Staying Afloat

Lately I feel like giving up. I'm tired of everything. I know I've had a bad attitude--it's mostly because I get sick of trials. God gives me trials to grow, but a lot of times they're so hard for me that I get stubborn and stop trusting in Him. The kids seem to be fighting more than ever these days. I've found myself short tempered because of it. I've been too busy, and am learning to say no...anyway. It's to the point where I don't even want to talk about it.

As of yesterday, I'm trying to read my scriptures (yet again) and sincerely pray for strength. I seem to always fall in this rut where I think I can do things myself, but then end up failing miserably after trying. If I just let Him, God helps me more than I ever could on my own.

That's why this blog's been neglected. Let's liven things up a bit!

Kyle and Aaron (BYU-I friends) stayed at our place last weekend while they auditioned at CCM. It was Kyle's birthday that weekend so we had to celebrate!

Doug's aunt and uncle stopped by on their way home from serving a mission in Canada.

We had dinner and dancing. It was so fun to see them.

What more do you need: a purse, sunglasses and Diet Dr. Pepper?

We like to kiss each other on our way down the stairs to our apt.

A cold Sunday walk.

These two make me smile.

She's already a little "mommy."

Getting ready to fight.

Albert the kitty and blankie are Zach's favorites. And his pink chair. Poor boy, stuck with pink accessories. :)

A new cousin

Aubrey and Zach have a new cousin: Kayla Danielle Hansen!

Congratulations to my brother Jade and his sweet wife Michele on their new addition! We wish we could be there with you, and are so glad everything went well.

Oh what fun...

it was to see our wonderful families! Our month long trip was full of seeing cousins, grandmas, grandpas and granddads, great-grandmas, aunts, uncles, and friends. We played, shopped, ate, went to awesome jazz concerts, partied, laughed, cried, went on long flights and road trips, rode horses, took swimming lessons, went to Kangaroo Zoo, Dinosaur Museum, Gardner Village, Kung-Fu Panda, played toy violin, danced, chased the dogs, relaxed, went on walks, went to parks, and slept... when we had to.

Thanks to all who made our trip possible! Aubrey, Zachary, and I had a fabulous time. We miss you already and hope we can come again soon!

P.S. Click on the collage to get a better view of the pictures.

Fathers Day Wishes

I'm always late posting for holidays, but had to say thank you to the fathers in our lives.

Dad, thank you for being a righteous, positive example to look up to.

Doug, thank you for being a wonderful spouse, father, and friend.

John, thank you for being so fun, hard-working, and uplifting.

We love you all!

Mother's Day

Mother's day has obviously passed, but I still have to show off my own mother. She has so many talents. She accomplishes everything she puts her mind to. Everything. I can talk to her about anything. So many times she inspires me through her words, helping me to see my potential. She is a spiritual giant. She's so kind, sensitive, and sweet. She loves everyone around her and shows it through the way she lives her life. Thank you, mom, for all you do for me!

I am so grateful to be a mother. I honestly wasn't expecting anything for Mother's Day, but Doug surprised me with flowers, breakfast, and some new CDs. He also gave a beautiful talk in sacrament meeting. We had a delicious dinner with some friends that night. It really was a lovely day in May. :)

Back again...

It's incredible how fast the time goes. I haven't had much time on the computer this week, and I've been trying to limit it anyway. Once I get the cleaning done (which is so hard for me sometimes!), the computer becomes a fun reward. This last week has been a blur, but I tried to take a few pictures along the way.

Saturday and Sunday Doug's grandma and her partner Arlyne came for a surprise visit. All the way from California. It was short and sweet, and the grandkids loved them.

Aubrey sharing her money with Great-Grandma Tingley

Zach bonding

Zach and Arlyne

I've been working a lot at the gym. Here's some photos of life there. It's amazing how exhausted you can get after taking care of 30+ kids for a few hours. The other moms there are such good friends though, and it's so nice to have a social life. Plus, I can't complain about extra money!

Also, I've been making a few gifts for Mothers day. I'll post pictures later--in case they're reading this. Have a happy weekend!

Loooong week

I owe all of you an update. It's been a busy week.

1. My birthday was last Sunday. It was a warm, inviting day, and we had "home church" (conference) so I even got to sleep in! Doug spoiled me by making me breakfast and lunch and taking care of the kids. I got spoiled with tons of gifts, including an iPod shuffle. We had our good friends the Olsens over for dinner--my favorite lasagna. Then Doug's dad flew in that evening (due to work) and was here just in time for cake and ice cream. He stayed until Wednesday. We had fun going out to dinner one day, Graeter's another, and watching Enchanted for the first time.

At Graeter's

2. Been working on my 8th writing assignment. It's been taking every bit of spare time I can find.

3. Yesterday I did 4 or 5 loads of laundry....I never caught up after being sick. I'm still not caught up.

4. Went to a Bunco party last night. It was my first one. All of us moms joked about how it doesn't take much to entertain us...dice, food, and no kids.

5. I got called as the 1st counselor in YW's, and I'm SOOO excited. Today was my first time and it made me feel young again...that is, until I realized that in 9 years, Aubrey will be in YW's.

6. Been shopping for the kids. I got a whole bunch of clothes for Zach from some friends in the ward, but still need to get Aubrey some summer clothes. They grow out of them so fast!

"Granddad? Help me!"

7. Tried a turkey hamburger recipe from Deceptively Delicious. It was NOT a hit, probably because we don't usually eat ground turkey. I'll try a few more before giving up on the book--the chicken nuggets are next on the list. (Good thing I checked it out from the library before buying)

8. The kids and I substituted at the gym. It makes me appreciate only having two kids full time...

This little piggy went to market...

Wee wee wee all the way home!

Can you tell they're related?

9. Got pulled over in our van, which hasn't been registered since '06. It was given to us by my parents, and they lost the title so we couldn't get it registered. What a big mess! Luckily the policeman gave me a citation. I have to get it fixed, then go to court in 2 weeks or else they impound the car.

10. Aubrey's ready to be potty trained. In nursery today she told the leader she need to go potty. They took her, pulled down her pull-up, then realized it was a diaper, and got me. She loves to sit on the toilet but never does anything. I'm planning on staying home all next week and starting the lovely potty training process. Oh my.

Trying to get the two kids to look at the same time is an endless feat.

11. A few weeks ago, Zach got his shots. He'd only gained 1 oz. in 2 months and still wasn't sitting up. He couldn't quite figure out how to use the spoon. So the doctor was concerned...and needless to say, I was too. I started nursing him more but then got sick and so I don't think he got much. But I'm happy to report that he finally started devouring solids, and now seems much happier (and heavier). He now says Dada, baba, eee, and an occasional "mama", and is sitting up! Still, I'm not sure he's getting enough milk. Anyone out there--do you nurse/feed a bottle before giving solids or after? He's eating 3 meals a day and I'm nursing around 5 times a day.

Okay, there's the update!

Granddad's Here

And he brought presents!

Aubrey loves all her new stuff. Thanks Grandma and Granddad Pew! We love you.