean?
6. I love the phrase "to be honest with you.". I've started a new phrase which is a lot more fun to use. " to be perfectly dishonest with you."
7. I love my vacuum attachments.
8. My sister is texting me and needs me more than this blog post.

Snow days

I love watching my kids play in the snow. I love playing with them. It's pretty darn cute.

Who decided on this???

Why is it that my children's favorite toys are always the size of my thumbnail? Why? Who decided on that? Thank you whoever you are. I will have wasted approx. 2.65 years of my life looking for your toy because it's lost somewhere. Imagine that!! Lost?! How could that have happened? Luckily I will be able to find it when I vacuum. Oh but then I guess that doesn't work either. Hmmmm. Again I ask.... Who decided on this?