Texting World Here I Come!

You read correctly! I am now officially part of the texting world. I haven't figured it all out yet, but with this new phone it shouldn't be too difficult. Excuse me for being a little behind on some of the tech world. Give me a week or so and I should have the basics figured out. So, all those family and friends out there who have tried to text me in the past and I have given you dirty looks or complained about the 20 cent charge for each text- feel free to send a message my way. Unlimited text baby!!! Hooray!!!

Easter Flashback

With Easter approaching quickly I thought I would post a couple of my favorite Easter pictures from the last few years.

Capri- Easter 06

Best Cousins 07

Jess, Bruin, and Capri doing the annual Egg Dye at Grandma's house in 07.

And Grandpa thought he had his hand full then! Easter 06

Counting my Blessings

So many recent things have helped me to put my life into perspective and count the many blessings that I have.

Earlier this month on our trip I saw just a small picture of what life is like in less priveledged countries. Seeing the kids on the streets trying to sell stuff just breaks my heart. I remembered the feeling I had from my last visit, so I thought the least I could do was bring a smile to their face by giving them a small gift. Together with the other girls we handed out an array of small gifts: coloring books, crayons, stickers, bubbles, and jumpropes. The looks on their faces just brought a smile to my face and reminded me to enjoy the little things in life.

I don't know how many readers are avid Amazing Race fans, but last week on the show I had tears flowing as I was reminded again of how blessed I am to live in the United States where I have a beautiful home and have everything I need and much more.

I also feel so fortunate right now for my husband's job. It seems like every few days I hear of a friend or family member being layed off of their job. So many people are struggling, and I feel so helpless. Families are becoming displaced as homes are being forclosed on, and I sit here complaining that I don't have a yard! I feel guilty for the many gripes I have made about having a small home with no yard. It is good to be reminded once in a while of blessings in my life.

A supportive husband is at the top of the list as well. Kirk isn't a super sensitive guy, but he and I are completely meant for eachother. It hasn't been easy for our family with me going to school, and I want to give up at times. He is there pushing me toward the goal that I so desperately want and feel like I need. I love him for the strong man he is. He makes me want to be a better person, and that is one of the many things that I love about him.

Finally, I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. My testimony of the gospel gives my life a guiding light and a true understanding of the purpose of life. I see so many who fall victim to confusion and to the things of the world. The Gospel brings me peace, joy, and safety.

Busy Baby

Need I say more? These are a couple of Hudson's favorite things to get into at 15 months old. He never stops, and it drives me crazy! It's no wonder Kirk and I have taken 2 cruises in the last 6 months!!!

The Rocking has disappeared...

although it took a couple days I feel like my feet are now planted firmly on the ground. Our return home has been both dreaded and enjoyable. I have defeated the mounds of laundry. I was determined after a comment from Bruin simply stating, "Mom, you need to do laundry!" This was after the 3rd time of digging through rubbles of clean laundry looking for a certain piece of clothing that he was in need of. First time was a shirt, second time clean undies, and thirdly pjs. Now that it is complete, it will be at least a 2 days before I have mounds again... oh the joys of motherhood.

The most enjoyable part of coming home has been being with my kids again. I surprised myself on Friday night when I really started to miss them. I think all the mommies and daddies were feeling the same way. It was the first night that our dinner conversation turned to memories of our children, and even looking at photos of them on our digital cameras. Guess we really do love our little munchkins. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder.... I definitely think that applies here.

Here are a few photos from our trip. I should be getting some copies of better pictures that some of the other couples took (hint, hint), but here are some of our captured memories.


All 4 couples at our formal night. Look at that view!

Kirk enjoying his ATV ride in Cabo San Lucus (Day 3)

Our catamaran ride over to the secluded beach in Mazatlan (Day 4) Following this Kirk and I rented a Wave runner and had a blast riding through the bumpy bay water. We both agreed that activity was the most fun. Who knows? Maybe our future will include a couple of those bad boys!
Day 5 After a long day of snorkling and kayaking-returning back to the ship via catamaran. I think we both grabbed a short snooze on the ride back.
Rock climbing on the Aft of the ship while at Sea (Day 6) Kirk and I both made it up in a snap!

Luckily we did these activities because this is a small example of our diet on the ship.

5 desserts in one night and 3 shrimp cocktail appetizers (per person)

And we can't forget those nightly Virgin Pina Coladas, Miami Vices, and Strawberry Daiquiries

What I learned from this trip...

I love spending time with my husband!

Kirk and I both have a love for adventurous things, so my new goal is to do a minimum of one new adventure each year together.

I love eating, so I need to take at least of year or 2 break from cruises!

I love to laugh and be with fun friends.

I love relaxing and getting a good 9 hours of sleep every night (and a nap in the afternoon too)!

I love being a mother! I miss my kids when I am away for more than about 5 days.

I am so blessed with wonderful family and friends who took such great care of my kids.

I hate returning home to the mounds of laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, and homework!!!

Thanks Darin and Janell for the invite! Also, thank you to all those friends and family who cared for our 3 kiddos while we were away. Props to my Aunt who watched my little Hoodie monster even with the teething and cough/cold! You are all awesome!

A hectic week...

in exchange for a majorly relaxing one! This week I am busy trying to get ahead on homework and study for an exam that I am taking early, register Capri for kindergarten, do my 4 hours of interning, set up for enrichment, get my hair and toes done, clean the house, have all laundry cleaned, and packing up 4 suitcases (Kirk will pack his own hopefully). The kids will be going to various locations while my love and I go see this...

So please forgive me if I don't post until our return. Then we should have some fun pics to post.