Time Flies

Last night I was laying in a heap on the couch with a fever of 101 F, half conscious, with my boys watching Dora the Explorer, while visiting with my mom on the phone.  She asked how my day was (a question I'm sure she didn't realize what she was in for when she asked) and what my plans were for tomorrow (today).  I mentioned that it was Ryan and I's six year anniversary, and how he had some great things planned, but we were going to have to rearrange and she commented "You're right up there with us!".  "Too funny, mom," I said, "You and dad have been married for 28 years!  I think Ryan and I have a ways to go."  But then I started thinking,Time Flies!

(I was going through some random things on Monday and found this picture...our Engagement picture...we were SO young!  It made me giggle at how much hair we had...the lack of dark circles under our eyes, not to mention how 'skinny' we were.)

I sometimes let opportunities to let my sweet heart know just how much I appreciate him pass me by...After I got home form work yesterday, he graciously (and without complaining) let me take an hour bath, and while I slept in the warm water to try to easy my body's achiness; he took care of and fed our boys.  Last night he took time from helping a young man in our ward with his Eagle Project and playing basketball with his buddies to drive across town to get me a Jamba Juice, then came home and put the boys in bed.  Each day he lovingly cares for our boys (okay, there are moments of contention, but what family doesn't have that!) while I go to work or a doctor's appointment, or take time for myself.  (And believe me, with his recent GRADUATION, we're both looking forward to a 'role reversal'....and a switch back to normalcy.)

The past year has been but a roller coaster.  We've merely been surviving.  Mentally & emotionally.  He's been feverishly working on schoolwork to be able to graduate next week.  I've been pluggin' along at work so we can pay the bills.  This pregnancy has done a number to my body...and Ryan has been such a great help when I'm just too exhausted to do anything.  It's been a while since we've actually taken time for EACH OTHER and we're looking forward to the many years to come, creating memories and adventures we'll never forget.  Time Flies.

My Ryan is one of the most un-selfish people I know.  I am so thankful that we chose to be together for Eternity, because there's no one else I'd rather have by my side when I'm having body chills, puking my guts out, birthing our children, having a bad hair day, burning dinner, and trying to be the best for him.  I could go on, but I think you get my drift.  He's simply wonderful, and I adore my sweet husband.  I suppose I should slow down a bit and NOT let time fly...by enjoying every moment, high or low. 

Love you, Babe!

Easter Sunday

Growing up, Easter Sunday was more than just the Easter Bunny and candy...We focused on the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and how wonderful it is that our Father in Heaven has a plan of salvation which enables us to return to live with Him.  My parents taught us well, yet still spoiled us.

Even into my teenage years, the Easter Bunny would bring us a basket with a new spring outfit (which we usually had to wait for weeks, sometimes months, to wear because of weather) and some candies.  Our baskets were strategically hidden so we would take a few minutes to find them, if not hours.  Every year, it seemed that Keith would find everyone's baskets before his own.  Poor kid. 

This year Ryan and I decided to shake things up a bit.  Neither boy really needed any clothes (but my mom still got them each an outfit to place in their baskets) and having just paid $$$$ in denstist bills for Tanner, I was not wanting to fill plastic eggs or a basket full of candy.

Tanner got a bike (which was partially his Birthday present, though he didn't know it) and some trinkets.  Taylor found the car caddy and some books (along with the same trinkets:  playdough, a wooden alligator to paint, coloring book and water colors, a game of go-fish, and a picture of Christ) in his basket.

Taylor was indifferent about the scattered plastic eggs which had Sacajawea coins in each, and didn't much care for his basket till he saw the peeps.

They were easily consumed before breakfast, which made it easy to get their teeth brushed and candy out of the way. Tanner on the other hand, loved finding the eggs, found Taylor's basket before his own, and was jealous that Taylor got a book and a rabbit.  "Where's my rabbit?"  he exclaimed, not understanding that he got a bike, instead.

All in all, it was a fabulous day.  I love when Conference Weekend is the same weekend as Easter.  The boys played with playdough and painted and had fun quietly playing in their room while Ryan and I were blessed to listen to the leaders of our church teach and instruct us via internet and satellite broadcast. 

The Easter Bunny was quite generous to Ryan...He claims to have found an ipod touch in his basket, but really bought it just days before, pestering me about buying one...silly husband.  Little did he know that Tanner and I would have more fun with it and he didn't stand a chance at getting to use it!  Tanner played with daddy's new toy for hours...the boy can't count to ten in numerical order, or any order, but he can play games and run the electronic device as if he'd been born with one.

My dinner pictures weren't so fortunate, lucky for you.  We had simple ham, mashed potatoes, freezer corn, my favorite, and Jell-O Ribbon salad which was a childhood favorite of mine.  The boys loved it, and I think I'll have to plan ahead to make it next time.  It. took. all. day. long. to make.  It made me happy that Tanner and Taylor would actually eat it!  For desert:  Easter Cupcakes (remember them from last year?) with green coconut and jellybeans on top.

Hope you each had a fabulous Easter Sunday!

Last Minutes Craziness

I'm guilty of following too many craft blogs and stowing away ideas for a day that I dream of when I actually have time and money to do it how I want...

This blog inspires me:  Homemade by Jill.  She's fabulous, and has great ideas.  She also has a little boy, so she's constantly coming up with cute boy things. 

I would like you to meet her  Car Caddy Creation.  You should totally check out her tutorial...doesn't it look like fun?! 

When my dear friend and neighbor through the wall showed me her creation to put in her little boy's Easter Basket, I felt bad that I had nothing so cute or creative or homemade for my own boys' Easter Baskets.  (I should note for future posterity, that daddy has been feverishly working on finishing the paper for his Research Project, with too many deadlines that have come and gone and been reset...mommy has been busy with work, and working on the side altering two formals for a dear friend's daughter's Jr. Miss Program, and editing pictures, and keeping sane. Long story short:  my boys have been neglected, and watch hours of movies each day.  We're in survival mode.  We eat, sleep, and watch movies.) 

Back to being inspired...

Last minute, after spending two hours at my sewing machine finishing up sleeves (it only took that long because I had to draft the pattern, decide how to put it together, put the various layers together and still make it work), I decided to bite the bullet and spend another two hours making the adorable car caddy that Jill and Stevie whipped up...after all, I know how to sew, how hard can it be?

 It was quite fun, and I'm fairly happy with the result...although I'd make a few changes.  I had to have Ryan pick up some cars on his way home from the Priesthood Session of General Conference because I couldn't find the boys' cars to put in their garages, and my sweet husband came home with a 5-pack of Ferraries.  Awesome.  I guess if he's never going to get the real deal, his boys might as well have Hot Wheel versions of his dream.  :)  And I'm told that such cars do not drive on the correct side of the road...they usually drive down the middle. 

So far, it's been a fun toy for them...though I'll be honest...it's going to be a quiet toy for church.  I know.  Bad mommy.  Maybe I'll change my mind and it can be a car toy.  :)  I made the road pieces out of felt so they can stick to the back of a pew or the bench, or the seats in the car...I thought it was pretty ingenious, if I say so myself.  I really like the zipper factor...keeps all those little cars in one place, since they're in ginormous garages.