Photo Love

Christmas Eve 2007 THE Batman watch.


The infamous cookie babies. My kids have carried these EVERYWHERE! (Thanks Mom.)

This look, this photo...I just love him oh so much.

Going to be posting some personal photos that I never got a chance to edit. I have been going through so many today, it has been so great to look back and to laugh. I love my life, enjoy...

Seven Years Ago...

We knelt across the altar, and two became one. Through the years this union became four.
When I see you, I see the best partner, friend, father, husband, lover, and eternal companion, I could have ever asked for. More than I ever imagined being given. More than I deserve at times.
You complete me in ways that I only begin to understand more fully as the years pass. I know there was a hand guiding me to you, and even though I am not the best at showing it in all ways and each day can be different from the next, you are never far from my heart.

I'm so thankful to be on this journey with you!

Happy Anniversary Hubbs.

Observations:

Kim: "Hubbs, I just bought this sweater, what do you think?"

Hubbs: Silence

Kim: "Does it look like a maternity sweater? I think it is a little big is the problem."

Hubbs: "Yes, it does."

Kim: "Nice."

Be it known that I am giving this new sweater to a very pregnant friend of mine.

And a post would not be complete without some holiday cheer and some photos: Totally caught eating the fruits of the labor...(both of them!)


Gingy did not survive.

Till next time.

It is now 1:40 a.m...

Both of my children have wandered downstairs to my office as I work. This bus-ay day must come to an end. It was insane...if you want to know why check out the photography blog. Going to enjoy a nice day at home tomorrow, oh wait, that is a joke...a big, huge funny joke! Happy Holidays!

Hustle and Bustle

This is me...feeling strained a bit the past week, (sadly this week hasn't been too kind either...) I love this photo, I overexposed my face on purpose, I love the way it gets rid (almost) of all of my supposed imperfections. I was so thankful for a talk in church on Sunday about women needing to have a higher self-esteem. I remember learning about self-esteem and self-confidence when I was in Kindergarten, wondering where all that knowledge went to. That will be a life long struggle I fear. But, it was nice to have something to think on and work on once again.

So, anyway, back to the hustle and bustle. It seems if you put on your bloggie blog that you are no longer taking sessions until January 2, that everyone wants a session. This is wonderful, and the nice person in me that has a hard time turning people away...well she said yes. To. All. Of. Them. I have been rushing and rushing from session to session, ordering like mad, and I still have THREE sessions left this week. I hate to sound negative about it, but I just wasn't expecting this. I guess I will have to plan my life a little better next year.

On top of this my Saturday was PACKED full of all things Activities Committee. It was our ward Christmas party, I thought I had planned well enough, but when the day came, I was so behind. I spent the entire day putting finishing touches on my decorations, and helping at the building. We were there for an eternity it seemed. 6 hours. I can't complain though, we don't have to fulfill these activities very often. The party was a hit. It was just me and the kids this year because Hubbs is swamped too since his trip to Brasil...the kids were angels though (for the most part...they were in it 6 hours too...) and even went on stage to sing, and they SAT with ME the entire meal so that I COULD EAT! I have THE best kids on Earth. I do not exaggerate. THE BEST.

Well, it is late/early/an insane hour in the morning so I am heading off to bed, just wanted to drop in and see how your hustle and bustle are going? I am off to the store EARLY tomorrow to finish my shopping...YAY!

Ah, life.

*If you are a dude, be it known you were warned*

I finally made it to "THE" doctor's appointment I have been putting off for almost a year. I am not certain why I didn't want to go. Okay, so, yes I do, it is all these extra pounds I have kept after having Memm that I did nothing with (that was part of it) and believe me, I saw the scale yesterday. It wasn't pretty. The good thing? I have the best OBGYN ever. Most people probably say that, and that is great, but after the experience I had with my previous GYN wilst in the throws of finding an answer to all of my problems years ago, this guy is a bit of stardust.

You know how we hype ourselves up when we go, tell ourselves it is the worst day of the whole year? Ya, it isn't that bad. For some reason I remember it being worse. So, anyway, back to the whole year thing. It was fear. I am afraid. I am afraid to pursue something if it needs pursuing. I am being vague here, some things I am not ready to vocalize out in blog land. Suffice it to say, I am glad I went, and got the ball rolling again, and hopefully within the next six months we will either be blessed to carry another child, or we will find our birth mother. Or, after the phone call I got yesterday, we will finally be approved for foster care. (Our worker comes on Jan. 3 to do our homestudy...then we'll be finished.) Wahoo! I have to say, when you do "all that you can do" there is a tiny bit of frustration, but with that also comes peace. Peace in knowing that Heavenly Father knows I am doing all I can do. He hears my prayers, and that in his time he will bless us.

Here's hoping you all are having a very special and memorable holiday season...

Merry Christmas to ME!

I have been wanting to do this FOREVER. I kept putting it off, hoping I would lose this extra twenty I have hanging on me...figured life can't wait so...I finally did it.

My Christmas/anniversary/birthday present this year was a session with HIM.

This is his interpretation of us.

I love them!

Thank you a million times Duston. Thank. You.

Rosie

The twin friends demonstrate a mean game of Ring Around:



Just one of the many things I have been working on. I always hate going so long without posting. Luckily Moosh in Indy saw this and got my back.

I know ya'll hate it when I make comments about my crazy busy life, but well, it was none other than that. Crazy, and busy. Finals are over (I only had two...nothing to complain about right?) Well, one of those finals ripped my heart out. Sad. I have this teach...who shall remain nameless, who I wish would be a little kinder and look for a little more good than bad. I can take CC, that is not the issue...it is just his way of "CC" it is more of the second C than the first. Anyway, it took me a few days to get over that. Can't say I am completely over it, but ya...trying.

My boys are back! WAHOO! It is always so stressful during the days they fly. This was their second trip to Brasil without me. The first time I was pregnant with Memm and couldn't go. This time Memm and I didn't have time to get our visas. We missed them terribly and I, more than anything think I missed the photo opportunity. I kept thinking of the wonderful way I could capture my husband, possibly for the last time with is grandmothers. Or my children sitting on their laps while they told them stories about their youth, or loved ones long since past. I really was heartbroken not to have been able to go. It brings tears to my eyes, but was so thankful to have heard the stories from Hubbs about them and hope he takes the time to write them down, things so easily lost in the shuffle. His grandmothers are the most humble women I have ever met. I would like to do a blog about one of them sometime. Remarkable, that is one word to describe her. Hero is another. Humble is probably the most descriptive. I miss her.

I am looking forward to a few weeks off. Today was probably the busiest day of my photography career. Christmas Rush doesn't begin to describe it. I am so thankful for this little side career I have going. It has been a tremendous blessing, that hopefully will pay off next year. I almost have my equipment paid back and school for this year. Now I just need to finish paying for the workshops I want to attend next year. Hawaii in March and possibly Chicago in June.

Well, that is it from Simply Me. Hope you are all enjoying this joyous season!

Kim's mine. mine. mine. MINE!

Hello Kim's gentle readers,

This is Casey from moosh in indy. Maybe you've heard of me. Maybe you've met me. Maybe you're aware that Kim is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Were you also aware that Kim is one of my three favorite people in the state of Utah? Then you should also know that Kim is one of the most hysterical people I know. You knew she was funny right?

No? It may be hard to tell with all her "BOO HOO I miss my husband" stuff and all her pretty pictures taking over her site. But trust me.

Funny.

Still not convinced? Hmm.

Well, let me give you some proof.

Some of you who are kind enough to comment over at my place tell me that I make you laugh. (thank you). Kim makes me laugh. Often at inappropriate times. And quite often when someone has a camera in our face. Or when her camera is in my face.
See?
HAR HAR." src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/2093994806_bd73cb2128.jpg" width=375>
There she is looking all beautiful and sublime while I'm there, well, all contorted.
Let's see another example.

Yep, there she is thinking not much in the world is funny and there's me having to hold onto a pole to keep myself upright.

Moving on. Oh yes.

When she takes my picture.

At least my mom is with me on this one. My sister's hard to crack.

Then there's this one.

Oh, yep, there's my tonsils. Uh huh. Right there. Any doctors in the house? Are they looking healthly? Because they've given me trouble in the past, I really think they should have been removed a long time ago but my mom said that...oh...what? This is about Kim?

Right.

Sorry.

My point.

Finally my mom was able to get us.

Equal.

No Kim showing me up with her smiling eyes and sparkling personality.

No tonsils.

Just us.

BFFs 4ever 2cute2B4gotten" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/2093996130_92b42fa2ea.jpg" width=500>

Wow, right? We should sell lip gloss, or mascara, or hair product, or skin care or even Visene.

I heart you Kim. You Sears shopping husband misser. (By the way, are you over that yet? Because I still have TWO WEEKS UNTIL I SEE MINE. And what? Oh, right. IT'S ALREADY BEEN WHAT? THREE WEEKS. humph.)

love you!

Busy!

Been so busy the past week, it is incredible. Tomorrow will be nothing less. Sorry if I have been too, "mooshy" about my husband lately. I miss him a lot. I know it will only be a week and a half, but after the summer I had, I need to appreciate him more, and love him more, and tell him more how I feel about him. Sadly it took him going away for me to realize how much I utterly need him and love him and care for him. So that is that.

Have my final Final tomorrow! Wish me luck...

Him

Been thinking about him today...heard this song. It is his favorite. Oooo how I miss him.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

Sung by flaming tongues above.

Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,

Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,

Till released from flesh and sin,

Yet from what I do inherit,Here Thy praises I’ll begin;

Here I raise my Ebenezer;

Here by Thy great help I’ve come;

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger,

Interposed His precious blood;

How His kindness yet pursues me

Mortal tongue can never tell,

Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me

I cannot proclaim it well.

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart,

O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,

I shall see Thy lovely face;

Clothed then in blood washed linen

How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;

Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,

Take my ransomed soul away;

Send thine angels now to carry

Me to realms of endless day.

Words:
bio("Ro­bert Ro­bin­son","r/o/b/robinson_r")
Ro­bert Ro­bin­son, 1758; ap­peared in his A Col­lect­ion of Hymns Used by the Church of Christ in Angel Al­ley, Bi­shop­gate, 1759.
Music: Net­tle­ton, Wyeth’s Re­po­si­to­ry of Sac­red Mu­sic, Part Se­cond, by
John Wyeth, 1813

I remember a night, shortly after we met, this song came across the television, he told me it was his favorite song. I had never heard it before, ever. We watched the performance in awe, we both cried. Wow. As I sat tonight thinking about the words, my heart was touched. My love for him grew even more, I had a further glimpse into part of him I don't know very well, one I plan on getting to know.

"Olhe!...Po'tock...yeeee'haaaaw!"

This photo brings tears to my eyes. It says so much to me. My heart is so full of love for not only her, but for my sweet Hubbs and J too.

This girl is CRAZY...KRAZY...KrAzY...cRaZy...about anything horse. She sees a horse, it is "Olhe!...Po'tock...yeeeee'haaaaww!" Now, let me explain: Olhe means "Look!" in Portuguese, "po'tock" is really just a noise that Flavio makes in a processional, something like, "po'tock-eee, po'tock-eee, po'tockeee..." etc...if you say it really fast, it sounds very much like the stomping of a horses running hooves. Make sense? And "yee'haw" need I say more...? Hehehehe. So, ya, EVERY TIME she sees a horse that is what she says, "Olhe! Po'tock....yeeee'haaaaaaw!" I love it so much I point out horses to her. Love her. Why does this bring me SO much joy? Joy I tell you. Because my heart is so full of love for her, because SHE loves something so much. I cannot honestly remember when I was a child loving something that much, having so much passion about something, seeking it, living for it, loving it. My in-laws got her this little horse (Erin, it is from Costco...) and she is in love. I was going to get her a rocking horse for her Christmas present, (now I can't and I am a little sad, only because I thought it was the perfect gift, and found the perfect one...feeling a little selfish...) but love how much she loves this horse. Recognizing the love her grandparents had for her, in seeing the passion she has for all things horse. Can a two year old have a passion? I think so.

I am so thankful I get to watch her grow. I get to see her seek new passions. This photo tells me I am doing something right. She is basking in an innocence I can't remember having. A joy that I don't remember experiencing. I can't explain what that feeling would have done for me in my life, but I hope that when she is older, she can look back and feel that comfort and peace that comes with being able to connect to something. I am not even sure if this is making sense...but anything horse to her...is like my children are to me. They are my joy. They are my heart. They are my passion. Hubbs, I love you. Thank you for completing my life in a way I never knew possible. For allowing me the joy of being a mother. For being there when I have hard days (like today) even though you are thousands of miles away, you still felt with me. I miss you. I appreciate you. I am thankful for you. Your endless support of me is astonishing. The things you sacrifice for my happiness amaze me. I owe you the same and so much more and I know that at times I lack the ability to tell you, or to show you, but it is always there, and I am learning. Thanks for being my best friend...for being my, "Po'tock yeee'haaaaw" if you will! Forever grateful to you for showing me what passion is. What Joy is. May we be blessed with more in our life, and always look forward to more and more one day!

Yep, this photo says a lot. So grateful for it.

Feeling a little bit sad.

Dad and brother are gone for a few days. Hubbs' grandma is very sick, so they went to see her. Missing them terribly. Not sure who is missing them more, me or Memm. (I am pretty sure it is me.) *Tried* to talk to J the last few days...he wants nothing to do with me, just a waste of his time. Seriously, that is how he acted. It is okay though. I know he loves me. Talked to Hubbs, he said that when J doesn't want to do something he cries for me. Hmm, sounds a lot like Memm when she gets told not to do something, the first thing out of her mouth is, "Papai!!!" Hilarious.
Took these before he left. Love that face. Oooo so in love.
This looks like a hug, it is, in fact, a push! Oh well, at least he tries.
Ya feeling a little teary.

Tagged, I'm it.

Thanks Amanda!

What was I doing 10 years ago? Hmm, ten years ago I was...wha? Almost sixteen, probably wishing I could date. But seriously was a sophomore in high school, making some of the best friends of my life!

What was I doing 5 years ago? Five years ago I was also celebratiting our second wedding anniversary by going to Brasil! Oh man, it was such a great time. I was a pretty stressful time of my life. I wish I could go back and relive that trip with a much better attitude.

What was I doing 1 year ago? One year ago we were celebrating our first Christmas with Memm. I can't believe how much joy she has brought into our lives and how much J LOVES her. Ya seriously they love eachother. Cool, I know.

What was I doing yesterday? I was SICK! I mean I. WAS. SICK. I had THE worst headache I have had in. a. long. time. And a low grade fever. I was on the couch the whole day with the exception of diaper changing, and meals. Other than that it was thank goodness for PBS and Signing Time.

5 Snacks I enjoy - This would be easier to say five things I do not enjoy. Hmm, I like Ice Breakers antioxidant gum. I chew it as a snack I swear, six pieces at once. I love to snack on Special K Chocolate Delight or whatever it is. Bugles. Loaded Potato Bites from Arbys, and I love a good Hagan Daaz double chocolate ice cream bar...but really have to be in the mood.

5 things I would do if I had a million dollars - Pay Tithing, also pay off my house, and my cars, buy a new camera, and save the rest.

5 Places I would run away to - Brasil (two weeks is my limit though...sadly), Hawaii baybee, the mall, the camera store, and California.

5 T.V. Shows I Like - House, ER, Little House on the Prairie, The Brady Bunch, hmmm, this is hard, but love Law and Order.

5 Things I Hate Doing - I am so with Amanda on a few of these: laundry, dentist, ironing, housework (of all varieties) and cooking. Um, yes, you are right this says I am a horrendous housewife. It is okay, I make up for it once a week when I deep clean everything, and by my sweet nature! Love you Hubbs...thanks for putting up with me!

5 biggest joys of the moment - Hubbs, J-Man, Memms, my life, the gospel.

I am now tagging - Moosh in Indy, Lace, and Sarah.

Me...(and Memms).

It's been a long time since the camera was turned on me. I miss it. I wish I would have planned a little better, I would have tried harder to do something with myself...anyway, here "I" am...me, all me. Thanks Casey.

Thoughts

Today was a day of learning. A day of pondering, and after much thought, I have decided it will be a day of sharing. This is not something I share very often, and I think the reason I feel impressed to share it today is because I am sorting through it and hopefully there is someone else out there who needs to read this.

I few months ago I shared with you our story about our hope to adopt. I wish I still had that post to share, but this post will replace it and hopefully give a full account of that hope, and other feelings.

We have been in our new ward for almost five months. I have been getting to know people, and one person in particular. We sit together almost every Sunday. She and I just sort of clicked. I have been thankful for this partner each Sunday and look forward to our visits between Sunday School and Relief Society. A few weeks ago she had a beautiful baby boy. I have had the opportunity to hold him on a few occasions, and she has shared with me her feelings of "just wanting another one". I remember the day I brought Memm home from the hospital, I held her and cried and felt those same overwhelming feelings of wanting another child...right away. (Crazy I know...) I shared with Amy that I too felt that way after having my daughter...and well, that obviously didn't happen. I then casually brought up the fact that we had our paperwork in for adoption, and that I hadn't told many people (I'll explain why later...) but that we were also trying to get our license to do Foster Care. She looked me in the eye and said, "I already knew." I was like "What? Huh? How?" Totally assuming that people talk (you know how people are...I am guilty of it too!) She said no, that she had actually seen our profile on http://www.itsaboutlove.org/ while helping a person very close to her search for possible couples to place her baby with. I felt very, well, sad at that moment, and ashamed that I had not done a better job of sharing my testimony of adoption.

A year and months of pain and doctor's visits, and a surgery later after Hubbs and I were married, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis, and fibroid tumors. At that time I remember sitting in the office while our doctor explained the results of the laparoscopy, and talked about what this could mean for us. It was at that time we were told this condition could cause infertility, or problems being able to conceive and that it may be very difficult for us to conceive. I am not sure if this revelation made me want to "prove them wrong" or if it deepened a desire to have a child that may not have come otherwise, but it was in that office I decided that I would do all in my power to become a mother and be able to be blessed with a child. Up to that point in my life I had witnessed a few great examples of adoption. I made it a point that I would not spend years waiting and hoping for something that may never come. So, we set a "time limit" on our trying. I laugh because a month before our "deadline" when we would go into LDSFS and start our paperwork I found out I was pregnant with J-Man. A little over a year to the day we sat in that office and were told we may never have children. I still remember how I felt when I found out I was expecting J. I was elated, and frightened, and thankful for the opportunity to carry this precious spirit.

A year after J was born we had our paperwork in and ready to go into LDSFS, still with the same hope in mind that doing all that we could would allow our Heavenly Father to bless us with another child. Seven months later I found out that I was pregnant with little Memms. Again, elation, thankfulness, happiness, fear. (At least for me, pregnancy is a very frightening thing, not sure if anyone else ever felt that way.) We called our worker and let her know that we were pregnant and that our file would need to be placed on hold. Eight weeks later we received a phone call from the agency, someone had neglected to take our file off of the website, and a birth mother from Florida had chosen to place her baby with us. She knew that we were expecting a baby, and yet she still knew that we were the family that her son was meant to be a part of. This little boy was due in three weeks. I have never felt so blessed in my life. I was walking on clouds. We rushed and rushed to get everything ready for this little boy. We chose a name, and prepared for the trip to pick him up. About a week before he was due, we received another phone call from the agency telling us that this birth mom had decided to parent her child and that her fiance wanted to help her be able to keep him so that she could be a mother. This story is very sacred to me. I have never felt so crushed, so despaired, and yet felt so close to the Lord, and gained such a strong testimony of anything in my life. Feelings that are too sacred to share here. I am thankful for that birth mother. I am thankful to still have contact with her and with her amazing fiance, and to see that little boy growing up in a loving family, soon to be sealed to two loving parents and a little sister.

That experience left me a little scarred. I won't lie about that. Especially when Memms was approaching the age of one, and the time was coming that we could put our paperwork back in, hoping to have another baby placed into our home. I have been taught since I was young that a couple's choice to start a family and all things that relate are sacred and it really is never my place to ask. Entering the world of adoption and couples who are infertile, and pretty much living in the state of Utah....all of that is thrown out the window. When I found out I was pregnant with Memms I felt A LOT of anger directed towards me, I experienced a lot of sarcasm. Just when I thought I was over that, we were chosen by a birth mom. Wow, imagine being pregnant, AND being placed with. I wasn't "ashamed" that I was pregnant, but I felt guilty. I felt guilty that I was able to carry a child and doubly guilty to have been chosen by a birth mother. The irony was that that little baby stayed with his birth mom. Was there something that Heavenly Father was trying to teach me? Yes. Perhaps something he was trying to teach others through me? Indeed. But now, now that we are in the same situation again, me trying to do all that I can do to be blessed with a baby, I still feel guilt. I feel so much guilt in fact that it is hard for me to share about our desire to adopt. I am so afraid that the second I start sharing I will get pregnant (which would be FANTASTIC) but then the guilt will set in, and I will start hearing, "You always get pregnant the second you put your papers in." People...NO. YOU. DON'T. Don't ever say that to someone. If you think it is funny, or true, I can give you a list of people who will prove otherwise. I have had that said to me so many times, and it was never funny and never true.

So then why am I struggling right now? I am not sure. I just fear. I hate saying that I am weak. I am not sure where I fit in right now. Do I fit in with the fertiles? I am not sure. Do I fit in with the infertile? Well no because I can't say that I tried for years and years, treatments, and IVF to conceive a child. And I don't think I ever would. Sometimes I wonder who I can turn to that will understand my heart, who would understand that I wonder if anyone will ever choose to place a baby with us because we have two biological children. Or worse, if we get pregnant, will I have to feel that guilt and sorrow for my friends who will never be able to feel the joy and experience of carrying a child and bringing a child into the world. I admire adoptive couples. They get to experience a little piece of heaven on earth. I think they get to witness a great love that Heavenly Father has for them, and they get to be an answer to someone else's prayers and have the opportunity to be the blessing that someone else is looking for.

I am not sure why I am writing this. I may sound like I am ungrateful, ashamed. I tell you I am not. Shy I guess. Not strong like so many of my friends like The R House, or Family of Three, or Ron and Jessica and others who share so much and advocate for adoption. I am just wanting so much for these friends of mine, and at the same time wanting so much for myself, for my little family.

Just thoughts.

The perfect recipe for the perfect smelling laundry...

Within the first year of marriage, I had perfected the clean smelling laundry scent...AND IT LASTS, it still smells even two weeks after I put the laundry away! It had to be something fantastic, something out of this world. A year after we were married our basement flooded with SEWAGE and after the flood, we had to stay with numerous folks, and during that time, we stayed with my good friend Michelle. Michelle washed our clothes and YUMM, seriously?! I asked her what was this wonderful product she used to wash her clothes?...she said she used:

Arm and Hammer. Huh.

So, I began to use Arm and Hammer. LOVE IT. I also add a scoop of:

It really gets out some of the caked on schtuff that my kids are constantly getting on their clothes, even chocolate milk. A heaven sent. For really tough stains I use none other than:!
If you have NEVER used this product, you MUST. I get mine from Babies R Us, and I get it in the BIG bottle. It gets out ANYTHING. It is safe, I have never had a problem with it! I have cleaned my floors, my couch, spit up, poo, pee, vomit, GRAPE JUICE...endless. It works, and IT SMELLS YUMMY


Even after the find of the wondrous Arm and Hammer, the smell wasn't quite what I wanted so I added a little Bounce Dryer sheets, (from my growing up years.) For the formula to work, it has to be the Outdoor Fresh Scent, and I always use two, (my loads are HUGE yes, but I love the extra softness and scent it adds to the already yummy Arm and Hammer.)If I have a white load (and we have A TON of WHITE!) I always add me some:
Love the smell of bleach. I know it is bad for your clothes, but I can't help it. I love getting out of the shower and putting on fresh, yummy, clean clothes. LOVE IT!

Well, that is about it. I have had some people ask me. I even did laundry for a friend when she was ILL during her pregnancy...she actually LET me do her laundry because she knew it would SMELL soooo good. (I think that is THE ONLY reason she let me do it, and I was thankful!) Anyway...try it and enjoy...it is a treat.

Rotate, Teach, Get a Rock.

Warning...this post is LONG...but worth it. Come back and read it in parts if you must.

Ug, toys. Where do I begin? I think it started with an obession and leftover from childhood. We didn't "get" much...but what we did get we took care of. So, feeling a little "jipped" as a child if you will, I went overboard, a little. Okay probably a lot. And it only looks like so much now because it is nicely organized into these bins, with labels and all. Thank you Leisha! When we moved, I decided that it was either time to get organized or get rid of it all. I got rid of a ton, and frankly would like to get rid of more, but that will have to wait I guess. For every new one we get, one is given away, and eventually that will become less and less and we give away more and more.

So, on to the Great Toy Rotation... See these bins? They are located in "the scary room" of the house. The room that is unfinished and houses the heater, (and is soon to be my new studio, HOLLA!). So, basically the kiddos are too afraid to go in there alone, hence they will leave these toys ALONE! Which is nice. So a few weeks ago, these bins were in their rooms, under the stairs and everywhere, and we gathered them all up and put them here...and every Monday night after Family Home Evening, we put away the bins from the week before and the kids can each choose two bins and one "big" toy box, (we have three of these which contain big trucks, stuffies, dressups etc...) and the key? They have less to play with and they actually do. play. with. them. I am not even joking. They play and they enjoy them as if they were new. I can't take full credit for this idea. I got it from a dear friend in my old ward who is a genius and a wonderful mother and example to me. Hi Katrina if you are out there, THANK YOU!
I hope I can explain this and share the power of this topic, but sometimes I lack words or thoughts, so I will do the best I can. This definition comes straight from http://www.lds.org/.

Family Home Evening

"Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as "family home evening." This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love."

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I feel very blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I have seen many powerful effects on my life, and one of the greatest has been the blessing of Family Home Evening. I can remember when I was very young having a few lessons from my mother. Shortly after my parents divorced, my extended family, (grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc...) began having a weekly FHE. From the time I was nine until I was 21 we had this gathering of family and love and teaching. It was a great strength in my life then. Once the family became TOO huge to house a weekly FHE, it fizzled out and I have to admit that it has been four years since we have had a regular family night in my home. A few months ago Hubbs and I decided to implement it again into our little family, and I can tell you that it has made a world of difference.

The most wonderful thing about FHE is that you don't have to be LDS or a "mormon" to have your own night to spend with your family. What better way to show your children or your spouse how much you love and adore them, then by devoting a night a week to them, for them, spending time with them, teaching them, and showing them how important they are to you, and how loved they are. Our evenings are usually spent with a short lesson (thank you four years of Primary Presidency lessons), an opening prayer, a closing prayer, a song, and of course a treat! Sometimes we aren't so formal, we will take the kids to play at the children's museum, walk around temple square, go out to dinner, but generally there is a purpose and we invite the spirit of our Heavenly Father into our home. It allows us time to be together, and when that time is devoted to Him and to one another, the week goes better, our house stays cleaner, and we fight less. There is more patience and love. I have witnessed this, and I encourage everyone who is reading this to implement this into your lives and schedules and let me know how it goes!

From our lesson tonight, one of my favorite Bible stories about Joseph in Egypt. Can you say, "Technicolor Dreamcoat" anyone?

And finally, if you're still with me, our little Toddler chores:

Brush your teeth.

Wash your hands before eating and using the bathroom.

Get yourself dressed (as best you can).

Pick up your toys.

Take your vitamin.

And that is it. They can earn 1 "pedra" or rock for every job they do without having to be asked more than once. We have been doing this for a little over a month now and it works! Right before bed we hand out the rocks, they put them in their little jars and they are SO excited about it. Even the little two year old screams, "Pedras! Pedras!" And FLIPS out if that word is said and she doesn't get to put the rocks in the jar at that very minute.

I let the kids choose their reward. Obviously Miss is a little too young to understand the concept, so her reward is putting the rocks in the jar, (and sharing a bit of Mister's rewards too.) While Mister, he chooses to get a pinata for each jar filled. Not sure why he loves pinatas so much or why that is his choice...but it is. And happily for him he filled up his first jar in time to have a dinosaur pinata for his birthday!

Seriously these little things help keep me sain and keeps our house a little cleaner with four little hands helping.

As for me...well that big jar is mine. Hubband has one too, and seriously, it has been a great motivator for me to do MY chores. I give myself one WHENEVER I do SOMETHING. I know that seems silly, but it helps me make a good dinner, load the dishwasher, fold a load of laundry. When mine gets filled I get to have a scrapbooking night with one of my friends...I can't wait!
So, that's it from the Simply Me house. Hope everyone is doing well, can you belive Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK? I am dying with how fast time is going by. And that my baby isn't so much a baby anymore, but that is another post ENTIRELY!

Thank you Mommy Sunshine!

Apparently, well, I rock the bowl! ;) Mommy Sunshine awarded me this bloggie award. It too was my first so thank you sweet Carrie. She said the nicest things about me, and I seriously cried. I needed this more than you will ever know!

"Kim is always so honest about her life and the up's and down's in it. This
beautiful lady brings a nice spiritual outlook to her life and family. She has
been inspiring and uplifting to many people. She always has a compliment or a
positive thing to say about someone. She has a gorgeous little family and is in
the process of adding a fortunate, new member to it. She is totally deserving of
this award! Her blog ROCKS THE BOWL! Not to mention, she takes fabulous pictures!"

It is hard to believe that I have known this lady for almost two years now via blog world. I met her through Moosh in Indy. (Be prepared ya'll to see ME with Moosh in Indy. I have a lot of peeps ask me about her...oh believe me, you'll meet her! Anyway, Carrie is Casey's cousin, and I had the opportunity of meeting Miss Carrie and we became friends instantly. She is one of the strongest, nicest, most amazing people I have ever met, not to mention BEAUTIFUL. I had the opportunity to photograph her newest little a few months ago, it was such a neat experience to capture. Love you Mommy Sunshine!

Hmm, I guess I need to award this wonderful honor onto someone else, and the first person who came to mind is a newcomer, and a guy even...who blogs and is hilarious! I love this couple's positive outlook on life, and I met them through LDSFS and photography all at the same time, imagine that...so here's to Ron and Jessica.

They too are searching for a little one to join their family. If anyone out there can help them on their quest and know of a birth mom who would be a good fit for them, and you feel so inclined, send her their way, you can visit their profile here:

Ron and Jessica

Until I get more time...

...some answers to your questions:

FHE: Family Home Evening. One night a week devoted to spending time with our family. It has seriously become my favorite night of the week!

Sweater: Sam's Club Oh ya baby!

Toy Rotation: Watch for this in depth in a forthcoming post, but for now, basically taking out some toys, storing them, and only giving a few choices per child, per week. Then the next week taking out those toys, putting them aside, and letting them choose new toys.

And finally...the chores. You'll just have to wait for that one, but so you get an idea, they aren't really "chores" but things that the kiddos can do that is on their level. Hopefully I can share this on Sunday!