Sunshine In My Soul

2012-01-26T12:40:00.001-08:00

Adorable newborn girl...

One of these days I'll get caught up on both blogs. I took sweet Gemma's newborn pictures over two months ago. Check it out!

2012-01-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Honesty is the best policy....

Last night we decided it was TIME to have another family home evening lesson on honesty. We had caught some kiddo's telling some little white lies here and little white lies there. And a lot of over-exaggeration going on. And it was starting to get to me.

We shared some different situations about people who had been honest and people who had been dishonest and then discussed how their decisions to tell the truth or lie affected their lives and their feelings and their relationships. The kids actually sat and listened and participated and discussed things with us. That doesn't always happen....often there are kids rolling around on couches, other kids poking the person next to them, etc. But the stars must've aligned last night, or something, because it went really well.

We introduced an "Honesty Under Pressure" Award....because let's be honest...sometimes it's hard to tell the truth. We let the kids think for a few minutes and then they each got to share an experience from the last week about how they were honest. It was great to hear about the times they had chosen to be honest. We took a vote and this person was the first one in our family to receive this special award....

Grant was pretty excited about it and is proudly displaying it on the side of his bed. Jarom told us that he had asked Grant if he had made the mess upstairs, if he had gotten all of the toys out. And he said, "Yes!" The kids all agreed that was being honest under pressure....because that meant that he had a big job of toy cleaning up to take care of.

PS Yikes...those fingernails are nasty. Time for a trim and bath, obviously! Ha!

2012-01-09T12:00:00.001-08:00

Some newborn posts....

Head on over to my website and check out some newborn goodness! Sweetest babies!

2012-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Years....

With Christmas being a bit on the bummer side this year, I was glad that I started feeling better just in time to pack up the fam and head to Greer for my birthday weekend and New Years! My favorite place with my favorite people. Perfect! We spent the weekend snuggled up by the fire, playing endless games of Blokus (which I'm really not that great at), building snowmen, sledding, playing with cousins, playing our new games on the Kinect, reading books (I got totally sucked into the Hunger Games series and ended up reading all 3 books in 4.5 days), and just enjoying being together. I got some fun pictures of our afternoon of sledding at a popular hill with the cousins....

A little snowball fight action going on...

And then on New Years Day, we did a little sledding on the hill right next to the cabin...

Brett started working on a snow fort for the kids...

But then decided it was more fun to chuck the snow at the kids. Ha ha!

Grant loved sucking on the icicles we kept breaking off the side of the cabin...

So did Savannah...

She even let the icicles drip into her mouth...

Hope your New Years was as happy as ours! Here's to a GREAT new year!

2012-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a little different this year....

I guess all Christmases can't be full of cheer...I don't know. Maybe they can. This year was different for me. For our family. And as I spent lots of days in bed, some days deep in sleep only waking when my fever would spike or the chills would rack my body, other days wondering if my head was going to explode each time I'd roll over in bed....I kept hearing Savannah's voice playing over and over and over again in my head, "Mom, it's so weird. It doesn't even feel like Christmas!"

Sure we did lots of things throughout the season to "make it feel like Christmas". We hosted a big office party at our home for all of Brett's staff and their families, our elf "Murray" (you know...."Murray Christmas" everyone, ha ha) made all kinds of mischief, we had Brett's family over for dinner, we got together with some of Brett's cousins for taco night and a late night of card games (I did win them all....just in case you were wondering), we rented a big trailer, filled with hay, and decorated with Christmas lights and invited my sisters and a bunch of our friends to join us for an evening of caroling followed by roasting s'mores in our firepit and sipping on hot chocolate topped off with homemade peppermint ice cream. THAT felt like Christmas!

But as Christmas came closer and family drama made it's way into our life....suddenly there was no time to just BE with the kids. No time to snuggle under the Christmas tree and read books together because we were spending hours on the phone trying to make arrangements to take care of some family matters. No time to get the grocery shopping done ahead of time so that there would be no last minute rushing around because we were meeting with family members to discuss hard choices and the reality of consequences of years of wrong choices. No time to wrap presents because I was chasing a toddler around, changing diapers, making bottles, rocking her to sleep.

It dawned on me the other day, when Savannah said, "I wish Christmas was in January because it's colder in January. It's supposed to be cold on Christmas," that maybe THAT was what she meant when she said, "Mom, it's so weird. It doesn't even feel like Christmas!"

Because we felt the spirit of Christmas, that is for sure. We felt is as we drove around admiring the beautiful Christmas light displays, as we baked peppernuts and delivered Christmas cards and our famous peanut butter caramel popcorn to neighbors and friends, as we read from the scriptures and acted out the Nativity, as the choir sang beautiful praises on Christmas morning, and as Savannah sang with two of her dearest friends "If I Had Been in Bethlehem". For me, THAT was Christmas!

I did manage to take a few pictures. On Christmas Eve, we acted out the Nativity. Grant sure made a cute little Joseph.

Maybe I need to get that sweet Jarom of mine into some acting classes. He sure got into his role of the shepherd...

And then they each got to open one present....

Then it was off to bed. I was actually pretty surprised at how quickly they all fell asleep....which was great for me as I could feel my body starting to fall apart.

Christmas morning the kids snuck into our room bright and early at 6:30. I felt so horrible I didn't even want to roll out of bed. But I did...

While going through pictures, I'm sad about all of the pictures that I missed. Santa brought Grant a Mickey Mouse and a Lightning McQueen bike and the Cars 2 movie!

Santa brought Savannah a camera (which I didn't get a picture of...what?), some fun coloring books, some earrings, and a new wallet.

Santa brought Bryson the book that he had been waiting and waiting and waiting for, which he was obviously REALLY excited about! It was a Diary of the Wimpy Kids "Cabin Fever" book. Let's see....he also got some xbox controllers and a few games for the Kinect.

Jarom got an xbox and kinect. Yay!

When Brett and I were in New York City a few weeks before Christmas, we saw this HUGE Hershey's bar and just knew that we had to get it for him! He is still in chocolate heaven!

Jarom also got a little stereo for his ipod....

Bryson got a little electric scooter...

Grant got a TON of cars: Ramone, Sarge, Sally, Francesco, Finn McMissile, etc.....

And I CANNOT believe that I did not get a picture of Savannah with her much anticipated American Girl doll....named Julie, of course. The look on her face was PRICELESS! Brett and I had the best time in New York, strolling through the store picking out the perfect doll and accessories!

2011-12-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Reminiscing about our Fall Break today....

while enjoying a day with the kids during Christmas break. Just looking at the pictures, kind of makes me want to run back to Cali. Man, we had a great time!

Originally we had planned on sticking around for fall break, but last minute decided to try to find a deal on a place on the beach. Plus we had plenty of buy one admission get one free coupons to Legoland, so we decided, "What the heck? Why not?" I found an awesome condo in Carlsbad just steps from the beach. It had it's own two car garage with boogie boards, sand toys, beach chairs, etc, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a beautiful kitchen with nice sized family room. We scored an amazing deal at less than half the normal fee! Let's just say a tiny hotel room would have cost more. Sweet!

Since it was so last minute, Brett was still scheduled to work. So, I packed up the kids and headed on over on Wednesday, October 12th. As soon as we arrived, the kids helped me unpack the van as fast as they could, we changed into our swimsuits and headed right across the street to squish our toes into the warm sand. The kids could not wait to get in the ocean!

Savannah is our shell collector. She wondered why the shells weren't as pretty in Cali. We are used to the less picked over beaches of Mexico!

Grant could not wait to jump in! Watching the joy on his face....made my day then...and made my day again today as I looked at the pictures for the first time since our trip!

When everybody else was done for the day, Jarom just could NOT pull himself out of the ocean. He'd ride the boogie board in, whoopin' and hollerin', and then run right back out to catch another wave.

Right before the sun was about to set, I let him take one last ride. We snapped a quick picture before heading back to the condo. Bryson was upset that "he had almost gotten killed by a wave".

We spent the next morning being a little lazy and then headed into San Diego to walk around old town. We ate some authentic Mexican food and toured the newly renovated San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site. Wow! WAY better than the last time we visited it. The kids LOVED it and so did I!!! We learned tons!

Maybe he's digging for some ammo? I don't know. I'm confused. Ha!

Savannah would've panned for gold all day. New people would come and she'd help find some "gold" for them, over and over and over again.

Then we got to pick up Brett from the airport and head back to the condo to get plenty of rest for our next day. The kids were pumped to go to.......

We spent WAY TOO MUCH time just playing with legos. Okay, so the kids didn't think so, but I kinda did.

And Jarom is sometimes getting a little "too cool" for pictures these days. Bummer.

Grant thought he had died and gone to heaven when he looked over and saw Bob the Builder!

Savannah would've been happy to spend her whole day browsing the giftshops...

Yay for Legoland! My favorite part of the trip came next....but sometimes my camera stays in it's bag. And the night that we left Legoland, my camera stayed put away. As we drove away from the amusement park that night, we told the kids that we had a surprise for them. There were squeals of excitement, questions, and endless guesses. We drove for about 30 minutes and pulled up in front of a beautiful building of condos right on the beach in the breathtaking La Jolla, turned off the car, and told the kids to hop out. As we walked toward the entrance, the grumbling started, "It better not be adults. There better be kids here. Nice surprise. This is lame!" And then I saw her (the kid's surprise) hiding behind a bush. She popped out and instantly all 4 kids starting running and yelling, "JULIE!!!!!!!" Savannah threw her tiny body right onto Julie, jumping straight into her arms. The rest of the kids hugging onto any part of her they could get a hold of. Savannah did not leave her side for the rest of the night. (A little about Julie). Julie was vacationing with her family in California, instead of at school in Utah. Spending the evening with her and her family and pulling off our little surprise was definitely the highlight of the trip for me! Prying Savannah away from Julie that night was heartbreaking. On our drive back to Carlsbad that night, Savannah started planning all of the fun things they were going to do the next time they were together.

The next morning, the littles enjoyed their breakfast of waffles with whipped cream and strawberries and oj on the balcony....

Then we spent a few hours walking around downtown Carlsbad, checking out some shops, and a cute little chocolate shop. But then the kids were begging to be back at the beach. So back to the beach we went.... It was a lot colder that day.

But the cold won't keep Savannah from getting in the water....

The big tough boys, on the other hand, well....it took them awhile :)

But they finally did it! Not me, though! No way! Much, much too cold for me!

Savannah was a little shocked and super disappointed when a big wave snuck up behind her and tore down her creation. Grant thought it was pretty awesome!

But then he was COLD!!!

We talked him into getting back in the water, though...and he was fine!

For a few minutes, anyways...

Brett helped Savannah catch some waves on the boogie board...

And then he became an even bigger hero for her when he found the PERFECT shell!

Bye beach! We headed across the street to the condo, got cleaned up, and played some board games, which the kids were SO excited about. I mean, look at those faces! Excitement is written ALL over them!

We decided to take a "scenic detour" on the way home and go through Julian, CA to attend their Apple Festival. We looked at maps on our phones and it looked like the trip would take about the same amount of time....like 20-30 minutes longer to go through Julian. Fun! We were excited to pick our own apples and try all of the different apple treats. Oh. My. Windy. Windy. Windy. Roads. And we have a child who gets very carsick. We did have to pull over so he could barf on the side of the road. Darn. Not fun! We did finally get there, ate some delicious lunch, found a cute orchard to pick apples at, stopped at a darling bakery with endless options of apple treats, and then headed home. Our detour added about 2 hours to our trip. Was it worth it? I'm still not sure about that....but I think I'd pass next time.

And now I have a sister that lives in Cali....maybe it's time for another trip! I'm thinking maybe when "Radiator Springs" opens up at California Adventure. Not right when it opens, but maybe a few months after. Grant has never been to Disneyland and the only things on his Christmas list this year: Cars 2 movie, a Mickey Mouse toy, and a Lightning McQueen bike or scooter. Think he'd love it? Yah! I can't wait!

2011-12-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

I am still alive...

I think.

What was I thinking....deciding to redesign my website at Christmas time? I guess I thought it would be fun to add a big project to my life since we had just finished the gameroom addition (which I still need to take pictures of). Well, redoing my website was a project that was WAY overdue. I NEVER ever ever updated it...and I knew it was past time to split my blog up and keep my family and personal stuff separate from my client stuff.

I have to admit that I'm head over heels in LOVE with it. Like every time I walk past my computer, I just have to jump on real fast and take another quick peek...and sigh...because I'm in love. I worked with Pam Heggie...and I really have no words to express how fabulously amazing she is. She totally "got" my style and helped me to figure out exactly what I wanted. That and she's FUNNY!

Okay, so you HAVE to check it out!!! And tell me what you think! And I promise to put up little posts here and there to send you over to my photography blog when I post new stuff. K. Go! Check it out!

Holly's New Photography Blog!

2011-11-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

What have you been doing?

So I've gotten a few e-mails and a comment or two asking what I've been doing to lose weight. My workout schedule really hasn't changed much over the years...that has pretty much stayed the same. My schedule on a GREAT week:

Monday - 1 hour muscle class, 1 hour zumba

Tuesday - 1 hour zumba, 1 hour muscle class (see how I switch it up....ha ha!)

Wednesday - 1 hour zumba, 1 hour power yoga, and another hour of zumba (that one is at night)

Thursday - 45 minute muscle class, 1 hour zumba

Friday - 1 hour power yoga

Saturday - 1 hour zumba, 1 hour power yoga

That's almost 12 hours a week...but I normally only get in about 9 hours. Some days I have newborn photoshoots or just need a day to get caught up on everything I'm slacking on. You know, when nobody has any clean underwear and the only thing in the fridge is....well, nothing.

But what I've changed the most is my diet! I've always (well, almost always) watched what I've been eating, paying attention to calories, etc. But this time I'm doing things a little bit different. And it's working!!! In fact, as of todays weigh in (just about an hour ago) I am down 19 pounds! 19!!!! Can I get a woohoo? So my goal is to stay right around 1400 calories every day. And to divide it up fairly evenly into 5 meals. Here's my current typical day:

Breakfast - a protein shake. I am super picky. I'm sorry. I just won't eat something that I have to gag down...or plug and chug. No thanks! I like food. This protein powder is my FAVORITE (in vanilla, although chocolate is yummy too). My shake recipe: about 5-6 ice cubes, 1/2 C water, half a frozen peach (or banana or handful of berries...whatever you'd like. I do like the banana with the chocolate), a scoop of the protein powder, and a scoop (I just use the one that comes with the protein powder) of uncooked oats. Blend and enjoy. Yum!

Mid-morning meal - a protein bar. The trick is to find one that has a good ratio of carbs and proteins and 250 calories or less. I really like the Adkins Chocolate/Peanut butter one. My all-time-favorite-feels-like-I'm-totally-not-on-a-diet bar is this one. Delish!!! I get them by the case. Sometimes I just do half a bar and 10 pecans. Tasty stuff!

Lunch - I'll just tell you a few of my favorite options, but basically the whole idea is that you try to match up carbs and proteins and watch the calories. When I'm out running errands at my favorite place on the planet, Target, I grab a Chicken Marinara Flatbread at their little restaurant. In fact, I buy them in bulk. Ha! They always give me the strangest looks. One flatbread is 180 calories, 15g carbs, 11g protein. I eat a handful of carrots or an apple with that. Another favorite lunch is the Chicken Tortilla Soup from Costco. It comes in a two pack. 1 cup of that is 150 calories. So I can have a cup of soup, a small serving of fruit, and some veggies. And my other favorite is a pita sandwich. I get the Toufayan Bakeries brand Low Carb Pita. 1 whole loaf is 130 calories with 16g carbs and 11g protein. I cut it in half and stuff turkey, lettuce, sprouts, sliced cucumbers, etc in half a loaf with a smidgen of tzaziki sauce. Again, super tasty and filling!

Mid-afternoon - normally have a Chobani Greek Yogurt. They are around 130-140 calories and an awesome carb/protein ratio. Sometimes I'll have some fruit or veggies too. Or I'll sprinkle a little granola in the yogurt.

Dinner - I normally eat what the fam is eating for dinner. I do have a low calorie italian dressing that I use on my salad. And I just eat smaller portions...staying away from whatever has tons of carbs: pasta, rice, breads, etc.

That's it! Well, I drink a TON of water, too. I carry a big cup around with me everywhere I go. I try to drink 5 of those a day. Also, NO sugar! It's hard sometimes. Last night, I was at a church meeting and they were serving hot chocolate and chips and salsa and all kinds of other things. It's sometimes hard to say, "No thank you!" It makes it easier when you think about how happy you are going to be when you see the scale go down a teeny bit the next morning. And that makes it worth it. It makes it easier to say, "No thanks!"

Well, guess what? I pulled a few strings...and if you want to try the Protein shake or bars...you can use the code hollyb and get 20% off your order through the end of November. Sweet! Oh, and I almost forgot!!! Whenever I get crazy sugar cravings....which are happening less and less these days, I take some of this. It works!

Let's get SKINNY!!!

2011-11-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

It made me smile...

As I was helping that child who has been wanting to run away, finish their homework yesterday, they asked me to look at a homework sheet they had been working on. The assignment was to write about "My Very Special Person". They chose to write about me. It was so fun to read! Physical traits: she has long, blonde hair, green eyes, freckles, skinny, tall, brown eyebrows, no crooked teeth. One special way this person has helped me: by helping me do my homework everyday. One special way this person has helped others: she helped others by feeding food for the poor. Personality traits: not so angry, funny, nice, loving, happy, sweet. Maybe this child doesn't think I'm quite so bad...even though I only allow one "treat" (granola bar or chips or some other processed food) in their lunch and all of their friends are allowed to take 5.

2011-11-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ivory, 1 week old.... {Mesa, AZ Newborn Photographer}

Beautiful, TINY Ivory! I was absolutely smitten with her right from the start. I have never.... EVER...seen such long dark lashes on such a bitty baby. She was absolutely perfect in every way!

It was so nice to have a girl mixed in with all of the boys that have been coming lately. Such a perfect, little princess!

2011-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

Randomness...

On my mind:

- how empty a Sunday feels without Brett home. It's lonely going to church alone and having the rest of the day to miss him. I hate going to bed and not having him there to warm up my cold toes. I miss his arms wrapped around me and our bedtime conversations. I always miss him when he's gone...but I miss him most when he's gone (hunting in the middle of nowhere) and has no cell service. I just miss him today!

- wondering how I'll ever be able to pull off our ward choir's Christmas performance. We don't have a whole lot of Sundays left to practice...and I'm starting to worry.

- thoughts swirling through my head about all that I felt and experienced at Time Out For Women with my cousins and sister this weekend. So much that I want to do! The thing that hit me the hardest was when Hilary Week's was sharing about how she started asking Heavenly Father for just ONE thing that He wanted her to accomplish that day in her morning prayers. She shared some sweet experiences with that. I can do that! I can ask Him for just one thing that He wants me to accomplish that day! I can do that. I want to do that.

- thinking about and planning our Family Home Evening for tomorrow night. I want to start a new tradition. Nothing new to lots of people, but new for our family - A Thankful Tree. Looking forward to a month of consciously being GRATEFUL for the many blessings in my life (and looking forward to NOT hosting Thanksgiving dinner...ha ha!).

- my heartache for the moment....how to connect with that one child who has been wanting to run away. The one who has been acting out and causing contention in our home. We've gone to lunch and spent one on one time together, endless prayers, and many tears shed. I feel promptings from my Heavenly Father and do my best to follow them, but things seem to be getting worse. We aren't even close to the teenage years yet and I worry that I'm not being the best mom that I can be...

- projects (some are started...some are not): finish a "give thanks" pillow that I started a few weeks ago, start cutting squares for that Christmas quilt I've been wanting to make for a few years now, finish designing our Christmas card and send them off to be printed, keep up with all of the contractors (and their messes) working on our addition (playroom), make some cute invitations for "pie night", edit 2 photo sessions, edit more of our personal pictures and try to get caught up on the blog, finish cleaning out and organizing my closet (I started that almost a month ago...and you know how it always gets worse before it gets better? Well, it's scary), pick a place to stay in New York City in December and choose another show to go to (do you have a favorite?).

- looking forward to finishing reading The Book of Mormon with the family again. We just have a few pages left. Trying to decide if we should plan to finish reading it together at the temple again like we did last time...I loved that. Yes, I think we will do the same thing again. I love traditions! Maybe we'll go to the construction sight of our new temple, though. Can't wait to have a temple just a few miles from us!

- thinking about how much I enjoyed last night, snuggled up on the couch with all four children, watching "The Love Bug". We tickled and giggled and hugged and laughed. It was a bit of sunshine for my soul!

- wondering what else I could get done in the day if I gave up working out so much...and then I think about my goal of loosing weight and figure I'll get caught up on life when I get to that weight. I HAVE lost 13 pounds and that feels great! 20 more and I'll be high-school weight again. Not that I'll have my body back...because, hello, I've had four kids. But, I can do it! On the schedule for tomorrow - 1 hour weight class and 1 hour of zumba. Woohoo!

2011-11-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Cousins ROCK!

A couple of days after school started, we headed up north to the B-13 Ranch for our annual family reunion...one of my favorite weekends of the year. I always look forward to letting my kids run free, watching their faces light up each time a new cousin shows up at the ranch. I always look forward to all of the smiles and hugs and laughs and chats to catch up on each others lives. And I always look forward to pancakes with peanut butter syrup. Yum...

It's become tradition for our Stapley family to be in charge of breakfast on Saturday morning. So we all wear red (because it's my Grandpa's favorite color) and cook pancakes for hundreds and hundreds of people. I snuck out of my "fruit-scooping" spot to snap a few pictures...

Brett can really pump those pancakes out. He's quite a professional!

Jarom found an amazingly beautiful butterfly. I love that they want me to take pictures of beautiful things...

Then it was time to head over to the carnival...

Ooh, mean face Jarom...

My mom and dad are so cute...

Jarom trying to find someone to be his target to throw a cream pie at :)

And then we found big Grant, my Grandma's brother, who our little Grant is named after. Little Grant simply would NOT smile and was a total stinker. Aw, dang! Do you like my new purse that one of my kids won for me? Super stylish and high quality, for sure.

I loved watching Savannah fan my Grandma after church on Sunday. They were so giggly and snuggly! Love these two special people!

2011-11-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

First day of school...

Everybody started school on different days this year. Grant was the first one to start. Weird. Yes, I know. Preschool starting BEFORE regular public school? Okay. Sure. It actually was nice to drop him off at school and then be able to run around with the older kids collecting last minute school supplies, picking out new shoes, etc. Our little Grant is turning into quite the little ham. Taking pictures of him is getting more and more interesting by the day. Here's Grant...and his "Queemie" backpack on his first day of preschool...

A week later it was time for the elementary kids to start. I moved them over to a new school this year. It was a tough decision for me and I spent a lot of time in prayer trying to decide what to do. It's awfully mean of a mom to move her kids to a new school for a few months and then ask them to switch schools again the next year. I was pretty nervous about it but felt like this is where they were supposed to be. I do love their new school...such a small little community. No cafeteria - the kids get to eat lunch outside. But they are getting a great education. The first day of school, when I went to pick the kids up from school, Savannah squealed, "Mom. Guess what!!! There are NO mean kids in my class!" Bryson and Savannah on their first day of school...looking WAY too grown up, if you ask me!

Two days later, it was official...Jarom was off to junior high. I'm glad he let me chase him out the door in my pajamas to grab a quick picture as his friends waited across the street to ride to school together.

2011-11-03T12:51:00.001-07:00

Someday I'm going to get caught up....

and it is going to feel MARVELOUS! Marvelous, I tell you. It overwhelms me a bit to think of all of the folders of pictures that I have never even opened. Pictures from Pagosa Springs back from the end of June, the kids first day of school pictures, trips (that would be PLURAL) to Greer, a trip to Roosevelt Lake, etc. Who knows what else I'm going to find. But it will be fun to open them up and relive those happy moments. So I'm forcing myself to sit here and get started. I've got one hour and 15 minutes to myself...a little bit of time before it's off to the races. Thursdays are our crazy days around here. With two kids running to choir (at different times of course), a soccer practice, and piano lessons for three kids - our Thursday afternoons are fun. Yes, let's call it fun.

It's hard to make myself sit here with my house in shambles around me. You see, we decided to start a big new project. We used to have a two story opening over part of the main level and we decided - Why don't we fill in that whole area and make a big hang out area for the kids? Yes, that would be fun. Let's rip up those walls that we just painted a few months ago and make a big mess. So decorations are piled on the kitchen counters, furniture is covered by blankets and plastic, whole rooms are taped off (to try to avoid getting those rooms FILLED with drywall dust). Lot's of fun! Workers are scurrying around me, adding lights and outlets and ceiling fans and such. A few more weeks and we will be back to normal...as normal as it is around here.

Okay. I'm off to edit some pictures and get a few blog posts ready to share. I've got loads of newborn sessions that need to be shared as well. And, yes, Christine :)...someday soon I'll be ready to share some pictures of my kitchen. As soon as I have a place to put all of those piles of decorations.

2011-10-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Josie (3) and Van (10 days)....{Gilbert, AZ Newborn Photographer}

This yummy little guy and his adoring big sister came to visit me a few weeks ago for pictures. Aren't they adorable?

I've had quite the run on newborn boys lately...with three newborn boy sessions this week!

2011-10-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

To me, it's officially fall...

when I've made some Harvest Loaf Cake. Maybe it's because I have happy memories of coming home from school, opening the door, and being enveloped in the pumpkin-y aroma. Then sitting at the counter, talking about our day, and licking nutmeg and cinnamon spiced frosting from our lips and fingers.

And the other day I made some. Doesn't it look tasty? I still don't know why I torture myself with baking yummy treats and then not eating them. Remember? The whole NO SUGAR thing. Well, I make my husband eat some and then I kiss the crumbs off his face. I know. I'm truly pathetic. But I don't think he minds.

Harvest Loaf Cake

1 3/4 C. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/2 C. butter

1 C. sugar

2 eggs

3/4 C. pumpkin

3/4 C. chocolate chips

3/4 C. nuts

Cream butter, add sugar. Blend in eggs. Sift together dry ingredients and add to butter/egg/sugar mixture, alternating with pumpkin. Stir in chips and nuts. Turn into greased loaf pan (1 large or 2 small). Bake at 350 degrees for 60-75 minutes. Cool.

Drizzle with glaze. Let stand for a few hours (if you can resist) before slicing.

Glaze:

1/2 C. powdered sugar

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

1-2 Tbsp. cream

Now go...make some Harvest Loaf Cake...and then tell me just HOW delicious it was! Your home will smell DIVINE!!!

2011-09-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

Bruin, 12 days old....{Gilbert, AZ Newborn Photographer}

Oh man! Such a squishy little guy! His constant grunts, delicious lips, and the way he'd reach out and grab my finger just melted my heart. I just love squishy little baby boys....they remind me of the way my own baby boys used to be. Meet little Bruin...

2011-09-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have an addiction....

It's true! And I've got it bad! It sucks up all of my free time and even time when I should be doing something else...perhaps like making dinner, or doing laundry, or cleaning the house, or paying attention to my children. I need an intervention.

Hello. My name is Holly Brimhall and I AM ADDICTED TO PINTEREST!

There. I said it. The secret is out. The sad thing is, I WANT to be addicted. I mean, I'm LOVING all of these cute craft ideas I'm finding (and making when I should be doing chores or for heavens sake BLOGGING). I know. I apologize. I'll be better. Oh, and don't even get me started on the recipes I've been pinning. I mean I have a WHOLE board just for desserts. AND I'M OFF OF SUGAR! Why oh why do I torture myself? For real. My mouth has been watering for caramel-dipped white chocolate apples, creamy lime bars, coconut banana bread with lime glaze, and pumpkin cinnamon rolls. And wouldn't you know it "there's an app for that"...so I've got dang Pinterest on my phone. I pin in the carpool lane while waiting to pick kids up from school, I pin whilst laying in bed at night unable to sleep. Heck. I even pin on the pot. {gasp!} I know. I have problems.

So what am I to do about it? I decided to have a "Pinterest Party" and I'm kind of dying that I have to wait a few more weeks for it to actually get here. What's a "Pinterest Party"? Good question. I'm just having some fellow Pinterest Addicts over to make some crafts we have pinned, eat some food we have pinned, while wearing our favorite outfits we have pinned, sporting our amazing hair-do we have pinned. It's gonna be AWESOME! I'm on "pins" and needles....ha ha! I'm a DORK! Okay, so really I'll probably be in sweats with my hair in a messy bun. I can't craft in cute clothes!

So, I HAVE made a few crafts pinned on my "craft board"...and I HAVE decorated my house for fall. So I'm not a TOTAL slacker! That and I got a new calling at church...which always seems to throw a wrench in life. Especially when you have NO CLUE what you're doing. I'm the new choir director. Hmmmm. WHAT? I wanted to ask the member of the bishopric, "You DO know that the director of that AMAZING EVMCO...you know that one who went to Julliard....yes, him. He's in our ward. Why don't you ask him?" But it's fine. And I'm figuring things out. Kind of. It's helping me step outside my comfort zone.

Oh yes...my house. I got a little bit sidetracked. Let me show you.

My cute pumpkins. The tutorial I made forever ago...and then deleted...and then reposted a few years back. Yes, you totally CAN make your own... {here}

See that Halloween banner? I was inspired by this pin...except I used glitter spray paint. Mmm. Glitter spray paint. Yes, very cool!

I made those "EEK" letters a few years back. Easy peasy...cardboard letters from JoAnns, modge podge, cute scrapbook paper, and an antiquing stamp pad....

Being the awesome photographer mom that I am, I have a cute frame with a picture of somebody elses kids in it...you know the one that was in it when I bought it a few years ago. I'm super awesome like that!

Oh, okay. I made these too. See I'm not a crazy slacker. I was inspired by this pin, I just had to jazz them up a bit. Super love the bows on the sides and pom pom fringe :)

And I totally know I just teased you with a picture of my kitchen. You see it's kind of like this vicious cycle. I think to myself, "Okay, the kitchen is complete. Clean it and take pictures." So I clean it. And then I'm tired. So I say I'll take pictures later. But then it's dirty again. And well, you know. It's got to be clean for pictures. Someday {sigh}. Until then I'm going to go pin a few more things on Pinterest. Gotta run!

2011-09-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Layla, Part I {Gilbert, AZ Newborn Photographer}....

After our 5 week vacation to Utah and Colorado this summer, I got to be home for a total of 8 days before packing my bags and flying up to Idaho to meet Amanda's brand new baby girl, Layla. We were pretty much in photographer's heaven with a perfectly beautiful brand new baby girl and suitcases and closets FULL of props. I must say it was pretty dreamy to have two sets of hands, two pairs of eyes making sure everything was perfect, etc. We took a LOT of pictures....and I mean a LOT. Holy smokes! So I'll share a handful of my favorites from our first day together...

2011-09-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Pagosa Springs {Part II}.....

We sure were lucky to get to spend one whole week together! The girls spent endless hours coloring...

The boys would sneak into my room early in the morning and snuggle up together for a little angry birds on the ipad...

We decided it would be fun to take one day and spend time with our little individual families. For our day, we started with a hike up to Stewart Falls....

Drove up to the top of Wolf Creek Pass, found some snow, and had a snowball fight. {Close your eyes and imagine a little snowball fight in June}. Mmmm...beautiful, right?

Then we headed back to Pagosa to have lunch by the San Juan river and spend a little time exploring...

Pagosa Springs is known world-wide for it's mineral hot springs. Savannah found one to dip her fingers in...

We sampled some poop, I mean delicious chocolate. Bryson was in HEAVEN! They had all kinds of yummy treats to sample and we took a few bags of "poop" home with us...

And then we spent the afternoon at the local miniature golf course...

So sometimes Brett is the hardest one to get a smiling picture of. Silly dads!

Savannah got a hole in one, which she was pretty happy about...

I LOVE sitting back and watching the kids just LOVE being together. It makes all of the teasing and arguing worth it....

Watch out for those unknown obstacles, like 4 year old Grant attempting to play soccer with your golf ball...

Another day we all went to see Chimney Rock and explore some Indian Ruins...

I loved that my mom and dad took the time to read and explain and teach the kids on our walk...

Gorgeous, huh?

Of course, we had to do a photoshoot with the whole family (minus that one cousin working in Alaska earning money for his mission). Jarom being my perfect little poser...

Man, they're cute!

Crazy-faced cousins :)

My older sister's kids WIN for the craziest faces ever!

Me and my 4 sisters...

*If I can find my missing memory card, I'll share part 3 - including the cutest little carnival I've ever seen, our outing to the hot springs (which was one of my favorite parts of the trip), and a small-town rodeo*

2011-09-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Falling more and more in love...

When a big milestone approaches in one of my children's lives, it seems like the most tender feelings of my heart force their way to the surface and I'm engulfed with an even deeper and stronger love for the goodness that they are.

As we anticipated our oldest reaching that special age of 12, Brett and I discussed how we wanted Jarom to know just how important it was to be worthy of receiving the priesthood. How we wanted him to honor his responsibility of holding the priesthood. We wanted that testimony to BURN deep inside him. I brought home the book "Honoring the Priesthood: As a Deacon, a Teacher, a Priest" by John Bytheway one night and it became part of our little nightly routine - we would tuck the younger children in bed with their tickles and snuggles and giggles and endless requests of Primary songs and then sneak into Jarom's room to curl up together and read a chapter of the book. Brett and Jarom and I would talk about what we had read and discuss our thoughts with each other. As we came to the end of the book, before school let out for the summer, I wished we had spread the book out a little bit longer...because I wasn't ready for that time together to end. But soon summer was there and we left for Utah.

Jarom wanted to be ordained as a deacon to the Aaronic Priesthood while at our family reunion in Colorado. So on Sunday, we attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Pagosa Springs. There happened to be two family reunions in town that weekend and between our two families, we more than doubled their small branch. I love that no matter where we travel, there is a church to attend where we can be welcomed with open arms, warm handshakes, big smiles, and be taught the exact same things we would be taught at home. It always FEELS like home! After church, we headed back to the cabin and gathered together in the family room. As Brett ordained Jarom, the room just filled with the Spirit. My parents both took the opportunity to share their testimonies with Jarom. My heart was SO full of love for this dear boy who is so thoughtful and tender and helpful and responsible. I fell even more in love with him that day.

(Jarom with Brett, my dad, and all of my sisters' husbands)

(and with my parents)

Jarom could not wait to get home and start participating in his quorum, fulfilling his responsibilities. He looked forward to getting to church early (7:30 in the morning) to help set up chairs and to participate in passing the sacrament. On our first weekend at home, I went to tuck him in bed on Saturday night (yes, he still lets me do that and I'll do it as long as he'll let me). I noticed his church clothes all laid out - white shirt, tie, pants, belt, jacket, socks, and shoes. He told me how he was a little bit nervous about passing the sacrament and that he hoped he didn't mess up. The next morning, as sleep was still tugging at my eyes, I heard noises coming from the kitchen. Confused, I rolled over and stretched my arms out, patting the bed, searching for Brett, wondering why he would be up already. But he was there. Even more confused, I stumbled downstairs and found my sweet Jarom there. He was all dressed for church, looking as handsome as ever, making some breakfast. "Bud, it's not even 6:00 yet. Whatcha doing?"

"Well, I didn't want to be late, so I thought I'd get an early start. I'm just going to make a little breakfast." I could tell he was nervous. But my heart grew a little bit bigger that day. As we all sat together on our bench at church, I watched as the younger children's eyes followed Jarom that day. Their eyes were full of admiration and love....just as mine were. And he did a great job....just as I KNEW he would!

2011-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Pagosa Springs, Part I....

Brett and I have been wanting to take our kids to Pagosa Springs, CO for a REALLY long time.

Years ago, Brett's parents had bought a bunch of land up there - a few different pieces of property - and decided to build a cabin on one of them. The cabin would be built inside a gated neighborhood, each property allowing one cabin per 35 acres. They would often make trips up there and come home with memory cards full of pictures to show us. Pictures of the property, pictures of the view of the valley below, pictures of the progress of the cabin along with explanations of what it would look like when it was finished. We ooohed and ahhhhed right along with them, while Brett's mom dreamed of spending summers there with kids and grandkids. 3.5 years ago the cabin was finally completed and even though Brett's mom was really sick (battling cancer that had spread in her body), his parents went to spend a few weeks there together. In fact, they were on their way home from Pagosa Springs, when I was in my rollover. Three weeks after my accident, Brett's mom passed away. Our hearts were broken.

This summer we decided it was time to go to Pagosa. To see the cabin and spend time there together. At the back of my mind, I knew it would bring up a lot of emotions for me to be there, but I just wasn't prepared for JUST how emotional I would be. Seeing my mother-in-laws influence everywhere - in the decorations and finishings - brought up a sea of emotions and memories for me. Everything was just so HER.

As I sat on the wrap-around porch, with the familiar view of the valley I'd seen in so many pictures...

enjoying the cool breeze on my face, listening to Brett and the children talking and laughing, looking for animals through the binoculars, I felt her there...and it felt like home.

We talked to the kids about finding some time to be alone and to just think about Grandma and how much she loved each one of them. Brett's mom LOVED, no she ADORED her grandchildren!

We got to spend one day there with just our little family before the rest of my family joined us for a family reunion. We were so grateful to my father-in-law for letting my family rent out the cabin for our Stapley Family Reunion.

The youngest two, Little Miss and Chubbers, wanted to go horseback riding...

I felt a little pit in my stomach start to grow as I watched him ride away. Where has MY baby gone? When did he get SO big? Why did he think he was old enough to just ride away and leave me standing there? Standing there with that pit growing bigger and bigger.

We stopped at a little art show, watched some sharp shooters, admired local artists handiwork, and were a little in awe at this leather-makers doggy-carrier? Ha ha! Chubs was super confused as to why a dog was being carried around like that...

Don't you like Little Miss's pants? I think I made her 5 pairs...all out of different fabrics :)

We went out to eat at Chato's... Nan is holding a flower that a nice man at the art show had made for her. She's a charmer with her bright blue eyes and long, black lashes.

So maybe my baby isn't ALL grown up...letting Bear hold him like a baby and feed him chips :)

These beautiful wood carvings were EVERYWHERE in the restaurant. Amazing!

These anatomically correct bulls were EVERYWHERE throughout the restaurant. Ack! Not so amazing!

As the cousins started to arrive, we took a few with us down to the "neighborhood's" private lake to catch some fish. The kids thought it was so awesome that almost every time they threw their hook in, they would catch a fish.

Chubbers wanting to stay on the shore with me...

The next day we went back to the lake with everyone.

Moose and I were in heaven with the babies everywhere. There was always a baby willing to get some smooshy cheek kisses.

Little Miss was in HEAVEN with a grandma to spoil her with hugs and snuggles...

Thank heavens for a mom who loves playing with her grandkids! They sure do love her!

Much more to come....

2011-08-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet Annie (Mesa, AZ baby photographer}.....

I LOVE squishy, happy babies. I love taking their pictures. I love making them smile. And I love their crazy faces!

Ha ha ha! I'm in LOVE with this one! She thought it was SO much fun to bounce up and down in the bowl. We were cracking up!

2011-08-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Some Utah photoshoots....

While in Utah this summer, my sisters and I decided it would be fun to dress up all of the cousins (that were in town - J Bear was gone at scout camp and another cousin was gone in Alaska) in their fourth of July garb and snap a few photos. Fun? Did I just say fun? It was more like pure insanity with that many kids running around! Ha! Anyhow...thought I'd share a few :)

Do you just love her pants? I made them. You can call me Martha, if you want to. If not, that's okay. You'll want to call me that after I get around to posting pictures of my kitchen and dining area curtains :)

Mmmmm....I'm addicted to kissing this face.

A few days later, we took Little Miss out in search of a trailer park for another photoshoot.

She fell in LOVE with this crazy, plastic flamingo! She named him "Featherstone" and took him everywhere she went. She slept with him, took him on playdates, and toted him all over. Dang, I love her!

2011-08-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tap, tap, tap....{pause}...tap, tap, tap....

Hello? Anybody there?

Hi there. I'm Holly. And apparently I STINK at blogging!

I have, no joke, at least 2,000 pictures to go through. I have memory cards I haven't downloaded, weeks of pictures stuck on my camera, and folders and folders of untouched pictures. And time is flying by faster and faster. I honestly don't know how I'll ever catch up.

The kids have started school. And I've finally gotten the three suitcases in my bathroom unpacked and put away....although the counter is covered with clothes and laundry and food that need put away from our recent trip up to the mountains for the annual B-13 family reunion. Sad that I had 3 SEPARATE suitcases strewn across my bathroom floor, huh? Here's my excuse. I had flown up to Idaho to visit Amanda and her brand new baby girl. When I flew back into town, I hopped in my car and headed STRAIGHT to Greer. We enjoyed a week together and when I got home with the kids, I had one hour to pack, to go spend a few days away with Brett celebrating our 15 year anniversary. You think unpacking one suitcase is daunting? Try 3. Ha ha!

2.5 months ago I was in Utah, though. And I have a few pictures to share (these are going to have to come in shifts as I slowly sift through and edit)!

One day, while Brett was in town, we decided to take the kids to Discovery Gateway in downtown Salt Lake. They LOVE it there and could spend a whole day exploring and building and creating and pretending. It is the BEST!

Little Bubbers was cracking me up in this silly bird costume. I should've video taped him! He was strutting around, shaking his tail feathers and staring himself down in the mirror. Dang, I love him!

I cannot resist a Little Miss smile! She had a blast outside in the "air command center" by the helicopter. She was laughing at Brett through the glass.

I was lucky enough to attend a Power of Mom's retreat while I was there. This retreat truly deserves a whole post in and of itself. I have pages and pages of notes and ideas to help make me a better mother, to build our family stronger, to make our home more heavenly. I cannot wait to start implementing some new ideas into our family. (I'm in the back row...in yellow)

My sisters and I took the kids to the Hogle Zoo, one day. The boys were particularly in LOVE with all of the awesome dinosaurs.

The girls anxiously awaiting the elephant to "sneeze" on them. Ewww. No thanks.

They have an AWESOME bird show!

Cousins are the BEST!

Look, a monkey escaped from her cage! Oh wait. It's my Little Miss!

We loved spending our days hanging out with cousins and enjoying the beautiful weather. I particularly LOVED the view from the balcony of our rental for 3.5 weeks. That and walking to the temple to do some temple work. I LOVE the temple! Now my kids want to LIVE this close to the temple! :)

And since our rental did not have laundry facilities, we got to experience the laundromat. Putting my slaves, I mean kids, to work.

Well, I'm off to put some food away and sort some laundry and tuck some kiddo's in bed. Maybe I can sift through some more Utah pictures tomorrow. Then I can do Colorado, Idaho, Greer, our anniversary, Roosevelt, first day of school, family reunion, etc....not to mention a few photography sessions to share! Phew! I'm gonna need a nap first!

2011-07-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

Beau... {Gilbert, Arizona Newborn and Baby Photographer}

This chunk of love STOLE my heart! He's definitely the squishiest newborn I've photographed, weighing a whopping 10.5 pounds when he was born. He had to be at least 11 pounds by the time we got together for pictures. I loved chatting with Beau's mom...who just happen to have 4 kids all arranged in the same order as my own. We discussed our adoring hubbies, sweet kiddo's... and just life in general. I love that when my clients leave I feel like I've made a new friend. Here's a little sneak peek for Beau's mommy. Mmmmm....squishy goodness!

2011-07-07T12:59:00.001-07:00

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

We got home this week after being on vacation for 5 WHOLE weeks. And as lovely as Utah and Colorado were, it sure feels good to be home...even if it is sweltering hot. It's home and I love it! I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Somehow I wonder if I'll ever get around to sifting through and editing some 1,000ish pictures, because we seem to be spending every second in our new pool. Can you blame me? It's pretty dang fun!

These fountains have been pretty fun! I'm sure you can imagine with a bunch of boys in our home, their imagination runs wild with them. Like, oh - let's pretend we are peeing in the pool, or - it might be fun to give myself an enema. Okay, boys. No thank you!

Excuse me now... the kids are calling. They want to go swimming! :)

2011-06-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Cousins galore....

I must say a huge smile SPREAD across my face as we pulled up to one of the cousin's house. They were in the backyard playing and we could hear them as we opened the car doors. My kids ran towards the fence, yelling their cousins names. Kids started squealing and running and hugging and jumping up and down and knocking each other over and it brought back lots of happy memories.

I remember getting to my grandparents home, running in to give them a hug, and then diving for the phone to call our cousins to let them know that we made it and to find out what time they were coming over. We'd wait by the windows, our little noses and hands pressed to the glass, waiting anxiously for a car full of cousins to arrive. And then the reunion! Oh, the reunion! The hugging and laughing....that was the best! Mmmmm!!!

We've been having a blast spending time with them up here in Utah! One day we headed over to the park. Luckily, I had my camera tucked away in my purse....

Pretty much in LOVE with Little Miss's face in this one....

Tried a bit of "panning".... this is the only one that kind of turned out. Ha ha!

Bear a bit worn out after pushing kids all up and down the zipline...

Lucky enough to get a good seat at this awesome "gun show" :)

Can't wait for the rest of the cousins to join us in Colorado!!!

2011-06-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

A once in a lifetime opportunity....

When the director of the East Valley Mormon Choral Organization announced that they would be combining with the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization to perform at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, we were excited for our oldest, J-Bear, to be able to participate.

We knew that tickets would go quickly once they became available, but little did we know that they would sell-out in record time. Less than 25 minutes to be exact! Luckily, with the help of my little sister, Mindy, we were able to get 3 tickets. One for Brett, one for me, and one for Mindy.

We arrived in Utah just in time for two days of rehearsals and CD recordings and a group picture...

Dang I love this kid! He turned 12 on our drive to Utah and I need to do a special birthday post for him. He makes being a parent REALLY easy!!!

While Bear was in rehearsal we spent the day touring church sites with the kids. Later that afternoon Brett took the kids over to play with cousins, while I spent a couple of hours with Bear before the performance at the Tabernacle. We got some early dinner and then spent the rest of our time walking around Temple Square. (Oh my heck, why am I crying already?) He told me how excited he was to be able to go to the temple and how much he just loved the feeling of being close to a temple. He slipped his hand into mine and we walked. We walked around both of the visitors centers, learning about how the pioneers had worked so hard to build the Salt Lake City Temple. As we ended up at the large Christus statue, my heart was so full of love for my son. We sat at the feet of our Savior, his arm wrapped tightly around my shoulders, and I let the moment engrave an image on my mind that I never want to forget.

That evening's performance of "Messiah in America" was even better than the first time they performed it. Toward the end of the performance as the children descended down the stairs, joining with the adult choir, I sat in awe with tears streaming down my cheeks. A critic reviewed the event and said that "this performance of 'Messiah in America' was the most profoundly moving musical experience of his life". He added, "Angels were not participating, but listening in awe." After the performance, the audience jumped to their feet, clapping and clapping, while wiping tears. The children sang an encore performance of "Beautiful Savior"... que more tears. The adult choir performed an additional encore and then finally the director just dismissed the choir. I wondered if the audience would ever stop clapping!

And since Mindy was there with her camera, she took a few pictures for me....

The following day, they spent some more time recording their CD with a matinee performance at Abravanel Hall. I heard wonderful things about that performance, as well. Although, our handsome J said they "didn't get as many claps as the night before".

I'm grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

2011-06-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

The STAYCATION before our VACATION....

We spent Memorial Day weekend recooperating from the birthday parties and having friends over for swimming and BBQ'ing. I never realized just how much fun it would be to have a pool! Being an Arizona desert native, I wonder how I ever survived without one.

The day after Memorial Day, I packed up the van. I took out the extra seat, filled up the car-top carrier, loaded the back with 10 days worth of clothes per person, and stopped by the store for some snacks. We were on our way to the Arizona Grand Resort with about 40 other moms and their kids from our new neighborhood for an overnight getaway. The kids had an absolute blast riding down the waterslides, being lazy in the lazy river, being tossed around by the waves in the wave pool, ordering treats and drinks poolside, and hanging out with friends from church and school. I loved running into old friends from high school and getting to know my new neighbors even better.

I took THREE whole pictures while we were there. Enjoy! :)

Mmmmm....don't you just want to RUB that head? I LOVE rubbing on a freshly buzzed little boy head.

Wednesday after we got our fill of the pool and slides and friends, we loaded up in the car and started driving and driving and driving...ready to start our vacation! We got half way there and decided to call it a night. We spent the night in Page, AZ - while, of course, trying out the pool and hot tub.

Next stop: South Jordan, UT...where 10 of the kids cousins reside. To say that the children were excited would be QUITE the understatement!!!

2011-06-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Time to PARTAY!!!

Man, oh man, I was so excited for school to end! I must admit we let ourselves get a bit overscheduled this spring and I was SO looking forward to the end of schedules. The end of early bedtimes, homework, school projects, practices and games, and recitals. I felt like May passed with the snap of a finger. All of the sudden it was over. And now I can breathe and take a peek at the pictures I took.

The very last day of school we decided to throw a few birthday parties. The kids had been waiting and waiting and waiting for the pool to be finished to have their parties. We started the partying by having Little Misses friends over for swimming, popcorn, dunk tank, cupcakes and ice cream sundaes.

Cupcake stand from: Here

Oh, yay! Just what she needs...another stuffed animal. Ha ha! She loves those things...

And then we gave ourselves 30 minutes to regroup, which really ended up being NO time to regroup as some parents picked up late and other parents dropped off early, for the older boys COMBINED birthday party. I have two words....HOLY CRAZINESS! The one and only picture taken at their party...

The boys REALLY enjoyed the dunk tank and the pool and the BBQ. It was fun! Super crazy, but so fun. And SO fun to see so many old neighbors! That was my very favorite part!

As I crawled in to bed that night, I was pretty much dreading throwing ANOTHER birthday party the next day for little Chubbers. I layed there in bed...half tempted to text the parents and call the party off...but I knew I couldn't do that. So one more party to go. It really wasn't bad at all! I even got to take a couple of pictures!

Throwing 3 birthday parties in a 24 hour period was not the brightest decision I ever made, but the kids sure loved it. Next year, I'm going to be spreading them out a bit more. Which I could've done this year if my life wasn't so overscheduled (something I'm TOTALLY going to be working on).

2011-06-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Clint & Lola, 3 1/2 weeks old {Gilbert, AZ Newborn Twin Photographer}.....

These babies were just too sweet! Photographing newborn twins kind of makes my heart melt. It's neat to see how calm and relaxed they get when you put them together. So, so sweet!

2011-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Emily....

These girls were absolutely delightful! Lauren was full of smiles and poses and little Miss Emily sat perfectly still for me! I loved every second of their photoshoot!

2011-06-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

I don't like change....

Five and a half years ago, we moved into our brand new home in Mesa. We started asking around, trying to find a cute little babysitter for our children. Someone who would love them and play with them so we could go on dates, spend some alone time together, and strengthen our marriage. We met Julie. Instantly the children ADORED her and she adored them back. They would ask for her every day and cry when we would come home....sad that they hadn't had as much time with Julie as they had wanted.

They exchanged gifts at holidays, would look for her at church to get a piece of gum or small treat from her purse, and beg to go visit her if they hadn't seen her in a few days. I loved watching the children's faces light up when they saw her and how they would squeal her name and run to the door to greet her.

She selflessly served our family through many different trials and has made my love for her grow even more. She was my person to call when I was just having "the worst day ever" and I needed to get away. She would show up, full of smiles, with love and patience for the children, and I would escape to roam the aisles at Target or just drive aimlessly to clear my head.

Sometimes after Brett and I would come home from a date, we would just sit on the counters in the kitchen and chat with her for a few hours. We would laugh and share stories! Dang, I love that girl!

Now she's all grown up...and going away to college. I knew it was coming, dang it! And I thought I was preparing myself for it. But it's harder than I thought it would be. Sure we still have a bit of time together over the summer. Right now she is in Equador, working in an orphanage, and giving love to babies who need it much more than my own. But after the summer is over, she's moving...to another state. I'm not really sure how I'm going to survive. She would pick Little Miss up at dance for me, drive the boys to soccer, run to the store for me to get supplies for a school project a child hadn't told me about. She just made my life easier! After five and a half years, I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to let her go!

Before she left for Equador, she asked me if I would take some pictures of her with the kiddos. I'd been meaning to take the kids out anyhow...remember the whole post on THE DRESS...back in March. Well I took pictures of Julie and the kids together a few weeks ago, and then I cried the whole way home.

Dearest Julie, I love you to pieces! Thank you for loving my children when my love was running on empty! You mean so much more to me than I could ever tell you! You know I'll be flying you home JUST to see us! Love you!!!

2011-06-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

I got a new part-time job....

and it is kicking my trash! I seriously feel like I just cannot keep up with anything these days.

What's my new part time job, you ask? Lifeguard. I'm a part-time lifeguard. My hours? The last few weeks, I was on duty from 6-7 am and then as soon as the kids got home from school until dinner time. Leaving me no time to get afternoon chores done or make dinner of any kind.

The day our pool was finished and ALMOST all of the way filled up....

it was COLD outside. Super weird for May! Our landscapers showed up that morning wearing sweatshirts.

But this Little Miss was DYING to get in the water...

And then Chubs wanted to join her...

BRRRRRR!!!!!

We sure have been enjoying the pool, though! We've thrown a few swimming birthday parties, had friends over for swimming & BBQ's, etc. So fun! Now I'm just hoping that the 8 weeks of swimming lessons Chubbers has attended will sink in. It's got to!

2011-06-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

And the next day, Chubbers turned 4....

Still can't believe that my baby boy is growing up! After watching Moose and Little Miss open up their presents, Chubs could hardly contain his excitement and was so pumped to be able to open up some presents of his own.

I laughed so, SO hard when Chubs opened up this present from Grandpa and Brandy! Totally fitting!

4 things I love about my Chubbers:

When I ask you, "Are you my baby boy?" a big ole grin spreads across your face and you say, "YES!!!!" Most 4 years olds do NOT want to be called a baby. I'm glad that you'll always be my baby!
You are the most talented belcher....if you can call it a talent. Sadly, everyone laughs (really hard) when you let one loose. It is pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.
I love, love, LOVE that you call me "Peach" and "Peachy Pie"!
I love that you make my life better...that we get to spend so much one on one time together.

Love you to pieces, little buddy!!!

2011-06-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Little Miss turned 7 (almost 3 weeks ago)....

She had fallen asleep in her clothes the night before and when she woke up, very early, on her birthday, she was ALL smiles....

Man, I love the heck out of her :)

I think she may just about own every single Littlest Pet Shop toy ever made. She might be a little bit addicted to them!

7 things I love about my Little Miss:

I love that we have given you more nicknames than any other child on the planet and you respond to every single one of them. A few of them are: Nan, Nanny Nanner Noo Noo, Noo Noo Scu-do, Scoo Scoo, Missy Mae, Mae Mae, Sister, Sis, Sissy, Sissy Sissy Sue Sue, Little Miss, Banana, Soosie Magoosie. The list goes on and on.
I love that you LOVE to do dishes. Now I know it's not going to last! But I love that you BEG me to do them!
I love your smile and giggle combo! It's infectious! People ask me if you always have a smile pasted on your face...and most of the time you do!
I love how much you LOVE people...especially both of your Grandma's. You would spend every second with your Grandma Kathy if you could. The other day while we were driving up to Utah, you were watching "Tangled" with your brothers in the car. As Rapunzel was getting ready to heal "Flynn Rider" with her hair, you said, "I wish Rapunzel was real, because she could've saved Grandma before she died." I love that you still think of her every single day. I do too!
I love how quickly you make friends and are sure to include everyone around you!
I love that you love to do girly things with me! It was fun giggling with you on my bathroom floor the other day as we painted our toes matching colors.
I love the way your eyes sparkle as you play with your girl cousins!!

Love you much, little Princess Pie!

2011-06-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Lily, 8 days old....{Phoenix, AZ Newborn Photographer}

Sweet little Lil! What a precious little peanut! It was a little tricky getting her to stay asleep for me, but we got some great pictures....

2011-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

E-mail issues....

Cox is NOT my favorite company right now. At all! When we moved we contacted them, had our service switched to the new house, gave them the new billing address, etc. Well, somehow all of the information was not entered correctly and yesterday ALL of my e-mails were erased. Every single one.

I had an inbox FULL of e-mails that needed returned - clients e-mailing me about scheduling sessions, etc. I'm feeling a little sick to my stomach. So if you have e-mailed me in the last month (or anytime really) and I have not answered you back, will you PLEASE send me another e-mail? hollybrimhall@cox.net. Supposedly it's working again.

2011-05-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wiping tears....

Tonight I spent some time wiping tears. Wiping tears of deep despair from a heartbroken tenderhearted girl and feeling her own aching deep within my chest. She desperately wanted Chubs to sleep in the fort that they made yesterday and had slept in together last night. But he wanted his bed and a comfy mattress to sleep on. Who could blame him?

"I just want a sister," she sobbed. "I don't want to be alone anymore. I want someone to sleep in my room. Someone who likes to play the same things as me. Someone who just wants to be with me." I tried to console her and tell her how I much I loved to be with her, because I do. But sometimes it's best just to listen. To just wipe tears and listen. And so I did.

She told me through choking sobs of how her teacher had asked each child to think of one wish, and one wish only, to write about. To really think hard about what they wanted more than anything else in the whole wide world. She said, "Mom, I couldn't decide whether to wish for a sister or to wish for Grandma to be alive again. To be alive in her body right here with me. I mean, I really, really, really want a sister, but I think I want Grandma alive MORE...so I wished for that. But, Mom, I still really want a sister. Please adopt a sister for me. Please!!!!" My heart just breaks for her. It breaks because I have FOUR sisters. Four amazing sisters who I LOVE to be with. Who like to do the same things I like to do. Who just like to be with me. And I cannot imagine my life without them.

I wiped her tears and held her. I held her until those last stuttered breaths ceased. Until her breaths were long and deep...and then I let my own tears fall for my sweet daughter whose heart is heavy and sad tonight. I love you Little Miss! So much more than I know how to express!

2011-05-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Perfect, Little Miss Daly {Phoenix, AZ Newborn Photographer}....

I just think about my time with beautiful Daly and a big smile spreads across my face. Her parents absolutely ADORE her and spent the whole session just oooohhhhing and aaaahhhhing over her. It was the sweetest thing!

She was simply divine!

Her lips were absolutely amazing!!!

And then we headed outdoors to get some amazing shots....

2011-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

So behind....

Once every few months, I get behind. Like really behind. And have to do a big ole catch-up post. If I don't, it's hard for me to get back on the wagon again. So here it is.

Yes, we did celebrate Easter around here. And although I didn't take pictures of all of our events that weekend, I did snap a few at the neighborhood Easter egg hunt...

Chubbers getting ready in his "stance", waiting for the word "GO!"....

Little Miss had her end-of-the-year dance recital. I was SUPER sad that I would be missing the actual performance (it was Womens Conference weekend - which was amazing!), so I brought my camera to her dress rehearsal. I LOVE watching her dance.....

I mean she just has a smile PASTED across her face the whole time....

And I LOVE that she's looking at me here...and not the "photographer". I guess she's not the only one :) I did keep my camera put away while the "photographer" was taking the real group shots on the black blankets.

Moose graduated from Wolves and moved into Bears. He got to make a dessert with Dad to take to the Blue and Gold Banquet. It was fun watching them make it together. I thought it turned out super cute!!!

I made a goal to practice the piano more often....which I haven't done well at, at all. In fact, I only practiced once, I think. But Chubs fell asleep beneath my feet and I thought it was cute...

I got to tag along with Brett when he went to Tampa for a seminar. We got to spend Friday together, touring a Greek community, driving up the coast, eating yummy food, just enjoying being together. Before we left for our trip, our oldest, Bear, said, "Mom. You and Dad should rent a convertible there. When you are driving by the ocean at sunset, you should hold hands and kiss." I laughed and laughed. Then he said, "What? I saw it on a movie once." I hope he never turns 16. I'm a little afraid for his dating years :). A few pictures of our day in Tampa...

Brett trying out his suave-ish supermodel face. Hmmm....needs a little practice.

Work it, babe! Hey when you got it, you got it!

Um, amazing Greek food! We couldn't really decide what to get so we decided to go all out and try a little of everything. They brought some Greek cheese to our table, lit it on fire, and we all yelled "Oooopppa!" We had calamari, a sampler platter, and the most delicious shrimp I have ever eaten in my life. Brett thought I was making out with my shrimp. I don't know. I might have been. It really was THAT good! Hella's. Yum!

And right next to the restaurant was the bakery. Oh goodness! Health challenge? What health challenge? I gave up on that before I went to Utah for Womens Conference. Trying to decide what to get....

Then we decided to stop and shop a bit at the mall before heading to the airport to get Cami who was joining Brett at the seminar. We pulled, I saw this....and literally almost peed my pants...

It was a close call. Really! When I get the Ballard Designs catalog in the mail, I save it until I have a good hour to pour over every single page. If any catalog is MY STYLE, it's that one. A bit of french, a bit of country, a bit of classic traditional. It's simple and homey. It's me! I might have visited this store a FEW times while I was there.

We got to walk on the white powder sand at Clearwater Beach. It was DIVINE!

And Cami and I laughed and laughed...

We watched an amazing sunset....

I got to spend a lot of time laying on the beach...

Read some good books, tried to eavesdrop on all of the conversations around me until I realized nobody else was speaking English, browsed some magazines and spotted a picture of Kim Kardashian wearing the same shoes I have in this picture (felt a little "hip" when I saw that)....

And did a bunch of people watching....

We came home to a clean house, a counter covered in homemade Mothers Day cards, and happy kids. Heaven!

The kids showed some school spirit on Hawaiian Day...

Life is good!!!

2011-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Miss Madison, 7 months old... {Gilbert, AZ Baby Photographer}

I'm officially in LOVE with shooting older babies. Their beautiful skin, gummy grins, slobbery chins, giggles, and new tricks like clapping hands, just melt me. Taking pictures of Madison was so much fun! She was a busy little crawler and I had to make every crazy noise I could think of, but we got some great pictures!

Sometimes she thought I was a little bit crazy....ha ha ha!

Peace out!

2011-05-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Searching for advice....

from someone with more wisdom than me.

I have a child who LOVES to talk. Well, I guess I have a few of those. But one comes home from school and just lets it all out...telling me about EVERYTHING that went wrong with her day. Telling me about how this person opened a pencil sharpener by her desk, made a mess, and blamed it on her, about that person who told her she's not funny, about how somebody stepped on her toe, and how her hair came undone at recess. Every day she walks in the door and I just KNOW it's coming. Her tongue starts flying and it's tattling, complaining, and whining all rolled up into one big ball of grumpiness. It's making me crazy!

So today I decided to tell her that she has to tell me 5 GREAT things about today BEFORE she could tell me all of the bad. She followed me around huffing and getting frustrated, unable to think of 5 great things, just wanting to complain about every little thing that went wrong today. As she followed me around the kitchen, I got to thinking...

Is that wise of me? To make her think about and tell me the great things about her day? Or will I just make her feel like she can't tell me things that she wants to because she may think that I just don't want to hear it? I don't know. I WANT to know the details of my children's lives. I want them to open up and share with me...but at the same time don't want to encourage the never-ending tattling. I'm not sure that I have the right answer yet.

2011-05-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sharing in one of life's most tender moments....

On Saturday, April 9th, I was invited to share in a sweet families tender moment, and I'm quite certain I experienced something I'll never forget. Something that changed a part of me.

As I was enjoying my time with my baby sis in town, I took a few minutes to check my e-mail before heading out with her to do some house hunting. I was giddy with the thought of her and her little family moving back to paradise and excited about the thought of spending the day with my mom, aunt, and two sisters. My heart sunk as I read an e-mail from a blog reader, asking me if I might know of someone or be able to go to the hospital to take pictures of her sister's baby who had been born 17 weeks early. It was something I KNEW that I needed to do.

After we exchanged e-mails and I spoke on the phone with the sweet baby's grandmother, it was decided that I would head to the hospital on Saturday to take pictures for them. The hospital that their grandson had been air lifted to was pretty far from my home. The whole way there I prayed for strength and peace and to be able to control my emotions and to know the right words to say. How do you comfort someone you've never met before? What do you say when you just want to embrace the parents and tell them how sorry you are...that you cannot imagine their pain. How do you sit in a room with them, waiting to be let in the NICU and not feel guilty talking about your own children, when asked?

As we walked into the NICU, I was amazed at all of the critical, tiny babies there...hooked up to machines that were keeping them alive, helping them breathe, giving them nourishment. I saw big machines and nurses scurrying in all directions. As I scrubbed up I began to wonder if I'd be able to take pictures. The doubt began to creep in. I prayed again that I'd be able to focus. I told myself to just do what I could to capture something special for these parents to treasure for the rest of their lives. I was strong...

I truly felt blessed to be invited to share in such a tender moment. The parents were allowed to lift their sweet baby boy a few inches off his bed and "hold" him for the first time. It was their first chance to gently press their lips to his face....

He was so tiny, so perfect. He even had tiny little eyelashes. I was blown away at how perfectly he was formed, yet knew that the doctors had given the news that he would not survive, and my heart started to break...

I held it together pretty well, until he got the hiccups. He wasn't used to so much stimulation and his little body reacted to all of that touch. His sweet mother's hand flew to his chest and she quietly said, "I never got to feel what it was like for him to have the hiccups," as tears fell off her cheeks. It hit me all at once...and it hit me hard. I wanted to run from the room and find a bathroom stall to cry in. Instead, I turned away and tried to breathe.

How could I not feel this mother's pain? This mother who had such hopes and dreams for this first born child of hers. I remembered how quickly I fell in love with my first baby. As my pregnancy progressed, I woke up one morning to some bleeding that I thought was much too heavy to be normal. Instantly I wondered if MY dreams would be taken from me. Would I be able to see his first smile, hear his first giggle, watch his first step, play ball, send him to kindergarten with tears streaming down my cheeks? I found out later, it really wasn't that much bleeding and was fairly normal. In my case, everything was fine, I was able to carry him full-term and have lived those dreams. How can you NOT ask why? Why will this mother have to experience such heartache? Why was my heart spared that aching? And although I don't have the answers to those questions, I do know two things. One - That this sweet baby boy has an AMAZING spirit. You could just FEEL it! And two - That this family will be together forever. That someday they will be reunited and what a special day that will be!

As I left the hospital, after hugs and tears, I walked as quickly as I could to my car...anxious for the solitude of my car parked in a dark and heavy parking garage. I sat there for a long time. Sometimes crying. Sometimes praying. Sometimes just trying to breathe.

Almost a month has passed since I was invited to share in this tender moment. But every time I look at their pictures, the memories come flooding back. I think about this angel baby's mother almost every single day...and I pray for her....and her husband...and her sweet, angel baby.

2011-04-27T10:59:00.001-07:00

I need this...

I have been looking forward to this weekend for a really, REALLY long time. For almost a year, I think. As soon as it's over I just start anticipating next year. I cannot wait to spend the next few days surrounded by women who have the same desires as me. The same beliefs. The same dreams.

There is POWER in this room. You can feel it! I always leave feeling optimistic about the future. Feeling hopeful that each one of these women will go home and love their children stronger, show more compassion to their neighbors, reach out to those in need. And it just feels good. Really, really good!

I'm looking forward to not having to worry about a backyard full of construction workers, dust flying everywhere, the constant sound of saws, early morning meetings with landscape guys, homework, carpools, soccer games, birthday parties, dance performances, etc. I'm looking forward to eating yummy food, listening to uplifting speakers, strengthening my testimony, spending time with my sisters, giggling with Amanda, shopping, getting a pedicure, "refilling my tank", which feels so empty these days.

Yay for Womens Conference!

PS If you see me there, come say hi! It always makes my day....like the lady I met in Dillards last week :)

2011-04-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Moosey Moose turned 9...

like a whole week and a half ago. I know, I'm the best mom, ever! And totally on the ball.

His birthday happened to be on a Saturday and the morning went just like this:

"Mom. Mom."

I was rudely interrupted from a deep sleep, with his hot breath swirling through my ear. As I tried to make sense of what was going on, I heard, "Mom. It's my birthday! Can we open presents?"

I looked around and it was VERY apparent that the sun was still sleeping. "Bud, what time is it?" I grumbled.

"5:30. Can I open my presents?"

"Um, no. We need to let everyone sleep until 6:30 at least."

45 minutes later I heard his feet brushing across the carpet as he made his way back to our room. Really Moose? So we gathered everyone to the family room, where I quickly realized just how much I miss the morning light from our old house. This house has NO LIGHT in the mornings. None. Bummer!

So, I cranked my ISO all the way up to 6400, opened up my aperture, and slowed my shutter speed as much as I could without ruining the picture and snapped a few...

And so it LOOKS like there is light in there...but looks can be deceiving! Ha! He got what he's been wanting (and asking for every single day for the last month): some more Yu-Gi-Oh cards, the new Star Wars Lego game for the Wii, and a pair of laser tag guns. He decided that he got to chose a favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal. He chose Oven Pancakes for breakfast, Some Burro's for lunch, and mom's tacos for dinner. The rest of the day was spent running around to soccer games, soccer team pictures, a cousin's super belated birthday party, etc.

A few more shots from our day...

Nine things I CURRENTLY love about our Moose:

1. You are 100% committed to becoming a rockstar. The other night, at dinner, you mentioned that you might want to make up a dance routine to "Viva, Las Vegas" so you could perform at the school talent show. We decided to turn some music on to just kind of see what moves you would come up with. For the next 30 minutes you entertained us while lip syncing and dancing to Queen's "We Will Rock You", Jay Sean's "Down", and all kinds of other goodie's. We laughed until our bellies could take no more! Daddy even video-taped some of your performances. I really should figure out how to actually put a movie on here. Entertainment at it's finest!

2. You are confident. When you were telling me that you need to take guitar lessons the other day so that you could be the next big star like Justin Bieber, I asked you if you would be okay with all of the girls in the world being in LOVE with you. "Well, yah!" was your reply. And it kind of came out like a "DUH!" Then you said, "There already are a few girls in my class who are in love with me!" Well, okay then. Maybe I should be a little frightened for your teenage years!

3. You love music. You are always singing, whether you realize it or not. You make up songs while you make your lunch in the mornings, while you unload the dishwasher or set the table. And when I tuck you in at night and sing you a song, you always add your own flair...by syncopating different words, by adding your own tune, by making it yours.

4. You are a home body. Sometimes I laugh when I listen to you call a friend to see if they can play. Sometimes they say they can, but that they have to play at their own home. You will often say, "Ok then. Maybe another time." You prefer to be here than anywhere else.

5. You still play with my hair when you sit by me. You had an especially low voice as a little toddler and I'll never forget your first whole sentence as you buried your nose in my golden locks, "Mommy, I like your hair!" I love that you still love to play with my hair.

6. You love to laugh. Tonight at dinner, you let a little fluffergnoogen escape. Normally I'm not at all okay with that, but you immediately got the giggles, which quickly spread to enormous belly laughs from the whole family. I love that you love to laugh! Not so much when we are trying to discipline you and you think it's funny and start laughing...that's NOT my favorite! We're hoping it's "just a phase" that you're gonna grow quickly out of! :)

7. You still love babies. You love to touch their toes, rub your nose on their, and rub their fuzzy heads, of course. You would sit and hold them for hours and hours, if you could.

8. You're a great student and always do your best.

9. You're my snuggly teddy bear.

Love you, Moose!!!

2011-04-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

In a blogging schlump.....

Sometimes I'm super gung-ho about documenting our lives through pictures and words and other times, well, I'm just not. I go through phases where I don't even want to pick up my camera, because I know that I'll have to download the pictures, edit my favorites, trash the bad ones, upload them to photobucket, and then try to come up with something witty or heartfelt to say about them.

So I pretend that I don't even know what a blog is. Well, that's not entirely true. Because, quite frankly, when I'm in a blogging schlump, I spend more time getting caught up on reading some of my favorite blogs. I laugh at others funny stories and cry at others struggles and stash away ideas for home decorating projects...and I pretend that I don't have a blog. It's fun. You should try it!

I really do have loads to share. Somebody had a birthday, with three other birthdays right around the corner. The carnival planning has officially begun. We've had more family in town. Soccer season has started again. My bedroom is nearing completion (and it looks pretty dang awesome, if I do say so myself). Our backyard landscape plan is FINALLY what I've been imagining and we are ready to get going on that. Our pool is coming along nicely. And, and, and!

But for today I just want to share some pictures of my favorite little girl in the whole wide world. She looked like an absolute DOLL on Sunday, so I had to snap a few pictures of her in the studio after church. Her laugher is contagious! Her smile and sparkly eyes light up even the darkest of days! And I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have her as my daughter!

Then we asked Daddy-o to come in a take a few pictures of us together...since we kinda matched...

Love you, Princess Pie!

2011-04-13T10:05:00.001-07:00

The wise man built his house upon a....

ROCK! Or in the case of the Gilbert, AZ Temple....a whole bunch of rocks! All of the children were invited to write their name on a rock along with a goal or a favorite scripture story to become part of the foundation of the temple. Just before heading up to Greer for conference weekend, we got our rocks ready and then had a great discussion in the car with the kids as we started our journey to the cabin. We talked about our testimonies and having that knowledge of our Savior as our own personal ROCK. I look forward to having another temple here in the valley, just minutes from our new home. I can't wait to take the children inside and to know that the temple was built on their rocks and to watch their testimonies grow!

Conference weekend was wonderful! So wonderful that my camera stayed nicely tucked in it's own bag. The weather was AMAZING! Although there was no snow, like there was last year, which the kids were a bit bummed about. But it was perfect weather for a picnic by the river, a run with the hubby, relaxing by the fire, playing games, building lincoln log mansions, and coloring endless amounts in Little Miss's stack of coloring books. We did drive around to find a small patch of snow for a little snowball fight and cut some pieces of wood off of some fallen Aspen trees for a little craft project. A highlight of my weekend was at the end of mine and Brett's run. On our way back to the cabin, we headed through the campground that is on the other side of the meadow. They have a small amphitheater, and since the campground hasn't opened for the camping season yet, the whole place was vacant. Brett asked me for a private Zumba lesson. I could NOT catch my breath, I was laughing so hard! As athletically talented as he is, he simply does not have a single dancing bone in his body. Man, I love to laugh! And he's great at making me laugh! Love that man of mine!

2011-04-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Baby Brielle....

It was so much fun having my baby sis come to visit from Houston with her sweet baby girl that I hadn't even met yet! We got together with my grandparents for dinner, enjoyed staying up late and giggling the night away, and even went house hunting together. I'm so, so, SO super excited that they will be moving back here. And to top it all off my parents put an offer on a house....here in Mesa! Woo hoo for family togetherness!

While they were here we squeezed in a super-mini photoshoot with 4-month old, Brielle.

2011-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Accomplishments....

I've had a bit of inner turmoil over choices regarding the education of my children. Do I keep them at the local public school, switch one (or a few) over to a smaller, more accelerated charter school, bring one home to homeschool again? So many choices...that it makes it harder for me to choose what is best for each child individually. The fears start to dart through my mind, like: "What if so and so can't handle the accelerated pace? Will it ruin their self-esteem? Will friends be lost? Friends be gained?" But Wednesday I took the middle two to be evaluated so that I could at least have the option to choose for next school year. Both did very well. They said that Moose was exceptional, off the charts, in his reading. I pretty much already knew that about him. His abilities AMAZE me! Things just seem to be naturally easy for him. But it felt good to hear it from someone else! And although I haven't completely made my mind up, the decision I'm leaning towards is feeling better and better.

Chubbers has accomplished renaming every person in our family, naming them characters from some Super Mario games on the Wii. He refuses to call any of us by our real names and he is really starting to confuse people. Our new names are: Brett - Bowser, Me - Peach, Bear - Luigi, Moose - Mario, Little Miss - Yoshi, Chubs - Sonic. So in the mornings I'm met with a cheerful tiny voice proclaiming, "Good morning, Peach!" Or he'll reach his arms around my neck, snuggle his nose in my hair and say, "I love you, Peachy!" And when you ask him to spell his name, he rumbles off as quickly as he can, "G-r-a-n-t, Sonic!" Ha ha! That kid is hilarious!

On Wednesday Bear received his Tenderfoot rank advancement and 3 merit badges to add to the 6 he already has. He's hoping to earn a few more, at least, before he even turns 12. Pretty darn proud of him and all of his hard work!

(He has a sucker in his mouth....just in case you were wondering!)

2011-03-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

Come get a piece of Brimhall history....

Ha ha ha! A few months ago my cousin was having a garage sale and she said on Facebook, "Come get a piece of Pulsipher history". I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Seriously, hilarious! And since she's hilarious and I'm not all that witty, I thought I'd steal her line :).

But if you REALLY do want a piece of Brimhall history, my fabulously amazing adorably awesome sister in law is holding a garage sale for me with all my crap, I mean history. Yes, priceless possessions, I'm sure. I don't even have to show up! How awesome is that? The stuff has all been sitting in the garage...some of it for months....so it may be dusty and dirty.

She said she'll be there, selling stuff on Friday and Saturday mornings. So head on over to:

2011-03-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Making a difference....

Today I watched this short 3 minute movie, called Dayton's Legs. Tears streamed down my face. Then I went and grabbed Brett and said, "Hey, you have GOT to come and see this movie about Dave and Shelly's boy, Spencer." We sat and watched it and the tears streamed again. Then we grabbed the boys and we watched it again. What an amazing young man...the kind of young men I hope my boys will be. That sweet Spencer is making a difference!

2011-03-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Guess what guys? Mom is having another baby....

I stumbled out of bed as I do most mornings, a bit groggy, and sometimes a bit grumpy. It takes me awhile to get going in the morning. We gathered the children at the breakfast table for a protein/juice shake and some english muffins, I said the blessing on the food, and then Brett says, "Guess what guys? Mom is having another baby."

I looked at him a bit confused. A few of the kids said, "WHAT?" (a little disgustedly, I might add). The confusion on my face began to grow even more, when Brett blurted out, "April Fools Day!!!!"

Then I was even more confused!

"Honey. It's still March...for a few more days. April Fools Day is on Friday!" We laughed and laughed and laughed. Ha ha ha!

Anywhooooo...I just had to snap a few pictures of the kids together yesterday. They were making me smile :). First I caught Little Miss reading a book to the Chubbers...

Then the kids wanted a picture together...

Then they wanted to be crazy.....

Then Bear was found playing Beybladz with Chubs (which is his new addiction and I spend way more time than I'd like to each day playing this game)....

And then when I was tucking the littles in last night, I walked past Bear's room to find these ones all snuggled up together. I knew I had one shot and then it'd be over. Love these boys and love how much they love each other....

2011-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Some more Saturday stuff...

Moose came home from that birthday party on Saturday with a few souveneirs....

A gargantuan grasshopper, a real fish that has been named Warrior (for real? that puppy's gonna last a few days), and a horribly nasty lookin' scorpion. As soon as I can, I'm hucking that monster in the trash...

Did you like all of the crumbs in that picture above? To know Moose, is to know that he is the messiest eater in our family. If I were to sweep the floor shortly after a meal, I would collect more crumbs from under his chair alone than the rest of the family combined. Most of the time, half of his food ends up on his face, stuck in his teeth, smeared across his shirt, etc. He has been known to soil a few shirts BEFORE he even heads off to school in the morning. Yes, I said a FEW...

See? I wasn't kidding.

Saturday night we decided to head over to try out the brand new Two Hippies Taco Shop in Mesa. The owner, the fabulous Jera, is a good friend of my favorite cousin in the whole world (love you Cami girl). They have been working like crazy to get this restaurant up and running. We didn't get to make it there for the grand opening....a day late and luckily NOT a dollar short. We came the second day it was open. I would've had to do some dishes if I was a dollar short :)

They have some pretty delicious slushy-like lemonade. You can choose almost whatever flavor you'd like. Bear chose mango lemonade, Moose chose strawberry lemonade, Little Miss chose blueberry lemonade, and Chubbers chose pineapple lemonade. I chose to sample all of them.

There's Jera taking an order...

And me using the mirror to get a picture...

If you're out by Fiesta Mall, you've got to stop by and check it out. They've even got some gluten free items on their menu and will be adding more. Sweet!
PS You can also find them on Facebook. You should "like" them. I do!

2011-03-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Cinderelli, Cinderelli....

Growing up in a house full of girls and having 4 sisters to play with, there was always plenty of girlyness to go around. We'd spend hours doing each others hair, baking cookies for our dad, playing dress-ups, singing around the piano, and watching all kinds of girly movies. We LOVED watching Disney movies. Cinderella was always a favorite. I mean how could you resist those cute little mice and their crazy adorable voices. Gus, Gus. Oh yes. Gus, Gus.

Sometimes these days, Little Miss and I feel like we are swimming in a sea full of boys. A sea full of stinky feet, sweaty heads, wrestling, hollering, ball bouncing, beyblade ripping, bike racing, dirty boys. So yesterday we took a break from those boys and headed over to Hale Centre Theatre to watch their production of Cinderella. Just the two of us. And it was a little bit of heaven.

We got all dressed up...

And took lil miss Barbie along for our date...

Got a ribbon princess crown to help complete the whole girly experience...

And just had the best time! Seriously! It was so, SO good! We laughed throughout the whole performance and danced and twirled center stage during intermission. Then Little Miss decided to get autographs from a few of the performers. She was sad she didn't get to "meet" Cinderella since we only had a few minutes to get home and rush Moose to a birthday party. Cinderella just happens to be the big sister of two of her friends (they are twins). But she did get a few autographs and ran into a few friends from school, which was fun!

My sweet little girl, thanks so much for the fun little date today! I just love spending time with you. The other day your teacher sent this note home:

"(Little Miss) continues to take pride in her work and has shown fine growth in all academic areas, especially in reading and creative writing. She loves to express herself through art. (Little Miss) has transitioned nicely into our classroom and has many friends. I can always depend on her to set a good example. She is a great role model for her peers. She is a very independent and well-rounded student and always has a positive attitude and is eager to learn. I am very happy she is a part of our classroom family. She is a sweetheart."

Love you, sweet girl!!!

2011-03-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

What a relief....

J-Bear's country report on Israel is complete! After hours of research and rough drafts, outlines and making a polyhedron, late nights writing the final copy and much time spent pronouncing difficult words like Benjamin Netanyahu, Jezreel, Negev, Yamaka, and Pesach for his oral report, we are done!

He really did a great job and I'm so, so proud of him! He got A's on his written report and polyhedron and a 101% on his oral report....

Thanks to a little extra credit for me bringing in some couscous for everyone to try and his Aunt Sherida for coming in to share her experiences while she visited Israel. She happened to be in Israel the same day Bear was born. How cool is that? She brought pictures and souveneirs. She's the BEST!

He spent the rest of the day hanging out with his new friend that lives across the street. They played basketball for hours and HOURS. While he was playing basketball, Little Miss invited one of her new friends over. I thought for sure they'd be up in her room, playing endless hours of Pet Shops....but no. They spent their whole time here...

All of that dirt is thanks to this. Isn't the pool coming along nicely?

Then they wanted to pose for me after they did a few "cheers". Ha ha! So cute! I was laughing so hard. I wish I could remember them. Something about cookies and cream. I don't know. I'll have to ask for a repeat performance!

2011-03-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

My dresser is DONE....

and I want to run over and pick it up, but I need some man muscles! Harumph...guess I'll just have to be patient.

Didn't it turn out awesome?

This puppy is going in my bedroom. My closet in this house is much smaller than my last closet. So I need something to store all of my workout clothes, swimsuits, undies...you know. Can't wait to get everything all nicely organized and tucked away! Dear man muscles, come home already!

2011-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Big boys toys....

This past Saturday a few large tractors or digging things or whatever, I'm obviously not a farmer or construction kind of girl (ha ha), were dropped off in our backyard for the pool digging project scheduled to start that Monday. Chubs was a little bit enthralled with these big pieces of equipment. Just had to capture a few pictures of him hanging out on them before the digging began.

I seriously cannot wait to have a pool to hang out in every day! It will be so nice!

2011-03-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

Time to answer some questions....

So, my e-mail box is overflowing with questions about house stuff, etc. And oh how I wish I could sit down and answer each one individually. But I'm hoping if I just post my answers here that that will be okay. Yes please? Phew! Thanks!

1. Where are those cute white frames from?

Oh, the frames! I fell deeply in love with this frame company about 5 years ago. I've slowly collected them in a whole slew of colors - cream, black, red, pink, green. I'm highly addicted to them! Click here to see them. A little word of advice, set up a wholesale account with them or talk someone you know into setting one up - that's what I did (still a bit pricey, even getting them wholesale, but they are amazing!)

2. What color did you paint your house?

The main body of our house is painted Dunn Edwards brand Cochise and the trim is painted Dunn Edwards brand Swiss Coffee. Cochise is a fairly light tan color without any undertones. I love it and have had many friends use it in their homes, too!

3. What brand/color is the wood floor you put in, where did you get it, who installed it for you?

Okay, the wood floor. Here is what it says on our floor sample: Reward Granada Collection. Birch Baroque. REW 125 GB. We purchased all of our flooring (wood, tile, and carpet) from our friend who owns Red Mountain Interiors. If you are local, call them up. Ask for Mark. He can totally help you out!

4. Where do you buy Little Miss's swimsuits?

I've always been a stickler on modesty from the very beginning of her life. Even as an infant I never dressed her in tank tops or bikini's or anything. I want her to be modest. I want modesty to be comfortable and immodesty to be uncomfortable...which it is. I'm glad. Modbe Clothing makes amazing swimsuits. Their new swim line is not out yet, but I LOVE their suits. I probably have 5 suits for myself (maybe even 6) from them and have two suits for Little Miss. The tops are long and have plenty of coverage, but still provide the ease of the two piece. The bonus is that they are well made!

Did I miss anything? I'm sure that I did. E-mail away and I'll try to answer your questions!

2011-03-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here we go again....

Man, oh man, how I wished we could have one more week of spring break. One more week to stay in our jammies until noon, to play with cousins, to stay up late playing games with friends, to hang out in the mountains, to sleep in until 7:30 or even 8:00. But no, it's back to schedules and running kids here and there. Back to homework and scouts and soccer and dance lessons...and I REALLY need to start teaching the kids piano lessons again. With the whole moving thing, that kind of got pushed to the back burner. It's time to start that up again!

This past Thursday we headed up to Grandpa's cabin near Roosevelt Lake to hang out and spend some time together. Friday morning, after breakfast, we headed up just past Payson to meet up with some friends who were camping. We spent the better part of the day chatting, laughing at our children as they played in the frigid water, and getting dirty.

The boys also started a "rock-throwing" contest. Kind of like a "who can hit THIS first" contest. J-Bear hit the target first every single time. That boy can huck a rock! Makes me wish he hadn't given up on baseball and pitching or that he'd actually want to give football a try. He can throw a perfect spiral. He's got a heck of an arm!

Moose FINALLY learned how to skip a rock. He was pretty happy about that!

Little Miss was not at all bothered by the cold water. I wouldn't even stick a toe in...

After all of the water-frolicking, the bug collecting began...

And lounging together...

And stick collecting... and brother teasing... (notice Bear starting to sneak up on the Chubs?)

And the soda drinking....man that makes a happy kid :)

We are super grateful for our new friends!!!

Then we headed back to the cabin to change into our swimsuits and head down to the river (where the water was MUCH warmer) in hopes of catching bucketfuls of baby frogs (catch and release, of course)...

Man, I LOVE my kids!!!

And I'm pretty sure they love each other, too...

Bear found some chairs to sit on while lounging in the river...

Somebody got bucked off...

And since we were apparently a bit early for the frog catching (we did find a bunch of tadpoles) our bucket remained empty...that is until nature called...ha ha ha! (um, that's MUD on the bucket...promise!)

2011-03-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Heaven help me...

I NEED to get this laundry room organized.

This has been the trickiest room for me. Maybe because it's because my LAST laundry room was had about 10 times the storage as this one...no joke. And I just can't decide where to put all of my sadly neglected crafting supplies or how or where to organize my photography biz stuff. Goodness sakes. In my last laundry room all was neatly organized. From wrapping paper and gift bags to stamps, paints, brushes, ink pads, paper punches, scrapbook paper, pictures, yarn, fabric, cleaning supplies, etc. It all had a home. And apparently right now, in this room, nothing has a home. I need help!

Maybe I'll just escape upstairs to my little reading nook and snuggle up with a good book.

Are you in love with my little lamp? Man, oh man, how I love TJ Maxx Homegoods. And yes, I know that little white flowery picture frame sadly needs a picture in it. All in good time, my friends. All in good time.

Now I just need a good book to snuggle up with. Which reminds me....I had all of my favorite books organized......in my last laundry room, too. Ugh!

2011-03-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

Right this very second...

I am thankful for:

- a house FULL of boys. It feels good and NORMAL to have 5 extra boys hanging out at our house right now. Noisy but GOOD!

- a playdate for the Little Miss. Her and her little friend played here for awhile, Little Pet Shops and a full on tea party. Now they are swimming together at her friend's house. Yes, I did say swimming. It's warming up around here! Can't wait to get started on a swimming pool of our own!

- my sweet friend, Natalie, who is painting a dresser for my master bedroom. I found an awesome French Provincial dresser on Craigslist and she is going to make it all purdy looking for me :)

2011-03-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Amazing music....

just lifts and refreshes your soul. It lifts you to higher ground. I'm grateful for how my parents taught me to LOVE music. Thankful that every school day we were woken up by my mom playing hymns on the piano. We knew when we heard those hymns playing gently on the piano that it was time to gather in the front room for family scripture study. Thankful that on Sunday mornings our home was filled with beautiful church music. I have beautiful memories of my dad relaxing in his recliner listening to Handel's "Messiah" or his current favorite Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD. Sometimes he would call us in and ask us to go and play a certain song for us. He would sit there with his eyes closed, listening to every note played, and just soak in the beauty of the music. I'm grateful that my mom, and piano teacher, expected great things out of me and that the love of music that was instilled in me at such a young age has continued with me throughout my life. I'm not gonna lie and say that I never gave my mom a hard time about practicing the piano. I often missed out on playing with friends in order to meet my 1.5 hours of piano practicing each day. But I love music! It is a part of who I am!

This past Saturday, we got to listen to amazing music at it's very finest. We attended the East Valley Mormon Choral Organization's performance "Bring the World His Truth", featuring the Arizona premiere of "Messiah in America.". Yes, we were SUPER excited that two of our kiddo's decided to participate in the choir again AND that our own Little Miss was asked to perform a duet (in front of thousands and thousands of people to two almost sold out performances) with her adorable, dear friend.

The kids were super excited that they got to bring a backpack with a pillow and some books to read. Hanging out at the concert hall from 2:45 in the afternoon until 10:15 at night makes for a REALLY long day!

After we dropped the kids off at the Mesa Fine Arts Center for their sound check and quick run through, we took Moose to pick up his date for the concert. He was pretty excited and even picked out his own "nice outfit" to wear to the performance...

His date....Our favorite babysitter of ALL time, Julie. There really aren't words for me to even try to describe how much I ADORE this girl. She has loved my children like I do, been a breath of fresh air when I just couldn't take another second, and was an absolute LIFESAVER during our move. She would bring me lunch, pick up kids at one house and take them to the other, pack boxes, basically do whatever I needed her to do. I love, love, LOVE our talks the most. It's the best when Brett and I come home from a date and the kids are in bed and we just sit and talk and laugh with Julie for hours. We LOVE Julie!!! I can't believe she's going to be moving to Utah this summer. I think it's going to break our hearts! We're going to have to fly her home to visit us on a VERY regular basis!!!

The concert began with Bear's group singing "Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning!" Whenever the youth and teen choirs sing, I just sit there in awe, covered in goosebumps head to toe, amazed at how professional they are. Amazed that they are able to share their testimonies with such strength and power. Wow! Two songs later it was time for Little Miss's group to take stage. Their first number was every LDS kids favorite song, "Book of Mormon Stories". My whole life I only thought there were 2 verses. Get this....there are 8! Their duet was the 6th verse, which has been Little Miss's bedtime song request for the last month or so:

Once two thousand sons of God were called to fight the foe.

Marching as an army into battle they did go.

The believed that Christ the Lord their guardian would be.

They had learned they should live righteously.

My heart began to race as the children took their place on stage. She walked confidently on stage and started to scour the audience. She knew we would be on the third row. She started looking down, down, down the row. To see her face light up as she saw me was a precious gift I'll never forget. As each verse was sung, I could see her nerves start to show a bit on her face, but as soon as it was her turn to sing, she just shone. They both did! As they sang together, I smiled. I smiled and smiled because I'm not sure that I ever could have done that. As they took deep breaths together, their shoulders rising and falling in unison, and singing like angels, I was so, so proud of my sweet Little Miss. They sang their duet PERFECTLY! Her group also sang "Jesus Is My Shepherd" and Bear's group sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth" (all four verses). Amazing!

Then we got to enjoy the Arizona premiere of "Messiah in America", which Bear will get to participate in the Utah premier this summer as they perform in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City's Temple Square. As we sat and listened to the words that were taken straight from the Book of Mormon, in the book of 3rd Nephi, I was overcome with emotion. We read the scriptures each morning as a family, normally just one page each day. With 531 pages in the book, there's NO way that we could've planned to be studying that exact part of 3rd Nephi that was being shared with us through music that night. The music made it SO real to me! As the older children came on stage to join with the adults, they sang "Behold Your Little Ones" - (3 Nephi 17:21-23) "And Jesus wept and took the little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. And he wept again. And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones." I could not help but imagine MY little ones being held and blessed and prayed for, individually, by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Saturday night's performance was one I will never forget!

We attended the 5:00 performance and then got to enjoy a delicious dinner with my parents, little sister Karli, and her husband, Jared. Then we picked the kids up and had some yummy frozen yogurt from Golden Spoon. Yum! Little Miss was SO excited to get to share some time with my mom!

Amazing music truly lifts your soul!

2011-03-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Formal Front Room....

So even though this room isn't complete yet, it sure has come a long, LONG way!

Before...

After...

We ripped out the black tiles, tore down the rinky-dinky mantle, filled in the niche, Brett and my dad made the new mantle, and we hired somebody to lay the stone. I DID watch a youtube video on that but felt like we might as well hire a professional...which only cost us $350.

The cream picture frame resting against the fireplace will be hung above the mantle as soon as I get an amazing picture taken of my kids. A couple of months ago I was walking through Nordstroms and this insanely beautiful dress caught my eye. I checked the price tag. Yikes! But I kept dreaming and dreaming and dreaming about that dress. One day the thought popped in my head, "Run down to Nordstroms. There will be one dress left. It will be in Little Miss's size and it will be on clearance." So I did. And there it was. The only dress on the clearance rack. In Little Miss's size.

Amazing dress, right? Worthy of all kinds of dreaming about. The boys will be dressed in browns and mustard yellows and greens. Now I just need to find the perfect location. My goal is to get the picture taken in the next week or so.

More pictures...

And one more look at the room...

Are you in love with my long drapes that I made? I just have to give a huge THANK YOU to my little sis, Mindy. I called her and asked her to go to Rod Works (for all of you Arizonians we are getting a Rod Works in Gilbert in a few months!!!!) to pick out the finials/tie backs for me and mail them to me. I told her I wasn't picky and she laughed. Oh the pressure! But they are PERFECT and I LOVE them! Absolutely LOVE them. I still need to make roman shades for the 3 windows above the couch...but I need another sewing weekend with Cyndi. Another weekend of living in our pj's, laughing til our sides hurt, talking until the wee hours of the morning, and endless hours of sewing fun! Not only do I need to make those shades, but the drapes for the dining area, a roman shade for the window by the sink, drapes for the master....ack! I might need a FEW sewing weekends!

2011-03-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

Happy and Healthy....

Today marks the start of something new.

I've done some "Biggest Loser" competitions before and always ended them feeling more and more frustrated each time. Frustrated at other peoples success (in weight loss) and little results for myself. Yet I knew my effort and dedication, I knew how disciplined I'd been, which sometimes even made it harder for myself.

But this "competition" is different. You get points for your efforts, not for results. Whew! What a relief. No pressure. Right? Just do your best!

You can earn a max of 10 points each day. To earn a point you:

1. Drink at least 64 ounces of water.

2. 30 minutes of exercise.

3. No soda or alcohol.

4. No sugar, fast food, unhealthy snacks (like chips, etc).

5. Eat 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables.

6. No eating after 7:00 pm.

7. Read something uplifting for 15 minutes.

8. Write in your journal (or your blog).

9. Express specific love, appreciation, or praise.

10. Work on a personal goal.

Okay, I LOVE it! My life will NOT revolve around endless workouts and the thoughts of "I can't eat that or that or that." There's just the recognition and awareness that, yes, exercise and eating healthy will bring more health and happiness. That there is a whole lot more to life than just that. That making time to read something uplifting every day brings you closer to the Spirit and makes you feel better about yourself. That taking time to write in your journal and reflect on your blessings (hopefully my posts don't get too boring) is important. Taking the time to truly give praise and appreciation from my heart will bring stronger relationships. And working on a personal goal...each day! Now THAT sounds fabulous! Taking time for myself to do something that I WANT to do everyday. Something for me on top of cooking and running kids around and cleaning and laundry. Something to look forward to. Working on something I want to work on or something that will better who I am. Yes, please!

A lot of this program I already do every day...or most every day. But it feels good to have a program to stick to...to challenge me. So here's to health and happiness! Yay!

2011-03-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

House pictures....

WHAT? Y'all are pressuring me to get things done around here :) I mean, I WANT to take pictures and I WANT to have my house done and decorated. But that's going to take awhile. I mean, I can't just take pictures of my house, as is. Can I? Not when I still need to pick out an entertainment center...because our tv is currently being housed on the top of my coffee table. Not when I have so many ideas stirring in my head and loads of curtains to be sewn. Not when I still have boxes stacked in corners and endless windows to wash.

But my entryway...now that's another story. It's looking pretty darn good.

Let's take a quick look back. Before:

Ripping it out:

After:

Don't you LOVE my chandelier and beadboard ceilings? I do. {sigh}

Hopefully in a few days I'll be able to show you some pictures of the formal front room, which is nearing partial completement (is that even a word?). Completion. That's the word. Partial completion. Yes? Hopefully I'll get the drapes on the big windows hung sometime soon...then I still want to make roman shades for the smaller windows. But I promise I'll take pictures once the long drapes are hung. Thank goodness for an overnight sewing getaway with one of my dearest friends, Cyndi...but maybe I'll save that story for my next post :) I already need ANOTHER sewing weekend.

2011-03-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

A little Moose spotlight....

I got an e-mail yesterday from the Primary President (she is in charge of the children's program ages 18 months until they turn 12 at church) in our new ward, letting me know that she'd like to spotlight Moose at church on Sunday. So I decided I'd try, as nonchalantly as possible, to ask him his current favorite color, food, etc...because it seems like his favorites constantly change. Well, some of them, at least. So, here they are...

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite food: Mom's tacos or Some Burro's

Favorite treat: anything chocolate

Favorite place to visit: Utah (to play with cousins)

Favorite things to do: play board games, soccer, basekball (which is basketball, still not really sure how he can't get THAT right), play the wii, kiss my mom (make my heart melt)

So when daddy took Chubs to go and drop Bear and Little Miss off for their choir practice, I stayed home to play board games with Moose. We played Guesstures...he won. We played Sequence....I won. We went out to shoot hoops and forgot that all of our balls are in our next door neighbors yard. So instead we went and met Daddy and Chubs at Some Burro's for dinner. Moose, hopefully you'll forgive me for loosing my cool with you over the whole dishwasher unloading escapade. I really do adore spending time with you! Love you!!!

PS Moose, when you told me you want to drive a turquoise mini-van when you grow up....well, let's just say that hopefully someday soon you'll change your mind about that one. :)

2011-03-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

Growing pains....

Last night I was sifting through old pictures of the kids, trying to round up some of my favorite pictures to have printed for our new photo wall - which will be on the wall going up the stairs. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. My kids are growing up. FAST! Where did my round-faced baby boy go? He's looking more and more grown up everyday. And it's like a little tug of war inside myself. Part of me wants to keep them small forever...but the older they get - well, that's fun, too! It's different.

And there's that part of me, too, that is hoping that as they get older, they will become more responsible and need less nagging from me. Then maybe my afternoon's won't be so much like my afternoon yesterday. "Hey So-And-So, the dishwasher is clean. That's your job this week. Will you please come and unload it?" While helping another child with homework (which this new school has an insane amount of homework for first grade. WHAT?), I notice "So-And-So" rolling around on the floor, tormenting anyone who comes in walking distance. 30 minutes later. "Hey So-And-So, that dishwasher is still waiting for you!" An hour later, "Bud, can you please unload the dishwasher?" 30 minutes later. "Um, So-And-So if the dishwasher is not emptied in 15 minutes, you'll have to head to bed as soon as it's completed. This is starting to get ridiculous."

Wait for it.

The huffing and puffing and the dish banging begins. Oh and don't forget the cupboard slamming. It just wouldn't be complete without the cupboard slamming. And then we start the whole "for each cupboard slam or dish banging or grumble it will be 10 minutes earlier to bed for you" thing. At this point, I want to lose it. Sometimes I keep it all together. Sometimes I don't. Yesterday happened to be the latter.

Tell me it will end someday. Tell me it's true. Please....

Hmmmm....let's see. About a month and a half ago, on Civil Rights Day, we headed to the zoo, with the rest of the state of Arizona, and I noticed that this handsome little man...

did a double-take as an adorable girl his age walked by. No, he's not checking her out through the telescope, but it was cute to see. I smiled to myself as I realized he thought she was just as cute as I did. Of course, I didn't tease him about it. That would've made him mad. But, yes, he's growing up, too.

I'd like to say the whole switching school thing has been an easy transition...but it hasn't. And I knew that I'd get the comments like "Mom, can we PLEASE go back to the other school?" or "My teacher isn't NEARLY as cool as my last teacher" or "Nobody will play with me at recess and I just want to be with my old friends". And it makes me sad, because I remember having those same feelings when I moved. I keep hoping that each day will get easier and easier, but it hasn't happened yet. So at dinner the other night, we talked about Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf's talk from the March Ensign titled "Looking For The Good". It's a good one. You should read it. I particularly like this part:

We have a choice. We can seek for the bad in others. Or we can make peace and work to extend to others the understanding, fairness, and forgiveness we so desperately desire for ourselves. It is our choice; for whatever we seek, that we will certainly find.

And since I have a few more pictures from our outing to the zoo, I might as well share them now. Here's to growing :)

As we were walking away from the Baboon, or Mandrill, exhibit. Bear said, "I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have nightmares about their bums!" Ha ha ha!

My heart seems to be constantly full of prayer for this sweet little girl of mine. She seems to be struggling the worst at school with the whole transition and it really is breaking my heart. She said that most of the time she plays by herself at recess, unless her teacher comes out to play with her. Apparently the little girl sitting next to her in class has decided she doesn't like my Little Miss and has told other girls not to be her friend. It's time to spend some time helping in the classroom.

2011-03-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Shoes...

I don't really understand how Little Miss is SO HARD on her shoes. I mean, look at these shoes...

They are two months old. Two months. And it's not like she wears these shoes everyday. She wears tennis shoes to school on PE day. Does she fill them with weights and drag them along the pavement? I look at them...and it just boggles my mind. I just don't understand how they can be ruined so quickly. She has even worn through the toes on REAL LEATHER COWBOY BOOTS. Is that even possible?!?! Apparently it is.

So, do I give her these? Or take them back?

The worst she could do it rub her toes off, right?

2011-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

Today....

Today I felt a little happy AND a little sad when I dropped Chubs off at preschool. As we pulled up, he said, "You stay here. I go by myself." "Um, okay," I replied as he hopped out of the car and ran inside. Happy that he's becoming more independent yet sad that he doesn't need me so much anymore. My baby is growing up!

Today I felt frustrated as I stopped by our old house to get some more things and realized JUST how much STUFF we have left over there....and this house is basically full. Ugh.

Today I felt a little lonely as I grocery shopped without my little helper. I seriously LOVE hanging out with my little man. He makes me laugh!

Today a huge smile spread across my face as I picked Bear up for a lunch date. I LOVE standing by the front desk, watching one of my children walking towards me with a smile that matches my own.

Today I felt relaxed as we sat outside Subway. The birds were chirping, the water gurgled in the fountain beside us, the sun was shining...it was beautiful!

Today I laughed when I picked the kids up from school. It's "Dr. Seuss Week" at school this week. And apparently Moose thought he NEEDED to spend his hard earned money on a "Cat in the Hat" hat. This, my friends, is a Moose in the Hat....

Today I was angry when Little Miss told me about some girls at school who are mean to her and make up lies about her. Sometimes I just want to march on to the playground and do a little punching. I mean parenting. I'm not saying punching is parenting. I'm just saying that I don't really like mean people.

Today I loved watching the leaves growing on the trees of our tree-lined streets. It's starting to warm up around here...and it makes me happy!

Today I cried when I got an e-mail from a photographer that had attended one of our photography workshops, to tell me that her 17 year old daughter had unexpectedly passed away. I cannot understand the depth of that pain. I honestly hope that I never have to feel that.

And so now today, my heart is filled with prayer for Holly, a photographer in Utah, and her family...and maybe you could spare a prayer for her, too.

2011-02-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

Coolest Design...slowest car....

Maybe that's how we'll remember Moose's very first Pinewood Derby.

Okay, so I'm lying. He didn't have the slowest car there. He was probably more in the middle, but that is NOT how the Brimhall family does Pinewood Derby. Normally, we spend a week or so, deciding exactly what shape to cut. Then hours are spent painting coat after coat after coat and then doing coat after coat of that clear shiny stuff. We buff the wheels and sand the axles and make sure the weight is evenly distributed. We do a pretty decent job. Bear has taken second and third OVERALL, almost always winning first in his den. Decent, right?

This year we went to Michael's.

We found out about the derby just 6 days before it was to take place. What? 6 days? Which box is our graphite in? Which box are our paints and brushes in? When will we find time to design and cut the car? Oh yes, and which box is our phone in? (still can't seem to find that one). Too bad nobody knows that we have a ton of things going on - baby showers, birthday parties, cousins baptisms, playdates, family dinners...oh and an overnight getaway planned for just me and the Hubbers. 6 days just ain't gonna cut it.

So we walked into Michael's, grabbed a box of supplies off of the shelf, ran home, whipped it together, slapped the wheels on, and decided it was good enough. Brett and I just sat on the sidelines, praying that Moose wouldn't be disappointed. That his car wouldn't fall apart on it's first run down the track and that he'd win at least one heat.

Then they announced that four cars would race at a time. The winner could be proud that they won that heat. The three that didn't win, could choose a piece of candy from the bowl...chocolate to be exact. Whew! A huge sigh of relief from this momma. Thankfully, Moose is a chocolate LOVER and I think he might've prayed to NOT win so that he could get something yummy.

First heat - he chose plain M&M's.

Second heat - peanut M&M's.

Third heat - plain M&M's again.

Fourth heat - winner....dang! No chocolate.

And when the night was done, with remnants of a Twinkie car spread across his face...he was happy! Happy to have the car voted "Coolest Design" and happy to have some chocolate in his pocket. Awww...look. I'm a poet.

Apparently, Michael's has some pretty awesome looking kits because his car actually looked pretty cool...

And I kinda just want to reach into this next picture and smooch on his cheeks for a bit... (yes, I did run to the scout store just BEFORE the derby to buy a new uniform - seriously, I should've labeled the boxes)

We are also used to a track that is about HALF the length of this one...which is something to keep in mind for next year :)

He's starting to load up on chocolate...

Happy 1st Pinewood Derby, bud! Love you to pieces!!!

2011-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

Bradyn's Baby Blessing....

3 weeks ago, Brett was privileged to be able to perform Bradyn's baby blessing. It almost felt a bit surreal, pulling into Brett's parents neighborhood, driving around the corner, to find their house with cars lining the street and driveways...it was like a little flashback to the good ole days. The days where Brett's mom was always planning and hosting family gatherings and delicious meals. Sunday dinners were more like mini-Thanksgivings. I can't believe she's been gone for three years now. We miss her every single day!

I tried and tried to crack a smile out of her, but she would have nothing to do with it. I made all kinds of obnoxious noises and even begged her, "Bradyn, please smile. C'mon! Smile at me or I'll take away that gorgeous bow I got you." Okay, not really...but this was all I got.

2011-02-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

Crazy Hair Day....

Little Miss was excited to be able to sport some crazy hair on the same day that the first graders were to perform their RAP that they have been practicing like crazy for the assembly today. We started discussing some different ideas for "crazy hair". All of my ideas were apparently a BIT TOO CRAZY for her liking, so we settled on a not-so-crazy, crazy hair-do. I told her to give me a "crazy" look to go with her "crazy" hair...

Mmmmmkay...not so crazy. That's all right. Moose decided he would just sport some bedhead (okay, do you see all of the treats/flowers on the counter...along with a big mess of mine...we've been bombarded with treats from our new neighbors and I think I've already gained a few pounds)...

Her toothless grin is almost gone. I kinda want to cry...

But I was finally able to talk Moose into some spiky craziness. His hair is the best when we go to the lake, it gets wet, and then the boat takes off and his hair gets dried into a huge poofball. It's awesome!

There was no talking Bear into anything crazy. He went with his bedhead look...which never really looks that bad because his hair automatically parts on the side. Notice anything new about Bear? Apparently he inherited MY vision and not his fathers...but another story on that later.

I headed down to school just in time to get a good seat right in the middle of the gym to watch Little Miss perform. Seriously, so stinkin' cute! She held eye contact with me the whole time, shaking her shoulders up and down, paired with a huge grin pasted across her face. Man I love her and her get-down-groovy skills! She can dance like her momma! :)

It was really great to be able to walk into the school today and be greeted by name by the ladies at the front desk. And then to see the school spirit at the assembly. I know it's a bit cheezy, but I totally got the goose bumps a few times listening to the principal praise the children for their hard work and character and to hear the children chanting about how proud they are to be Gators. Super awesome!

2011-02-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Nolan, 9 days old....{Mesa, Arizona Newborn Photographer}

Such a sweet, sweet baby with perfect skin and beautiful lips!

It was fun chatting with the dad about being a firefighter for the City of Mesa. My dad had the same job...and retired after many years of service.

I LOVE pictures of momma's with their brand new babies. Maybe it makes me sentimental about my own babies. I don't know. But there is something really beautiful about capturing a mother soaking in the sweetness of her brand new baby!

And after loads of sleepy, curly newborn shots, Mr. Nolan decided it was time to be awake. What a handsome, handsome little man!

2011-02-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Putting the FUN in dysfunctional...

Ha ha! Okay, that's the only title I could come up with. And when something gets stuck in your head like that, it's basically impossible to come up with anything else, right? I don't REALLY think our family is dysfunctional...we all actually enjoy being together. Life in Brett's side of the family has changed over the last few years since his mom passed away, but we all just roll with it and figure out how to make it all work.

* I really wish I was at church right now. Missing two Sundays in a row with sick kids makes it REALLY hard to get to know people. But with Brett in Texas and a puking little girl upstairs, church just isn't going to happen for us today. *

Brett's dad remarried a couple years ago - 2 years ago tomorrow, to be exact. Her name is Brandy. One day after they left our house, Little Miss (who really enjoys being with Brandy) was talking about "Granny" this and "Granny" that. I asked her what she was talking about. She said, "Grandpa's new wife. Her name is Granny!" I laughed and laughed and said, "No, it's not Granny. It's BRANDY." Brandy is 6 years younger than me. I wouldn't want to be called Granny if I were her :)

A few weeks ago, Brandy gave birth to twins - a beautiful girl and handsome boy. Shortly after their birth, John came to Phoenix to teach a seminar with Brett. On the second day of the seminar, Brett decided to wear this to work:

We laughed and laughed and laughed and were glad that everyone had a great sense of humor about it. Sure, it's a little strange for Brett to have some new siblings. Bear was all excited and said, "I'm an uncle now!!!" We said, "No. You have a NEW aunt and uncle." He was super, super confused, but we really can't wait to meet them. Especially, Moose. He wants to hold those babies!!!

2011-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Someday I'll belong here....

Today after I got the kids ready for school, there was a knock at the door. In our new house, the front door has a window in it. I could see two women and a few children at the door. My heart jumped, hoping to see who might have come to welcome us (and glad that I was dressed AND had my hair done and make-up on)...wondering if maybe my visitors were my new visiting teachers, my new friends. My visitors were kind and smiling and there to share a scripture with me. They were not my new visiting teachers. They were truly lovely members of the Jehovah's Witness Church.

After my visitors left, I decided to go home. My home.

I thought it would feel good to drive through my familiar neighborhood. To think about the dear people who live in the houses I passed...the people that I love and the people that love me back. I thought it would feel good to be home.

I opened the door to find a mostly empty home and noticed that it was my heart that felt empty. Like somebody had opened up my chest, took out half of my heart, and left it in the corner.

I promised myself that I wouldn't immediately start comparing this new ward to our ward at "home". But it's hard not to. I remember moving into our brand new home that we had dreamed up and built, with a nonstop flow of welcoming neighbors and treats and dinners. We joked that we might as well just set up some camping chairs in the front yard and wait for everyone to come by. We haven't needed our camping chairs here. Not yet.

I walked through random rooms in the house, picking up items left behind, loading them in my car. In my 30 minutes at "home", a few neighbors noticed my car outside and stopped by to say hello and to tell us they cannot believe we are really gone.

I thought about the young men my husband worked with at church and how they had moved all of our food storage for us. That after they were done, all 17 of those deacons surrounded by husband in a huge group bear hug. We were loved there.

And someday we will be loved here. We will belong here. I know it. Everyone was SO welcoming at church. I just know it will take time. It always does. Someday this house will feel like a home to me. So I'll just be sad for a few more minutes and let those last tears fall...and then I'll get to work, unpacking a few more boxes....and maybe hang some more curtains...and look forward to the day when I belong again.

Added at 5:43 pm:

Maybe I should see if I can find those camping chairs. I *think* I know where they are. Lovely neighbors with flowers, an invitation for a date night (dinner & ward temple night), and sweet neighbors with cookies...yes, someday soon I will feel at home.

My tulips on my table, from a dear friend at "home", are starting to die...

Her children call her "Mother Teresa", because she is that amazing...

I call her Susan. A dear, dear friend...

And now my table has some new, cheery flowers (as well as some fresh, warm cookies)...

And my heart is feeling much, much better. I'm pretty sure that SOMEDAY isn't really that far away...

2011-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby Paige.... {Gilbert, Arizona Newborn Photographer}

Just popping on here, amidst boxes and taking care of three sick kids, to share a few pictures. Meet Miss Paige. What a squishy, perfect baby girl! She won my "super-pooper award" - not that I have one, but if I did...she would be the winner :)

2011-01-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

A little baby-snugglin'..... {Mesa, Arizona Baby Photographer}

Today I got to do a little baby-snugglin'.

Which is probably my favorite thing in the world! I got to do laundry while toting my little nephew around on my hip, listening to Chubs and his cousins squeal with delight, and I just felt super happy. Happy to be a mom. Happy to be an aunt. Happy to be a sister. Happy to be me.... even as crazy as life seems to be these days!

But now I've got to run. The kids will be home soon. Then it's scouts and homework and piano practicing and and and. What I really want to do is run to the house to see the finished wood floors, the stone that was put around the fireplace and the mantel that my dad, Brett, and I made, and see if the carpet has been started. But first I need to get all of that laundry put away!