SPT--A Closer Look

Can you guess what I am doing?

Is there a part of you, a part of your home, a part of your creativity that gets more attention from you than anything else? When you look at your reflection, do you automatically zoom in on a feature you love or you loathe? When you are in your creative space, is there one project that gets your attention before all the others?

trying to get my juices flowing

The biggest deterrent for not creating on a more "regular" basis is lack of space. I have corners of bedrooms, and various closets full of stuff.(hopefully to soon change in the near future) I also don't come from a line of creative folk. Not that they don't have several talents, "creating" just doesn't happen to be the strong point (sorry mom-but true) Much of my creative juices began to flow when I got married. (if that is what you call them) Living in a pure LDS environment allowed me to learn more tricks of the trade. Just recently visiting Utah opened my eyes to how many of these women create fabulous things! In which most I looked at and immediately thought, oh, I can do that. San Antonio is not much of a "craft" city--I feel sheltered. Anyways, my son's baptism is coming up and I was feeling the pressure to make some nice invitations. I began searching through several magazines which left me more frustrated. There were several cards that looked doable, BUT I wasn't willing to buy every gadget to make such things. Do you all really have all of that on hand? After being persuaded by the scrapbook lady to buy a circle punch the other day, I came up with this. I am all about simple, simple, simple.

front of invitation

(inside)

I also did these ones for Angie

And speaking of creativity.... I couldn't have been more lucky to learn the art of sewing from an amazing group of women. Yet, another reason I love New Orleans. The beauty of sewing is, it is much like riding a bike something you most likely won't forget. I am no master at the machine by any means, but at least I can throw a baby quilt together now and again.

I LOVE the variety of colors!

Unfortunately, I am up to my ears in thread due to the baby boom that has occurred in my world. The downfall is creating in my house occurs in the late hours of the night when all the littles and hubs are asleep. I am afraid I am paying the price this morning! I definitely am in need of a room and maybe this would occur more often, instead of the kitchen.

pinning in my lovely pink pjs last night


**Are you creating anything?**

blessing: having hands to create things for others.

Happy Birthday B!

I wrote the story of how Bridget and I met last year. She is one of my closest friends. Here our 34 things I love about B.


1. She has the best skin ever! (I need to take pointers)
2. She is a great loyal friend.
3. She thinks her husband is a goof and loves him dearly.

Alex and Ryan

4. She has two adorable children (seriously--can you get much cuter?)
5. She lives WAY too far away---Nebraska :(


6. She is a die hard Huskers fan.
7. She loves runts candy, however Starbursts are one of her favorites.
8. I miss our lunches to Chuy's for birthdays. Wish you were here!
9. I love that she started a blog.
10. I talk to her at least once a week.


11. Her husband and my husband drive the same car--we copied (I still think Jim's jump was higher)


12. She is extremely close to her mom and sisters.
13. Her favorite store is White House Black Market, I think Target may be a close 2nd.
14. She is one of the easiest people to get along with!
15. She recently lost about 10lbs even though I think she didn't need to.
16. She loves Diet Coke, just look........

The Mahalek garage stash of diet coke

17. Her and Jim are such party animals and dress up well :)
18. She trained for a half marathon last year and sadly was injured and couldn't run.

so sad!

19. She has always been a good sport about being the only non-Mormon girl in our group of friends. When should I send over the missionaries?? :)
20. She looks good in hats. (I never can seem to pull that one off.)

21. Her husband pulled off a 30th surprise party for her.
22. She is a great mom.
23. Enjoys going to sporting events.


24. Recently took up golfing with her hubby.
25. She has a great laugh.
26. Enjoys to read (when there is time)
27. Is the proud owner of a new Mac.
28. Endures freezing winters!
29. She has come back to visit 4 times, looks like I need to make a trip out next.
30. She has a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone.
31. We are both proud mom mini van drivers.
32. She is SUPER photogenic.
33. Always looks extremely tan. How could that be??


34. I miss having her close by! Love you Bridget and hope you have a fabulous day friend!!




blessing: having my health as well as my family

Resolving Conflict

Each year we try and come up with one family resolution to work on for the year. This year (well at least for the month of January thus far) we decided choose resolving conflict and trying to keep our home more at peace. More often than not my kids are fighting over silly things, which normally results in screaming and then me yelling at them. Not good. For example, we got our kids new Nintendo game boy's for Christmas. They each have their own, and each have 3 new games. You would think that wouldn't be a problem, but they seem to have reason to fight about who is playing what game. Anyways, the challenge is on to speak more kindly to each other regardless of who is at fault. I know easier said than done, but we are certainly going to try.

homemade chocolate chip cookie with ice-cream on top

For our FHE treat I have been craving an Oregano's pizooki ever since we tried them over Thanksgiving. I am probably the last person on the planet to make a homemade one. I attempted it tonight and must say it turned out pretty good! Needless to say, our family of 6 devoured it within minutes.

As for church today, I was sustained into my new calling. My official calling is being on the board of the enrichment committee. I was on the board in our other ward before they split then became the enrichment leader. This calling has a bit of a twist from a regular board member. Specifically I am in charge of trying to bridge the gap with the people in primary and young womens. How will I be doing this? I am suppose to be taking notes in relief society and then summarizing them into an email to send to the people who aren't there. Just a fun little FYI, here are my callings since I have been a member (13 years): break the fast committee, activities committee x4, young women's adviser (very short period), achievement day leader, nursery leader (2 years), and enrichment committee and relief society teacher (only 6 months--my favorite by far!!) I was secretly hoping for that, but we obviously are called to where we are needed. I found it interesting so many guessed a primary teacher. Oddly, I have NEVER had that calling.

**Sunnie was the first one to be correct, but since that was her second choice I will have to make the winner Andrea. (to be fair and Angie knew she couldn't play). Andrea seems to be on a winning streak lately since she also won something on Kristi's website the other day. Congratulations!! Email me your address and I will send off your prize :)**

blessing: attending church and taking the sacrament (we missed it last week)

Saturday Spice

I spent the day creating invitations, invitations and more invitations. Those of you who create their own Christmas cards (or sort of homemade concoction in quantity), I bow down to you. I made 45 total. My head hurts. I am exhausted. Period. So, instead of posting about my endeavors of the day (which involved two VERY grumpy children) I decided to spice it up a bit and save my "creative" side for SPT Tuesday. Going back through old posts it has been a while since I have done a contest. I think it was nearly a year ago to be exact. Who doesn't like those? If you would like to play continue if not, click away. (no hurt feelings) If so, proceed ahead.....

Thursday evening I went see to the Bishop of my church. Everyone knows when you meet with the big man it follows with something new. Something I was hoping to avoid for at least another month. Of course, I accepted this new "call by the Lord" I am not one to turn down such things. But, I couldn't help shaking my head as I left the building. Apparently, I am only to serve in the areas I have already served. Perhaps to get better at it? I can't complain, it's not a bad calling. Any guesses? The first person to guess correctly will receive a fun good mail package in their box. The big reveal will be tomorrow after it's official. Happy guessing!

blessing: Having a handy dandy human odometer when I run.
Nothing like a little watch to spice up the morning routine.
(yes that is the correct mileage, I did 4.5 today--woo hoo!)

Five For Friday

minutes after he was born
Dr. Lottinger, me and baby Jared

1. I got the most heart wrenching phone call from a dear friend this morning. She informed me that my o.b. that delivered Jared (in New Orleans) has severe breast cancer and will be getting a double mastectomy. She was and is one of my favorite physicians. I feel terrible and so sad for her. Those of you who know Dr. Lottinger, please keep her and her family in your prayers.

falling on my bum ALL day

2. It's hard to believe I spent exactly a week ago doing this most of the day. Sadly, I can still feel the bruises on my body and it is still quite difficult to put on my pants in the morning. Ouch. I guess that is the price you pay for having fun eh?

the lovely song book that plays around our home

3. We bought Weston this book from the BYU bookstore. My boys both love to sing nursery songs so I couldn't resist this cute book. I never imaged it to be as big of a hit as it was. I haven't decided if it is a blessing or a curse to hear it 24/7. This has now replaced this book each night and day. The funniest thing is to hear the boys walking around singing......"follow the prophet, follow the prophet, don't go away....." instead of astray. Thank goodness it does have an off button.

Taylor's broken violin

4. I was so bummed yesterday (or should I say bugged) when I picked up Taylor from orchestra after school. She informed me that her violin fell off of a chair and the bridge of her instrument broke. Her teacher explained it really wasn't a big deal and is very easily replaced for about $15. Unfortunately, the repair shop told me differently and it was going to cost double that price (for a small piece of wood). I realize it was an accident and things like this happen, but seriously. **edit, I just took it in and forgot I had insurance on it--it may be free of charge or a small fee. Woo hoo!**

concentrating really hard cutting ribbon--quite the task. Ha.

5. I finally broke out my scrapbook supplies and tried to get some creativity going today. I blasted the ipod and attempted looking at a few idea books. I have been putting Jared's baptism invitations off for about a month. I still am not sure if I love them, but after about 4 hours this morning I WILL have to like them. Oh, the things we do for our children...........I'll try and post them tomorrow.


blessing Thursday: knowing that Jared made the choice to be baptized and went to his interview.
blessing: having beautiful weather the boys can go out and play in.

SPT-New You Resolution

Stop for a minute and take a self-portrait, a snapshot of you in the here and now. What ARE your dreams and goals for 2008? What is your word? What are you thinking about right now as we plunge head-first into the new year? (just a head's up - we WILL be revisiting these photos throughout the year...)

Throughout my life I have not been the best at keeping my goals. I almost feel like I jinx myself for actually taking the time to jot them down. However, with much guilt and encouragement I am going to give this year another go. Instead of making a long list of the things I would really like to accomplish (which could be endless), I decided to stick with two specific things. I spent all of last year doing a "good deed" each and everyday. Ironically, I find myself continuing to do them, may it be big or small. Do I dare say it has turned into a habit? I am basing another New Year's Resolution off an article I read. This one can be found last general conference. He talked about actually taking the time each day to write down a blessing in your life. The other is focusing on my word of the year. Last year I had one and only touched briefly on the things I wanted to work on. This year my word is LEARN.

We have all heard that the more we learn the more power we have in so many respects. After all, knowledge is power! I am not talking about being a world leader or being an authoritarian, but actually gaining little pieces of information to expand my mind. Even though I am a college graduate I feel like there are SO many things I am clueless about. I think as a mother, I tend to be in that "motherly" mode most of my day and forget about taking time to learn new things. Doug speaks of having a library full of knowledgeable and good reads in our home someday. You know the cherry wood to the ceiling with the wheeling ladder? I really have no excuse we have a bookshelf full of books just sitting and waiting for me. Doug has read everyone, now it's my turn.

Learn to expand my mind
Learn and know the scriptures
Learn it is up to me and me alone!

I really like what April has adopted in her weekly blog entries. She has a new word that she learns and expands on every week. I may have to try this myself. So, I leave you with a quote and a blessing.

yes, I do feel smarter with my spectacles on.

"We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us, and the more we gain, the more is our desire; the more we see, the more we are capable of seeing." --Maria Mitchell

Here is to Learning more this 2008!

blessing: talking with my 4 year old at bedtime--learning about his school day through his views.

She's Here!

sweet baby Meg

After 9 months of anticipation Megan Ashley Gordon, aka "Meg" arrived today at 1:33pm. She was and is tinsy tiny like her mom weighing only 5 lbs 12 oz, 18.5 inches long. Angie seems to be doing great, either that or she is a good faker. I went and saw her this evening and she looks fabulous (as I knew she would). She is seriously so small and new and I think she looks just like Maci. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hold this little loaf of bread. We couldn't be more excited for them. Congrats Gordon family with baby girl #4!! I think Greg is a little out numbered. Bring on the pink! I am not sure there will be much else in that household. :)

Gordon Gang

After breaking out the camera for some "must needed" kodak photos, Doug and Greg were feeling a little left out. So they began to take some self portraits of themselves. They are such dorks. Love those guys!

Hmm.... do they look like twins too?

Regular Scheduled Programming

views from big cottonwood canyon

What a difference a few hours makes. Just yesterday I was looking out my window at mountains covered in snow, shivering and cold. Today, well a complete different scene all together. Several tired eyes and humid temperatures just to name a few. Kelly A. said it best there really isn't anything better than "home sweat home."

last pregnant photo of Angie

The original schedules started back. 6am mornings, kids back in school, making pancakes for breakfast, lunches and homework. I took Maryn for the day since Angie had her last doctor appointment. Yes, I said last! They are supposed to induce her tomorrow morning. Since I am such a lame friend the shower will have to be afterwards. She normally doesn't allow full on body shots but I insisted. I had to document how incredibly tiny she is, so she can look back and agree with me for once!

Maryn, Weston and Luke
eating their snack after naptime

Today was also spent catching up on laundry, (now caught up!), stocking up an empty fridge, and making a dinner menu. I think today may be the first time in a week we have had a home cooked meal. And do I dare say I am looking forward to it? Stay tuned baby updates of baby M will be coming! :)

No More Connecting Flights!

Larsen's back porch

photo taken by Gracie

Yesterday was pretty low key. We mainly hung around our friends home (who were so nice to let us stay). There was a HUGE storm that came through the valley yesterday. I forgot that snow doesn't stop Utahans from going out. Doug and I headed out for a quick bite to Cafe Rio and then on to the BYU bookstore to get our kid some souvenirs.

Jenny, Audrey and Steph (not showing her cute prego belly!)

It has been years since we had seen some other residency friends (Charley and Audrey) He recently hooked up with a practice in Park City. The six of us met up for dinner in Heber at the Mountain Side Grill. As you can see the boys sat at one end to "talk shop" (aka orthopedic work) Is that all they know what to talk about? Ha.

Charley, Mitch and Doug

The three of us girls sat and talked about a variety of things. It was so great to pick up where things were before. I only wish Angie and Bridget were there to join us like old times--maybe 2009?

Almost zero visibility looking out the airport window...crazy!

Today the storm hit the Salt Lake Valley and it literally dumped a ton of snow. Doug and I were anxious to get home due to bad weather, missing our kids (we are wimps), and to relief our friends from a house full of children. I couldn't belief how crowded the Salt Lake airport was this morning. We opted the standby route which I LOATHE. I have done it a few times before and say this every time.....I won't do it again! Long story short, there was one opening to get onto our connecting flight to Denver. I took it and Doug stayed behind to get on the flight we were already securely on. Once I got to Denver there was one earlier flight. I thought for sure I was hosed and would have to sit and wait to catch our original flight at 7:45pm. Luckily, I got on the plane by the skin of my teeth.

security lines almost backed out the door in Salt Lake
(I must add very impressed by the efficiency it went quite fast)

The bummer part was my womanly "friend" came, so I was seriously ill. On top of that I was severely nauseated from the plane. Apparently I get travel sickness now, because it was bad. I was pretty much a mess (feeling terrible I was spending my last day of freedom alone without Doug), looked like crap, felt like crap and hadn't eaten all day. Okay, enough complaining. I made it home FINALLY around 6:45pm to find out they lost our luggage. Surprisingly, I didn't care and am hoping it will be on Doug's flight (coming in about 30 minutes from now). I was just thrilled to be home in the warm (75 degree weather) and hugging my kiddos!

Have you seen a more scary sight?--yikes!

Angie picked me up and I was so happy that she was in good spirits and didn't hate my children--ha. Really I am kidding. She is the biggest saint. She not only had my kids bathed, but had done all of their laundry and made their lunches for school tomorrow. I can't thank her and Greg enough, but let it be known I am in some serious debt. She hopefully will be getting induced on Wednesday, and most likely (fingers crossed) will close on their new house by the end of next week. All and all it was a fabulous getaway, but a lesson I learned is no more connecting flights! Non-stop all the way!!

Where To Begin?

There are several titles I could have used for this post, but couldn't pin point just one. Here is just a small recap of Thursday and Friday. Thursday was spent 10 hours of traveling. As you can see Doug spent his leisure time reading and I put on my ipods to catch some sleep. You wouldn't think it would be so exhausting but it was between layovers we finally rolled into Salt Lake around 9:30pm.

First attempt on the lift--a bit scary!

Friday we got up early and headed up to Solitude to spend a day of snowboarding. We got our rental stuff squared away and were off on the first lift at 9am. Note, I had never snowboarded before, let alone knew how to maneuver such a thing. Doug decided it would be best to start off easy with a green. Wrong! It took nearly 2 hours to come down the mountain and that was NO exaggeration. I was frustrated, already sore and slid the rest of the way down the mountain on my bum. I decided to it as time to switch to ski's. I went into the rental place and the guy actually talked me out of it and suggested I take a lesson. I hesitated since it was a little pricey. But after tears and sweat I was determined not to give up. I signed up with David and it was probably the best $100 I ever spent. I went from bum sliding to at least semi staying on my board for 30 seconds.

Me and my instructor--David

Doug was obviously more advanced and took off on some other more challenging runs while I spent the day on the bunny hill. It wasn't the perfect condition of snow to learn on (I later learned). The day was clear blue skies, which also meant a little icier condition rather than nice powder. I have to admit I was pretty proud of myself that I at least stuck it out and learned something new. I definitely need A LOT of practice. I couldn't believe how much easier skiing was. Here is just a glimpse of my amateur boarding skills. I am sure Taylor has much better skills than me. Little 5 year olds were passing me by like pros.

Jenny trying to snowboard--lookout!

After a day in the snow we hooked up with our good old friends Jay and Lucy. It was so fun to catch up and spend the evening reminencing and talking with them. We then headed up to their house and while the guys stayed to play the wii, Lucy and I headed to Kneaders to meet up with some blogger girls.

I'll have to admit I get severely anxious meeting new people even though I have read and "know" them through the blogging world. It was an honor to finally meet some of these girls so many have already. I felt rather loved that these girls all came out just to meet me. It was an evening of chatting and laughing. Thanks girls, I hope to be back soon!

(Left to right)
Annalisa, Michelle, Hannah, Jill, Jana
Me, Lindsey, Amy, Lucy and Crystalyn

Kleenex Please

self timer didn't work so well this time

As much as I look forward to getting away with Doug for a few days, I couldn't help but get a little teary today. This is the first time in 10 years we have EVER left our kids. I know they will be in the best hands, I just hope my kids don't put her into labor! I told Angie she wasn't allowed to have the baby until Monday. I can honestly say the best part of the day is the morning and evening when my kids give me hugs and kisses. Last night I couldn't squeeze them enough or this morning for that matter. I love you Taylor, Jared, Luke and Weston. Mind you P's and Q's and I will see you Sunday! All my love, mom.

Auld Lang Syne

SPT Challenge: Oct. 30, 2007

What was your favorite spt from 2007? Take a moment and revisit this spt journey you've been on. Which was your favorite photo? Your most creative? Is there a post that sums up your year? A post that reminds you of something small and fun that you might otherwise forget about? Will you continue to spt in the new year?

SPT's have really been the highlight of blogging in 2007. They have definitely made you search inside yourself a time or two. Some were more challenging than others, but overall it has been a great journey of photography. Most of the time I had no idea what I was going to do for a challenge and it would come to me the morning of. I think what I liked best about it was the extreme I went to to take a photo of myself. I can honestly say I would have never dreamed of lying down in a field of flowers to take a snap shot of myself! Thanks to this new discovery I no longer feel the need to stop people to take a photo. I have learned that your very own arm can do wonders. Here are a few that stuck out as my favorites........

SPT Challenge: March 27, 2007

SPT Challenge Nov. 27, 2007

SPT Challenge: April 3, 2007

You can bet I will try my best to capture this each week. (I even managed to do them on vacation last year) I have said this before, and will say it again if you haven't jumped on the SPT bandwagon you should!! And to think it all began..... with a blogger from North Carolina and has since then spread like wild fire. Thanks Lelly--you rock!